A Partial Listing Of Peddler's Grove Townsfolk
hese characters and many more will be brought to life in the newly re-constituted prairie town of Peddlers Grove. Come and join us in the old Minnesota Territory for the fun and adventure of bringing an important part of Minnesota’s rich historical past back to life!
Mayor: Ric "His Honor" Johnston - "His Honor" is a bigger than life, bellicose gentleman, with a dark past. Hails from Clinch Mountain, Tennessee and brought most of his kin with him to the Minnesota Territory. An honorable schemer that has BIG plans for the little town of Peddlers Grove and will let nothing stand in his way. His Honor administers the town with an iron fist and the Chief Constables shotgun.
Chief Constable: Jerry "Gnarly Bill" Hanson - Gnarly Bill is a veteran of the Black Hawk War and not a man to be trifled with. Hates Indians and anyone who looks like an Indian. Bill answers only to "His Honor" the Mayor, whom is Gnarly Bill’s first cousin.
Deputy: Deputy "Dawg" Clint Philbrick - Dawg is a bit slow on the uptake, but is honest to a fault and "Hell on Wheels" with either pistol or rifle. Has a weakness for mandrake root. "Dawg" is the Chief Constables son-in-law.
Deputy: Deputy "Gentleman" Jim Kerekes - "Gentleman" Jim got his nickname from his dapper appearance and treatment of the ladies. Patience is not his strong suit and he is liable to horse whip someone just for looking at him wrong.
Missionary: "Deacon" Blaine Brooks - "Deacon" is another veteran of the Black Hawk War from Illinois who also served his country as an Cavalry Officer in the war with Mexico in the late 1840’s. Retired now, he has taken to preaching to the local Indians. Barely on speaking terms with the Chief Constable.
Indian Agent: - Open
Medicine Woman: Beautiful wife of the "Deacon" - Mrs. Brooks uses herbs and strange concoctions to cure everything from bullet wounds to dandruff. Many of her remedies are strong brews prepared from various fermented vats that she has in secret places in the surrounding woods. Most everyone in the Peddlers Grove community sips from her "cups" - for medicinal reasons only!
Town Ruffian: "Rowdy" Rick Loux - "Rowdy" runs a "Drinking Emporium" and "Games of Chance" establishment on the outskirts of town. It is said that there is not much "Chance" in any of his games, but not to his face. Another veteran of the Black Hawk War, "Rowdy" distrusts the local Indians and thinks they give the town a bad name. Several crimes have been laid on his doorstep but nothing proven. "Rowdy" saved the Chief Constables life in a river crossing during the Black Hawk War and the Chief tends to look the other way when "Rowdy", a drunkard, gets out of hand.
Former Mountain Man: Walter "Chicken Legs" Johnson - Walter enjoyed the "Shinin’ Times" in the far west mountains, but has moved to more lucrative territory in Minnesota. Walter owns huge tracks of land around the area and is biding his time until the railroad comes thru and has to buy up some of his holdings. It can only be speculated as to where Walter got the money to buy his land! Walter, who claimed total innocence, has recently been convicted of Horse theft and is awaiting the hangman’s noose.
Dead Citizen: "Big" Bernie Bergerson - Bernie was traveling to Mankato this early spring to register his land when he ran afoul of Walter Johnson. Walter held him up, stole his horse and left him on foot in the middle of a late spring blizzard. Bernie died from the elements, leaving his only daughter, Kenya, destitute.
Local Lass: "Kenya" Bergerson - The only offspring of "Big" Bernie Bergerson. Kenya, being of marrying age, 15 years or there a bouts, will be married off to Walter Johnson on Saturday. This has been decreed by the Mayor as retribution for Walter Johnson’s crime against Kenya’s family. There will be a dance after the wedding, followed by the hanging of the groom soon after. Kenya will, as a consequence, be sole beneficiary of all of all of Walter’s holdings.
Minister: The "Evil" Father Ryan - A simple-minded Irishman who has used the cloth to cover up his un-Holy shenanigans. Fun to watch from a safe distance.
School Teacher: - Not filled yet.
Town Drunk: "Whiskey" Jim - Will fill this spot nicely, if he sobers up!
Politician running against "His Honor": Ole Oleson - Needs to win the mayor-ship from "Hizzoner" Johnston! Ole needs Peddlers Grove as a power base to launch his all-out campaign to win the governorship of the Minnesota Territory. Should be some right smart speeches brewing.
Town Doctor: - Open
Wandering Lawyer: - Lawyers come and go and there is a rather tall, lean young barrister from Illinois who is in town for the weekend visiting some old friends that he rode with in the Black Hawk Wars. Goes by the name of Abe Lincoln!
Wandering Minstrels/Musicians: - Bring along your favorite musical instrument and grab some shade under an awning or at "Rowdy’s" Saloon with a "Poor Mans Cup" in front of you! Feel free to jam with the "Peddlers Grove All Volunteer Jug Band" at the Paddle Dance after the wedding Saturday afternoon and again Saturday evening after the public leaves for the day!
