Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-10-26
Killed by his Bride.

Several months ago, two OF the most
dashlng bellies OF Huntsville were the Misses
Merriwether, daughters or Colonel Merrl-
wether, prominent citizen OF Huntsville,
Alabama, and the former Chief Engineer
of the Memphis and Charlestown Railroad.
Their most ardent admirers were CaptaiA
Belts and Lon. Davis, son of Colonel DAVIS,
| who was once one OF the most prominent
men OF North Alabama, and nephew of
zeb. Davis, who was Mayor OK Huntsville
for many years. Young DAVIS was con-
sIdered fast, and Mrs. Merriwether object.
ed to his attentions to her daughter. The
girl appeared to love him, and finally au
elopement was agreed on, and one night,
when the young couple had engagements
TO attend a concert, they instead boarded
train for this city, where they were mar
ried.
Their honeymoon passed happily, but
soon Davis character began to assert itself
and his wife discovered the awful fact
that he was addicted TO the use OF opium
and was an incesSant gambler. Tnis dis
covery created dissensions and he began to
make her life unhappy by hlSe profigate
habits. She endured this as long as pos
sible, but finally left his roof and sought
protection in the home of her ahildhoOod.
The excitement incident to thus brought
on brain fever and for a while her life was
despalred OF. and when she recovered, her
mind was partially deranged. The physi-
clan ADVISED her husband to keep alolf
from her for some months and on this ad
vice, he agreed that she should be taken to
Rhea Spring, promising not to annoy her
by his presence until he was sent for.
Her mother accompanied her and they ar
NVed at the Springs about three months
ago. She recuperated rapidly and her in
tellect was soon restored and the husband
visited the springs but did not see her.
he visited the springs a second time and
saw her but q few moments, she still re-
tuslng TO return TO him until he reformed.
But he again visited the springs, but was
denied seeing her. Several stormy inter
views passed between the mother ami
him, and for several days he was seen
hanging about his wife's room, but he was
denied admIttance Sunday he procured
pistol and de handed admittance or
threatened TO kill the mother. He was
lnally quoted and gave the pistol to her.
should return to him or a murder would
follow. Tuesday night Mrs DAVIS step
ped from her room to 90 to the toilet
room. he was near at hand and followed.
They met some distance from the hotel,
and he, pointing to pistol he carried in
his hand, demanded that she return to
him. She had the pistol be gave her
mother in her pocket at the time and quiet
ly slipped it from her pocket placed it
against his body and fired, the ball passing
through his bowels. She then walked de-
liberately to the hotel. informed the pro-
prIetor of what she had done as coolly as
aid left for her room.
She exhibited not the least excitement.
although many ladies were in Mysteries
from excitement. She related the circum-
stances as calmly as if telling an anecdote
and at midnight ing lired after the patient
and slept soundly until morning. Mr.
Davis was found 10 be rapidly failing.
He stated that his wife shot him In self
defence ana he deserved il that he had
brought 1t on himself and ne one but him
self was to blame. He begged that she
would not be arrested, adding that she
acted in self-defense only. at 8 o. M,
MIR. DAVIS was thought to be dying A.
number of prominent citizens of Huuts-
vile passed through the city yesterday to
Rlea Springs. The young wife is bat
mere girl of very handsome appearance.