The Way It Was

100 years ago

Two killed by cave-in

WEBB CITY, Mo. -- At about 10 o'clock, George W. Kipp was instantly killed and Sam Flannery totally injured at the Gussie K. mine at Webb City. About 20 tons of dirt fell from the roof, burying the two men. When their bodies were recovered Kipp was dead and Flannery was in a hopeless condition. Flannery was taken to the St. John's hospital at Joplin, where he died a few hours later. Flannery was a young man living at Carthage. He was soon to have been married to a young woman of this city. Kipp's body was taken to his home at Duenweg, Mo. He leaves a widow and family. He had recently come here from Toronto, Canada.

50 years ago

Earthquake shakes Kansas town.

PRATT, Kan. -- A disturbance described as a distinct earth tremor, awakened residents and rattled dishes and windows in many towns in southern Kansas early today.

Some residents said they thought it was bomb going off, others said it felt more like it had a puff to it -- sort of like an atomic blast, and still others said their first reaction was that an airplane had broken the sound barrier.

The shock lasted only a few seconds. No damage was reported.