Bob Miller : “Unearthing the Bloody Benders: 150 Years Later”

LABETTE COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) – On a blustery day in Kansas, tools are being sharpened, instruments are being prepared, and notebooks and pens are at the ready. The mission is to delve deeper into the story.

Landowner Bob Miller expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a dream come true. This is the reason why I purchased this land.”

A haunting true crime narrative that has captured the attention of people worldwide.

“There is endless fascination with this story. I believe much of it stems from not just the actions of the family but also the manner in which they carried out their deeds, as well as the mystery surrounding their ultimate fate. You can create your own ending,” remarked Miller.

12News initially reported on the renewed search for the Bloody Benders last autumn. Miller has collaborated with the KU Department of Anthropology and the Kansas Geological Survey in the quest to locate the Benders’ homestead.

“This site is truly fascinating due to the story it holds and the immense interest it has garnered. We have numerous individuals delving into genealogy, history, and exploring their own family connections,” explained KU Department of Anthropology Assistant Teaching Professor, Dr. Lauren Norman. “We are adding a practical, physical dimension to this tale.”

The archaeological excavation is meticulously examining the ground to unearth new pieces of this intriguing narrative.

“The story is far from over. The history may be concluded, but it is not complete. It continues,” stated KU student Dylan Allen. “This project is significant as there is no house standing here, yet look at the multitude of individuals gathered solely to excavate an empty field.”

The Bloody Benders

In the early 1870s, Kansas was at the edge of the frontier. The Bender family settled on a plot north of Cherryvale, comprising a small cabin measuring 16 by 24 feet, just off the Osage Trail. The family consisted of the patriarch, matriarch, and their two adult children, son John and the most notorious member, daughter Kate.

They are infamous for their gruesome acts of killing and robbing weary travellers. Luring unsuspecting individuals traveling the Osage Trail into their home, they would bludgeon them with a hammer, slit their throats, and bury their bodies in the cellar on the property.

It is believed that at least 11 people fell victim to the Bloody Benders.

The disappearance of Dr. William York in early 1873, a resident from southwest of Independence, raised suspicions surrounding the Benders. Dr. York was journeying home after visiting relatives in Fort Scott and was the sibling of a prominent state senator. His brother organized a search party and enlisted the services of a private investigator. The investigation led them to the Benders.

The family of four fled and vanished, and subsequently, tourists flocked to the Benders’ homestead, scavenging for souvenirs. The land has since been utilised for agricultural purposes.

“This is an important site, particularly as innocent lives were lost here, rendering it a makeshift graveyard for a period,” remarked Kansas Archaeologist Chris Hord. “Engaging in this work is a way to honour those individuals who met their tragic end here. Undoubtedly, more lives were lost here than those who were interred.”

Field School

Numerous aspects of the Bloody Benders saga remain shrouded in mystery. Since acquiring the land, Miller has been eager to shed light on this dark chapter.

“When I purchased this property around four years ago, it was my aspiration to uncover the truth behind these events,” shared Miller. “We are aware of what transpired, but the exact locations remain unknown. Our aim is to unearth the secrets hidden beneath the earth for 150 years.”

Dr. Norman is leading a field school comprising six students and volunteers, striving towards achieving this objective.

“Last year, a number of the current students engaged in learning how to conduct geophysical surveys. They were trained in identifying what lies beneath the surface, enabling us to formulate hypotheses,” she elaborated.

In addition to last summer’s groundwork, extensive research has been conducted into historical records.

Hord stated, “I have delved into the most recent publications on the Bender family narrative. Subsequently, I devoted countless hours during the winter months to researching the events, primarily through newspapers.com.” He added, “Archaeology is a science, and our aim is to uncover the authentic story, devoid of embellishments and conjecture.”

Numerous artefacts have been unearthed on the property over the years, with Miller amassing his own collection. His objective is to pinpoint the locations of the structures that once stood there: the house, stable, corn crib, well, or outhouse.

Miller remarked, “It is exhilarating to stumble upon a rivet or a square nail. Was this a component of the cabin? Could it have belonged to a horse bridle that once belonged to a victim? Or perhaps it belonged to the Benders themselves? We are uncertain. Over 150 years of farming have resulted in items being scattered across several acres. However, we are striving to narrow down and determine the precise locations with the aid of computer technology, pinpointing the areas that warrant closer scrutiny.”

The field school represents a rigorous academic quest. Working in designated sections identified as promising, the soil is methodically excavated, and any discoveries are meticulously documented.

Dr. Norman noted, “Archaeology is typically a slow process, and incorporating students into the process further prolongs it. Our scheduled tenure is 10 days, but progress may be gradual as students are in the learning phase, and we are committed to conducting the excavation accurately. While artefacts play a crucial role, approximately half of our insights stem from the artefact’s location. Recording their contexts and maintaining meticulous records are fundamental aspects of our work.”

In the ensuing months, the recovered items will be transported to the laboratory for cleaning and analysis. Dr. Norman anticipates sharing preliminary findings by autumn, although the entire process may span several years. The primary objective of this endeavour is to utilise the discovered artefacts and their locations to provide additional context to the established history.

“Remarkably, the artefacts unearthed from the soil here constitute a significant portion from that era, evident through the glassware, ceramics, and square nails. While they may appear insignificant to most, to us, they represent valuable data,” affirmed Hord. “This data is crucial for unravelling the mystery.”

Learning Opportunity

While the primary focus of the field school is to unravel the enigma of the Bloody Benders, it also serves as a valuable learning experience for the students.

“Despite extensive classroom instruction, our practical fieldwork experiences have been limited. Archaeology is truly learnt in the field. This opportunity provides our students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to put their theoretical knowledge into practice,” Dr. Norman shared.

One such student, Dylan Allen, participated in ground surveys last summer and is now involved in the subsequent phase.

“We are now verifying our previous survey results. Witnessing the accuracy of our scientific methods is truly gratifying. While I have limited excavation experience, putting my academic knowledge to the test is immensely fulfilling,” Allen expressed. “Growing up in Kansas, I heard tales of the Bloody Benders. I recall attending a play in my hometown of Council Grove, featuring a seance to communicate with Kate Bender. This narrative resonates throughout the state.”

“This experience has fostered a stronger connection with the local community and highlighted the significance of history in shaping a community’s identity. Participation in this project has made the historical events feel more tangible. It is akin to being part of the story,” Allen added.

While Allen is set to graduate this summer, he remains committed to following the ongoing developments surrounding this narrative.

“This marks the beginning, not the conclusion, of the story. It will be a lengthy but rewarding process,” he affirmed.

Dr. Norman believes that this experience will enhance her students’ employability prospects in this field, both in Kansas and beyond.

Further excavations are scheduled for this summer, under the leadership of Dr. Blair Schneider from KGS. Ground surveys will continue, potentially leading to another excavation.

A dedicated Facebook page has been established to document this endeavour.