Johnny Gordon
Johnny Gordon was executed by hanging in Rhode Island on February 14, 1845. He had the support of the state's labor movement, which was made up mainly of Irish and Italian immigrants. The Death Penalty Information Center reports that anti-Irish sentiment is now believed to have shaped his trial, and that court documents show prejudice against Irish and immigrant witnesses. Petitions for clemency and an appeal to the governor did not spare him. In 2011 the General Assembly asked for a posthumous pardon, which Governor Lincoln Chafee granted, and a memorial headstone reading "Forgiveness is the Ultimate Revenge" was erected for him that October.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Anti-Irish prejudice is now believed to have shaped his trial, and in 2011 the General Assembly asked for a posthumous pardon, which Governor Lincoln Chafee granted.
Reported by: news reporting on the 1845 Rhode Island execution (reporters).