Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1869-04-08
Execution of: Andrew Price
His Warning Last Words-In-
cidents Of the Solemn 0cca.
sion.
Especial Dispatch to the Cincinnati Gazette

Especial Dispatch to the Cincinnati GazetteI
IRoNToE, O., April Q.
To-day, between II and 12 A. NJ,
Andrew Price was hung for the muir
der of Hilgenberg. Great efforts had
been made by citizens here for a COM
mutation of his sentence to life impris-
onment The principal reasons for com
mutation were that Speers, the accom-
plice, who was equally guilty, escaped
the death penalty, and also the popular
objection to capital punishment. Gov
ernor Hayes, after full consideration
of all the facts. refused to commute the
sentence, and Price has suffered
death. -r
All the arrangements to secure a
quiet and orderly execution were made
by the Sheriff, Ellswick Guards were
posted around the square on which the
Jail stands, and no one was allowed to
pass. Owing to the notice given by To-
cal papers but few persons were to be
seen in the vicinity of the jail.
At $50 A. NJ. those who were to
witness the execution were admitted to
the Jail. The condemned man was
brought from his cell into the main
room of the Jail.
Price was twenty-eight years old, a
large, powerful looking man, six feet
one and a half inches high, and weigh
ed about one hundred and seventy
pounds. He showed evident signs Of
trepidation, yet no effort to appear
more at ease could be detected. After
singing hymn, in which Price Joined,
and prayer, to which his voice could be
heard in response, Rev. Mr.. Young
read a part of the fifteenth chapter OF
St. Luke, and made few remarks,
showing that the prisoner had right
to hope that through true repentance
there was mercy for him in the world
to which he was fast fastening.
During this time the condemned
man exhibited considerable emotion.
After singing and prayer had been re-
peated, Price was asked if he had any
thing to say.
He said there was but little he could
say. He wished his fate might be a
warning to others who were living wild
and reckless lives. He expressed the
belief that he was prepared to die, and
that he had the pardon of his Maker.
After the religious exercises were
over, those present shook hands with
Price, bidding him goodbye. He ac-
knowledged their kindness, and hoped
tIlay ms fssrur1- ca 70 ronvu noula .
better world. Up to this morning he
has seemed Indifferent to the fate that
waited him. When brought from the
cell this morning he had lost his appar-
ent Indifference, yet did not lose any
of his presence of mind, and although
very humble, there was no appearance
of his losing command over himself.
just before binding him Marshal Nor
gan entered the room. Price bade him
good morning, and in response to a
| question as to how he felt said, aas
well as could be expected" adding
that he had slept but little during the
night.
Those who were present then left the
room, and the Sheriff proceeded to
bind him. Before leaving the jail he
gave some oranges to his fellow-pris-
oners, saying that he would not need
them, and that they would taste good
to them. He was then led out to the
scaffold, a distance of twenty yards
from the jail.
The scaffold was inclosed~ $50 as to
prevent sight of it by any one out
side, The weather was raw and cold,
and slight mist began falling at this
time. Whether from the cold or. the
consciousness of his near approach to
death, q slight tremor seemed to agi-
tate his frame
Il He mounted the scaffold with as firm
a tread as bound man could. After
the rope had been adjusted, Price was
asked if he had, anything tossy. Point
ing TO Rev M Thomas, who vas
standing on the top step Of the scafold,