Contributed by Maine Historic Preservation Commission
Description
Nineteen-year-old Clifton Harris, who grew up in the American South and arrived in Auburn in 1866 as a farm hand, became implicated in the brutal murders of Susannah Kinsley and Polly Caswell in 1867. After being found with blood on his boots, Harris confessed to the crime, initially implicating his friend Luther Verrill as an accomplice. However, Harris' changing stories and inconsistent details raised doubts about the truth of his confession.
Despite maintaining his guilt, interviews after his conviction led some to question his mental capacity and involvement in the crime. He was swiftly convicted, and after his recantation of Verrill's role, Verrill was acquitted. Harris was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on March 12, 1869. This carte de visite photo captures Harris before his tragic end.
Local and national newspapers referred to Harris as the "West Auburn Murderer."
About This Item
- Title: Portrait of Clifton Harris,1867
- Creation Date: 1867
- Subject Date: 1867
- Location: Auburn, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Cartes-de-visite
- Object Type: Text and Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historic Preservation Commission55 Capitol Street, 65 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0065
(207) 287-2132
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Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
Item 152244
Portrait of Luther Verrill, 1867
Item 152245
"Gordon murder scene," Thorndike, ca. 1873
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