The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-23
HANGED DESPITE
LONG LEGAL FIGHT
Wife Slayer Who Owned to Many
Marriages Is Executed
at Last.
Attorneys strove to Save His
Neck Even as Death March ;
Began.

Chicago, Feb. 23-Johann Hoch, con.
yicted of thu. murder of his wife, Marie
ty Jail today at 1884 8 clock. Three
times respited, Hoch insisted to the last
that he be granted all the delay that
the law conceded him. Under the word
ing of his sentence the criminal was to
hang between the hours Of 10 and 2
pm.
When the last resources of his attor-
asne a RgEeatoa e Of the bedfoa sea
amendment to the constitution which
forbids that man shall not be deprived
Of his life without due process Of law
had been denied, Hoch abandoned all
hope Of saving his life, but still In
sisted that he be allowed to live as
nearly to 2 O'Clock as possible.
When Jailer Whitman, who has long
been a fried # Hoch, appeared in his
ham. nothing more can be done for
you. " Hoch replied.
"sThat is all right. It's all right,
but l want to have all that is coming
to me in point Of time. I'll go when
1880 o'clock comes, but if you try to
take me before that time I'll fight
It Wouldn't do you any good to
fight" replied Jailer Whitman.
know thta, - replied Hoch, "but
want all that is coming to me. I'll 90,
all right at 1:30.'
His Last Dinner.
The jailer, after, consulting with
Sheriff Peters, agreed to the delay.
Hoch then asked that his dinner be sent
for. His wish W as granted and he
ate with an evident relish and apparent
ly without thought that he would II I er
enjoy another meal.
It was exactly 1:32 o'clock when
Hoeh, preceded BY DEPUTY: Sheriff Pc
Whitman, Rev. Mr.. Aschleter and Rev.
]. r. Burkland stepped upon the scat
fold, and two minutes later he was
corpse. He walked upon the scaffofd
quietly and stood directly under the
moose, with heels together and head
erect, like soldier on parade.
He was pale, but composed and full
of courage.
Says Hoch Confessed.
Rev. J. r. Burkland, one of Hoch 3
spiritual advisers, had talk with the
prisoner shortly before he was led to
the scaffold, and said later that Hoch
had confessed.
''Did he confess to the murder9o he
was asked.
The clergyman hesitated, and then
answered.: Well, he said that he had
been a bigamist and very wicked
man. -
He declined to say word as to
crime.
Awoke in Jcvial Mood.
Hoch slept well all night, and when
he awoke this morning was apparently
in a iovial mood. He turned to Guard
James Cummings, who was in the room
with him, and wished him "good morn
ing.' Cummings Immediately sum-
moned Night JailopO Neil, who came at
once to the room and said:
"Good morning, John, how are you
this morning7"
IT feel fine, - said he: 81 had
feeling fne.'
fast and while awaiting its arrival was
given several papers to read.
Look here, 0'Neil," he called out.
See what one of the papers says about
me. - He then read to O'Neil the ar
ticle which said that chad given up
all hope, and was in state of collapse
HThat thing says that I have lost
hope" remarked Hoch, "but I have
not. [ will keep my nerve to the
last.''
The attorneys for Hoch were out ear
y today seeking to prevent the execu-
ton by legal means.
In Federal Court.
A short time before the hour set for
execution, a petition was filed in the
United States circuit court by Hoch 8
attorneys asking federal Intervention to
save Hoch. The petition said that the
state authorities were endeavoring to
execute Hoch in violation of the four
teenth amendment of the constitution
and without due process of law.
After filing the petition the ATTORNEYS
left the federal building Immediately,
intending, it was said, to go to the
criminal court building to try to get a
stay of execution, pending action by
the federal courts.
Hoch Was Cheerful.
As the morning passed on and the
time set for the execution approached.
Hoch abated nothing of his good ma
ture. AS one of the guards passed be-
fore his cell, he called him to the door
and holding out "a scent piece, said:
Here, Tony, go and get glass of
beer
1t IS getting close to the time, isn't
it?o continued Hoch
Well, you people won't have any
trouble with me. When the minute
comes II go like brave man. What g
more, I'll go like an innocent man. I
I never committed the crime and m not
afraid to go. -
Despite his brave words it was evil
dent that Hoch was under a severe
strain. He appeared nervous, but his
strong will stood him in good stead and
he held himself under marvellous con-
| troll.
After consultation with State Is At.
torney Healy the Jail officials decided
/ to delay the. execution if necessary un-
| til 2 pm. the last hour named in the
court sentence providing for the hang
ing.
Petition Denied.
/ Before Federal Judge Kenesaw M.
Lands, Hoch s attorney contended that
a writ of habeas corpus should issue
! Continued on I'd Page, Sd Column.