Who Was Leo Frank?
Leo Frank, a man whose life and death became a pivotal point in American history, was born on April 26, 1879, in New York City. He was the son of a prominent Jewish businessman, Moses Frank, and his wife, Fannie. Leo’s early life was marked by a strong Jewish upbringing and a passion for education.
Early Life and Education
Leo Frank attended public schools in New York and later enrolled at Brown University, where he excelled in his studies. After graduating in 1901, he went on to study law at New York University, earning his degree in 1904. Frank’s career took off as he became a successful lawyer, working for the Atlanta law firm of Thacher, Proffitt & Wood, where he would later become a partner.
The Leo Frank Case
On April 27, 1913, the body of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker, was found in the basement of the National Pencil Company, where Frank was the manager. The police quickly focused their investigation on Frank, who was Jewish, and the case became a national sensation. Despite a lack of substantial evidence, Frank was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 27, 1913 | Body of Mary Phagan found in the basement of the National Pencil Company |
| May 28, 1913 | Leo Frank arrested and charged with murder |
| August 25, 1913 | Leo Frank found guilty of murder and sentenced to death |
| August 16, 1915 | Leo Frank pardoned by Governor John M. Slaton |
| August 17, 1915 | Leo Frank escapes from prison |
| August 19, 1915 | Leo Frank is captured and returned to prison |
| August 21, 1915 | Leo Frank is executed |
Frank’s trial was marred by antisemitism and racial prejudice. The prosecution painted him as a predator who had lured Mary Phagan to her death. The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that Frank was innocent. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death.
The Pardon and Escape
After serving less than two years of his sentence, Governor John M. Slaton pardoned Frank, citing the lack of evidence and the possibility of a miscarriage of justice. However, Frank’s release was short-lived. He escaped from prison on August 17, 1915, and fled to Cuba. After a few days, he was captured and returned to prison.
The Execution
Despite the pardon, Frank was retried and again found guilty. On August 21, 1915, he was executed by electrocution. His death sparked a national debate on the death penalty, antisemitism, and the justice system.
Legacy
Leo Frank’s case has had a lasting impact on American history. It highlighted the dangers of antisemitism and the potential for a miscarriage of justice. The case also led to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League, an organization dedicated to fighting antisemitism and protecting civil rights. Today, Leo Frank remains a symbol of the struggle for justice and the fight against discrimination.
