Hightower, William A., 1878-1974
Variant namesCollege student and Confederate soldier, from Halifax Co., Va.
From the description of Letters, 1849-1864. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 19794022
William A. Hightower (1878-1974) was a baker in Colma, California, when he was convicted of the murder of Catholic priest Patrick E. Helsin. He spent much of his time in prison writing poetry and prose. He served a sentence of life imprisonment from 1921 to 1965, when he was released, still claiming innocence. After his release he lived in Los Angeles, California.
From the description of William A. Hightower papers, circa 1924-1991. (Brigham Young University). WorldCat record id: 123235064
Hightower was convicted in 1921 and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Catholic priest. While incarcerated for 42 years at the California State Prison, San Quentin, Hightower gained a reputation as a writer, poet, and philosopher.
From the guide to the William A. Hightower papers, 1924-1991, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)
| Role | Title | Holding Repository | |
|---|---|---|---|
| creatorOf | Hightower, William A. Papers, 1920-1970. | Harold B. Lee Library | |
| creatorOf | William A. Hightower papers, 1924-1991 | L. Tom Perry Special Collections | |
| creatorOf | Hightower, William A. Letters, 1849-1864. | Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library | |
| creatorOf | Hightower, William A., 1878-1974. William A. Hightower papers, circa 1924-1991. | Harold B. Lee Library |
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| associatedWith | California State Prison at San Quentin | corporateBody |
| associatedWith | Confederate States of America. Army | corporateBody |
| associatedWith | Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863. | person |
| associatedWith | Pugmire, Genelle, | person |
| associatedWith | Randolph-Macon College | corporateBody |
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Person
Birth 1878-09-28
Death 1974
