Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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C er al an1 215 YOL XIN NO, 80 NEWBERRY, S. 0.. TUESDAY. OCTOBER 6. 1908. TIEAWE.$.0AYA GAlRISOIU CONICTED SENTENCE TWO YEA] LAURENS MAN WHO SLEW E DAUGHTER'S SWEETHEART Daughter of Defeudant, Who ! Sweetheart of Deceased, Gives Details of the Tragedy. (By Jno. E. AuU.) Special to The Herald and News. Laurens, Oct. 3.-Charged a murder in the killing of J. Louis V liamson, J. Henry Garrison was e victed in the court of sessions here Friday of manslaughter, the j which convicted him recommend to the mercy of the court. Ju Memminger overruled the motion a new trial, and sentenced Garri to serve two years in the State pE tentiary or on the public works Laurens county. The trial of Garrison, result from one of the saddest tragedies e -enacted in Laurens county, crei great. interest throughout So Carolina. Young Williamson, the ceased, was a guest at the Garri home at Gray Court, as a visuor Miss Mary Garrison, daughter of Henry Garrison. Young Wi'tiam and Miss Garrison were engaged be married. Williamson was a pr< inent young farmer of Bethesda, n Rook Hill in York county. He came acquainted with Miss Garri while she was teaching school n his home, and their acquaintance 1 ened into love and the engagemen, be married. On the niLht of the I gedy which ended young Williamso life and -laced Garrisor under md ment for murder, Williamson ; Miss Garrison were in the far parlor. According to her testim he was trying to take li!erties a her over her protest. Garrison, % stated that his suspicions had -b aroused by what he hal heard fi the parlor, went into the yard the window of the parlo', takin; shot gun with him. He said that looked through the window and conslusion was that Williamson trying to take improper advantage his daughter, as he expressed it. said that Williamson's back was wards* hia and he hollered to him move, whereupon Willi-amson fa him and he shot him, the load takl effect in Williamson's bowels, .and suiting in death three hours la Garrison's testimony was to the fect that he did not know of Willis son's engagement of his daugh Mrs. Garrison stated th.at she kr The young people were engaged to marred but that, so far as she kn her husband did not know of it. 19 Garrison 's testimony was to the se effect along this line. Garrison's attorneys have given tiee of intention to appeal to the preme court, and pending the apI the defendant was granted bond the sum of $1,000, the same amo under whieh he w&s held before trial. .Solicitor Cooper was assisted in prosecution by Mr. P. H. Nelson, Columbia. The defendant was resented by Messrs. Ferguson Featherstone and Richey & Richev the local bar. There was a h fight by the attorneys on each s and the arguments to the .jury a able. Messrs. Nelson and Cooper dressed. the jury for the State, Messrs. Featherstone and Richey the defendant. Mr. Nelson ope for the State. and was followed Messrs. Richey and Featherstone, defendant, the arguments of each tee.gentlemen being uu sronr. Solicitor Cooper closed t:h St:'te in a~ powerful argumnen The case wvas e'iled on Thurs .mrn andI( the following .inr1y P. MEhm. J. W. Abramrs. Sam L. S JTuo. A. Aberermbhie. G. H. Fin R. H. Young. A. 1L Mahaffey. T, Laton. Mr. T. J. Layton was pointed foreman of the jury. Dr. C. E. Rodgers was the first ness called for the State. He te fied that about 12 o'clock Mr. ( rison came to his home and asked if hen.ar.my suro-ical instrume -telling him he wanted him to go to his (Garrison's) house at once; that aS he had shot a man. He said that he went .to Garrison's home, and found Williamson in a room in rear of the IS parlor, on a bed, and that Miss Mary . Garrison was fanning him. Dr. Rod gers pointed out on the solicitor's 7as person the location of the wound, the load -taking effect in the left side of the bowels, ranging slightly, upward. The next witness called for the State was Miss Mary Garrison, daugh ter of the defendant, and. the only ith person present, othar than the. de Til- fendant and Williamson, when the on- 'fatal shot was fired. She for the Oft first time -related the harrowing "de ary tails of the tragedy in which her af ing fianced lover met his death at the age hands of her father. Miss Garrison for is a young lady of evident refinement son and culture and education. She was ni- simply dressed, wearing a white shirt of waist, a black skirt, and tan cloak, and a black turban hat. During her ing testimony it was evident that she was ver laboring under an intense strain, but ted she held herself under remarkable utt contr:>1. Only once