Bruce,

The root of this story comes from the History of Maries County by Everett Marshall King, edited by K.L King, Ramfire Press, Cape Girardeau MO 1963. page 309.

The book is available from Maries County Historical Society, as reprinted 2004, an exact copy of the 1963 version, 8 ½" x 11" soft cover, spiral bound book. $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping.

John R