The Hand Upon the Jail Wall

1896

Upon the wall of cell No. 7, in the County Jail at Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, is the imprint of a man's hand, which would not attract attention were it not for the strange story connected with it — a story which can be vouched for by many of the town's citizens.

Alexander Campbell, of Lansford, was an occupant of the cell in June, 1877. The Mollie Maguires were holding their reign of terror throughout the coal regions at that time and he was arrested and sentenced to be hanged in connection with the murder of John P. Jones. He stoutly asserted his innocence, and it was only through the confessions of his comrades in crime that he was convicted. The night before he was hanged he stood on his cot, and, it is said, placing his hand upon the wall, he declared that in proof of his innocence the imprint would remain upon the wall forever. The impression of the hand can be as plainly seen now as if placed there yesterday, though the walls have been whitewashed often.

The phenomenon has been viewed by many, but none of them has been able to suggest a plausible solution of the mystery.

The cell is regarded with awe by the prisoners in the jail, and if any of them become unruly the warden has only to threaten them with a night in cell No. 7. — New York Herald.

At Mauch Chunk, Four Men Hanged This Morning

Pennsylvania, 1877

AT MAUCH CHUNK

How Kelly, Doyle, Campbell and Donahue Met Their Fate.

MAUCH CHUNK, June 21. — The condemned men went to bed a little after midnight. This morning they arose at 4 o'clock, and dressed themselves with scrupulous care. At 6 o'clock the counsel for Kelly bade him goodbye. Kelly thanked him for his legal efforts. Donahue said he had nothing to say to his counsel, and said, "Get out of my cell."

The other two men shook hands with the counsel. The stores in the city were all closed. At 9 o'clock the Easton Grays, of the Fourth Regiment, with 35 guns, were stationed outside the jail. The prisoners passed the greater portion of the night in praying, and candles were given them to read their prayer books. Donahue prayed alternately with his book and rosary. Kelly and Donohue were dissatisfied with the sickly glare of the candles, and blew them out. Campbell and Doyle kept theirs lighted. Campbell said Captain Linden and the Shenandoah "Herald" reporters knew he was an innocent man, but they were afraid to admit it.

ON THE SCAFFOLD.

All the arrangements for the execution were made at 10 o'clock. Shortly after the Deputy Sheriffs, reporters and other assistants entered the corridor. The Sheriff adjusted the ropes and called his assistants to him. In a few minutes Campbell's cell door was opened and he appeared, accompanied by the priests. Campbell walked quickly to the scaffold, ascending with a light step. The priest read the prayers for the dying, the prisoner responding and repeatedly kissing the crucifix, and turning his pale face upward, his lips slightly moved in prayer. Doyle was next brought out. He walked upon the scaffold unassisted. John Donahue walked boldly out and up the steps of the scaffold. Kelly came last, and seemed quite strong. They were each attended by a priest. None of the four evinced very much nervousness. The priests prayed for several minutes, the prisoners kneeling and responding.

THE FATAL FALL.

After the priests left the scaffold Sheriff Raudenbush and two assistants adjusted the ropes. The Sheriff examined each prisoner carefully, and then asked if they had any thing to say. Campbell replied that he forgave everybody, and continued, "I have not an enemy in the world at this moment." Doyle spoke for some time, but his words were inaudible, except to the Sheriff and priests. Donahue had nothing to say, and Kelly recited after the priest a plea for forgiveness. The Sheriff left the scaffold, and in half a minute pulled the rope which let the trap fall.

The doomed men fell at 10:54. In a moment the bodies began swinging. Kelly, Doyle and Campbell died easy. Donahue drew himself up and struggled for two minutes. Doyle's heart ceased to beat in 12 minutes, Campbell's 14 minutes, Donahue's in 6 and Kelly's in 7½ minutes. From the beginning to the end there was not a mistake.


WILKESBARRE, PA., June 21. — Lanahan, the Molly Maguire, was executed here at 10:40 this morning.

—The Indiana Progress, Indiana, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1877, p. 1.