Michael Chrisman, a self-employed bootblack, was shot on Monday evening, March 19, 1888, by Alonzo Canada; he died from his wound on Wednesday, March 21, 1888. Canada had left Joe Miller's saloon on East Main Street in Champaign, refusing to pay for his drinks; Chrisman followed, chastising Canada, and an altercation between the two ensued. It was said that Chrisman shoved Canada who fell from the walk into the muddy street, at which time Canada pulled out a .44 caliber revolver and shot Chrisman. The bullet entered Chrisman's body through the lower spine and exited from the groin area. Canada, who resided in the Indian Territory, left the area and was charged with murder following an inquest by the coroner. Chrisman's body was buried later on Wednesday, March 21st at Mount Hope Cemetery. Canada was never apprehended for this crime but eventually died in a shootout in 1894 (Find A Grave memorial #8540193).
Michael Chrisman's burial in this cemetery is based on newspaper accounts of the time, including: "Champaign County Herald," Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, Wednesday, March 28, 1888, page 10 ("Chrisman was buried at Mt. Hope cemetery, Wednesday afternoon.").
Michael Chrisman's burial in this cemetery is based on newspaper accounts of the time, including: "Champaign County Herald," Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, Wednesday, March 28, 1888, page 10 ("Chrisman was buried at Mt. Hope cemetery, Wednesday afternoon.").
Michael Chrisman, a self-employed bootblack, was shot on Monday evening, March 19, 1888, by Alonzo Canada; he died from his wound on Wednesday, March 21, 1888. Canada had left Joe Miller's saloon on East Main Street in Champaign, refusing to pay for his drinks; Chrisman followed, chastising Canada, and an altercation between the two ensued. It was said that Chrisman shoved Canada who fell from the walk into the muddy street, at which time Canada pulled out a .44 caliber revolver and shot Chrisman. The bullet entered Chrisman's body through the lower spine and exited from the groin area. Canada, who resided in the Indian Territory, left the area and was charged with murder following an inquest by the coroner. Chrisman's body was buried later on Wednesday, March 21st at Mount Hope Cemetery. Canada was never apprehended for this crime but eventually died in a shootout in 1894 (Find A Grave memorial #8540193).
Michael Chrisman's burial in this cemetery is based on newspaper accounts of the time, including: "Champaign County Herald," Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, Wednesday, March 28, 1888, page 10 ("Chrisman was buried at Mt. Hope cemetery, Wednesday afternoon.").
Michael Chrisman's burial in this cemetery is based on newspaper accounts of the time, including: "Champaign County Herald," Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, Wednesday, March 28, 1888, page 10 ("Chrisman was buried at Mt. Hope cemetery, Wednesday afternoon.").
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