Executed
James Byers
James Byers was hanged on July 10, 1888, at Wilkesboro in Wilkes County, in a public execution that drew large crowds. The State Chronicle, which reported the execution on July 20, 1888, described him as much depressed in the days before it. The paper reported that he died six minutes after the trap fell.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state
Reported by: news reports.