Logo designed for Johnson County by Pamela R. Cresswell
"The Tomahawk," Wednesday, 13 Oct 1971 issue
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Mrs. Hunter Thompson for contributing the ballad.)
When the Finley Preston case was closed a ballad was written and many people have started singing it again.
A great crowd now gathered all around the mail, to see my execution and to hear what I've to say.
I am to hang for the murder of Lillie Shaw you'll learn who I so cruelly murdered and her body so shamefully burned.
I was taken to prison for the murder, I did own, and by the court, was sentenced to hang for the murder done.
The cries of poor Lillie again was in my sight.
Her loving form consuming in the fire that burnt so bright.
I bowed down to Jesus in painful grief and prayed.
I preyed that he might save me as he did the dying thief.
God bless my dear partners who now my fate to mourn, like-wise my wife and baby who will be left alone.
God care for my baby I'll never see again.
I pray thee ever keep it from danger harm and sin.
During the publication of the story of the last official hanging, the question in every one's mind was about the woman who paid Finley Preston $100.00 to kill Lillie Shaw. Was she ever convicted as an accomplice?
A search of the court records did not reveal that she was ever arrested. There definitely was no case brought before the grand jury against her.
Possibly that part was never proved that the money exchanged hands.
By today's law she should have been just as guilty as the one who committed the murder.
Then possibly the law underwent change since 1904, however when the hanging was over the case was closed.
(Transcribed from newspaper microfilm by Neva Jane STOUT BRYANT, 7 Oct 2006)
I wonder if any of the music folk on the list know the tune?
There is supposed to be another ballad titled "The Pretty Fair Widow (Lillie Shaw)". Does anyone have a recording, words or music they wish to contribute?
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