Articles Relating to the Conviction and Execution of George W. Winnemore (1867), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Kathleen Berner Groll ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Philadelphia Public Ledger Friday Morning, April 26, 1867 LOCAL AFFAIRS A WOMAN MURDERED IN HER OWN HOUSE - A PARALLEL TO THE WATT AND MILLER HOMICIDES - ARREST OF THE SUPPOSED MURDERER- Yesterday afternoon a murder, in all its prominent features precisely like the killing of Miss Watt, at Germantown, and of Mrs. Miller, at her home in Buttonwood street, was committed at No. 1369 Shippen Street, the residence of Adam and Dorcas Magilton. The victim was Mrs. Dorcas Magilton, sixty-two years old, for the last forty years the wife of Adam. They had been married almost half a century, their children had grown to man and womanhood, and they were living alone in comfort and quiet. At two o-clock, and soon after they had taken dinner yesterday, Mr. Magilton left home to go to the store of a spectacle maker, a few squares off, his errand being to have his wife's spectacles repaired. He left her knitting, seated in a rocking-chair near a table in the kitchen and sitting -room combined. He told her that he would not be long absent, and he did not expect to be, but when he reached the store, he entered into a conversation which so interested him that he forgot how the time was passing, and was there from an hour to an hour and a half. Upon leaving he immediately returned home, and when he attempted to open the front door he was surprised to discover that it was locked. While working at the knob of the latch, the door was opened from the inside, and a young man named George W. Winnemore, an occasional visitor at the house, stood inside the entry. He had no hat on, yet did not appear in the least excited. As soon as he saw Mr. Magilton he said: "Your wife is murdered; come in and see." "Murdered!" exclaimed Mr. Magilton; "that cannot be, as it is but a short time since I left her." He accompanied Winnemore to the kitchen, and there a horrible sight met his vision. Extended on the floor lay the wife, her skull crushed in with blows from a hammer, and her throat cut from ear to ear. The hammer was close to the head, but no knife or other sharp instrument could be found in the room with which the throat had been cut. Close to one of the hands was the ball of yarn which Mrs. Magilton had been using in her knitting, and at her feet, overturned, was the rocking chair upon which she had been sitting. Her position on the floor, the position of the rocking chair, and the place where the ball of yarn was found, all unmistakably showed that she had been approached from behind, the blow with the hammer upon the top of the head given as she sat in the chair; that she either fell or was pulled from the chair to the floor, where the murderer, not satisfied with the fiendish malignity he had already shown, finished the deed by cutting her throat. There were seven blows on the head, all of them penetrating the skull, and causing wounds sufficient to produce death, independent of the cut on the throat. The hammer with which the blows were inflicted was what is known as a riveting hammer. It belonged to Mr. Magilton, and was kept in the box attached to the ironing table. There was no blood in any part of the room except immediately under her head, nor was there any appearance of a struggle whatever. Nothing, except just about the body, was in disorder in the room. The work-table contained a number of articles, and every thing was, no doubt, as she placed it. The feelings of Mr. Magilton upon seeing his wife thus cruelly murdered may be imagined. He ran into the street in a frenzied state and gave the alarm. In this he was assisted by Winnemore, who proposed to procure a policeman. To that end he went into the street and hailed Policeman James McCullen, Sr., who was on Thirteenth street, near Shippen. After telling the policeman that a murder had been committed, Winnemore started away, but was immediately followed and arrested by the officer he addressed. Winnemore was taken to the Second District Station House, where he was searched by Lieutenant Hampton, and his clothing subjected to a rigid examination. There were on his person two $2 bills, stowed away in his vest pocket. It is stated that on Wednesday evening the son-in-law of Mrs. Magilton gave her two two-dollar bills, and after her death they were not found on her person, but the money taken from Winnemore has not yet been identified as that in Mrs. Magilton's possession. There was also found on his person the following letter, which would seem to indicate on his part a determination to commit suicide: Philadelphia, April 22, 1867 TO MY FRIENDS: This sad calamity is caused by my enemies -those who were my pretended friends. I have been accused of many things which are utterly false. God knows I am innocent of them. This note is intended especially for M.M., of this city, although I forgive them for what they have done. I prefer death to dishonor, for it rests as a stigma on my name, character, and would for years. I have tried to bear them all, but it bears me down with terrible _____. I now bid all earthly friends and enemies farewell in this life. Let pass be forgotten. Yours in truth, Geo. Winnemore No blood could be seen upon Winnemore, nor had he a knife in his possession. His statement was that he went into the house and found Mrs. Magilton in the position already described, that he had no difficulty in getting in, as the door was unlocked, but after the discovery he locked it in order that he might search the house for the party or parties who had committed the murder; that after making this search was about to come out on the street, when he heard some one at the door, and upon going there met Mr. Magilton. After Winnemore was taken