Executed
Josph Fire
Josph Fire, a Black man, was executed by hanging in the yard of the Richmond city jail on August 26, 1897. The News & Observer reported that he walked calmly to the gallows and spoke final words before he was hanged. The paper's report was published the following day.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state
Reported by: the newspaper account of the hanging.