Barnaby Castle
This lavish home was designed in two phases (1875 and 1888) by the well-known Providence architectural firm Stone, Carpenter & Willson. Its eclectic styles were influenced by its owner, Jerothmul B. Barnaby, a prominent retail magnate with a large downtown department store. Known for his reckless driving, Barnaby left a contested estate to his daughters after his death in 1889, sparking a legal battle with his wife, Josephine Barnaby. Josephine, perceived as easily swayed, fell under the influence of her doctor, Dr. Thomas Thatcher Graves. In 1891, while visiting Denver, she received poisoned whiskey by mail and died shortly after. Graves’ trial for America’s first murder-by-mail became a national sensation. He was convicted and committed suicide in prison in 1893 while awaiting an appeal.