Legal Executions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia

In the century following the Civil War, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia legally executed hundreds of men and women convicted of capital crimes. Based on exhaustive research of court records, newspapers death certificates and even gravestones, this book provides the essential details of each case. Arranged by state, entries for each execution are listed in chronological order, giving the name, race and age of the prisoner and a description of the crime of which he or she was convicted. The motive, if known, the date and place of the execution, and relevant sources are also included. Appendices provide preliminary lists of executions in these states before 1866, including some cases dating back to the 17th century. A significant number of hitherto undiscovered executions, further reveals that America’s experience with capital punishment is more extensive than previously known.

Daniel Allen Hearn is employed by the federal government and lives in Monroe, Connecticut.

Daniel Allen Hearn
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 236
Bibliographic Info: appendix, index
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-9540-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1825-8
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Introduction • 1

Delaware • 7

District of Columbia • 15

Maryland • 30

Virginia • 73

West Virginia • 149

Appendix: Preliminary Lists of Executions Before 1866 • 167

Index • 215

“This book elevates an otherwise grim report to the level of highly respectable work of historical value…recommended”—ARBA.