The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1920-04-01
WILLIAMSON GETS
lO.YEAR SENTENCE
MANSLAUGHTER WITH MERCY
RECOMMENDED.
Killed Ham Brabham
Killing Resulted From Difficulty Be-
tween Children-Defendan Re-
lied on Plea of Self-Defense.


R. o. Williamson, a well known
young white man of Ehrhardt, was
found guilty in the general -,ssions
court last Thursday of manslaughter
in the killing of W. Ham Brabham, a
prominently connected citizen Of the
same town. The trial was commenc-
ed Thursday morning, after many
vain attempts had been made to post
pone the case, and was concluded
THURSDAY afternoon late. The YER
dict was rendered just before court
recessed for the day, the jury recon-
mending that the trial judge exer-
else mercy in passing sentence on
the young man. Williamson was
sentenced to serve ten years on the
public works. The sentence was
passed on Williamson Friday after
noon, Judge Simms stating Friday
morning to the defendants counsel
that he wished to take the case un-
der advisement before fixing the SEN
H. Nj. Graham, Esq, for the de-
fendant, pleaded that extenuating
circumstances in connection with the
case be taken into consideration, and
that the fact that Williamson has a
wife and two small children be con-
sidered. James E. Davis, of Barn
we'll, who also defended Williamson,
had left previously for Columbia, and
was not present Friday. The solicl-
tor was assisted in the prosecution
by B. D. Carter, ESQ.,, and W. D. Ben
nett, Esq.
: Dr.. Robert Black was the first wit
ness called by the state. He testi-
fed to the wounds found on the body.
There was a gunshot wound, evidently
caused by small shot, in the left side
of face and upper chest, and another
gunshot wound on the right side OF
face and head and upper part of the
body, entering straight from the
front, while the other wound lndl-
Gated slanting shot.
C. C. Moore lived in the second
house from Williamson; heard two
shots on Easter morning last year.
Went to the scene and saw the body
of Brabham on. the ground. He also
saw Williamson, who asked him to
bring him to Bamberg.
]. P. Griffin heard the shots about
1880 a. M, and the shots were
about thirty seconds apart. Saw
Brabham lying on the ground face
downward in the path or road IN
front of Williamson's house. Will
liamson's house was about IS feet
from Brabham's house. Saw Will
hanson, who said he had killed Brab-
ham. Saw no weapon about Brab-
hams body.
J. NJ. kirkland testified that Ham
Brabham worked for him. Witness
was at the postofice when he heard
two shots. He went to the scene and
saw Brabham lying with his hands
outward. Searched him and found
no weapon except brass knucks IN
left hip pocket. The path in which
the body was lying was fifteen feet
from Williamson's doorsteps.
J. E.. Folk was the only witness
who testified that he saw the actua!
shooting take place. Mr.. Folk Is
deaf, but can hear gun shot OF
similar shocks. He was sitting on
his front porch near the Williamson
house reading when gunshot at
tracted his attention; looking up he
saw Brabham and Williamson, Brab
ham making gestures. Williamson
was standing in his own door. Saw
gun raised second time, heard the
shot and saw Brabham fall. The
shots were a few seconds apart.
Mrs. H. F. Purcell lived next doo1
to Brabham. Brabham was at hel
house that Sunday morning. She
heard the shot, looked out and saw
Brabham on his knees. Another sho
then sounded. Brabham had started
on toward down town when he fell
The body was lying about ten fee
from the bridge.
Mrs. W. G. Burnett was the princl
pal witness for the state. She ant
her husband lived upstairs in thu
same house with the Williamsons
On Sunday morning she had occa
sion to go down stairs. She saw
Williamson before the shooting ant
he told 'er that he was going to. d.
something that he hated to do. Sh'
asked him what it was and he replied
xI.4 ,bo would coo Mrs Villa