News Articles
Ripe Old Age in Madison Missouri
Local Opinion in Madison County
Highly Refined Product Flowing From Operation Astounding
Six People Killed In Auto Accident
Madison County Lawyer Barred from Practice
Claims $16,000 for 46 Years of Service
Democratic Nominees For The Supreme Bench
Disabled Soldiers Placed in Schools
2 Gunmen Caught At Fredericktown Held for Robbery
Oldest Lead Mine Closes Existence
Convict Steps From Prison To Big Offers
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Ripe Old Age in Madison Missouri
A Town of 1,000 Has 33 More Than 80 Years Old
William Norton at 102, Walks Six Miles To Fish
In One Family of Five The Youngest Is 76
Thirty-three of Madison, Monroe County Missouri's one thousand inhabitants, have done their three score and ten, have added ten for good measure and are now going right ahead for the century mark.
Most of the other 967 Madisonians are children, grandchildren, et cetera, ever unto the third and fourth generation.
If priority on the job is to govern Madison's Never-Grow-Old Club, William Norton, who passed the century mark two years ago and is now waiting for others to catch up, will have to be president. Mrs. Mary White, who is 99, will probably be secretary.
A foot race at 81 J. M. Cottingham, superintendent of Benton School in Kansas City, was in Madison Saturday attending the eighty-first t birth anniversary of his father Robert Cottingham. "Heigh-ho," the elder Cottingham sighed, "I'm getting to be an old man”. "That's right, father, you are," the son agreed. The old gentleman stopped abruptly and looked up at his son "Oh, I am, am I? Is that so? Well, let me tell you right now I can outrun Davy Crockett Enochs here, for money, marbles or chalk."
They were walking along the street when the discussion arose, and come upon David Crockett Enochs, 76 years old, who scoffed at the boast.
Uncle Billy, 103, Walks 6 Miles "Bob," be retorted, "I wouldn't run you. I'd get Uncle Billy Norton to do it, but uncle Billy walked three miles to go fishing this morning. By the time he walks three miles back he'll most likely be too tuckered to run a foot race.” Uncle Billy is 102, He makes the 6-mile fishing trip afoot frequently.
Mr. Cottingham attributes his hearty condition to the fact that he never used tobacco. David Crockett Enochs and his brother, A. J. Enochs, 79 years old, say they'll reach 100, because they've chewed and smoked ever since they can remember.
Here is the over 80 list The roster of the Never-Grow Old Club will Include these: Mrs. Elizabeth Overfelt, 98 Mrs. Virginia Calloway, 93 John Holloway, 88 Mrs. Elizabeth Mason, 87 James Galloway, 87 Mrs. Jane Walker, 86 Mrs. Thompson, 86 C. C. Evans, 86 George Allen, 86 Mrs. Emily Swindell, 86 Mrs. Martha Davis, 85 William Houch, 85 Mrs. Elizabeth Gwynn, 81 John T. Noel, 81 William Delaney, 84 James Young, 81 Mrs. Mary Atterbury, 83 Charles B. Philpott, 83 Mrs. Minerva Ferrell, 83 and Mrs. Martin Houchius, 82 sisters S. S. Bassett, 83 Mrs. Fannie Marcy, 82 Robert Yeager, 82 Sam Ferrell, 82 Joe Gwynn, 82 Elkana (Doe) Ferrell, 82 Mrs. June Brodus, 81 Wash Abbott, 80
Then there are some who are very close to 80, among them:
Capt. Hugh Stewart and James Maupin, both 79
Susan Baker and Mrs. Elizabeth Todd, 70, are young things who really shoudn't be out.
Mrs. Nannie Love, 75 and Henry Bell and Peter H. Bassett, 77.
Youngest Of A Family Is 76
Mrs. Emily Swindell 86; Mrs. Eliza J. Mason, 87; Mrs. Grath Ross, 78; A. J. Enochs, 79, and David Crockett Enochs, 76, are sisters and brothers.
Mrs. Mary White, 89, was born February 25, 1816, in Marion County, Illinois. She came to Knox County, Missouri, in August, 1841. Her father George Hunsuker, died at 96 years, and her maternal grandfather at 99 ˝ years. She was the mother of twelve children, ten of whom lived to raise familes. Six sons and one daughter still live and she has fifty-four grandchildren, 123 great grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren. Kansas city star - April 21, 1915 Local Opinon In Madison County
Prosecuting Attorney Tells The Story
Dives Thrive Best in the Shadow of the Saloons, he Declares— Fallacies Exposed.
The experience of Madison County, Missouri, with local option is told in the following letter from Emmett Williams of Fredericktown, prosecuting attorney of that county, to a Chillicothe friend.
