Edward H. Rulloff
Serial Killer and Philologist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Binghamton, New York
TIME PERIOD
1844-1871
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Edward H. Rulloff, a Canadian-born American, committed multiple murders between 1844 and 1870, most notably the killings of his wife, Harriet, and their daughter, Priscilla, on June 22, 1844, in Lansing, New York. Following a domestic dispute, Rulloff struck Harriet with a pestle and subsequently poisoned their daughter to prevent her from being taken by Harriet's family. Rulloff was apprehended in 1870 and executed by hanging on May 18, 1871, in Binghamton, New York. Key evidence included witness accounts of his suspicious behavior following the murders and the discovery of the victims' bodies, which solidified his conviction. Rulloff's brain, noted for its size, is preserved at Cornell University, symbolizing the complexity of his life as both a learned man and a criminal.
Edward H. Rulloff is theorized to have committed his murders as a means to eliminate those who posed a threat to his lifestyle or who could expose his criminal activities. Some speculate that his intelligence and varied talents allowed him to manipulate his circumstances, leading to his moniker "The Genius Killer." Additionally, there is speculation surrounding the motivations behind his actions, with some suggesting that his psychological makeup and need for control played significant roles in his criminal behavior.
The Man of Two Lives: The Dual Existence of Edward H. Rulloff
In the annals of crime, few figures are as paradoxical as Edward H. Rulloff, a man whose intellect was as prodigious as his criminality was notorious. Born John Edward Howard Rulloff in 1819 or 1820 near Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, he would become known by many names including Ruloff, Rulofson, and Rulloffson. His life was a tapestry of professions and crimes, earning him the moniker "The Genius Killer." His story, chronicled in an 1871 biography aptly titled "The Man of Two Lives!", illustrates the dichotomy of a man who was at once a philologist, a serial killer, and, above all, an enigma.
Early Life and Beginnings
Edward Rulloff was the son of Danish immigrants and grew up alongside his brother, William Rulofson, who later became a noted photographer. By the age of twenty, Rulloff had already led two lives: one as a law firm worker and another as an inmate serving a two-year sentence for embezzlement. In 1842, he relocated to Dryden in Upstate New York, where he taught school and delved into botanical medicine under the guidance of Dr. Henry W. Bull. It was here that he met and impulsively married Harriet Schutt, a decision that defied her family's wishes and set the stage for tragedy.
The Tragic Fate of Harriet and Priscilla Rulloff
The newlyweds settled in Lansing, New York, where Harriet gave birth to a daughter, Priscilla. Rulloff's ambitions led him to Ohio, where he aimed to pursue a career as either a lawyer or a professor. Harriet resisted the move, leading to a fatal confrontation on June 22, 1844. Accusing Harriet of infidelity with Dr. Bull, Rulloff struck her fatally with a pestle and then poisoned their young daughter.
Stricken by guilt, Rulloff contemplated suicide but found himself unable to follow through. Instead, he crafted a façade, borrowing a horse and wagon from the Andersons, neighbors who unwittingly became witnesses to his deceit. He claimed to be returning a wooden chest to his uncle while actually transporting the bodies toward Cayuga Lake. On his return, Rulloff left the Andersons with a story of his family's departure for a trip, leaving their home in shambles.
The Pursuit of Justice
When rumors of Harriet's murder swirled, Rulloff denied any wrongdoing, crafting stories of abandonment and relocation to Ohio. The evidence, however, was damning; Harriet's possessions remained untouched at home. Rulloff fled but was soon captured by his brother-in-law, Ephraim Schutt, and brought to Ithaca for trial.
Despite efforts to dredge Cayuga Lake for bodies, none were found, forcing the grand jury to pursue a charge of kidnapping instead of murder. Rulloff, representing himself in court in 1846, capitalized on the lack of physical evidence and was sentenced to ten years of hard labor in Auburn Prison for the lesser charge.
