The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-07-22
Miss TiIIman's Death.

OF Seuator Tillman yesterday, when the
few brief lines were read telling of the
tragic death of his eldest daughter. the
pride of his household.
Inquiries were heard on all sides from
those anxious to know more of the de-
tails, but nothing could be learned until
the train bearing the body reached this
eity last night
Some time before the train was due
plumbers of friends began to arrive at
the uoion depot. among whom were
Assistant Attorney General Townsend,
Col. w. W. Bruce, Col. Mixson, Frank
Tompkips, Chris Atkinson. Fitz Nor
ton, General Watts, Governor Evans
and scores of others, who came out
despite the pouring rain to pay their
last tribute to this popular and we'll
known young woman, who was shin
ing example of all that is excellent.
Accompanying the body were Mr.: I.
C. McNeely, general agent Of the Hen.
dersouville and Brevard railroad. and
Messrs. u. x. Gunter, private score
tary to Governor Evans. and I. W.
Bunch, an uncle Of Miss Tillman. the
latter two having gone to meet the body
at Spartsnburg.
Mr.. McNeely was in the party when
Miss Tillmau was killed and was the
only eywitness Of the said affair.
Mr.. H. F. Addicks, Jr.. Miss Nettle
Addicks, Miss Addie Tillmau. Miss
Mae O'Bryau, Of Alleodale, S. G.,
Miss Lizzie Bingham, Of Salisbury, N.
c., Miss Aunie Warren, of Hepder-
souvile, the Rev. Robert A. Lee, of
Yorkville, Mr.. NJ D. Cooper, Of Bre-
ward. with Mr.. McNeely, composed the
party from which death was to snatch
two members.
Mr.. McNeely said 1T was 10 a.
NJ. on "Wednesday when we left Hen
dersouville for Brevard, which place
was reached at 1870 O'Clock. By
IL. 80 all of the persons [ have named
were mounted and oh the way to ascend
Rich mountains which is six miles from
Brevard. When three-quarters of a
/ mile Of mile from the top OF the
mountain we were overtaken by thun-
derstorm. The Trescott house was
few hundred yards away and all buried
there to get out of the rain"
"Miss Tillman. Mr.. Lee and | stop
ped, however, in order for Miss Tillman
and myself to change horses, as hers
was afraid Of the thunder. By the
time the change was made, the rain be.
gan to fall and all three Of us took
shelter under some chestnut bushes,
but about 40 feet away was large oak
tree.
miss Tillman and Mr. Lee still re-
% aimed on horseback, the former with an
upraised umbrella. while |, 20 feet
away, vas standing on the ground. 1t
was while thus waiting that bolt of
lightning struck the tree and contin-
uiug. instantly killed Miss Tillman,
Mr.. Lee aud their horses The shock
was so severe that my horse was knock
ed down, but l only had my dDger
burned slightly. This was at $50
o'clock.
In few seconds l was by the side of
the two fallen people. MOI muscle of
either moved, their death was iostanta-
neous. There was 90 mark left by the
lighting to show its fearful work.
ga wagon from Mr.. McCreery, a
farmer living nearby. was procured and
the bodies teoderly moved to the Tres
coss house. where Mr.. Carroll and
Misses Pleaseu.s. and others gave all
the aid possible.
"The home going was sad indeed.
Two Of our party we're still in death.
and we that remained rode silently
along.
1T was about 11.30 that night be-
fore Brevard was reached. From here q
telegram was sent to Senator Tillmap. :"
This is the story related by Mr.. Nc.
Neely. who was the ouly one to witness
the double tragedy.
At / o'clock yesterday the body Of
Miss Tillman reached Hendersonville
and was sent to Columbia.
Only very plain wooden cotla could
be procured there. but when Columbia
wns reached. Mr.. Berry had a hand
some metallic casket, covered with
white cloth, in readiness 10 the ladies'
waiting room Of the depot. Across it
was silver plate beautifully engraved
with the name of the young lady, aud
after it the words, Died July Is,
1896"
Curtains we're put over the windows
to shut out the gaze of the curious, and
the body. by several ladies and gentle
men, was moved from one coffin to the
other.
The several hundred persons gather
ed around the outside door con-