Mary Antoine

Case record

Background

Mary Antoine, also known as Antone, was a 21-year-old Native American woman. She murdered another Indian girl who was her rival in a love affair. The victim was another Native American woman. Mary’s boyfriend had taken up with the victim after ending his relationship with Mary. Mary fatally stabbed the victim with a knife. The witness whose testimony most helped convict Mary was John Jacobs, a local farmer. John Jacobs also figured in Mary’s apprehension for the crime.

The case involved dispute between Indians and white-man authorities regarding their right to interfere with Indian customs and to exercise jurisdiction over Indians in criminal or other cases where the parties were of their race. It was feared that there would be trouble at the execution.

The offence

Mary was described as appearing unremorseful about her violent act. Mary was quoted as saying that the victim deserved to die for taking away her boyfriend.

Investigation

John Jacobs provided testimony that most helped convict Mary. John Jacobs also figured in her apprehension for the crime.

Arrest

John Jacobs figured in Mary’s apprehension for the crime.

Trial

Mary was convicted of murder.

Sentencing

Mary was executed in Peterboro.

Timeline

• September 30, 1814 — Mary Antoine (aka Antone), 21, was hanged in Peterboro, Madison County, for murder.

Outcome

Mary Antoine was hanged in Peterboro, Madison County, on September 30, 1814. The hanging was described as public in Mary’s hometown, in the decision of Sheriff Pratt.

Aftermath

Antone had said, “ the man who hung Mary should die.” Capt. Daniel Petrie took readiness measures for possible disturbance, and directed men to have their arms in readiness to protect the officers. Capt. Petrie made it plain that Madison County officers carrying out the laws were not responsible for the execution of Mary Antoine, and that the laws must be obeyed and order maintained.

The gallows was erected on the flat due west from the grist mill, some twelve or fifteen rods from the channel of the creek. Abram Antone, Mary’s father, was present, described as grim, restless, silent, scanning the multitude. A statement was given that Abram was heard to make an ominous threat pointing to Sheriff Pratt: “Me kill him ! Me kill him !” Before performing the final act, the Sheriff called for Antone to come forward and take a last leave of her child. Mary’s sinewy form appeared upon the scaffold, took the hand of her daughter, and turned silently away without betraying a sign of emotion. It was said that justice was vindicated without even a whispered utterance or move of opposition from the natives.

It was said that Antone afterwards sought Sheriff Pratt’s life, and that Sheriff Pratt settled his affairs and moved west. It was also stated that Abram openly vowed before and after Mary’s execution that he would kill Jacobs whom he blamed for Mary’s death. For years, Jacobs stayed away from Madison County. Jacobs reportedly returned after receiving assurances transmitted from Abram that no harm would befall him.

Abram approached Jacobs in a friendly manner, shaking hands in greeting each one in turn. As Abram greeted Jacobs, Abram pulled a knife and fatally stabbed him. Abram was eventually apprehended, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. Exactly nine years to the month after Mary’s execution, the 73-year-old warrior, who had fought on the American side during the Revolution, was hanged for killing the prosecution’s chief witness against her.