into custody, a thorough search of the house was made. There are no indications of a robbery. One or more of the bureau drawers were open, but the contents had not been disturbed. In a pocket in the dress of the murdered woman was found her porte-mon??, which had a ten-cent currency note in it. The husband thought that he ought to have had more money about her, but he had no knowledge on the subject. The officers also searched the well attached to the out-house, and there found a razor, which Mr. Magilton states does not belong to him. Winnemore denied all knowledge of it and said that he did not shave himself. Last evening, however, Lieutenant Hampton went to the Monitor House, Front street, near Walnut, where the accused boarded, and in his valise found a razor case. The proprietor of the house stated that two days ago, while shaving, Winnemore said to him that he had a better instrument that that, and produced one, and the proprietor last evening identified the one found in the well as the razor loaned to him. It was peculiar in being ground on one side only, and for that reason it was remembered. The proprietor also states that on Wednesday he told Winnemore that he must pay his board; that he might stay one night more (last night), but he must then pay the five days he owed or leave. Winnemore in answer said it would be all right, as he expected money yesterday from his brother. The proprietor of a public house, at Broad and Shippen streets, states that he saw the accused at ten minutes past two o'clock, when he was inquiring the time of day. Winnemore's own story of the time is that he reached the house a few minutes before three and then discovered the murder. Coroner Daniels was summoned to hold an inquest on the body, but it was deferred until a post-mortem examination could be made. Winnemore, the prisoner, is about twenty-four years old, and was but recently discharged from the regular army. He had been a visitor at the house for some months, and on Sunday last was there from 10 o'clock in the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening, and took dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Magilton. He was at the house also about ten o'clock yesterday morning, during the absence of Mrs. Magilton, and was talking to the lady when her husband returned. He then left in a few minutes. His own story is that after leaving the house in the morning, he wandered out to the Schuylkill and to Fairmount Park, and was on his return home when he again stepped into Mrs. Magilton's house and discovered the murder. So far as it is known, he had had no quarrel with Mrs. Magilton, and when he visited the house they seemed to be on quite friendly terms. The murder very naturally created much excitement in the neighborhood in which it occurred, more because the unfortunate woman was well known and universally esteemed. She was the mother of General Magilton, whose connection with the Pennsylvania Reserves has made his name quite a familiar one to our citizens. His numerous friends will deeply sympathize with him in his sad bereavement. Philadelphia Public Ledger Friday, May 2, 1867 LOCAL AFFAIRS THE EXECUTION OF GEO. W. WINNEMORE - THE SCENE AT THE SCAFFOLD-INDIFFERENCE OF THE PRISONER-HIS SPEECH- Geo. W. Winnemore, convicted of the murder of Mrs. Dorcas Magilton on the 25th of April last, was executed yesterday at the County Prison, the drop falling at nine minutes of eleven o'clock. The case has attracted considerable attention, not only because of the atrocity of the crime, but also because of the demeanor of the prisoner during and since his trial. At one time he emphatically denied all knowledge of the deed, and then again made a tacit admission of his guilt by asserting that Mrs. Magilton had in her possession pictures which drove him wild whenever he was in the same room with them. His religious feeling, tinctured as it was with Spiritualism, also added interest to the case, and this was still further increased by the announcement he declined to hold intercourse with clergymen of any denomination. Adhering to his determination to the last, he presented the spectacle of the first man who had ever gone to the scaffold in the County Prison unattended by a minister. His peculiar religious notions have already been given to the public. He has reiterated them at every opportunity, and has frequently expressed his belief that after his death he would appear in spirit form to those he loved, as well as those he disliked. A few days ago, in a conversation with a gentleman who called in company with Mr. Killgore, his counsel, he stated that death had no terrors for him, and that before he was cut down from the scaffold he would be there in spirit, to see the operation. He also added, as a matter for congratulation, that as he would have the power to assume the spirit form, he would return to earth and pay his respects to certain gentlemen in this city. Among those to be thus visited was District Attorney Mann, and Winnemore added, "I'll bet I'll make him draw the covers over his head." This idea of visiting Mr. Mann was evidently obtained from the District Attorney's speech to the jury at the close of the case. Mr. Mann, referring to the allegation of the defense, that Winnemore was insane, because he saw spirits, said it was no unusual thing to see spirits; that, in his own experience, he had frequently gone home from court after a day's toil, worn out and weary, and while lying in bed dozing, his room was peopled with the persons he had met during the day. So strong was the impression, that it required considerable effort and a thorough command of his faculties befor3 he could remove the illusion. Although Winnemore asserted that he had no clear idea of what Mr. Mann said or did, it would seem that the above suggested to him the threat of attending the