World War II has often been described as “the good war” and those who lived and fought during this period in history are often called “the greatest generation.”

While Americans who answered the call to save Europe from Germany were indeed remarkable and made incredible sacrifices, there has been much hidden from the American public, and when one reads Hellstorm they might very well take away the feeling that Germany wasn’t the threat.

As shocking as that statement may seem, one has to realize that Germany was not the only participant with a propaganda machine, and Goodrich painstakingly documents this, along with a long list of atrocities that the American, British and Soviet leadership encouraged.

One of the worst was the decision to firebomb the German city of Dresden. In 1945 the war was all but over for Germany; its cities had been turned into rubble. One city that had been spared was Dresden. Normally the city had a population of 600,000 but the influx of refugees had doubled the city in size. It was not a military city, nor was it in possession of war-time military industry.

It had been a city known for its art and architecture and in 1945 was also a place in which wounded German soldiers were hospitalized. Nevertheless, between February 13-15 nearly 1,000 British and American bombers turned the city into rubble.

After the first wave came the second wave, in which the Allies dropped incendiary bombs that turned the city into a giant furnace, so hot that it melted the streets, and with it the people who were trying to flee. Those who survived started to gather at a park and were strafed by Allied fighter planes. Initial estimates were that 200, 000 were killed with later estimates claiming as many as 400,000-500,000 civilian deaths.

Other atrocities included widespread rape. As the Soviets invaded Germany it was not uncommon for the invaders to rape girls as young as 10 years of age up to elderly women. Some of them were literally raped to death, by groups of 30 to 200 men. The raping, pillaging and the murder did not stop.

Another tragic account found in Hellstorm is the treatment of German POWs after the war. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, in an effort to subvert the Geneva Convention, changed the designation of German soldiers from POW’s to Disarmed Enemy Forces, at which time he began to starve them, resulting in a death toll of hundreds of thousands.

Shockingly at war’s end, German civilians were forced into slavery in either the Soviet Union or France; many would never return.

Hellstorm is not for those who possess a weak constitution but it is a book that needs to be read. Upon doing so the reader will realize that no one walked away with clean hands. Thomas Goodrich, in a quote from an American historian sums it up best:

“The most staggering in all history. It is deliberate, it is brutal , it is enormous- it is an Allied crime.”

Capture of John Bolin Wed, Feb 10, 1864 – Page 1 · The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.com

The February 10, 1864 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer carried the news of John Bolin’s capture on Holcomb Island, the many papers mistakenly reported Holcomb was “near” Cape Girardeau, Missouri , it is much farther South.

The paper reported that Union forces killed seven and captured eight of Bolin’s command (including Bolin himself) and were taken to Cape Girardeau. The paper also noted that Bolin was present at the Round Pond Massacre, where a Union wagon train was encamped for the night.

Round Pond, near present day Delta, Missouri, lay along the Cape Girardeau to Bloomfield Road. The spring-fed pond was a popular location for travelers along the road to camp for the night.

Bolin never received a trial.

In a dispatch from Colonel J.B. Rogers to General Fisk, published in the February 8, 1864 edition of Louisville, Kentucky’s “The Courier-Journal” Roger’s writes:

“Cape Girardeau, Feb. 5, 1864

We have Lieut. John F. Bolin here in irons. He commanded at the Round Pond Massacre and is guilty of many cold-blooded murders of citizens. Let me convene a commission and try him here, as all the witnesses are here. The feeling here is intense against him being sent away for trial.”

It is interesting that Colonel J.B. Rogers referred to Bolin as a “cold-blooded murderer” as Rogers was accused of war-crimes himself. (Read “Who Murdered the Patterson Family” by clicking this link)

Before Bolin could be tried, a group of citizens and soldiers broke him out of the cell he was being held in and executed him.

Newspaper feud between Marble Hill Times and Dunklin Democrat Fri, Oct 29, 1897 – 2 · Dunklin Democrat (Kennett, Missouri) · Newspapers.com

From the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s it was not uncommon for rival newspapers to take lighthearted jabs at each other from time to time but an article found in the October 29, 1897 Dunklin Democrat newspaper revealed a feud between two papers that was anything but lighthearted, in fact, it was down right nasty.

The Dunklin Democrat began its article by quoting the Marble Hill Times (who seems to have fired the first volley). According to the Dunklin Democrat, the Times had published the following:

“The tide of immigration has been moving toward the productive lands of Dunklin county for some time. Well enough it is that something is done to keep up the population for the number of murders that are committed in that county is very great as compared with other counties of this section.”

The Dunklin Democrat returned the fire by publishing:

“For some reason the Times rarely lets an opportunity pass when it can give Dunklin county a slap that it does not do it. And it should not. A considerable portion of Dunklin’s population is of ex-citizens of Bollinger county, and they are doing well here. Come to think of it, maybe that is the very reason the Times is envious of Dunklin?”

The Dunklin Democrat went on to state that Dunklin county had grown by 50% in seven years and that are large number of transients had passed through.

