3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. printed ticket, thick black border (overall toning and some soil). Ticket conveys bearer admission to the execution of Edward Webb on 31 May 1878. Issued by James Ritchie, Sheriff, Richland County, OH.

In 1878, African American farmer and Civil War veteran Edward Webb was convicted of the murder of William Finney, an elderly white resident of Mansfield, OH. Although Webb maintained his innocence, he was ultimately hanged for the crime. The hanging, which was expected to be a private affair in Mansfield, drew crowds that were estimated at between 10,000 and 15,000. Sheriff James Ritchie had distributed a limited number of tickets to the hanging, including the example offered here. In the aftermath, public outcry against the execution led to the end of public hangings in Mansfield.