Executions in the United States, 1608–1976

 

9 May 2014

The Death Penalty Information Center offers a unique resource for historical researchers: a database of executions that occurred in the United States between 1608 and 1976.

The Center describes itself as "a national non-profit organization serving the media and the public with analysis and information on issues concerning capital punishment. Founded in 1990, the Center promotes informed discussion of the death penalty by preparing in-depth reports, conducting briefings for journalists, and serving as a resource to those working on this issue.”

As this description implies, the purpose of this database is social and political. Even so, it is a valuable tool for those doing traditional historical research. The database is searchable by year and by state.

Executions in the United States, 1608-1976, By State | Death Penalty Information Center

 

   

 

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Submitted byKayRinFLon Sat, 05/10/2014 - 17:33

Just recently someone posted a query on one of the facebook genealogy groups about an individual whose burial location was "Chap 113 Gen. L," which turns out to be the Massachusetts statute relating to body donations for anatomical study. When I looked through the statute, I came across a section that stated "the court may order the body of the convict after his execution to be dissected," so of course I wondered whether the individual in question might have been an executed convict! (He wasn't my ancestor so I felt free to let my imagination run wild--within the confines of my own brain, of course.) Well, your QuickTip has brought me down to earth: I'm afraid this individual was not on the list of 1928 Massachusetts executions so was probably just a responsible citizen who voluntarily donated his body to science for the betterment of humanity--the antithesis, actually, of a convicted murderer. Oh well.