Frances "Frankie" Stewart was born around 1814–1815 in Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, to Isaiah and Barbara Stewart. The family later relocated to the Toe River region in what is now Mitchell County. At approximately 14 years old, Frankie married Charles Silver, a local young man. The couple had a daughter, Nancy, in 1830. They resided in a modest cabin near the Toe River. Reports suggest that their marriage was troubled, with allegations of Charles's heavy drinking and abusive behavior towards Frankie. ​

On December 22, 1831, Charles Silver disappeared after reportedly going hunting. Frankie claimed he had not returned, prompting concern among neighbors. In January 1832, a neighbor, Jack Collis, investigated the Silver cabin and discovered human remains in the fireplace, including bones and teeth. Further searches revealed additional remains beneath the cabin floor and in the surrounding area. Evidence indicated that Charles had been killed with an axe, dismembered, and his body parts burned in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Frankie, along with her mother and brother, was arrested. However, only Frankie stood trial for the murder. Her trial commenced on March 29, 1832, in Morganton, Burke County. Despite the largely circumstantial evidence and her inability to testify in her defense due to the laws of the time, she was found guilty on March 30, 1832, and sentenced to death. ​

During her incarceration, Frankie escaped from jail in June 1833 with assistance from her father and uncle. She was recaptured shortly thereafter while disguised in men's clothing. On July 12, 1833, at approximately 18 years old, Frankie was executed by hanging in Morganton. Her burial site remains unmarked, though a granite marker was later placed to commemorate her.