Episode 4: The Murder Castle

The Murder Castle

Dr. H. H. Holmes

Photo source: Dimitry Anikin, Unsplash

With people flooding Chicago in 1893 during the World’s Columbian Exposition, the World’s Fair, Dr. H. H. Holmes created a hotel above his pharmacy. Unfortunately, if you stayed there, it was likely you never left. No one knows how many people Holmes killed, but there are estimates in the hundreds. What we do know is Holmes was born Herman Webster Mudgett and had 3 wives at the time of his execution.

Listen as we delve deep into his fascinating family history and a distant family member also accused of a horrendous crime.

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This image was located by a collector. He is not listed as a member under any known names. So, what name was he using? Photo likely dates up to 10 years before he was arrested.

Source: "Brownie's Long Lost Images"

Herman Webster Mudgett, aka Dr. H. H. Holmes, ca 1895

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Clara A. Lovering, Mudgett’s first and only legitimate wife.

Myrta Z. Belknap, Mudgett’s second wife, believed him to be innocent when interviewed by the press. It’s likely she believed that until her death.

Source: Chicago Chronicle, 27 June 1895

Minnie R. Williams, daughter of Hansford & Nancy (Marshall) Williams, was Mudgett’s third wife. She had no idea it wasn’t a real ceremony.

Georgianna D. Yoke, his official third wife, as she testifies against Holmes.

Source: The Phildadelphia Inquirer, 1 Nov 1895

Source The Atlanta Constitution, 31 October 1926

The Murder Hotel

Source: Chicago Chronicle, 21 June 1895

Lucy T. Holmes also joined the Salvation Army, like her father. But, unlike him, it’s likely her intentions were pure.

Source: Brownie's Long Lost Image Lot