SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
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Citizens of
​Shoal Creek


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​Bob Green
I was born in 1810 in Washington County, Tennessee, the oldest of what would eventually be 11 children. Pa moved us to northern Ray County, Missouri in 1828, some of the first settlers in what became known as the Buncumb Corridor, which was the buffer zone between Christian Ray County, and Mormon Caldwell County. I was 18 at the time, and had itchy feet, so I went on to what was then the Mexican state of Texas. In 1836 I fought with Sam Houston at San Jacinto, and went on to become a Texas Ranger, but I still had itchy feet, so about 1840 I headed west to make my fortune as a trapper. However, the glory days of the fur trade was over, so while I could make a living, I did not get rich. I began hiring on as a scout and Indian fighter along the Santa Fe trail, becoming very familiar with the area. When the Mexican War came about, I joined up as a scout with Kearney's column at Bent's Fort. We captured Santa Fe, and when Kearney went on to California, I went with Col. Doniphan into Mexico, fighting at Brazito on Christmas Day, 1846, and in February at Sacramento, where the victory allowed us to capture Chihuahua. After that battle I travel with a party taking the news to General Taylor. With the capture of Mexico City, my unit traveled back to Vera Cruz, then took a ship to New Orleans. I then caught a steamboat to St. Louis, then traveled overland back to Ray County. I had a nice visit, then went back west to the mountains, where I stayed until the outbreak of the Civil War. That is when life got interesting, but that is a story for another time.


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Lester Williamson
My name is L.A. Williamson. I was born on September 17, 1836 in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. My parents moved to Independence, Jackson County, Missouri in 1845. My pa was a carpenter while my ma took care of me and my 7 siblings. In 1856 I moved to Clay County Missouri near Liberty and opened my own carpenter shop. I moved back outside Independence after my father’s death and took over his shop. In 1860 I met and married Mary Josephine Younger, sister of younger brothers. We had two children, Jeptha born in 1862 and Margaret born in 1864. After hostilities began, I rode with Captain W.C. Quantrell and was present on most of his operations, including Lawrence, KS. While I was away, I got word that my homestead had been burned and my property stolen. My family was made destitute by Yankee soldiers.
I ended up in Shoal Creek, Clay County, MO due to tracking down the yankee General who ordered my home destroyed. The last yankee officer I dispatched told me the General’s name was something like “Crow Foot”. I was told that he may now be running the town newspaper. I feel that I’m getting close to finding him to make him pay for his mistake. That will be the end of a long journey. After I finish my mission, I will rejoin my brothers-in-law and the James boys .


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Deena Roe
My name is Bad Betty. I am an outlaw from Platte County, Missouri. I have rode with the James/Younger gang on several occasions. It was on one of those occasions that I met my dear friend, Belle Starr. Many do not know that she has traveled to Shoal Creek several times and would stay with my cousin. I am not going to say where my current location is....I am wanted!


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Joseph Roe
My name is J.R. Roe. My birth date is 1830 while on a wagon train west. My Father (Doc Roe) became the town doctor and Mother was the schoolmarm of Platte City, Missouri in 1836. I attended Humbolt Medical College 1856 in St. Louis, Missouri to follow my father in the medical field. I was a physician during the Civil War and had to attend to soldiers from both the North and South. In 1865 I settled down in the town of Shoal Creek, Missouri. I built a small cabin and became the town doctor. Trouble came to town in February of 1866 after the bank in Liberty, Missouri was robbed. The Sheriff of Shoal Creek was run out of town by the James / Younger gang. I decided to run for Sheriff since I could see more money in it then doctoring.  I am currently the Sheriff of Shoal Creek, Missouri and always ready for outlaws to visit my jail.


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Rebecca Jackson
I am Miss Becky. I have had to take a stand against injustice in Shoal Creek most of my life. I have defended my family’s farm from the corrupt Sheriff to taking a stand for my right to have a say in how the law is made. My gun is ready & at my side if it has to come to that. If laws do not include me then they do not apply to me.

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Betty Thayer Kunkel​
 My name is Elizabeth Rebecca Bealmer Wright but all my kinfolk and neighbors call me Aunt Betty. I was born in Benton County, Arkansas just a few miles from Elkhorn Tavern. You might have heard of that place because on March 7 and 8, 1862 a battle was fought there during the early part of the great War of Northern Aggression.  Several of the menfolk in my family fought to protect our land even though they didn't officially join the army. After the War, I married a good man, Righard Blandamon Wright. Life was hard in those days and farming in northwest Arkansas was not easy or profitable. We got word that the fertile land of Missouri offered a chance for a new beginning and a better life, so we traveled north by team and wagon with high hopes. We settled in Macon County, Missouri in the Dodd Community but after my husband's passing I was wild for a new adventure and settled in Shoal Creek, Clay County where I had some kinfolk. My children were against my decision but I am a stubborn woman and I have not once regretted my move. You might see me singing in the church or sitting on the Mercantile porch playing my banjo. I'm in the midst of trying to buy the Stribling property but the owner wants an arm and a leg for it and I'm a little strapped for money, being a widow woman. Many folks have asked me how old I am. My reply is "Can you keep a secret?" They always answer "Yes." Then I reply "So can I!" Can you believe the nerve of some people? I'm very happy here and hope to live out the rest of my days in the Shoal Creek community. 
(Note: Aunt Betty Wright was my great grandmother. This backstory is based on historical facts, but blended to suit my Shoal Creek persona.) 




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J.Purkaple
Mr. J. P. Miles of Shoal Creek, Missouri.
Born at Hannibal, Missouri, but lived the first few years of his life in Winchester, in Scott County, Illinois. Then moved with his family back into Missouri, and soon after to southwestern Clay County. His father was a preacher who rode the Baptist circuit. His mother was briefly a schoolteacher before quitting it to raise her children. He planned on following his father into the ministry, and did receive his ordination from the Southern Baptist Convention, but first took up the occupation of wandering vagabond. While in Oregon County, war broke out. Lied about his age to enlist in the fall of 1862. Mustered in near Batesville, February 1863, as a teamster. First saw action at the Battle of Hartville, and served in Col. Burbridge's Regiment of Gen. Marmaduke's Missouri Cavalry all through Price's Raid unto the war's end in June 1865. Penniless and defeated, he migrated back to Clay County and found his way up to Shoal Creek, where he has since lived and can usually be found smoking and playing cards at the inn. He is never without his trusty revolver, but being scatterbrained he frequently forgets to load it before attempting to fire.


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Steve Reeves
My name is Steve Reeves i have also done business as a hemp trader from Jackson County I served the people of Missouri as a member of the Ninth Missouri Cav I mostly just want to be left alone by the sheriff and his deputies but still am willing to help protect the people of our town.


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Jerod Green
My name is US Marshal Green from Lincoln Co. retired law man at Shoal Creek Helping Sherriff Roe. I agreed too be his deputy to help him.


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Cary S. Rinkenbaugh Sr.
My name is Ricky “hillbilly” Bobby and I’m known around town as the most lovable guy that can’t be around an open flame. I want to be your next mayor so if you’re looking to sell your vote than I’m looking to buy it.


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Les Nails Hunt
Name is Lefty retired bank robber. On vacation at Shoal Creek​


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Colby Rollins
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My name is Jesse W. James. Leader of the James/Younger gang from Kearney, Missouri.


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  • Home
  • 2022 Events
  • History of Shoal Creek
  • Citizens of Shoal Creek
  • Shoal Creek Videos
  • School Programs-Weddings
  • Photography Annual Usage Pass and Commercial Filming
  • James Country Mercantile
  • Community Partners
  • Other Historical Sites
  • Home