Summersode 4: The Diet Doctor of Death
Image source: Unsplash Dave Hoefler @davehoefler
Linda Burfield Hazzard (1867-1938) did not go to medical school, but she called herself a doctor. In Washington state, this alternative medicine practitioner was able to get a medical license despite her lack of degree. Linda, along with her husband Samuel Hazzard, opened a sanitarium offering simple cure for all those who were ill, fasting. For many patients, this “cure” led to death. And, interestingly enough, Linda profited from her patients, especially when some died.
But who was Linda? Did she really believe the cure she professed? And where did she come from? In this episode, we cover all that and more including a nephew and niece who are in the Guinness Book of World Records. Listen to learn more about Linda’s murderous roots.
TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode we discuss issues that may serve as a trigger for those suffering from eating disorders.
If you want to avoid this content, skip ahead to the 30 minute mark.
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Summersode: 4: Death by Starvation
Early photograph of Linda
Linda’s mug shot, likely from 1912 but she was arrested more than once.
Linda Burfield Hazzard
Source: Find a Grave
Linda Burfield Hazzard
Source: Find a Grave
Linda and Samuel’s sanitarium was referred to as “Starvation Heights” by the locals of Olalla, Washington.
Linda Hazzard with a dog.
Another portrait of Linda Burfield Hazzard
Source: Find a Grave
Samuel Hazzard disappeared from the U.S. Army and everyone else in early 1900. He took on an alias and wouldn’t be found until he was arrested for bigamy.
Source: Lebanon Courier and Semi Weekly Report, 6 June 1900
Samuel Chrisman Hazzard’s (1869-1946) mugshot, 1904. He was the second husband of Linda Burfield.
His defense did not work in his trial, but note that Viva Fitchpatrick, the woman who filed the bigamy charges, fully believed he would come home to her.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 26 March 1904
The public likely believed that when Samuel Hazzard left prison he would move to Iowa to be with Viva. He didn’t.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 21 March 1904
Rollin Perry Burfield (1888-1939), son of Linda Burfield and her first husband Erwin Perry. Rollin was involved in her schemes.
Source: Find a Grave
Rollin was involved in more than just helping his mother at the sanitarium. We were unable to find out how this case resolved.
Source: The Spokesman Review, 12 May 1937
Passport Application for Samuel and Linda, front copy.
Passport Application for Samuel and Linda, back copy. Notice the photo of the two of them together.
Lewis Emerson Rader (1864-1910), a Washington state politician fell victim to Linda’s methods 29 days after starting.
The Williamson Sisters, Claire and Dora, before their treatments.
Dora Williamson after her rescue from Hazzard's sanitarium.
Nina Floy Perry Bracelin (1890-1973), Linda’s daughter with her first husband, made a success of her life in California. She is pictured on the far right standing between J. T. Howell, to her left, and Mr. Lewis Rose, to her right. On the far left of the picture are Mrs. Kate E. Phelps then famed botanist Alice Eastwood. June 1941
Source: California Academy of Sciences Archives
Just some of the work Nina Floy did for the California Academy of Sciences.
Source: Oakland Tribune, 22 April 1947
Myron Mueller, the grandnephew of Linda Hazzard.
Source: North County Times, 1 November 2002
Myron’s daughter, Denise Mueller-Korenek, set a biking record in 2018.
Source: Chippewa Herald Telegram, 11 August 2018
Montgomery Berfield, Jr. (1872-1937) and wife Myrtle Pearl Pepper (1874-1907) at their farm in Minnesota.
Arthur Borne was Linda’s half-nephew.
Source: The Arizona Republic, 15 September 1972
Roland Berfield’s driving caused a horrific tragedy for a Minnesota family.
Source: The Algona Upper Des Moines, 27 January 1948
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE: Murderous Roots is listener-supported. Some of the links below include Amazon affiliate links that may bring us a small commission to help support the podcast, at no additional cost to you.
Denise Mueller-Korenek breaking the land speed record on a bicycle
Through Dakota Eyes: Narrative Accounts of the Minnesota Indian War of 1862 by Gary Clayton Anderson
Over the Earth I Come: The Great Sioux Uprising of 1862 by Duane Schultz
38 Nooses: Lincoln, Little Crow, and the Beginning of Frontier’s End by Scott W. Berg
Massacre in Minnesota by Gary Clayton Anderson
Documentary Dakota 38
Governor Ernest Lister of Washington
SOURCES
Nina Floy Bracelin brief biography
9th Infantry, Minnesota Regiment (Civil War)
Wikipedia
We use a multitude of resources when researching a family tree up to an including census records from 1800-1940, marriage records in various states, draft registration cards, newspaper articles, and more. If you would like more specific details on where information was obtained, please email us and we’ll respond in a timely manner.