A Fugitive's Journey and Intellectual Pursuits
In prison, Rulloff's mind turned to philology, formulating a groundbreaking theory on language evolution intended for publication as "The Great Secret in Philology." Yet, his aspirations were thwarted when Tompkins County vowed to charge him with Harriet's murder upon his release. Rulloff invoked double jeopardy and commenced a legal battle from behind bars. Eventually, the charge was shifted to Priscilla's murder, but Rulloff escaped before the verdict could be delivered, likely aided by Albert Jarvis, the undersheriff's son who had become his pupil, or Jane Jarvis, who doubted his guilt.
Rulloff's escape led him to a harsh life on the run, enduring frostbite and relying on his guile to survive. In Meadville, Pennsylvania, under the alias "James Nelson," he convinced inventor A. B. Richmond of his intellectual prowess, leading to a business partnership. His journey continued to southwestern Pennsylvania's Jefferson College, where he nearly secured a professorship before being blackmailed by Jarvis for financial support.
The Murder of Frederick Merrick
Rulloff's criminal partnerships culminated in a heist at a Binghamton, New York, dry goods store in 1870, alongside Jarvis and William T. Dexter. Their plan faltered when clerks Frederick Merrick and Gilbert Burrows awoke, leading to a deadly confrontation. Merrick's attempt to shoot Rulloff failed, and in the ensuing chaos, Rulloff fatally shot Merrick in the head.
The trio's escape went awry as Jarvis and Dexter drowned while crossing the Chenango River, leaving Rulloff to flee alone. His distinctive boots, left behind, betrayed his identity.
Arrest and Execution
Captured after a suspicious encounter at a railroad station, Rulloff was brought before the bodies of his accomplices, maintaining ignorance of them. However, Judge Ransom Balcom recognized him, recalling Rulloff's past crimes. Documents on Dexter and Jarvis linked back to Rulloff's Brooklyn residence under another alias.
Rulloff's trial on January 4, 1871, became a spectacle, drawing thousands each day. Despite pleas for clemency from figures like Horace Greeley, who saw value in Rulloff's intellect, Rulloff was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Even as he confessed to Harriet's murder, he never admitted to killing Priscilla, fueling speculation that she may have survived under a new identity.
On May 18, 1871, Edward H. Rulloff met his end on the gallows. His brain, noted for its exceptional size, was preserved at Cornell University. The legacy of "The Man of Two Lives" endures as a chilling reminder of the dual nature of genius and malevolence.
See Also
- Eugene Aram, another philologist-murderer
- List of serial killers in the United States
- "Tenfold More Wicked Presents: All That Is Wicked" - The real-life saga of America's most intelligent killer, Edward Rulloff
Sources
- The Man of Two Lives, by Murder by Gaslight.
- The Life and Madness of Edward H. Rulloff, by Victorian Gothic.
- Edward Crapsey (1871). The man of two lives! Being an authentic history of Edward Howard Rulloff, philologist and murderer. American News Company.
- New York Times, Nov. 7, 1972, p. 37.
- Haas, Robert Bartlett (1955). "William Herman Rulofson: Pioneer Daguerreotypist and Photographic Educator". California Historical Society Quarterly.
- "Profile of Rulloff". Archived from the original on February 23, 2012.
- "The Life and Death of Edward H. Rulloff by Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr". www.crookedlakereview.com.
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Murder of Harriet and Priscilla
Edward Rulloff murders his wife Harriet and daughter Priscilla in a fit of rage.
Trial for Kidnapping
Rulloff is tried for kidnapping his wife, as no bodies were found. He is convicted and sentenced to ten years.
Conviction for Daughter's Murder
Rulloff is found guilty of murdering his daughter Priscilla but escapes custody before sentencing.
Robbery and Murder of Merrick
Rulloff and accomplices attempt to rob a store, resulting in the murder of clerk Frederick Merrick.
Arrest
Rulloff is arrested after being recognized at a railroad station following the robbery and murder.
Trial Begins
Rulloff's trial for the murder of Frederick Merrick begins, attracting significant public attention.
Found Guilty
Rulloff is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging.
