Name: Golson, Will
Date: February 9, 1900
Cause: legally executed by hanging
Physician: C. Whelan
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Will Golson Hung in the Jail Yard Yesterday.
Was Cool and Collected.
Murderer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Robt.
Warnock Met Death With A Smile On His Face-Story Of The Crime.
WILL GOLSON, the slayer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Warnock, was executed yesterday in the Jefferson county jail yard. The drop fell at 11:50 o'clock and six minutes later the attending physicians pronounced him dead. The negro was resigned to his fate and met death with remarkable coolness.
The drop was ? feet 4 inches, and while the doctors differed, it was the general opinion of those present that his neck was broken.
Among the witnesses to the execution was young Bob Warnock, the son of the murdered man, who stood near Sheriff O'Brien when he sprung the trap.
Goldon's last hours on earth were spent in praying. He slept very little Thursday night, spending the time up until 2 o'clock in fervent prayer. At that hour he lay down upon his bunk and dozed off into a restless sleep, rolling and tossing about until 4 o'clock when he again began to pray. Shortly before 6 o'clock he caught a few moments rest, but soon awoke and began to prepare for the ordeal.
He had a bath and was shaved at 7 o'clock, and breakfast was given him an hour later, part of which he ate. Soon after breakfast his wife called at the jail and remained with him until 10 o'clock when the ministers who have attended him called. They were Revs. Edmondson, Jamar, Pettiford and Walker, and Golson listened attentively to all they had to say.
An immense crowd had gathered around the jail yard, but only those allowed by law were admitted.
Reading of Death Warrant.
At 11:00 o'clock Sheriff O'Brien, accompanied by representatives of the press, ascended the stairs to the room where the condemned man was engaged in prayer, and a moment after read him the death warrant, to which Golson listened attentively, immediately after which the death march began through the narrow passage to the gallows. The negro walked with light step, and smiled pleasantly at those whom he recognized en route.
Arriving at the gallows, Deputy Sheriff Will Love assumed charge of the man, and he ascendeded the steps without a visible tremor, followed by the colored ministers. He took his position on the trap and inspected it with intererst. He recognized some one in the crowd, and, waving his hand, smiled braodly. At this juncture there was some delay, and the trying moments were spent by him eyeing the spectators below. Presently the sheriff told him he could speak.
His Talk On The Scaffold
In deliberate and clear tones he said: "Menses, this is the day that I must die, and I lay down my life and go to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has all power to save me. Jesus Christ died for me and I am going to die for him.
"Menses, I am going to tell you all today the cause of Mr. Warnock's death, and Menses, when Mr. Warnock came up to the door and I saw somebody pass the window, my wife looked up and saw him before I did, and she said: "Look out! There is some one passing the door.' I saw some one pass the window. I started to the window but went back to the door, and Mr. Warnock was standing on the left hand side of the door. I shot him first before he ever shot me at all, and I--before he ever shot at all. I did not know how many times I shot until I got up the alley, when I found that I had shot four times. When I left from the house I left Mr. Warnock standing up leaning this way.-he said, indicating by a body gestrue the position. Concluding he said: "I feel saved now, and I am ready to go. I acknowledge of my sins to everybody. I shot first, Menses"
The Last Prayer.
When Golson had ceased talking Rev. Tom Walker offered an earnest prayer in which the doomed man joined.
Handcuffs were then placed on Golson's wrists, and this arms and legs bound. While this was being done, Golson said: "Menses, I hope none of you will ever come to a place like this." The noose was then tightly adjusted, and as the black cap was shutting out the last view of the world to Golson he smiled to the crows. When it had been not three seconds before he dropped Golson spoke his last words, "I am believing on His woe." and then the body shot through the trap.
Present were Drs. Fox, Huey, Barclay, Hawkins and Heacock, who counted the moments until life was extinct. After the drop the negro hung perfectly still, not a movement being perceptible.
The body was then cut down and turned over to his wife who had it removed to an undertaker's establishment.
The rope was taken in charge by the friends of the deceased officer and cut up into small pieces, which were distributed as souvenirs.
Story of the Crime.
The crime for which Golson was hanged was committed on Sunday, November 27, 1898. The negro was wanted in Autauga county, a warrant having been issued against him charging him with burglary and his description was in the hands of the sheriff's force. Learning that Golson resided with his family in Third alley, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets, Deputies Warnock, Love and Barker approached the house from Sixteenth street while Warnock entered the alley from Fifteenth street. Warnock sent his assistants to the side and rear of the house, going himself to the front door. Soon after they separated the shooting began. Barker ran back towards the front around the house, while Love broke open the back door and rushed through the house. Barker saw a negro running up the alley and fired at him. Mr. Warnock had fallen to the ground, but was placed on the porch by the deputies, where he died in a few minutes having been wounded in the arm, breast and neck, the latter causing his death.
