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. Although electrocution had previously been successfully used to kill a horse, Kemmler's execution did not go smoothly.
Auburn Correctional Facility is a state prison on State Street in Auburn, New York, United States. It was built on land that was once a Cayuga village. It is classified as a maximum security facility.
1890Aug, 6
At Auburn Prison in New York, murderer William Kemmler becomes the first person to be executed by electric chair.
Choose Another Date
Events on 1890
- 1Jun
Herman Hollerith
The United States Census Bureau begins using Herman Hollerith's tabulating machine to count census returns. - 2Jul
Sherman Antitrust Act
The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act. - 12Sep
Rhodesia
Salisbury, Rhodesia, is founded. - 24Sep
1890 Manifesto
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy. - 25Sep
Sequoia National Park
The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.