The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1903-03-11
ROSS HANGS

According to the program laid out by
the sheriff: William Ross was executed
last night at Is o'clock. A while be-
fore the ordeal Father Turcott who has
been his spiritual advisor, entered the
cell Of the doomed man and told him
the program, and asked him if he would
need to be assisted up the scaffold steps.
For some time through the efforts of
thefathe he has professed complete
redemption, and declared he died cheer
fully, and preferred his fate to that of
Carl Hanson.
At l o'clock sheriff Gardner read the
death warrant to him and shortly after
the march was taken to the scatfold.
ROBBED in a new suit Of black, in which
he will be buried, he followed the priest
as freely and cheerfully as though go
going to picnic. The order up the
scaffold steps was the Sheriff, Judge
Murray of Minot, Father Turcstt. then
Ross followed by the deputies. With
out a moment of hesitation he took his
place on the trap. The straps binding
his arms and legs were fastened and the
moose put on his neck. He looked down
and examined his appearance and
smiled. Asked then if he had anything
to say, he answered in a clear voice:
II am sorry for all the sins have done.
and I ask forgivness from all l have
harmed and forgive all who have harmed
me. have told the truth all throuth.
10 the question put by Judge Murray
of Minot: .sWho killed Napolian Le-
May?" he answered in firm voice:
"Carl Hanson, Continuing he said:
II bid you all good d-by.''
just before the black cap was drawn
over his head he, kissed the Grucifix and
said: May God forgive me for my sins.
Sheriff Gardner then bid him goodby,
and the next second the trap was sprung
the rope snapped, neck cracked and the
body dangled at the end Of il ten foot
rope, which had been tested the day
before With a 250 ID. anvil and not found
wanting. Some think the trap was not
sprung too soon as he was beginning to
show signs of collapse. Life was de
clared extinctby The three physicians
present in seven minutes and he was
shortly after cut down. The rope was
buried SO deep in the neck it had to be
cut out The face in death looked quite
natural except the tongue slightly pro
trnded from the pratly open teeth and
lips. There was some blood on the lips
and tip OF nose, and. the hangman's knot
cut the skin back of the left ear. The
remains were at once ttrned. over to
Mr. Greiner and removed to his under
taking rooms whore they were viewed
by the curious crowd this forenoon. 1t
was reported that they were to be sent
to his wife at Williston, but this is NOT
true. Mr.. Greiner at least had orders
to bury them here and he was preparing
to do so at noon. The silvercross which
hung around his neck. was taken oil hy
Judge Murray and ysent to his W fe.
illus ends the earthly career of WilliaGl
Ross. No comment need be made or
lessons drawn. The News like Judge
Murray Of Minot has declared from the
first that he was a bad man and no
doubt he met Just end. We hope how
ever the redemption he lately professed
was true. Owing to the early hour Of
the execution there were not many peo.
pic in the vicinity Of the gallows. though
cutie number more than the law al
lowed were inside, including three news.
paper. men,