Another circumstance, the more to be lamented, because of the
respectability of the persons engaged, was the killing of Alfred
Smith, at Newton Stewart, on the 26th of January, 1870.
On that day JOSEPH ASBURY DENBO and wife, who lived in Newton
Stewart, and who had not found the marital relations congenial, were
separating, and a dispute arose as to which should have their
children. DENBO had succeeded in gaining possession of them, when
Alfred Smith, a brother of Mrs. DENBO, rode up on horseback.
A number of persons, relatives of bother husband and wife, were
taking sides in the matter; among them were Wesley Shoulders and
WASHINGTON ATKINS, on the side of DENBO, and George A. and Alfred
Smith, father and brother of Mrs. DENBO, for her. In the excitement
and quarrel, Alfred Smith is said to have fired three shots, one of
which took effect in DENBO'S hip. Several shots were fired on both
sides. Alfred Smith was shot in the back, and from this would death
soon after followed. Both SHOULDERS and ATKINS were tried for the
murder of Smith, but were acquitted. George A. Smith was tried for
assault upon Wesley Shoulders, with intent to kill, and was also
acquitted. Mrs. DENBO was afterward granted a divorce with the
custody of the children.
Published by:
Paoli Business and Professional woman's Club
1950
Copyright 2003-2009 by BJM
