The News and Courier, Charleston, SC August 7, 1875 

 

Union South Carolina August 6, 1875. Alf Walker, who murdered the Rev. J.C. Miller near this place in April last, paid the penalty of his crime on the gallows today at 12 o’clock. Some time ago he professed religion and was baptized, and it is stated confessed to two other murders previously. One of the victims was a little girl he killed and robbed, only getting seventy five cents, and the other was a peddler whom he killed at Cow Ford bridge over the Fairforest in Spartanburg County; but these confessions have not been made public.  The execution took place at 12 O’clock today, and was witnessed by several thousand persons. Walker was attended by two clergymen, and walked with a firm step.  Arrived at the foot of the gallows a hymn was sung in which Walker joined.  After a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Jackson, one of the attending clergymen, Walker made a brief speech.  Without alluding to the crime for which he was about to be executed, he said his punishment was just, but he believed that God had pardoned him, and he exhorted his hearers to meet him in heaven.  He then shook hands with the Sheriff and the ministers, and stood with stoical indifference while the rope was being adjusted around his neck.  The drop fell at 12 O’clock, and after struggling about two minutes the soul of the murderer passed into eternity.  There was no excitement and no disturbance around the gallows.  After being cut down, the body was sent to the parents of the murderer who lived in Spartanburg County.