The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-05-31
THE CAH0kIA BUTCHER
Hanged at Bellevii,o, Illinois, for
the Murder OF the peddlcr
Laviene.
One Of the Most Brutal Grimes in the
Annals of the State Speedily
Bxpiatcd,
The Blood-Stsined Wretch Confident .
Going Straight TO Glory His
Las; Hours,

BELLENulE, HI, May S0,-The morn
ing Of Decoration Day opened bright and
clear and would have been thought \
splendid one for any purpose but an exc
cution. Brown, the murderer, rose early
this morning, and 10 those who watched
him closely he showed little signs of
weakening, lie prayed icrvently, how
ever, ana seemed satisfied that he was
going to glory. Sheriff RopicQuet was
81 early visitor At the jail, and he also
inspected the Scsftold and got everything
in readiness. The execution created a
great deal of excitement IN the town,
and as early As 5 a. IN. large crowds
stood in the bright sun surrounding the
spot where the Scaffold was built Brown
was shaved by Jack Mason, preacher
barber, shortly after rising. He then
fell to;and ate
HEARTY MEAL
OF beans and potatoes, and returned to
his prayers. His wife was seen but
Sturdiy refused TO converse. She strong
ly resembles an Indian in all her charac-
teristics, and has cunning look.
"Don't know nothing is her constant
answer TO questions
During the morning Brown seemed in
good spirits, and conversed freely with
his attendants. At $3.50 q. IN. Sheriff
Ropiequet entered the cell with his
Deputies and proceeded TO read the
death warrant, which Brown listened
to calmly and with the closest atten-
ton, PUT on the ropes" said the
Sheriff, Immediately after reading the
warrant and the negro was quickly
pinioned. At this juIcture Browns
wife began moaning and sobbing in her
cell, but making no boisterous demon
stration OF grief.
THE LINE OF MARCH
to the gallows was arranged SLOWLY and
in good order, as the attendance per-
mitted by law in this State is quite small.
Supported by Elder Luce and the Sheriff,
the condemned negro shutiied along,
making strong effort to keep up his
Tagging spirits. Following him were
representatives of the court, several
county officials, the jury selected to wit
ness the hanging, and number of news
paper reporters.
on THE GALLONS
Elder Luce made lengthy and fervent
prayer, which was Interrupted by the
"anens" of the criminal. The Sheriff
then asked Brown if he had ANYTHING to
say, and the condemned negro answered
huskily, eyes" lie then made brief
speech, confesSing the murder of La
vigne, declaring himself sure of heaven.
and expressing his faith in the forgive
ness Of God.
TIE DROP FELL
promptly, and in twelve minutes Brown
was pronounced dead.
The discovery which led to the arrest
and conviction of Brown was made
March last, by some boys living near
Cahokia. Their first find was a part of
the chest of Layigne, the murdered man,
q section of the ribs with the flesh torn
off, and the heart, which had been cleft
In twain. These portions were half-con-
cealed in the mud and ice of a slough,
about one-quarter OF mile from the viii
lage and near the road leading to East St.
Louis. Shortly after this find, and only a
lew yards distant, more ribs, a kidney and
pieces OF flesh were taken from the mud
and weeds at the edge Of the Slough. The
remains in both instances had evidently
been disinterred by several hungry dogs,
whose barking had attracted the atten.
ton OF the boys, The ours of the vii
lage had been feastins on the remains of
the poor peddler. The parts found we're
then put in box and turned over to
Coroner Bader.
During the following week, while skat-
Ing on pond near Browns cabin some
children came upon a bundle consisting
OF aprons, oil cloths and bibbs, evidently
a peddlers stock in trade, Deputy
Sheriff Anthony fastened to the scene
and entered upon an inspection of
several
| NEGRO CABINS