The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1879-05-30
HANGED IN THE Balm,
EXECUTION OF THE CHAPEL HILL BUR.
GLARS.

HI..''. -o-- -
EXECUTION OF TIIE QFAPEr. HILL BUR.
GLARS.
H1LLsBoao, N. c., May 16.-The
Chapel Hill burglars, Henry A. Da.
Wis and Henry F. Andrews, white,
and Lewis Carlton, colored, were
hung here to-day, according to sen
tence. At half past IL o'clock the
criminals, seated in vehicle and
guarded by the Orange Guards, in
full force, left the Jail and were con-
Quoted to the gallows, located on the
commons in the west end Of the town.
There was q crowd Of at least ten
Thousand person present. At ten
minutes past one the criminals as
eended the scafiold, accompanied by
the Rev. Mr.. Wheeler, and also, by a
sister of Andrews, who sat by his
side till the black cap was drawn
over his face. The prisoners we're
all composed. Each made q state
ment, both verbally and in writing,
denying the crime charged to them.
All professed deep penitence.
After their statement, the Rev. Mr.
Dixon followed in few very elo-
quent remarks, Interrupted, however,
by the crashing Of thunder and the
noise of the heavy rain which prevail
ed through nearly the whole scene.
Then Mr.. Wheeler offered up a fer
vent prayer, and hymn was sung,
in, which Carlton joined heartily, the
others not singing. Farewells were
permitted and very many we're passed
through the lines for a last hand
shake.
At fifteen minutes past two the drop
fell, Andrews swinging clear, but the
ropes Of the other two were too long
and their feet touched the ground, so
they had to be lifted until the ropes
were shortened. No neck was broken,
and they died by strangulation. In
twelve minutes Andrews was pre-
nounced dead, Carlton in fourteen
minutes, and Davis in fifteen minutes.
Their bodies were delivered to their
friends and taken home fer interment.
HIsToRy OF THE CASE.
The crime for which these men suf-
ferd the extreme penalty of the law,
sEass committed in July of last year.
For several months previous, the vii.
lage and vicinity of Chapel Hill had
been kept in state of terror by at
tempts at burglary, and worse still,
by evident attempts at the violation
Of respectable females. Rooms had
been entered at night and females
seized, but alarm was given before
the atrocious purpose was consum-
mated. But the terror was extreme,
for no one felt safe for no one could
fx suspicion Upon any guilty party.
Some time during the month of
July, as before mentioned, the house
Of Mrs. Hendon, highly respectable
widow lady, living in the eastern part
of the village, with her two daughters,
was entered, soon after midnight,
with view of robbery. MIR. H. had,
few days previous, received by ex-
press package of money from Ala
bama, where most Of her property is
invested. Doubtless it was a we'll
known circumstance and hence the
determination to gain possession of
it. One or more Of the burglars, af-
ter making an entry Of the house, pro-
ceeded to Mrs. HIS room. She was
awake, and when they entered the
room, she rushed to the window to
endeavor to give an alarm. To 81
lence her she was struck on .he head
with an axe and severely cut and
otherwise injured. One of her daugh-
ters and servant gave the alarm.
DR.. Mallet, who lives nearly opposite,
promptly responded, and the miscre-
ants fed. Mrs. Hendon was found,
bleeding and senseless, upon the
floor.
Most active efforts were at once
put on foot to ferret out the crime.
Two young negro men, living on the
premises, were arrested, but dis
charged, as there was not sufficient
evidence to detain them; and for
some time the diabolical crime was
wrapped in mystery, the excited peo-
pie, meanwhile, being lashed almost