Happy Birthday, David Herold

On June 16, 1842 (172 years ago today) David Edgar Herold was born to Adam and Mary Ann Herold. Though earlier research suggests that he was born in Maryland, new evidence shows that he was probably born in Washington DC.

Davey (as he was often called) was raised in a large brick house in the Navy Yard (his father was Chief Clerk in the Navy Yard store for over 20 years). He was the sixth of eleven children but three older boys had died as children, leaving David as the lone surviving male with seven sisters ranging in age. When Adam Herold passed away in 1864, his heartbroken son became the head of the family at a mere 22 years of age.

On the night of Lincoln's assassination, Herold guided fellow conspirator Lewis Powell to the home of Secretary of State William Seward. He later met up with John Wilkes Booth at Soper's Hill just outside of Washington. 12 days later, Herold was captured by Union troops and taken back to Washington for trial.

His 23rd birthday was spent behind bars in the Old Arsenal Penitentiary. It was the last he would see on Earth. Just weeks later, on July 7, 1865, he would be convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to death by hanging.

Herold left behind his widowed mother and his grieving sisters.

The first photo has no date but is believed to have been taken when David was still in school. The second was taken upon his arrest in 1865.

Until next time.

XOXO, Kate