(To hear this episode, scroll to the bottom)

Beautifully written entries in this 1884 Diary led to the story of a cold blooded murder in a home invasion type robbery. Our author writes of the case with his mind resolved, yet his  heart in anguish over the killing. The depravity of the bloody work hit close to home as he and the killer share the same last name.

Lewis “Lew” Wolf Webster, our author’s cousin and Sophia Hall, “Lew’s” girlfriend and soon to be wife. 

“With no system or plan and with less thought and reflection I shall expect to produce a “Crazy book.” However I trust that the poor thing may remain in the same asylum with myself.”

George Webster, Geneva, Ohio – 1884

“Preface: Providing I should ever feel in the future like apologizing to myself for having written such a medley as will in all probabilities appear here, I think that I can excuse myself upon realizing the time in which it was written, at least it would be a consolation if I could remember that in the present times lunacy appears to be a universal trouble and insane notions all most appear to be the most popular ones possible to hold. The condition of political affairs; the pressure of the times when money fails to circulate, the ridiculous notions of style and dress which are popularly accepted as proper and becoming, all tend to produce this peculiar effect upon the minds of our people. Perhaps the young act more natural, as they are less influenced by the causes but even the girls of but few years of age find pleasure in “crazy piecework.” So here I feel what at least I may find an excuse for having written as I write. With no system or plan and with less thought and reflection I shall expect to produce a “Crazy book.” However I trust that the poor thing may remain in the same asylum with myself.”

To hear this episode:

https://www.sallysdiaries.com/podcast/episode/7a522f63/30-murder-and-the-crazy-book