My Victorian Nightmare - Episode 45: "Shot by a Spirit Hand"

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host/Author: Genevieve Manion

Introduction & Host's Reflections

In the milestone 45th episode, Genevieve Mannion celebrates the one-year anniversary of My Victorian Nightmare. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her listeners, highlighting the podcast's growth and its role in her personal healing journey. Genevieve shares a significant moment where her podcast was featured prominently on Apple Podcasts, attributing this success to her practice of performing abundance rituals aligned with lunar phases. She notes, “Witchcraft works” (04:25), emphasizing her belief in the power of ritual and intention in her podcast’s success.

Genevieve also introduces the idea of forming a fan coven for enthusiasts interested in the craft, offering exclusive content such as lunar phase meditations, ritual guides, and affirmations through Patreon. She invites listeners to express their interest via Spotify comments or Instagram, stating, “Even if you're not interested in witchcraft, I promise those meditations will be blissful as hell to listen to” (10:15).

Listener Appreciation

Genevieve takes a moment to thank her listeners for their support, mentioning specific compliments like one comparing her voice to a “female Vincent Price” (06:45). She shares touching anecdotes, such as a listener finding comfort in the podcast while working the midnight shift at a hospital (08:30), underscoring the personal connection and impact her show has on her audience.

Illustrated Police News: Spooky Victorian Stories

Genevieve delves into several spooky and mysterious stories from the Illustrated Police News, Law Courts and Record, an 1800s tabloid known for its sensational tales. Each story is meticulously detailed, accompanied by Genevieve’s personal reflections and historical context.

1. Summary Execution of a Murderer

Story Overview:
In Monterey, California (17th century), Matt Tarpy, a notorious local thug, is lynched by a mob of over 300 armed men after murdering Mrs. Nicholson. Despite having a history of corruption and evading justice through bribery, the community takes matters into their own hands.

Notable Quote:
“When asked if he was ready to die, he said, ‘I’m ready, but you are committing murder’” (20:10).

Genevieve's Insight:
She highlights Tarpy’s ruthless nature and the mob’s determination for vigilante justice, lamenting the lack of accountability: “It doesn't appear that anyone was held responsible for his hanging.”

2. Frontier Horror

Story Overview:
A tragic tale from Mankato, Minnesota, where a man succumbs to alcoholism, leading to the death of his wife and children. After leaving his family to seek alcohol, a severe snowstorm claims their lives, leaving the husband to face his guilt, potentially leading to his downfall.

Notable Quote:
“She was entirely destitute of wood, and terrible alternative was presented to her of passively freezing to death with her little ones or seeking assistance from the closest neighbor...” (25:30).

Genevieve's Insight:
Genevieve expresses deep sorrow over the family's plight, emphasizing the profound tragedy of loss and the societal neglect of personal suffering: “How trivial our common losses, griefs and sorrows seem.”

3. Deadly Vengeance of a Woman's Relatives upon Her Husband

Story Overview:
Mr. Holder Isaacson is brutally attacked by his new wife’s relatives after suspected tensions over financial matters. Despite his family’s intervention, authorities show negligence, leaving Isaacson to recover with lingering suspicions.

Genevieve's Insight:
She questions the validity and details of the story, demonstrating skepticism towards the limited information and the police’s dismissive attitude: “That's a hell of an accusation. And why were the cops refusing to help?”

4. Skeletons Found at Bradford

Story Overview:
During street improvements in Bowling Green, Bradford, an Irish laborer uncovers the remains of a male and female skeleton. The careless disposal of the remains prompts Genevieve to ponder the hidden histories within old buildings.

Notable Quote:
“No idea can be formed as to how the skeletons came to be in the position they were found...” (35:50).

Genevieve's Insight:
She reflects on the mystery and the potential secrets buried within historical structures: “I shudder to think how many skeletons and other wild, horrifying things are very likely hidden in the walls of my 100-year-old Brooklyn apartment.”