Intense excitement prevailed and hundreds of men turned out to hunt for the murdered, who was located, after many futile chases and arrests of wrong parties, on December 30, a month after the killing, by Officers McDonald and Patton of the police department after an exciting chase on the Southside.
Much interest was manifested in the trial, which lasted several days. Golson was convicted and sentenced to death, but an appeal to the supreme court was taken which refused to interfere with the verdict of the lower court, and he was, last December, re-sentenced to be hanged on yesterday.
As a result of her husband's death, Mrs. Warnock, in a moment of mental aberration twelve months later, terminated her life with the same pistol with which Mr. Warnock had attempted to defend himself.
Source: Age-Herald, Feb. 10, 1900 -
Transcribed by C. Anthony
Date: February 9, 1900
Cause: legally executed by hanging
Physician: C. Whelan
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Will Golson Hung in the Jail Yard Yesterday.
Was Cool and Collected.
Murderer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Robt.
Warnock Met Death With A Smile On His Face-Story Of The Crime.
WILL GOLSON, the slayer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Warnock, was executed yesterday in the Jefferson county jail yard. The drop fell at 11:50 o'clock and six minutes later the attending physicians pronounced him dead. The negro was resigned to his fate and met death with remarkable coolness.
The drop was ? feet 4 inches, and while the doctors differed, it was the general opinion of those present that his neck was broken.
Among the witnesses to the execution was young Bob Warnock, the son of the murdered man, who stood near Sheriff O'Brien when he sprung the trap.
Goldon's last hours on earth were spent in praying. He slept very little Thursday night, spending the time up until 2 o'clock in fervent prayer. At that hour he lay down upon his bunk and dozed off into a restless sleep, rolling and tossing about until 4 o'clock when he again began to pray. Shortly before 6 o'clock he caught a few moments rest, but soon awoke and began to prepare for the ordeal.
He had a bath and was shaved at 7 o'clock, and breakfast was given him an hour later, part of which he ate. Soon after breakfast his wife called at the jail and remained with him until 10 o'clock when the ministers who have attended him called. They were Revs. Edmondson, Jamar, Pettiford and Walker, and Golson listened attentively to all they had to say.
An immense crowd had gathered around the jail yard, but only those allowed by law were admitted.
Reading of Death Warrant.
At 11:00 o'clock Sheriff O'Brien, accompanied by representatives of the press, ascended the stairs to the room where the condemned man was engaged in prayer, and a moment after read him the death warrant, to which Golson listened attentively, immediately after which the death march began through the narrow passage to the gallows. The negro walked with light step, and smiled pleasantly at those whom he recognized en route.
Arriving at the gallows, Deputy Sheriff Will Love assumed charge of the man, and he ascendeded the steps without a visible tremor, followed by the colored ministers. He took his position on the trap and inspected it with intererst. He recognized some one in the crowd, and, waving his hand, smiled braodly. At this juncture there was some delay, and the trying moments were spent by him eyeing the spectators below. Presently the sheriff told him he could speak.
His Talk On The Scaffold
In deliberate and clear tones he said: "Menses, this is the day that I must die, and I lay down my life and go to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has all power to save me. Jesus Christ died for me and I am going to die for him.
"Menses, I am going to tell you all today the cause of Mr. Warnock's death, and Menses, when Mr. Warnock came up to the door and I saw somebody pass the window, my wife looked up and saw him before I did, and she said: "Look out! There is some one passing the door.' I saw some one pass the window. I started to the window but went back to the door, and Mr. Warnock was standing on the left hand side of the door. I shot him first before he ever shot me at all, and I--before he ever shot at all. I did not know how many times I shot until I got up the alley, when I found that I had shot four times. When I left from the house I left Mr. Warnock standing up leaning this way.-he said, indicating by a body gestrue the position. Concluding he said: "I feel saved now, and I am ready to go. I acknowledge of my sins to everybody. I shot first, Menses"
The Last Prayer.
When Golson had ceased talking Rev. Tom Walker offered an earnest prayer in which the doomed man joined.
