The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1899-12-14
SAM JOHNSON HANGED.
Aunie NerFoot's AssaiIant Executed at
HagerstOWn.

Annie NersOOJS ASsaliant Executed at
Hagerstown.
HAGERSTOwN. Dee S.-Samuel
johnson, colored, was hanged at the
Jail in this city this afternoon for fell
onious assault on Annie herfO0t, the
14-year OLD daughter OF Thomas her-
loot, committed near Mondell, this
county, on July 27th last. The drop
fell at 1928. At 1.34 johnson was pro
nounced dead by Or. w. =. Morrison,
the Jail physician. Death was cauS
ed by StraugulatiUn.
The execution took place in the
northwest coruer OF the jailyard, Sher-
if Bruce Zeellcr sprung the trap in
ascending the steps. Johnson drop
ped five feet, and aside from few
spasmodic quivers OF the body death
followed withouta struggle.
johnson was the coolest man that.
ever went to death by execution by
the law in this county. he walked
up on the scaffold with Il firm tread,
and his arms and legs were strapped
by Deputy Sheriff Curfman. The
Rev. T. O. Carroll, u colored minister,
prayed for JohnsOn's soul The con
demned man was then asked if he
had anything to say Without Il
tremor in his voice, johnson said:
Before God and man | am limo
cent. am alone III the world, but
God will take me to him. God pity
my poor old father and mother.
iiis voice broke as he finished and
tears ran down his cheeks.
The black cap and moose were aid
iusted by Sheriff Ieller, and all was
M
DR.. W. b. Morrison and after being
pronounced dead was lowered and
taken to Bellvue Asylum for inter
ment.
None of Johnson's relatives came
to see him at any time. a short
service was held in the condemned
mans cell shortly after / o'clock by
the Revs S. 7. 0. Carroll, j. G. New
man and other colored ministers.
johnson joined in prayer and singing
favorite hymn.
Sheriff Xeller read the death war
rant to him, and his arms were strap
ped by the Deputy Sheriff. Escorted
by the Sheriff and Deputy Curfman,
johnson was led to the gallOws, pre-
coded by the minister.
About 80 guards and witnesses were
present at the execution. Conspicu-
Gus among the latter was Thomas
kerfoot, the father of Johnson's vic
tim. Deputy Sheriff Selby Of Rock
vile, who helped make preparations
for the hanging, was present.
The execution of johnson is the
first that has taken place in Washing
ton county since 1868, when Freder-
lex Smith was hanged for the murder
of Agnes Tracy on South Mountain.
Smith was executed on April 10 on an
elevation north of the city known
( ever since AS "Gallows Hip in the
presence of nearly 10000 people. He
| was hung by Henry CAN'T, who was
! Sheriff of the county at the time
| Smith broke down and cried bitterly
when he stepped upon the gallows
| though he seemed penitent. In 1920
/ William Cotterill, Sr., John CotterlI
! and William Cotterill, Jr., father anc
two SONS, were hanged in this city fol
! the murder of John Adams. This
was the most notable execution evel
held in the counry John Mechanic
was executed here in 1903 for robbery
and although he confessed man!
crimes, he denied this one. johnson
is the second negro hanged in thu
county. In 1899 two negros who hat
killed their oyerseer were taken from
the Jail in this city at night ant
strung up.
The crime for which johnson pait
the penalty of death to-day was al
assault on 14year old Annie kerfoot
committed on Thursday, July 81 last
The little girl, who is a daughter Q
Thomas Kerfoot, keeper of the G. u {
Canal lock at Lock No. 4, near Mel
cersville, Washington county, starte
at noon on that day to go from he
! home to the store at Mondelfs Station
on the Norfolk and Western Railroad
/ She was compelled to go through
{ strip of woods known as Mondell
: woods in order to reach the store, an
/ it was while passing down the roa
through the trees that she was tirs
accosted by Johnson, who asked he
{ the way to the nearest farmhouse an
; then passed on. A few minutes late
1 he turned and caught up to her, ca
{ rying out his purpose of assault.
The negro fled after the sssault an
{ the little girl managed to attract TT
\ attention of some of the residents
: the vicinity, who went to her ASST
lance and took her to her home. 81
\ was able to give a description of h
! assailant and upon the strength
+ this searching parties were organize
Y At O'Clock the same night JOhnsC
3 was captured in Locks woods, on tt
4 outskirts of Williamport, and imme
Y lately hurried to Hagerstowp. The
8 were threats of mob violence, b.
4 they were never carried out, and Il
Y law was allowed to take its cours
9 johnson asked for change of ven
4 in his case, and it was removed
II Garrett county, where it came up t
+ trial at Oakland at the August ter
Il of court. He denied his guilt, b
Y was unable to offer any evidence
+ his innocence and was promptly &C
II victed.
" johnson was about % years old, a.
= was born and raised in Calvert count
T where his father, mother, and a bl
" ther live. He has sister living
Z Baltimore.
q Brave Men Fall.
" Victims to stomach, liver and k
w ney troubles as well as women, a
- all feel the results in loss of appeti
poisons in the blood, backache, n