Political Spin --- A Genealogy Story!

From the Alabama Pioneers Newsletter

Now That's Real Political Spin...

by

Unknown Author

A professional genealogy researcher, who has the same great-great-uncle as a U.S. Congressman, was doing some personal work on her own family tree.
This researcher discovered that their great-great uncle, whom we shall call Remus, was hanged for horse stealing and a train robbery in Montana in 1889. The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of this picture is this inscription: "Horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889."

So, this researcher e-mailed her Congressman relative, asking for information about their great-great uncle. The Congressman's staff staff sent back the following biographical sketch:

"Uncle Remus was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets, and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, Remus was a key player in a vital investigation, conducted by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away, during an important civic function, held in his honor, when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."