This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Old Short the Prankster of Union Springs
A portrait of Old Short, a Mississippi stage-tribune jokester from the prewar era. He wealthily hosted neighbors, pulled elaborate stunts, and delighted in harmless mischief that unsettled friends yet never harmed them. Stories recount him outwitting a blacksmith, besting a malicious dog, and entertaining a Kentucky trader with fake music and a loaded pistol ruse.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Old Short
Mississippi
Union Springs
Jefferson County
Short
St. Louis Globe-Democrat
Washington
Johnny McLane
Johnny
Unc
McLane
Bill Middleton
Brindle
Shot
Black Steve
Kentucky
Steve
Ory