Dewitt Hanging Site

This field is the site of a public execution that took place in 1896, ending a legal episode that made headlines across the United States. The previous year, James Dewitt strangled his wife Elizabeth, a crime he later confessed to.

According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, the two had an unhappy marriage living together at Everman’s Creek. At the time of the assault, Elizabeth and James had separated. When they met to discuss the divorce, a heated discussion led to violence. James Dewitt strangled Elizabeth and hid her body in some brush nearby.

After a search party had been organized to locate Elizabeth Dewitt, James moved her body two times in order to avoid discovery of the crime, even while participating in the search party himself. When his wife’s body was eventually discovered, Dewitt was a very strong suspect. Both law enforcement and the general public believed he had committed the crime.

While in custody, James Dewitt confessed to murdering his wife and moving her body to avoid its discovery. He was convicted of murder in March of 1896.

On the evening of May 20, 1896, Dewitt ate supper and slept soundly, seemingly indifferent to his impending death. When asked by a reporter if he was satisfied with his future, Dewitt replied, “Yes, I am alright I guess; I have been converted and baptized.”

The next day, May 21st, thousands gathered as arrangements were made for Dewitt’s execution. A Rev. C.C. Thompson accompanied him as his spiritual advisor. A black hood was placed over his head and the execution commenced. He was pronounced dead thirteen minutes later. This marked the last lawful public execution in Carter County.