Men of No Reputation: Robert Boatright, the Buckfoot Gang, and the Fleecing of Middle America

Author and SHSMO editor Kimberly Harper, will talk about her new book, Men of No Reputation, examining Robert Boatright, one of the greatest con men of the early 20th century, along with the Buckfoot Gang, which operated out of towns in Jasper County and extended its large criminal syndicate throughout the Midwest. Working in concert with a local bank and an influential Democratic boss, “this dean of modern confidence men” and his colorful confederacy of con men seemed untouchable. SHSMO Editor Kimberly Harper’s new book describes a series of missteps that led to a string of court cases across the country that brought Boatright’s own criminal enterprise to an end.  Sponsored by Missouri Humanities.