Old Blood
The historical true-crime podcast that uncovers old blood with each new episode. Join us as a historian investigates history's most fascinating cases of true crime.
Old Blood
Whiskey & Arsenic: The First Murder By Mail
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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 Gazette
Morning Journal and Courier (New Haven)
Narragansett Herald
New York Times
Pawtucket Tribune
Providence News
Portland Daily Press
Rock Island Daily Argus
Music: Credits to Holizna, Fesilyan Studios & Virginia Liston
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