The Way It Was

100 years ago:

Hess confesses to buying a revolver

The web continues to tighten about young Hess, who is now in the county jail charged with having attempted the murder of his parents at Irwin, Mo., on Sunday morning, Aug. 14.

Sheriff Harlow, who has a state reputation as a criminal catcher, very ingeniously led young Hess to confess that he had bought a revolver and some cartridges in Lamar the evening before the attempted murder.

Hess also stated in the confession where and when he had hidden them and how they might be found.

75 years ago:

Will Johannes injured while driving from Nevada to Lamar

As our townsman Will Johannes was driving from Nevada to Lamar Saturday evening about dark in his new Essex coach.

By one of those mysterious flukes that happen with a car, the Essex suddenly shot into the ditch on the east side of the road and turned over.

Johannes was not hurt seriously. He seemed to have gotten a wrench in the shoulder. The fine new Essex was pretty badly damaged.

50 years ago:

Hunt for confidence man using check scam

Police in at least three southwest Missouri counties are looking for a smooth-talking check artist and confidence man who has bilked area businessmen out of several hundred dollars in the past few weeks.

Wanted by Dade, Barton and Vernon counties is Clifford Welborn, in his late thirties, whose last permanent address was Greenfield, Mo.