Baxter Shemwell Has Dispute With Lawyers, Shoots One of Them, Jan. 22, 1920

From the front page of The Review, High Point, N.C., January 22, 1920

Finally Shows Up for Trial. . . Baxter Shemwell in Clash With Lawyers. . . Has Difficulty With Maj. Wade Phillips and Solicitor Bower in Lexington. . . Takes Shot at Phillips

Lexington, Jan. 16—Much excitement was created on the streets here this morning about 11 o’clock when Baxter Shemwell was seen walking down Main street with a gash in his face and blood covering it.

Meager details available at this time are that Mr. Shemwell went to the office of Phillips and Bower and an argument ensued; that Mr. Shemwell drew two pistols, whereupon Mr. Bower hit him with a paper weight, inflicting the blood gash; that Shemwell shot, the bullet penetrating Phillips’ clothing near the waist, and that Phillips and Bower disarmed him.

It is said that Mr. Shemwell then came to his home on Main street, secured a rifle, and started back up the street when Dr. W.J. Vestal saw him and persuaded him to come back to his office and have his wound dressed. A warrant was sworn out for Mr. Shemwell charging him with assault with deadly weapon. Mr. Shemwell has given bond.