The New York herald., 1878-03-02
EXECUTION OF JOHN DANIEL.
BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE HERALD
WAKREysBURa Mo-. March l. 1875


wAKRKxsBURa, No., March l, 1873
This town has been excited to-day as 1t never was
before, and because tho notorious criminal John
Daniel was 10 be executed for the murder OF Jesse
Miller near Sedaa, the 23d OF February, 1877.
Since his conviction he has been confined In jail at
Sedalia but last night under charge heavy escort
he was brought this CITY. On his arrival he
lodged in the town JAIL and, about eleven O'Clock,
went to sleep Ho awakened at early
hour this morning, and called loudly for his
breakfast Alter eating he asked II
he DIDN'T want minister, but replied ''No." The
hour of execution nxed for half-past twelve, but
long before that time the streets and saloons
crowded with people The scaGolc erected on a
slight hill about quarter of a mile from town. and
could be seen by the thousands who present and
who crowded eagerly about II.
DANIELS LAST RIDE.
At twelve O'Clock an open wagon containing
. plain coffin drew up to the Jail, and the shacSes
being loosed, Daniel with 1rm step walked
down the stairs and stepped lightly ino the wagon,
aud, surrounded by guards and noisy rabble,
driven TO the place Of execution. Coming the
gailows Daniel looked ut II quickly but said nothing.
He took mis- place on the trap. When asked by the
Shern II he would not let some pray for him he
said he didn't any TO pray for him. He pro-
tested his innocence End said his afe had been
away.
vISDIcTIvE TO THE LAST
He Is O most Dlasphemous wretch and yesterday
said he would rather kill the two men VINO swore
against him and be hanged and 90 he'll rhan live and
stood on the trap, mis- arms being pinioned and hs
legs tied above and below the knees. Sheriff Emer-
son saa :-'By request OF tho prisoner prayers
remarks Will be made. He wishes people 10 under
stand he lived like and died like q soldier"
was drawn over ms hoad, and sheriff Emerson
said:-"Ah have TO say Is, may God have mercy on
his soul"
LAUNCHED INTO ETERNITY
with these words he was sent into eternity. He
shot down through the trap IKE canon ball, and
after one or Two iremors aud long shudder ceased
10 In ten minutes he was dead, and Ia twenty
WAS cut down aud placed in his coffin.
John Daniel ana Jesse Miller were ne,ghborius
farmers, living Ia Henry counsy, Mo-, aud mad tor
year the lett home together TO purchase cattle,
taking Mer's horse and wagon. They were To-
gether at sedalia and heard dsputing II believed
they camped at place called Gear swamp, IN dark
ravlne, lew rods Oh from the road, short dis
lance from the regular camping ground Next
He AT once returned with tho morse and wagon to
their home, and arrival told Mrs. Miller that
he had purchased tho Quilt from her husband, who
had gone 10 ST LOUIS aud that certain other prop
srty TO be delivered TO him. This Mrs Miller
tsiosed' ' ana In talking WIN s Danie r sho noticed noticed
her susplcions, and she employed officers
10 Investigate the matter. Following thef.racks to
the camping place IN woods, alter short search,
they found the mutilated remaus Of Miller. blow
or the back OF the head win blunt instrument mad
crushed the skull the throat had been cut from
Eur aud two stab wounds had reached the poor
tarmor's heart. TO add 10 the horror some
Wild beasts had partially devvured the legs
Inc body carried to Killers former
homo the murderer being brought without notice
into tho exhibited The greatest consternatIon,
Staggering aud begging TO be taken IRON ito rightul
prosepce. Alter rogainng his composure he protested
that he ~as nDocent alleging that tue deed had been
done by some enemies 70 iDJure him. The crime
Caused intense excitement throughout the section OF
country where the deceased was known, and several
attein pts made to lynch the prisoner. The jail
where no was confined had 70 DO strongly guarded
night aud day, SO strong was the popular prejudice
against accused His trial took place at the De-
cember term OF tho Criminal Court, aud the jury re-
turned verdict OF murder, alter being out only thirty
minutes. Wnen sentenced by the Judge the prisoner
dropped his head Tor an instant, and then exclaimed
In angry tone, heard all over the court room,
swell I'm not guty, but those damned sons oil o-hes
(meaning the witncsses have caused all the trouble,
and can stand 1t well any man LIVING"