Aghast at the Past

In this final episode of Aghast at the Past:1892, we skip to September of 1893 for the conclusion of the Tena Davis case. Also some reflection from me on the show in general, including possibilities for its future.

New news on the Lizzy Borden and James Trefethen trials. A ten year old boy commits murder over a pocket watch, and other tales of true crime.

Unfortunate new developments for Tena Davis's family in James Trefethen's murder trial.

The final fate of the notorious Dalton Gang, plus selected true crime stories from the first week of October, 1892.

Lizzie Borden news, plus new true crime stories from September.

Lizzie Borden becomes the primary suspect in the murder of her father and step-mother.

The Borden murder case continues to baffle investigators. Andrew Borden's brother-in-law, John Morse, tells his story about his visit hours before their death.

Lizzie Borden's father and step-mother are discovered murdered at their Fall River, Massachusetts home on August 4th, 1892.

A handful of disturbing crime stories from the week of July 25th, 1892.

The assassin of Jesse James is killed in Colorado, and the volatile Homestead Strike leads to dozens dead and wounded in Pennsylvania.

Attorney General Pillsbury gives the prosecution's closing remarks in the Tena Davis Murder Case, and the jury delivers a verdict.

James Trefethen and William Smith's defense team, Marcellus Coggan and John Long, make the case that their clients had nothing to do with the murder of Deltena Davis.

The prosecution lays down it's case in the highly anticipated and sensational Tena Davis murder trial against James Trefethen and William Smith...

On this episode of Aghast at the Past:1892, we examine how the murder of Nathan Champion, accused but never proven cattle rustler, sparked Wyoming's infamous Johnson County War.

The honorable Dr. Charles Parkhurst, esteemed pastor of New York City's Madison Square Presbyterian Church, was on a mission in 1892 to clean up municipal vice and corruption. From February to May of that year, Parkhurst made headlines for his infamous "slumming" trip to the worst dens of sin and deprivation in the city. His guide, a private detective named Charles Gardner, documented their escapades in the now legendary book he called "The Doctor and the Devil, Or Midnight Adventures of Dr. Parkhurst." In this episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892, I read all of chapter ten, and most of chapter eleven, which highlight some of the more notorious visits they made in March of that year. WARNING: I do basically read word for word from the book, and the author does use some language that is considered highly offensive by modern standards. While kept for historical context, listener discretion is still, very much advised.

Three disturbing murders and one attempted one, all taking place in the first week of April,1892, make this episode one of the darkest yet...

On this episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892, we explore the murder of Louis Franklosa by Jeremiah Cotto, and his eventual execution. And more tales of true crime, of course.

In this episode, the wife and four children of Jack the Ripper suspect Frederick Bailey Deeming are found buried under cement in a Liverpool home...

In this latest episode of Aghast at the Past:1892, a review of some of the most fascinating stories of true crime and tragedy of the week, including the apparently diabolical Dr. Henry M. Scudder Jr., who is alleged to have plotted to murder members of the Dunton family after marrying one of the daughters, in an effort to have his wife made sole heir to the family fortune. He was seen by a witness clubbing Mrs. Dunton to death in her bedroom, and arrested for the crime.

On this latest episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892 - a Los Angeles prostitute is stalked by her disturbed suitor, and a man awaits execution for killing his wife with an axe. Feeback? Email Erik at aghastatthepast@gmail.com

We spend most of the episode today covering a wild and wooly train robbery and escape attempt by the boldest and most colorful 19th century outlaw that you've probably never heard of - Oliver Curtis Perry. Also - Miss Lillie Johnson has difficulty keeping her courtroom composure in the emotional Freda Ward murder case.

Tales of suffering and murder on Valentine's Day, 1892, including more details on the Freda Ward murder case.

A murder in New Jersey has a tenuous connection to a Jack the Ripper suspect, an outlaw in Oklahoma Territory meets his maker, and two little boys accused of drunkenness boldly face a judge (plus an update on the Tena Davis case) on this episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892.

A new sensational murder covered today. Alice Mitchell, angry that she was forbidden to see her friend (and alleged lover) Freda Ward, slashed her throat in a fit of anger and passion. Plus other sordid stories from a bygone era.

Trefethen offers his alibi and explains his formal friendship with the now deceased Tena Davis. Mrs. Davis, however, has a much different version of Trefethen's relationship with her daughter. Plus more facts (and rumors) about her death.

A mining disaster in Oklahoma, a double killing in Missouri, and the investigation into Tena Davis's disappearance takes a tragic turn.

On this episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892, mysterious wheel tracks found near a Mystic River bridge provide new information on the Deltena Davis mystery. Plus, a Tong War murder in San Francisco's Chinatown, and other grisly goings-on.

On this episode of Aghast at the Past: 1892, A strange letter arrives for Mrs. Davis, deepening her anxiety about her missing daughter Tena. Also, a San Francisco girl is stabbed in the head by a deranged stranger (plus other distressing tales yanked straight from the rank corners the Gilded Age).

Happy New Year! Stories include a young woman who attempts escape from a convent in Saint Louis MO, a Pennsylvania man dies from swallowing lizards, a convicted wife-killer readies for execution in Vermont, and a Massachusetts girl who had told her mother she was leaving to marry her boyfriend, disappears without a trace.

Enjoy this sneak-peak of Aghast at the Past: 1892, a brand-new podcast from the creator of Most Notorious. Ghastly true-crime stories culled from newspapers published in the dark heart of America's Gilded-Age and the golden era of yellow journalism. Subscribe now, wherever you listen, to ensure immediate delivery of new episodes!