The record-union., 1896-05-08
Hanged at Philadelphia for the Killing
Of Benjamin F. Peitzel.
The Execution Devoid of Any Sensa-
tional Features.
The Condemned Man Cool to the Last,
Even to the Extent of Giving Adj
vice as to Arranging the Final
Details-Denies Committing Any
Crimes Except the Deaths of Two
Women.
Women.

Women.
PHILADELPHIA, May Herman
w. Mudgett, alias H. H. Holmes, was
hanged this morning in the county
prison for the killing of Benjamin F.
Peitzel. The drop fell at 1912 o'clock,
and twenty minutes later he was pro-
nounced dead by the prison officials,
DR.. Sharp and DIR. Butcher.
The execution was in every way en-
tirely devoid of any sensational fea-
lures. To the last he was self-pos-
sessed and cool, even to the extent of
giving a word of advice to Assistant
superintendent Richardson as the lat
ter was arranging the final details. He
died as he had lived, unconcerned and
thoughtless, apparently, of the future,
even with the recollection still wildly
before him of the recent confession in
which he admitted the killing of a
score of persons of both sexes and in
all parts Of the country. Almost his
last words were a point blank denial
OF any crimes committed except the
deaths of two women at his hands by
malpractice
OF the murder of several members
of the Peitzel family he denied all COM
plicity, particularly of the father, for
whose death he stated he was unjustly
suffering the penalty. Then with the
prayer of the spiritual attendants
sounding in his ears, and with few
low-spoken words to those about him,
the trap sprung, and beyond a few in
cidental post norton details the exc
far limo tod of nrct
criminal stories known to criminology.
There were comparatively few per-
sons gathered outside of the prison
during the early part of the morning,
and the morbid throng which the
prison officials expected would be
drawn there by the execution was
lacking. Access to the prison prior to
the entrance of those permitted to wit
ness the execution was not allowed
All the arrangements for the burial
of Holmes were intrusted by the muir
derer to Mr.. Rotan. The place of his
burial has, it is understood, been Sc
lected, but those who are most likely
to know where the grave is to be will
not divulge the location.
Holmes retired about midnight, and
slept soundly during the entire time
until called at o'clock. So sound were
his slumbers, in fact, that twice was he
called before awakening
When the arrival of the priests was
announced he greeted them warmly.
but with no signs of emotion. They
came to administer the sacrament.
For nearly two hours they remained
within the cell, and then were almost
Immediately succeeded by LAWYER
Rotan, the legal adviser of Holmes.
Pleasantly also he greeted him. There
were several matters pertaining to his
worldly affairs that will have to be
settled up after his death, and this
time was taken in giving the final de-
tails and explanations While dis
cussing his affairs breakfast was
served, consisting of eggs, toast and
coffee
When the meal was ended shortly be-
fore 8 o'clock, Holmes dressed himself
in trousers, vest and cutaway coat of
some dark-mixed goods of a pepper
and salt effect that had been worn bv
him frequently before.
At 10 o'clock the doors leading to the
lCng corridor in which was placed the
gallows opened, and, two by two, led by
the Sheriff's jury, the spectators passed
down The last man had just passed
the doors and the latter closed.
when from behind was heard the slow
and measured tread of the death party.
The suspense was almost painful, brief
though it was, when, preceded by Sher-
if Clements and Superintendent Per-
klns, Holmes appeared and stepped on
the trap. On the right was Father
Daley, to the left Father McPake. and
bringing up the rear were Lawyer Ro-
tan and Assistant Superintendent Rich
ardson.
The little party stood q moment look
ing down, and then, in response to a
signal from one of those beside him.
Holmes stepped forward and spoke. He
spoke slowly and with measured atten-
ton to every word, a triae low at first.
but louder as he preceded, until every
word was distinctly audible.
Gentlemen" he said, Il have very
few words to say; in fact, l would make
no statement at this time. except that
by not speaking l may be made to ap-
pear to acquiesce in my execution.
only want to say that the extent of my
wrongdoing in the taking of human
NE coHSiSleu IN the death of two
women, they having died at my hands
as the result of criminal operations. I
wish TO state also, however, so that
there will be no misunderstanding here
after. that / am not guilty of taking the
llVes of any of the Peitzel family. the
three children or the father. Ben. F.
Peitzel, of whose death / am now con-
victed and for which l am to-day to be
hanged. That is all
As he ceased speaking, he stepped
back, and, kneeling between Fathers
Daley and McPake, he joined with
them in silent prayer for brief minute
or two. Again standing, he shook hands
with all those about him, and then sig
nitied his readiness for the end He
even went to the extreme of suggesting
TO Assistant Superintendent Richard
son that the latter should not hurry
himself
Take your time; don't bungle it, he
remarked, as the officer exhibited some
little haste, the outcome of nervous
ness. These were almost his last
words. The cap was adjusted, a low
toned query, Are you ready" and an
equally low-toned response. YES; good
by, and the trap was sprung
The neck was not broken, and there
were a few convulsive witches of the