The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-02-02
EXECUTION OF JOHN SMITH.
Ley TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ]

CHESTER, 5. c., Feb l. 1878.
John Smith, colored. sentenced on the 18Th OF
last month TO be hanged Tor the murder Of
Bergen Conger, December 20, 1877, was exe-
cuted to-day, the drop falling at twenty min
utes past twelve r. NJ, and lie being found extinct
at twenty-six minutes past twelve, death ensuing
with only three four spasmodic commissions OF the
body. crowd of 5000 was present. four-diths
black. The execution public, within twenty feet
of tho spot where Conger was found The people
were as orderly as q prayer meeting. negroes
perched In the branches of the surrounding trees
looking contented and natural, some coming twenty
miles to witness the scene. The HERALD
correspondent interviewed Smith In Jail at
eleven A. NJ. He denied having killed any
one except Conger, had been rumored,
but he admitted he had broken into country stores
and committed other petty crimes He requested TO
have minister sent 20 MIN, VINO arrived ed 70"
hen he was placed IN carriage and GUARDED by the
Lee Light Infantry to the gaiiows.
trembling greatly. He spoke In almost an lnaudible
voice, acknowledging the truth Of his confession,
said he had nothing moro 70 say, and prayed
God 10 be merciul 10 nim he knew ne did not de-
serve TO 90 10 heaven but begged HIS mercy anyhow
he asked Rev. Mr.. SteeIed, Episcopal minister, to
pray sing with him. and alter beng prayed with,
in broken. emotional voice. repeatedly begged tor
eiveness from God, requesting, alter the adjustment
OF the black cap, for nve minutes more to pray, at
the expiration which time the body dropped. His
confession taIes with the account OF the given
below. He averred he killed Conger because he
hungry. out OF money and tired Of tramping; could
not say why he did not leave after committing the
murder and seemed 10 think IL was prcdestined to
So lis real name IS not John Smith, but Lew Moor
ing. He knew he deserved death. and expected to
spend the little time remaining in preparations TO
meet IT,
HISTORY CRIME
The murdered q brtcklayer, native OF
New Jersey, single, about twenty-esnt years old.
He came South Tor work, which he Obtained tor q
snort time IN Rock Hill, s, c.. sixteen miles from
Chester. On the completion Of the JOB he came 10
Chester loot arriving shortly after DlRhtfal, and
meeting John Smith, requested him 10 show him
where he might obtain cheap but respectable
food and lodging Smith readily assented and the
proceeded together, chatting amcabiy until the
railroad crossed when Smith suddenly dealt Conger
q murderoux blow the head with bludgeon, telling
him instantly to the ground, and continued striking
him until he supposed his victim ceased 10 livc when
he r1ed pockets OF twelve dollars, also his KNIFE
aud snndry other articles Early next morning
Conger was found In UNCONSCIOUS state. He was
taken the nearest house, and a physician imme-
diately called After the administration OF restora-
tives his returned and he described the negro
who had assaulted him. Smith was Al once recog-
nzsd fro the description and arrested. He stouty
denied any knowlc ledge Of the crime but the dying
man recognized him, and the money and other prop
erty were found upon his person. Conaer died . few
hours alter