Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1875-08-19

''please tear this up
You will find me one of the truest X X
X. JOSEPH AYERS
Hanging Of Berry at IL sgersviiie.
Rogersyille was made alive yesterday
with people to witness the execution of
William Nicholus Berry, the wife muir.
dercr, the particulars Of whose crime,
trial and conviction our sreaders are
familiar.
ASSERTS INNOCENCE.
Berry positively asserted his innocence,
declared he was in no way guilty of TAX
ing the life Of his wife. The priest told
him that the proof and public opinion
was very strong against him. Berry re-
piled by saying, II know it is for they
have sworn lies against me, but never
mind let the world have the whole matter
as it will, God has it right and in that
great day it will be seen that an iuno,
cent man has been put to DEATH" After
a few words with Berry about his young
est daughter to whom he Berry seemed
much attached the priest bid him an af,
fectionate farewell saying that be had
done all he could for him and would re.
turn to Knoxville early this morning to
pray with and comfort Webb i'll his last
hours. Berry seemed
GREATLY AFFECTED.
so much 50 that we took our leave, but
before parting with him he requested Us
to return this morning as he wished to
max, his last statement, which he desired
to be published in the newspapers of the
country. We then bid him good night
promising him to call in the morning.
LEAVING THE CELL.
The hour for the execution having ar,
rived, We left the cell, but before leaving
no thanked us for the interest we mani
tested in his behalf, and said he wanted
US to have everything published he had
given in bis conversation, and that he
should make no remarks at the gallows,
for the people were so prejudiced against
him that his words would probably dc
him more harm than good.
STARTING FOR III GALLowe.
AT 10 o'clock Sheriff Spears took the
prisoner from bis cell and placed him in a
wagon, which contained a plain, though
neat walnut coffin, and with a heavy
guard on each side, started off for the
gallows one mile southeast of town, fol
lowed by a dense crowd, continuing abou
5000 persons, and upon coming to thu
designated spot, We found at least 2,0O(
more awaiting the arrival Of the do"me,
man, which made in all, about 7,00l
; people on the ground more than one.hal
of the whole number were women an,
, and children.
THE GALLONS
=, was a rude structure consisting Of two W
right pine poles, Joined together at tn
= mi
; top by a third Of the same material. TIL
wagon containing the prisoner was drive
. under the cross beam at fifteen minute
past eleven.
REMARKS By II MINISTER.
At Berry's request the Rev. MIR llar
. den, Of the Second Presbyterian Church
Of RogersviIle, made q few very appr'
" pirate remarks, and offered up o fuvcu
= prayer in the prisoners behalf.
lie MArE NO SPEECH.
But spent about fifteen mi; utes in biddin
y farewell to his kindred and acquaintance
" assuring all that Re was fully prepared
" willing an even anxious to leave tn
. wicked, unfrlendly world, and hoped thu
all would meet him in that hcayenl
rest.
THE MURDERED wIFEs BROTHER.
10 Among the persons with whom h
o. shook bands was bis murdered wife
III brother, who seemed deeply affected
u Berry manifested a great deal of feeling
u and the tears rolled freely down his thi
y cheeks while conversing with his friend
but as soon as he was through talkiI
with item, his tears ceased to flow, al
without assistance he deliberately steppe
upon the wagon seat with as happy
eounternance as We ever saw, and viii
the Sheriff vas adjusting the moose arour
he his neck he rolled his large blue eyes ,
On in the SheriH's face, and said, Chow
,r- you feel about this?' To which Il
tn Sheriff replied, Every tad, Nick"
We TIE KNOT TIED,
~ The fatal knot was tied, the black G.
is was drawn and all things made rea,
nd when the doomed man quietly signi6y
re his willingness to the Sheriff to die, t