The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-03-18
2I6,20O,29
Here we find, according to official reports
TWO MURDERERS TO BE HUNG AT LOFTS.
WILLIE. KY,
April 20 the Day Of Execution.

APRIL 20 the Day Of Execution.
From the Louisville Journal March 1871
The jail at this time contains two unfortunate
prisoners whose lives to be forfeited on the 2e,h
Of next month. Matt Shannahan, for the murder
Of Montgomery, has been refused any further re.
spite, and he is quietly preparing to meet his fata
with Christian forttude ana meeKness. The prisoner
was not surprised or shocked at the news that the
Governor had refused to interfere with the execu.
hard.n
The other prisoner is John Comfy, colored. who
was convicted before two courts of numbering
Henry Pope four years ago, IN Jefferson county The
circumstances OF this murder were as fOllOwsEHen-
~ Pope, negro hoy. WAS chopping wood in forest
social affairs, the latter was accused OF cohabiting
with his own aughter. Comfy suddenly became
Pope in the head with the axe with which he was
ch0pplng. Pope died IN u short time, and his body
deceased was missed and after several DAYS, search
Oy friends ana relatives was found, recognized and
removed ysst Go sne home OF his family Suspicion at
and ne was accordingly interviewed Dy different
persons, who learned from him the story Of tho
murder. lie made full confession, explained his
reasons for committing the deed, and at that time
did not seem to regretit. 0f "H DIV
cult Court during the extra session held in Feb
ruary 1869, nearly one year after the murder. He
confession, and sentenced be hanged on the 8oth
ofAprl, 1869. The criminal docket was unusually
large, shcES uoiuk uU icsS Iudu COnVlCc9.
embracing men, women, negroes and instrumental
sentenced either to the Penitentlary or 10 the Gal.
lows. Krlel, the wife murderer, was among the
number, and, though he was afterwards granted
short respite the poor fellow has long since
passed the gloomy portals OF death through the ald
OF the hangman.
Comfy made no complaint at the time against the
business OF the sentence or against the tribunal that
passed It He appeared sad aud sullen, and ne and
krlel were remanded to jail, the former TO await
execution the latter to have the privilege OF new
trial. The second trial ended also In convictions;
Kriel was hanged, and preparations were made at
the same time for the execution Of Comfy. The
from the beam. Even moose was tied In the rope.
But on the evening Of the Goth OF April, while
Sheriff Martin was engaged IN the preparations
writ OF mandamus was served upon him. wnicn
writ took the prisoner from his control and placed
him under the protection OF the United states Dis
which resulted In second conviction, aud. ike
the first, It was made on evidence exclusive OF
his own confession. The case was tnen carried
to the Supreme Court Of the United states, ana
has renamed tnere ever since. Inc question Of
Jurisdiction came up, and was decided In favor OF
tine state Court, which or course remanded the
prisoner to the sentence or the state Court, which
mas been hanging over hts head for three years.
Governor Leslie, alter receiving TINS intelligence
made out the death warrant and sent IL 10 Sherin
Martin yesterday. IL was immediately read to the
Inflated prisoner, who now seems very repentane
and depressed. lie has trIed ne says, to lead molly
life for four years. but does not feel altogether pre-
pared for death. lie has not seen the sun Tor
whole year, ana has not been absent nom the prison
except to attend his trial for four years HIS har
Young, healthy, strong and spriahtly. He and
Shannahan are together every day, ana console
"a on other In their common misfortune. They Will
botn be executed on the 10Th OF next month