Kent County’s only mass murder took place 165 years ago at a farmhouse near Galena. But to this day there are many mysteries surrounding the case that resulted in five deaths and a very public, triple hanging outside of Chestertown.
What was the real motive of the three men convicted of 1st-degree murder? What part did the clock mender play? After his cohorts were executed, what happened to Stephen Shaw, the fourth member of the murderous cabal? Why did a Philadelphia murderer confess to the Cosden murder a year after the three, who were convicted, breathed their last at the gallows? And, what happened to the scaffolding after the executions?
Kevin Hemstock will examine these and other questions during History Happy Hour, Nov. 4.
Hemstock, former Kent County News editor and a local historian, is working on a comprehensive account of the sensational home invasion murder that horrified the nation in 1851. He also will have available his self-published book, The 13 Most Sensational Murder Cases in Kent County, Md.
It all starts at 4 p.m. at the Bordley Building, 301 High St.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.