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The Natchez Rhythm Club changed the city of Natchez on April 23rd 1940. 209 people died and more than 200 were injured including civic and cultural leaders. All of the victims of one of the deadliest fires in US history were Black.    See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support The Show Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   Connect Website Twitter Facebook   Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Somber Ballads and Long Road Ahead B by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Source: http://incompetech.com/. Pale Rider by Blues Mini Vandals; Burden Laid Down by The Westerlies; Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen; Lost Cowboy by Coyote Hearing. Licensed Under Creative Commons. Beginnings in Dust, Devouring the Whole by Ross Gentry. Courtesy Headway Recordings Asheville.  The Natchez Burning by Howlin' Wolf. The Complete RPM & Chess Singles A's & B's 1951-62, Vol. 1 ℗ 2014 Acrobat Licensing Ltd. The Natchez Fire by Gene Gilmore. Originally issued on the 1940 single (Decca 7763) (78 RPM). “It’s Tight Like That” by Walter Barnes and His Royal Creolians. 1928.

Quick update on show schedule and how to help folks in Texas.   Supporting Texans in need Feeding Texas https://feedingtexas.networkforgood.com/ Austin Urban League https://aaul.org/love-thy-neighbor Houston Food Bank: https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/

Bass Reeves was born into slavery, escaped to freedom during the Civil War and became a legendary marshal. Was Bass Reeves the inspiration behind the cowboy hero The Lone Ranger?     See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support The ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterFacebook   Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Green Green Garden and Morning Mandolin by Chris Haugen; Plantation by Audionautix; There’s Probably No Time by Chris Zabriske; Dhaka, Somber Ballad and Clean Soul by Kevin MacLeod; Eight by Ross Gentry. Courtesy of Headway Recordings in Asheville, North Carolina. Lazy Day and Shadowlands by Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/ Licensed under Creative Commons.

In December 1955, Harry Washburn stood trial for the car bombing that killed his ex mother in law, Helen Weaver. Central Texans were captivated by the trial coverage as they watched the first televised murder trial in American history.    See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support The ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterFacebook   Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Magic Forest by Sir Cuthburt; Sugar Pines by Wes Hutchison; Drone in D, Almost in F Tranquility, Passing Time and Meditation Impromptu 1 by Kevin MacLeod  Atmosphere and Darkness by Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/ Licensed under Creative Commons.

Euzebe Vidrine was one of Louisiana’s earliest serial killers. After being sentenced to death for one murder in Evangeline Parish, Vidrine asked the judge for time to write his memoir and confessed to murdering four other men.See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.comSupport The ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteriesConnect WebsiteTwitterFacebookMusicTheme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Virtues Instumenti, Magic Forest, Ghostpocalypse, Donr in D, Long Note One, Long Note Two, Almost in F Tranquility, Colorless Aura and Dark Times by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons.

In November 1930, Pearl Drew sent a letter to Mississippi Governor Bilbo. She included a poem which revealed she had murdered a man her father was convicted of killing.    See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support The ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterFacebook   Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Ever Mindful by Kevin MacLeod; Woods by Dan Henig and Tense by Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/. Licensed under Creative Commons

William Marsh Rice, founder of Rice University, was found dead on September 23,1900. The story surrounding his death is questioned to this day. Was he murdered? Or did the man who confessed to killing him get there too late?    See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support The ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterFacebook   Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Drone in D, Lamentation, Concentration, Atlantean Twilight, Silver Flame, Somber Ballads by Kevin MacLeod; There’s Probably No Time by Chris Zabriske; Lazy Days by Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com Licensed under Creative Commons.

In 1902 six members of a farming family were murdered in Calcasieu Parish Louisiana. The gruesome discovery devastated the community. Alfred Batson was arrested despite having no motive for the murders. He would pay the ultimate price for the crime.   See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support the showWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use Additional Music: Lightless Dawn, Resolution, Ambient, Long Note One, Long Note Four, Tranquility Base and Dark Times by Kevin MacLeod; Slow Hammers by The Mini Vandals; Falling Rain by Myuu Licensed under Creative Commons. Lomax, J. A., Lomax, A. & Stavin' Chain. (1934) Batson. Lafayette, Louisiana.

6 year old Dennis Martin and his family went hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park over Father’s Day weekend 1969. Minutes after Dennis was overheard plotting with his brother and friends to try to prank the adults, he went missing. What happened to Dennis Martin?   See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   SUPPORT THE SHOWWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   CONNECTWebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group   MUSIC Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Atlantean Twilight, Ambient by Kevin MacLeod; Magic Forest by Sir Cubworth; Wood by Dan Henig; There’s Probably No Time by Chris Zabriske Licensed under Creative Commons. 

In 1954, Albert Patterson campaigned as a “man against crime”, vowing he would run the mob out of Phenix City Alabama if he won the race for Alabama Attorney General. Within days of winning, Patterson was assassinated in Phenix City, which had been labelled the “Wickedest City in America”.   See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   Support the ShowWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   ConnectWebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group Music Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: Lightless Dawn, Resolution, Long Note One, Long Note Two, Silver Flame, Lamentation by Kevin MacLeod. Magic Forest by Sir Cubworth; Tupelo Train by Chris Haughen; Loneliest Road in America by Jesse Gallager; I have a reservation by Track Tribe; There’s Probably No Time by Chris Zabriske Licensed under Creative Commons.

