The press of the country spread the gruesome details of the hanging with glaring headlines, but the Springfield Republican editorially declared the hanging "A Sacrifice to National Sentiment." The Globe-Democrat of St. Louis observed, "The interests of justice and civilization do not require the hanging of men except when the proof of murderous design is absolute and all facts are against them."

Thus ended the story of the most tragic chapter of South Missouri History. Both the members of the Bald Knobber Legions and the objects of its edicts became unfortunate victims of its creation.

Lucille Morris, in her book, "Bald Knobbers," wrote: "Children and grandchildren of the Bald Knobbers have kept the faith of their well intentioned forefathers. They have helped build a land where peace and contentment prevail. They have held their rightful place with the best citizenship of the community."

And so it is and so may it ever be.