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Submitted: 5/19/20 • Approved: 5/19/20 • Last Updated: 5/22/20 • R315724-G0-S3
Died May 11, 1905
Aged 16 years
On May 8, 1905, Alma was beaten by her evil and cruel adopted father and suffered for three days before she died. In Waco, Alma's mother and step-father had given Alma to the Youngs for adoption. The Youngs and Alma had moved to Florence that same day. It is said to be one of the most brutal murders in Texas history. John Thomas Young and his wife were arrested. She was released when she agreed to testify against him. According to her testimony Alma had been "outraged" (raped in civilized speak in the era). She testified "Tom whipped her for three hours while she was chained to a post and with blood running down her body. She cried out, O kill me now, I can't stand this as he threw acid in her wounds." It was not unusual for Young to beat the two women bloody and then pour vinegar, salt and acids on the wound. On May 18, 1905 he was found guilty and sentenced to death. On March 30, 1906, he was hanged.
Contributed on 5/19/20 by tomtodd
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Record #: 315724