A Ghoul, a Ghost and a Grisly Murder: The Legend of Dr. Joseph McDowell
In Antebellum St Louis, Dr. Joseph Nash McDowell was, to put it mildly, an eccentric, whose legendary reputation included body snatching, artillery, demagoguery, ghosts, a live bear, and murder most foul. He is said to have inspired a character in one of America’s most famous works of fiction.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Пікірлер: 477
I loved picturing the cinnamon colored bear being released on the mob, but ambling out, yawning, and looking perplexed. Although it wasn't nearly so amusing when I thought about the conditions the bear was likely kept in at most other times.
@goodun2974
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, I'm sure McDowell threw the bear a bone from time to time....😳
@hatuletoh
2 жыл бұрын
@@goodun2974 True. And he probably didn't torture him to death in a bear baiting fight, so that's...good? Whenever I start buying into the lie that things are worse than ever, and people are more immoral than they used to be, I just remember that 150-200+ years ago wild bears were captured and killed for public sport, and pit bulls were bred in the hopes of creating a breed of dog that could go one on one with a bull, because it was too hard for the bookies to handicap fights between bulls and bulldogs when the number of bulldogs per fight had to be negotiated on a case by case basis depending on the size of the bull. Humanity is far from perfect, but we've made some progress.
@markhonea2461
2 жыл бұрын
@@hatuletoh some
@gregraines1599
2 жыл бұрын
@@hatuletoh Now if we could just stop cockfighting and dogfighting.
When you first showed a picture of McDowell, my immediate reaction was, “He looks like Andrew Jackson with that mane of hair.” Turns out it was deliberate on his part. Always informative and enjoyable.
@capt.bart.roberts4975
17 күн бұрын
I thought it was Jackson!
"People of Color and Catholics would cross the road rather than walk near the college." I was thinking that I would've done the same at this point in the story.
@jimreilly917
2 жыл бұрын
🤣
@chuckkottke
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, one wouldn't want to be part of the wagon loads of bones later hauled out of the basement!
@VarangianGuard13
2 жыл бұрын
While he would likely try the same with me, being uninterested in his crazy levels of self-aggrandizement I do not favor his murderous and hateful tendencies against ohh.. my vast knowledge of horror movies, CQB training and the little boost that comes from hating all defilers of the honored dead... Yes, invite me to your basement, we shall play Rock, Paper, Shotgun. He's that special flavor of crazy that you normally only see in that century, or a couple of previous centuries.. that, or "Doctor" Mengelae
@Malbeefance
Жыл бұрын
"People of color and catholics..." I never knew Catholics didn't include people.of color. I didn't know catholics were all albinos, the only people who aren't people of color.
@travisrainey1171
Жыл бұрын
@@Malbeefance I quoted exactly what was said in the video and then made a statement that I would do the same. Did you watch the video? Not sure what you're trying to say.
The yawning and confused "attack bear" is the best part.
@marknc9616
2 жыл бұрын
That part was unbearable.
@reefsroost696
2 жыл бұрын
It was paws-able.
@goodun2974
2 жыл бұрын
Don't all good stories involve bears, and cannon?
@DonP_is_lostagain
2 жыл бұрын
@@goodun2974 and pirates!
@sharonwhiteley6510
2 жыл бұрын
Don't forget the excess body parts.
The portrait of the surgeon operating on the boy's leg is that of Samuel David Gross, M.D., Professor of Surgery at The Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. That Chair is still named after him and the portrait is by Eakins. Dr. Gross succeeded Dr. Mutter of museum and plastic surgery fame. Dr. Gross's son also became a Professor of Surgery. One of the founders of the school was George McClellan, M.D., father of the eponymous Civil War General.
I'd been through "Mark Twain's Cave" in Hannibal but had no idea of its odd history. (Amanda never showed herself.)
"When most people die, the last person to see them alive is usually a doctor." -- Les Nessman
@JH-ji6cj
2 жыл бұрын
Random WKRP quotes are always appreciated!
