The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1879-02-20
CHARLES M'GILL HUNG.

CHARLES M'GILL HUNG
Cleveland, Feb. 13,-Chares R. Nc
Gill, the murderer of Mary Kelley, re-
tired last night at II o'clock, after several
hours spent in reading the Scriptures, in
singing and in prayer, and he slept
Boundly until quarter Of four this
morning, when he awoke and asked the
guard the hour. When informed, he
asked to be awakened at six, and was
soon again in sound slumber, At elk
O'Clock he awoke himself and dressed
and spent brief season in prayer. AT
seven O'Clock the barber came and
shaved him, and at half past seven be
sat down to bountiful breakfast, Of
which he partook heartily, After break.
fast he
DRESSED HIMSELF IN HIS DEATH SUIT.
About nine o'clock he was visited by
his attorneys S. E. Adams and Colonel
A. T. Brinsmade, whom he thanked cor
daily for their services in his behalf
When asked if he desired an autopsy
made, he replied that he did not, unless
it was requested by his relatives. N.
Cobleigh, of the Plain Dealer, was per-
mitted to be present with him, at Nc
Gill's own request, and he was the only
reporter given the privilege. MCGill
had been visited on the previous day by
his two brothers, John A. and Alonzo,
and about four O'Clock he took final
leave of them and of several friends who
accompanied them. None of his friends,
excepting those mentioned, were admit
ted this morning. it being his desire to
pass his closing hours in as quiet and Sc
cluded a manner as possible. At ten
o'clock Rev. Lathrop Cooley was admit
ted to his cell, and spent the remaining
time in prayer and counsel At few
minutes before twelve o'clock Sheriff
Wilcox addressed the people who were
present, and said that they could not ex
pect to see all of the sad scene that was
about to be enacted, and that they must,
to rush to the floor below, where the
body would fall If any accident hap
pened, he said he hoped they would not
lose their heads, and would help MIN to
preserve his own. At exactly twelve
O'Clock the prison gong was sounded, and
Deputy Sheriff Garfield proceeded after
the prisoner, and entering his cell, said (:
'cHARLIE, THE TINE IS UP"
He replied, "Yes, and | am ready" The
two then shook hands, when McGill re-
marked, "Your nerves are just as cool as
mine" While the Deputy was tying his
arms, he requested that he draw the
strap little tighter. This was done, and
presently Sheriff Wilcox entered the
cell, and with Rev. Mr., Cooley the party
proceeded to the corridor of the Jail,
which had been partially fl Jored over,
and which was entered from the rear
end. Before starting, however, McGill
asked the Sheriff whether he had better
say anything at execution, and was tolt
to do as he liked. "Then," said he, 81
will say nothing" Just before entering
the corridor, McGill turned to tie Sher.
if and said: Are you firm ?" and be-
ing answered "Yes," he replied, so am
I; good by" The entire party then en-.
tered the corridor, and McGill, with a
faint attempt at smiling, advanced to the
fatal trap "Am l in the right place ?"
he asked, and then added;
"BE SURE AND MAKE NO MISTAKE"
He was dressed in a neat suit of black
with lise-thread gloves. He wore in his
vest pocket next his heart piece of the
shirt sleeve which was imbued with the
blood ofhis victim, and he said he put it
there to carry it with him to heaven
His hands were fastened together with
handouts. When all was in readiness
the Sheriff adjusted the black cloth cap
upon bis head, and then, stepping back,
said, elder Cooley, will you pray ?'-
Mr.. Cooley was about to comply, when
an attendant noticed that the reverend
gentleman was standing on the trap aDd
drew him off to one side. He had scarce
lly begun speaking the words of the
prayer when the Sheriff sprung the trap
Intentionally, 30 as so shorten his sus-
pense, and suddenly the body, with its
$50 pounds, shot downward six feet, and
the soul of Charles McGill was launched
into eternity.
HIS NECK WAS BROKEN BY THE FALL,
And q few spasmodiC quivers were all
that were noticed. At l31 minutes from
the time that the trap was sprung the
pulse had ceased beating and life was
extinct The body was allowed to hang
Is minutes, when il was cut down and
given to the brothers for burial. 1t will
be privately inferred at Athens. About
so spectators, only, were present, includ-
ing members Of the prsfs. Among those
who had seats in the corridor were SEN
ateT Norton, of Seneca county; Senator
David Joy, of Hancock county; George
Maui, Clerk of the PeniteDtiary. and
Deputy Warden Porter. The execution
was pronounced the neatest aud cleanest
Job that has ever occurred in the county.
An immense crowd gathered outside the
Jail durihg the execution, and stared
stupidity Up at the stone walls with the
Thermometer at the freezing port Dur |
ing bis confinement, Sheriff Wilcox saws
be never knew McGill to utter a single
obscene or lascivious word, nor did he
ever give bim the least trouble during
the Ia months he was confined. The
Sheriff considers his ruin the legitimate
frnits OF drinking, variety theatefs, con-