Boston Corbett

Boston Corbett
Corbett c. 1864–1865
Birth nameThomas H. Corbett
Nickname(s)The Glory to God man
Lincoln's Avenger
BornJanuary 29, 1832
London, England
Disappearedc. May 26, 1888 (aged 56)
Neodesha, Kansas
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1861–1865
RankSergeant
Unit12th New York State Militia
16th New York Cavalry Regiment
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
Signature

Sergeant Thomas H. "Boston" Corbett (January 29, 1832 – disappeared c. May 26, 1888) was an English-born American soldier and milliner who killed John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln on April 26, 1865. Known for his devout religious beliefs and eccentric behavior, Corbett was reportedly a good soldier and had been a prisoner of war at Andersonville Prison. Corbett shot and mortally wounded Booth when his regiment surrounded him in pursuit. For his actions, Corbett was largely considered a hero by the American media and public.

Corbett drifted around the United States before he was committed to Topeka Asylum for the Insane after being declared insane in 1887. Corbett escaped and disappeared in 1888.