Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-03-12
KILOGRAMS TO TIE STAR.
THE GAlLOWS.
TWO EXECUTIONS In MARYLAND.
GRIFFIN AND WHEELER HANGED.
THE BEECHER TRIAL.
SAM. WiLkESON EXAMINED.
INTERVIEWS WHIT. AND M0Ul TON.
CIVIL RIGHTS IN ALABAMA.
CAL WAGNER, The MINSTREL, ARRESTED.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES IN MONTPELIER.
THE BEECHER TRIAL.
SAM. wiLkEsoN EXAMINED
INTERVIEWS WHIT. AND MoULToN.
ivIL RIGHTS IN ALABAMA.
AL WAGNER, The MINSTREL, ARRESTED.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES IN MONTPELIER.
THO EXECUTIONS Nv MARI.
LAND.
Hanging of Joshua Griffin.

BELAIR, Md, March 12.-Joshua Griffin,
colored, was hanged near this place this
morning for the murder of Miss Susan Tay
lor near Aberdeen, Hartford county, Nd. on
the 18th OF October, 1874. Griffin was twenty
five years old, and had been raised by the
murdered woman. He was born in the Jail
at Belair, his mother being a prisoner at the
time. On the morning of the execution he
made full confession of his crime to the
sheriff, saying that he killed Miss Taylor on
account of grudge he had against Henry
Taylor, the murdered woman's brother, who
had whipped him previously, Miss TAYLOR
having been the cause of the whipping. The
evidence against Griffin was entirely circum-
stantial, but very strong. The place of exc
cutiOn was on the almShouse farm. one mile
and half from Belair. A space thirty-two
feet square was inclosed by high fence.
the gallowS being erected inside. No one
was admitted but the counsel engaged in the
case, the officers of the law, and members of
the press. The prisoner was taken out at
halfpast nine o'clock, heavily manaeled and
envelOped in black gown. The arrange
ments for the execution were well ordered by
the sheriff, William B. Jarrett, who pulled
the drop at nine minutes after ten a. m.
The prisoner was accompanied to the gal
lows by his spiritual adviser, Rev. David
Baker, of the colored Presbyterian Church.
After singing a hymn, in which Griffin joined
with the minister, the latter offered up a fer
vent prayer, after which the platform was
vacated by all except the condemned man.
After the drop fell Griffin struggled convul-
sively for at least ten minutes before nature
gave way, and his body was permitted TO
hang for twenty-five minutes, when il was
cut down. and being examined by DIR. +.
Hall Richards, of Belair, and Drs j. E. Mich
ael and A. q. Winchester, of Baltimore, life
was pronounced extinct. The body was taken
in charge by the Sheriff and inferred in the
burying ground upon the almshouse firm.
Execution Of George wheeler.
EASToN, TALBOT Co.. Nd, March r.
George Wheeler, colored was hanged to-
day for the murder of Mrs. Margaret Witt
man, white woman, on the 18th of July
lac e. In 10
was visited yesterday afternoon by Revs f.
b. Newman and Lewis f. Barrett, white, and
Martin Webb, colored, of the Methodist
eHercises w4 w snd i III
drew. Webb remained, and several colored
religious friends were admitted. They re-
manned with him until after ten O'Clock.
Wheeler then paced his room, praying, sing
ing and shouting, evidently mitch eX-
cited. About eleven o'clock the sheriff pre-
vailed upon him TO retire. He slept well
votions, singing, praying and talking to him
self. About half-past seven O'Clock, as usual,
breakfast was taken to him, but he ate only
q piece of bread and drank cup of coffee.
The sheriff dressed him in black suit. He
seem much excited. but was quiet and yield
ing. Became more quiet, ana at 10 O'Clock
his spiritual adviser visited him again, ana
remained with him until IL o'clock, when the
sheriff came TO conduct him to the gailows.
Shortly after IL o'clock, the condemned man,
seated in wagon with the sheriff, followed
ny tOInpdily n, SdpCdll ItODSftS, twenty
men, eight deputies and a large crowd, left
for Wright's race course, three-quarters OF a
mile distant.
Upon reaching the scaffold Wheeler
mounted the steps with firm and steady
step without showing any signs of fear
whatever. Rev. l.. +. Barrett lead in signing
Rock of Ages, which was followed by prayer
by Rev. +. b. Newman. The sheriff asked
Wheeler if he had anything TO say, when he
said i'm a clear voice: "My friends, am 90
ing home to my father; am prepared to die.
Whisky caused my trouble. Take warning
by my example," After bidding the sheriff
and ministers goodbye, and thanking them
for the kindness shown him while in prison,
the black cap was placed upon Wheeler's
head, the drop fell at II minutes past Il, and
minutes afterwards he was pronounced
dead by Drs. Anderson and Chamberlain. He
died almost without a struggle, the fall hav-
ing broken his neck. The body, after hang
ing 81 minutes, was cut down and sent to the
Potter's field for interment.