I know that a number of you, my loyal viewers - are going to sit this one out and not watch. I do not blame you. That’s why I put out the warning. That said, this story needs to be told because the town of Erwin, Tennessee - even today - for many there, seem to want to hide what they did. At least in my view from my experience of actually going there. During my visit to Erwin, I was met with evil eyes. I asked where Mary is exactly buried when I went inside that library, and at a couple of other places. No one would not share the location of her grave. It appears that many in Erwin just want everyone to go away and forget it ever happened. Like Mary didn’t exist. All of that now said, there are some there that are trying to change things. An organization called RISE Erwin. They are trying to help the town embrace its history instead of hide from it. In 2016, the 100th anniversary of Mary's hanging, Erwin had a weeklong series of events to celebrate elephants. In my humble opinion, I think thats great, but they should share the location of Mary’s grave They should put a monument for her there where she is buried at the rail. Again, if this type of content is not up your alley, I totally understand - and we will see you on the next one - All good. 👍
I too will have to sit this one out, but have added it to my real crime Playlist to share. This story needs to be told, thank you Ron for having the courage to do just that.
I think that your showing of this video and story is the best way to bring more attention to the awful mistreatment of poor Mary. She at least needs a grave marker and some words written on it. RIP Mary! ❤
Well, it really isn't a funny story. But it did happen. The peoples of Erwin should not be ashamed of what the peoples did 100 years ago. They weren't even born. And yes i personally think that poor Mary deserved a monument. Thank's for the story
Mary attacked him because he was abusing her. Animals like us humans will attack when we're being hurt. It's so sad that people watched and demanded she be killed. Mary was an innocent animal being mistreated.
Yeah they treated her like a murderer and executed for killing a abuser I wish we could've told the circus staff that she is innocent and doesn't understand murder so she is innocent and you'll be punished by God for killing her
I had seen a post about this. That claimed Mary had a infected tooth. And the trainer hit it when he was trying to get her to move. You can't blame her for going crazy from severe pain. If it is true it shows that she was not being taken care of.
Somewhere, a queen is weeping, somewhere, a king has no wife. And the wind, it cries "Mary" Rest in peace Ol' girl. Just as elephants don't forget. We won't forget you, Mary.
What a tragic story, poor Mary. My heart goes out to her. We had a beagle, her name was Angel, and she was killed by a man trying to break into our home. He fed her raw hamburger laced with poison. Whatever was in my house, he could have had it he didn't have to kill our baby. May Mary and Angel rest in peace
Oh your poor sweet trusting beagle! I have beagles too! They are wonderful dogs! So sorry for your loss! Things mean nothing, the love of your dog is everything! Wishing you peace. You will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge !
What a heartbreaking story! I have always loathed Circuses for that very reason, using and abusing animals purely for entertainment! Poor Mary likely had enough of their abuse and fought back the only way she knew how! This was difficult to watch, but Thank you Ron for sharing this sensitive story with us. I believe there should be some kind of memorial for Mary. ❤🐘❤That's the least they can do.
Such a horrific story...but it needed to be told. Those who want to erase history should be ashamed. If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it. Thank you for sharing this sad story, Ron. RIP Big Mary. 🙏
When my grandma was little (born in 1920) he used to hang out by the railroad tracks, and whenever a circus train came through he would volunteer to help feed and water the elephants. The things you learn at family reunions….
Thank you for sharing Mary's story and tragic death. As heartbreaking as it was for her to die thousands of miles from where she belonged, I can't imagine the grief of the other elephants, known for their tight-knit family groups, even when not blood related. If ever one wonders what species is the most destructive on this planet, horrific tales like Mary's make it undeniable. So awful for that poor beautiful girl.
I read somewhere that on the autopsy done after Mary was killed, she had a badly infected tooth that the trainer kept gouging at and that's why she did what she did. If they weren't ignorant, they would have had the elephant scene on a regular basis by a vet and one would hope none of this would have happened.
Thanks Angie and Ron for bringing this out in the light❤ Saddest sickest thing I've ever heard about an animal🤬If there is a Heaven for animals(I think so) Mary's there❤
Hey Ron my name is Debbie and I live in Erwin Tennessee I was very surprised that no one would tell you where she was buried when I was a very young girl grandfather had the actual newspaper showing Mary being hung he also has some photographs I think the problem is the hanging of murderous Mary was very torturous the first tried to shoot her and she did not die so they hung her and she fell from the crane and they picked her up again and just kept hanging her until she finally died they say that she was just literally into several different pieces and they dug a hole and buried her right there at the railroad tracks where the library is now in reality some of the people here in Erwin May really not know where the exact spot is at the exact location is very close to the railroad tracks probably right there at the library where you were at but I don't know the exact spot there No One released the exact spot but it was there next to the library and the railroad station
@@FacesoftheForgotten Would her skeletal remains still be intact today even a century later?? Because I want her moved to a better location and away from that horrid place!!!
One thing I don’t understand is these instances where where these people blame a wild animal. Killing the poor thing brutally isn’t the answer. They shouldn’t have taken it from the wild in the first place. Some people are just disgusting and inhuman when it comes to another life. And yes they will all have to answer to God and some probably already have. Sad story, she didn’t deserve that but we live in a cruel world full of hatred 😢
My heart goes out to Mary, it's so cruel to treat any animal when they don't deserve it. An elephant never forgets in return we shouldn't forget her either
Hi Ron thank you for sharing. This story was hard to click on but needs to be told . Yes she deserves to have a remembrance marker, all of this could have been prevented if it wasn’t for her being removed from her normal habitat and for the abuse she endured daily🥺💔. This reminds me of Tyke the Elephant another 💔
Ron, Red was actually killed in Kingsport, Tn not St Paul. Mary was taken to Erwin because the Clinchfield railroad had a crane there. This is a terrible story from my hometown of Kingsport.
