Selected News Articles, 1890-1900's - Dickenson Co. Va


DICKENSON COUNTY VA, NEWSPAPER UNKNOWN - 1890-early 1900

A HUMAN BRUTE
Creed Dury, a young married man of Bucu, this county, shamefully abused his wife, and one of 
her brothers remonstrated with him against such inhumanity, when Dury turned upon him and 
further wreaked his vengeful ire upon him, leaving him more dead than alive. Then saddling his 
horse he left at once for West Virginia

There is being considerable money invested in standing oak timber in this county. This section 
has fine oak timber as can be found in the country, and as much of it to the area.
But little work has been done by our farmers as yet, in consequence of the bad weather.

Clintwood, VA., Feb. 11. - As it has been quite awhile since I appeared in your columns, I will 
try to put in an appearance, though news items are very scarce at this place just now.
There is considerable sickness in this vicinity. Geo. W. Robinson, who lives near this place, 
is not expected to live. He has a cancer in his eye and is old a feeble, his age being about 90.
Wm. Fleming, is seriously ill with fever; but doctors think he will recover.
There is some talk as to the race for the clerkship of this county. From present appearance, it 
seems as if, Ira Vanover and J. C. Counts, are to be the candidates. Phipps, the present 
incumbent, will not be a candidate for reelection. Having served two terms, he is willing for 
some one else to share the honors as well as the salary.
The free school terms have about all closed in the county. There does not seem to have been the 
interest manifested in the work that should have been.

HOW TALT HALL DIED
MISREPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE 
EXECUTION OF THE OUTLAW. [correspondence from the Richmond Dispatch]

Clintwood, VA., September 13 - There are conflicting reports as to how Talt Hall met his fate 
at Wise Court House on the 2nd day of September. I do not accuse any of the reporters of 
willful misrepresentation, but am sure the facts in all particulars were not detailed as they 
actually occurred. I was present, witnessed the execution, and after attentive observation, I 
think I am prepared to speak as to the correctness of the reports.
One report says the Hall broke completely down and cried like a child, but this was true my 
vision was obscured. I ascended the scaffold with a firm step. There was no tremor in his voice 
as he spoke: he never shed a tear-is fact, did not betray the slightest emotion upon the whole 
he held up wonderfully well.
When Hall started up the steps of the gallows nearly all those inside the enclosure bade him 
farewell. His hands were fastened behind him, but he grasped every offered hand in a way that 
indicated kindly feeling for all. One of the guards upon reaching his hand to the condemned 
man, asked Talt:
"Talt, do you know me?"
Hall turned his head slightly round, and looking over his shoulder caught sight of the man whom 
he recognized and replied,
"Yes, I know you."
Then the man in a tremulous voice asked, "What are your prospects in the next world, Talt?"
Hall replied, "They’re all right. I am willing to go."
Then he ascended the scaffold with one of his attorneys on one side and the priest on the other.

A TOUCHING SCENE
When the top of the structure was gained Hall said he wanted to speak to his sister, Mrs. 
Bates, who was immediately brought in. This farewell meeting of the sister and her condemned 
brother was a touching scene. Hall told her that he did not want her to attempt to have 
anything done that he had told her to, for he had nothing against anyone.

HE FORGAVE ALL
This was understood to have reference to what he had previously said to her in regards to 
having three of his enemies killed. He further told her it was a hard thing to have to die for 
what he had done, but as it had to be he was willing to go. Then he bade her farewell. The 
woman wept bitterly as she turned and left him.

INTO ETERNITY
The cap was then drawn over his features, the rope adjusted around his neck, and all eyes were 
riveted upon the awful scene, as the Sheriff, with one stroke of his hatchet, severed the rope 
which held the trap, and "Talt" Hall, after a few muscular twitches of his body was no more.

