Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-06-09
EXECUTION OF JOHN EARI.s.
wILLIAMsPnRr. PA. MAY ,

"iLhiAMSfohIi PA MAY -.
Yesterday, at three clock, the sem
tence Of the law was executed upon
JOHN EARIs. who was con, icted Of the
murder Of his wife, at the court Of Over
and Terminer in Lycoming county, in
February last.
The Sheriff, accompanied by his de-
puties, and Mr.. Armstrong, Deputy At
torney-General, DIR. Ludwig, and the
Jury summoned for the occasion, were
escorted to the prison by the volunteer
companies Of infantry and riilemen of
our borough, under the commands of
Captains Heylmun and Seller, at about
one o'clock. When we entered. the
prisoner was engaged in iervent devo-
ton, in company with the Rev. MesSrs.
Thomas and Lenhart-whom he had
requested to attend him in the trying
hour. The devotion was continued for
some time, during which Earls mani
tested the most intense anxiety-plcad-
ing tor mercy. occasionally exclaiming,
d" | think God will have mercy-I de-
pend upon t." and then again crying
80, sustain me in nv difficulty" At
one time his efforts seemed TO be ex-
hausted, and with an imploring look he
said TO Mr.. Lenhart, teach me what
to say" While he remained inside,
he called for drink - a little wine
and water was given him. When he
called for this nourishment, our mind
was Involuntary carried back TO the
death scene Of his murdered wife
The only word she uttered after their
neighbor. Mrs. Schiller. went in, was
" drink !" and when offered her, she
was unable to take it, AT about %
minutes before two, the robes of death
were presented to him, and he was
kindly called upon by the Sheriff to
change his clothes for the habiIinents
of the grave. He cried out in agony,
90, can't, | can't-help me-" lie
was assisted by the Sheriff and his de-
putty.
At , o'clock the Courthouse bell
was tolled, when the unfortunate man
was taken to the scaIold. He ascend
ed with firm and comparatively COM
posed step. accompanied by Mess-s.
Thomas and Lcnhart. Solemnity and
awe pervaded the scene the prisoner
occasionally glancing at the rope by
which he was soon to be suspended,
and then at the persons who had as
senbled to see him pay the forfeit of
his life to the offended majesty Of the
law. Scarcely any thing was heard
save the breathing aspirations TO God
in behalf of the short-lived man. Soon
after, the hymn commencing.
prepare me, gracious Lori"
was given out by Mr.. Thomas, and
sung; the sounds seemed to break as
upon the stiffness of morning. The
Throne OF Grace was then fefvently adj
dressed by Mr.. T., who implored mer-
cy for the dying convict. At 20 min
utes after two, the death-warrant was
read by the Sheriff. from the scaGold
Immediately alter which. Mr.. Lenhart
rose and feelingly addressed the pri-
soner, telling him that his voice, which
be had so often heard within the pri.
son, was now raised for the last time
within his hearing. THE wages Of
sin" said the minister Of truth. sis
death-but if the wicked forsake his
way, and the unrighieous man his
thoughts, the Lord hath said he would
have mercy upon him lie sobbcd a
loud in reply. and burying his face in
his hands, cried out, 'Oh, God have
mercy"
At % minutes before 3, his arms
were pinioned by the Sheriff, amid
cries Of agony, lamentations. and tears
He then walked forward TO the fatal
spot, when the rope was carefully adj.
iusted by the Sherin-this officer eyinc-
ing during the whole Of this trying
scene the utmost kindness and ankle
~ for his enthusiastically en-
couraging him BY words Of comfort
and areference 10 the Christians source
Of strength and hope Soon after the
rope was adjusted, he was taken leave
OF by his spiritual advisers, and also by
Bradin. the jailer and deputy sheriff
Much feeling was elected from the au.
dience by this affecting exhibition. Al
a quarter before 3, the bell tolled again.
when the cap was drawn over his face
by the Sheriff, who immediately de.
scended from the sea6old and took the
axe in las hand to cut a small rope by
which alone he was held IN existence.
tie remained standing erect. engaged
in audible devotion. llis awful stua-
ton at that time Is beyond description
Suspended in mid-air, awaiting only
tho stroke Of the bell, which was the
signal for a stroke much more terrible
It could not fail to impress deeply the
minds 81 all WHO witnessed IT. A mo-
ment before the bell sounded on our
anxious ears, he again called Tor drink.
The uplifted axe fell harmless, that bis
latest wish might be gra6fed. After
drinking, be called on Mr.. Lenhah to
pray, which was very briefly done -
He now seemed 70 have lost the ba-
lance Of hiss mind. owing perhaps to-