This story always bothered me when I saw the picture of it on Popular Mechanics magazine cover I believe, many years ago. It is very disturbing indeed.
Thank you for sharing her story! It needed to be told and Mary deserved a mention, a gravestone in tribute in her honor despite of her untold stories how she was treated. The town Erwin needed to give a tribute to Mary and the honor of the town to give a day or a week for a tribute to ALL elephants.
What a heartwrenching story of how cruel and thoughtless humans can be. Yes, Mary deserves remembrance in some way. Even a plaque near the area where people could read about her attributes as well as be made aware of the sad circumstances of her death would be appropriate. Thank you for sharing this.😢 and all the interesting stories you bring us. You are appreciated.
There use to be a wooden sign posted on the outside of town about the incident. That too has long disappeared. Rumor has it some rail work was being done, probably around the time they removed the turn table. They dug up some bones and thought they had discovered a dinosaur. That story went quite quickly too so I believe that’s what happened to her remains.
These stories are incredibly tragic and sad. Humans are as civilized as Neanderthals even today. I can never understand the need for torture of any animals that you stole from the wild because you think they are "cool" or can make you money. The reason I don't go to zoos is because I know ALL of these animals life spans are shortened by half and they are miserable. Thank you for the share. Your stories bring some sense of humanity each time.
What a horrific story 😢 it's been over a 100 years, that town should definitely own up to their dark past and put up a memorial for Mary. ❤🐘🐘 R.I.P sweet Mary 😢❤🐘🐘
Wow, @19:25 you BROKE me! You know, I had heard of this terrible day once when I was a kid growing up in the 1960's, and NEVER thought that it was true until I saw this. You know, it was ironic and sad that she killed that boy on 9/11/16 but, anyone who abuses ❤🩹ANY kind of animal deserves it.. These images were so horrific, and I am coming from my Horror Booktube channel, but to think that the Ringling Bros. Show (NOT allowed to be called a Circus anymore) is currently here in Sacramento for 2 more days. Just sad, but that proves how EVIL the human can be inside sometimes.....we never know. Such a sad video, but thanks so much for bringing this to the attention of so many like me who never really knew the ttrue story behind🐘 'Mary'. RIP dear Mary. Though so sad, she still deserves some kind of a rememberance......... Have a great week Ron.... Richard, Sacramento CA
Mary definitely deserves a memorial. This poor innocent animal was probably triggered by her harsh treatments and being enslaved by the circus and these heartless people. This was heartbreaking, that poor baby. You do such a great job Ron. This is one of the many reasons why I do not, or allow my kids to support circuses. That would be awesome if you are the one to honor Mary, or get something started for her.
Thanks for telling us this story Ron. If there is anything I can stand is seeing Animals being killed or hurt my god. Rest in peace Mary you did not deserve that at all.
I imagine poor Mary was tired of being treated like a possession and not a living being. Obviously, Sparks was a cold hearted monster who cared nothing about poor Mary. So many monsters in this world. RIP Mary. RIP. 😢💔✌🏻
Hey Ron. Animal Rights and Vegan here. I’ll have to sit this one out-gut-wrenching. Thanks so much for sharing this story so the world can see how animals have been treated.
Unfortunately they still are being treated cruelly and there is still no justice. Saw an article today about Michael Vick and how much money he receives/has. Who got paid millions for a game after being part of a brutal dog fighting group. Those poor dogs were strangled, hung, beaten, besides being fought and forced breeding. Yet, he was allowed to continue to play after a short jail term. What an outstanding (not) example to young kids!😡🤡
It is really amazing how low humanity is willing to go...not just with animals, but with other humans, as well. This world is full of people with extremely dangerous and evil intentions. It has always been, and will always be. Time to toughen up!
My brother lives next door in Unicoi. I learned about this back in the 90’s. We were eating at a restaurant and there was a picture of Mary being hanged from a crane on the rail. I asked what the picture was for, and it’s an interesting story.
Ron you should have saved this story for Halloween! It was truly horrifying! The cruelty of man, nothing more scary!! RIP to Mary! Thank you for sharing her story! Stay safe!❤
Im looking forward to watch this episode and this story this evening hope you're doing well hope you're having A great weekend see you on tonight primerie it sounds very sad story 😢
What a horrendous story. She was a wild animal and was scared. It was sad the man was killed too. They get so scared their instincts are to protect themselves, to kill here like that was cruel, 😢 there should be a marker for Mary she did not deserve to be killed so inhumanely. Hopefully, that would not be done so cruelty now.😢
What a distressing story of a beautiful elephant. I can never understand anyone could watch this poor elephant suffer. Thank you for sharing this story Ron. Mary will never be forgotten! Wish we could find her & bury her properley x
I live about 45 minutes from Erwin. My ex-husband was actually born and raised there. This piece of their history isn't something they are proud of, for sure. But it's local legend regardless. For a while they had various elephant statues commissioned from local artists that were dedicated to Mary throughout the town to honor her and denounce their previous actions. I'm not sure if they are still there, though. It's probably been almost 20 years since I've been through there. From what you say in the video, I assume they are no longer there, which is so sad. I know there also used to be a Chinese restaurant in the town that kept elephant statues all around the inside. It's such an awful piece of our local history. Thank you for honoring Mary.
