THE KLEEMAN AX MURDERS of 1917.

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
  • 🟡 THE BOOK referenced in this episode - SUNDOWN at SUNRISE - Written by Marty Seifert.
    Amazon LINK: www.amazon.com...
    (FOTF gets no commission from the author or from Amazon. This link is for viewers' convenience).
    🟡 SUNDOWN at SUNRISE Facebook page (lot's of related vintage images) - / sundownatsunrise
    ________________________________________
    🟡 Check out my Book: "INTO THE UNKNOWN - True Stories of a Pilot Cheating Death" on Amazon for $12.95 USD - www.amazon.com...
    🟢 Connect up on Faces' INSTAGRAM to see SEMI-LIVE Video & Images at the SCENE, as we produce upcoming episodes:
    / facesofthoseforgotten
    🟢 LET'S HELP BUY GRAVESTONES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT. Consider helping support this channel, because sadly, sometimes I come across a known grave location with no marker, and sometimes I have bought that person a gravestone. Your donations here can help offset some of these costs. We have some folks already helping to build a pot for this. Let's try to make some of those names forgotten - remembered.
    HERE IS WHERE TO DONATE:
    🔵 PATREON MONTHLY PLEDGE - / facesoftheforgotten
    - or -
    🔵 Make a ONE TIME DONATION - www.paypal.com...
    THIS STORY
    It was in March of 1917 when something transformed loving husband William Kleeman into a wild killer. It was on the stormy night of March 24th when he transformed and then wiped out his entire family; a wife and four young children.
    What made him change like Jeckle & Hyde?
    In this episode, we share a big clue that we have just uncovered. Our ancestry expert Deb just my have uncovered the final piece of the puzzle.
    MUSIC
    Copyright paid for at this site: Pond5, LINK: www.pond5.com
    Song 1 - "001284888-clockwork"
    License: Individual License, Commercial, PRS
    Composer: Eric Bode
    PRO: PRS
    Song 2 - "042843936-funeral-sad-cinematic-sorrowfu"
    THIS CHANNEL:
    _________________________________________________________
    The Angel face you see is the Haserot, named “The Angel of Death Victorious". The stoic angel is seated on the marble gravestone of canning entrepreneur Francis Haserot and his family. Holding an extinguished torch upside-down, it represents a symbol of life extinguished. Wings are outstretched and the gaze is straight ahead.
    IN THE END, DEATH ALWAYS WINS. LEST THE FACES NOT BE FORGOTTEN...
    This channel is focused on casually walking and viewing a handful of the thousands of forgotten names and faces at various cemeteries near and afar. Seeing their faces up close. And when able, telling the stories behind their names.
    Most graves are unknown and lost to history.
    Some are famous.
    And some infamous....
    ....and some with tragic endings.
    #graves #cemeteries #death

Komentáře • 1K

  • @donaldn1193
    @donaldn1193 Před rokem +357

    I felt stricken with sadness as you stood at the site of the home, entered the schoolhouse and looked upon the weapon. RIP to the helpless victims. I can only imagine how you felt being there. Story well presented. Thank You

    • @sarahwinston7828
      @sarahwinston7828 Před rokem +23

      I wondered if Mary Snelling aka Ruth Snyder died so young, in 1918, from the Spanish flu epidemic that killed so many then?

    • @janetmcfarland4567
      @janetmcfarland4567 Před rokem +10

      I am 70 years old my grandma talked about this when I was a small girl.
      I have always wanted to read the book never found it or the movie

    • @Pellegrineanita
      @Pellegrineanita Před 2 měsíci

      @janetmcfarland4567 I've found the book on ebay, I was going to buy it but it's ridiculously expensive to post to the uk

    • @joshmofromkokomo
      @joshmofromkokomo Před 12 dny

      Obituary indicates she died of ' Spanish Influenza'.it

  • @sdbelland
    @sdbelland Před rokem +302

    How nice that Alex let you onto the land and you both got to explore. He made a a good contribution to the conversation. Thanks Ron for another great video.

    • @barbaracreel2777
      @barbaracreel2777 Před rokem +6

      I love hearing about the story. but he just TALKS TIO MUCH BEFORE HE GETS TI THS STORY.

  • @Aurora-sg4zr
    @Aurora-sg4zr Před rokem +209

    I have lived mostly of my 69 years in SW Minnesota, and haven't heard of this story. Never knew that Marty Seifert wrote a book on this horrific event. You did an excellent job telling the story, Ron. Thank You. And Thanks go out to Alex and Austin, too!

    • @celestereid7370
      @celestereid7370 Před rokem

      ]]pp0o8⁰⁰⁰⁰

    • @barbaracreel2777
      @barbaracreel2777 Před 11 měsíci +1

      To truly be a good story teller or author is to. Engage your audience from the first page . I AM A AVID BOOK READER AND HAVE 2 IN PARTICULAR. THE FIRST IS C ABOHT AN ASSINIAN. FROM THE FIRST PAGE I CANT PUT IT DOWN BUT THE SECOND AUTHOR I would give 8 out of 10. She writes about LEPPARD SHIFTERS AND OF COURSE THEY HAVE SEX AT LEAST 4 TIMES A DAY BUT WITH JUST THE TELLING OF 1 EPISODE TAKES 6 PAGES FRONT AND BACK SO 12 PAGES THAT I TOTALLY SKIP OVER ANd will more than likely stop readingc her at all. Christen FeehN and Vince Flynn

    • @bjbobbijo5066
      @bjbobbijo5066 Před 6 měsíci

      I know what ya mean. The internet, especially these CZcams historical story tellings, sometimes floor me because when I come across one that happened in my near by chunk of the country, I grew up never knowing of the stories or maybe only hearing a tiny bit of a few of them.
      Since people have never really changed, I suppose lots of these things happened all throughout time, but they didn't have the internet to pass the stories.

