The Penn's Grove record., 1908-04-03
GILLETTE EXECUTED AFTER
r. MAKING CONFESSION
Slayer of Grace Brown Meets
Death unm0yed at Auburn.
WALKED UAAIDED TO CHAIR
One Shock Kills Him-Ministers Say
mo Legal Mistake Made
Condemned Youth Leaves Mes
sage of Warming TO Young Men.

Auburn, n. Y.-Chester Gillette,
who was put to death in Auburn
prison for the murder of Grace
Brown, made a confession tc his spir-
itua1 advisers.
This fact was made known after
the execution by the Rev. Messrs. Nc
llravy 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 n regret at this time is that
| have not given Him the pre-emi-
hence in my life while l had the op-
portunity to work for Him. If /
could only say some one thing that
would draw young men to Him /
would deem it the greatest privilege
ever granted me. But all | can say
now is: l know in whom l have be-
lieved and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which l have COM
mitted unto Him against that day.
IF the young men of this country
could only know the joy and pleasure
Of a Christian life l know they would
10 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 1 have
left undone which will bar me from
facing my God, knowing that my
sins are forgiven, for l have been free
and frank in my talks with my spt',
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 electrocution 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-
Zee and a little something to eat"
"All right" was the reply.
The autopsy showed that Gillette's
brain weighed STA ounce The
heart was smaller than normal,
weighing scant twelve ounces
Gillette met death unmoyed. Only
me contact was necessary.
Gillette was declared dead by the
officials at els, but by watches held
~ some reporters it was two minutes
alter that the warden said: Cen
lemen, the physicians announce that
he man is dead"
There was lacking much of the SOL
.mnity of former executions, and DUR
ng most of the time, except when
| he electric current was turned on,
here was a hum of conversation.
This grew so marked during the
line that the physicians were exam
ming the DOuy lOT SlSuS VI IllS hat
he warden had to pound on the tile
covered floor for silence.
The contact was of 1900 volts at
TX amperes, and it was held on
.hree seconds more than a full min
lite. When this had been done ex-
limitations of the mans heart showed
lo sign of life.
Witnesses of the execution declare
hat it was the most successful in the
history of the State. There was not
he slightest hitch, despite the very
apparent nervousness of those who
lad it in charge. For some reason
probably because of doubt whether a
,eprieve would not stay the death
sentence raised by the condemned
Youths mothers appeals to Governor
Hughes-there was a general feeling
If uncertainty in the prison. The
Warden was up long before daylight,
and with State Electrician Davis, who
mas charge of the preparation of the
Heath chair, made repeated tests OF
the current.