Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-10-02
Execution of a Murderer.

HARR1soNBuEa. Va. september 25.-Anderson
Shlffiott, who. with Silas Morris. was Condemned
to be hung for the murder of David G. Lawson.
was executed in the iail-yard here to-day. Nor
ris was resplted to October 22d by Governor
Kemper yesterday. Shiflett madc dying state
ncnt to Rev. David Barr, his spiritual adviser.
asserting his innocence of the actual murder.
was to be killed. This statement was road to
HIM in his cell this morning and signed by him.
Ibe sacrament was administered TO Shltiett at
ST O'Clock this morning. and q few minutes he
fore 10 he was led from his cell to the soatfod by
the sheriff and a deputy, accompanied by Cler-
gymsn Barr He was completely unnamed.
and had TO be supported up the steps of the
scatfold. He wept bitterly and loudly, protest.
Rev Mr.. Barr read Slnf1lett's statement from
the scatfold. He He'd God to witness that " hat
il contained was true. and in substance was rs
Four weeks before Lawson murdered.
a Of shd hi a ta % and
son. sa, ing that it he did not do it there were
two others who wonld. He knew the dav was
fixed for Lawson to be killed, and when it was
done he said he was standing a knoll three
hundred yards of: heard the fatal shot fred,
MED that he had ever confessed the murder to
ANY one before bis arrest, or that he was paid
tho former confession, made since lis sentence,
was not true, and said ne was induced to make
it to get money for bis family. He was promised.
bushels of wheat to make that cnnfessioD. One
dollar only had been paid to his wife: Mrs.
same offence, did rot offer BIN money. but told
him that he would get money, if he would put
her husband out of the way"
The rallows was erected at ono end of the
small yard at the rear Of tie JAIL and the execu-
ton took place in the presence of abont fifty
persons. The scene moved the stoutest hearts.
The sheriff and his deputies, unused to snch
work, were nervous and greatly excited. Tie
rope used was less than half an inch in thick
and thought to be too weak by many. which
proved to be true. After the clergyman had
read the statement Of tho condemned man, and
offered prayer, and while the sheriff was adjust
ing the rope about shifilstt's neck. ho wept bit
teriy, saying: Gentlemen, / never did any
thing to any body to be hung for; indeed L did
not kill Mr. Lawson. As sure as ycu are born
'yon are hanging an innocent man."
There was much delav in getting ready to
spring the fatal trap. and 80 the rope holding
the trap-door was cut the doomed man fell down
ward to the ground. Tho rope was broken
shifilctt uttered q groan. and was again lifted
on the scaffold. Hero he removed his cries and
lamentations, exclaiminR, God knows l am in
nocent."
second and stronger rope was procured, and
while it was being adjusted he asked Deputy
Sheriff Bowman to raise tho black cap from his
eyes so that he might look npon the light once
more. His request was granted, and. turning
towards the spectators. he said with some firm
ness. Gentlemen, bid You all good-bye."
The second attempt of the sheriff was success
full, and the doomed man was swung off into
eternity.