A Fever in the Heartland

By Timothy Egan

This book tells the chilling story of how the Ku Klux Klan rose to terrifying power in America, particularly through a man named D.C. Stephenson in Indiana.

After the Civil War, President Ulysses S. Grant managed to crush the original Klan. But once Rutherford B. Hayes took office of Presidency in a one vote electoral bargain, the Klan came roaring back—and stayed dominant for nearly 90 years.

When slavery ended, the South gained political clout—about 25 extra seats in Congress—because Black people were now fully counted in the population. But instead of this leading to more rights, states passed brutal Jim Crow laws to suppress Black Americans. The Klan adapted and grew. A man named Simmons revived it after being inspired by a racist movie, which President Woodrow Wilson even premiered at a brothel. The Klan's hatred wasn't limited to Black Americans—they also went after Jews, Catholics, and immigrants.

Enter D.C. Stephenson, a charismatic and deeply corrupt man who took over the Indiana branch of the Klan. He was connected to strange groups like the Horse Thief Association and believed he was above the law. He joined the Republican Party and used his influence to push disturbing policies. Indiana even hosted baby contests at state fairs, judging white infants based on skin tone, head size, and other eugenics criteria. Many people were sterilized against their will.

Stephenson lived a double life. While preaching morality, he threw wild parties, drank heavily, had multiple wives he mistreated, and committed sexual assaults. Somehow, this didn't hurt his power. People either ignored his crimes or admired his shamelessness.

One man, William O'Donnell, tried to expose the Klan by publishing member names, thinking it would shame them. But instead, the public became more interested in identifying who wasn't in the Klan, reinforcing the group's grip.

Then came Madge Oberholtzer—a bright, idealistic woman who worked on a nutrition initiative. Stephenson lured her into a trap under the guise of office work, kidnapped her to Hammond, Indiana, and assaulted her brutally—biting and mauling her. In desperation, Madge poisoned herself. Before she died, she managed to give a detailed statement about what he did and how he acted like he was the law.

Her father demanded justice, but the trial was moved to Noblesville, deep in Klan territory. Against the odds, Madge's words resonated. The prosecutor framed the case around the honor of young women and the grief of parents. The defense argued the Klan provided a sense of belonging. But the jury wasn't swayed—they convicted Stephenson.

Stephenson served a long prison sentence. After release, he went on to serve two more. His fall was dramatic, but the scars he and the Klan left on the nation's laws and psyche lasted for decades.

Still, many of the Klan's policies remained. The 1924 immigration bill they supported—one that limited Jews, Asians, and other minorities—wasn't repealed until 1965.

In 1998, a box with 500 Klan membership cards was discovered in Noblesville. The town considered burning them but instead put up a plaque honoring the twelve jurors who chose justice over fear.

I lived in Indianapolis for a year. I was still pretty fresh off the boat back then, and I never got the sense that I was in Klan territory. People do move on, and can sometimes relapse too.

Recommended for the chilling details of Klan power.