District Attorney at his bed-side. Winnemore also stated his intention of visiting in the spirit certain newspaper gentlemen, who are supposed to have rendered themselves obnoxious on account of their reports and comments in regard to his case. During Wednesday he reiterated his power and intention of revisiting the earth. The only gentleman to whom he did not use this language was Mr. Chandler, one of the oldest prison inspectors. To this gentleman he conversed rationally, and made no attempt to discuss the spiritualistic theory. In all of Mr. Chandler'' interviews, Winnemore was sensible in his manner and conversation, and at no time gave any indication of the aberration of mind relied upon by others as the ground for a reprieve. Throughout his prison life Winnemore has been cheerful and obedient, asking for nothing and accepting everything from the prison authorities without a murmur and without opposition. Most of his time was spent in reading or writing, and he prepared for Mr. Killgore a sketch of his life, interlarding the narrative with his views in regard to spiritualism and the hereafter. A portion of this, referring especially to the time of Mrs. Magilton's murder, has been published, and is a fair sample of the remainder. His objection to a clergyman was based upon the ground that he had already made up his mind in regard to the future, and any conversation with a minister would only distract his thought. This he persisted in until the last. On Wednesday afternoon at half past five o'clock, Sheriff Howell, accompanied by Charles Gilpin, Esq., visited the prisoner in his cell. He was seated, but jumped to his feet at once, and came forward to meet his visitors. Mr. Howell said to him, "George, your time is growing very short." Winnemore replied, "I know it." Mr. Howell then added, "I am convinced in my own mind that there is not a least chance for a reprieve, and I advise you to take advantage the of the few hours left you on earth." Winnemore replied quietly, "I don't expect a reprieve. I am ready, and have been for some time. If a reprieve came, it would only be an agreeable surprise, but I am as much prepared now as any time." Throughout this conversation there was not the slightest indication of nervousness or fear, and to the gentlemen who were conversing with him, he appeared to be the least interested person in the party. The Sheriff and Mr. Gilpin then left the cell astounded at the apathy of the man. Later in the evening, when Mr. Howell received the dispatch from the Governor that he would not interfere in the case, a copy was sent to prison, and the information communicated to Winnemore, who appeared in no way affected. At nine o'clock he retired to bed, and slept soundly during the night. The watchman who patrolled the corridor looked in at eleven o'clock, and saw him soundly asleep and snoring loudly. At five o'clock he awoke and appeared to be greatly refreshed. In a conversation with one of the keepers, he stated that he understood that there was a rumor abroad that he designed to starve himself to death. He smiled at the idea, and desired the attendant to notice that he had made no attempt. When his breakfast was brought to him at seven o'clock, he requested the keeper to notice that he eat heartily. He did eat heartily, and appeared to enjoy the meal. Shortly after breakfast, Winnemore was removed from his cell on the second range, to one on the ground floor. There he received Mr. Killgore, about eight o'clock, and that gentleman remained with him until the execution. About the same time a brother, two sisters and two cousins applied for admission. At first Winnemore refused to receive his brother, but was finally induced to change his determination, and the brother was received with the others. The interview between the parties is represented to have been very affecting. Since the sentence of Winnemore his mother has died, and his brother and sisters appeared arrayed in deep mourning. The females wept bitterly during the interview, while Winnemore strove to comfort them, all the while maintaining his own self-possession, and, except for a slight huskiness, betraying no emotion. He enjoined upon his brother to take good care of his sisters. The relatives left the prison about ten o'clock. As they were coming out of the institution they met the Sheriff and his jury about to enter the building in the discharge of the duties devolving upon them by law. There was no scene, the brother and sisters and cousins avoiding the party and quietly gained a car and left the neighborhood. Sheriff Howell and jury met at a quarter to ten o'clock and assembled in a body, and then proceeded to the prison, where Mr. Killgore was met. The jurors were s3on, and the Warrant of execution read to them, after which the Sheriff proceeded to the discharge of his duty. At fifteen minutes of eleven o'clock, the Sheriff, Superintendent Perkins, a keeper, and two representatives of the press, proceeded to the cell, where Winnemore was seated, engaged in conversation with Mr. Killgore. Winnemore rose when the party entered, and after shaking hands with the Sheriff, sat down at the request of Mr. Howell. The prisoner was dressed with a plain white shirt, but wore no collar or cravat; he had on the gray prison pants, and had on his feet a pair of new shoes. Mr. Howell, after asking how he was and receiving the reply, "Very well," said, "I told you yesterday that I had no hope of a reprieve, but I was fearful that you had some hope, although you told me it would be only an agreeable surprise. When I got the despatch from the Governor last night I sent it to you, so that you could know that there was no hope. Winnemore (quietly) - "I had none." Mr. Howell then informed him that he came prepared to execute the law, when he was ready. Winnemore replied that he was ready then. During