Executed
Stephen Griffey
Stephen Griffey was hanged in Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee, on November 22, 1878, after the state courts upheld his death sentence and Governor Porter declined to commute it. His father circulated a petition for commutation, and relatives and some neighbors said they disputed the case against him. Before his execution he was baptized, and he wept as he embraced his father. His father later took his body to New Market for burial.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Relatives and some local residents disputed the case against him and petitioned Governor Porter for clemency, which he declined.
Reported by: Cocke County court (court); Sheriff Creed Boyer (the agency that held him).
Custody: Serving a sentence.