The Russellville Democrat., 1880-03-04
A TRIP TO OZARK.
The Execution of James Howard
 Miller,
Alias James Howard, on Friday February 27th.
 iBy A special Reporter.l

Alias sJ JafneS HOWafu, On rIluhJs ,
 February 27th.
 By a special Iseporterl
 At 3 o'clock F. M. last Thursday your reporter accompanied by Sher. ! fir Hogins, James T. Chambers and others, boarded the passenger train bound for Ozark to witness the exc cution of James Howard Miller, alias James Howard, which was to take place on the following day. No sooner had we started than we found we were in charge of the gentleman ly and accommodating Conductor Kane, which at once assured us of pleasant trip.
 Arriving au Ozark, owing to the number of visitors, we found some trouble in securing lodging. Final ly registering at the Elsey House, which by the way is one of the best hotels in the State, we walked down to look at the scafTold which the Sheriff had prepared with the great est care and was situated in the rear of our hotel on the bank of the river below the railroad. It was about 6 or feet square and12 feet in night, with flight of stairs behind and a trap door in front so arranged as to give the prisoner six-foot fall. From here we visited the jail where we found the prisoner in seemingly fine spirits and conversing with his ministers Revs. Roach and Fer guson.
 l Ills DESCRIPTION.
 The prisoner is man of medium height, and slender build, with blue eyes, black hair; wears mustache, and has sallow complexion from long confinement insjail; is rather good looking and weighs about 14O pounds.
 l The prisoners name is James Howard Miller, but until lately has passed as James Howard. He was born in Montgomery County. Ills, where he resided until b years of age, when his parents moved to St. Clalr County, Mo-, where they are at present living. His education is | limited and he had no profession. During his life he has belonged to the Baptist, Methodist and Campbellitc Churches, but was communicated from all. Four years ago he came to this State where he met his wife Mollie Smith, who was then a six teen year old grass widow. He has lived with her for over three years and had three children by her, but they had never been married. He has wife and two children in St. Clair County, Mo-, and it is said murdered one of his children in the Indian Territory. When executed he was nearly 30 years of age.
 | THE CRIME.
 In January, 1879, while residing at Altus, about 5 miles below Ozark, he was arrested for the murder oi his wife, having ierked her down by the hair while dancing at a party and dragging her out of the room, beat her so badly on the way home that the injuries inflicted proved fatal the following day. Having been convic- ted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to be hung last May by Criminal Court of Franklin County, an appeal was taken to the Supreme Court, which Court only affirmed the decision of the Court below. He has protested his innocence to the last, and says he has no confession to make to man, but declares his peace with God.
 By daylight Friday morning coy cred wagons, horse-men and foot men could be seen approaching the town from all directions, all anxious to see the law enforced and have jus tice meeted out to the perpetrator of one of the most brutal murders. Ev- cry train was crowded with visitors and by 9 a. m., the town was fnll to overhowing. At first there was some clouds in the sky with the appear ance of ram, but before ten o'clock all was clear, and through the kind ness of Sheriff Shores we again visit ed the jail which contained twelve prisoners,-six for murder. one foI rape and five for felonies. Towards minister had just left him shouting while the balance of the prisoners who through continued practice formed quite choir, were earnestly singing familiar hymn. From the jailor we learned that the prisoner had eaten hearty supper and breakfast and rested easily the night before.
 THE EXECUTION.
 At12 o'clock spring wagon con taining the coffin was driven in front of the jail, which showed that the execution was not far off. This was the most touching scene of all Howard, with the prisoners was sing. ing "Ill meet you all in glory" &c and at the close he bade each one farewell causing the tears to gush from the eyes of all inside. At 12:- l5 the door was opened andthe Sheriff appeared with the prisoner who was cleanly shaved, dressed in a neat suit and white shirt around the col lar of which was tied narrow piece of black velvet ribbon. He wore a new hat, and seemed perfectly com nosed and while standino hpside tho