The Gruesome Murder of Pearl Bryan
The story of an innocent Indiana socialite who became the victim in one of America’s most brutal murders
Pearl Bryan was born on October 25, 1872, in Greencastle, Indiana. She was 11th of twelve children born to Alexander, and Susan Bryan. Alexander was a successful stock breeder and dairy operator. The Bryan family was well-to-do and traveled in the most elite social circles of their community.
Courting
The people of Greencastle found 20-year-old Pearl pretty and charming. A newcomer to town was especially fond of her — 27-year-old aspiring dentist, Scott Jackson. He and his mother, Sarah, moved to Greencastle in 1895 after Scott ran into trouble by embezzling from his college.
Scott formed a friendship with William Wood, Pearl’s cousin. William introduced Scott to his pretty, single, cousin. The two formed an intimate relationship, and Pearl became pregnant by the end of summer.
Pearl wanted desperately to marry Scott and have their baby, but Scott said no. He was on his way back to college and expressed to Pearl that she needed to have an abortion.
Scott returned to college, and Pearl kept her condition secret. Scott wrote letters to William with messages for Pearl. These were not…
