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Lindsey Graham (0:00)
There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts@intohristory.com Right now, one in every 35 children in the United States is adopted. That means an estimated 100,000 children are adopted every year. That is an enormous number. And think of the alternative. If these children didn't find homes, were not welcomed into new families to care for them, where would they go? Well, in the early 20th century, adoption was not nearly as popular or prolific. Instead, children without adequate care either suffered in poverty, stayed in abusive homes, survived on the generosity of relatives, or or became wards of the state. Orphanages and work homes were much more common. Think Little Orphan Annie. But that began to change as the 20th century marched on. First, progressive reformers advocated for better and safer conditions for children. Next, the Great Depression radically changed the social landscape. And then came along a woman named Georgia Tann. If ever there was a single person most responsible for legitimizing and popularizing private adoption in America, it's tanning. She deftly maneuvered among the wealthy and elite, using influence, persuasion and media savvy to build up an enterprise that took some of Tennessee's most vulnerable children and placed them in caring homes with loving parents. But these vulnerable children, they were taken, wrenched from their legitimate mothers through deceit, abuse of authority, sometimes even kidnapping. Georgia Tann made adoption respectable because she was building a market for babies, taking from the poor and selling to the rich, insisting all the while it was for the good of the child. On today's Saturday matinee, we bring you the first episode from a series that details the crimes of Georgia Tan from my other podcast, American Scandal, I hope you enjoy. While you're listening, be sure to search for and follow American Scandal. We put a link in the show notes to make it easy for you.
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Lindsey Graham (2:54)
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If you have attrcm, talk to your cardiologist about attruby or visit attruby.com that's attruby.com to learn more. A Listener Note this episode contains descriptions of child abuse. Please listen with care and to protect their privacy, we have changed the names of all children involved in this story. It's late on September 11, 1950 at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. There's a buzz of anticipation in the press briefing room as reporters from across the state take their seats. Everyone is wondering what could be so urgent that the governor has called a press conference. One of the last to find her place is nellie Kenyon, a 51 year old reporter for the Nashville Tennessean. She's been doing this job long enough to know that an announcement made this late in the day is either very good news or very bad. The room falls silent as Tennessee Governor Gordon Browning walks in, flanked by several officials. The governor's round face is unusually solemn as he steps up to the podium. Kenyon edges forward in her seat, her notepad and pen at the ready. Good evening. Thank you all for being here so late. I appreciate it. I understand there are various rumors circulating and I want to go on the record with you as soon as possible. Earlier this month, under my orders, investigators began looking into claims that a black market adoption ring is operating in the city of Memphis. After their initial inquiries, we believe those allegations have merit. So I can announce tonight that we are launching a full scale investigation into the activities of the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Governor Browning looks up from his notes to look directly at the Reporters. Now, while that investigation continues, I can't say too much. But let me be clear. There can be nothing more revolting than the trafficking of babies for profit. That's proven to be the case in Memphis. I propose to use whatever means necessary to make those guilty accountable for their actions. Now, I know it's late, but I'll take a few questions. Kenyon shoots her hand up. Yes, you there. Thank you, Governor. Nellie Kenyon from the Tennessean. How long do you think this black market trade has been going on? And do you have any idea how many victims there might be? Yes, I've spoken with the heads of various agencies, both here in Nashville and in Memphis, and they have confirmed hearing rumors about something like this for several years. But for whatever reason, my predecessor didn't act, so you will have to ask him why I am taking action now. And the victim, sir? Do you know how many? It's really too soon to say. Well, what are we talking? Dozens? Hundreds? Potentially thousands? Browning looks away to another journalist, but Kenyon isn't done yet. Governor, one more, if I may. Yeah, go on. Do you believe this was the work of multiple people colluding, or are you investigating a single person? Well, it's still too early to rule anything out at this stage, but our attentions are focused solely on the Memphis branch of the Tennessee Children's Home Society and its head, Ms. Georgia Tann. All around the