CLINTWOOD, VA.
Rev. Samuel Hensley, of the Freewill Baptist Fraternity, died at his home near Kenady, this 
county, a short time ago. His death was very sudden. He ate his dinner apparently in good 
health, and within two hours, he was dead. The deceased was bout seventy years old, and had 
many friends in the community where he lived who will sadly miss him.
Our County Court will begin on next Tuesday at this place. We have had no court here since the 
September term, and so there will be considerable business to be transacted. There are several 
felony cases on the docket, to be disposed of.
Mrs. Rush, of this place, who has been very low with typhoid fever, is slowly convalescing and 
will recover it is now thought. There are several cases of fever in this community, but there 
has only, as yet, one death resulted from this immediate vicinity.
We hear some complaint of the schools being very irregularly attended throughout the county. 
There seems to be a lack of interest in both patrons and students and consequently our schools 
will not make as good a showing as they should. 
Your correspondent learns that Roland E. Chase, the present P.M. at this place, will soon 
resign and recommend L. M. Vanover for the position. Rather premature it seems; he might wait a 
while and save himself the unnecessary trouble.
News has just reached here to the effect that Auxier Damron, a young man of this place, has 
been killed in West Virginia. He was unmarried and was addicted to bad habits. His parent were 
among the best people of our place and seem to be much affected by his death.
Miss Minnie Chase, one of Dickenson county’s loveliest belles, has gone to Bristol, Tenn., 
where she will spend the holidays. Ye correspondent wishes her much pleasure of course.

DOTS FROM FAR DICKENSON
Clintwood, VA., September 22 - Mr. William A. Donaldson, a prominent farmer near this place, 
has sold his farm and crop to Rev. E. A. Dunbar and will shortly remove to Kentucky.
Miss Emma Clark and Enoch Potter came over from Kentucky yesterday and were made one by Clerk 
Phipps. They came in about 12 o’clock and were at once united, when they left for home again, 
rejoicing. It is nearer here than to the county seat of Pike county from the upper end of the 
county, and consequently many couples come here to have the nuptial knot tied. 
POLITICAL
Campaign matters are quiet at present, but we are expecting a warm time later on. Conservative 
men estimate this county safe for the Democrats by a good majority. The Third party will cut a 
poor figure here. In fact, I doubt whether they will poll a dozen votes in the county.
Farmers have been busy saving their fodder for the past two weeks.
Clintwood, Va.
We have been almost literally snowbound for sometime here, and consequently news at this 
writing is scarce, but I will try to hunt up a few items for the news.
Joseph D. Hibbitts, of Long’s Fork, this county, and Miss Mary Dotson, of the same place, were 
united in the bonds of matrimony on Thursday. Hope they may find their path through life strewn 
with.....
Hunting seems to be the order of the day since the snow fell. The birds and rabbits are having 
a hard time of it.
John C. Smith, of Stratton, has just returned from Kentucky, where he has been engaged in 
teaching the "young idea how to school", for the last five months. Mr. Smith is an estimable 
young man, and I bespeak him success in the profession of teaching.
I have just received your premium (?) to subscribers, "Life and Voyages of Christopher 
Columbus." and must say that I am highly pleased with it. The book proves satisfactory in every 
respect, and I have no doubt the other books which you offer to subscribers are equal to this 
in every respect.

WEDDING AT LANG’S FORK
Clintwood, VA., January 6 - Miss Mary Datson and Mr. Joseph D. Hibbitts, both of Lang’s Fork, 
were united in the bonds of wedlock on Tuesday last at the residence of the bride’s parents. 
Rev. John C. Swindall officiating.
Most of the schools of this county will close this week making the terms four and one-half 
months in length. Our schools have not been as properous as usual this year, from some cause or 
other. 

A BIG BEAR
There is a large black bear in Cumberland mountains, about five miles from here. He has been 
there since the snow fell about two weeks ago. Parties have been following him most of the time,
but as yet only one shot has been fired at him, and it did not take effect. He is said to be an 
uncommonly large one.

DICKENSON’S QUIET CAMPAIGN
Clintwood, VA., October 29 - Outside appearances indicate a quiet campaign here, but there is 
much work being done by both parties. We have had only two speeches served here as yet. Mr. T. 
R. Jackson, of Scott county, is advertised to address the people at Stratton, this county on 
the 3rd day of November, and at Sand Lick on the 4th. Mr. Jackson is the chairman of the 
Democratic Executive Committee of Scott county, and is said to be an excellent campaign orator. 
It is thought here that Cowan, the Third Party candidate, will withdraw in favor of Wood. In 
fact, your correspondent had just heard from a reliable gentleman of this county that Cowan 
expressed himself to him in this wise: That if he ascertained that Wood is stronger than 
himself he would withdraw and give Wood his influence. I do not think there is any doubt but 
that we can elect Marshall. All Democrats, however, should be ______ if over-confidence.

