Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1889-10-17

Olsen and Drager Hanged for Com
pliclty I'm the Lowell Murder.
PLACBRvILLE, CAL, October 16.-The
final scene in the Lowell murder case
was enacted at 7 O'Clock this morning,
when William Drager and John Olsen
expiated upon the gallows their partici-
patton in the crime for which J. II.
Myers suffered the death penalty on the
3Oth of November last. All three were
Jointly tried and convicted over a year
ago for the murder of John Lowell on his
ranch in the western part of this county,
in March, 1888. The body Of Lowell was
found some time after, wrapped in a
wagon canvas, in an old cellar near his
house. Several horses of the deceased
were found to be missing from the ranch,
and were subsequently traced to Sacra-
mento and Woodland, where they had
been sold by Myers, Olsen and Drager.
The discovery of the horses served to
apprehend the murderers. Their confess
sions after arrest we're to the effect that
Myers did the killing, but all were con-
victed of conspiracy to murder, and sen.
fenced to be executed November last.
After conviction Myers made an afida-
Wit that he alone designed the murder
and shot Lowell before the others were
aware of his intentions, and afterwards
prevailed on the others to take the horses
with which to effect an escape. The Gov
ernor was then petitioned to commute
the sentence of Drager and Olsen, but the
petition was denied. An appeal was
then. taken to the Supreme Court, but
the Judgment of the .court below was af-
firmed and Drager and Olsen were on
August 17sh again sentenced to death.
The petition to the Governor was re-
newed without avail. The doomed men
received the news OF their defeated hopes
with remarkable composure. Drager's
unaffected bravery at all times excited
admiration, and had a sustaining in.
fuence on Olsen.
Among the last visitors admitted last
night was q. j. Carpenter, counsel for
Drager. Bidding him last farewell,
Drager said: II can only thank you for
what you have done. Garry my thanks
out of here to all who have helped and
sympathized with u.s."
Olsen went to sleep at midnight. ORA
ger read until 80 and afterwards talked
with the night watch until2.
ri feel Just as if 1 were going to ship,
said he, and were afraid Of getting left. !"
At 1925 Drager retired and SLEPT
quietly until O'Clock this morning, when
both men were awakened, Father Cline
their spiritual adviser, having arrived
Olsen was taken with violent vomiting
when he arose.
The men were led unshackled from the
Jail at 6 :55 q. M, and both walked unas
sisted to the gallows in the jail yard
The floor of the gallows was on the same
level as the balcony, where stood dozer
or go admitted spectators. Drager, whel
asked if he had anything to say, replied
"Well, suppose you are here to see m,
in nv last moments. I can only thanl
YOU all for your kindness. Mr.. Anderson
and Mr.. Winchell have not used US lik
prisoners, but Anderson like father ant
Winchell like friend. I want to than
our lawyers, Mr.. Carpenter and MI
Irwin, and everybody. If 1 have mad
an enemy in the world l hope the Lor'
will forgive me-"
Olsen appeared deathly pale and weak
but bore up bravely and thanked all
The prisoners shook hands with all pres
emit, and at 7:05 the trap dropped an
both died without q struggle. The bod
les hung just twenty minutes, when the
were cut down. DEDICATION Of the nee
occurred in both cases.
SACRAMENTO, October II. Privat
Secretary Boruck received the followin