Marie Louise Stumpf: Survivor or Victim?
In the early morning of 10 January 1909, Marie Louise Stumpf left her family home early on North First Street, before sunrise to go to confession before Mass at St. Mary's German Catholic Church.
She was sexually assault, beaten, and robbed. My grandmother, a white woman, the unmarried daughter of a successful businessman would be on the front page of nearly every newspaper in the country the next day.
Her assailant, a black man and the son of former slaves, would be executed in the Richmond City Jail within 40 days. Newspapers stated that Charlie Gillespie was 24 years old. His death certificate suggests he was just 14.
A complex series of events with many complicated moving pieces, the only thing that's clear is that Marie Louise suffered something horrific.
Marie Louise Stumpf, circa 1908
This photo was likely taken shortly before the family trip to Germany.
A Complex Story with Many Moving Parts
The Events of the Morning
A timeline of the morning is pieced together from articles from Richmond newspapers, historical maps and court recorded testimony.
The loss of her brother 3 weeks before meant the Stumpfs were already in mourning.
Newspapers
Newspaper around the country reported this event. The pressure to testify and defend her own actions must have been considerable. Marie Louise (age 20) does it twice within a week of her assault.
Jim Crow laws are in full-force.
Charlie Gillispie
Who was Charlie?
How old was he really?
Was he guilty?
Jim Crow and Black Codes
City of Richmond
How far from her home?
Where was she going?
Where was he arrested?
Where did his siblings live?
Timeline
18 November 1908 - Marie Louise, her parents and her brother Julius returned to the U.S. from a trip to Germany.
20 December 1908 - Her brother Julius died at age 21, likely of tuberculosis.
Sunday, January 10, 1909 - Marie Louise attacked and dragged into an alleyway just blocks from home. The only description she could provide was a black man wearing light colored pants. Two hours later, Richmond City Police make an arrest.
Monday, January 11, 1909 - Her assault is published in newspapers all over the country. Reports gave her full name, her father's name and her home address.
Tuesday, January 12, 1909 "Lynching is caused by the law's delays." Hustings Court Judge Samuel B. Witt, after a mob appeared at the Richmond City Jail.
Wednesday, January 13, 1909
Thursday, January 14, 1909 - At the Grand Jury Hearing, Judge Witt removed from his courtroom all except the the two male attorneys, the all male jury, the male defendant and the all male judiciary personnel. Marie Louise (age 20) removed the veil covering her face and testified. The grand jury indicted Charlie Gillispie for Highway Robbery and Criminal Assault.
Friday, January 15, 1909
Saturday, January 16, 1909 - At trial Marie Louise testified again to a new jury made up entirely of men. The Trial Jury convicted Charlie Gillispie of Highway Robbery and Criminal Assault, sentenced him to death by electrocution.
18 February 1909 - Charlie Gillispie executed by electric chair in the Richmond City Jail, only 39 days after the assault.
Headlines
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported this editorial.
A mob had gathered at the city jail, calling for Charlie Gillispie to be handed over, and Judge Samuel B. Witt hoped to lower the civic temperature in the city.
Judge Witt said, "Lynching is caused by the law's delays; there will be none in this case."
Lynching isn't caused by people, apparently. Charlie Gillispie would be dead in 38 days.
How Old was Charlie Gillispie?
Newspapers reported that Charlie Gillispie was 24 years old. His death certificate gives conflicting information. His age was reported as 24. However, written in a different color ink, his birthdate was provided. A little bit of quick math and Charlie was 14. Research into Charlie's family gives no clarity.
In 1908, the Commonwealth of Virginia reinstituted the death penalty. The assault of a white person by a black person was a capital offense. Photographs were taken of those sentenced to death. Charlie Gillispie was the fourth person executed after the law changed, and this record set is available at the Library of Virginia.
