Peggy Lynn Alt - Where Are You?
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Missing Since March 2, 1985
I went to Northwest High School in the mid 1980's in House Springs, Missouri. It was not a great school. It was a school with too many kids, poor kids in particular. It was overrun with students and not enough teachers or administrators. In those days, teachers had a job to do and they did it. They didn't care about the back ground of the children and if you did come from an abusive home - they wouldn't even look at you. Abuse was not reported in those days and would not have been investigated very thoroughly. Drugs were everywhere and available anytime.
I went to school with a girl named Peggy Lynn Alt. She lived in High Ridge, Missouri. I always felt sorry for Peggy. She was quiet and there was a deep sadness about her. I assumed it was because her family was poor and everyone talked so badly about them. Everyone in a school of 2000 knew who the Alt family was. Small town talk is vicious. No one cared about the Alt kids or what might have been happening behind closed doors. Everyone just loved to talk about it.
Missing, Kidnapped and Endangered Persons
- Missing Person Poster
- Bring Them Home (LBTH)
- NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Persons System - Porchlight International for the Missing & Unidentified -> Alt,Peggy Lynn March 2,1985
Porchlight international, a forum dedicated to the cause of the missing . Our Members try to match missing persons with unidentified bodies throughout the World - The Charley Project: Peggy Lynn Alt
Profiles the disappearance of Peggy Lynn Alt, missing since March 2, 1985 from High Ridge, Missouri. - Kidnappings & Missing Persons
REAL life is stranger than fiction.
- State vs. Pagano
COURT OF APPEALS OF MISSOURI, SOUTHERN DISTRICT, DIVISION ONE,August 23, 1994,The opinion of the court was delivered by: Parrish,Edward L. Page, Festus, Mo, for appellant.,STATE OF MISSOURI, PLAINTIFF-RESPONDENT v. WILLIAM NICK PAGANO, DEFENDANT-APPE - Media Mayhem
- Walter \'Buck\' Buerger dies at 83 Served for 28 years as sheriff of Jefferson County
Walter "Buck" Buerger, a former Jefferson County sheriff who served for 28 years, died Sunday (Nov. 15, 2009) of lung - Scoundrels to the hoosegow: Perry Mason moments and entertaining cases from ... - Morley Swingle - G
- Gardner vs. Buerger
82 F.3d 248 Diane GARDNER; Kermit Gardner; Amy Gardner; JesseGardner; Sarah Gardner, by and through their nextfriend and natural mother Diane Gardner,Appellants,v.Walter BUERGER, "Buck" Sheriff of Jefferson County,Missouri, as an individual and in hi - MSHP
The Have's and The Have Nots
The town I grew up in had two classes of people. The Have's and The Have Nots. The "burnouts" and the "jocks."
Some people live in small towns because they are born there and they will never leave. Some people move to small towns because they are hiding from something. I moved there when I was ten when my mother remarried. I had no choice in the matter.
Most people spoke in loud whispers but nobody talked. It was always, "now this is between you, me and the fence post." You minded your own business. If someone knew abuse was going on in some child's household - it wasn't their business! No, no, no! One could only whisper about it - it was only right.
I left as soon as I turned 17 and never really looked back until my friend called me last week and said, "did you know Peggy went missing and has never been seen again since 1985?"
I felt terrible hearing that because Peggy and her siblings had a hard enough life. I looked into it and I am shocked by what I have found and I want to - need to - share it with everyone who will read this.
Peggy Lynn Alt has been missing since March 2, 1985. She would have turned 18 on March 4. One of her family members said that she ran away with her boyfriend to Kansas City. Other rumors were that she went to live with an Aunt of a Grandmother. The police and child protective services had removed a baby from this family because he had been scalded on his face. The neighbors who went to church and school - rode the bus with the Alt kids - they admit they heard the rumors of abuse but still, it wouldn't have been right to butt in!
In June, 2011 something must have happened to jump start the case. Her case was just added to the missing persons data banks. Detectives started questioning the neighbors, when they asked why the police had not investigated this further in 1985 - they said they had gotten a call and the family said Peggy had come back home. That was good enough.
In September and October of 2011 - dogs were brought in to search the old Alt home. There was digging in the yard. Still no one has said anything. The news hasn't even made a news paper. It is all in the rumor mill. Meanwhile - no one knows what happened to Peggy. If no one else cares - I care. If by some small miracle she is off somewhere leaving the past behind her - I can respect that and I hope she is happy and realizes we lived in a screwed up place. The links I provided tell a very interesting tale about who was running our town - I don't have to talk about it, you can extrapolate.
I don't know if Peggy ran off with her boyfriend - I do not believe she had one. I hope that she is alive and well and escaped her situation. I hope she is reading this and knows that people did care about her and her siblings. No one knew what to do. I did not know how to help kids like that - I was just a kid myself. I am an adult now and I do know what to do. Educate and keep screaming until someone listens!
Peggy Lynn Alt was a person. She and her siblings were denied every single civil right they were born to have. Find Peggy Lynn Alt. She deserves to be counted and accounted for. She didn't ask to be born into that family - she was a victim of terrible circumstances as well as her siblings. They were fine kids and I hope they have found peace and happiness in their lives. Someone knows what happened to Peggy - and I have a feeling the guilt may be working on someone's conscience. Maybe it is time to start talking.
2/1/2012 UPDATE:
An officer with the department in Jefferson County contacted me today with regard to this case. He said this is an ongoing criminal investigation. We discussed the details that I have and he has nothing additional to add except the father is the person who originally reported Peggy missing.
If you have any information with regard to this case please contact the Jefferson County Police Department at 636-797-5515. They would appreciate any information you can pass along.
UPDATE: 5/3/2012
Peggy's sister has read this hub and left comments. The family has been actively searching for Peggy since the day she disappeared. They miss her and want her home more than anything - especially her sister.
The family is grateful that the case has been reopened and they want your help if you have any information. More details can not be revealed due to the fact that it is now an ongoing investigation. This article will continue to be updated until Peggy comes home.
You can help by sharing a link to her missing person profile or by contacting the Jefferson County Police Department with information. Peggy is out there somewhere and her family loves and needs her. If by chance you see this Peggy as your family did - they love you and want to know where you are. They have been frustrated and trying through any medium available to find you - they need you home!
- How to Recognize and Prevent Child Abuse
In order to prevent or stop child abuse, first one must know what it looks like. Here are lists of symptoms of some of the most insidious types of child abuse.
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I so hope Peggy Lynn is safe somewhere. The story you have written is very good. voted up and interesting, Joyce
I hope by you writing this hub Peggy somehow sees it or someone she knows sees it.
Hi Wildrosebush - I feel so bad knowing that she just went missing and I guess at the heart of it - I worry that this kind of thing happens all the time - how can a kid go missing and no one cares? For over twenty years? I would hate to think that if I had gone missing - not one person would have cared.
Thank you so much!
Hi 20 - thank you so much. I hated living in that town - it was like standing in quick sand. I was so impressed by all the adults that were the pillars of our community. You were taught by everyone's standards to be honest, not cheat on taxes or your spouse - to speak up when things are wrong. Yet it seemed as if those things were fairy tales.
I used to think that if only we were richer - I would have had everything I desired. I thought the difference between good and bad were valued in dollars. I learned:)
Hi Susan - thank you very much. I do feel a sense of comfort in at least trying. I never ever want to be the kind of person who doesn't have the balls to speak up when I see something that is wrong. I hope so much that she is alive - I see her siblings silence as a bad sign though. I am betting my bottom dollar they know where she is. I am certain they were too terrified and bound by their circumstances to speak up. I am sure they all were paying for debts they never earned.
Wow Kel, this is obviously something close to your heart. You are so awesome for putting this out there. I pray that you find answers. Going to share right now.
Wow - this is really a tear jerker. My hurt just aches after reading this. Did you think of adding her name in the tags. Maybe, if she is out there somewhere, she will be on the internet, and will try googling her name. Maybe then she will come across this article and come forth and say she is ok... and least that is what we all can hope.
It is hard when you are a kid and don't understand what to do in these kinds of circumstances. Yet, now as adults, we want to stand up and scream. While I still see this "Have's" and "Have Nots" grouping in adulthood (which is so completely sad) I do know the good ones eventually grow up and stop judging based off of people's looks, money, intelligence and what not.
This was a great piece. I only wish they had a "I was sobbing through the story" button to push!
Thank you Sharyn - I wish I would have been a better friend to her back then. I never made fun of people - but I was afraid of being made fun of so it kept me from really being friends with some people. It was very crappy of me and I am not proud of myself. I am very careful teaching my kids about not hurting other people's feelings like my parents did. I actually had a fairly happy home life but we were truly lower middle class by today's standards.
Thank you so much for your support - as always.
Hi Stacy - It really bugs me to write about the tear jerkers. I know - I still hate to be the bearer of bad tidings. I much prefer to write articles about funny stuff or learning things. Just learning about Peggy's having gone missing a few days ago - has really bothered me a lot. My goodness - if none of us talk about it or speak up it can't be helped. Sometimes bringing up ugly subjects is necessary and I sure hope that no kid ever - ever goes missing and the whole world just doesn't give a damn. It makes me feel very small and vulnerable to know that our existence can be wiped away in one afternoon.