@lordgarion514
2 жыл бұрын
Had an electrician, that did work for my company, come up walking funny with both legs swollen one day. I mentioned he should go to the hospital, and he straight up said they kill you at the hospital. I was like no, they die there, because people keep going when they get screwed up, and they can't always save you. Not the same as killing you. He died not long after.
@whiplash8277
2 жыл бұрын
“It’s like...like they were organized...” - Les Nessman
@retriever19golden55
2 жыл бұрын
The corollary: the cause of death for research animals is research.
@bubbercakes528
Жыл бұрын
Wow! Les Nessman is such a blast from the past! WKRP was a great show!
Patient: "Doctor. I'm not feeling well." Dr. McDowell: "Take two of these, and I'll dig you up early in the morning."
You always make “snippets” of history so enjoyable! I always loved history class in school, and still enjoy as an adult. I thought I knew quite a bit, but more times than not, I learn something new from you!
@MrDmitriRavenoff
2 жыл бұрын
He is what I used to love about the Discovery and History channels. Now they are trash and this is how I get my history fix.
@kennyhagan5781
2 жыл бұрын
My favorite history channel on KZread.
Living most of my life in the St. Louis region, I was aware of Joseph, but THG has given more life to his story!
The body snatching was common among medical professors in the day. As donating your body to science was not yet a thing, so bodies were snatched to teach medical students anatomy, and surgery.
@jeanneratterman4174
2 жыл бұрын
Burke & Hare film is about body snatching for medical school in Scotland. It is made comedic with Simon Pegg as Burke, but based on true story. Burke’s own skeleton is featured in the Edinburgh School of Medicine. Ah, Irony!
@davidbarrass
2 жыл бұрын
@@jeanneratterman4174 I've seen his skeleton, as a hanged criminal Burke was dissected by his greatest customer, Dr Knox. All of the cemeteries in Edinburgh, and most in Scotland, have a tower built overlooking them so families of the deceased could watch over the grave
@winstonchurchill3597
2 жыл бұрын
Well can't really blame them - how else were they going to teach students?
@jamesrogers47
2 жыл бұрын
"Burke's the butcher, Hare's the thief, Knox's the boy who buys the beef."
It is always good when a pirate reference gets worked into the presentation! Excellent job history guy!
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha ....?
@poohbear9795
Жыл бұрын
A butt pirate
I enjoyed that episode of the semi-forgotten. I had never heard of Dr. McDowell until now. A man like that shouldn't fade away.
A fitting tidbit of hostory for the Halloween season. Lol thank you THG! I can not even begin to tell you how much I enjoy and love your channel.
@Farweasel
2 жыл бұрын
Halloween - Check. Ghouls - Check. Demons - Missing And that is a very great shame because ......... As the song & the adage both tell us .......... *Demons* are a *Ghoul's* *best* *Friend*
@jbos5107
2 жыл бұрын
@@Farweasel As sung by Marilyn. Manson not Monroe!
You're the first to accurately define the word "ghoul." Kudos on your narratives so strong on causation.
I love this one! I enjoy hearing history of my hometown! Thank you!
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
I could imagine...I'm close.
A couple of months ago, I suggested in a comment that you do a video on the real historical places and events in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I suppose history has a way of being told.
What a fascinating story, and what an interesting character! It's amazing to me how far medical science has come, and how primitive it was such a short time ago.
Thank you History Guy, I always wondered who the Ephraim Mcdowell medical center was named after. Love hearing Kentucky history.
It is said that there is a thin line between genius and idiocy. The good doctor straddled that line. Excellent video. I was fascinated from beginning to end. Thank you so much.
@ronsparks7887
2 жыл бұрын
It is very possible to be both a genius and an idiot.
Great video! I love history and have sought it out where ever I could find it and yet I had never heard of Dr McDowell. Thank you!