My God. I ain't got the words. Thank you for bringing this to light. And yes, she should be remembered properly. Animal abuse, and that's what it had to be, is wrong in all it's forms
Ron, this was so sad! This should have been in books! What is the matter with these people?! R.I.P. Mary! They could have put a memorial or something up for Mary! ❤️🌹😭
R.I.P Mary free from all torment and pain,hope the towns conscience (if it has one torments them forever)sad but needed to be told thanks Ron!safe travels,🙏🙏👋👋👍🚂🇦🇺
Love your stories, Ron, but I’m joining the others and sitting this one out as well. I am late to this story as I heard about this horrible act of animal abuse recently. We’ll never know the full extent of abuse Mary endured in her life. Heartbreaking.
I've heard of this before and I've always thought how we as humans, just don't deserve animals. This was such a sad tale of an abused animal that just couldn't take it anymore and defended herself and was punished in such a cruel heartless and public way, it's just disgusting that this happened. My niece who is now a teacher used to go around to the circuses and raise awareness to what the majority of them were doing. She taught me alot that really opened my eyes to the barbaric practices of some of these circuses. As much as it hurts to watch this particular episode, it has to be told so her name doesn't fade away and we remember what really happened. Thank you Mr. Ron for letting people know Mary's story. Much love from the sunshine state 🌞
What a horrific story! My heart was broken the way Mary was treated. Ron I found an article that stated “She wad buried alongside of the power house coal wharf track within a few feet from, where she was executed. Her grave was 10 feet by 12 feet by 15 feet. “. Is this the location you guessed she might be buried? As you were walking the track I saw a massage sink in the ground between the tracks.
Thank you for sharing poor Mary's story! Its a horrible story, that needs to be remembered. How can anyone learn to be better if they forget the past? I think she deserves a memorial or at least a plaque! I saw an old newsreel? clip of an elephant hanging that might have been her. Maybe on utube, i forget. People can be unbearably cruel.😢
I debated if I should watch this episode, but I knew you were telling it for a reason. Animals know who treat them right and they know who abuse them, poor Mary was so abused😢. This story was horrific, it broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I hope poor Mary is at peace.
I would think they could narrow down were they buried Mary. They keep sketches of the tracks over the years. Was an interesting story. You would think some of the old timers would know or heard this story. Thank you for sharing
Very sad! However, the fact your a pilot makes your drone shots exceptionally beautiful. I would love an hour video of just you flying. Others use drone shots but your pilot point of view makes me feel like I’m in a 2 seater right next to you. At 75 I may not have the chance but thanks for bringing me close to it. 👍🏼
Hey Ron, I live in the city next to Erwin and I have known about this story for decades. Although they don't speak about it much due to the shame about the incident, they don't publicize the location of Mary's body because they don't want weirdoes coming around and possibly trying to dig her up. There are actually people that would try to do something like that to get artifacts they could sell. They are actually giving the elephant some respect by keeping her exact location a secret in order to make up for what they did. That's why there is no marker for her grave. (So she can rest in peace)
phooey, I respectfully disagree. that is not respect. that is disguise. everyone knows she is buried there, she can rest in peace when people bring her flowers and remember her above her grave.
@@FacesoftheForgotten I regret to inform you that this area still has a few (Thankfully not many) backwoods people that don't think about animals the same way as they do people. An animal grave to those people would be something to exploit, not respect. There are still those that would try to dig her up for profit or notoriety around here. It's a sad fact but true. I hate admitting this about the area I live in but at least those kinds of people are getting fewer and fewer.
This story was so incredibly sad 😔 but needed to be told. People forget it’s an animal with animal instincts and can become aggressive in a flash. People can be so cruel to them .
Poor Mary should never have been part of the circus to begin with! If the circus owner genuinely believed she was a threat to human life, she could have been HUMANELY euthanized. In my state, California, circuses are banned from using all animals except for dogs, cats, and horses. Imagine the nightmares children must have had after witnessing Mary's brutal hanging!
I have heard of this incident but hadn't heard the details that you shared here,Ron.That said, it's not the first instance of a circus hiring untrained elephant handlers.That alone is beyond bewildering to me.I realize this occurred in 1916 but it was extremely irresponsible to have a hobo being in charge of such a large creature with the capability of destructive behavior if triggered.It's sad that the man lost his life when he attempted to keep the elephant from eating something that was a special treat to her.The manner in which Mary was killed was brutal.As you mentioned, this is a depressing story.I thank you for sharing it though.
A very sad story and Thank you for sharing Sir! Mary we know you suffer, was a uncall death and a hard death! R.I.P Mary I hope your remains are found and a tombstone is placed! 💕🐘💕
Horribly disgusting what they did to her! No human or animal deserves that level of cruelty. Ever. I agree. There should be a marker or something for Mary. The people of the town now may not fully know what happened, but it still happened and they can’t erase their towns history. Trying to cover it up now that people know, it’s horrible. Mary deserves better than that. She didn’t deserve to die the way she did. Very very glad that building took Mary being hung off their building. That’s even more disturbing and awful. Thank you for sharing Mary’s story Ron ❤
I’m in the UK and I’ve known about this poor elephant for years,first time I’ve ever heard her story told and you’ve shown compassion whilst showing us and telling us what happened to her 😢 poor Mary 😞
@@FacesoftheForgotten Amazing! My favourite drone shot is 19:34 Orville would have been proud! haha Joking aside, I have watched this episode twice already. It is a truly sombre story and as always your sensitive but in-depth analysis of the story, makes for another Exceptional video. Thank you! (Thumbs up as I'm subscribed already!)
RIP to Mary. She deleted the handler in self defense like any animal would do. But instead of just releasing her into the wild, these evil beings just decided to slowly delete her. Damn shame! I’ve never cared for circuses and I always thought it was animal cruelty for profit. Disgusting
And this my friends is why we don't hire inexperienced idiots to handle precious animals. Mary was used to being treated kindly, like a pet and was loved beyond measure until Red got his hands on the bull hook. He got his, and it was deserved. It is a crying shame that in those days poor Mary had to be slaughtered for her own defense. The lives and deaths of these incredible elephants were as grand as they were. A shame that both Mary and Jumbo came to brutal ends on the railroad, though Jumbo's was accidental it was no less heartbreaking.
