Clay County Courier Files

Clay County Courier Files, 1916

Captain and Mrs. George W. HUFF are again citizens of Corning, we are glad to note. They moved one day last week from Newport to the new concrete residence of their son-in-law, S.B. NEILL, on Elm Street.

Miss Amelia HAMMERSLAUGH of the STEINBERG Store is buying dry goods and visiting relaives in St. Louis, for which city she left last Saturday.

A grass fire ignited some weatherboards of the Southeast corner of Dr. SIMPSON's fine residence one afternoon last week, but, fortunately, it was discovered in time and extinguished.

A. E. PATE and J.N. HUGHES, the live wire proprietors of the Corning Pearl Button Factory, resumed business Monday of last week by putting 12 machines in operation. Since that tie several more machines have been pressed into the great rush of business. The season is now more favorable for procuring shells, and it is thought, that in a short time the factory will run at its ful capacity, 35 machines.
Johnnie HUGHES, manager of this worthy enterprise, is full of pluck and business ability and if you want to see a business grow and prosper, keep you eye on Corning Pearl Button factory.

During the past week, three of our business houses have been entered and small quantities of merchandise taken therefrom.
For the second time recently the store of T.W. WYNN, one door South of the Courier office, last Friday night and carried away a few articles of merchandise. Saturday night, thieves broke into the grocery store of FOWLER Brothers and stole a small sum of money and a few groceries. On Monday night, thieves visited the store of OlIVER and Company, entrance being effected through a North window. About $25.00 or $30.00 worth of merchandise was taken from this store, consisting of shirts, shoes and clothing. The robbery was observed early Tuesday morning and bloodhounds brought here from Poplar Bluff on the eight o'clock train. The dogs followed the trail of the robbers to Corning Cemetery, where it is thought the stolen goods were placed in a buggy or wagon and driven away.

Gar MILLER who resides near Palatka, was found dead in Missouri, between Buncombe and Neelyville, Sunday morning by Jeff BLACK for whom he and his wife had been keeping house. Miller and several other teamsters had been hauling ties to Neelyville. The inquest of the dead man was held by Missouri authorities and it was the supposition that the unfortunate man was frozen to death after first being filled with bad whiskey. This is only one of those many whose fate is met by such a route. MILLER was a young man and had not been married a great while and to the bereaved widow we extend sympathy. The remains were buried Tuesday in the BLACK graveyard.

The dead body of Mrs. Alice LUMPKIN, who disappeared from her home near O'Kean, December 27, was found Monday afternoon by Bob CANNON, a farmer who lives on the FENDER place. Mr. CANNON was out looking for some hogs that had strayed off and accidentally discovered the dead woman in a low unfrequented spot about two miles from her home. Since her disappearance neighbors have searched for her and Monday there was an organized systematic search made, in which Sheriff OWENS and a number from here joined, but no trace of the missing woman was found.
The discovery by CANNON, late in the afternoon Monday, being accidental. Mrs. LUMPKIN was about 60 years old and partially deaf. She was last seen alive on the evening of December 27 when she started home from Mrs. LATHAM's, a neighbor. It was sleeting and very cold and it is thought that she had wondered about until overcome by the cold. The body was found in a sitting position leaning against a tree.

Esquire Roy G. BARNHILL was over from Palatka yesterday and reports the arrival of another fine daughter in his home last Tuesday, the 15th.

A joke on some of our boys. One night last week, they gathered tin cans and cow bells and went to charivari Clyde CREEK and his young bride, but the couple had slipped out and instead of cheering them they cheered widow SIMMONS.

Pasturage, let us take care of your cow at only six and two-thirds cents a day. Fresh water, plenty of grass and free service of registered Aberdeen Angus male. Cows will be taken to pasture at 7:30 a.m. and returned home at 6:00 p.m. Louis PHILLIPS, telephone 96.

While grinding an axe at his farm one day last week, James HIGH was painfully injured by the explosion of some dynamite caps he carried in his coat pocket. Mr. HIGH had been using the explosives for blowing up stumps and it is said he had a narrow escape from serious injury.

Mrs. Joe RAPERT's youngest son Orlie, age 8, while playing with some cotton seed Thursday got one of them in his left ear. Dr. NELSON of this city assisted By Dr. CUNNING of Knobel, extracted the offending seed and the little fellow is about okay again.

Many fishermen pass The Courier office daily with long strings of fine fish. Judging from the strings we observed, the championship lies between William ELLER, Sid RIGGS, Sam GRAYSON and Daddy RUCKS, with honors about equal.

Charlie SCOTT (Cherokee Charlie) of Peach Orchard, was a business visitor in Corning, Wednesday and while here was a caller at The Courier office. Charlie came to Peach Orchard about three years ago and was engaged in the business of riding wild horses, and mules and would ride any animal brought to the town. He married Mrs. Grace KENNEMUR and since that time they have resided at Delaplaine and Peach Orchard.

Clarence SMITH was placed in jail here Saturday night, charged with grand larceny. Monday, it developed that Clarence had a full-fledged case of smallpox and the county jail is under quarantine. Deputy Sheriff L.V. RUFF, who is also the jailer, immediately took his family to the home of his mother at Pitman. There is not a known case of smallpox in the county and it is a mystery where young SMITH contacted the malady.

R. WHITAKER of Knobel, nominee for the state senate from this district was a visitor in the city this morning.

Holloway SCHWINEGRUBER who has been ill at his home near Datto for several weeks, suffering with inflammation of his right hand and left foot, went to Hot Springs, Tuesday. He was accompanied by his son-in-law Joahus MOWLS.