"First: Dives thrive best in the shadow of the saloons. Remove the saloons and you have a better opportunity to get at the dive, for its effects can be seen and the dive located. This holds good in practical experience.
"Second: The farmers do not go to the wet towns to trade, except in rare cases. I have heard of but one in this county who did that and he is very wet and is said to be so stingy that he never spent any money anywhere. On the other hand a dry town is more inviting to the better class of people.
"Third: The town does not go to the bad for the lack of license money. That is the biggest farce under the sun. When this city had saloons, three of them, the city marshal and the light plant often had to carry their warrants from month to month for the reason that there was not enough money in the treasury to pay them. Now the city pays her bills without delay, is out of debt, has reduced her tax rate 10 cents on the hundred dollars, put in granitoid crossings and has more and better streets than ever before.
"Fourth: This county, including Fredericktown, voted dry in March 1904. We had the usual deluge of 'scrip doctors', 'blind tigers' and whiskey drug stores but a few stiff prosecutions put them out of commission. The local option law can be enforced. The law does not prohibit a physician from issuing a bona fide whiskey prescription, neither does it prevent a man from ordering whiskey for his own use, but it stops the greater part of the social drinking and keeps the temptation of the saloon and the whiskey business away from the great majority of the boys and young men in the community.
"Fifth: There are numbers of prominent men in this county who doubted the good effects of local option and voted against it who are now its enthusiastic supporters. The leading newspaper in this county came out two weeks ago in an editorial acknowledging that the editor had favored saloons in days gone by but declaring that the vote would never be taken again in this county for the reason that the saloon would be covered up so deep that it would take Gabriel and his trumpet to resurrect it. Local option helps business and it can be proved by some of our leading merchants who formerly voted wet. That is what some of the antis think about the law and there is not, to my knowledge any person of any standing in this county who favored the law who would now vote for its repeal. Local option is all right." The Cillicothe Constitution, Chillicothe, Missouri, Thursday, February 13, 1908
Highly Refined Product Flowing From Operation Astounding
Special to the news
Fredericktown, Mo.. April 4.—Fredericktown's oil well continues to be the wonder of Southeast Missouri, as mystifying today as on that other day, a month ago when a slight earthquake opened a crevice in Joe Shrum's cistern and released from the bowels of the earth a product so highly refined that oil men who have investigated it are astounded.
"Within the last two weeks the owner of the well has made more definite arrangements for saving the oil and measuring the daily production, and it is now apparent that the output increases daily in proportion to the number of times the cistern is emptied. For the last week twenty to twenty-five gallons of the almost pure product has been taken out each morning and smaller quantities during the day. The total daily quantity has been accurately gauged, but plenty of men, are to found who will wager that as mush as fifty gallons can be taken, out each twenty-tour hours, or at the rate of a barrel a day.
Shrum is retailing the product at 20cents a gallon and numerous automobiles are now running on the oil, the only refinement given being: a straining through a cloth. Drivers claim they get as much mileage and more ""kick" than when using gasoline from ordinary filling stations.
In the meanwhile several analyses have been made by chemists, some of them from oil companies. All agree that the product is substantially two-third's gasoline and one-third kerosene, with a very small part of residue.
Opinions continue to vary as to the origin of the substance. Samples sent to oil men at Ponca City, Oklahoma elicited an opinion that the product could not have originated from a natural deposit of petroleum. Then Judge W. P. Mc Canns of Fredericktown took a sample to the Gillland Oil Company at Tulsa and chemists of that company reported that "it is improbable that it represents a natural petroleum product. On the other hand, there have been numerous visitors to Fredericktown by oil men, some of them men whose opinions are regarded highly, who are equally positive that the product of the cistern is being forced to the surface from an oil pool located somewhere in the vicinity".
The Ethyl Oil and Gas Company has had representatives here, but these men are also mystified as to the phenomenon. This company has taken leases on 2,000 acres of land as a result of the showing, and the drill will be used in solving the riddle.
Dallas Morning News Historical Archive - April 4, 1925
War Brings Great Prosperity To Lead Mining Town
Fredericktown, Mo., July 27—While the European war, in the words of one of the current crop of war ballads, is:
"Making widows out of mothers," and "Butchers out of brothers"
in a way that rhymes conveniently, it is doing things for Fredericktown in the way of prosperity that Fredericktown never before dared dreamed could be done.
Fredericktown is just one of the hundreds of "lead towns" in Missouri and its case is typical.
