Best Murder And Moonshine Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #121 The Sawney Bean Legend 54:54

4d ago54:54

54:54

Send us a text Alexander "Sawney" Bean is a legendary figure who was said to have been the head of a 45-member clan in Scotland who all lived in a cave in the 16th century. This "Clan" trapped, murdered and cannibalized over 1,000 people in 25 years. Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kin…

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Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story 14:26

10h ago14:26

14:26

Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake. However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced …

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The First Tennesseans: William and Lydia Bean 13:44

7d ago13:44

13:44

Nearly twenty years before Tennessee was a state, William Bean built a cabin along the Watagua River and planted roots. In this episode, we tell the story of his journey from longhunter to settler, his friendship with Daniel Boone, and his wife Lydia’s dramatic rescue from execution by Cherokee Beloved Woman Nancy Ward. It’s the story of Tennessee’…

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Episode # 120 The Chowchilla Children 1:42:10

12d ago1:42:10

1:42:10

Send us a text This is the story of how 27 children, along with their bus driver Ed Ray, were all abducted at one time by 3 masked men. 27 missing people made this the largest kidnapping in US history to this day. Resources: HBO Max Chowchilla https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_Chowchilla_kidnapping https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ajp.138.…

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The Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia's Weather Man 14:08

15d ago14:08

14:08

This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America’s most respected meteorologists. From his humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains to his fateful role during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Cline’s life was marked by groundb…

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Episode #119 Aramoana Massacre 1:20:19

19d ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Send us a text This is the story of the worst killing spree ever in a small village in New Zealand all caused by one person, David Gray. Book: Aramoana : In search of New Zealand's worst ever spree killing by Andrew Sparke https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramoana_massacre#The_perpetrator https://nzhistory.govt.nz/david-gray-kills-13-aramoana https://…

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Standoff in Jefferson County: The Haunting Case of W. B. Johnson 16:20

22d ago16:20

16:20

In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of a shocking event in January 1927 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. That was when a prominent county businessman named W.B. Johnson turned from respected community member to notorious outlaw. This tale unfolds with a fateful meeting involving Johnson, two women, and a tragic dispute that e…

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Episode #118 German Peter Eaters 1:49:13

26d ago1:49:13

1:49:13

Send us a text This is the story of Armin Meiwes, a German cannibal who only recruited men who were willing to be eaten. During the beginning of the internet, these volunteer victims were easy to find, and Bernd Brandes was eager to offer himself up for dinner. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armin_Meiwes https://www.jahernandez.com/posts/…

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Jellico's Darkest Day: The Explosion That Rocked Appalachia 17:53

29d ago17:53

17:53

In this episode, we tell the harrowing story of the Jellico explosion, a catastrophic event that shook the town of Jellico, Tennessee, on September 21, 1906. What began as a normal morning quickly turned into chaos when a shipment of 11 tons of dynamite detonated, leveling the downtown area and leaving the community in ruins. Join Steve Gilly and R…

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Episode #117 The Girl Scout Murders Part 2 48:14

1M ago48:14

48:14

Send us a text Gene Leroy Hart had escaped from prison for the second time and had been on the run hiding from police for almost 4 years. On June 12 1977, Girl Scout Camp starts in Locust Grove Oklahoma with Gene lurking closely to camp in the woods. On the very first night of Camp, Gene brutally attacks and murders three little girls shocking the …

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Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians 23:06

1M ago23:06

23:06

In this episode, we tell the inspiring story of the packhorse librarians, a group of determined women who brought literacy and hope to the remote hollers of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression. As families struggled to survive, these brave librarians on horses (and mules) navigated rugged terrain to deliver books and educational materials …

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Episode #116 The Girl Scout Murders Part 1 1:12:30

1M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Send us a text Gene Leroy Hart had escaped from prison for the second time and had been on the run hiding from police for almost 4 years. On June 12 1977, Girl Scout Camp starts in Locust Grove Oklahoma with Gene lurking closely to camp in the woods. On the very first night of Camp, Gene brutally attacks and murders three little girls shocking the …

