In the early 1900s, thousands of Americans joined a religious commune that promised actual eternal life, and handed over their life savings to prove their faith. When members inevitably died, they were buried in unmarked graves as punishment for their "faithlessness." This was the House of David cult of Benton Harbor, Michigan, whose bearded baseball teams toured with Satchel Paige and whose founder turned a thriving religious community into his personal harem.
High Island, a remote outpost in Lake Michigan, served as the cult's penal colony and hideout for what they called the "House of Virgins", young women spirited away in the night whenever authorities came looking for evidence of sexual exploitation. Behind the traveling sports teams and wholesome image was a darker story of manipulation, control, and unmarked graves on a forgotten island.
This is forgotten American history that reveals how charismatic leaders weaponize spirituality for power, and why thousands believed in a promise that was literally impossible to keep.
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How a religious leader promised eternal life and buried believers in dishonor when they died
The House of David's bizarre success as traveling sports teams with floor-length beards
High Island's role as both penal colony and hideout for exploited young women
The "House of Virgins" and cryptic telegrams about "green lumber" and "dry lumber"
What happened when the cult's sexual exploitation scandal went to trial
The unmarked graves that remain somewhere on the island today
Key Figures:
Benjamin Purnell ("Brother Ben") - Founder and self-proclaimed seventh messenger of heaven
House of David members - The "Michigan Israelites" who believed in eternal life
Timeline:
Early 1900s: House of David cult founded in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Peak years: 250,000 annual visitors to main campus; sports teams tour nationally
Multiple occasions: Young women hidden on High Island when authorities investigated
Cult trial: Benjamin Purnell died during legal proceedings
2018: Two living members remained in Benton Harbor
Present: High Island uninhabited; buildings and graves disappeared from landscape
Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-history
