Episode 3 - The Murder of Mark Niilson

Explicit content warning

05/27/24 • 28 min

Buffalo Tales: Stories from Wyoming History

John & Jeremy are back after a short hiatus. On this episode, we're heading to Sheridan and Campbell Counties for a murder. In 1928, a man walked into Sheridan and confessed to killing his father-in-law. The story spread across Wyoming in a matter of days, especially when the trial began shortly afterward. We have changed some of the names in this story since family members still reside in Northern Wyoming.
**Notice** This episode contains adult subject matter regarding murder and sexual assault. It might not be suitable for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.
References
Georgen, Cynde, "The Killing of Charlie O.." Trail End Guides, Inc., January 6, 2014, https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/52eea935-cebe-4546-8f11-ef0918f6e138/downloads/The%20Killing%20of%20Charlie%20O.pdf?ver=1699555369475.

"Homesteader to Be Tried for Murder." Casper Daily Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), January 20 1928.

"Ranch Killing Investigated." Casper Daily Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), January 19 1928.

Thanks for tuning into Buffalo Tales and exploring the tracks across Wyoming's past. You can contact us directly through our Facebook page, Buffalo Tales.

"Homesteader to Be Tried for Murder." Casper Daily Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), January 20 1928.

"Ranch Killing Investigated." Casper Daily Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), January 19 1928.

Thanks for tuning into Buffalo Tales and exploring the tracks across Wyoming's past. You can contact us directly through our Facebook page, Buffalo Tales.

Previous Episode

Episode 2 - Battles of Platte Bridge Station & Red Buttes

On the morning of July 26, 1865, Lieutenant Caspar Collins and Commissary Sergeant Amos Custard rode into the history books during the Battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes. These small battles left an indelible mark on the history of Central Wyoming and especially the City of Casper, Wyoming.
Join Jeremy and John as they explore these important battles...and how the City of Casper got its name thanks in part to a typographical error.
Chapter Markers
Introduction - 00:00
US Expansion On the Great Plains - 02:40
History of Platte Bridge Station - 07:36
Sand Creek Massacre - 11:54
Battle of Platte Bridge Station - 14:01
Between the Battles - 25:40
Battle of Red Buttes - 28:45
Aftermath & Discussion - 31:27
Episode References
"The Battle of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes." Wyoming Historical Society, 2014, accessed January 7, 2024, https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/battles-platte-bridge-station-and-red-buttes.
McDermott, John D. Circle of Fire: The Indian War of 1865. Kindle ed. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2003.
"Fort Caspar Museum Faq." City of Casper, 2014, accessed January 17, 2024, https://www.fortcasparwyoming.com/f_a_qs.

Thanks for tuning into Buffalo Tales and exploring the tracks across Wyoming's past. You can contact us directly through our Facebook page, Buffalo Tales.

Next Episode

Episode 4 - Riot in the Wyoming Legislature

Fisticuffs and politics? Politics in Wyoming can be heated at times but is usually sedate. But not always... Join Jeremy and John as they chat about the wildest day in the history of the Wyoming Legislature. This red-letter day in 1913 during the 12th Wyoming Legislature included a riot on the floor of the Wyoming House of Representatives. List in as our intrepid historians explore the events that led to the legendary riot, some insights into the Wyoming legislative process, and why there is no "official" record of it ever happening...
Episode References:
Nickerson, Gregory, "Fistfight on the House Floor," Blog. Wyoming Historical Society, May 22, 2023, https://www.wyohistory.org/blog/fistfights-house-floor.

"Riot and Pandemonium Rule When Pratt Denies Roll-Call." Cheyenne State Leader (Cheyenne, Wyoming), 1913, 2.

"Speaker Pratt's Ignorance About the House Rules." Cheyenne State Leader (Cheyenne, Wyoming), 1913.

Thanks for tuning into Buffalo Tales and exploring the tracks across Wyoming's past. You can contact us directly through our Facebook page, Buffalo Tales.