This is the unbelievable story of a couple that lived on a farm near Pocahontas Arkansas in the late 1930’s but instead of farming, spent their days swindling “lonely hearts” through newspaper correspondence, ending with a murder and suicide.
Will and Cora Hebner reportedly moved to a small farm near Pocahontas in 1936 before moving to a bigger 80 acre farm in the same area in 1937.
Neighbors in the area quickly noticed that although they owned a cow and some poultry, they did not work the ground like other farmers in the area.
The Hebner’s were also described as strange and un-welcoming, Mrs. Hebner was said to post “Keep Out” signs on her property after the postman knocked on the door attempting to deliver a package that wouldn’t fit in the mailbox. The couples took a great interest in the postman, especially deliveries of periodical papers which contained “ lonely hearts” ads and personals along with large amounts of incoming and outgoing corresponding letters.
Eventually suspicious neighbors noticed the absence of Mr. Will Hebner from the farm. It was customary for neighbors to help out other neighbors in this time but Cora Hebner refused any help offered, often offending the person offering.
When asked Cora told people that her husband had traveled to St. Louis to seek medical treatment. Suspicious community members would often ask “When’s your husband returning?” or “How’s Mr. Hebner?” In hopes of getting a reaction from the woman.
Farmers noticed the gathering of buzzard’s in the area of the Hebner’ cellar, located away from the house. Descriptions of the day stated the buzzards were “eyeing the cellar”.
Finally, suspicious neighbors contacted Sheriff Thompson and Deputy State’s Attorney Steimel who questioned Cora Hebner. Mrs. Hebner admitted to the Sheriff and State’s Attorney that she and her husband had a strange relationship and he often left for long periods. She also offered up the story of Will Hebner being in St. Louis for medical treatment.
Mrs. Hebner continued by explaining that Mr. Hebner who was 48 years old at the time had been married 19 times previous to their marriage and admitted she’d been married 5 times before meeting Mr. Hebner.
Mrs. Hebner continued her stories about her husband’s traveling stating he’d left before and traveled extensively in Africa.
Even though Mrs. Hebner told the Sheriff “She didn’t believe Mr. Hebner was going to return” authorities had nothing but curiosity and suspicions to go on, no charges were filed in the investigation.
Mrs. Cora Hebner soon moved off of the farm saying she could no longer afford the rent. She reportedly relocated to Florida where she was about to marry her 7th husband.
Earl Rose and his family moved onto the farm after Hebner moved out, urged by his wife after hearing the allegations of Mr. Hebner’s disappearance, Rose searched the flooded cellar and discovered human remains in March 1938.
In early April 1938, a Coroner’s Jury indicted Cora Hebner after identifying Will Hebner’s remains and determining that Cora was most likely responsible for Will Hebner’s death although a cause of death was never identified. Cora was brought back from Florida to stand trial for the murder of Will Hebner.
Mrs. Cora Hebner always denied murdering Will Hebner but admitted to investigators that she and Will led a strange life on the farm, she explained how they’d pick a mate from the columns of matrimony magazines of the day, send fake photos, leave the farm to get married , contrive financial swindles and return to the farm.
On April 22nd 1938 newspapers across the country announced the suicide by poisoning of Cora Hebner as she was about to stand trial of the murder of her husband.
Cora left a suicide note still proclaiming her innocence, even stating in her note that Will Hebner was still alive and stated he provided to poison that she was using to end her life. (Unfounded)
Cora’s suicide note stated:
“I’m giving up my life so all this torture and expense may cease”
“I’ll be seeing you in front of the Supreme Judge.”
“Cremate me if possible, if not don’t embalm me: put me in a pine box and stick me any place. Don’t want any minister. I hope the Red Birds will sing Taps for me”.-Cora Hebner