94. Wild West | The Bloody Benders

Published: June 16, 2020, 7 a.m.

October of 1870 in Labette County, Kansas was a curious time. If you had passed through, you would have likely met a family of spiritualists known as the Benders. They operated a general store along the Great Osage trail. Travelers could stop by for goods, a meal, or even spend the night. It was, for many, quite the welcome sight.

But what was truly happening inside that seemingly warm general store, staffed by a welcoming family always offering to take in travelers, was much darker.