Thank you Mary Minerva Welshans & David Shaw. I knew my grandfather's brother was murdered at/near a train station, but did not where or why. I now know why no one ever talked about it. Your article is the only picture I have seen of him.
I tried to do justice to the entire story yet keep the focus on poor Otis and why it happened. Sparta was a rough place then. When coal mines opened up in the late 1890s, the population doubled in a short time. So by 1918, half the town was populated with semi-transient coal miners which no doubt had an adverse impact. If you want a copy of the photo, send me your email and I will send it to you.
This is heartbreaking. It had to be crushing for his mother who came so close to having her son with her. Per Google maps, if it is correct, it looks like the old depot has been spruced up and, at the time of the image, is Misselhorn Art Gallery. I'm glad the building is being cared for.
It seems much of family history writing is heartbreaking. Every family has at least a few stories. After a story like this, I need a cleanse. Now for a good story about kittens.
Great storytelling, @Neil, and what a story to tell! No wonder your grandmother was reluctant to get into details as the two of you sorted through old photos.
Thank you Mary Minerva Welshans & David Shaw. I knew my grandfather's brother was murdered at/near a train station, but did not where or why. I now know why no one ever talked about it. Your article is the only picture I have seen of him.
I tried to do justice to the entire story yet keep the focus on poor Otis and why it happened. Sparta was a rough place then. When coal mines opened up in the late 1890s, the population doubled in a short time. So by 1918, half the town was populated with semi-transient coal miners which no doubt had an adverse impact. If you want a copy of the photo, send me your email and I will send it to you.
This is heartbreaking. It had to be crushing for his mother who came so close to having her son with her. Per Google maps, if it is correct, it looks like the old depot has been spruced up and, at the time of the image, is Misselhorn Art Gallery. I'm glad the building is being cared for.
It seems much of family history writing is heartbreaking. Every family has at least a few stories. After a story like this, I need a cleanse. Now for a good story about kittens.
Very sad.
I persuaded my father in law to give me names for photos but like you I now wish I had asked more questions.
Great storytelling, @Neil, and what a story to tell! No wonder your grandmother was reluctant to get into details as the two of you sorted through old photos.