Being a distant relative of Jim Cullen, I read of the articles historian Dick Graves wrote about him with great interest (“Presque Isle split over fair event/Victim ‘look-alikes’ contest questioned,” BDN, July 7). If he calls lynching history and compares it to the Kennedy assassination, there is something wrong.

First, of all the facts that Graves gave in his articles [reported by BDN reporter Rachel Rice], the only one that I can see he got right is that they did hang Cullen [in Mapleton in 1873]. And, if he calls hanging an innocent man history, he’d better take a second look.

I had planned to attend this event but with Graves’ sarcasm, I guess it would be best if I just stayed away. He stated that he planned to go ahead with the event even if it offended some people.

Well, it offends me and like they say, you can choose your friends but not your relatives. And next time, he needs to do a bit more research and get his facts straight.

Roger Murphy

Monticello