America's First Serial Killers: The Harpe Brothers

This episode of the Your Town Podcast delves into the chilling history of the Harp brothers, America's first serial killers, who terrorized the frontier in the late 18th century. The hosts explore their origins, the gruesome nature of their crimes, the hunt for justice, and the legacy they left behind in Kentucky and beyond. Through a mix of historical facts and engaging storytelling, listeners are taken on a journey through a dark chapter in American history.

Takeaways

America's first serial killers were the Harp brothers.

The Harps' reign of terror spanned multiple states.

Their crimes were marked by extreme brutality and sadism.

The brothers were skilled at evading capture.

Communities lived in constant fear of the Harps' attacks.

The Harps' actions led to a push for organized law enforcement.

Their story reflects the lawlessness of early America.

The legacy of the Harps is still discussed today.

Parents used the Harps as cautionary tales for children.

The Harps' infamy contributed to the establishment of justice systems.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Sound Bites

"This tale is so gruesome it's hard to believe."

"The Harps didn't just kill, they brutalized."

"They murdered men, women, children, even babies."

"The posse caught up with him near the Red River."

"Their story is still talked about in fascination.

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unmasking the Angel of Death: The Donald Harvey Story

This conversation delves into the chilling story of Donald Harvey, known as the 'Angel of Death,' who confessed to killing over 80 patients during his time as a hospital orderly. The discussion explores his background, the early signs of his dark tendencies, the methods he used to commit his crimes, and the eventual investigation that led to his arrest. The hosts reflect on the implications of his actions on trust within the healthcare system and the importance of accountability.

takeaways

Donald Harvey was a hospital orderly who killed over 80 patients.

His actions were justified by him as 'mercy killings'.

Harvey's childhood abuse contributed to his need for control.

He used various methods including poisoning and suffocation.

Many of his murders went unnoticed for years.

The investigation into his crimes began after a suspicious death.

Harvey confessed to multiple murders during questioning.

He accepted a plea bargain to avoid the death penalty.

His story highlights the dark potential of human nature.

The healthcare system must improve oversight to prevent such tragedies.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Sound Bites

"Can't trust a man with two first names."

"He kept a diary detailing the name of the victims."

"The sheer number of lives he took is staggering."

"Pure evil can hide in plain sight."

"If you're struggling, find someone to talk to."

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Phantom Barber Exposed

Become a paid member of the Beard Laws Studio - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5MUpQNlzAHzibc4PHt2ew/join

The conversation delves into the eerie case of the Phantom Barber of Pascagoula, a mysterious figure who, in 1942, invaded homes to steal locks of hair, leaving the community in fear. The narrative unfolds through various incidents, escalating from strange hair thefts to violent assaults, culminating in the arrest of a suspect, William Dolan, whose guilt remains questionable. The discussion highlights the psychological impact of the events on the town and the lingering mystery surrounding the true identity of the Phantom Barber.

Episode Key Points

The Phantom Barber case began in 1942 in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Initial incidents involved hair thefts from young girls in a convent.

The attacks escalated from hair theft to violent assaults.

The community was gripped by fear and paranoia as the attacks continued.

Authorities struggled to find concrete evidence against the Phantom Barber.

William Dolan was arrested but many believed he was a scapegoat.

The true identity of the Phantom Barber remains a mystery.

The case reflects the psychological impact of fear on a community.

The Phantom Barber's obsession with hair raised many questions.

The legend of the Phantom Barber still haunts Pascagoula today.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mystery of Mercy Brown: Rhode Island’s Vampire Panic | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 88

The conversation delves into the chilling true story of Mercy Brown, a young woman from Exeter, Rhode Island, who was believed to be a vampire in the late 19th century. The hosts explore the historical context of the time, the rise of vampire superstitions due to the ravaging effects of tuberculosis, and the gruesome rituals that ensued following her death. The episode highlights how fear and desperation can lead to irrational beliefs and actions, ultimately shaping the legacy of Mercy Brown's story in American folklore.

Episode Key Points

The story of Mercy Brown is rooted in historical events from 1892.

Tuberculosis was often misinterpreted as a supernatural affliction.

Superstitions about vampires were prevalent in rural New England.

The Brown family faced multiple tragedies due to tuberculosis.

Mercy's body was exhumed due to fears of vampirism.

The preservation of Mercy's body was due to cold conditions, not supernatural causes.

The townsfolk's actions were driven by desperation and fear.

Mercy Brown's story has inspired various works of literature and media.

The incident reflects the intersection of science and folklore in the 19th century.

