Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-04-19

Execution or An Ex-MINIsTER IN NEW Or
LEAxs-The execution of George w. StovaIl,
formerly of Virginia, and once Baptist Minis
ter, for the murder of Mary Kay Durand, with
whom he was living at the time, took place in
New Orleans the other day. The PieGyat"e
gives the following account of the execution:
At quite an carly hour, all those who had the
ODen sesame to the Parish Prison, began 10 as
semblc. there being general anxiety manifest
ed to see how n man of education and good in
teIlectual powers would approach such doom
MS that which had been assigned StoVall by the
| laws of his country.
I When we entered the prison yard, our ears
were first greeted by the sounds of sacred music
which came from the doomed mans cell, and
Stovall's own strong and peculiar voice, could
| easily be distinguished by its earnest energy.
| Shortly after IL o'clock, the prisoner, dress
ed in white, and attended by his religious advi-
sers, was led to the spot where the fatal trap
had been prepared. His step was firm, and his
appearance venerable and imposing Directed
| BY n motion, he took his seat, and the eXecu-
toner adjusted the fatal moose. The prisoner
then, after making some remarks thanking the
officers of the prison for their kindness to him,
said:
"Now, gentlemen, must tell yon that have
not been brought to this end because didn't
know better. 1 was raised in county,
Va, by respectable parents, and recciveda pious
education. Indeed, i may say occupied 4 re-
spectacle position in society. But fell, and for
the last fifteen years have been led captive by
the devil, at his will, and now, by an ignobe
death, am about to receive the wages of sin. |
have even held the position of minister of the
gospel, and beloved and respected as such, but
this only shows the height from which have
fallen, and from which all are liable 30 fall, if
they yield to their baser feelings.
''FOr ten years paStl have followed the path
of ruin in New Orleans, and here misfortune
happened me which darkencd all my future life,
but to which do not wish more particularly to
refer. intend to cast blame on no one but
myself Afterwards went to Nicaragua, but,
being forced to return again, gave loose rein to
my vile propensites, and in due course of time
became the murderer that am to-day.
Though late have returned from my wan
behring's to my Saviour-to the merciful Jesus
thou be with me in Paradise feel that my
spirit is like Gagged bird, anxious to escape from
its prison and seek for refuge in the Paradise of
God. Oh, that may have the happiness of
meeting you all therel Lord, sanctify this death
to the salvation of these spectators. Let my
prayer and my words 20 forth to the uttermost
parts of the earth! D, gracious God, make US
penitent in thy presence"
These remarks were made with firm and I'M
waverilg voice, and after the prisoner closed,
the Rev. DIR. Palmer offered up an impressive
prayer for the culprit.
When the prayer was ended, the prisoner
babe a last farewell to DIR. Delcry, DR.. Palmer
and the officers of the prison. He then, after
the cap was pulled down over his eyes, exclaim-
ed in loud voice: "Lord Jesus receive my
spirit" As he uttered the words the trap fell
and his spirit took its flight to the realms of the
Hereafter.