In 1905, George Wainwright lived in South Boston, Massachusetts, with his wife, their three young children, and his wife’s 13-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. In early 1905, Wainwright’s stepdaughter accused him of assaulting her. Available records do not include details of the accusation or trial, but Wainwright was indicted on May 5, 1905. He was convicted at a jury trial in Suffolk County Superior Criminal Court and the judge sentenced him to 10 to 15 years in prison on June 26, 1905, with the first three days to be served in solitary confinement. News articles from the time also referred to Wainwright as “a consumptive,” meaning he was experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis.
At his sentencing, Wainwright said that his stepdaughter’s testimony was false. His wife, the mother of his stepdaughter, also told the court he was innocent.
In 1911, Wainwright’s stepdaughter told the court that she had perjured herself when she accused Wainwright of assault. District Attorney Michael J. Dwyer and the prison chaplain favored the granting of a pardon to Wainwright based on the stepdaughter’s recantation.
On February 23, 1911, Massachusetts Governor Eugene Noble Foss signed Wainwright’s pardon.
- Meghan Barrett Cousino
Posting Date: 10-06-2025