Mary Stewart had died too young, and her husband, William, couldn’t stand the grief. Buying a gun, he set into motion plans of murder and suicide. But after telling a neighbor, nothing went the way he expected, resulting in an unbelievable conclusion. Sources Police Block Father’s Plot to Slay Babes. The Davenport Democrat and […]
Episode 95: Depths of Despair: A Murder/Suicide Plot in Iowa Read More »
Mary was gone, and there was no bringing her back. William Stewart stared out the window, letting his mind wander through the past. Mary and her family had come from Germany and settled in the area around LeClaire, Iowa, in the eastern part of the state. When he had met her, Mary’s name had
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When the Reverend Clarence Valentine Sheatsley walked into his house on the afternoon of November 11, 1924, the first thing he noticed was the smell of cooking meat. The smell permeated the parsonage where Clarence lived with his wife, Addie. They had been married for twenty-seven years, and she had been an excellent wife
Pastor’s Wives Charred Remains Found in Parsonage Furnace Read More »
When Reverend Clarence Sheatsley found his wife, Addie, in the parsonage furnace, he believed that she had committed suicide. The county prosecutor thought that it was murder. What really happened to Addie Sheatsley? Sources Police Check Minister’s Story After Wife is Burned to Death. The Dayton Herald, 11/18/1924 Find Pastor’s Wife Burned in Furnace.
Episode 86: Pastor’s Wives Charred Remains Found in Parsonage Furnace Read More »
William Engelberg was probably looking for a better life when he came to America. But his efforts were met with tragedy after two of his wives committed suicide only a few years apart. Sources Engelberg. Chicago Tribune, 7/17/1916 Mother Takes Her Life. Chicago Tribune, 6/17/1916 Mother Drowns Baby in Bathtub; Kills Herself. Chicago Tribune,
Episode 84: William Engelberg’s Wives Commit Suicide Only A Few Years Apart Read More »
When William Engelberg came to America, he was probably looking for a better life. Born in Russia in 1872, he immigrated to the United States in the late 1880’s, possibly seeking escape from persecution for his Jewish faith. He initially landed in New York City, and then made his way to Chicago, Illinois. Eventually,
William Engelberg’s Wives Commit Suicide Only A Few Years Apart Read More »
During an almost ten-year period, the Botkin family faced two awful tragedies. Today, we take a look at the horrific consequences of suicide and steam. Sources Mysterious Suicide of a Servant Girl. The Lima Times-Democrat, 6/13/1907 Young Woman Died by Her Own Hand. The Allen County Republican-Gazette, 6/14/1907 Mrs. Agnes Botkin. Dayton Daily News,
Episode 78: Suicide and Steam: A Family Tragedy Read More »
Have you ever sat and watched people? I mean, not like in a weird, peek through their windows at night way, but like, while waiting for something. It could be in a crowded doctor’s office, or while waiting to get a table at a restaurant. I know there are several people out there that would
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Mary Schultz was a young, well-educated 20-year-old with her whole life ahead of her. When she married Henry Schultz, she thought that her future would be even brighter. Mary was wrong.
Episode 63: Wolves Like Sheep: The Murder of Mary Schultz Read More »
After a long, cold winter, spring had finally arrived in Pleasant Valley, Iowa. Patches of brown grass, buried for months under snow and ice, were starting to turn green again with new life. Flowers began to bloom again in a vivid array of colors, splashing hues of bright blues, oranges, and reds across a
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