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On February 11, 1902, Judge James Hillary Mulligan enchanted many with his poetry in Lexington, Kentucky. Mulligan, a respected public figure, balanced a notable legal and political career while navigating complex family dynamics, including a shocking attempted poisoning incident in 1904. His lasting impact on Kentucky is profound, filled with achievements alongside family tensions that continue to influence the narrative surrounding his legacy.
Lexington, Kentucky – On February 11, 1902, Judge James Hillary Mulligan captivated audiences with a poem that began with the lines, “The moonlight falls the softest – In Kentucky.” Recited at the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington, Mulligan’s work contributed to his enduring reputation as a beloved figure in the state, not only as a poet but also as an esteemed public servant.
The life of Judge Mulligan is marked by extensive achievements. Born in Lexington, he pursued education at St. Mary’s College in Montreal, followed by a law degree from Transylvania University, which he obtained in 1869. Throughout his career, Mulligan held various prominent positions, serving as an editor, attorney, orator, and judge. His political career spanned over a decade in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1881 to 1889, followed by his tenure in the Kentucky Senate from 1889 to 1893.
In addition to his illustrious career in law and politics, Mulligan was appointed consul-general to Samoa by President Grover Cleveland. His time spent in Samoa allowed him to forge a friendship with renowned writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Following his return to the United States, Mulligan authored a book detailing Samoan government and culture, underscoring his diverse interests and capabilities.
However, the public admiration for Judge Mulligan took a dramatic turn in 1904 when an attempted murder targeting him and his family emerged. The incident involved a platter of salmon allegedly laced with arsenic. On the day of the incident, Mulligan’s servant, Lewis Mitchell, warned Genevieve Mulligan—Judge Mulligan’s wife—not to eat the salmon, suspicious of its safety. This caution proved vital, as subsequent testing at nearby State College, now recognized as the University of Kentucky, indicated lethal levels of arsenic in the fish.
Lewis Mitchell, who had a complicated past as a recently paroled murderer, was arrested in connection with the event. He claimed that James, Jr., Mulligan’s son from his first marriage, had offered him $100 to poison the judge, citing financial grievances related to the estate of his deceased mother as motivation. On the day of the poisoning attempt, Judge Mulligan was notably absent during lunchtime, thus avoiding potential harm.
The legal proceedings that followed examined the accusation against James, Jr., leading to his exoneration by the jury. Conversely, the trial of Lewis Mitchell ended in a hung jury, leaving the case unresolved in many respects. The tumultuous events surrounding the attempted poison revealed significant dysfunction within the Mulligan family, particularly after Judge Mulligan’s second marriage, which further complicated familial relationships.
Judge Mulligan continued to influence and participate in public life until his passing on July 1, 1915, at the age of 70. He was interred at Calvary Cemetery in Lexington. The Mulligan family has longstanding roots in the community, with Judge Mulligan’s father, Dennis Mulligan, having established a notable presence in Lexington upon moving there in 1835 from Ireland. Over the years, the family’s history has been marked by strain, often intensified by financial disputes and complicated personal dynamics.
The combination of Judge Mulligan’s successful career and the shocking events surrounding the attempted poisoning serves as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous nature of family legacies. While Judge Mulligan is remembered for his contributions to Kentucky and his literary endeavors, the failed assassination plot continues to cast a shadow over the family narrative, highlighting the darker intricacies of their lineage.
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Additional Resources
- Smiley Pete: Attempted Murder Most Foul
- Wikipedia: Judge
- Smiley Pete: Judge James Hillary Mulligan
- Google Search: 1904 Attempted Murder James Hillary Mulligan
- Kentucky Expedition: 1904 Attempted Murder of Judge Mulligan