1
The Strange Disappearance of Polly Feltner 10:35

1M ago10:35

10:35

In this episode, we tell the strange tale of Polly Feltner, a young woman from Hyden, Kentucky, who vanished in 1897 under mysterious circumstances. What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into charges of murder, a frenzy of suspicion and mob justice, targeting an innocent man. As tensions rose and a near-lynching unfolded, th…

1
Episode #115 The Chicago Ripper Crew Part 2 1:04:47

2M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Send us a text Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at [email protected] Mailing address PO Box 33 Mt Gilead NC 27306…

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The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

In this episode, we journey back to the mid-1700s to uncover the story of the Schwartzenau Brethren, also known as the Dunkards, who established one of the earliest settlements in the New River Valley of Virginia. Join us as we tell the story of this fascinating religious community, their unique beliefs, and the challenges one family of Dunkards fa…

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Episode #114 The Chicago Ripper Crew Part 1 1:20:20

2M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

Send us a text Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripper_Crew https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/the-ripper-crew-satanic-murderers-thomas-kokoraleis Podcast: Serial Killers Episode: The Chicago Rippers Part 1 and 2 Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try…

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Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

In this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of Reverend William Riley Rickman, a steadfast preacher who took on the liquor industry in Pocahontas, Virginia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell you about Rickman's fervent battle against alcohol in that Appalachian coal mining community. Rickman’s tireless efforts resulted in Pocahontas becoming a …

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The Battle of Kings Mountain 18:30

2M ago18:30

18:30

Today, we tell the remarkable story of the Overmountain men, Appalachian frontiersmen from the far western parts of North Carolina and Virginia. As tensions escalated in the South, these settlers took a stand against British forces at Kings Mountain, on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. Their bravery in that decisive battle was instrumental…

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Episode #113 The Mad Chopper 1:08:46

2M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Send us a text This is the story of Lawrence Singleton and the brutal acts of rape and murder he committed throughout his life. Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at murderan…

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Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie 19:24

2M ago19:24

19:24

Today we tell the story of Jean Ritchie, the "Mother of Folk." Born in the small town of Viper, Kentucky, Jean captivated audiences worldwide, influencing legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along the way. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the story of her remarkable life, from her roots in the mountains to her role in the folk revival of the mid-…

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Episode #112 The Vampire God of Fresno 1:10:55

3M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Send us a text This is the story of Marcus Wesson, a self proclaimed God who is a Mormon and a vampire, takes his family into the woods for years until it all came to a tragic end in Fresno. Resources: https://lanternproject.org.uk/library/child-abuse-arrests-and-court-cases/child-abuse-arrests-trials-and-proceedings/wesson-found-guilty-of-first-de…

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Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre 18:18

3M ago18:18

18:18

Old Tassel, a prominent figure among the Overhill Cherokee, was a staunch advocate for peace during a period of conflict between them and the settlers moving into East Tennessee. Despite his efforts to forge treaties and maintain peace and harmony between the two groups, the rise of tensions ultimately led to tragedy for both. The killing of the Ki…

1
Episode #111 Mary Lou Barnes and Larry Mills Jr 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

Send us a text This episode is the tragic story of a mother and her 12 year old son who were brutally murdered in their home on November 6, 1995 in Nova Scotia. Resources: https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/white-handed-life-sentence-for-19 95-double-murder-187570 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/man-sentenced-to-life-in-p rison-f…

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Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy 15:16

3M ago15:16

15:16

Discover the fascinating story of Kentucky's unique soft drink, "Ale 8 One," in this episode of Stories of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the history of this Appalachian soda, which has been a staple in Eastern Kentucky since 1926. From its origins in northern European ginger recipes to its modern-day variations like Cherry Ale-8 and A…

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Episode #110 The Oxford school shooting 1:51:13

3M ago1:51:13

1:51:13

Send us a text This is the story of the Oxford school shooting that happened at Oxford High school in 2021, leaving 4 people dead and 8 others wounded. This is the first time in American history that the parents of the school shooter were arrested and charged with manslaughter. Resources: https://www.hulu.com/series/sins-of-the-parents-the-crumbley…

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Feud and Fury: The Dark Legacy of Bad Tom Smith 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

By request of one of our listeners, this week we tell the story of Bad Tom Smith, a notorious figure at the very heart of the French-Eversole feud in Kentucky. As he grew up an orphan, he was regularly in trouble, until he crossed paths with two powerful rivals, Joseph C. Eversole and B. F. French, an encounter that would shape his life. Be sure to…