  • @annabelleb.8096
    @annabelleb.8096 Před rokem +204

    Incredibly sad history. It's hard to understand him killing his entire family over HIS mistake. 😢 It was so nice of Alex to join you and show his property!

    • @chivonfortney1656
      @chivonfortney1656 Před 9 měsíci +2

      Exsactly. I feel he had No right to kill his family over his own lust and sin.

    • @dorothylewis1207
      @dorothylewis1207 Před měsícem +1

      He couldn't live with the gossip & outrage of the day, people back then had Good Morales, both He & Teach, committed the biggest ' SCANDAL' of the day.

    • @annredding3091
      @annredding3091 Před měsícem +3

      As my dad would have said, it wasn’t a mistake it was a choice.

  • @paulfroese1469
    @paulfroese1469 Před rokem +137

    People like you and Alex keep these stories alive and heard. Things that really happened.❤❤

    • @Phyllis355
      @Phyllis355 Před 24 dny +1

      Truth is stanger then fiction …as the old saying goes…

  • @kattlady1
    @kattlady1 Před rokem +20

    Ron,You have a gift in telling us about all the Forgotten so they will never be lost in history. RIP Maud and the little ones RIP,

  • @wendydodson9603
    @wendydodson9603 Před rokem +97

    I really Love how You share These Older Stories that I know I might not have ever known about if You didn't share them with Us on Your Channel. You are so awesome. I hope that You continue to be successful with Your Channel and Family Life as Well.

  • @conniethingstad1070
    @conniethingstad1070 Před rokem +86

    loving this. this time period is about when my grandfather would have been farming in central Indiana. similar tractors, etc. my dad still lives on that farm in our family since `1830s.

    • @requim936
      @requim936 Před rokem +21

      Hold on to it for as long as y'all can. I love it when land ect is kept in families. My father in law just sold his late wife's land that had been in her family for generations to complete strangers. I think that he should have gave it to her children or her brother someone in her family.

    • @marianneleach918
      @marianneleach918 Před rokem +8

      My great-grandfathers farm was in Silver Creek Indiana, also farmed there since1840's. Grandfather born there with 8 brothers and a sister. But the farm was sold in the early 1900's. So hello, my Hoosier friend.

    • @conniethingstad1070
      @conniethingstad1070 Před rokem +5

      @@marianneleach918 madison county for me! My family were pioneers there in the 1820s.

    • @AFineLineA
      @AFineLineA Před rokem +3

      ​@@requim936Totally agreed!!!

    • @irishcountrygirl78
      @irishcountrygirl78 Před rokem +2

      Loving all the comments, very interesting.

  • @foundbychance7777
    @foundbychance7777 Před rokem +64

    I had family members murdered in the early 1900s in NWMO. The whole family was killed and their house was burnt down. Turns out the young man that murdered them had murdered a young mother several years before. This murder reached papers worldwide I believe. The case was tried in Saint Joseph, MO and was well covered in the media. Very sad:(

    • @jeannetteterhark7647
      @jeannetteterhark7647 Před 10 měsíci +3

      So very sorry that happened to your Fly 🙏🙏🙏

    • @hildahilpert5018
      @hildahilpert5018 Před 9 měsíci +3

      Oh how horrible!!! May their souls rest in peace with Jesus, and the same for the Kleemans.

  • @breeyoung8777
    @breeyoung8777 Před rokem +98

    I am haunted by this story. Definitely in Ron's top ten. Now I want to see pictures, DNA, read the book. I am glad Alex showed u around before those artifacts disintegrate in the weeds and the wind. Such a poignant human story. Thanks again Ron for all u do.

    • @cq9882
      @cq9882 Před rokem +6

      Me too

    • @happyfeetgal3879
      @happyfeetgal3879 Před rokem +2

      Me too 📖

    • @dawnalilly7200
      @dawnalilly7200 Před rokem +2

      u can get on audible they will read it to u

    • @jacquelinezr
      @jacquelinezr Před 11 měsíci +2

      The book is labeled as historical fiction, so lots of liberties were taken to fill in holes in the story. I certainly wouldn't take it as an actual true crime reporting because lots of things just aren't known.

    • @smallchange5946
      @smallchange5946 Před 11 dny +1

      Back in 1917 I guess you were allowed to fudge vital statistic dates with impunity!!!

  • @mr.slothington4517
    @mr.slothington4517 Před rokem +68

    That land owner was amazing helping you out with the story. Love to see more videos like this with friendly, and helpful people.

  • @DaysGoneByBrenda
    @DaysGoneByBrenda Před rokem +50

    I think the “teacher’s office” area in the school was actually the “cloak room” where the children would hang their coats and winter apparel. At least there was one like it in the country school I attended as a child. Very sad and captivating story. Thanks for sharing.

    • @lizcarol8000
      @lizcarol8000 Před rokem +6

      I agree, I think it was where the children hung their coats.

    • @Dawnsdelightsart
      @Dawnsdelightsart Před 11 měsíci +4

      I agree. Teachers didn't have offices back then.

    • @JerryEricsson
      @JerryEricsson Před 10 dny

      Yep, I did my grade school days in 3 different country schools, the first was very small, I think there were 12 of us students, all but one shared the same last name and were cousins, brothers and sisters, then we moved to a different farm, that school was larger, it had the hall, cloak room and store room. The last was larger and had two classrooms one for lower grades another for Jr. High grades, that had a lot of extras, we had a nice cement basement where the coal furnace was located, stoker coal a place where we could spend recess inside when the winter was to cold to go out doors, an upstairs that was once an apartment for the teachers who chose to live on campus, there was a kitchen where the teachers prepared their hot dinners, we still carried our lunch pails and ate lunch at our desks. That school was a bit different to as we lived in a small community across the border from a small town, we had to attend the country school because of the different state, so we were bussed from town out to the country school. When we were of High School age, we were able to walk across the RR tracks that served as a border between North and South Dakota and attend high school out of state. Country schools were indeed very different from what todays students experience, I think we got a better education in them because of personal attention by the teacher during your classes period, we would gather near the teachers desk for lessons, most of the time I was the only one in my grade, the last school was larger so there were 5 of us in the 7th and 8th grades.

