Hanged by Mistake: The Tombstone Commemorates George Johnson, a Victim of Wrongful Execution in 1882

In 1882 George Johnson legitimately purchased a horse. At least he thought he had. Johnson unknowingly bought the horse from the man who stole it. When Johnson was found in possession he was accused of horse theft. He was hanged despite his pleas that he had no prior knowledge the horse was stolen.

It wasn’t until after his death that it was determined he had told the truth. These vintage photos captured the grave markers from the mid of the century; and the last image in the bottom is the current. The epitaphs on these markers serve as an exoneration of Johnson. He is buried in the Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona.

Here lies George Johnson hanged by mistake 1882 / He was right, We as wrong, But we strung him up, And now he's gone.