William Kemmler, first execution by electric chair (1889–1890)

William Kemmler was the first person executed by electric chair, at Auburn Prison on August 6, 1890. His execution followed a legal battle shaped by the rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse interests. Although electrocution had previously been used successfully to kill a horse, Kemmler's execution did not go smoothly, and the electric chair went on to become a symbol of capital punishment in the United States.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Alfred Southwick conceived the electric chair in 1881, advocating it as a humane alternative to hanging. New York adopted electrocution in 1888, setting up chairs at Auburn, Clinton, and Sing Sing. The method became controversial due to the commercial rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse, influencing the choice of alternating current.

Legal Battle. Kemmler's conviction led to a legal challenge regarding the constitutionality of electrocution. Westinghouse supported Kemmler's appeal to prevent AC from being branded as the 'executioners' current' by Edison's associates. The appeal failed in October 1889, and a writ of habeas corpus was denied in December 1889, clearing the path for execution.

Execution. On August 6, 1890, Kemmler was executed at Auburn Prison. Although electrocution had been tested on animals, the human execution did not go smoothly. The event marked the first judicial use of the electric chair, which later became a symbol of capital punishment in the United States.

People involved

Sources

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