The Woolfolk Tragedy: The Murders, the Trials, the Hanging & Now Finally, the Truth!

by Carolyn Deloach

Before sunrise on August 6, 1887, a respected gentleman farmer, Capt. Richard F Woolfolk, was savagely murdered along with his wife, their six children, and his wife's 84 year old great aunt. At daybreak, local authorities, crippled by mass hysteria, made an arrest. The state of Georgia abruptly awakened from its simmering post Civil War stupor and struggled to prove the one survivor of that tragic night, Thomas G. Woolfold, the Captain's eldest son, to be the lone axe murderer. Tom's fate placed him in the turbulent epicenter of the South's racial,, moral, social, political, and ecomomic tempest. Unconvinced of Woolfolk's guilt, a single reporter was determined to search out the truth while a valiant attorney courageously fought the prejudiced system for the sake of justice. In the end, they all went to their deaths carrying the burden of the Woolfolk tragedy on their shoulders.

Genres: True Crime

Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[S.a. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but I wasn't convinced Tom was innocent or that she added anything definitively new or revelatory to the story. Decent storytelling, but very regional in many ways - some of which add to the experience, but most of which serve as a jarring moratorium on "traditional" Southern values.

[Paula Owston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and we'll written. The true story of a well known family in GA who is murdered and trying to find the killer.

[Samantha Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating! I really enjoyed it! As I read this book, I researched things about the city and the people involved. I live 30 minutes from Macon, Georgia where these murders occurred. I grew up around this area, as did my parents, and it is so cool to know where all these things took place.

In the middle of the night, the entire Woolfolk family was murdered with an ax. All except Tom Woolfolk, the only surviving member, who claims he jumped out of his bedroom window to run for help.

The story is mainly of his trial and his time in jail while he waits for people to decide his fate. Throughout the book, I'm not sure if he is guilty or not, but one thing is clear: Tom never stood a chance. The trial was a joke, all of them!

If you like true crime, murder, and legal drama, you'll like this book. I'm so glad I read it. I'm planning on visiting the cemetery where the nine victims are buried soon. Also, the homestead of the Woolfolks can still be visited today. The land is mostly under water now (Lake Tobesofkee in Macon, Georgia) but the owner of the house there will sometimes allow tours to visit the well that is mentioned in the book.

All in all, this is a great story. I gave it four stars only because it bogs down slightly in the middle with the trials. It is still very interesting.

If you will notice, there are two books written by the same author on these murders. My recommendation is to only read the second one, "Shadow Chasers, The Woolfolk Tragedy Revisited." The two books are pretty much the same until the end. The second book has a little more information that you definitely need to see! Enjoy!

[Brooke Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about a whole family murdered in Macon GA presumed by the eldest son. Nobody really knows what happened to the Woolfolks and I feel like the author took some liberties with her opinion. It's one of those books that leaves you with a thousand questions and no way to really find the answers. I don't regret reading it though. Any GA history or crime buff should read it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book based on a true story about a family that was murdered in Macon, Georgia in 1887. Book was written based on real documents, newspapers, interviews and on site investigations. I believe this is the best book I have ever read.

[Tara Tutcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad and fascinating story. But the very, very obvious bias of the author detracts somewhat from her credibility.