<p>What happens when a newly elected Governor of Kentucky finds his political career consumed by corruption scandals, a burning state capitol…and his son’s sensational murder trials? In this episode, we dive into the dramatic rise and infamous downfall of Governor Joseph Desha — and his son Isaac, who may have been one of Kentucky's first serial killers.</p><p>We begin with Joseph’s early life as a frontier soldier turned influential political powerhouse. He championed national expansion and state infrastructure — while waging a bitter political battle to reshape Kentucky’s judiciary.</p><p>Just months into his term as governor, flames destroyed the state capitol, public trust collapsed, and an even darker scandal erupted. Joseph’s son Isaac was accused of brutally murdering a traveling attorney named Francis Baker — a case filled with shocking evidence, political interference, and multiple controversial retrials. And the story didn’t end there…</p><p>When Isaac fled Kentucky under an alias, another man wound up dead thousands of miles away — leading newspapers to brand him a monster and fueling rumors that stretched all the way to Hawaii.</p><p>This episode includes discussion of violence and attempted suicide. Listener discretion advised.</p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn</strong></p><ul><li><p>How Joseph Desha rose from frontier militia to Governor of Kentucky</p></li><li><p>The political chaos of the “Old Court – New Court” controversy</p></li><li><p>The mysterious 1824 fire that destroyed Kentucky’s state capitol</p></li><li><p>The sensational murder trial(s) of Isaac Desha — and a governor’s abuse of power</p></li><li><p>How a second suspicious death sealed Isaac’s reputation</p></li><li><p>The truth behind the long-standing “Desha in Hawaii” conspiracy</p></li><li><p>What became of the Desha family after the scandal</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources & References</strong></p><p>Primary newspaper accounts referenced include:</p><ul><li><p><em>Lexington Weekly Press</em></p></li><li><p><em>Frankfort Argus</em></p></li><li><p><em>The Olive Branch</em> and <em>Danville Advertiser</em></p></li></ul><p>Additional research includes state historical records and modern historical analysis.</p><p><strong>Connect With the Show</strong></p><p>Have thoughts on this story? Email: <a href="" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a><br>Follow KYHH on social media — </p><p><br></p><p><br>If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share. It truly helps the show grow.</p><p>Send Jessie mail:</p><p>9115 Leesgate Rd, Suite A</p><p>Louisville, KY 40222</p>
