Boston Corbett is best known for his role in the killing of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Born on January 29, 1832 in London, England, Corbett moved to New York City with his family at a young age. He started his career as a hatter before eventually joining the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was during his time in the army that he would become known as "Lincoln's Avenger."
Corbett's most infamous act came on April 26, 1865, when his regiment was tasked with capturing Booth, who was hiding in a barn. After a failed attempt to coax Booth out, Corbett took matters into his own hands and shot him fatally in the back of the head. This action solidified his place in history, but it also led to a series of events that would ultimately change the course of his life.
After being discharged from the army, Corbett struggled to find his place in the world. He took on various odd jobs before eventually being admitted to Topeka Asylum for the Insane. However, his time at the asylum was short-lived, as he managed to escape and disappear into obscurity.
It is rumored that Corbett resurfaced in a reclusive area of Minnesota, where he lived out the rest of his days. Some believe that he perished in the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894, but the truth of his fate remains a mystery.
Despite his notoriety, Corbett's personal life was marked by tragedy. He did marry at one point, but both his wife and child tragically died during childbirth. These losses undoubtedly weighed heavily on Corbett, adding to the complexities of his already tumultuous life.
After Corbett's presumed death, there were multiple claims from individuals who tried to take credit for Booth's assassination. However, history has cemented Corbett as the man responsible for ending Booth's life. His actions, while controversial, were seen by many as a necessary justice for the death of President Lincoln.
Corbett's story is a complex and intriguing one, filled with twists and turns that make him a fascinating figure in American history. While his fate remains shrouded in mystery, his legacy as "Lincoln's Avenger" will forever be etched in the annals of time.