Staten Island, Shrouded in Mystery:

The Intriguing Link Between Polly Bodine, Edgar Allan Poe, and P.T. Barnum

What do Polly Bodine, Edgar Allan Poe, and P.T. Barnum have in common?

Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum are all linked through a historical connection related to the lesser-known Polly Bodine. Mrs. Polly Bodine was a resident of Staten Island, New York, a rural haven inhabited by a mere 10,000 residents in 1843.

This actual crime event involved Polly Bodine, a Staten Islander charged with the horrifying murders of her brother's wife, Emeline Houseman, and their infant daughter on the ominous night of Christmas in 1843. The scene that greeted those who entered the Houseman's home was a montage of horror — Emeline's life snuffed out with her skull mutilated. Her body was set ablaze while the infant Ann Eliza met a similarly violent end.

Emeline's husband, George Houseman, a fisherman, was away during the fateful night. During his absences at sea, Polly Bodine, his sister, often extended her companionship to Emeline and Ann Eliza, their baby. The family ties appeared genuine, and Polly's friendship with Emeline seemed unmarred.

Polly Bodine, Emeline's sister-in-law, emerged as the immediate suspect.