On a hillside overlooking the Ohio River and the town of Garrison, Kentucky, rests the son of William Marshall Bagby and Mahala Isabella Bruce. A veteran of the Spanish American War, having served in Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company M of Circleville, Ohio, Arthur worked for the railroad until 1910 when he was seriously injured while acting as switchman for the C. S. & E. railroad at Chicago. 1
He was an experienced railroad man and had been promoted to assistant yardmaster at the local terminals in Portsmouth, Ohio. After the accident, Arthur retired from the railroad. The Portsmouth Daily Times of October 18, 1910, reported that “Arthur Bagby has purchased a fine big farm near Wait Station, and will move his family and household goods there some time this week. The farm he will assume possession of was formerly the property of Henry Schirrman.”2
Arthur was author of the book, “Peter Burling, Pirate,” published by Dorrance & Company, Philadelphia, 1924, in which Peter Burling, captain of the ship, “Juana,” captures the British ship, “Essex.” Burling is portrayed as sophisticated in his social habits and in some ways surprisingly ethical. The fictional story is set in Colonial American times. The Portsmouth Daily Times of December 20, 1924, included an ad: “Here is the most entertaining sea story that has been written in a decade. “PETER BURLING, PIRATE” – by Arthur P. Bagby. Tales of the Spanish Main and of those who follow the “Jolly Roger” have always been favorites of the American reader. Mr. Bagby has given you a tale of these roistering renegades that will make you ask for more. It is strong with the tang of sea air, the smell of tar, acrid powder fumes and “old salt” atmosphere.
BOSTON GLOBE – “It is a story of love as well as of adventure, stirring and entertaining in every line.”
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER – “A thrilling story of life.”
PITTSBURGH CHRONICLE – “Mr. Bagby’s story of the Spanish Main is the most entertaining and best written pirate tale that has come to the reviewer’s table in a long time.” 3
- Arthur Bagby Paid $5600 For Injury. (n.d.). Portsmouth Times. Retrieved from https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-times-jun-18-1910-p-10/
- Buys Farm. (n.d.). Portsmouth Daily Times. Retrieved from https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-daily-times-oct-18-1910-p-5/
- A Book as a Gift. (n.d.). Portsmouth Daily Times. Retrieved from https://newspaperarchive.com/portsmouth-daily-times-dec-20-1924-p-5/
