The New York herald., 1874-12-05
THE GALLOWS.

Execution OF Hiram Smith for Complics
1ty in the Murder Of Charles Wsn-
ham-The Condemned Man Dies Pro.
testing His Innocence.
WATERFOWL, N. Y, Dec. T. 1874
Hiram Smith, found guilty of completely with
Charles Sutherland in the murder OF Charles Wen
ham, in the town OF Champion. Jefferson county,
paid the penalty or his crime in this place to-day.
The peculiar incidents connected with the murder
made 1t O subject OF general interest, ana IN the
case Of smith great amount Of sympathy had
been excited. For fifty years no execution had
taken place In Jefferson county, fact which has
had q tendency to interest members OF the Bench
and Bar and many kind.hearted people in the case
Of the condemned man, and powerful EFFORTS wer Q
made to have his sentence commuted 70 imprson.
ment for life, but In vain, as Governor Dix refused
to interfere.
The 1nal decision was received last evening.
Smith received the news calmly, bowing his head
and saying ne was ready To die.
THE MURDER
was committed on the 9th OF January, 1873, about
twelve miles iIom this place. The body OF the
murdered man was found on January 0, under the
ice In Deer LICK Greek. A letter found pointed to
derer. Sutherland was arrested on January H.
ana poisoned himself with strychnne an hour
smith was arrested October 20, 1873; tried in
June last. and sentenced 10 be hanged on July a.
He was convicted on crcumstantial evidence and
his admissions to the detectives, VINO tempted him
by proposing certain crimes to MIN and upon his
yielding 10 their suggestions ieigned 10 doubt his
courage and so induced him to boast OF his con.
nection with the Wenham murder. Smith was al.
rested In october, 1873
was put over until the May term, ana on the Goth
Of that month IL was commenced before Judge
Morgan's court. District Attorney Williams was
assisted by Mr. d. 0'Brien In behalf OF the people,
and the prisoner was defended by able
counsel counsel. To the surprise Of the public gen
amer nve hours OF deliberation the
5th OF June the Jury returned y verdict dnding
smith guilty OF being ono OF the principals III
lowing day Judge Morgan pronounced sentence of
death upon the condemned man, dxlnR the date
OF the execution Tor Friday, July "a. he was re.
spited Dy the Governor to October % and again 10
December T.
THE EXECUTION.
Tne condemned man dressed himself this morn.
ing In neat suit OF black ana ate hearty break.
fast. HIS spiritual adviser, Rev. j. w. Putnam,
ana two otner gentlemen spent much oil the morn.
s Ing W!h p.nsI;, hin A. haifpsss twelve O'Clock r. NJ
TO. the scarioid In yard IN the rear OF the
jail The rope was adjusted and the
death warrant read: prayer was delivered
by Rev. 4. hcrsey, and passage OF Scripture read
Rev. J. W.. Putnam. He protested MS innocence
10 the last In q long speech, calling upon God TO
witness the truth ana died without finchinR. he
shook hands with the sheriff, his counsel
jns;ed ana the drop was cut at 1885, r. N.
Death was easy, the body making put two slighs
struggles. He held Bible in his nand. At eleven
minules past ono lie was pronounced dead ana
the body WAS cut down at twenty.seven minutes
Vincent. But rev people witnessed the scene. a
whlaA wsrs aGssasd ss sis mslitsrS. ~