this conversation Winnemore sat upon a chair in one corner of the cell, his syes cast down and his fingers playing nerviously with a; piece of thread or twine. As soon as he announced himself ready, the party left the cell, Winnemore joining them and walking to the main room in the front of the prison, where the jurors were assembled. The procession was then formed as follows: Wm. B. Perkins, George W. Winnemore, H.C. Howell, Damon Kilgore, H. Yale Smith, MD. Jury - William H. Kern, J.P. Hancock, H. Horter, F. Blackburn, George H. Roberts, Spencer Roberts, R.P.King, John Thornley, William Elliott, William Yogdes, John Lamon, Samuel L. Clement. Sheriff's Solictor - James E. Slater. Sheriff's Deputies - James V. Stokes, R. B. Ott, W.R. Leeds, Jas. Bain, Jr., S. S. Money Representatives of the press. The gallows that had done duty so frequently was again used yesterday. In order to prevent the prisoners witnessing execution by means of mirrors, the location was changed. The gallows was erected yesterday in a small open space at the extreme end of the corridors, and in a part where no view, direct or reflected, could be obtained. The position of the scaffold necessitated a much longer journey than usual from the room to the place of execution. During the solemn procession scarcely a word was uttered by any one in the line, while Winnemore appeared desirous to take in at a glance the little of the world he could see within the prison walls. His eyes wandered around the enclosure, and to the sky with an eager look, but there was no sign of fear or tremor in his appearance or walk. Reaching the gallows, Winnemore in advance of the others, walked up the steps and stood upon the drop, where he was soon joined by the Sheriff, Mr. Perkins, and Mr. Killgore. After a delay of a minute the Sheriff announced that Winnemore desired to say a few words. Winnemore, then, in a clear and distinct voice at first, but broken and husky toward the close spoke as follows: Gentlemen: -- I am brought here on the scaffold to die, and you all expect me to say a few words. But one thing I want you to remember, and that is that it is an innocent man's life you are taking -one who had nothing to do with this crime in word or deed. I have always tried to live up to the best knowledge I had of the right, always did so. How terrible it is to hang a man for this, although death has no terrors for me-it is a mere change of breath. I know where I will go, and I know that I will come back again. I am firm, you see, although parting with my relatives and friends has almost unnerved me. I truly forgive all persons, no matter who they are. I also forgive Mr. Mann, the Prosecuting Attorney. I forgive the Governor for what he has done, and hope it will be the last like mine to be brought to a platform. I did not get justice; I hope God will give me justice, and I forgive all. I have no ill-will against any person. As Christ died for a principle, so do I died; although you may not see it, it will not be long before you are aware of it. I hope my memory and name will be proved innocent for the sake of those I leave behind me. For myself I care nothing; it is for them. The speech was a series of sentences with a somewhat long pause at the end of which, as though the speaker was deliberating upon the form to be used in the next. After he had concluded his speech, he turned and bade goodbye to the Sheriff and Mr. Perkins. Lastly, he grasped Mr. Killgore by the hand, and shaking it, said in a voice choking with emotion; "God Bless you for all you have done for me. You have done everything, and no one could have done more. An angel could not have done more. Give my best respects to Mr. Warriner. God bless you!" Mr. Killgore took the hand of the doomed man, and feelingly said: "George, farewell! We have done all that we could for you, but we have failed. I can now only commend you to God, who will give you justice. Farewell!" Mr. Killgore left the scaffold, and the Sheriff proceeded to adjust the white cap and manacle the wrists. While this was being done, and before the world had been shut from his view, Winnemore recognized Chief Lamon among those at the foot of the gallows, and he called to him "Good bye." Everything being in readiness, the sheriff left the scaffold and at nine minutes of 11 o'clock the body fell. The body dropped and hung motionless for a minute; then there was a convulsive movement of the chest, followed by considerable tremor in the legs. This continued for a minute or two, after which the body again hung motionless. Eleven minutes after the drop felt the pulse had ceased to beat; in fourteen minutes the heart had stopped its pulsation. The body was allowed to hang twenty-five minutes and was then cut down. An examination disclosed the fact that death had been produced by strangulation, and that it had been almost instantaneous. Outside the prison walls a small crowd gathered, but there was very little excitement attendant upon the execution. --------------------------------------------------------- New York Times August 16, 1867 The Magilton Homicide in Philadelphia – Winnemore’s Statement. From the Philadelphia Ledger, Aug. 14. George W. Winnemore, under sentence of death for the murder of Mrs. Magilton, has prepared a sketch of his life. In regard to the murder, he says: “On the afternoon of April 25, 1867, I left Fairmount Park about 2:30 o’clock, and proceeded to the house of Mrs. Magilton, arriving there about 3 o’clock. After knocking at the door and receiving no response, I ventured in, as I had been told by Mrs. Magilton to do so in case she did not hear me. I went back to the kitchen, and there I saw her lying upon the floor dead. I went back to the front door and fastened it, and proceeded to the parlor, in the hope of finding Mr. Magilton, and upon entering the parlor I heard