Strumming Pattern Video, Attn Roger

Thought folks might be interested in a little history (it's interesting to me anyway).

Tom Dooley (Dula actually) lived very near my current home. From Wiki:

Thomas C. Dula (June 22, 1845 – May 1, 1868)[1][2] was a former Confederate soldier, who was tried, convicted, and hanged for the murder of his fiancée, Laura Foster. The trial and hanging received national publicity from newspapers such as The New York Times, thus turning Dula's story into a folk legend. While the murder happened in Wilkes County, North Carolina, the trial, conviction, and execution took place in Statesville, North Carolina. There was considerable controversy around his conviction and execution. In subsequent years, a folk song was written (entitled “Tom Dooley� , based on the pronunciation in the local dialect), and many oral traditions were passed down, regarding the sensational occurrences surrounding the murder of Foster, and Dula's subsequent execution.[1][3] The Kingston Trio recorded a hit version of the murder ballad in 1958.[4]

Upon returning from the war, Dula discovered that Ann had married James Melton. Given his reputation as something of a libertine,[2] it did not take Dula long to take up with young Laura. She became pregnant shortly thereafter, and she and Dula decided to elope. On the night she was to meet Dula, she left her home, never to be seen alive again.[1] While it is not known for certain what happened that evening, many of the stories that have grown out of the folklore of the time implicate Ann Melton in some way. Some believe that Ann may have murdered Laura Foster because she was still in love with Dula and was jealous that Laura was marrying him; others believe that perhaps Dula knew or suspected that Ann had murdered Foster, but because he still loved Ann he refused to implicate her after he was arrested and took the blame for the murder. In fact, it was Ann's word that led to the discovery of the girl's body. Foster had been stabbed multiple times with a large knife. The gruesome nature of the murder - combined with the fact that Laura Foster was pregnant when she was killed - captured national attention, and most likely led to the enduring notoriety of the crime.[1]

The role of Dula in the slaying is unclear. He fled shortly after her body was found – when he was declared a suspect – working for a time for Colonel James Grayson, in Watauga County,[2] before taking refuge across the state line in Trade, Tennessee. Grayson would enter folklore as a romantic rival of Dula's, but this was not true. It was simply an incorrect inference drawn from the lyrics of the song, and became more widespread as the actual facts of the case were largely forgotten. Grayson did, however, help the Wilkes County posse bring Dula in, once his identity was discovered.[1]

After Dula was arrested, North Carolina Governor Zebulon Vance represented him pro bono, and maintained Dula's innocence of the charges. He succeeded in having the trial moved from Wilkesboro to Statesville, as it was widely believed that Dula would never receive a fair trial in Wilkes County. Dula was convicted, and although he was given a new trial on appeal he was convicted again. His supposed accomplice, Jack Keaton, was set free and, on Dula's word, Melton was acquitted of the crime. As he stood on the gallows facing his death, he is reported to have said, “Gentlemen, do you see this hand? I didn’t harm a hair on the girl’s head� . He was executed nearly two years after the murder of his fiancée, on May 1, 1868. His younger sister and her husband retrieved his body for burial after the execution.

A link to pics his grave marker:

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/johnson/legends/tom_dula.htm

Thanks for the lesson Wayne!

Thanks Wilbaye and topdown.

I enjoyed that link. Probably the first song i ever heard been learned on  guitar.

Its great also to get the history to the song. Dula was a wee handsome man, no wonder he got in trouble with the women.

Old Doll.

Leave it to Topdown to dig up the facts, he's very good at such things, on the ball, as you know Topdown I'm here in the same area, and did not know the history of that song, well done!

Cam

Thanks Roger,

I cannot comment on any matters concerning age. I am currently in the doghouse with Old Doll and I will be on probation for a while

Hi topdown,myself like others here have played this song many times. I never thought it was a real story,and that was a great history of the song,thanks for taking the time too put it all down here and sharing it with us.

A couple of years ago I missread a post and accused Helena of being older than she was, I got out of the doghouse by writing her a song - http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1956 - although she is really a very forgiving and generous lady so if your crime is not too onerous I am sure you will be able to make amends.

Roger

Hahahaahah, what a blast from the past.

What are you like ?

Roger Guppy i thought you'd passed into the next world. What about ya ? your still alive ? i guess stirring,  em trouble!. Poor wilbaye, doesnt know me as the rest do here. I must have scared the poor guy.
Sorry wilbaye, ya can leave the bold corner now sir.

Old Fart is heading for the shower.

Goodnight all from a rainy Emerald.

Hello Roger,

Yes , our young friend is a sweetheart

I am working on "Weep Not for Me"  on the chord progression with some flatpicking along with it. I am going to go with all minor chords on the verses and I think all majors on the chorus but I am still toying with it. Sometimes I just aint happy till I'm happy with it. I will definately let you know when I get it recorded. Great Song  Roger ! I think it's gonna be a good one when I get it together.

Thanks Wayne P

Maybe next , with her approval of course  I could play around with some of her lyrics !