Unearthing the forgotten, the mysterious, and the legendary—one Southern story at a time. Hosted by Shannon Ballard, Southern Mysteries explores the rich and often untold history of the American South through a captivating mix of folklore, legends, unexplained mysteries, and true crime. Each episode uncovers a compelling tale from a Southern state, blending history with intrigue to reveal the fascinating stories that time left behind. While some episodes delve into chilling crimes, others spotlight legendary figures, ghostly lore, or baffling events.Sometimes the mystery is: why haven’t you heard the story?
Episodes
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
State Solicitor George Bailes described the murder of Faye New as the most heinous crime ever committed in Jefferson County, Alabama. Faye New's story is shrouded in mystery and sorrow. She was a lively young woman, renowned for her warm smile and compassionate nature. In 1934, tragedy struck when she disappeared after agreeing to accompany a young man for a car ride on a summer evening. Search parties were organized, and the next day, Faye's lifeless body was discovered in a ditch at the edge of a cornfield. For months, local newspapers extensively covered every aspect of this murder mystery. Was it a crime of passion committed by a young man who professed his love for her? Or did the man who offered her a ride bring an end to a promising young life?
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Episode Sources
- Encyclopedia Alabama: Irondale, Alabama
- BhamWiki: Woodlawn
- Findagrave: Faye News
- Findagrave: Ashley Cain
- Findagrave: Dorsie New
- Findagrave: Lonnie New
- The Birmingham News: Woodlawn High Senior Faye New. February 9, 1930
- The Birmingham Post-Herald: Co Ed Missing; 2 Men Quizzed. August 22, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: Girl Found Dead. August 22, 1934.
- The Birmingham Age-Herald: Taylor is Jailed in Co-ed Death. August 23, 1934
- The Birmingham News: Police, Solicitor, Increase Activity in Taylor’s Case. August 25, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: Special Jury Probes Murder of Faye New. August 27, 1934.
- The Birmingham Post-Herald: Co Ed Death Jury Indicts Taylor. August 28, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: 34 to be Called in Taylor Trial. August 28, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: Jury is selected with hearing of witnesses next. September 4, 1934
- The Birmingham News: Cain is calm as lawyer charges him with killing. September 6, 1934
- The Birmingham News: Harold Taylor Gives His Version of Fatal Ride with Faye New. September 7, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: Taylor Repeats Denial of Guilt. September 7, 1934.
- The Birmingham News: Taylor’s Fate Now in Jury’s Hands.September 8, 1934
- The Birmingham News: Faye New’s Death is still a baffling puzzle to police. September 10, 1934
- The Birmingham News: Mother of Slain Faye New Weeps. September 10, 1934.
- The Atlanta Constitution: Taylor is Cleared of Attack Charge. September 11, 1934
- The Birmingham Post: Detectives Back on Co-Ed Murder. September 12, 1934
- The Birmingham Post-Herald: Taylor, Freed, Is Happy at Home. September 10, 1934.
- The Birmingham Post: Harold Taylor Fined as Drunk. June 12, 1935
- The Birmingham Post: Father and Son Will Face Peace Warrants. October 23, 1935.
- The Birmingham Post: Charges dropped against father and son. November 2, 1935
- The Birmingham News: Faye New’s Diary Is Buried with Slain Co-ed. August 25, 1936.
- The Birmingham Post: Faye New Father Succombs. December 31, 1936.
- The Birmingham Post: Faye New Slaying, Six Years Old, Still Unsolved. August 19, 1940.
Episode Music
Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
In this episode of Southern Mysteries, host Shannon Ballard delves into the perplexing case of David Glenn Lewis, a well-respected lawyer from Amarillo, Texas, who vanished under mysterious circumstances in January 1993. Despite being a beloved family man and community leader, David's disappearance left his family and law enforcement with more questions than answers.
David's body was found 1,600 miles away in Washington State, identified only years later through the use of Google by a determined detective. The discovery solved one mystery but deepened another: how did David end up in Washington, and what led to his tragic death by a hit-and-run driver?
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Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
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Episode Sources
- Fort Worth Telegram Star: Amarillo Police Are Stumped in Search for Missing Lawyer. June 27, 1993.
- Juneau Empire: Experts say that Roberts may indeed have amnesia. July, 17, 1997
- NBC News: Google used to identify long-lost victim. October 8, 2004.