5. Murder of Dr. Merriman Cole

Story Overview:
Dr. Merriman Cole is found murdered in his Baltimore office with multiple fatal wounds. Charles R. Henderson, a tenant, is arrested but ultimately acquitted despite initial strong evidence, leaving the case unresolved.

Notable Quote:
“The evidence is very strong against him” (40:20).

Genevieve's Insight:
She expresses frustration over the rapid acquittal and the lack of justice for Dr. Cole: “It appears that they got away with it.”

6. Victoria Woodhull's Free Love Incident

Story Overview:
A young man in Baltimore promotes Victoria Woodhull’s free love doctrines, leading to confrontations where he is assaulted by offended young ladies, illustrating societal backlash against progressive feminist ideas.

Notable Quote:
“They replied to his argument with the most appropriate weapons, namely a broomstick and a whip...” (43:15).

Genevieve's Insight:
She critiques the possible fabrication of the story, suggesting the tabloid may be warping Woodhull’s progressive ideologies to discredit free love: “I think this article is made up, to be honest.”

7. Mysterious Death of Housekeeper Dyo and Husband Wilbur's Suicide

Story Overview:
Ms. Dyo, the housekeeper for Frank Wilbur, allegedly dies under suspicious circumstances involving her husband. Overcome by guilt or fear of being implicated, Wilbur drowns himself, deepening the mystery surrounding her death.

Genevieve's Insight:
She ponders the spiritual implications and the possibility of offering closure to restless souls: “I sometimes think it was a step in their spiritual development.”

8. Shot by a Spirit Hand

Story Overview:
The central story of this episode involves Mrs. Cora Cheeseman, who claims to have been shot by a disembodied spirit hand wielding a revolver. The eerie incident leaves both her and her reputed husband in shambles, with conflicting accounts surrounding their marriage and motives.

Notable Quote:
“She saw a human hand firmly clasping a revolver which was pointed directly at her... the hand had no connection with any human body” (50:45).

Genevieve's Insight:
Genevieve is captivated by the supernatural elements, questioning the reality and exploring the psychological aspects of such hauntings: “Isn't that fantastic?” She also shares her intrigue over the front cover illustration inspired by the story, encouraging listeners to view it on her Instagram.

9. Avarice Kills a Man and Corpses Follow

Story Overview:
A man in Indiana, desiring to live austerely despite his immense wealth, dies of exposure. His son ships his corpse to his vast estate, an act that blends avarice with familial duty.

Notable Quote:
“A man in Indiana whose estate was valued on the tax duplicate at $1,250,000 wanted to live on half rations...” (55:30).

Genevieve's Insight:
She muses on the credibility of the story, torn between its extravagant claim and its potential truth: “It's tough to say, but I love it all the same.”

10. Rooster Attends Religious Worship

Story Overview:
In Cayuga, New York, a rooster named Cochin exhibits remarkable behavior by attending family worship services, demonstrating an almost human-like understanding and participation in religious practices.

Notable Quote:
“The rooster walks in deliberately and takes his stand by the stairs side of the woman of the house...” (58:10).

Genevieve's Insight:
She delights in the heartwarming portrayal of Cochin, wistfully imagining a more charming church experience: “I would have enjoyed church so much more if I could have sat next to a sweet rooster and gave him hugs.”

Conclusion & Call to Action

Genevieve wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, join the Patreon community for ad-free listening and exclusive content, and participate in the potential fan coven if interested. She signs off with her signature blend of spooky charm and personal warmth: “Be kind to yourselves and I will see you in your nightmares.”

Join the Community:
Follow Genevieve on Instagram (@myvictoriannightmare) and BlueSky for visuals related to the stories discussed.

Support the Show:
Access Patreon for exclusive content and ad-free episodes at myvictoriannightmare.com.

If you enjoyed this summary, consider listening to the full episode for a more immersive experience into the dark and mysterious tales of the Victorian era.