[CRIME & PUNISHMENT]. Ticket to the public hanging of African American Edward Webb. Richland County, OH, 31 May 1878.

3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. printed ticket, thick black border (overall toning and some soil). Ticket conveys bearer admission to the execution of Edward Webb on 31 May 1878. Issued by James Ritchie, Sheriff, Richland County, OH.

In 1878, African American farmer and Civil War veteran Edward Webb was convicted of the murder of William Finney, an elderly white resident of Mansfield, OH. Although Webb maintained his innocence, he was ultimately hanged for the crime. The hanging, which was expected to be a private affair in Mansfield, drew crowds that were estimated at between 10,000 and 15,000. Sheriff James Ritchie had distributed a limited number of tickets to the hanging, including the example offered here. In the aftermath, public outcry against the execution led to the end of public hangings in Mansfield.

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Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

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[CRIME & PUNISHMENT]. Ticket to the public hanging of African American Edward Webb. Richland County, OH, 31 May 1878.

African Americana

[CRIME & PUNISHMENT]. Ticket to the public hanging of African American Edward Webb. Richland County, OH, 31 May 1878.

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[CRIME & PUNISHMENT]. Ticket to the public hanging of African American Edward Webb. Richland County, OH, 31 May 1878.