The New Orleans daily Democrat., 1880-04-05
HANGED.
Execution of Joseph Walker, Col
ored, for Murder.
Full Particulars Of the Hanging. The
Crime for Which Walker Swf-
fered the Penalty of
Death.
HANGED.
Especial to the Democrat.l

LAKE PROVIDENCE. Lee. April 2.-To-day Jo-
seph Walker, co'ored. convicted at the Decem-
Der term of the District COURT OF this parish for
lying In walt and numbering Major Gray, col
ored, suffered the penalty of the law by hang
ing TIE day opened cloudy and rainy, but
Notwithstanding this the oolored soveregns
from all sections gf the parish commenced
pouring into town early In the morning. and
began to gather around the seefold.
Bys o'clock at least 5000 persona were present
The prisoner was taken from the jail to the
scatfod, just outside the yard, at Ia oclock. ac-
companied by the iailer and Deputy sheriffs
Glarn and Scott and colored minister. After
ascending the scafold he made few remarks,
declaring his innocence as to shooting the
man, but stated that he was In company with
another man who did It, and claimed that his
sins were forgiven and he was certain Of
Heaven. The minister made some few re-
marks. when the rope was adjusted. and at
about fifteen minutes to 1 the trap was sprung.
Heetrugged but little. and In eight minutes all
signs of life were extinct. The crowd was quiet
and orderly. and the event seems to make a
profound sensation.
Joseph Walker was employed on the planta-
Hon of Mr.. George @. Benham. In East Carroll
Efon hanos and violent and brutal In disposi-
tion. rivalry for the affections of woman
sprung up between MIN ana u fellOW- -IaDorer
named Mai or Gray, and auarrels frequently
took place between them, the most notable of
which occurred a short tiue before the murder
In this blows were frequently exchanged.
Walker finally left the plantation. and peace
prevailed there for a time. It was only for a
short time, however. as about ten days after the
quarrel alluded to. and on Saturday, October
II last Gray went to a store near by to get some
groceries. and was mortally wounded on his
return home. He had selected the evening for
his shopping aud when he was vending his
way back to his cabin 1t was dark He had
nearly com mpeted his return trip when the gun
of the assassin arrested him In his progress.
rsddlIne him with buckshot and fatally wound
ing him.
The report of the gun attracted the attention
OF people In the vicinity who found Gray In
the condition described, but yet conscious. He
was taken TO his cabin where every effort was
made to save him, but without avail. Among
the callers was Joseph Walker, who stimulated
great innocence and regret at the mishap Of
his former foe. but the latter protested that
Walker was the murderer. Notwithstanding his
effrentery and GOODNESS.
Gray died that evening and the following day
Walker was arrested. At the ensuing term of
the District Court be was tried and convicted,
several persona testifYing to seeing him armed
shortly before the shooting. His housekeeper
testified that when he returned home that even
Ing. becoming lrrtated by something which
had occurred In the domestic arrangements, he
threatened her by saying he had already that
evening killed man. There was great deal
OF other evidence leaving no doubt OF the guilt
nf tha