Bender Victims.

yes. still trying to see if the wreath is on public display. still finding websites...

Order of Disappearances of Victims:

1869 Joe Sowers - not proven as victim #

1871 Mr. Jones - body found in Drum Creek #

1872 2 unknown men - found on prairie #

1872 Henry McKenzie - body mutilated *

1872 Ben Brown *

1872 W.F. McCrotty *

1873 George Loncher & little girl *

1873 Johnny Boyle * - found in well

1873 Dr. William York * ... ? John Greary * .... ? Unknown female * ..... ? Unidentified man * ..... ? Dismembered parts of several victims *..... * Discovered in Bender’s apple orchard

Money Taken From Victims: - ? -... - ? -... - ? -... 40 cents or $2,000 depending on sources... $36, finely matched team of horses... $2,600, possibly to buy claim build home ... $38, wagon, good horse team ... $1,900, possibly to buy claim ... $10, red pacing mare, $850 saddle ... $2,000, possibly to buy claim ... - ? -... - ? -... - ? -.... # Found with crushed skulls and slit throats

more realistic reminder of the inhuman savegery of the bloody Benders can be seen today in the Bender Museum in Cherryvale. It is a wreath of woven, golden hair taken from the body of a little girl who--most probably--was befriended by Kate and then brutally murdered by her when her back was turned. The inglorious chronicle of this murderous family is commemorated on a Kansas State marker outside the present day Cherryvale.

I guess there is not even a photograph of this wreath. I was all ready to road trip! found the wrong websites first, I guess...