The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-03-22

them goodbye. They were assisted down
stairs and into the sheriff's office by
relatives. Under the tension Jones for
moment gave way. Tears streamed
from his eyes. But it was over in an
instant. Stepping to the window to get
a last glimpse of his loved ones, he spied
an acquaintance Waving his hand, he
asked coolly: Are you coming in, Char
lie?" He and Watson shook hands and
he turned to his cell.
Mrs. Watson fingered to the last min
ute. Again and again she strove to tear
herself away but in vain. Watson made
every effort to comfort her telling her
that he would meet her in Heaven. He
mentioned her condition, with no one to
care for her.
"Oh. it's not myself that / am think
ing Of" she said Its you. It's youl
The Lord will provide somehow. It's
you I am thinking Of"
''I will meet you in Heaven" returned
Watson soothingly.
Mrs. Watson held up the baby. kiss
your papa goodbye. Lou will never have
any papa any more. This is goodbye
forever oh, what will we do without
any papa"
Watson's Goodbye
Goodbye baby" said Watson. RE
member papa and be good boy Don't
| get into trouble
| 1t was over AS Mrs. watson passed
down the steps her husband leaned over
the railing and strained both wife and
child to his breast in one long, passion
ate embrace. In an instant she was gone
Watson appeared relieved that the pain
| full ordeal was over. Both condemned
men passed around the chamber, telling
| the deputies farewell Watson stated that
he harbored no resentment. .'It Is the
saddest day in my life' he said softly,
q AZ hay wit
God. Meet me up yonder."
Both turned to their cells. Deputy Sher-
iff F. III. McDuff, who was to read the
death warrant, approached. Jones. who
died first said he was ready. The war
rant was read. The last preparations at
the gallows were made.
~Down the steps to his death walked Ar
thur Jones with as brave a mien as ever
man showed. Slowly but unfalteringly
he approached the gallows, walked ZIP the
steps without assistance, and with un-
moved face placed himself in readiness
for the moose.
Every window in the courthouse that
commanded in the least view of the
smallest part of the proceedings within
the jail yard was crowded by eager spec
to ators Even the dome of the clock was
not immune, score climbing up in the
belfry in the hope of getting a better
view of the hangings.
Jones was accompanied by the two cler-
gymen who had baptized him earlier in
the day. Mr.. Haynes made a few re-
marks about the penitent thief on the
cross and read the Scripture relating the
death of Christ on Calvary. Jones was
very attentive during the religious exer-
cises. At the conclusion Sheriff Nc
Adory asked the question:
Arthur, have you anything to say?"
II don't believe that 1 have" was the
reply.
At this time Sheriff McAdory swore in
all persons present not connected with
the sherff's office or the police depart
ment as special deputies. AS the sheriff
called on those present to hold up their
hands and be sworn, Jones raised his
hand and was duly sworn in as spe-
cial deputy sheriff at his own execution
As the deputies were strapping his arms
and legs Jones nodded to an official
standing enar the scaffold and with
faint smile said: "I won't be with you
tonight, Charlie" He asked the deputies
to remove his shoes, which was done.
Jones Is Executed
"Goodby, boys; meet me up yonder,"
called Jones as the black cap was about
to be adjusted. Pray for me-" These
were the last words he uttered, for the
trap was sprung and his life came to a
close. He mounted the scaffold as the
courthouse clock struck II and 11:25 the
attending physicians, DR.. Hamrick, DIR.
Robert Nelson, DR.. McAdory ard DIR.
Watts pronounced him dead and the body
was turned over to the Lige 10y Under
taking establishment and it is understood
taking establishment and it is understood
the interment will be at Walkers chapel.
After the body of Jones had been re-
moved second procession was formed
at the condemned cell and Will Watson
was escorted to the gallows. Like Jones,
he met his death bravely and in the long
address he made from the scaffold his
voice never quivered nor did he exhibit
any fear. He took part in the religious
exercises and knelt ON the trap while the
minister was Offering up a prayer. In
fact, he prayed as the preacher prayed
and at the conclusion gave Il loud
amen" His lips were seen moving III
prayer as the black cap was drawn over
his head.
Watson Makes Statement
Standing on the edge of the scaffold he
said:
II wish to say one thing boys. I do
not feel that l ought to be hanged for
this and l do not believe God feels
ought to be hanged. / am going to come
clean with the truth, and tell all l know,
God being my helper. In few minutes
Will be with God-how long have ! got
to tallx?''
"As long as you wish, Will" answered
Sheriff McAdory. ~
Il have always tried to be a man and
attend to my own business. | love my
Wife and children. My first trouble came
up in the John Hollands $ case. He went
Ground and accused me of stealing his
chickens. He told it all over the neigh
borhood and said that he caught me in
his chicken yard. There was not word
OF truth in it.
Il didn't want to get into any trouble
over the matter. so | went to him and
asked him to straighten it out. ! tried
| to see the negro to get it Strengthened
out. | didn't go to his house, but sent
him word to come and see me. | met his
brother in the middle of the road and
sent him a message to come ana
stra1ghten it out, but he wouldn't come.
] went to Coalburg and had a talk with
Walter Jones. He told me he was going
to have a chicken fight near there and
thought he could get the negro TO come
clean.
THE matter rocked along for two weeks
without anything being done. | seen Wal
| ter again and he said the negro had
promised him to confess that he told q
| lie about the chickens. Then he swears
out vagrancy warrant. 1 was worklns
I for Mr.. Wordsworth. 1t was late in the
| evening | was going to carry guano