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You mentioned at one point there were so many foot prints they couldn't tell how many people was there.. I'd say (as if I know) there was more than one murderer involved. Great story JD.
It s a secret that went to the grave with Rosa but if she was pregnant with Floyd's baby it could have been his wife with assistance from her family, could have been her devastated beau on finding out ,whoever it was I dont think they acted alone, especially if it was the wife
It is such a blessing to hear someone else exclaim how they love the snow! My Mom can't stand the snow, she gets real down in the dumps. I told her it is how God blankets the ground for the coming spring. He must like snow, since He made so much of it! Thanks for the cheering comment.
I think it was the 2 brothers working todether The oldest lured her out by saying he wanted to talk to her about their baby and the youngest killed her The oldest ones wife was his alibi and others covered up for the youngest but who really knows
4 дні тому+1
This is a crime that I am positive will never , ever be solved. Over 100 years has passed since this happened. The people involved in this mystery have all died. This has become nothing but Folk lore and even if an investigation were opened to it , it would be rediclous to try. And no court of law would even be favorable to having this case tried. It is an unsolved mystery that will remain unsolved forever. Who would be alive to answer for this crime even if it were solved. Just another story
This is the most probable of all possibilities. Doubtful the younger brother killed her by himself; what would he have gained by her death? Unless, he was in love with his brother's wife. The wife, although had a motive, couldn't have acted alone or with the younger brother unless she was unhappy and wished she had married the younger brother, in stead. Maybe they conspired to remove the older brother so they could be together? But that was the case, why kill Rosa? I think it was Ballard, either with Floyd or friends, killed Rosa and framed Fred Stratton to protect his political future. He is the only one who benefits by killing Rosa. Can't understand how the prosecution missed that fact.
@DrGreenWolf As this is near where my family is from and knowing the history there. If someone crossed someone's brother, the one with a violent streak would have no issue in dealing with his brothers problem or any other family member. Family stuck side by side to protect the family's interests, and considering they were politically entwined in the town, they would not have wanted a one night stand getting out. This would have looked horrible for a "God fearing man" in bible country. Most definitely was the Stratons and they did have motive.
I met a couple in the doctors waiting room this week. Turns out they were related to the Hatfields and McCoys. We chatted about Appalachia and I recommended your channel to them. Another great story delivered in your own style. Well done.
@@kennethmaynard5046There's a very small army base in Grafton WV and while doing some work there I met (I think he was a Colonel) who's last name was Mccoy and he said he was related to the Mccoys of the Hatfield and Mccoy feud.
The Hatfield's & the McCoy's are both distant cousins of mine. I wish I had known that when I had my son. I shared a room with a McCoy girl who had a son the same day as me.
@gemarbejb Ooh, and the feud continues! 😂😂 Hope everyone is well and wishing you all the best! Born and raised in West Virginia (Parkersburg), but the only feud we ever had was between our own siblings. 😂
No way he purchased a weapon, dude lives on a farm he had many options. Seems like something the general store manager would grab on the way out the door.
You ain’t Indigenous so you have no ‘ Appalachian’ heritage! You have a white European heritage from Europe! Nothing Appalachian about it!! The true Appalachians were ethnically cleansed from land and removed to Oklahoma! How is it you immigrants can tell yourselves you are indigenous Appalachian when your families immigrated from Europe and only got there couple hundred years ago! That don’t make you Appalachian! You an Immigrant to America and Appalachia!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Am new to the channel and the story was sad tale I believe that the new wife with a little effort had the brothers commit the murder to protect their family name. Rosa was told that her boyfriend wanted to talk to her and she was ambushed by the brothers the tool that was found if it was purchased the day before why crave a person's initial's so soon? That is an attempt at framing a person but sadly the case will never be solved. I would like to find out how the Stalling marriage turned out the new wife had Rosa murdered to keep her husband and she knew her husband was unfaithful but was in love.
A true nail bitter of a story! Whoever truly did the murder got theirs in the end. I have to believe that justice comes to all in some way or another. Great story. Thanks.
Also very mysterious: that even with such fear of being murdered, she went out alone. This seems to indicate that she went out to meet some trusted person. Could she have been lured into a death trap, with a message written to trick her into thinking that some trusted person wanted to talk? Very strange: that the killer left the weapon on the ground. Was this initialed weapon left just to trick investigators into believing that someone with initials FS had done the crime? Why would the actual murderer leave a weapon with his initials carved into the handle? Makes it seem that the former boyfriend was probably innocent ...and was set up to appear guilty. And the people with interest in such a set up would have been members of that other family...with their political plans for their sons. The razor with the initials just seems like " too much evidence" In other words...planted.
I completely agree. Rosa was secretly meeting someone she trusted and needed to see, and I think that was Ballard. So many footprints make it appear that the killer had company. Cecilia's theory about the family alliance makes sense. Poor Rosa...
It was probably Stalling as the initials on the murder weapon were just too convenient. Pointing blame upon an innocent person. The guilty person will pay on the judgement day for the two murders of mother and child.
If you ask me, the only one who is a real victim and for whom I feel so sorry, is that young pregnant girl. She didn't deserve to go like that, not in a million years. And who ever did it, I really hope and wish that their soul didn't, and will never find peace, and that they are experiencing her last torment, over and over again, until the end of time.😩😢😭
I am fairly new to the channel. I am definately going to be purchasing your books...i just love your storytelling! I just love all the photos u show but i could also close my eyes and listen to u tell ur story and it would have just as powerful an impact on me! Sooo great! Thank u!
