![]() A photograph, purportedly of Mary's execution in 1916. The authenticity of this photo has been called into question. | |
Species | Asian elephant |
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Sex | Female |
Born | 1894 |
Died | September 13, 1916 Erwin, Tennessee | (aged 21–22)
Nation from | United States |
Occupation | Circus performer |
Employer | Charlie Sparks |
Years active | 1898–1916 |
Training | Playing musical instruments Pitching baseballs |
Weight | 5 short tons (4,500 kg) |
Height | 11 ft 9 in (3.58 m) |
Mary (c. 1894–September 13, 1916), also known as "Murderous Mary",[1] was a five-ton Asian elephant[2] who performed in the Sparks World Famous Shows circus. After killing circus employee Walter “Red” Eldridge on his second day as her handler in September 1916, in Kingsport, Tennessee, she was hanged in nearby Erwin.