Jennie Melcher

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We look into the rumor that someone burned down a house and barn on the Robbins-Melcher-Schatz farmstead to collect insurance money and we find, at the heart of it, the sensational story of Jennie Melcher.

An excerpt from the historical registry documents.

An excerpt from the historical registry documents.

An 1894 headline dismissing Jennie’s extortion claims.

An 1894 headline dismissing Jennie’s extortion claims.

The death certificate for Mae’s baby, with Jennie listed as the baby’s mother.

The death certificate for Mae’s baby, with Jennie listed as the baby’s mother.

A newspaper clipping from Sept. 30, 1896.

A newspaper clipping from Sept. 30, 1896.

The remains of an old hog house outside of Carson’s studio.

The remains of an old hog house outside of Carson’s studio.

Do you have thoughts on Jennie’s story? Get in touch!

Errata: Mae McMahon’s first husband was named John Thomas, not merely Thomas.

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Special Guest: Genealogist Kevin Mittge

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The Story of Jacob Robbins, part 1