Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1911-09-29
GRAND JURY INDICTS COLONEL
PETTIT'S SLAYER ONE HOUR
AFTER ASSASSINATION


AFTER ASSASSINATION
Lovingston, Va, Sept. 25.-Colonel
James A. Petit, a member of Govern
or Mann's staff, was shot and Instant
ly killed by Benjam Hubbard dur
| ing the recess of the circuit court Of
Nelson county at O'Clock this after
noon.
Colonel Petit was sitting on the
Virginia hotel porch engaged in con-
versation with a colored man, when
Hubbard walked up behiud the party
aod fred six shots into Colonel Petitt's
body.
The shooting caused the greatest ex
element, and for while it was feared
that there would be mob violence. The
court green and hotel grounds were
crowded with visitors when the shoot
ing occurred.
Colonel Petit was physician, and
it seems that some old difficulty about
attending the patient had figured in
the grudge against him.
/ Benjamin Hubbard is son of Col
onel Hubbard. He is about 45 years
old. He is married man.
Colonel Petit leaves widow, who
was Miss Fitzpatrick, daughter of
one of the most prominent citizens of
Nelson county. He also leaves three
children, James a. Petit, Jr., Mary
and Emma Petit. His children range
in age from three to eleven years.
| The victim lived at "Roseland, >
Que OF the prett lest estates in the
county. He was about 40 years old,
and was one of the most successful
| physicians in this section of the state
The slayer is being closely guarded
to prevent further trouble. 1t was
feared that there would be threats OF
lynching, as the tragedy caused the
greatest indignation among those who
knew the colonel.
| Not since former Judge William G
| Loving shot and killed a young mar
named Estes at Oak Ridge has Mel
son county been so wrought up by &
crime as by the one which occurred
today.
| Colonel Pettits bleeding body la,
where he was killed for some time at
ter the fatal shots we're fired. Tn,
slayer stood near the scene as if in {
dazed condition.
The vistim was regarded as a peace
able citizen and his friends think i
strange that Hubbard should hav,
taken offense at what was pl obably {
trivial matter.
DR.. Petit had many friends in Rich
mond where he frequently visited. HI
was especially fond of Governor
Mann and it is believed that his pic
turs appears with group of member.
of the governors staff.
The scene of the crime is near tn,
Estes store, to which former Judge
Loving went in search of the youns
man he killed. Not finding him there
he went to Oak Ridge, where terribl,
tragedy of a few years ago occurred.
Hubbard was quickly indicted.
Peter Ball, sturdy citizen of tn,
town, was the first person to seiz,
Hubbard and in few seconds othe
men held him fasG. The case was i'm
mediately taken before the grand jur!
and Hubbard was indicted. He was
placed under heavy guard in the coun
, ty Jail.
One hour after the crime was com
mitted, Hubbard was being indicted
for the grand jury, which was then il
session tor the opening of court.
Judge Bennett P. Gordan, who i
presiding in court, Immediately order
ed that several special guards b
, sworn in and as soon as this could o
: done, the men were we'll armed will
weapons which were bought in tn
town stores.
. 1t is expected that Hubbard will b
!. tried Immediately. In case he is no
tried at this session of the court, h
will probably be taken elsewhere TO
safe-keeping.
. 1t was learned about O'Clock thi
afternoon that DR.. Petit had beel
: summoned to see Mr. Hubbard's wife
who was i'll, ano that when the physi
clan arrived, Hubbard would no
allow him to go into the home. Col
Hubbard, the slayer's father, how
ever, told DR.. Petit to see Mrs. Hub
bard. The physician finally saw Mrs
. Hubbard and left the house.
The body of DR.. Pettithas been takel
to the Virginia hotel parlor. 1t will
be held there pending arrangement!
for the funeral which vii. take place
either tomorrow afternoon or Wednes-
day.
! Mrs. L. Hunter Early and John
Fitzpatrick have gone to DR.. Pettit's
home to notify his wife of the tragedy.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick's father. Walter c.
Fitzpatrick, died a few months ago.