In 1914, Johann Whynack was married to the love of his life. He would put up with nearly anything; endure almost anything, for his Marie. But Marie didn’t care, and continually spurned his affections. As much as he loved her, every person has their breaking point, and in a split second, Johann brought the issue […]
Episode 2: Bloody Matrimony Read More »
Breakfast was slightly awkward in the Hoskins household that cold January morning. John Hoskins and his wife, Hulda, had been arguing. Hulda, as she usually did, had eventually stopped arguing with her husband, just letting him yell and scream on in his anger. They had only been married a few years, and the union definitely
The Devil You Know Read More »
In 1919, Irene Hoskins burst into her neighbors house, bleeding profusely. The story she told them would change their lives forever. What horrible event took place at the Hoskins’ rural Iowa farm? Sources “Triple Murder Near Prescott.” Adams County Free Press, 1/15/1919 “Bad Murder at Prescott.” Adams County Free Press, 1/18/1919 ”Hoskins is Indicted.”
Episode 1: The Devil You Know: The John Hoskins Murders Read More »
Mary Singer was dead, hacked to death by an ax-wielding assailant. It was a sudden and violent end, and the circumstances and motivations behind the slaying were rather bizarre. It’s hard to say how Mary’s son, Harry, handled the news of his mother’s death. In March of 1935, he was incarcerated at the Indiana State Reformatory.
The Harry Singer Murders Read More »
Charles Clark stood by himself at his daughter’s home in Kokomo, Indiana. There were things that weighed heavily on him, and he had come to a serious conclusion, perhaps the most serious that he would ever come to. He looked down at the bottle in his hand, and knew what he had to
Lost in Despair: The 1935 Ax Murders of Mary and Alonzo Singer Read More »
The morning of December 15, 1921 was just another winter morning in Long Grove, Iowa. The business district at the center of the small town was humming with activity as people went about their normal business. People made their way along the streets, maybe stopping in for a haircut or a little gossip at the
The Long Grove, Iowa Bank Robbery of 1921 Read More »
Movies are full of iconic imagery. From the majestic vistas of Monument Valley in John Ford’s westerns to the bleak future battles of James Cameron’s imagination, Hollywood has impressed amazing scenes on the human psyche for over one hundred years. Perhaps amongst the most iconic of these is the image of the damsel in distress.
Damsels in Distress? Three Women Who Broke the Stereotype in 1920 Read More »
Charles Englehart had been successful in his life. Originally from Grandview, Iowa, he had moved to Davenport, Iowa as a young man and become a barber. For years he had been employed at the prestigious Hotel Blackhawk, cutting the hair of well-to-do patrons who needed to look their absolute best in order to impress
Struck Down in the Dark Read More »
Guy Gilbert was probably a little surprised when his son Gene showed up on the doorstep of his Yale, South Dakota home. While far from unwelcome, Gene hadn’t said anything about coming for a visit. But here he was just the same. Guy welcomed Gene inside. Guy Jr., Gene’s brother, was also there, and
Gertrude Woodard was only seventeen years old. Popular and well-liked by many, young Gertrude lived with her parents near Hale, Missouri. She, just like most people that age, no doubt had her hopes and dreams, of what adventures would fill the years of life that stretched out in front of her. Gertrude might
Sudden Endings: The Tragic Tale of Singleton Gardiner Read More »
