Ridiculous History: CLASSIC - The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin
Host: Ben Bowlin & Noel Brown | Release Date: April 19, 2025

Introduction

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve deep into the extraordinary and often overlooked tale of Boston Corbett—the man who assassinated John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, the hosts unravel the bizarre life of Corbett, painting a vivid picture of a man driven by faith, resilience, and perhaps, madness.

Historical Context: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

The episode begins with a brief recounting of the pivotal moment in American history:

Ben [00:28]: "On April 14, 1865, an actor named John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., while watching a play with his wife."

Booth's immediate escape marked the beginning of a nationwide manhunt, setting the stage for the introduction of Boston Corbett.

Introducing Boston Corbett: From Troubled Beginnings to Religious Zealot

Boston Corbett, originally named Thomas Corbett, had a tumultuous early life marked by personal tragedies and substance abuse:

Noel [05:47]: "Although he was born Thomas Corbett and was not a soldier out of the womb, as it turns out, his initial occupation was as an incorrigible drunk."

Corbett's life took a dramatic turn after the death of his wife and first child during childbirth, propelling him into a downward spiral of alcoholism. However, a chance encounter with a street evangelist rekindled his faith:

Ben [07:11]: "He meets one of these proselytizing preachers and becomes mesmerized by the word of God, transforming from a vagrant into a fervent street preacher."

Adopting the name Boston in honor of his hometown, Corbett's deepening religious convictions would play a significant role in his later actions.

Civil War Service and Personal Struggles

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Corbett enlisted in the Union Army, where his devout nature both distinguished and isolated him:

Ben [12:39]: "He enlisted in the Union army and he had a quotation here that he allegedly told the women at his church: 'When I come eye to eye with my gray suited enemies, I will say to them, God have mercy on your souls. Then pop them off.'"

Despite his piety, Corbett's behavior was often at odds with military discipline. An infamous incident during training saw him confront his colonel:

Ben [17:03]: "When the Colonel's yelling at them and cursing, he yells back, 'Colonel, don't you know you're breaking God's law?'"

This defiance led to his temporary imprisonment, but the pressing needs of war saw him return to duty, where he served with distinction despite his unorthodox methods.

The Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth

After Booth's assassination of Lincoln, Corbett was among the elite cavalrymen dispatched to capture the fugitive. The relentless pursuit culminated in a dramatic confrontation:

Noel [23:10]: "Boston Corbett is one of the 26 elite cavalrymen sent from the unit to pursue John Wilkes Booth."

Tracked down to a tobacco farm in Port Royal, Virginia, Booth and his accomplice David Herold took refuge in a barn. The tense standoff escalated when Corbett and his men set the barn ablaze:

Ben [24:12]: "They light some straw and fire and poke it through a knothole in the barn, and, you know, like old dry wood tends to do it."

As the flames consumed the barn, Booth made a final, desperate move:

Noel [24:25]: "Booth, who has already made his peace with whatever powers he thinks exist, stays inside. As the barn disintegrates, the soldiers outside can see Booth's silhouette moving back and forth in the burning barn."

Tragically, Booth did not survive the inferno, marking the end of his tyrannical reign.

Aftermath and Boston Corbett's Legacy

Following Booth's death, Corbett faced both acclaim and controversy. Initially hailed as a hero, his later life was marred by mental instability and societal rejection:

Noel [29:07]: "He gets a portion of it, though."

Despite receiving a reward, Corbett struggled to reintegrate into society. His obsessive faith and lingering trauma from the war led to erratic behavior, including:

• Hostage Incident (1887): Corbett held the Kansas House of Representatives hostage using weapons, a clear sign of his deteriorating mental state.
• Asylum Escape (1888): Escaping from a Kansas asylum, Corbett was reported as a fugitive but remained elusive, with multiple unverified accounts of his fate.

By the late 19th century, Boston Corbett had faded into obscurity, his life serving as a poignant reflection on the impacts of war, faith, and mental health.

Conclusion: A Forgotten Figure with a Complex Legacy

The episode concludes by highlighting the enigmatic legacy of Boston Corbett—a man who played a pivotal role in American history yet remains largely forgotten. His story intertwines themes of redemption, madness, and the relentless pursuit of justice, making him a fascinating subject for both historians and storytellers alike.

Noel [36:20]: "Yeah, absolutely. Who left a pretty fascinating mark on history."

For those intrigued by Corbett's life, the hosts recommend further reading:

Ben [36:20]: "If you'd like to read more about Boston Corbett, you can check out the book The Madman and the Assassin, which has a pretty snappy chronicle of his time."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben [12:52]: "When I come eye to eye with my gray suited enemies, I will say to them, God have mercy on your souls. Then pop them off."
• Noel [17:03]: "Sir, I have no cause to apologize to you, for you are but immortal and you hath offended the delicate sensibilities of the Lord thy God."
• Ben [28:03]: "I didn't fire the ball from fear, I was under the impression that he, meaning Booth, had started to fight his way through."

Final Thoughts

Ben and Noel wrap up the episode by reflecting on the rarity and significance of Boston Corbett's story, expressing surprise at how little is taught about him in conventional historical narratives. They also invite listeners to share their thoughts and suggest other obscure historical figures deserving of attention.

Ben [37:09]: "They don't really teach you about it in school, you know."

Noel [37:09]: "There's just so many interesting little twists in this story."

The episode serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate and often bizarre threads that weave the fabric of history, inviting listeners to explore beyond the well-trodden paths of historical fame.

Credits:
Hosts: Ben Bowlin & Noel Brown
Producer: Casey Pegram
Researcher: Christopher Haciotes
Theme Composer: Alex Williams
Presented by: iHeartRadio

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