  • @MrTurtluv
    @MrTurtluv Před rokem +41

    Horrific story, mass family murders are unreal. Thank you Ron. And thanks to the landowner for allowing this and meeting you. ❤

  • @colleencampbell587
    @colleencampbell587 Před rokem +34

    As a Mom who has lost an infant son, I cannot. And I think that's a good thing. Who would want to think like someone who could take an axe to his own babies. Good God. I would give anything to have my son back. Ron, you did an an awesome job. True storyteller and forthright in shining a light on people otherwise lost to time.

  • @Idontwant1
    @Idontwant1 Před rokem +72

    As someone who lives in Southern Minnesota. This was a pretty interesting and sad story. My Grandparents were born and raised a pretty short distance from there. Rest In Peace to the young wife and her children. Her Husband had some kind of mental break.

    • @ruthbeamish8849
      @ruthbeamish8849 Před rokem +22

      That man was undiluted evil. A family annilater !

    • @Bxlxuxexyx
      @Bxlxuxexyx Před 11 měsíci +5

      Thanks for filling in the blank. His “motive”.

    • @dorothylewis1207
      @dorothylewis1207 Před měsícem

      He should have not let the 'Horse' out of the Barn, 🤣🤣

    • @barbarahendryx809
      @barbarahendryx809 Před měsícem +1

      He let all the blood drain to his um... waist and lost all sense alright 😢

  • @renefrigaard2616
    @renefrigaard2616 Před rokem +36

    According to an article from the New Ulm Review dated March 28, 1917, William is said to have gone "insane" as he "brooded" over being in a great state of debt. Mary (who is actually named as Ruth Snyder) was said to having gone home to Mankato to see her family during that weekend and that is was William who wasn't feeling well when she left. It's so cool when u can find these gems from the archives to compare what is written to what is claimed to have happened!

    • @FacesoftheForgotten
      @FacesoftheForgotten  Před rokem +14

      Yes the story is not been shown yet, either CZcams or TV. These are the stories that I search for

    • @teenerg4305
      @teenerg4305 Před 11 měsíci +8

      IMO The news article makes more sense.
      Also If we are thinking an affair it could be he forced himself on her and well that was going to come out.
      All this is hearsay.
      As to her getting out of town, If I lived with a bunch of cute kids and a friendly wife and then the guy murders the whole family I would leave. I would be deeply saddened as I would have known the children and wife. I would head home to my family asap.
      I think that is a very normal response especially since she has no family in that town. No support. I mean she saw the whole family’s butchered remains.

    • @belindaf8821
      @belindaf8821 Před 11 měsíci +7

      @@teenerg4305 I agree. Plus, you know the local rumour mill would have put the blame on her, whether she consented to an affair or not, or whether there even WAS an affair or not. People still do it, even though the blame should be 100% on the family annihilator alone. Even if she had consented to an affair, I doubt she would have wanted him to do what he did to his family! The fact we're even insinuating that there WAS an affair all these years later shows that people are still looking for reasons to hold her responsible in some way for what William chose to do. There's no proof either way, just gossip. I'd be out of there as soon as I could, there's some things you just can't unsee. I couldn't bear to know people were holding me to blame for it.

    • @necessarytrouble
      @necessarytrouble Před 5 měsíci

      @@teenerg4305I was thinking the exact same thing. Sad to assume she was having an affair if that was not the case.

  • @DTAever
    @DTAever Před rokem +60

    I have a bunch of old school houses near me, but I remember touring a specific one in school. Those two rooms at the front of the sunrise school house on either side were rooms for the kids jackets and such, one side for boys one side for girls. The school house also had a ladder you'd climb up to the loft to ring the school bell. Very very similar in style. Really enjoyed this video !!

  • @brendawilliams7836
    @brendawilliams7836 Před rokem +54

    A sad story! It was very nice that Alex allowed you to see the site where the crime was committed! Alex, you sound like a fine young man! I am sure your grandfather would have been proud of you!

  • @nancyvolke237
    @nancyvolke237 Před rokem +64

    This was an intense and powerful story. Will not be easy to forget!!! Great content, views, and your narration are spectacular!!!👍🏻👏👏👏

  • @carlaemerson1195
    @carlaemerson1195 Před rokem +68

    Thank you for telling such a tragic story with much compassion and respect. All those poor victims....

  • @GregBollMN1
    @GregBollMN1 Před rokem +68

    The stories you share bring history to life. So many of these accounts are absolutely fascinating. This is surely one of the most engaging. Definitely also appreciated the input from the property owner and the staff at the Redwood County Museum during the course of this documentary. Thank you for all you do to bring the past to life as you honor the faces of the forgotten!

  • @gabe-po9yi
    @gabe-po9yi Před rokem +48

    Another fantastic video. It sure sounds like a family annihilation motivated by the desire to spare the family shame. Ruth returning to the home from her trip indicates to me she was going to make William meet his responsibilities towards her and the child; perhaps, with the hope he’d leave his wife. Her cutting him down strikes me as poignant, as that’s not something a female non-wife/relative would normally do. Possibly speaks to her feelings for him. The timing of the murders-suicide and where William chose to hang himself, it sure looks like he wanted Ruth to find them and was a “Look at what you did.” * Much kudos to Deb for the genealogy research. What a find.

