The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-28
THE DEATH PENALTY.
David Beck Hanged for the Murder
Of William Shanlin.
GOOD ADVICE FROM THE GALLONS.
Indulgence in Strong Drink and Bad
Company Led Me Here"
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
suMxERuLLE. VIA ROME. GAL
April ~, 1871 !
Tho FIRST execution, tor over twenty years, in this
county took place to-day. David Beck was hung, for
the murder Of William shann, in the presence OF
immense crowd.
THE CRIME.
Shanlin, who was constable, arrested Beck
some trivial charge and held HIM for time before
he released on bond. While Beck undcr
rest Shann made trade with him. giving him
tain amount for his crop, then growing IN
tho field. Hc paid him abon, one-third OF
the amount promised In cash. whom Beck rccov-
cred his liberty, Shanlin met him and told him he
ready to complete the trade. Beck thereupon
asked him for the balance OF money due. ShanIin
offered him his the balance stating that no
did not have tho money, and had agreed to pay all
cash. Beck refused to receive the notes, and told him
that he would not deliver tho crop, except for cash.
From this point the two mon quarrclled Tor several
days. each abusing the other pretty freely. At length
Shanlin said that no could ,ako knife and drive Beck
all over the county; that no was not afraid OF tho
cowardly dog and intended to 60 and take possession
OF the crop himself Beck told him that II he
attempted such athing no would kill him. Ono day
Shanlin did enter tho field and began to gather
Beck discovering that he was there went TO the
house, loaded Clio barrclcd shotgun with thirteen
lead balls and hurried the field where Shanlin was
al work pIucking the corn. Approaching within easy
distance OF him he deiberatc drew down him and
fred. shann Tell dead In his tracks, bieng literally
rddlcd.
Beck arrested, convicted and sentenced. After
brought to the gallows the most persistent efforts
having been made TO secure Communication of his
sentence from the Governor.
LAST DAY.
The morning dawncd gloomy. little after day
break steady rain commenced that continued in
cessanty throughout tho day. Al eight O'Clock your
correspondent repaired to tho jail, where he found
Beck calmly smoking his pipe, and, APP
parenty, perfectly composed Book, IN speak
have been great. but believe the prayers OF my
friends and myself have boon hoard, and that
said ~ still have hopes of communication. but am
prepared Tor the worst. will continue TO hope until
The last moment unless get news that my last appeal
Tor Executive clenency rs refused"
wIFEs ADiEu.
At O'Clock his wife, who had been staying In
his cell for tho past ten days, came bid him hast
farewell. Then, for the first time since his conhne
menL he lost contro, Of his feelings, ana In broken
voice, with his eyes ovornowing with tears, CON-
menced talking to her. BY request OF tho jailcr every
lett the cell TO let him part with his wife without
witnesses. At past nino sho almost overcome by
grief, was carrco from tho jan by sympathzing
friends.
ADVICE FROM THE scAYroLp
Az twolve O'Clock the prisoner, III charge OF the
Sheriff, with posse ot twenty-five citizens of tho
county, left tho jail for tho gallows milo from
Summervile On their arrival AZ the gaows, he with
n steady stop mounted tho scailod, accompanied by
the sheriff and his deputies and the preacher who
oGicated. On being asked If ho had anything
70 say no said:-'1 SEQ great many
young people here TO them | would say, This Is the
inevitable result Of keeping bad company. To tho
ladies' present would say, Tako this as warning as
10 how you raise your Keep them away from
strong drink and bad company" After hestatng
awhile he adj don't dread dyng-uary bit, nary
bit. have nothing moro TO say. am ready"
my SENTENCE Is UNJUST"
When Mr. Christian, tho minister under whom no
time after leaving jail tho condemned man showed
emotion, and wcpt like child. RegainiDg his COM
posuro he asked Mr.. Harden, old friend OF his, TO
to the stand, and requested him to take charge
OF remains and that no buried at his old
homo In Lumpkn county. Then turning to the crowd
he said :-"Boys, this IS a mighty hard case would
take II harder II il was just but God knows II Is
just"
AN AroLOGfZING suRRIPF
The Sheriff then said:-"It IS my unpleasant duty to
now execute Mr.. BECK. While he prisoner undor
me he kind, obedicnt, accomplishing nopo
that the young people here will take this warning.
This is the inevitable fruit OF tho shotgun SYSTEM and
II any OF you are tho line you had better change
your programme" lilo then secured Bcck's hands
and feet and put the black cap over his head.
- HOPE TO MEEr you IN HEAVEN
Beck then, turning To the crowd. said-"My
friends, hope TO meet you In heaven don't dread
death, nary bit. only hate 10 leave my vile desti-
tutc. " these words were scarcely out OF hts mouth
wnen the trap cl and tho CT the law
ecucd Beck had paid by his death the penalty for his