Before war was declared Fredericktown was voted a good town to avoid. Lead was "dropping like lead" in all markets. By the ton the product sold for less than $60. There was no big demand and there was a whole lot of the mineral already brought to the surface waiting to be used. Stores closed up, boarding houses reduced their demands on the markets and gradually were closed, patches of vacant houses appeared and gradually enlarged until they merged. Fredericktown was so nearly dead that nearby towns facetiously inquired of the coroner when he was going to hold the Inquest. . Then it happened. The soldiers used up all the bullets they had and there was demand for Fredericktown's product. Laborers flocked back to the city. The shutters were removed from store and boarding house windows. Machinery began to move again, creaking at first and then developing a business like Industrious hum. Lead jumped from less than $60 a ton to $90 in leaps of from $2 to $5 and most of the men underground produced the death dealing metal for shipment to Europe.
Now Fredericktown is thinking of sending to some big city for a civic expert to develop the beauty of the city.
The war has boomed the lead country.
Aberdeen Daily News - July 27, 1915
Two Dead and Twenty-five Injured in Train Collision in Missouri
Fredericktown, Missouri, January 11 – Two were killed and 25 persons injured late this afternoon when passenger and freight train on the Iron Mountain Railroad collided at Marquand, a small town six miles south of here.
Among the dead, was the engineer of the passenger train, who was father of the freight engineer.
The dead are:
William Holmes, Fredericktown, Missouri W. A. Paul, Bismark, Missouri, engineer of the passenger train.
The passenger train was the regular south-bound local. The freight train of which E. Paul, son of the passenger engineer, was engineer, was trying to get into a siding at Marquand before the passenger arrived at 4 o’clock. Both engines were demolished and the mail baggage and chair cars of the passenger were thrown from the embankment.
The injured passengers were taken to St. Louis on a special train. No other fatalities are expected.
Grand Forks, North Dakota, Thursday Morning, January 12, 1911
A Correspondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer, writing from Ironton, Missouri, says:
“Since my last I have had the pleasure of making a trip to old Madison County, just for the purpose of seeing the much talked of gold mines, and it was there that I came across the above mentioned natural curiosity. The mountain is in Madison County, fourteen miles southwest of Fredericktown, the county seat. On the east of it is Truce Creek; on the west side the waters of Centain’s Creek form a semicircle. On the right banks of the last mentioned creek is a ravine, which is the bed of the newly discovered and plat ion veins, where the Roaring Mountain Company is about erecting extensive works. The mountain has a height of some four hundred feet, is one mile in diameter, chiefly of solid rocks, more or less interspersed with quartz. It derives its name from a peculiar roaring, something like the sound of distant thunder, which generally lasts about fifteen minutes, and which sounds have a singular effect when mingled with the howling of the wolves, which are still to be found in respectable numbers in the adjoining forests.
It is thought that the mountain or rather, the whole ridge of mountains, originated by great volcanic eruptions, to which the roar, which sounds as coming from the bowels of the earth, must be attributed. The sound may b e heard sometimes to the distance of two miles. Taking an easterly direction from the gold mines, and walking a distance of one mile, there is an opening of two feet in diameter, which is apparently concealed with a cave, filled with water a good part of the year. It is believed that this cave may reach a greater depth, and that the peculiar sound is caused by gases formed by the water playing with the metals, and then seeking an exit.”
Banner of Liberty – October 03, 1860
Six People Killed In Auto Accident New Madrid, Missouri (AP) -- A two car head on collision killed six persons near this southeast Missouri city Sunday.
The dead were identified as:
James F. Clark, about 22 of Fredericktown, Missouri, driver and only occupant of one car.
Lois Rose, 42 of Jackson, Tennessee. He was the driver of the second car. Mary Reed, 47 O. B. Fowler, 47 Salina Hull, 52 All of Marston, Missouri John Phenix, 18 of Charleston, Missouri, all passengers in the car driven by Rose.
The accident occurred at the intersection of U. S. Highways 61 and 62, five miles south of New Madrid. Dallas Morning News – October 26, 1953 A Soldier of the First Napoleon – A Lively Old Fellow of 87 years (From the Missouri Republican, August 10)
Deputy United States Marshal Saur returned to the city yesterday, having in custody Rudolph Kessler and Frederick Wormicke, who were arrested in Madison County, on the borders of St. Francois county.
Both men were well acquainted with Hilderfrand, and has long been his neighbors. Kessler is charged with carrying on a distillery without having registered. Wormicke was arrested for carrying on businesswithout having paid special tax.
We saw Wormicke at the office of the United States Marshal. He is a character. The old man is verging on eighty-seven years of age. His oldest boy is already turned of sixty, while his youngest but recently emerged from the cradle, a fat, thrifty lad, ages two years, on the 4th of May.
Wormicke was a soldier of the French Empire, and as such, saluted the old Napoleon three times with presented musket. He was recruited at Neufchatel, as a part of the contingent raised by the Duke of Neufchatel.
He with three others, were tempted by the recruiting officers while in liquor. He served on a transport, and was at Bresancon and Lyons. After serving nine months he deserted the French and returned to Plattenburg, where he married the “girl he left behind him,” the daughter of a paper manufacturer.
He afterwards became proprietor of the Paper works, and selling out his interest for $9,000, he emigrated to America, and established himself in Madison County, Missouri, 30 years ago.
He raised fourteen children, his first wife having died 19 years ago.
He says an Illinois man is now living on Hilderbrand’s Old place, but he is getting sick of it.
The last time he saw Hilderbrand, the outlaw came to his house at 11 o’clock at night. He wore a soldier’s coat. He walked up to his bedside, and said: “Wormicke, don’t you know me any more, I am the great shooter, Hilderbrand.” He left without doing any “cutting up.”
Quincy Whig – August 13, 1869
Madison County Lawyer Barred from Practice
Fredericktown, Missouri., March 20.—TAP)—W. H. Stumbaugh, former prosecuting attorney of Madison County, was disbarred from the practice of law in Missouri in a decision today by Circuit Judge Taylor Smith.
Disbarment proceedings, charging professional misconduct, were instituted against him last May by a bar committee composed of: J. H. Cayce, Farmington; R. H. Davis, Fredericktown; Sam Bond, Perryville, and P. H. Huck, Ste. Genevieve.
Judge Smith heard the case last September and took it under advisement.
Stumbaugh was elected prosecuting attorney in 1929 and served a two-year term. He was a candidate for reelection in 1931 and ran for the office again in 1933 but was defeated each time.
Daily Capital News – Jefferson City, Missouri – Saturday, March 21, 1936
Missourians will be interested in the letter which appears in today’s issue describing the wonderful lead mines in Madison County.
One of these mines was operated nearly 200 years ago and still bears the name of its discoverer.
For more than 60 years one of these historic mines has produced 500 tons of lead ore annually and to day 250 men are employed la working it.
Quarries of sandstone, limestone and granite are numerous in Madison County. Lead and copper can be found in many places. Silver mines have been worked to a limited extent. The forests abound in fine timber.
Yet, with all these other advantages, agriculture is the leading Industry.
Madison is indeed a remarkable county and the capitalists will not much longer overlook it. The letter which The Republic publishes today is a condensation of many features, each of which could be elaborated into a longer article than is published.
Southeast Missouri is an inviting a land for the home seeker as can be found on the globe. Madison is one of its most attractive counties.
St. Louis Republic – February 12, 1896
Claims $16,000 for 46 Years of Service
What is the value of a woman’s service in management of a house hold on a farm of a wealthy, bachelor for forty-six years?
That is a question which Judge George W. Crossman has to decide in the Madison County, Missouri, probate court, at Edwardsville, in settlement of the estate of Alexander W. Jeffress, who died a few weeks ago.
The claimant is Miss Marie F. Keller, who says $16,000 is a fair figure.
Executors of the estate allowed her $4,866, but Miss Keller, who is 72, has asked for $11,746 more.
She began working in the Jeffress home in 1875.
Jackson Citizen Patriot – December 26, 1921
Democratic Nominees For The Supreme Bench
Judge James D. Fox
James D. Fox lives in Frederictown, is Circuit Judge of the Twenty-seventh District.
He was born in Madison County, Missouri, January 23, 1847.
He was educated at the St. Louis University, admitted to the bar in 1866, elected Circuit Judge in 1880, re-elected in 1886, 1892 and again in 1898.
The St. Louis Republic, St. Louis, Missouri - Thursday, July 10, 1902
Services in Fredericktown Churches Conducted by Visiting Preachers
Republic Special
Fredericktown, Missouri, September 22. -- Services in memory of the lat T. M. Finney, D.D., were held at the Methodist Church this afternoon, conducted by Doctor T. E. Sharp of Wagoner Place, St. Louis.
The Reverend Josephus Stephan read a memoir which was unanimously adopted.
Doctor Hopkins and the Reverends J. S. L. Boehm, S. W. Emory, Z. T. McCann, H. L. Whitehead and William Baker delivered addresses.
