Peninsula Enterprise, June 24, 1893

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Moral -- Property crime

Thomas Drummond, colored, was committed to jail last Sunday, charged with obtaining articles of wearing apparel from Pete & Mason, Parksley, under false pretenses.

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Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Resorts

Belle Haven.

A small party of young ladies and gentlemen spent Monday and Tuesday on Hog Island.

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Infrastructure -- Public - Government : Postal service

Bloxom.

Mails are sent and received on night train from this point now.

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Transportation -- Railroad - SteamboatsInfrastructure -- Public - Government : Lighthouse serviceInfrastructure -- Commercial - Real estateSea -- Fish factoriesTransportation -- Water - FreightForests -- Shipping : Water

Chincoteague.

A new steamer for the R. R. Co., to ply between this point and Franklin City, will be completed by first of September, and will be named "Chincoteague."

Capt. Herring was here this week to inspect the Lighthouses and complimented the efficiency of the keepers. He is a faithful official and has done more for his district than all the inspectors since the Killick Shoal Lighthouse was built.

Mr. M. J. Hudson has bought storehouse, land on which it is located and stock of goods of Charles Taylor.

The U.S. engine and boiler inspector was here this week to examine steamer of Bunting & Sons, and reports everything O.K.

Schooners Palestine and Sherman loaded with lumber arrived here from Norfolk, this week -- and schooner Selbrage from Norfolk, loaded with bricks.

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Infrastructure -- Commercial - General Stores

New Church.

John W. Davis has recently opened a store in town, which makes a total of nine here.

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Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - BathingTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Resorts

Wachapreague.

Beach parties, participated in by the old and young, are now of daily occurrence in this section.

Mrs. Catharine Watkinson has opened up a boarding-house for the accommodation of those who wish a pleasant sojourn by the sea during the torrid weather. Her home is located on Cedar Island.

The Execution of George Drier.

Laborers -- FarmMoral -- Murder

George Drier, the murderer of Mrs. Fannie M. McFadden, expiated his crime on the gallows, in the jail yard at Eastville, on Friday afternoon, June 16th inst., at 1.14 o'clock.

The condemned man maintained to the last the stoical composure and remarkable fortitude that has characterized his demeanor since his imprisonment and trial. A few days before the time set for his execution he amused himself, after the manner of a child, in playing around the jail yard.

His last day on earth saw no departure from his unnatural composure. Even at the last moment he did not flinch. At 11 o'clock in the morning he was visited by Rev. W. Nelson Meade, of the Episcopal, and Rev. W. C. Lindsay, of the Presbyterian Church, who remained with him until 1 p.m., when the death warrant was read by Sheriff Jarvis and the solemn march to the gallows begun. Drier walked without assistance to the steps of the trap, said good-bye to the few witnesses present and smiled as the black cap was fitted over his face.

The rope was cut at 1.14 p.m. by B. F. Kellogg, of Cape Charles, who had been sworn in as deputy sheriff. Twelve minutes later life was pronounced extinct by the physicians in attendance. Death resulted from strangulation. In deference to Drier's wishes the hanging was witnessed only by a few persons.

The confession written by Drier shortly before his death is now in the hands of Governor McKinney, and some doubt is expressed as to whether it will ever be made public.

The crime for which Drier suffered death was both brutal and atrocious in its character. His victim was an old and helpless woman, who kept a small store at Cape Charles and who had been his friend and benefactress. The murder was committed on the night of October 13th, 1891.

Drier was an immigrant and worked for awhile on Hollywood Truck Farm, Cape Charles.