I think that Fred Stratton was in love with Rosa and if the baby was his he would have married Rosa in a heartbeat. I think one or maybe even all three of the others ( at least the 2 brothers) killed her to protect the reputation in the church, community, and political ambitions of the oldest brother. It said the "deed" was done before he was married and he probably didn't find out she was pregnant until after he was married. That meant he could not marry her and make the baby legal so it would have caused disgrace which would have destroyed his political ambitions and high standing in the community.
I agree the Stallings have motives & means. Saying that Fred bought the weapon was too easy. Even the initials carved in the knife could have been a frame job. I gotta wonder if it was Mrs.Stallings? She could have worn her brother in laws boots, took his razor & the weapon. They said Rosa put up a big fight. Could it have been a big fight because it was 2 women? She had a lot of motive & she basically told on herself.
Good morning JD! So many twists and turns in this case. It’s more than one person involved since the footprints in the snow confirmed that. Stollings and his brother maybe the wife. Such a violent crime of passion or was it to protect his good name. Guess we will never know the truth. Have a blessed day and stay warm!
@@shable1436not so true in our time.. Blue- green- raggedy ann red hair looks awful. And with arm tatoos and face piercings...it's like people are trying to look ugly. Pretty and feminine is just not the current fashion. In comparison, women in photographs from the past...even as recently as the 70s....look like angels.
Great story and well told! I couldn't say anything for certain but the ones with the most to lose seem most likely. A jealous woman can be vicious and scandal was taken more seriously back then.
I'm not from Appalachia but I sure do love these stories. Reminds me of when I was a child and Uncle Tom would tell us stories. Uncle Tom was not related but everyone just called him Uncle Tom. We all loved him. When he came to Sunday dinner he always stacked his dishes then stood up and bowed. Thanked mammaw and mom for the dinner. Thanked madam for a fine meal. Probably the best I ever et. We all loved this elderly gentleman.
Did they check to see if both J.S. had a razor? Back then, a person just couldn’t run out and buy one with initials to replace a missing one. Finger prints? Check all their clothes for blood stains? Compare size of footprints to each of their feet/shoes? What about questioning potential witnesses to whoever bought the thingy that was 22:33 covered in blood left in the Laurels? Did any of these things get investigated back then? Just some thoughts.
Henry's sister, Mandy, was also married to a Stollings. Update: Amanda was married to William L. Stollings, the parents of Ballard & Floyd. This would make Rosa a first cousin of Ballard & Floyd.
@susanbengston3208 Yes. My mom's paternal side was Appalachian. More than once, I have the same great great and 3rd great grandparents. Slim pickins in the hills. lol
Poor Rosa White. Funny you should mention the Hatfields & the McCoys. When i was a teenager, i fell in love with a boy named Jim Hatfield. He & his parents attended our church at the time & his parents were feom Kentucky. Yep. The first boy who ever broke my heart was an infamous Hatfield! Stinkin jerk. That was about 44 yrs ago. I'm still friends with the other girl who dated him. They married, had kids, divorced. He found me 4 hrs away when he was still with her, wanting to date me! I kicked him to the curb. I heard he went to prison at one point.
I think it was the new wife. She was scared that the baby was going to be her new husband’s. Or they both did it so he could still run for office. But the truth is only God knows for sure who done it. ❤thanks JD good story. 😊
Brother, I really like your gift of storytelling. It didn't happen overnight, but some people have it, and some people don't. I have it!!! Anyway, I just want to give you a big digital bear-hug for your gift. Keep it up! It makes your life unique, doesn't it?? John
I think Floyd Stollings did it as he found out that Rosa was pregnant, and he was a newly married man. I believe Rosa had a one-night love affair with Floyd and she told him that she was pregnant after he had gotten married. I believe she broke her relationship off with Fred Straton as she knew that was not the father of her child. Fred may have never known about her pregnancy until after she had passed. But on the other hand, maybe she had told him and that she confessed that it was not his and in a fit of rage he killed her despite saying he was at home. We will never know. Very good story and happy Saturday.
Or there was no affair with Stollings and she was r*ped. Could explain why she stopped socializing and stayed more close to home. On the snowy day, maybe she thought no one would be about and so safe to go for a walk?
She was found in the woods miles from anyone's home that may have played a part. There were footprints in the snow. Did they follow them to see where they came from and which way did they did they go when they left? That seems like the most important clue
Wow, what an intriguing story. Nice to hear you, JD. I love all of your videos, and history of us Appalachians. I'm thinking about the case as I look out at the snow and wildlife in motion. I know one thing for certain; there's nothing new under the sun, eh.. May they all R.I.P Love and prayers to you ❤
@TheAppalachianStoryteller Well, I'm getting by, thank you, sir. East Tennessee is beautiful. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. Take care, JD. P.S. My father, now 80, had a great friend named JD Phillips here in Stephens County, GA. Just wanted to share this with you.
It would be interesting to know if the multiple footprints were different (eg different size/ tread pattern/etc) or not. That's because multiple footprints can come from two scenarios - multiple people, or a really physical fight between two people (eg they're moving around a lot, meaning lots of footprints in the snow, all at weird angles as they grapple and fight).
its not a real song, just something based off an old 1950s so "500 miles away from home", just changed the lyrics up... btw... I love it when google can't figure out stuff I post.
