[CRIME]. Erwin, Milo.

The History of Williamson County, Illinois. From the Earliest Times, Down to the Present, with an Accurate Account of the Secession Movement, Ordinances, Raids, etc., also a Complete History of its “Bloody Vendetta,” Includding [sic] all its Recondite Causes, etc., etc.

Marion, Illinois: n. p., 1876. First edition. Small 8vo (6.63 x 4.63 inches), original blind-stamped black cloth, gilt lettering, viii, 286 pages. Some small spots of abrasion to the cloth; some light browning in the endpapers from the binder’s glue; in very good condition, quite tight and bright. Item #21106

“Here ‘Big Jep,’ ‘Yaller Bill,’ and Samuel R. were arrested. The Sheriff then went with a few men to ‘Black Bill’s,’ and arrested him.” This county history “is especially important because of its account of the ‘bloody vendetta’ which throws a strong light on social conditions in ‘Egypt’ ” (Buck 262). Though in the broad outlines of its early chapters this would seem to be something of a standard county history, Erwin’s work is remembered as the first contemporary account of “Bloody Williamson”—from an author who was himself the defense attorney for several suspects in the assassinations. Howes E173; Buck 1143.

Price: $350.00