Tippin speaks Dec. 13 at Danville Library

Danville -- On Thursday, Dec. 13, author Larry Tippin will discuss his book, “The Betrayal of Pearl Bryan; Unraveling the Gilded Age Mystery that Captivated a Nation.”

The program will held at the Danville Public Library’s program room, starting at 2 p.m. Books will be available for purchase.

In 1896, Pearl Bryan of Greencastle traveled to Cincinnati to convince her beau to be honorable but instead was killed by the father of her unborn child with the help of an accomplice. Newspapers called it the “Crime of the Century.” Through numerous retellings of these events, most of which have been highly sensational and only marginally accurate, this story has taken a life of its own.

Tippin, the Putnam County historian, became interested in the story and realized even the Bryan family descendants did not know what happened in 1896.

The Bryan family was prosperous landowners in Putnam and Hendricks counties. In fact, Pearl’s parents, Alexander S. and Susan Farrow Bryan, lived on his father’s farm in Hendricks County until 1854. The farm was bought by Alexander Bryan (Pearl’s grandfather) in 1834 and located just east of the Hendricks/Putnam county line near New Winchester.

Tippin will discuss his investigation that included trial transcripts, contemporary newspaper accounts and other sources. Those who are familiar with this story will be pleased to finally get an accurate description of the events. Others should find this account of her short life and tragic death fascinating.

Registration is requested. Persons are asked to call the library at 317-745-2604 or visit the events link at www.dplindiana.org.

The program is sponsored by the Indiana Room and Friends of the Danville Library.