The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-09-06
GEORGE s. TURNER HANGED.
THE RISE AND PAIL OF A POOR BOY.

His Grimes and tho Fearful Penalty
Which He Sufered-some Points
on the History OF q Most Interest.
ing Case.
The State.
SPABTANBURG, Sept. 1.-Today was verIta
BILE hangman's day IN Spartan6urg., The
George 8. Turner, the double murderer, is
dead.
After delay OF nearly four years, during
which every possible sesosrse o. law was re-
from q felon's death, Turner today paid with
bis Iife the penalty OF his crime In Staying
A Jury Of twelve OF his felow-men said
nal In the country endorsed the verdict, and
the Chief Executive Of his Slate refused TO
interfere with The decision OF the courts, and
Ed. Fingers death has been avenged.
The unfortunate man had all the aid that
money could obtain he had the ablest law
yers In the State to defend him he had the
10 assist him; his attorneys exhausted every
resource OF the law but,he Lad taken the
life Of u felow-man, and for 1t he yielded up
his own.
crimes and the details OF tue awful legal
tragedy in which he was the chief actor:
TURNER'S LIFE AND CRIMES.
George s. Turner was born on July 26, 1850,
In The eastern part Of this county, on Thicket-
ty Creek. His parents highly respectable
people and one OF the best families In the
cuunLy. Being born just before the war. and
the conflict break Ing Uut just at the age when
he should have been in school, the boy re-
ceived no educational advantages, and 1t is
doubtful II at the close OF the war he could
aither read write hlj name.
At the close OF the civil war Turner entered
into the Klu Klux war In this section with
all the reck zeal OF an Ignorant seventeen
year-old boy. In consequence OF his connec-
tion with The Klu Klux, he was forced to
leave home when about twenty years old.
At this time, Turner, while lgporant. was
was quick In q trade and was very fortunate
In his business ventures. He went West and
engaged In the clock business, peddling them
over most Of the Western aud Southwestern
states. He made considerable money and
when he returned home was, for the time,
fairly well of. -
Feeling the need OF an education, though
about years oid ;ha rnes haa1eSns
Professor r. o. Sans was then conducting
boys school In this city, and Turner enrolled
himself as pupil. He was good natureo
young fel.oW but WIS sometimes nG snrac
his school life he gave evidence Of the inability
Of selfcontrol that caused him twice To take
fellow Daan's life.
After leaving school Turner went to farm
Ing, and was successful in making money.
He soon purchased half-interest In the
old Finyerville cotton mill. He only had tnls
a short time, finally selling 1t TO Nj. Heary
continued at this occupation for several years.
He then purchased the Valley Falls property,
being entire owner. A small cotton miii
and store were owned and operated oy Iur.
ner Till the time Of the killing OF his first
man.
He made money easily and rapidly, and
soon accumulated considerable property
parts of the county and hall interest IN
valuable lot at Spartanburg. He was always
honest In his business transactions anu Was
considered one OF the most substantial men
In the county. He was scrupulous In paying
bis debts and was equally as vigilant In col.
lecting what was due him. On this account
he got the reputation OF being hard man:
Turner's neighbors who lived near him apout
hearted, honest and generous man, MS great.
est fault being bis overbearing disposition
and ungovernable temper.
HE EDUCATED HIS WIFE AFTER MARRIAGE.
Turner married Miss Finger, sister Of the
man whom he subsequently Killed and ior
whose life he today paid the penalty OF the
law. Three children were born 70 him; Two
sons and daughter. They are bright, hand-
some children, ana were devoted 10 thelr un-
fortunate ther Turner maEfies H sent MISS Ser 10
school and gave her every possible advan-
tage Her fidelity to him during his trouoie
is q striking illustration OF the beauty ana
ness to the man she loves. Though the seduc-
er OF her sister aud the murderer OF her orotn,
er. abe never forgot that be WAS her HUSBAND
and the father Of her children and tnrougn
thick and thin she has remained steadlaSt IN
her devotion 10 him aud has done everything
In human beings power 10 save hes nus, n.
band from his fearful fate. Verify, hers was
q woman's love that passeth understanding.
TURNER'S FIRST CRIME.
Turner's first crime was the killing OF
German named julius Metzkia. which 0c-
cured Sunday afternoon, June "a, 1881;
Metzkia was laborer on Turner's place, ano
the men had some dispute In the morning
about wages. Turner told him 10 get away,
and Metzkia protested about his treating nlm
in such a manner. Melzkia had handker-
chief In his hand, and In the heated diseus-
sion, raised his hand in gesture. Iurner
Immediately shot aud killed him.
Ed Finger, the man Turner subsequently
killed, and Clara Finger. whom he seduced'
both testified In his behalf IN THIS case; ; mon.
Turner was tried aud found guilty OF man
slaughter. He was sentenced TO hve years IN
the penitentiary. An appeal to the Supreme
Court was taken and the case was sent pac6 ,acs
one wear after the first trial. This time lie
was acquitted.
sEDUcED HIS sIsTEK.IN.LAW.
Some time after this trial, Miss Clara Fin
ger who was beautiful girl Of eighteen, was
passing through Sparianburg on her way 10
SCHOOL. She met her brother.1n.iaW mere.
She wanted 10 buy some shoes, ana Iurner
told her IL was not proper to try on anoes IN
the store. but that If she would 60 10 the no
| lei he would send them to her. she Went.
Turner carried the shoes TO her In person anu
| there accomplished her ruin, by drugs anu y,
| force, she claimed. 80 the story OF sname ~
told among her neighbors. The glrls tatnet M
| was dead. Her brother did not STAY heI pc
trayer, but suit was brought for SZo,ooo daH-
ages. r. rr,or. E,noer,s
| family had OF her trouble was In NoVelnoett
1889, when she returned from school III NSrtn
Carolina to her home at Valley Fails Win sh
infant in her arms. The disgrace iell WIN
crushing effect upon her mother, VINO Was
stricken down and almost lost her reason
| Her natural protector and aYenger was nef
elder brother, Edward Finger. de MADE ire
onent threat OF his Intention TO kill Turner
| for having ruined his sisters HE, put neVei
seemed able to nerve himself up to the decl
sive point. There was bud Dlood oetWeeL
them and each seemed desirious OF getting
rid OF the other.
THE KILLING OF ED. FINGER.
On Monday, March I, 1890, Finger came &c
the city OF Spartan burg. and while there wa,
drinking somewhat. On his way nome nt
-, :. 80 ~, no m {nd nv yOunper DrOtDer, JOt