The Dunklin Democrat ended the article with the following salvo:

“If Dunklin is such a dangerous, murderous place , does it not look suspicious that the editor of the Times should want his competitor of the Press induced to move here? Or would he really like to see that troublesome Hill leveled?”

In early 1861 states found themselves with a difficult decision to make, either secede or stay loyal to the Union.

In few areas was this decision more difficult to make than in Missouri. Missouri was settled primarily by Southerners from Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky, or in Bollinger County’s case, North Carolinians but the late 1840’s through the 1850’s the state saw a large influx of German immigration.

As Southern states started to secede, Missouri chose to have a convention on whether or not to secede, each county held a convention to select delegates to Jefferson City to debate the question.

The February 11, 1861 Daily Missouri Republican (St. Louis) reported the convention that took place in Dallas (present day Marble Hill) of February 2, 1861 which stated, in part:

“We the citizens of Bollinger County, in mass meeting assembled, pursuant to previous notice, hereby adopt the following preamble and resolutions:

WHEREAS, by the pernicious and persistent intermeddling with the domestic concerns of the South by the states and the people of the North, our heretofore glorious Union is imperrelled, and;

WHEREAS, it behooves every patriotic citizen to meet the impending crisis with moderation, yet with decision and firmness, and;

WHEREAS, it is hoped by all good men, and believed by many, that an adjustment of our present difficulties can be effected upon of the Crittenden Resolutions; therefore be it

Resolved, 1st. That we cordially approve and endorse said resolutions as the basis for a final settlement of the vexed question of slavery in our country- that we demand and will be content with nothing else.

2. That the State of Missouri should put herself in position that if all efforts shall fail to retain an ample redress of her grievances and a sure guarantee for the future regard of her constitutional rights, she should dissolve her political connection, with the Federal Government, and take such further measures as her interest and welfare may require.

3. That the interests of Missouri are inseparable from the Southern and slave-holding States, as also are their sympathies with them.

4. That any attempt on the part of the Federal Government or by the States of the North to coerce the seceding States, will multiply our difficulties, widen them, and create an eternal barrier to a friendly reconciliation.

5. That we recommended to the citizens of this Senatorial district, as one of the delegates of said district to the State Convention, Edwin H. Wilson as a suitable candidate and a person in whom this meeting reposes full confidence.”

After much discussion, ultimately Jas. C. Noel was chosen as delegate to send to the State Convention.

Related: The Crittenden Resolution

James Gang Gold discovered in Wayne County, Missouri Wed, Oct 6, 1948 – Page 1 · The Daily Standard (Sikeston, Missouri) · Newspapers.com

The October 6, 1948 The Daily Standard newspaper (Sikeston, Missouri) reported the curious case of a large cache of gold coins and certificates in a cave near Gads Hill, Missouri. Gads Hill, is the site of the James Gang train robbery in 1874.

The paper reported:

“Captain O.L. Wallis of the state patrol , said today the patrol has been asked by the U.S. Treasury Department to investigate reports that two men were posing as treasury agents at Piedmont and Gads Hill earlier this week.

The report originated in connection with the reported finding of a large amount of money in a cave near Gads Hill. Wallis said the treasury denied having men in that area.

At Piedmont interest remains high in the reported discovery of a large amount of gold coins and gold certificates by Harry Wilcox, timber worker, in a cave , supposedly a hide away for the James Gang. Wilcox, while saying he talked to two treasury agents, refused to point out the location of the cave.

Wilcox promised to reveal the location of the cave next Sunday.”

The Friday December 3, 1909 Bloomfield (Missouri) Vindicator reported:

“The St. Louis Post-Dispatch of November 30th, contained the following article. We are disposed to doubt the statement that Frank James lives in this country but give the article to our readers for what it may be worth.”

“This country” as The Vindicator described it was Stoddard County, Missouri. More specifically the community of Advance.

According to the Post-Dispatch (reprinted by The Vindicator):

“Miss Irene James, , daughter of Frank James, the one time Missouri train bandit, will forsake the spangles of a circus rider for the calcium of the stage when she goes into “stock” this week as a member of the Imperial Theater Company.

For two years as one of the sawdust ring stars of Ringling Bros’ circus , Miss James has put to good use the training she got when, as Mrs. William P. Dyer, she rode and cared for the horses at Ferguson, St. Louis County.”

According to the paper William Dyer eventually sold the stable and he and his wife moved to East St. Louis. It is at this location that Mrs. Dyer sought a divorce and the restoration of her maiden name James, citing she did not know where he husband was.

My father is living in Advance, Stoddard County, Missouri.

Irene James, daughter of Frank James.

Irene Dyer-James stated in the newspaper article that:

“I am staying at 1414 Kings Highway since I came in off the road, at the home of Mrs. Luey Hamilton, this will be my first venture on the stage.

My father is living near Advance, Stoddard County, Missouri, though some people here seem to have the impression that he is in Oklahoma. He has a fine southeast Missouri farm and dairy.

Most of the neighbors known him as Alphonso James and that is the name under which he gets his mail. He never talks of the old days anymore , and few of his Stoddard County acquaintances know of his career.”

The December 5, 1878 edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch carried an article titled “Shaking in Their Boots”, detailing the appearance of five men appearing before the U.S. Court.

