Illinois

Episode 79: The Accused Poisoner: Bernice Zalimas

In 1924, Bernice Zalimas was accused of poisoning her husband in Chicago, Illinois. But did she really, or was she the victim of vicious rumors?   Sources   Blonde Widow Thinks Zalimas Poisoned Self. Chicago Tribune, 12/03/1924 Widow Questioned. Photo, Bernice Zalimas. Chicago Tribune, 12/03/1924 Zalimas’ Widow Held to Grand Jury as Slayer. Chicago Tribune, …

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Steam and Fury: The Lansing Steamboat Disaster of 1867

  The Mississippi River, despite its nickname the “Big Muddy,” is surrounded by natural beauty. Bluffs over look the water as it meanders its way through the landscape, making its way ever southward toward the Gulf of Mexico. As picturesque as it is, there is a very practical side to the river as well. The …

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Episode 31: My Ghost Stories – Real and Imagined

We all love ghost stories, but not all of them should be believed. Decide for yourself as I tell you some of my own encounters with the beyond, both real and imagined.     Sources ‘Stoneking Cemetery.’ Supernatural Dares, http://www.youtube.com Myers, Frank D. ‘Tombs With a View II: Stoneking.’ http://www.lucascontyan.blogspot.com, 12/31/12 ‘These 10 Haunted Cemeteries …

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Episode 22: The Tinsmith’s Ghost

Even familiar noises can seem odd in a new house. In 1887, one woman tried to explain away the mysterious footsteps she heard as natural. But when the strange man started to appear, she knew otherwise.   Sources United States Federal Records Rock Island, Illinois,  City Directories Ancestry.com. Illinois, County Marriage Records, 1800-1940 [database on-line]. …

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