Episode Summary: "They Died With Their Boots On" – Ep. 37 of My Victorian Nightmare
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Introduction
In episode 37 of My Victorian Nightmare, host Genevieve Mannion delves into a series of harrowing and enigmatic stories from the Victorian Era. Aptly titled "They Died With Their Boots On," this episode explores a spectrum of macabre events, from brutal murders and violent outlaws to tragic suicides and mysterious spiritualist phenomena. Genevieve intertwines historical accounts with her personal journey, offering listeners a rich tapestry of dark Victorian history.
Genevieve's Personal Journey
The episode opens with Genevieve sharing a deeply personal narrative about the inception of her podcast. Reflecting on a tumultuous year marked by separation and personal loss, she recounts how turning to Victorian imagery and history provided solace during her darkest times.
"A year ago today, I was in the worst place I had ever been in my life. I felt like I didn’t even recognize myself anymore." [02:15]
Genevieve describes her transformation into a goth, finding comfort in the elegance and macabre aesthetics of the Victorian Era. This personal backdrop sets the stage for the episode's exploration of dark historical events.
Matricide and Tragedy in Meriden, Connecticut
The first major story Genevieve examines is the tragic case of Charles E. Vetz, a German milk peddler who committed matricide before taking his own life.
"During a dispute with his mother... Charles E. Vetz... succeeded in putting an end to her life by cutting her throat." [17:45]
Genevieve unpacks the circumstances leading to this horrific act, including Vetz’s prolonged suffering from mumps and the possible psychological impacts of his illness. She also draws parallels to modern societal desensitization towards crime scenes, lamenting the public's relentless curiosity in witnessing tragedy.
Bad Tom Smith: Kentucky's Notorious Outlaw
Next, Genevieve recounts the violent exploits of Bad Tom Smith, a feared outlaw from Eastern Kentucky involved in the French Eversole feud. Smith’s reign of terror, marked by multiple murders and strategic eliminations of witnesses, culminated in his eventual capture and public execution.
"Eight men having died with their boots on from bullets fired from the bushes by Bad Tom Smith." [29:20]
She details Smith’s cunning efforts to evade justice, including burning courthouse records and attempting prison breaks. The episode highlights Smith’s final moments, where despite his outward composure, he desperately sought divine intervention.
"Save me, God save me." [35:50]
Genevieve reflects on the societal fascination with such figures, drawing a chilling comparison to modern-day obsessions with infamous criminals.
Reverend Collier and the Futility of Goodness
The episode transitions to an account of Reverend Collier’s discourse on the inherent sins within humanity, specifically focusing on swearing as a mundane transgression.
"It is no use for men trying to be good, as there were little sins which had always existed and always would do so." [41:10]
Genevieve connects Collier’s views to the extremist behaviors of Rasputin’s cult, exploring themes of inherent human flaws and the lengths individuals might go to counteract perceived immorality. She emphasizes the blurred lines between spiritual fervor and destructive fanaticism.
Criminal Capers: A Series of Victorian Crimes
Genevieve presents a series of violent crimes reported in the "Illustrated Police News," painting a vivid picture of the era's lawlessness:
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Shot in the Head: Fate Weaver’s ambush and murder of his cousin Jim Wheeler in Chattanooga County, Georgia.
"Fate Weaver ambushed his cousin Jim Wheeler while plowing and shot him in the head, scattering his brains on the ground." [47:30]
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Murder and Arson: The brutal attack on German butchers August Coleman and William Toppan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
"Coleman was killed by blows on the head from a hatchet and Topman was badly cut about the head." [52:15]
Genevieve meticulously details each case, uncovering additional information from historical newspapers to provide context and depth to these violent narratives.
John S. Blackburn: Poison and Betrayal
A particularly gripping account is that of John S. Blackburn, who poisoned Mary Jane Lovell, his mistress and niece of his sister-in-law, leading to a sensational trial.
"Blackburn is completely broken down, mentally and physically and excited." [1:10:45]
Genevieve explores the lyrical descriptions from contemporary reports, highlighting the atmospheric and tragic elements of the case. She discusses Blackburn’s motives, the evidence presented, and the societal implications of such intimate betrayals.
Temperance and Tragedy: The Case of Henry Fricker
Linking societal movements to personal tragedies, Genevieve recounts the story of Henry Fricker, who, under his father’s pleas to abandon alcohol, commits suicide after his father's heartfelt but fatal confrontation.
"Henry drew a pistol and while his father's hand was on his arm, fired the shot into the right side of his neck." [1:25:30]
She contextualizes this within the broader temperance movement of the 19th century, illustrating the profound personal and familial impacts of societal pressures to conform to moral standards.
Enforcing Liquor Laws in New Bedford, Massachusetts
The episode shifts to a lighter yet still eerie narrative about the clandestine methods used to circumvent liquor bans in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
"No liquor is stored in large quantities. Consequently, ale and lager cannot be had except in bottles which are labeled soda." [1:35:00]
Genevieve humorously describes the covert tactics employed by local dealers, painting a vivid picture of the underground alcohol trade and the lengths to which individuals would go to obtain their illicit beverages.
Tragic Infant Death on Railroad Tracks
A heartbreaking vignette recounts the story of an infant who tragically dies after being run over by a train in Viola, Iowa.
"A smiling infant toddled away from its home and lay down between the rails to sleep... the train came along and... banged the whole train over the sleeping cherub before it awoke and never touched a hair of it." [1:42:20]
Genevieve muses on the fragility of life and the innocent tragedies that punctuated the Victorian landscape, though details remain sparse.
Noah Talbot: A Lovesick Superintendent’s Suicide
Another sorrowful tale involves Noah Talbot, a respected Sunday school superintendent who takes his own life following a rejected romantic pursuit.
"He received... a letter from Ms. Lizzie Gilliam... which she peremptorily discarded him." [1:50:10]
Genevieve discusses societal expectations of masculinity and emotional repression, suggesting that Talbot's actions were a tragic result of unmet emotional needs and societal pressures.
Mysteries of Spiritualism: The Seance of James Fisk, Jr.
Concluding the episode, Genevieve explores the mystical side of Victorian fascination with the supernatural through the story of a seance where the spirit of James Fisk, Jr., a notorious robber baron, allegedly appeared.
"The spirit of James Fisk, Jr., as he was in the flesh, appeared and was recognized by all present." [2:05:45]
She examines the cultural context of spiritualism during the Gilded Age, questioning the authenticity of such manifestations while acknowledging their profound impact on public belief and societal norms.
Closing Reflections
Genevieve wraps up the episode by reflecting on the myriad of dark and tragic stories from the Victorian Era, emphasizing their enduring legacy and the lessons they impart about human nature and society.
"Be kind to yourselves and I will see you in your nightmares." [2:20:00]
She encourages listeners to engage with the haunting histories of the past, finding both horror and a strange comfort in the tales that have shaped cultural narratives.
Conclusion
In "They Died With Their Boots On," Genevieve Mannion masterfully navigates through a labyrinth of Victorian-era tragedies and mysteries, intertwining them with personal anecdotes and insightful reflections. This episode serves as a compelling testament to the enduring allure of dark history and its profound ability to resonate with our innermost fears and fascinations.