William Kemmler
American murderer (1860–1890) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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William Francis Kemmler (May 9, 1860 – August 6, 1890) was an American peddler, alcoholic, and murderer, who, in 1890, became the first person in the world to be executed by electric chair. He was convicted of murdering Matilda "Tillie" Ziegler, his common-law wife, a year earlier.[1] Although electrocution had previously been successfully used to kill a horse, Kemmler's execution did not go smoothly.[2]
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Quick Facts Born, Died ...
William Kemmler | |
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Born | William Francis Kemmler May 9, 1860 |
Died | August 6, 1890(1890-08-06) (aged 30) |
Cause of death | Botched execution by electrocution |
Occupation | Produce merchant |
Criminal status | Executed |
Spouse | Tillie Ziegler (common-law wife) |
Conviction(s) | First degree murder |
Criminal penalty | Death by electrocution |
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