Dark History Episode 168: Britain's FIRST Female Serial Killer & A Gangster Mastermind??: DH of MOMSTERS

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Bailey Sarian
Podcast Series: Dark History by Audioboom Studios

Overview

In Episode 168 of Dark History, host Bailey Sarian explores the chilling tales of two notorious women: Mary Ann Cotton, potentially Britain's first female serial killer, and Ma Barker, a legendary gangster mastermind. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Bailey unveils the dark complexities of these "Momsters," shedding light on their heinous acts and the historical contexts that shaped them.

Mary Ann Cotton: The Tragic Serial Killer

Timestamp: 00:30 - 07:40

Bailey introduces Mary Ann Cotton, born in 1831 in Low Morsley, England. From a young age, Mary Ann faced immense hardships, including the death of her father at ten and taking up multiple jobs by fourteen to support her family. Her striking beauty earned her considerable male attention, which played a pivotal role in her subsequent marriages.

At eighteen, Mary Ann married William Mowbray after becoming pregnant out of wedlock—a scandalous event during the Victorian era. The couple's life was marred by the mysterious deaths of their children, initially attributed to "gastric fever" (an old term for typhoid). However, the pattern of unexplained fatalities hinted at something more sinister.

Notable Quote:
Bailey Sarian [04:20]:
"She was able to collect life insurance on her deceased family members, providing a financial cushion after each tragedy."

Mary Ann's scheme involved marrying wealthy men and then orchestrating the deaths of their children to collect life insurance payouts. Her string of marriages and the subsequent deaths of her spouses and children painted a grim picture of calculated manipulation and murder.

The Downfall of Mary Ann Cotton

Timestamp: 07:40 - 20:18

After marrying George Ward, Mary Ann continued her pattern of deceit and murder. George's unexplained illnesses and subsequent death allowed her to collect another life insurance payout. Relocating to Sunderland, she took up employment with James Robinson, a widowed shipbuilder. The death of Robinson's children under her care further solidified suspicions against her.

Mary Ann's manipulation extended to financial deceit, wherein she controlled the family's finances and accumulated significant wealth through fraudulent means. However, her actions eventually caught up with her when the suspicious death of her son Charles, confirmed to be arsenic poisoning, led to her arrest.

Notable Quote:
Bailey Sarian [07:40]:
"James was like, hmm, that's a little odd. Something's up with her."
Mary Ann Cotton's fraudulent activities began to unravel as more deaths linked back to her raised red flags among those around her.

Mary Ann was tried and found guilty of murdering Charles Edward Cotton. Her execution in 1873 marked the end of a tumultuous and dark chapter in Britain's history of crime, leaving behind a legacy as one of the earliest known female serial killers.

Ma Barker: The Gangster's Mother

Timestamp: 20:18 - 34:29

Transitioning from Mary Ann Cotton, Bailey delves into the story of Ma Barker, born Arizona Donnie Clark in 1873. After a troubled childhood marked by her father's death and a strained relationship with her stepfather, Ma married George Barker and had four sons: Herman, Lloyd, Arthur (Doc), and Fred.

Facing financial struggles, the Barker family was drawn into the criminal underworld. Ma Barker emerged as the matriarch of a notorious crime family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, orchestrating a series of robberies and kidnappings. Her sons became infamous criminals, with Ma serving as the mastermind behind their operations.

Notable Quote:
Bailey Sarian [22:13]:
"She was the Charles Manson of her time... but most believe that Marianne was a, like, psycho serial killer."
Ma Barker's influence over her sons and her strategic planning in criminal activities made her a formidable figure in American crime history.

Despite their initial successes, the Barker family's reign eventually attracted the attention of law enforcement. The notorious shootout in the Bradford house, involving Ma and her son Fred, resulted in their deaths after a prolonged and violent confrontation with FBI agents. J. Edgar Hoover labeled Ma Barker as "the most vicious, dangerous, resourceful criminal brain of the last decade," cementing her place in criminal lore.

Conclusion

In this episode, Bailey Sarian masterfully intertwines the dark narratives of Mary Ann Cotton and Ma Barker, highlighting the terrifying capabilities of maternal figures turned monstrous. Through detailed accounts and insightful analysis, Bailey reinforces the notion that history's darker chapters often hide behind the guise of motherhood, challenging the idealized perceptions of maternal love and care.

Final Thought by Bailey:
"I try not to judge people who are called, quote, 'bad mothers,' but sometimes their actions speak louder than words."
Acknowledging the complexity of these women, Bailey leaves listeners pondering the fine line between maternal instinct and monstrous intent.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bailey Sarian [00:30]:
  "Are there any worst mothers in history? Well, let me just say I wasn't expecting to find so many crazy stories."

• Bailey Sarian [04:20]:
  "She was able to collect life insurance on her deceased family members, providing a financial cushion after each tragedy."

• Bailey Sarian [07:40]:
  "James was like, hmm, that's a little odd. Something's up with her."

• Bailey Sarian [22:13]:
  "She was the Charles Manson of her time... but most believe that Marianne was a, like, psycho serial killer."

• Bailey Sarian [32:44]:
  "Happy Mother's Day. The end."

Disclaimer: The stories of Mary Ann Cotton and Ma Barker are based on historical accounts. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be dramatized for narrative purposes in the podcast.