Kenny Wagner of Parchman Prison, MS

[beckrodgers]

Does anyone have any information on Kenny Wagner in the TN, MS, AR areas circa 1930's-40's? Background information: something to the effect he was a cult hero or something like that. He was kept at Parchman and the prison authorities would let him escape every December and about 2 weeks later he would turn himself in. People would leave clothes and food out for him as he passed thru an area. I was told that Tennessee wanted him to execute him for killing 2 Tennessee lawmen in "self-defense". Mississippi would not extridite him. He was very good with a pistol and at times the guards would let him demonstrate his technique so as to help keep the other prisoners in line. Also was told, that there was a comic book about him for a time. I have found a couple of songs on the internet, but that is it. This story was told to me by my 87 yo aunt and 63 yo cousin who live in the Mississippi Delta and remember some of this. Please email me with Kenny Wagner in the subject line or post it on this thread.
Thanks all.
[email protected]

 

[Ol' Badger]

VERSE 1
I'm sure you've heard my story
From th Kenny Waggoner song
How down in Mississippi
I took to roving wrong

VERSE 2
It was down in Mississippi
Where I murdered my first man
Where th sheriff there, at Leashville
For justice took his stand

VERSE 3
Then, I went from Mississippi
To th State of Tennessee
Two men went down before me
An' they took my liberty

VERSE 4
I wandered to th country
I never could find rest
Till I went to Texarkana
Away out in th west

VERSE 5
O, then I started drinking
An' again I pulled my gun
An' in a single moment
Th deadly work was done

VERSE 6
Th sheriff was a woman
But she got th drop on me
I quit th game an' surrendered
Gave up my liberty

VERSE 7
I'm now in Mississippi
An' I soon shall know my fate
I'm waiting for my trial
But I do not dread my fate

VERSE 8
For still th sun is shinning
An' th sky is blue an' fair
But my heart is not prepining
For I do not fear th chair

VERSE 9
I've had my early pleasure
I've face a many a man
But away down in Texarkana
A woman cooled my hand

VERSE 10
Young men, young men, take warning
O, take my last advice
If you start th game in life wrong
You may surely pay th price

OTHER COLLECTIONS
Brown: II-245 Kenny Wagner' Surrender




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