The Morehouse clarion. [volume] (Bastrop, La.) 1874-1904, 1886-08-27
AlE Old TAME TRAGEDY
A Virginia Sensation that Marked the 0peI-
ing Of the Century.

In Virginia has found among the numerous
moss grown old tombstones in the grav'.-
yard of Williamsburg one which bears th
following inscription:
escred 10 the Memory Of
SARAH SEMPHtLL,
Who died at the age OF twrnty five. slain, With
har two infant daughters, by her
own husband.
She was fajr to lock upon, pure snow cnd
beloved by all who knew her. Divine
Providence alone knows why
she had to perish
uliseraby.
This epitaph, some of the words OF
which are hardly legiblc any longer, Is the
only record Loft Of one Of the most terrible
tragedies that evez took place in the Old
1t was in 179s that John semphill,
young man who said he was from Santa
Cruz, in the West Indies, arrived at Will
liamsburg, and settled there as tobacco
planter He had plenty Of money, and
was able to purchase 1,0O0 acres of the
finest soil within short distance of the
old town.
Being apparently gentleman in every
sense of the word, Mr. Semphill was ad--
mitted to the best society in his new home
and year later he was married to Sarlh
Jones, o beautiful heiress, the wedding fes-
tivities being celebrated with extraordi-
nary pomp and splendor. In course of
time two daughters were born to the young
couple, nnd everybody predicted long
career of clouo1ess happiness for them.
Alas! How terribly those bright anticipa
tions were to be disappointed. 1t was ON
Christmas eve, 1901. that strange look
ing man, in sort Of military uniform, ap
pesred at the house of Mr.. Semphili, who
was in Richmond at the time Mrs. Semp
hill received the stranger in the parlor
Do you speak French Madame?" he
said to her in very broken English.
She replied in the affirmative.
Then, Madame, please send your two
nurse girls with the children out Of the
room"
See did so, and looked interrogatively at
her visitor. The latter hesitaaed mo-
ment Tbeu he said in tone of deep emo
tiou:
"Poor lady. / have terrible tidings for
you"
" Heavens she cried, turning very
pale, /" my husband"
"Your husband is an Infamous villain"
I" Sir she exclaimed Indignantly
He has basely deceived you. He is IN
escaped galley slave, thief, and murder
err'
She uttered heartrending scream. :.
Do you tell ma the truth 2" she gasped,
" He il Spaniah thief, and was sent to
the galleys Of Barcelona for life He made
bis escape from thence and fled to Cuba,
where he robbed and murdered rich plan
ter. / am here to take him to Cuba,
| where the scaftold awaits him"
The afflicted lady had become strangely
calm.
-r,a---.---.,,.- s.hnfor,
yoaaarrest him, viii you permit me to hoid
! .psiy.f. interyiew with.Hithz-,, With,
| wsu 1aE nae ramain in IN adjoining room
until he returns from Richmond, where he
has gone, understand, you may see him
privately"
expect him back every moment. I"
Half an hour later Cefrio, alias Semp-
hill, made his appearance. His wife briefly
told him everything. he flew into terri
bic rage. He shot her through the heart
aud rushed out of the room to the nursery.
where he stabbed his two little daughters.
The next moment the Cuban officer, who
had rushed after him, grappled with him,
and succeeded, after desperate struggle.
in shackling him.
The news OF this horrible tragedy spread
like wildhre through the town, and in less
than twenty minutes large concourse Of
people mad gathered in front of Semphiil.'
dslas Cetrio's house. Vociferous threats to
lynch the murderer were made, and the
deputy sheriffs, who were promptly on hand
TO arrest hlan, had the utmost difficulty in
taking him to Jail, where he was chained
to the floor, having threatened to commit
suicide.
The villain was hung on the 18th of May
1903.