Thank you SO much too - for your support. I do place a high value on so many of you hubbers opinions. I have learned that we can't always be the jester - sometimes we have to stand up for what is right.
This breaks my heart to hear someone went missing who had a rough background and nobody made more of an effort to find her. I really really hope she just took off and never looked back - which very well may be the case. She was such a pretty girl. I will continue to follow this and see if someone somewhere comes about with some information. One way or another it'd be nice to know what happened to her. Thank you for being an advocate for those who cannot talk right now.
We had a Peggy Lynn in our school, and she's a friend on my Facebook now. It breaks my heart, and it really goes to show that no matter who you are - SOMEONE cares. This hub is awesome and it's beautiful to see that there are souls out there as caring as yours. I'm sharing. Maybe someone, somewhere will see - and CARE.
Wow.
Hey Ardie - I got a bad feeling about this. I highly doubt she had the resources or the money to go anywhere on her own at 17 without a trace. I really hope you are right and we find out she is safe and has managed to grow up well adjusted despite her circumstances.
It REALLY bothers me to see children that you know feel shame. No kid should have to be sorry for their clothes or the amount of money they have. I often think how strange it is that we just ended up where we are by chance. If I closed my eyes and touched a map - that could very well be where I might have had to grow up and survive. I wish more people cared about each other instead of caring about their dirty business.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support!
Hi MO - There really are Peggy Lynn's everywhere aren't there? I am so sorry for that. If people could just try to be more compassionate and care about their neighbors for real - the world really would be a beautiful place. I know it won't ever be but I won't stop trying to do my little part. I hope if she is alive - or if perchance her siblings might read this - they will have comfort knowing everyone is ashamed at how they stood by back then. I hope they know they are survivors and the world is proud of them for enduring.
Thank you so much Michele - I know you will pray for her and her family and even though I am not a religious person I am grateful for that.
YOu are very right... sometimes you have to stand up for what is right... and while you may not have been able to do it ... maybe you just didn't know how... you did it know. Whether something comes of this or not... at least you are bringing awareness to stuff that happens like this!
BBG - you know you are right. I find a lot of comfort in thinking that maybe - just maybe people will pay attention! It is a hard road to hoe when you have to do the messy right thing sometimes. I think people follow the path of least resistance when they can because "we don't want to get involved" but I always am afraid that it will come back to haunt me.
I don't think people want to do much about it at all UNTIL something happens to them - suddenly a conscience is born. But what about prevention? If something happened and one of my kids went missing I would NEVER stop screaming. I think if more people realized it could be them with a missing family member they might be quicker to help others. I can't imagine trying to deal with that.
God bless your efforts to help solve this mystery! Voting up and awesome!
I do still have several friends from high school that are connected to me via Facebook. I posted my story and several friends have added some information. Apparently - they may have been a brother named John who was about 5 years older than us - he was convicted for a deviant sexual assault matter (with a child under 14!) in May 2011! That would explain why suddenly the police began searching for her again last June! I am still diggin for more information on that case - but I highly doubt it is a coincidence.
I find that really disturbing too - because if he is the son - it sounds like he is a terrible product of his environment. It's what bothers me about no one intervening - another kid suffered terribly because of his history, I'm betting.
Thank you so much. I hope that the case gets solved. This girl deserves to be put to rest and we all should care!
This is a very touching story and so close to home for you. I can imagine how you feel knowing that just around the same time you might have left town, she went missing, someone you actually knew.
I hope she is alive and well somewhere. I hope you keep us updated on the case.
A powerful hub, sad and very emotive. Perhaps someday she will read this hub and will feel your love. Thank you.
Thank you Cardisa - this is really very close to my heart. It is so terrible - I know that many of us feel so bad for her - and none of us can believe that this was hushed up for so many years. Our class graduated in 1986 - so a whole year went by before everyone graduated and even the school didn't check in on her? Why were her siblings not talking about it? None of us even knew....I am going to keep pushing it until it gets solved. If it were me - I'd want someone to care. I'd want someone to find me and we can all learn a lot of good lessons rather than sweeping it under the rug. Violence perpetuates violence.
Thank you so much for your support! I will keep updating as I research:)
Hi SW:) thank you so much. I can't believe that this poor girl was just forgotten by the whole county! Our school had like 2000 kids (I rode the bus 10 miles one way to school) they came from several small towns with a several mile radius around the school - how could no one search for her? If I had known then - I would have been shaking trees too.
I really do hope she is alive and happy somewhere - but if she isn't I hooe she can have a proper resting place - everyone deserves at least that.
This is so sad. It is so difficult when you see these types of things in the news, but when it happens to somebody that you knew... it brings about a whole new reality to the horrors of this world. I am just glad that when I become a teacher I will have the right and the responsibility to report anything suspicious... At least that will prevent some disappearances. May we all do our part to make the world a safer and happier place for all children!
Hi Myth - thank you so much!
I have been following information passed along by readers - I just found records that indicate this guy John Lee Alt is trying to file an appeal and get out of Jail - he currently has an 18 year sentence he is serving. He filed the appeal in June 2011 - so I am betting the police are revisiting the crime so they can keep him in jail! He has a criminal history as long as your arm. I hope they keep this guy in jail - he will most certainly get out and keep committing devious crimes.
You will be an awesome teacher - and I bet your students will even be comfortable enough to confide is a woman like you. I am so glad to know there are so many teachers who do care. Back then - abuse was hardly a crime. I do bet some of the teachers felt as helpless as the kids. We didn't have video recorders, and audio devices so it was probably harder to prove then. I am sure there are many more resources but keeping our eyes open is key.
And thanks for adding that we should all do our part - we should and this type of thing would happen less!
RHW - You sometimes write the most moving Hubs. This is one of them. Great work from a caring heart.
The Frog
Just being a teenager is difficult enough. Every school has a Peggy Lynn Alt. Unfortunately, technology has proven to fall into the hands of abusers. Today, we all know about the "Peggys", abused online by bullies, that are so hopeless they take their own lives. Social services have dropped the ball many times, with children left to suffer, many not surviving abuses that neighbors report. The sad reality is that, for all our state-of-the-art technology, there are far too many atrocities committed against children yet today. Penn State is an example of "knowing, yet looking the other way" for years.
Kudos to you, RealHousewife, for caring. The world needs more like you, my friend.
Real....This hub took my breath away, woman! My God, it's such an intriguing story. I read every word, including all comments and I went through the links you provided. I was fixed to the story about "Pagano!" This happened in the town you had lived in as a teen?? Pretty heavy stuff for a small town.
I too, want to believe that Peggy really did pack her bags and leave to escape the horrific circumstances. It's just that you would think after all this time,if she's alive and well, she'd have made efforts to contact siblings. Especially having concern for their well-being, knowing the way things were for their family. This was written SO VERY WELL, Kelly. I hope that you update us if something comes of the investigation! Up & awesome from Effer
How can a Frog be such a Prince? You are and I sincerely appreciate that. I sometimes feel as if I wear my heart on my sleeve and I wish I could be a tougher person - or do I? I wish more people cared about the people around them and helped out when they needed it:) It certainly goes a long way up the food chain in preventing more disasters and hardships later.
I appreciate your support so much!
Hi Amy - It is so sad isn't it - one step forward and two steps back. Penn State was a glaring example! You know - maybe if more people understood that victims do not help themselves because they are already terrified they would help more. Maybe people are under the impression that they should MYOB when it comes to family problems and I do respect that - but if there is any doubt that violence or incest is occurring - people need to offer help. I wonder if people think it is a case of those who need help should ask for it? Victims like the Peggy's fear for their current safety and their future if someone finds out about this kind of crime. They are too confused to find rational solutions often so maybe if more people could quietly go to a suspected victim and say "if you need help - come to me and I will help you find a solution" those kids might open up.
Thank you so much for your support as well Amy - I know we are both supportive of so many social problems and this is a biggy!
Hey Effer! I know - gulp! That did happen in the county I lived in. I suspect that for a long time - I was blown away when I found the prosecuting attorney's story! The one that prosecuted Pagano - and I really wonder if Pagano even shot himself after he was convicted. I wonder if people were worried he might flip once he had to foot the bill for all that corruption? It amazes me that it went on for so long....I think the power of video tape and having evidence rather than word against word is helping to keep people honest.
Yeah - I doubt for real that she is alive - I bet she would have contacted at least one person and the whole John Alt going to jail and the case getting opened again after all that time doesn't seem like a huge coincidence after all this.
I am comforted by the fact that I think the police are trying to keep John Alt in jail - apparently he filed an appeal in June of 2011 for his 18 year sentence...I know they don't want him running around in public!
I appreciate your support so much - and I will continue to update.
The fact that people were "talking about it", but would wait until the victim asks for help is a pseudo politically correct excuse that is inexcusable. Politeness doesn't cut it when adults feel free to surmise about an abusive situation rather than act. It is akin to enabling, or lies of omission or cowardice. Well written, compassionate, invaluable piece, Real.
