Deaths on Pleasant Street facts for kids

Deaths on Pleasant Street: The Ghastly Enigma of Colonel Swope and Doctor Hyde (ISBN: 978-1931112918) is a non-fiction book. It tells the story of some very puzzling deaths. These deaths happened to three members of the important Swope family. They lived in Independence, Missouri.

The events took place in late 1909. The family lived in a large, old-fashioned mansion with 26 rooms. The book's author, Giles Fowler, looked into these events. He suggests that at least two of the deaths were not natural. They were investigated as crimes. Dr. Bennett Clark Hyde was involved. He was married to a woman from the Swope family.

The first court case about Dr. Hyde was very famous. It was about the death of Thomas Hunton Swope. Almost every major newspaper in the United States wrote about it. Fowler's book was published by the Truman State University Press. It won the Historic Book of the Year award in 2009. This award came from the Jackson County, MO. Historical Society. It also won a 2009 ForeWord award for True Crime Book of the Year.

The Mysterious Swope Family Deaths

The Swope family was well-known in their community. They were important people in Independence, Missouri. Their large home was a famous landmark. In 1909, a series of sad and puzzling events happened there. These events led to the deaths of three family members.

Who Were the Swopes?

The Swope family was very respected. They were known for their wealth and influence. Colonel Thomas Hunton Swope was a generous person. He was known for his good deeds in the community. The family lived in a grand, old house. It was often called a gothic mansion. This house was the setting for the strange events.

The Events of 1909

In the fall and winter of 1909, the Swope family faced a difficult time. Three family members passed away. These deaths were very unusual. They caused a lot of questions and concern. People wondered what had truly happened. The circumstances around each death were puzzling. This led to a big investigation.

The Book: Deaths on Pleasant Street

Giles Fowler's book explores these mysterious events. He gathered many facts and details. The book looks at the evidence. It suggests that some of the deaths were not accidental. Instead, they were investigated as serious crimes. The book focuses on Dr. Bennett Clark Hyde. He was a family member through marriage. The book explains why he became a central figure in the investigations.

Why This Story Matters

The story of the Swope family deaths became a national sensation. Newspapers across the country reported on it. It was one of the biggest news stories of its time. The book helps us understand this historical event. It shows how a local mystery captured the attention of an entire nation. It also highlights the importance of historical research. The book won awards for its detailed work.