Hey Ron, gave ya a thumbs up, love your stories and the respect and compassion you give each of these forgotten faces, but I could not watch this video, sorry, this is the only one I didn't even try to watch, and I've watched them all(some more ) 😁. The thumbnail and hearing the word torture broke my heart 😥 just couldn't do it. Looking forward to next week, and the Fall, Halloween season, always so interesting. Take care❤
Gosh man I live In Elizabethton right down the road from there and I go to Erwin all the time I never knew about this , learn something new everyday, not too far from there in Watauga is the Vandeventer Shelter on a hiking trail where in 1975 hiker Janice Balza was murdered by a fellow hiker by a hatchet because he wanted her backpack, maybe something you could look into!!
Well Ron! I made it in. I wanted to do it in Mary's memory. And I knew you would respectfully tell the story. People can be so cruel to animals and each other 😢 I think Mary deserves a memorial marker. But no one else should paint a tacky mural on a wall or sell T-shirts. RIP dear Mary 🙏 😢 💔
Elephants are just as smart as humans, and I'm sure poor Mary was out of her mind with what was happening to her.. the absolute horror she endured is heartbreaking 💔.. this story also broke my heart. I'll never forget Mary 😥😓
Hey Ron, I'm gonna leave the video but before I do, I wanted to say I'm so glad you're in Tennessee but I wish it were for a different reason. I'm gonna try to watch as much of this as I can but doubt I'll make it far. Ron, have a great day and be safe. What I can not for the life of me understand how anyone could watch an animal suffer in any way, some of the people are just off. And I don't mean this video, I mean back then. You're such an amazing story teller! Thank you! ❤❤❤ Love ya, my friend
Rest in peace Mary in the arms of our Lord. Stay safe Sir & everyone sending virtual hugs to you all. God sees everything we will all pay for our discretions in time.
This is beyond grotesque. What’s even sadder is they probably did her a favor. Can you imagine what this poor beautiful animal had to suffer everyday of her life? I pray she was actually gone when they buried her. Unimaginable if they buried her alive and broken physically and mentally. She must have been so confused and frightened. Poor baby. 😢
Hi Ron. This is so sad. I don't understand how anyone could ever get enjoyment out of hurting a poor sweet animal. Your a very nice man,I know that. I think it's great you did this story. Those people should have went to jail. I can't believe nobody interviened to help that poor thing. Disgusting 😢😢 smile from Utah
Hello Ron thank you for sharing Mary's story😢😢 It is very sad that she has nothing no stone or cross,my personal opinion is Yes she deserves it definitely ❤RIP Mary 😢😢😢
I know that a number of you, my loyal viewers - are going to sit this one out and not watch. I do not blame you. That’s why I put out the warning.
That said, this story needs to be told because the town of Erwin, Tennessee - even today - for many there, seem to want to hide what they did. At least in my view from my experience of actually going there.
During my visit to Erwin, I was met with evil eyes.
I asked where Mary is exactly buried when I went inside that library, and at a couple of other places. No one would not share the location of her grave. It appears that many in Erwin just want everyone to go away and forget it ever happened. Like Mary didn’t exist.
All of that now said, there are some there that are trying to change things. An organization called RISE Erwin. They are trying to help the town embrace its history instead of hide from it.
In 2016, the 100th anniversary of Mary's hanging, Erwin had a weeklong series of events to celebrate elephants.
In my humble opinion, I think thats great, but they should share the location of Mary’s grave They should put a monument for her there where she is buried at the rail.
Again, if this type of content is not up your alley, I totally understand - and we will see you on the next one - All good. 👍
I too will have to sit this one out, but have added it to my real crime Playlist to share. This story needs to be told, thank you Ron for having the courage to do just that.
I sat this one out. I believe they need to put up a monument and let everyone know where Mary is buried, and they way everyone can move on.
I think that your showing of this video and story is the best way to bring more attention to the awful mistreatment of poor Mary. She at least needs a grave marker and some words written on it. RIP Mary! ❤
What an awful story, but one that needed to be told, and I am glad you did! Thank you, Ron! And may Mary rest in peace!
Well, it really isn't a funny story. But it did happen. The peoples of Erwin should not be ashamed of what the peoples did 100 years ago. They weren't even born. And yes i personally think that poor Mary deserved a monument. Thank's for the story
Mary attacked him because he was abusing her. Animals like us humans will attack when we're being hurt. It's so sad that people watched and demanded she be killed. Mary was an innocent animal being mistreated.
Yeah they treated her like a murderer and executed for killing a abuser I wish we could've told the circus staff that she is innocent and doesn't understand murder so she is innocent and you'll be punished by God for killing her
I had seen a post about this. That claimed Mary had a infected tooth. And the trainer hit it when he was trying to get her to move. You can't blame her for going crazy from severe pain. If it is true it shows that she was not being taken care of.
Somewhere, a queen is weeping, somewhere, a king has no wife. And the wind, it cries "Mary" Rest in peace Ol' girl. Just as elephants don't forget. We won't forget you, Mary.
@@wildpinto3291Thank you for this 🫶
@@wildpinto3291
WOW, What a trigger that was.
Beautiful!! Thank you 🙏🏻
😢 R.I.P. Mary
@@wildpinto3291 how many people are here do you think remember that by Jimmy Hendrix?
😂🤣
@@MaMaSmo123 you and me for sure!
