Before becoming a renowned gossip columnist, Madeline Dunlap was a savvy entrepreneur in the growing town of Kansas City. She ran a profitable general store during the height of the western expansion, which allowed her to listen in on conversations and gather juicy gossip about the pioneers passing through.
A favorite tale from her past involves a secret love affair between a local sheriff and a notorious outlaw's wife, which Madeline was the first to reveal in her column.