35 Facts About Murderous Mary The Elephant

The Early Life of Murderous Mary

Mary's life began in the late 19th century. Her journey from a young elephant to a circus star was marked by both wonder and tragedy.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born around 1894, Mary was purchased by Charlie Sparks at the tender age of four. Raised by Charlie and his wife, Addie Mitchell, she was treated like the child they never had.

2. Nickname: Known as "Big Mary," she weighed over 5 tons and stood three inches taller than Jumbo, the famous elephant of Barnum & Bailey's circus.

Mary's Circus Career

Mary's talents made her a star in the Sparks World Famous Shows. Her performances captivated audiences across the country.

3. Performances: Mary could play musical instruments, stand on her head, and even catch baseballs, mesmerizing audiences with her skills.

4. Training: Trained by Charlie Sparks and his wife, Mary was taught with gentle care and kindness, reflecting the couple's love for their animals.

5. Circus Life: The Sparks World Famous Shows featured clowns, acrobats, lions, and other exotic animals. Mary's performances were a highlight of these shows.

6. Public Reaction: Billed as "The Largest Living Land Animal On Earth," Mary's size and abilities made her a crowd favorite, drawing many spectators to the circus.

The Tragic Incident

Mary's life took a dark turn with the arrival of a new handler, leading to a tragic event that would seal her fate.

7. Controversy Over Abuse: Walter "Red" Eldridge, a hotel worker with no experience, was hired as an underkeeper responsible for the elephants' basic maintenance.

8. Abuse Leading to Tragedy: Eldridge often used a bullhook—a stick with a hook on the end—to guide the elephants, leading to Mary's eventual rage.

9. Incident at Kingsport: On September 12, 1916, during a performance in Kingsport, Tennessee, Eldridge prodded Mary with the bullhook while she was eating watermelon. Enraged, Mary lifted Eldridge with her trunk and flung him against a building, crushing his head.

The Aftermath and Execution

The incident sparked public outrage, leading to a series of failed attempts to kill Mary and her eventual public execution.

10. Public Outrage and Lynching: The town of Erwin threatened to ban the circus if Mary was included, leading to a mob demanding her execution.

11. Failed Attempts to Kill Mary: Blacksmith Hench Cox fired five rounds at her, but the bullets had little effect. Sheriff Gallahan's .45 also failed to harm her.

12. Electrocution Attempt: An attempt to electrocute Mary with 44,000 volts was ineffective, causing her to dance slightly in response.

13. Public Execution: On September 13, 1916, a crowd of over 2,500 people gathered in the Clinchfield Railroad yard to witness Mary's execution.

14. Hanging Method: Mary was hanged by the neck from a railcar-mounted industrial derrick. The first attempt resulted in a snapped chain, causing her to fall and break her hip. She died during a second attempt.

15. Burial: After her execution, Mary was buried beside the tracks in the Clinchfield Railroad yard. A veterinarian later found a severely infected tooth in the exact spot where Eldridge had prodded her with the bullhook.

Legacy and Impact

Mary's story has had a lasting impact on public perception of animal welfare and has been referenced in various forms of media.

16. Public Reaction to Execution: The execution was widely reported in newspapers and has since become a notorious example of animal cruelty and public lynching.

17. Legacy and Impact: Mary's story serves as a cautionary tale about the treatment of animals in entertainment, referenced in plays, stories, and songs.

18. Historical Context: The execution reflects broader societal attitudes towards animals as mere objects rather than living beings.

19. Animal Welfare Advocacy: Organizations like the Performing Animals Welfare Society have highlighted cases like Mary's to push for reforms in the treatment of circus animals.

20. Circus Reforms: The incident contributed to the decline of circus elephant shows. In 2016, Ringling Brothers announced plans to retire their circus elephants by 2018, marking a significant shift towards humane treatment.

21. Erwin's Amends: The town of Erwin has since worked to make amends, forming an organization dedicated to elephant welfare.

22. Media References: Mark Medoff's play "Big Mary" and George Brant's "Elephant's Graveyard" explore the events leading up to her death.

23. Literary References: Authors like Harry Crews and James Agee have mentioned Mary's execution in their works. Barbara Kingsolver's novel "Demon Copperhead" also references the incident.

24. Musical References: The Dead Milkmen's song "Anthropology Days" mentions Mary's execution, cementing her place in popular culture.

25. Historical Significance: Mary's execution marks a turning point in public opinion regarding the treatment of animals in entertainment.

26. Educational Value: Her story is used in educational settings to teach about animal welfare, ethics, and the consequences of cruelty.

27. Veterinary Findings: Post-mortem examination revealed that Mary had a severely infected tooth, likely contributing to her aggressive behavior.

28. Community Response: The community's response was complex, with some seeing her as a killer and others recognizing her actions as a response to pain and fear.

29. Circus Owner's Perspective: Charlie Sparks faced an impossible decision, balancing business demands with the moral implications of executing an animal.

30. Public Participation: The execution was a public event, highlighting societal norms of the time regarding animal punishment.

31. Legal Implications: There were no legal proceedings against Mary. She was executed based on public demand and the perceived need to protect human life.

32. Ethical Considerations: Mary's story raises significant ethical questions about the treatment of animals in entertainment.

33. Animal Behavior: Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals. Mary's behavior was a natural response to stress and pain.

34. Historical Documentation: The events surrounding Mary's execution are well-documented in historical records, providing a detailed narrative.

35. Legacy in Modern Times: Despite the passage of time, Mary's story continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of animal welfare and humane treatment.

The Lasting Impact of Murderous Mary

Murderous Mary's story is a haunting reminder of the cruelty animals often face in entertainment. Her tragic end in 1916, after a life of performing in the Sparks World Famous Shows circus, highlights the dire consequences of mistreatment. The public execution of this five-ton Asian elephant, driven by a mob's demand for retribution, underscores the need for compassion and better animal welfare practices.

Mary's tale has left a lasting mark on history, influencing changes in how circus animals are treated. It serves as a powerful lesson about the importance of respecting and caring for animals. Her story continues to resonate, reminding us of the progress still needed in animal rights. By remembering Mary, we honor her legacy and strive for a future where all animals are treated with the dignity they deserve.