West Virginia: The Vanishing of the Sodder Children

Fayetteville, West Virginia. It was Christmas Eve, 1945, in the small, quiet town of Fayetteville, West Virginia. The Sauter family home, nestled in the Appalachian Hills, was bustling with excitement. Ten children were eagerly anticipating Christmas morning, while their parents, George and Jenny, watched the holiday unfold. The tree was decorated, and the younger children hung stockings by the fireplace before heading to bed.

TIMELINE
1949: Adding to the bizarre nature of the case, a later excavation of the site in 1949 uncovered several bone fragments.
1969: George died in 1969, still believing that his children were alive.
1989: Jeannie continued to wear black in mourning until her death in 1989.

WHY THIS MATTERS
The story of Fayetteville is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know.

Episode 163 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters

If you liked this: Episode 178 (Gauley Bridge, West Virginia)

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

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