[Faline]

This unusual postmortem photograph documents a sad tale. Because of the sensational story it is hard for us to acknowledge that this image was made a typical memorial photograph, an image meant to hang in the home to memorialize loved ones. Death by foul play did not preclude taking a postmortem memorial photograph. Copies of this image were sent to relatives around the country. On the back of the photograph, the story unfolds (grammatical errors are here preserved):

This is a Photograph of Carrie L. Parsons, wife and three children murdered by Joseph Hamilton about two miles east of Success, MO on Friday, October the 12, 1906. Parsons had sold his crop to young Hamilton. On the day of the murder Parsons loaded his Family and house-hold effects in his wagon and started for Miller Co, MO when about two miles east of Success at what is known as the old Vance Place he was murdered this was about 2 o’clock in the day. The wagon was then driven into the thicket of brush and left until about midnight that night when young Hamilton returned hitched up Drove to Piney River and threw all of the Bodies into the water two of the children was found by Fishing Party with in one hour after were thrown in. Hamilton was arrested two days later trying to make his escape. He made a full confession of his crime. He made a full confession of his crime. He was tried at the November term of Court and Sentenced to be Hanged Dec the 21st. His Father came here and made quite an effort to have his sentence commuted to life imprisonment - but no avail he was Hanged at 11 o’clock December 21st 1906 at Houston MO. Young Hamilton was 21 years old and a son of J. Bill Hamilton that is said to Preach at the New Church.”

[Viking64]

Interesting account, Kel.

[Pelle]

One last family picture..

[collaredgirl65]

[carkees]

Think I saw this one be4.

[DiamondSmiles]

I don't know. It's kind of touching. I do like those old pictures. I can see the parents took a beating, but, fortunately, I see no obvious injuries to the children.

I used to think people who photographed miscarriages were in poor taste, but, I see the relief the mothers get and how can you forget a part of you, even it was only up to nine months the baby was with you?

I have since changed my mind. We all deal with grief in our own way. You never know when you take a picture of someone if it will be their last anyway.

[Sharon]

That is a very tragic story. Good find

[Jeff4221]

The killer was hanged 2 months after the murders. I wish justice was that quick these days.

[Spiffyfable]

I live in Missouri and none of those towns/cities sound familiar. Oh well, Missouri is a pretty big State!

Cool post though

[Bronte1068]

What a tragic story!