Doctor Cat, a.k.a. Joseph McKay, was a man who was a dentist by trade but who lived a secret second life as a Hoodooman in New Orleans in the early 1900s.
McKay ran a mail-order Hoodoo business, selling potions, powders, candles, mojo hands, and tonics for all manner of ailments. He quickly became wealthy and attracted the attention of the law. Unfortunately McKay chose not to market his products for spiritual purposes but instead guaranteed cures. Charges of defrauding clients were levelled against McKay and he and his mistress fled New Orleans. The pair were apprehended in 1914.
At trial, McKay claimed to be a 127 year-old sorcerer, though witnesses claimed he looked no older than 27 years of age. McKay was convicted and was sentenced to 2 years in a federal penitentiary. Upon his release McKay disappeared and his ultimate fate remains a mystery.
Voodoo In New Orleans by Robert Tallient
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