The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-16
Execution of Joseph w. Thornton, In St.
Louis.
from the st. Louis Democrat, Nov.

From the st. Louis Democrat Nov. 12l
The last act in the terrible tragedy involving the death
oil Joseph Charless Esq., performed yesterday after
noon at quarter past three o'clock.
Preparations for the execution commenced at
twelve O'Clock, by Deputy Marshal Eyes, who adjusted the
rope around the beams put the trap OF the scat
fold in its proper position Every officer connected with
te la was oeseeed with persons asking questions as to
what time 1t would take place, &C. but very definite
answer could be given
The friends of the condemned seemed anxious If Dos
sbe to exhaust all the time allowed by the sentence in
hopes that the Governor would change his mind as was
understood that despatch had been TO him in the
morning, asking for respite. The moments were almost
counted by the persons who had assembled in.
SIDE the JAN yard to crafty their curiosity, until
three ., o'clock, when the prisoner, supported
steps from the jail Immediately behind him followed
the reverent gentlemen who had mnstered SO faithfully
to his spiritual wants during his confinement On emerg
ing from the Jail Thornton recognized two or three Old
acquaintance In the crowd who stood eagerly watching
ms approach On seeing them pleasant smile appeared
upon his countenance, and giving o gentle bow OF hs
head he passed the steps Of the scaod which he
assembled more rapidly and vigorously than did any per
fold be seated himself between the two clergymen and
looked around him DESTROYS of seeing some one he
knew The slightest tremor visible in his move
mens and his conduct utterly astonished every person
who witnessed it.
He asked by the Marshal II he had ANYTHING 10
and replied in the negative by shaking his head he then
declared himself ready and stood upon box placed upon
the trap door The slightest quvering Of nerve could
warrapt which Mr.. Cunningham held in his hand and was
about TO read to him. This being DONE Deputy MARSHAL
n tvhi
while Mr. Cunningham pnioned his arms behind his baI
with small cord. THE cuprit dressed in q brown
coat and pantaoons which lac during the trial and
apair Of boots, which appeared almost new. He wore
heavy musachc and had probably neglected shaving for
some time The rope being adjusted all the persons on
inc scano,d who had accompanied the prisoner stood
back, while the clergyman read prayers; after
which all was declared ready, and at fourteen
minutes past three o'clock the murderer of Joseph
Charcss hung suspended between heaven and earth.
His neck was broken by the fall although great many
persons thought life lurked and fingered In his BODY for
A yer haa,.
was distinctly heard for few seconds and his legs drew
up and his twched several times In his struggles
at time his right hand seized Of the planss OF the
scanold, and thought he about 10 aemp to save
himself thereby. But the lamp OF life had been cxtn-
guished and il was merely motion OF the muscles which
we saw. His stomach heayed twice during the
time we heard the stied breathing Three physicians
Drs Philips, A'ncau and Wbtmore-T In attendance,
and after hanging sixteen minutes he pronounced by
them TO be dead and cut down. Then II was ascer-
tanned contrary to expectations, that the neck had been
broken BY the fall.