Execution
Edward Rulloff is executed by hanging, reportedly making a statement before his death.
Edward H. Rulloff, a Canadian-born American, committed multiple murders between 1844 and 1870, most notably the killings of his wife, Harriet, and their daughter, Priscilla, on June 22, 1844, in Lansing, New York. Following a domestic dispute, Rulloff struck Harriet with a pestle and subsequently poisoned their daughter to prevent her from being taken by Harriet's family. Rulloff was apprehended in 1870 and executed by hanging on May 18, 1871, in Binghamton, New York. Key evidence included witness accounts of his suspicious behavior following the murders and the discovery of the victims' bodies, which solidified his conviction. Rulloff's brain, noted for its size, is preserved at Cornell University, symbolizing the complexity of his life as both a learned man and a criminal.
Edward H. Rulloff is theorized to have committed his murders as a means to eliminate those who posed a threat to his lifestyle or who could expose his criminal activities. Some speculate that his intelligence and varied talents allowed him to manipulate his circumstances, leading to his moniker "The Genius Killer." Additionally, there is speculation surrounding the motivations behind his actions, with some suggesting that his psychological makeup and need for control played significant roles in his criminal behavior.
The Man of Two Lives: The Dual Existence of Edward H. Rulloff
In the annals of crime, few figures are as paradoxical as Edward H. Rulloff, a man whose intellect was as prodigious as his criminality was notorious. Born John Edward Howard Rulloff in 1819 or 1820 near Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, he would become known by many names including Ruloff, Rulofson, and Rulloffson. His life was a tapestry of professions and crimes, earning him the moniker "The Genius Killer." His story, chronicled in an 1871 biography aptly titled "The Man of Two Lives!", illustrates the dichotomy of a man who was at once a philologist, a serial killer, and, above all, an enigma.
Early Life and Beginnings
Edward Rulloff was the son of Danish immigrants and grew up alongside his brother, William Rulofson, who later became a noted photographer. By the age of twenty, Rulloff had already led two lives: one as a law firm worker and another as an inmate serving a two-year sentence for embezzlement. In 1842, he relocated to Dryden in Upstate New York, where he taught school and delved into botanical medicine under the guidance of Dr. Henry W. Bull. It was here that he met and impulsively married Harriet Schutt, a decision that defied her family's wishes and set the stage for tragedy.
The Tragic Fate of Harriet and Priscilla Rulloff
The newlyweds settled in Lansing, New York, where Harriet gave birth to a daughter, Priscilla. Rulloff's ambitions led him to Ohio, where he aimed to pursue a career as either a lawyer or a professor. Harriet resisted the move, leading to a fatal confrontation on June 22, 1844. Accusing Harriet of infidelity with Dr. Bull, Rulloff struck her fatally with a pestle and then poisoned their young daughter.
Stricken by guilt, Rulloff contemplated suicide but found himself unable to follow through. Instead, he crafted a façade, borrowing a horse and wagon from the Andersons, neighbors who unwittingly became witnesses to his deceit. He claimed to be returning a wooden chest to his uncle while actually transporting the bodies toward Cayuga Lake. On his return, Rulloff left the Andersons with a story of his family's departure for a trip, leaving their home in shambles.
The Pursuit of Justice
When rumors of Harriet's murder swirled, Rulloff denied any wrongdoing, crafting stories of abandonment and relocation to Ohio. The evidence, however, was damning; Harriet's possessions remained untouched at home. Rulloff fled but was soon captured by his brother-in-law, Ephraim Schutt, and brought to Ithaca for trial.
Despite efforts to dredge Cayuga Lake for bodies, none were found, forcing the grand jury to pursue a charge of kidnapping instead of murder. Rulloff, representing himself in court in 1846, capitalized on the lack of physical evidence and was sentenced to ten years of hard labor in Auburn Prison for the lesser charge.
