The close-knit farming community of Skidmore, Missouri has lived in the shadow of the vigilante murder of “town bully’ Ken Rex McElroy on July 10th, 1981. The events of that day were the culmination of years of harassment, perceived injustice, economic and societal pressures.  McElroy had a history of delinquency in the Northwest Missouri area beginning in his teenage years. Throughout his adult life he had several wives, young girlfriends, and fathered many children. He was often at odds with neighbors and other community members over accusations of theft and arson. There was never sufficient evidence to convict McElroy of any charges.