Whiskey & Arsenic: The First Murder By Mail

from Old Blood · host Old Blood

The first ‘Murder by Mail’ was sent to Mrs. Josephine Barnaby in 1891 in the form of an arsenic-laced whiskey bottle. When she and a friend drank the whiskey, both fell violently ill. The resulting murder trial would tear families apart for decades to come.Sources:Conrad, Barnaby. A Revolting Transaction (New York: Arbor House, 1983).Day, Martin C. Death in the Mail (Providence: The Journal Print, 1892).Galpern, Jennifer L. “Happy New Year…in April?” The Rhode Island Historical Society. 13 April, 2017. https://www.rihs.org/happy-new-year-in-april/Newspapers: Evening Star (Washington, D.C.)Fort Worth GazetteMorning Journal and Courier (New Haven)Narragansett HeraldNew York TimesPawtucket TribuneProvidence NewsPortland Daily PressRock Island Daily ArgusMusic: Credits to Holizna, Fesilyan Studios & Virginia ListonFor more information, visit www.oldbloodpodcast.com

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