“Naomi Wise”

Description

(John Lewis) takes Naomi for a ride and throws her in the river. When her body is found, he is arrested but not convicted. He confesses to the murder only on his deathbed

Historical references

  • 1808 - Drowning of Naomi Wise in North Carolina

Cross references

Recordings

  • Vernon Dalhart & Co., "Naomi Wise" (Edison 51669, 1925) (Columbia 15053-D [as Al Craver], 1926; rec. 1925) (Silvertone 27351926)

References

  1. Laws F31, "Naomi Wise"
  2. Eddy 94, "Poor Omie (Leoma Wise)" (1 text, 1 tune) (apparently; Laws does not list Eddy's text with either Naomi Wise ballad, but the pattern fits this one)
  3. BrownII 300, "Poor Naomi (Omie Wise)" (5 texts plus 1 excerpt and mention of 2 more; it appears that Laws places text "F" here, but "G" is also this song, with "A," "D," and "H" being "Poor Omie (John Lewis) (Little Omie Wise)" [Laws F4])
  4. DT 730, NAOMIWIS
  5. Roud #981
  6. BI, LF31

About

Author: Carson J. Robison
Earliest date: 1925 (recording, Vernon Dalhart)
Found in: US(Ap,SE)