The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-15
the DEATH PENALTY IN OHIO.
SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO the nEaAlo.

Execution of w. q. Smith mt Washington,
Fmyette County, Ohio, for the Murder Of
John Gray.
CINCINNATI. Dec. IA, 1865
w. g. Smith suffered the extreme penalty OF the law
at Washington, Fayette county, Ohio to-day tor the
murder OF John Gray tho 10Th Of October 1884 He
was born in 1916 In tho State OF Virginia, and
removed 10 the state Of OHIO during the year
1856. He attributes his fltc TO the infiucncc
Of evil associations, denying positively his guilt
to the actual killing Of Gray; but acknoweges
he was an accessory. We called the condemned
last night for the purpose o. e,e,.ns Information n
ont complaining Of excessive talking He appear
cd perfectly calm, and bad, previous TO our calling been
quite cheerful conversng freely AID smoking his pipe
with perfect composure. Since his conviction he has
closely confined in an iron cage about eight feet
wide by probably seven fect high, occupying
az The bacy cell In The second story OF the prison build
ing His wife has been with him during the
past week, and appears perfectly heartbrokcn During
our stay in the prison she occupied position near the
H. ad his bed swinging her body and fro indicating
great mental suffering. The instrument OF punishment
Yves. end Of the building sheriff straley had taken all
the precautions to have the execution conducted
in secrecy. as directed by law Az mcclure OF about
twenty feet square had boon erected protection from
the gaze Of the popuace On the side Of tho structure
adjoining the jail was PLACID platform IN
give the prisoner fall Of about twenythrce inches
The day bright and cheerful, and, excepting the
cold pleasant Notwithstanding the knowledge OF the
fact that the execution would be conducted secretly.
thousands focked to town. The fences and In some
places the buildings in the neghborhood Of the jail
crowded with people who could just much Of the
execution had they remained at horne. At about one
O'Clock the prisoner brought into the inclosurc
companied by his spiritual advisers the Sheriff. his dep
uiics and r. NJ. Briggs the prisoners counsel Smith
assembled the platform with firm, unfatering step and
took seat the fatal trap. After very impressive
prayer by Rev. Mr. Emerson, the prisoner arose and
heard bis death warrant and the decision OF Governor
Cox read by Deputy Sheriff Blackmore, which he
listened 10 aitentivcy. His demcanor during all this
ceremony exhibited aaecree OF rarely equalled
After the Deputy Sheriff had finished reading, Sheriff
Straley asked the prisoner II he had any remarks to
make Smith arose and said, az near rs wo could
getit:-
want to make fow remarks, gentlemen. am in
nocent OF the murder Of old John Gray, perfectly
innocent. hope will be thelast suffer death
In this way This Is a solemn occasion. have been
very wicked For ffty years have lived in rebel
lion against God but thank God. put my trust In
Him. Gentlemen, death has no tcrrors for me- We all
have TO de II Is only matter of time don't fear
DEATH but regret the manner in which have TO die
and tho disgrace IL will bring 10 my family. What
have said TO Mr. Briggs and Mr. Emerson Ii strictly
true. THIS Is all, I believe, have to say.
Shern Straley then inquired II he was ready.
Yes" replied Smith, sswben bid farewell to my
friepdsn Then turning 10 Judge Briggs he bid him
goodby and thanked him for his kindness In his behalf
and Mr. Emerson hrs spiritual adviser, he expressed
wish To meet him in heaven; then 10 the Sheriff and
the rest present he bid adieu.
The drop foil haf-past O'Clock, and Smith died
without struggle After hanging twenty -fvc minu
the body cut down and delivered TO hts friends.