Another fascinating and intriguing tale JD. Justice does not sound like it was done in this case. Truly it will be at some point in the future when they all meet their maker.
The question that begs to be asked is, did Fred and Floyd have a personal gripe or trouble between their families, maybe something over this same girl? It sounds like the breakup, and lack of a reason for it, could be the key to it all.
I think that Floyd was just a willing accomplice in order to protect his brother's reputation and future aspirations. He may or may not have struck the fatal blows. I think that Ballard decided that Rosa had to be eliminated and his wife and brother were in on it.
I’m tending to agree with Rusty. If I was to guess …… I’d say it was Floyd & his sister-in-law. Floyd didn’t want his brothers reputation tainted for having an affair & getting Rosa pregnant…….. and the sister-in- law wasn’t happy about the affair & the baby. So, they platted together to kill Rosa. But, Rosa fought hard to save herself………thus all of the tracks in the snow. JD, I just absolutely love your stories and your storytelling!!! You’re definitely No 1 in my book!! Blessings always & forever !!! 🙏😊❤️
@ Awww thank you JD. You are a blessing to me for sure! I can’t wait to meet you in person! Did I email you the dates I’d be there? Sorry…..old lady= old brain! Lol
It was likely the brother of the man she had an affair with. The wife knew too much but not likely enough. She was a new wife. Rosa broke up with Fred because she was in love with the other guy. The other guy was seeing both women at the same time, had no intention of marrying Rosa. Rosa was likely summoned/lured to her murder by the brother and wife because of the pregnancy. There are no secrets in communities that small and so intertwined. Why would a defense attorney not call witnesses if the brother truly had an alibi of being 20 miles away. Makes no sense. Rosa chose poorly.
Hey JD, If you haven't already you should do a video on the Appalachian mountain rules, myths and legends. If you already made one could you let me know where to find it? - Pamela ❤
@TheAppalachianStoryteller I completely understand that and respect it. I found the one with the headless guy and I absolutely loved it. I hope you have a great weekend, too!
New sub here. I live in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. I was wondering if you have ever thought about making a video about Tom Dula or as he is more well known, Dooley. Many years ago, we searched for his grave and did find it. It was as it was told, been vandalized by ‘tourists’ who had knocked off chunks of the tombstone on the left corner. Access has been cut off since that time. Years later, we tried again, and found his grave inaccessible, so we went looking for Laura’s grave. I believe we did find it, but it, also, is inaccessible only because it is on a hill in a cow pasture. It is separated by a white picket fence and, at that time looked well cared for. I worked with a girl who is related to Laura and she told me Laura was pregnant and that was the reason she was killed. This story fascinates and intrigues me as this took place not far from where I live and Tom was hanged at the depot in my city, Statesville.
The picture at the 8:48 min mark i think of Fred Stratton he looks just like (Tom Brady)... By the way once a new AP storyteller vid pop's up i immediately click Thank You J.D. and team!!!👌🌄
The poor died with so much more life to live.It goes to show sin taker further and deeper than you ever expect. Poor girl I feel for her may she being piece in the arms of God
When you said where the story took place, I was like oh boy! They don't mess around in that area. My husband's family came from there and have lived there for a couple of hundred years.
She looks so familiar, I’m sure there’s an actress or model that looks just like her! Crazy how many of us show up with random twins across the planet and through history, makes you really wonder about reincarnation! 😳🤷♀️
My perssonal take on this story is first of all her boyfriend was totally innocent and he had nothing to do with Rosa's murder. Because he was madly in love with her and actually was heart broken due to their break up! But the godly man of the community had a sexual relationship with Rosa and that unborned child that she was carrying at the time of her death was indeed his! Chances are that she told him about this child and he wasn't prepared for it because it was probably his one night stand and he never expected that. Which his new wife later stated to the law man at that time. The rumors that spread about a quarrel between the husband and wife about Rosa was also true. This was clealy a premeditated murder which was carried out by him, his brother, and his wife.. Having witnessed too many foot prints at the crime scene by her dad itself proves that she was brutally murdered by more than one person. The mallet with intials was his younger brother's who used it to struck her head open and the blade marks on her neck to cut her throat was used by his new wife out of vengeance and to finish her off quick. But her lover himself played two main parts on that murder one he lured her into the murder scene by asking her to meet up during the dark where they could discuss about the unborned child. Because no women would leave her house in the dark to meet someone unless she knew that person personally or trust... So he took advantage of her trust and little that she knew it was her death call waiting to be murdered brutally. The other accomplices were his wife and younger brother who probably were hiding somewhere behind the trees or bushes when she came to see him and once there they came from bhind and attacked her while her lover stood there and acted as a lookout just incase while they were busy committing that murder....
What a sordid mystery! I tend to think the two brothers did it, based on the number of footprints...maybe the wife was there to make sure of it... Great story JD 👍👍❤
JD, when you said, near the start, that "most men handled disagreements the old way, with gun powder & lead" you should have added the "old AMERICAN way" as nowhere else in the world did people resort to such use of guns, neither then or now, the way Americans do. It's definitely not something the Appalachian Scots-Irish immigrants brought with them from the UK but something developed in America that grew almost exponentially to Americans now owning mote guns than any other country in the world, & by a HUGE margin, to the point that it doesn't seem many realise that this just isn't the case elsewhere, in many European countries, spotting an armed Police Officer is unusual, even surprising, with the bulk of the population, easily 75%+, (not in the military, Police Force, farming etc) only experience of guns being air rifles at a fair, or game console controllers!!!!
