Shirley recalls overnight with the Gypsies when they came by

Carol Shirley tells of her father owning a store in Metcalf County when a caravan of Gypsies came by, visiting their store.

The Gypsy clan made camp nearby. These people were so friendly, Carol spent all day with them, and even spent the night in their camp. She was so pleased to be with one of the beautiful Gypsy ladies, she slept with her in the tent.

These roving people enjoyed being at this special spot, and made numerous purchases at the store.

The pretty Gypsy lady begged and begged Carol's father to give his daughter (Carol) to her. Of course Carol remained with her father - but she laughingly said "I guess my father wished many times that he had given me to the Gypsies!"

Mr. Murray Kidnapped by the Gypsies

Juanita Scott told the story of Gypsies kidnapping her husband when he was 1 1/2 or 2 years old, around 1935 or 36. Around this period of time Gypsies occasionally came through this part of the country traveling in one or two vehicles instead of caravans.

Juanita's husband is Murray Scott. His parents had a booth at the Adair County Fair where they sold hamburgers and hot-dogs. They had arranged a tent over their booth, and had little Murray on a pallet sleeping in the back.

After awhile Murray's parents missed him, began searching frantically, and describing him to many people. His outstanding feature was having heavy curly hair. Right away visitors at the fair were telling Mr. and Mrs. Scott they had seen their child with Gypsies who were at the fair.

Soon the Scotts learned that the Gypsies were headed toward Russell Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Scott went to Russell Springs, located the Gypsies, and got their son who was not harmed.