The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-17
THE NINETEENTH MOLLY HANGED
Execution of Martin Bergan for the
Murder of Patrick Burns.
REMARKABLE CONPOsURE on THE CULPRIT
Marching to the Scaffold
with a Bouquet.
A COOL ADIEU TO THE WIFE
10y TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD

BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.
PoTTsvIILE, Pa. Jan. 16, 1879.
The execution to-day of Martin Bergan was un-
attended by any extraordinary Molly Mcguire
fatalities The first wife of the unfortunate ap-
peared early at the prison and admitted to her
husband cell. She unaccompanied by either OF
her children but the Sisters OF Mercy endeavored
console her in the trying ordeal. Bergan slept
soundly until about four o'clock this morning. when
he arose. and to the interrogation of his guards re-
piled that he had never experienced more refresh
ing repose.
LAST HOURS CELL.
Alone in his cell, by the light OF candle and in
front Of altar temporarily erected, he devoted
one half hour to prayer and subsequently turned his
attention to the well-fngered pages of his prayer
book until his spiritual advisers Gathers Brennan
and Gallagher) arrived. He manifested remarkable
composure, not to soy Indifference to the impending
tragedy of the day of which he to be the central
figure. Low said in his cell, after which
he ate heartily of eggs and milk toast but declined
coffee. His first wife was again alone with him,
and he expressed great contrton for his unfaithfu
to her in uniting himself to his second wife III
Canada; but while in this mood of repentance for
violating the marital he gave utterance to Ian
SSSAvO
tor the companion he has been advised since his
conviction to renounce. and who has been all wife
could be to him during his sojourn in Canada, and
by whom three children have been born to him. At
the parting there were none of the affecting crcum
stances usually incident to such farewels upon the
part Of either. Great grief exhibited but it par
took Of the character of warm friend parting
with friend than that of o husband and wife bid
ding q last adieu.
PERFECTLY COMPOSED.
At quarter to ten Bergans spiritual advisers en-
tered his cell. and found him complacently smoking
cigar and chatting lively with his two cousins.
Simmons, who had walked several miles during the
morning to see him. Upon their entrance the rela-
tives retired to aneroom. i'll which they remained
until after the execution. The demand for passes
was not large, and the crowd around the thrcs-
hold drawn thither was so small to cause COM
ment heavy snow storm prevailed, and Sheriff
Raudenbush had arranged matters admirably that
no one entitled to admission was kept waiting q mo-
ment. Less than one hundred presented themselves
at the door with the autograph of the Mayor.
THE PROCESSION TO THE sCAFFoLD.
At twenty minutes past ten o'clock the elect went
down to the where the scaffold was erected.
1t was dark lead color painted instrument of death
and of rude construction For twenty minutes the
small company awaited the coming of the procession.
Then appeared at the door Sheriff Matz and Warden
King arm in arm, followed by Fathers Gallagher and
Brennan supporting Bergan. the two latter holding
lighted candles. Then followed the jury, hanked by
squad OF police. The usual mvocat!ons to the
Throne OF Grace were read and responded to by
Bcrgan, who held closely to his lips small cross.
He was attired In well worn suit OF black /;
around his neck long string of white
beads to which was attached another small
cross. Upon his spotless shirt bosom rich look
ing gold drop was pinned well iaundried turned
down collar and black necktie and buttonhole bou
quet the prominent feature OF which was an elegant
tea rose, completed his toilet To the unprecedented
witness or his demeanor he presented the appearance
OF gonteMan OF commence OF rather that OK
young business man. He walked with uncovered
head steadily ana wrou, % TO inc
platform ne stopped moment kicked the snow from
the heels OF his boots ana then boldly walked up the
gangway preceded by the Sheriff and Warden and fol-
lowed by the priests He handed his lighted taper to
Father Gallagher and mechanically stepped to the
centre OF the platform Immediately under the beam
from which the fatal moose was suspended
HIS LAST MOMENTS ON EARTH
Sheriff Matt then addressed hm,to wit. Martin
shall not be proceeded with according to the order Of
the Court ana the warrant OF the Govcrnor! bergan
threw his shoulders back looked the Sherin straight
in the face with his dark. piercing eyes and re-
sponded. Nothing to say against II; am going to
die like true man" The holy fathers shook hands
with their charge emitting the kissing and returned
to the foot of the stairway Bergan then shook hands
with Warden King and turning TO Sherin MAT said
something inandibly. samuel snyder: Deputy
cuffs. and Bergan taking the cross depending from
the beads kissed 1t passionaely twice. and then put
his hand back at the same time saying, 'dod bless
you, Sammy; II Is all right The Deputy was well
acquainted with Bergan and told your reporter that
the two often played cards together
THE EXECUTION
Bergsn then thanked the Sherin for Kindness re-
ceived and said goodby, ana, turning TO Warden
King said, "Il not give way. His lips then moved
and Snyder put the cap over his head Sheriff Matz
adjusted the moose tightly round his neck drawing 1t
with all strength. and immediately descended the
steps on the other side. Joseph Coaycr went into
the little enclosure near the scaod and ut the signal
from the Sheriff pulled the rope which held the floor
ing. In seven minutes the physicians pronounced
him dead. His pulse ran up to ltO, rcniarkable
incident. and in ten minutes he was cut down. His
body was put into an elegant ROSEWOOD cofhn and
taken to Shenandoah where 1t will be walked tonight
and tomorrow night. The funeral IL announced for
Saturday.
HISTORY OF THE CRIME.
Tho victim OF the Molly Maguires In this case was