1789: The Canadian Burglars

“More solemnity was perhaps never observed at any execution before” the hanging this date in 1789 of William Mooney Fitzgerald and John Clark in St. John, New Brunswick.

The fate of these two Irish career criminals is one of many arresting stories told on the Early American Crime blog, whose entry (and complementary podcast) this site could hardly improve upon.

Connoisseurs of historical executions are well-advised to subscribe.

On this day..