January 6, 1865
Execution in Parkersburg.:Three men are to be executed in Parkersburg to-day [sic] for the cold-blooded murder of an inoffensive citizen of Wood country. We gave something of the particulars at the time of the trial.
The Execution, of the three men who were to have been hanged at Parkersburg yesterday, for the murder of Mr. Deems, had been stayed we understand, on a supersedes granted by Judge Berkshire, on the grounds of illegality in the trial, for the reasons that it took place after the regular term of court had expired.
As we understand this will bring the case at once before the Supreme Court of Appeals, which will commence its regular term in this city next week. The argument and decision there will involve the merits of the question of guilt or the absence of it in the culprite [sic], it will relate solely to the legality of the trial and conviction by the Circuit Court of Wood county. If the Supreme Court shall decide the trial to have been illegal, the case will be sent back to the Court ____ a new trial ordered. If its legality is confirmed, a new day for the execution will be appointed.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: January 1865