Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-04-22
Spirit of 5effersolr.
CharlestoNn, Jerer.on County. Me.t Va.
TUESDAY MORNING. APRIL q. 1919.
Faithful Unto. Death.

A touching story is narrated in connection
with the execution of Walter Watson NJ
Highland, Indisna, on Friday last, for the
murder of Ezra Compton. The parties had
quarreled shout the charge of quarter dol
lar for some soap made by Compton, who was
storekeeper. The wife Of Watson. to whom
he had been but year married, endeayored
to restrain him from the quarrel, but heren-
treaties failed. a week before the execution
Mrs. Watson visited the Governor. with her
babe In her arms, and made strong personal
appeal for mercy, but that official declined TO
interfere because the sentence had been CON-
frmed by the. Supreme Court. The faithful
wife was % daily visitor to her hushapd's cell,
and joined him in fervent prayers for for
giveness. During the last night most of the
time she sat on his knee, breathing words of
love and encouragement. or at his feet. ca
sessing his hands. He was truly penitent,
and expressed himself as having made peace
with God. Asthe time approached for the
execution she was for a moment overcome,
and fell on her husbands neck in uncoa>
trolable anguish, but suddenly she raised
her faxen head and assisted in arrayiug him
for his doom. She had contributed neck
tie and pair of slippers, and put them on
him with fierce determipation that over
mastered her agony. She combed his hair,
and seeing all was ready, said she would go
with him. All present demonstrated with
her, in which the minister joined. Her reply
was rebuke that few women would have
veutured. II should not have expected this
from a minister. When l was married
promised to oleave to my husband for better
or for worse. promised this to a minister.
and am going to keep my word as far as
God will let me-" On reaching the gallows
10 he tha
steps hand 10 hand. They were seated side
by side over the fatal trap. She again took
his hand and sobbed with her little head rest
ing upon his shoulder, while the minister
made the closing prayer.
Meanwhile, the cul prit sat in his chair,
unmoyed. A Eeart>broken wife was sobbing
on his bosom, strong men sobbed, but the
man about to be hung seemed an uninterest.
ing spectator Of the absorbing scene of which
he was the central figure. For fully FIVE
minutes he sat there without the least per-
ceptible witch of a muscle. There was no
brsvado in this composure; it was rather the
calmness of resignation. At the close of the
religious exercises the two stood up, aud for
the last time she embraced her husband.
4 kfsseu hIm passioDatefy and with Good bye,
4 Walter" stepped back and fell back into the
arms of the good christian ladies who were
there to receive her. The last words of the
unhappy man we're q fervent prayer for mer-
cy and for heavenly aid to his poor wife. At
| the sheriff's house she saw the remains of
| her husband in his coffin, aud kissed his lips
aud arranged the hair, turned away with q
| look Of woe and said ri can cry no more;
l have no more tears. God have mercy on
me and my little babe"
An hour later the coffin was in an east
bound train, accompanied by the wife. At
Richland, bleak station seven miles from
this point, it was deposited on the barren
ground, and as the train moved on only one
other person besides the widow was in charge
The face that broken hearted woman turned
up to the occupants Of the passing train, most
of whom had seen the hanging, will haunt
many in their dreams.