‘You Are Hanging an Innocent Man’: A Condemned Killer’s Last Words Before 4,000 Witnesses

DAYTON, W.T., Aug. 7. — Tuesday, August 7th, will long be remembered by the people of Dayton, W.T., as being connected with the hanging of Ezra Snoderly, one of the three Cummins murderers, in the presence of 4,000 people. Long before the hour set for execution people began to assemble around the scaffold in Court House Square. At 11:30 a.m. the Dayton Grays, under command of Captain Burns, marched into the yard and formed into a half square around the scaffold. At 11:40 Snoderly was brought out between Sheriff Hostler and Deputy Sheriff Cavanaugh, preceded by Revs. Whitcomb and Van Patten, and followed by Sheriff Thompson, of Walla Walla county, and Sheriff Wilson, of Garfield. On leaving the jail Snoderly shook hands with Owenby and remarked that he (Owenby) knew that he (Snoderly) was innocent. To which Owenby replied that he knew he was guilty. A scaffold was built immediately in front of the entrance to the jail yard. Snoderly ascended the scaffold with a firm, quick step, and took a seat on the platform. Rev. Whitcomb offered a long, fervent prayer, the prisoner kneeling with bowed head. After prayer Sheriff Hostler turned to Snoderly and asked: “Mr. Snoderly, have you any remarks to make?” Advancing to the front of the platform, Snoderly said:

“Gentlemen: — I die an innocent man. I die for the crime of another man. Is that right? I hope you will all pray for me. I am innocent. I think I am prepared to meet my God. I have been a bad boy and stolen things, but of this crime I am innocent. I owe no one a grudge, and I hope no one has a grudge against me. I am innocent. You are hanging an innocent man.”

Snoderly then shook hands with all on the scaffold, saying a few words to each. He talked a few minutes with Sheriff Wilson, who arrested him, using about the same language as when talking to the audience. While Sheriff Wilson was adjusting the noose, Snoderly said: “Gentlemen: — I die an innocent man. I’m innocent. You are taking an innocent man’s life. I’m innocent.” The black cap was then drawn down, and at 11:50 a.m. Sheriff Hostler sprang the trap. His neck was broken by the fall and he died with scarcely a tremor. The drop was four and one-half feet. At the end of twelve minutes the physicians pronounced him dead. Everything passed off smoothly, showing great care on the part of Sheriff Hostler. Snoderly’s self-possession caused much surprise, the general impression being that he would break down. The universal verdict was that he died game. The remains will be taken to Garfield county and buried alongside those of his brother.

The hanging of McPherson is universally endorsed. It was not the work of a mob, but of citizens of good standing, who saw the dread necessity. Had they not done the deed there would have been a bloody riot today, as settlers from all parts of the country had sworn that if the least innocent man was to die, and the two most guilty be allowed another chance, they would hang the trio themselves.