or' twice during de- an hour which must have tried her son severely did she lose her self-control, to and then only for an instant. During J. one of these moments the situation son was tense and dramatic. Attorney to Nelson had handed her for identifi ,m- cation a letter which she had sent to ear young Williamson's mother, after the1 be. shooting, expressing her sympathy son with Mrs. Williamson in her great ear bereavement. Miss Garrison took the rip- letter, glanced over it and tore it in Sta half and threw it on the floor. At tra- Judge Memminger's request she pick n's ed up the letter abd handed it to let- him, Judge Memminger stating that a he would read it and if he thought it lily admissible he would let it go in evi )ny dence. 'He decided later during the ith case that it was not competent. vho Miss Garrison testified that she een first went to York to teach in Feb -om ruary, 1905, and it was then that she to met young Williamson. She taught his there four months, and then went to be Hampton to teach, returning to York his in September, 1906, taking eharge of was the Bethesda high school, which was of about two miles from the Williamson He residence. She returned to her home to- at Gray Court about the first of May, .to having become engaged to Mr. Wil eed liamson some time in the spring. Miss ing Garrison said she had not told her re- mother or father of the' engagement, ter- but she thought her mother knew of ef- it. She did not think her father im- knew of it. Mr. Williamson had ter come to see her in June, and came' iew again on the afternoon of July 31. be Her father, the defendant, met him ew, at the train, and brought him to the [iss house, and she and Williamson went Line walking together and returned home for supper. She said she and Wil no- liamson sat on the porch for a while su- after supper, and then went into the al parlor. She said Williamson was shot in through the window which looked out unt in the yard, the shooting occurring the about 11 o'clock. She said that Wil liamson had asked her to sit on the th sofa with him, and she did, William of sonl promising that 'he would act all ep- right. While she was sitting there, & she said, Williamson put his head in ,of her lap and then put his head on the ar head of the' sofa across her lap and ide, begged her to put 'her head on the ere sofa with him. She said she begged ad- him to get up and asked him to get and up, and as soon as he would get up for she was about to get away' from him, ned when he grabbed her and pulled her by down across his lap, and she was try for ing to get away from him when her of father shot. She said she saw the ily gun poked through the window, and for heard her father's voice, and then t. she ran. She said, in response to day questions, that she had sent a wreath ~vas of flowers, with her card, for the .E. young man's funeral. and the card ax- was put in evilence. It was at this ng, point that the ineident in connection ev. with the letter occurred. On eross .J. examination she testified that, while ap- she did not smell any whiskey on Wil liamson 's breath on the night of the vi-killing, his actions were not as idey sti- Iordinarily were, and that she thought a-he was a good deal under the influ Elim enee of whiskey. She said that after n+s, the fatal shot was fird Williamson had walked to the back room, and had then asked for a drink of whis key from a quart bottle which was found in his valise not quite full. She also testified to a dying declara tion from Williamson to the effect that he was to blame for the shoot ing and that he did not want Mr. Garrison punished for it. She said that when her father poked the gun through the window and hollered, she did not understand what he said, but that she ran out of the room and that Williamson jumped up and turned to wards her father, when the shot was fired. The effort of the State on re-direct examination was to prove that even if Williamson was under the influ ence of whiskey when he got off the the train he had had time to become perfectly sober before 11 o'clock at night. W. V. Blythe, the undertaker, tes tified as to the clothes the deceased had on, and that the wound had an upward range of about two inches. He stated that he had got the gun wadding out of the wound. He said when he arrived at the 'house next af ternoon he found a partly smoked cigarette lying on the floor in the parlor. E. T. Shell testified that he had reached the 'Garrison home about midnight on the night of the shoot ing, and had found Williamson on the bed, Dr. Rodgers sitting by the bed and Miss Garrison sitting at the head of the bed, with her handker chief