Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Sept. 14-15 1897 Legend of the Hanging Tree


A friend called and advised me to stay inside and not go out. Good advice, I should pass on to you, Why? If you fear ghosts or haints as my grandmother called them, this night Sept. 14th 113 years ago citizens awoke to find men hanging from a tree. This tree was located just to the East of what is now North Main street. The tree was quickly cut into small pieces by souvenir seekers. I know of only two small pieces, one of which is framed and displayed at The Stratton - Karsteter Funeral Home at Versailles.
There are several accounts of the night's happening, here is but one:
http://authspot.com/tales/a-strange-1897-indiana-lynching/


Click image to enlarge