"Various tales about the Benders have one thing in common-misinformation. While most cover the facts of the murders as reported in newspapers of the time, what the Benders did before or after coming to Kansas was pure speculation, based on oft-repeated rumors. That is, till now, as author Lee Ralph shares fresh revelations about the family in his new book Hell Comes to Play."-David McCormick WILD WEST Magazine Winter Issue 2024
Myth and fabrication have dominated the re-telling of the Bender's story. Now, for the first time-ever, new facts are presented, documented and sourced to tell the true story of The Bloody Benders, as never before told!
Many American pioneers lost their lives in their trek westward. Among those taking this risk were the Bender family who settled on the barren Kansas prairie, in the early 1870's. The origins of the reclusive Benders were a complete unknown to their neighbors.
During this time, many travelers in the area of southeast Kansas mysteriously vanished. When the brother of Col. Alexander M. York, a Kansas Senator, went missing, the Colonel and his posse set-out to locate him, at all costs.
Suspicion soon fell upon the Benders and their meager one-room store and shabby rest stop along the Osage Trail.
Senator York was not prepared for the EVIL that he found. Cold-blooded murder, fueled by robbery, the lure of fame and twisted spiritualism. Age nor gender mattered. None were spared!
The Bender's history has been hidden for 150 years ....until now!
HELL COMES TO PLAY shines new light into the darkness surrounding this historic murder mystery.