Two of the five were from Bollinger County, Missouri and they did not appear to be shaking in their boots.

Jesse Statler’s appearance before the U.S. Court for moonshinging Thu, Dec 5, 1878 – Page 1 · St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) · Newspapers.com

Jesse Statler was described by the paper as , “a very green looking moonshiner from Bollinger County.”

The paper continued:

“He looked as if nothing unusual about to happen. He was dressed in plain homespun, and his yellow skin betokened that he had enjoyed the luxury of the ague eleven months out of every year of his life.

He looked at the judge as if he was an altogether incomprehensible being. Jesse had made some whiskey four years ago and sold it without paying the tax.

“How much whiskey did you make?” said the judge.

“Mighty little.”

“Have you counsel?”

Jesse did not know what “counsel” meant.

“Have you a lawyer.”

“Oh why no sir”

“Who helped you make the whiskey.”

“I made it by myself.”

“Did you run your distillery by yourself?”

“Oh yes- I run the whole thing.”

The judge then asked Jesse where he got his (corn) meal. The paper stated Jesse did not comprehend the statement so the judge “desisted” and sentenced Jesse to thirty days in jail and a $100 fine.

This didn’t seem to have an impact on Jesse so the judge called him back up to the stand in an attempt to make him realize the gravity of the situation by letting him know that he was sending a message that he wanted the distilling of whiskey in “Bollinger” to stop and emphasizing the fact that he could have sentenced him to a term of three years in prison and a $5000.00 fine. The judge then told Jesse Statler that he gave him the most lenient sentence possible but as the paper stated, it had no impact on the man.

Jacob Statler was then brought before the judge. Because he was charged with working for someone else distilling whiskey, he was sentenced to one day in jail and a $1000.00 fine. When the judge asked Jacob if he had a family , Jacob answered by stating “yes”. When the judge asked how many , Jacob Statler’s answered by stating “only nine”. This surprised the court given the fact that he was only 30 years old.

Jacob Statler, Bollinger County, Missouri, sentenced for making moonshine. Thu, Dec 5, 1878 – Page 1 · St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) · Newspapers.com

Jesse Statler Part 2 Thu, Dec 5, 1878 – Page 1 · St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) · Newspapers.com

Perhaps I could have picked a better title for this particular blog post. Technically when L.B. James killed Charles Whitworth it was murder but it was murder in self-defense.

It seems that Mr. Whitworth had drifted into town a few days earlier, stayed drunk and was harassing citizens. In short I get the impression he was a bully.

But as the July 18, 1879 Poplar Bluff Citizen reported, at the time Whitworth drifted into town there was no officer of the law present, so L.B. James was deputized to arrest Whitworth.

What makes this story unique is that the weapon Whitworth was using to terrorize the citizens with was a cane that also served as a gun.

By all accounts of the article the newly deputized James seemed to be a peaceful man and a local business owner.

When word got out that James had been deputized, Whitworth made it his mission to find him.

L.B. James was sitting in front of his store when Whitworth approached him. James informed Whitworth that he didn’t want any trouble and that he had recently suffered enough trouble at home (the Poplar Bluff Citizen suspected that the trouble James was referring to was the loss of one child, and the near death of another).

James walked away and went into the store and Whitworth followed him. He struck James with what the paper described as “the small end of the stick”. Whitworth was in the process of turning “the loaded end” of the cane towards James at which time L.B. James fired several shots into Whitworth killing him.

Whitworth picked the wrong man to harass on the wrong day which makes me wonder if I should have entitled this article “Suicide in Marble Hill.”

The May 31’st 1861 Charleston [Missouri] Courier carried a story originally published in the Bloomfield Herald.

The article reported that:

“The Military ardor of South-East Missouri is up to the highest point. We hear of companies being raised at St. Luke, St. Francoisville, Spring Hill and Lakeville [present day Advance] as well as in other portions of our County. On Sunday a company of infantry, numbering about seventy members, was on parade in St. Luke and judging from appearances they would do some good execution in our swamp country. In Bloomfield we have both cavalry and infantry companies under drill. Whenever circumstances make it necessary Stoddard County will be respected on the field of battle.”

The Charleston Courier continued by adding their opinion which stated:

“Probably their ardor will die off somewhat when they come to see the “Price sell to Harney” for treason.

Brother Hall should recollect that Judge Jackson-who rules over him charged the Grand Jury, that all secession demonstrations (which includes the Herald) come within the purview of treason, and should be indicted.”

Editor’s note: The “Price sell to Harney” mentioned in the article is a reference to former Missouri Governor (later Confederate general) Sterling Price’s agreement with General Harney (who commanded the Western Army of the United States) to keep Missouri neutral. This however, never transpired because Captain Nathaniel Lyon and Frank Blair conspired to have Harney removed and replaced with Lyon but that is a story for another day.

Account of Bushwhacking near Rosier’s Mill, Perry County, Missouri October 25, 1862 Sat, Oct 25, 1862 – 2 · The Perryville Weekly Union (Perryville, Missouri) · Newspapers.com