The History of Bad Men

Kinnie Wagner was the last of the true Appalachian outlaws. His exploits earned him the title the "Appalachian Houdini." From circus worker, to infamous "cop killer," the myths surrounding Wagner are as colorful and imaginative as any mobster. Wagner's life, however, was anything but romantic. From one brutal extreme to the next, Wagner was often without friends, and surrounded by abject poverty. His only advantage was an uncanny ability to escape imprisonment and evade authorities. When the authorities had ulterior motives, and it seemed like the conspiracies crossed many states, he did the only thing he could. He fled.