Executed
Madison Johnson
Madison Johnson, about 21 years old, was executed by hanging on June 4, 1841, in North Carolina, after being taken from the jail under the guard of a volunteer company. A large crowd from the town and surrounding countryside gathered to watch. Before his death he spoke to the crowd for nearly an hour, warning young people in particular against gambling, intemperance and night carousing, and he said he had not heeded his parents' good advice. This account comes from a single newspaper report of the day, which does not record any objection to the execution.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state
Reported by: historical newspaper account of the execution.