Criminal The Christmas Fire
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Dec 27, 2024 On a fateful Christmas in 1843, a tragic fire reveals the mysterious deaths of Emmeline Hausman and her daughter. The tale takes us through societal pressures, sensational media coverage, and a gripping murder trial involving scandal and public opinion. A courageous juror stands alone against the tide, forcing a retrial and highlighting flaws in the justice system. Meanwhile, Polly Bedine, the main suspect, faces a haunting life of isolation after her acquittal, becoming a ghostly figure in the eyes of the community.
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The Christmas Fire
- On Christmas night 1843, a fire broke out in the Houseman home on Staten Island.
- Inside, the burned bodies of Emmeline Houseman and her daughter, Anne Eliza, were found.
Staten Island in the 1840s
- In the 1840s, Staten Island was a rural community with a small population where everyone knew each other.
- Despite its rural character, the island was close to New York City, offering a stark contrast.
The Houseman Family
- The Housemans were a wealthy family on Staten Island, their fortune built on oyster farming.
- George Houseman, away at sea, was close to his sister Polly, whose marriage had fallen apart.
