The trial of DC Stepheson took place in Hamilton County Indiana 100 years ago. This was one of the most significant legal trials in our county’s history. DC. Stephenson felt he was above all laws due to his leadership of the Klan in Indiana and the support of many politicians. He was charged with rape and murder of Marge Oberholtzer and it was her detailed testimony before her death that was instrumental in the outcome of the trial. We acknowledge that at the time of the trial, there was significant local support for the KKK, but when justice was in the balance 12 men found Stephenson guilty ushering in the collapse of the KKK. The Hamilton County Historical Society and many other organizations are providing educational programs for our current citizens; providing educational programs not to celebrate but to examine a difficult history and reflect on how far we have come in the last century and how much further we still need to go. Hamilton County

Historical Society condemns the actions and beliefs of the KKK.