    • @doreenarcher8543
      @doreenarcher8543 Před 11 měsíci +6

      Ruth cutting him down was also something that struck me. I hadn’t thought about the hanging location but I can see that as well.

    • @belindaf8821
      @belindaf8821 Před 11 měsíci +4

      That struck me as odd as well.

  • @amberdeal4997
    @amberdeal4997 Před rokem +28

    You are a skilled storyteller. Thank you for the steady camera hand and the respectful manner in which you told this family's story. The sense of adventure in discovering more to the story is evident in your voice. I look forward to the next adventure!

  • @narelle-creative-arts
    @narelle-creative-arts Před rokem +27

    Alex what a legend, so friendly well spoken and enthusiastic about his knowledge I bet his grandpa would be proud.
    What a video Ron, you are the teacher of those who’ve past and we sit like good little students in the CZcams school house listening to you telling us their stories 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👨🏻‍🏫📚🏠

  • @maszybeal5091
    @maszybeal5091 Před rokem +31

    I realize that back in those day's, not wanting to shame your family was taken very seriously, so this guy didn't want to disgrace them and couldn't handle being found out!!!! He should have just left, never to return to that area!!!! His wife and children were innocent, in the mess he made by fooling around with the teacher!!!
    Thank you ron for telling this story, and that was so great for the landowner to let you go there and to be a part of this video!!!! My heart just breaks because the children didn't get to live their lives, and the grandparents must have been just shocked and traumatized by this!!!!! Those were their sweet grandchildren. 💔
    That grain silo is haunted 😱 That was creepy!!!!!! 😨

    • @susieg4624
      @susieg4624 Před rokem +5

      Personally I thought the noises were birds, distorted by echoing...

    • @joannbowden6220
      @joannbowden6220 Před rokem

      I've always said, leave children to children's things.
      I agree w/ u that his wife & children were innocent in his having an affair & then fathering an illegitimate child.
      He should've just gone out to the barn & hung himself if he was so ashamed of his actions.
      God rest Maud & her babies in heavenly peace. 🙏

    • @cocoaorange1
      @cocoaorange1 Před rokem +2

      I think so too.

  • @kimberlypatton205
    @kimberlypatton205 Před rokem +42

    I had that feeling of their relationship heading that way early on in your story, and I haven’t read the book. But I do think it must have just driven that man into an abyss of madness for him to do what he did. It was a secret that threatened his entire way of life. The “secrets” are often the most damaging parts of each of us…Such an excellent and touching video, Ron! One of the best yet!

  • @larauch13
    @larauch13 Před rokem +36

    Wow, what an amazing story, and fantastic tour. Thank you, Ron. Yes, it certainly makes one think there was a pregnancy that he couldn't face the shame of. Terribly sad his family had to pay the price for it. May they all rest in blessed peace. A really intense video. That axe was scary huge in itself knowing what it was used for.

  • @KellJell
    @KellJell Před rokem +43

    Thank you for respectfully and poignantly sharing their tragic story. Very curious. I'll be listening for more pieces to be uncovered. I wonder if their graves could now be marked. It's sad to me that they are unmarked.

  • @ss-kz9ee
    @ss-kz9ee Před rokem +9

    In Brisbane Australia theres a house that was left to deteriorate. Really old. Over the year people were stealing objects in the house. When the new owners bought it and have been spending millions fixing it. People actually started to bring back the objects they stole. They felt that if they didnt take it , it would be lost history. One objects were light fittings.

    • @Dreama88
      @Dreama88 Před rokem

      That's awesome they brought the items back!! Cool story

    • @ss-kz9ee
      @ss-kz9ee Před rokem +1

      @@Dreama88 it's the Lambe house in kangaroo Point Brisbane. The original owner left it. Didn't pay rates to the Brisbane council. So the council took it auction to retrieve the rates she didn't pay. Thankfully the council wanted someone who had the funds and plans what they wanted to do with the old house . They didn't want developers to demolish it and build . It is a gem of architecture and history.

  • @judyholiday1794
    @judyholiday1794 Před rokem +103

    Why wouldn't Ruth return to her sister's house when she found out she was pregnant? It sounds like she could have been threatening to share her secret with all involved..Which is why he went crazy,and decided to remove himself and that of his family's from the situation he was responsible in creating..Such a sad story, and I believe this was one of your best videos so far .. Thank you for sharing in such a respectful manner ..😢

    • @nonamesplease6288
      @nonamesplease6288 Před rokem +25

      This also accounts for Ruth's untimely death only a year or two later. As bad as it was to threaten to expose her lover, the guilt of having caused such horror would have been far worse. She evidently didn't expect William to go to such drastic lengths to hide the affair.

    • @kellyprice1024
      @kellyprice1024 Před rokem +15

      Being with child, outside of wedlock, is not like the celebrated life of Mary and Josef. Being pregnant would have dammed a woman.

    • @nicolad8822
      @nicolad8822 Před rokem +5

      @@nonamesplease6288Yeah blame the woman.

    • @rivermoon6190
      @rivermoon6190 Před rokem +1

      @@nicolad8822 We all know that both were to blame but you women’s libbers, and whatever they call themselves today, are so nasty.
      You have lost respect from not only men for your accusatory ways but also many truly independent, free-thinking women too.
      Go sit in your safe space and have a rethink.

    • @charlottefreeman491
      @charlottefreeman491 Před rokem

      Back in those days men could get by with immoral things, but if you were a woman you were considered ruined and on the level of a prostitute. Sickening, isn’t it!

  • @monikameza4107
    @monikameza4107 Před rokem +20

    R.i.P to all of them. Amazing story, thank you Ron and Alex for sharing.

  • @cheryljohnson7091
    @cheryljohnson7091 Před 4 dny +3

    Born and raised in MN, have lived here for 74 years, and never heard this sad story. Thank you for sharing it.

