Missouri was under marshal law and selling liquor was prohibited. In Central Missouri, Lt. Franklin Swope was on a crusade to seize illicit liquor and he seized brandy in three different places including the property of a miller, an army sergeant, and a local judge.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.