Poor Mary, she at least deserves a memorial, a plaque, something so she is never forgotten
Rip Mary fly high with the angels 😢🌈💔
Rest in peace to Topsy too 🐘
What a tragic story, poor Mary. My heart goes out to her. We had a beagle, her name was Angel, and she was killed by a man trying to break into our home. He fed her raw hamburger laced with poison. Whatever was in my house, he could have had it he didn't have to kill our baby. May Mary and Angel rest in peace
I hope that man is rotting in jail!! Or better, HELL!
Oh your poor sweet trusting beagle! I have beagles too! They are wonderful dogs! So sorry for your loss! Things mean nothing, the love of your dog is everything! Wishing you peace. You will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge !
so terrible i am so sorry to hear this story
I hope he was caught and punished for it. So sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss ❤
As horrible as this story is... it needs to be told and in my opinion often. Animal cruelty is not talked about enough! So, thank you for this video.
Wait till they face GOD above!
What a heartbreaking story! I have always loathed Circuses for that very reason, using and abusing animals purely for entertainment! Poor Mary likely had enough of their abuse and fought back the only way she knew how! This was difficult to watch, but Thank you Ron for sharing this sensitive story with us. I believe there should be some kind of memorial for Mary. ❤🐘❤That's the least they can do.
I can't watch this one. The older I get, the more I question the concept of 'humanity'.
@onhehe-k1b which pretty much proves my point.
Well, let’s be glad you weren’t around 11,000 years ago when we used to hunt mammoths in the same fashion
Thank you Ron for telling the story of Mary. She deserves to be remembered.
Such a horrific story...but it needed to be told. Those who want to erase history should be ashamed. If we don't learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it. Thank you for sharing this sad story, Ron. RIP Big Mary. 🙏
Marys tragic life ended in a horrific death. Rest her soul. Thank you for sharing her story respectfully.
When my grandma was little (born in 1920) he used to hang out by the railroad tracks, and whenever a circus train came through he would volunteer to help feed and water the elephants.
The things you learn at family reunions….
Thank you for sharing Mary's story and tragic death. As heartbreaking as it was for her to die thousands of miles from where she belonged, I can't imagine the grief of the other elephants, known for their tight-knit family groups, even when not blood related. If ever one wonders what species is the most destructive on this planet, horrific tales like Mary's make it undeniable. So awful for that poor beautiful girl.
Most definitly. As pitiful as the story is & a black eye for the town for sure. Yes, Mary deserves a grave marker. Ty for telling her story
I'll be there for sure Ron....This sounds like a very sad story and I agree they should say where she's buried....
I read somewhere that on the autopsy done after Mary was killed, she had a badly infected tooth that the trainer kept gouging at and that's why she did what she did. If they weren't ignorant, they would have had the elephant scene on a regular basis by a vet and one would hope none of this would have happened.
Thanks Angie and Ron for bringing this out in the light❤ Saddest sickest thing I've ever heard about an animal🤬If there is a Heaven for animals(I think so) Mary's there❤
Speechless.... just speechless at this sad story. RIP, Mary - you didn't deserve this. 😓
Hey Ron my name is Debbie and I live in Erwin Tennessee I was very surprised that no one would tell you where she was buried when I was a very young girl grandfather had the actual newspaper showing Mary being hung he also has some photographs I think the problem is the hanging of murderous Mary was very torturous the first tried to shoot her and she did not die so they hung her and she fell from the crane and they picked her up again and just kept hanging her until she finally died they say that she was just literally into several different pieces and they dug a hole and buried her right there at the railroad tracks where the library is now in reality some of the people here in Erwin May really not know where the exact spot is at the exact location is very close to the railroad tracks probably right there at the library where you were at but I don't know the exact spot there No One released the exact spot but it was there next to the library and the railroad station
thanks for sharing Mary. I am sure that your local officials and historians know exactly where she is buried, but ill not share it, sadly.
@@FacesoftheForgotten Would her skeletal remains still be intact today even a century later?? Because I want her moved to a better location and away from that horrid place!!!
No excuse for what they did...to this poor creature. They will answer to GOD above for what they did.
One thing I don’t understand is these instances where where these people blame a wild animal. Killing the poor thing brutally isn’t the answer. They shouldn’t have taken it from the wild in the first place. Some people are just disgusting and inhuman when it comes to another life. And yes they will all have to answer to God and some probably already have. Sad story, she didn’t deserve that but we live in a cruel world full of hatred 😢
My heart aches at the thought of this cruel act. Poor Mary!😢 thank you for sharing, Ron.
My heart goes out to Mary, it's so cruel to treat any animal when they don't deserve it. An elephant never forgets in return we shouldn't forget her either
Hi, Ron! Thank you for sharing Mary's story. Let's hope that one day Erwin will own this part of its past so Mary can have some justice at last.
Hi Ron thank you for sharing. This story was hard to click on but needs to be told . Yes she deserves to have a remembrance marker, all of this could have been prevented if it wasn’t for her being removed from her normal habitat and for the abuse she endured daily🥺💔. This reminds me of Tyke the Elephant another 💔
Ron, Red was actually killed in Kingsport, Tn not St Paul. Mary was taken to Erwin because the Clinchfield railroad had a crane there. This is a terrible story from my hometown of Kingsport.
This story always bothered me when I saw the picture of it on Popular Mechanics magazine cover I believe, many years ago. It is very disturbing indeed.
All because she wanted a discarded watermelon and the man wouldn't let her have it. She did kill the man but after he acted like a jerk.
That’s what I think about is all she wanted was the piece of watermelon. Poor Mary.😢
Thank you for sharing her story! It needed to be told and Mary deserved a mention, a gravestone in tribute in her honor despite of her untold stories how she was treated. The town Erwin needed to give a tribute to Mary and the honor of the town to give a day or a week for a tribute to ALL elephants.
