The incredible true story of "Wildman Joe," an African American man whose life journey, from slavery through a steamboat disaster and years as a ragman, led to a controversial career in sideshows. This episode traces the lives of Joe Rettig and showman Jeremiah "Doc" Kahler, detailing their meeting in Evansville, Indiana, and the creation of the "Wildman Joe" act.

Key Moments:

• Introduction to Wildman Joe's Story: The episode begins by introducing the enigmatic figure of Wildman Joe and hinting at the untold stories from Evansville's past. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16)
• Joe Rettig's Early Life in Slavery: Learn about Joe's birth into slavery in North Carolina and the harsh realities he faced before the Civil War brought the promise of freedom. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16)
• The Steamboat Accident: Discover Joe's transition to working on steamboats after the war and the horrific boiler explosion that left him permanently scarred. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:44)
• Evansville's Ragman: Follow Joe's return to Evansville and his difficult life on the margins, sifting through the city's refuse. (Approximate timestamp: 00:01:03)
• Enter Jeremiah "Ol' Doc" Kahler: The narrative shifts to the colorful life of "Ol' Doc" Kahler, a former St. Louis saloon keeper with a penchant for the peculiar, who would become a traveling showman. (Approximate timestamp: 00:02:44)
• Ol' Doc Kahler's Famous Flea Circus: Hear the fascinating and almost unbelievable tale of Kahler's renowned trained flea circus. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:46)
• Legal Troubles and a Flea-Filled Courtroom: Learn about Kahler's brushes with the law, including a unique court appearance involving his performing fleas. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:04)
• The Demise of the Flea Circus: The episode recounts the sudden and tragic end of Doc Kahler's prize-winning flea troupe. (Approximate timestamp: 00:05:22)
• Two Worlds Converge in Evansville: The two vastly different lives converge as Doc Kahler encounters Joe Rettig in Evansville and sees an opportunity for a new sideshow act. (Approximate timestamp: 00:08:07)
• The Creation of "Wildman Joe": Explore the transformation of Joe Rettig into the sideshow persona of "Wildman Joe," and the fabricated narrative created around him. (Approximate timestamp: 00:09:08)
• Life as a Sideshow Performer: Discover how joining the circus changed the course of Joe's life, providing him with a livelihood and the chance to travel. (Approximate timestamp: 00:11:00)
• Performance and Exploitation: The episode details the nature of Wildman Joe's act, highlighting the elements of performance, fear, and the exploitation of Joe's physical appearance. (Approximate timestamp: 00:09:08)
• Traveling with the Circus: Learn about Joe's travels with various circuses, including performances for large audiences and even internationally. (Approximate timestamp: 00:11:35)
• A Story of Resilience: The episode concludes by reflecting on Joe Rettig's incredible resilience and his ability to endure immense hardship and find a way to survive against all odds. (Approximate timestamp: 00:12:11)

Show notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/20

Join the River City Mystery Discord server to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

This episode delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of Georgia "Jean" Cook, a 56-year-old mother who was shot and killed on October 6th, 2005, while working at a gas station on 41 North in Evansville, Indiana.

Here's a summary of the key points covered:

• The Crime: Learn about the details of the shooting, where Jean Cook was fatally shot during a robbery at her workplace. [01:07]
• Eyewitness Account: Hear the description provided by a witness who saw a woman leaving the scene in a bluish-gray sedan. [02:03]
• Conflicting Details: Understand the uncertainty surrounding the perpetrator's identity, with some accounts suggesting a man in disguise. [02:56]
• First-hand Accounts: Listen to the emotional interview with Jean's coworker, Andy Hinton, who received a call from Jean immediately after the shooting, and her son, Fred Cook, who shares the lasting impact of this crime on their family. [03:10], [03:55]
• Possible Leads and Theories: Explore potential motives, including the possibility that Jean may have witnessed illegal activity at the gas station. [08:21]
• The Cold Case: Discover the current status of the investigation, which remains unsolved after two decades. [01:42]
• Call for Information: The episode serves as a renewed effort to seek justice for Jean Cook, urging anyone with information to contact the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department. [25:57]

Show notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/19

Join the River City Mystery Discord server to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Other links:

https://vanderburghsheriff.org/#send-a-tip-form

https://www.14news.com/story/9134480/unsolved-murder-jean-cook/

This episode features an interview with Crystal Folz, also known as Evansville's Forest Witch. Crystal has been practicing witchcraft since the 1990s, with a practice deeply rooted in animism and Kentucky folklore. She is also actively involved in the pagan and paranormal communities, serving as a co-chair for both the Three Corners Pagan Circle and the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators.

Here are some of the key topics discussed in the episode:

• Introduction to Crystal: Learn about Crystal's background in witchcraft and her connection to animism and Kentucky folklore. [01:37]
• Community Involvement: Discover Crystal's roles in the Three Corners Pagan Circle, serving witches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and her involvement in paranormal investigation teams. [02:15]
• "Back Porch" Approach to the Paranormal: Understand Crystal's common-sense approach to paranormal encounters. [02:45]
• Defining Witchcraft: Explore the broad definition of what it means to be a witch and how it can vary for different individuals. [03:25]
• Witchcraft vs. Wicca: Clarification on the distinction between witchcraft as a practice and Wicca as a specific religion within witchcraft. [08:13]
• Understanding Dark Magic: Gain insight into Crystal's perspective on what constitutes dark magic. [13:16]
• Ethical Sourcing: Learn about Crystal's practice of scavenging materials and her views on unethical labor standards in mass consumerism. [16:36]
• Psychic Abilities in Investigations: Discover how Crystal uses her psychic abilities to provide readings of spaces during paranormal investigations without relying on equipment. [23:23]
• Involvement in Missing Persons Cases: Hear about Crystal's experience as a psychic consultant in search and rescue operations and her emphasis on avoiding assumptions. [34:01]
• Kentucky Folklore and Superstitions: Delve into fascinating local folklore and superstitions related to ghosts and witches. [45:57]
• Animistic Beliefs: Understand Crystal's animistic worldview, where everything possesses a spirit and energy, and the importance of respecting those spaces. [59:07]
• Three Corners Pagan Circle Events: Learn about the public rituals and events organized by the Three Corners Pagan Circle to educate and connect the community. [01:05:38]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/18

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://kentuckyconjurer.me/

https://www.threecornerspagancircle.com/

Crystal's email: dirtandbones@kentuckyconjurer.me