Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-02-23
SHOT TO KILL.
Woodman Dawes, Skowhegan,
Tries toMurder His Wife.
Fires Two Shots, One Passing Through
Ri. ht Hand Also Choke Her.
Couple Had Separated May Be Jealousy Of
misunderstanding. Today.

Skowhegan, Feb. 22-(Special.) --The
people of this town are now thoroughly
agtated and are discussing the biggext
sensation that has taken place here
fer years
Woodman Dawes, an employe of the
pulp mill, is lodged in Jail charged
With an attempt to kill by shooting,
his wife, Frances Dawes.
About 7.15, Sunday evening. Mr.. and
Mrs. Dawes We're seen to come over
the railroad bridge, crossed the street
and started along Court street. When
the pair were opposite the meat market
of r. w. Brown, a most earnest and
somewhat loud conversation ensued,
during which Dawes drew from his
pocket n % calibre revolver, quickly
placed his left hand around her neck
and on her throat and fired, at the
same instant Mrs. Dawes threw up
both hands. The bullet went through
the right hand CT the frightened
woman. at the base of the thumb.
through the collar of her cape and
ploughed enc finger on the hand of
Dawes. \ second shot was fired with
out taking effect. and by this time,
Mrs. Dawes. by a fierce struggle,
escaped. and ran only a few feet be-
fore being overtalsen by her husband,
who threw her down in the street and
was choking her when help arrived
A young man pulled Dawes from his
position ard during the struggle be-
tween these two, Constable C. i,
Rochester arrived on the scene, and,
with a little assistance, Dawes was
carried to the lookup.
Mrs. Dawes, in g weak ard exhausted
condition, was conveyed to the Show
hogan House, where DR.. j. N Merrill
attended the wounded hand. Her neck
was found to be also bruised some
what.
Sheriff Viles was notified Of the affair
and in a short time Dawes was re-
moved to the Jail. where Dr. L. a.
Dasccmbe was called, and, assisted by
DIR. r. H. Pulsifer, dressed thewounded
finger.
Mrs Dawes was interviewed and
seemed perfectly willing to talk about
the affair. She said: Some time last
week. on account of family troubles.
my husband and myself separated, and
have had nothing to do with each other
for several days" Sunday evening
she was going to meeting at the Metho-
dist church. While on her way there
she noticed that her husband followed
her with seeming intention Of gaiaS to
| church with her She objected 10 this
and started for the residence of Sheriff
Niles, where she was closely followed
| by her husband. and when they
| reached Court street. the shooting
affair took place as above related. a
coed deal Of the former trouble has been
caused by our little boy. My husband
would strike him and punish him and
when l attempted to interccde for him.
| the punishment would fall on me. AT
one time, several months ago. he threw
4 teakettle at me, aside from kicking
and striking me. On another occasion
| he so injured me that | was obliged to
seek medical assistance. My husband
| has been in Jail three times, and some
time ago was placed under $500 bonds
| to keep the peace"
Mr. Dawes was seen. but he was very
reticent in regard to seeing the press
representative. When questioned in
regard to the wound on his finger he
replied Il don't know anything about
it. l know it's there, but don't know
| how it came there
Dawes is about so years Of age. good
| looking. medium height, black hair and
moustache and dark eyes. He is well
! liked among his associates.
1t is claimed that he is subject to
| temporary fits of insanity, but the gen.
eral opinion seems to be that he was
| in his right mind when this exciting
| episode took place
The hearing will probably lie held
| Tuesday, ard the largest crowd for
years win be in attendance.