Wildman Joe

The incredible true story of "Wildman Joe," an African American man whose life journey, from slavery through a steamboat disaster and years as a ragman, led to a controversial career in sideshows. This episode traces the lives of Joe Rettig and showman Jeremiah "Doc" Kahler, detailing their meeting in Evansville, Indiana, and the creation of the "Wildman Joe" act.

Key Moments:

Introduction to Wildman Joe's Story: The episode begins by introducing the enigmatic figure of Wildman Joe and hinting at the untold stories from Evansville's past. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16 )

Joe Rettig's Early Life in Slavery: Learn about Joe's birth into slavery in North Carolina and the harsh realities he faced before the Civil War brought the promise of freedom. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16 )

Life on the Steamboats and the Tragic Accident: Discover Joe's transition to working on steamboats after the war and the horrific boiler explosion that left him permanently scarred. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:44 )

Becoming a Ragman in Evansville: Follow Joe's return to Evansville and his difficult life on the margins, sifting through the city's refuse. (Approximate timestamp: 00:01:03 )

Enter Jeremiah "Doc" Kahler: The narrative shifts to the colorful life of "Doc" Kahler, a former St. Louis saloon keeper with a penchant for the peculiar, who would become a traveling showman. (Approximate timestamp: 00:02:44 )

Doc Kahler's Famous Flea Circus: Hear the fascinating and almost unbelievable tale of Kahler's renowned trained flea circus. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:46 )

Legal Troubles and a Flea-Filled Courtroom: Learn about Kahler's brushes with the law, including a unique court appearance involving his performing fleas. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:04 )

The Demise of the Flea Circus: The episode recounts the sudden and tragic end of Doc Kahler's prize-winning flea troupe. (Approximate timestamp: 00:05:22 )

The Meeting in Evansville: The two vastly different lives converge as Doc Kahler encounters Joe Rettig in Evansville and sees an opportunity for a new sideshow act. (Approximate timestamp: 00:08:07 )

The Creation of "Wildman Joe": Explore the transformation of Joe Rettig into the sideshow persona of "Wildman Joe," and the fabricated narrative created around him. (Approximate timestamp: 00:09:08 )

Life as a Sideshow Performer: Discover how joining the circus changed the course of Joe's life, providing him with a livelihood and the chance to travel. (Approximate timestamp: 00:11:00 )

Performance and Exploitation: The episode details the nature of Wildman Joe's act, highlighting the elements of performance, fear, and the exploitation of Joe's physical appearance. (Approximate timestamp: 00:09:08 )

Traveling with the Circus: Learn about Joe's travels with various circuses, including performances for large audiences and even internationally. (Approximate timestamp: 00:11:35 )

A Story of Resilience: The episode concludes by reflecting on Joe Rettig's incredible resilience and his ability to endure immense hardship and find a way to survive against all odds. (Approximate timestamp: 00:12:11 )

Show notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/20

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