room, journalists scribble down this crucial detail, But Kenyon knows there's no point trying to reach Georgia Tann for comment. Earlier this week, Kenyon read a press release sent out by the Tennessee Children's Home Society. According to that statement, Tann is gravely ill. She's been confined to her bed for several weeks and is unable to receive visitors. But now, as Kenyon listens to the governor answer questions from other reporters, she can't help but wonder if Tann's illness is genuine or if she got word about the impending investigation and is simply trying to hide. Either way, there's nothing she can do. Now, the truth about George and Tann is about to be revealed. From Wondery. I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is American scandal. In September 1950, Tennessee was rocked by revelations that an illegal adoption ring had been operating in the city of Memphis for more than two decades. Georgia Tan of the Tennessee Children's Home Society was named as the mastermind behind a criminal operation that had seen hundreds of children kidnapped, taken from their families, and sold to new parents on a black market. Tann was far from a Minor figure by 1950, she had built up a national profile as an advocate for adoption. She had advised First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the subject during the 1930s and was personally invited to the inauguration of President Harry Truman in recognition of her work. Through her efforts, Tann had helped transform how orphaned and abandoned children were cared for in America. Once, adoption had been uncommon and stigmatized as something unnatural. But by 1950, it was seen as a respectable and laudable way of finding new homes for children in need. But behind the facade of charity and kindness, however, Tann was ruthlessly using her position to become rich and powerful at the expense of the vulnerable. She removed children from loving homes through deception, coercion and the abuse of institutions designed to protect them. But she did not act alone. A powerful network of politicians, judges, doctors, nurses and social workers aided and protected Tann for decades. Some of them profited from the trade in babies. Others simply knew when to look the other way. But all of them helped Tann build and maintain her cruel business. And by the time questions were finally asked about what was really happening at the Tennessee Children's Home Society, it was too late. This is episode one the Judge's Daughter It's 1915 in the small town of Hickory, Mississippi. Car turns off a country road and the dim glow of its headlights illuminates a ramshackle cabin just visible through the trees. The car comes to a halt and a thick set man in his mid-50s climbs out from behind the wheel. Judge George Tann stares at the cabin, just listening for a moment. The front door hangs slightly open, but the windows are dark and the cabin is silent. Judge Tann then turns back to the car and in a clear, strong voice, calls for a flashlight. His 24 year old daughter, Georgia quickly emerges from the car with a flashlight in one hand and an oil lamp in the other. She hands a flashlight to her father and then lights the lamp. Together, they head toward the house. Normally, both Judge Tann and Georgia would be in bed by now. But an urgent phone call interrupted their evening and brought them out to this secluded cabin. Earlier today, a local woman was arrested for intoxication. She's a known drug addict and as punishment, the authorities detained her in an asylum along with her children. But around an hour ago, the woman came down off her high, then began screaming for her baby. But the police hadn't taken any babies. They thought the woman only had school age children and they were all accounted for. That's when Judge Tann was called. He sits on the bench of Mississippi's Second Chancery District Court. Which means he handles most of the region's custody and orphan cases. He also lives in Hickory, just a short drive from this cabin. So officials at the asylum asked him if he could check on the woman's house and and see if there was anything to her claims of a missing baby. And when Judge Tann's daughter Georgia heard about this request, she insisted on coming along. Judge Tann doesn't mind that she's here. In fact, he thinks dealing with lost children like this is women's work. Though as he looks at Georgia, he can't help feeling she's not turned out as much of a lady as usual. She's wearing slacks and a flannel shirt, and with her recently cropped hair, and in the darkness, she looks more like a man than a woman to her father. Still, Judge Tan hopes that if they find this baby, some feminine instinct might kick in, and Georgia will know what to do. So, reaching the front porch, Judge Tann eases the door and they both head inside. It's the smell that hits them first, a lingering, sickly sweet odor of rotting food and unwashed clothes. And as they begin their search for the missing child, Judge Tan can't help complaining on where his career has taken him. He thought that when he was elected as judge last year, it would have been the proudest appointment of his life. He didn't think that a few months later he'd be sifting through a filthy shack, trying to find a dope