Kate Bender, The Kansas Murderess

The Horrible History of an Arch Killer

First published in 1944, this is an unusual little edition concerning the infamous Kate Bender and her family, also known as the “Bloody Benders,” who owned an inn and small general store in Labette County of southeastern Kansas from 1871 to 1873 and systematically murdered at least a dozen travellers that passed through their hotel and store, with Kate luring men with promise of a meal and a rest.

Consisting of John Bender, his wife, Elvira Bender, their son, John, Jr., and daughter, Kate, the Bender family were widely believed to be German immigrants. Kate Bender, who was around 23, was cultivated and attractive and spoke English well with very little accent. A self-proclaimed healer and psychic, she distributed flyers advertising her supernatural powers and her ability to cure illnesses. She also conducted séances and gave lectures on spiritualism, for which she gained notoriety for advocating free love. Kate’s popularity became a large attraction for the Benders’ inn.

This book details the family’s crimes and explores some theories on the family’s fate following the discovery of their crimes and escape from justice.