Bio

Patrick Eugene Prendergast was born on April 18, 1868, in Ireland. His grandfather went insane, and his mother experienced repeated episodes of hysteria. His father died from tuberculosis.

When Patrick was four years old, he had a serious accident. He fell and suffered a severe head injury. After the fall, he lost consciousness for a long time and continued to vomit for four weeks. He was described as a peculiar child who was solitary, irritable, and excitable. He struggled in school and had a poor memory.

At the age of 16, Prendergast left home. He felt that he was being persecuted, but it was likely a product of his imagination. By the time he turned 18, he had developed grandiose ideas about his own abilities. He became a strong supporter of a single tax system promoted by a man named Henry George.

Later, Prendergast moved to Chicago, where he worked as a newspaper distributor. He tried to make improvements to the city's railroad grade crossings, which he thought were dangerous for the public. In 1893, he supported the reelection campaign of Mayor Carter Harrison. Prendergast had the delusion that if Harrison won, he would receive a political appointment as Corporation Counsel.

Murder Story

On October 28, 1893, Patrick Eugene Prendergast shot Chicago Mayor Carter Harrison, Sr. in an act driven by his delusions. Prendergast arrived at the mayor's home and was let in by a maid. When the mayor came out of his sleeping quarters, Prendergast approached him and fired three shots from a .38 revolver. After the shooting, he encountered a coachman and shot at him as well before fleeing the scene.

Prendergast did not escape for long. He surrendered to the police at the Des Plaines Street station just 30 minutes later, still holding the gun used in the shooting. During questioning, he provided several different reasons for his actions. He mentioned his disappointment over not receiving a promised political appointment and expressed frustration over the mayor's handling of public safety concerning train crossings.

His trial began soon after, with his attorney attempting to argue that Prendergast was insane. However, several doctors testified that while he displayed signs of paranoia, he was aware of right and wrong and was competent to stand trial. Despite the defense's efforts, Prendergast was found guilty. His final appeal regarding his mental state was also unsuccessful. Patrick Eugene Prendergast was executed by hanging on July 14, 1894, in Chicago.