The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-01-22
The Execution of Mrs. Grinder.

| This woman, who confesses to the commits
sion of two murders by poison, for which nc
adequate motive could be assigned, was hung
at Pittsburg yesterday. We find the follow
ing incidents in the special report of the PhiIa.
delphia Inquirer
Mrs. Grinder stated that she was born in
1928, and was lie entirely alone at quite an
early age, and being under no restraints
whatever, became indifferent as to her moral
welfare. At the age OF fourteen she was mar
rled. The man VINO then became her hus-
band died, and left her with two children.
She subsequently married her present hus-
band, George Grinder. She has often suffered
extreme poverty, and her life has been rather
a severe one. She seems very anxious on ac-
ouut of Mr.. Grinder, who she fears will suffer
on account OF her crimes
On Wednesday she was allowed to see her
husband for the last time. When she mel
him on this occasion the thought of being a,
last forced to bid him long farewell seemed
to fash across her mind, and as she related to
him the painful Intelligence she completely
broke down, and for some time could not be
restored. Her whole nervous system ave
way. She sobbed as though her heart would
break. She continued to be hysterical for a
considerable time, aud so affected her husband
that he, too, gave way to his feelings, and the
unhappy pair mingled their tears together
Warden White, who was present at the time,
relates the facts as trying to the feelings Of any
human being He saw that the presence o.
the husband was likely To render his prisoner
mole helpless and feeble than ever, and he ac-
cord ngy ended the interview as soon as pos
sible. When Mr.. Grinder left the jail, lie
went out like Que utterly broken in spirit ana
unconsolabe.
This was the last and only emotion she ex-
hibited from the day Of her arrest to the mo-
ment of her death. n.t
Her conduct on the scafold is thus describ
ed /:
She took a seat provided for her on the
scaltold, aud remained entirely unmovsr
WI; le prayer was being offered in her be-
Ja-f her features wore p .easant smile
from the time she eft her cell untii the tala
white cap was drawn over ler face Not
muscle quvered; not an expression OF the coun
eAaAce escaped her that could by any p ',s
ulliiy be construed into either relnors., OF teai
II death, metal aglLati ~ or ANY kl.ldreu
emotion.
Jon to appear calm a.d comp ,sed iG Wa.
Violently natural and entirely unaffected, wni,
words were being sp 'keii q ner by the She
sltf. her spirlual adviser AID otl.els on IT,
eatfoid, even wllile Liie niJsse n.as being a,l-
lUsted, she best ,wei on 1aef H. allsas k,tb
araeetu inclination Of the tread, coupied VT.
Il sweet snii e.
Iii answer to question whether she desr-
! I'M
uer, she replied in mid and cheerful tone.
her face still beaming with snAi es, that sh,
wished nothing more, but before the cap Wa
drawn down over her face she glanced plea
sanity around at the spectators, aud theh
cast her expressive blue eyes upwards.
She struggled violently when the drop fell,
and pulsation was discoverable 20 minutes al
forwards. In half an hour she was prouounc-
ed dead The following is her confession
PITTsBURG, Jan. Is, 1s65.-In view of my
departure, in few hours, from earth, wan'
10 say that l acknowledge my guilt in the
case Of Mrs. Carnthers, and Also IN the case OF
Miss Buchanan, but am innocent OF all other
charges made against ME in the papers, Tor
poisoning people. But, bad as have been,
1 feel that God, for Christ sake, has forgiven
me, and through his mercy hope to find all
entrance into heaven. die without any hard
feelings to any one, forgiving all as l hope to
lie forgiven.
Mr.. Stewart has been very kind to me, do
lug all in his power to make me comfortable,
and pray that he may be assisted in his du-
", and be rewarded for his kindness. Mr..
" hite has also been very kind, and has treat
ed me with respect always. May God be good
to him. II l had been faithful to my church
duties it would have been different with me
now. But am thankful that God is so good
as to return to me. now that do try to come
back to him. Her
(Sgued) HARTHA X GRINDER. .
mark.
Witnesses, A. C. Holmes, Il. Sinsabaugh.
Speaking of her last hours, the Reporter
says
She lay on a couch in her cell, awaiting the
hour of her execution, and no child OF iouI
summers could display more simplicity o
cahuness, or apparent thoughteSsness OF hav-
ing committed crime. Shortly before being
led to execution, she desired to have her heac
dressed, and was very particular in her III
>tructions to the woman IN attendance to III
up her hair SO that it would not come down
On several occasions during the morning, SHE
sta ed emphatically that she had not tle
slightest fear If death, as she knew she wouo
be saved, but only expressed her regret al
being made sort OF public spectacle OF, a"o
the manner of her death displeased her
There is something inexpii able in the entl IS
conduct of the woman. Something more tia
courage, physical strength, or even faith, ina
conduced to enable her to bear herself VIII.
such astonishing, not only fortitude, but meek
ness, gentleness, and childlike cheertuness
She has been a marvel and wonder to al
who have had any association with her sine
her conviction.