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In the News

Finding the Story

Sex, Murder, and Genealogy?

Dora Feldman McDonald, the daughter of German Jewish immigrants, made the front page of Chicago newspapers in 1907 when she shot her lover. Dora, who was married to one of the most powerful political bosses in Chicago at the time, used murder to end this affair and her lover's blackmail. But what ever happened to her after her dramatic acquittal the following year? Genealogist Mike Karsen uses every trick in his tool bag to set the record straight and follow her trail. 

The Musical "Chicago" and All That Genealogical Jazz

The Broadway musical and Hollywood movie CHICAGO was based on the stories of two real-life women by the name of Belva and Beulah. Just as in the show and movie these women killed their lovers. By collecting standard genealogical documents Mike Karsen piece together their lives as well as put their tales into context relating to Chicago history.

Famous Murderesses and Mysteries from Chicago's Past (2 hour seminar)

Chicago had many infamous characters in its turbulent past. This seminar discusses three women who murdered their lovers and includes their background leading up to the murders. It also includes some of the mystery that enveloped the cases and their lives. The first case involves Dora Feldman McDonald who was married to political boss Michael McDonald and was being blackmailed her lover in 1907. The other two cases involve Belva Gaertner and Buelah Annan in 1924 and upon whose actions the musical "Chicago" is based. Mike uses his genealogist's toolbox to set the record straight in these cases.

   

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