The Way It Was

100 years ago:

Wilson on trial; accused of stealing cattle

Circuit Court was occupied today by the trial of the case of the state of Missouri vs. Dennis Wilson who is charged with stealing 13 head of cattle owned by E.W. Shelton and Geo. Clasby.

The state was represented by attorneys Scott K. Bowker and the defendant by attorneys A.J. King and J.R. Mess, the latter having been employed by defendant before he was elected prosecuting attorney.

75 years ago:

Stephens home in Rich Hill destroyed by fire Friday night

The finely furnished home of Dr. J.G. Stephens, better known as the Herman Loeb home, at the corner of Olive and Fifth streets, was swept by a disastrous fire which broke out at 10:30 o'clock Friday evening. The home was practically ruined, together with most of its furnishings, said the Rich Hill review.

When the fire department arrived the flames were roaring and sweeping away the house. Finally, after a hard battle, the blaze was extinguished but the building was a wreck.

50 years ago:

Expect 2,000 for Spring Festival

Between 1,800 and 2,000 students from high schools in the southern section of Missouri are expected to be in Nevada when the 28th annual Spring Festival is held at Nevada High School on March 11 and 12, it was announced today by W. Garland Keithly, principal.

Contestants from 19 high schools will be here for the various events scheduled at that time.

-- compiled by Nick Wright