CLINTWOOD CULLINGS
Clintwood. Oct. 23-[Special]- There is considerable complaint of the irregularities in the 
mails here of late. It is thought the trouble is at some office between here and Cleveland, in 
Russell county. Cannot honest John Wanamaker or some of his subordinates attend to this matter?
Richard Hall and John McCombs were arrested a day or two since by Deputy Sheriff Hall upon a 
warrant charging them with having stolen a keg of brandy from the distillery of George Stanley 
in the "south of the mountain". They had a preliminary hearing before Justices Hill and Adams 
on yesterday, in which Hall was acquitted and McCombs bound over to answer to an indictment at 
the next sitting of the grand jury.
Samuel Stanly, a farmer living near this place, has sold off his effects and will soon remove 
to Illinois, where he expects to make his future home.
Clintwood, VA., April 10 - James Sykes, a young man of Ava, this county, accidentally shot 
himself in the leg, at this place, on yesterday. The wound inflicted is an ugly one, but not 
dangerous. Sykes and some others were together testing some newly made "moonshine", and Sykes, 
finding it first rate, tested his pistol also.

HIDING PLACE OF THE MULLINS FAMILY MURDERERS.
It is said that Cal and Henan Fleming, who are charged with the murder of the Mullins family at 
Pound Gap last spring, are again in this vicinity staying with their brother.

A GANG OF OUTLAWS
There are three others with them - one of their youngest brothers; Cal Fleming, who is indicted 
in Kentucky for the murder of his cousin about a year ago; and a desperado from North Carolina, 
for whom there is said to be a large reward.
Clintwood, VA., July 8 - James Farmer, of Ava, whose illness was noted in this correspondence a 
few days ago, died yesterday after a lingering illness of some weeks’ duration. Mr. Farmer was 
well known in the vicinity of Ava and had been a justice of the peace at that place for some 
time past. His remains will be interred in the cemetery near the old homestead.
Miss Nannie Merix and Mr. L. R. Thornburg, of this place, were married to-day, the marriage 
being celebrated at the home of Wm. Merix, the father of the bride. Both parties are well known 
in society here and have many friends.
Dr. E. L. Phipps, of this place, is erecting a commodious office in the west end of town. The 
building will be completed at an early day.
Autumn is here in earnest, and as we look upon those grand old mountains, which erstwhile have 
been covered with the verdant green of summer, we see that the golden hues of autumn are 
absorbing those lively colors, and soon the winds will arrive....
Mr. P. S. Phipps, of this place, has gone to Richmond, VA., to attend a medical school with a 
view to entering the medical profession. Mr. Phipps is an exemplary young man and we bespeak 
him success in his chosen profession.
Noah Mullins, died at Nickel’s Gap four miles from here, a few days ago, of consumption. He had 
been married about two years, and was living near Stratton in this county; but about two weeks 
ago, seeing that he could not recover, he requested to be removed to his father’s, where he 
died. He leaves a wife and two children, who have our sympathy in their bereavement.
Mr. D. P. Valley and his wife, of West Branch, Michigan, arrived here the other day, and are 
the guests of Judge Jones, the father of Mrs. Valley.
Mr. L. H. Kiser, of Nickel’s Gap, lost a fine horse on yesterday morning. Mr. Kiser informed 
your correspondent of this matter, but says he does not know what ailed the horse.
DEATH OF A VENERABLE LADY
Clintwood, VA., October 1 - Mrs. Simpson Dyer died near Stratton, this county, on Sunday and 
was ntered on Monday. She was nearly 80 years of age and died of heart failure. Mrs. Dyer 
married Simpson Dyer way back in the thirties, and they settled on McClure creek when the 
country was almost an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Dyer died some four years ago.
Drury Puckett, of Tarpon, this county, died a few days since. His death was the result of an 
accidental fall he had about two months ago. Mr. Puckett was very old and has been a citizen of 
this county for many years.
John C. Smith, a young teacher of Stratton, I learn, will soon open a subscription term of 
school here. Mr. Smith has a good reputation as a teacher, and his school will not doubt be 
well attended.
I have been waiting for the court-house to fall down and kill somebody one month, and "blame 
me" if it looks like falling as it did when I first began to be hopeful.