What a heartwrenching story of how cruel and thoughtless humans can be. Yes, Mary deserves remembrance in some way. Even a plaque near the area where people could read about her attributes as well as be made aware of the sad circumstances of her death would be appropriate. Thank you for sharing this.😢 and all the interesting stories you bring us. You are appreciated.
Glad you told her story Ron. Thank you
There use to be a wooden sign posted on the outside of town about the incident. That too has long disappeared. Rumor has it some rail work was being done, probably around the time they removed the turn table. They dug up some bones and thought they had discovered a dinosaur. That story went quite quickly too so I believe that’s what happened to her remains.
interesting..... very sad.
These stories are incredibly tragic and sad. Humans are as civilized as Neanderthals even today. I can never understand the need for torture of any animals that you stole from the wild because you think they are "cool" or can make you money. The reason I don't go to zoos is because I know ALL of these animals life spans are shortened by half and they are miserable. Thank you for the share. Your stories bring some sense of humanity each time.
Thank you for remembering Mary, Ron.
What a horrific story 😢 it's been over a 100 years, that town should definitely own up to their dark past and put up a memorial for Mary. ❤🐘🐘
R.I.P sweet Mary 😢❤🐘🐘
Wow, @19:25 you BROKE me! You know, I had heard of this terrible day once when I was a kid growing up in the 1960's, and NEVER thought that it was true until I saw this. You know, it was ironic and sad that she killed that boy on 9/11/16 but, anyone who abuses ❤🩹ANY kind of animal deserves it.. These images were so horrific, and I am coming from my Horror Booktube channel, but to think that the Ringling Bros. Show (NOT allowed to be called a Circus anymore) is currently here in Sacramento for 2 more days. Just sad, but that proves how EVIL the human can be inside sometimes.....we never know. Such a sad video, but thanks so much for bringing this to the attention of so many like me who never really knew the ttrue story behind🐘 'Mary'. RIP dear Mary. Though so sad, she still deserves some kind of a rememberance......... Have a great week Ron....
Richard, Sacramento CA
yep, this is a tough one.
Mary definitely deserves a memorial. This poor innocent animal was probably triggered by her harsh treatments and being enslaved by the circus and these heartless people. This was heartbreaking, that poor baby. You do such a great job Ron. This is one of the many reasons why I do not, or allow my kids to support circuses. That would be awesome if you are the one to honor Mary, or get something started for her.
Thanks for telling us this story Ron. If there is anything I can stand is seeing Animals being killed or hurt my god. Rest in peace Mary you did not deserve that at all.
I imagine poor Mary was tired of being treated like a possession and not a living being. Obviously, Sparks was a cold hearted monster who cared nothing about poor Mary. So many monsters in this world.
RIP Mary. RIP. 😢💔✌🏻
Hey Ron. Animal Rights and Vegan here. I’ll have to sit this one out-gut-wrenching. Thanks so much for sharing this story so the world can see how animals have been treated.
We totally understand. We appreciate your support and hope to see you next week!
I agree. Too horrible 😢
Unfortunately they still are being treated cruelly and there is still no justice. Saw an article today about Michael Vick and how much money he receives/has. Who got paid millions for a game after being part of a brutal dog fighting group. Those poor dogs were strangled, hung, beaten, besides being fought and forced breeding. Yet, he was allowed to continue to play after a short jail term. What an outstanding (not) example to young kids!😡🤡
All those kids watching poor Mary die probably learned how to be just as cruel as the adults cheering and calling for her death!😢
It is really amazing how low humanity is willing to go...not just with animals, but with other humans, as well. This world is full of people with extremely dangerous and evil intentions. It has always been, and will always be. Time to toughen up!
My brother lives next door in Unicoi. I learned about this back in the 90’s. We were eating at a restaurant and there was a picture of Mary being hanged from a crane on the rail. I asked what the picture was for, and it’s an interesting story.
Ron you should have saved this story for Halloween! It was truly horrifying! The cruelty of man, nothing more scary!! RIP to Mary! Thank you for sharing her story! Stay safe!❤
Thank you Ron. Compassion is something which is precious and you have shown it. God bless you..
Elephants are smart majestic animals, and to hurt or kill them is beyond horrible 💔
Im looking forward to watch this episode and this story this evening hope you're doing well hope you're having A great weekend see you on tonight primerie it sounds very sad story 😢
What a horrendous story. She was a wild animal and was scared. It was sad the man was killed too. They get so scared their instincts are to protect themselves, to kill here like that was cruel, 😢 there should be a marker for Mary she did not deserve to be killed so inhumanely. Hopefully, that would not be done so cruelty now.😢
Unqualified to handle her.
You did well telling her story. I would have had too big of a lump in my throat. Such cruelty.
They should have a memorial marker with the entire history of what happened to poor Mary.
What a distressing story of a beautiful elephant. I can never understand anyone could watch this poor elephant suffer. Thank you for sharing this story Ron. Mary will never be forgotten! Wish we could find her & bury her properley x
I live about 45 minutes from Erwin. My ex-husband was actually born and raised there. This piece of their history isn't something they are proud of, for sure. But it's local legend regardless. For a while they had various elephant statues commissioned from local artists that were dedicated to Mary throughout the town to honor her and denounce their previous actions. I'm not sure if they are still there, though. It's probably been almost 20 years since I've been through there. From what you say in the video, I assume they are no longer there, which is so sad. I know there also used to be a Chinese restaurant in the town that kept elephant statues all around the inside. It's such an awful piece of our local history. Thank you for honoring Mary.
thanks for that info, and the nice note.
