History
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On November 3, 1897, John Morgan murdered Chloe Greene and two of her three children, James Greene and Matilda Pfost, while daughter Alice Pfost escaped despite being wounded in the attack. G.W. Shamblen captured Morgan, who was tried and convicted of the triple murder, and O.J. Morrison paid him for an exclusive prison interview about his life. While awaiting execution, Morgan escaped from jail but was recaptured in Roane County by local authorities. On December 16, 1897, thousands of spectators converged on Ripley, creating a carnival like scene, and the spectacle led State Delegate John S. Darst to sponsor 1899 legislation ending executions in public places in West Virginia.
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Ripley, West Virginia · United States
