The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-11
WITH A HYMN ON HIS LIPS
CHARLTON WENT TO HIS DEATH ON
THE GALLOWS.

Murderer of Hurry Mcleod Paid the
Penalty for His Crime without N
FIinch-His Neck Broken and
Death InstnntaneOus-His Body
Buried in the Potter's FieId-NegrO
Preachers Prepared Charlton for
His Death-The Rites of Baptism
and the Communion Adminis-
tered. and He walked to the GAL
lows Calm. Cool and Confident.
His Last Words Expressed His BE-
lief in the Forgiveness of His
Sins.
John Charlton, the murderer of Harry
Mcleod. was hanged in the county jail
yesterday morning. The drop fell at 1000
O'Clock. Charlons neck was broken by
the fall and death was instantaneous.
The murderer passed a good night before
his death, and warmly greeted the cOfored
ministers who have been attending him
during his last days on earth. and who
came at an early hour to prepare him for
his doom. Besides Rev. Prince Black, who
has spent much of the last few days In
CharIon's company, there were Rev. A.
Palmer Rev. G. w. Wilson, Rev. H. l..
HayW God and c. c. Jones. These ad-
ministered TO Charlton the sacraments of
baptism and the holy communion. After
the rites had been performed, the time up
to 10 O'Clock was spent in prayer, sing
ing and the reading of the Bible.
At 10 o'clock Sheriff Roman came to
Charlon's cell and made him prepare for
death. Charlton announced his readiness,
and his desire to have the execution done
as soon as possible. The death warrant
was read to him and march to the dea III
cell began. When the party entered the
cell, Charlton was bound, and the black
cap was adjusted over his head. AS he
stood above the trsp, Rev. Black read the
fourteenth chapter of job, and Charlton
sang the hymn, Il Heard the Voice of
Jesus Say" and prayed fervently. His last
words were II believe l am going home
to Jesus" Almost Immediately afterwards
the sheriff pronounced the solemn words
that precede the execution of criminals,
May God, in His Infinite goodness, have
mercy upon your soul" and the drop teH-
The body remained suspended until 1892
been broken and nc had died instantly.
After life had been pronounced extinct
by County Physician Chisholm the body
was removed to the potter's field in Laurel
Grove cemetery where il was buried at
the county's expense. The execution was
in private only the officials of the jail
and the county physician being in attend
auce. There was only a small crowd
around the Jail and the execution aroused
little excitement
Throughout Charlon's behavior was cool
and steady, and his manner indicated con-
fidence, reliance and hope. He did not
strut or pose or indulge in mysteries. but
walked with calmness and resignation to
his death. Even as the drop fell he was
singing softly to himself and he died with
out finch or tremor. His prayer, de-
liz cred upon the trap and just before the
black cap was adjusted over his head,
was appealing in it's trusting pathos. His
be airing throughout was a really remark
able exhibition of nerve or religious faith,
and ne was by far the coolest and most
collected man present
The murder of Harry Mcleod was COM
mitted on the night of Sept. g., 1888 At
abount Z o'clock Mcleod entered the bar
of Cord Kracken, at Bay and West Broad
streets. Charlton had had previous diff
ticulty with the proprietor and went into
the bar with the apparent purpose of re-
newing it, Mcleod was standing with his
hand resting upon Krackens shoulder and
behind the bar The negro ordered drink
and threw down the money in payment.
AS the barkeeper started 10 pick IT up.
Clarion fired at Kracken, the ball miss
ing his intended victim and entering Nc
Leods neck
Charlton escaped. but was captured short
" after the shooting. Mcleod desper-
ately wounded, was carried to the Savan-
nah Hospital where despite every atten-
ton. he died few hours afterward. At
the time of his death he was food inspec-
tor for the city of Savannah.
The murder was on Friday. On the fol-
lowing Monday Charlton was indicted by
the grand jury, put on trial Tuesday, con-
Victed and sentenced to be hanged on Oct.
2S The case was taken to the Supreme
Court, on Judge Falhgants refusal of the
grant of a new trial, and the decision of
the lower court affirmed. Clarion was
resentenced, and this last mandate of the
court has been executed.