Show I Attacked Imprisoned Because of Whiskers Between 1830 and 1840 ip in Fitch- Fitch Fitchburg Fitchburg Fitchburg burg Mass a Joseph Palmer was the target of the strangest perse perse- persecution persecution persecution cution in in American history says Colliers Because he wore a beard against the protestations of the townsfolk he was snubbed by his friends sneered at by the trades trades- people stoned repeatedly by small boys and finally attacked by four men who attempted to cut off his whiskers by force Palmer put up a stiff resistance and finally escaped unharmed only to be arrested later for fight fight- ing When brought to trial he was found guilty but as he refused to pay his fine was sentenced to prison for more than a year |