“William S. Shackleford”
Description
"Though I am doomed to be hanged, in March, on the twenty-eighth day, I fear not the dreadful pang." Shackleford claims he did no wrong in murdering (Davis); it was self-defense. He laments that his account was not believed
Historical references
- Nov. 15/16, 1889 - Disappearance of John D. Horton
- Nov. 23, 1889 - Discovery of Horton's body, bearing clear evidence of murder
- Feb. 1890 - Trial of J. P. Davis (true name: William S. Shackleford) for the murder of Horton
- March 28, 1890 - Execution of Davis/Shackleford
References
- BrownII 293, "Last Words of William Shackleford, Executed in Pittsboro, Chatham Co, March 28, 1890" (1 text; the reputed original text is found in the general introduction to items 293 and 294)
- Roud #6649
- BI, BrII293