June 21, 1902: Charles Henderson murders Ida McCormack.

On this day in Duluth in 1902, Charles E. L. Henderson brutally attacked Ida McCormick with a knife. The Duluth News Tribune headlines screamed the details: “Negro attacks former Sweetheart in Her Home in Presence of Companion, Repeatedly Cutting Her With Knife Until She Drops at His feet” and “Forces Entrance, Hides in Closet and Springs Upon Victim Unawares, Madly Chasing Her Through House—Strikes at Woman and Baby.” Henderson, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, claimed McCormick was his wife; McCormick had claimed otherwise. Henderson had arrived in Duluth two years earlier and went to work at the Spalding Hotel—sending every spare cent he earned to McCormick. He had paid for her to come to Duluth, since which time, Henderson said, “I have lived in hell.” McCormick was frequently absent and refused to kiss her husband. She had apparently left Henderson, who tried to get the police to help him track her down before hiring a private detective, who found her. As Henderson hid in her closet, McCormick apparently told a friend of plans to communicate with another man, which infuriated Henderson, who then began his assault. Henderson was convicted and became the last man legally hung in St. Louis County. Read about the murder, trial, and hanging here.

Charles Henderson’s mug shot, which appeared in the Duluth Herald. (Zenith City Press)