The Way It Was

100 years ago:

Guilty verdict a surprise

The third trial of Robt. F. Feely, which closed at Butler last night resulted in a verdict of guilty, the jury assessing his punishment at 10 years imprisonment in the state prison. The verdict was a surprise to Mr. Feely's friends in Nevada who had hoped a verdict of acquittal would be the result of the trial.

Mr. Feely shot and killed Martin Hoots at Burdette, a small village in Bates County. The killing occurred in September 1903, and was probably due to bad whiskey.

75 years ago:

Earp appointed State Fair Commissioner for Vernon County

C.C. Earp of Nevada has been named by the Missouri State Fair Board to serve as commissioner in Vernon County in the interest of the 30th annual State Exposition to be held Aug. 16-23, according to an announcement made by Secretary W.D. Smith.

Mr. Earp will be asked to keep the Missouri State Fair advised regarding fair activities, to point out what may be done to stimulate interest in the state fair in his county, to expend some time in securing more exhibits and to give his support to promotion of plans for a greater attendance at the 1930 Missouri State Fair.

50 years ago:

Mercury scoots to 91 Wednesday

Yesterday afternoon the Nevada temperature soared to 91 degrees, only one degree less than a record high of 92 degrees which was recorded on May 4, 1936.

A year ago yesterday the temperature was a cool 55 degrees, and the night's temperature dropped almost to freezing with 33. The overnight low was 56 degrees last night, in comparison, and the mercury had traveled upward to 67 degrees before 8 o'clock this morning. At 2 o'clock this afternoon the temperature was 83.

-- Compiled by Nick Wright