George Barrett Arrested

Image Source: 12 Aug 1881, 4 - Smith County Pioneer at Newspapers.com

George Barrett was arrested on the charge of adultery committed with his stepdaughter Lydia Melvina Halstead. At fifteen years old Lydia became pregnant. She admitted telling her mother Rachel McIntyre Barrett about the pregnancy and the affair with her stepfather. Shortly thereafter, Rachel died. The local preacher accused George of murder. He suspected Rachel was thrown down a well to her death. Are these claims true? Was Rachel murdered so that George could be with his young stepdaughter?

To hear the full story of Rachel McIntyre listen to Genealogist Journal Podcast, Episodes 016, 017, and 018.

Thank you for reading.

Jenny R. Findsen