Thank you Lance for making historical learning, both enjoyable and fascinating.
Mr. History Guy is...LEGEND!!
Like how you managed to work Pirates in there. LOL
@TheHistoryGuyChannel
2 жыл бұрын
They called it the “Lafitte cannon.” I couldn’t find a record of what happened to it- his weapons seem to have been dispersed during the war. I wonder if it is still around somewhere.
Another fine story HG. Perhaps if Dr. McDowell would have armed his Ursus arctos, only then could he "Bear arms" against those mean townsfolk.
@jimreilly917
2 жыл бұрын
Groooooaan.🥴🤣
@AndrewVelonis
2 жыл бұрын
He had the right to arm bears.
@jpkalishek4586
2 жыл бұрын
he coulda used some of the limbs he had in the basement, and stitched them on with gut. 5 or 6 extra and it would be a well armed bear
@catherinecrawford2289
2 жыл бұрын
Uuugghh.....😅
I am proudly alumni with this man. I long for such days when our professors kept cannons on the roof. "The mobs are upon us. Release the bears!"
"Now, whenever you read any historical document, you always evaluate it in light of the historical context" --Josh McDowell
Eccentricity definitely makes things interesting. Thank you for the entertaining history narration
I'd never heard of Transylvania University until this video, and was surprised to find that it's in Kentucky, and an appropriate school for someone of Dr. McDowell's reputation.
@BA-gn3qb
2 жыл бұрын
Transylvania University was actually founded by a company that Transported goods through the Appalachians. Only 4 years ago, the university adopted a Bat logo. Mary Todd (Lincoln) also attended the school.
Consider doing one on Dr. Geo Seib. His mother was a famous St. Louis Spiritualist leader. He was a teacher at Washington University School of medicine and my family doctor. For years he averaged delivering one baby per day as well as running his practice.
You mentioned Ephraim McDowell. I live five minutes from the museum. I have been there several times over the years. It is interesting
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
History Guy, thanks for this tidbit of Saint Louis history. This is the first time that I have heard of the "Mad" Doctor Ms Dowell.
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
Hello Lyold .... never heard of her.
Love your program. You always have snippets of history I’ve never heard about.
You really couldn't make it up! Here in England we have always tolerated eccentrics. One who particularly comes to mind -- and whom I often saw -- was Stanley Green, the well-known "Human Billboard", who patrolled the area around London's Oxford Street for over 25 years; his billboard displaying the remarkable announcement "Less passion with less protein: meat, fish, bird, egg and nuts. And sitting". He became something of a 'National Treasure', with The Times, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph all printing his obituary when he died. -- Wonderful! (In fact possibly deserving of treatment by The History Guy...)
When we were actually taught Missouri History in school, Dr. McDowell was one of my favorite weird people of our great state.
As a Missouri native, I found this particularly interesting!
I need to give you a big SHOUT OUT for your title sequences. They are often quite different, and “creatively specific.” Wonderful! ❤️
Great story, and I like the Mark Twain connection! Another great storyteller!
Informative and entertaining as always!
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
I'm new but I thoroughly enjoyed the show , luv how he makes it funny, but without it taking away from the message.
Thanks for the Halloween season ghost and horror stories HG. Perfectly timed and very appropriate entertainment! 🎃👻💀🕸🕷
Love ya History Guy, you always make my day much better!
This is truly something. Happy Halloween.
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
🤔
He’s got the perfect look for a mad scientist, too - would’ve made a great Dr. Frankenstein.
@carlcushmanhybels8159
2 жыл бұрын
Also looked like John C. Calhoun, and somewhat: Andrew Jackson (he wanted to look like Jackson.)
I see that The Creature From The Black Lagoon has found a spot on the History Shelf. The black shirt and orange tie were right on spot for this Halloween Eve.🎃👻
The image of a bear lazily walking out of a cage toward a screaming crowed only for it to just walk up, probably sniff or lick someone and yawn and lay down is just hilarious to me.