Handcuffs were then placed on Golson's wrists, and this arms and legs bound. While this was being done, Golson said: "Menses, I hope none of you will ever come to a place like this." The noose was then tightly adjusted, and as the black cap was shutting out the last view of the world to Golson he smiled to the crows. When it had been not three seconds before he dropped Golson spoke his last words, "I am believing on His woe." and then the body shot through the trap.
Present were Drs. Fox, Huey, Barclay, Hawkins and Heacock, who counted the moments until life was extinct. After the drop the negro hung perfectly still, not a movement being perceptible.
The body was then cut down and turned over to his wife who had it removed to an undertaker's establishment.
The rope was taken in charge by the friends of the deceased officer and cut up into small pieces, which were distributed as souvenirs.
Story of the Crime.
The crime for which Golson was hanged was committed on Sunday, November 27, 1898. The negro was wanted in Autauga county, a warrant having been issued against him charging him with burglary and his description was in the hands of the sheriff's force. Learning that Golson resided with his family in Third alley, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets, Deputies Warnock, Love and Barker approached the house from Sixteenth street while Warnock entered the alley from Fifteenth street. Warnock sent his assistants to the side and rear of the house, going himself to the front door. Soon after they separated the shooting began. Barker ran back towards the front around the house, while Love broke open the back door and rushed through the house. Barker saw a negro running up the alley and fired at him. Mr. Warnock had fallen to the ground, but was placed on the porch by the deputies, where he died in a few minutes having been wounded in the arm, breast and neck, the latter causing his death.
Intense excitement prevailed and hundreds of men turned out to hunt for the murdered, who was located, after many futile chases and arrests of wrong parties, on December 30, a month after the killing, by Officers McDonald and Patton of the police department after an exciting chase on the Southside.
Much interest was manifested in the trial, which lasted several days. Golson was convicted and sentenced to death, but an appeal to the supreme court was taken which refused to interfere with the verdict of the lower court, and he was, last December, re-sentenced to be hanged on yesterday.
As a result of her husband's death, Mrs. Warnock, in a moment of mental aberration twelve months later, terminated her life with the same pistol with which Mr. Warnock had attempted to defend himself.
Source: Age-Herald, Feb. 10, 1900 -
Transcribed by C. Anthony
Name: Golson, Will
Date: February 9, 1900
Cause: legally executed by hanging
Physician: C. Whelan
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Will Golson Hung in the Jail Yard Yesterday.
Was Cool and Collected.
Murderer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Robt.
Warnock Met Death With A Smile On His Face-Story Of The Crime.
WILL GOLSON, the slayer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Warnock, was executed yesterday in the Jefferson county jail yard. The drop fell at 11:50 o'clock and six minutes later the attending physicians pronounced him dead. The negro was resigned to his fate and met death with remarkable coolness.
The drop was ? feet 4 inches, and while the doctors differed, it was the general opinion of those present that his neck was broken.
Among the witnesses to the execution was young Bob Warnock, the son of the murdered man, who stood near Sheriff O'Brien when he sprung the trap.
Goldon's last hours on earth were spent in praying. He slept very little Thursday night, spending the time up until 2 o'clock in fervent prayer. At that hour he lay down upon his bunk and dozed off into a restless sleep, rolling and tossing about until 4 o'clock when he again began to pray. Shortly before 6 o'clock he caught a few moments rest, but soon awoke and began to prepare for the ordeal.
He had a bath and was shaved at 7 o'clock, and breakfast was given him an hour later, part of which he ate. Soon after breakfast his wife called at the jail and remained with him until 10 o'clock when the ministers who have attended him called. They were Revs. Edmondson, Jamar, Pettiford and Walker, and Golson listened attentively to all they had to say.
An immense crowd had gathered around the jail yard, but only those allowed by law were admitted.
Reading of Death Warrant.
At 11:00 o'clock Sheriff O'Brien, accompanied by representatives of the press, ascended the stairs to the room where the condemned man was engaged in prayer, and a moment after read him the death warrant, to which Golson listened attentively, immediately after which the death march began through the narrow passage to the gallows. The negro walked with light step, and smiled pleasantly at those whom he recognized en route.
Arriving at the gallows, Deputy Sheriff Will Love assumed charge of the man, and he ascendeded the steps without a visible tremor, followed by the colored ministers. He took his position on the trap and inspected it with intererst. He recognized some one in the crowd, and, waving his hand, smiled braodly. At this juncture there was some delay, and the trying moments were spent by him eyeing the spectators below. Presently the sheriff told him he could speak.