  • @user-sx6uu4bl3k
    @user-sx6uu4bl3k Před rokem +25

    My goodness how enthralling Ron. Thanks to the landowner what a great guy. I do love it when you recommend a book. Abandoned buildings and murder mystery, so interesting Ron.Tragic story but again I had never heard of it. ❤ from 🇬🇧

  • @karencarbone2603
    @karencarbone2603 Před rokem +54

    Wow Ron, this story was one of your best narrated stories. Very tragic. 😢 So sad. All those poor innocent victims. Why would this man murder his whole family. He should have just taken his own life if any. May they all be resting in peace!❤❤❤

    • @vickiehadd4324
      @vickiehadd4324 Před rokem +10

      Now days he would have killed the pregnant mistress.

    • @AFineLineA
      @AFineLineA Před rokem +10

      He should of taken himself away or him and his whole family instead of murdering them. Sad on any account.

    • @redrooster1908
      @redrooster1908 Před rokem +3

      I agree, Karen, this is top notch. Possibly my favorite vlog to date 👍

    • @NovemberReigne
      @NovemberReigne Před rokem +6

      @@AFineLineAhe was truly beyond selfish

    • @dorothylewis1207
      @dorothylewis1207 Před měsícem

      ​@vickiehadd4324 NO he wouldn't kill her he was in 'Love' he was thinking with the wrong brain not the brain behind the Zipper! 😮

  • @wilmaalvis2515
    @wilmaalvis2515 Před rokem +11

    My grandma had a chicken coop about like that... Those are boards that chickens roosted on... Very interesting but Sad story..
    Thank you for sharing🙏👍👌

  • @susanna3
    @susanna3 Před rokem +36

    This segment is an example of why FOTF is simply, the best channel! Ron, you took us right there, told the story, and showed us all the places. Incredible work! So cool that Alex took you around right on the property- seeing the foundation, was so wild, yet also i wondered if there was a feeling of sadness there too? The axe really was scary, omg the poor family!!! The schoolhouse was amazing, barely standing but hey it's there. Just amazing work Ron, A plus!!

  • @deannaharby5677
    @deannaharby5677 Před rokem +20

    Goes to show many shocking crimes have been happening all throughout history---many are simular to crimes of today. Crimes of guilt..of passion...

  • @wendyburgess7681
    @wendyburgess7681 Před rokem +12

    What a Sad story. Ron when you said Mary the teacher went to see, the Dr. In another town. I instantly thought she is pregnant. Even if she was. He took everything out on his wife and little children. May they all rest in peace.

  • @tc247
    @tc247 Před rokem +24

    Thank you, Ron. Another story looking back in history, told very well. I found it tragic that one of the children found their "daddy" sharpening the very weapon he would kill that child with, along with the rest of his family just a few hrs later. I pray they never knew. He had to have have some kind of mental breakdown, but why do that to his wife and children? We'll never know.
    I can't imagine the school teachers horror walking into that murder scene. No one would be the same.The guilt she must have felt, afterwards, if she did have an affair and was pregnant by him. I do wonder what she died from since she passed away about a year and a half later. If she had a son, he may not have ever known who his father really was or his mother if relatives raised him since his mother died when he was a baby. Famlies kept their secrets, especially from their children.
    Rest in Peace to Maud, her children and both sets of grandparents.🌹I wish they weren't in unmarked graves. I find that incredibly sad.😥
    The school house was very cool. I wish it could have saved it. You're right, those silos are eerie and in deadly.
    I know that in New Ulm, MN there was a horrific Native American massacre of several farm families, in Aug of 1862. My ex husband's family farmed there for generations.
    I had never heard of this story though. I too, want to read the book..
    Thanks again, Ron and thanks to Alex and Austin.

  • @marykingsley508
    @marykingsley508 Před rokem +16

    My very favorite historian thank you for sharing this part of history what a very heartbreaking story😪💔

  • @elizabethlodato2068
    @elizabethlodato2068 Před rokem +14

    Wow! Hi Ron! Saw the live show tonight. It was great but very tragic. I feel Mary was pregnant too So sad for all. Thanks for another great story.

    • @millisagable3018
      @millisagable3018 Před rokem +3

      Omg I was feeling she was pregnant too

    • @denisedarnell1641
      @denisedarnell1641 Před rokem

      Exactly and he knew how babies were made after making 4 with his wife ...so playing dumb doesn't work. Doubt there was birth control readily available like the States have now
      America would do much better if the birth control was FREE for ALL WOMEN ...then we wouldn't have another big political agendas repeated for centuries !!!
      So very sad .his good and faithful.
      Wife and precious children paid for his sin. .terrible...

  • @lindadobberstein2035
    @lindadobberstein2035 Před rokem +48

    That was quite a story! Family annihilators even existed way back then!

    • @dianacurry6248
      @dianacurry6248 Před rokem +9

      Dud question, IF Mary was pregnant, why would she come back after the Dr visit unless she had given him an ultimatum to divorce his wife and marry her? But then you hit us with she was there under an assumed name! Baffles me!

    • @strodey123
      @strodey123 Před rokem +4

      @@dianacurry6248 I'm not sure she was under an assumed name. Going from @shari5982 comment earlier up, her parents thanked her under her so called real name, for flowers at the funeral for the 'tendancies she showed them while living'. How would they know this name, so soon for the funeral/newspaper. Really interesting story

    • @susanross1651
      @susanross1651 Před rokem +5

      @@strodey123I agree, I suspect the name Mary is either a genuine mistake or is a fictional name given to her in the book, which was obviously documentary/fiction combined.

    • @dorothylewis1207
      @dorothylewis1207 Před měsícem

      Not a sweet innocent Teacher she was thought to be, change of Name, Sha had something to hide.

