Appalachian Outlaw Otto Wood
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Appalachian Outlaw: Otto Wood #ottowood #appalachianhistory #appalachia #appalachianoutlaws #outlaws #gunslinger
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Video from The Appalachian Storyteller
Story written by The Appalachian Storyteller
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Note: This Video Represents History. The video has been uploaded for educational purposes and commentary and critique on the topic.
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Lot of things I'm not cut out for, and I guess outlaw isn't one of them either. So far, JD, I would've failed at that AND farming! We're gonna have to find me something to do.
This fella was "born to run"
Doc Watson sang a song about Otto Wood. That's how I first heard the story. My family has a 400 year history in NC & VA, these videos help keep our shared stories alive. Good work!
I tried to get permission to use that song for this video - but alas- it didn’t happen
How do I contact you with other stories for video ideas? I have several that you may be interested in.
@@brenttucker4073 love to hear them, email me at theappalachianstoryteller@gmail.com
It's too bad Otto could not turn his life around after having so many chances to do so. He knew how to work the system when he was younger. Great story, JD. Thank you.
in his case a disability was his greatest asset
I remember the story my history teacher in Princeton West Virginia tell us the story of Otto Wood and Jesse James back in the early 50's. Her name was Thelma Oxley and she taught school in Mercer County. She really owned the house that Jesse James slept in and now is of Historic Registered Houses. She was old back then and didn't weigh 100 pounds soaking wet. But she sure swung a mean paddle. She was a great story teller. But when she said she slept with Jesse James somehow I didn't doubt her word.
Thanks JD for another great one.
“Sure could swing a mean paddle” I love it!
Otto was a criminal and caused a lot of harm. But I couldn't help but think that he was a genius. Thoroughly enjoyed the story
Exactly my thoughts as I researched and wrote this story. Spot on observation
2 videos in the same weekend this is a treat
Ahh you noticed! A rare double feature weekend
Agreed we all are spoiled.
True enough! Lol
You are an excellent narrator! Love learning these stories!
Thank you Karen
A good Story teller doesn’t just describe places things or event’s. They Guide the Imagination in way that bring’s you into the story, almost like a memory being relived. Thank You .
YES! This is most certainly the way I try to write the story. To let you witness it from the characters own eyes and make you feel you are riding shotgun with him along for the ride, seeing things in real time
Wow ! What a story ! Thanks for drawing the listeners right into the storyline. Much love from the Heart of Dixie, Alabama !
Thank you Suzy! Greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller if it ain’t too personal a question what part?
Me too Suzy. Walker Co.
@@pam190 Hey neighbor ! Fayette Co. here.
What a character! As onery as he was you still find yourself rooting him on...
exactly! he was a lovable outlaw
Good story...I am a relative of Otto. My mother is a Wood from Wilkes Co. N.C.. we have one of the Original typed manuscripts from Otto's biography that he contributed to one of the times he was in jail.
That’s awesome, I bought a reprint of his manuscript when I was researching and writing this story, I ran across an original printing of his book, for about 500 dollars on eBay, but I couldn’t afford that. Really neat you have one, it’s worth a lot of money
Love your storytelling! I listen to other stories about the Appalachian Mountains people, but you have the perfect storytelling voice! I feel like you’re an old soul, as you have a way of making people FEEL the emotions of the story as if it were YOU that had lived it. Well done my friend, well done!
Thank you so much my friend. Really appreciate your kind words and glad to have you here.
What a tale! My goodness!
What a life he led
A kid today wouldn’t even come close to living thru what he did , even though later he got criminal but most didn’t have much of a choice … it was staying alive loved the story JD thnx
Otto lived a life better than 99% of humans. He was a legend
Great story Donnie as always. Love the story of these people. My great great great grandmother was a McCoy. Her and Great great great grandfather came to Western North Carolina in the early 1800’s and settled on the French Broad River. There wasn’t a any towns or counties. Now it’s Madison county and the city Marshall. Just a old Marines history.
Thanks so much Scott, btw, I notice you always call me Donnie and I chuckle because Donnie and I are friends and subscribed to each others channels. Im assuming you are as well. My name is JD, but ill call me anything except "late for supper"
Excellent story! I can’t believe I’ve not heard of him before today. What a life!
He was born to run
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I reckon many were in those days. Makes me think of my grandmother’s life. She did some amazing things from driving at 13 (she was really 11. She lied about her age to get a job.) to go to work, to driving race cars in her early 20’s, to being security and having brawls with men twice her size, to chasing off a gang of men outside her house with an empty double barrel shotgun. I wish I had been more responsible listening to her stories and those of my other grandparents and their brothers and sisters. What I have listed is nothing.
Seemed that generation just had an adventure streak. None of them didn’t have a story about skipping school and hopping trains to go wherever to waste a day or running off in their teens to try to make a life, and of course many of them had run-ins with the law or just became brawlers in bars across states. I would often dream of living their adventures. Alas, I was born a few decades too late it seems for I can’t surely say any of my adventures could come close to anything they’d told me about their lives.
@@StMiBll wow thanks for sharing her story
Another great story, told by a true storyteller. All the work you put into these videos make the stories that much better. Otto was a raw old bird. Thanks
Thanks so much my friend, have a great day
Great rendition of the Otto Wood story. My father was 23 years old in 1930 when Otto Wood was shot dead in Salsbury NC. Dad worked at at the Yadkin Hotel a block away from the shootout and heard the shots. He didn't bother to explore. I live a block from the house that was then Wright's Funeral home where an estimated 10,000 stood in line for 8 blocks to see Otto laid out. I light of his ability to escape from jails, prisons, and guards, it is surprising that he isn't remembered as much as Bonnie and Clyde and others. This vid seems to be well researched and based on local recollections, the most accurate. Thanks for putting this excellent rendition together.
Thanks so much for sharing this
That goomer was slicker than snot on a doorknob! I'm here ta told ya. He had some gumption too.
he was born to run
I can't believe I've never heard this story! Thanks for bringing these forgotten tales back from oblivion. It'd be a crime if they were lost forever.
Otto was quite the character and lived a heck of a life
Wow what a life of crime from such a mischievous little boy! Great story JD. I just love all the photos! This story had me at the edge of my seat wondering what Otto was going to do next! Thanks again
What an amazing life he led as a small buy
Amazing! What a crazy life this man led. Mind blowing!
Right?! he lived more in 32 years than most ever do in a 100
Otto Wood had a very wild & unlawful life! He was a curious little boy who’s life could have played out differently but it is what it is. His unlawful acts caught up with him in the end.
I wonder what happened to his children from the women in WVA & VA?!?!
You know, I don't know, I didn't research them, but Im sure some ancestors are still out there, even today
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Hi there, one of those relatives you're speaking of is me! Mom looks so much like him it's actually a bit creepy. 😮😂 I was born in Wilkes County as well, but for most of my adult life I've lived near the VA/ WV border. I can happily say I'm never living a life like my ancestor Auto (at birth) later Otto Wood the Bandit. 😇 I'm actually going to school to be a Dr. I believe his law-abiding kin has lived a much better life... Maybe not as eventful but exciting nonetheless.
Thank you for another great story.
Thanks James! Always look forward to your comments brother, have a good'n
Love these stories. My family helped to settle parts of those beautiful mountains. In Feels like I am still drawn to all that is Appalachian. In my generational hostory I suppose. We are spread all over now. Good Mornin from Cali!
Morning from the mountains of East Tennessee
I can't help but admire that guy. He was hell on wheels.
heck yeah, Otto was a legend!
He sure did some traveling for a young boy I love hearing your stories You have a knack for it also a pleasant voice
Can you imagine the thrill he had of seeing the world for the first time aboard a train ?
Hi JD! He sure learned early how to gamble, steal and hoodwink people. But never did he learn a lesson not to do wrong. I would not want to be in his shoes at the pearly gates.
Have a blessed day!
Thank you Willow! Well said my friend
Salisbury NC, oh my!!!!! My mom & step dad lived there and she made come up there before I joined the Air Force, what a cute little town it was. Love hearing the history, Thanks JD for another true tale from our past.
Thank you Pinky , have a great day
This sounded like a story from a movie. Was this ever made into a movie? I have never read it anywhere. My mother was born (1918) and raised in North Carolina. She never told me anything about Otto Wood. She may not have known anything about him. Newspapers were not bought very often; and, radios were used by those who could afford them
Thanks for that! I wrote this story after researching newspapers from Ottos life
That was the best story yet!! Can't wait for the next one!! The true meaning of a rolling stone.
He was born to run!
Wow! What a piece a History just laid down right in front of us. Thank you JD.
Thanks so much Richard! Have a blessed day my friend!
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller I will, thank you. You do the same,🇺🇸
Enjoy watching your videos. You were born to tell these stories.
Thank you so much!
Another great story.
Thanks for listening, preciate you!
Otto was a fireman on the railroad, not a firefighter. The fireman was the one who shoveled the coal and watched the water in the boiler.
Thanks so much
And it's said today's kids grow up too fast....😂 Great story!!!❤
This kid was born to run
All these years later and matewan is still like the Wild West just not quite the same as before i visit there as much as possible 3-5 times a year riding side by sides on the very trails that the Hatfield’s ran all round the mountains on and I’m so intrigued with that part of my state something calls me to there I’m originally from Seneca Rocks Wv but moved for work this is an epic tale love it
Thanks so much my friend, have a great day!
Do people ride horses in that area?
Really interesting story this young man had Also kinda sad. With no father figure at such a young age. Didn't sound like he really wanted to or was happy enough to settle down anywhere.
I felt like he was born to run, that's why I did the wild horses scene at the beginning
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller That was so beautiful...And you can really see the thought dedication you put into each story you tell.
This channel is amazing well done sir, I am from Scotland but recently have been obsessed with frontier folk stories haha
Thanks so much my friend, many of us Appalachians can trace our ancestry to Scotland so there is a strong connection between the two. Im so happy you are here! Greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
Your story telling reminds me when we all set around the fireplace. My grandma would tell her stories of family and others around.
May God bless everyone 🙏 ❤
Thanks so much! I appreciate that
wow.. what a great story.. Your an amazing story teller.. thats a real gift
Thank you ❤️
So glad you released this the same year we lost our main actor for the famous Otto Wood play in NC. RIP Wes, the story you were passionate to potray will stay popular forever
Are they still doing the play?
@TheAppalachianStoryteller OH yeah, he passed the torch a few years ago to a great actor, he just held it for a good 30 years beforehand. Every year in North Wilkesboro along with our Tom Dooley production, we are keeping our county plays going strong
Otto was doomed to that destiny from the very begining. Great story.
❤️
What an incredible story and sir you tell it so well really enjoyed thanks for sharing
Thanks so much Steve, appreciate the kind words my friend. Have a good 'n
That was a very captivating story... hard to imagine such a young boy to be traveling on his own, but seems it wasn't that uncommon back then.
Thanks JD 😎👍
As I was writing this, I did my best to become Otto when he was a child and see the lure and adventure of the railroad and the outside world, and give a voice to the story as he experienced it, thru his eyes.
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller You did an excellent job 👍
@@KathysTube thank you
This is a FANTASTIC show today.
Thanks so much, lots and lots of work went into this story
Love the story, as always!! Your storytelling skills are off the charts!! Thank you!
aww, thank you so much for your kindness Libby, have a blessed day my friend
I loved this one! I love the way you tell the stories! Thanks for another great one!
Thanks so much! It was fascinating to write this story from Ottos perspective and imagine that I was in his shoes 200 years ago
Love your stories born and raised in MD in my older years I live in Hagerstown it is still known as Hub City because of all the rail lines
Thank you my friend! Glad to have you here
This video made my day. Thank you for all your work. Love your stories and videos. Hello from Naples Florida
Glad you like them! greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
This is incredible ! I wrote a storey about an imaginary Gangster family member from the 30's ! Named "Auto Woods " In my story . He was famous for bank robbery and a passion for stealing Cadillacs! He was not impaired by his legs and had both hands! In 1930 he and another stopped to eat , at a restaurant in Pittsburgh , N. C in a stolen Cadillac. A customer recognized him. Alert the Police by pay phone. Two Police cars with four officers, block the "Autos " car ! Demanded he surrender as he came out the front door. He immediately reached in his coat pockets ,grabbing two 45''s .He shot one dead , wound another ! But was killed in the shootout! How did I write this story? About somebody , I had never heard of til today ? 😮
that is interesting. I assure you, this is an authentic original story I wrote based on historical events.
