The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-21
The Slayer of Avis Linnell Meets Death Calmly With
 His Eyes Closed
"I AM WILLING TO DE-"
 HE SAYS SIMPLY
Left Cell Smiling-Ate No Supper. But Apparently Enjoyed Cigar. Poison Was Sent From
 New York

Bulletin: May a-Glarenee V T. Riehe- son was electrocuted at 1217 this morning.
 The current was turned on at .12;io.e and the prisoner was declared dead at l2a7
 The former Baptist clergyman who con fessed to poisoning Avis Linnell, of Hy annis, his sweetheart was outwafdls calm when he entered the death chamber and he maintained his eomposure while the straps and electrodes were being ad- justed as he sat fin the electric chair
 Rieheson walked to the chair erect, eyes straight ahead until he sat down Then he closed his eyes and kept them shut until the end.
 Seated in the chair, he was asked se- ries of questions by the Rev Herbert s. Johnson, his spiritual adviser. During his answers he said.
 God will take care of my soul and I pray for all, l forgive everybody The last of the questions was.
 Are you willing to dle for Jesus sake9'' The reply. In an even. well moduated tone, was simply:
 T am willing to die,
 The current applied was of 1900 volts. eight ampefes. One application was suf- fieient
 The Last Song When the officials and witnesses of the execution entered the death chamber aft CT walking through the prison yard In 4 petlng rain, they heard sounding through the walls the strains of song. II was Rcheson and his spiritual advisers, Nh. Johnson and Chaplain stebbins, singing. Distinctly audible they closed were the words. For l know. whate CT befali me, Jesus doeth all things we'll.
 Richeson lett his cell smiling at 12;oS. Before starting on the death march he shook hands with William A. Morse. his counsel, who at the last moment had been admitted as a witness of the execution and with two ehapains, the Rev. M I. l Murphy. ths tothohe prison enaplsiin, 1 being also present Then he sAid tss am ready and walked OIL fa 1 dressed plainly ill black ohevd 1 froek coat, white vest, white shirt. siss 1 down collar and a black bow tie gold studs on his shirt front. an low black shoes. brightly shined head was shaved down the middl
 The party then entered the eh Reheson, accompanied by the clerl followed soon after. the dnfroeket a ster appearing as calm as either companions
 Among many letters addressed to W son which were opened by as#lE Bridges today one which was aH To contain cyanide of potassium. N mailed from Station N, New Yorf on May 19 al D, m. It contain clue to the senders, the powder enclosed In a smal sub-envelope n 5s5 headache powders" An analysis san oped that 1t was poison of the sam tnre that which killed Avis u Richeson was entirely innocent of knowledge of It's having been sent torney Morse declared
 Reads First Psalm
 The Rev. Herbert W. Stebblns. prison chaplain, preceded the conden man in the march to the chair. Soleu his deep voice rang out through cnamber as he read from the 51st Psa Have mercy upon me, 0 God acoorcHs 10 Thy loving kindness; according l#f the multitude of Thy tender mereles bas out my transgresslons Wash me tf oughly from mine mlquty and cleanse from my sin. For 1 acknowledge transgresisons, and my sin is ever Def me"
 Then he turned to Second Timothy first chapter and 12th verse: "I knsa whom have believed and am persuaded that He Is able to keep that which l have committed unto Him against that day. As Rieheson settled himself slowly in
 
 head and closed his eyes the minister turned to Hebrews and read For He is able also to save them to the uttermust that come unto God by Him seeing that He ever liveth to make intercession for them"
 Four prison guards picked up the straps dangling like teutacles from the chair of death and quickly slipped them into place through their buckles. There was auiv- CT In every mans hand and even the electrician twice placed the face strap over the doomed mans face before he could adjust t satisfactorily
 Talks in Full, Steady Voice
 Throughout the entire time the former clergyman was talking. bfavely, earnest ly, with full steady voice. as he gave an- swer to questions propounded to him p~ MT Johnson.
 Would you like to confess Christ be- fore these witnesses as your Savior9. asked MT. Johnson.
 ''f do confess Christ as my Savsour,-- came the answer firmly
 Does Christ give you the strengrn you need in this hour?s Christ gives me the strength | need.
 Have you the strength to meet death?,
 T have. God will take care of my soul and l pray for all" Do you here repent of your sin ?s' 'I do"
 Do you forgive everybody?" 'I forgive eyeryhody.n Are yoil willing to die for Jesus sakerw am willing to-" The Last Word