It is a pleasure listening to you.
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
I want to hear about the history of the history guy! That also deserves to be remembered!
A whole new definition of eccentric!
@graceamerican3558
2 жыл бұрын
The word 'eccentric' is KIND. lol
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
@@graceamerican3558 haha! true in some circles yes, .... but then like he said in the video, other sources say completely different haha, so it seems we all have to make his overall place in history, as that I guess? haha.... overall, but yes I was actually quite surprised by all the good reviews when I googled him haha shocking ....; I learned about him in, Barnes and noble when I stumbled across the book he mentioned in the video surprisingly haha, then saw a guy with that last name run by and realized what I wanted to look up while I was still aloud internet haha, .... yeah that's what the book was about actually as u could imagine in the title haha, I can't remember what the gruesome and sinister title was though haha, guess I'll have to rewind it and see , but yes ....so it seems..... from this video.
1 Million Subs! Congrats!
Loved the jack o' lanterns. Interesting story.
Thank you sir for many interesting history stories-love the stories and your voice and bow tie
Another excellent episode. Thankyou THG crew.
halloween tie...nice touch sir
13:51 I thought that the reveal was going to be, that the locals were breaking in to the cave, to get at the alcohol surrounding the coffin.
@goodun2974
2 жыл бұрын
Favorite drink of cannon-wielding, body-snatching, corpse-preserving vivisectionists: Cannon-ade. 🤣
Thanks so much sir, this one was very instructive... I certainly never expected the resurrection men to have been active so recently as you show, and even less an important professor to have personally gone on specimen gathering outings.
OK! This is a favorite episode!
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
🤔..................
Ohh I see a Coen brothers movie here with John Malkovich as the good Dr!
@joanbowden3448
2 жыл бұрын
YES!
@jimreilly917
2 жыл бұрын
That NEEDS TO HAPPEN 🤣🤣.
Love the holiday intro!👍🏿
Just realized Transylvania University is real. It's all tying together now
Excellent facts and history, I am never disappointed by the history you present. Perfect timing for Halloween. Another great show History Guy.
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!
Between you ('THG') and Dr Mark Felton the Halloween Specials and History is almost as fun as Trick or Treating as a 8yo kid...many many moons ago. Thank you THG!!
@Soundbrigade
2 жыл бұрын
Throw in MrBallen and you don’t dare turn off your bedside lamp ...💀🎃👽
Great episode!
I enjoy all of your content but I must say I enjoyed that last story immensely and I will save it as one of my favorites.
Great story for Halloween! The cemetery in St. Louis has some fascinating history!
@jimreilly917
2 жыл бұрын
The main 2 do, and several other cemeteries in the county.
Their college mascot should be a bear firing a cannon. And their motto should recite ”Whilst Bearing arms we arm bears! lol
Lookin' sharp, HG! Rockin' the orange-on-black....slick
I subscribed when you were at 20k subs so great to see you at 1 million. Congratulations 👏 Great History Vids
Dr. Daniel Drake, Dr. McDowell's FIL, was in turn a highly regarded phsician in Cincinnati. A hospital was named for Dr. Drake, and it stands today...although no longer operating as the County hospital. Due to the activities of the so-called "Angel of Death" (Donald Harvey), its focus has turned toward long-term care, rehab, and hospice.
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!
What an interesting and quite a colorful family member I have.
One of your best!
My family lives just outside of Danville Kentucky and I've been passed that hospital on numerous occasions but I never knew where the name came from thank you history guy
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
A very happy Halloween to you and yours,sir. This is an appropriate story for the season.🎃🦇💀👻🤡 P.S. Thanks, I didn't have to wait too long for the pirate....
Crazy episode!! Love the show!
