Perpetrator of what has been called the most sensational crime of the 19th century in Memphis, Tennessee. Murdered Frederica Ward on January 26, 1892, in front of several witnesses, including Freda's sister Jo. When asked why she had killed Freda, Alice replied, "Because I loved her." Freda was 17, Alice 19. During the trial, letters between Alice and Freda were read and it was revealed that they had planned to elope to St. Louis where Alice would dress as a man (a "passing woman") and they would be married and live as a couple. Witnesses testified that they were inseparable, seen to be often openly affectionate (which was common among young women of the period as were their nicknames Allie and Fred) and when the Ward family moved up the river to Golddust, Tennessee, both visibly upset. Freda was forbidden to see Alice after relatives discovered their letters and made to return a ring that Alice had given to her as an engagement present.
The trial was considered so sensational that it made newspapers in Atlanta and New York. The participants in the case included General Luke E. Wright, Malcolm Patterson (later governor and congressman), the attorney and assistant attorney general of the state of Tennessee and Judge Julius J. DuBose, known as one of the most colorful and controversial judges Memphis of that period. Alice was declared insane and therefore not convicted of murder.
Alice died on March 31, 1898, in the asylum at Bolivar, Tennessee. Sources at the time said consumption was the cause of death but later it was said she committed suicide by jumping in the asylum's water tank.
Daughter of George Mitchell and Isabella Vance Scott Mitchell.
Sister of Addie Mitchell, Mattie Mitchell and Robert Mitchell.
The trial was considered so sensational that it made newspapers in Atlanta and New York. The participants in the case included General Luke E. Wright, Malcolm Patterson (later governor and congressman), the attorney and assistant attorney general of the state of Tennessee and Judge Julius J. DuBose, known as one of the most colorful and controversial judges Memphis of that period. Alice was declared insane and therefore not convicted of murder.
Alice died on March 31, 1898, in the asylum at Bolivar, Tennessee. Sources at the time said consumption was the cause of death but later it was said she committed suicide by jumping in the asylum's water tank.
Daughter of George Mitchell and Isabella Vance Scott Mitchell.
Sister of Addie Mitchell, Mattie Mitchell and Robert Mitchell.
Perpetrator of what has been called the most sensational crime of the 19th century in Memphis, Tennessee. Murdered Frederica Ward on January 26, 1892, in front of several witnesses, including Freda's sister Jo. When asked why she had killed Freda, Alice replied, "Because I loved her." Freda was 17, Alice 19. During the trial, letters between Alice and Freda were read and it was revealed that they had planned to elope to St. Louis where Alice would dress as a man (a "passing woman") and they would be married and live as a couple. Witnesses testified that they were inseparable, seen to be often openly affectionate (which was common among young women of the period as were their nicknames Allie and Fred) and when the Ward family moved up the river to Golddust, Tennessee, both visibly upset. Freda was forbidden to see Alice after relatives discovered their letters and made to return a ring that Alice had given to her as an engagement present.
The trial was considered so sensational that it made newspapers in Atlanta and New York. The participants in the case included General Luke E. Wright, Malcolm Patterson (later governor and congressman), the attorney and assistant attorney general of the state of Tennessee and Judge Julius J. DuBose, known as one of the most colorful and controversial judges Memphis of that period. Alice was declared insane and therefore not convicted of murder.
Alice died on March 31, 1898, in the asylum at Bolivar, Tennessee. Sources at the time said consumption was the cause of death but later it was said she committed suicide by jumping in the asylum's water tank.
Daughter of George Mitchell and Isabella Vance Scott Mitchell.
Sister of Addie Mitchell, Mattie Mitchell and Robert Mitchell.
The trial was considered so sensational that it made newspapers in Atlanta and New York. The participants in the case included General Luke E. Wright, Malcolm Patterson (later governor and congressman), the attorney and assistant attorney general of the state of Tennessee and Judge Julius J. DuBose, known as one of the most colorful and controversial judges Memphis of that period. Alice was declared insane and therefore not convicted of murder.
Alice died on March 31, 1898, in the asylum at Bolivar, Tennessee. Sources at the time said consumption was the cause of death but later it was said she committed suicide by jumping in the asylum's water tank.
Daughter of George Mitchell and Isabella Vance Scott Mitchell.
Sister of Addie Mitchell, Mattie Mitchell and Robert Mitchell.
Gravesite Details
Her grave is beside the road in her family plot and is marked with a sign reading "Tour Stop."
Family Members
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