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Episode #109 Carl Panzram Part 2 1:08:01

3M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Send us a text This is the story of Carl Panzram. The wicked rapist and murderer who was also a child molesting klepto arsonist. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Panzram https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/homestead-act#background https://www.bop.gov/about/history/hero_warnke.jsp Book: Kill em all a true story of abuse revenge a…

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Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith: How One Cherokee Leader Changed History 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Nimrod Jarrett Smith, born in 1832 near Murphy, North Carolina, was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s future. His life was marked by his dedication to his people during a time of immense change and challenge. As principal chief of the Eastern Band, he guided them to self-government on West…

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Episode #108 Carl Panzram Part 1 1:11:34

3M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Send us a text This is the story of Carl Panzram. The wicked rapist and murderer who was also a child molesting klepto arsonist. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Panzram https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/homestead-act#background https://www.bop.gov/about/history/hero_warnke.jsp Book: Kill em all a true story of abuse revenge a…

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Philippi, West Virginia- The First Land Battle of the Civil War 13:54

4M ago13:54

13:54

At the beginning of the Civil War, the small Appalachian town of Philippi, Virginia, now West Virginia, became the site of the first organized land action of the conflict as the Union made a move into Confederate territory. Despite its strategic importance, the battle is sometimes humorously referred to as the "Philippi Races" due to the swift retr…

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Episode #107 New Year Minisode 1:22:18

4M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

Send us a text This is our first episode of 2025!! So lets ring in the New Year with 3 short stories of 3 horrible women Resources: https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/margaret-dickson-half-hangit-maggie/ https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/half-hangit-maggie/ https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/d/maggiedickson.html https://allthatsinter…

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Bloody Harlan: W. B. Jones and the Battle of Evarts 16:59

4M ago16:59

16:59

In the late 1920s and early 30s, the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky, became the backdrop for one of the darkest chapters in labor history. Known as Bloody Harlan, this tumultuous time saw miners fighting for justice and fair treatment during a time of economic despair and corporate greed. At the heart of this struggle was William B. Jones, …

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Episode #106 The Cough Medicine Murder 1:10:44

4M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Send us a text Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at [email protected] Mailing address PO Box 33 Mt Gilead NC 27306…

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The Spruce Pine New Years Eve Blast 11:23

4M ago11:23

11:23

On New Year's Eve 1959, the quiet town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, became the stage for a teenage prank that would put the town in newspapers all around the country. Join us as we tell the story of two local teenagers armed with dynamite bought at the town’s hardware store who decided to ring in the new year with a bang—literally. Be sure to su…

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Christmas Eve Nonsense 12:37

4M ago12:37

12:37

Send us a text This is our fun Christmas eve special, just for laughs! Merry Christmas! Misty and Christy Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at [email protected] M…

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The Frontier Trailblazer: Elisha Wallen, Longhunter 14:25

4M ago14:25

14:25

Elisha Wallen was more than just a man of the frontier—he was a trailblazer who left an mark on the region's history. Today we tell the story of this legendary long hunter, a man who traveled alongside Daniel Boone through Southwest Virginia and into Eastern Kentucky. From his beginnings in Prince George County, Maryland, to his adventures across t…

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Episode #105 The Porco Family 1:49:07

4M ago1:49:07

1:49:07

Send us a text Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at [email protected] Mailing address PO Box 33 Mt Gilead NC 27306…

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The 1902 Quarter House Battle 18:25

4M ago18:25

18:25

Nestled in Mingo Hollow, six miles west of Middlesboro, Kentucky, the Quarter House was no ordinary saloon. Its unique position on the Tennessee state line allowed patrons to evade the law by simply stepping across a painted line on the floor. Built like a fortress with heavy railroad timbers and a log stockade, it became a notorious hotspot for ga…

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Episode # 104 Boyz in the Hood 1:05:47

5M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Send us a text Murder and Moonshine Merch Store https://murder-and-moonshine.printify.me/products Tell us what kind of moonshine you want us to try!! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @ Murder and Moonshine Email us at [email protected] Mailing address PO Box 33 Mt Gilead NC 27306…

