Episode Summary: "Killed By a Coffin" (Ep. 19)
Host: Genevieve Manion
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Podcast: My Victorian Nightmare
Introduction
In the nineteenth episode of My Victorian Nightmare, host Genevieve Manion delves deep into the macabre and mysterious tales from the Victorian Era. This episode, titled "Killed By a Coffin," continues Genevieve's exploration of eerie events, focusing on bizarre deaths and unsettling stories published in historical records like the Illustrated Police News, Law Courts and Record. Genevieve seamlessly blends historical recounting with her unique personal anecdotes, creating an engaging narrative for her audience.
Personal Anecdotes and Housekeeping
Before immersing listeners in the dark tales of the Victorian past, Genevieve shares a light-hearted Thanksgiving story about her family's quirky tradition involving shrimp—a humorous segue that showcases her relatable personality. She mentions:
"[00:30] I love shrimp. I'm a very shrimpy woman, and my anxiety disorder is highly triggered by scarcity. Shrimp scarcity is no exception."
This personal touch helps bridge the gap between Genevieve and her audience, setting a comforting tone before navigating through the grim historical accounts.
Genevieve also takes a moment to thank her listeners for their support, urging them to continue leaving comments and reviews:
"[05:00] Thank you for rating the podcast on Spotify and Apple podcasts. It still really means so much to me that you guys do that."
[Timestamp: 05:00]
Movie Review: "House" (2008)
Genevieve offers a brief yet colorful review of the 2008 horror film House, starring Michael Madsen. She humorously critiques the film's coherence and editing, warning listeners about its perplexing narrative:
"[07:00] The tenacity of that plea continues. Still wait but not wait. And I need to watch it again now."
[Timestamp: 07:00]
Her candid review not only provides entertainment but also reflects her ability to intertwine pop culture with her Victorian themes.
Main Segment: Victorian-Era Bizarre Crimes and Stories
The heart of the episode lies in Genevieve's detailed examination of various unsettling incidents from the Victorian period, primarily sourced from the Illustrated Police News, Law Courts and Record. Each story is meticulously presented, accompanied by Genevieve's insightful commentary and occasional humor.
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Killed by a Coffin
Genevieve recounts the tragic tale of Henry Taylor, a man fatally crushed by a coffin during a funeral procession in 1872 London:"[15:30] The coffin was moved... the deceased caught his foot against a side stone and stumbled. The other bearers... let the coffin go and it fell with great force onto the deceased."
[Timestamp: 15:30]She provides additional context from historical records, highlighting the public's fascination with this story and the subsequent call for safety measures in coffin handling.
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A Smashing Spree
A drunken tramp in 1876 St. Louis wreaks havoc by smashing eight plate glass windows, possibly fueled by political frustrations related to the contentious 1876 U.S. presidential election:"[20:45] It has not yet been ascertained whether he is a Democrat or a Republican... the judge didn't care about his politics."
[Timestamp: 20:45]Genevieve connects this act to the intense political climate of the time, drawing parallels to modern-day political frustrations.
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Slain in a Saloon
An altercation in Louisville, Kentucky, leads to a fatal shooting following a bet about becoming the next constable:"[25:10] Connell was shot by A1 Skelly, a friend of Hennessy, and died half an hour afterward."
[Timestamp: 25:10] -
Madhouse Murder
A horrifying incident in an Ohio asylum where Ellen Boyd, an insane woman, murders Laura Lyon with an axe:"[30:50] Ellen Boyd's fiendish madness had prompted the deed... death finally released her from her suffering just one week after the terrible transaction."
[Timestamp: 30:50]Genevieve reflects on the brutal conditions of 19th-century asylums, emphasizing the lack of humane treatment and the prevalence of violence.
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Crime in Iowa
A brief yet chilling statistic about the number of murderers and attempted killers in the Iowa Penitentiary in 1873:"[35:00] In the Iowa Penitentiary there are at present 12 murderers, 11 second class man killers..."
[Timestamp: 35:00] -
Desperate Shooting Affray in Albany
A young man, Charles Hollister, commits a spree of random shootings in Albany after losing his money in a saloon:"[40:20] He fired at the men whom he claims were the authors of his misfortunes."
[Timestamp: 40:20] -
Discomfiture of a Fond Parent at the Depot in Danbury
A bizarre encounter where a man is assaulted at a train station, leading to a humorous yet unsettling anecdote:"[45:00] The point of a blue cotton umbrella caught his seductive lips, followed by the passionate injection 'Scat, you gray headed wretch.'"
[Timestamp: 45:00] -
Crime of a Jealous Lover
Jacob Lewenberger murders Frederica Mayer in a fit of jealousy, leading to his trial and eventual commitment to an asylum:"[50:15] Lewenberger pleaded not guilty... the jury returned a verdict of not guilty."
[Timestamp: 50:15]Genevieve discusses the implications of the insanity plea in Victorian courts and its consequences.
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Arrest of Female Prowlers upon Bleecker Street, New York
A glimpse into the rampant issue of female prostitution in 19th-century New York, portrayed with Genevieve's characteristic wit:"[55:40] Prostitutes in this locality are of the lowest grade and almost always noisy and disorderly."
[Timestamp: 55:40]
Insights on Mental Health in the Victorian Era
Genevieve doesn't stop at recounting gruesome tales; she delves into the societal and systemic issues surrounding mental health during the Victorian period. Highlighting the contributions of reformers like Dorothea Dix, she underscores the transformation from inhumane asylum treatments to more compassionate care:
"[35:30] Dorothea Dix... helped to redefine mental illness as something that can actually be treated like an illness."
[Timestamp: 35:30]
This segment not only provides historical context but also pays homage to those who fought for better mental health care.
Conclusion
Genevieve wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with her content through ratings, reviews, and social media interactions. She reiterates her passion for uncovering the dark and delightful aspects of the Victorian Era, inviting her audience to join her in exploring more such eerie tales in future episodes.
"[59:00] If you enjoyed this podcast and you would like to hear more, please Rate Review Subscribe..."
[Timestamp: 59:00]
Key Takeaways
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Historical Documentation: The episode provides a window into the Victorian Era's societal issues, from gruesome accidents to violent crimes, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the period's darker facets.
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Mental Health Evolution: Genevieve highlights the transformation in mental health care, emphasizing the role of activists like Dorothea Dix in advocating for humane treatment.
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Engaging Narrative: Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical recounting, and insightful commentary, Genevieve creates an engaging and informative listening experience for enthusiasts of creepy Victorian history.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Genevieve on Personal Anxieties:
"I love shrimp. I'm a very shrimpy woman, and my anxiety disorder is highly triggered by scarcity."
[00:30] -
Reflection on the Movie "House":
"The tenacity of that plea continues. Still wait but not wait. And I need to watch it again now."
[07:00] -
Discussion on Mental Health Reforms:
"Dorothea Dix... helped to redefine mental illness as something that can actually be treated like an illness."
[35:30] -
Encouragement for Listener Engagement:
"If you enjoyed this podcast and you would like to hear more, please Rate Review Subscribe..."
[59:00]
For more spine-chilling stories from the Victorian Era, subscribe to Genevieve Manion’s My Victorian Nightmare and follow her on Instagram @myvictoriannightmare.