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Court at Wedowee.
Bill Phillips Is Indicted For First Degree Murder.
Wedowee, Aug. 31.--(Special)--Circuit Court is in session here Judge S. L. Brewer presiding, with W. B. Bowling Solicitor.
The grand jury has returned a verdict against Bill Phillips for murder in the first degree for the murder of Vann Wright at Wadby, on August 3, his trial has been set for Wednesday, August 26. Phillips has asked for a change of venue.
There has been a special venue of fifty summoned to try the case.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser, August 22, 1908 - Transcribed by C. Anthony
5,000 See A Hanging.Tom Barsh Pays Death Penalty In Wedowee.
First Legal Execution in the History of Randolph County--Negro Admits His Guilt of Charge Of Murder.
Wedowee, April 11--(Special)--Yesterday at 11:45 o'clock, Tom Barsh, colored, paid the extreme penalty of the law, having been sentenced to death February 20 last, for the murder of William Birdsong, colored, the night of November 30, 1903. This is the first legal execution of a criminal in the history of Randolph County. About 5,000 persons witnessed the execution.
The negro arose about 5 o'clock yesterday morning, and ate a hearty breakfast, after which he sung 'Jesus my All to Heaven is Gone.' using the chorus, 'I'm going home to die no more.' When seen by The Advertiser correspondent, at 1 o'clock, he said that he wished this occasion to be a warning to the people, both white and black. His advice is Beware of the first drink, pistols, whiskey, bad company and bad women were runous and should be shunned.
In response to the questions as to whether or not he was prepared to die, he said: "I feel prepared for the ordeal through which I am about to pass, I have prayed many many times, and the burden that rested upon me at the beginning has been rolled away, and I feel that my sins have been pardoned."
He was shaved, and the sheriff with the help of a negro, bathed and dressed the criminal. At about 9 o'clock, four preachers two white and two colored, went in the cell and talked and prayed with the negro. At 10 o'clock the sheriff and deputies went to the gallows which is situated about eighty yards southeast of the jail and prepared the rope. At 10:45 the coffin was carried down to the gallows.
Services were held in the jail at 11 o'clock. The hymn "Rock of Ages" was sung after which Rev. W. T. Holdridge led in prayer. The the start was made to the gallows. The parting between the condemned mand and his wife was very touching. Seldom is such faithfulness seen in the colored race. Many were moved to tears at their sad parting. Immediately before starting to the gallows, Tom called for a cigarette and was allowed the privilege of smoking.
After reaching the gallows prayer was led by Rev. Reaves, colored, after which a talk of some thirty minutes was made by the condemned man. He said that he wished this occurrence to be an example to both races, and the he would advise them to never take the first drink of whiskey. In part he said:
"This is my last day here. Since I have been in prison I have experienced many things. I am guilty of the charge against me. When my father died some years ago, people told me good things to do and advised me rightly. I did not follow their advice, and I remember now the promptings and admonitions to do right. Boys, take notice. Let this be your last day to go astray. Let your good-deeds overcome the bad ones. Keep out of bad company. Step by step you are led from bad to worse, and in a moments time you have committed some act that can never be undone. Beware of the first drink. I took to drink and here I am. I am now reaping what I have sown. I have sown bad-I am reaping bad. I feel today that I am a witness for the Lord, and if I could be turned loose now, I would never cease to warn the sinful to shun their ways and turn to God. Change your wicked-ways before it is too late. I feel that I have overcome all my wrong doings. I believe my way is open from here to Glory.
Prayer was then led by the condemned man. At 11:45 he stepped upon the trap door, his feet were strapped by Deputy Sheriff Fuller, while the rope was placed around his neck by Sheriff Kent. The black cap was the adjusted by Deputy Fuller. "Farewell, everyone," cried the prisoner and the trap door was sprung. The body shot down 51 inches below the door, the fall breaking his neck. Twenty-seven minutes after the fall there was no life in the body, and at 12:17 o'clock, just thirty-two minutes after the trap was sprung, the body was cut down.
The body was turned over to the wife of Barsh, who carried it to High Shoals for burial.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser, April 12, 1903, Transcribed by C. Anthony