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The Night of Endless Rain: The Flash Flood of 1924 11:39

5M ago11:39

11:39

On the night of June 13, 1924, what appeared to be a summer thunderstorm in Carter County, Tennessee, transformed into one of the most devastating flash floods in the state's history. Join us as we tell the harrowing story of this natural disaster. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts o…

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Episode #103 Jeffrey MacDonald Part 3 1:39:39

5M ago1:39:39

1:39:39

Send us a text This is they story of Jeffrey MacDonald, the green beret doctor convicted of brutally killing his pregnant wife and his 2 daughters in their home on base at Fort Bragg. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_R._MacDonald https://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/macdonald-jeffrey.htm https://macdonaldcasefacts.com/index.html https:/…

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The Deadliest Show on Earth: The Appalachian Wild West Show Shootout of 1905 11:39

5M ago11:39

11:39

In the summer of 1905, the Wild West came alive in the heart of Appalachia, complete with a saloon, a shootout, and a dramatic train attack. Join us as we tell the wild tale of Texas Bill's Wild West Show, which turned a simple sightseeing trip by their performers into a deadly encounter on the train out of Richwood, West Virginia. This was the kin…

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Episode #102 Jeffrey MacDonald Part 2 1:17:33

5M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Send us a text This is they story of Jeffrey MacDonald, the green beret doctor convicted of brutally killing his pregnant wife and his 2 daughters in their home on base at Fort Bragg. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_R._MacDonald https://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/macdonald-jeffrey.htm https://macdonaldcasefacts.com/index.html https:/…

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The Himlerville Experiment: Appalachia's Only Miner-Owned Coal Town 12:09

5M ago12:09

12:09

There was once a coal company in Appalachia that was owned not by wealthy investors but by its employees, in a cooperative enterprise. And the houses in the company’s coal camp were owned by the miners as well, most of whom were Hungarian immigrants on the Kentucky side of Tug Fork. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the fascinating history of Himlerv…

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Episode #101 Jeffrey MacDonald Part 1 1:14:37

5M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Send us a text This is they story of Jeffrey MacDonald, the green beret doctor convicted of brutally killing his pregnant wife and his 2 daughters in their home on base at Fort Bragg. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_R._MacDonald https://murderpedia.org/male.M/m/macdonald-jeffrey.htm https://macdonaldcasefacts.com/index.html https:/…

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Appalachia's Ginseng King 16:44

5M ago16:44

16:44

Ginseng is a plant with a rich history and high demand in Asia, which brought buyers to Appalachia, home to an American version of this much desired root. This week, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who made his fortune gathering, processing and selling ginseng in the mountains of North Carolina 150 years ago. Don't miss this episode of Storie…

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Episode #100 The 100th Episode Special 1:39:50

6M ago1:39:50

1:39:50

Send us a text For our 100th episode special you get 2 stories in one! Listen in for all the details on Jeff Doucet and Ken Rex McElroy and the vigil anti justice they received! Resources: Podcast: Red Handed Episode 60 https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/molested-abducted-as-a-child-in-infamous-baton-rouge-case-jody-plauch-w…

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The Legend of John Henry, The Steel Drivin' Man 12:08

6M ago12:08

12:08

In this episode, we tell the fascinating tale of John Henry, the legendary steel-driving man of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they explore the story of this American folk hero, a man of strength and determination who is said to have stood against the power of machines during the industrial revolution. From the Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia t…

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Episode #99 Clifford Olsen Part 2 1:29:51

6M ago1:29:51

1:29:51

Send us a text This is Part 2 of the life story of Clifford Olsen, whose life was spent in and out of prison because of his need to steal and burglarize all while living his sex fueled murderous life. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Olson https://www.crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/predators/olson/19.html https://murderpedia.org/m…

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Pop Kramer: The Appalachian Daredevil on Two Wheels 17:09

6M ago17:09

17:09

Harry "Pop" Kramer, was a vaudeville trick cyclist whose story is filled with circus flair, daring feats, and personal tragedy. Born in 1875 in Alexandria, Virginia, Harry's journey from a disciplined farm life to the dazzling world of vaudeville is nothing short of remarkable. Today we tell the story of Pop Kramer, the Appalachian daredevil on two…

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