Under Yazoo Clay: Bonus Episode - Family by Mud

Released May 8, 2025 | Hosted by Larison Campbell

Introduction

In the bonus episode titled "Family by Mud," Under Yazoo Clay delves deeper into the intricate web of family secrets and historical enigmas surrounding Mississippi’s former lunatic asylum. This episode serves as a heartfelt thank you to listeners by revisiting the personal stories of descendants who are still grappling with the legacies left behind by their ancestors. Larison Campbell, the podcast host, engages with key figures like Noah Satterstrom, Mary Jane Hornsby, Kimberly Jackson, and Wayne Lee, uncovering layers of trauma, resilience, and the enduring quest for truth.

Reconnecting with Descendants

The episode begins with Larison Campbell reflecting on the overwhelming response to the original series and the decision to produce a bonus episode. This installment focuses on checking in with the descendants featured in the April 2024 interviews, exploring how the revelations have impacted their lives over the past year.

Noah Satterstrom’s Story

Noah Satterstrom, an artist and descendant, serves as a central figure in this bonus episode. His journey began with painting 183 canvases that narrate his great grandfather’s story, Dr. David Lawson Smith, who was committed to the asylum in 1925 and passed away in 1965. Noah’s exploration of his family's past not only uncovered historical truths but also illuminated his own struggles with mental health.

At [07:02], Larison comments, “That's a wonderful letter. It's heartbreaking, and it tells you so much,” referring to a poignant letter from Mary Jane Hornsby seeking information about her father. Noah elaborates on the emotional weight of these discoveries:

“They were afraid for him and for them. They were afraid that they had it. Whatever it was. They were afraid of all of it.” [10:32]

Noah shares his personal battle with depersonalization, a dissociative disorder that left him feeling disconnected from reality. This vulnerability adds a profound depth to his quest to understand his great grandfather's mental health struggles. His artistic process became a therapeutic journey, allowing him to reconnect with his own identity while honoring his ancestor’s legacy.

Mary Jane Hornsby’s Letter: A Window into the Past

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Mary Jane Hornsby’s heartfelt letter from 1967, which reveals the family's desperate attempt to understand Dr. Smith's fate. In her letter, Mary Jane writes:

“I have reached the age when I must know whether or not he is still alive. If he is no longer living, is it possible to find out where he would be?” [07:08]

The response from the asylum was both gentle and evasive, informing Mary Jane that Dr. Smith had died in 1965 without notifying any relatives. This letter highlights the institutional neglect and the emotional toll it took on families. Larison remarks, “[08:46] That's how it is. It was very reassuring,” showcasing the complex emotions intertwined with bureaucratic responses.

Kimberly Jackson’s Journey

Kimberly Jackson introduces another layer to the narrative by sharing the story of her great grandmother, Zinni, who also died in the asylum. Unlike Dr. Smith, Zinni's family committed to ensuring she was not forgotten. Kimberly recounts a recent family reunion where relatives discussed potential diagnoses like postpartum depression, shedding light on the possible reasons behind Zinni’s institutionalization.

At [20:34], Kimberly reflects, “We never forgot her... There was just this huge question mark,” emphasizing the lingering uncertainty and the importance of remembrance. Her proactive approach in sharing Zinni’s story has not only brought closure to her family but also inspired others to seek answers for their lost loved ones.

Excavation Efforts and Challenges

The episode transitions to the ongoing archaeological efforts to exhume and identify the remains buried at the old asylum. Mary Jane Hornsby provides an update on the excavation process, highlighting the challenges posed by weather and the resilient nature of Yazoo clay, which affects the preservation of remains.

“We have had a lot of roadblocks in getting your people help,” Mary Jane advises, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in uncovering these hidden histories. Efforts to date burials using artifacts like coins and shoes are discussed, revealing small but significant breakthroughs. These meticulous methods are vital for narrowing down the identities of the interred individuals.

Wayne Lee’s Search for His Grandfather

A particularly compelling segment features Wayne Lee, a descendant determined to locate his grandfather, Timothy O’Riardon. Wayne recounts his experience of participating in the excavation process, guided by dowsing techniques. His journey is marked by both hope and frustration as he grapples with the uncertainty of finding tangible evidence of his grandfather’s final resting place.

