The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-04
HE GALLOW s.
Execution of Two Negroes in
South Carolina.
Making Twelve for the Murder of
One White Man.
Full Details Of the Tragedy in Union County
Scenes and Incidents at the Execution.


Scenes and Incidents at the Execution.
UNION COURT HOUSE. 8. O., April 20, 1871.
The last two OF the Stevens murderers were exc.
cuted here to-day. These were named henry
Cannon and Taylor Palmer both negroes, and
they make twelve altogether who have suffered
death for the murder Of George Madison Stevens on
the 31st December last, at eight p. M.
THE HISTORY OF THIS FOUL DEED
Is already familiar to many OF the readers OF the
HERALD. About dusk on the last day Of 1870 Ste
vens who was WAGNER accompanied by Ben
Robinson, driver, both white men, started from
this town In stevens wagon. to procure barrel Of
whiskey. Having accomplished their mission,
which took them about five miles from town. they
were returning here by the Spartanburg road, and
had proceeded but short distance, when, about
eight p. NJ, they were halted by squad Of
armed negro militia, varlously estimated ut from
twenty to thirty They were drawn up IN line
across the road and were under the command
Of one Syvanus Wright 1t was bright moonlight
and their Winchester rides and other improved
arms gttered as they were moved In the
beams Of the Queen OF Night At the command
Stevens halted Several of the sable milittamen at
once demanded whiskey and Stevens kindly
responded by handing them his flask.
This was soon emptied OF Its contents and
they demanded more, when Stevens informed them
that II they wanted more they would have to pay
for It, desiring Robinson, his companion. to drive
gone nifty yards when Wright. the commander OF
the squad, exclaimed.
CRY GOD KILL THEM
With bloodthlrsty alacrty over twenty shots were
discharged at the wagon missing the two men, how
ever and both OF them jumped out and ran for
their lives. Robinson ran into tho pines
on the right OF the road and Stevens
sought refuge In negro cabin on
the left Of the road. A number OF the militia,
among whom were the two men who died to-day,
pursued Stevens; but the colored woman who owned
the cabin resolutely shut the door and refused to
let them In Again they demanded to be admitted,
and being refused they fixed bayonets and swore
they would 90 in or Kill somebody. Terrified by
this threat the poor woman opened the door, when
the murderers rushed In seized Stevens and dragged
postuats with them, when one said. mo talking.'
upon which one Of them, Andy Thomson BY name.
STRUCK HIM IN THE MOUTH.
Then to concliate them, Stevens said. In most be-
seechng manner, ''You can get what you want.
efforts to appease them aud Judging from their
usage Of MIN and their manner that they meant mis-
Hardy for 1 him; but nardy was
kept back BY the others, and was not permitted to
get near him: He was then marched back to his
wagon, and from there he was taken to the woods
by Isaiah holland, Henry Cannon and Taylor Palmer.
Stevens asked, "What are you going to do with
1--WE are going to give you
FIVE HUNDRED LAsHEs
and then turn you loose replied Noana II ts be-
the road Stevens may have made an effort to escape,
for soon after they were heard running. Sylvanus
nlna; he'll get loose" Following this expression
several shots were heard and the running ceased,
went Or WS stevens rnss ne 70
a by the nssro mamea arnens
whiskey. sylvanas Wright advanced TO meet them
aud said:-"Did you let him get loosef" TO which
mo, ny aoDl WE KILLED HIM."
Each one Of the party claimed to have the honor
OF numbering the poor wagner, and Cannon sald
AFTER he fell thought he was not dead, so stove
bullet through his head" and then addressing the
not have picked three 1 better me men O0u TO
shoot him." Noland then said he wanted some
jugs and TASKS, alter which they came on towards
this town. leaving the barrel with the bung out. On
the Way while passing the house OF two white gen
murder, N0land proposed to take one OF them out
ana Kill him. as ne felt In the humor but Wright
'ENoUGH FOR To-NlGHT.n
A number Of the murderers then went and spent
until midnight ana making horrible O illusions s'a tS
as s III wa % SsS
known to have been directly Or '" Indirectly si
indicted Sot long asy
Judge Thomas issued writs Of habeas corpus In ten
produced before him at Columbia. Among the PEG.
pie who were greatly excited over the MURDER this
was believed to be dodge having for Its object the
ultimate escape OF the prisoners from stern Justice
But not to be baried, a body OF 500 horsemen, all
disguised, appeared at the jail here one night in
out ten OF the prisoners and departed silently as
they came. Next day 1t was found that
SIX OF THEM WERE HUNG,
two were shot, and two were "lOstn Ia term
synonymous with hangtng), having never since been
accounted for. Cannon and Palmer were left In
ana were sentenced to be executed to-day. Ali
the testimony at the trial left doubt on the minds
pe0p s s q q en a ans f %
guilt was very strong, and their terrible sentence
was generally commended by the entire community.
BO,h the condemned men appeared resigned TO their
fate They were under the spiritual guidance OF the
Rev. Golden Foster (colored), who visited them re-
10 have made their peace with God. Like all
or Their brethren who have graced the gal
had glimpse OF Paradise Immediately before their
exit from this life soon this morning, all the pre-
paratlons for their death being. complete the two
condemned men were escorted bya
TROOP OF UNITED STATES CAVALRY,
which has been stationed here for some time past
IN view OF the Ku klux militia disturbances TO the
gallows. This structure had to be erected espe-
cally for the occasion, though 1t was located at tue
place which from time immemorial has been de-
voted to public executions. 1t was one OF the
ordinary machines, rude In appearance, substantial
In Its build and thoroughly effective In Its opera
tons. There was an ample fail allowed to insure
death, and the surroundings OF the place were as
ghastly and horrible as could be desired. Owing to
the extended nOtorietv that this murder had at
tanned, and the popular excitement and feeling 1t
naa hre gas large CROWD present e
wretches-agonies which the entire white
portion OF the community not only en-
dorsed and approved, but which they were
chivary In countless array with suggestive features,
flowing hair, black SLOUGH hats and with their
breeches stuffed In their boots, mounted on horse
back, were present on the outskirts Of the crowd.
About midday tho two condemned men marched
the steps leading to the trap OF the scaffold where
they took seats. Here, after prayer which the
colored preacher feeiingly offered, they volun-
teered q