''The Harpe Brothers''

By Crusader1307

Seen by many as America’s ‘’First’’ documented Serial Killers, The ‘’Harpe Brothers’’ – Micajah and Wiley, were two of the most sought after Murderers in the late 18^th and early 19^th Centuries. Their birthplace varies, but most seem to agree with North Carolina ‘’Colony’’ being the best guess between the 1740s and 1760s. Their early life is largely unknown, but what was known is that The Harpes were Loyalists to Great Britain and supported The English army during The American Revolution of the mid 1770s. But they never shouldered arms, per se – The Harpes formed a ‘’Tory Rape Gang’’, attacking Colonial Women whose Husbands were off fighting for American Independence. After The War, the unrepentant Harpe’s went to ‘’The Frontier’’ of The United States (which then was considered Kentucky). The Brothers became Highwaymen (Robbers), more intent on ‘’Thrill Killing’’ rather than gaining fortune. Often taking Their Victims Prisoners, the two delighted in torture and slow death in the deep backwoods of Kentucky. Rape (regardless of age) – was another hallmark of The Harpes. Race was also of no importance, often concentrating on African-American Sales for their perverse ‘’fun’’.

It was estimated that The Harpe Brothers killed (36) known People (although most local records of The Era assign a higher figure of 50). Numerous Posses were formed by concerned Citizens, dedicated to hunting down and ‘’bringing Frontier Justice’’ to the murderous duo. The Harpes also recruited ‘’like minded’’ Criminals and formed an impromptu Gang to attack Settlers. In 1799, A Posse was able to ambush The Harpes and Their associates. Micajah was captured in a fierce fight, it was said – but His younger Brother escaped). Laying dying, and unrepentant Micajah ‘’cursed’’ His captors. As previously stated, ‘’Frontier Justice’’ was the rule of the day. The Posse slowly cut off His head – so that (it was assumed), Micajah could ‘’experience’’ the life long pain He and His Brother had inflicted. His head was preserved and Spiked, placed outside The Courthouse in Webster County, Kentucky.

The search would continue for younger Brother Wiley. Uncaring of the fact of His Brother’s rather gruesome death. Wiley would continue in His murderous ways, with help from His Gang. But even His luck ran out in 1804, when he was recognized and captured (alive). Wiley and an associate were hung in Public. As soon as death was confirmed, Wiley’s head too was severed and Spiked. To this day, many of The Harpe Brothers ‘’Hiding and Torture’’ Spots are well known and well visited by Fans of The Macabre.