The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-10-25
Blood Of a Brother
Shed in Charleston.

N. T. Pittman of Gourdin's,
S. c., Killed by A. J.
Plttman.
Special to The State.
Charleston. Oct. 18.-N. T. Pitt
uan, we'll to do and promin ent
merchaos of Gourdin's Station, was
shot to death this afternoon by his
brother, A. j. Pittmau. The killiug g
occurred about l O'Clock, in the read
ing room Of the Hotel Calhoun. which
is in the rear OF the Office.
The trouble that led uo to the trag-
edy is not fully known, but from what
vas learned shortly after the killing it
10 supposed that either money matters
OF an unpleasant family affair was the
cause that led to the shooting.
There were no eyewitness 20 the
shooting, and just what took place in
the reading room between the dead
nIan and his brother cannot be stated.
They were the only occupants Of the
room and had been for some little tine.
having gone there, presumably, to die
cuss business matters.
The curtains of the reading room,
which shut out the view from the Office,
were partly drawn, though the two men
could be seen. sitting down in chairs,
talking together. but their presence in
| the room attracted DO attention What
ever. aud their conversation wes held
! 10 an ordinary conversational tone aud
did not foreteii Of the tragedy that took
place.
Suddenly the attention Of Mr.. Guy
A. S1ouer, the manage. of the hotel,
vas attracted by tbe report of pistol,
followed in quick succession by four more
shous, all of which came from the
writing room
Manager Stooer turoed Pittman over
to Police Officer Luby, who sent him
| to the station house.
Mr.. Pissman did not appear to be
much excited, bat for man who had
just killed his brother. was remarkably
| cool and collected The only state
meut that be would make was that be
did not care to know the result that
be did it in self defeuse
The pistol with which be fred the
fatal shots was q new Smith & Wesson,
81 calibre. ALI the shells in the wea,
pan had been discharged.
Coroner Rivers and Deputy Coroaer
Waripg were notified and they took
charge of the body at once. The dead
man was found sitting in chair. be
having been removed by some one from
the floor. where be fell after being shot.
A hassy examination was made of bis
BODY. and it was found that be had
been shot 10 the back, near the right
side, aud uoder bis arm. It is sup.
posed that when be received the first
ball be threw up mis- arms to protect
himself
On his person was found heavy
gold watch. telegram from A. J
Pittmao to N. P Pitsmau, sent from
Suumerville yesterday, saying that be
would meet him today at the Calhoun
hotel between 9 and 10 O'Clock, several
letters, large sum of money aud az
uusigoed note for $1,000, payable to
himself. These the coroner took charge
Of The inquest will be held tomorrow,
and it is expected that there will be
some important developments
The deceased arrived in toe city last
night from Gourdio's. accompanied By
Mr.. J. G Graham. They slept togeth.
er last night aud were together early
this noroing Mr. Graham stated this
morning that be knew about the irou-
BILE that existed between the deceased
aod bis brother. but had 20 idea il
would terminate fatally or be would no'
nave left them together He said ii
was a family affair. but refused to state
what Il was. saying that it was told 70
him 10 confidence.
The dead man was about SO years
old and well-koown in Charleston
He is a man of wealth. He leaves a
wife and ten children
Mr.. A j Pittnan, who did the
killing, is about so years Of age At
ooe time be was engaged iu the cotton
business 90 VeDdue Raose He COW
lives 10 SuunerviIle.
The family of Mr.. n T Pittman
have been notified of lis death.
No weapon vas found on the dead
mao On one of the writing tables
was fouod small. pearl-haudled knife.
There was no evidence of a struggle
having taken place. The ink stands
were in place. and the chairs aud tables
were undissurbed. which would not
have been had there been scrimmage.
Up to few years ago N T. Pittman