Lawrence P. Gooley

North Country / Adirondack Author

Book Tag: Montgomery County

Dannemora’s Death House: The Crimes and Fates of 41 Killers Sentenced to Die in Clinton Prison’s Electric Chair

Dannemora's Death House-Front Cover

In 1890, when electrocution replaced hanging in New York State, Clinton Prison became a house of execution for the next 24 years. But not every killer who was sentenced to death died in the electric chair. Some were saved by fate, mercy, legal action, or last-minute reprieves. While some ultimately survived, most did not. By 1914, when all executions were moved to Sing Sing, 26 inmates had been electrocuted at Clinton.

Inside are the stories of 41 murderers who were sentenced to die in Dannemora’s electric chair. Graphic details of many brutal attacks are covered, including victims’ injuries as provided in coroner and autopsy reports, so this is not a book for the squeamish—but it is a book for fans of true-crime stories. There’s plenty of drama, passion, and angst throughout in stories ranging from shocking to frightening to just plain remarkable. » More Details