The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-02-13
CHOKED AT CLEVELAND
McGill the Murderer Goes to
Meet His Mary.
Special to the Star.

bpeCldl 70 Ille otdi'
CLEVELAND, o., Feb. 13.-Evcry arrange
ment has been made for the ex
ecution of Charlie McGill, to-day, for
the murder of his mistress, Mary
Kelley, in December, 1877. Every effort
was made with Governor Bishop for com.
mutation of the sentence but His Excel
leucy was inexorable, and McGill for day
or two has been perfectly resigned to his
fate. He said, yesterday, to Col. Brins-
made his attorney, that it would be relief
to him when the day arrived and he would
be enabled to solve the great mystery OF
death.
He claims to have been converted and to
have received all the spiritual consolation
of religion, and the salvation of his own
soul is such fixed fact with him that he
has extended his services 10 his fellow pris-
oners spending much time with them in
earnest prayer and exhortation. His spirit
ual attendant has been Rev. Lathrop Cooley,
Of the Disciple Church. who spent several
tours with him in his cell last night, and
who will be on hand to comfort him to day.
Two of McGilps brothers arrived yesterday,
and had a long and affecting interview with
him in the evening.
Their names are Alonzo and William,
and after the execution they will take the
body home with them.
Much of McGilPs time lately has been
employed in singing religious hymns and
composing poetry in praise of his victims
virtues. He was always ready to talk about
"Mary," as he called her. and says he is
ready to meet her on the shining Shore"
where they will dance hand in hand.
THE scAFFoLD.
The scaffold, which has been erected at
the Jail, on the middle platform of the sec
ond tier, is composed entirely of soft wood
and is the work manship Of Mr.. A. Hartzel,
builder. During its construction McGill
could hear every stroke of the hammer,
which rang like death knells in his ears.
Yesterday the doomed man inspected it,
and being carpen er by trade himself, pro-
nounced it an excellent piece of workman
ship and very nice for the purpose.
The Sheriff was tormented all day yester-
day by applicants for passes to the execu-
tion, but it will be as nearly private as pos
sble. Not more than thirty or forty wit
nesses altogether will be admitted.
After the execution the iron work of the
VIII DC 'dhCh up uld olCu 1N ay g,
but the floor will remain, awaiting for an
other victim.
DROPS AND DIES EASILY.
CLEVELAND, Feb. 13-12:30 P. M.-Mc-
Gill has just been executed, the drop fall
ing at precisely four and half minutes af-
ter IL He died easily.
Long before the hour of execution vast
crowd began to gather around the Jail.
About fifty persons were admitted, consist
ing of few friends, numerous physicians
and reporters.
At 1904 o'clock McCill was brought on
the scatfold, accompanied by Sheriff Wilcox
and his assistant and the Rev. Lathrop
Cooley.
McGill showed no outward emotion, and
made The remark when he shook hands
with the Sheriff, My nerves are as steady
rs yours are now"
A 12:04@ the drop fell. McGill made no
remarks 10 the spectators, probably owing
to the good judgment and advice of his
friends. A slight smile was discernible las
be assembled the scatfold.
He was dressed in suit of black broad
cloth, with white cravat and light gloves.
His heart ceased to beat in thirteen and a
half minutes
Everything passed off like clock work,
and experienced ones say they never wit
messed more scientific execution.
The body will be taken by his brothers to
Athens, Ohio, for burial.