Kate Bender gained a reputation as an attractive but dangerous woman in her Labette County community. Living with her mother, father, and brother while helping them run an isolated grocery and roadhouse she felt somewhat like an alien. She was the only one to culture social skills. It was even said that she had an alleged gift for second sight and spiritualism and distributed advertising circulars throughout the county proclaiming her abilities.
Her enduring fame wouldn't come from her supposed abilities but that of murder. Kate was the leading member of the "Bloody Benders." The small Bender home was divided into two rooms by canvas cloth. There was a table, stove, and grocery stores in front and beds in the back along with the pit-like cellar covered by a trap door.
The Bender family's crimes were considered some of the more gruesome perpetrated on Kansas soil. John, his wife Katherine, son John Jr., and daughter Kate operated an inn outside of Parsons from 1871 to 1873.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womensettlers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womensettlers/supportHelen Keller
Sarah Jane Woodson Early
Minna Canth
Elizabeth Murray Campbell Smith Inman
Phillis Wheatley Peters
Mary Church Terrell
Witches in Britan
Ann Hutchinson
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The Elusive Etta Place
The Love of Kid Curry's LIfe: Annie Rogers
The Wild Rose: Laura Bullion
The Donner Reed Party pt 9: After the Rescue the Survivors Settle In
The Donner Reed Party pt 8: "Are you from California or are you from Heaven?"
The Donner Reed Party pt 7: "Were one to die, the rest might live."
The Donner Reed Party pt 6: Trapped in Desperation and Despair
The Donner Reed Party pt 5: Rock Upon Rock, Snow Upon Snow
The Donner Reed Party pt. 4: The Desert Banishment
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