The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-04
A CHRISTIAN AND
WILLING TO DIE
Cook Said BE Is Innocent Of Black
burns MURDER.
WAS SENTENCED TO HANG
Friday, January 1, 1899, Named as
the Date.
SENTENCE DAY IN THE COURTS
Frank Cook Burglarized Store, and
Plunged Knife in Blackburn's
Heart, Who Was in Pur-
suit of Him.
WAS SENTENCED TO HANG
SENTENCE DAY IN THE COURTS

Frank Cook, the young negro who was on
Thanksgiving day convicted in the circuit
court of the murder of Conductor John
blackburn, of the Southern railway, was
yesterday sentenced to hang on Friday,
January q, 1899.
Cook was brought into court on motion
to set aside the verdict of the jury and to
grant a new trial, which was presented by
his attorneys, Messrs Edwards and VIM
ston. Judge Coleman denied the motion,
and summoned the prisoner to stand before
the bar for sentence. When asked If he
had anything to say why sentence should
not be passed upon him, the prisoner, who
was visibly affected, replied as follows:
II am innocent of the charge. I was at
home in bed when the killing happened,
and 1 knew nothing about 1t until the next
morning when l woke up. l am Chris
tan, and am willing to die If necessary.
If you take my life here will live up yon-
der.
II am satisfied to die, for the Lord says
Let the world be against you, and trust
in Me- l am innocent of the charge"
The Picture of Despair
The unfortunate negro spoke with a quiv-
er in his voice. He fully realizes the terri
BILE fate that awaits him, and was the pic
ture of despair. Judge Coleman gave close
attention to what Cook said, and expressed
regret at the duty he was about to per-
form. Addressing the prisoner he said:
81 sentence you to hang by the neck un-
til dead on Friday, January q, 1892"
Notice of appeal was Immediately given,
xyh If
suspended.
Cook was convicted of the murder of Con-
ductor Blackburn, which occurred at Cain
station, on the East Lake electric line,
about eight months ago.
Conductor Blackburn and Conductor
Evans, who were passing small store at
Gains about midnight, heard a noise in
side. Being personally acquainted with the
proprietor who lived near by they at once
went to his home and informed him that
his store was being burglarized. The three
men went to the store and succeeded in
catching the burglar, a negro. While being
taken to telephone to communicate with
the officers the negro made his escape and
was followed by Conductor Blackburn who
attempted to catch him. The negro
plunged a knife into Blackburn's heart and
made good his escape. The county dogs
were put on the trail and early the next
morning followed the trail to a house In
which Cook was found. He was placed un-
der arrest charged with the crime and was
identified by Conductor Evans as the right
man.
Criminal Court
The following prisoners who were con-
victed during the week were sentenced:
Phil Smith, assault with intent to muir
der; two years in penitentiary.
Governor" Wyatt, burglary and grand
larceny; ten years in penitentiary.
William Watkins, grand larceny; one year
In penitentiary.
Frank Thomas, burglary and grand lar
ceny; two years in penitentiary.
John Waldrop, perjury; two years in
penitentiary.
Joe Jones; grand larceny; one year in
penitentlary.
Jim Wilson, grand larceny; one year in
pententiary.
Rufus Holmes, burglary and grand lar
ceny; ten years in penitentiary
George Cole, grand larceny; one year in
penitentiary.
Sam Etheridge, burglary and grand lar
ceny; five years in penitentiary.
William Franklin, burglary and grand
larceny: two years in penitentiary.
Jim Christian, attempted mayhem; twen-
ty days at hard labor.
Archie Roach. burglary and grand lar
ceny two years at hard labor.
Joe Boston, grand larceny; one year at
hard labor
William Howard. assault with a knife;
twenty days.