Celebrate Mudd Day, Dec. 20
Residents of Charles County would be more familiar with Dr. Samuel Mudd than other Maryland residents. Dr. Samuel Mudd’s Museum is located at 3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Road in Waldorf, MD. Mudd Day is observed annually on Dec. 20, the birthday of Dr. Samuel Mudd who was born Dec. 20, 1833, and died Jan. 10, 1883.
Dr. Mudd was a part of American history that many are not aware of unless you live in Southern Maryland.
He was an American doctor in Southern Maryland, who also owned a tobacco farm worked by slaves. The after-shock of Civil War hit many businesses in Maryland businesses straight in the gut. In 1864, when slavery was “abolished” farmers felt it first and the sting was great. Freeing slaves for Southern Maryland tobacco farmers and plantation owners was not in their best interest. Mudd, like many farmers in Maryland, were more concerned with making money than committing a crime and personal freedom
After assassinating president Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, Booth rode with co-conspirator David Herold to Mudd’s home in the early hours of April 15, 1865, for surgery on his fractured leg, before crossing into Virginia. Sometime that day, Mudd learned of the assassination but did not report it.
Booth’s had a visit to the authorities. After questioning, there appeared to be a link between him, Dr. Mudd and the crime. The various changes of Mudd’s story put him under interrogation, and on April 26, he was arrested.
A military commission found him guilty of aiding and conspiring i
n a murder. Mudd received a sentence of life imprisonment, escaping the death penalty by a single vote.
In 1869, Mudd was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson and released from prison. Despite repeated attempts by family members and others to have it expunged, his conviction has never been overturned.
After Dr. Mudd’s sentencing, his name was dragged through the mud as a result giving the term “your name is mud” a whole new meaning.
How can you observe Mudd Day? If you have ever been to Dr. Samuel Mudd’s home for a tour, post a comment. You can also use #MuddDay to post on social media.
Contact Shertina Mack at s.mack@TheBayNet.com
