In 1902, scam artist Cassie Chadwick claimed to be the illegitimate daughter of Andrew Carnegie

In 1902, scam artist Cassie Chadwick convinced an Ohio lawyer that she was the illegitimate daughter of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. She parlayed this reputation into a life of unthinkable extravagance — until her debts came due. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll describe Chadwick's efforts to maintain the ruse — and how she hoped to get away with it.

We'll also encounter a haunted tomb and puzzle over an exonerated merchant.

Show notes

Please support us on Patreon!