Contributed by American Antiquarian Society through Maine Historical Society
Description
The brutal murder of Helen Jewett captured America’s attention. Born Dorcus Doyen (1813-1836) in Temple, Maine, Jewett later lived in Portland, employed as a sex worker. After a brief time in Boston, she worked at a New York brothel on Thomas Street under a series of assumed names, including Helen or Ellen Jewett.
On April 10, 1836, authorities found a murdered Jewett in her bed with extensive head wounds. The bed had been set on fire, partially burning Jewett’s body. One of her former customers, Richard P. Robinson, was quickly arrested and tried. New York and national press outlets covered the trial, dividing public opinion between Robinson’s guilt and Jewett’s lifestyle—the quintessential cautionary tale.
One of the first widely published sex scandals, the crime, trial, and media coverage set several precedents including the first witness interview published in a newspaper. Despite significant evidence against him—presented at trial and afterward— a jury acquitted Robinson.
Drawn by Alfred M. Hoffy and printed by Henry R. Robinson, prosecutors presented a copy of this lithograph at trial to illustrate the crime scene. Despite labeling itself as a “correct likeness & representation” this sanitized version shows Jewett sleeping peacefully with no signs of her violent death.
About This Item
- Title: Lithograph depicting the murder of "Helen" Jewett, New York, 1836
- Creator: Alfred M. Hoffy
- Creation Date: 1836
- Subject Date: 1836
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Locations:
- Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- New York County, NY
- Boston, Suffolk County, ME
- Media: Lithograph
- Local Code: Lith Robi Hoff Jewe
- Object Type: Text and Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Crime and the press--United States--History--19th century
- Crime--New York
- Murder--New York
- Prostitution
- Sensationalism in journalism--United States--History--19th century
- Sex workers--New York
People
Other Keywords
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 152238
Unidentified couple holding pamphlet, ca. 1852
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