The Folk Culture of “The Travelers”: Clans of Con Artists

Abstract

Over four decades ago, on July 16, 1956, to exact, Newsweek Magazine passed on to its readers warning from Pittsburgh Better Business Bureau to Beware `Terrible Williamsons.' The article described Williamsons as a close-knit clan of swindlers who preyed on nation for more than 30 years (Family 26). Typical swindles involved a quavering old woman with head shawl and thick Irish brogue who offered genuine Irish lace...a precious family heirloom, made by `me mother' in county Killarney for sale to Pittsburgh housewife at an absurdly low price. Shortly thereafter, the crone as Newsweek delicately described her, at another door. This time, she spoke with soft Scottish burr. She was offering an imported wool rug for fraction of its real worth. Out of city farmer agreed to let Williamson paint his barn, again at an unheard-of bargain price. Not until days or weeks later did housewives and farmer discover that rare lace was machine-made cotton; Scottish rug, cheap rayon imitation, and paint, thin substitute that washed off with first heavy rain (Family 26). The Newsweek article included photograph of grinning suspect-identified as a `Terrible Williamson'-being frisked by police, an act that was all too rare. There is no doubt that Newsweek was correct in saying that clan had defied rewards, warning notices, and the panting efforts of local and state police and FBI to bring them to justice. Much of article, however, relied on speculation rather than fact. The Terrible it said, thought to be descendants of Irish Gypsies. They nomadic, and favored expensive automobiles and luxurious motels. Cincinnati was command post, and many Williamsons buried at cemetery there. The overall boss to whom they owed allegiance was mysterious Uncle Isaac Williamson, and in few instances when they were arrested, they paid fines or jumped bail, roaring out of town in their high-powered cars. As with many confidence schemes, reluctance of many victims to testify aided swindlers. Few people wished to admit that they attempted to buy tainted goods, or that they willing to take advantage of poor Irish mother (Family 26). The article in Newsweek generally was correct in its brief description of behavior of Williamsons. It minimized their number, however, saying that there about 200. It also described New England as their primary target, although it conceded that they have ranged westward to California. As will become apparent, they appear to vastly more numerous. Moreover, they may found in any part of country, as rule on seasonal basis. They tend to head for warmer regions in winter, and proceed north in summer. Although there are some similarities with Gypsy culture-both are nomadic, both tend to marry within group, and both tend to close ranks against outsiders-there also are some striking differences. Gypsies are descendants of tribal peoples in India, among whom Banjaras maintained their distinctive Gypsy culture. The Williamsons, are descendants of Irish, Scottish, and English nomadic tinkers, Travelers, who are as staunchly Protestant as Gypsies are Catholic. The confusion is understandable. Both groups are secretive, and attempt to reveal as little as possible about themselves to outsiders. Officer Randy Wiler of Leawood, Kansas, Police Department indicated that many law-enforcement officers are not adequately informed regarding nature of groups. Some, especially those in metropolitan areas who are not part of fraud units, may unaware of existence of Travelers. Others may confuse them with Gypsies. Leawood, Kansas, is an affluent suburban community within metropolitan area of Kansas City, Missouri-an unlikely venue for Travelers. Even Leawood has not been immune, but Officer Wiler had much more frequent experience with Travelers when he was Chief of Police in small Kansas community in predominantly rural area of state. …