Tom Powers

Michigan Rogues, Desperados & Cut-throats Tom Powers

Ruthless killers - cruel predators - bold outlaws - unprincipled scoundrels - rowdy misfits. Those larger-than-life characters and supporting cast staged a dramatic, real-life performance on frontier Michigan. The stories of the most colorful and outrageous are told between the covers of Michigan Rogues Desperados & Cut-Throats. Rough and lusty lumbering-era Michigan towns bred outlaws, crime and shady characters faster than the state's swamps produced mosquitoes, says author Tom Powers. Killers, crooks, gunmen, whoremasters, thieves, and a remarkable assortment of other deadly, tragic, lawless and laughable characters washed through the streets of Saginaw, Manistique, Meredith, Bay City, Seney, Harrison, Rogers City and others. In their wake came shootouts, hangings, rapes, murders, white slavery, feuds, open prostitution, brutal brawls, daring escapes, stagecoach and train robberies, and just about any other crime, horror or atrocity you can think of. After reading Michigan Rogues, Desperados & Cut-throats, you may be convinced that the better-known wild west was tame compared to Michigan. Pieces in the Gallery of 19th Century Miscreants: A swashbuckling Lake Michigan pirate A brutal brawler who gnashed opponents with a double set of teeth The ogre of Seney, who would eat anything for money A master thief who picked the pockets of the Michigan legislature The King of Presque Isle The opera pimp