•February 28, 2018•

By Eden Martin
NP Guest Columnist

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles dealing with the lynching on the Moultrie County courthouse lawn researched and written by Sullivan historian, native and retired attorney Robert Eden Martin.

As one newspaper put it, Grant Atteberry and family shook the dust of Shelbyville from their pedal extremities yesterday, going to Sullivan. If ever a man charged with crime played in big luck, Grant Atteberry was one of them. His escape from conviction was a surprise to all, including the attorneys who defended him and was due to two causes — first, the defense put up by his attorneys, and second, bad management on the part of the prosecution. At least that is the way the people talk it.

It Wasn’t Over for Ulysses Grant Atteberry

After Grant’s close shave in Shelbyville, it is not surprising that he chose to relocate. We do not know why he chose Sullivan. His sister-in-law and her family — Roxy, wife of brother Ed (who was still in the insane asylum in Kankakee) — also moved to Sullivan.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.