Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-01-23

George w. McCammon, a well
known and respected citizen OF West
Alexander, Pa, was murdered at S:45
o'clock yesterday morning while in
the discharge of his duty as a special
constable. His slayer was Frank Nc
Gee, a young man whose reputation
has not been particularly bad, but who
possessed a ~quarrelsome and vicious
disposition.
The shooting was the outgrowth of
the arrest OF Calvin Dougal on the
charge of stealing sheep from farmers
living in the vicinity of West Alexan-
der. Dougal moved to West Alexan-
der from a point near West Liberty.
four or five months ago. Although he
had no occupation, and no known
means of gaining a livelihood, he is
said to have always had plenty of
money. He was absent from his wife
and child most of the time, and sew
eral citizens of West Alexander state
that they never saw him until he was
arrested.
For several months farmers living
in the vicinity OF West Alexander and
in Ohio county have complained of pet
ty thefts, and many suspected Dougal
because of the apparent mystery sur
rounding his movements. On Friday.
18th inst, 13 sheep were stolen from
Samuel Noble, a farmer. The owner
traced them to Fulton, and found that
they had been sold to Schenk & Sons.
He identified his property. The de-
scription given by Mr.. John Schenk,
of the man from whom he purchased
the sheep, tailed with the appear
ance of Dougal.
The sheep thief promised TO return
last Friday with more stock. 1t was
arranged that Mr.. Noble would be
present with an officer. Mr.. Noble
came down Thursday night. On
Thursday eleven sheep we're stolen
from d. G. Atkinson, another farmer,
but they were not taken to Schenk's.
Instead they were disposed of to II.
Weimer, a Fulton butcher.
It Is known that Dougal was in
Wheeling Saturday. He probably
came here to return the team he rent
ed from a liveryman. Sunday after
noon he was found in bed at his home
in West Alexander, and placed under
arrest by John Ealy, a constable.
The prisoner was taken to the Gen.
trail hotel, and placed in a room.
George w. McCamman was deputized
az a special officer to keep guard. II
appears that Frank MCGEE talked 20
Dougal in the room, protesting against
his detention, and advising him to get
away. Dougal did make an effort to
escape, but was prevented from doina
so by McCammon.
Meanwhile a telephone message was
sent to Mr.. John Sehenk, of Fulton,
who bought the stock from the sheep
thief, asking him to come out for the
purpose OF identifying Dougal. Mr..
Schenk went out on the morning
train yesterday. Dougal was placed in
a room in the hotel, in company with
other men. and Mr.. Schenk was asked
to pick out the man who sold him the
sheep. He walked W to Dougal, and
positively identified him. Dougal de-
MED that he was the man, but Mr..
Schenk was positive.
There was a large crowd present,
many farmers living in the vicinity
feeling a personal interest in the de-
lection and conviction Of the thief.
After the Identification of Dougal by
Mr.. Schenk, the prisoner was started
In the custody of Mr.. McCammon, for
the Office of Just.e Of the Peace J. s.
Waltz. The crowd followed. MCGEE
| was among the number. He talked
loudly. and prot%led against the pro-
ceeding. Mr.. Me- ammon warned him
! TO go away or Il would arrest him.
There are different versions as to
| just what followed. Some allege that
McCammon made a threatening move
ment; others that he struck at MCGEE.
In any event MCGEE whipped out a re-
volver. and standing a few feet from
McCammon, fired at him. McCammon
| ran a few steps. and then fell. and in
less than FIVE minutes had breathed
his last The bullet entered his mouth
and took an upward course. causing
almost instant death.
The crowd was dazed at the unex-
pected turn OF affairs, and for q few
moments paused before taking action.
The murderer Immediately took to his
heels, with the smoking revolver In Ms