Gruesome death toll of the Chicago pharmacist
Halley’s is a periodic comet, meaning it returns at regular periods – about every 75 years in this case.
It is named after astronomer Edmond Halley, who examined reports of a comet approaching Earth in 1531, 1607 and 1682.
He concluded these three comets were actually the same one returning time and again, and predicted the comet would return in 1758.
Halley didn’t live to see the comet return, but his discovery led to the comet being named after him.
It will return in 2061 when, by my reckoning, you will be 99, so hopefully you’ll see it. DOWN at the pub, an old mate was telling me that he’s seen a rather harrowing documentary called America’s First Serial Killer.
Intrigued, I asked for a few details but, even after a few beers, he wouldn’t say much about the murderer.
I take it that you are made of sterner stuff, Queries Man? – L. I am indeed! The documentary your friend viewed was about H. H. Holmes, although not technically the first serial killer, he was certainly one of the most prolific.
Really name Herman Mudgett, Holmes hid behind a succession of aliases as he began his murderous rampage while working as a pharmacist.
In Chicago, at the time of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Holmes opened a hotel which he had designed and built himself, specifically with killing in mind, as it had many sealed rooms and dead ends, where he committed many of his murders.
While he confessed to 27 murders, of which nine were confirmed, his actual body count could be up to 200.
Other candidates for the gruesome moniker include a family, known as the Bloody Benders, who killed at least 12 guests at their inn in Labette County, Kansas, from 1869-72.
There was also the Austin Axe Murderer, who killed eight servant girls in Austin, Texas, in 1884-85. This was believed to be the work of one man, though no one was ever caught.