Executed
Williamson
James Williamson was hanged at Wharton, Texas, on June 25, 1897, as an execution. Sources report that the first drop did not kill him and that he was pronounced dead, then found to be alive when cut down. He was sent through the drop a second time and hung for twenty-two minutes. He declared that his father, who was also named in the case, was innocent.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Newspaper accounts say the execution was botched: he was found alive after being cut down and was sent through the drop a second time, hanging for twenty-two minutes.
Reported by: 1897 Texas newspaper accounts of the Wharton execution (reporters).