The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-04-27

the murder of David Berkey, paid the
penalty Of their crime at 1852 o'clock
this afternoon. The execution took place
in the county Jail on the same double
death-trap that was used on one form er
occasion, when the Nicely brothers suf-
fered the death penalty, and which has
become part of the bloody record Of SOM
erset county.
Sheriff Hartzell had all OF his arrange
ments perfected long in advance and they
were carried out 10 the minutest detail
without a single hitch.
After the straps and handouts had
been placed upon the boys and the
ropes around their neeks, and with
the black caps on the top of their
heads, John Roddy spoke as follows :
Gentlemen, you see me. l am as
innocent of the 6erkey robbery as the
stars in heaven and know nothing
about it. / leave lots Of prayers be
hind me. l forgive you all and hope
to meet you in heaven"
James spoke practically the same
words, adding, "I have maintained my
innocence for two years. I am going
now to a court where will have new
trial and justice ~
The doomed men assisted in arrang-
ing the straps and caps, and when they
said: "Good-by Sheriff." the signal
agreed upon, the trap was sprung and
the murder of David Berkey was
avenged.
A few short convulsive struggles and
all was over. John did not move per-
ceptibly, his neck having been broken.
DR.. Kimmell pronounced him dead in
eleven minutes.
Jim was pronounced dead by DIR.
Gardner in twelve minutes
The bodies were cut down al l:l5 and
placed in the collins provided for their
reception. They will be taken to
Jchnstown on the $40 train.
At u o'clock a light lunch, consist
ing of canned peaches, pears, a custard,
cake and coffee was served in the cell.
Mrs. Hartzell had placed two button
hole bouquets of carnations on the
tray, and the boys placed them on the
lapels of their coats. They ate heartily
and spoke feelingly Of Mrs. Hartzell's
many kindnesses to them.
Just before the lunch was served
Valentine Berkey, of Goshen, Ind, a
brother OF the murdered man, entered
the cell. The boys greeted him cor
daily. John expressed his satisfaction
at having an opportunity to tell a
member of the Berkey family that he
was innocent of the murder. He said
that he felt very sorry for the Berkeys,
especially for Mrs. Berkey, whom he
declared had been influenced by the
detectives. "Tell her that l forgive
her and hope to meet her in heaven" I"
he added.
Mr.. Berkey replied that he knew
nothing about the case, but his disap-
pointment was apparent, as he believed
the boys would break down at the last
minute and confess.
AT 12:I5 o'clock Revs. Mullendore,
Cameron and Nogel were closeted with
the condemned men and remained
with them until the drop fell
The handouts USED were the same
that were used at the execution Of the
Nicely brothers. The steel wristlets
are engraved with the initials of the
Nicelys. The cuffs worn 10y joe Nicely
", re placed upon the wrists of John,
while the steel bands that encircled
the wrists ol Dave Nicely performed a
simi' ar service for James ROddy.
A solitary woman found her way in-
t. the Jail about noon and gazed into
the cell occupied by the boys until she
wss discovered by the Sheriff and ask
ed 10 retire.
Revs. Mullendore, Cameron aud Nogel
arrived at the Jail at sa. m, and were
with the doomed men until the last,
giving them such spiritual consolation
as was in their power.
Rev. Mullendore was closeied with
James, while Rev. II. y. Cameron retired
with John to the cell he has occupied dur
/ ing the past two weeks. The clergymeu
read from the scriptures and prayed with
the boys and then led the boys in prayer,
At 9.24 Rev. Mnllendore entered the cell
of John and Rev. Cameron went into
James cell, where private devotional ex-
ercises were continued for few minutes
after which the elergymen and tho boys
returned 10 the corridor OF the prison
where they were joined by Elder Petel
Nogei and the death watch. A. +. Bittner
Rev. Cameron sang solo. II Was onc'
Far Away From Jesus" the sweet tones
OF his sympathetic tenor voice penetrating
TO the flrthesf corner OF the cell and Al
feciing all who heard it.
Rev. Mullendore read the " "Beatitudes, :
and description OF heaven" The serT
ices were concluded by Elder yogel, wh'
offered prayer.