The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-09-12
THOMAS F. HERRING
FATALLY WOUNDED
BY Unknown Assassin Near
Door of His Home
FAMILY HEARS SHOTS
Swiss Army Rife Is Used BY Would-Be
Murderer and Three Shots Are
Fired, Two Taking Effect
In Herring's Body
FAMILY HEARS SHOTS

Bessemer, September n.-(Special)-
A cold-blooded, attempted assassination
occurred late Saturday night in which
Thomas f. Herring, whose place of bus
mess is on Twenty-fourth street and
Twelfth avenue, was shot from ambush
and probably fatally wounded by an I'M
known assailant, who is still at large
The dastardly outrage occurred within
half a block of Mr.. Herring's residence,
the shots which laid him low being
heard by his waiting wife and children.
About Il o'clock last night Mr.. Herring
closed his place of business and started
to his home, which is about two blocks
away. He was walking down Twelfth
avenue in the middle of the street. When
half way between Twenty-fourth and
Twenty-fifth streets a shot rang out on
the air The shot struck Mr.. Herring In
the back, grazing the spine, and shatter-
ing the left shoulder. The impact of the
shot knocked him down. He staggered to
his feet and started toward his home
when second shot was fired striking
him in the hip and producing a CHASTITY
wound. He had at this time succeeded in
drawing his pistol and while lying on
was approaching him with a rifle at
his shoulder. A third time the miscreat
fired at his PROSTATE victim, the shot
going wild. The shots were fired in
quick succession, in less time probably,
than 1t takes to tell It, The noise of the
shooting aroused the neighborhood.
Et.15 l.x1 l.aft he
disappeared behind board fence on the
other side of the street. Mr.. Davidson
and his son, next door neighbors of Mr..
Herring, were the first to reach the
wounded man. He was scarcely able to
talk, but gave the information as related
above. He was conveyed quickly to the
Robinson hospital where his injuries were
attended to by DIR. Cornwell and DR..
Waller.
He was unable to state whether his as
sailant was white man or negro. The
police authorities were quickly on the
scene and while some were caring for
the wounded man, others started after
the would-be assassin. An investigation
showed the man had been lying down be-
hind the board fence on Twelfth avenue
and it was from there the first shot was
fired. discharged cartridge was found,
which disclosed the fact that the shooting
was done with a Swiss army rifle. A
thorough search was made by the police,
many others joining in the search, but
he had completely disappeared. Every
effort is being made by the police depart
ment and the sheriff's office to locate
the miscreant.
A negro was arrested In Ensley on
suspicion and carried to Bessemer by
officer Patton. Several arrests have
been made but is is not believed the right
party has been aptrehended.
Mr.. Herring is a man about rs years OF
age and resides with his wife and family
on Twelfth avenue, He Is very popular
among a large circle of friends who hope
for his recovery. At late hour he was
resting we'll considering the severe nature
of his Injuries.
LOcnl Items
A battle royal is expected this after
noon when the Bessemer ball team cross
bats with the strong team from Decatur.
The game will be played on the Bessemer
diamo nd and a large crowd is antici-
pated.
There will be a special communication
of the Masonic lodge tonight for the
purpose of comforting the several degrees
on a number of candidates. All menu
bers of the craft are cordially invited to