More on Mrs. Wheeler and George Atzerodt

Always on the lookout for interesting information, Elsie, gave us some more information concerning the Lincoln Conspiracy and Port Tobacco.

In the book, Life, Crime, And Capture Of John Wilkes Booth by George Alfred Townsend,

"Atzerott had been in town just prior to the crime. He had been living with a widow woman named Mrs. Wheeler, by whom he had several children,and she was immediately called upon by Major O'Bierne. He did not tellher what Atzerott had done, but vaguely hinted that he had committed some terrible crime, and that since he had done her wrong, she couldvindicate both herself and justice by telling his whereabouts. The womanadmitted that Atzerott had been her bane, but she loved him, and refusedto betray him. His trunk was found in her garret, and in it the key to his paint shop in Port Tobacco. The latter was fruitlessly searched, but the probablewhereabouts of Atzerott in Mongomery county obtained, and Major O'Biernetelegraphing there immediately, the desperate fellow was found andlocked up. A man named Crangle who had succeeded Atzerott in Mrs.Wheeler's pliable affections, was arrested at once and put in jail. Anumber of disloyal people were indicated or "spotted" as in no wiseangry at the President's taking off, and for all such a provost prisonwas established."
What was it that Mr. Crangle was arrested for? Did he have any information that helped in the investigation? Was the aforementioned paint shop the same shop he was using with his brother in their carriage repair business?

There are a few references to Mr. Crangle that Elsie has passed along. Nicholas B. Crangle was a tailor doing business out of Port Tobacco as late as 1868 and was listed as on the jury during court terms in the early 1870's.

We'll try and find out more about Mr. Crangle and of course, continue our search for Mrs. Wheeler's house and the carriage shop of the Atzerodt brothers.

- Peter