Mercy Brown's grave remains a site of fascination today.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Honolulu Strangler | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 87

This episode of the Your Town podcast delves into the chilling story of the Honolulu Strangler, the first known serial killer in Hawaii, who terrorized the island in the mid-1980s. The hosts explore the brutal murders of five women, the investigation that followed, and the lingering questions surrounding the case that remains unsolved to this day. Through a detailed recounting of the victims and the police efforts, the episode highlights the fear that gripped Honolulu and the impact of the unsolved case on the community.

Episode Key Points

The Honolulu Strangler was active between 1985 and 1986.

Five women were murdered, all with similar patterns of assault.

The investigation faced numerous challenges due to lack of evidence.

Howard Gay emerged as a prime suspect but was never charged.

The case remains unsolved, leaving families without closure.

The fear of the killer impacted the community significantly.

Cultural and systemic issues may have hindered the investigation.

The 1980s in Honolulu was a time of rising crime rates.

The case mirrors other famous serial killer investigations.

The legacy of the Honolulu Strangler continues to haunt Hawaii.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Poison Candy Murders | Yore Town Podcast Ep. 86

This Yore Town Podcast episode delves into the infamous Poison Candy Murders of 1898 in Dover, Delaware, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and obsession. The tale centers around Mary Elizabeth Pennington, who, after receiving a box of poisoned chocolates, tragically succumbs to arsenic poisoning. The narrative unfolds with the backstory of her husband, John Dunning, and his affair with Cordelia Botkin, leading to a sensational trial that captivated the nation. The discussion reflects on the impact of this case on legal proceedings and societal views on love and revenge.

Episode Key Points

The Poison Candy Murders highlight the dark side of love and obsession.

Cordelia Botkin's actions were driven by jealousy and betrayal.

The case introduced new legal challenges regarding interstate crime.

The trial of Cordelia Botkin was sensational and widely publicized.

The use of the postal service as a weapon was unprecedented.

The tragedy left lasting scars on the Pennington family.

John Dunning's downfall was a result of his own choices.

The case serves as a cautionary tale about trust and betrayal.

Arsenic, a tasteless poison, can be deadly without detection.

The story reflects societal attitudes towards women and crime in the 1890s.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lake Lanier: Haunted Waters or Urban Legend?

This Yore Town Podcast episode delves into the haunting history of Lake Lanier, exploring its dark past, the tragic events surrounding the creation of the lake, and the eerie tales of ghostly encounters and mysterious disappearances that have occurred over the years. The hosts discuss the impact of the submerged town of Oscarville and the unsettling statistics surrounding drownings in the lake, as well as the legends that have emerged from its depths.

Episode Key Points

Lake Lanier is known for its beauty but has a dark history.

The town of Oscarville was forcibly displaced to create the lake.

Many residents of Oscarville drowned while trying to escape.

The lake is statistically one of the deadliest in the U.S.

Ghostly encounters and strange occurrences are reported by visitors.

The submerged structures in the lake create dangerous conditions.

Some believe the spirits of displaced residents haunt the lake.

Mysterious disappearances have occurred in Lake Lanier.

The lake's creation involved significant loss of life and land.

Lake Lanier's history may contribute to its eerie reputation.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Chapters

00:00 The Haunting of Lake Lanier

03:07 The Dark History of Oscarville

10:05 The Creation of Lake Lanier

12:25 The Dangers Beneath the Surface

16:45 Ghostly Encounters and Disappearances

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Katy Hawelka Campus Murder

Become a paid member of the Beard Laws Studio - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5MUpQNlzAHzibc4PHt2ew/join

This episode of the Your Town Podcast delves into the tragic story of Katie Holka, a 19-year-old student at Clarkson University who was brutally murdered in 1986. The hosts explore the details of her life, the circumstances surrounding her death, and the ongoing fight for justice led by her family and community. The conversation highlights the impact of this crime on the small town of Potsdam, New York, and the relentless efforts to keep her killer behind bars.

Episode Key Points

Katie Holka was a vibrant 19-year-old student with dreams.

Her murder in 1986 shocked the Potsdam community.

Katie's family continues to fight for justice.

The perpetrator, Brian McCarthy, was a known criminal.

McCarthy's lack of remorse raises concerns about parole.

Katie's story is a reminder of the fragility of life.

The community has rallied to keep McCarthy imprisoned.

Katie's mother advocates tirelessly for her daughter's memory.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of safety on college campuses.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women.

Check out all the podcast on the Beard Laws Studio: https://beardlawsstudio.com

Check out the interactive map at https://yoretown.com

Yore Town Podcast is a podcast that features your towns dark, wild, unbelievable past that has you thinking no way that really happened here. Matt and Megh dust off the books, hit the streets and an occasional nursing home to unveil Yore Town's past. From small towns to where we live to big cities before they were what they are today. This is Yore Town, Yore Stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.