Harbin says, The story is written from the point of view of Nancy Silver, the lone daughter orphaned by the death of her parents. Nancy did grow up in the same community that she was born into, she was raised first by her maternal grandmother, Barbara Stuart, and then by her paternal grandparents Jacob and Nancy Silver. Harbin goes to the court documents and historical records to get information about Frankie s trial, and disputes several points that have worked their way into the legend. Harbin believes that under the modern judicial system that Frankie would be acquitted of the crime. Just remember that this is a legend not a jack tale, Harbin says.
All legends begin with the truth.
The truth in fact is that Charlie was killed and burned in the fireplace and that his wife was hung for it. And that they left behind a baby daughter, Nancy.