My God. I ain't got the words. Thank you for bringing this to light. And yes, she should be remembered properly. Animal abuse, and that's what it had to be, is wrong in all it's forms
Ron, this was so sad! This should have been in books! What is the matter with these people?! R.I.P. Mary! They could have put a memorial or something up for Mary! ❤️🌹😭
R.I.P Mary free from all torment and pain,hope the towns conscience (if it has one torments them forever)sad but needed to be told thanks Ron!safe travels,🙏🙏👋👋👍🚂🇦🇺
Love your stories, Ron, but I’m joining the others and sitting this one out as well. I am late to this story as I heard about this horrible act of animal abuse recently. We’ll never know the full extent of abuse Mary endured in her life. Heartbreaking.
Your editing of your videos continues to amaze me. Thank you for all your time and work you put into these moments of time.
I've heard of this before and I've always thought how we as humans, just don't deserve animals. This was such a sad tale of an abused animal that just couldn't take it anymore and defended herself and was punished in such a cruel heartless and public way, it's just disgusting that this happened. My niece who is now a teacher used to go around to the circuses and raise awareness to what the majority of them were doing. She taught me alot that really opened my eyes to the barbaric practices of some of these circuses. As much as it hurts to watch this particular episode, it has to be told so her name doesn't fade away and we remember what really happened. Thank you Mr. Ron for letting people know Mary's story. Much love from the sunshine state 🌞
What a horrific story! My heart was broken the way Mary was treated. Ron I found an article that stated “She wad buried alongside of the power house coal wharf track within a few feet from, where she was executed. Her grave was 10 feet by 12 feet by 15 feet. “. Is this the location you guessed she might be buried? As you were walking the track I saw a massage sink in the ground between the tracks.
Hey Ron you took my suggestion I told you about this a few months back I live here thanks for doing this video Ron
Thank you for sharing poor Mary's story! Its a horrible story, that needs to be remembered. How can anyone learn to be better if they forget the past? I think she deserves a memorial or at least a plaque! I saw an old newsreel? clip of an elephant hanging that might have been her. Maybe on utube, i forget. People can be unbearably cruel.😢
I debated if I should watch this episode, but I knew you were telling it for a reason. Animals know who treat them right and they know who abuse them, poor Mary was so abused😢. This story was horrific, it broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I hope poor Mary is at peace.
I would think they could narrow down were they buried Mary. They keep sketches of the tracks over the years. Was an interesting story. You would think some of the old timers would know or heard this story. Thank you for sharing
Very sad! However, the fact your a pilot makes your drone shots exceptionally beautiful. I would love an hour video of just you flying. Others use drone shots but your pilot point of view makes me feel like I’m in a 2 seater right next to you. At 75 I may not have the chance but thanks for bringing me close to it. 👍🏼
Go to my BushpilotExplorer channel on UA-cam and you can see me fly and fly with me, at eight GoPro inside and outside my airplane at once
Like this;
ua-cam.com/video/VBB_gcuRUGs/v-deo.htmlsi=WLQW0K_d_65gWefO
@@FacesoftheForgotten
OMGOSH… Thank you ❤️
Couldn't make it thru the live .. However, i thank you for bringing awareness...
Thank you Ron
Hey Ron, I live in the city next to Erwin and I have known about this story for decades. Although they don't speak about it much due to the shame about the incident, they don't publicize the location of Mary's body because they don't want weirdoes coming around and possibly trying to dig her up. There are actually people that would try to do something like that to get artifacts they could sell. They are actually giving the elephant some respect by keeping her exact location a secret in order to make up for what they did. That's why there is no marker for her grave. (So she can rest in peace)
phooey, I respectfully disagree. that is not respect. that is disguise. everyone knows she is buried there, she can rest in peace when people bring her flowers and remember her above her grave.
@@FacesoftheForgotten I regret to inform you that this area still has a few (Thankfully not many) backwoods people that don't think about animals the same way as they do people. An animal grave to those people would be something to exploit, not respect. There are still those that would try to dig her up for profit or notoriety around here. It's a sad fact but true. I hate admitting this about the area I live in but at least those kinds of people are getting fewer and fewer.
Yes poor Mary needs a memorial. How horrible for poor Mary.
This story was so incredibly sad 😔 but needed to be told.
People forget it’s an animal with animal instincts and can become aggressive in a flash.
People can be so cruel to them .
Poor Mary should never have been part of the circus to begin with! If the circus owner genuinely believed she was a threat to human life, she could have been HUMANELY euthanized. In my state, California, circuses are banned from using all animals except for dogs, cats, and horses. Imagine the nightmares children must have had after witnessing Mary's brutal hanging!
All in the name of entertainment.
Sounds like some of the little brutes enjoyed it!😢
I have heard of this incident but hadn't heard the details that you shared here,Ron.That said, it's not the first instance of a circus hiring untrained elephant handlers.That alone is beyond bewildering to me.I realize this occurred in 1916 but it was extremely irresponsible to have a hobo being in charge of such a large creature with the capability of destructive behavior if triggered.It's sad that the man lost his life when he attempted to keep the elephant from eating something that was a special treat to her.The manner in which Mary was killed was brutal.As you mentioned, this is a depressing story.I thank you for sharing it though.
i agree with u Ron Mary does need a marker. wish we could help get 1.
I've heard this story and think it's completely unforgivable!! RIP Mary 😢
Ron i can't wait for your next video. But ive got to sit this one out just her picture brought me to tears. Can't qait for your next one.
