The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-10-02
Especial to The Messenger.)

Clinton, ~. g., september zs.-The
who murdered John c.. Herring in this.
(Sampson) county October It'll. 1855. was
ended on the gallows here today. The
execution took place at 1 p. IN in the
jail premises and was private, only the
limited number being allowed by law
being admitted. There was a large
crowd in town. however. and many wit
messed the hanging from piazzas and
tree tops.
The execution was a horrible sight.
The murderer had to be hanged twice.
An inch hemp rope that had been
stretched waS Used, and when the trap
fell at 9 minuteS to l o'clock the mans
body h o down, stretching he kinks
out Of the rope and causing the moose
to slip under his chin.
The mans struggles were awful. The
rope tore open the wounds made on
Dot sides of his throa when he at
tempted to commit suicide with a knife
on the 18th of September, the former
date for his again Severing
the arteries from which the crimson
blood flowed profusely. The writhing
form of poor Kinsauls was bloody to
lilc "dlSl II SpNNNoloAS "OAO LoAiA-
fed.
After the body had hung for nine
minutes, the attending physician re-
quested the sheriff TO place him on the
gallows and drop him again, so life
might be more quickly ended, as other
wise he might remain struggling for
some time.
He was placed on the gallows a sec
ond time, at 1 o'clock, n the trigger
again sprung by nervous hands. When
the murderer was hauled up for the
second drop he was unable to stand,
being in a semi-conscious state, so his
body had to be laid across the trap
while the crimson moose was again
adjusted. While his bloody body was
lying across the trap door, the trigger
was sprung and he thus eypiated his
crime. This time life was pronounced
extinct in eight minutes from the time
| the trap fell. His neck was not broken
and death resulted from St~rangulation.
The Sampson Light Infantry was on
the scene as a guard. Perfect order
prevailed. This morning Kinsauls ap-
peared perfectly composed, and with
the remarkable fortitude that has al
ways characterized the man, he easily
walked without assistance from his
| cell UP the steps to the gallows. He
nae said to his physician, DR..
Frank Holmes, to tell all his
| enemies anu lTltluS " lilCSl
him in heaven. On the gallowS he
was given an opportunity to make a
| statement, but he said nothing. With
a minister standing by him, he then
bowed his head for a few minutes in 81
lent prayer. The black cap was ad-
justed. the moose arranged and then the
trigger vas sprung with the sequel as
above stated.
NEGRO HANGER FOR ARSON.
Especial TO The M~essenger.)
Tarboro, N. c., September 2S.-The
execution of Chauncey Davis, for
burning the. residence. of Mrs. Lavinia
Battle, took place today in the Jail
yard between l and 2 o'clock. 1t was
private. Only q few were admitted.
The scaffoId was enclosed with duck
ing.
Early this morning Davis took his
breakfast and dressed himself with as
much composure as if nothing were to
happen. He talked calmly and cody
about his execution, and when ques
toned about his guilt or innocence.
never failed to protest that he was ar
innocent man.
Early this morning the crowd began
to gather around the jail. While few
were admitted to the yard the execu-
ton was witnessed by hundreds of peo-
pie from trees and house tops near by.
Between half past one and two Davis
was led from his cell to the, gallows.
His step was active. He appeared
strong and without any assistance
mounted the steps of the scaffold where
he asked permission to make a state
ment. This was granted.
He spoke briefly, but no confession
did he yer make. To the asst he sale
he was innocent. While his legs were
being tied n the black cap was placed
over his head. he never moved nor die
he o the slightest sign of fear.
Within three minutes from the time
the trap fell he was a dead man.
Public sentiment as to Davis gull
Is yet divided. Some are outspoken in
their belief in his innocence. Other:
contend that he was guilty.