AS ALWAYS THE HISTORY GUY, AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!! Had Burke and Hare survived the the hangman's noose in Edinburgh, they would have made a killing in St.Louis(pun intended). To be able to own your own private fort and arsenal...Ah, those were the days. Lance, remember this when fact and fiction become muddled:.WHEN THE LEGEND BECOMES FACT, PRINT THE LEGEND (Quoted from THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE).🌞🌞🌞😄😄😄✌✌✌✌
Being a 'renowned physician' in 1894 is much like being a famous magician.
always appreciate your professional work and fullfilling content
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
Transylvania University was actually founded by a company that Transported goods through the Appalachians. Only 4 years ago, the university adopted a Bat logo. Mary Todd (Lincoln) also attended the school.
REMEMBER this didn't happen hundreds of years ago. History has a way of meeting us at the door. Where was your cell phone just 15 year ago. Sir, you are a hero. Thank you
I've never snorted so often when watching a video. I'd love to read the book written by his nephew. This man is obnoxious and fascinating. Imagine having Henry Clay as your professor and just years later you're imitating all of Andrew Jackson's likeness.
Paranoia runs deep, into McDowell it did creep. An interesting and timeless social phenomenon.
What a great story. Perfect for Halloween! I wonder what ever became of Lafitte's cannon?
@TheHistoryGuyChannel
2 жыл бұрын
I could not find a record. McDowell reportedly managed to transfer four cannon to the Confederacy, but the rest were taken by the Union. What happened to that actual cannon is unclear, although it seems unlikely that a cannon of that age would have found action in the Civil War.
Great video !!
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
You had me at "Hannibal, Missouri." Tom Sawyer's cave was a part of the doctor's crazy holdings? So that's two connections to pirates, a crazy doctor, a ghoulish family burial plan, attempting to marry a first cousin, a castle, and connections to U.S. presidents-history doesn't get any better than this! What's next? A treasure map on the back of the constitution? 😂😉
There is always something new to learn. Thank you.
I heard artillery and bear in the same sentence and I immediately thought of Corporal Wojtek... the bear.
@shawnr771
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent story.
I am related to Joseph McDowell. It's cool to learn a little family history.
@chaosdweller
Жыл бұрын
🤔
Mark Twain cave is worth a visit, really cool and this story is told by tour guide
@amytaylor8910
2 жыл бұрын
Hello there 👋👋how are you doing today?hope you had a better day?💕💕!!!
Immaculate suit and tie combo sir, happy Halloween!
Thanks for sharing the interesting medical history!
I read in the paper that Dr. McDowell kept extensive journals about his activities, but they were interred with him. Only recently were they decrypted.
@TheHistoryGuyChannel
2 жыл бұрын
I had not seen that. I read that most of his records were destroyed when the school was converted to a prison during the war.
@johngregg5735
2 жыл бұрын
My bad. I guess I should add a smiley face or something on my rather lame jokes. I was making a joke out of 'crypt'. The other joke I was thinking of was: The good doctor installed the first walk in refrigerator in the US. When asked why he did it, he replied, "It's for the students' bodies"...
@TheHistoryGuyChannel
2 жыл бұрын
@@johngregg5735 LOL, I actually did miss the decrypted pun. Guess it is too early in the morning…
@graceamerican3558
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel 😂😂
@goodun2974
2 жыл бұрын
John Gregg, well done! Nice pun! You pulled the wool over the eyes of The History Guy!
My wife is the 5th great granddaughter of Hugh Glass the pirate and mountain man. High Glass and Jean Lafitte were best friends and pirates together.
Love the story, plus also you outfit go very good with Halloween season.
@fredgervinm.p.3315
2 жыл бұрын
Dressed to the Nines ?
I Love History!
I did not know this. I love learning about our region's history.
Appreciated hearing a source being mentioned
Well said!
Great Missouri story.
I really liked the black shirt and orange tie. So Halloween!
If you haven't done so already and I missed it, could you look into the History of Fort Stevens, OR. It holds the only record of a shelling by Japan of mainland USA during WWII. I love your channel, BTW!
Awesome, Thanks