The Way It Was

100 years ago:

Suspect arrested at Fort Scott thought to be man who robbed Richards Express office

Sheriff Rodhouse is investigating details relating to the stolen fine bridle and whip that was found in the possession of the young fellow who attempted to sell it at Fulton one day last week. The fellow has been in jail here ever since and he insisted that he found the property.

Through the Nevada papers it develops that about the time he said he found it, the express office at Richards, Mo., was burglarized and an express package, containing a fine bridle, stolen.

When this was made known to the fellow he still denied his guilt but the circumstances are all against him and he will probably be turned over to the Missouri authorities.

75 years ago:

Sheriff Butner arrests Ray Magee and lodges him in county jail

C. Ray Magee, who was indicted by a recent special grand jury, was arrested late Monday night by Sheriff Butner at Magee's home west of Nevada on U.S. 54 Highway.

Magee has been in the toils of the law more than once, charged with violating the liquor laws; and while Attorney D.Z. Gibson was prosecuting attorney, Magee was sent to the penitentiary.

While in jail here he caused Sheriff Thornton considerable trouble by not allowing anyone to enter his cell.

50 years ago:

Officers nab quick change artists who bilked two local firms

A trio, mighty fast with a buck, has run afoul of the law as a result of its antics here and in Fort Scott, Kan.

Sheriff Les Hunt said today the three, Herman C. Moore, 28, his wife, Jackie Jean, 25, both of Houston, Texas, and Hermann Lee Tillery, 34, Rt. 3, Roscoe, Mo., have been charged with obtaining money under false pretenses here and warrants have been issued for their arrest after some "quick change" artistry at two Nevada business firms.

-- compiled by Nick Wright