This week in 1900

“I don’t know if I am forgiven. I may have to suffer in the next world. The priest tells me so, perhaps, but I am as sorry as I can be for it.”

— Joaquin Eslabe, convicted of murder, hanging, California.
Executed April 23, 1900

Eslabe was a street vendor and friend to Charles E. Gates, whom he killed in an alcohol-inflamed argument. While in prison, Eslabe made an escape attempt aided by a woman who regularly brought him fruit and other treats. When police searched his cell they found a hacksaw. At his execution, Eslabe trembled as he climbed the scaffold but smiled as the black hood was placed over his head.