Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-08-22
PETERSBURG AND VICINITY.
INTERESTING CASE TRfED.

1ke Accused ssenofsbss piseharaed-s Pc
stsshurn Bey scsipea ia shc Wild West
a ssa Desih-auaisfcd for Dnss, a..
Icercspondenee Of the Richmond Dispatch
PETERSBURG, August 2l, 1885.
Before Captain II. ID. Perkins, Of
Chesterfield county, magistrate Of
Ettrick district, q case involving an
alleged attempt TO wreck train on the
Richmond and Petersburg railroad was
heard this morning. On Sunday, June
2lst, Mr.. Norman Macomber, who at
that time was the registered-let,er clerk
IN the post-ofiice here, boarded the ex-
cursion train which runs between this
city and Richmond. Mr.. Macomber
had been drinking before he left this
city, and when he catered the train he
was intoxicated. When the train had
passed Chester station Mr.. Macomber
was sitting on the platform. Feeling
nauseated he attempted to rise. In his
effort to assume a standing position he
touched lever which separated the
coaches while they were in motion at
full speed. The train was crowded.
Several hundred excursionists were
packed in the coaches. Mr.. Macomber,
in touching the lever, parted the train.
Providen,ially there was no casualty.
The train was ultimately joined to-
gether. Mr.. Macomber few days
ago surrendered himself TO the police
here. lie was recognized to appear be-
fore Squire Perkins, in Chesterfield
county, this morning at IL o'clock.
Mr.. Macomber, with his counsel, ID.
A. Lyon. ESQ.,, OF this city, was duly
on hand. together with the witnesses
for the Commonwealth. Squire Per-
kins waited until l o'clock for the rep
resentatives of the Common wealth.
AS they had not arrived at that hour,
he went into the trial. The witnesses
for the Commonwealth were heard.
They testified to the above facts. The
railroad company was not represented
by counsel. neither was the Common
wealth. Squire Perkins decided that
there was no case against Mr.. Macon
Der, and consequently he was honora-
bly, discharged.
A young man well known in this !
city, where he was for some time a
resident, has, it is reported. come to a
violent death in the far West. Two |
years ago Charles Key, the son of
David Kew, of Garysburg, n. c., came
TO this city and entered into the service
Of the Petersburg and Weldon railroad.
lie was an energetic young man, robust
in stature, and so attentive to his duties
that be gave general satisfaction 10 his
When he had been en-
ployed about six months he suddenly
disappeared, and the next that was
heard Of him was that he had entered
the navy. There he worked until last
spring, when he left, and nothing was
known Of him until the past few months,
" hen it was discovered that he had de-
serted the service and had made his way
10 the Western Territories. There he had
Engaged in the cattle business. Monday
last a telegram was received stating
hat he had been killed. 1t appears
hat he joined q company of cowboys
IN raid against hostile Indians. a
ight eDsued. The Indians were yicto-
'ious. and among the slain was Charles
Key, who was found dead on the plains.
Bis body was subsequently recovered,
md hence the telegram TO his father
Mrs.. Terry Stokes, Of Lunenburg
ounty, daughter of Major Thomas Il.
'ond. of this city, died this morning at
Ter fathers residence.
Mr.. John 7. Parham last evening quail
fed as deputy collector of customs in this
ity under Collector Cogbill, and entered
lpon his duty to-day. lie succeeds Mr..
J. Gallagher, who has long filled the
'ffice. Mr.. Parham's appointment is a
,ood one. and gives general satisfaction.
The Masonic lodges Of this city are
recting an addition to their Temple
on Tabb street. The addi-
ion is made for business purposes, and
lot for the use of the fraternity proper.
Whatever may be said to the con-
rary, the opinion is daily growing that
he Democratic ticket is the strongest
hat could have been nominated, and
hat it is bound to win in November.
ROBIN ADAIR.