The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-08-10
BRYSON HANGED.
The Murderer of Annie Lundstrom
Pays the Penalty Of His
Crime With Life.
Dies Protesting His Innocence. and is
the Bravo He Assumed TO Be
to the Last.
He il Buried In Boulder. Hts Father
Being the Only Mourner at the
Grave.

BOULDER, Aug. 9-[Special TO the Ilde
pendent l-George Duncan BrysOn wa
hanged here to-day for the murder OF Ami,
Lundstrom in Helena, Aug. 2I, 1888. Bry
son died with that stoical Indifference h,
displayed during his trial and after bis sen
tence while confined in jail. His handsom,
features were distorted by a scOwl ol
malignant hatred when the black cap wa,
drawn over his head. He died like lid
beast at bay. His glances were venomou:
and the hard, cruel lines around his mouth
showed that he would mete out, If he had
the chance, the scant mercy he showed his
victim, Annie Lundsirom, TO those re-
sponsible for his ignominiOus death. Ii
nerve is a test of bravery, a braver man
than George Duncan Bryson never faced
death Not muscle quivered, not peni-
tent look stole into his eyes, nor did his
voice falter while reading his statement,
which was weak eDdeavor 20 explain
away the damnable evidences of his guilt
sdduced at the trial. He read his state
ment in a clear, resonant voice, and after
he had finished turned 10 Sheriff HaIfOrd
and deputies and said: ''Gentlemen, do
your duty" The duty was performed,
strom, met his just deserts.
The Day Before.
A number of Helenaites arrived in
Boulder 70 witness the execution. Bry-
sons father was with the delegation and
went direct to the Jail from the station.
he requested Sheriff HaIford to grant him
a private interview, but that was denied
him. The old gentleman, however, had a
long conversation in French with his son,
which was listened to by JAilor Ellis only,
and he being unacquainted with the Ian
guage. is unable to tell what was said. Mr..
BrysOn LETT the cell the tears streaming
down his face, but the moment he emerged
from the jail, with a wonderful command
of will, he lit a cigar aud walked up town
apparently as unconcerned as any one in
Boulder.
Shortly afterward the Rev. Mr.. Cutler,
accompanied by Mrs. Reeves, prayed md
sang with the prisoner. Af5er the services
BrysOn again affirmed his innocence, and
also his hope of getting comm ntstion OF
his sentence. saying that he would not
mind laying in jail an hundred years II
there was a chance to prove hgm not guilty
Of this great crime. Jailer Ellis brought
him his supper at Z O'Clock and sh rtiy
sfter Bryson had q conversation with the
inmate of the next cell when BrysOn as
serted that the governor had held out hope
TO his father that bis sentence would be-
commuted.
Afterward he read over his statement to
the guard, giving the testimony Of wit
nesses at both trials, and commenting up
on IL, and in It he advanced a theory OF
how the murder was committed. After he
got through his reading JsilOr Ellis
brought him up SONS oranges. and on turn
Ing 70 81 ccwn stairs BrysOn exclaimed,
"Ob, jerry, how are you betting? 2" re-
ferTing TO the governors action. Mr.. Ellis
replied, IL don't know; 1 am not betting"
"Well," he exclaimed, Pm looking for
the hoist; if it comes the other way it will
b. so much the better"
"By the way, jerry" be said, after hand
ing Mr.. Ellis half zen cigars, take
them 10 the boys down stairs aud tell them
it is BrysoD's treat "rhe boys" after
receiving the cigars, cried out, Thank
you. George" Bryson responded in a
calm voice, ''Smoke hearty, boys" and
soon after asked Mr.. Ellis to let anyone
come in and see him that desired 20. Quite
number of both sexes svailed themselves
OF the opportunity.
terial and commenced writing his state
ment, which he finished about IL o'clock,
and then asked the prisoner confined IN the
next cell To him to sing for him that song.
Lessons that Learnt at Mothers Knee"
Afterwards several songs were sung, sud
then BrysOn read his statement 10 the
guards. then about ] O'Clock he returned
and asked that he might be called at $50,
and slept quietly all night. When called
al $50 be opened his eyes and said: Il
guess | Will sleep thirty minutes longer"
AT b. again woke, dressed and again took
up his pen and began adding to his state.
ment