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Why was Mary Surratt not photographed after her arrest?
09-13-2013, 08:16 PM
Post: #32
RE: Why was Mary Surratt not photographed after her arrest?
The Petersens were very industrious. The Petersens emigrated to America to find a better life, which they did...........for a while. The bought the last vacant lot on 10th St between E and F streets and built a handsome three bay federal style house, with the intent to use at least in part, as a boarding house. William was a successful tailor and when war erupted, he became a contract tailor making officer's uniforms. Along with the demand for uniforms, the need for rooms in Washington jumped up in 1861 due to the war effort. By 1865, the Petersens had almost four years of highly profitable years. In 1865, with the war over, the tailor business slowed, and government clerks were going home. The need for uniforms and rooms went way way down, besides not too many people wanted to live in the house where Lincoln died. I think the combination of financial distress, the death of the President in their home and the loss of two (?) daughters took a huge emotional toll. I think Williams death was probably accidental, Anna, don't know but the rumor of suicide could ring true.
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RE: Why was Mary Surratt not photographed after her arrest? - Jim Garrett - 09-13-2013 08:16 PM

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