On the eve of the 1898 election, the old Webster County Courthouse was crowded with officials collecting ballots and preparing for the next day’s vote. Beneath its dome, a simmering feud between two Caddo neighbors erupted in gunfire.

David H. Shelby was a respected farmer, family man, and community leader. Richard D. Kazee was a once-successful stockman worn down by bereavement, financial troubles, political conflict, and rumors of theft from a church collection plate. When Kazee confronted Shelby in the courthouse hall, dozens witnessed what followed.

Champ traces the grievances that led to Shelby’s murder, Kazee’s swift conviction, and the extraordinary circumstances that allowed a condemned man to beat the rope. It’s a story of politics, personal ruin, frontier-era justice, and just how loosely the jailhouse doors could swing in nineteenth-century Missouri.

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Join Champ as he welcomes historian and longtime friend Todd Wilkinson back to the Wild N’ Woolly Ozarks for a wide-ranging discussion of German immigration to Missouri. They explore the religious, political, and economic forces that brought German settlers west, their role in the Civil War, the backlash they faced during World War I, and the lasting influence of German culture on Missouri’s towns, churches, farms, festivals, food, beer, wine, education, and holiday traditions.

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In the first installment of “Beating the Rope,” Champ tells the wild true story of James “Crazy Jim” Crisp, an accused murderer whose 1891 crime set off years of escapes, delays, appeals, insanity claims, and political wrangling across southwest Missouri. It is a sprawling Ozarks tale of murder, justice, and one man’s remarkable effort to avoid the gallows.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:22 The Tale of Jim Crisp
• 05:27 The Murder of John Pruitt
• 09:35 The Pursuit and Capture of Crisp
• 17:59 Crisp's Escapes and Recaptures
• 31:52 Crisp's Change of Venue
• 32:16 The Trial Begins
• 36:06 The Insanity Plea
• 37:55 Verdict and Sentencing
• 38:55 Appeal and Commutation
• 49:22 Sheriff's Trial
• 58:24 Remand to Lunatic Asylum
• 01:00:14 Aftermath and Legacy

Join us today as we discuss the Wild Bill Hickok & Davis Tutt shootout and what really happened on the square in Springfield, MO on that day in 1865 that launched a thousand legends in the history of the American Old West. Champ is on location at the Springfield Library Center with Michael Price and Brandon Broughton, both with the Library Center. Together they separate fact from fiction, focusing on documents and actual accounts from the time. They reconstruct the crime scene, and explore the characters of Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok, as well as Springfield's wartime experience and the political upheaval in the city. The conversation also covers the trial and legal proceedings, and the life of a facinating character in Springfield history, Davis' half brother, Lewis Tutt.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Wild Woolly Ozarks
• 06:12 The Legend of Wild Bill Hickok
• 12:08 The Characters: Davis Tutt and Wild Bill Hickok
• 30:24 Springfield's Wartime Experience
• 37:11 The Political Upheaval in Springfield
• 51:51 The Trial and Legal Proceedings
• 01:27:24 The Legacy of the Hickok Tut Shooting

Mark Kumming returns to answer your questions about the evolution of Silver Dollar City, and the theme park attractions and behind-the-scenes operations of the park. Mark shares insights on the origins of Silver Dollar City, the legend of the Yoakum Silver Dollar, the historical significance of the park, and details about specific attractions such as the flooded mine and the Silver Dollar City train. Additionally, Mark discusses his books and publications, offering a deeper dive into the Ozark's history and legends.

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Today's guest is Danette House, and our conversation is about old Ozark colloquialisms, uncovering the language, settlement history, immigration influence, survival of old language, and regional dialects of the people of the Ozarks. We discuss the unique linguistic characteristics of the region, Ozark cuisine, old sayings, folklore, and expressions, providing insights into the unique culture and language of the region. We also explore the historical significance of certain phrases and the impact of the Civil War on local communities.

This episode's sponsor is Penny Pinchers Discount Grocery in Marshfield, MO.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring the Wild and Woolly Ozarks
• 10:58 The Great Wagon Road and Ozark Settlement
• 19:24 Immigration and Language Influence
• 28:26 Survival of Old Language and Cultural References
• 44:11 Ozark Language and Regional Dialects
• 50:12 Ozark Cuisine and Old Sayings
• 56:16 Drunk Sayings and Expressions
• 01:03:36 Upcoming Topics and Sponsorship
• 02:00:00 Reflections on Society and Culture

This episode, Champ explores the Clark's Creek Gang and its leader, Henry Turner including his indictment and conviction. The investigation takes a few rabbit trails through some of the dark history of 19th century Webster and Wright county.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Indictment and Conviction of Henry Turner
• 36:29 The Murder of Henry Turner
• 41:40 The Mitchell Brothers and Jack Kaufman
• 48:11 The Trial and Sentencing of Green Barnes
• 53:11 Green Barnes' Life After Prison

In this episode Champ dives into the wild and woolly life of Colonel Thomas K. Paul, a controversial figure in the history of Webster County, Missouri. From his involvement in the Civil War to his legal and business endeavors, Colonel Paul's life is a tapestry of mystery and notoriety. The story of Colonel Paul's controversial life and legal troubles in the 1890s is explored, revealing his involvement in politics, jury fixing, estate management, and even buried treasure. His colorful character and impact on the community are highlighted, shedding light on forgotten history.

Takeaways

• Colonel Thomas K. Paul's life is a fascinating blend of military service, legal practice, business ventures, and political involvement.
• The story of Colonel Paul offers a glimpse into the complex and often controversial history of post-Civil War Missouri. Colonel Paul's life was marked by controversy, legal troubles, and a colorful character.
• The story of Colonel Paul provides insight into forgotten history and the impact of individuals on their communities.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Colonel Paul
• 12:19 Legal and Business Ventures
• 18:51 Controversies and Scandals
• 33:49 Colonel Paul's Political Ambitions
• 46:18 Colonel Paul's Whiskey Cases
• 53:54 Colonel Paul's Buried Treasure