Last Words of the Executed » Uncategorized

A death penalty book by Robert K. Elder, with a foreword by Studs Terkel. Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, has praised the project and called it, “A dangerous book…” This is the history of capital punishment in America, told from the gallows, the front of the firing squad, the electric chair, the gas chamber, and the lethal injection gurney. This is a nonpolitical work, simply asking, “If these are the most reviled, outcast members of society—why does it remain a cultural value to record what they say?” Other keywords: hanging, noose, execution

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This week in 1871

Thu April 23rd, 2015

“Look at me! I no cry; I no woman; I man. I die brave!” — John Boyer, convicted of murder, hanging, Wyoming. Executed April 21, 1871 Son of a Frenchman and a Sioux Indian woman, Boyer was c...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/23/on-this-day-in-1871/

This week in 2005

Wed April 22nd, 2015

“…I’ve been hanging around this Popsicle stand way too long. Before I leave, I want to tell you all. When I die, bury me deep, lay two speakers at my feet, put some headphones on my head an...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/22/on-this-day-in-2005-2/

This week in 1934

Tue April 21st, 2015

“. . . The thought never occurred to anyone during the trial to show the circumstances of John Scheck as a mere boy who was lured and tempted into the life of crime because of his intense devot...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/21/on-this-day-in-1934/

This week in 1995

Mon April 20th, 2015

“Governor Tucker, look over your shoulder; justice is coming. I wouldn’t trade places with you or any of your cronies. Hell has victories; I am at peace.” — Richard Snell, convicted of mu...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/20/on-this-day-in-1995/

This week in 1858

Mon April 20th, 2015

“I wish to speak a few words to my German countrymen…Keep away from bad company, and let liquor alone. Do not covet the money of others, and do not let your wish for money lead you into crime...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/20/on-this-day-in-1858/

This week in 1928

Sun April 19th, 2015

“Beautiful world . . . I’ve forgiven everybody. . . . I haven’t a thing to say. Turn ’er loose. . . . Good-bye, Doc. . . . You’re a wonderful old boy. I haven’t got a thing against an...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/19/on-this-day-in-1928/

This week in 2009

Sat April 18th, 2015

“I just hope God’s will be done and everybody finds the peace they need. I’m good.” — Jimmy Lee Dill, convicted of murder, lethal injection, Alabama. Executed April 16, 2009 Dill killed...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/18/on-this-day-in-2009/

This week in 1997

Fri April 17th, 2015

“Sweet Jesus, here I come. Take me home. I am going your way.” — Kenneth Gentry, convicted of murder, lethal injection, Texas. Executed April 16, 1997 Gentry, an escapee from a Georgia pris...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/17/on-this-day-in-1997/

This week in 1886

Wed April 15th, 2015

“Hurry up, old man, or Clark will want another drink of whisky. If you don’t look out, I may fall through and sue the city for damages.” — Allen J. Adams, convicted of murder, hanging, Ma...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/15/on-this-day-in-1886/

This week in 1965

Tue April 14th, 2015

“I think it’s a hell of a thing that a life has to be taken in this manner. I think capital punishment is legally and morally wrong.” — Perry Edward Smith, convicted of murder, hanging, K...

https://lastwordsoftheexecuted.com/2015/04/14/on-this-day-in-1965-2/