Mr. Magilton at the door. I went immediately and opened it, and told him his wife was murdered. After leaving him in the house, I went for an officer, and brought one into the house with me. I then, by Mr. Magilton’s request, started for his daughter, but was arrested before I got a square from the house, The reason of my going to the house that afternoon was to fill an engagement made with Mrs. Magilton in the morning. After remaining in my cell for the first night after my arrest, I was taken to the photograph gallery of Mr. Cohill and had a negative taken. I was then taken to the Central Station-house, and was placed in the company of three experts of the Detective Force, where I had to relate all that transpired during that day; was treated very well; was handed a cigar of very small dimensions, and pumped dry in the small space of one hour, although they were not half satisfied with what I had related; but then, they could not get water out of a well when there was none in it. I was then taken to my cell, and from there was placed before a Grand Jury, giving me no chance in the world to defend myself until the last witness was done giving her testimony, and I was then soon told to stop. It almost drove me mad to hear the witnesses giving their testimony against me, and none for me. I was then told that I stood very well under it. No wonder, when I was the magnet, drawing the magnetism of 800,000 persons about me, and was the central point for all these currents. It is a wonder it did not take me up from their presence, and take me away. I should think this would uphold me or anybody else, even if they were weak. But it was not altogether the magnetism of these people, it was my own pure and innocent conscience that upheld me there, and has upheald me ever since, and will until I leave this world. During my trial I was at times unconscious. Sometimes I would hear all the testimony given by one or two witnesses-although the whole trial seemed to me a dream, or some burlesque. I did not feel the position I was placed in as anywise disagreeable. All the interest I took in the trial was when Mr. Dwight, Assistant District Attorney, spoke in closing the case. The meaning of his words seemed to me sublime. They did not come from his lips, but from the very centre of his heart. It seemed so to me, at least; for around him were many friends who passed away long ago-both male and female. He seemed to me as if he (in the other world) were surrounded by friends and conditions of spiritual life. But as soon as he stopped, I felt cast down again in darkness, or in a dreamy state. It seemed as if Providence stopped me from going West, and took me as a victim for this murder. I believe it was for some good, or it would not have been. Some great work was to be performed, and I was placed as a foundation for this to be built upon. I am perfectly willing to leave this earth if it will be beneficial to mankind, for I know that happiness awaits me on the other side which I hardly ever felt or saw while on this earth. By my death, living things will spring up for the good of mankind. Thus, the very ones prosecuting me in this case will be benefited by these living principles. Gladly do I give up this life, when I know it will be of use to the world. As a Saviour died for a principle, so do I. He passed away long ago, but His principles live after Him. And when I am gone, I feel confident these principles will live after my exit from this world. All the satisfaction I crave from this world is to hear of my name being proven innocent of this horrible deed. All that I can say is, “I am innocent of this crime.” I cannot prove it myself, but I feel confident it will be proven before long to the satisfaction of my relations and friends, and especially to the people of this Commonwealth. It then will show how far an innocent man’s life can be jeopardized. If I had been guilty there could not have been any stronger evidence against me. I was astonished at such a chain of evidence. “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord; I will repay” Surely this is coming fast upon those who undertook to sell my life here. I forgive them, and I hope that God in His infinite goodness will also forgive them.” The New York Times Friday, August 30, 1867 THE SCAFFOLD Execution of George W. Winnemore, the Murderer, at Philadelphia – A sketch of the Tragedy and Its Perpetrator-Speech of the Culprit at the Scaffold-He Protests His Innocence to the Last Moment. From Our Own Correspondent Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 29, 1867. George W. Winnemore, who murdered an old lady named Dorcas Magilton in April last, in the Germantown District of Philadelphia, was executed this morning at a few minutes before 11 o’clock in the yard of the Moyamensing Prison. THE MURDER The victim of the murder was the mother of Gen. Magilton, of the Pennsylvania Reserves. At the time of her death she was 62 years of age, and for forty years had been the wife of Mr. Adam Magilton. Their children had grown to man and womanhood, and marrying had left the old people to live alone in comfort and quiet, at the homestead, No. 1369 Shippen street. On the afternoon of the 24th of April last, shortly after dinner, which was served at about 2 o’clock, Mr. Magilton left home to go to the store of a spectacle maker, a few squares off, for the purpose of leaving his wife’s eye glasses with an optician to be repaired. He left Mrs. Magilton, engaged at her knitting in a rocking chair near the table, in the kitchen. He said he would not be gone long, but contrary to his expectation he was detained on the way homeward, and an hour and a half elapsed before he returned to his dwelling. When he reached the house he attempted to enter by the front hall door, as usual, but was surprised to find it securely locked. While Mr. Magilton