fiend's lost baby. Hearing this, Georgia turns, her eyes flashing with anger. She tells her father that he shouldn't talk about an innocent baby that way. But Judge Tan just shakes his head. Georgia is still young. She hasn't seen much of the world yet. From his many years in court. Judge Tann knows that, sadly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If there is a missing baby, it doesn't have much hope of growing up better than its mom. But Georgia is insistent. There's no reason to think that just because the mother's life has gone off the rails that the baby is doomed, too. With proper love and care, any child can become a good citizen. Judge Tan rolls his eyes and sighs. Even if that were true, none of this should be his job. There should be police or social workers dealing with this woman and her baby. And there should be a panel of experts that help him decide what to do with all the other children who come through his court. If he sounds harsh, he tells Georgia, it's only because he's frustrated. He does want to help children, but he doesn't have the tools he needs. Suddenly, Georgia holds up her hand for silence. Something is moving. It could just be a rat, but it's the first sign of life they've heard. They stand and listen for a moment. The rustling noise comes again. Georgia follows the sound to what looks like a pile of rags on the couch. She lifts aside a threadbare blanket to find a tiny infant kicking its legs and whimpering quietly. Georgia scoops the child up, and she and her father hurry back to the car. The baby is cold and hungry, and the sudden arrival of rescuers has it now screaming out for milk. Judge Tan slides into the driver's seat and starts the engine. Georgia climbs in beside him, rocking the crying baby in her arms. Looking over at his daughter, Judge Tann can't help but smile. Georgia may not be the most ladylike, but it does seem she has a way with children. After in 1915, the tanns are one of the most respected families in Newton County. George Tann has been a prominent lawyer in east Mississippi for decades. While his wife can trace her family roots back to frontier times, that pedigree and the Tann's wealth make them pillars of the community in the small town of Hickory. It's something that the couple's daughter, Georgia, has been aware of all her life. The expectations and demands of her parents have been stifling at Times. Back in 1896, when Georgia was five, her father sat her down at a piano and told her she would be a concert pianist someday if she worked hard enough. And from that moment on, he made sure that she did. Georgia's childhood was dominated by endless rounds of lessons and practice, but Tan herself would have much preferred being outside, running through the woods, climbing trees, having adventures. But despite her unhappiness, she yearned for her father's approval, and she persisted with piano. When she grew up, she left Hickory to study music at a distinguished college for young women in Virginia. She graduated in 1913 at the age of 22 and returned to Mississippi. She's lived at home ever since and is continuing her music studies. She takes weekly lessons with a professor in the nearby city of Meridian, and she earns a little money by taking on piano students closer to home. But by now it's obvious even to Judge Tan that his daughter doesn't have the talent to become a professional musician. So Georgia will have to carve out some new career path. To most women her age, the obvious answer would be to get married. But Georgia isn't like most women her age. She doesn't want to get married. Georgia prefers the company of women, and besides, she wants to be like her father and do something she considers more meaningful than become a wife and mother. She arrived back in Hickory just in time to see her father be elected as judge for the first time. She's always taken a great interest in his legal work and now spends hours each day watching him preside over his courtroom. There she sees how his decisions affect the community and how he has the power to change people's lives in an instant with just the swipe of his pen or the bang of his gavel. That's an intriguing idea for Georgia, and one day, while she's sitting in the courtroom gallery once again, she notices two young children, a boy and a girl, sitting alone in the far corner of the room. Between cases, Georgia approaches her father and asks about the children. He explains that they've been abandoned by their parents, who either can't afford to care for them or just don't want to. So Judge Tan is placing them in a local orphanage, and he's just waiting for a representative to pick them up. Hearing this, Georgia makes her way to the corner where the siblings are clinging to each other, their eyes wide and frightened. But despite this, Georgia can see that both are attractive children with sweet faces framed by charming soft curls. She doesn't know how or why they came to be separated from their parents, but she's sure she could arrange a better future for them than life in an orphanage. Over the next few days, Tan begins knocking on the doors of the wealthier families in and around Hickory. She's become determined to find a home for the abandoned siblings. But despite her family name and her