Description

Book Synopsis
The John S. Williams plantation in Georgia was operated largely with the labor of slaves—and this was in 1921, 56 years after the Civil War. Williams was not alone in using “peons,” but his reaction to a federal investigation was almost unbelievable: he decided to destroy the evidence. Enlisting the aid of his trusted black farm boss, Clyde Manning, he began methodically killing his slaves. As this true story unfolds, each detail seems more shocking, and surprises continue in the aftermath, with a sensational trial galvanizing the nation and marking a turning point in the treatment of black Americans.


Trade Review
"Horrific real story." -- Today's Black Woman.
"A horrifying tale of the Old South. . . . Freeman walks the reader though the eleven murders and their aftermath with cool detachment. The book is scrupulously researched, with an eye for the telling detail. A good true-crime story, with far-reaching implications." -- Kirkus Reviews

Lay This Body Down: The 1921 Murders of Eleven

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Gregory A. Freeman

    £13.25

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £13.95 – you save £0.70 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 15 Sep 2026.

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Lay This Body Down: The 1921 Murders of Eleven by Gregory A. Freeman

      Book details

      Publisher Chicago Review Press
      Published 1 July 2002
      ISBN-13 9781556524479
      978-1556524479
      ISBN-10 1556524471
      Also in:
      Reference Slavery, enslaved persons and abolition of slavery Ethnic studies / Ethnicity

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The John S. Williams plantation in Georgia was operated largely with the labor of slaves—and this was in 1921, 56 years after the Civil War. Williams was not alone in using “peons,” but his reaction to a federal investigation was almost unbelievable: he decided to destroy the evidence. Enlisting the aid of his trusted black farm boss, Clyde Manning, he began methodically killing his slaves. As this true story unfolds, each detail seems more shocking, and surprises continue in the aftermath, with a sensational trial galvanizing the nation and marking a turning point in the treatment of black Americans.


      Trade Review
      "Horrific real story." -- Today's Black Woman.
      "A horrifying tale of the Old South. . . . Freeman walks the reader though the eleven murders and their aftermath with cool detachment. The book is scrupulously researched, with an eye for the telling detail. A good true-crime story, with far-reaching implications." -- Kirkus Reviews

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account