The Detroit times., 1908-03-30
PAYS THE PENALTY
FOR MURDER OF
SWEETHEART
YOUNG MANS LIFE sNuFFED OUT
IN AUBURN PRISON AT 6:1s
MONDAY MoRNiNo-oNE SHOCK
suFFicEs.

AUBURN, N. ", March 30.-Ches-
ter E. Gillette died as he lived-an ap'
solute stole. He paid the penalty In
the electric chair at Auburn prison
at 6:l4 O'Clock this morning. for the
murder OF his sweetheart Billy"
Brown. of South Otselie. at Big Moose
lake. on July IL, 1906.
Almost with his las, breath he cor
fessed 10 Rev. Henry MacIlrayy the'
he killed the girl. His confession was
oral.
One shock Of an electric current OF
,,S# volts and 7 1-2 amperess was
appEAd. The application was retain
ed ~ one and two seconds, and then
reduced to 200 volts. The total time
Of Execution was one minute and
threaseconds.
Giltgtte was the coolest man in the
death chamber, and watched the strap
ping Of the electrodes with seeming
interest Twice he shifted his bare
legs to aid the assistants In adjusting
the apparatus. Just before the cap
was placed upon his eyes he gave
farewell nod TO the group about him
end closed his eyes. With the excep-
tioAi Of the paleness OF corpse on
his features. he seemed normal.
consoied by Clergyman.
Chester slept about three hours
last night. He seemed TO be consoled
most by the assurance of his spiritual
adviser that trust In God would sustain
him until she end Chester entered
the death chamber at 6;l2:35. He was
strapped complete at 6:13:50. State
Electrician Davis threw the switch at
6i14:03. The current was retained
until 6:15:06. The execution was one
OF the quickest on record. A current
gradually raised TO 1900 volts was re-
tanned one-half minute. and then re-
duced.
With the CULVER OF the body, life
passed out. The exact time OF the
execution was 6:1S.
The first streak of dawn that hit
tered through the iron bars at the
end OF the corridor seemed TO awe
him. Twice he inquired nervously OK
the guards the time of day. On being
told that some time still separated
him from his doom. he sprang from
lis cot and paced the floor nervously.
In his eye had already come the gilt
ter that characterizes the stare OF
men who know the hour OF their
death.
MY Godi" he frequently exclaim-
ed, when will this come to an end y
Frequently he turned to his Bible
and read passages that had been I'M
aerlined by his spiritual adviser. Rev.
Henry MacIlravy. OF Little Falls.
Refuses to Eat.
He ate sparingly of food at noon
yesterday. although the best in the
culinary department was at his dis
posal. This morning he refused 10
touch anything on the tempting tray
that was prepared for him. A drink
OF water was the only thing that pass.
ed his lips since last night. Once no
inquired OF one Of the guards how
other men had acted under similar
conditions. Ii was evident that he
was fast losing control Of his remark
able nerve and collapse was feared.
When the hour for the execution ar
rived, Gillette was the most eager OF
the little procession that Alea through
the door OF his cell. On either site
OF the prisoner walked the death
watch--Iohn Martin and John Crow
-fey. I'm frUnt of Chester ss-f.rsyesH
Upon their lips, Chaplain Cordello
Herrick and Rev. Henry MacIlravy
led the way. The Natter constantly
admonished his convert TO put him
self In the hands OF God.