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Excerpt From The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, Pa. 8/18/1824
ORWIGSBURG, Pa., July 30,
John Zimmerman, who was indicted for the murder of his daughter, was on Tuesday last
brought before the court of Schuylkill County, and a jury empanneled to try him. The
prosecution was conducted by John W. Rosebury and Frederick Smith, the Attorney General of
the Commonwealth. The defense by James B Hubley, James L Dunn and Charles Evens, Esqrs.
The testimony was closed on Wednesday at noon, when the counsel for the prisoner addressed
the jury in speechees which lasted until 10 o'clock in the evening. On Thursday
morning and the Attorney General, made a long and able speech in support of the
prosecution. The jury retired about 12 o'clock and at half past 5 returned into court
with a verdict, "Guilty of murder of the first degree."
On Friday, judge Franks pronounced the sentence of the law upon the prisoner which is
death. The Governor appoints the day of execution.
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10/20/1824 The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg.
JOHN ZIMMERMAN.
The execution of this unfortunate culprit for the murder of his daughter, was to have
taken place on Thursday the 30th ult, but his excellency Gov. Shulze saw proper to
reprieve him for the space of 30 days. We understand the most unremitted exertions have
been made to induce the Governor to grant his pardon, by petitions from the citizens of
the several adjoining counties, but, as yet, without effect. The usual plea of insanity,
is used in behalf of the criminal, but with what justice we cannot pretend to say. He
underwent two fair trials by court and jury of his county, and in both instances was found
guilty and in the last sentence to die. The claims of mercy are indeed powerful, and
which no doubt induced the governor to grant him a respite, but the demands of justice we
think were superior, and it would have been better had Zimmerman been executed at the time
appointed. He was then certain of dying and no doubt felt prepared; but he is now in
painful suspense. The!
messenger bearing the reprieve did not arrive at Orwigsburg, until within about two
hours of the time appointed for the execution. It is said that when the mulitude who had
assembled to witness the event, learned the fact of a reprieve having been granted, they
became outrageous, and many were for taking the execution into their own hands. They were
for tarring and feathering the attendants of the prisoner and all who did not join in
denouncing the governor and those who were instrumental in making them "September
fools," and it was with considerable difficulty that they were prevented from doing
mischief and prevailed upon to disperse recomposed.
We have seen the "Dying Confession" purporting to have been made by Zimmerman,
with the "Copy-right secured according to law." It is printed in German, by
Rheim and Thomm, and appears to be a good model of the celebrated Lewis' confession by
the late Auditor General. In the alleged confession of Zimmerman, the author has
attempted to stigmatize Gov. Shulze and the democratic party, in a similar way to the
attempt made by Duncan upon Gov. Findlay, though with less pitiful effect, for its
appearance was rather premature.
Reading Chron.
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