From the history of executioners in Wystruć in the 17th and 18th centuries
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Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika, Polska
Submission date: 2023-05-21
Final revision date: 2023-06-12
Acceptance date: 2023-06-30
Online publication date: 2023-10-20
Publication date: 2023-10-20
KMW 2023;322(3):451-462
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ABSTRACT
The text contributes to describing the history of the executioners in Wystruć, and the still unresearched history of executions in the Duchy of Prussia (Brandenburg) in early modern times. Based on previously unused sources, the life and activities of two executioners are presented in the article. The first one is Hans Schottmann, who apparently held the office of a Wystruć executioner for 24 years, starting in 1653. The second master of justice was Johann Peltel, who held office in the first half of the 18th century. Not much is known about either of them. It is certain, however, that both had problems with gaining enough income and making a living off the activities assigned to the executioner's office. Thanks to the fact that they complained about it in letters to the Prussian rulers, a handful of information about their lives, activities and everyday problems has been preserved.