The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-25
EXPIATlON.

CoLORED FATHER HANGED FOR THE MURDER
OF HIS CHILD-A HORRIBLE cRIME-KILL-
ING BABY FOR INABILITY TO WALK WITH
FACILITY--TwIcE CoNvIcTED-THE MIsER-
ABLE CULPRIT ASSERTS HIS INNOCENCE AND
CLAIMS ADMISSION TO HEAVEN.
10y TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
SPRISGFELD, Ga, April "a 1871
The most horrible crime 10 the records OF this
cxpiated on the gallows at this place to day /;
George Williams, colored, having been hung Tor the
murder OF his infant William. On the 9th OF
August 1875, the partially decomposed body OF child
apparently about two years of age, found in the
woods near williams' house Tho body showed that
the wretched child had undergone horrible mutilaton
before death. The right foot burned of. and tho
leg shriveed nearly to the knee The face was badly
burned and thore was deep cut tho forehead
the skull being crushed IN. The eyes terribly
swollen, and there large bruised spot just below the
navel Despite the mutilation, the body recognized
as that Of an infant son Of George Williams. He was
at once arrested and brought before Coroners jury
THE FATHERS CRiME.
The investigation disclosed that the father became
enraged with the child because It was backward in
learning walk Having started 1t across tho floor
two or three times only TO tottor and fall he
seized barrel save and beat severely back
the fire till its foot burned away its lace
badly scorched. Ito then threw It the floor and
stamped In the stomach, and then crushed head
in with large box These facts were each brought
out plainly and the father then 70 the whole
matter, pleading In extenuaton only that he did not
intend TO kill tho child In proof OF his wit.
ness was Introduced who swore that Williams had told
him some days previous that he intended to kill the
boy he mo account" Willie was the child Of
first wife, his father having married second time.
CONVICTED
When put upon trial no was promptly convicted OF
murder In the nrsr degree and was sentenced to be
hung. Through some technically he obtained new
trial. upon which he again convicted, and new
sentence passed HIS case was carried to tho su-
premc Court without other avail than delay, he
was hung to-day IN accordance with his third sen.
tence Of DEATH
coSvERrED-EAaER FOR Ms FATE.
Tho prsoner-a short, thck-set, stolld negro-has
been In the Chatham County jail for several weeks.
While there he was frequently visited by certain
edctine monks, and last week proiessed conversion
aud joined the Catholic Church. Since that time he
has been enthusiast and said frequently that no
longed for ''the happy hour 10 como when his soul
would be released rom tho Of this word'' and
"let fly TO the arms Of Jesus" On Yesterday he was
brought 10 this place and placed in the County Jail
A strong guard kept around this building during
tho night as u was feared that rescue might DO
tempted.
HUNG ON A TUESDAY
Will DO noticed that the execution has taken place
TO hit one unucky owner from Fridays shoulders and
rid II OF the title OF 'hangman's day" All his death
Friday
The preparations the execution werc very simple
A rude giboet was constructed and placed in strip
OF woods about q quarter OF a mile from the Court
House. but in full Wow Of H. drop PLATFORM work
ing upon trigger, was used.
AT TlR GALLows.
Tho scene around The gallows very exciting No
disturbance, however occurred. The Bingham Huz-
Ears, mounted and pped, were acting az d guard
m 10 he seal al
denied access to the prisoner who expressed desire
for colorcd minister and Rev. Mr.. Rawls a colored
Baptist preacher Ia the Deghborhood was brought
HIM Religious services were held at the foot OF the
scafiold. tho prisoner remaining unmoved during
entire tme while lynn was sung by a choir OF i've
colorod men. After prayer by the mister the prs-
oncr addressed the crowd, numbering about six hun
dted men, women and children, whi,o aud black. lilo
SAID
nouxD FOR HEAVEN, AND INNOCENT
Friends, all, viii shortly see Gods iacc. l bope
you will all try aud see me there. DO feel well
enough 10 talk to you much. hope you all Will meet
mo in heaven. Now have found God in peace am
soldier Of the cross and ieei resigned to die--wng
TO DIE Nothing gricves hope you will con
In prayer, aud remember the way IN which 60 tho
OF crime am innocent of the crime. | feel my
way clear TO glory"
The prisoner then turned TO tho Deputy Sheriff and
inquired, "Aitcr my death who will have control OF my
bodyy" The Sheriff replied. II wilLu Tho ed
man said, III my people desire my body gave 1t to
them ior burial nave now no more to say"
END.
Al three minutes past ten the Deputy Sheriff bound
the prsoncr minutes later the prisoner took
OF his friends and assembled the scafold, maintaining
great Indifference. AZ ten minutes past the moose
was arranged around tho unfortunate mans
neck by the Deputy sheriff, uuder the direction
OF DIR. Norton, and Williams still remained
unmoved. a. fifteen minutes past one The
black cap was drawn over his head when he treinbed
slightly One minute later the trap sprung and
the body was dangling IN the air Tho body qu.vered
about two minutes. In 1--we minutes IL was cut down
and examined by Dr. Norton life was prom
extinct
Tnis is the second execution which has occurred in
Eungham county within twenty-six years The rallows
the same which used at tho execution OF the
outlaws May 10, 1876.