His Talk On The Scaffold
In deliberate and clear tones he said: "Menses, this is the day that I must die, and I lay down my life and go to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has all power to save me. Jesus Christ died for me and I am going to die for him.
"Menses, I am going to tell you all today the cause of Mr. Warnock's death, and Menses, when Mr. Warnock came up to the door and I saw somebody pass the window, my wife looked up and saw him before I did, and she said: "Look out! There is some one passing the door.' I saw some one pass the window. I started to the window but went back to the door, and Mr. Warnock was standing on the left hand side of the door. I shot him first before he ever shot me at all, and I--before he ever shot at all. I did not know how many times I shot until I got up the alley, when I found that I had shot four times. When I left from the house I left Mr. Warnock standing up leaning this way.-he said, indicating by a body gestrue the position. Concluding he said: "I feel saved now, and I am ready to go. I acknowledge of my sins to everybody. I shot first, Menses"
The Last Prayer.
When Golson had ceased talking Rev. Tom Walker offered an earnest prayer in which the doomed man joined.
Handcuffs were then placed on Golson's wrists, and this arms and legs bound. While this was being done, Golson said: "Menses, I hope none of you will ever come to a place like this." The noose was then tightly adjusted, and as the black cap was shutting out the last view of the world to Golson he smiled to the crows. When it had been not three seconds before he dropped Golson spoke his last words, "I am believing on His woe." and then the body shot through the trap.
Present were Drs. Fox, Huey, Barclay, Hawkins and Heacock, who counted the moments until life was extinct. After the drop the negro hung perfectly still, not a movement being perceptible.
The body was then cut down and turned over to his wife who had it removed to an undertaker's establishment.
The rope was taken in charge by the friends of the deceased officer and cut up into small pieces, which were distributed as souvenirs.
Story of the Crime.
The crime for which Golson was hanged was committed on Sunday, November 27, 1898. The negro was wanted in Autauga county, a warrant having been issued against him charging him with burglary and his description was in the hands of the sheriff's force. Learning that Golson resided with his family in Third alley, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets, Deputies Warnock, Love and Barker approached the house from Sixteenth street while Warnock entered the alley from Fifteenth street. Warnock sent his assistants to the side and rear of the house, going himself to the front door. Soon after they separated the shooting began. Barker ran back towards the front around the house, while Love broke open the back door and rushed through the house. Barker saw a negro running up the alley and fired at him. Mr. Warnock had fallen to the ground, but was placed on the porch by the deputies, where he died in a few minutes having been wounded in the arm, breast and neck, the latter causing his death.
Intense excitement prevailed and hundreds of men turned out to hunt for the murdered, who was located, after many futile chases and arrests of wrong parties, on December 30, a month after the killing, by Officers McDonald and Patton of the police department after an exciting chase on the Southside.
Much interest was manifested in the trial, which lasted several days. Golson was convicted and sentenced to death, but an appeal to the supreme court was taken which refused to interfere with the verdict of the lower court, and he was, last December, re-sentenced to be hanged on yesterday.
As a result of her husband's death, Mrs. Warnock, in a moment of mental aberration twelve months later, terminated her life with the same pistol with which Mr. Warnock had attempted to defend himself.
Source: Age-Herald, Feb. 10, 1900 -
Transcribed by C. Anthony
Date: February 9, 1900
Cause: legally executed by hanging
Physician: C. Whelan
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Will Golson Hung in the Jail Yard Yesterday.
Was Cool and Collected.
Murderer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Robt.
Warnock Met Death With A Smile On His Face-Story Of The Crime.
WILL GOLSON, the slayer of Chief Deputy Sheriff Warnock, was executed yesterday in the Jefferson county jail yard. The drop fell at 11:50 o'clock and six minutes later the attending physicians pronounced him dead. The negro was resigned to his fate and met death with remarkable coolness.
The drop was ? feet 4 inches, and while the doctors differed, it was the general opinion of those present that his neck was broken.
Among the witnesses to the execution was young Bob Warnock, the son of the murdered man, who stood near Sheriff O'Brien when he sprung the trap.
Goldon's last hours on earth were spent in praying. He slept very little Thursday night, spending the time up until 2 o'clock in fervent prayer. At that hour he lay down upon his bunk and dozed off into a restless sleep, rolling and tossing about until 4 o'clock when he again began to pray. Shortly before 6 o'clock he caught a few moments rest, but soon awoke and began to prepare for the ordeal.
He had a bath and was shaved at 7 o'clock, and breakfast was given him an hour later, part of which he ate. Soon after breakfast his wife called at the jail and remained with him until 10 o'clock when the ministers who have attended him called. They were Revs. Edmondson, Jamar, Pettiford and Walker, and Golson listened attentively to all they had to say.
An immense crowd had gathered around the jail yard, but only those allowed by law were admitted.
Reading of Death Warrant.
At 11:00 o'clock Sheriff O'Brien, accompanied by representatives of the press, ascended the stairs to the room where the condemned man was engaged in prayer, and a moment after read him the death warrant, to which Golson listened attentively, immediately after which the death march began through the narrow passage to the gallows. The negro walked with light step, and smiled pleasantly at those whom he recognized en route.
Arriving at the gallows, Deputy Sheriff Will Love assumed charge of the man, and he ascendeded the steps without a visible tremor, followed by the colored ministers. He took his position on the trap and inspected it with intererst. He recognized some one in the crowd, and, waving his hand, smiled braodly. At this juncture there was some delay, and the trying moments were spent by him eyeing the spectators below. Presently the sheriff told him he could speak.
His Talk On The Scaffold
In deliberate and clear tones he said: "Menses, this is the day that I must die, and I lay down my life and go to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has all power to save me. Jesus Christ died for me and I am going to die for him.
"Menses, I am going to tell you all today the cause of Mr. Warnock's death, and Menses, when Mr. Warnock came up to the door and I saw somebody pass the window, my wife looked up and saw him before I did, and she said: "Look out! There is some one passing the door.' I saw some one pass the window. I started to the window but went back to the door, and Mr. Warnock was standing on the left hand side of the door. I shot him first before he ever shot me at all, and I--before he ever shot at all. I did not know how many times I shot until I got up the alley, when I found that I had shot four times. When I left from the house I left Mr. Warnock standing up leaning this way.-he said, indicating by a body gestrue the position. Concluding he said: "I feel saved now, and I am ready to go. I acknowledge of my sins to everybody. I shot first, Menses"
The Last Prayer.
When Golson had ceased talking Rev. Tom Walker offered an earnest prayer in which the doomed man joined.
Handcuffs were then placed on Golson's wrists, and this arms and legs bound. While this was being done, Golson said: "Menses, I hope none of you will ever come to a place like this." The noose was then tightly adjusted, and as the black cap was shutting out the last view of the world to Golson he smiled to the crows. When it had been not three seconds before he dropped Golson spoke his last words, "I am believing on His woe." and then the body shot through the trap.
Present were Drs. Fox, Huey, Barclay, Hawkins and Heacock, who counted the moments until life was extinct. After the drop the negro hung perfectly still, not a movement being perceptible.
The body was then cut down and turned over to his wife who had it removed to an undertaker's establishment.
The rope was taken in charge by the friends of the deceased officer and cut up into small pieces, which were distributed as souvenirs.
Story of the Crime.
The crime for which Golson was hanged was committed on Sunday, November 27, 1898. The negro was wanted in Autauga county, a warrant having been issued against him charging him with burglary and his description was in the hands of the sheriff's force. Learning that Golson resided with his family in Third alley, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets, Deputies Warnock, Love and Barker approached the house from Sixteenth street while Warnock entered the alley from Fifteenth street. Warnock sent his assistants to the side and rear of the house, going himself to the front door. Soon after they separated the shooting began. Barker ran back towards the front around the house, while Love broke open the back door and rushed through the house. Barker saw a negro running up the alley and fired at him. Mr. Warnock had fallen to the ground, but was placed on the porch by the deputies, where he died in a few minutes having been wounded in the arm, breast and neck, the latter causing his death.
Intense excitement prevailed and hundreds of men turned out to hunt for the murdered, who was located, after many futile chases and arrests of wrong parties, on December 30, a month after the killing, by Officers McDonald and Patton of the police department after an exciting chase on the Southside.
Much interest was manifested in the trial, which lasted several days. Golson was convicted and sentenced to death, but an appeal to the supreme court was taken which refused to interfere with the verdict of the lower court, and he was, last December, re-sentenced to be hanged on yesterday.
As a result of her husband's death, Mrs. Warnock, in a moment of mental aberration twelve months later, terminated her life with the same pistol with which Mr. Warnock had attempted to defend himself.
Source: Age-Herald, Feb. 10, 1900 -
Transcribed by C. Anthony
Gravesite Details
Legally excuted by hanging. Comments: "This is the Negro that murdered Chief Deputy Sheriff Robt. Wornock, November 27th 1898. G. F. Cunningham" This information was taken from the Birmingham Public Library.
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