The Springdale news., 1913-08-15
REMAINED FIRM IN HIS DEG LARATION OF INNOCENCE TO THE VERY LAST.

you peOpIe Will llnd II out some time .
 With these words on bis lips Od- us Davidson, 30 years of age, son of a former justice of the peace of Boone county and member of a well to do family, was hanged in the court house yard at Harrison at 11:02 o'clock this morning for the murder of Ella Barham, Is year old daughter of George Bar ham, whose mutilated body was found in a hog pen near her home at Pleasant Ridge, November 21, last
 Davidson was pronounced dead ? minus after Sheriff Helm sprung the trap His neck was broken Physicians say he died instantly.
 Rushee 10 Gate.
 After entering tEe enclosure sur rounding the gallows, Davidson turned and rushed toward the gate, but was caught easily by the strong force of deputies who escorted him from the court house where he was confined since his arrival last night from Berryville. He explained his action by stating the crowd both cred him He was assis,ed 10 the gallows by two guards. He walked to the edge of the scaffo' d where he declared his innocence.
 After Dr. Charles Routh pronoune- ed Davidson dead the body was placed in casket and turne q ov- CT 10 an undertaken. Judge E. G. Mitchell, Davidson g counsel, was unable to state whether or not his family would ela III the remains. None of Davidson relatives were present MT and Mrs Barham, par ents of the s'ain girl witnesse d the exean-i iea. Dasi n EW more calm as tha hour Of his execution approached He tod minister he had fully prepared himself 10 die.
 Davidson was bsol~ht to Harfi- son Sunday af' noen at III ?. m. from Berry9iIl- Where he had been plaaed after his trial, ac ompaH ed by Sheriff i'm and five deputies A large crowd of people. both men and woms met the ain ard followed the party 10 the court house where Davidson Was pa d under guard in the county clerks office. There was a very large crowd of peep z about the court house all afternoon where a band concert was in pro gress
 When III minist s at BerfySille ap- preached he refu.ed to see them, sa4ing that they had better be pray ing for themselves; all the while em' phasizing his remarks with oaths. After coming 10 Harrison he still fe- fused to see any minister and said he had made peace with God.
 Davidson's state ment.
 Sunday afternoon Davidson made tbe following sworn statement and requested that fl not be made pub lie until after his death.
 State of Arkansas,
 Boone County.
 On this August 10, 1913. l, odus Davidson, after being duly sworn, upon my oath state that l know l am to be hung by the neck until dead on tomorrow. All hope of a respite is gone. l had been told by E. c. Mitchell. my attorney. that Gov. Futrell had promised to grant me a few days in order to get my case in the supreme court of the United States. He told me that Gov Futrell said that Gov. Hays promised bim to carry out this agree ment. l relied on thls promise. Who would not? l have learned within few hours that Gov. Hays has gone back on ms promise and that l am to be hung. IL was cruel to deprive me of thls chance to have my case passed on by the highest court in the lana. knowing absolutely that l am to die tomorrow, that there ts not the slightest hope. l do solemnly swear that I am innocent l swear that l did not kill Ella Barham, or have anything to do with her death. This l say as my last breath
 I ask Judge Mitchell 10 convey this staten nt to my parents or 70 any others who may be interest ed enough to inquire For my par ents, l desire them to know that l have made my peace with God l have always believed in the Christ ian religion and die in full faith.