father's position, Georgia knows it's an uphill battle. Adoption was first formalized in law in the United states back in 1851 and slowly became more common over the decades that followed. But in the early 20th century, the number of children finding new homes through adoption remains low. The process is widely regarded as unnatural and is associated with the disgrace of unmarried mothers. So instead it's still large scale institutions like almshouses and orphanages that handle most children in need of care. So it's not surprising that at first, Tan struggles to find anyone to accept the abandoned brother and sister, but she firmly believes that families are the best place for children, not orphanages. So she looks at these first rejections as lessons and starts honing her pitch. Eventually, about three weeks after she first set out, she Tan finds a couple willing to adopt the two young children. And when she's there to oversee the arrival of the brother and sister at their new home. Tan feels a rush of satisfaction. She did this just like her father. She's changed these children's lives forever. It's an intoxicating feeling, and one she wants to experience again. Soon after her success with these abandoned children, Georgia Tann pays her father a visit in his chambers. His robes hang on a coat rack by the door, and shelves full of law books line the walls. All through her teenage years, Georgia studied those books, learning statutes and case law. Now she takes a seat across a desk from her father, crossing her ankles neatly as she knows he likes. She's dressed more conservatively than usual, in a simple dark dress and necklace given to her by her mother. That's because she's made an important decision about her future and she needs her father's approval to make it happen. Georgia glances up at the clock. She knows she doesn't have long before her father must be back in court. Father? Yep. He doesn't look up from his work, but Georgia goes on. I've been thinking about those two children that I helped. What about them? It made me reflect on what I wish to do with my life. Judge Tan looks up from his work now, the hint of a smile creeping out from behind his mustache. I'm pleased to hear that, Georgia. I was very impressed. Your mother and I both were. Thank you. The female nurturing instinct is at the heart of any well ordered society, I believe. And it shows growing maturity on your part that you no longer seek to dismiss such a natural part of yourself. No, Father. Helping those children made me realize I want to make a difference to people's lives the same way you do. I want to be a lawyer. A lawyer? You've already taught me so much. I'm sure with a little more study I could pass the bar. I'd be the first woman lawyer in Newton county, maybe in all of East Mississippi. If you would just agree to teach me. I know I can do this. Judge Tan is silent for a moment, then looks at his daughter. I have no doubt you could pass the bar, and you would make a formidable opponent for anyone unlucky enough to face you in court. Oh, thank you, Father, but my answer is no. No? I've indulged your interest in my work. Knowledge of the law is a boon for anyone, but practicing it is not a respectable profession for a young lady. But there are woman lawyers. Not in Newton county, and not my daughter. Now, with that settled, I must get back to court. Judge Tan gets to his feet, but Georgia isn't done yet. And as her father gathers his things, she continues to press her case. Oh, you know, I was never going to be a concert pianist. I am a woman grown. Why can't I choose the course of my own life? Georgia, I let you go to college. I have not forced you into marriage. I've tolerated your unorthodox nature with the piano. I have simply strived to show you a suitable path. And now you are rejecting that too. Oh, I've always hated the piano. I hated it. The color drains from Judge Tan's face. I will not train you. And that is finally, I do not think that any of my colleagues will help you either. There's not a lawyer in Mississippi who will take you on against my wishes. Then I'll go elsewhere. And how will you support yourself? Georgia has no answer to that. Fuming, she gets to her feet and storms out of her father's office. Georgia knows she won't become a lawyer. Her father is right. He's too well respected for any of his colleagues to go against his wishes and train her themselves. But she's still determined to make a difference and become someone important. One day, she'll just have to find another way. History Daily is sponsored by Indeed. In your business, you're likely working hard to slowly move people through what they call the funnel from awareness to consideration to conversion. But have you ever thought that's the exact same funnel you have to move people through when hiring? Make them aware of your job, get them to consider applying, then convert them into a great new hire. But why move them slowly? Indeed is all you need to fill your funnel fast. Because in the minute I've been Talking to you, 23 hires were made on Indeed, according to Indeed Data worldwide. And with Sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. There's no reason to wait any longer. 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