Madge: The life and times of Madge Oberholtzer: The young Irvington woman who brought down D.C. Stephenson and the Ku Klux Klan

by Charlotte Halsema Ottinger, Steve R. Barnett (Foreword)

The true story of Madge Oberholtzer, the young Irvington woman who brought down D.C. Stephenson and the Ku Klux Klan. Newsman Harold C. Feightner wrote about her, saying “Few deaths of comparatively inconspicuous people have had the far-flung effects that hers did. Her passing marked the beginning of the end of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana; it resulted in the indictment of Governor Ed Jackson; the indictment and conviction of Mayor Ed L. Duvall, of Indianapolis, and other city officials and a complete change in the capital cities’ administration, and it nearly wrecked a political party.”

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

791 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2021

Reviews

[Maryka Biaggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography was obviously a labor of love and dedication. It is meticulously researched and well organized. The story of Madge Oberholtzer deserves to be better known. Madge Oberholtzer was unusual in 1925 Indiana--college-educated, unmarried, and devoted to her career promoting literacy in the state. Her tragic sacrifice brought down Klansman DC Stephenson, reputedly the most powerful political figure in the state, at a time when the Klan was enjoying a resurgence.

[Jessi Nill · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written. This reads like a novel and keeps you moving forward. It's crazy to think how this story isn't more well known especially given the huge impact it had on many many things. I have been recommending this book to so many.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meticulously researched by the author, this is an excellent account of a now mostly forgotten part of Indianpolis/Indiana history.

[Andy Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential piece in keeping this history alive. What may have been lost to time we find here preserved and championed like no one else has to date. The author’s passion and medical insight make this a can’t miss.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, super-detailed read that filled me in on most of Madge Oberholtzer's short life; much more than I knew about her killer and his goons; and a great deal that happened after the legal proceedings ended. I was shocked to see that after the autopsy findings came out we were less than 1/3 of the way through the story. A whole lot more happened. A whole lot. Overall this was well-written, not repetitive at all. I do have to take issue with all the extra commas and hyphens, but they didn't ruin the book for me or anything.

[Wendell Zetterberg jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic telling of such a horrible crime and about the corruption of the state of Indiana by the Klan. A story that every Hoosier should be familiar with. The book was so well researched, such a great job by the author.

[Barbara Wellnitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and very interesting.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very disturbing book, especially since we are presently living in the age of Trump and hid MAGO followers. it can happen again.