Contributed by Private Collection through Maine Historical Society
Description
Berengera Caswell's murder helped inspire a literary genre. This daguerreotype features an unidentified couple holding a copy of The Murder of Mary Bean. The man's "thumbs up" gesture invites speculation about his connection to the story.
While working at a textile mill in Manchester, New Hampshire, Berengera Caswell (1828–1849) met a suitor, William Long (c. 1825). After discovering her pregnancy in 1849, she sought Long in Biddeford, Maine, where they agreed to an abortion. Dr. James Smith (1809–1855), a homeopath, first administered juniper, then attempted a surgical procedure, fatally puncturing her uterus. To cover up the death, Smith and his wife discarded her body in a creek, claiming she had died of typhoid.
Her body was found in spring, leading to Smith’s conviction for felony murder. He was later released on appeal with a reduced manslaughter charge.
About This Item
- Title: Unidentified couple holding pamphlet, ca. 1852
- Creation Date: circa 1852
- Subject Date: circa 1852
- Location: ME
- Media: Daguerreotype
- Local Code: Private collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
People
Other Keywords
- Accountability
- Autopsy
- Conviction
- Cover-up
- Deception
- Homicide
- Justice
- Medical ethics
- Reproductive rights
- Scandal
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
Item 152239
Lithograph depicting the murder of "Helen" Jewett, New York, 1836
Item 152266
Life and Confession of Mary Jane Gordon, 1847
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