Whether it be hidden messages transmitted around the world from the hundreds of operating number stations, or the bizarre illustrations on the sheepskin pages of a medieval manuscript, unsolved ciphers and codes have been a compelling source of mystery for centuries. In the annals of true crime, cold cases like the Zodiac killer and the Somerton man have inspired people from around the world to come together and take up the challenge of solving their peculiar riddles. From national intelligence agencies, to armchair enthusiasts, breakthroughs have been made by individuals from across the spectrum of experience. One similar case has largely managed to escape the limelight, however, that of a late 19th Century man whose true identity was never known, hanged for murdering his wife, who left the world a series of unsolved ciphers that promised to unmask the whole mysterious affair.

The Citizen Examiner (1882) “Debosnys the tramp…” The Citizen Examiner, Wed 15 Nov, 1882. P.4. Alabama, USA.

The Buffalo Commercial (1882) “One Debosnys, confined in Essex…” TheBuffalo Commercial, Wed 15 Nov, 1882. P.1. New York, USA.

The Tribune (1882) “A SIngular Story” The Tribune, Mon 7 Aug, 1882. P.1. Pennsylvania, USA.

The Swanton Courier (1883) “Over the Lake” The Swanton Courier, Sat 20 Jan, 1883. P.3. Vermont, USA.

St Albans Daily Messenger (1883) “A Remarkable Career” St Albans Daily Messenger, Wed 18 Apr, 1883. P.3. Vermont, USA.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (1883) “Last Hours Of A Wife Murderer” The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Fri 27 Apr, 1883. P.1. New York, USA.

The Sentinel (1883) “Hangman's Day” The Sentinel, Sat 28 Apr, 1883. P.3. Pennsylvania, USA.

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The Dark Histories Butterfly was drawn by Courtney, who you can find on Instagram @bewildereye

Music was recorded by me © Ben Cutmore 2017

Other Outro music was Paul Whiteman & his orchestra with Mildred Bailey - All of me (1931). It's out of copyright now, but if you're interested, that was that.

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