My Favorite Murder Episode 485: "One Unwashed Lettuce Leaf" – Detailed Summary

Released on June 19, 2025, as part of the Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts network, "My Favorite Murder" hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into the inspiring yet largely forgotten story of Lucy Nichols, a heroic Civil War nurse born into slavery.

Introduction and Context

In this special Juneteenth episode, Karen and Georgia set aside their usual comedic banter to honor the significance of the day by sharing the remarkable tale of Lucy Nichols. This episode stands out as a poignant remembrance of Black accomplishments often overshadowed by historical erasure.

A Listener's Discoveries and the Harper Lee Connection

Early in the episode, Georgia shares an engaging anecdote sparked by an email from a listener intrigued by the intersection of Harper Lee's life and historical truths. The listener recounts discovering a typewritten note from Harper Lee, urging her child to cherish books as the best company. This discovery serves as a metaphorical bridge to the episode's main narrative, emphasizing the enduring impact of perseverance and knowledge.

• Georgia Hardstark (06:33): "The idea of a basement safe is on par with a safe deposit box at the bank, right?"

The Life of Lucy Nichols: From Slavery to Heroism

Early Life and Enslavement

Lucy Nichols was born in April 1838 in Halifax County, North Carolina, into slavery under the Higgs family. Her early years were marked by the harsh realities of being considered property, with her existence documented only through legal inventories that stripped her identity and agency.

Family Separation and Movements

• Georgia Hardstark (03:16): "So, I got a Chinese chicken salad from there, but the salad part wasn't lettuce. It was all cut up cabbage."

Lucy experienced multiple separations from her family as her enslavers moved her and her siblings between properties, a common tactic to divide and control enslaved individuals.

Motherhood Amidst Turmoil

By 1860, Lucy was married to another enslaved man, and they welcomed a daughter named Mona. This period was bittersweet, as the birth of Mona instilled hope and love in Lucy, juxtaposed against the ever-present fear of deepening enslavement due to the Civil War's onset.

• Georgia Hardstark (17:28): "The pride and joy of a new mother and the fear and sorrow of a life bound into slave labor."

Escape and the Union Camp

As the Civil War erupted in 1861, Lucy recognized the imminent threat of being sold further south, which would likely mean separation from her family and freedom. In the summer of 1862, she bravely orchestrated an escape with a small group, including her husband and baby Mona.

Their escape led them to the Indiana's 23rd Volunteer Regiment Union camp. Despite the pervasive racism of the era, the soldiers at the camp chose compassion over legality, refusing to return Lucy and her group to their pursuers.

• Georgia Hardstark (22:32): "When someone from the Higgs home shows up at the 23rd Regiment's camp, the men refuse to turn Lucy and her group over."

Life at the Union Camp and Rising as a Nurse

At the camp, Lucy's skills as a laundress and cook quickly became invaluable. Her innate ability to soothe and care for the wounded did not go unnoticed. Dr. Magnus Brucker, the regiment's surgeon, recognized her talents and appointed her as his right hand, effectively making her an unofficial nurse.

• Georgia Hardstark (25:02): "She was fearlessly going to the front to seek out wounded soldiers and officers, all equal in her mind."

Despite the grueling conditions—ranging from grapeshot injuries to rampant diseases like dysentery and malaria—Lucy remained a beacon of hope and resilience. Her role expanded as she became integral to the regiment's medical efforts, earning the profound respect and gratitude of the soldiers.

Personal Tragedies and Continued Service

Lucy faced immense personal loss during the war, including the death of her young daughter Mona during the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. This tragedy deepened her commitment to the regiment, leading her to return to the front even after a short furlough in Indiana.

• Georgia Hardstark (30:14): "The war brought Lucy opportunity and the prospect of freedom, it also delivered intense personal tragedy."

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the Union's victory in 1865, Lucy settled in New Albany, Indiana, where she continued to serve as a nurse and domestic worker. Her dedication extended beyond her professional life as she maintained lifelong friendships with the soldiers of the 23rd Regiment.

Struggle for Recognition and Pension

Despite her invaluable contributions, Lucy's official recognition and pension claims were initially denied due to the lack of formal records—a common plight among women who served during the war. Demonstrating unwavering determination, Lucy spearheaded a seven-year fight, amassing 55 testimonials from her former comrades. Her persistence culminated in a special act of Congress in December 1898, granting her a modest pension and officially recognizing her role.

• Georgia Hardstark (36:08): "She takes 7 years, 55 testimonials, and an avalanche of paperwork. Yes, she wins."

Enduring Impact and Memorialization

Lucy Nichols not only secured her own recognition but also paved the way for future generations of female nurses. By 1900, nursing had transformed into a predominantly female profession, a legacy directly influenced by Lucy's trailblazing efforts.

In 2019, Lucy's enduring legacy was immortalized with a statue at the Second Baptist Church in New Albany and a permanent exhibition at the Carnegie Center for Art and History, highlighting her contributions and unwavering spirit.

• Georgia Hardstark (38:25): "Lucy Nichols is now the subject of a permanent exhibition at the Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany."

Conclusion: A Testament to Resilience and Service

Lucy Nichols' story is a profound testament to the resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication of Black individuals who fought for freedom and dignity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her journey from enslavement to becoming a respected nurse and her relentless pursuit of recognition underscore the significant, yet often overlooked, roles played by Black women in American history.

• Georgia Hardstark (38:25): "Her battle to build a life beyond enslavement, to serve, to work, to secure a pension and receive legitimization is a testament to the lingering effects of inequality."

Final Reflections

Karen and Georgia close the episode reflecting on the importance of uncovering and honoring such stories, emphasizing the need for continued recognition of those whose contributions have shaped history but remain underrepresented.

• Georgia Hardstark (39:52): "Lucy Nichols is a trailblazer in more ways than one... Her story is the kind that people really need to hear."

Key Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark (25:02): "Fearlessly going to the front to seek out wounded soldiers and officers, all equal in her mind."

• Georgia Hardstark (36:08): "She takes 7 years, 55 testimonials, and an avalanche of paperwork. Yes, she wins."

• Georgia Hardstark (38:25): "Lucy Nichols is now the subject of a permanent exhibition at the Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany."

This summary encapsulates the heart-wrenching and inspiring journey of Lucy Nichols as presented in Episode 485 of "My Favorite Murder." For listeners seeking to honor Juneteenth and explore profound historical narratives, this episode serves as a moving reminder of the extraordinary individuals who have shaped our collective history.