Sistersville daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1902-1905, 1902-10-25
HENRY PAYS
A PENALTY
FOR MURDER
Execution Closed Last Chapter
In a Fight For Life.
HE WENT TO THE GALLONS
Protesting His Innocence Of the
Crime.
Made a Statement For the Press Re.
iteratins The Story
Told Before.
HE WENT TO THE GALLONS


West Virginia State penitentiary In
the presence of seventy five wit
mes ses, including the warden, minis
tiers aud officers State Henry, colored
was hanged for the murder of John
Richardson. also colored. The
drop occurred at 5:3S and he was
pronounced dead fifteen minutes
later.
Henry met death with the same
fortitude and cheerfulness that has
characterized him during his con
hnement Of about two years In the
penitentirry.
The march to the scaffold began
at 5:34. He was accompanied by
Rev. B. Spur and the prison chap.
lain, Rev. Ruble.
Henry ascended the scafold an
assisted with a firmiand steady step
and wore faint smile upon his
face. He took his place upon the
drop, as directed aud his legs and
arms were Immediately strapped
by Gu ards Boyd and Sheets.
lust as the rope was being ad-
justed Henry uttered his last words,
Lord, give me strength"
The black cap was adjusted by
Captain Dawson, followed by a
prayer by Rev. Ruble, and as the
minister spoke the word Amen"
Captain Dawson touched the button
and second later Henry had gone
10 meet his Maker.
Heury's last day on earth was
spent almost entirely with his re
|ligious advisors In prayer and song
He was In conversation with his
spiritual advisors from the time he
got up In the morning until he went
to the scafold.
He stoutly maintained his limo
cence to the last. His attorney,
Col. Robert McIntire, of New Mar
,insville, who made such a strong
fight In his behalf, was with Henry
part OF the morning and did much to
brace him for the trying ordeal.
Henry wrote his last letter at noon
which was addressed to his mother,
sister, wife and child, all living In
Biltmore, S. c Among other
things he said to them In the letter
was that he felt sure of meeting
Tohn Richardson In Heaven and
would learn from him who his real
murderer was.
At o'clock Henry was taken to
the oath house and remained there
thirty minutes. first bidding good
bye to the other condemned men
In the death chamber. He request
ed the officers to allow him TO go
In his bare head ard Shirt sleeves,
saying:
Il want all the exercise can get
I want to breath the pure air aud
see the blue sky once more"
After leaving the BATH house
Henry wanted 10 walk about the
yard. During his walk he passed
bit of lawn. He fell to his knees
on the lawn and began to search
through the grass. When asked
what he was looking for he replied:
II want four Leaf clover. 1t
means good luck"
After persistent search he was
rewarded by finding several, which
he fastened In bunch in button
hoe in his vest. He resumed his
walk, ard as he passed groups of
idle prisoners IN me yard, he
stopped at each group and shaking
hands with the convlcts. SAID.
Goodbye boys God bless you
boys. They are going 10 Kill an
Innocent man. I don't blame the
officers for carrying out the edic. of
a cruel law. They have to do their
duty. So goodbye boys; God bless
you again; I will meet You all in
Heaven"
He returned shortly TO the exc
cution chamber where he was
dressed In neat black suit. He
then requested Warden Haddox,
Captain Dawson and the ministers
to join him In areligiouS service,
which he contlrued the remainder
OF the afternoon. He was singing
as he assembled the scafold.
Those on the scaffold were: War
den c. E Haddox, Captain Dawson,
Rev. B NJ, Spur. Rev. Ruble, the
prison chaplain, and guards Sheets
and Bloy1. The execution was
carried CT: i u c:d.rly Kramer