The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1860-07-18
THE INDEPENDENT osKALoosA, KANSAS, JULY is, 1860

ed into tow. in good order. They pro.
ceeded directly 70 the Jail, which they
surrounded. and called for the keys.
Our citisens. who were nearly al
opposed to their mod. Of proceeding
endeavored TO stay them from taking
the law into their own hands. Jddgs
Alexander Messrs. Wilson, Acheson,
Negus, Slsgle. Lamson and others made
speeches, aud made every offer thai
would satisfy them that the prisoner
would be kept safe until be could hsvs
a fair trial according to law. Often
were made to pay the expenses Of 1
COMMITTEES which the mob might ap.
point to guard the jair until a lawfu
trial could be had. Andrew Collins, o
Batavia. also addressed the multitude,
speaking in manner that incised them
to vengeance. From the expressions
at various times it was very evident tha
all the srguments used bad no eject tt
stay the excitement. Loud cries were
made to open the doors and the excite
ment increased. Mr.. Paine. one Of tht
guard. appeared at an upper window
and attempted to make . short state
ment. He said that Krphart was at tha,
moment having bioyF yFaphicsl sketch
Of his life written, and that il wonlt
doubtless be the means OF throwing
light on many things. lie was foor
interrupted oy loud CRIES. Ksason had
to give way to excitement The crowd
wanted no history OF the prisoner-they
wanted his lie.
Several men, among whom We noticed
D. X. Huifstutier. OF WapPello county,
Smith and Harms, Procnrsd post and
having brought It "a bear against the
front door. succeeded IN breaking u
open. Ten or fifteen men then rushed
in and used their bat!er'ns ram against
the wooden door leading into the cells
This was soon removed. Their post
Vas then used against the iron door
which resisted their efforts. An axe
was seized 6y one and the lock cut, and
admission was effected. AS soon "s q
vas known outside that they had found
the prisoner. loud shouts reEt the air
After some DELAY. caused by puttinr
the prisoners clothes on, four men ap.
pearcd with him in their arms. and sur.
rounded BY their friends, carried him
TO wagon aud drove off.
Crowds Of pcopl. were continually
coming in and when the procession ar
rived At the place Of execution there
could not have been less than iron,
twelve 10 fifteen l.nndrcd persons on
the GROUND. The citizens had erected
a substantial gallows on the bank Of the
creek immediately above the place
where the bodies wete found. A grave
had also b-en dug Immediately under
the sallows. Every preparation was
completed. and the people were anxi-
ously waiting the arrival OF the prisoner
The bank on the opposite side Of the
creek was lined win women, children
and men. John Beach a Con greg atioual
Minister made IN inllsmatory address,
say ing that he had always been peaca.
hi. anl la,v abiding cjtixcn aud was Sc
yet. that they would observe tue suO
stance Of the law ana dispense with The
ierm. ana that he was there TO give this
matier coansei'snce by his presence.
ABOUT = O'Clock the cry was raised
that the prisoner had conc. Alter Z
shoEs Delay he Was Drought forward
supported by 'wo mn. wto assisted
MN up the ladder on the Tie gallo~s
lie appeared much exhausted ard his
legs we're very stiff. So much so that il
WAS difficult Tor him 10 place his feet
upon the rounds OF the ladder. lie
was at length placed upon the :...allows.
when lie dropped into "a chair. Efforts
were made 10 induce kcphart to confess
No trial was Lad. every one being SC
firmly convinced Of his guilt that the
matter Of a trial was NOT Thought o.
The services Of minister were moi
offered nor asked for. Two minutes
were now allowed the prisoner to make
a confession. Hc said he was innocent
Of tie mrrIicr Of the woman. lie ap-
poured much concerned aboat his oxen
and watch, and after fumbiing abcu,
his person said tia: he had no. the
watch with him. but that he wished it
and tie oxen should be given TO his son.
He then asked where lie was to be bu.
ricd and il his shroud was made. He