was endeavoring to effect an entrance forcibly, some one upon the inside opened the door, and Winnemore stood in the entry. He was hatlesss, but did not applear to be at all excited. As soon as he saw the old gentleman he said: “Your wife has been murdered; come in and see.” “Murdered!” exclaimed the terrified husband. “Oh, that cannot be, it’s only a short time since I left her.” He accompanied Winnemore into the kitchen, and there beheld the painful evidence of the truth of his informant’s assertion. Extended on the floor lay his dead wife, with her skull broken and her throat cut from eat to ear. Beside the body was found what is known as a riveting hammer, but no other weapon by which the deed had been accomplished could be seen. Close to one of the hands was the ball of yarn which Mrs. Magilton had been using at the time when she was assaulted, and at her feet, overturned, lay the rocking chair in which she had been sitting. He position on the floor, the position of the rocking chair and the proximity of the ball of yarn, all unmistakably showed that she had been approached from behind and struck first upon the top of the head with the hammer; that she either fell or was pulled from the chair to the floor, where the fiend made his work doubly sure by cutting her throat. There were seven lacerated wounds upon the head, all penetrating the skull, and each one of them sufficient of itself to have caused death. The hammer with which the blows were inflicted belonged to Mr. Magilton, and was kept in the box attached to the ironing table. There was no appearance of a struggle having taken place, as everything in the room was in an orderly condition, and there was no blood anywhere to be seen except upon the floor immediately about the body. EVIDENCES OF GUILT Mr. Magilton, accompanied by Winnemore, then rushed into the street in search of a police officer, and meeting one within a few steps of the house, the almost frantic husband related the story of his wife’s murder, and asked that the officer would go to his dwelling with him, and assist in gaining, if possible, a clue to the perpetrator of the deed. Winnemore joined in the conversation with the policeman, and expressed the hope that the murderer would be speedily caught and punished. Immediately afterward he bade Mr. Magilton “good-day,” and saying that he had an important business engagement to meet, he turned about and walked away. The officer’s suspicions had been aroused, however, and he followed the man and placed him under arrest. When his clothing was examined at the Station-house there were no blood stains discovered upon it, and no other evidence, as it was then thought, of his connection with the crime. Two two dollar bills were found in one of the pockets of his vest, but no importance was attached to that circumstance until it was ascertained that on the evening prior to the murder, two such bank notes had been given to the old lady by her son in law, and as these were not found anywhere in the house afterward, the presumption of guilt was strong against the prisoner in this connection. A letter written and signed by Winnemore, dated April 22, 1867, was found in one of his pockets, by which it appeared that he then contemplated suicide, as the best means of ridding himself of his life troubles. THE CONVICTION AND SENTENCE In Philadelphia justice pursues the criminal with commendable swiftness. Winnimore’s case was not an exception to the rule. In the early part of May, ten days after the crime had been committed, his trial was commenced in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, before Judges Brewster and Pierce. Three days were occupied in getting a jury, six venires being exhausted in the effort, but at length everything was ready and the case was proceeded with. The prosecution showed by their witnesses, in addition to what had already been recited against the prisoner, that a few weeks before the murder he had made the acquaintance of Mrs. Magilton. Both were spiritualists and both met frequently in “circles,” where they professed to commune with spirits while in a trance. This intimacy continued down to the day of the murder, Mrs. Magilton always displaying a motherly affection for Winnemore, and on several occasions doing him acts of kindness. On the day of the murder he had called at the house in the morning about 9 o’clock, but left soon after Mr. Magilton came in. He was next seen at 2 o’clock standing on the steps of the house as though waiting to be admitted, but those who thus saw him had their attention drawn away for a second and did not see him actually enter it. At 3 o’clock Mr. Magilton returned and found him in the house, and heard from him the statement mentioned elsewhere in this report. Counsel for the defense skillfully protected his client’s interests, and endeavored at first to prove an alibi for the prisoner, a witness alleging that he saw him at the Wire Bridge, Fairmount, at 2:20 o’clock on the afternoon of the murder, which would have made it impossible for him to have been at the house in Shippen street for a sufficient length of time to have committed the murder before Mr. Magilton’s return to his home. The witness explained, through his counsel, that he called at Mr. Magilton’s house on the afternoon of the murder, while on his way homeward from Fairmount Park, where he had spent a portion of the day, and upon entering the kitchen discovered the prostrate form of the dead woman. As he opened the hall door to go into the street in quest of a policeman he encountered Mr. Magilton, to whom he at once communicated his discovery. The alibi was not clearly proven, however, and counsel, seeing the lameness of this defence, abandoned it, and then proceeded to prove that the prisoner was insane, and therefore not accountable for the deed, even admitting that he