Barnabas Thurman's murder, Sevier Co. TN 1839
Among the papers of Tennessee Governor Newton Cannon is an affidavit sworn by William and Nancy Manning stating that Barnabas Thurman was at enmity for a "great while" with George Long, and still was at the time of Thurman's murder. Dated 19 July 1839, Sevier County, Tenn.
Another affidavit was sworn on the same date by Jane Manning, who was imprisoned for the murder of Elizabeth Long but later acquitted. She states that Barnabas Thurman came to the "window of the dungeon in which I was confined" and said "I made a damned mistake - instead of killing Long I killed your sister; but I don't care, I have got you both safe any how."
Other papers in the file indicate that George Long was sentenced to death for the murder of Elizabeth Long. A petition for Long's pardon is also in the file.
I am not connected to these families, but I hope someone who is will review these more closely and untangle this tragic story. The Cannon papers are on microfilm and available for interlibrary loan.
(Newton Cannon papers, Tenn. State Library & Archives, box 3, folder 1.)
Chuck Sherrill
Brentwood, TN
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Re: Barnabas Thurman's murder, Sevier Co. TN 1839
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Re: Barnabas Thurman's murder, Sevier Co. TN 1839
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Re: Barnabas Thurman's murder, Sevier Co. TN 1839