A Fugitive's Journey and Intellectual Pursuits
In prison, Rulloff's mind turned to philology, formulating a groundbreaking theory on language evolution intended for publication as "The Great Secret in Philology." Yet, his aspirations were thwarted when Tompkins County vowed to charge him with Harriet's murder upon his release. Rulloff invoked double jeopardy and commenced a legal battle from behind bars. Eventually, the charge was shifted to Priscilla's murder, but Rulloff escaped before the verdict could be delivered, likely aided by Albert Jarvis, the undersheriff's son who had become his pupil, or Jane Jarvis, who doubted his guilt.
Rulloff's escape led him to a harsh life on the run, enduring frostbite and relying on his guile to survive. In Meadville, Pennsylvania, under the alias "James Nelson," he convinced inventor A. B. Richmond of his intellectual prowess, leading to a business partnership. His journey continued to southwestern Pennsylvania's Jefferson College, where he nearly secured a professorship before being blackmailed by Jarvis for financial support.
The Murder of Frederick Merrick
Rulloff's criminal partnerships culminated in a heist at a Binghamton, New York, dry goods store in 1870, alongside Jarvis and William T. Dexter. Their plan faltered when clerks Frederick Merrick and Gilbert Burrows awoke, leading to a deadly confrontation. Merrick's attempt to shoot Rulloff failed, and in the ensuing chaos, Rulloff fatally shot Merrick in the head.
The trio's escape went awry as Jarvis and Dexter drowned while crossing the Chenango River, leaving Rulloff to flee alone. His distinctive boots, left behind, betrayed his identity.
Arrest and Execution
Captured after a suspicious encounter at a railroad station, Rulloff was brought before the bodies of his accomplices, maintaining ignorance of them. However, Judge Ransom Balcom recognized him, recalling Rulloff's past crimes. Documents on Dexter and Jarvis linked back to Rulloff's Brooklyn residence under another alias.
Rulloff's trial on January 4, 1871, became a spectacle, drawing thousands each day. Despite pleas for clemency from figures like Horace Greeley, who saw value in Rulloff's intellect, Rulloff was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Even as he confessed to Harriet's murder, he never admitted to killing Priscilla, fueling speculation that she may have survived under a new identity.
On May 18, 1871, Edward H. Rulloff met his end on the gallows. His brain, noted for its exceptional size, was preserved at Cornell University. The legacy of "The Man of Two Lives" endures as a chilling reminder of the dual nature of genius and malevolence.
See Also
- Eugene Aram, another philologist-murderer
- List of serial killers in the United States
- "Tenfold More Wicked Presents: All That Is Wicked" - The real-life saga of America's most intelligent killer, Edward Rulloff
Sources
- The Man of Two Lives, by Murder by Gaslight.
- The Life and Madness of Edward H. Rulloff, by Victorian Gothic.
- Edward Crapsey (1871). The man of two lives! Being an authentic history of Edward Howard Rulloff, philologist and murderer. American News Company.
- New York Times, Nov. 7, 1972, p. 37.
- Haas, Robert Bartlett (1955). "William Herman Rulofson: Pioneer Daguerreotypist and Photographic Educator". California Historical Society Quarterly.
- "Profile of Rulloff". Archived from the original on February 23, 2012.
- "The Life and Death of Edward H. Rulloff by Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr". www.crookedlakereview.com.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Murder of Harriet and Priscilla
Edward Rulloff murders his wife Harriet and daughter Priscilla in a fit of rage.
Trial for Kidnapping
Rulloff is tried for kidnapping his wife, as no bodies were found. He is convicted and sentenced to ten years.
Conviction for Daughter's Murder
Rulloff is found guilty of murdering his daughter Priscilla but escapes custody before sentencing.
Robbery and Murder of Merrick
Rulloff and accomplices attempt to rob a store, resulting in the murder of clerk Frederick Merrick.
Arrest
Rulloff is arrested after being recognized at a railroad station following the robbery and murder.
Trial Begins
Rulloff's trial for the murder of Frederick Merrick begins, attracting significant public attention.
Found Guilty
Rulloff is found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging.
Execution
Edward Rulloff is executed by hanging, reportedly making a statement before his death.