- The Crime Wire: The Strange Disappearance and Death of David Glenn Lewis. June 23, 2024
- Seattle Post-Intelligence Reporter: 1993 hit-run victim is finally identified. October 9, 2004
- NPR Morning Edition: For Man With Amnesia, Love Repeats Itself. December 13, 2012
Episode Music
Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
The death of Mary Ravenel remains one of Charleston’s most baffling mysteries. The 64 year old widow was found slumped on the sidewalk near her home on November 1, 1933. People stopped to help and transported Mary to the hospital. She complained of unbearable pain but doctors were unable to determine the source of her injuries and Mary died. Investigators struggled to answer the question of how Mary Ravenel died? Was it accidental? Or cold blooded murder?
Want more Southern Mysteries?
Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
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Instagram: @explorethesouth
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Episode Sources
- South Carolina Bandits, Bushwackers, Outlaws, Crooks, Devils, Ghosts and other assorted characters By Carole Marsh
- South Carolina Killers: Crimes of Passion by Mark Jones
- Charleston Historical Exhibits and Information: The Mysterious Death of Mary Ravenel, 1933
- South Carolina Encyclopedia: Ravenel, St. Julien
- SC Picture Project: Palmer Home
- Charleston Raconteurs: William Ravenel House
- The Asheville Times: Bullet Pierced Body of Woman Found in Street, November 2, 1933
- Greensboro Record: Strange Death of Charleston Woman Is Veiled in Mystery, November 3, 1933
- The Charlotte Observer: Stray Bullet Kills Woman, November 3, 1933
- The State: Mrs. Ravenel Told Hospital ‘A Man Hit Me’, November 3, 1933
- Florence Morning News: Woman’s Death Still Mystery, November 4, 1933
- The Gazette: Mrs. Ravenel’s Slayer Never Apprehended, October 4, 1936
- The State: Ravenel Death Still Unsolved, April 5, 1938
- The Columbia Record: Charlotte Storm Kills 30, September 29, 1938
Episode Music
Out of the Mines, courtesy of Ross Gentry, Asheville, North Carolina.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
In 1931, 18 year old Helen Spence became a household name, and Arkansas folk hero, after she sought vengeance for the death of her father and stepmother. Over the next three years, the media followed Helen’s trial, imprisonment, second murder charge, prison escapes, and her murder at the age of 22.
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Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
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Episode Sources
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Helen Spence (1912–1934)
- People’s River History Project: A Secret History of American River People
- Denise White Parkinson: Daughter of the White River: Depression-Era Treachery and Vengeance in the Arkansas Delta
- Only In Arkansas: River of Redemption: The Helen Spence Story
- The Daily World: Decisions of the Arkansas Supreme Court, January 13, 1930
- The Shreveport Journal: Wounded Man is Thrown in River, April 24, 1930
- Hope Star: Body of Timber Worker, Drowned in River, Found, June 5, 1930
- The Columbus Ledger: Girl Kills Accused Slayer of Father in Courtroom, January 20,1931
- The Barre Daily Times: Young Woman Didn’t Trust Jury with Trial, January 20, 1931
- Sun Herald: Courtroom Slayer Gets Five Year Term, April 2, 1931
- Reading Times: Arrest Trusty for Killing Girl Who Fled Prison, July 13, 1934
- Daily News: Tragedy of Helen Spence Eaton, July 22, 1934
- Hope Star: Martin Acquitted in Eaton Slaying, September 28, 1934
- Arkansas Times: The river people, August 17, 2006
- Fox 16 TV: River Justice: pardon sought for Delta folk hero
- Malvern Daily Record: Helen Spence: An Arkansas Folk Hero for the Ages, March 6, 2023
Episode Music
Impromptu, Traveler and Unanswered Questions by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Dr. Jacob Herman Feist was one of Nashville’s most eligible bachelors when he was accused of murder following the disappearance of his lover, Mrs. Mangrum. Was one of the city’s most prominent citizens one of its earliest known serial killers or a womanizer who was destroyed by accusations and gossip?
Want more Southern Mysteries?
Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
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Episode Sources
- The Tennessean Sadie Goldstein Obituary, May 11, 1903
- The Tennessean Dr. Feist’s Denial, May 16, 1903
- Grundy News Sadie Goldstein, May 21, 1903
- Feist Court Case J. Herman Feist vs. The State
- Knoxville Sentinel Saw Dr. Feist Embrace Woman, January 29, 1907
- The Journal and Tribune Morbid Crowd Fed Salacious Morsels, Jan 30, 1907
- The Tennessean May Not Go On Witness Stand, Jan 31, 1907
- Nashville Banner Dr. Feist Witnesses Last Scene of the Trial with no Visible Emotion, Feb 16, 1907
- Nashville Banner Defense Asks for Adjournment, March 26, 1907
- The Tennessean Treatment of Dr. J. H. Feist
- The Tennessean The Feist Case, April 4, 1978
- The Baldwin Times Dr. Feist Dies at Tensaw Home, October 23, 1952
- Genealogy Trails Davidson County J. Herman Feist Bio
- Notorious Nashville Scoundrels, Rogues and Outlaws, By Brian Allison
- Find a Grave Dr. Jacob Herman Feist (1873-1952)
Episode Music
Impromptu and Unanswered Questions by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
On May 4, 1931, William and Mamie Wagner were murdered at their home in northwest Mississippi. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger called the murders of one of the most prominent couples in the area, “the most brutal tragedy that has ever happened in this section of Mississippi”.
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Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
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Website: southernmysteries.com
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Episode Sources
- The Commercial Appeal Mass Meeting on Charges Relative to Death of Rev H.P. Gibbs, May 6, 1899
- State Historical Society Archives Anti-Lynching Bill, 1921
- The Greenwood Commonwealth Water Valley Merchant and Wife Slain, May 5, 1931
- Biloxi Sun Herald Sheriff Gets Confession in Wagner Crime, May 6, 1931
- The Clarion-Ledger Atrocities in Northern Part of State Bringing Intense Police Efforts, May 7, 1931
- The Clarion-Ledger Murder Victims Are Laid to Rest, May 8, 1931
- The Clarion-Ledger Verdict Carries Dealth Penalty For Whitaker in Wagner Slayings, June 12, 1931
- North Mississippi Herald The Infamous History of Water Valley, May 14, 2008
- North Mississippi Herald Century Old Jail Is Piece Of History, April 6, 2011
- Hill Country History Water Valley (1858)
- Ancestry.com William Buford Wagner, Jr.
- Water Valley Chamber of Commerce Attractions - Carnival Info
Episode Music
Impromptu and Unanswered Questions by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
The Nelms Sisters Mystery is one of the most sensational mysteries of the early 20th century, that most people have never heard of. In the summer of 1914, Eloise Nelms was in love with an attorney she planned to marry. Her sister Beatrice questioned the attorney’s motives and wanted proof that he had her sister's best interest at heart. The sisters took a train from Atlanta, headed to Texas to meet the attorney. They were never seen alive again.
Want more Southern Mysteries?
Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
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Episode Sources
- An Old Coot’s Essays About An Earlier Georgia and Other Topics by Eddie Rollins
- Forgotten Stories: The World’s Worst Divorce Attorney
- Atlanta West End: Historic West End
- The Atlanta Constitution: Death Claims Him, March 1, 1911
- Oakland Tribune: Mystery of Two Sisters Deepens, July 10, 1914
- Charlotte Daily Observer: Search for Women Makes No Progress, July 11, 1914
- Tampa Journal: Atlanta Quivers with Excitement in Letter Puzzle, July 12, 1914
- The Atlanta Journal: Mother, Heartbroken, Tells of Power Innes Had Over Daughter, July 12, 1914
- San Francisco Examiner: Mrs. Nelms Bares Daughters Tragic Love, July 13, 1914
- The Atlanta Journal: Womans Clubs Urged to Aid Nelms Search, July 13,1914
- The Atlanta Journal: Evidence Sought to Hold Innes, July 16, 1914
- The Eugene Guard: Former US District Attorney Arrested in Eugene, August 19, 1914
- The Atlanta Journal: Strange Letters to Aid in Solving Nelms Mystery Case, August 21, 1914
- The Macon Telegraph: Bones Found in Connect with Nelms Mystery Are Positively Identified As Human, September 9, 1914
- The Americus Times Daily Recorder: Speculation Made in Case of INnes and wife, April 4, 1916
- The Atlanta Constitution: Finger of Death Inscribes ‘Finis’ on Final Chapter of Nelms Case, April 1, 1936
Episode Music
Northern Lights by Chris Hauge. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Deep Haze by Kevin McLeod. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Source: http://incompetech.com
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
The Battle of Blair Mountain, in the summer of 1921, was one of the largest civil uprisings in American History. Violent attacks on Appalachian miners and their families, dangerous working conditions and a forced debt system in company towns contributed to the largest and bloodiest armed uprising since the Civil War.
