In this haunting episode of From A Dark Place, we uncover the deeply disturbing and heartbreaking story of Rhoda Derry- Born in the mid 1800's, Rhoda's life spiraled into darkness after a forbidden love and an alleged curse from arrival family. What followed was decades of unimaginable suffering, confinement and abuse in an Illinois' mental health facility.

Join us as we trace Rhoda's journey from a bright young woman to a soul lost in the cracks of a failing system. We explore the cruelty she endured, the myths surrounding her madness and the shocking truth about how society once treated those deemed "insane".

This is not just a story about mental illness -- it's about injustice, humanity and the desperate need for reform.

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of abuse, neglect and mental health.

sources:

-Rhoda Derry; a tragedy of Illinois insane asylums by Mark D. Davis

-Historical records from the Adams County Poor Farm

-Illinois state hospital archives

-"Dr George Zellar and the Moral Treatment Movement" Illinois State Historical Society

The title says it all. Today we talk about Leonarda Cianciulli, the soap maker of Correggio. But Amy, Dani, what's so dark about making soap? Let us tell you! It's not so much about the soap as what (or who) it's made from.....

In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking and mysterious case of Billy Martin a 7 year old boy who vanished without a trace from his hometown of Brazil, Indiana right out of his front yard... sparking one of the most unsettling and enduring mysteries in the states history. In this episode, we take you back to that summer afternoon- the carnival across town, the tricycles in the driveway, and the trusted boarder named "Tex" who was the last to see Billy alive. What followed was a frantic search filled with inconsistencies, failed polygraphs and chilling rumors that persist to this day. Was Billy the victim of a random act-- or did someone close to the family hold the key all along? This case remains unsolved nearly 70 years later. This is the story of Billy Earl Martin-a boy who vanished and a family and community still haunted by questions.

sources- The Charley Project- profile:billy earl martin charleyproject.org

The Doe Network- Case File; 6387DMIN doenetwork.org

newpapers.com

genealogybank.com