I have to agree with you, I thought the same thing when he said it. I thought what’s old fashioned about the use of guns? Anyone who came from England or the continent would NOT have had guns. It’s an American idea that’s now got out of control. I’m 70 yrs old and from England I have never even seen a gun for real nor do I want to.
Hello, yes certainly there are plenty of guns here in NZ but in the hands of mostly hunters,farmers and gangs ,the police have them but do not carry them on their person, Guns as part of everyday life is certainly an American thing for the most part ❤ from Aotearoa/New Zealand, I enjoy your stories sir
Support this channel by LIKING, COMMENTING and SUBSCRIBING. Support the costs of research and video production by clicking JOIN or THANKS or by visiting www.theappalachianstoryteller.com Thank you!
I just found your channel and subscribed! 💜
😂❤
You mentioned at one point there were so many foot prints they couldn't tell how many people was there.. I'd say (as if I know) there was more than one murderer involved. Great story JD.
That is a vital clue!
I do not think it was the Stratton boy. All the footprints that was the key evidence in my eye
I was thinkin the same thing with the footprints
Yeah that was my first thought also. Near, or at the conclusion of this video, my mind went straight to the prints in the snow.
It s a secret that went to the grave with Rosa but if she was pregnant with Floyd's baby it could have been his wife with assistance from her family, could have been her devastated beau on finding out ,whoever it was I dont think they acted alone, especially if it was the wife
Ain't nothing better to wake up to than beautiful snowy outdoors and a story from Mr JD! Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend & God bless! ~ Scott 💙🙏🏼
Absolutely!
Thank you Scott, got a taste of snow here in East TN too , bout 4 inches
It is such a blessing to hear someone else exclaim how they love the snow! My Mom can't stand the snow, she gets real down in the dumps. I told her it is how God blankets the ground for the coming spring. He must like snow, since He made so much of it! Thanks for the cheering comment.
We are in the Appalachian mountains on the western N.C. side . Just on the other side of the mountain from East Tennessee
Got a bit of snow up here in New Hampshire too.
I think it was the 2 brothers working todether
The oldest lured her out by saying he wanted to talk to her about their baby and the youngest killed her
The oldest ones wife was his alibi and others covered up for the youngest but who really knows
This is a crime that I am positive will never , ever be solved. Over 100 years has passed since this happened. The people involved in this mystery have all died. This has become nothing but Folk lore and even if an investigation were opened to it , it would be rediclous to try. And no court of law would even be favorable to having this case tried. It is an unsolved mystery that will remain unsolved forever. Who would be alive to answer for this crime even if it were solved. Just another story
Are you sure about that?
That is the way I saw it... the wife knew 😢
This is the most probable of all possibilities. Doubtful the younger brother killed her by himself; what would he have gained by her death? Unless, he was in love with his brother's wife.
The wife, although had a motive, couldn't have acted alone or with the younger brother unless she was unhappy and wished she had married the younger brother, in stead. Maybe they conspired to remove the older brother so they could be together? But that was the case, why kill Rosa?
I think it was Ballard, either with Floyd or friends, killed Rosa and framed Fred Stratton to protect his political future. He is the only one who benefits by killing Rosa. Can't understand how the prosecution missed that fact.
@DrGreenWolf As this is near where my family is from and knowing the history there. If someone crossed someone's brother, the one with a violent streak would have no issue in dealing with his brothers problem or any other family member. Family stuck side by side to protect the family's interests, and considering they were politically entwined in the town, they would not have wanted a one night stand getting out. This would have looked horrible for a "God fearing man" in bible country. Most definitely was the Stratons and they did have motive.
I met a couple in the doctors waiting room this week. Turns out they were related to the Hatfields and McCoys. We chatted about Appalachia and I recommended your channel to them. Another great story delivered in your own style. Well done.
Thank you so much!
My late mother's eye doctor was from the Hatfield line and he said some of the story of the feud was corrupted over the years.
@@kennethmaynard5046There's a very small army base in Grafton WV and while doing some work there I met (I think he was a Colonel) who's last name was Mccoy and he said he was related to the Mccoys of the Hatfield and Mccoy feud.
The Hatfield's & the McCoy's are both distant cousins of mine. I wish I had known that when I had my son. I shared a room with a McCoy girl who had a son the same day as me.
@gemarbejb Ooh, and the feud continues! 😂😂 Hope everyone is well and wishing you all the best!
Born and raised in West Virginia (Parkersburg), but the only feud we ever had was between our own siblings. 😂
You have such a great talent, JD. Definitely my favorite storyteller on UA-cam. We're blessed that you can share it with us. God bless, brother.
Thank you so much 😊
No way he purchased a weapon, dude lives on a farm he had many options. Seems like something the general store manager would grab on the way out the door.
interesting good point
I agree! That "extra fact" doesn't pass the sniff test. Too convenient and unprovable. Nope...
And put initials on it on the way out?
@@angelamarsters9169The initials were on the razor, not the iron rod.
A farm tool could be easily identified by the owners. You’d want something new, never used.
