37 Facts About Boston Corbett

Source: Kansaspublicradio.org

Boston Corbett is a name that might not ring a bell immediately, but his story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born Thomas H. Corbett, he became famous for killing John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. But there's more to his life than that single act. Corbett's journey from a hatter to a soldier, and eventually to a man who took justice into his own hands, is filled with twists and turns. Did you know he once castrated himself to avoid temptation? Or that he vanished mysteriously after being declared insane? Boston Corbett's life is a tapestry of bravery, madness, and mystery. Let's dive into 37 intriguing facts about this enigmatic figure.

Key Takeaways:

Boston Corbett was a fascinating and enigmatic figure in American history, known for his role in capturing President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth.
His extreme religious beliefs, erratic behavior, and mysterious disappearance make Boston Corbett's life a captivating and puzzling tale that continues to intrigue people today.

Table of Contents

Who Was Boston Corbett?

Boston Corbett is a name that might not ring a bell immediately, but his life was filled with extraordinary events. Known for his role in American history, Corbett's story is both intriguing and bizarre. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this enigmatic figure.

Born Thomas H. Corbett in London, England, in 1832, he later adopted the name "Boston" after moving to the United States.
Corbett worked as a hatter, a profession that exposed him to mercury, which some believe contributed to his erratic behavior.
He became deeply religious after the death of his wife and child, adopting an extreme form of Christianity.
In a moment of religious fervor, Corbett castrated himself with a pair of scissors to avoid temptation and remain pure.
He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting in 1861.

Boston Corbett and John Wilkes Booth

Corbett's most famous act was his involvement in the capture of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Here are some key facts about this event.

Corbett was part of the 16th New York Cavalry, tasked with capturing Booth after Lincoln's assassination.
On April 26, 1865, Corbett and his unit cornered Booth in a barn in Virginia.
Despite orders to capture Booth alive, Corbett shot him, claiming Booth was about to shoot.
Booth died from the gunshot wound, and Corbett was initially arrested for disobeying orders.
He was later exonerated and hailed as a hero by many for his actions.

Life After the Civil War

After the war, Corbett's life took several strange turns. His post-war years were marked by instability and odd behavior.

He received a monthly pension for his military service, which he relied on for income.
Corbett struggled to hold down a job due to his erratic behavior and extreme religious views.
He briefly worked as a preacher, but his sermons were often too intense for his congregations.
In 1878, he moved to Kansas, where he lived in a dugout he called "The Hole in the Ground."
Corbett became increasingly paranoid, believing people were out to get him.

The Mysterious Disappearance

Corbett's later years are shrouded in mystery. His disappearance remains one of the most puzzling aspects of his life.

In 1887, he was appointed as a doorkeeper for the Kansas House of Representatives.
Corbett brandished a revolver in the statehouse, claiming he was defending himself from imagined threats.
He was sent to the Topeka Asylum for the Insane but escaped shortly after.
Corbett reportedly headed to Mexico, but his exact whereabouts were never confirmed.
Some believe he died in the Great Hinckley Fire in Minnesota in 1894, but this remains unverified.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Boston Corbett's life has left a lasting impression on American history and culture. His actions and peculiarities continue to fascinate people today.

Corbett's shooting of Booth has been depicted in various films and TV shows.
His life story has inspired numerous books and articles, exploring his complex personality.
Some historians argue that Corbett's mental instability was a result of mercury poisoning from his hat-making days.
Corbett's extreme religious beliefs and actions have been the subject of psychological studies.
Despite his controversial actions, Corbett is remembered as a key figure in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.

Lesser-Known Facts

There are many lesser-known facts about Boston Corbett that add depth to his already fascinating story.

Corbett was known for his distinctive long hair and beard, which he believed were commanded by God.
He was a staunch abolitionist, often clashing with those who supported slavery.
Corbett was once captured by Confederate forces but managed to escape.
He was known to carry a Bible with him at all times, often quoting scripture.
Corbett never remarried after the death of his first wife, dedicating his life to his faith.

Final Years and Speculations

The final years of Corbett's life are filled with speculation and unanswered questions. Here are some intriguing details.

Some believe Corbett lived under an assumed name after his escape from the asylum.
There are unconfirmed reports of Corbett being seen in various parts of the United States.
His mental health continued to deteriorate, leading to increasingly erratic behavior.
Corbett's story has been compared to other historical figures who struggled with mental illness.
Despite his troubled life, Corbett remained devoted to his faith until the end.
His exact date and place of death remain unknown, adding to the mystery of his life.
Boston Corbett's life serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the individuals who shape it.

The Legacy of Boston Corbett

Boston Corbett's life was anything but ordinary. From his early days as a hatter to his role in the Civil War, he left a mark on history. Known for killing John Wilkes Booth, he became a figure of both fame and controversy. His later years, marked by mental instability and a mysterious disappearance, only add to his enigmatic story.

Corbett's actions and decisions were driven by his strong beliefs, making him a complex character in American history. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable paths life can take and the lasting impact one person can have. Whether seen as a hero or a troubled soul, Boston Corbett's legacy continues to intrigue and inspire.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the life of a man who played a pivotal role in one of America's most significant events.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho was Boston Corbett?

Boston Corbett, born Thomas H. Corbett, gained fame as the man who killed John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln's assassin. A hat maker by trade, his life took many unexpected turns, leading him to become a Union Army soldier during the Civil War. His actions on April 26, 1865, brought him into the history books, but his life afterward remained a series of odd and tragic events.

QWhat did Boston Corbett do during the Civil War?

Serving as a sergeant in the Union Army, Corbett's most notable contribution was his role in the pursuit and death of John Wilkes Booth. Despite orders to capture Booth alive, Corbett shot him in a Virginia barn, claiming he acted in self-defense. His decision was controversial but ultimately led to his being considered a hero by many at the time.

QHow did Boston Corbett become famous?

Fame found Corbett after he shot and killed Booth, the man responsible for President Lincoln's assassination. This single act catapulted him into the public eye, making him a household name in the aftermath of the Civil War. His story was covered extensively in newspapers and public discourse, marking him as a significant, if controversial, historical figure.

QWhat happened to Boston Corbett after he killed Booth?

Life after the killing of Booth was erratic for Corbett. He struggled with mental health issues and his actions were often unpredictable. At one point, he was committed to an asylum in Kansas but managed to escape. His later years are shrouded in mystery, and it's believed he died in the Great Hinckley Fire in Minnesota in 1894, though his exact fate remains unknown.

QWhy did Boston Corbett change his name?

Originally named Thomas, he adopted the name Boston after experiencing a religious conversion in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. This change marked a new beginning for him, reflecting his deep commitment to his faith. His religious fervor influenced many decisions in his life, including his infamous decision to castrate himself to avoid sexual temptation.

QWas Boston Corbett considered a hero or a villain?

Public opinion on Corbett has been divided. Some view him as a hero for ending the life of Lincoln's assassin, seeing his actions as a form of justice. Others criticize him for disobeying orders to capture Booth alive, questioning his judgment and the legality of his actions. His life and legacy continue to be a topic of debate among historians and the public alike.

QHow did Boston Corbett's actions impact history?

By killing John Wilkes Booth, Corbett closed a tumultuous chapter in American history, directly impacting the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln's assassination. His actions contributed to the national healing process, though they also sparked debates about justice, military orders, and the rule of law. Corbett's life story serves as a fascinating footnote in the broader narrative of America's struggle during and after the Civil War.

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