On This Date in Minnesota History: March 23

March 23, 1860 - On this date, Ann Bilansky (born Mary Ann Evards Wright) became the first white person and the only woman ever to be legally executed in Minnesota. Bilansky, a housewife convicted in 1859 of poisoning her husband with arsenic, was put to death by hanging on gallows erected at the Court House Square at the corner of Fifth and Cedar Streets, St. Paul. The case is also notable because it appears possible that Bilansky was innocent and, in any event, she did not receive a fair trial.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Bilansky

http://collections.mnhs.org/MNHistoryMagazine/articles/55/v55i08p350-363.pdf

Ann Bilansky Hanging

http://www.streetsofsaintpaul.com/2011/12/how-to-murder-your-husband-and-not-get.html

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

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