While legislators were writing the first laws in Alabama, some miscreant citizens were already breaking them, causing disorder and fleeing the hands of justice. Among these were cult-leader-turned-murderer "Bloody" Bob Sims, social-activist-turned-anarchist Albert Parsons, the mysterious hobo bandit Railroad Bill and the nefarious outlaw sheriff Steve Renfroe, who was credited with countless prison escapes, thefts and arson. Legendary Wild West figures Frank and Jesse James also appeared in Alabama, along with numerous other well-known gunslingers, pirates, crooks and desperados. Bushwhackers caused widespread chaos during the Civil War and were considered outlaws depending on which side you supported. Join real-life partners in crime Kelly Kazek and Wil Elrick as they recount the atrocities of some of Alabama's most infamous lawbreakers.
Author
Kelly Kazek, born in Georgia and raised in Alabama, is an award-winning journalist and author who writes about Southern culture for It’s a Southern Thing. She now writes only books but in her 36-year career in journalism, she was an editor, columnist, and reporter. She is the author of numerous children’s picture books for It’s a Southern Thing, including "Y is for Y’all: A Book of Southern ABCs" and "Mo Possum is Awesome." She has also authored the "Southern Thesaurus," the "Southern Handbook" (to be released July 2023 at store.southernthing.com), two collections of humorous essays, and numerous books of regional history. In 2022, she received the top award for humor writing by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. In April 2023, she was honored, along with the illustrators, by the BookFest Awards for her books "The Sun Has Gone to Bed," "Wander Over Yonder: A Journey-Through-the-South Book," and "Southern Thesaurus." She lives near Huntsville, Alabama. To invite her to speak or host a book signing, contact her at kkazek@southernthing.com or find more info at kellykazek@kellykazek.com.
