the+story+of+Frankie+and+Johnny+Silver

Did Frankie Silver kill her husband out of jealousy or self-defense?

Did she kill him at all?

There have been so many different elements added to the story over time and I just want to find out as much as I can about what really happened. I know that there are several letters written on behalf of Frankie Silver to the governor of NC attempting to convince him to pardon her. I really want to find these primary sources and see what I can learn from them. I also want to find newspaper articles from the time of her hanging and read about the different accounts of the event. I know the sources that I want to use exist, but now I just need to find out where I can access them.

I found out from my 8th grade history teacher that at a small church in Mitchell County, where Charlie is buried, there is an old woman whose husband was highly interested in the Frankie and Charlie story, and he he had a lot of information about the story, including primary sources. Since he died, his wife has kept up with the information and if she is still in good health, she would be willing to share it with me. I am going to get in contact with her ASAP, and try to set up a meeting with her over fall break.