Finding Grandpa Charlie

Erv Lenzy

One man disappeared. A century later, his great-grandson is chasing the truth. Finding Grandpa Charlie is a true-crime family mystery from host Erv Lenzy. In 1912 Texas gunslinger, gambler, and scoundrel Charlie Henderson vanished, sparking rumors of a staged train death and a secret life out West. Erv sifts through census pages, dusty ledgers, and porch-swing stories to uncover the truth. Part history lesson, part road trip, all heart. New episodes every week.

Episodes

  1. 08/04/2025

    A Prelude to Season Two: Unraveling the Past

    In this special episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', host Erv Lenzy reviews the significant discoveries from season one, focusing on the life of his great grandfather, Charlie Henderson, who faked his death in 1912. The episode explores Charlie's early life, the tragedies that led to his disappearance, the unraveling of the family story, and the lives of his second family. It also hints at future explorations into New Mexico and California, where more secrets about Charlie's life may be uncovered. Takeaways This episode is a bridge to connect the dots before season two.Charlie Henderson faked his death in 1912.The family believed Charlie was dead for 50 years.Tragedy struck the family with the loss of two children.The story of Charlie's disappearance was accepted without question.Charlie had a violent past, possibly involving crime.He started a new life with a second family after disappearing.Charlie's second family settled in California, creating their own legacy.CK, Charlie's brother, lived a stable life while Charlie drifted.The next episode will explore New Mexico and California further.The Mysterious Life of Charlie HendersonUnraveling Family Secrets"It was a crushing blow.""Charlie shot him, killed him.""He just kept going." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 01:24 The Life of Charlie Henderson 04:46 The Tragedy and Disappearance 07:36 The Unraveling of the Family Story 09:24 Charlie’s New Life and Family 11:42 The Aftermath of Charlie's Second Family 13:38 The Mysterious Death of Charlie 15:05 CK: The Brother Who Stayed 17:01 Looking Ahead: New Mexico and California

  2. 06/13/2025

    Ep 08 - Death of a Ghost

    This conversation explores the mysterious life and disappearance of Charlie Henderson, a man who lived a life of evasion and ultimately vanished without a trace. Through the narrative, Irv Lenzy delves into the circumstances surrounding Charlie's last days, the fatal crash that claimed his life, and the enigmatic hitchhiker who was with him. The story unfolds to reveal family secrets, unanswered questions, and the search for closure, culminating in a reflection on the legacy of silence that Charlie left behind. Takeaways Some stories don't end in a whisper; they end in motion.Charlie Henderson's life was spent dodging the past.He was admitted to the hospital at 82 years old.Charlie left home and was reported missing 18 days later.He drove a 1949 Hudson, a car from a company that no longer existed.Charlie vanished on a road where a man could disappear.The crash involved a butane tanker and a fatal collision.Jack Shelton, the hitchhiker, had a mysterious past.Charlie was buried without an obituary or service.The search for Charlie's heirs revealed more family secrets. Chapters 00:00 The Mysterious Disappearance of Charlie Henderson 07:00 The Fatal Crash and Its Aftermath 12:45 The Enigmatic Hitchhiker: Jack Shelton 20:03 Family Secrets and Unanswered Questions 24:12 The Search for Closure and Future Discoveries

  3. 06/06/2025

    Ep 07 - Blood & Ink

    Summary In this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the complex family history surrounding Charlie Henderson and Henrietta Waters. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and genealogical research, Irv uncovers the silence and loss that permeated their lives, revealing the struggles of tracing family roots amidst a backdrop of abandonment and erasure. The narrative explores the power of DNA in resurrecting forgotten stories and the emotional weight of familial legacies. Takeaways Some stories are told in ink. Others are passed down in blood.Henrietta was the mystery matriarch, tall, strong and quiet.Literacy was a form of power for Henrietta.The 1890 census is gone, burned and lost.Silence passed down like a family heirloom.Charlie married another woman while Henrietta grieved.The timeline of events reveals a cruel reality.Charlie didn't just disappear; he multiplied.DNA can resurrect stories long thought lost.Some legacies get buried on purpose. Chapters 00:00 Uncovering Family Mysteries 09:05 The Weight of Silence and Loss 17:18 The Search for Charlie's Legacy 26:36 DNA and the Truth of Heritage 30:49 The Final Chapter: Charlie's Death

  4. 05/30/2025

    Ep 06 - Dead Reckoning: The California Connection

    ⁠Visit the website for this podcast for more information, or to catch up on mew episodes: Summary: This conversation explores the intertwined lives of Marie Josephine Ruponer and her children, focusing on their struggles during the Great Depression, the choices they made, and the legacies they left behind. It highlights the contrasting paths of Marie's daughters Mary Louise, and Bobby May, as well as her son Mike, and how their lives reflect themes of survival, family bonds, and the impact of choices across generations. Takeaways: Marie Josephine Ruponer faced significant hardships as a mother.Etta Henderson thrived in California while her family struggled in Texas.Mary Louise Henderson's life was marked by invisibility and resilience.Bobby May found stability and independence after her mother's death.Mike Henderson's departure from Texas led to a life far from his family.The sisters ended up living near each other in California despite their fragmented past.Family bonds can endure despite physical and emotional distance.The choices we make shape our legacies and connections to others.The importance of relationships over material possessions is emphasized.The story of these women reflects broader themes of survival and resilience. Chapters: 00:00 The Life of Marie Josephine Ruponer 05:08 Etta's Journey: From Texas to California 09:01 The Disappearance of Mary Louise14:25Bobby May's Resilience 20:00 Mike's Departure and Family Fragmentation26:17The Reunion of the Sisters 29:12The Legacy of Charlie Henderson

  5. 05/23/2025

    Ep 05 - Dirt & Death - Grief and Resilience in Frontier Life

    This conversation explores the life of R.A. Henderson, a man shaped by the land and the hardships of frontier life in Texas. Through the lens of his experiences, we delve into themes of grief, resilience, and the search for stability amidst constant movement. The narrative highlights the connection between the land and its inhabitants, emphasizing how history and memory are intertwined in the soil. Takeaways The land holds memories of those who worked it.R.A. Henderson's life reflects the struggles of many settlers.Grief can drive people to keep moving forward.Building a life often requires resilience and hard work.The transition from farming to shoemaking symbolizes stability.Family legacies are often marked by loss and perseverance.The journey of R.A. Henderson illustrates the search for belonging.Silence in family history can carry profound meaning.The soil remembers the stories of its caretakers.Texas history is rich with untold stories of ordinary lives.

    Ep 05 - Dirt & Death - Grief and Resilience in Frontier Life

  6. 05/21/2025 ·  Bonus

    BONUS - Erv's Podcast Chat

    https://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/ In this episode, Erv Lenzy discusses the evolution of his podcast, emphasizing the importance of listening to previous episodes to understand the ongoing narrative. He shares insights from his genealogy research, revealing discoveries about his family history, particularly focusing on Charlie's disappearance and the generational impact of family decisions. The conversation highlights the use of AI in storytelling and the significance of understanding one's roots. takeaways The podcast is a linear story that builds on previous episodes.Genealogy research has become more accessible post-pandemic.Discovering family history can lead to unexpected revelations.Charlie’s disappearance raises questions about family dynamics.Generational decisions have lasting impacts on descendants.Researching family history can uncover hidden stories.AI tools like Notebook LM can enhance storytelling.Understanding family history can provide context to personal identity.The importance of documenting family stories for future generations.The podcast aims to explore the complexities of family relationships.

  7. 05/16/2025

    Ep 04 - Silence & Cinder

    This episode explores the life of Henrietta Waters, an indigenous woman who migrated to Texas in the late 19th century. It delves into her journey, the challenges she faced as a young mother, and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Charlie, the father of her child. The narrative highlights the broader context of indigenous migration during this period and the silent struggles of women like Henrietta, who navigated a world that often overlooked their stories. Ultimately, it reflects on her legacy and the impact of her life on future generations. Takeaways Henrietta's journey reflects a larger migration of indigenous families.The 1890s were marked by survival and transformation for many.Henrietta's life was largely undocumented, yet vital to history.She faced significant challenges as a native woman in Texas.Survival often required blending in and altering the truth.Henrietta's strength was evident in her resilience and silence.The complexities of her relationship with Charlie reveal societal pressures.Grief and loss shaped Henrietta's later life and decisions.Her legacy continues through the stories passed down in her family.Henrietta's life is a testament to the silent struggles of many women. Sound Bites "She was part of a much bigger story." "She carried her weight like a shield." "She's the reason this story exists." Chapters 00:00 The Arrival of Henrietta Waters 03:51 Henrietta's Journey and Identity 08:55 T he Complex Relationship with Charlie 12:40 The Dual Lives of Henrietta and Charlie 16:05 The Tragic Loss of a Child 20:38 Henrietta's Resilience and Later Life

