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Elizabeth Wilson (1762January 3, 1786) was an American whose execution by hanging for the purported murder of her children in southeastern Pennsylvania during the immediate post-Revolutionary War period made her a folklore figure in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Although her responsibility for the children's deaths had not been definitively established, the hanging was carried out and a pardon, granted by the state and entrusted to her brother, William, was not delivered in time to stop the execution. There was tremendous popular interest in her story, which quickly evolved into a tale of moral failing and divine redemption. Following his sister's death, William became a recluse, popularly known as ''The Pennsylvania Hermit''. In some sources, William and Elizabeth are referred to as Amos Wilson and Harriot Wilson. However, the historical record leaves no doubt that the Hermit and his sister were named William and Elizabeth. The origin of these "alternate" names has never been fully explained. Many key elements of the Wilsons' saga are documented in the records of the Chester County Courts and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, the story quickly became a part of local folklore and was embellished by generations of storytellers. It is possible to note which elements of the tale are a part of the historical record and which might be considered suspect. However, "the Wilson Story" might best be considered historical fiction, as the popular tale incorporates elements of both, and even scholarly discussions of the events are at odds regarding certain details. The following is a synthesis of numerous, often conflicting sources and is best regarded as historical fiction. ==Early life== Very little background information has survived regarding the Wilson family. According to one account, William and Elizabeth's father was a farmer named John Wilson. John's first wife, and the children's mother, was also named Elizabeth.〔''A Faithful Narrative of Elizabeth Wilson, Who Was Executed at Chester, January 3, 1786, Charged With the Murder of Her Twin Infants'' At least four nearly identical editions are extant: Philadelphia (1786), New Haven (1786); Hudson NY: Stoddard (1786); Philadelphia (1807).〕 Sources are divided regarding Elizabeth's age. Some report that she was nineteen when she died (born ca. 1766), others that she was twenty-seven (born ca. 1758).〔〔''The Pennsylvania Hermit: a Narrative of the Extraordinary Life of Amos Wilson'' (1839). Philadelphia: Smith & Carpenter.〕〔Butterfield, Roger P (5 March 1933). ''The Hangman Who Didn't Wait''. Philadelphia: Public Ledger.〕 There is no record of other siblings, and some accounts specify that Elizabeth was her parents' only daughter and William their only son. Elizabeth was said to have been born in East Marlborough Township, in central Chester County.〔 (Prior to 1789, Chester County included all of present-day Delaware County, and Chester City was the county seat. Chester then served as the seat of ''Delaware'' County until the seat was moved to Media in 1851.) The Wilson family lived in Chester County, most likely in East Bradford or West Bradford Township.〔O'Neill, Robert F (25 June 1995). ''Hummelstown Caves Conceal a Tragic Tale''. Philadelphia: Philadelphia Inquirer.〕〔Grigson, Carol (1997). Personal correspondence.〕〔Indian Echo Caverns (undated). Guide orientation materials.〕 Theirs was a farm family of modest means but solid reputation. During the American Revolution, they sided with the British, and much of their property was confiscated by American forces., Mrs. Wilson died while the children were still young. Their father later remarried, but his second wife did not care for her stepchildren. She encouraged their father to send them away as soon as they were of age.〔''Execution of a Woman in the Olden Time'' (6 Jan 1854). Chester: Delaware County Republican 21(23).〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Elizabeth "Harriot" Wilson」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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