Executed
James Hayes
James Hayes, 29, was hanged in the jail yard of Sangamon County on December 16, 1927, after being held at the county jail before his execution. Canvas screened the gallows from about 1,000 people gathered outside, and a last legal effort to halt the hanging failed. Before his death he was dressed in a new blue serge suit donated for the occasion, and he shook the hands of his jailers. His funeral was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and he was buried in Mound City, the home of his mother.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state