Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #152237
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Description
Members of the public had mixed opinions about the Joseph Sager (1798-1835) trial held in Augusta. The opening stanza of this broadside indicated Sager planned and carried out the poisoning of his wife, Phebe Sager (1786-1834) but also noted public doubt about his guilt. The second half illustrated Sager’s public execution as a morose and tragic scene, suggesting minimal support for capital punishment. The overall message is one of tragedy and loss for all involved— Phebe Sager, Joseph Sager, and their friends and family.
Convicted of his wife's murder, Joseph Sager was hanged at Augusta on January 2, 1835—the last public execution in Maine.
About This Item
- Title: “Lines Composed on the Death of Joseph J. Sager,” ca. 1835
- Creation Date: circa 1835
- Subject Date: circa 1835
- Location: Augusta, Kennebec County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 34 cm x 17 cm
- Local Code: Broadside 405
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Capital punishment--Maine
- Crime and justice--Maine--History
- Executions and executioners--Maine
- Murder
- Poisoning--Maine--Augusta
- Prisoners
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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More to Consider
Item 152236
Issue of the "New-England Courant," printed by Benjamin Franklin, Boston, 1723
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