That May-December marriage reminds me of a book I read many years ago, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All. I was a teenager ay the time and was horrified at the thought of it. 😂
Gosh, Jodi, I remember reading that book, too, and I feel like there may have been a miniseries? The age difference between John and his wife was one of the things that really hooked me into the story initially, and then the more I learned, the more I knew it was one I wanted to share. I mean, their gap is how old I am! yikes lol
I have a similar occurrence in a family story, one person shot dead by another on a road when they met. Same result, a not-guilty verdict. When the person who ends up "kil't" made a point of publicly saying he's going to kill the other...well, they've set themselves up for the blame. Very interesting story. Eager to hear more.
So many question lol! Do you know what the feud was about? Was the trial long and contentious like this one or a clear cut case of self defense? The whole shooting someone you meet o the road seems like such a cliche or movie trope, but it was apparently a thing! Thanks for sharing that story! I hope thee next parts of this story are equally engaging for you 🤞🏻
What an incredible story Lori, excellent detailed research woven into an incredible story, a real life bootlegger. One of those stories that leaves us with far more questions than answers looking forward to part 2.
What an interesting biography and it puts a human face on the prevalence of bootlegging in history. Have you read Shrad's SMASHING THE LIQUOR MACHINE: A GLOBAL HISTORY by Mark Shrad (Oxford U Press, 2021)? This post reminded me of his more scholarly approach.
Oh I have not, but will definitely check it out - thanks! I have learned so much about prohibition and bootlegging (plus the convict leasing system - yikes) in putting this story together and it is way more nuanced than I ever thought it was. I think that's one of my favorite things about writing here, each lost and found story encourages me to research and learn something different and new that I might not come across in my other writing activities. Again, thanks for the recommendation!
The broad sweep of global history is quite different in approach (and tbh often boring to read) which is why I enjoy reading local history grounded in people and places where the circumstances exemplify the complexity of historical influences. Great essay!
Very true, and, not to spill the beans, but as this story plays out, it touches on a lot of the big, gnarly issues of the day — to the point that I have really struggled to find the right balance and stay focused on John George. I’m still not sure I found it…
That May-December marriage reminds me of a book I read many years ago, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All. I was a teenager ay the time and was horrified at the thought of it. 😂
Gosh, Jodi, I remember reading that book, too, and I feel like there may have been a miniseries? The age difference between John and his wife was one of the things that really hooked me into the story initially, and then the more I learned, the more I knew it was one I wanted to share. I mean, their gap is how old I am! yikes lol
Yes, I think there was a miniseries! Now I have to go see if it's available somewhere.
I love your writing style! So engaging. I can’t wait to read part 2!
Thanks, Kirsi!
I have a similar occurrence in a family story, one person shot dead by another on a road when they met. Same result, a not-guilty verdict. When the person who ends up "kil't" made a point of publicly saying he's going to kill the other...well, they've set themselves up for the blame. Very interesting story. Eager to hear more.
So many question lol! Do you know what the feud was about? Was the trial long and contentious like this one or a clear cut case of self defense? The whole shooting someone you meet o the road seems like such a cliche or movie trope, but it was apparently a thing! Thanks for sharing that story! I hope thee next parts of this story are equally engaging for you 🤞🏻
Yes, it was a family story as well as documented in the newspaper. Here's a link to a post I did about it back in July.
https://open.substack.com/pub/cynthiaboatrightraleigh/p/murder-in-the-family?r=kbim2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
What an interesting story, especially the way you tell it!
Thanks, Shell! It was loads of fun to research and put together.glad you enjoyed it.
Oh my goodness! You had me hooked at the newspaper article at the beginning. How fascinating. I can’t wait to read part 2.
Thanks, @Lesley! I’m so glad you enjoyed toast 1 and can’t wait to hear how you feel about the story, and John, as it moves forward.
What an incredible story Lori, excellent detailed research woven into an incredible story, a real life bootlegger. One of those stories that leaves us with far more questions than answers looking forward to part 2.
Wow, I'm hooked already. Well done, Lori!
I didn't know about your other blog, Subscribed!
Awesome thanks!!
A really interesting read, thank you. I am looking forward to part 2.
Thanks, Jane! John George was quite a character and his story only gets better!
The words 'likeable rogue' spring to mind.
What an interesting biography and it puts a human face on the prevalence of bootlegging in history. Have you read Shrad's SMASHING THE LIQUOR MACHINE: A GLOBAL HISTORY by Mark Shrad (Oxford U Press, 2021)? This post reminded me of his more scholarly approach.
Oh I have not, but will definitely check it out - thanks! I have learned so much about prohibition and bootlegging (plus the convict leasing system - yikes) in putting this story together and it is way more nuanced than I ever thought it was. I think that's one of my favorite things about writing here, each lost and found story encourages me to research and learn something different and new that I might not come across in my other writing activities. Again, thanks for the recommendation!
The broad sweep of global history is quite different in approach (and tbh often boring to read) which is why I enjoy reading local history grounded in people and places where the circumstances exemplify the complexity of historical influences. Great essay!
Very true, and, not to spill the beans, but as this story plays out, it touches on a lot of the big, gnarly issues of the day — to the point that I have really struggled to find the right balance and stay focused on John George. I’m still not sure I found it…