Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-08-20
SECOND EDITION
THE GALLOW VS.. +
Murder.
Immense Throng of People I'm At.
tendance.
The FOrtitude and Resignation Of the
Condemned Men.
Full Description ofscenes, Incidents,
etc., etc.
THE GALLO w s.

The approaching execution of James
Calvin and Sam. Moody, the latter
colored, has been the theme oftalk among
all classes for several days. An effort had
been made, it was known, to procure q
reprieve for Calvin, or at least COM
mutation of the sentence to imprison-
ment for life; but within the last two
or three days it became the prevailing
opinion that the Governor would not
interpose his clemency, and that without
remarkable providential interference,
the execution of both men would take
place at the appointed time. Both the con-
demned men became obi ects ofincreasing
interest, ard by this morning nothing
else, comparatively speaking, was spoken
of. Whatever the motives, there are
always a large number of people who
are ready and anxious to witness an exc
cution. We were surprised by the great
number of applications made confluence
q pass within the walls. The Sheriff gave
it out some days ago that only the police,
the officers of the courts members of the
press, and few others, would be i'd
mitted-in all perhaps not two hundred.
At an early hour there were groups of
people, principally colored, gathering in
close knots around the Jail and in eye
shot Of the gallows, snxiously awaiting
anything that might turn up or down.
THE GALLONS.
It's construction was perfect in every
shape. The platform was about ten
feet from the ground, five feet wide and
four long, and assembled by fifteen steps.
The trap, about three by four feet, was
attached to the platform by two large
hinges, supported by strong upright, to
be removed by trigger from the top.
| The whole was covered with tarpaulin.
All the wood works were painted black,
and were constructed by Mr.. James
| Grant, who evidently understood how to
make the machine. A
| RUMoRs.
A great many of the spectators who
were present and became impatient were
easily made to believe that no hanging
would be done to-day. Madame Rumor
whispered into their ears that a pardon
had reached the Sheriff, and both con-
demned to be hung this day should be
sent with the first train to the State Peni-
Tertiary at Nashville. This rumor, how
ever, as we'll as great many others,
proved to be false. A great many Of the
spe ctators who heard this left the scene,
and no doubt assisted Madame Rumor in
spreading the report through the city.
A couutryman, who by some means
procured q pass to the Jail yard, in look
| ing at the scaffold, expressed his surprise
In this way: 20 gosh l seen gallows
before, but It meyer looked like this ere
thing. I'll bet Eve dollars they meyer
hang a man here in month; there is no
power attached to this ere thing" We
met the same man in street car coming
up town after the execution, and heard
him say that he never saw thing "done
40 slick in his life." He couldp't under
stand how these men that got hung could
stand that hard jerk when the trap-door
fell.
GALvIEs CRIME.
Galvin's crime vas the murder of John
Fentop, a member of the Metropolitan
police force, on the 26th Of December,
1867. Calvin and some others we're
drinking at the Delta Saloon, on Main
street, between Winchester and Com
merce streets. A couple of negroes
came along and became involved in a
fight with some Of Galvin's companions.
Fenton came along, going to bis dinner,
carving in his hand q silver cup as o
present to his sisters child. He at
tempted to arrest the belligerents. He
arrested one of the men and started for
Calvin, when the latter drew pistol and
shot him. Fenton had been knocked
down and very roughly used before draw
ing a pistol, and before he was shot.
Fenton lived few days and died Gal
win was arrested and tried before Judge
Bigelow, acting Criminal Judge, and
sentenced to be hung. Judge Hunter,
we understand, subsequently signed q
petit,on for Galvin's pardon or reprieve.
Calvin proved to be rough customer in
iail. and once succeeded in getting ont.
Police officers Farrell, Scott and Welch
captured him six months afterward in
South Memphis, where he had place
of rendezvous. During his enlarge
meut he was shot at several times it is
reported. and his presence in some rural
neighborhoods caused great alarm.
xooDY's CRIME.
Sam Moody, the negro. was engaged
with three others, Ford, Jones and Bed
ford, in robbing Yeatman's store, on
Monroe street, on the night of June Sd,
1868. Captain s. Perry, at that time
: commanding the SECOND District of the
Metropolitan Police, heard the noise, and
with two Of his men, attempted to arrest
than. The bold robbers, when confronted
BY the police, Ered several shots, and then
escaped. Capt. Perry vas desperately