The New York herald., 1874-03-14
WALLACE HANGED.
The Murderer of Robert Ward Ex-
ecuted at Clarksville, Ark.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark, March Is

LITTLE ROCK, Ark, March 13, 1s74.
sidney Wallace was hanged for his crimes at
Clarksville to-day Wallace was about twenty-five
years OF age, nearly six feet in height brown hair
wore a blonde mustacne and imperial was rather
slim but evidently wei put together, and was
altogether a very handsome aud innocent looking
young man. In 1871 Wallace waylaid and attempted
to assassinate Joseph Dickey. Dickey was driving
with dudley Turner along the road about
mile and half from Clarksville. For
this he was arrested and indicted for an assault
with intent to kill He managed 10 get of his
chains, jumped out OF q second story window and
escaped. Wallace met Turner, who was with
Dickey when shot and who baked Wallace in his
killing, on the streets Of Clarksvine, in March.
1873. He then, in connection with his brother
George, attempted to kill Turner; but they were
frustrated In their design by citizens coming
TO Turner's rescue, not, however, until the
Wallaces had battered Turner badly on the
head with Derringer. few days after this Sidney
and George went on the warpath again after Tur.
ner Turner. knowing Of their intentions, was well
armed. They met in the streets Of Carksville, and
this second rencontre ended in the defeat OF the
Walaces. Turner shooting and killing George
Wallace, Turner was arrested for this, but on ex-
animation. as the killing was done IN seif-deence,
he was discharged by Circuit Judge Mears. On the
same day that Turner killed George Wallace an
old man, named Davis was shot dead
through the window, while sitting by his
lreside, surrounded by his family. This
murder is also laid at Sidney Wallace's
door, Sidney, however. managed to get away,
but was finally captured, he having, according to
retributve justice, accidentally shot himself in the
leg. Just before the Circuit Court OF Johnson
county met In March, 1873, Sidney, who seemed to
have been second Jack sheppard, from the number
custody. After this ne seems to have been allowed
to wander IN and out OF Clarksville at his own
sweet w for for on august 70 last he lesurey
the yard or the court house, and delib-
eIatey shot the constable Of the township, Robert
Ward who was que tly sitting In front OF drug
store. This occurred about sunset. and Wallace,
taking advantage OF the increasing darkness,
escaped on his horse to the friendly woods Ward
wounds.
SHOOTING OF JUDGE MEARs.
About week after this tragedy Elisha Mears,
Circuit Judge OF Johnson and several adjoining
counties. was shot while going home to his dinner.
son at that time unknown, who was hidden by the
roadside. This bloody deed was perpetrated about
as Ward had done for a few days, and then died.
Governor Baxter Immediately offered a reward OF
$1,000 Tor the arrest and conviction OF the assassin
Or assassins. The press and people OF the State
were much exercised over this outrage, and the
prompt action OF the Governor accorded well with
the sentiments OF the people. As Judge Mears had
discharged, after preliminary examination.
Dudley Turner. who killed George Wallace, brother
rested on Sidney Wallace, who, it was thought,
had taken this way to punish the man who justly
allowed the SLAYER Of his brother to go free;
posse together and started in search OF Wallace.
They were unable, however, TO find him. He was
way county, who captured him near Lewisburg, in
that county, and handed him over TO the Sheriff OF
Wallace slept well, and breakfasted heartily on
eggs, ham, jelly custard and milk. When your
correspondent entered his room he was seated on
the bed, smoking a cigar. He shook hands and
said that he never felt better in his life. To
Deputy sherin Kline he remarked, '.Have a barber
to come here; want to make decent appear
ance." In reference to the ladies sending him
flowers, he said, 'Women stick to fellow to the
last" He appeared very calm, but there were
slight twitchings around his mouth. He wished to
answer no leading question, but was glad to see
your correspondent
The Rev. Mr.: Burrows, Methodist minister.
and the Rev. Mr.. Paine, an uncle Of Paine. who
last. To them he said that he was sure he was
pardoned He forgave all, and was sorry 1or what
parting with his mother and relatives he said =
"Don't cry; It's no use. This Is my funeral, and
aa hey S
want them to do just as have done" His mother
said she would do so. Tney then left, crying Bit
PREPARING FOR THE scAFFoLp.
At ten O'Clock Wallace changed his shirt and
and placed upon his head a soft felt hat. He then
said, "Wen, am ready.n The bracelets being
taken on his wrists Burrows prayed and sang He
was then taken down stairs TO wagon into
which he jumped lightly aud sat on the lid OF the
coffin in the wagon.
The guard OF seventy men closed in and marched
to the scarod in the court house yard Wal
lace. the Deputy Sheriff, the ministers and the
reporters then ascended the steps OF the scafod,
and the guards formed IN square. Deputy
Sheriff Kline who was IN charge because OF the
illness OF the Sheriff. then read the death warrant,
the prisoner sitting on chair Paine then prayed,
while most OF the people In the crowd uncovered,
and also the guards. Kline asked Wallace II he
had anything TO say. Wallace rose, laced the
crowd and said clearly
GESrLEMEN-You came here expecting good long talk.
] have no confession to make to man, but whatever
myself and friends and only regret having dozen
deaths to die.
CowARD's APPEAL FOR MERCY.
Then he turned his coat collar up and Duttoned
his coat They handcuffed his hands behind him
and strapped his knees and ankles All who were
on the scaffold shook hands with him and bid him
'goodby." The black velvet cap was then put on
and the moose was slipped over his head. The
Rev. Mr. Burrows whispered to him. Sidney cried
aloud, 'LOrd, remember me Lord, remember me
when Thou art in Thy kingdomv" The drop was
then sprung and the doomed man fell about four
1eet. There was a convusive shake, the hands
open, not cenched, and he was dead. There was
great stiffness in the crowd. Alter twenty min
utes the heart was still beating. When he had
dead and cut down the body. 1t was laid on a
mattress in wagon and sent to his mothers
house, according TO her request. The doctor said
that the neck was dislocated.
The crowd dispersed and the militia marched on.
No attempt was made to Interfere, as ex-
pected. BY some tt was stated that the mother
had said tnat she wanted her other boys travel
the same road, and when dead she would come to
them.
III WILL GET AWAY WITH HELLm
There were about 900 armed men in the town.
Wallace said, 81 got away with these fellows and
reckon will get away with nell.n He was hanged
40 a