Contributed by Maine Historic Preservation Commission
Description
This carte de visite photograph depicts Luther Verrill, a shoemaker implicated by Clifton Harris in the brutal murders of Susannah Kinsley and Polly Caswell in 1867. When Harris initially confessed to the crime, he alleged Verrill sexually assaulted Susannah Kinsley and participated in the murders.
Though Verrill pleaded his innocence, the court convicted him and sentenced him to death--largely based on Harris’s confession. However, after a series of conflicting statements, Harris recanted Verrill’s involvement, leading to Verrill’s retrial and acquittal. Before his own execution, Harris reaffirmed his original story, claiming visitors pressured him into recanting Verrill’s role in the crime.
About This Item
- Title: Portrait of Luther Verrill, 1867
- Creation Date: 1867
- Subject Date: 1867
- Location: Auburn, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Cartes-de-viste
- Object Type: 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
Website
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 152243
Portrait of Clifton Harris,1867
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