When I was a child, my dad had a huge roll-top desk in his newspaper office in Gallatin, Missouri. I would sit there after school and play, of course, “newspaperwoman.”

Later, Dad remodeled and got new steel desks for the office, and the old roll-top was relegated to the “back shop.” But it was still dear to me. It was so dear that Dad later shipped it to me. I have it, but it’s so large that as we downsize it will need a new home. More about that later.

The Desk Has a History

Actually the desk has quite a history. It belonged to “Uncle” Wes Robertson, as he was fondly called, the editor of the newspaper in the years leading up to 1919. Mr. Robertson, you see, is thought to be the only Missouri newspaper editor shot and killed in the line of duty–at this desk.

When we had the desk refinished a few years ago, the craftsmen showed us the bloodstains, now all but invisible.

So Why the Shooting?

Uncle Wes and his partner Robert Ball had been engaged in a vigorous campaign to rid the county of bootleggers. While not a bootlegger, the gunman, Hugh Tarwater, actually was the city clerk, who simply was known for a fondness for drink.

A story in the newspaper referred to Tarwater as having been fined $10 for public intoxication, something Tarwater did not want to see in print.

The Reporting Led to a Lawsuit

Several months after the item appeared, papers were served, notifying Robertson and his partner they were being sued for libel. The suit alleged the newspaper’s story was false and that Tarwater’s reputation had been damaged in the amount of $20,000.

Enter the Chautauqua

Those were the days of the Chautauqua in small towns of America. Uncle Wes was on the program committee that year. And when a speaker failed to show up, he was asked at the last minute to fill in.

Where’s My $20,000 Suit?

Imagine, if you will, this colorful, rotund, bundle of quick and often biting wit, leaning back, fingers in his suspenders, and opening his remarks. “Had I known I would be called upon to speak I would have worn my $20,000 suit,” he said.

Tarwater Slunked Off

While the crowd laughed, Tarwater slunk from the scene red faced and enraged. A few months later, after spending the early afternoon drinking, Tarwater went to the newspaper office, gun in tow. He shot the editor at that roll-top desk, then fled. Uncle Wes was taken to his home where he lived about three hours.

Tarwater Tried and Sentenced

Tarwater stood trial and received a sentence of 35 years in prison, which is where he died.

Desk is too Massive for Most Homes

The desk is too massive for most homes and not equipped for computer use today. It’s a lovely mahogany. I offered it to the now-defunct Newseum in Washington, D.C., a few years ago if the organization could just pay for shipping. But they said they did not have space. Some people in Missouri are trying to help me find a home for it there, where it probably belongs. In the meantime I have it listed for sale on Craigslist and eBay, but no one has even nibbled after about three years. I won’t let it go, though, without a good home. I think “Uncle” Wes would like that.