The Hanging of John Gordon

Chariho Rotary hosts talk by author on March 18

From David Henley

The Rotary Club of Chariho is inviting the public to join them March 18 for an evening with author and historian John Caranci, who will speak about his book “The Hanging and Redemption of John Gordon: The True Story of Rhode Island's Last Execution”.

 Caranci, a former North Providence Town Councilor and currently RI Deputy Secretary of State, tells the story of the 1843 murder of Amasa Sprague, a wealthy Cranston mill owner, and the corrupt trial that lead to the hanging of a 29 year old Irish Catholic immigrant.

On February 14, 1845, John Gordon became the last victim of capital punishment in Rhode Island. Caranci brings this case to life, graphically describing the murder and exposing a corrupt judicial system, a biased newspaper and a bigoted society responsible for the unjust death of an innocent man.

The RI Legislature recently exonerated Gordon of the crime, clearing his name.

The event, which includes dinner, will be held Tues., March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond Country Club, 74 Sandy Pond Road, Richmond. The cost for dinner is $15. A reservation is required and can be made by calling Sargent at Arms Sheri Marshall at 704-608-1632.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.

Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

In our area, Chariho Rotary provides donations to multiple charitable causes, sponsors blood drives, provides volunteers at the RICAN food pantry, awards some $16,000 each year in scholarships, and most recently provided labor and funds to build the Chariho High School’s new courtyard.

The Rotary Club of Chariho is accepting new members. The Club meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond Country Club, 74 Sandy Pond Road in Richmond, and can be reached by calling David Henley at 401-935-9771, by email through the club Website, www.charihorotary.org, or by mail at Rotary Club of Chariho, P.O. Box 543, Hope Valley, RI  02832.