Virtual Ministry Archive

strange weirdo -Lord Timothy Dexter, born on January 22, 1747, in Malden, Massachusetts, was an eccentric American businessman known for his improbable success and bizarre antics. Despite having little formal education, Dexter amassed considerable wealth through a series of unlikely business ventures. He married a wealthy widow, Elizabeth Frothingham, which provided him with the financial means to start his ventures. Dexter's investments often seemed destined for failure but somehow turned out to be remarkably profitable. For instance, he was advised to send bed warmers to the West Indies, where they were sold as molasses ladles, and to ship coal to Newcastle during a miners' strike, both of which yielded significant profits. Dexter's eccentricity extended to his personal life and behavior towards his wife. One of his most infamous stunts was faking his own death to see how people would react. He staged an elaborate funeral, inviting friends, family, and acquaintances. However, he was disappointed by his wife's perceived lack of grief. In a dramatic and shocking turn of events, Dexter revealed himself to be alive and caned his wife for not mourning him sufficiently. This incident is just one example of Dexter's peculiar personality and the extreme lengths he would go to for attention and validation. Despite his odd behavior, Dexter's life story is filled with strange and humorous episodes, making him a fascinating and controversial figure in American history. His actions, including the faked death and subsequent punishment of his wife, highlight the extremes of his character and the unpredictable nature of his life.