On March 22, 1864, 150 years ago today, more than 6,000 people attended the last public execution in Quebec City. They came to watch the hanging of John Meehan, a 23-year-old originally from Sainte-Catherine-de-Fossambault. Meehan had lived in Quebec City with his family most of his life. On September 11, 1863, he murdered someone known as Pearl on rue Saint-Vallier. They never discovered why he did it. Six months later, he was hanged on rue Saint-Stanislas, outside the prison gate.
The Morning Chronicle, March 23, 1864.
Thanks to the Société historique de Québec for posting this on their Facebook page.
