No. 44

The Elders In 1837 & Rooftop Seating

Dear Stewart,

As sheriff of Steuben County, your grandfather, Henry Brother, had to execute prisoners, which he performed in the jail yard. One of those prisoners, in 1837, was a man by the name of Aspe.

Those who lived near the jail allowed friends and their cousins' cousins to watch the show from their rooftops. On that wretched day, it gave the Sheriff Brother much pleasure when the rain agitated the visitors and most of the audience was lost.

But the rain drenched the hook rigging and did not work right quick. Mr. Brother had to use his pistol. Then he and the other men lowered Aspe into the casket underneath him.

Earlier, when a priest spoke with Aspe in the corner, they were awfully close to one another, whispering and holding each other’s hands. After the sign of the cross, the prisoner calmed down. He unlaced his shoes and handed them to the priest, who put them in his satchel. Then the priest gave the man a swig from a flask.

Aspe stood up and waited for the priest to do the same. But instead the priest broke down and cried. This disturbed those just inside the door, who turn their back to face the other inmates.

But Henry did not take his eyes off the two. He begged the priest to recover.

Aspe returned to the priest and put his face into his shoulder. Aspe encouraged the priest to take a sip of his spirits, which he did.

Your grandfather then nodded to Aspe and they stood up for the noose. During the march to the platform, Henry caught a closer glimpse of the priest’s robe and design. He followed the rope belt down to its tassel near his boots.

When he got home, Henry of course did not even think of telling his wife any details of this gruesome business, though she knew what day it was and what Mrs. Metclaf was doing with the extra business at the tavern.

But that night, when the light was out, Henry did mention the forgiveness part, the rain, or that Eucharist bit. She said, "That priest was just visiting. Just passing through town. Don’t know his name, but we will remember him."

— Miss Minnie

2025 Copyright Christine Friesel