    Ep 04 - Silence & Cinder

  8. 05/11/2025

    Ep 03 - The Pines Remember

    https://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/ In this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the mysterious life of Charlie Henderson, and the history of timber industry in Ratcliffe. The narrative unfolds through census records and personal anecdotes, revealing Charlie's dual life and the emotional toll on those he left behind. The episode highlights the complexities of family history and the challenges of uncovering the truth about one's ancestry. Takeaways Charlie Henderson's disappearance left a significant gap in family history.The 1920 census revealed Charlie's second family in Potter County, Texas.Henrietta faced immense challenges raising children alone after Charlie's departure.The timber industry in Ratcliffe was deeply tied to the railroad system.Ratcliffe's boomtown status was short-lived due to deforestation.Charlie faked his death and started anew, leaving Henrietta behind.The emotional impact of abandonment is a recurring theme in family stories.Genealogy research can uncover surprising connections and gaps in family history.The search for Charlie led to more questions than answers.Family history is often intertwined with broader historical events and societal changes.

    Ep 03 - The Pines Remember

  9. 05/05/2025

    Ep 02 - The Ghost of Grandpa Charlie

    https://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/ In this episode of Finding Grandpa Charlie, Erv Lenzy embarks on a journey to uncover the life and mysterious disappearance of his great grandfather, Charlie. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, Erv explores Charlie's roots in Bonham, Texas, the family legacy of the Hendersons, and the complexities of Charlie's life, including his double existence and eventual vanishing act. The narrative weaves together themes of family history, identity, and the search for truth amidst fragmented memories and records. Takeaways Grandpa Charlie was a figure shrouded in mystery.Family stories often contain elements of myth.Bonham, Texas, has a rich historical context.The Bonham News Annual serves as a vital resource.Charlie Henderson's life was marked by movement and change.Genealogy can be complicated by common names.Charlie may have lived a double life.The loss of his grandfather impacted Charlie deeply.The lumber industry played a significant role in Charlie's life.Questions about Charlie's fate linger even today.

    Ep 02 - The Ghost of Grandpa Charlie

  10. 04/28/2025

    Ep 01 - Whispers and Ghost Stories

    https://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/ In this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the mysterious life of his great grandfather, Charlie a gambler who vanished under enigmatic circumstances. Through family stories and genealogy research, Irv uncovers layers of myth and reality surrounding Charlie's life, exploring themes of memory, family lore, and the quest for truth in personal history. Takeaways In every family, there are stories that we pass down.Charlie Henderson was a gambler and drifter.Family stories can be part myth, part cautionary tale.The deeper you dig into family history, the stranger it becomes.Charlie was a ghost in the family tree, never truly buried.Grandma Henrietta burned the money Charlie brought home.Charlie was rumored to have died under a train.Genealogy research can uncover hidden family truths.The story of Charlie reveals a double life.Family history is often a tapestry of whispers.

    Ep 01 - Whispers and Ghost Stories

  11. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    He Was Supposed to Be Dead

    One man disappeared. A century later, his great-grandson is chasing the truth. Finding Grandpa Charlie is a true crime-style family history podcast that investigates the mysterious disappearance of Charles Newton Henderson — a gambler, gunslinger, husband, father, and possibly a man who faked his death. Was it a tragic accident or a carefully staged vanishing act? Using old census records, family recordings, DNA, and dusty legal documents, host Erv Lenzy pieces together a story buried by time, silence, and secrets. Join the search as every clue brings us closer to a man lost between two lives. If you love unsolved mysteries, family secrets, and true crime with a genealogical twist — this podcast is for you.

Trailer

About

One man disappeared. A century later, his great-grandson is chasing the truth. Finding Grandpa Charlie is a true-crime family mystery from host Erv Lenzy. In 1912 Texas gunslinger, gambler, and scoundrel Charlie Henderson vanished, sparking rumors of a staged train death and a secret life out West. Erv sifts through census pages, dusty ledgers, and porch-swing stories to uncover the truth. Part history lesson, part road trip, all heart. New episodes every week.

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