Ridiculous History

CLASSIC: The Man Who Assassinated Abe Lincoln's Assassin

8 snips
Apr 19, 2025
Discover the intriguing tale of Boston Corbett, the man who took down Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Hear how Corbett’s intense faith and troubled past shaped his decisive action, balancing heroism with moral complexity. The discussion dives into the chaotic manhunt for Booth, complete with a dramatic standoff in a burning barn, and uncovers the personal struggles Corbett faced following his notoriety. Get ready for a blend of humor and history as the hosts bring these captivating moments to life!
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ANECDOTE

Boston Corbett's Spiritual Transformation

  • Boston Corbett changed his life after meeting a street preacher, becoming a devoted evangelist and stopping drinking.
  • He even changed his name from Thomas to Boston after the city where this spiritual turning point happened.
ANECDOTE

Corbett's Self-Castration Incident

  • In a radical move, Corbett castrated himself after feeling guilty for his physical reaction near sex workers.
  • He justified this by a Bible passage about eunuchs and then attended a prayer meeting with his wound.
ANECDOTE

Corbett vs Colonel Butterfield

  • Corbett confronted his commanding officer about swearing, claiming he was breaking God's law.
  • Instead of apologizing, he went to jail and sang hymns loudly, showing his zealous nature.
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