Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1897-05-13
A Shocking Crime at WiIliamsport.

Our neighboring town OF Williams
port was thrown into high state Of
excitement last Thursday night by the
news of a dastardly crime committed
there, in which the son and daughter
of two of the most prominent families
of that place were involved.
Jack Lemen, aged twenty-five years,
son of Mr.. Thomas J. Lemen, lead
ing merchant of Wiliamsport, is
charged with attempting to assault
Miss Lizzie Taylor, the eighteen-year-
old daughter of Mr.. VIM. f. Taylor
formerly proprietor of the Taylor
Hotel, but failing in his attempt he
cut her throat, inficting two fearful
gashes in her neck, one almost from
ear to ear, the other not so long and
located below the big cash. The wind
pipe and jugular vein escaped, but the
incisions were about a third Of an inch
deep and the girl lost much blood.
Miss Taylor and the young man took
a stroll on Laurel Hill, place much
frequented by the people. Here, it is
alleged, Lemen made insulting pro-
posals to Miss Taylor, and when she
repulsed him tried to use force and
threats. Failing in his purpose it is
said Lemen drew a knife and slashed
her throat. Miss Taylor struggled
and screamed for help and for her
father. ooh, papa, papa she cried,
"Jack Lemen has cut my throat
Mr.. Denton Shupp, who lives two
doors from Miss Taylor's home, ran to
the street in response to the first cry
for help. lie saw her staggering to-
ward him in the darkness and, going
quickly to her, he caught her in his
arms, while the blood gushed from the
wounds in her throat.
The girls father also heard the cries.
He rushed across the street and de-
tected a man running down the street
toward the hotel. He made no at
tempt to follow, but gave his attention
to his daughter, who had swooned
away from loss of blood and fright.
BY this time a large crowd was col
lected in front of the girls home,
eagerly inquiring about the facts.
The girls father met young Lemen
shortly afterward on the pavement III
front Of Mr.. Lemen's store and ac-
cused him of the crime. Lemen retort-
ed a beg your pardon, sir, didn't
do it. "
Constable Henry Curfman arrested
Lemen, who was taken before Justice
John @. Miller. Lemen again denied
the crime, and during the preLiminaries
smoked several cigarettes. 1t Is SAID
he was somewhat under the influence
of LIQUOR when the crime was commit
ted. The Justice held him in $500
bail, his father, Mr. T. J. Lemen, going
his bond. Excitement ran high for
awhile and reached a climax at , a.
H., when the crowd openly discussed
lynching Lemen, who spent the might
at his home in nervous anticipation OF
harm Detailing him.
States Attorney Charles D. Waga-
man went to Williamsport next day,
when Lemen was rearrested and his
bail was raised to $1,000.
Miss TAYLOR, when she had recovered
from the shock Of the affair, made a
statement, the substance of which IS as
follows: She had reached her home
and was sitting on the front porch
waiting for her father to come home.
While there young Lemen called to
her from the opposite side Of the street,
to come over. At first she declined
but he insisted, saying that he had
something to tell her. Without the
slightest thought Of trouble or harm
she went across the street and when
she reached young Lemen's side he
grabbed her. As she backed away
he put his hand over her mouth and
dragged her across the lot He
handled her roughly and said that he
would accomplish his purpose, to
which she gasped the reply, a will die
first" She struggled hard and sue
ceeded in freeing her mouth so as to
scream. Young Lemen whipped out
a knife and slashed her across the
throat. and il was then she cried out
to her father for help. As Mr.. Shupp
approached, Lemen released her and
fled.
Jack Lemen, who Is charged with
the awful deed, is the son Of T. J.
Lemen, a prominent merchant Of VIII
Transport. He is about - years old,
and has been employed as clerk in
his fathers store. just across the
street Mr.. Taylor conducted the hotel
for many years, and young Lemen and
Miss Taylor grew up together on the
intimate footing Of near and friendly
neighbors. Knowing him so well and
Familiarity, she crossed the street when
he called without the slightest suspi-
cion of harm.
The affair is very distressing and
grief has entered both households.
Mrs. Lemen is Frustrated and Mr..
Lemen is weighed down by the sad
event. The deepest sympathy Of the
community is felt for the distressed
parents.
Deafness Cannot be Cured
by local applications. as they cannot
reach the diseased portion of the ear.
There is only one way TO cure Deafness
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