Tom Dula

Thomas C. Dula (June 22, 1845 – May 1, 1868) was a former Confederate soldier, who was tried, convicted, and hanged for the murder of his fiancée, Laura Foster. The trial and hanging received national publicity from newspapers such as The New York Times, thus turning Dula's story into a folk legend. While the murder happened in Wilkes County, North Carolina, the trial, conviction, and execution took place in Statesville. There was considerable controversy surrounding his conviction and execution. In subsequent years, a folk song was written (entitled “Tom Dooley”, based on the pronunciation in the local dialect), and many oral traditions were passed down, regarding the sensational occurrences surrounding the murder of Foster, and Dula's subsequent execution. The Kingston Trio recorded a hit version of the murder ballad in 1958.

Personal facts

Tom Dula
Alias (AKA)Tom Dula aka Tom Dooley
Birth dateJune 22, 1845
Birth place
Wilkes County North Carolina
cause of death
Hanging
Date of deathMay 01, 1868
Place of death
Iredell County North Carolina
Known for
Tom Dooley (song)

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