  • @paularobinson5031
    @paularobinson5031 Před rokem +12

    You are a wonderful storyteller Ron… you speak with sincerity. Honesty and heart.. thnkyou for sharing the snippets of lives that have loved lived and sometimes lost. May all the Forgotten Souls be resting in the safe arms of God 🦋

  • @aprillisa5950
    @aprillisa5950 Před rokem +38

    Wow! This is a great story. You had me on the edge as you were walking into that schoolhouse. I kind of figured out that William and Mary was having a affair. But I wondered myself what was it she said that drove him over the edge like that. Your stories are getting better and better. Keep up the great work!

    • @Cheetoluv
      @Cheetoluv Před rokem +13

      Maybe she told him she was expecting! Remember she didn’t feel well.

    • @aprillisa5950
      @aprillisa5950 Před rokem +7

      I kind of knew that was it.

    • @sherryelkins147
      @sherryelkins147 Před rokem +7

      I would guess she told him she was pregnant.

    • @lizcarol8000
      @lizcarol8000 Před rokem +4

      I think that they were in love and she told him she was pregnant and leaving to go back home. I think because he was in love with her, he couldn’t go on without her. So why kill your entire family? I don’t know, look at Chris Watts; why didn’t he just leave instead of killing his entire family?

    • @barbarahendryx809
      @barbarahendryx809 Před měsícem

      Maybe since she got along with the wife, she felt guilty and was going back home under the "I'm the young widow with a child" cover story and he couldn't live without her. Or maybe if he was deep in debt as someone suggested, this was just the last straw.

  • @karenshepler7128
    @karenshepler7128 Před rokem +25

    What an amazing story and such amazing artifacts. I personally don't like those corn holds .The school was amazing. Thank you for sharing. May the family rest in peace.

  • @roberthetrick8849
    @roberthetrick8849 Před rokem +17

    I was very curious as to what ever happened to Frank the caretaker. Very fascinating story and good research on all sides appreciate it very much it was very intriguing thank you.

  • @mazhansen8804
    @mazhansen8804 Před rokem +9

    Why though did she use a false name when she was teaching?
    Did she change it after?
    If it was before, maybe there's a prequel there too

  • @isabelltecaxco-yd3lw
    @isabelltecaxco-yd3lw Před rokem +17

    Hello Ron I'm watching you from Tucson Arizona and I'm so glad you had shared this story about this family. It was very sad that the husband had to kill his whole family, poor kids and beautiful wife. I always wondered why if he was so unhappy Why didn't he just leave? No reason to slaughter everyone! May they all rest in peace. Thank you for sharing this sad sad story. Stay safe out there

  • @oanaelena4001
    @oanaelena4001 Před rokem +20

    What a tragedy, rest in peace to the family😢exceptional episode, loved the building where you went to check out the axe, such nice welcoming people ❤

  • @eleanorareeves2xworldchampion
    @eleanorareeves2xworldchampion Před 11 měsíci +5

    Wow, made me cry when you placed flowers on the little boys grave. Thanks for sharing and may they all rest in peace

  • @omgbarth
    @omgbarth Před rokem +14

    Such a tragic story. You told it so well, as you always do. Brought memories back from my childhood watching you explore the site and see relics. I used to do that as a kid on my grandma’s farm. We’d go out and look at the old rusted farm equipment laying within brush, building foundations, etc…..ALL with fingers crossed not running into a snake. Thank goodness that never happened lol. As always, great job Ron!

  • @leticiareynoso8513
    @leticiareynoso8513 Před rokem +16

    😢 this breaks my heart into a million pieces! Those poor babies and their mother. And just as you said, "let's go in just a little bit" there was a flash of light across the screen, I do hope they are all resting in peace! :(
    I came to the conclusion early on in the story that the teacher was pregnant and probably threatened with telling Maude. I did buy the audio book. Can't wait to listen to all the details.
    Thank you Ron! As always amazing story telling.

  • @sandradolan4171
    @sandradolan4171 Před rokem +15

    This is the most fascinating stories I’ve see done here! Thank you for telling their story and guiding us around the sites. It bothers me that the school house is being left to rot. I wish someone had the interest, not just because of the story, but because of it being a vanishing relic, a one room schoolhouse.

  • @debbiegsyarnylove8424
    @debbiegsyarnylove8424 Před rokem +7

    Great story…I was glued to this. You have wonderful talent for this, appreciate you sharing

  • @teresasparks9194
    @teresasparks9194 Před rokem +5

    I wonder if you could find out about a massacre that killed my great great aunt, her 2 daughter's abs one son that took place around the same time as this in Rensselaer County NY. It was a big family tragedy and went unsolved. I'm not good at research, at least I don't know where or how to start. I did read the original newspaper article, it's awful. Just thought you may be interested, the house is still there.

  • @peterredfern1174
    @peterredfern1174 Před rokem +8

    Best of luck Ron with your search,may they all R.I.P safe travels,👋👋🙏🙏👍🇦🇺

  • @shirleyashanti3031
    @shirleyashanti3031 Před rokem +12

    What a fascinating and very beautiful museum. Thanks to those nice gentlemen.

  • @jessebriee3918
    @jessebriee3918 Před rokem +12

    Back at the time this occurred, it very well could have been. It's strange how one's mind works when they have been caught committing an affair with the teacher in the same home that his wife and children resided. The husband and father was a terrible man. He should have taken himself out and leave the family to move forward. He was so selfish. Thank you, Ron for bringing us the story. be safe on your travels.

  • @Housemouse1967
    @Housemouse1967 Před rokem +8

    You have a kind manor and a nice voice. You take us back in time and it’s always a great learning experience.

  • @redrooster1908
    @redrooster1908 Před rokem +2

    Growing up in MN, amazed I never heard about this! A lifetime as a History buff began for me at the Bloomington cemetery. A girl named Mary was scalped, lingered 3 days then died...at the same young age I was when I saw her gravestone. Hooked ever since!