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Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
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Episode Sources
- The Road to Blair Mountain by Charles Keeney
- On Dark and Bloody Ground by Anne Lawrence
- National Park Service: Introduction to the West Virginia Mine Wars
- Smithsonian Magazine: What Made the Battle of Blair Mountain the Largest Labor Uprising in American History
- Zinn Education Project: The Devil Is Here in These Hills
- ReImagine Appalachia: The Battle of Blair Mountain
- West Virginia Archives & History
- United Mine Workers of America: Standing United, Living Divided: Black coal miners and their fight for justice
- West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
- JSTOR Daily: Rednecks: A Brief History.
Episode Music
Out of the Mines by Ross Gentry. Used with permission of artist.
Resolution by Kevin McLeod. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Source: http://incompetech.com
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
The disappearance of 67 year old Ruth Dorsey has perplexed her family, friends and Lee County, Alabama law enforcement for half a century. In the summer of 1974 investigators launched what would become one of the most extensive searches to date in the east central part of the state. Ruth’s disappearance remains one of Alabama’s most baffling mysteries.
Want more Southern Mysteries?
Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
Facebook: Southern Mysteries Podcast
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Email: southernmysteriespodcast@gmail.com
Episode Sources
- The Charley Project: Ruth Purcell Murphree Dorsey
- Encyclopedia of Alabama: Opelika
- Opelika-Auburn News: Dorsey Family Needs Closure After 30 Years, April 16, 2006
- Opelika-Auburn News: Only Spooky May Know What Happened, Aug 17, 1975
- Opelika-Auburn News: Ruth Dorsey Still Missing After Seven Years, Aug 16, 1981
- Opelika-Auburn News: E.S. (Pete) Dorsey, Lee Cattleman Dies at Home, June 22, 1965
- Opelika-Auburn News: Opelika Missing After Car Found, Aug 19, 1974
- Opelika-Auburn News: Helicopter Used to Search Area for Mrs. Dorsey, Aug 27, 1974
- Opelika-Auburn News: Aerial Search for Proves Fruitless In Search for Missing Opelikan
- Opelika-Auburn News: Ruth Dorsey’s Disappearance, Aug 21, 1977
- Opelika-Auburn News: After 3 Month Search, Dorsey Case Unsolved, Dec 3, 1974
- Opelika-Auburn News: Reward Up to $1400, Aug. 30, 1974
- RootsWeb: Dorsey Ancestry
Episode Music
Not Forgotten by Dan Lebowitz. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
The New Orleans Trunk Murders are a long forgotten dark chapter in the city's history. The gruesome discovery of two dismembered bodies in the French Quarter in October 1927 was one of the most violent crimes reported in the city in the 1920s.
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Hear the Southern Mysteries show archive of 60+ episodes along with Patron exclusive podcast, Audacious: Tales of American Crime and more when you become a patron of the show. You can immediately access exclusive content now at patreon.com/southernmysteries
Connect
Website: southernmysteries.com
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Email: southernmysteriespodcast@gmail.com
Episode Sources
- The Historical New Orleans Collection: Amid Roaring Twenties New Orleans, a brutal French Quarter murder shocked the city
- Bayou Justice: New Orleans’ infamous trunk murders revisited
- Atlas Obscura: The Trunk Murders and ‘Sausage Ghost’ of 1920s New Orleans
- Southern Spirit Guide: A Block of Death and Dismemberment – New Orleans
- French Quarter Mangement District: History of French Quarter
- Vieux Carré Digital Survey: 715 Ursulines St.
- Find A Grave: Henry Moity
- Find A Grave: Joseph Moity
- Find A Grave: Theresa Alfano Moity
- The Evergreen Courant: Henry Moity Captured
- Orlando Evening Star: How Jealousy Turned a Devoted Husband into a Demon
- Daily Advertiser: Be Careful in Marrying,Is Advice in Story Written by Woman Found Slain at N.O.
Episode Music
Dark Times and Long Note Two by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Source: http://incompetech.com