in her hand and something on it which he took to be chloroform. He said Williamson had asked him if he thought he could live, and Miss Garrison had told him to say exactly what he thought. He then told Wil liamson that he did not see any hope for him. Previous to that, he said, Williamson had made a statement to him, which the State attempted to bring out as a dying declaration, but which the Court ruled out on the ground that it had not been shown that at that time Williamson had abandoned all hope of recovery. The jury was asked to retire and the wit ness allowed to give the statement and the circumstances under which it was made in order that the judge might decide as to its competency. Mr. Shell said that Williamson just remarked in a rambling way that he didn't see why that man shot him. On the ground stated, however, this statement was held not competent to go before the jury. Mrs. N. T. Garrison, wife of the defendant and mother of the young lady, was the first witness for the defence. She testified as to having heard the dying declaration which Miss Mary Garrison had testified to. She said her daughter had told her of her engagement to young William son. She said that on .the occasion of his last visit Williamson had im pressed her as not being at himself. She gave Miss Mary Garrison's age at 22. L. C. Dorroh, testified that in his opinion when young Williamson got off the train at Gray Court on the af ternoon of July 31 he was drunk. Mr. J. N. Leak testified that he saw him that afternoon and in his opinion he was under the influence of whis key. The testimony of J. R. Dorroh was along the same line, as was that of F. D. Bolt. J. H. Garrison, the defendant, took the stand shortly after the dinner re ess. He gave his age as 57 years and six months. He said he had gone to 'the station in his buggy that af ternoon to have his mule shod and get his mail, and his daughter had told him Williamson was coming on the afternoon p)assenger and he went to the station to meet him. He said he didn't notice Willio~nson particularly when lhe got off the train, but some people at Gray Court 'ealled his at tention to Williamson' condition, and lbe then perce~ived lie was drink ing. He said lie had first met WVil liamson in June. and lie did not know he wa engaged to Miss Gar rison. He said he had asked Miss Garrison if Williamson was to be come a member of the family, but in consequence of her answer he did not know that he would. He said after lie found Williamson was drink ino- he took him to his home beausea he wanted to keep the people at Gray Court from knowing the young man's condition. He said after he took Williamson to his home he went to ploughing, and did not see William son and his daughter any more until supper time, when he noticed that Williamson was still under the influ ence of whiskey or something else. He said that he then began to doubt if the young man's intentions were pure, and he went up-stairs and sat down on the edgf of the bed near the window in the room over the par lor. He said he stayed there until 10 o'clock when he became thirsty and went down stairs to get some water. He said he went to the well, and as he came back he stepped to the window where he . could see through the little back room into the parlor. His daughter, he said, was sitting in a rocking chair, and he could hear Williamson's voice, but Williamson was out of his sight. He then went back upstairs. Just after the clock struck 11, he said, he heard a scraping noice on the floor, and he could tell the noise was going from where he had seen his daughter in the rocking chair over towards the sofa. He said he got off the bed immediate ly and thought he would see what was being done. He went down the stairs , and he heard his daughter say "please don't." At the foot of the stairs, he said, he heard her the second time say, "please don't." He said he then thought of the gun, and it was just in reach of him in the back hall. He seeured the gun and passed out of the back door and went arourfd the corner of the house to the window. He said when he glanced in the window Williamson had his daughter's left hand in his left hand, pulling her arms around his neck and hugging and kissing her with his right arm around her. His daughter was pulling loose from him, he said, and she raised, and he jerked her on his lap and aeross his lap. He said Williamson's back was towards him, .and he couldn't shoot him in the back, and cried to him to move. As he said move he placed the gun in the window, and his daughter broke loose and ran. He said Williamson turned around and made about ,two steps -to wards him, saying "Mr. Garrison," and he shot him. He said he shot -Wi.iamson because he believed Wil liamson was tryiiig to ''take impro per advantage '.' of his daughter. The muzzle of the gun was about four feet from Williamson, he said, when he shot. At the crack of the gun Wil liamson said, ''I intended to marry your daughter and you have killed me.'' Garrison said his reply was, ''Maybe you did an maybe you didn't.'' Williamson then -asked him to go for a doctor and he went. He said he did not see Williamson any more. On cross-examination he was asked why if he suspected something wrong, he did not go in the door. The parlor door, it had been testified to, was open. Wiliiamson said if he had gone into the door it wvould have noti fied the young people, and then he would not have known if anything was wrong." He was put through a rigid cross-examination. sticking to his statment tha't he shot Williamson because he benieved he was ''trying to take improper advantage'' of his daughter. The State in reply placed T. W. Wynne on the stand who stated that in his opinion young Williamson was under the influence of whiskey to a certain extent when he got off the train. He said, however, that later in the afternoon he saw him out walk ing with Miss Garrison and the young man ap)peared all right, lie said he sa him and Miss Garrison stop and talk to some ladies. The Stale off'er ed witnesses to prove young William son 's reputation for sobriety and for genteel conduct among ladies, but this testimony was ruled out by the court. The arguments were concluded at about 7 o 'clock on Thursday evening. After a recess of an hour for supper Judge Memminger delivered an un usually strong and clear charge to the jury, and at-8.15 the jury retired. The jury remained out all night, and were brought into court on Friday morning without having agreed. Judge Mem the importance of reaching a verdict and re-stated the law. Some time later the jury brought in its verdict. Garrison was sentenced before the dinner recess on Friday, immediately after the motion for new trial was overruled. An Open Letter From the Board of School Trustees to the Public. While the board of school trustees positively refuse to recognize the criticism of "A Patron," the same being made under an assumed name, we feel, as public servants we- are due the public at all times an explan ation, especially where misconstruc tions are placed on our actions. We have been criticised for chang i'ng our text books of the different grades at the same time a general complaint was in circulation that our school was below the average and not up to the standard. We respectfully inform you that our school system has been changed, a High School having been added. The 8-9-10 grades are instructed, un der the departmental plan, each grade is under the supervision of three spe cial teachers, as well as the general supervision of our superintendent. The selection of books for all grades was made from the list of the very best schools in t he State. Not a book (our former books) was discard ed, or a new book added unless ab solutely necessary, and every book on our list will be needed and must be used by the different grades. Our selection of books has receiv ed the approval of our superintend ent, as well as the endorsement of the best educators of the State. Oiin deavor is to bring our school, not only to your desire, (a standard school) but to make it the Model School of South Carolina, so that our graduates may be qualified to enter college or upon any business vocation, become useful and intelligent citizens, become a propelling rather' than a static force in the general progress and up building of the community in which they may reside. Surely this is a laudable undertaking and should- re ceive your hearty cooperation. The selection of. our text books was not the only consideration of your board but also the selection of sup erintendent and corps of teachers, the sanitary condition of our school build ing as well as the general welfare of patrons, scholars and instructors, re ceived our mos?t earnest and serious consideration. Not a word of en couragement or commendation has been said in public print for all our efforts towards -the u'pbuilding of our school, only criticism and abuse. We are working without compensa tion, are always ready and willing to do the very best wp can for all parties concerned but we feel that we are entitled to the support of our citiz ens and should receive manifesta tions that our labors are appreciated, not abuse and insinuations as to graft from the sale of books, because we have nothing whatever to do with the sale or