His name when he was born was in fact "Auto" he went on to adopt "Otto" later... I know because I am a many times great niece. My mom looks just like him and we have a copy of an old autobiography as well. Are you from Wilkes County also? I'm related to a bunch of Byrds and Woods. It seems you have a similar name so it may be possible you're related also... And the science is strongly pointing to the fact that the cells in our body (that was passed on from ancestors) actually holds memory!
He must have wanted his story told. Planted it in your mind
Excellent job with this story. You really take us into that world.
I do my best !
I Liked that hadn't heard it before even been from southern WV...& I actually lived in Salisbury N.C. about half a year back in "01... Thanx for another great video, U sure are a great Story Teller 4 sure!
Thank ye kindly for the positive words my friend.
Thank you sir. God bless you and your family..🙏❤🙏❤🙏
Same to you my friend!
Interesting story! We certainly have some crazies out there.
isn't this an amazing story?
So wild to know this person was around the areas I grew up, Greensboro and Winston NC, I had no idea about this guy before this. Thank you for the video.
He was born to run
that he was even with his condition he kept one step ahead@@TheAppalachianStoryteller
Otto Wood is one of my grandfather's names. I had no idea my Grandpa was a criminal!
😯
Once again, thank you. My heritage is from Appalachia good or bad. Yall do a great job, most excellent.
Thank you so much, have a blessed day my friend
I live in Greensboro NC, this was AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing
Thanks so much my friend!
What a story, amazing 😊
Thank you Betty! Have a blessed day my friend
Wow how did I miss this one. Might be my fav yet. Amazing
I love this story!
Awesome brother
Thanks so much, Preciate you watching and supporting the channel
I love your story's I like this video. Love Hatfield an my coys
Love the stories, love the videos even more, ain't nothing like home in Almost Heaven West Virginia, deep in a Appalachian Mountain holler.
Amen, thank you so much
Man I'm so glad I found your channel. Being from wilkes I've heard of Otto Wood but didn't know the full story. You tell it wonderfully.
Thank you so much, glad to have you here!
I have only came across this channel and i love it, u bring the stories to life in the way u tell them. I live in northern ireland. Keep doing wot ur doing
Welcome Lorraine! So glad to have you hear and appreciate your kind words. Greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee! I do my best to become the characters in these stories as I write them, to tell the story as they lived it, thru their own eyes and transport the listener squarely in the middle of the action.
What a pleasant surprise! Two goodins within two days, it don't get much better! Preciate ya, JD, keep 'em coming friend, and God Bless!
yes sir, a rare double feature this weekend! Thanks for your support Scott!
😂😂..This guy Otto Wood..lmbo..even as a kid he had that Rebel Spirit..this had me cracking up ! "Me ? I ain't never been a quitter.." Hound dogs chasing the rabbit but that rabbit is too doggone fast..😂😂 This is one of the best...thank you. I really needed that laugh. Don't care what he did, I love this boy's spirit . 👍🏽👍🏽 Sad how he ended up though..still fighting to the end. RIP Otto.
Otto was born to run, that's why I put the wild horses at the beginning of the video. Some were born to run
I really enjoy your stories. Thanks.
Thank you my friend
THIS is something I absolutely love and vibe with.
Assuming the stories are all true. I love being informationed (yes, I know. Please don't waste a comment on the word) about a time period, or a people, or something I know NOTHING about...I could absorb this for hours. Good show!!
It’s all 💯 true
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller please know. I was not questioning the integrity of what it is you do. It was just assuming on my part with zero knowledge one way or the other.
Great story Brother, thank you for it!
Thanks so much my friend, hope you had a great weekend
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller hope your's was good also! Take care, God bless.
love your stuff mate & love hearing all about appalachia,best wishes from scotland.