I love these stories since I'm from Appalachian heritage. I heard many stories growing up
You ain’t Indigenous so you have no ‘ Appalachian’ heritage! You have a white European heritage from Europe! Nothing Appalachian about it!! The true Appalachians were ethnically cleansed from land and removed to Oklahoma! How is it you immigrants can tell yourselves you are indigenous Appalachian when your families immigrated from Europe and only got there couple hundred years ago! That don’t make you Appalachian! You an Immigrant to America and Appalachia!
And no you are not part Cherokee or Indian!
Love listening to the stories! Your tone and music draws us deep into the story. Happy you're back!
Thank you for noticing the music! I put just as much work into the music as I do the story
@TheAppalachianStoryteller the music you write and😊 play, is absolutely wonderful!
Maybe F.S. was framed
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Am new to the channel and the story was sad tale I believe that the new wife with a little effort had the brothers commit the murder to protect their family name. Rosa was told that her boyfriend wanted to talk to her and she was ambushed by the brothers the tool that was found if it was purchased the day before why crave a person's initial's so soon? That is an attempt at framing a person but sadly the case will never be solved. I would like to find out how the Stalling marriage turned out the new wife had Rosa murdered to keep her husband and she knew her husband was unfaithful but was in love.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Also in another comment I enjoyed your video editing prowess!
A true nail bitter of a story! Whoever truly did the murder got theirs in the end. I have to believe that justice comes to all in some way or another. Great story. Thanks.
Thank you!
Bitter story!! I personally think it was Trump,I think he paid Rudy to pull it off.
I love the enthusiasm whilst telling the story
Thank you for that!
And The Wonderful Old Photos!!!! 💕
Also very mysterious: that even with such fear of being murdered, she went out alone. This seems to indicate that she went out to meet some trusted person. Could she have been lured into a death trap, with a message written to trick her into thinking that some trusted person wanted to talk?
Very strange: that the killer left the weapon on the ground. Was this initialed weapon left just to trick investigators into believing that someone with initials FS had done the crime? Why would the actual murderer leave a weapon with his initials carved into the handle? Makes it seem that the former boyfriend was probably innocent ...and was set up to appear guilty. And the people with interest in such a set up would have been members of that other family...with their political plans for their sons. The razor with the initials just seems like " too much evidence" In other words...planted.
Your analysis Makes perfect sense.
I completely agree. Rosa was secretly meeting someone she trusted and needed to see, and I think that was Ballard.
So many footprints make it appear that the killer had company. Cecilia's theory about the family alliance makes sense.
Poor Rosa...
Bingo! That , i believe is exactly what happened, they tried to set the ex boyfriend up. The real killers are already taken care of by God
It was probably Stalling as the initials on the murder weapon were just too convenient.
Pointing blame upon an innocent person.
The guilty person will pay on the judgement day for the two murders of mother and child.
and when is this so called judgement day? another made up rubbish from religion.
You have a good voice, very distinctive, like Vincent Price, ad a distinctive voice. I mean it as a compliment, great stories.
I really appreciate the compliment!
Fabulous Lass, pride and joy and rightfully so of Mum and Dad. Such a shame she did not stay home and have the Child. Such a shame.
If you ask me, the only one who is a real victim and for whom I feel so sorry, is that young pregnant girl. She didn't deserve to go like that, not in a million years. And who ever did it, I really hope and wish that their soul didn't, and will never find peace, and that they are experiencing her last torment, over and over again, until the end of time.😩😢😭
This is the first video I've seen from this channel..... but I'm pretty sure im going to enjoy the nailbiting stories here!
Welcome aboard!
Oh, you will! 😊
Very Interesting! I feel like it was the brothers together. To keep up their political and Religious reputations. But we will never really know.
I am fairly new to the channel. I am definately going to be purchasing your books...i just love your storytelling! I just love all the photos u show but i could also close my eyes and listen to u tell ur story and it would have just as powerful an impact on me! Sooo great! Thank u!
I appreciate you, thank you!
I'm mesmerized by Rosa
I think that Fred Stratton was in love with Rosa and if the baby was his he would have married Rosa in a heartbeat. I think one or maybe even all three of the others ( at least the 2 brothers) killed her to protect the reputation in the church, community, and political ambitions of the oldest brother. It said the "deed" was done before he was married and he probably didn't find out she was pregnant until after he was married. That meant he could not marry her and make the baby legal so it would have caused disgrace which would have destroyed his political ambitions and high standing in the community.
lots of great points here...
I think it was Stallings. What an interesting legal approach to the case.
It really is something, it seems like this case could be a study in a college law degree program
I agree the Stallings have motives & means. Saying that Fred bought the weapon was too easy. Even the initials carved in the knife could have been a frame job. I gotta wonder if it was Mrs.Stallings? She could have worn her brother in laws boots, took his razor & the weapon. They said Rosa put up a big fight. Could it have been a big fight because it was 2 women? She had a lot of motive & she basically told on herself.
@@idid138I definitely agree the woman was involved👍
The answer to this mystery was taken to the grave as were many in these ole mountains
Just found your channel and loving it! There is so much unheard history in these parts!
I’m glad you’re enjoying them!
Good morning JD! So many twists and turns in this case. It’s more than one person involved since the footprints in the snow confirmed that. Stollings and his brother maybe the wife. Such a violent crime of passion or was it to protect his good name. Guess we will never know the truth.
