1917 Extracts from Barry County, MO, Newspapers
An interlibrary loan of microfilm from the State Historical Society of MO, was the source of the below given data.
July 7, 1917, Saturday, Cassville Democrat, Barry Co., MO

Oz Arnold Kills Jason Whitener
Trouble Occurs at Seligman
June 30 --- Death Comes Next
Day at Springfield


Jason Whitener, aged about 33 years, who was shot three times by Ozro A. Arnold, at Seligman, Saturday evening, June 30, about 7 o'clock died from the wounds in the Springfield Hospital, Sunday evening at 7:30.

Whitener was shot once in the right leg; once in the abdomen, the ball glancing around. The fatal shot took effect in the neck and ranged to the base of the brain, fracturing the spinal column.

The trouble between Arnold and Whitener was caused by the delivery of barrel of beer to the wrong place. It seems that Arnold had ordered that the beer be delivered to the rear of a business house but that Whitener, who was drinking, wanted to deliver it to the Arnold & Davis garage and unload it at the front door.

Whitener was there with the best and started to unload it when Ernest Davis, partner of Arnold, told him not to do so. Arnold appeared on the scene about that time and on hearing Whitener abusing Davis, asked, "What's the trouble?" Davis told him of his refusal to permit the beer to be unloaded and Arnold said, "Jason, I didn't tell you to unload this beer here." Whitener, It is said, replied with the same vile language that they both cured each other.

It is said that Arnold then threw a piece of iron at Whitener's wagon and said: "I'm going home. I don't want any trouble." Whitener followed about a block, abusing him and returned to his wagon, driving back to the depot with the beer. Arnold then went home with a piece of ice he was taking to Mrs. Arnold who is in a critical condition following an operation.

In about fifteen minutes Arnold returned to the shop and shortly afterward Whitener drove up again. John Engdahl, who is the only eye witness to all the shooting tells the following regarding it:

"When Jason Whitener drove up, Arnold told him to drive on. Instead of doing so began abusing and cursing Arnold and dared him to come outside the shop. 'I am not coming out,' said Arnold, 'you drive on.'

"I then started home but hearing Whitener's wagon rattle I turned around and saw him enter the garage. Arnold was backing off from him and shortly began shooting and running from him. Whitener continued to run after him, following him outside the building by a smaller door on the south."

The shot which caused Whitener's death was fired outside the building.

All agree that before Whitener entered the garage that Arnold threw a hammer which hit one of the mules driven to the dray causing them to run away.

It is said that there had been some bad feelings between Whitener and Arnold for some time. This is said to have started over some black smith work.

Jason Whitener was a son of D. H. Whitener, a highly respected citizen of Seligman, and was married to Cora Burnett, a daughter of the late Stephen Burnett, one of the county's best citizen during life. He is survived by a widow and three children, one boy and two girls, the oldest being about ten years old. When not drinking he was one of the best natured men and was a hard worker. He was a member of the M. W. A. and carried $1,000 insurance. His remains were brought back from Springfield Monday morning and interred in the New Salem Cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Arnold has lived there all his life and is known as a peaceable man but is considered high strung when mad. He has been running a black smith and machine shop for years and during the past few years opened a garage.

D. H. Whitener of Seligman, was in this city Thursday and went before Squire Sons and filed information against Ozro Arnold charging murder on which he was arrested and gave bond in the sum of $5,000. The charge of assault with intent to kill, was dismissed by Squire Sons.

Jake Davis, prosecuting attorney, and Claud Fuller of Eureka Springs, Ark., will prosecute and J. W. George and Jas. Talbert will defend.

Preliminary will be held July 20.

Jess Cox Dead
End Comes to Well Known Citizen at Kendrick Col. -
Consumption Cause.


The angel of death is wandering throughout this land and is no respecters of persons. He summoned the spirit of a well known citizen of this county, in a distant state, whose body was shipped to this city where it arrived Monday noon and was conveyed tot he home of his son Otis Cox, where it remained until about 1 p.m. when it was conveyed to the Corinth Church, 4 mils southwest of this city, where Revs. Chas. Vanzandt and M. W. Coones conducted funeral services before a large assemblage of sorrowing relatives, neighbors and friends. After the services the remains were interred in the cemetery near the church.

"Jess" Cox as he was familiarly called by his many acquaintances, was born in Texas and when quite young his parents moved near Elk Horn Tavern on Pea Ridge, Benton County, Ark., where he lived until arriving at manhood. When 22 years of age he and Miss Fanny Brandt, of a well known and highly esteemed family of near this city were married and for 36 years they had been companions in every sense of the word. Her afflictions for many years required his entire time and he was a devoted husband and would have made any sacrifice on earth to have her restored to health. He was conscious of the approach of earth and made suggestions to his sons George, Harry and Roscoe, who were with him at Kendrick, Colo., at their home when he died that they should remain with their mother and his brother Lee accompany his remains home for interment and his suggestions were carried out. He was 58 years old and died of consumption.

