Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, is known for its rich history, charming streets, and storytelling. Below is just one of many true and chilling tales that linger in the crisp fall air of Jonesborough, Tennessee.To hear more, join one of the True and Chilling Tales Tours presented by the Heritage Alliance each October. Tours begin at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum.
Disclaimer: This story contains historical details that may be unsettling for some readers and may not be suitable for young children.
Our tale begins…
Have you ever felt a tug on your ears around the courthouse on a crisp fall evening. For seemingly no reason your ear is pulled and you feel a sense of guilt well up in your stomach. Have you ever heard the clip clop of horses’ hooves echo down the street. You may have done something you out not have.
Here is the story of Elias Pybourn, a horse thief:
In the 1790, “Superior Court of Law and Equity” in the case of “State of North Carolina Against Elias Pybourn for Horse Stealing”
Verdict – “It is therefore Ordered that the said Elias Pybourn be confined in the publick Pillory one Hour. That he have both his ears nailed to the Pillory and severed from his Head; That he receive at the publick Whipping post thirty-nine lashes well laid On; and be branded on the Right cheek with the letter H, and on his left cheek with the letter T.”
His ears remained nailed to the pillory for at least an hour.
Elias was no longer hired by people due to his untrustworthy nature. On the frontier, the lack of income could mean an early death. His lack of ears and his branded cheeks marked him as a guilty man, guilty of thievery.
Do you feel a tug on your ears?
