The Indianapolis journal., 1884-01-26
Both the Criminals Satisfied as to Their Own
Salvation, but Very Anxious About the
Future of Their Victim
Their Last Hours Passed in Singing
Hymns and Making Prayers.
History of the Crime for Which They We're
Hanged-0ne of the Most AtrociOus
Deeds Ever Committed.
A DOUBLE EXECUTION.

Hanging of Anderson and Snyder for the
Murder of Van Weyer.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
MT. VERNON, Ind, Jan. 25.-The execution of
Anderson and Snyder the murderers of James
Van Weyer, took place promptly at 11:50 o'clock.
Both retired at 10 o'clock last night Snyder
slept soundly, but at o'clock this morning An
dersons nose commenced bleeding. He at
tempted to stay the flow with handkerchief,
and afterwards with a sheet, taking it from his
bed. His movements attracted the attention of
the guard, who promptly summoned physician.
The bleeding continued fifteen minutes, and
Anderson, at its conclusion, was greatly ex-
hausted. In reply to an inquiry he said he had
been restless and felt unusual pains in the face
and head. After the flow of blood had been
stopped he slept soundly, and said he was much re
freshed. When awakened he called to Sny-
der to know whether he was awake,
and gave him CHEEKY good morning. His
cheerfulness however, was assumed, as he ac-
knowledged afterward to a friend who talked to
him, and to whom be said he was very fearful of
the end awaiting him. He said he felt that his
sins had been forgiven, but was oppressed with
the notion that, having killed a boy who was
possibly not prepared to meet his Maker it was
not possible for himself and his associates to go,
as he expressed it, ito glory" although his spr-
itual adviser assured him he had nothing to
fear
Both were called, at their request, promptly at
o'clock, and ate hearty breakfasts. The Cath
ohe priest who has been with them
presented himself, but was denied ad-
mission. The prisoners had asked for two
Methodist ministers, j. W. Asbury and H. E.
Wulsen who promptly responded and remained
in the Jail some time
At $3.50 the death warrant was read, and lis
tened to without emotion. At 10 o'clock the
to their cells accompanied by their spiritual ad-
vsors.
A. l1:3O the prisoners were taken from the
iaiko board enclosure in the rear of the pris.
on. A number of invitations had been issued
and the enclosure was filed. The men mounted
the scaffold with firm tread. Revs. Asbury and
Wulsen accompanied them The former, at the
request of the prisoners, led in singing
the hymn; "Theren be no Sorrow there"
and the prisoners jointed in, Snyder
singing in a loud voice. During the singing
Snyder's eyes were closed, but Anderson was
restless; he looked about him. recognizing ac-
quaintances and showing his recognition by a
slight bow. He was much the more composed
of the two. Snyder led in prayer, and ex-
pressed regret at the crime; he said he was con
fdent he had made his peace with his Maker,
asked forgiveness, and said he forgave the world
for what it had made of him. During the prayer
tears from his eyes; his voice at times could
be heard two squares distance. Anderson also
followed in prayer; he was more composed, and
talked in very low tone of voice, many being
unable to understand much that he said. After
another hymn and brief prayer by Rev.
Wulsen, the black caps were adjusted, and at
exactly 11:5o the trap was sprung. The necks
of both men were broken. There was not a
movement of Anderson's body after the trap was
sprung, and only slight twitching of Snyders
body. When the bodies were cut down they
were placed in cofins and taken to Weisingers
undertaking establishment where they were ex-
posed to public gaze The details of the execu-
ton were intelligently arranged and admirably
carried out, not a hitch occurring from first to
last