Delaware gazette and state journal., 1897-06-17

Hf~ = SAttohS N~tiliSs
tpeclal correspondence Of Gszette and journal
Georgetown, j une ll-James N. Gordy
was hanged here to day for the murder
Of bis wife. formerly Mrs. Mary Nj.
Lewis OF No. 26l3 Eighth avenue, New
York City, at Milton on the night OF
Wednesday, March 10Th.
The drop fell at TO- % o'clock. The
body dropped like log and hung mo-
tlnnless. with no apparent muscular
movement.
THE MURDEREn's LAST HOURS.
Gordy rstire1 about 10 o'clock last
D,ght, and although he was awake
several times he rested comparatively
well. Nothing of incident occurred
during the night.
Gordy arose from his bed at about
a.4j o'clock this morning, apparently
very much refreshed from his nights
rest. Shortly after he awoke he ap-
preached the night watch. Jester, and
oade him goodbye, expressing the
hope that they would meet 10 the next
world. Other than this, he had nothing
to sny concerning himself
AT about Z. 30 o'clock W. S. Holt, the
assistant OF Undertaken Obed Marvil of
Laurel. drove into town on hearse in
which was the collin which had been
maze to Gordy's order. 1t was made
OF plain walnut of ordinary shape, and
had three silver handles on each side.
1t was D feet inches in length, 20
inches wide and II incheo deep. The
lid was in three pieces. There was no
Hat . IL
wills shop. Mr.. Holt was assisted by
j. J. Galloway, The two msn felt per.
fectly able to take care of the job.
Mrs. Gordy, the doomed mans aged
mother, expressed a desire to have the
body taken tn the house and kept for
few days. But Mr.. Holt had been in
structed this morning by Gordy's
brothers to take charge of the body as
soon as the sheriff was through and
convey it in the hearse to the family
mansion at Whitesville, insteau OF the
church at Gumboro
Soon after the arrival of the cottn it
was carried into the yard through the
rear gate. Gordy saw IL, but imme.
diately turned his head. A tempting
breakfast of beefsreak, ham and eggs,
oat meal and coffee vas sent over by
order Of the sheriff from the Eagle
Hotel, but Gordy refused to touch it,
saying TINT he did not want any break
fast.
Between and clock Sheriff John.
son swore in 40 deputies and 80 Jury.
men, the latter to witness the execution.
AT the same time George Hatfield OF
Georgetown, who erected the scaffold,
put on the finishing touches a.!d tested
j.. Everything was found to be in good
shape and in readiness for the execu-
tion.
AN EARLY RUSH OF VISITORS.
Early 10 the morning people from
the country and nearby towns began to
arrive in carriages and by other con
veyances, and by 10 o'clock the town
was literally filed with strangers.
There was no disorder, however, and.
the crowd appeared to be more curious
than anything else. They appeared to
be willing that the law should take its
course
The day opened with tine weather.
and by the time for the execution il
was exceedingly warm. At s O'Clock
this morning after the sheriff and his
wardens had satisfied themselves that
everything was in good shape William
Thoroughbred was admitted to Gordy's
cell, as was also Barber J. c. Abbott,
vino shaved the prisoner. Both the
barber and Mr.. Thoroughbred used
every means to obtain confession, but
IGordy stoutly protetesd his Innocence
to the last, and when Mr.. Thoroughbred
left the cell he remarked that Gordy
had resolved to die that way.
l. A TOUCHING FAREWELL.
The most touching scene of the morn
ipg was the visit from Gordy brothers.
Sohn and Benton. They arrived at the
jail at s.. 80 o'clock. with new suit for
the prisoner. Both are honorable men
and have good, honest faces. AS they
entered the cell they wept bitterly and
the prisoner was somewhat moved. The
meeting was touching in the extreme,
and the deep grief OF the brothers was
manifest from the outside. They re.
mained about 20 minutes, and while in
the cell the prisoner with loud voice
sang the hymns, "There'll be no more
parting there.'' and "And brothers,
we must part" At $50 O'Clock the
brothers bade james good bye and left
the CELL AS far as could be learned he
made no admissions to them.
Gordy spiritual advisers, the Revs
j. ii. Ewell, f. S. Cain and V. S.
Collins. arrived at the Jail early and
talked. prayed and sang with the pris
oner while he was not otherwise en-
gagged. Whenever Gordy was alone for
few minutes he spent the time sing
ing familiar hymns. After the departure
OF his brothers, Gordy donned his new
black suit, after which, at his re-
guest. Deputy Robert Short brought
him mirror and comb and brush. and
he spent several minutes arranging his
hair. He looked we'll and stated that
he felt better than ever in his life. Ilo
seemed less concerned about bis execu-
tion than any one else. To everyone
who inquired, Gordy said he was per.