Mary Cawein's murder by carbolic acid poisoning in July 1965, shocked the social set in Lexington, Kentucky. Her murder would bring to light the affairs of her respected husband, Dr. Madison Cawein III. Did Madison murder his wife? Or did one of his lovers kill Mary?   See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   SUPPORT THE SHOWWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   CONNECTWebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group MUSIC Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: “Gloomy Night” by Marwam Nimra; “Meditation Impromptu 1”, “Lightless Dawn”, “Tranquility Base”, “Dark Fog”, “Drone in D”, “Lost Time”, “Atlantean Twilight” by Kevin MacLeod. “Autumn Sunset” by Audionautix. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Rosewood was once a thriving Black Community in rural Levy County Florida. Until January 1923, when a lie led to injuries, deaths and complete destruction of the community See photos and sources for this episode in the show notes at southernmysteries.com   SUPPORT THE SHOWWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   CONNECTWebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group MUSIC Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: “Emotional” by Purple Planet Music. https://www.purple-planet.com; “Beginnings in Dust” and “One” by Ross Gentry. Courtesy of Headway Recordings in Asheville, North Carolina; “Almost in F Tranquility”, “Ever Mindful”, “Dark Times” by Kevin MacLeod. “St. Francis” by Josh Lippi & The Overtimers. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Sidney Lascelles was one of the most accomplished swindlers and bigamists of the 19th century. So accomplished that when he died in Asheville, North Carolina in 1902, it would take years to track down someone who knew his true identity. See photos from this episode and sources in the show notes at southernmysteries.comSUPPORT THE SHOWWant more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteriesCONNECTWebsiteTwitterDiscussion GroupMUSIC Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use ***Additional Music: “Lazy Days” by Purple Planet Music. https://www.purple-planet.com; “Cryptic Sorrow”, “Clean Soul” and “Evening Fall Harp” by Kevin MacLeod. “There’s Probably No Time For That” and “I Am A Man Who Will Fight” by Chris Zabriske. Licensed under Creative Commons.

For five generations the wealthy and powerful Bigham Family controlled their community of Pamplico, South Carolina. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, the Bighams were associated with countless assaults and many murders. Until 1921, when one of their own murdered five family members.   View photos and sources for this episode at southernmysteries.com   *Support The Show*Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries   Connect Website Twitter Facebook Group Email *Music*“Alone” from https://www.purple-planet.com; “Clean Soul” Kevin MacLeod, “Falling From Grace” by White Hex, “Autumn Sunset” by Jesse Gallager and “Whaling City” by Freedom Trail Studio. Licensed under Creative Commons. “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use.  

Southern Mysteries returns with new episodes this September. While the show's on hiatus, you can get your Southern Mysteries fix with bonus content available to Patreon members at patreon.com/southernmysteries

In October 1934, 28 year old socialite, Alice Speed Stoll, was kidnapped from her Louisville, Kentucky mansion. Seven days later, an injured Alice was set free but her kidnapper remained on the run and became one of the FBI's 10 Most Wanted. Who kidnapped Alice? And why? View photos from this episode, show sources and more about the kidnapping of Alice in the complete show notes at southernmysteries.com *Support The Show*Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries Connect Website Twitter Discussion Group Email: southernmysteriespodcast@gmail.com *Music*Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use  ***Additional Music: “Elegy, “Drone in D”, “Echoes of Time”, “Tranqulity Base” and “Ossuary 6” by Kevin MacLeod. “Shadowlands” by Purple Planet Music. “Who Can Say” by The 126ers. Licensed under Creative Commons

In June 1863, a group of Union and Confederate forces agreed to a truce and united for the funeral of Union Lieutenant Commander John Elliot Hart. The events surrounding the day are known in St. Francisville, Louisiana as The Day the War Stopped Learn more about St Francisville and view photos from this episode at southernmysteries.com *Support The Show*Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries *Connect* WebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group *Music*Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use  ***Additional Music: “Relaxing Piano Music", “Elegy” and “Bittersweet” by Kevin MacLeod. “I Am A Man Who Will Fight” by Chris Zabriske. “St Francis” by Josh Lippi and the Overtimers. “Terrier Waltz” by Nat Keefe and the Bow Ties. Licensed under Creative Commons

Southern Mysteries Shorts are heard monthly on Patreon. Sharing an episode with you this week as a thanks for listening and to provide a distraction as we continue to face strange times. Hope you enjoy the story of Alice Belle Kirby.Want to learn more about membership on Patreon? Visit the Southern Mysteries Patreonpatreon.com/southernmysteries

Revisiting a 2018 episode about Robert Smalls. His life became a symbol of hope and freedom to the enslaved people of the American South. His determination to hold on to hope and overcome impossible odds, seems a fitting message during uncertain times Learn more about Robert Smalls and view photos from this episode at southernmysteries.com *Support The Show*Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries *Connect* WebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group *Music*Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use  ***Additional Music:“Thoreau” by Spazz Cardigan. "Ever Mindful", "Magic Forest", "Bittersweet" and "Relaxing Piano" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons."Last Stand" and "The Chase" by Purple Plant Music Licensed under Creative Commons

In 1957 federal authorities seized what was estimated to be a 5th of national supply of moonshine from operators in the state of North Carolina. A majority of that supply was connected to the King of the Moonshiners, Percy Flowers View photos of Percy and find episode sources at southernmysteries.com *Support The Show*Want more Southern Mysteries? Become a member of the show on Patreon to support this independent show and enjoy the benefits of membership, including monthly bonus content. patreon.com/southernmysteries *Connect*WebsiteTwitterDiscussion Group*Music*Theme Song “Dark & Troubled” by Panthernburn. Special thanks to Phillip St Ours for permission for use  ***Additional Music: “Blue Creek Trail” by Dan Lebowitz; “Angeline the Baker” by Nat Keefe and the Bow Ties; “Drankin Song”, “Relaxing Piano”and “Journey of Hope” by Kevin McLeod; “Wandering” by Lee Rosevere; “Loneliest Road in America” by Jesse Gallager;  “I Am A Man Who Will Fight” by Chris Zabriske. All music licensed under Creative Commons