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 1945: in the small, quiet town of Fayetteville, West Virginia. 1949: uncovered several bone fragments. 1968: Jeannie received a strange letter in the mail. 1969: still believing that his children were alive. 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-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy