This week in 1879

“Mercy! Mercy! Mercy! Don’t hang me! I can’t die! I’m not ready to die! I don’t want to die!”

— Henry F. Andrews, convicted of burglary, hanging, North Carolina.
Executed May 16, 1879

The spring of 1878 became known as the “season of terror” in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Andrews was one of three men responsible. Andrews and his accomplices were accused of committing a “series of burglaries and attempts to violate the persons of young ladies.” In the end, Andrews, once described as stout and athletic, met the noose in a fragile physical and emotional state.

— Henry F. Andrews, convicted of burglary, hanging, North Carolina.
Executed May 16, 1879

The spring of 1878 became known as the “season of terror” in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Andrews was one of three men responsible. Andrews and his accomplices were accused of committing a “series of burglaries and attempts to violate the persons of young ladies.” In the end, Andrews, once described as stout and athletic, met the noose in a fragile physical and emotional state.