Warner, W. W. "Wall" died 1903

WARNER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/14/2014 at 06:21:06

Elgin Echo, Thur., 29 Jan. 1903.

Clermont, the little town to the north of us, had a shooting affray Saturday afternoon in which Hughbanks, the city marshal of that place, shot and instantly killed one W. W. Warner of that city. Particulars of this affair are not as easy to obtain as might be supposed and reports seem to contradict each other to a certain extent. The facts as near as can be gleaned are about these:

Saturday morning the marshal was in a saloon of that place when Warner entered and upon seeing Hughbanks made some remarks intended for his benefit, afterwards becoming quite noisy. The marshal told him he would have to desist; this Warner resented and a "mix up" ensued, Hughbanks receiving a severe scratch on the nose while Warner was struck over the head with a bottle disabling him for the time being. The marshal then left the place and was not seen around there again for some time.

After dinner, about two and one half hours after the occurance of the morning, Hughbanks and a couple of friends entered again and as the marshal was drinking a glass of lemon sour Warner came in, this time carrying a stick of wood. The marshal saw him and in turning told him he was under arrest, but the club in Warner's hand descended striking Hughbank's upon the side of the head and shoulder; (some say the club was thrown) and rebounding struck a young man who was standing nearby. At this point the report of a revolver was heard and Warner fell fatally wounded, one ball had entered the body of the dead man, and Marshal Hughbanks was bound over to await the action of the grand jury which will meet at West Union this week. He is now in charge of Sheriff Finch.

The coroner's jury found that Marshal Hughbank's had not done his duty in allowing Warner to go un-arrested after the morning's trouble.

The news of the violent death of W. W. or "Wall" Warner, as he was better known, spread over the country like wild-fire. The man was known by many and it is stated that his reputation was not of the most savory character. Much interest will be manifested in the doings of the grand jury.

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Elgin Echo, Thur., 5 Feb. 1903.

Policeman Hughbanks of Clermont, who shot and killed W. W. Warner while in the discharge of his duty a week ago Saturday at that place, was discharged by the grand jury at West Union. The shooting was a deplorable occurrence but one which is apt to occur during the lifetime of every officer of the law. The jury found that Hughbanks was in the discharge of his duty when the shooting occurred and he was therefore set at liberty.

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Submitter is not related.

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