At 3 P. M. Doctor J. W. Lee preached, after which, assisted by theReverend O. G. Halliburton, the Bishop ordained as decons:
L. R. Henkins S. J. Upton J. N. Sutton Marion Boland.
Tonight Doctor Sharp preached at the Christian Church, Doctor C. E. Pattilo at the Baptist Church and Doctor Hopkins at the Methodist Church. After Doctor Hopkins's sermon the Bishop ordained as elders:
J. C. Croft O. H. Phillips W. J. Vilvick
It is expected that the conference will close tomorrow as no trouble will likely occur over the next report of the Board of Education.
The Republic, Monday, September 23, 1901
Fredericktown Grand Jury Follows Usual Line of Work
Republic Special
Fredericktown, Missouri, April 6.-- A dispatch from this place, dated March 29, stated that the Judge of Circuit Court had ordered the Grand Jury to investigate the records of the County Court.
It appears that this statement was erroeous. The instructions given by Circuit Judge Robert A. Anthony followed the usual lines and did not mention the County Court's records.
H. B. McFarland is presiding Judge of the County Court, with Henry Hill and G. W. Huffman as Judges respectively of the First and Second Districts. W. H. Farrar is County Clerk.
The St. Louis Republic - St. Louis, Missouri - April 7, 1904
A man named Sebastian Van Vickle, who has lived in the neighborhood of St. Charles, Madison County, some four years, was arreste onthe 18th ult., charged with the murder of his step-father, John S. Bess, in Missouri, some five years ago.
On the officers' undertaking to arrest him, he snatched a pair of heavy end irons, and was about to strike down the officer who arrested him, when the latter discharged a revolver at the prisioner, and shot him inthe jaw, inflicting a not very serious wound, however,
He was started for Missouri next day.
Daily Iowa State Register - March 8, 1866
Disabled Soldiers Placed in Schools.
List of Soldiers Placed Issued by District Official
Twenty two Missouri men who were disabled in the recent war have been placed in the University of Missouri, and six in the School of Mines at Rolla, by the Federal Board for Vocational Education. Nearly three hundred disabled men from Missouri have been placed in schools of some sort.
Columbians in a list just issued by C. E. Parich, district vocational officer at St. Louis, are: William Joseph Alton, placed in the School of Mines at Rolla, and Marion H. Schlotzhauser, placed in the University of Missouri.
Others placed in the University are as follows:
Brown, Albert A., Douiphan, Missouri Browning, Cecil E., Verona, Missouri Bywater, Harry E., Novinger, Missouri Craddock, Stark W., Hazle Green, Missouri Dale, Otis, Mountain Grove, Missouri French, Floyd E., Barks, Missouri Gross, Daniel L., Fredericktown, Missouri Harbert, Russell F., Norborne, Missouri Hawn, Geo. L., Fredericktown, Missouri Hayes, Stanley N., Wellsville, Missouri
The Evening Missourian, Columbia, Missouri, Monday, January 5, 1919
St. Louis, August 18. -- A special to the Herald from Fredericktown, Missouri, gives an account of a brutal murder here yesterday.
The dispatch states Philip Scholl, somewhat intoxicated, while driving some oxen home, hurrahed for Grant, whereupon Thomas Mathews, a young man, connected with some of the influential families in the country, shouted for Greeley, and said he could whip Scholl or any other Radical in the country.
Scholl doubled this, and they commenced punching each other, but were separated.
Subsequently Mathews struck Scholl, and immediately fired two shots at him from a pistol. Scholl then knocked Mathew down with his fist and began beating him, but died almost instantly, being shot through the head. After Mathews was knocked down he stabbed Scholl with a dagger.
Mathews is represented as a quarrelsome man, and had twice before during the day drawn a piston on other men. He was arrested.
The Fredericktown, Missouri Case Again in the Federal Court
St. Louis, April 19. -- Five men were placed on trial today before Judge Jacob Trieber in the United States Circuit Court on land fraud charges. They are: Henry S. Whitman, Gilbert W. Whitman, George B. Gale, George M. London and James A. London, Jr.
They were indicted in March, 1908, but the indictment was later dismissed because of lack of evidence. District Attorney Houta received instructions from the department of Justice to reinstate the indictment and to transfer the case from the United States District Court to the United States Circuit Court.
The allegations of the indictment are that the defendants are interested in a trust company at Fredericktown, Missouri and attempted to evade the law which prohibits any corporation or association of men from acquiring more than 160 acres of government land.
Kansas City Star - April 19, 1911
Thomas A. Stewart of Fredericktown, Missouri, Found Dead in His Room
The dead body of Thomas A. Stewart, age 54, was found in a room in the rear of Milton Rathburn's Resturant, 1418 Market Street, yesterday afternoon, and a bottle of morphine tablets, a number of which had been used, was found in his clothing.
