1897 - Sentenced to Electrocution

Auburn, N.Y., March 16. - Frank Sheldon, a well known cattle dealer of Cayuga county, was yesterday convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to be electrocuted during the week beginning April 25. The verdict was a surprise to all who have followed the case. The jury was out 84 1/ 2 hours. Sheldon received the sentence with scarcely visible emotion. George Sheldon, a brother, was bowed in grief, and Assemblyman Sheldon, a younger brother, covered his face with his handkerchief. The Sheldon family has been prominent in Cayuga county for many years, but Frank had long neglected his wife.