Not Guilty. The Story of a Life

Abilene, KS: Reflector Publishing Company, 1903. 168 pages. Ex-Library, now in library type of binding. Usual library markings inside, though no library markings on the covers. Frontispiece shows chipping and tears, there is a quarter sized open tear affecting the edge of the authors portrait though not his image. Last two pages of text also show chipping, with some paper loss at the lower corner of the last text page affecting the last two letters in "old." Volume remains solid and contents are otherwise clean and in good condition. James B. Shane was born in Kentucky in 1840 and served with distinction in the Civil War, after which he was promoted to Captain. Following the War, he moved along with his family to Abilene, Kansas and later to Lawrence, Kansas in 1878. There, he operated various photography studios on Massachusetts St. until 1902 when he was convicted of murder. Although the book seems intended as an appeal of his conviction, the content is largely autobiographical with some fascinating content regarding his time in Company D, 16th Kentucky Infantry, as well as operating photography studios in downtown Lawrence, Kansas near the end of the 19th century. His daughter Juno Belle continued operating the last studio started by her father, until her death in 1953. Rare title with WorldCat showing only two copies (KU and UMKC), and no auction records found.. First Edition. Cloth - Hard Cover. Good-/No Jacket.