CATEGORIES
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Governor of New York - First Electrocution in the United States
HILL, David B. (1843-1910). Governor of New York (1885-1891). During his tenure as Governor, William Kemmier was electrocuted in the electric chair. Kemmier was the first inmate in the United States to be put to death in this manner. Kemmier was a convicted murderer. He was accused of the March 29, 1889 murder of his common law wife who had been killed with a hatchet. Kemmier was tried and convicted of murder on May 10, 1889. As of January of that year New York instituted death by electrocution. A war between George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison developed over AC verses DC current. On August 6, 1890, Kemmier had the top of his head shaved and a hole cut in his suit so a second electrical lead could be attached to his body. The switch was thrown and current passed through Kemmier’s body for 17 seconds. Kemmier was declared dead however witnesses noticed he was still breathing. In a second attempt, he was shocked with 2,000 volts. His blood vessels ruptured and witnesses said his body caught fire. The awful odor from the burning flesh was unbearable and spectators unsuccessfully tried to leave the death chamber. The execution took a total of 8 minutes. A reported stated this was much worse than hanging and George Westinghouse said: “They would have done better using an axe.” Document signed, David B. Hill’s bank check, National Commercial Bank, Albany, New York, July 1, 1907. Made payable to the bearer for Two hundred and thirty-two dollars. Signed “David B. Hill.” In very good to fine condition...........................$37.50
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