MULLINS FAMILY MURDERERS
THE FLEMING BOYS IN HIDING NEAR CLINTWOOD
Clintwood, VA., February 22 - The Fleming boys, Cal and Henan, who together with Doc Taylor 
murdered the Mullins family at Pound Gap last spring , are now in the vicinity staying with 
relatives. They keep themselves concealed as much as possible, but are occasionally seen. They 
are both desperate characters and are feared by the whole community. No attempt in now being 
made to arrest them.
OUR TRIPLETS FOR WORLD’S FAIR
Clintwood, VA., February 22 - Your correspondent learns that Joseph Stanley, a farmer who lives 
near this place, has received a letter from the managers of the World’s Fair asking him to 
allow his triplets to go on exhibition during the fair. These children are 4 or 5 years old and 
are strong, healthy, and robust. The request in backed by some tempting offers but Mr. Stanley 
has not yet decided at to whether he will accept.
Circuit Court has just adjourned here after a session of several days. Many people were 
apprehensive of danger from the condition of the court-house, and the Court appointed a 
committee to make an examination of the house, which they did, and stated that in their 
opinions it is unsafe and one of the walls may fall at any time. Court has removed to another 
room and a mandamus awarded against the Board of Supervisors for their neglect of duty in 
regard to the court-house.

NO NEW TRIAL
E. M. Fulton, of Wise Courthouse, who was one of the prosecuting attorneys in the trial of Doc 
Taylor, is here now and was asked as to whether Taylor will get a new trial, and his prompt 
response was, "I think not." It will be remembered that a writ of supersedas (?) was granted in 
his case and that the Supreme Court will pass upon the petition for a new trial. Mr. Fulton was 
the leading attorney for the prosecution in the trial and is confident that no new trial will 
be granted.
The people here have had only one mail during the past week on account of high water. The 
streams have been higher in this section than for many years and some damage is reported.
George W. Robinson, whose illness was noticed in this correspondence a few days ago, died on 
Monday and was interred yesterday. He was about 90 years of age-perhaps the oldest man in the 
county at the time of his death.

MARRIAGE OF A MISSIONARY
Clintwood, VA., March 11 - Rev. L. M. Vanover, of the Missionary Baptist fraternity, was 
married here yesterday to Miss Martha E. Browning, daughter of John Browning. The marriage was 
solemnized at he bride’s parents, Rev. E. A. Dunbar officiating.
Your correspondent learns that the detectives have located Cal and Henan Fleming, the murderers 
of the Mullins family. They are operating a moonshine distillery in an isolated district some 
six miles from this place. Two of the detectives, under cover of the thick brushwood, 
approached near enough to the distillery to see them. There were five persons there in all--the 
two Flemings and three of their nephews. The detectives seeing they were outnumbered, did not 
attempt to make any arrests. The famous John Wright and his brother Sam have undertaken to 
bring these culprits to justice, which they no doubt will do.
There has been some trouble between the Fleming boys and other parties in this vicinity. The 
Flemings are brothers to Henan and Cal Fleming, who together with Doc Taylor, murdered the 
Mullins family last spring. These other parties referred to have helped the officers to 
prosecute the search for criminals, and this is what brought about he difficulties. Your 
correspondent hears that the Flemings have swore vengence against those parties, and there are 
fears of some serious difficulty reacting. The two murderers have escaped arrest so far and it 
is not known to the authorities where they are, but it is generally thought they are in 
Kentucky.

DEPUTY MARSHALL SHOT BY PATTON WILLIS
Clintwood, VA., April 11 - On Saturday, Patton Willis, a young man of Ava, this county, carried 
a load of moonshine whiskey across the Cumberland mountain to supply his Kentucky customers, 
but a United States Marshall, whose name your correspondent has not learned, interfered with 
the sale of the stuff. An altercation ensued between the two men and Willis drew his pistol and 
fired upon the marshal, the ball taking effect, and he died within a few hours. Willis made his 
escape, but it is said a number of Kentuckians are in the vicinity of Ava hunting for him, and 
if he is caught, he may fare badly. He is a man of bad habits, and has been identified with the 
moonshiners for some time past.

HE DROPPED DEAD WHILE AT WORK
Clintwood, VA., April 22 - James Hall, a young man of Ava, this county, died suddenly on 
Wednesday. He seemed to be in good health and while doing chores about the farm he dropped dead.
He was about 23 years of age and it is said was an exemplary young man.
James F. Smith and Miss Uriah Fleming were married at the residence of the bride’s parents on 
Wednesday evening, Rev. David E. Smith, officiating.
Levi M. Vanover, editor of the Clintwood TRIBUNE, is very ill. He has been confined to his room 
for two weeks.