exchange of books. Our local book dealer will substan tiate our assertion. Y our present board of school trus tees have been in charge of your school affairs only about two years, a good deal has been accomplished. We cite only a few of the improve ments made to show that the eriisjsm against the board is unwarranted, un just and unfair. When taking charge there was an indebtedness of about $800. This has been liquidated by the present board. Anybody that is acquainted with our' school affairs and views them with prejudice or- partbiality, will ad mit that our school is on the upwvard grade, has advanced and has made constant p:'ogress. An almost new corps of instructors are in charge and we say to you and all. go where you may' visit any' sr-hool in this or any other State in the Union and you will not find a more refined. intellsigent, or more competant corps of instructors in charge of any school, than has charge of the New'berry Graded and High School. We should learn to speak a good wor'd of our superintendent, teachers and school at home and they will be spoken well of abroad. The main building has been reno vated, every room and hail ealsomin ed, wainscot, ceiling, windows, and doors have been painted, every desk overhauled, Venetian shades and two automatic self running water foun tains have been purchased and will be erected for the benefit and ac comodation of the scholars. Not only this but some of the soil from under the sewer was forwarded to be analyzed and the specialist has pronounced the same free from germ. We would cite other improvements as well as some now under considera tion, but it is not our desire to make this article lengthy. One thing however bear in mind. We have for the second time asked you for another school building and none but selfish, narrow-minded men would refuse to see the absolute, im mediate necessity for such a building. We extend a cordial invitation to all those who are opposed to this our request, to visit the school building, the former Riser place. Let us enter the building for a moment, what do we behold? Sixty three scholars in one room, all hud dled together in quarters (a school house) which is a shame to civiliza tion and not at all in keeping with the usual pride and progressiveness of our city. If anybody has a right to kick it is your board of school trustees, your superintendent, your teachers and your scholars. However, the matter of our new school facilities have already been placed in the hands of a committee, 'appointed by the chairman of the citizens meeting, which was held in the court house at the time the board of school trustees rendered their last annual report, and we do hope that some definite steps will be taken at oiice or as soon as possible. Let us ask you, did you attend our annual meeting, if not, why not i Don't you think it is your dutyI We realize that it is an utter im possibility to please all and there fore shall be very -glad if those that have or think that they have any complaint against our school, schol ars, teachers, principal, or superin tendent, will come forward, enter his or her complaint with the board or a member of the board of school 'trus tees and we assure you that every complaint will receive our immediate and careful attention. It is our earnest desire to make our school a success, but we can only suc ceed when we receive the hearty co operation of our citizens. Stop kicking, go to work, put your shoulder to the wheel, take an inter est in school affairs, help your ser vants, the board of school trustees, and don't use them for a door gnat. Respectfully suxbmitted, F. N. Martin, 0. Klettner, J. H. Wicker. W. A. McSwain, J. M. Davis, Board of Trustees. Wilson-Cely. The many friends of Miss Vinnie Mae Wilson will be jnterested to know of her approaching marriage to Mr. T. Lake Cely, of Greenville, on the evening of Qctober 15th, at six thirty o 'clock, at her home, 1326 Col lege street. No cards are issued, on account of recent death in the family. Bail Granted. Application was made before Chief Justice Pope on last Friday for bail for J. B. Hyer, of Berkeley county. On the tenth of last August Hyer had a difference with his neighbors and as a result he killed two men, father and son. He has been in jail sine'e. Hyer was represented by Mr. M. Rutledge Rivers, of Charleston, and Chief Justiee Pope granted bail ini the sum of .$4000. ST. LUKE'S CHURCH. Rev. Edward Callender, Rector. 11:00 a. m. Morning prayer, cele bration of the Holy Eucharist and sermon. 5:00 p. m. Evening prayer. All seats free. The rector and vestry extend a cor dial invitation to you to be present nd ioshin with us.