A large number of federal marshals left Springfield for the wilds of Ripley and Oregon counties to break up some illicit stills. These were said to be the last in Missouri. The press releases, however, got out before the raids and they whole thing.

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.