Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-07-13
Execution of Harden,

The execution of Rev. j. S. Harden,
at Belvidere, n j., on Friday last, at
tracted an immense crowd of country
people from all the neighboring region,
but small portion only witnessed the
final scene, as the execution was con-
Quoted quite privately in the Jail yard.
Harden appears to have maintained to
the last the stoical composure which has
attended him from the first, and which
has amounted almost to an Indifference
or disregard of bis fate, which is seldom
seen except in the most hardened crimi-
mails. A few of the incidents of the exc
cution are given 10 the following ex-
tract:
AT nine o'clock, Harden expressed a
desire to visit the scafold, which was
granted. He stood for nearly five min
utes upon the trap door, perfectly calm
and composed, and made close exami-
nation of the gallows. After which he
was conducted back to his cell.
About ten o'clock, his spiritual advi-
sers, the Rev. Messrs. Day and Kirk,
visited his cell, where they remained for
an hour, during which time they engaged
in prayer and singing. He was then
visited by his counsel, Messrs. Shipman
and Depue, who bid him a good bye
To the medical gentlemen he gave his
autograph, remarking at the time, & /
have suffered enough of late, and will
soon be out Of misery" As the hour
arrived for the last act in the drama to
take place, the crowd was so large that
it was with great difficulty they were
kept back.
At II o'clock the prison door was
thrown open, and those who had passes
were allowed to enter. The hour of l
O'Clock having arrived, Sheriff Sweeny
proceeded TO the cell of the condemned
and informed him that the time had ar
rived, and that he must now prepare him
self for the execution of the sentence
In the meantime about fifty persons had
convened in the Jail yard, and about an
equal number in the courtroom. over
looking the scaffold. At twenty-three
minutes past o'clock, he was led forth.
accompanied by the Sheriff and his
spiritual advisers, and assembled the plat
form. Harden then knelt down and Of
fered up prayer, and appeared to be
deeply affected; he then shook hands aud
kissed the Sheriff and clergymen, and
stepped upon the trap.
The cap was drawn over his eyes, the
moose attached to the main pulley, and at
twenty-five minutes to two O'Clock he
was launched into eternity. The fall,
which was four feet, did not break his
neck. After hanging one minute par
tial contortion of the muscles was pereep-
tlble, and at twenty minutes of two there
was slight pulsation. At 10 minutes
of two o'clock be was pronounced dead
by DR.. Madison and Clark. The body
was lowered down and placed in black
walnut coffin and delivered over TO Mr..
+. Rose, who conveyed the same to
Harden's parents. Harden, it is said,
made a full confession to his brother
yesterday afternoon. His remains viii
be inferred on Sunday.
The principal facts in the history of
Harden are known already to the public.
lie was born in 1887, and is now in his
twenty-third year. At school he evinced
unusual preeocity as a pupil, and won
much favor for his proficiency. A few
years later be became school teacher.
and afterward colportepr; and in 1857
was called to preach at Mount Lebanon.
where be attracted much attention by his
powers. He was apt at ingratiating
himself into the esteem of those with
whom he became acquainted.
During his pastorate he became ac-
quainted with Miss Dorling, to whom he
promised marriage. He afterwards at
tempted to obtain a release from this en-
gagement, having preference for Miss
Smith, a young woman of whom Mrs.
Harden was subsequently very jealous.
Five months after the marriage Mrs.
Harden died suddenly, and coroners
inquest was held, which revealed the fact
that she had been poisoned. Her hus-
band had acted strangely during her
sickness, and suspicion was directed to-
ward him. He had now absconded, and
Governor Newell offered reward of
$500 for his arrest. He was found at
Paramount, Virginia, where he was at
work as daguerrean, under the assumed
name of Austin. He was broush back
to New Jersey, tried and convicted.