Have a blessed day and stay warm!
Thank you Willow! Have a great Saturday!
She was so beautiful
Ain't we all at 18😂
@@shable1436not so true in our time.. Blue- green- raggedy ann red hair looks awful. And with arm tatoos and face piercings...it's like people are trying to look ugly. Pretty and feminine is just not the current fashion. In comparison, women in photographs from the past...even as recently as the 70s....look like angels.
Haha. Have you considered laser eye surgery there ole Last_Chance
@@shable1436 ha, she had killer eyes.
Natural beauty. women today would envy.rip
Floyd was guilty in my opinion. He was released early because money and prestige talka.
Great story and well told! I couldn't say anything for certain but the ones with the most to lose seem most likely. A jealous woman can be vicious and scandal was taken more seriously back then.
Wow! What a story! Wonderful storytelling and music. Such a shame Rosa never saw justice. Thanks from New Zealand.
Thank you 😊
Great story teller. Great production. Music soft and appropriate. Exciting reading. Well done sir.
aww, thank you for that, I do my best to pay careful attention to the small details
Truth will be buried under powerful men and families influence forever. Nothing new under the sun..
Amein
On my walking pad this morning and this gives me something good to listen to! Thank you!
Wonderful!
Yes! My home county! Thank you and I’m sharing with friends from the area!
Thank you so much
Very charming lady it seems..amazing beauty as well!
I'm not from Appalachia but I sure do love these stories.
Reminds me of when I was a child and Uncle Tom would tell us stories.
Uncle Tom was not related but everyone just called him Uncle Tom. We all loved him.
When he came to Sunday dinner he always stacked his dishes then stood up and bowed. Thanked mammaw and mom for the dinner.
Thanked madam for a fine meal. Probably the best I ever et. We all loved this elderly gentleman.
The gospel song was very nice! Thank you!
I was hoping to hear more stories in WV.
Great story for a cold Saturday morning. Thanks J.D. Y'all stay safe out there.
we got a taste of snow down here over the past couple days, bout four inches and everyone lost their minds
Did they check to see if both J.S. had a razor? Back then, a person just couldn’t run out and buy one with initials to replace a missing one. Finger prints? Check all their clothes for blood stains? Compare size of footprints to each of their feet/shoes? What about questioning potential witnesses to whoever bought the thingy that was 22:33 covered in blood left in the Laurels? Did any of these things get investigated back then? Just some thoughts.
Henry's sister, Mandy, was also married to a Stollings.
Update: Amanda was married to William L. Stollings, the parents of Ballard & Floyd. This would make Rosa a first cousin of Ballard & Floyd.
Common in that part of the Country, isolated.
@susanbengston3208 Yes. My mom's paternal side was Appalachian. More than once, I have the same great great and 3rd great grandparents. Slim pickins in the hills. lol
Rosa was an attractive woman even by today's standards.. I guess this crime sadly will never be truly solved.
Another great story JD, Thank you.
Greg & Jenny, New Zealand.
Thanks Greg and Jenny! Hope ya'll are having a great weekend!
This would be a hard case to judge. The way emotions can run so high. I couldn’t begin to judge. Thank you for sharing your story. 😊
I agree 100%
I'm from Boone County, just north of Logan. That's pretty cool seeing your old stomping grounds on UA-cam.
Good morning and happy Saturday! Snow fell all last night and it looks nice.
Hope you’re staying warm!
We've been lucky here in Iowa, no snow, knock on wood! Stay safe and warm.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller as warm as the coffee can keep me!
@@macrinawaterbury8420 I’m not a big snow fan but it does look nice.
JUST A GREAT STORYTELLER….❤❤ THANK YOU SIR… STAY WARM IN THIS COLD WEATHER ! ! !
Thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Great story JD, as always. ✌️❤️
Thanks again!
Your stories are always a treat!
I'm so glad you're enjoying them!
Ty for another great true story. I love your stories.
Thank you Denise! That's what makes these stories, they are all true .
So many questions for me! .. very good story!
Great story great pictures
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the great story JD.
Thank you!
Poor Rosa White.
Funny you should mention the Hatfields & the McCoys. When i was a teenager, i fell in love with a boy named Jim Hatfield. He & his parents attended our church at the time & his parents were feom Kentucky. Yep. The first boy who ever broke my heart was an infamous Hatfield! Stinkin jerk. That was about 44 yrs ago. I'm still friends with the other girl who dated him. They married, had kids, divorced. He found me 4 hrs away when he was still with her, wanting to date me! I kicked him to the curb. I heard he went to prison at one point.
THANK YOU Jd for another story that keeps you glued to your seat. I also enjoyed reading the comments as to who they thought killed Rosa white. ❤😊
Thank you Linda! Me too! I always enjoyed reading the comments, the theories and conspiracies, I learn so much!
What an engaging storyteller. 👍🏽
Thank you!
JD and Sarah hey on this cold snowy day
I think it was the new wife. She was scared that the baby was going to be her new husband’s. Or they both did it so he could still run for office. But the truth is only God knows for sure who done it. ❤thanks JD good story. 😊
I was wondering if anyone would say it was the wife
I was thinking the same thing.
I believe this also...
Mr & Mrs working in tandem.
