The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-10-28
TRIAL OF WHAM.
The Defendant On the Stand Tells of
the II rder.
WHAM PLEADS SELF DEFENCE

He Admits Writing an Improper
Note TO the Niece of the Man
Whom He Shot
The case OF the State VS. John &.
Wham, charged with the murder Of
L. w. Ramage On the 9th Of last July,
was tried at Laurens last week. L.
W. Ramage was shot and killed by
the defendat John 6. Wham July 9
last in the yard Of the latter who had
been called upon by the deceased to
explain and reach settlement,
amicably if possible certain conduct
regarded reprehensible and charged to
Wham toward niece Of Mr.. Ramage.
Wham admitted that bis plight was
bad and agreed to make acknowledge
ment at the proper time and tnat
would be from his viewpoint when bis
preacher would be present, probably
that day Ramage insisted that he go
over at once and explain to Mr.. Simp
sons family. He declined and went
back in the house having met Ramage
and bis companion at the gate. Ram
age it seems entered the gate without
being invited and proceeded to the
back Of the house going around. In
moment Wham appeared at an up
stairs window and ordered Blakely
who had companied Ramage TO
leave. A.s he was withdrawing he
heard the shot. Wham shot Ramage
with rarler rifle and Immediately
escaped.
The State had ten witnesses, two of
whom were ladies Mrs. Thos. Simpson,
mother of the young woman, whose life
the defendant is alleged to have tried
to wreck and Mr.. Jas. P. billiard Of
Tylersville. Mrs. Simpson told Of the
note received by her daughter from
Wham inviting her over to spend the
evening explaining that a young lady,
a relative, was visiting at his nome,
etc. The witness when shown the
note at once realized that there must
be some mistake, something wrong be-
cause she knew Mrs. Wham and her
company were at Clinton spending the
afternoon and that the note therefore
was deception and an>insult to the
daughter and the family. Taking the
daughter, witness proceeded to
Wham's house only a few hundred
yards distant across the road, and de-
manded an explanation Of his conduct.
At first be said the note in question
had been found on the dresser written
presuma oily by his young lady visitor
and addressed to Miss Simpson, that
be Simply picked it up and dispatched
it without thinking much OF the Incl
dent. Finally however he admitted
that he was the author of the often
sive missive. Mr. Reid Blakely who
went with Ramage to Wham told
how they were met at the front gate
and that Wham seemed 10 be willing
to apologize but did not suit to 60
then and turned to 60 back idtc the
house. Witness said to Ramage bet
ter not let him 60 BACK" whereupun
Ramage followed but did not enter
the house, going around to the rear.
Presently be heard shot,. Called 60
deceased but received no response.
Knew be was shot, but Mr.. Wham re-
fused to let Tim and the others who
had arrived 60 to the body OF their
dead friend.
Wham and his wife who was The only
eye witness to the shooting, testified
in his behalf. Wham showed little or
no hesiUancy in making his statement
and declared he believed when lie tlred
the fatal shot his life was III imminent
danger; that Ramage had his pistol
leveled at him and was standing with
in ten feet of him, when quick as d
flash be presented bis r,t1e and bred,
killing Ramagr, WIN had entered his
ward unoidden and who was trying Lu
prevent bis escape from his OVID house.
He admitted sending notes and u
visits Of the Sim DSunS, including the
old gentleman to his house, and The
discussion concerning the import OF
the note. He denied curslng Mrs.
Simpson as had been stated, saying
that he used the language with refer
ence to the party who Told her or any
of the family that he had stole his
property as chalged by the lady upon
her second visit to his house. The
Dote was sent Monday morning.
Tuesday he heard there was going To
be trouble so he left home and lay out
that night, Wednesday and WedneS-
day night. He saw that Ramage and
blakey had gun in their buggy
:!hen ne met them at the gate and he
refused to 20 with them to the Simp-
son house simply because he had no
friend to go with hin. at that time.
His wife substantially corroborated
all her husband had sworn to. She
went out and begged Mr.. Ramage TO
leave and followed him around the
house. Just as lie got around she saw
Wham appear at the back door. MIR.
Ramage drew his pistol and shot
from her husbands gun was fired. She
was looking at Ramage. She was
cool and told her story quietly. The
case will be concluded Friday.
An T,forrunate CuSe.