Boston Corbett

Error creating thumbnail:

Boston Corbett - Brady-Handy

Boston Corbett (1832 – presumed dead 1894) was an American soldier and hatmaker who is best known for killing John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Corbett was born Thomas H. Corbett in London, England, and emigrated to the United States as a young boy. He later changed his name to Boston after experiencing a religious conversion in Boston, Massachusetts.

Early Life

Corbett was born in 1832 in London. His family moved to the United States when he was a child, settling in New York City. As a young man, Corbett worked as a hatmaker, a profession that exposed him to the toxic effects of mercury, which was commonly used in the hat-making process. This exposure is believed to have contributed to his later erratic behavior.

Religious Conversion

In the early 1850s, Corbett experienced a profound religious conversion during a revival meeting in Boston. He became a devout Methodist and adopted the name "Boston" in honor of the city where he found his faith. Corbett became known for his zealous street preaching and strict adherence to his religious beliefs.

Civil War Service

During the American Civil War, Corbett enlisted in the Union Army in April 1861. He served in the 16th New York Infantry Regiment and later in the 12th New York Cavalry Regiment. Corbett was captured by Confederate forces and spent time in the notorious Andersonville Prison, where he endured harsh conditions before being released in a prisoner exchange.

Killing of John Wilkes Booth

After the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, Corbett was assigned to the 16th New York Cavalry Regiment, which was tasked with tracking down John Wilkes Booth. On April 26, 1865, Corbett and his fellow soldiers cornered Booth in a barn on the Garrett farm in Virginia. Despite orders to capture Booth alive, Corbett shot and killed him, claiming that Booth had raised his gun to fire. Corbett was initially arrested for disobeying orders but was later exonerated and hailed as a hero by many.

Later Life and Disappearance

After the war, Corbett struggled to adjust to civilian life. He worked various jobs, including as a preacher and doorkeeper for the Kansas State Legislature. His behavior became increasingly erratic, and in 1887, he was committed to an asylum in Topeka, Kansas. Corbett escaped from the asylum in 1888 and was last seen heading to Mexico. His ultimate fate remains unknown, and he was declared legally dead in 1894.

Legacy

Boston Corbett remains a controversial figure in American history. While some view him as a hero for killing John Wilkes Booth, others criticize his actions as reckless and disobedient. His life story has been the subject of various books and articles, reflecting the complexities of his character and the turbulent times in which he lived.

See Also

• John Wilkes Booth
• Abraham Lincoln assassination
• American Civil War
• Andersonville Prison