Joseph Walker
Joseph Walker, a Black man, was hanged on a scaffold just outside the jail yard in Louisiana on April 2, 1880, before a crowd the New Orleans Daily Democrat estimated at about 300. The paper reported that he was led from the jail with the jailer, deputy sheriffs and a minister, and that he spoke from the scaffold, declaring his innocence and saying another man was responsible. According to the paper, he said he felt forgiven and was certain of Heaven, and a colored minister spoke with him before the rope was adjusted. The trap was sprung around 12:45 p.m., and the paper reported that death came about eight minutes later.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. He maintained his innocence and said another man was responsible, according to the New Orleans Daily Democrat.
Reported by: The New Orleans Daily Democrat (reporters).