Typed as spelled and written
Lena Stone Criswell

THE DAILY DEMOCRAT
Thirteenth Year - Number 6
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, April 10, 1902
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A RESTLESS DAY

       Roan spent a restless day Tuesday.
       There was a crowd around him from early morning him from early morning until the close of the day.  Most all day John stood at the little window in his cell and listened attentively to the songs and prayers of the people on the outside, lead at intervals by half a dozen colored preachers.  John would often join in the songs and prayers himself.  He has shown remarkable coolness from the start, but the constant strain of the last twenty-four hours had its effect upon him and Tuesday morning he showed some signs of weakness.  He retired Monday night at nine o'clock and slept soundly until five o'clock.  At six he arose and at eight had breakfast, of which he ate heartily.
       From his little cell on the second floor of the jail, John heard the clank of the hammer that nailed the canvas up to hide the gallows from the general public.  He saw the officers moving about from place to place arranging the last details for his execution.  He listened to the reading of the death warrant all without visible emotion.  He maintained a calm composure all through.

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Copyright permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing
by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas