99 Nooses: Illinois Justice at the End of a Rope, 1779-1896

Between 1779 and 1896, ninety-eight men and one woman were legally executed by hanging in the State of Illinois. Some were innocent, but most were guilty. Their crimes shocked the small farming communities and developing towns of 19th Century Illinois. 99 Nooses weaves a tapestry of colorful prose based on hundreds of painstakingly researched historical documents. Many of these stories have not seen the light of day for over two generations. Read about the crimes that shocked yesteryear, including: Wapikinamouk, a vengeful Delaware Indian who was hanged for murdering a frontiersman. Nathaniel Van Noy, who scientists attempted to revive after execution using grisly techniques. John Ott, who was hanged for killing women and children in what became known as the Tazewell County Massacre. The story of the Haymarket anarchists. And many more. 99 Nooses concludes with the story of how H.H. Holmes, the most notorious and evil man to ever walk the streets of Chicago, was undone by double crossing a career criminal out of $500. Whether you are a student, researcher, true crime connoisseur, or just someone interested in the darker side of Illinois history, you will enjoy the thrilling tales 99 Nooses has to offer.