Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-02-19
THE GALLONS.
CATHARINE MILLER AND GEO
SMITH HANGED AT WILLIAMS
PORT, PA.

The execution of George w. Smith
aud Calhariue Z. Miller, tor the muir,
der Of Andrew Miller, husband of the
latter, took place in the Jail yard in
Willamsport, Pa, Feb. Sd, in the pres
ence OF one hundred aud fifty people.
Long before the hour OF execution the
streets in the immediate vicinity OF the
Jail were thronged with all excited
crowd, who, though they could neither
see nor hear, stood for long hours in the
bitter cold, under the impression that
they might be able 10 crafty their curl
osity by getting look at the dead.
About one o'clock this morning the
Rev. J. A. Bright, spiritual adviser OF
Smith, and newspaper reporter visited
Smith in his cell. They found the
prisoner asleep, but as it was at his re-
quest that they came he was awakened.
He was in cheerful spirits. The minis
ter administered the sacrament 10 him,
which he received in deep seriousness
A copy of his last confession was then
read to him, which he pronounced cor
rect. AT four o'clock he called Tor his
breakfast, which he ate heartily and ap.
parently with great relish. A barber
visited him, shaved his face and cut his
hair, Smith freely conversing with him
during the operation and disclaiming
nervousness.
MRS MILLER BROKEN DOWN.
Mrs Miller also arose at an early
hour and took her breakfast, but, as she
had passed restless night, appeared TO
be much broken down. At 10 o'clock
This morning the prisoners were in con-
sultation with their spiritual advisers,
the Rev. J. A. Bright being with Smith
aud the Rev. Il. Il. Reeser with Mrs.
Miller. Both stated that they were
provided with power TO meet their
doom"
At1l o'clock they were brought from
their cells TO the lower corridor Of the
Jail, where the death-warrants were read
to them by Sheriff Wilson, after which
the procession otbe gallows was formed.
Deputy Sheriff Yeaser walked with
Smith and policeman aud turnkey
with Mrs. Miller, who walked with
gre at effort, leaning heavily on her as
sistants and groaning frequently.
CONFESSIONS THAT CONTAIN ADVICE.
Arriving at the scaffold, religious de-
votions were begun, after which the fol-
lowing statement OF Smith was read by
his pastor:
FRIENDS: ! did the deed myself. She
laid the plan. She often told me to do
it. When | had him killed she gave
me the rope to hang him up. She also
gave me the apron to wipe the blood up
and told me where to throw it down in
under the barn. When / came hack to
the house she took a wbite washr rag
and wiped the blood "a my clothes.
do not want to speak long. / made
full confession I" Mrs: oeely and that
confession 80 true, as Coils my witness.
I wan. ,ou all TO forgive me as l for
give everybody, and God forgive ME.
| want all persons to take warning from
this. 1t may be that tbs. ~ili-b--
Gods blessing for the whole Of them.
Friends, | feel that | am going home.
Lord, for Jesus sake take my soul 10
Thee in heaven, where my dear wife is.
Lord, have mercy on me. II bad read
the Bible as much before ! came here as
have since would not be here. ]
advise all persons, especially young per-
sons 10 read the Bible.
Goodbye, friends I am going home.
The last statement Of Mrs. Miller was
then read, the following being synop' |
sis:
Before my death want to speak
few words of warning TO all who come
after me. have been an unfortunate
woman. A wrong beginning Of lite
brought me to this untimely end. i be.
gan downward course by giving way !
to the smallest wrongs, and was led on !
from one evil to another aud greater. !
Strand after strand Of sin eoiled itself !
around my heart almost unconscioasly !
until was lis ready servant, and by it |
have beeu brought where | stand TO-
day.
Ny great mistake was in not resist
ing the smallest sins. ] wish none TO
pursue such course Of life as have,
and on the gallows Iraise a warning
voice. | die in the assurance of peace
with God and the knowledge Of sius
'Jrgiven.
THE FATAL MOMENT.
After the statements had been read
prayer was offered up by the Rev.
Mr.. Reeser, both prisoners sitting on
he trap Win uncovered heads and |
violently with the cold. When
he black caps were adjusted Mrs Nil
er began utterine heartreudiDg and
distressing cries.
While the minister wss reading pas
,age OF Scripture, Sheriff Wilson sprang
he trap, the bodies falling Eve feet aud
motiopless, not even q tremor
being ,perceptible.
The Sheriff decided 10 let the bodies
lang thirty minutes, during which time
be attending pbysicians made frs qusnt
of the pulses until the exr
oiration of seven minutes. Then Mrs
Miller was pronounced dead, while
smiths pulse continued TO beat feebly
| few minutes later. AT ll;53 the
,,,d;est were lowered into the coffins,