DEATH OF MR. A. J. SKEEN
CLINTWOOD, VA., November 1 - News has reached here that Mr. A. J. Skeen, of Stratton, this 
county, died on Thursday last. He had a cancer about his face., and, after suffering intensely 
for several months, was relieved by death. Mr. Skeen was a prominent farmer, and was regarded 
with esteem by all his neighbors. He was about 60 years of age.
A little 6 year son of Robert Baker, near this place, stabbed his mother with a knife on 
yesterday, inflicting a dangerous if not fatal wound in her left side. Mrs. Baker said 
something to the boy which he did not like, and he threw a large knife at her and the blade 
took effect as above stated. The boy has been almost unmanageable for some time.

DEATH OF MRS. MARY FLEMING
Clintwood, VA., October 14 - Mrs. Mary Fleming, near this place, died on the 9th instant, after 
an illness of one week. Mrs. Fleming was 76 years, 4 months and 21 days old at her death. She
 has lived in this immediate neighborhood for more than fifty years, was well and favorably 
known almost over the entire county. In fact, no one had....

KILLED ON CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN
CLINTWOOD, VA., December 15 - News has been received here that Dolph Wright was killed on 
Cumberland mountain, this county, on Monday evening. Young Wright had been staying in that 
neighborhood for some time, and an old grudge existed between him and one Granville Cox, a 
noted outlaw of that community. On this particular evening Wright went to the house of Cox, who 
was away at the them and stopped with some other parties who were there. After a little time, 
Cox came home and finding Wright and the others there, he ordered them off his premises, but 
Wright refused to go, and Cox drew his gun’ a bullet soon crashed through Wright’s brain, and 
he fell dead. Cox has been selling liquors as that place for some time, an people throughout 
this entire community are afraid to go there. Wright was not yet 20, but has been regarded as 
dangerous. He was the son of John Wright, of this place. He left his father last summer, at it 
was said that he had joined the Fleming outlaws, the murderers of the Mullins family.
George Washington Fleming broke jail here and escaped. He was indicted at the last term of the 
court for felony, and as he could not give bond for his appearance at court he was sent to jail 
to await his trial at future term. There have been several escapes from the jail.....

DRUMMER ROGERS’S CONDITION
COEBURN, VA., August 9 - M. A. Rogers, the Chicago drummer who was shamefully beaten by some of 
the citizens of this place, is now at Gladesville in a critical condition. His spinal column is 
said to have been injured by a blow he received a the hands of one of the enraged citizens. The 
affair occurred some two weeks ago and was fully reported through the DISPATCH, so your readers 
are already familiar with the details in this case. Fourteen of the whipping party were 
indicted at the last term of court, and reports say they are very uneasy over the matter and 
one of them has skipped. The Chicago house for which Mr. Rogers was working sent him $1,000 to 
be used in the case and offered to furnish whatever amount will be necessary for a rigid 
prosecution. Public sentiment is strongly in favor of the ill-treated man.

ACCIDENT TO MRS. FLEMING
CLINTWOOD, VA., January 5 -[Special]-A serious accident befell Mrs. Andrew Fleming, near this 
place, on Tuesday last. She was standing on a chair while arranging something about the wall of 
the house, and by some means she lost her balance and the chair turned over. In her fall one of 
the posts of the chair penetrated her back, inflicting an ugly wound, which is serious and 
probably fatal.

HE KILLED A WOMAN
REPORTED MURDER OF THE WIDOW MULLINS BY "ORB" FLEMING
CLINTWOOD, VA., February 15 - [Special] - Your correspondent has just learned that "Orb" 
Fleming, a brother to the outlaws, Cal and Henan, shot and killed a woman in the vicinity of 
Pound Gap, where the Mullins family was murdered in the spring of 1892. This woman was the 
widow of Wilson Mullins, one of the murdered persons of that family. The report says that she 
was walking about the premises of her home, and was shot by some one secreted in the brush some 
distance from the house, and circumstances point to Fleming as the perpetrator of the foul 
crime. The supposed motive is that as Mrs. Mullins was the material witness in the case against 
Keenen Fleming, she was killed to destroy this evidence against him.

IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
Young Fleming is a desperate character, and is following in the footsteps of his brothers, 
despite their terrible fate, and his course will inevitably bring him to the same end. He is 
not more than __ years of age.
George Washington Fleming, a nephew of the noted outlaws, was arraigned before Justice Ross on 
a peace-warrant. After a hearing the Justice required him to give bond in the penalty of $500 
for his behavior for twelve months. On trial it was proven the Fleming had threatened the life 
of one Newton Ramey, and had even lain in wait for him. It is said that Fleming has been too 
intimate with Ramey’s wife for some time, and this is the cause of the trouble with them.