It is thought he either committed suicide or had taken an overdose of the drug, to the use of which he may have been addicted.
About the middle of March Stewart came to St. Louis from Fredericktown, Missouri, where his widow now lies, and being in ill health and unable to engage at rough work, proceeded to learn the barber trade with the intention of opening a shop at home when he was competent. He made a contract with Moller's Barber College at 1101 Pine Street and under its terms, it is said, he agreed to pay $15 to learn the business. He attended the college every day since March 23 last.
His health seemed to grow worse, however, and he became more and more melancholy. His friends think that in a fit of despondency he ended his life.
St. Louis Republic - April 15, 1898
E. L. Purcell of Fredericktown, Missouri Has One Which Was Published in 1810
Fredericktown, Missouri, To The Star: M. V. Pabor of this city has an old geography that antedates R. K. Downing's, notice of which appeared in a recent issue of your paper.
It is dated 1816, is leather bound and contains 447 pages. In the geography are the following states:
New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts (Including Maine) Rhode Island Connecticut New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia North and South Carolina Georgia Kentucky Tennessee Ohio
and the following territories:
Michigan Indiana Illinois Mississippi Louisiana Orleans and Missouri
The geography says:
"This territory is divided into eight districts for which the most southern is the settlement on the River Arkansas, situated 410 miles below the mouth of the Ohio and the most northern that of St. Charles on the Missouri.
Chief settlements in this territory are near the mouth of the Missouri and near New Madrid on the Mississippi, but the settlements are far from populous. St. Louis, near the moth of the Missouri is the capital and is situated in 38 north latitude, and contains about 1,500 habitants. The sit of this town is very favorable for trade; not unhealthy and is in a state of rapid increase.
The Country around St. Louis for fifteen miles is one extensive prairie on which vast herds of cattle graze and fatten by the luxuriance of the soil. About sixty miles southeast are the celebrated lead mine in Louisiana. There are several other small towns in this territory such as New Madrid, Giradeau (not know as Cape Giradeau), St. Geneveve (now spelled Ste. Genevieve), and St. Charles, but neither of them so populous as St. Louis.
The inhabitants, agreeable to the census of 1810, amounted to 20,815, including 3,011 slaves.
The government is confined to that of the other territories belonging to the United States, the form being prescribed by an especial ordinance of commerece."
E. L. Purcell
Kansas City Star - January 15, 1904
2 Gunmen Caught At Fredericktown Held for Robbery
Confess Robbing Filling Stations in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana
Fredericktown, Missouri, November 16. -- (AP) -- Two men who escaped from pursuing officers only to be captured after a posse had maintained an all night watch, were charged today with the first degree robbery of a gasoline filling station a mile west of here.
Captain A. D. Sheppard of the state highway patrol said the men, who ranged far and wide in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, had admitted robbing the station at Fredericktown and others at Cape Girardeau and Steelville, Missouri, Flora and Salem, Illinois, and Plainville, Indiana. The officers said they also stole automobiles at Flat River and Ironton, Missouri, and Petersburg, Indiana.
The men, John Walls, alias Eugene Compton, 24, of Washington, Indians and George W. Baker, alias Tony Laport 26, of Chicago, pleaded guilty when arraigned on the robbery charge before Justice of the Peace Walter McFarland. They waived preliminary hearing.
Prosecuting Attorney Melvin Englehart said they would be taken before Circuit Judge Taylor Smith as soon as a special sitting of court could be arranged.
Their trail of crime began October 30, Englehart said, when Walls, former soldier at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, stole a care at Flat River and drove to St. Louis, where he met Baker, who had escaped from the army post's guardhouse.
The men came to Fredericktown and held up the gasoline station near here shortly after noon yesterday, the prosecutor related. After the holdup, they went to the home of a man who had served in the army with Walls.
State Highway Patrolman Ben Graham met them as they were leaving and tried to stop them by blocking the road with his automobile. The men swung past the car and sped away, with the trooper in pursuit.
Graham picked up Sheriff Sam H. Mouser at an intersection and the officers exchanged several shots with the fugitives during the pursuit. One bullet knocked off Baker's hat.
Stopped by a tire blowout, the men fled into a wooded area, 12 miles south of here, waded the St. Francis River and walked most of the night. They were walking along a highway when they were apprehended by offices this morning.
Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, Missouri, Thursday, November 17, 1938
A Fredericktown Doctor Brings a Man's Stomach to St. Louis
Dr. W. W. Kemper of Fredericktown arrived in the city last evening for the purpose of having an analysis made of the stomach of one Robert GRay, who recently died down there. The facts in the case are reported as follows:
On July 30, Robert Gray, a farmer, living four miles north of Fredericktown, was taken suddenly ill.
