The History of Williamson County, Illinois. From the Earliest Times, Down to the Present, with an Accurate Account of the Secession Movement, Ordinances, Raids, etc., also a Complete History of its "Bloody Vendetta," Includding [sic] all its Recondite Causes, etc., etc.

Marion, Illinois: n. p., 1876. First edition.

Some small spots of abrasion to the cloth; some light browning in the endpapers from the binder's glue; in very good condition, quite tight and bright.

Small 8vo (6.63 x 4.63 inches), original blind-stamped black cloth, gilt lettering, viii, 286 pages.

"Here 'Big Jep,' 'Yaller Bill,' and Samuel R. were arrested. The Sherifff then went with a few men to 'Black Bill's,' and arrested him."

This county history "is especially important because of its account of the 'bloody vendetta' which throws a strong light on social conditions in 'Egypt' " (Buck 262).

Though in the (truncated) broad outlines of its early chapters this would seem to be something of a standard county history, Erwin's work is remembered as the first contemporary account of "Bloody Williamson"--from an author who was himself the defense attorney for several suspects in the assassinations.

Howes E173; Buck 1143. (Inventory #: 21106)