The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1875-08-19
a Remarkable Scene at Knoxville.
Temn.-- Hanging Of John Webb.

John Webb, the murderer. was hung al
Knoxville, Tenn, Friday the 18th. At al
early hour crowds poured in from the country
10 witness the execution The streets neal
he Jail We're thronged with an imalense crowd
1t was with difficulty that the guards coulG
prevent the crowd from breaking down the
jail fence, SO eager were they to see the pris.
Oner
The prisoner partook heartily OF breakfast
and called the attention OF the guards to the
fact it was the last new suit OF clothes he
should ever wear he was now putting on. At
10 o'clock A NJ. he dressed and asked for
razor to shave, which was refused, fearing vio-
lence. This angered him, aud he told the
sheriff to 'go to hell and take it with him -
At 1880 the death warrant read to him,
when he asked to read it himself. After fiji
iShing he raised his hand and declared, "be-
fore God my execution is unjust" and kissed
the crucifx had been given him by priest. He
also added that he forgave everybody
that it was unjust to hang an innocent man
Before leaving the Jail he bid Ayres, by whr n
he was employed to do the deed, good bye
saying, cold fellow. you will have to prey
mighty hard for forgiveness OF the murder
You have caused, if you get to heaven
The prisoner walked promptly to the wagon
with his wife on his arm, accompanied by
sheriff Swan and deputies and a priest. His
wife was much affected, and he endeavored tC
console her The procession moved to the
gdliONS, ABOUT one iulie, VIII lnt SHeTlu
posse, thirty strong, immense crowds follow :
ing. Arriving there a circle was formed by
two military companies, and the posse wagon
was driven Immediately under the gallows
when, at the prisoners request. the Sheriff
called Webb's and the State council to bid
them adieu. He briefly addressed the crowd
as follows: The statement made is true
die IN innocent man. You are killing ne fol
nothing. | put my trust in God Pve been
forgiven. He then requested the Sheriff t.
call others, Mr.. Haskins, particularly, e
whom he said: want to say to you it : a
serious thing you have done. If you want tc
kill a man don't swear his lite away. He then
denounced the whole party as having sworn
70 lies. Turning 10 John White he said
The night of the murder l stayed with you,
Won know.
He then handed the letterto buckley, and
continued his remarks, saying: "Fhe people
wanted to see poor old Tim Webb hung.
PRAYED for all last night Look at me- Mark
what | saw die innocent" The mavor
ASKED who was guilty if he was innocent, which
he declined 70 answer, saying Captain Wash
ington had the true statement, and it would
be qiven to the public.
His wife implored him to tell al he knew
inst then a messenger came and informed
Webb of the death of his sister, and the funeral
tN-dav He received the news with pathetic
calmness, and his bold blue eyes wore far
off look as though piercing the vale of eter-
nifty His wife urged him to pray for PARDON
70 which he replied, "Mv dear wife, | would
-ather be in my place than that of many see
heren
He showed great nerve, and held up un-
iinchiuglv to the last. When binding his
eyes he offered his hand, saying, sYou have
hold of the best soldier YOU ever had and
amid the agonizing screams of his wife he
mounted the rear seat OF the wagon, telling