  • @lindaschaldach1783
    @lindaschaldach1783 Před rokem +14

    What an intriguing story.cant wait to hear if you find out more information about Ruths child if there was one.

  • @cathy1430
    @cathy1430 Před rokem +12

    Wow.. what a story. Thank you for the time you put into bringing these fantastic stories to us.
    What a selfish self centred man he was.
    He prob thought by killing them all they would never know of his affair. I bet she was pregnant and he knew his game was up.

  • @piratelady6467
    @piratelady6467 Před rokem +6

    Love the one on the radium girls - the book is fantastic! Thanks for this story .

  • @kimi70
    @kimi70 Před rokem +7

    Amazing story. Thank you for keeping history alive.

  • @Lylo-mj8ek
    @Lylo-mj8ek Před rokem +5

    Spectacular story, told only as you can. Thank You. Much Love and Respect ❤️

  • @brendadianne2178
    @brendadianne2178 Před rokem +12

    Worth the wait, thanks Ron. Very interesting and i enjoyed seeing the old school house and museum. Great video!

  • @JerryEricsson
    @JerryEricsson Před rokem +3

    Interesting. I was an Army Recruiter stationed at Marshall Mn. I lived in Cottonwood, one of my fellow recruiters lived in Redwood Falls, we used to get together at his place for BBQ's and beers back then, this was in 1977-78.. He was Raymond Pickle, I am not sure where he ended up, I separated from the Army from there and moved home to South Dakota. Beautiful area of the country, and the folks in that are were great, so easy going and friendly. I loved fishing the Minnesota River back then all the way from Granite Falls down the river as she flowed south. Interesting Indian history in that are as well back in the day.

  • @AaronDanieltenni
    @AaronDanieltenni Před rokem +11

    A very sad story. The painful fact is the child just watching William prepare their murder weapon...
    To edit my comment, I truly appreciate that museum and your channel. How they don't want to glorify a century year old murder is very respectful right there. I've heard stories and see so many museums having murder weapons and crime scene photos up. Even I don't appreciate glorifying real life murders. It's the fact that as a movie quote says "Remember them as they were." and not for how they died. Remember the good stories, remember what they were like if someone knew that family.

    • @susanross1651
      @susanross1651 Před rokem +4

      I think the knife sharpening is fiction from the book, because they were all dead, so who would have told us this?

  • @kmcquack8989
    @kmcquack8989 Před rokem +19

    Thank you, Alex Peterson, for sharing the story. I am from Minnesota and never heard about this.
    Since the house stood until the 50s and the coop area had electrical, was there another family who resided in here? Wonder how many families came and went since the murders ?

    • @redrooster1908
      @redrooster1908 Před rokem +3

      I spent over 18 years growing up in MN clueless. Now hearing about this for the first time. 😳

    • @stevengoracke7644
      @stevengoracke7644 Před rokem +4

      @@redrooster1908 MN here,also. New to me, as well!! 🤔

  • @RowdyProwdy
    @RowdyProwdy Před rokem +10

    I Love you, Ron!!
    I gotta tell you, I legitimately enjoy how there’s a balance with the length of your videos.
    I love having a longer video on Mondays and Fridays, having shorter vids during the week with your lives on Sundays.
    You’re really doing a great job! I’m glad I’ve been able to watch your growth and development with the channel!
    WOOT!! 💙

  • @susieg4624
    @susieg4624 Před rokem +25

    Sad story. Many thanks to Alex and the staff of the local museum for letting Ron have a private look around. (That bit about one of the children asking their father what he was doing when sharpening the axe was artistic licence by the author of Sundown at Sunrise as, unless it was in the suicide note or a diary of one of the family, nobody survived to tell anyone about it.) The local museum looked very interesting. That was a long axe handle - how did he manage to strike them, as the ceilings didn't look high enough to get a good swing? Is it possible they were dragged to the floor to kill, then put back in their beds after? I don't think you said if they were laid out neatly or left sprawled. Did anybody find out what the teacher went to the city for? My suspicion would be to verify/check a pregnancy or to terminate one. I suspect the former. That way the serious conversation could have been her insisting he left his wife and children and to marry her/make their child legitimate. This would also explain why she insisted on leaving the school and the town because she would realise she pushed him too far and he broke, so all those deaths were on her. Also she might have thought she had a narrow escape because, if he could kill his wife and all those children, then what was to stop him perhaps killing her and hers? And as he was dead there was no way he could make an honest woman of her and legitimise their child, so she needed to get as far away as possible, beyond the rumours and before she began to show her pregnancy, buy herself a ring and pretend to be a widow.

    • @hildahilpert5018
      @hildahilpert5018 Před 9 měsíci

      I like your thought.That sounds like the most likely scenario.

  • @angelalewis92
    @angelalewis92 Před rokem +7

    Wow. I was intrigued from start to finish. How awesome to actually visit the site as well, and see the remnants of the home. A harrowing tale. Thanks Ron x

  • @robyngrogan7647
    @robyngrogan7647 Před rokem +6

    I haven't read the book, but when you said that the teacher was sick. The first thing that I thought was morning sickness. You are a Fantastic story teller.

  • @plantlady3355
    @plantlady3355 Před rokem +14

    To me school teacher his mistress and would not doubt she was pregnant and he seen no way out (scandal). So he took his family with him for his shame.😪😪 Why the family has to suffer.😟

  • @lynnpaatalo2428
    @lynnpaatalo2428 Před rokem +7

    The teacher’s name is reported as Ruth Snyder in the newspaper article reporting the death. She reports that she had been in Mankato visiting her home.

  • @karenshepler7128
    @karenshepler7128 Před rokem +7

    What a beautiful museum. Would love to see that place someday.

