The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-04-22
GILLETTE EXECUTED AFTER
MAKING CONFESSION
SLAYER of Grace Brown Meets
Death Unmoved at Auburn.
WALKED UNAIDED TO CHAIR
One Shock Kills Him-Ministers Say
No Legal Mistake Made
Condemned Youth Leaves Mes
sage of Warning to Young Men.

Auburn, n. Y.-Chester Gillette,
who vas put to death in Auburn
prison for the murder of Grace
Brown, made a confession tc his spir-
itual advisers.
This fact was made known after
the execution by the Rev. Messrs. Nc
Ilravy and Herrick, his spiritual ad-
visers. in the following announce
ment:
Because our relationship with
Chester Gillette was privileged, we do
|. not deem it wise to make a detailed
statement. and simply wish to say
that no legal mistake was made in
his electrocution."
Gillette left a word for young men
in a communication he handed to
Warden Benham the night before,
and that was given out. 1t says:
In the shadow of the valley of
death, it is my desire to do every
thing that would remove any doubt
as to my having found Jesus Christ,
the personal Saviour and unfailing
friend.
My one regret at this time IS that
I have not given Him the pre-emi-
hence in my life while l had the op-
| %portunity to work for Him. If I
could only say some one thing that
would draw young men to Him /
would deem it the greatest privilege
ever granted me. But all I a say
now is: l know in whom l have be-
lieved and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have CON-
mitted unto Him against that day.
IF the young men Of this country
could only know the Joy and pleasure
of a Christian life I know they would
do all in their power to become ear
nest, active Christians, and would
strive to live as Christ would have
them live.
There Is not one thing I have
left undone which will bar me from
facing my God, knowing that my
sins are forgiven, for 1 have been free
and frank in my talks with my spir-
itual adviser and God knows where
[ stand.
MY task is done. the victory won.
CHESTER E. GILLETTE"
Gillette's last night was a quiet
one He slept a little, his spiritual
adviser. the Rev. Mr.. McIlravy, being
close at hand. An hour before the
time for the el%ectrocution Guard
Crowley asked Gillette if he did not
want breakfast.
mo, l don't care for any," he said.
You better take something" said
Chaplain Herrick. Take some cof-
fee and a little something to eat"
"All right" was the reply.
The autopsy showed that Gillette's
brain weighed 57k ounces The
heart was smaller than normal,
weighing scant twelve ounces.
Gillette met death unmoved. Only
one contact was necessary.
Gillette was declared dead by the
officials at 6.1S, but by watches held
by some reporters it was two minutes
later that the warden said: Gen
tlemen, the physicians announce that
the man is dead"
There was lacking much Of the SOL
emnity of former executions, and dur
ing most of the time, except when
the electric current was turned on,
there was a hum of conversation.
MS grew 81 uldlhSu uuiiu5 thC
time that the physicians were exam
ming the body for signs Of life that
the warden had to pound on the tile
covered floor for silence.
The contact vas of 1900 volts at
7k amperes, and it was held on
three seconds more than a full min
ute. When this had been done ex-
aminations Of the mans heart showed
nc sign of life.
Witnesses of the execution declare
that it was the most successful in the
history of the State. There was not
the slightest hitch, despite the very
apparent nervousness of those who
had it in charge. For some reason
probably because of doubt whether a
reprieve would not stay the death
sentence raised by the condemned
youths mothers appeals to Governor
Hughes-there was a general feeling
Of uncertainty in the prison. The
Warden was up long before daylight,
and with State Electrician Davis, who
has charge of the preparation of the
death chair, made repeated tests OF