Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-05-16
THE GALLONS.
Execution of Lusignani, the Wife
Murderer.

Morristown, n. j., Is. Early this morn
ing the city was astir with people anxious to
witness the execution of Lusignani, a large
number Of whom could gain no admittance.
The lateness of the morning train delayed
the arrival of the guards over an hour, and a
number Of persons took advantage of the OPP
portunity to climb into trees and to roofs
overlooking the scaffold. At ll05 Sheriff
Vanderveer, with Deputy Sherifs DeMott
and Coe, entered the cell Of the condemned,
accompanied by the doctors and constables,
and told Lusignani that the time had arrived.
He replied that he Was
NOT AFRAID TO DIE,
and then turned to his confessor, Father Va
sallo, of Seton Hall College, who, with two
other priests and two Italian Sisters Of Char
ity, were with him all night. He continued
repeating prayers in Italian as the moose was
placed around his neck, and he seemed not to
mind till they proceeded to bind his arms,
when
HE GAVE TWO OR THREE HALF SCREAMS,
being afraid it would hurt him, but upon
being treasured he objected no longer. He
spoke little, but continued praying. After
kissing those in the cell whom he knew, he
signifed his readiness, and the death process
sion was formed. The doctors led the way,
| followed by the constables, after whom came
| the sheriff in front of the condemned man.
Lusignani walked between Fathers Vasello
| and Sheerern. He was dressed in new suit
of broadcloth, and the black cap was on his
head, the white lining turned outwards to
show his face. On his neck was a email
brass crucifx. white vosary hung from
buttonhole of his coat. He walked with a
quick, defiant step, and was seemingly eager
to have it over. The "Miseersre" was chant
ed by the priests and the condemned as they
walked to the gallows a distance of only so
feet. About 200 people had been admitted to
the yard and were gathered around the gal
lows. The priests placed Lusignani under
the beam, with his face towards the sun. 1t
was then found that the rope or moose was too
short to attach it to the hook or upper rope
and box was procured. Upon this he
JUMPED NIMBLY, LAUGHING
as he did so. The moose was then adjusted
and the priests continued their services in
Italian. Lusgnani responded with fervor,
frequently kissing the crucifx, which was
held up before him by the priest At the
close OF the prayers, tatner Shec0ran Kissed
him and the a constable drew the cap over
his face. Instantly the sheriff placed his foot
on the spring and with a thud the $50 pounds
at the end of the rope fell into hole dug for
the purpose, and Lusignani was
JERKED SIN FEET INTO THE AIR.
A crucitix which he held in his right hand was
retained nearly forty seconds, when the
muscles relaxed and the cruciix fell. His
legs were drawn up several times, but other
wise there were no coNtortions of his body
At the end of two minutes the heart beats
were l40 per minute, in four minutes 100, and
in seven minutes onc-half the pulsation had
ceased entirely. The body was allowed to
hang 30 minutes, when it was lowered into a
plain but neatly finished coffin. As soon as
the body was cut down, the priest OF Morris
| town asked to have possession of it. but was
told the doctors must first certify the cause
! Of death. Father Vasselo strenuously OBJ.
jected, and told the Jail physician
HE WOULD PROSECUTE HIM
if he touched the body This having no
effect, he declared that the priests would not
receive the body if cut or mutilated, and that
it could not be buried in Catholic cemetery
The doctors refusing certificate, the coro-
ner ordered an examination, and it was found
that death was caused by strangulation, and
no, by distortion of the neck, as was sup
posed. The body now lies in the cell. await
ing burial, and, if not claimed, will be buried
by the county authorities. The execution
occupied but five minutes from the time I.u-
| signani entered the Jail yard until he was
hung.