William Chester Minor.

American surgeon, army veteran, convicted killer.

Also the second-most prolific contributor to the Oxford Dictionary, supplying over 10,000 phrases and modern quotes as philologists overhauled the dictionary to better suit a modern society.

What's his story?

A Yale medical graduate in 1863, William fought in the U.S. civil war the year after. Among the horrors of the battlefield, he was ordered to brand a "D" on an enemy Irishman's face with a hot metal pole. William was a rather sensitive soul, and this event tortured his mental health.

Over the years, his condition nosedived, leading to his dismissal in 1868. Seeking a change of scene, he moved to London, but suffered from delusions of Irishmen hunting him down. These events climaxed on the night of February 7, 1872.

Waking up at 1 AM, William was convinced he'd just been burgled. Rushing outside, he chased down an older gentleman going to work, and shot him twice. The man died on the spot.

Thankfully, instead of the hangman pole, William was ruled insane,

Having been cleared of deliberate homicide, William was institutionalized instead. Using some of his army pension and family money, he invested heavily in books, and dedicated a room his mini-library. A voracious reader, he came across a notice for help - finding useful English phrases - from the lexicographer, James Murray.

He was delighted to help.

In fact, only James Murray contributed more to the English dictionary than William, such was the proficiency of his work. Famously, James said that Willliam's contributions were so extensive, they would cover dictionary work of over 4 centuries! A compliment of the highest order from the very best.

In the end, William was a tortured soul, a victim to circumstances beyond his control. For his work, he deserves all the respect due him.