Noah Beauchamp American blacksmith and Indiana pioneer hanged for murdering his neighbor Date of Birth: 24.02.1785 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Family Background
2. Move to Indiana and Feud with the Mickelberrys
3. Murder of George Mickelberry
4. Capture and Trial
5. Execution and Legacy
6. Connection to the Beauchamp-Sharp Tragedy
7. Descendants

Early Life and Family Background

Noah Beauchamp was born on February 24, 1785, in Maryland, to Thomas and Sarah Adams Beauchamp. As a young man, he grew to an imposing height of six feet and was known for his muscular build and ruddy complexion. Despite his strong physique, Beauchamp harbored a rebellious and outspoken nature, often clashing with his father over the morality of slavery. A devout Baptist, Noah staunchly opposed slavery and may have been disinherited by his slave-owning father. He subsequently relocated to Kentucky and then Ohio, where he likely met his future wife, Elizabeth Adams. Their first child, Noah Beauchamp Jr., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 29, 1804.

Move to Indiana and Feud with the Mickelberrys

By 1811, Beauchamp had settled with his family in Connersville Township, Fayette County, Indiana, where he established a blacksmith shop. In 1820, he relocated his family to Edgar County, Illinois, before returning to Indiana in the mid-1830s, this time in Vigo County. Bordering Beauchamp's farm in Sugar Creek Township was the family of George Mickelberry. A dispute arose between the two neighbors over the boundaries of their properties, escalating into a feud that further strained relations between their families.

Murder of George Mickelberry

In July 1840, another dispute erupted between Mickelberry and Beauchamp's daughters, who worked for the Mickelberrys as knitters. The Mickelberry daughters accused the Beauchamp women of stealing yarn while on the job. Rumors of the incident reached Beauchamp, enraging him and driving him to confront George Mickelberry to clear his family's name.

On July 22, Beauchamp confronted Mickelberry outside his home. Finding a butcher's knife on a stump in the yard, he entered the Mickelberry house and berated Mickelberry for the actions of his daughters. Enraged, Beauchamp threatened one of the daughters with the knife, prompting Mickelberry to grab his shoulder. In a moment of panic, Beauchamp plunged the blade into Mickelberry's chest, killing him instantly. Beauchamp fled the scene and disappeared into the Wabash River, where he stole a boat and made his escape.

Capture and Trial

A manhunt for the fugitive murderer ensued, but Beauchamp had vanished. He fled to Texas, where he borrowed money to establish a blacksmith shop. However, his true identity was soon revealed by a reward poster that reached a local hotel. Beauchamp was apprehended by the son of one of his creditors and another man who claimed the $500 reward. After an escape attempt, he was recaptured and placed in a cabin on a boat, where he attempted suicide by hanging himself from bed sheets.

Beauchamp's trial was moved to Parke County in an effort to avoid bias. Despite witnesses who testified that Beauchamp had acted in self-defense, he was found guilty and sentenced to death on September 8, 1842.

Execution and Legacy

A gallows was erected in Rockville, Indiana, and on December 30, 1842, Beauchamp was executed by hanging. His last words were simply, "Farewell." Beauchamp's tragic end marked the first legal hanging in Parke County.

Connection to the Beauchamp-Sharp Tragedy

Noah Beauchamp was a cousin of Jereboam O. Beauchamp, who became infamous in a separate tragedy known as the Beauchamp-Sharp Tragedy. Jereboam murdered Colonel Solomon P. Sharp in 1825, accusing him of slandering his wife. Like Noah, Jereboam fled and was eventually caught and executed after a failed suicide attempt.

Descendants

Noah Beauchamp was a direct descendant of Quaker Ambrose Dixon, who was his great-great-great-grandfather.