Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-09-16
An Execution in Pioneer Times

In April, 1872, Chippeway Indian 10y
the name of John Omic, or John the son
of Omic, together with an Indian called
Semo, killed two white men at Pipe
Creek, near Sandusky. Semo killed him
self soon after he was taken, and John be.
ing arraigned and indicted before the Su.
preme Court for Cuyahoga County, in
May, 1872, was convicted and sentenced
to be hung on the 9th of June. The
galloWs stood ON the public square, on
the north side, not far from Ontario
street. The Hon. Elisha Whittlesey was
present, and has given an account OF
what took place. He writes:
/ was present at the execution, and as
distinctly recollect the facts | shall mar
rate, as | did the night of the day they
occurred. l was not at the trial, but /
understood that Peter Hitchcock was as
signed as counsel for the accused. The
custody of the prisoner was assigned to
Lorenzo Carter, There being no Jail be-
cause he was man of uncommon ener-
gy, and because he had more influence
over the Indians than any other man in
the West, or at least in Cuyahoga county.
Mr. Carter's house was on the high ground
near the bank, to the right of the road
that descended the hill to the ferry across
the river, and to the left of the street
that leads TO where the light house stands.
The prisoner was confined in a chamber
of Mr.. Carter's house. Strong irons were
above his ankles, with which was con-
nected staple that was driven into n
joist that supported the floor, so that the
prisoner could not 60 to any window
Probably | should have said with more
accuracy, that a chain was attached to
the fetters, and a staple was attached TO
the other end, which was driven into the
ioist, etc. Alter his conviction, Omic
told Mr.. Carter and Sheriff Baldwin (who
was from Danbury,) that he would let
the palefaces see how an Indian could
die; that they need not tie his hands. but
that when the time came he would jump
off from the gallows.
Before Mr.. Carter's house, in the di-
rection of Superior street, was an open
space, somewhat extensive, and covered
with grass. The religious exercises were
held there. Several clergymen were pres
ent, and / think the sermon was deliver
ed by the Rev. Mr. Darrow, of Vienna,
Trumbull county. The military were
commanded by Major Jones, fine look
ing officer in full uniform, but he was in
the condition of Captain McGuffy, of
Coitsville, said he was in when he was
commanded to perform an evolution by
his company and could not do it. His
explanation was, 81 know Baron Steuben
perfectly well, but | cannot commit him
to practice"
Omic sat in his coffin in a wagon paint
ed for the occasion. He was fine look
ing young Indian, and watched every
thing that occurred with much anxiety.
The gallows was erected on the public
square, in front of where the old court
house was erected. After the religious
services were over, Major Jones endeav-
ored to form a hollow square, so that the
prisoner should be guarded on all sides.
He rode backwards and forwards with
drawn sword, epaulets and scabbard flying.
but he did not know what order to give.
The wagon with Omic moved ahead and
stopped; but as the Sheriff doubted
whether he was to be aided by the militia
~ he proceeded onYard. Major Jones
finally took the suggestion of some who