Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1858-08-07
Execution of Wife Murderers.

Execution of Wife Murderers.
We record below the execution BY
hanging, Of two murderers, both of whom
had murdered their wives from a mere
fancied injury. The details OF such events
are sickening we know, but no more so,
we are certain, 10 the reader than 10 the
compiler, whose duty it is TO give the
news, and, in no case, let anything ship,
however unpleasant to his own individ-
ua consideration
The GailOws at BrOOkiyn.--The event
of Friday was the execution, in the King s
County (Brooklyn) Jail, of Jas. Kelly the
murderer of his wife. The murder took
place in June last, and the provocation
TO it seems TO have been suspicion on
the part Of the prisoner, that his wife was
unlai,hlul TO him. Kelly, however, had
always been in the habit Of malIreaIing
his wife, especially when in state Of in
toxication, which was very frequently
The Express reporter gives US The follow
ing description Of the scene:
Kelly, on leaving the Jail,had the hang
mans moose placed abou, his neck ana
his arms securely pinioned.' He came
down the walk with firm step, though
his face was ashy pale. His hands trem-
bled little, but besides this there was no
perceptible emotion. Indeed, the general
remark was that he maintained wonder
fully firm demeanor, though he looked sad
and desponding. On arriving beneath
The gaIIows, lie cast look at the rope a.
bove him, but turned his head Immediate
! ly away.
Deputy Sheriff Sparks then asked Kel-
| Iy if he had anything to say before death,
and Kelly said he had. Then, with
great coolhess, he turned round 10 The
multitude and spoke as follows
Gentemen--belore dying, and going
into the presence OF God. allow me 10
thank from the bottom Of my heart ,he
Sheriff turning TO Mr.. Remsen,) must
also thank the keepers of the jail for their
many kind attentions to me, and trust
that they will remember me in their wish
es for my future. | hope God will for
give me, as forgive all my enemies, and
trust that he will protect and cherish my
children. Them feel for more than for
myself.
Kelly kneeled. and more Latin, pray
ers were said, after which, he was con-
Quoted beneath the gaIlows. Deputy
Sheriff Sparks then read the judgment Of
the Court, and warrant for execution TO
him, 10 which the wretChed man nodded
his head. The Sheriff now stepped for
ward, and shook hands with the con-
demned. The clergyman also bade him
farewell Father Gleason spoke 20 him
in low tone, James, don't be afraid
God will be with you. iIe suffered this
before you on Calvary. You will soon
be in heaven"
The cap was adjusted, and Kelly all the
while calm as any men could be, and not
tremor visible, when the Sheriff waived
his cane. A man standing near the le-
male apartments Of the Jail, waived bis
hand inside the window, and a moment
after down came the weight upon the bed,
and up went The body Of Kelly, il re-
mained suspended about four feet from
the ground.
For about one minute there was no mo.
ton of the frame al all, but after that time
the death struggles began. The arms
wers jerked up, the chest visitly heaved,
and the legs were thrown out with terri
ble force. These hoTTid movements con
linued for about ten minutes, and shortly
afterwards life was declared to be extinct.
Half an hour passed. and the doctors pres
ent pronounced James Kelly dead. and
soon afterwards the jury declared this fact
and The body was cuI down. Then the
multitude dispersed.
Quite number OF ladies Witnessed the
execution from the windows Of the Sher-
IFS parlor, and the male prisoners were
seen forcing their heads through the bar
red windows, in order TO gel sight Of
the horrid spectacle. tH
After KeIIy's body had been cut down,
some friends prepared it for burial. A
rosewood coffin contained the remains,
and on the lid was the following inscrip-
iion jas. Kelly, died July 3Olh,
1858, aged "A years and 10 days"
The body was taken 10 the Flatbosh
Roman Catholic burying ground lor in
iniermeni. i
T'he Gallons IN Kenfucky.-The SEN
ilence Of tue law was carried on Joshua