Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-06-22
The Murderer.

Anton Probst, the German, who mur-
dered the Decriug family, was hung on
Friday last. He seems to have been per.
fectly resigned to his fate. 1t is one of the
strange PHILOSOPHERS of the human mind
that person guilty of the enormous crime
OF this man, should feel easy when his last
honr on earth has come.
PREPARING FOR EXECUTION.
The Sheriff, wishing to accommodate tho
prisoner in his desire for all early exeen-
tloh' soon sent word to the cell of the con-
demned man that he was ready. The cler-
syman returned an answer that they were
quite prepared and thereupon the sheriff
visited the cell in company with one or two
Others. Probst appeared to have been en-
gagged in religious devotion. He tightly
pressed in both hands crucifix, and seem.
ed unmoved as the officers approached him.
The sheriff tn n 'dres sed Probst about "A
follows:
anton. am hear for the purpose Of
performing the unpleasant duty of execut.
ing the punishment which the law has i'm.
posed for the offence of which you have
been convicted. Your excellent religions
advisers inform me that you are Quite
ready"
Probst quietly and gently said, .That is
so."
AS the clergyman had requested that the
prisoners arm, should not be pnioned, in
order that he could carry crucifix in his
hands to the scaffOld. the Sheriff made M
objection In fact he had previously deter
mined not to landcnlf the culprit behind
his back, and SO Probst walked to the gal.
lows with arms free, something very un-
usual in executions. IIc was attired in q
coarse muslin shirt a pair of prison pants.
and pair of brogans, wearing neither
coat, vest nor suspenders.
| During the march, the clergy eyhorted
Probst,> who] manifested no signs of fear.
but tightly grasped the crucfiX, PRESSING T.
to hls lips, and showed every sign of prep
aration. He walked with firm step. but
there was no evidence Of brayado in his
demeauor.
THE EXECUTION.
he procession soon reached the place
fol death, PrObst all the while maiptaininr
the same gravity of demeanOr that had
characterized his conduct for the past few
days The sight of the gallows did not uu-
nerve Inn; indeed, it seemed to affect some
OF the spectators more deeply than the GRIM
lnal. He walked up the ladder with firm
step, paying little or no attention to those
around him, or to anybody in fact, eycapt
his religious advisers, Only once dur;nc
the ceremony had his mind, apparently
wandered to other things, As he was leay-
lns his cell the keeper who had mainly
taken charge OF him extended his hand and
said good bye" Probst responded" good
bye" While lhs voice choked with emotion.
and tears ii led his eyes. Reganing his won
ted composurc, he maintained 1t thereafter
to the end Probst was accompanied on tho
scaifold by lis clergyman. the sheriff and
Mr.. Perkins. Without hesitation, he knelt
upon the drop with the priests and togeth-
er they recltcd the acts Of faith, hope, char.
lty aud contrition; the Lords PRAYER, the
Hail Mary and the apostles creed in the
German language, the victim repeatedly
kissing the crucihx.
The last act was alone to be performed
and the tragedy was over. Quickly Proh.t
was handcuticd and the moose placed
around his neck. Not a mllrmur escaped
his lips. and his eyes barely sufflsed with
tears were turned to heaven. The white
cap was then placed upon his head, but he
still stood firm; there was no trembling
and but tho least agitation. Coura@eOusly
had the culprit prepared to meet his fate,
But moment more and the murdered
Deerin%S would be avenged so far as man 5
laws could avenge them. 4 last PRAYER
from Father Grlndner. II signal, the drop
fell, and Anton Prohst had gone to his last
account.