Conspiracy Trial Press Reporters

[BettyO]

Quote:First Hanging in the District: The first case for murder was tried the same year when James Mc Girk, an Irish immigrant bricklayer was tried in April 1802 in the Federal Circuit Court for the murder of his wife. McGirk was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. After various appeals including an attempt to gain a presidential pardon McGirk was hung from a gallows on October 10, 1802. The temporary gallows was erected at the foot of Capitol Hill. Large crowds attended the day of his execution and after the first attempt to hang Mc Girk, failed, a second try was made, and a new rope placed around his neck. McGirk then jumped from the gallows and snapped his neck. The crowd rapidly gathered around his corpse to gain bits of the hangman rope which were widely believed to cure head ache and tooth ache. Washington Federalist, April 14, 1802 and November 23, 1802. The last hanging open to the general public was that of Charles Guiteau, hanged on June 30, 1882, before a crowd of 4,000. Guiteau had shot President James A. Garfield twice in the back on July 2, 1881.

Fascinating info, Laurie! Thanks - never heard of this one.... Sounds to me like the fellow was attempting to committ suicide since he jumped from the gallows! Usually after the first attempt at hanging failed, the condemned was set free (according to custom).....



Boy – the LOC works FAST! Got the info while I was at work late last night – so here tis….

We have a FEW faces to attach to names. For starters, just WHY 2 actors were present at the hanging of Wirz, I don’t know. But we have these reporters/correspondents present at the Wirz execution as well as having participated at the Conspiracy Trial and Execution – to wit:

# 3 – Our own BEN PERLEY POORE

# 4 - L. A. GOBRIGHT – Associated Press

# 7 - C. S. NOYES – Washington Star

# 8 - JAMES CROGGON – Washington Star

Now, I know this is probably far-fetched….but the fellow standing directly behind the Metropolitan Police Officer (love the big badge he’s wearing!) in the “RR Conductor” type hat and holding a pad, appears to me more than somewhat emaciated and looks “consumptive”…. I’m therefore beginning to wonder, although he’s not identified, if he is indeed our friend, RICHARD (R.F.) BOISEAU, of the Daily National Republican. Boiseau died of consumption (TB) on August 26, 1879 at 37 years of age.

Several of the other gentlemen are unidentified, but have their pencils and pads at the ready -

   

   

   

   

PDF of entire Photo "Key" to come soon....