Mrs. Mary Runkle was executed at the Jail in Whitesboro; The gallows was erected in the room over the Jailor’s office and consisted of a strong lever about fourteen feet in length the long arm of which eight feet in length, was held by a cord, and loaded with weights.
To the short arm was attached the hanging, which was extended down through the floor into the jailor’s office, the noose being attached to it.
During the day, up to the time of her execution, she lay almost motionless on her bed, her eyes half closed, and her right hand resting upon the bed-clothes on her bosom. Her fingers only moved slowly as if she was engaged in deep and unhappy thought. She spoke only whispers, and assisted some in dressing herself for the event.
She said she was prepared for death, having made peace with her Maker.
At two minutes past twelve o’clock she was carried down to the room assigned for the execution, and placed in the chair under the spot where the cord passed down.
Having been placed in this position, the jailor seated beside her, she rested her head upon his shoulder, while a feeling and appropriate prayer was made.
The sheriff then asked her,
“Mary Runkle, have you any word to say to this jury, to these people.”
To which she gave no answer.
The bell rang the cord was cut, and she was launched into eternity! Not a word, not a motion, but a very little heaving of the chest.