Bio

Mary Antoine was born about 1794. She was a Native American and is described in records as Oneida.

Her father was Abram Antone. The family lived on a farm near Siloam in Madison County, New York. She had at least one brother.

Mary had a relationship with a man who was described as being from the Stockbridge tribe. She was 21 years old in 1814 according to the records.

Murder Story

Mary Antoine, also called Mary Antone, fatally stabbed another Native American woman on July 27, 1814. The victim had become involved with Mary's boyfriend, who was from the Stockbridge tribe. Witness testimony at the trial, especially from a local farmer named John Jacobs, helped convict Mary. Mary was reported to have said the victim deserved to die for taking away her boyfriend.

Mary was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. On September 30, 1814, at age 21, she was hanged in Peterboro, Madison County, New York. Sheriff Pratt arranged for the hanging to be public in his hometown.

On the morning of the execution, many Native people were in the village. Mary's father, Abram Antone, and one of her brothers came from their farm near Siloam dressed in warrior style. There were fears of trouble and reports that Abram had said, "Me kill him! Me kill him!" in reference to Sheriff Pratt. Captain Daniel Petrie warned his men to be ready and spoke to the Native people to explain that the county officers were carrying out the law. The execution went ahead without open opposition.

Before the hanging, Abram was called forward to say goodbye. He came onto the scaffold, took Mary's hand, and then walked away without showing emotion, according to accounts. After the execution, Abram openly blamed John Jacobs for his daughter's death and vowed to kill him.

For years Jacobs stayed away from Madison County. He later returned after receiving assurances he would be safe. While Jacobs was hoeing a field with other men, Abram greeted each man and then pulled a knife and fatally stabbed Jacobs. Abram was eventually captured, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. Exactly nine years to the month after Mary's execution, the 73-year-old Abram Antone was hanged for killing John Jacobs.