Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-02-13
A FATHER AND AVENGER.
After the Rascal Who Ruined His Daughter.
TBy telegraph to the N. Y. Herald

After the Rascal Who Ruined His Daughter.
[By telegraph to the N. Y. Herald
LYNNBROoK, l.. l., February 5, 1895.
When old Thomas Fleming forced a
confession from his daughter Belle last
night, under pain of death, he seized a
shotgun and despite the entreaties of
| his family went out determined to slay
man who, like himself, stood high in
the esteem of this village.
He Was unsuccessful in his quest and
returned to his home, but not to sleep.
The blow that fell upon him through
Edward M. Valentine had we'll nigh
crazed him, and when daylight at last
appeared he was out again upon his
grim mission. He saw the man he
sought and fired twice at him, but miss
ed.
Many persons who love Thomas
Fleming for his uprightness, integrity
and fair dealing are glad that lie hasn't
added to his affiiction by taking a life;
others, who are shocked by the revela-
lions, say it is pity that his marks
manship was so poor. These latter are
persons who have families and daugh
ters, the safeguards about whom can
not be drawn too strongly.
Belle Fleming is young ind comely
and was until recently a teacher in one
of the Brooklyn public schools. Her
father is well known among the politi-
clans of that city, having for many
years held responsible position in the
Water Department there. His daugh-
ters were highly esteemed and we're
prominent in church work and social
affairs in Brooklyn. The Flemings
moved to this place several years ago.
KNOWN AS AN EXPORTER.
Valentine has been leader In st.
James Methodist Church in this village
and gained quite reputation as an ex
| horter in Long Island ana Connecticut.
He has been for several years secretary
of the Board of Trustees of st. James
Church, and superintendent OF the
Sunday school. He has also occupied
the pulpit in the absence of the regular
dominic. 1t has been often said that
he led an ideal Christian life. He has
also been very popular in society, and
| by his scrupulous attention to his dress
and his polished manners became a
| great favoriGe among the young wO-
men. He has wife, but no children.
| Belle Fleming attended st. James
and recently it Was noticed that she
was receiving much attention from
| Valentine. A young woman whisper
ed something to Valentines wife but
she only rebuked the infOrmer. 1t all
came to a climax, however, last night
when Thomas Fleming realized that
a calamity had come to his home and
| his daughter covered before him in
tears.
Tell me his name p thundered the
| father, as she hesitated, ''or | will xii
you and l will Kill him"
And when she at last sobbed out {
| single name the old man started back
dazed aud speechless. Then with on
reproachfnl look at her, he sank into q
| chair sobbing:--
| "Oh, my God, what have l done
that sucn a blow should come upon mt
and mine in my old age!'
He reached for his shotgun. but hi
wife and children pleaded With hin
not to commit murder.
"Murderr' he cried. 1T is no mur
der | will kill that black hypocrit
as sure as God is above LII lie"
| Fleming shot at Valentine as h.
ran through store, but unfortunatel,
did not hit him.