Many years ago Jess was constable of Flat Creek township, and was nominated for county assessor by the democrats, but was defeated in the general election. He was a member of the Corinth Baptist Church.

They were the parents of six children, five sons survive the father, they are: Roscoe, George and Harry of Kendrick, Colo., and Otis and Frank of and near this city.

His many friends in this section regret his death and condole with his wife and sons. His unlimited devotion to his wife in her afflictions had proven that his heart was in the right place.

Tressie Hilton Dies


Miss Tressie Hilton, age 23 years, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Hilton, June 30, after a few hours illness. Miss Tressie was a very popular young lady and had many warm friends in the Pleasant Hill community where she had been resided for years. She was a a member of the Christian Church.

Besides her parents she is survived by six brothers and five sisters. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. M. Daugherty of the Christian Church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Mars Hill Cemetery.

Ford Gives Bond


Mark Ford who was arrested here on his release last week on a charge of forgery, was released on bond at Aurora, June 29. Bond in the sum of $1,000. was furnished by his mother, Mrs. Thos. Ford and Scott Barr of Exeter. He will be tried at the next term of the Lawrence County circuit court.

Attempted Robbery


Mrs. Catherine Slush, who resides 1 mile west of Star City, on night of June 29, had washed her feet and was sitting in her doorway, letting them dry, when a man walked up, began to abuse her and demanded her money, and also threw a flash light in her face. She did not give him anything and he soon left.

***


Local And Personal: Mrs. Elbert Eagleston of Allawee, Okla., came in Thursday morning and went to her fathers, George Stever's near Mano, to visit relatives and many friends.

Local And Personal: Albert Cox of Brightwater, Ark., attended the funeral of his brother Jesse Cox last week.

Local And Personal: A 15 months old babe of Mrs. John Trim of Sarcoxie, died Wednesday. The Record said that it died of cholera infatum.

Local And Personal: Lee Cox of Altoona, Kans., accompanied the remains of his brother Jesse Cox from Kendrick, Col., to this city, at the request of his brother.

Local And Personal: Hugh Dabbs of Rocky Comfort has received notice that the salary in the navy has been increased from $17.60 to $32.00. Hugh has enlisted in the Navy, but has not been called.

Local And Personal: George Gourley was arrested Saturday by Constable Smalley, on a charge of assault. His exemption will be held today before Squire Sons.

Local And Personal: Cleo Hawk killed a rattle snake Sunday that measured four and one half feet. It had ten rattles and a button. It was seen on the side of the land near Lohmarsburg. This is the first one seen there in many years.

Local And Personal: News came to this city Tuesday that Alton Zucanti, 10 years old, of Monett, had been run over by an auto driven by Miss Helen Davis of that city was badly wounded but not seriously. The accident could not be avoided, as the little boy was on bicycle and on the wrong side of the the street.

Purdy: Born to Mr. and Mrs. Verd Hadley, Saturday night, a daughter. Mother and babe are doing well.

Purdy: Born to Perry Aylor and wife Wednesday evening, a son. All doing well except Perry.

Purdy: Grandma Walker died Saturday at her home in the west part of town of old age. The remains were buried Monday in the cemetery here.

Purdy: Mrs. Fannie Carlin is here disposing of her household goods. She wants to sell her home place as she is going to make her home in Oklahoma. Mrs. Carlin's many friends regret to see her leave but all are hoping that she will come back for frequent visits.

Washburn And Greasy Creek Mixups: Mrs. Ina Hays of Albin, Okla., came Tuesday for an extended visit with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Thomas.

Washburn And Greasy Creek Mixups: Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hendrix were the guests of Mrs. Hendrix parents B. F. Shipley and wife Sunday.

Washburn And Greasy Creek Mixups: Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Horton visited Mrs. Horton's parents Mr. and Mrs. Wilson at Siloam Springs, Ark., Sunday.

Shell Knob: Miss Clara Pearl of Canada, is visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Pearl.

Monett: Mrs. Clabe Sheets of Pierce City is dead. She died at the home of her daughter Mrs. Chas. King in Monett. The remains were interred at Pierce City.

Neighboring Towns: Preston Holman, inflicted a blow on the head of his father at Mansfield, Wright County. His father died. The father was beating his wife.

Neighboring Towns: L. A. Goodman of Goodman, McDonald County, died last week. He was president of the Ozark Orchard Co., of that place.

Neighboring Towns: Dick Carter, who is under arrest charged with being implicated in the kidnapping and death of Baby Keet at Springfield, has acknowledged that he was in the plot to kidnap Alfred Clement, a wealthy Jeweler of Springfield. Carter first denied being implicate or knowing anything of the plot finally owned up.

Marriage License


Leroy Palmer, Galena, Kan., and Vera Smith, Exeter.

Alfred Thompson, Washburn, and Viva Browning, Exeter.

R. F. Emerson and Marion E. Jones, Neosho.

George C. Gurles and Elsie Kesler, Washburn.

R. W. Hallenbeck, Monett, Eleanor Thomas, Newtonia.
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