The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-07-16
DOUBLE DEATH In A DUEL
Two Young Men Of SandGTSViIle In a
Fight With Pistols.

The Public Square the Scene OF the
Fatal Observation-Disclosures and
Roughton the Victims Of the Fusi-
lade-Previous Bad Feeling Intensi-
fed By Case in Court Involving IL
legal Selling of Liquor.
Sandersvillc, Ga, July 1.-Two promi-
nent young men of Sandersville fought a
duel to the death on the public square at
2 o'clock this afternoon. Richard p.
ROughton was shot through the head and
Fred Rawlings below the heart both dy-
ing within a few minutes. For some time
past there has been bad feeling existing
between the Roughton and Rawlings
families. The members of both fam
lilies are highstrung, fearless and
impetuous, and the members of each
cling to their kindred with tenaciy
that is remarkable. An insult to one is
an insult to all, and each Is quick to re-
sent any insinuation or reflection that
may be cast upon the character of their
relatives. The two families are related
by marriage. B. Il. Roughton, mayor Of
Sandersville, is a brother and brother-in-
law OF the deceased young mon,
having married Fred Rawlings sister.
CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE.
Yesterday two negroes were up before
the mayor, charged with illegal sale OF
whisky The evidence adduced brought
to light the fact that the liquor had been
sold in John Rawlings store. This is
contrary to the city ordinances, and John
Rawlings was arrested and gave bond for
his appearance at court this morning.
When the case was called the counsel for
the defense asked for postponement Of
the trial until Tuesday morning, which
was granted by Mayor pro tenn r. l. Har-
ris, the mayor being disqualified byreason
of his relationship to the accused. 40
this time Fred Rawlings made some re-
mark about Mayor Roughton which
reached the ears Of II. p. Roughton, and
after dinner he called Fred Rawlings out
of the store Of his cousin, John Raw
lings.
OPENING OF THE DUEL.
They were standingon the corner be-
tween Rawlings drug store and Adams
grocery store, when both pulled their
pistols and began firing. 1t is not known
what either of them said to provoke the
difficulty, as no one was standing near
enough to hear the conversation.
| Roughton retreated backward towards
Adams store as the mortal combat was
taking place, and both fell together,
Rawlings on top of Roughton. A large
crowd soon collected and the dying men
were removed to the rear Of Rawlings
drug store.
| NATUpE or THE WOUNDg
Roughton was UNCONSCIOUS and expired
in a few minutes. He was shot three
times between the left ear and forehead,
either of which wounds would have pro-
duced death Rawlings was shot twice,
one ball entering just below the heart
and the other in the stomach. He retain
! ed consciousness but a few minutes, when
he also expired He realized that he was
dying, and requested that something
should be given hIm that his death might
| be easy.
THE TOWNS sADDEsT TRAGEDY.
This is one of the saddest tragedies
| that has ever been enacted in Sanders
| vile, and was heavy blow TO the rela-
tives Of the unfortunate young men, as
well as a shock to the community. Both
were about 20 years of age and were
among the most popular of the towns
young men. Two young lives full of hope
| and promise for careers of usefulness have
been suddenly cut short in the heat Of
passion, and many friends and relatives
mourn their sad and terrible deaths.