Ridgely Greathouse: Confederate, Conspirator, Convict, and Capitalist
Marisue Burleson Potts
Mollie Burleson Ranch Ltd.
2021
nidottu
No man is an island . . . every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. -John Donne The life of Ridgely Greathouse is full of mysterious adventures. How did a Kentucky native, born on a plantation in Mason County in 1831, go on to run business ventures in the California and Idaho gold rush and later take part in the Watermelon Riot in Panama? How did this staunch son of the South escape the federal prison in Fort Lafayette, follow the gold rush to Idaho, and then disappear for 20 years, only to mysteriously appear in the Rolling Plains of Texas? This is the fascinating story of Ridgely Greathouse, who, along with his three brothers, George, Henry, and Robert, were successful capitalists during a time of great opportunity. His dedication to the Southern Confederacy during the tumultuous period of Western Expansion in the U.S. changed the course of its history. His adventures and challenges bring to life a critical period of U.S. history during the Civil War. Although he attained legendary status among those who knew him in his later years, he died alone and almost penniless on a Texas ranch in Motley County. Compiled by a dedicated few members of the Stephen W. Wilkinson Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy over more than a decade, here is the story of Ridgely Greathouse as it is currently known. "Marisue Potts wears many hats in Motley County-she is chair of the Motley County Historical Commission, an historian, researcher, rancher, anthropologist, conservationist, published author, museum director, mother, and grandmother. One of her greatest contributions by far is her ability to spin a yarn, to transport us to the past, and reconnect us to each other through our shared history." -Carol Campbell, reporter for the Motley County Tribune Marisue Burleson Potts grew up on a ranch near Matador, Texas, where her father and grandfather ran herds of Hereford cattle. She is a founding board member of the Motley County Historical Museum, Matador; the Comanchero Canyons Museum, Quitaque, Texas; and the Canyonlands Archeological Society of Matador and Quitaque. Her mission is to bring the history of the Rolling Plains of Texas to life. She is the author of Motley County Roundup: Over 100 Years of Gathering in Texas.
