M. M. Chaney
M. M. Chaney had lived in Mecklenburg County some years earlier, and many people there knew him. On Friday, July 11, 1856, he was hanged on a gallows in Lancaster, South Carolina, after being taken from the jail about 11 a.m. and walking about half a mile to the gallows, followed by a large crowd. According to the Lancaster Ledger, reprinted in the Western Democrat, he shook hands with old friends and acquaintances before his death, spoke for about an hour and a half, and maintained his innocence to the end, with a clergyman staying with him until the end. The paper's account of his final conduct is the only source for these details.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Chaney maintained his innocence to the end, according to the Lancaster Ledger's account.
Reported by: Lancaster (S. C.) Ledger (reporters).