Thank you friend, greetings from the mountains of East Tennessee
One hell of a good story JD,good morning from Northwestern Illinois...
As always y'all stay safe out there 🙏
Thank you big iron, have a blessed day my friend
Great story JD i hadn’t heard this one before GOD BLESS my friend Amen 🙏
Thank you brother
great story.
thank you Billy, have a good'n
I enjoy your narrations/videos so much, thank you for the history lessons
Thank you ❤️
I could listen to your stories all day!
Please do! and comment and like, it helps support the channel more than you can imagine! Thanks so much my friend
Seems like he was one hard headed dude. Couldn't learn his lesson that one day it would all catch up with him. Keeping doing the stealing and such like he would get out of trouble
Yup, his craving for adventure finally caught up with him
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller - Just earning a living back then would've been more than enough adventure for me. That's one reason I love Outward Bound so much - they provide enough adventure while teaching life lessons along the way. At least back when I started as a kid, even on a 1-week program they'd teach all the bushcraft you needed to make yourself reasonably safe and comfortable when you graduated at the end by being left all alone 24 hours with just the clothes on your back and the new knowledge in your head. But Otto would probably have been a crook no matter what era he was born in.
@@frostyfrances4700 As I wrote this story, I felt like Otto was "born to run" that's why I did the opening scene of wild horses running free.
What a Wonderful story I loved it this is one of your best stories ..you have a blessed voice from our Lord ❤❤🙏🙏
Thank you so much ❤
Thankyou!!! Enjoy your stories!!!
Thanks so much Brother
What a short life! Thanks JD!
a short life packed with excitement for sure
I live in Salisbury N.C. and you can still hear a story or two about Otto and his wild life to this very day.
That’s awesome
I BELIEVE THAT OTTO JUST NEEDED A TIME OUT TO REFLECT ON HIS MISDEEDS !
he was born to run for sure
There you Go, More time outs,less prison time 🤔
Another Great Story
Thanks so much my friend!
Oh boy!!!!!! Exciting 🤣 Runnin always ends 😮
I would have liked to have bought Otto a drink
@@TheAppalachianStoryteller Wild Turkey 101 🦃
Great story and video! Thanks!
Thanks so much my friend, preciate your support!
Your soothing voice gives me the feel of being indoors, warm, and snug while it's raining, and I am eating delicious comforting soup.
well, wow! what a compliment
Very entertaining!!! And fascinating story!!!!❤
Thank you Debra!
Cool video. Great story.
Thanks so much!
I've been wandering where you've been.
Another great story and told very well
Make sure you click the bell for notifications, I release news stories every week- 2 in the last 24 hours
Love your videos. These stories are wonderful.
Thank you Janet! glad to have you here my friend
I grew up in North Carolina with Otto and remember him fondly. He was alway a rabble rouser from what I remember.
Wow, thanks for sharing this
This man escaped Death Row?! Now,THATS impressive! Lol
Yup!
Cool video. Thx so much. You’ve become like family to me.
Thank you Pam
Bedankt
Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate your kindness, generosity like this is was keeps this channel going! Thank you so much!
Please tell the story of Keith and Melinda Blalock...great story as told by 'Rebels in Blue' by Peter F Stevens...plenty to tell💜
do you have a link to this story? or anything about it? if so, email me at theappalachianstoryteller@gmail.com If I tell the story, ill send you a free Appalachian Storyteller t-shirt
This would make an amazing movie. 💜
I think so too!
Bluefield WV is where I grew up .... now to finish listening
❤️
As my daddy used to say, some people just won't do right.
Otto couldn't help himself, he was born to run
Enjoyed again only in N.c.born in Pilot Mountain 😊
Thank you John, have a good'n brother
You have such great stories and I love the way you present them. Between the in-depth fact gathering/checking, the way you present them and the narration they draw you in as if you were actually there. Kudos and keep up the awesome stories, they give me a sense of being a part of my heritage and history. I often feel like I was born 150 years to,late for my spirit.
Thank you for that- I really try hard to make the listener feel like they know the character personally and that they are right there with them in the thick of the action.