“They found some things, but the sad part was that they said there was no DNA to be found,” Wayne shares [45:22], underscoring the limitations faced by archaeologists in identifying remains. Despite the setbacks, Wayne remains undeterred, expressing his ongoing commitment to the project:

“I'm going to go back because I think it's going to take another six, seven, maybe 10 years to complete the project.” [51:03]

Contributions to Understanding the Asylum

The bonus episode also explores the contributions of experts like Dr. Jennifer Mack and Lyda Gibson, who provide invaluable insights into the historical operations of the asylum. Their dedication to uncovering the truth behind the institution’s past practices is a testament to the collaborative effort required to piece together these fragmented histories.

Mary Jane shares an intriguing discovery of an 1868 etching of the old asylum, which predates known architectural expansions. “All of the images that we have of the old asylum show it after things were added to it,” she explains [43:36], highlighting the importance of such artifacts in reconstructing the asylum's original structure.

Current Status and Future Plans

As the episode draws to a close, Larison Campbell summarizes the progress made over the past year. The Mississippi Museum of Art’s partnership with Under Yazoo Clay has facilitated extensive research and excavation, bringing closure to some families while igniting a collective desire for continued exploration.

Mary Jane emphasizes the ongoing nature of the project, despite the challenges posed by weather and preservation issues. “We have to keep moving forward,” she states [35:20], reflecting the resilience and determination of everyone involved.

Conclusion

The bonus episode "Family by Mud" of Under Yazoo Clay serves as a moving tribute to the descendants who continue to seek answers and closure regarding their ancestors' fates at the old Mississippi asylum. Through personal narratives, historical documentation, and relentless archaeological efforts, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the enduring impact of institutional neglect and the healing power of uncovering buried truths.

Notable quotes throughout the episode underscore the emotional and psychological ramifications of these discoveries, providing listeners with a profound understanding of the importance of memory, identity, and reconciliation. As the project progresses, the collaborative efforts of historians, archaeologists, and descendants promise to reveal more about this "forgotten" chapter of Mississippi's history, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are neither erased nor forgotten.

Notable Quotes

• Larison Campbell [07:02]: "That's a wonderful letter. It's heartbreaking, and it tells you so much."

• Noah Satterstrom [10:32]: "I had finally kind of cleared the dangerous part of the dissociative episode. The only way I could move on in life was to pretend that it hadn't happened and pretend that my memories were real."

• Kimberly Jackson [20:34]: "We never forgot her... There was just this huge question mark."

• Larison Campbell [26:28]: "I've never heard that expression before, but I love that."

• Wayne Lee [45:22]: "They found some things, but the sad part was that they said there was no DNA to be found."

• Wayne Lee [51:03]: "I'm going to go back because I think it's going to take another six, seven, maybe 10 years to complete the project."

Acknowledgments

Under Yazoo Clay is executive produced by the Mississippi Museum of Art in partnership with Pod People. Special thanks to Betsy Bradley at the Mississippi Museum of Art and Lyda Gibson at the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for their invaluable contributions. The episode is hosted by Larison Campbell and written and produced by Rebecca Chassan and herself, with assistance from Angela Yeet and Amy Machado, and editing and sound design by Morgan Foose and Erica Wong. Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

About the Mississippi Museum of Art

As the largest art museum in Mississippi, the Mississippi Museum of Art connects the state to the world through the power of art and community. Located in downtown Jackson, the museum offers a free permanent collection accessible to the public, with rotating national and international exhibitions. The museum’s gardens and expansive lawn host art installations and a variety of events catering to all ages. Visit msmuseumart.org to plan your visit today.

Production Notes:

This summary captures the essence of the bonus episode "Family by Mud" from Under Yazoo Clay, highlighting the personal stories of descendants, ongoing archaeological efforts, and the emotional journey towards uncovering and reconciling with the past. By focusing on the core content and excluding advertisements and non-relevant sections, the summary provides a comprehensive and engaging overview for both listeners and new audiences.