Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1909-03-17
ACCIDENTAL KILLING.

resided near OampbelPs AlbemRrle
county, was shot and killed at O'Clock
Monday afternoon q! "Tbe Merry Mills"
near Gotham, the home of John Arm
strong Chsloner, divorced husband OF
Amelia Rives, and brother Of Lewis
5tuyvesant Chandler. recent democratic
candidate for governor OF New York.
Lste yesterday afternoon the coronet's
jury rendered a verdict that "the de-
ceased came to his death by the acci.
denial discharge of revolver In the
hands Of himself and John Armstrong
Ohslouer during scuf1s between him
and the said Ohsloner while be (Chal-
oner) was in good faith attempting 10
prevent him (Gillard) from shooting his
(Gillard's) wife. The said Ohsloner Is
exonerated from all blame in the matter
Of this mans DEATH"
Gillsrd came to Virginia about two
years ago from Australia, his family
consisting of wife and several children.
He first located In Richmond, but Later
moved to Gotham, Albemsrle county. He
was often beiriended by Mr. Ohaloner,
who on several occasisns paid the English
mans rent. Recently it came to the
knowledge OF the neighbors that the
newcomer was 10 the habit Of maltrest-
ing his wife.
On Monday afternoon Mrs. Gillsrd
evsded her husband aud, accompanied
by her children, made her way to "The
Merry Mills" to seek Chaloner's pro.
lection. II was her nst visit to the
estate. She vas admitted by a servant
but before Chsloner could be summoned
the husband appeared. Hearing = COM
motion In the parlor, Mr. Ohsloner
and his friend, Ernie Money, sp-
pesred.
catering the room they saw that the
Englshman had his wife by the hair
aud was pummeliDg her on the head
with 8 heavy pair Of tOngs. Both gen.
tlemen tried to restrain the man, but he
appeared to be beyond control. Finally
with ths>aid Of colored servant, Gil
lard was gotten under temporary control.
The colored man was dispatched for =
rope with which to tie Gillsrd. Mr..
Money was holding the map, with Ohal-
Oner standing by with his pistol to in
timidsfe him.
The wifebester again became violent,
and jerking from Moneys grasp made
a luDge at Ohaloner and grasped
the pistol. The weapon was discharged
the bullet striking the man In the tenn.
pie and causing immediate death.
Mrs. Gillard's story, told ut the in
quest yesterday, was piliful one, and
WAS substantisted by her fourteen-yesr-
old SOD, who was witness to the trag.
edy. She said that her husband had
threatened her life and twice recently,
Saturday and Sunday last, had severely
beaten her. She determined to make |
her way to Chaloner's and upon arriving |
there Monday, was followed by her has
band, who assaulted her with 3 poker.
Ohaloner was the last to testify. He |
made frank statement. The funeral |
took place this morning.
Charlottesville, Va, March 1.-John Brm. |
strong Chaloner, was about his estate at Cob
ham, today, as usual, having been honorably /
exenerated for the killing Of Gilsrd. Chal- !
oner today expressed deep regret because he |
had to kill Gillard, but insi 'ted that if he |
mad not done 80 and the drink craEed man had |
possession of the revolver, he would |
have killed not only his wife, but also Chal- |
)ner and his secretary.