The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1892-05-18
A Timely shot.

WAEREy, Pa. May l3.-Lloyd Rayer, II
year-old son of Robert Rayer. of Garfield,
this County, last night shot and killed Chas.
Harrington, an ex-oonvict of the Western
penitentiary.
Late in The year 1855 Charles Harrington
won the affections OF Minnie Raver, aged Is,
and induced her so leave home and live
with him in a lumber camp near EmlentoD,
Yenango county. The girls father secured
Ha-Tingtoa's arrest and afera hard-fought
trial be was convicted and sentenced to four
years in the Western penitentiaTy.
After his release Harrington returned TO
Garfield, where be continued to meet the
girl and tried to persuade her to again 60
with him. Minnie had grown into quite a
handsome woman, and Harrington, who
seemed to be deeply infatuated with her,
threatened to kill her unlcss she went with
him. The parents and brother interfered,
and Harrington flourished a revolver and
said be would have the girl or kill the whole
family.
Officers were sent for and after a struggle
Harrington was arrested and placed in Jail
He vas again convicted and sentenced TO the
Western peniientiary, this time for one
year and three months. He became despe-
rate and swore If be could not have the girl
be would be revenged on the old man and
his son.
A few days ago the second sentence ex-
pired and Harrington went directly to the
RaTer residence. Here he was met By
Lloyd. who calmly told the ex- convict that
he could not see the girl. Harrington grew
boisierous and threatening, but finally went
away. it was supposed, for good. Mr.. Raw
er, believing all was right, started on a bus
iness trip to Virginia, leaving Lloyd and bis
sister alone al home.
Harrington, however, had not given up
the purpose he had planned long before and
continued to hang about the place. Late
last night tie climax came. Lloyd says be
wss awakened by a hammering at the door.
and on going to the window saw Harring-
ton below. When asked what be wanted.
Harrington responded that Lloyd knew well
enough whom he wanted; he wanted 10 see
Minnie. and that right away. Upon being
told that be could not see the girl, the ex-
convict began cursing and kicking at the
door. Not succeeding in making any i'm
preston with his boot heels. he picked up a
rock and began bsttering the door down.
He had nearly succeeded in doing 50 when
the door swung open.
With a triumphant laugh Harrington
leaped across the threshold, only to fall dead
the next moment, young Lloyd, with a
Winchester rife having sent ball through
the c0nyict's head. at once wiping out the
prosecutor Of his sister and the enemy of bis
family. The boys aim was true, the ball
entering Hsrrington's forehead, and not any
too scon, as be had a revolver in his hand
ready for use had the bullet not stopped his
career
Young Rsver Immediately gave himself
up, and at The inquest held BY Coroner
Pierce verdict was rendered that Rayar
had killed Harrington in self defense. He
will be given trial, however, but public
sentiment is unanimous in indOrsing the
shooting. The Raver family IS very respect
able and vel to-do. while Harrington has
alWsys led Wild life, and through that sort
Of infuence frst gained control Of the girls
affections by posing as a heroic character.
Harrington was about &c years OF age and
good looking.