The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1893-12-12

al the .lali yesterday tor the pur
pose Of interviewing the condemned
negro.
Dick occupies a large cell in the
northeast part Of the lower floor. On
the south wall was pasted a flaming
theatrical bill, not put there, how
ever. by the present occupant.
Across
THE IRON CEILING
was stretched a stout cord ON which a
part Of his clothing was hung; also
some clean towels and necktie or two.
Dick was sitting in a chair just out
side the cell door, and when his inter
viewer approached him, he rose and
extended his hand in greeting through
the barred corridor. His grasp was
firm and strong and he seemed pleased
to have q visitor.
He talked freely. intelligently and
pleasantly. Asked as to
HIS SPIRITUAL CONDITION,
he stated that he Is occupying his
few remaining days in close study of
the scriptures. and then he reached
inside his cell and got New Tesla
ment. recently presented to him by a
lady in Sedalia; and also a book of
Common Prayer, given to him by
Rev. Alexander Allen, pastor of Cal
vary Episcopal church. He opened
the Bible and referred to the 22nd
chapter of Revelations as one which
he has been reading closely and which
seems TO have afforded him much
spiritual satisfaction.
81 read my testament and
PRAYER BOOK
almost constantly" said he, land do
not care for other books or news
papers.
II feel that am truly converted
md that am gaining strength all the
ime. want to center nv whole
mind ON the promises of God and then
know / can stand on the scaffold
without fear
Dick talked in this strain without
my effort at display and with very
title emotion.
Inquiry being made as to where he
had learned to read, he answered that
'e had been brought up by the Steph-
ms family in Columbia, Mo-, and
hat it was in that town he had OBJ
aimed a
PRETTY FAIR EDUCATION.
1T is great help to me now"
aid he, Gin finding Christ.
81 want to leave my Bible and
'rayer book to some Of my friends,
ard he, and when the interviewer sug-
'ested that his mother would be the
most proper person to receive them,
he idea seemed to please him.
81 don't know whether I will make |
talk on the scaffold or not. Maybe
would do some Of the young men
God for me to give them some
dvice, Though never drank whisky
r gambled or was bad"
The condemned man said that he
ranted
TO BE DECENTLY BURIED
n the colored cemetery, which is in
he northeastern part of the city.
his mother, who lives in St. Joe,
las been here several weeks and
ponds good deal of time with him. |
lie has two sisters also residing in st. |
zoe, and he expects one or both of
hem here sometime this week.
Tomorrow" said he. II expect to |
nut in all nv time with the scriptures. |
/ will be my last Sunday on earth |
nd want it to be the best day of
ny life"
The scafiold will he erected on
bout the same spot as that on which
UNCLE TOM WILLIAMSON
aid the penalty. By the way, |
he platform of that same
cafiold was shown to the writer yester-
lay morning BY AL, the very accommo-
ating cook and jailor, who has held |
lis present position for several years. |
lie has placed 1t to the right Of the |
'itchen door as you pass out.
Tomorrow Bishop Mack and some |
ther ministers will assist in baptizing
Dick.
The doomed man speaks very CRATE |
ully of the kindness shown him BY
whites and blacks and especially of
hat displayed by Sheriff Porter and
wife.
1RAfuA10~>S~ -. A NJ