Contributed by American Antiquarian Society through Maine Historical Society
Description
In the early nineteenth century, broadsides and circulars provided in-depth information on various topics, including crime. Peter Edes moved to Maine in 1796, opening Augusta’s first printing house and publishing one of three Maine newspapers at the time, the Kennebec Intelligencer, which covered the Purrinton murders.
Edes also printed pamphlets and broadsides for individual sale, detailing the severity of the wounds, the victims’ ages (but not their names), and the location and positions of the bodies. He vividly recounted the surviving son’s terrifying ordeal, adding to the public’s fascination.
Captain James Purrinton (1759–1806), possibly driven by financial distress, murdered his wife and six of their seven children before dying by suicide. Two children, James (19) and Martha (15), survived the initial attack, although Martha later succumbed to her injuries.
About This Item
- Title: "Horrid Massacre" pamphlet, Augusta, 1806
- Creator: Peter Edes
- Creation Date: 1806
- Subject Date: 1806
- Location: Augusta, Kennebec County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: AAS copy, DPA8937; Catalogue Record #152045
- Object Type: Text
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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More to Consider
Item 152256
"Horrid Murder!" broadside, Augusta, 1806
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