ORIGINAL 1870s antique photo CDV of wealthy Edward S. Stokes, popular who shot and killed his business partner James Fisk in 1872; love triangle NYC
Edward Stiles Stokes, a Gilded Age New York millionaire, spent four years in Sing Sing and Auburn Prisons for shooting and killing his business partner, James Fisk, in 1874. Fisk was also his rival for the affections of their mutual love interest, Helen Josephine ("Josie") Mansfield. Stokes was born in Philadelphia in April 1841, and started in business (first in cheese manufacturing) at a young age. In 1862 he married Maria Southack of NYC, whose father was a wealthy furniture manufacturer. By the end of the Civil War, Stokes was operating an oil refinery in Brooklyn. One of his silent partners at that time was James Fisk, who operated the Erie Railroad.
In 1871, Fisk arranged to have Stokes arrested for embezzling funds from the refinery. Fisk also took over the business by force, and acquired an injunction to prevent Stokes (and his mother) from entering the site. The charge was soon dismissed, though, and Stokes was awarded $10,000 compensation, which was nowhere close to satisfactory from his point of view. Stokes then threatened to publish incriminating letters from Fisk unless he was paid much more. Stokes found out that Fisk had indicted him for attempted blackmail (while a Grand Jury was being impaneled). On 6 January 1872, Stokes met Fisk on the stairs at the Grand Central Hotel on Broadway (see snip) and Stokes shot Fisk twice. Fisk died the next day, and Stokes was arrested soon after. Stokes was found guilty of manslaughter (after a hung jury and a mistrial) and was sent to prison for four years. He was released in October 1876. After his release, Stokes became a full partner in the Hoffman House Hotel on 25th & Broadway, and lived until November 1901. Stokes is buried in the historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
This is an original 1870s Carte de Visite (CDV) photo - it is NOT a reproduction. It was one of many produced during the trial (probably in 1872 or 1873) but only a fraction of those produced have survived the years. The photo is nearly 150 years old. Condition is fair, with some discoloration and spotting, especially on reverse and near top and lower-right of front (mostly popular outside portrait oval).
This would make a great gift for any history lover you know! Especially for those with an interest in New York City, the Gilded Age, crime, early photography, or love triangles!
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