It would be very nice if your story had a happy ending, Kelly, like the fairy tales I write about. But since this is real life, I sincerely doubt that will happen. There are way too many young people like Peggy Lynn who go missing and no one, including family members, seems to care.
Well, you care and so should anyone who reads this very well-written account of her sad life and home situation. Perhaps one day we will know the truth but regardless, you have performed a critical public service by publicizing Peggy's sad story and bringing her to life for those who read it.
Brava to you, Kelly, not just for your journalistic skills which are awesomely displayed, but for your heart which is as big as the planet. No, wait ... as big as the solar system.
Amy - thank you and I agree! I mean it is like everyone lapped up the gossip - enjoyed it even! People picked openly on those kids so it isn't a huge surprise that at least one turned criminal and did what was done to him.
I had situations that were very difficult to act upon but doing nothing would have bothered me more. I know people do not want to get involved but for humanities sake we have to address ugly things to stop them.
Thank you again!!
Drbj - I was actually hoping you would comment - you always do but this one especially since I know you have so much psychological experience. I love hearing your opinion and value it very much:)
I do feel a sense of dread thinking about the end of this - I do not think it is going anywhere good. I do not think it is right for people to not give Peggy a second thought - or any other human person.
Thank you so much again - I really find comfort in your support and I hope that I am helping in some small way. I keep thinking a ripple in the pond is better than silence!
Hi RealHousewife. Thanks for sharing this story. I am hopeful that Peggy moved on and is living a much better life.
The way we are treated by family and the community in our youth can have a profound effect upon us as we become adults - positive and negative.
Let's hope that your hub can spark an interest in finding more missing persons as well as provide an incentive to treat others better.
Hi Dexter - thank you so much for your comments! You have a great point - I think some kids are great survivors - and they learn how not to treat others by the way they have been treated. Then you have the others who turn around and repeat the process.
I think you are right on - and I do hope to learn to be more tolerant as an adult too. I do see it as a challenge to try to better my own behavior too. I hope if there isn't a happy ending for this story - at least maybe people can learn to reach out and stop the cycle - like Patty's link - I liked that she wrote about what to do and how to recognize the signs - educating can be as simple as that! So many people wash their hands because they don't know what to do....if they read her article - now they do!
Thank you for your support!
Wow, after reading this hub, I can't help but feel dread that things didn't go well for her. It is sad that no one cared enough to find the truth. At least now she has someone that cares enough to take the time to find the truth. I will pass this on in hopes that she will be found. Thanks for sharing this touching story.
Hi, I hope Peggy is okay, but sadly I fear she isn't. The way we lived back then was so different, especially in small communities, I know of someone who was badly treated and nothing was done about him either, luckily he is fine, if not mentally, what you have done here is terrific, and I hope with every bit of my heart that this helps to find her, or at least leads to a discovery of what exactly happened to her, rated up and shared, nell
RealHousewife, thanks for this informative hub and the fact you're attempting to get this awareness out. This hits closer to home in some ways because I live in Kansas City and I cringe everytime there is a story concerning a missing person or child. There is currently a case still unsolved in Kansas City about a missing infant. These stories are horrific and no person should go without a investigation, a story, a rise in awareness, or compassionate concern such as yours. Lifting your words up with my thumbs.
Tip - thank you so very much! I am so glad you are sharing this too - and I would have guessed you'd want to support this kind of cause - you have a lot of heart! I guess I feel like I was a little scared to even write about it - because why is no one doing anything? Why is it so hush hush but if no one ever says anything? Well I can't stand the thought of that - I guess I should "understand" this stuff just happens? No, I can't and I think keeping things quiet only allows these things to happen more frequently.
Thank you again!
Hi Nell - I know - I agree. I am filled with a sense of dread when I wonder what could have gone so wrong. It really bugs me to see the statement on the missing persons poster - where it says "her mother reported her missing on March 2, 1985 and has never seen her since.". Huh? Actually teo reports say her mother reported her missing - two reports say her father reported it? It's crazy. I really appreciate your support too - as I said imwas a little worried about writing about it - I just don't get it - no news reports - for 26 years? The fact that it is resurfacing too - seems ominous. I really hope it gets solved and I do hope so much for a happy ending.....but it isn't looking good.
Hi ytsenoh - I heard about that baby! It is terrible - and very recently I heard of a big human trafficking ring that was busted in KC! I checked out the missing persons page and there are a few girls that are missing from KC. I was shocked because you are right - it is too close to home!
Thank you so much for your comments - I feel enlightened each time I get a comment because I do care and I want other people to care! Each time a person speaks out against this - it is another voice to add to the sound of protest!
I hope Peggy is alive, well, very rich and successful. We have so many missing women in Florida. It seems like each week another woman goes missing. It's scary. They still haven't found Michelle Parker. Her kids miss their mommy according to my friend who was Michelle's best friend and posts daily Facebook updates. Wishing the best for Peggy.
Hi Real...What a sad story. I hope your conclusion is right and she escaped her horrible world and is now happy but the likely hood is that something terrible happened. She may never be found. I hope by writing this hub you have found some peace.
Hi sunshine! Thank you so much for your support:). I know it is awful how many people go missing and someone somewhere - knows where they are. I am afraid people are so preoccupied with their own junk (like I'm really guilty if that) that they might not pay attention when they could be! I see all the missing poster and I wonder - how many people have NEVER seen this face? If we keep putting it out there - maybe someone will pay attention. I know my voice is small but with all of your help - I can be loud!! Thank you for helping me scream:)
Hi Marellen - thank you so much - I really appreciate it. I think you are right in that I am trying to resolve this in my head - and I can't stand the thought of someone ignoring that girls whole life! How can someone be erased and no one cares? Even if the family were dogs - I'm not and I think she deserves to be cared for. I look at her picture - and feel bad because she is worth just as much as anyone else! And if me or my kids ver go missing - I'd want my friends to help me.
Thanks very much - i hooe we all find out - she had a boyfriend and they lived happily ever after!
This is so heart tugging and you caring nature shines through here.
This happens so often and the not knowing is often worse that the knowing!!
I also hope that she is happy and also hope that you may well find a little solace .
Take care and have a wonderful day.
Eddy.
Hi Eddy - good morning:) thank you so much for your kind words and support. I spoke to a few more people from school that knew her - they didn't even know she was missing. I have a feeling this is all coming back to the surface because more crimes have happened and the suspect was possibly her murderer. The police wouldn't be diggin and bringing dogs out after all these years for nothing.....I hooe they find her though - alive:)
A friend of mine once lifted his shirt in the boys bathroom of the fourth grade and showed me the cigarette burns on his stomach and chest , telling me it was his adoptive father who did it and asked that I keep his secret . I did him a honorable thing and ....and never said a word. Such are the times ......sad!......great hub!
ahorseback...I am sorry you still even are thinking about that. I was just remembering how back then...the kids would talk amongst each other and try to help each other figure out what to do in these situations. I would have thought I was doing a friend a favor too no matter how wrong it sounds. Back then, the kids had little on their side. Abuse was humiliating and tolerated! I think people were really starting to wake up to the fact that we shouldn't allow this to happen even if those people do not belong in our families. Give youself a break too - I hope your friend learned to cope and move on! I am sure having you in their life, obviously you cared, helped them:)
Unfortunately, abuse is only one of the reasons there are so many children in foster care. Have you tried to search for Peggy Lynn Alt on Facebook? She might not respond to a police inquiry, but she might to an old acquaintance who sends a message heartfelt.
It's just a thought.
We are all responsible for protecting our children. It does have to be done responsibly though. Don't make false accusations, but if a child comes to you or to your kids, get involved. Cigarette burns, black and blue marks of handprints, very skittish children, constantly sad children, children who hoard food while at your house, etc. These are the children for whom you must advocate. Tell the school principal of your fears. They are required by law to get involved. Call the Dept. of Family Services hotline and leave an anonymous tip. Call Crime Stoppers. Call the police. Call SOMEONE.
Hi Baking Bread - Yes, we have been searching for her on FB. I have had kids from school contact me - and a few people I don't know about her. No one has seen her since '85 and many people never knew until 2011 that she was ever even missing. I agree - people should for sure make a call to any one of the agencies you listed if in doubt!
Thanks so much - I am glad you added that - I did assume that people know to call ther but I bet some people do not know where one should call. Here we have The Division of Family Services:)
So sad, I am happy that you feel compelled to track this situation. Too many times in the past have atrocities been overlooked. I voted this hub up.
Hi Marla - thank you and I agree. I think so many people just slip through the cracks - it is still amazing it can happen in this day and age though. 20 years ago technology really lacked but today? Most people should be findable! Unless something is not right.
Wow, this is nerve wracking. Too many people are not found. Too sad. What is the solution? Prayer, it can't hurt.
Hi Ruby- it is such a shame. I do not think prayer could ever hurt anything:). Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Thank you for writing this and showing that you care. Im praying she is found and has found peace in her life. Her Father's actions are interesting to say the least. Why would he call and say she is missing then say, she is home, when she wasnt. Hopefully there will be some closure.
Hi Clucy - thank you. I think about her every day and hope it will be the one where she phones someone and says I'm alive! I find her whole families behavior weird. The kids didn't go to school and talk about it (her siblings) which makes me think they were told not to. Or they aren't curious about where she is because they know. Why didn't anyone actually go SEE if she was really home too?
Thank you very much for your comments and prayers for Peggy:)
Wow. How sad it is that people feel it's not their place to get involved. I hope wherever she is she is at peace. My hope for her is that someday she will be found. I agree with Clucy, the father's actions are strange.
Hi KoffeeKlatch - it is so weird. The mother and the siblings LACK of doing anything is also strange. If it was my child or sister that was gone - I would never shut up about it.
It really is sad people think they should NOT get involved when a child is at question. Even an anonymous call could save a child like that one. Thanks so much for your comments:)
I've always been curious what happened to Lynn. When I knew her she was living with foster parents in Arnold, MO. Out of curiosity, several years ago, I tried looking her up on Classmates and was dismayed to discover that she'd been missing since just before her 18th birthday. Looking back and calculating the time, I think she must have gone missing not long after she and I dated (we dated for a few months ending around January 1985). She was my first girlfriend, and as such will always have a certain place in my heart. This 'hub' was very informative, and I hope Lynn is still alive and well. I recall the burn mark she had on her inner bicep; I assumed it was a burn mark, we never talked about it, but I knew it was there and always thought it looked like a hot iron had been pressed there (this is just my impression, of course; I've seen lots of burns, and this looked didn't look like a birth-mark). After she and I split up, I never heard from her again; needless to say I was shocked and saddened to hear about her disappearance. No matter what, she will always be my first girlfriend.
I remember Peggy in school. But we didn't talk. I even had her in classes with me. If only I could go back in time. I never knew she was missing till recently. I did not know any of her siblings or her situation. My heart is filled with prayer that she is at peace.
Hey FirstGirlFriend -
I replied to this post and I sure don't see it here now! Sorry for the delay.
I didn't know she dated anyone but I am so glad to know she did. I was so disturbed by it - I felt like I had to write about it. I did a ton of research and there were mere crumbs to follow. I have been checking for updates and am always sad to see there have been no new developments.
Hopefully - we will find her alive and well. I am so glad you have fond memories of her - and there was someone who cared about her. Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave your comment. I sincerely appreciate it. I will add updates here if I ever get any.
Hi sillyt247 - I really hope this doesn't get put to rest until she is located one way or the other. I guess it bothers me so much because I did know her - not well. I don't think she talked to anyone really. I don't know if it was hostility or what...she did not go out of her way to try to make friends but I wish I would have extended an olive branch.
Thanks so much for stopping in to leave a comment - I hope that you are living a great life!
Thanks Kelly. I think back and wonder why Peggy and I never spoke even though she sat right behind me in class. I was always talking in class. Can't even remember what year it was.
Kelly you look just like you did in high school. Still beautiful.
Im living in Arnold. Celebrating 17 yrs of marriage in October. We have 2 beautiful daughters.
Though life has thrown us some curve balls we keep on swinging.
Much love,
Tammy Womble
hmu@facebook
Hey Tammy! Oh my goodness! I certainly do remember you!
I am so glad you checked back in! I will hook up with you on FB:) I am really glad to hear that you are doing great! Yeah - everyone has their set backs but if you just get back up, dust yourself off, eventually you get going in the right direction again. So terrific to hear from you! It has been a long time, eh? lol Looking back at how things were when we were kids - compared to now? haha! Cell phones? I never would have dreamed!
Thanks so much for the nice compliments. Life has been very good to me! XX00 - Kelly
Hello, RealHousewife, I guess you have figured out from my screen name that I am one of Peggy's sisters. I want to think you for you kind, caring words and the effort that you put in it. However, you were missed informed, or misstated some things. Peggy did indeed have and still does have people who love and miss her very deeply,(including a boyfriend). She did not go to stay with an Aunt or a Grandmother her senior year when nobody seemed to ask about her.This was because she was in foster care attending Fox High. She did not pack a bag or anything else and take it with her.
Her being gone was never mentioned outside of the home, because we were taught that we didn't talk about what went on "behind closed doors".
She has family members who have spent the past 26 years looking for her. We have not been silent in our search to find her, when we contacted Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, as you stated, we were told that the case was closed because she had been found. We do not know where she is or what happened to her.
As far as the suggestion that her case was reopened because of our cousin John, that is absolutely not true. His arrest and conviction has nothing to do with Peggy's case. Peggy's case was reopened because after 26 years, we finally got in touch with the right people. The current Sheriff and two wonderful detectives who are finally doing what should have been 26 years ago!!
In conclusion, most of us turned out to be happy, productive members of society, who does not let a day go by that we don't wonder what happened to our beloved sister. Peggy will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Maybe, just maybe, one day we will know what happened to the girl who was not only my sister, but my best friend.
Hi Peggy's Sister! Oh my! I'm glad to hear from you. I'm so glad that work is being done to find Peggy...and I'm glad it's positive for you. I appreciate you setting the record straight and I will change this article in any way you wish or take it down.
I do agree the Sherrif was super nice and he sounded as if he genuinely wants to solve this case. I'm so sorry about how things were - and I hope that you are happy:) please let me know how you wish for me to proceed. You may contact me via private email at the top - or here.
I hooe that she is found...I was so pissed to find out she had been gone all those years and the law didn't seem to be doing anything at all. I can imagine your frustration - and I'm sure you were told not to speak of things about home - that's how it was. I just can't help feeling mad about how everyone just gossiped and clucked. Good luck to you!!
This is encouraging! Maybe you two will be the trigger that finally breaks the case. This is rather exciting. Kelly, you would make a very fine detective.
Hey Lela - I can't get this off my mind now! I was thinking the same thing! If we keep rattling tree's - fruit is bound to fall. After all - Peggy's sister saw this with her own eyes and maybe Peggy will too! If she is out there - I bet she doesn't know her sister has been actively trying to find her. I found my dad just last year remember? See? You never know -maybe if she feels safe in contacting her sister she might have been wanting to find a way too? As I said up there in the article - I found that if people aren't listening you have to get up and scream and keep on screaming until the right person hears you.
I keep checking the missing persons FBI database and still to this day she has not been added. I don't understand why her case isn't also listed there. There are so many young girls that go missing from around here! I wish we could bring them all home.
Thank you so much!!
I am very appreciative for what you are doing here. The only thing that I would like for you to remove from this page is your statement about John being involved in her disappearance. No matter his circumstance right now, I know that he was not involved in Peggy's disappearance.
I will do my best to keep you updated as much as I can about Peggy. However, I can't reveal to much as this is an on going investigation.
I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT WE NEVER STOPPED LOOKING FOR HER!!!! What needs to be emphasized is that we were KIDS back then, we could only do so much.
To Firstgirlfriend: the burn on her inner bicep of her left arm was not from an iron. It was in fact a grease burn. She was pouring hot grease into a glass jar, the jar broke, she slipped in the grease and that is how she got that burn.
I am deeply upset that my sister's case was closed prematurely, due to a misunderstanding or otherwise. Apparently, back then it wasn't protocol for anyone to go and physically check on the missing person once they were reported found.
I don't know why her story was never in the paper, or why it is not on the FBI website...but it is finally reopened and there is hope again that she will be found, hopefully alive. Thank you again for your effort.
Wow, Kel. What an amazing thing! To Peggy's sister, I hope and pray that your sister comes home to wherever her heart belongs. Wow....I can't really come up with anything else to say. Just, wow.
Hey Peggy Sister - I will change and edit this right away - working on it now. And just so you know - I contacted some other agencies about Peggy's case as well. I also wrote to Unsolved Mysteries. I feel the more people that know about her - the more eyes we will have looking for her.
I am SO glad you can set the record straight...and I totally know what you mean about not being able to do much about your situation. We were only children. It was up to the adults and authorities to deal with certain things and often - that just didn't happen.
I did quite a bit of research on this and you know your family practically were the pioneers of that town. Your family goes back a hundred years or more as land owners in Jefferson County.
There were so many inequities. But listen to me - DO NOT give up hope please! I have an uncle and we found him after he had been gone for like 50 years (he went for a pack of smokes after dinner and never came back!) Through a letter we sent to the Social Security Administration - we begged them to help and since we had his social security number they said they would send him one letter from us. He contacted us very shortly after and he and his only sister and children were reunited! Then last year - I had never ever met my own father - he left when I was about 2? IDK - All I had was his name - George Moore - ha! A common one at that - I found him last summer too. After having zero information for 42 years - ! I spoke to him and he was very nice and very happy to hear from me. But look girl - I never ever expected to find either of those people but actaully it wasn't that hard!
I started my search for Peggy after finding out she was gone just before I wrote this. I am a very good researcher (I do research at home for my living!) and I could hardly find anything about her case. So it seemed to me that we need to be LOUD and make SURE she is being looked for.
Peggy sister - I know so many people are going to try to help! If you ever want to contact me please feel free to do so. You can remain anonymous if you like. I would never ever publish anything unless you want me to. I sincerely want to help you find her and bring her home to her family. I keep wondering if she just may not know how to contact you - I hoped to find a way for her to feel safe in doing so and knowing you are looking for her still - I hope she does.
If you want to get in touch with me - I can rewite this in its entirety how you want. You can tell your story. You think about it - you know where to find me:) lol
Bless you and your family!!! People care!!!! I have seen some more stuff online and friends from school were outraged to find out she is gone and that none of us knew. We need to get this info out into the public because SOMEONE knows something! That is who we need to find!
MO! I know! I want to find her SO bad! I hope so much that she will somehow find this article just as her sister did. You never know. The purpose of the article was to stir things up - to get people to help me scream so loud someone MUST listen. To me it isn't fair that a young girl can just go missing and all the people just say "oh well she probably ran off!" and go back to eating lunch. That is B.S.!!! Peggy is a beautiful girl who deserves as much attention as if it were the Sheriffs daughter. I bet if it was - everyone would have know - her photo would have been on TV and the state would have been restless until she was found. We need to pursue Peggy's case just as much - just as well and not leave one rock unturned. It is high time!!!
Thanks as always for your support and I hope that everyone shares this everwhere! Thanks MO:)
Kelly, a remarkable story and piece of writing by you. I don't know how I missed this story earlier but I'm happy I found it now. Thank you for bringing this to light and for caring so much for another human being. I hope there is a happy ending to this.
WOW Detective Kelly, great messages coming in. Hopefully all of your hard work will bring answers that so many are searching for.
Quite often I've read in a biography about the subject's mother who 'ran off' with some man. Seventeen year old girls 'ran off' with a boy. Sons 'ran away'. It seems it was easy not so long ago to eliminate someone and then say she'd 'run off'. When I read the old stories about mothers 'running off' and their children growing up believing it, how sad for those kids - whose mother was most likely murdered and then made to look unloving. I just heard on the news that Drew Peterson's trial is to begin. Now isn't he a good example of husband saying his wife 'ran off' with some man. I don't have much hope for Peggy Lynn - running off isn't easy to do.
Hi Billybuc - thank you so much! I also hope against odds there is a happy ending. I bet though, my bottom dollar, the family would want to know something, anything, even if it isn't what they hoped for, I have sisters - so I know how I'd feel if one of them went missing. I can't help being angry or caring for them...what if it WAS my sister - I hope someone would do the same for me.
I always say if I want something, I keep trying until I get it or I've exhausted all my resources. I won't stop hoping for a really happy ending until we know the ending.
Hey Sharyn - I hope so too. You just never know. Sometimes - it takes a village;)
Sheila - now I'd have thought that maybe too - but I do believe in miracles. I've had a few miracles in my own life - I do think the odds are stacked against us. The reason I do have so much hope is because technology was nothing 26 years ago. We didn't even have computers available for home use yet...barely had VCR movies then. So since there was ZERO coverage - it would have been easy to change your name or maybe she got married? Paper trails back then were almost non existent...she has also a fairly common name...which middies the water.
I think she was incredibly smart and a survivor for sure so I would NOT be totally surprised to find her alive and well living on the west coast with a couple of kids. Maybe she didn't know how to find her sisters & brothers and after years elapse things get harder to do like that. I hope that if she is alive and well maybe someone will pass this along and shell know her family loves and misses her and she can come home now.
Oh, my, Kelly, I love this piece. I love your heart. You did a wonderful thing in reaching out here. I'm glad her family responded to set some things straight. I hope someone finds out what happened to Peggy. What a heart-wrenching story. I'm glad you wrote this.
Victoria Lynn - thank you! I was so hesitant about this one...but it seemed to me people have been quiet about this case for too long. There's something wrong - if a girl can just go missing and everyone just looks the other way. I knew if it were my sister - I'd feel so powerless. If you can't get people in this world to help you? Unbelievable to me. I can't accept that. I looked a lot like Peggy at that age - we could have been sisters by chance...it really bothered me. I decided and suspected her siblings probably didn't have many viable options for getting any kind of help finding her. I have this platform right here - if I share this story with my 677 friends and they share with their friends....well maybe the right people will see this and help. It made it's way to Peggy's sister let's keep it going!
Thank you for helping!
Kelly,
You have gone beyond the 'typical' hub and are really doing something important! (well...not that all your hubs aren't important). Still...I shall share far and as wide as I can!
Thomas
It makes a big difference when people like you are willing to try to set the record straight, never giving up. The internet has become so helpful in so many ways like that. Your efforts are amazing. Keep up the good work. Glad I stopped by again.
This is a very touching and compelling story. My prayers are with Peggy and the family. I hope there's a miracle and she is safe. And if something happened, I hope for resolution, justice, closure and comfort for her family. Sharing with followers.
I know what you mean Thomas! Lol you can make me laugh no matter what:). Yeah usually I'm just cranking out the B.S.! I know what's up! Lol. Usually I'm into the entertaining niche. This one means a lot to me so thanks so much for your help in spreading the word! You're such a good dog! If you ever need a home....I'll take you even if you aren't paper trained!
Hi Ruby Rose! Thank you. I am usually writing funny stuff or about scams, this ones a little more personal. I am so glad to have awesome friends like you to help for a cause like this. I believe there are answers - no matter what someone knows something and the family deserves to at least let her know they love and miss her! Gosh for 26 years no one would lift a finger to help them....injustice! Thanks again:)
Thank you so much Marcy:). You're so awesome! If we can keep looking and making others look - she's somewhere to be found. I just didn't want to be a coward and ignore what I had heard. It made me so angry that I couldn't hardly find any information what so ever. Then I found out that it was swept under the rug! I could not just act like me or anyone like me could not help! How could I not try? I decided I couldn't and I had to at least try.
Thanks so much for your support!! I am more hopeful now than ever:)
Well.. there's always hope! The family deserves to have answers whether they're the ones they hope for or not.. I'm reposting this on Twitter and FB.. and just maybe..
Hugs to the Alt family! I'm praying for an end to your search - the hole in your life!
I definatly want to help. I will be posting this on my facebook, linkedin, google+ and twitter accounts. This shouldn't happen in any kind of time frame. Children are our future not our punching bags. If our future goes missing we need to go out of our way to get the future back.
amazing...wow...and her sister stumbled upon your writing...keep up the good work/search/awareness, etc...
Peace to Peggy and Peggy's family and friends!
What a great hub! Hopefully you getting the word out will get the right people talking and she will be found. As you said, you found a sister of hers, so someone out there will know something and share with the right people. Keep up the awesome work!
Hi Candie V - thank you so much - and I agree. There's always hope and I so appreciate your help, prayers and shares. It's encouraging to know something is happening...I mean there hasn't even been so much as a news clipping around here. I realize we live in a city with tons of crime but in 26 years this has slipped through the cracks. This case deserves a thorough investigation. Thanks for helping!
Thank you so much Robin Sparrow - I so appreciate it. This is truly a grass root effort so I'm really glad to see some activity on her behalf. Her sister up there - deserves a chance to find her. I was shopping with my sister earlier and thought about how much I take that simple seeming thing for granted. I was thinking I bet Peggy and her sister would love to do some an ordinary thing. It will take an extraordinary effort but I can't think of a better cause:). Thanks so much!
Hi somewayouttahere - yes I have to admit I hoped it would find it's way to her family. I still have ties to many people in Jeff County (my sister still lives there) so I shared it on my personal FB. I got several comments from high school friends. They were giving input and sharing it. I know how small towns work. Gossip is juicy juicy news and you say the right thing in the right ear...people will whisper - it's a short grapevine:). I just thought it would take a bit longer - the fact that it didn't is very encouraging. My other hunch was that the family might like to see some people speaking out. I figured the sisters and brothers may have been trying to get help and their efforts fell on deaf ears. So it was the case. When I found out that they just took someone's word for the explanation that she was back sounded like a very weak reason but they used it to close the case. Thank goodness it's been reopened. But it's been 26 years I think it's time to REALLY work to solve something. Not just make a few calls.
Thanks so much for your help and support!
Hi Teacher! Thanks so much - I do have a lot more hope - I am hoping her sister is following so she can have some hope too:). If everyone spreads this - it's not like we need a million bucks to invest - I'm just asking people to look at her face...just to take a moment to make sure they have never seen her. If they have - make a call! Someone knows where she is either way - usually more persons than one have more answers. Someone probably wants to tell too - it's how crime or emotions work.
I can imagine that maybe Peggy is alive out there and maybe she's picked up her phone a million times to call her family and changed her mind. Maybe she's just unsure where they are? Maybe she thinks they never looked? There are a million reasons she may not have contacted them.
Thanks so much for your help!
I shared this on my FB page, as well as Pinterest. I have already had 3 repins on Pinterest, so the word is getting out...
You are an amazing individual to aid in locating Peggy. How sad that she has not been heard from. :( My feeling tells me she just didn't disappear. I feel something sinister happened to her and people are not talking. So sad. I will pass it along and pray for the best.
Thank you for sharing this important hub. So sad and a story that is all too common in this world. I shudder think what could have happened to this precious person. We can only hope that she left and is now happy and content somewhere. I pray they find the answers soon.
Thank you for alerting us to this situation that hopefully will have closure soon.
Sunnie
RealHousewife: I am following this hub. I have been on here every day sometimes twice a day to check for any updates. I have also added this link to my fb page. I am truly grateful for all of your efforts, as well as those who have posted on their fb and twitter pages.
I have never given up hope of finding my sister. I just wish I could say for sure that I would be able to put my arms around her and tell her how much I love her.
I so hope your effort pays off and Peggy is found Kelly. As you requested I have shared this article on Facebook and Twitter etc.
Thanks so much Teacher! I'm so glad and so relieved to be doing something positive! Thank you so very much!! This is so important!
Hi AEvans - I know many people feel that way but I don't yet. I still think even if she were not alive - someone would have had abetted chance of finding her. I really just do not know - but I'm sure as heck not willing to just close my eyes and not try. Thanks for your support and thanks for sharing:)
Hi Sunnie Day - I do not know what happened - I am still hoping by fluke we find her. You never know - I was told by someone that my own father was dead - so I didn't look for him. I found him just last year and he was very much alive. It wasn't too hard to find him once I started looking - I searched property records and tracked him down like that. Now in my wildest dreams if you'd have told me ten years ago that would happens I'd have laughed at you. So I swear I'm not counting anything out! Thank you so much for your support!
Peggysister - ok that's cool...this hub has been read hundreds of times and each person sharing and tweeting will help. I'm not usre if you know how hub works - but the people leaving comments are from all over the globe...UK, Ireland, Scotland, many people from the US in every state. I feel like the action is just getting started - so don't give up hope just yet! I won't either:)
Oh thank you so much Misty! I so appreciate it - I really hope we can find Peggy and since her case was neglected for so long - no one could really get the word out before. This is all new news even though it's old news you know? You're awesome Cindy - thanks again!!
This is fantastic and the most meaningful hub I have ever come across. I pray and hope Peggy is fine and that her family may find her again. May things turn out well...kudos to your initiative RealHousewife.
What a story. I will share and keep an eye on what happens. So great that after all this time, you write about Peggy and her struggles and bring it out publicly. I certainly hope that there is a positive outcome. Thank you for writing something so important and heartfelt.
Hi Riverfish - thank you so much! I sincerely hope that it helps...everyone knows the key to finding someone is by getting the info out to the public...so when I found out about it I figured this would be a good way to spread her photo and the fact that people ARE looking for her. I have high hopes:) Thanks again! I appreciate your help and support!
Hi grinnin1 - Yeah you know I knew something just wasn't right about this. I knew that her photo should have been spread out many years ago. I saw a few threads online - pure gossip. It was super annoying and I thought - rather than entertaining yourselves why not freaking write something helpful? Then I thought - Ok ... well I can hardly just walk away - I say that I keep it real...so I thought I would just do that:) I am so happy that is does seem to be helping to at least get info out. I hoped Unsolved Mysteries might help because they could investigate and they have a wealth of resources!
Thank you so very much for the read, comment and support:)
RealHousewife: You stated that you "hoped Unsolved Mysteries might help", have heard anything saying that they can't or won't?
RealHousewife, my wife and I were just talking of difficult family situations before I came upon your Hub. These disappearances always break my heart, as an over the road trucker for years, you see them all over, and quite often the results are not a happy ending. I hope and pray that this one is the exception and ends up to be the happy ending.Sincerely, SLC ps. Thanks for caring enough to write this hub, I know this isn't easy for you either!
peggysister - no I have not heard either way. I am going to keep asking! I just do not see why they wouldn't be interested. Now - I thought of this today! How about if I have flyers made up and we can mail them to every police department in Missouri and Illinois for a start? I am worried since our technology was so bad back then there could be information somewhere. I will pay for everything myself...I would like to try that if you don't mind?
I think if we can keep pestering Unsolved - we might get their attention...I'm so afraid my emails are just mixed in with zillions! Let me know what you think or if my suggestion has already been done?? I'm thinking we should just keep shaking trees!
Hi cgfacevedo - I am amazed at how many people go missing...I troll the websites looking for Unsolved stuff and I was shocked to find that in Missouri almost every county has 0 - 5 missing persons and in three counties there are a freaking SCARY numbers - Kansas City 141 missing - St. Louis County - 335 and St. Louis City 223 or near!! What is up with that? Also I've heard of sex trafficking rings in KC. I can't say how I know this - but recently - a van was pulled over in St. Louis - there was gunfire and they found drugs and a woman chained and held captive in that van. They had been using her for sex, we need more help in these cities - apparently girls are just ripe for the picking in those three counties/cities.
I know it's a long shot - but for anyone who doubts that she can be found alive? I ask you to think about Jaycee Dugard, Shawn Hornbeck - Elizabeth Smart....those 3 come right to mind! Now Peggy Is waiting to be found. Thank you for helping!
Hi slcockerham - thank you so much for your kind words. I think this makes me feel so much better...doing nothing would have bothered me more. I saw this show on TV not long ago - it was called "What Would You Do?" I think...and it was fascinating. They created a situation where someone was obviously being horrible to another human...and they taped the reaction and actions of people around them. I was disgusted. Most humans just sat there and gawked. There were a few brazen - cool ones that did the right thing...even when people just didn't help at all. I want to be one of the ones that gets up off their ass to help:) thanks for your help too!
That's sad when someone goes missing and we never know what happened to them. That can be one of those things that could be very stressful for those individuals that are continually searching.
Hi mikeydcarroll67 - it must be the most painful feeling ever. I know I couldn't rest if one of my family members was missing...I'd have no choice but to spend my time trying to find them. Searching for people is much easier now but still - you get a common name or someone who lives off the grid - could be hit and miss. Back on 1985 though - we didn't even have computers in our homes! I worked for a lawyer at that time and I thought I was styling with my Selectric II with auto correct tape:) lol. So - I just wish this could have been investigated 26 years ago - years gone by make it so much harder but NOT impossible! Thank you so much!
This is so sad. I certainly hope she is just hiding out somewhere and doesn't want to be found. I will share this hub. I hope someone finds her soon. Not knowing is always the worst for the family.
Wow, Kelly! Amazing work, and now you and Peggy's sister are working together. I hope you find out more on her case.
Hi Jeannie - I agree I mean their sister IS out there somewhere and the family at least deserves to know if she's safe. Peggy also deserves to know where ever she is that she is loved and cared for. She should know her siblings miss her and maybe she needs to hear that. Most people - no matter how tenuous - need those connections to our roots. It was never investigated and this inequity can't be balanced but we can try to make it more right.
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Susan - it really is amazing...I am so glad to know the effort was not in vain:). I didn't know if the family would want this brought up again but I hoped that my feeling was right that I'd want someone - anyone - to reach out and help me find my family if they had a way. It seemed so wrong to just flip the light out and go back to bed pretending this was just something I couldn't help. We can all help - thank YOU for helping too! I so appreciate that!
If people stuck their necks out a little more often - maybe we could all breathe a little easier when our children are not on sight. As it stands - never blink an eye with your kids - they could be gone forever. Sad freaking reality - don't move to KC, St. Louis or St. Louis county if you have beautiful daughters!
Wow! You have truly gone above and beyond in your efforts to find Peggy. I hope that they find her - against the odds. I'm truly moved that Peggy's sister has taken the time and the courage to comment. What a big heart and outpouring of love you have and other people have demonstrated that, too, in the comments. I hope they find Peggy.
Hi cclitgirl - thank you so much! It's just nice to be able to do something productive:). I, too, think Peggy's sitter is courageous! I do think it's got to be hard to be continually worried for his sister. I'm so sure her love for Peggy outweighs any concern for herself...I so hope somehow she gets the answers she has deserved for all these years.
Thank you so much for your support and help too!
This case makes me so sad because I don't know anyone that ever knew that Peggy went missing back then. Peggy is such a sweet girl, as is her sister that I went to school with since High Ridge Elementary all the way through Northwest (class of 1988 if that is you peggyssister). I am posting this to my facebook, and hopefully with all those from my class up through Peggy's class, the word is going to be passed by everyone. I pray that she is found or contacted and that she safe and well.
How sad, I never knew she was missing. If this is the girl I believe it is, I lived up the street from her, rode the bus together and even played at her house a few times. I pray that she is ok.
Hi Cindy Smith Leach - I don't think anyone did know back then - I think it was not investigated at all then. Supposedly someone called the Sheriff's office and said that Peggy had returned home. Even though she had not - they closed the case. They didn't actually go and check to see her in the flesh.
Thank you so much for spreading the word - especially near home. She disappeared in Jeff County - so the trail starts there. It is such a shame that so much time has gone by...but someone has answers. Thank you again and good luck to you as well:)
HI cricket - thank you so very much. It is a sad situation, but the more people that have their eyes and ears open the better the chance is that she will be found. I appreciate the time you took to read and comment. Good luck to you as well:)
I would have graduated with Peggy in 1985,we started school together in 1972.
Like a lot of people I did not know she was missing until last year. The sad part is that she went missing in March of 85, I wonder how it is that a fellow classmate can go missing with 3 months left to go in the term and noone realize it.
I never heard a teacher or another student say anything about her missing. I find it quite strange that she would "run off" with only a few months until graduation.
Cricket, they lived on Hunning Rd. and Williams Creek, if that helps.
From what her sister said above, she ended up in foster care and went to Fox during that time.
Hi scthaw - yeah that was what I was kind of making a point of - I think there were just so many kids at school - it would have been really easy to get lost in the system. We just had so many kids and not enough teachers - and I think the teachers were over worked.
I think it's real weird too that she would just run off like that - and right before she turned 18! It doesn't make sense. Peggy would have been emancipated at 18 - so freedom was right there if she wanted to leave.
Tecnically - a child can leave the home at age 17 - but a parent can not "kick" them out until they are 18. It's wack.
I do hope we get some answers...it's just so wrong that no one knew back then. I don't understand how the police could have just dropped it?? That is what amazes me so much more - how could they just walk away?
Thanks so much for your support and I hooe you're doing great and living large!
Thanks a lot Cindy - you are correct on both counts. I believe the foster home was in Arnold because she went to Fox according to everyone. I was so hoping someone from our school would know something.
Have a terrific day:)
To the chick who left me a page long comment - yeah this hub isn't about you. I'm sorry if you do not like how I portrayed Northwest - it's a fact. We had over 2000 kids in school to what 50 teachers? 75? hm? We had to have classes in trailers for lack of room! I was merely pointing out that it would be easy for a kid to not be noticed if they were in need.
I had a lot of friends in school but no I didn't care for it too much. Sorry if that makes you unhappy - but this hub is about Peggy so let's not detract ok? If you'd like to chew me out more - go ahead
and send me a private message, ok? Until then - you don't know me so don't make assumptions
about me. I went to college and have had a terrific life thanks all the same.
What a sad story. Hope shes found alive and well
Hi Zann17 - thank you very much - it really is sad. I also hope she's found alive and well:).
Try contacting 48HRS Mystery, see if they can help.
Hey scthaw - that is another excellent idea! I sure will!
I sent an email to Bill McClellan at the post dispatch as well. I haven't heard back but it was only a couple of days ago that I thought of it.
Thank you - now that's super helpful thinking!!
It is amazing that they were told she was at home and no one even checked to confirm that it was her or to get any details. But this was over 20 years ago and without all of the technology we have in law enforcement today, I guess no one thought of it? I along with other commentators hope that she is alive and safe now. Lets hope when she is found that you will be doing a Hub on that!
Hi Diane - that sure would be nice. I was also shocked that not even one officer was sent to confirm that she really was home. The whole thing and how the case was handled was weird! So many why's.
I bet she already must have had a social security number - if she was in the system I'm sure of it. So one would think if she was alive...the authorities would be able to track her using this. Now it's possible she could have gotten married and never worked?
All is not as it seems in this case. It is still very weird. I realize it's an ongoing investigation but its awfully hard to find someone when you aren't looking. My grandma always used to say, "don't go looking for things you don't want to find"....for some reason that statement keeps coming to mind.
Thank you so much!
Even if she has gotten married and never worked her social security # would turn up in the files of the IRS when her and or husband had to file their income tax earnings, which according to the law is every year......
She would have also needed her social security # if she had ever applied for a loan of any kind.
There used to be a show on TV where some guy down in Florida made a living finding lost loved ones, I can't for the life of me think of the name of the show, if I do I'll post it on here, or if any other followers know the name of the shoe maybe they can be contacted as well.
Hi scthaw - thanks that is a great idea too and I know what show you mean - but I can't think of the name either! Gosh that drives me crazy because I can even picture the guy's face - I saw a few episodes of that!
Maybe someone will post it - that is a terrific idea. I wondered if she just maybe changed her name and filed for a new one...never using the old. Or look at Jaycee Dugard - she was even working and seeing people face to face.
At this point - I am not counting anything out. I don't know if someone got away with murder or if Peggy slipped away being the sneakiest, smartest 17 year old to date?
Ive recently heard some contradictions that are very strange.
Thanks - I hope we are looking in the right direction!
Care to share the contradictions?? LOL
Troy Dunn The locator, was the name of that show!
hey scthaw - I don't want to reveal the source at all but I totally think he is legit...not sure what I should do with it just yet.
They don't think Peggy ran away that I will say. I am sorry if Peggysister feels bad reading that but everyone knows it is a possibility. This person was around then too. I will keep their identity secret:)
Right! Troy Dunn - That is the guy - yeah I can see what I can find on him too! Thanks so much!!
I'm going to go out on a limb here...You decide wether or not to post it.....
Something that was stated in Peggysisters comment strikes me as strange, this hub and FB are the two places I've seen the same statement, she states on FB.
"You were not alerted to her disappearance because we weren't allowed to talk about what happened behind closed doors" and she says something along the same lines in one of her comments above, about "not talking about what went on behind closed doors".
Well, if she just ran off and nothing bad happened to her"behind closed doors" then there is no reason to remain silent, I also can't believe that they didn't know the case had been closed for over 25 years! If my daughter was missing and I didn't hear anything for a couple of years (I actually would have been calling every ten min) I would have called sooner and found out 25years ago that "someone" called and said she had returned home and the case was closed. It just doesn't add up.
I want to be positive about this but I find the circumstances just won't allow it, so instead of sittting around "thinking positive" I'm going to say what's on my mind.
A deep sadness seems to overwhelm me when I think of Peggy and all of the struggles I witnessed her having to endure and I'm sure at some point I took part in as well while we were in high school. You're right no matter what her circumstances were back then she deserves whatever help we can give in locating her.
I know scthaw - and I think you've voiced what many of us are thinking.
I'm very curious and I've received other emails privately - suggesting Peggysister isn't really Peggysister. Now - I don't know what the case is - but there are some very strange contradictions for sure. In my heart - I do not think Peggy got away. I think she's still somewhere close to her home. Maybe Peggysister doesn't know - but a family that is not vocal about their sister being lost - well there's something not right about that.
If the kids were abused - I can understand them not asking questions and refusing to believe anything but that she ran off. But why the cover up now? Who is there to fear?
I offered to send flyers out - why no response? Unless theres no use in looking for her because everyone knows where she is?
I appreciate your honesty and I do think this girl should be found. We should never just leave someone behind. If anyone of our class mates just up and was gone like that - I'd do the same. I hope no one would just let me go off and disappear and no one bothers to find out what happened!
Someone knows where she is - most likely more than one person. The answers may not come out today - but they will.
That email I received - that person was very close to the family - they also believe she did NOT run away. So you are not alone.
I'm so sorry to Peggysister - maybe you don't know what happened and hey let's not forget - maybe this person isn't allowed to tell more just now due to the investigation being open.
I'd like to know who - went to the police and had the case reopened - how did that happen last June and why??
Me too, there are too many mysteries surrounding this case as all of the comments so thoroughly point out.
Diane - I am just letting the comments roll. This is how secrets start to come out. I do wonder if that is what the family fears. I mean - like above - if it were my sister - well you'd all know this long ago, I'd be up in everyone's faces...I'd be trying to get news coverage - I'd be begging for help!
I do not understand several points such as this.
Nothing makes sense. Like Peggysister said earlier - each time they would call the police they would say shed been found and the ace was closed".....ok well then where was she found? Who said that? The police told me - the father reported her missing. I say - the mystery starts right there from that call.
Why did he say she was missing? How did they know? In the poster it says she was last seen "the day before". Everyone knows - off Hunning and Schumacher lane? You don't just go walking off and take a bus somewhere. Peggy had no car and probably not much money or any other resources.
The truth will come out. I would love to think positively too but I hold little hope Peggy is alive. It's a bigger possibility that she isn't. I only remember something terrible happening to one other girl - some of you may remebr Denise Detrick? She was murdered when I was in 4th grade...they found her killer. Girls just didn't go missing where we lived. It was an insualted community I think...everyone knew everyone else.
I think there are a few people with answers, once those key people realize that this is unraveling...I think people will start talking. The first people that start to talk are usually the ones who don't go to jail.
I'm still waiting to hear from a few people I've written to...I'll update if I get new news:)
scthaw: I want you to know that the situation about not talking about what went on behind closed doors wasn't just isolated to Peggy's disappearance!! It was a part of what our everyday lives from the time we were old enough to understand!!!!! There were BAD things going on in that house!!! We were not allowed to talk about it!!!!!
I really don't know where my sister is!!! When she disappeared, I was only 15, I didn't know how to even begin to look for her on my own.
My other sister was told back in 2005 that Peggy's case was closed.How dare you say that we are trying to cover something up!! You have no idea the hell some of have been through looking for my sister over the past 26 years!!
I actually agree with you that if it was my child, I would have been calling every ten minutes, but she wasn't my child, she was my sister and I WAS a child.I think that my parents should have been spending every minute of every day looking for her, I don't know why they didn't and that is their business.
When I became able and aware of the steps to take, I started looking for my sister again. When I talked to the Sheriff's Department, I asked the questions that my mother should have been asking 26 years ago.
The Sheriff's Department didn't call and say Peggy was found. Someone from our family called and said Peggy was found, but not until years later. It was not protocol for a deputy to come and check on the victim back then, I wish that it was, perhaps this case would have been solved by now.I hope the truth about my sister's disappearance comes out soon. I still love her and miss her very much, no matter what you seem to think!!!
Hi Peggysister - I thought that is what you may have meant. I have gotten word from someone who says that you were not allowed to talk about her. I've also had word that the authorities may have been part of a cover up. I'm not sure why but I've always thought it was awful shoddy detective work - and why drop the ball on that case?
I'm so sorry - I know this is very stressful for you but if you really want to find her - these things have to be asked and answered.
One reader wants to know where was Peggy last seen? At your home or the foster home in Arnold? I'm not sure.
People are writing to me that are afraid. Even after all these years - being grown up and everything they fear different things. I will never ever reveal a source unless I'm legally bound. So for anyone else who wants to speak or has anything to say - you go shed and feel free to private message me also. I will keep confidentiality, this is how it will get solved. Little pieces that fit together.
Peggysister - I totally understand feeling so afraid you can't do what you know you should do. I understand the feeling of being suffocated by your own scary thoughts - I'm so sorry about what happened to all of you. Everyone clearly knows this is not your doing and that you did your best to survive. You should be proud of yourself. All these people - do care about you and I know you can see everyone agrees it isn't your fault:)
So did anyone ever send flyers of her out? Who was her older boyfriend - can you say?
I'd also like to remind people that I know certain things can't be revealed because the investigation is ongoing - so we should all know you may not be able to say certain things. But it doesn't look to me like there has been much going on anyway...I still have heard nothing locally.
I'm sure it's also very hard to remember details from so long ago too - and maybe you will start to remember things in the future that didn't make sense then but do now.
Are your folks still alive? I think your parents hold the key.
Thanks and again - I am sorry I know this hurts but sometimes you must go back to the past to fix the future.
RealHousewife: First, I AM Peggy's sister!!! I have spent the last 26 years crying for her!!
We all handle our grief differently, just because we didn't get the media involved, doesn't mean we stopped looking for her!!! What you all don't seem to understand,is that, for what ever reason, my parents didn't make much of an effort to find her, and we were just KIDS!!! We didn't know how to go about contacting the newspaper & television stations. Please stop making it sound like we weren't looking for her or didn't care about her, or that we are trying to hide something. She was our sister, we did the best we could back then, we just didn't know.
I am not covering anything up in this case, I am just not allowed to tell everything that I know!!! I live in Poplar Bluff and I can't do anymore than I am doing right now to help to find my sister. I have constant contact with the lead detective and I have been completely open and honest with him..
As far as the fliers, I was waiting on a response from the lead detective in this case, he said that it would be fine, the more people that know the better.
I cannot tell you what the report says about "where she was found" or who said that she was found. My dad IS the one who reported her missing. We knew she was missing when she didn't come home. How would you know someone you loved was missing?!
I don't know what poster you are talking about that mentions Hunning Road, we never lived on Hunning Road and that's not where she disappeared from.
I don't know who your other source is,& I don't care but you really need to get your facts straight.
The case was reopened because I called and talk to someone who was working on a similar case. They contacted Jefferson County for me and it took off from there. It had nothing to do with John being arrested on some big break, just that we finally got in touch with the right people. You all seem to have a sheriff now who actually cares about his community.
I really do want to find my sister, this case may have been just now officially opened, but for me and certain other people in my family, it was never closed. I must say again, some of us have never stopped looking for Peggy. Those who have, think that she is already dead.
RealHousewife: I hope that convinces you that I am indeed Peggy sister. I can't answer a lot of questions,but I can answer the ones that are public knowledge. Such as, Peggy was last seen walking away from our house on Williams Creek. No one sent fliers out, but the detective told me that the more people that know the better, so I will assume it is ok to put the out. I don't know if it would do me any good down here, since this all happened in High Ridge. I haven't decided yet.
I can not say who her older boyfriend was.
They detectives are doing the very best they can with what they have to work with. I know that it is hard to pick up the trail of a case that is 26 years cold.
Yes my parents are alive.
Of course bringing up the past is painful, but the hurtful part is reading the negative comments from people who have no idea what our lives were like growing up.
I do appreciate what you are doing, this is getting people talking, I don't know what you know but, know this...I am Peggy's sister, I love and miss her very much! I am being completely honest with the things that I tell you. I have and will continue to keep updated on the things that I am allowed to.
Peggysister
Peggysister - Please do not guilt trip yourself. Everyone knows that YOU were just a kid. I have maintained all along that you kids would not have known what to do - and I didn't either.
Shame on all the adults that were around you and didn't try to help - and I know there are a lot of convenient excuses but they would all be bullshit. I think you were a victim of your circumstance and you probably had to develop some tunnel vision just so you could survive. No one blames you - and i am so sorry.
I am so glad you do have the opportunity to say what you want here though. To be able to say "get your facts straight!" I am trying - it is so convaluted and like you say - it is an old case.
You are amazing! I really don't think anyone holds you or your siblings responsible - I think there is more anger directed toward the adults that were around and didn't behave as we expected them to.
I do hope we find all the answers and I will have fliers made. I have had a few folks that said they would volunteer to help out mailing them.
Give yourself a break - everyone is skeptical about onlline stuff - don't be offended that people are not sure about your identity. For all they know - I could be commenting under your name - I could have just made it up myself. So what if people think that - YOU know I didn't don't you?
I think people do have some idea - and the emails I got are from some people that LOVE you - they care about you and they do not want to hurt you either...it is why they do not want to make their comments public. I understand that.
I do think the answer is people talking. I will let you know as soon as I can have the fliers done. I will take a copy of the missing persons one - is that ok with you? Feel free to leave anything additional here - if you have a message you want me to add.
The police have not called me back yet - but I am going to share my emails with them without revealing the sources. Last time it took them a few days to get around to me and I left a message on the non-emergent line:) I will let you know if I receive any more info as well!
Try to have a nice weekend!
This article has been read more than 2000 times Peggysister - that's a lot more people talking!!
RealHousewife:
I hope the right person comes across it and helps us to find her!!!!
Me too. And I tried to respond to the email - won't go thru - the answer is no - they aren't sharing only listening but I've been in touch. Still waiting for a return on the last one.
I'll get the flyers this weekend. I'll mail them to police departments in every county in Missouri and surrounding in Illinois. I think I should get some to busy areas in High Risge too...like the post office - stores, like that. Not everyone reads:).
I think we do need the right person to see it or pass it along.
Oh and I was referring to Hunning - bc a commenter said you had lived over there. I didn't think that was right because I rode that bus home every night. I'd have remembered that. I said Schumacher by accident though - sorry people - I was thinking about that area - I had two friends that lived back there. Didn't mean to confuse things - but I thought the person was right and I was wrong.
Great Hub! I'll share it :)
for everyone out there who has read this hub, sent thoughts of prayers, best wishes or shared this, I greatly appreciate you!!!
Peggysister
Hey and if tou have children Pegfysister - I wish you a wonderful Mother's Day!!
Hey Peggysister - sorry I have been so busy this week with family business. The school year ending...I am going to have those flyers made up this weekend.
I have had some questions for you if you can answer them:
1) Why did Peggy move back to High Ridge from Arnold? Was she placed back into your home?
2) Was your step-father a police officer?
Thanks - and I will try to figure out a way to Tweet out the flyer when it gets done - maybe you could make an account and find me on Twitter - realhousewifesl - Ok?
That was my mistake on Hunning Road. My husband grew up on Hunning and he thought you all lived for a couple of years when he was little :) Sorry about that.
Oh Cindy no big deal at all! Hey at least you are trying to help! I simply am confused about where they lived. I know I went to North Jeff with some of the kids too though. It's been a really long time since I've been out that way, it's totally grown up! I fist moved out to Fenton in 1978....there was NOTHING out there! Highway 30 was a forest then. The National grocery store - Kmart - the gas stations - nothing back then. Miles and miles of trees!!
I sincerely appreciate your help - so even if we have to speculate and guess until we get it right - at least we are trying!
Have a terrific weekend:)
Also Peggysister - what about the name Barbara Seeley - does that mean anything to you? Maybe your older siblings will remember her? She was involved in this case too wasn't she?
I picked the flyers up today - I got 500 of them to start with. I used the poster from The Exploited and Missing Children's website because it had the age progressed photo as well. I also added a note for more information - and a link to this article. I think that it is an awesome advantage to have a place where someone who just might see this can leave us a comment or more info.
I will begin mailing these out to all the police departments locally, starting with Jefferson County and fanning in an outward radius. I am also going to leave them in stores, post office's or anywhere that allows you to pin up a poster.
realhousewife: thanks
peggysister
You're very welcome Peggysister - help for you has been a LONG time in coming. I am so glad to be able to try to help and not just talk:).
I hope you're having a nice beginning of your summer this year...it is going to be super hot and miserable around here before too long.
Keep your chin up - maybe we will get a break before too long or some helpful information:)
I was just wondering, did your biological father report Peggy missing or your step father?
I also do think your step-daddy was a cop. I think that is why there was no investigation. I know you probably can not comment and I do respect that - I am just saying for speculation about why things worked out how they did.
wildrosebush 4 months ago
So sad. I think we all know a few people at school that we have a pretty good idea were living in a bad situation at home. I think its really sweet that you care enough to write about her. Thank you.