The Way it Was

100 years ago

To prison for 99 years

JEFFERSON CITY -- Joseph Cavin of St. Francis County got 99 years in the penitentiary today at the hands of the Missouri supreme court. He was convicted of killing Samuel and Edward Gann at a 4th of July celebration at Knoblick in 1904. Cavins's defense was that he was Marshall of the town but the state proved that there we no evidence that he had been appointed by anyone in authority, while on the other hand, he had been disincorporated prior to the homicide by an order of the county court. The crime resulted from a quarrel on the dancing floor, in which Edward Gann and Bert Williams were the participants.

Cavin ordered them to stop quarreling. As he advanced toward Gann he drew his revolver and shot him, inflicting a mortal wound from which he died. He then turned his pistol upon Samuel Gann, firing four shots, two which took effect and produced death.

50 years ago

Christmas shopping season

The Christmas shopping season in Nevada opens officially on Friday when stores will remain open until 8 o'clock in the evening. Christmas lights are expected to be put up around the square on Friday with the work to be completed by the first of the week.

Stores will be open from Wednesday through Saturday from Dec. 19 to 22, and will close on Christmas Eve at 6 o'clock.

Santa Claus and other special favors will be on an individual basis at the various stores this year it was reported. No parade is planned here Friday.