Physicians were called, but they could do the sufferer no good, and he expired in a few hours. The doctors cold not define the disease, and they were at a loss to account for the sudden death.
A few days afterwards it was learned that the day before Gray died his wife had purchased 25 cents worth of arsenic from the town druggist, saying she wanted to us it in preparing some hog cholera medicine.
Gray had been married to the woman about 20 uyears and during that time they had separated on two or three occasions.
A one time Mrs. Gray went to Illinois, living with a young farmer. Formerly of Madison County, for six months or longer. She returned to Gray and the couple gat along very well until a few months ago, when they had another falling out and Gray commenced selling the stock, prepararatory, as he said, to going to Colorado.
The young farmer with whom the woman is said to have spent the time in Illinois, has also, it is said, been seen around Fredericktown in the past few weeks, and these facts all taken into consideration led the authorities tobelieve there had been foul paly.
The body was exhumed and the stomach has been brought here to be analyzed. If the examination gives evidence of arsenical poison the authorities will be immediately notified and the matter thoroughly investigated.
St. Louis Republic - August 14, 1890
It is stated in the Reveille that in cutting the motto for the inscription over the door of the new Catholic Church, lately built at Mine La Motte, in the southern part of Missouri, the holy father told the workman to cut upon it the following words:
"My house shall be called the house of prayer," and to have it correct, he referred him to the verse in the Bible.
The mason proceeded to work and cut the whole verse, as follows:
"My house shall be called the house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!"
The house was consecrated before the mistake was discovered.
Upon ascertaining it, the context was puttied up and painted over.
Augusta Chronicle - September 23, 1847
Oldest Lead Mine Closes Existence
Rolla, Missouri, June 12 (AP) -- Mine LaMotte, the oldest lead mine in America, has been closed down.
For more than two centuries these workings in Madison County, Missouri, had been operated, but now, when most of the mines of the Ozarks are being equipped with modern machinery, this historic mine is being abandoned.
Trenton Evening Times, Friday, June 12, 1921
The reduction and smelting works of the Missouri Tin Company, near Fredericktown, Madison county; are at last completed, and are pronounced by competent experts to be as complete in every respect as can be found anywhere -- even in Cornwall.
There has been an unusual amount of sickness throughout the country, from fever and ague. The vicinity of the mines, along the St. Francois, has not been exempt, and so many of the mechanics have been sick that the complettion of the works has been greatly delayed.
The machinery has been tested and everything works satisfactory. We understand the company will in a few days commence the smelting of tin. Those who have investigated the subject most thoroughly have no doubt as to the result, and we hope soon to announce the receipt of pigs of tin of Missouri manufacture, thus adding another important product of industry to the already long list, which has entitled Missouri to the name of being the richest mineral State in the Union.
Tin is not an abundant metal, particularly in the United States, and it is not strange that statements respecting the mines in Missouri are received by the public with a great deal of allowance. But those who have satisfied themselves by careful and thorough investigation have shown their faith by their works, by investing nearly $200,000 in the mines and in the most perfect machinery and buildings for manipulating the ore.
Greenville (Missouri) Reporter
Oregonian - January 11, 1872
Our readers will recollect the notice of the summary execution of a man named Abraham W. Smith by a mob, at Frederictown, in Madison County, Missouri, on the 6th day of August; that the ringleaders in this outrage escaped and were still at large.
Of the number was a man name John Sinclair, who was accidentally seen and recognized on the streets of St Louis lately.
A warrant was immediately procured for his arrest, and Justice Butler, on an examination of the case committed him to jail, where he will remain until he is removed to Madison County.
Sinclair as said to have been the principal in the affair -- to have tied the rope around the man's neck, and to have help to swing him up.
Eight or ten of the mob are now in jail, and if justice is done them, they will share the fate of the criminal whom they executed.
New York Herald - October 16, 1844
Convict Steps From Prison To Big Offers
Jefferson City, Missouri, July 31. -- Fame waiting at the prison gates for Virgil Combs came today in a guise that was unknown when the 23 year old leader of the prison band started serving time for murder seven years ago.
Radio has brought acclaim to the youngster whose "peaceful village" prison band is know to radio audiences as one of the best in the country and the acclaim has brought him flattering offers.
He will visit his mother in Fredericktown, Missouri, before deciding which he will take.
The boy was sentenced to life for conspiring with a woman for the murder of her husband. He was taking music lessons from the couple when the woman became infatuated with him.
Governor Hyde commuted his sentence a year ago.
