The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told
Episode: The Great Con-Woman of the Gilded Age (Pt 2)
Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of "The Great Con-Woman of the Gilded Age," host Mary Kay McBrayer delves deeper into the intricate schemes of Cassie Chadwick, a masterful grifter who ascended into high society through deception and manipulation. This episode unpacks Cassie's elaborate cons, her interactions with influential figures, and the eventual unraveling of her fraudulent empire.

Cassie Chadwick's Rise to High Society

The episode picks up with Cassie Chadwick maneuvering through New York City's elite circles in 1902. Mary Kay McBrayer narrates how Cassie strategically positioned herself to gain the trust of influential men, particularly James Dillon, a respected lawyer and friend of her purported father, steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.

At [02:08], Mary Kay sets the scene:

"Cassie knew that James would recognize the address and she took the opportunity to explain her position... Her father was still a man of integrity, though. He set up a trust in her name."

Cassie's claim of being Carnegie's illegitimate daughter was a calculated move to secure her financial position and gain access to high society's resources.

The Promissory Note Scam

Cassie's ingenuity in manipulating financial institutions became her hallmark. By [18:33], Mary Kay recounts Cassie's interaction with Charles Beckwith, the president of Citizens National Bank of Oberlin, Ohio. Cassie secured significant loans under the guise of managing her "trust."

"She signed it immediately. It guaranteed that before July 1, 1903, the Carnegie Trust must be turned over to him and he would receive a $40,000 bonus... Cassie used that receipt to her advantage." [18:33]

Cassie leveraged forged promissory notes and securities, amassing debts that would eventually cripple both her and the banks that trusted her deceit.

Interaction with Charles Beckwith and Financial Overreach

Cassie's relationship with Charles Beckwith illustrates her ability to exploit trust and professional courtesy. Initially, Charles viewed Cassie as an easy target due to her perceived financial naivety. However, Cassie's continuous demands and the rising debts led to significant financial strain.

At [26:54], Mary Kay describes the impending downfall:

"By fall of 1903, though, Charles was running very low on funds. He had $102,000 tied up in Cassie Chadwick... Cassie went to Charles Beckwith again, and he raised the $15,000 she needed."

Cassie's relentless pursuit of funds through loans eventually attracted federal scrutiny, leading to a critical investigation by Comptroller Levi Miller.

The Collapse: Bank Run and Exposure

As Cassie's fraudulent activities became public, the ripple effects were devastating. Depositors, fearing for the security of their savings, initiated a bank run on Citizens National Bank of Oberlin.

"People who had entrusted their savings to Wade Park Bank read about Cassie Chadwick's scandals in the local paper. They knew how closely their bank was associated with her, and everyone rushed to the teller to withdraw their deposits." [29:37]

This mass withdrawal led to the suspension of the bank's operations, triggering a cascade of financial failures and exposing the depth of Cassie's deceit.

Annie Reid's Insights: Interview with the Author

In a compelling segment, Mary Kay interviews Annie Reid, the author of "The Impostor Heiress, Cassie Chadwick, the Great Grifter of the Gilded Age," providing deeper insights into Cassie's life and methods.

Research Methods and Discoveries

Annie discusses her meticulous research process:

"I have an outline that's 270 plus pages of just outlining the newspaper articles from the different times that she was in trouble." [38:57]

She highlights the importance of primary sources, such as Cassie's letters and historical records, which shed light on the nuances of her fraudulent activities.

Cassie's Sophistication and Charm

Annie elaborates on Cassie's innate talent for deception:

"She was so smart. She just picked up on things really quickly... She picked up on banking and legal jargon..." [41:46]

Cassie's ability to adapt and refine her cons over time demonstrated her exceptional skills as a con artist, allowing her to manipulate even the most educated and cautious individuals.

Missed Anecdotes and Unverified Stories

Annie shares intriguing stories that didn't make it into her book due to insufficient corroboration:

"She talked to the servants and said, 'I'm a society lady and this maid is applying to work at my house.'” [45:40]

While these anecdotes added depth to Cassie's character, the lack of concrete evidence required Annie to omit them to maintain factual accuracy.

Final Downfall and Legacy

Despite her tenacity, Cassie's web of lies could not sustain indefinitely. Faced with mounting debts and legal pressures, she resorted to feigning illness to avoid prosecution. Her arrest marked the beginning of the end, culminating in her conviction for conspiracy to misappropriate funds.

Andrew Carnegie, though indirectly affected, responded philanthropically by aiding those harmed by the scandal, showcasing his commitment to social responsibility.

"He wrote back asking for a list of the students and townsfolk who had been affected... He donated $125,000 to help them in their hour of need." [48:43]

Cassie's legacy serves as a cautionary tale of how charm and intellect, when wielded unethically, can lead to widespread financial devastation.

Conclusion

Mary Kay McBrayer's in-depth exploration of Cassie Chadwick's life reveals the complexities of her fraudulent schemes and the societal vulnerabilities that enabled her rise and fall. Through meticulous storytelling and expert interviews, this episode underscores the timeless relevance of fraud prevention and the impact of individual deception on broader financial systems.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the intricate dance between trust, charisma, and integrity, as exemplified by Cassie Chadwick's infamous exploits during the Gilded Age.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kay McBrayer [18:33]:
  "She signed it immediately. It guaranteed that before July 1, 1903, the Carnegie Trust must be turned over to him and he would receive a $40,000 bonus..."

• Annie Reid [41:46]:
  "She was so smart. She just picked up on things really quickly... She picked up on banking and legal jargon..."

• Mary Kay McBrayer [29:37]:
  "People who had entrusted their savings to Wade Park Bank read about Cassie Chadwick's scandals in the local paper. They knew how closely their bank was associated with her, and everyone rushed to the teller to withdraw their deposits."

Further Information:

For a more comprehensive understanding of Cassie Chadwick's life and her fraudulent schemes, listeners are encouraged to explore Annie Reid's book, "The Impostor Heiress, Cassie Chadwick, the Great Grifter of the Gilded Age," available on major book retailers and AuthorAnnieReid.com.

Stay tuned for the next episode of "The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told," where Mary Kay McBrayer explores the dark ventures of David Scotts, a funeral home owner turned criminal mastermind.