The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-14
AN INCENDIARY SHOT DOWN.
A Farmer Protects His Property From
The LIGHTED Torch.
THE FIRE BUG CAUGHT In THE act.
stanfeld Suffered Loss From Fire-He
Was Discovered by His Own Plot
And lie IL Now I'm Custody.

DENNISTON, HALIFAX co, VA,
Jan. -Special.-Saturday night about
/ o clock Charles Bass. a prominent young
farmer. living some seven miles from
here shot and fatally injured J. B. Stan
field. who was in the act OF setting IRE
to his stables and granary.
Several neighDors who recently had diff
culties with Stanfield had their property
destroyed by fire, and Bass had some
trouble with him few days ago, and
was watching out for what came near
happening-the destruction of his stables
and outnouses.
After emptying the contents of his shot
gun in Stanfelds body. Bass took him
TO his own house. where he lies in pre-
cariOus condition.
FIRES OF HIS OWN.
Stanneld has had several suspicious fires
Of his own, notably one at South Boston
about four years ago. when his tobacco
prizery burned up with insurance about
three times the value of stock.
His father is a substantial farmer, who
seems TO have been unable TO curb the
violent temper and the strong inclination
20 evil in his son. Bass swOre out a
warrant ana has an officer watching
Stanfield, and says he's determined th1t
he shall have the full limit OF the law
N he does not die. Considerable excite
ment prevails. and sentiment Is strong
against the wOuld-be incendiary.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
SOUTH BOSTON. VA. Jan 13.-Spe-
cial Mr.. J. b. Stanield lives in the Ait
Carmel neighbOrhOod Of this county. Mr.
Stanfield had two fires. a dwelling and
packing barn, several years ago. when
were suspicious. ana on which there was
a large insurance.
There have also been incendiary fires IN
the neighDOrhOOd, and suspicion pointed
10 him as the guilty party, but no clue
could be obtained. The nelghbOrs have
lived I'm continual fear OF injury al his
hands
Recently he endeavored to enlist a ne
gro In plot 70 burn the Presbyterian
church at Turberyille, W. b. wilkins
packing barn, Charles Bass stables, and
wilkins flour and 2rist-mil
The negro informed some OF the neigh
bors and told them II they doubted his
story TO conceal themselves at a certain
place I'm the wood where he was 10 meet
Stanfield and talk over matters. They did
40 and heard the whole plot. They de-
teImined 20 keep watch and detect him
in the attempt. so that the evidence
would be indsputable.
CAUGHT N THE ACT.
For weeks they have been standing
guard, and last Saturday night their Vigi-
lance was rewarded. Six or eight men
had concealed themselves IN and around
Charles Bass stable. Between : and .
o'clock Stanheld came with can OF
kerosene oil I'm his hand He poured the
oil on the logs Of the stable struck a
match, which the wind blew out. and was
in the act OF striking another match
when one OF the party called to him 10
know who he was.
Finding ne was discovered, he ran.
After calling on him TO halt which was
not needed the party fired. and five guns
were discharged at him. lie is peppered
with shot. but his wounds are not con-
sidered dangerous. He Is al Mr. Bass
house, confined 10 the bed. and under
police surveillance
IL Is a great relief 10 the community
that he has AT last been caught Tn JUS
tce TO Mr. Stanheid. who is well con-
nected, / viii say great many persons
have thought for years his mind was
unbalanced