The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-06-12
BEATEN TO DEATH IN BED.
TWO MEN BRUTALLY 1IURDERED
N COLUMBIA COUNTY.

The Attack Made at Night while
They Were AsIeeD-The Identity
OF the Murderer Unknown, But a
Negro strongly Suspected and in
Danger Of Lynehing - Robbery
Probably the Motive.
Augusta. Ca, June 1.-THE little town
of Harlem. in Columbia county, twenty
seven miles from Augusta, on the Geor-
gia railroad, was thrown into unusual ex-
element to-day by the news that two
well-kmown citizens Of the county, living
about four miles from the town, had been
brutally beaten 20 death during the night
George Edmuuds lived on the farm of
William Clary and recently had been
quito sick. He was subject to hemorrh-
ages, ana had had several attacks. His
wife was on a visit 10 relatives in Waynes-
boro, and relative Mrs. A. S. Phillips.
who was neighhor, hearing Of Mr. Ed
munds' illness, went over to nurse him
In the absence OF his wife. Another neigh-
Dor a. T. Verdery hearing Of his illness.
stopped by the house yesterday evening
to inquire about his condition. Finding
him rather badly or he decided to remain
with him all night He occupied the room
with Edmunds, and Mrs. Phillips slept in
a room just across the hall.
During tho night Mrs. Phillips was
awakened by some unusual noise, and.
sitting up In bed. she heard labored
breathing, accompanied by stranglinE
sounds, IN the sick room. Thinking Mr.
Nerdery had fallen asleep she called to-
arouse him. Repeated calls brought no
response, while the choking sounds con-
tinued.
Thinking Mr. Edmunds was having a
serious hemorrhage while Mr.. Verdery
slept she went 20 The door and knocked
iouuiy, but receiving no reply, she en-
Mr.. Edmunds was struggling for breath
ana she went TO his side. a lamp was
burning dimly, and when she reached
the bedt she was Mortified 10 find Ia
drenched with blood, and Mr.. Edmunds5
mead and face horribly dshFured
she reached over TO touch Mr. Nerdery
ana wake him., but when she placed her
hand on his face 70 was crushed and
shapeless, and she found her hand cover
81 with blood, Raising the light she found
Mr. Nerdery to be already dead and Mr.
Edmunds unconscious and apparently dy-
The alarm was given as speedily as pos
slnle, and before daylight the nelghhorA
began arriving. There was deep indigna-
tion ana threats OF vengeance, but no
The coroner's jury sat all day to-day ana
VIII sit again tomorrow. During the day
Two negroes were arrested on suspicion.
Llnney Butler gave a satisfactory ac-
count OF himself the night before. but Ed
ward ward Parks did not and In view OF tho
life is in danger tonight, though Nle evil
dence Is only circumstantal against him.
Parks worked on the Clary farm with
Edmunds, and a few days ago was ia
town and heard Clary say to Edmunds
he would send him some money on the
10th. This, coupled with the proof that
Parks was out at a late hour last night
and gives a very stammering and uncer-
tain account OF himself, has led many to
10 believe him guilty IF he survives the
night 1t viii be a surprise to many, as the
people are impatient to avenge the brutal
murder.
Edmunds died tonight without having at
any time rcgained consciousness Both
OF the murdered men were well known and
popular.
There has been so much political BIT
terness IN Columbia county that it was
suggested politics might have brought
about the tragedy, but as one Of the
dead men was a pOpulist and the other a
democrat, that theory was abandoned.
A heavy club four feet long and three
inches thick was found in the room COW
cred with blood, and was the instrument
OF death.
Mr.. Verdery was about 40 years old, ana
wen known In Augusta, where he has
a large circle Of relatives. He was a
son of Rev. William NJ. Verdery, who Is
pastor Of the Calvary mission OF the First
Baptist church on Lower Green street
Of this city Mr. Verdery and Mr.. Ed
munds leave seven children each. Mrs.
Verdery Is sister Of Mrs. Phillips hus-
band.
The funeral of Mr.. verdery VIII taxa
place at Harlem tomorrow.