New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-08
EXECUTION or BENNETT.
Fam TIL, Lovi,r,H, Democrat Feb. 2

From The Loui,rHe Democrat, Feb. ?
Yesterday in accordance with the sentence Of the
law, George Huner alias Bennett, was executed for
the murder of Thomas Mullen. He wac taken from
Jail at II o'clock by Capt. Mcgowan, the Sheriff OF
the county nded by bis Deputies and escorted by
the police force OF the city. large and anxious
crowd had assembled in the street in front of the jail
all eager TO have a look at the prisoner. Carriages
had been provided for the occasion for his convey
ance, as well a Of the clergyman, the Rev. ). l..
Adams, and others in attendance. As soon as the
cortege started the street thronged with people,
who, foot accompaniment to the place Of executlon
and everywhere along the route hundreds Of persons
were stationed TO the condemned he passed along
Arriving at the place of execution, situated near
the intersection Of Broadway aud Eighteenth street,
larger concouse of people were found already asse
bled consisting Of men, women and children, TO the
number of nearly FIVE thousand. At the sight OF the
carriage containing the prisoner the greatest excite
ment pervaded the crowd for a few moments, but 1t
soon quoted down az he got out and mounted the
scafold. He firm, calm and collected exhibiting
no remor or anxiety whatever, and not breath was
heard when the Rev. Mr.. Adams rose and addressed
the people, recommending order and decorum on this
solem occasion. Bennett then stepped forth and ID
firm voice said that be was not guilty of the crime
Of murder
Prayer was offered w to God by the Rev. Mr..
Adams after which the prisoner desired him to tell the
people that be died in the full hope OF Heaven Capt
Mcgowan, tie Sheriff. adjusted the fatal moose, after
covering the victims head with cap. he then oade
farewell to the minister and officers around him. and
earnestly asked if there any one around who De,
" heyed be was innocent" The response, 81 do, y
was heard and just then the drop fell and al was
over His neck, It was thought was broken on the
instant az but one spasmodc contraction OF the ooly
was seen and no more. He hung about hfteen min
utes, when the Sheriff cut the cord and the oody was
placed IN cein for interment just ct that moment
woman, aInOst wild with excitement, forced her way
70 the foot Of the scafod begging for the Sherin 70
send the BODY TO lis unfortunate wife, who was acost
crazy with grief and despair. The wish wa compiled
with and the body sent 10 her for burial. The sym
pahies of the community are demanded for this poor
woman, who j. in tie EXTREMIST de-titutlon with a
rrIa child TO support. We hope the charitable WI
at once relieve her necessities aud alleviate her dis.
tres She resides al the corner OF MAIN and fioyd
streets.
In conversation Yesterday afternoon with es-
teemed friend the Rev. Samuel l. Adams, Bennett
spiritual adviser learned many facts aud incidents
concerning the unfortunate man. some OF which Will
doubtless prove Interesting 10 our readers his rear
name was George Huffner, and be was born ID Ger
many. He came TO this country when srnau cnild,
and bis parents located at ST. Louis There they soon
died. he ndi.tlnctly recollected the death OF BIZ
mother and Of her burial but was 20 young a. tne
time that the occurrence appeared as dream ne
Wac taken 10 the Platte country, and ms sister snl
two brothers were placed in orphan asylum, or as
posed Of otherwise Previous 10 the year s4I ne iei,
The Platte country and coming to St LolE made IN,
cures for his brothers, of whom be ascertain.1
lived IN Illinois not far distant and whom be saw ne
early commenced q life Of crime, but on coming 20
Louisville during the great food 10 ls47 ne deter
mined 10 reform and learn trade He then passed IN
der the esSumed name Of Join Gay. lie eommenced 20
learn the timing trade the corner OF fOarth eid
Main streets worked two weeks, when be engaged IL
a GENE Of cards Sunday with some OF TIE appIen'
tees. be was beaten and bed his feee piSeHec aho
difficulty arising resulted n tight TIE matter wa
roHgtt before the empoyU toe p"N "Hy ana q !