Women almost never do that unless a man is leading them into it
Thank you for brighting my day, have a peaceful week.❤✨️🍁😎
Thank you! I hope you have a good week too 😊
Another great video 🎉thanks👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Brother, I really like your gift of storytelling. It didn't happen overnight, but some people have it, and some people don't. I have it!!! Anyway, I just want to give you a big digital bear-hug for your gift. Keep it up! It makes your life unique, doesn't it?? John
Thanks so much John, so good to hear from you!
I think Floyd Stollings did it as he found out that Rosa was pregnant, and he was a newly married man. I believe Rosa had a one-night love affair with Floyd and she told him that she was pregnant after he had gotten married. I believe she broke her relationship off with Fred Straton as she knew that was not the father of her child. Fred may have never known about her pregnancy until after she had passed. But on the other hand, maybe she had told him and that she confessed that it was not his and in a fit of rage he killed her despite saying he was at home. We will never know. Very good story and happy Saturday.
Or there was no affair with Stollings and she was r*ped. Could explain why she stopped socializing and stayed more close to home. On the snowy day, maybe she thought no one would be about and so safe to go for a walk?
She was found in the woods miles from anyone's home that may have played a part. There were footprints in the snow. Did they follow them to see where they came from and which way did they did they go when they left? That seems like the most important clue
great question... perhaps one important clue was the ONE set of tracks found leaving the crime scene in the opposite direction
Wow, what an intriguing story. Nice to hear you, JD. I love all of your videos, and history of us Appalachians. I'm thinking about the case as I look out at the snow and wildlife in motion.
I know one thing for certain; there's nothing new under the sun, eh.. May they all R.I.P
Love and prayers to you ❤
It was such a beautiful snow day here in East Tennessee as well! Hope you are well Tracy!
@TheAppalachianStoryteller Well, I'm getting by, thank you, sir. East Tennessee is beautiful. I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon. Take care, JD.
P.S. My father, now 80, had a great friend named JD Phillips here in Stephens County, GA. Just wanted to share this with you.
I say the Stollings family. I think they collaborated together.
That was an interesting verdict. Never expected that. thanks
It is a strange one indeed!
You know it's real life when it has an ending as crazy as that.
What a wild ride! Great story. I agreecao many footprints seen. I think there were more than one of them guilty.
but only one set of footprints leaving the scene? hmmm...
It would be interesting to know if the multiple footprints were different (eg different size/ tread pattern/etc) or not. That's because multiple footprints can come from two scenarios - multiple people, or a really physical fight between two people (eg they're moving around a lot, meaning lots of footprints in the snow, all at weird angles as they grapple and fight).
Great story JD👍😉
Glad you enjoyed it!
What/who sings the song that plays at the 4:48 minute mark? We really like but google can't figure it out.
its not a real song, just something based off an old 1950s so "500 miles away from home", just changed the lyrics up... btw... I love it when google can't figure out stuff I post.
It's beautiful. If you ever do a full version, we would buy it.
Another fascinating and intriguing tale JD. Justice does not sound like it was done in this case. Truly it will be at some point in the future when they all meet their maker.
I believe you are right
Always follow the money and power it brings.
Thank you jd you are a great story teller ❤🎉
Thank you Rebecca!
Another great story thank you JD
You're welcome!
The question that begs to be asked is, did Fred and Floyd have a personal gripe or trouble between their families, maybe something over this same girl? It sounds like the breakup, and lack of a reason for it, could be the key to it all.
very good point
I think that Floyd was just a willing accomplice in order to protect his brother's reputation and future aspirations. He may or may not have struck the fatal blows.
I think that Ballard decided that Rosa had to be eliminated and his wife and brother were in on it.
I’m tending to agree with Rusty. If I was to guess …… I’d say it was Floyd & his sister-in-law. Floyd didn’t want his brothers reputation tainted for having an affair & getting Rosa pregnant…….. and the sister-in- law wasn’t happy about the affair & the baby. So, they platted together to kill Rosa. But, Rosa fought hard to save herself………thus all of the tracks in the snow. JD, I just absolutely love your stories and your storytelling!!! You’re definitely No 1 in my book!! Blessings always & forever !!! 🙏😊❤️
you are such a blessing Betty!
@ Awww thank you JD. You are a blessing to me for sure! I can’t wait to meet you in person! Did I email you the dates I’d be there? Sorry…..old lady= old brain! Lol
It was likely the brother of the man she had an affair with.
The wife knew too much but not likely enough.
She was a new wife.
Rosa broke up with Fred because she was in love with the other guy.
The other guy was seeing both women at the same time, had no intention of marrying Rosa.
Rosa was likely summoned/lured to her murder by the brother and wife because of the pregnancy.
There are no secrets in communities that small and so intertwined.
Why would a defense attorney not call witnesses if the brother truly had an alibi of being 20 miles away.
Makes no sense.
Rosa chose poorly.
Hey JD,
If you haven't already you should do a video on the Appalachian mountain rules, myths and legends. If you already made one could you let me know where to find it?
- Pamela ❤
I do my best to stick to factual history, and avoid fictional stereotypes. But if I ever do, I will let you know! Hope you're having a great weekend!
@TheAppalachianStoryteller I completely understand that and respect it. I found the one with the headless guy and I absolutely loved it. I hope you have a great weekend, too!
❤❤❤❤❤❤ that was a great story omg. I really like that
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
This was great!