  • @bonnieleelee9936
    @bonnieleelee9936 Před rokem +9

    That is better than a movie. I loved it. Thanks

  • @tobyresch4189
    @tobyresch4189 Před rokem +10

    That was very nice of the landowner to give you the tour. Great photography opportunities with the old farm machinery! Well, for me anyway lol. The story itself is pretty spooky I found. Very evil and insane what the monster did to his own family. As far as with the schoolhouse added on to the mill (and the curiosity of the opening), it's likely that a small truck could drive through there and be loaded with grain via a pipe and bins from above.

  • @teresastaite436
    @teresastaite436 Před rokem +10

    Thank you for bringing this to our attention, I really enjoyed this program. Please update us if you get any more information .

  • @marlenejohnson5461
    @marlenejohnson5461 Před rokem +7

    WOW what a story! Thank you Ron for another very interesting, sad story. I was totally engrossed in this as you told it.

  • @marjorieguajardo4920
    @marjorieguajardo4920 Před rokem +7

    Very well done. Thank-you for another great video Ron. Even tho I live 24 minutes away from clements and lived here all my life, I did not know about this true life story until a friend of mine who lives in clements told me and I bought the book from Marty and I read it. Very interesting story. I pass by rowena everyday to redwood for work and never been to rowena. So this has been a very interesting video. Thankyou for being in my neck of the woods!!!!!! Very very cool!!!!

  • @gingerbug9927
    @gingerbug9927 Před rokem +11

    Rest In Peace to Maude and her children. The Grandparents had to have been so broken, especially the way they had passed. But the story, yes I think she was pregnant also, maybe you will find out.

  • @cq9882
    @cq9882 Před rokem +5

    Sir you can tell a story, one so horrific and so tragic. I did not see the end coming. You just had all my attention in every moment. 👏🇦🇺🏡💗

  • @pamelapurcell187
    @pamelapurcell187 Před rokem +6

    Idk how to begin my words. Ron, the history that u give us is amazing. Thank you so much. ❤

  • @craigm2484
    @craigm2484 Před rokem +7

    A Great way to settle in for the night . Have a Wonderful Night Friends 🙏🏻

  • @chrysanthepaxinos2839
    @chrysanthepaxinos2839 Před rokem +4

    Of all the stories you have related, this one has saddened me the most. Thank you for the tellings of these forgotten people.

  • @Scorpio45Libra
    @Scorpio45Libra Před rokem +6

    Very very incredible presentation! Such a sad and horrible story. I, like others, immediately thought they'd had an affair when he was taking her to the train station then started sharpening his axe. The guilt overwhelmed him. RIP to all the Kleeman's. This I'd have to say was one of my favorites so far of all your videos Ron, Thank you!!

  • @luckystars228
    @luckystars228 Před rokem +15

    Well done, Ron! Very thorough, comprehensive story. So tragic for the family.

  • @emilyflotilla931
    @emilyflotilla931 Před rokem +1

    Such beautiful countryside there. Pastoral fields and waving grasses. It's so hard to imagine such a heinous act happening there. I light a candle daily for the lost and forgotten. The family will be in my thoughts tonight.

  • @monicahyland8641
    @monicahyland8641 Před rokem +7

    This was a treat for us, thank you Alex and Ron ❤. I could feel the sadness in the area where all the innocent souls were taken, stolen ,by one greedy man .. He just wanted more and more. This man had everything,, a beautiful wife, wonderful children, a huge bounty but he wanted more. Rest in peace to this poor mother and all of her children. 😢 uhg..and I hope William is never going to rest in peace ,you greedy bastard.

  • @deborahfairbanks4012
    @deborahfairbanks4012 Před rokem +2

    I LOVE your tour of the schoolhouse! I am JUST like you, I am fascinated by old houses!!

  • @lindacovey4845
    @lindacovey4845 Před rokem +7

    I was hoping when the boy went out and asked what the dad was doing and the conversation that followed at least the kids or some had lived. 😭

  • @candidacarino669
    @candidacarino669 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I took a short break from writing and sending you tube comments about 'Classical Ballet' dancers' and ballet performances and then . . I came across this 'amazing US history raconteur' ❤️ 😊 and ooh he'd have made as a great school principal, absolutely! Thank you to @ Faces of the Forgotten for sharing 😊.

  • @ms.felonystrutter2472
    @ms.felonystrutter2472 Před rokem +6

    Thank you sir, for helping us see things we never would have. My Mom died I 1989 when I was 16, she would have loved your channel...

  • @colleenkerr4237
    @colleenkerr4237 Před rokem +4

    I love history like this from the olden days. Pretty cool of Alex to let you on the property,show you around and give a little history! Thnxs again for taking us on another great adventure ❤

  • @naomisgram1
    @naomisgram1 Před rokem +7

    What a tragic story, poor Maude and the children! 😢
    That grain tower was really creepy with the weird noise that was in it! 😮

  • @AshA-mw3xl
    @AshA-mw3xl Před rokem +12

    Thank you, Ron! As usual I'm in awe of your drone footage and your way of telling these stories. 🙂

    • @redrooster1908
      @redrooster1908 Před rokem +2

      The drone views with the music combination is truly moving. Memorable. Great stuff!

  • @pamelawooten3251
    @pamelawooten3251 Před rokem +7

    Thanks, Ron. Wow...quite a story. Really enjoyed how you presented this story. You are a great story teller. I believe that the lineage is there, from what Deb found. DNA would be great too! May they all RIP. Take care and God bless.

  • @kimharrap9427
    @kimharrap9427 Před rokem +8

    Another great episode , tragic but informative. Rest in peace after such terrible deaths .

  • @wendystumpf6030
    @wendystumpf6030 Před rokem +5

    Thank you so much. I live in mn and had no idea these stores happened. Thank you for coming here and doing these wonderful yet sad stories of our history. You do a wonderful job!