Monday, May 10, 2021

When A Milton Man Was Arrested For Resembling Lincolns Assassin

John Wilkes Booth

On this day in local history, May 10th 1865 - Charles B. Krauser nearly arrested on account of his resemblance to Booth, Lincoln's assassin.
Or, so the Miltonian reported in their Historical Notes.

Charles Krauser served in the civil war, fighting for the union. Thousands of Union Soldiers were part of the search for Booth, with Booth being captured, and killed on April 26th 1865 - weeks before Krausers reported arrest.

"By the 1860s, 26-year-old John Wilkes Booth had become one of most popular and recognizable stage actors of the day. He had toured the country, landing leading roles in plays from New Orleans to Chicago and Boston.Booth’s good looks and charm made him an early American heartthrob. “He is said to be the first actor to have his clothes torn by fans,” according to an article on History.com

This makes me wonder if Krauser was ever truly arrested, or if, rather, a newspaper editor made some sort of joke about Krausers good looks and it ended up being reported, in the historical notes, as an actual event. I simply don't know, as I currently do not have access to the 1865 issues of the Miltonian.

Charles Brushar Krauser was born in Milton, the son of David and Esther [Brushar] Krauser. David was a shoemaker, and Charles joined him in that business.

The Krauser Boot & Shoe store was located on Front Street, in the Goodlander Block - today the new Cinn-full treats bakery is opening that very same building.

Ellis and Daniel Krauser, brothers of Charles, opened a drug store in what was known as the Krauser Block of Milton.

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2 comments:

  1. Ride With the Assassin by Megan Hardgrave
    Abraham Lincoln Assassination from a teenage boy perspective who unwittingly helps Booth escape route into Maryland and Virgina 12 days . Inspired by the real boy Peanut Burroughs who held his horse April 14,1865

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