Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-05-22
Execution of Robert Fogler.

Robert Fogler was hung at Washington,
| Pa, on Wednesday, May 18th. The con-
demned spent the entire morning In private
devotions in his cell, and at L o clock Revs.
i Herr and Watkins waited upon him and re-
manned with him until the final scene on
the scaffold Throughout the morning, ev-
1 cry hour persons from the surrounding
country arrived in town, and by one o clock
large crowd had Assem- bied In the vicinity
of the Court House. A guard was placed
around tt building, but there was very
little need OF such precautiOn, as the crowd
maintained most orderly demeanor through
out the time Shortly after one clock,
those who had been furnished with tickets
were admitted to the Jail yard, where the
scaftold was erected, and arranged them
selves about the dread instrument of death
About fifteen minutes after one, Sheriff
Smith entered the cell of the condemned
and announced that the time had now
come. The Sheriff was deeply affected
and could not restrain tears. Fogler main
tanned complete composure, and extending
his hand with a smile on his countenance,
said: Cheer mp, Sheriff; | am prepared. :"
lhe religious exercises were then conclu-
ded, and everything being then in readiness,
the prisoner, supported by Revs Watkins
aud Herr, on either side, followed by Sher-
1T Smith, proceeded to the jail yard, and
ascended the stairs of the scaffold with
firm step. On arriving on the scaffold a
tervent prayer was offered by Rev. James
IL. Herr, the prisoner responding in an
earnest tone. just before his hands were
pInloned, the unfortunate young man step
ped to the front of the scaffoldnd looking
steadtastly for moment AZ the crowd as
sembled about him said
q Ia T
a true and full confession before God and
my fellow men. am about to pass through
the dark valley of the shadow of death, and
will die with the full assurance that an all
sufficient Redeemer will receive my spirit.
thank the Sheriff and these Reverend
gentlemen for their many acts of kindness.
L hope to meet the Sheriff as well as all
here present, in heaven. [ have here a
written statement, which [ desire to have
published in the Washington and Pittsburg
papers, and also in the Beaver papers. [
bid you all good bye"
4 benediction was then pronounced bv
Rev. Watkins, when Squire Dongan stepped
up on the scaffold and took leave Of the
condemned, receiving from his hand the
written confession previously alluded to-
Sheriff Smith then pinioned the arms of
the condemned, adjusted the fatal rope,
and then took leave imprinting kiss on
Fogler's cheek. Foger returned the kiss
aud said MAY God have mercy on your
soul.
The prisoner then uttered fervent prayer,
when a white cap was drawn over his head,
and the next instant dull, heavy thud was
heard, and the lifeless body was dangling
in the air. The trap fell at 127, and in
thirteen minutes thereafter life was extinct.
The body remained SuSnandad oyar tUan+,,
at the end of which time Drs
Clark, Brisbine, Wilson and Emory exam
ined it, and finding all signs of life extinct,
it was taken down at twelve minutes before
? clock
The body was placed in neat walnut
coffin, and sent to Georgetown, Beaver
county, Pa, for interment The condemn |
ed was dressed in new suit of black broad |
cloth, white shirt, and black necktie