A very sad story and Thank you for sharing Sir! Mary we know you suffer, was a uncall death and a hard death! R.I.P Mary I hope your remains are found and a tombstone is placed! 💕🐘💕
Horribly disgusting what they did to her! No human or animal deserves that level of cruelty. Ever. I agree. There should be a marker or something for Mary. The people of the town now may not fully know what happened, but it still happened and they can’t erase their towns history. Trying to cover it up now that people know, it’s horrible. Mary deserves better than that. She didn’t deserve to die the way she did. Very very glad that building took Mary being hung off their building. That’s even more disturbing and awful. Thank you for sharing Mary’s story Ron ❤
SUCH A SAD STORY😢. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS, MR RON ❤ GOD BLESS YOU ❤
I’m in the UK and I’ve known about this poor elephant for years,first time I’ve ever heard her story told and you’ve shown compassion whilst showing us and telling us what happened to her 😢 poor Mary 😞
Thanks for sharing this very sad story and the people who wants to hide what Mary went through but hey secrets can't be hidden forever
I'm utterly impressed with the Coal Powered Drone @ 0:25 !
hahha, yep, it flew in the early 1900's before the Wright Brothers!
@@FacesoftheForgotten Amazing! My favourite drone shot is 19:34 Orville would have been proud! haha
Joking aside, I have watched this episode twice already. It is a truly sombre story and as always your sensitive but in-depth analysis of the story, makes for another Exceptional video. Thank you! (Thumbs up as I'm subscribed already!)
RIP to Mary. She deleted the handler in self defense like any animal would do. But instead of just releasing her into the wild, these evil beings just decided to slowly delete her. Damn shame! I’ve never cared for circuses and I always thought it was animal cruelty for profit. Disgusting
And this my friends is why we don't hire inexperienced idiots to handle precious animals. Mary was used to being treated kindly, like a pet and was loved beyond measure until Red got his hands on the bull hook. He got his, and it was deserved. It is a crying shame that in those days poor Mary had to be slaughtered for her own defense. The lives and deaths of these incredible elephants were as grand as they were. A shame that both Mary and Jumbo came to brutal ends on the railroad, though Jumbo's was accidental it was no less heartbreaking.
Hey Ron, gave ya a thumbs up, love your stories and the respect and compassion you give each of these forgotten faces, but I could not watch this video, sorry, this is the only one I didn't even try to watch, and I've watched them all(some more ) 😁. The thumbnail and hearing the word torture broke my heart 😥 just couldn't do it. Looking forward to next week, and the Fall, Halloween season, always so interesting. Take care❤
thanks, please read the description below.
I didn't want to like this one but I did it for you, Ron. That was awful 😢. I'm glad you told her story
Thank you Ron I love how you tell these stories about animals 😂❤
How sad for Mary, she just wanted to eat.
Hey Ron! Great content as always! Thank you brother, I appreciate ya
Gosh man I live In Elizabethton right down the road from there and I go to Erwin all the time I never knew about this , learn something new everyday, not too far from there in Watauga is the Vandeventer Shelter on a hiking trail where in 1975 hiker Janice Balza was murdered by a fellow hiker by a hatchet because he wanted her backpack, maybe something you could look into!!
Well Ron! I made it in. I wanted to do it in Mary's memory. And I knew you would respectfully tell the story. People can be so cruel to animals and each other 😢
I think Mary deserves a memorial marker. But no one else should paint a tacky mural on a wall or sell T-shirts. RIP dear Mary 🙏 😢 💔
Poor thing. I feel bad when a human is killed, but there is something about an animal's death. They don't have choices.
What a sad story. Ron thanks for sharing. Humans can be very cruel. God blessings upon you and your family.
Elephants are just as smart as humans, and I'm sure poor Mary was out of her mind with what was happening to her.. the absolute horror she endured is heartbreaking 💔.. this story also broke my heart. I'll never forget Mary 😥😓
Maybe as smart as you are, what a dumb thing to say.
Heartbreaking 💔 just sad and heartbreaking 💔. Ron thank you for telling Mary's story for her .
Hey Ron, I'm gonna leave the video but before I do, I wanted to say I'm so glad you're in Tennessee but I wish it were for a different reason. I'm gonna try to watch as much of this as I can but doubt I'll make it far. Ron, have a great day and be safe. What I can not for the life of me understand how anyone could watch an animal suffer in any way, some of the people are just off. And I don't mean this video, I mean back then. You're such an amazing story teller! Thank you! ❤❤❤ Love ya, my friend
You’re the best Ron God bless you always !!!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Mary you deserve to be honored. Thank you Mr Ron for honoring her I'm just in tears. It's a sad sad sad story .
Rest in peace Mary in the arms of our Lord. Stay safe Sir & everyone sending virtual hugs to you all. God sees everything we will all pay for our discretions in time.
This is beyond grotesque. What’s even sadder is they probably did her a favor. Can you imagine what this poor beautiful animal had to suffer everyday of her life? I pray she was actually gone when they buried her. Unimaginable if they buried her alive and broken physically and mentally. She must have been so confused and frightened. Poor baby. 😢
Thank for going there. I too went there yesrs back. I burried a small plastic elephant by the tracks in memory of her.
nice, very nice work.
Have a great weekends to you "RON" & to your family.! A tragic story & such a sad.! Stay safe "Ron".! Fr. North Hollywood, California 😊
Lived in N Hollywood in 71. Sylmar quake sent my dad to Florida lol. Not safe anymore, anywhere. Take care
Another great vibe. Thank! Spooky Season is here, yay!
The entire scenario, the man's horrific killing, and Mary's hanging, was disgraceful!
Hi Ron. This is so sad. I don't understand how anyone could ever get enjoyment out of hurting a poor sweet animal. Your a very nice man,I know that. I think it's great you did this story. Those people should have went to jail. I can't believe nobody interviened to help that poor thing. Disgusting 😢😢 smile from Utah
Hello Ron thank you for sharing Mary's story😢😢 It is very sad that she has nothing no stone or cross,my personal opinion is Yes she deserves it definitely ❤RIP Mary 😢😢😢