Ann Wyley facts for kids
Ann Wyley (sometimes spelled Wiley; died March 26, 1777) was an enslaved woman who lived in Detroit. At that time, Detroit was part of the British Province of Quebec. She is known as one of the very few women to be legally executed in Michigan's history. Ann Wyley is also the only Black person and the only woman whose name we know who was executed in Michigan.
Life in 18th-Century Detroit
Ann Wyley was enslaved by two businessmen, James Abbott and Thomas Finchley. They were involved in the fur trade and ran a store near Fort Detroit. We don't know exactly when or how Ann came to be enslaved by them.
In the mid-1770s, Ann Wyley faced serious accusations. She was accused of taking items from her enslavers. Another worker, Jean Contencineau, was also accused of being involved. A third worker, Charles Landry, admitted to being part of the situation but was not charged. Ann Wyley and Jean Contencineau were also accused of setting a fire to hide their actions.
The Trial and Its Outcome
After their arrest, Ann Wyley and Jean Contencineau were held in Fort Detroit. Their trial finally took place in mid-1776. Philippe DeJean, who was a justice of the peace in the town, allowed them to have a jury trial.
During the trial, Ann and Jean were found not guilty of setting the fire because there wasn't enough direct proof. However, they were found guilty of the other accusations. Jean Contencineau stated that Ann Wyley was the main person behind their actions.
At that time, there had been many small thefts around Fort Detroit. Justice DeJean wanted to send a strong message to others. He decided to sentence both Ann Wyley and Jean Contencineau to death. This decision was approved by Lieutenant-Governor Henry Hamilton.
Ann Wyley and Jean Contencineau were executed publicly on March 27, 1777. Some historical accounts suggest that Justice DeJean offered Ann Wyley a pardon if she would carry out Jean Contencineau's execution herself. This was because no one else wanted to do it. She reportedly did so, but was then executed herself afterward.
See Also
- Capital punishment in Michigan
- Slavery in Michigan
