Cornwall, Ont., September 7-- John B. Davy, a respectable citizen of this place, was shot and killed by James Slavin last night, and two other men, named Lafess and Lafavre, were probably fatally wounded. Slavin, who was intoxicated, was placed under arrest.
Brooklyn (New York) Daily Eagle, September 2, 1892.
CORNWALL, Ont., December 16-- James Slavin, alias McMahon, was executed here this morning at 7:45 for the murder of Captain J.R. Davey. The execution was witnessed only by the press, the medical profession, and a few private citizens, about fifty persons in all. The doomed man's father paid him his last visit Wednesday. His unfortunate son bore up wonderfully well during the conversation, maintaining the same marked indifference he has shown since his incarceration. The conversation between the two was brief and when the broken hearted parent was being taken away the son said, "Goodbye, my poor old father."
Slavin sent for several of his old friends to bid them goodbye. Slavin talked freely during the night with the guard and carried on in a boisterous manner. He arose about 5:30 and partook in a light breakfast. At 7:35 the hangman, Radcliffe, entered the cell. Slavin made no resistance. His hands were pinned and at 7:40 the march to the scaffold was begun. At 7:42 Slavin appeared very weak when the noose was placed over his head. Death was instantaneous. Slavin maintained his wonderful nerve to the last and refused to see any spiritual advisors.
The crime for which Slavin was executed was the killing of Constable J.R. Davey, on September 5, last. Slavin was 21 years of age, and a native of this town; his father being a pensioner of the British government, having been through the Crimean and Chinese wars. Slavin left home in 1885 and worked on the Sudbury division of the Canadian Pacific railroad. He degenerated into a tough and desperado, and committed several crimes. He shot the constable who was attempting to arrest him for shooting another man in a quarrel.
Brooklyn (New York) Daily Eagle, December 16, 1892.
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