The Case Against Florence Maybrick
The story of Florence Maybrick in the late 19th century fascinated Victorian audiences. Was she a vile poisoner or a Victorian victim? Because she was an American by birth, the case ended up involving the US press as well as the US government, as her lawyers worked frantically to get her sentence either commuted or overturned. The suspect: Name: Florence Elizabeth Chandler Born: September 3, 1862, Mobile, Alabama. Parents: William George Chandler, a banker and one-time mayor of Mobile, and the Baroness von Roques. Background: Florence’s father died when she was a baby. Her mother married twice more, the final time to a German baron. Florence grew up in Europe, educated privately by governesses, spoke French and German fluently. She was pretty, vivacious and sophisticated. The Victim: Name: James Maybrick Born: October 25, 1838, Liverpool England Parents: William and Susanna Maybrick. Profession: Cotton Broker. His business r