Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1867-05-15
A TRIPLE ExECUTIoN.


George Goetz, Samuel Case and Alex
snder Aulgus, the three murderers of
James Hughes, on the evening Of Feb
ruary 7th, last, were executed ct Gin
cinnati, on the Both of April. b,so7
Thousands of excited people thong
ed the streets, surrounding the jail,
and 1t required powerful guard ofreg-
ular and special police to keep them
OF. They commenced to gather at day.
light, and remained until it was all
over, although not the least possibility
existed for them to see the sight
There was something ferocious in the
aspect of the crowd, but no breach of
peace occurred. The galloWs was built
against the rear wall of the jail, facing
the rear windows of the courthouse.
from which those admitted by special
permit Witnessed the scene of execu-
ton. 1t stood under a can7as-coVered
shed, sixteen by twelve feet wide and
sixteen feet high. About one hundred
and fifty persons were admitted.
Yesterday the conduct of the culprits
changed. Goetz was doYncast, and
his effort to appear Indifferent painful
ly apparent. He talked freely about
everything but the murder; any allu-
sion to that gave him disquiet. Aul-
gus stunned notice, and applied HIM
self closely to his religious duties. He
expressed great pity for Case because
OF his youth and his trifing conduct
Case behaved only little less giddiIy.
constantly inquired if the Governor
would respite him, and when told he
nf 81 EoE
nothing else. His conduct impressed
every body that he was either crazed
with fear or that his brain was natural.
ly weak.
Father Hicken, a Roman Catholic
priest attended Aulgus and Goetz.-.
Rev. j. NJ. Langley, a Methodist min
ister, of CoVington, attended Case
Last night was spent Wakefully by all
three; Aulgus did not sleep at all. This
morning Goetz was cheerful, ate break
fast, and said he was ready TO die
Aulgus kept close to his prayers. The,
closing hours with Case were verv af-
fecting. His two sisters kept him in
their arms and wet him with tears
Their cries and groans were heartrend-
ing.
Goetz and Aulgus ate dinner. Case
hardly tasted food. At 1890 o'clock
good-byes were said in the jail, and the
culprits, newly clad and each with the
rope about his neck, were
marched out to execution. All the fire.
bells tolled until by q signal it was
known that the laws vengeance was
executed. Up to the last moment hope
was entertained that Case would be re-
spited, but Gov. Cox declined positive
ly TO interpose.
On the gslloWs Goetz asked pardon
Of Hughes widow and orphans. and
thanked heaven the priest had opened
his eyes 10 the light of heaven.
Case spoke few words, expressing
thanks fof the kindness shown him.
Aulgus declined to speak.
When motioned to the drop, Goetz
came forward firmly; Aulgus feebly,
and Case danced forward Iaughingly,
md had to be restrained for decency
AXE. The ropes were adjusted. Said
Ioetz just then, "Heads up; BOYS let
Is die like men," -- ...,'sr
Aulgus-We will do that George.
Case-1 want to die at just two o'clock
n time for the train. E1at i,s ls-.
Case stopped down as he spoke. and
ooked up as if to judge how much ofa
all would be had, and as he did so
aughed the same chuckllng laugh that
lad already horriied those who saw
nd heard him.
Said Goetz again, "don't let US slip
Ike they did over IN Newport" refer
ing to the Watson execution. Case
aid, Strengthening himself, farewell,
goodbye all of you, am not afraid to
lie." Said Aulgus again, goodbye all,
Te're going home" Said Goetz, "God
ave mercy on US three sinners -
White caps were then drawn oyer their
aces, their arms pinioned behind, and
{ twenty minutes past one o'clock the
rop fell. The fall was seven feet
III three neeks were broken. The
odies hung twenty-five minutes, were
ofined snd given to friends, who had
earses ready outside the Jail