Thank you so much
New sub here. I live in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. I was wondering if you have ever thought about making a video about Tom Dula or as he is more well known, Dooley. Many years ago, we searched for his grave and did find it. It was as it was told, been vandalized by ‘tourists’ who had knocked off chunks of the tombstone on the left corner. Access has been cut off since that time. Years later, we tried again, and found his grave inaccessible, so we went looking for Laura’s grave. I believe we did find it, but it, also, is inaccessible only because it is on a hill in a cow pasture. It is separated by a white picket fence and, at that time looked well cared for. I worked with a girl who is related to Laura and she told me Laura was pregnant and that was the reason she was killed. This story fascinates and intrigues me as this took place not far from where I live and Tom was hanged at the depot in my city, Statesville.
Thanks for your wonderful work.
Thank you!
The picture at the 8:48 min mark i think of Fred Stratton he looks just like (Tom Brady)... By the way once a new AP storyteller vid pop's up i immediately click Thank You J.D. and team!!!👌🌄
you know, I thought the EXACT same thing... I even pondered it for a bit.
The poor died with so much more life to live.It goes to show sin taker further and deeper than you ever expect. Poor girl I feel for her may she being piece in the arms of God
amen
When you said where the story took place, I was like oh boy! They don't mess around in that area. My husband's family came from there and have lived there for a couple of hundred years.
Awesome video as always ❤ happy new year
Thank you, happy new year to you as well!
What a bizarre legal process and outcome. That 4 were accused would give 'reasonable doubt' to any of them. Wow, never heard of this one.
She looks so familiar, I’m sure there’s an actress or model that looks just like her! Crazy how many of us show up with random twins across the planet and through history, makes you really wonder about reincarnation! 😳🤷♀️
I can't figure out who she reminds me of but IMO Fred bears a strong resemblance to Tom Brady.
Are these their real pic or AI?
In a few keystrokes on a search engine will yield the results you’re looking for
@ not really, I don’t remember the name of the actress she reminds me of 😂🤷♀️
It's because we all came from the same mother and father
I think it was Floyd and his brother.
I enjoyed this one ❤
Yay, thank you!
Now following my Appalachian Americans!!
I have an alibi for that night. I wasn't even born yet.
haha!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller 👍⬆
My perssonal take on this story is first of all her boyfriend was totally innocent and he had nothing to do with Rosa's murder. Because he was madly in love with her and actually was heart broken due to their break up!
But the godly man of the community had a sexual relationship with Rosa and that unborned child that she was carrying at the time of her death was indeed his!
Chances are that she told him about this child and he wasn't prepared for it because it was probably his one night stand and he never expected that. Which his new wife later stated to the law man at that time. The rumors that spread about a quarrel between the husband and wife about Rosa was also true.
This was clealy a premeditated murder which was carried out by him, his brother, and his wife.. Having witnessed too many foot prints at the crime scene by her dad itself proves that she was brutally murdered by more than one person. The mallet with intials was his younger brother's who used it to struck her head open and the blade marks on her neck to cut her throat was used by his new wife out of vengeance and to finish her off quick.
But her lover himself played two main parts on that murder one he lured her into the murder scene by asking her to meet up during the dark where they could discuss about the unborned child. Because no women would leave her house in the dark to meet someone unless she knew that person personally or trust... So he took advantage of her trust and little that she knew it was her death call waiting to be murdered brutally. The other accomplices were his wife and younger brother who probably were hiding somewhere behind the trees or bushes when she came to see him and once there they came from bhind and attacked her while her lover stood there and acted as a lookout just incase while they were busy committing that murder....
👍Thanks JD
Your welcome 🙏
Thank you for the post! ✌🏼🥶
Thank you 😊
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller 👍🏻✌🏼🥶
@ 👍🏻✌🏼🥶
Great story. Poor girl. She was pretty. That may have been her curse.
Enjoy your stories
thank you!
Mybook reveals a darker presence. Enjoying your book.
Thank you!
That poor thing.
What a sordid mystery! I tend to think the two brothers did it, based on the number of footprints...maybe the wife was there to make sure of it...
Great story JD 👍👍❤
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ENJOYED J D
JD, when you said, near the start, that "most men handled disagreements the old way, with gun powder & lead" you should have added the "old AMERICAN way" as nowhere else in the world did people resort to such use of guns, neither then or now, the way Americans do. It's definitely not something the Appalachian Scots-Irish immigrants brought with them from the UK but something developed in America that grew almost exponentially to Americans now owning mote guns than any other country in the world, & by a HUGE margin, to the point that it doesn't seem many realise that this just isn't the case elsewhere, in many European countries, spotting an armed Police Officer is unusual, even surprising, with the bulk of the population, easily 75%+, (not in the military, Police Force, farming etc) only experience of guns being air rifles at a fair, or game console controllers!!!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I really appreciate it.
I have to agree with you, I thought the same thing when he said it. I thought what’s old fashioned about the use of guns?
Anyone who came from England or the continent would NOT have had guns. It’s an American idea that’s now got out of control. I’m 70 yrs old and from England I have never even seen a gun for real nor do I want to.
Hello, yes certainly there are plenty of guns here in NZ but in the hands of mostly hunters,farmers and gangs ,the police have them but do not carry them on their person, Guns as part of everyday life is certainly an American thing for the most part ❤ from Aotearoa/New Zealand, I enjoy your stories sir