July 22 1881 Friday (warning - might be upsetting to some) On the day before, several of my neighbors and myself went to Marysville to witness the execution of the Talbott brothers. We went up in wagons and camped about four miles east of town. The scaffold was erected on a hill in the northeastern part of the city limits and about a quarter of a mile southwest of the crossing of the two railroads. We were on the ground early and stood on the north or front side of the gallows when the hanging took place. A rope was stretched about 40 feet distance from the gallows in a circle to keep back the crowd. Inside this enclosure none were admitted, excepting parties directly concerned, reporters, doctors, and a few others. I had a good view of the proceedings before the trap fell, standing where I did just on the outside of the ropes. About half past one o'clock the bus containing the boys and which was surrounded by a strong guard, came in sight near the gallows. It was driven in the enclosure and stood some time until order was restored. Arm in arm with two Catholic priests, the boys ascended the scaffold and knelt in prayer. They were both very pale; their white faces contrasting strongly with their black apparel. They wore new suits, having dressed for the grave before leaving the jail. Both shed tears while in the bus which stood close to us, but when on the scaffold they regained their composure. Neither addressed the crowd ad spoke in low tones to those in attendance. About twenty minutes were spent in preparation on the scaffold when the boys were requested to stand up while they were pinioned. While this was going on the priests were busy giving consolation. The boys stepped on two light pine boxes placed on the trap door; shook hands; and the next moment the black caps were drawn over their faces. The ropes were hurriedly adjusted in fact too much so in the case of Albert, and the traps sprung. They fell about eight feet with a heavy jerk and dull thud that sounded as if something had given way. The youngest, Charles Edward, aged 17 years, had his neck broken and was dead in twelve minutes. The elder, Albert Perry, aged 22 years, died of strangulation at the end of twenty eight minutes owing to the rope having slipped around in front with the knot over his mouth so that he could breathe. Two minutes before death he gave his last struggle. After hanging 45 minutes the bodies were cut down and put in coffins. Two hearses that had stood in waiting took them up town to their friends. They were executed for the murder of their father the year before. Four weeks before they were to have been hanged but they were reprieved by Gov. Crittendon. We were up then to witness the hanging. A large crowd was present. Many scrambled eagerly for pieces of the ropes which were cut in small pieces and thrown among the crowd. We came back home that evening. I can not say that I have ever regretted going to see this sad sight or that I have ever experienced any bad feelings therefrom. +++++++++++++++++++++ Do these Talbotts appear in cemetery records? Wonder where they're buried? Lori