DICKENSON’S COURT-HOUSE
CLINTWOOD, VA., April 26 - (Special)- Mays, the court-house contractor, is here with a force of 
hands at work. The house is being erected on the site of the old building. Mr. Mays says he can 
use a portion of the old material, and agrees to allow $200 for it out of the price of the 
work. He has the reputation of being a good workman, and it is to be hoped that his work will 
prove to be a better job than the other was.
There was a young cyclone in the vicinity of Clintwood on Sunday evening. William Stanley, a 
farmer near this place, had the roof blown off his house. This is all the damage reported 
except some fences which were blown down.
Zachariah Mullins, 15 year old son, familiarly known as "Buddy", cut his leg very badly with an 
axe while chopping wood on yesterday. Young Mullins will be confined for some time with this 
wound.

HIS CELL A SANCTUARY
LYNCHBURG, VA., August 5 - To-day your correspondent visited "Doc" Taylor, who is confined in 
jail at this place under sentence to hang for the murder of the Mullins family at Pound Gap, in 
Wise county, in the spring of 1892. Taylor seemed very free to talk, and express himself as 
glad to meet an acquaintance from his old home, but he looked some what changed. He said his 
cell was a sanctuary for him; that his daily cure was to praise God, and to make his final 
preparation for a change of worlds. He spoke of his friends in Dickenson and Wise kindly and 
asked your correspondent to remember him to them. He said he had no hope of escaping the death 
penalty, as the Governor seldom ever interfered in matters of this kind, and that he felt 
assured he would not in his case. It worries him very much to think of it, he said, and he 
wished the time would come soon.
John Fleming, a prominent farmer of Wayne county, W. Va., is visiting relatives near here..

DEATH OF MRS. JOHN MULLINS
CLINTWOOD, VA., May 28 -[Special]-Mrs. John Mullins, whose illness was s noted in this 
correspondence, died a few days ago. Some think that the acts of one Emmet Fleming, a nephew of 
the noted outlaw Flemings, were directly the cause of her death. Mrs. Mullins has said some 
very harsh things about the outlaws, and this seemed to enrage young Fleming. One day he met 
Mrs. Mullins, who was in a delicate condition and tried to run his horse over her. She made an
effort to escape, and was very badly hurt, and from that day until her death, de was confined 
to her bed nearly all the time. Fleming is indicted in this court for the act, and a strong 
effort will be made to secure his conviction.
Deputy-Sheriff Contrell went to the house of Rev. Andrew Mullins yesterday evening to levy on 
some property to satisfy and execution in his hands against the latter, and as he was sick in 
bed his wife concluded that she would "do up" that officer, so she just seized a large, 
dangerous-looking pistol, and was in the act of shooting him, as he realized the situation, and 
knowing that he had a family dependent upon him, he concluded not to "stand upon the order of 
his going," but to go at once. Mrs. Mullins in now in hiding from the officers and doubtless 
they are glad for it, for perhaps the do not wish to tackle her.

WAS A FLEMMING THE ASSASSIN?
CLINTWOOD, VA., Feb. 15 - The TIMES correspondent has just learned that "Orb" Fleming, a 
brother to the outlaws, Cal and Henan, shot and killed a woman in the vicinity of Pound Gap, 
where the Mullins family was murdered in the spring of ‘92. This woman was the widow of Wilson 
Mullins, one of the murdered parties of that family.
The report says that she was about the premises of her home, and was shot by some one secreted 
in the brush some distance from the house, and circumstances point to Fleming as the 
perpetrator of the foul crime. The theory of the motive is that, as Mrs. Mullins was the 
material witness against Henan Fleming, she was killed to destroy evidence against him.

KILLED HIMSELF BY DRINKING
CLINTWOOD, VA., - January 16-{Special}- John Vanover, a farmer of Freeling, this county, died 
on Sunday at home. He killed himself by drinking, has been in the habit of drinking to excess 
for a number of years, and one day last week, he drank very hard, and was thrown into a 
lethargic state, from which he never aroused from until death claimed him as a victim. Vanover 
has become a mental and physical wreck, and leaves his family with but little means, as he 
spent all he had for drink..


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