did it. Witnesses were produced who testified that from childhood Winnemore had been subject to epileptic fits, the result of a fall which severely injured his head. Medical experts were called to testify that long continued epilepsy results in the derangement of the mind, and leads finally to insanity. As a further evidence of Winnemore’s insanity, the defence called a number of Spiritualists, who testified to the behavior of the accused when in a trance, and also to the fact that he claimed to see spirits surrounding him. A curious feature of this part of the defence was, that on cross examination all the witnesses, with but three exceptions, explained that they did not consider it any evidence of insanity to claim the power of seeing spirits, as they (the witnesses) had frequently seen them. The Commonwealth rebutted that part of the defence applying to epilepsy by calling medical experts, who testified that the facts given in evidence by the defence did not necessarily indicate a predisposition to epilepsy. After an exhaustive argument by counsel on both sides, and an able charge by Judge Brewster, the case was given to the jury on the 10th of May, and in a few minutes a verdict of guilty of murder of the first degree was rendered. A motion for a new trail and an arrest of judgment was subsequently argued and overruled. The next appeal was to the Supreme Court, where Justice Thompson decided that there was no ground for interfering with the proceedings of the Court below. An elaborate memorial to Gov. Geary was then prepared by Winnemore’s counsel, but it failed to produce the desired effect, and the death warrant, fixing the 29th of August as the day of execution, was signed. HIS ANTECEDENTS AND PRISON LIFE Winnemore was a member of a highly respectable family, his father having creditably filled the office of High Constable for a number of years previous to the consolidation of the district corporations. Mr. Winnemore has been dead for several years. At the time of her son’s death Mrs. Winnemore was living, but the shock was too great for her, and soon after George’s sentence she fell a victim to grief, and, after a brief spell of sickness, died. The remaining members of the family, two brothers and two sisters of the culprit, have grown to young manhood and womanhood, and enjoy the confidence and esteem of all who know them. George was a tall, well-proportioned man, of about 26 years of age, with light hair and blue eyes, entirely devoid of expression. His countenance did not seem like that of a deliberate murderer, but wore a strange, dreamy appearance, as if its possessor was in a deep, continuous revery. He always protested his innocence of the crime with which he was charged, and whenever the subject of his approaching fate was mentioned he treated the matter very indifferently. He seemed glad of every opportunity to ventilate his spiritualistic views, and during all the time of his imprisonment refused to receive a clergyman of any denomination. His brother one day took a Methodist Minister with him when he visited the jail, and that offended George to such a degree that for several weeks afterward he declined to see his brother when he called upon him. He said to the Sheriff substantially: “I was aware that when I refused to see a clergyman it would prejudice the minds of the people against me. I did not wish to misrepresent myself before the public by asking clergymen when I knew they could do me no good. Their presence would have had a strong tendency to disturb my mind, for I feel confident that I know as much of the spiritual world as they do. I have been there often while living upon the earth. They could tell me that there is such a world, but I know that already. For I have been there. It would not make me doubt the existence of such a world if everybody should deny it, for I would not doubt what my eyes have seen and what my heart believes. I have no enmity against any member of the profession. I have no hard feelings against any one. Those I loved on earth have come back to me and controlled me very often. I have in my cell been able to see those I love around me. They did not weep or look discouraged, for they knew I would soon be with them, and are waiting to waft me to my mansion above.” In a conversation with a member of the Press one day last week, Winnemore remarked that before his body would have been cut down from the gallows he himself would be looking at it in the spirit. He also threatened to haunt all Philadelphians who had had the remotest connection with his conviction and execution. He stated that one of the first things he would do after death would be to appear at night at the bedside of District Attorney Wm. B. Mann, and, to quote his own words, “I’ll bet I’ll make him pull the bed covers over his head.” He said that he had often appeared in the spirit to friends of his who were 60 miles away from him, and, he said, “If I could do that in the flesh, I could do more after my spirit is freed.” To a lady who visited him one day he made an implied admission of his guilt by asserting that Mrs. Magilton was in the habit of painting pictures and claiming for them spiritualistic agency, and that when in the same room with these pictures he was strangely and wildly excited. This idea was advanced on the trial, and when a number of the paintings were exhibited to the jury, and then laid on the Judge’s desk, Winnemore made a request that they be removed from his sight, as they affected him. It was a noticeable fact that afterward the same pictures were handed around the Courtroom, and opened directly in front of the prisoner, but he failed to be affected in the slightest degree. The experiment was made purposely and frequently by gentlemen in the Courtroom, and always with the same result. THE EXECUTION As the time for the execution approached