On this date in 1908, Mary Wright was a topic of conversation throughout North Dakota. In August of that year she was arrested and held in jail at Devils Lake. She was accused of killing her 16-year-old stepdaughter, Beulah Cox. Authorities originally theorized that Wright was jealous of the girl and put poison in her food. Wright and her stepdaughter boarded on the farm where they worked. Many witnesses testified to the many arguments between the two.
A preliminary hearing had been held in September. The courtroom was crowded with spectators eager to get a glimpse of the accused. The Evening Times of Grand Forks described the case as “the most interesting that has been brought before the courts in this state in some time.”
Wright sat “like a statue,” showing no emotion as the hearing began. Two friends of Beulah occupied front row seats. They, too, were a center of attention. The first witness was a friend of Beulah’s who had been with her the night before she died. Annie Wonderlich testified that Beulah had told her of being beaten and threatened by Wright. Beulah had even said she was afraid that Wright was going to poison her.
The next witness was Henry Miller, who was courting Annie Wonderlich. He spent the evening with Annie and Beulah at Annie’s house, then walked Beulah home at 1:30 in the morning. He testified that Beulah told him of the harsh treatment she received from Wright. He said he heard Wright threaten to kill Beulah. Another boarder in the house confirmed Miller’s statement that Wright and Beulah had a contentious relationship. He testified that he frequently heard Wright and Beulah arguing. He was eating a meal when Wright came to him and told him that Beulah was dead in her bed. Other witnesses reinforced the testimony about the stormy relationship.
The theory of Beulah’s death changed during the trial. The prosecution put forth the theory that Mrs. Wright was furious that the girl had gone out at night and stayed out late. Wright was accused of losing her temper and choking the girl to death, then putting carbolic acid on her lips to make it look like the girl had committed suicide.
In February 1909 a jury found Mary Wright guilty of manslaughter. She was sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.
Dakota Datebook by Carole Butcher
Sources:
Hope Pioneer. “Stepmother is Put in Jail.” 20 August 1908. Hope ND. Page 1.
Devils Lake Inter-Ocean. “Mrs. Mary Wright Remains in Jail.” 4 September 1908. Devils Lake ND. Page 1.
The Evening Times. “Woman Accused of Murder is Now on Trial.” 1 February 1909. Grand Forks ND. Page 5.