Republic - July 31, 1924
Another "tin mountain' has lately been discovered in Madison County, Missouri, that is said be to of great rickenss.
This late discovery, in appearance somewhat resembles Pilot Knob, and it is said from its base to its summit rich tin ore can be found in untold quantities.
Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics - February 1, 1868
A Speculator in Worthless Missouri Town Lots St. Louis, January 10. -- C. C. Dennis of Fredericktown, Missouri, has been convicted and sentenced in the United States Court for a peculiar offence. In 1888, near Marquand, Missouri, J. M. Bain sold hundreds of lots in an addition to the town that was practically worthless, making money by the timeworn scheme of dividing recording fees with the county recorder of deeds. The next year Bain having left town, Dennis, noting that the assessor had rated the lots as acre wild land, paid all the taxes and then charged each lot holder 30 cents per lot. The next year he worked the scheme at 25 cents per acre, but did not pay the county its assessed taxes. He skipped to Colorado but was brought back, convicted and sentenced for using the mails to defraud.
Plain Dealer - January 10, 1893
Marquand, Missouri - Postmaster The Department Re-announces the Appointment of Julian M. Devinney Republic Special
Washington, February 17. -- But one fourth class Postmaster was appointed today. This appointment was of special interest to Missouri.
Julian Devinney was appointed in place of Mrs. Mattie E. Estes, removed, at Marquand.
Marquand is the money order Post Office in Madison County, which was ordered to be discontinued February 27, in case Devinney's selection was apposed by the patrons of the office without good cause being assigned therefore.
According to a dispatch published in the Republic recently the citizens of Marquand refused to make bond for Mr. Devinney, instead, they recommended that William Matthews a merchant of that place, be made Postmaster to succeed Mrs. Estes.
The department, however, evidently is determined that Mr. Devinney shall have the place.
St. Louis Republic - February 18, 1897
Former Madison County Official Fined for Begging
Sikfston, Missouri, November 9. -- R. A. Buckner, once assessor for Madison County, was arrested and fined here in police court yesterday for vagrancy.
Although he had b een begging here for two or three days, when searched he was found to have more than enough money on his person to pay his fine of $10.
At one time he was reputed to be worth $40,000. He now is a very old man.
Kansas City Star - November 9, 1916
A Quarrel in Madison County Results in a Murder
Special to the Republic
Fredericktown, Missouri, November 5. -- In this (Madison) County this morning Carroll Hicks shot and killed Jas Jordon.
Some time ago the former accused the latter of stealing timber, which Jordon denied, and gave Hicke the lie. Hicks told Jordon he would meet him and settle it and the day was set for today.
According to agreement the two met in an old field near Hicks' place, 10 miles south of this place.
Hicks came prepared, having a double barrel shot gun. When the two met face to face Hicks pulled down on Jordon, the load taking effect in the left breast. Jordon fell and expired in two minutes.
Hicks then jumped the fence and started in the direction of home.
There were three witnesses to the killing. Jordon came to the county from Dunklin County a year ago. HE was a married man and about 28 years old. Hicks is also married and is about 30 years old. His reputation is said to be bad.
The Coroner and Sheriff and his deputies have gone to the scene of the murder this afternoon.
St. Louis Republic - November 6, 1889
Tornado Rakes Missouri. Kills 16, Injures 100
Hundred Homeless and Property Damage Is Estimated at $750,000
Hits States Missed by Other Storms
St. Louis, May 31. -- At least 16 persons are dead, nearly a hundred injured and property damage estimated at $750,000 as the results of a tornado which swept through the lead belt just southwest of St. Louis late last night. Some reports put the dead at more than a score.
Reports reaching St. Louis over badly crippled communication lines today showed that Mineral Point, 68 miles from here was hardest hit. Eleven persons were killed in the town and three at Palmer, a mile distant. Forty five were injured at Mineral Point and property damage is estimated at more than $250,000. Two hundred persons are homeless.
Four are reported dead at Graniteville and two at Bismarck. Several are reported dead at Bonne Terre and Marquand, but all communication to these points is cut off. The twister also struck Salem, Annusshouse, Lennox, Maples, Licking, Edgar Springs, and Ethah, causing fatalities and injuries, but no word from those towns was available early today.
An Iron Mountain passenger train had just reached the depot at Mineral Point when the storm broke there. Hundreds of passengers ran from the coaches and took refuge in the station, which was promptly demolished while several coaches of the train were torn from the rails and overturned.
Missouri was not visited by the storms that swept six or seven other States late last week and Sunday, and in which nearly 300 persons were killed and about 1,500 injured.
Trenton Evening Times - May 5, 1917
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