https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/

The End of an Era in the Wild West

The American Wild West continues to captivate the public imagination, with figures like Jesse James remaining iconic symbols of an untamed frontier. This enduring fascination often romanticizes the era's dramatic events, yet historical accounts, such as Mark Lee Gardner's "Shot All to Hell," promise to cut through the legend to reveal a more complex reality. Gardner's work stands as a gripping, true account that delves into what is widely regarded as "the most famous bank robbery of all time" – the infamous Northfield Raid – and the subsequent "thrilling two-week chase that followed".

"Shot All to Hell" is presented as a "galloping true tale of frontier justice featuring audacious outlaws and intrepid heroes". It meticulously covers the lives of Jesse James, Frank James, and the Younger brothers, leading up to and following the pivotal Northfield incident. The book's primary contribution extends beyond merely recounting a familiar historical event. It offers a fresh, meticulously researched perspective that aims to resolve long-standing historical ambiguities, "solving mysteries about the raid that have been hotly debated for more than 130 years". While the Northfield raid has been extensively covered in various media, Gardner's commitment to correcting the historical record and providing new interpretations elevates his work beyond a simple retelling. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of how historical narratives evolve and how diligent research can challenge long-held beliefs, making the subject particularly compelling for detailed discussion.

https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/

You’d think a courthouse would be the safest place in town. Built of stone, with a flag waving above and a judge inside. But in Jackson, Kentucky, around the turn of the 20th century, you’d best keep your head down—especially on court day. Because in Breathitt County… justice didn’t wear a robe.

It carried a Winchester rifle.

The Untamed Frontier: When Justice Wore a Six-Gun

https://uncommonhistory.substack.com/

We are going to begin a multi part series into a foundational text for understanding American outlaw: Emerson Hough’s 1907 classic, The Story of the Outlaw: A Study of the Western Desperado. It's not just a collection of biographical sketches about cowboys and bad guys; it's a deep dive into the very nature of justice, survival, and identity on the edge of civilization.

So, buckle up. Let's head back to a time when justice sometimes wore a six-gun.

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Benjamin Franklin's Satirical Spark: The Accidental Birth of Daylight-Saving Time

In 1784, Benjamin Franklin penned a satirical letter to the Journal de Paris that would inadvertently plant the seed for what we now know as Daylight Saving Time. This humorous piece, far from being a serious policy proposal, showcased Franklin's wit and economic mindset.

The Accidental Discovery

Franklin's letter began with an anecdote about waking up at 6 AM, surprised to find his room filled with sunlight. This unexpected early rise led him to ponder the economic implications of aligning waking hours with daylight.

Franklin's Tongue-in-Cheek Proposals

In his characteristic style, Franklin proposed several outlandish ideas to encourage Parisians to rise earlier:

· A tax on window shutters to discourage blocking out sunlight.

· Rationing candles to one pound per family per week.

· Firing cannons at sunrise to wake "sluggards".

These suggestions were clearly meant in jest, poking fun at rigid regulations while highlighting potential energy savings.

The Misattribution

Despite popular belief, Franklin did not actually invent or propose Daylight Saving Time as we know it today. His satirical essay was more about changing sleep schedules than adjusting clocks.

The Real Origins of DST

The concept of Daylight-Saving Time didn't gain traction until over a century later:

In 1895, New Zealand entomologist George Hudson proposed a two-hour time shift to allow more daylight for bug collecting.

British builder William Willet suggested advancing clocks in spring in his 1907 pamphlet "The Waste of Daylight" .

Implementation During World War I

Daylight Saving Time was first implemented in Germany in 1916 as an energy-saving measure during World War I. Other countries, including the United States, soon followed suit.

Franklin's Lasting Impact

While Franklin's letter was satirical, it highlighted the economic potential of aligning human activity with natural daylight. This idea, though not directly responsible for DST, laid the groundwork for future discussions on energy conservation and time management.

Modern Debates

Today, the practice of Daylight-Saving Time remains controversial. As we continue to debate its merits, we can look back at Franklin's witty letter as an early, if unintentional, contribution to a discussion that still impacts our daily lives over two centuries later.

Benjamin Franklin's humorous proposal, meant to lampoon Parisian habits, inadvertently became part of a larger conversation about time, energy, and society – a conversation that continues to this day.

Ghostly Tales of Perryville, Kentucky: A Haunted History: The Most Haunted Town in the South 

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*(NEW BOOK) Finding Freedom: Overcoming Addiction - A Bible-Centered Recovery

*Understanding the Bible Made Easy: Bible Study Guide for Beginners

*Christian Devotional and Prayer Journal for Women

* Our Affiliate Partners

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*(NEW BOOK) Finding Freedom: Overcoming Addiction - A Bible-Centered Recovery

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*Click the link to receive two free audiobooks from Audible

*Click here to connect and follow

Uncommon History – DR Robert Thrift’s Lost Hospital Ledger

Dr. Robert Wilson Thrift's hospital ledger preserves the identities of numerous soldiers who suffered injuries during the Battle of Perryville and the accompanying skirmishes in Kentucky in the autumn of 1862. This valuable document chronicles the names of several hundred wounded men, offering a glimpse into the impact of the conflict on those who fought bravely on the battlefield.