the condemned man’s indifference to his fate seemed to grow rather than diminish. When informed last night of the refusal of the Governor to interfere in his case, Winnemore made some jocose remark, and sought to turn the current of the conversation. His last nights’ sleep was sound and apparently refreshing. He retired at 9 o’clock, and arose this morning at 5 o’clock; washed and dressed himself, and partook of a hearty breakfast of eggs, bread and coffee. His apparel consisted of a plain cotton shirt, gray pantaloons, and a new pair of shoes. During the morning he was visited by his counsel and ??????. At first Winnemore refused to receive his brother, but was finally prevailed upon to admit him. He then enjoined upon him to take good care of his sisters. The interview between the prisoner and his sisters was of the most affecting character so far as the females were concerned. They wept bitterly at meeting and parting, and even Winnemore was more affected than at any time since his arrest. He gave no indication of this during the interview, but soon after his relatives had left at 10 o’clock he appeared somewhat nervous, but soon recovered his wonted composure, and during the remaining few minutes of his existence he was calm. When he did converse it was relative to his future state – the power and intention of revisiting the earth in a spiritual form. Shortly before 11 o’clock Sheriff Howell, accompanied by about thirty special deputies, including members of the Press, proceeded in a body to the prison, where the work of death was at once entered upon. As the culprit walked to the scaffold he looked about upon the familiar scenes of the prison yard, and with a firm step ascended the stairway leading to the platform and stood upon the fatal trap. He was not accompanied by any clergymen, as he persisted to the last in refusing their ministrations. Sheriff Howell, Superintendent Perkins and Mr. Kilgore, the culprit’s counsel, joined him, and for a few seconds there was a dead silence, while the jurors and physicians ranged themselves in front of the drop. Mr. Howell then announced that Winnemore desired to say a few works. Winnemore then, in a voice clear at first, but which gradually became husky and tremulous, spoke as follows: “Gentlemen: -- I am brought here on the scaffold to die, and you all expect me to say a few words. But one thing I want you to remember, and that is that it is an innocent man’s life you are taking –one who had nothing to do with this crime in word or deed. I have always tried to live up to the best knowledge I had of the right, always did so. How terrible it is to hang a man for this, although death has no terrors for me—it is a mere change of breath. I know where I will go, and I know that I will come back again. I am firm, you see, although parting with my relatives and friends has almost unnerved me. I truly forgive all persons, no matter who they are. I also forgive Mr. Mann, the Prosecuting Attorney. I forgive the Governor for what he has done, and hope it will be the last like mine to be brought to a platform. I did not get justice; I hope God will give me justice, and I forgive all. I have no ill-will against any person. As Christ died for a principle, so do I died; although you may not see it, it will not be long before you are aware of it. I hope my memory and name will be proved innocent for the sake of those I leave behind me. For myself I care nothing; it is for them.” Winnemore concluded his speech, and turning to the Sheriff and Mr. Perkins, shook them by the hand and bade them good-by. He grasped Mr. Kilgore by the hand, and with a voice choking with emotion, he said: “God bless you for all you have done for me; I thank you for all; it is all I have to give you.” Winnemore continued for a second or two, but his words were so low and so smothered by the emotion he was endeavoring to stifle, that they were not audible to those who stood below on the ground. Mr. Kilgore, who was also sensibly affected, replied to Winnemore: “Farewell; I have done the duty I had to do, but I could do nothing. I can only commend you to God, who will do you justice.” Mr. Kilgore then left the scaffold, and while the Sheriff was adjusting the white cap, Winnemore recognized Chief Lamon and one of the physicians of the prison, and bade them good-by. By this time he had recovered his composure, and during the remainder of the scene was firm and collected. The cap adjusted and the arms pinioned, Winnemore was left alone on the scaffold. A close observation of him as he thus stood on the brink of eternity failed to indicate any tremor in his limbs. At 10:51 o’clock the rope was pulled and the drop fell. The body swung to and fro for a minute without any perceptible signs of life. Then there was a convulsive heaving of the chest, followed by tremor in the legs. All these ceased in less than three minutes after the drop fell. After hanging for about twenty minutes longer the body was cut down, placed in a neat, plain coffin, and then handed over to the family for burial. The execution was conducted in a very quiet and orderly manner, quite in contrast with similar affairs in New York City. There was a dignified solemnity about the proceedings that cannot soon be forgotten by the few whom duty compelled to witness it. Outside the prison walls were stationed a cordon of police officers, who business it was to preserve order, but, as there was no crowd present, their work was light. Occasionally a passer-by would stop and inquire of an officer what was going on within the jail, while here and there groups of children stood upon the sidewalks engaged in earnest conversation about the murder and the execution. At noon the officers retired from the scene, and nothing remained to indicate to the passing stranger that another murderer had been hanged. R.R.S.