Anthony Blair (criminal)

Anthony Blair
Born	ca. 1849 Washington County, Tennessee
Died	September 26, 1879 (age 29-30) Hamblen County, Tennessee
Conviction(s)	Murder
Penalty	Death by hanging
Status	Deceased

Anthony Blair (ca. 1849 – September 26, 1879), American murderer, was hanged for his crime; it was the first such execution in Hamblen County, Tennessee.

Background

Blair lived in Washington County, near Jonesborough, and had a stepdaughter named Maggie Blair. Maggie had left Blair's house and, from May 1879, had lived in Hamblen County, working for William Donaldson. Maggie Blair was described as very smart and industrious. Blair learned of her whereabouts and on July 29 went to Russellville, Tennessee, immediately making his way to the Donaldson residence. He entered the kitchen, where the girl was preparing dinner with Mrs. Donaldson. He told Maggie that he had something to say to her and asked her to come outside the house. She refused, saying he could say what he had to say in front of Mrs. Donaldson. Around this time William Donaldson rode up and Blair immediately left the house.

Murder

The following night, a Wednesday, Maggie went with others to the prayer meeting at the black church near Russellville. Returning, Anthony Blair passed persons who had been to the church service. He headed on to Russellville after some conversation but after going a short distance, turned back and took another road, which the young people, Maggie included, had taken. He overtook the party and immediately walked up to his stepdaughter, who was walking in the rear with a black boy named Taylor. Pushing Taylor away, he caught her hand and said: "You must go home with me on the train tonight to your grandpa", and pulled her along the road 150 or 200 yards, saying she should go. Maggie struggled to loosen herself from his grasp, saying she would rather die than go, whereupon he drew a pistol and shot her twice. She died the following Saturday, aged 16.

Execution

After being convicted at trial, Blair's execution was set for September 26, and a crowd estimated at eight to ten thousand came to watch. A reporter described the day's events:

“

Blair was perhaps 30 years of age, an African in every lineament, brutal and sensuous in appearance, and looked to be capable of any crime. At 12 o'clock Sheriff Loup, with 28 guards, went to the jail, and with your reporter entered Blair's cell. Blair seemed callous, and without feeling. He submitted quietly to the manacles, and walked with a firm step to the wagon on which he rode to the gallows. After religious service by the Rev. George Blainer, colored, the prisoner was allowed to talk. His harangue was such as would be expected from such a man. He admitted his guilt, but developed a state of facts heading to the crime which are unfit for publication. At 1:30 the rope was tied, the black cap arranged, and, at 1:35, the wagon moved from under him. In nine minutes no pulse could be distinguished; in 10 minutes his heart had ceased to act; in 15 minutes he was pronounced dead, and in just 22 minutes after he swung off he was lowered into his coffin.

”