Upon condition that he leave the state and never return, H.G. WILSON, 73 years old, perhaps the oldest white convict in the stat penitentiary, Monday, was pardoned by Gov. George W. HAYS. WILSON was serving a 21 year sentence, having pleaded guilty to a second degree murder sentence, after having killed his wife and stepson. The double killing occurred in Corning about four years ago but on a change of venue, WILSON was sent up from Paragould. The plea of guilty was to the charge of having killed his stepson. The killing of Mrs. WILSON, it was said, was accidental. Persons familiar with the case say that Mrs. WILSON, in an effort to save her son, threw herself between her son and her husband just in time to receive a charge of shot intended for her son. WILSON and his stepson had had several quarrels, it was said, prior to the double killing. WILSON began his 21 year sentence in 1912 and had served 3 years and 11 months. He had been employed in the tailoring shop of the peni!
tentiary.

J.M. BARNETT has recently completed overhauling the Phoenix gin at this place, preparatory of the Fall rush of business. He was assisted by Elmo ROE of Reyno in putting the gin in good shape.

R.E. HAWKS left yesterday morning for Neelyville, Naylor, Doniphan and other towns in that section, winding up Saturday at Poplar Bluff. From Naylor Gene made this trip by buggy, there being too much water for the auto.

George A. BOOSIER accepts call of National Business Men's Republican committee.

J.B. LAUGHLIN of Success was here yesterday on a business mission. He said that the storm destroyed 100 acres of corn for Joe McCRACKEN which will be replanted at once.

Mrs. Jennie TURNER of Marks, Mississippi arrived in Corning, Wednesday and is an appreciated visitor at the pretty home of Dr. and Mrs. A.R. SIMPSON on Second Street. The distinguished lady is a cousin of Dr. SIMPSON, and this is her first visit to Corning.

Loren DAY hauled a load of ice down to his house, Saturday. Guess he will have ice cold soda and ice cream during the week. (Datto)

Colonel W.F. HARRIS of Knobel was a visitor here Tuesday afternoon. The colonel and John C. BAKER of Peach Orchard were probably the only representatives at this end of the county who attended the recent old Confederates' reunion at Birmingham. Neither of these gentlemen were in the war but they like to associate with the boys who wore the gray and fought for a principle which they believed was right. HARRIS is a democrat while BAKER is a republican, but they both report a splendid time at the reunion.

John M. RHEA was elected to the school board, Saturday afternoon, by practically a unanimous vote. Out of a total of 51 votes, Mr. RHEA received 40. The vote was almost solid for a seven-mill tax and uniformity of textbooks. J.M. RHEA was elected at the expiration of C.D. ANDERSON's term as director and will serve for three years.

D.L. BENNETT, proprietor of Corning Feed and Fuel Company, has under construction a building for his new flour and grist mill. The building is being erected near Mr. BENNETT's feed store in East Corning. The new machinery for the enterprise has been ordered and the mill will be in operation within 60 days. Its capacity will be 50 barrels of flour and 25 barrels of meal daily and it will be run with a 25-horse power oil burner engine. With a good wheat crop almost assured, the outlook for the new mill is very bright.

Another old landmark is being dismantled here this week. The old courthouse which has been for several years on a corner adjacent to the Southwest of court square, is being razed by the owner, Judge HOPSON, who has Carpenter RIGGS employed on the work.

Linwood, the home of S.P. LINDSEY and family, just west of town, was a scene of merriment last Tuesday evening. Master Paul LINDSEY had invited his young friends to motor out there and pass the evening in games, etc. All present enjoyed themselves and t the close, refreshments of orange sherbet and cake were served. Present were: Little Misses Lilly May CROWDER, Vana ARNOLD, Edith BROWN, Mary POLK, Ethel ROBINSON, Marie HOPSON, Mattie LINDSEY, Pauline HARB (Little Rock) Masters Ed SHEEKS Charlie WARD, Carl TESCH, Theodore ROBINSON, Earl LATIMER, Everett BARRINGER and Wanda ESTES. Little Miss Lorraine LINDSEY also invited a few of her small friends, Little Misses Wynona HAWKS and Ruth BROWN and William HOPSON and others to help her enjoy the evening. The occasion being her birthday.

Everybody enjoyed the work fine, and Albert GRIDER of Pollard, when he finished the amusement. Everybody took a fancy to Mr. GRIDER's red hair and brown eyes and such cunning ways.

The Corning Orchestra, composed of Charles and John HUGHES, Perry HETTEL, Sam HALL and Charles GAGE furnished excellent music at the Starlight Theater Tuesday evening. Those who visited the ever-popular Starlight on that occasion were happily surprised and delighted with the splendid music of this proficient band of musicians.

W.R. BROWN returned Monday from Pollard where he had been to look after one of his big dredge boats in that vicinity.

L. ALLMANDINGER, Wm. AHRENT, John BORCHERS, C. BAUSCHLICHER and M. HEMERLEIN, progressive German farmers North of Corning, have purchased a new Advance threshing machine and engine and moved same to that neighborhood last week. It was the first new thresher ever unloaded at the Corning station. Heretofore the small grain crops were taken care of by Missouri machinery, and last year their wheat began to sweat before they could get it threshed. To avoid this loss and to accommodate the German settlement, they bought this outfit.

There are good prospects for oil on C.I. DAY's land near Datto.

Elbert JOHNSON is employed at Ed SKAGGS as stenographer. Elbert is making pretty good money and has a cool place in which to work. You can expect him there for some time.

Several from here attended the picture show and Holiness church in town, Saturday evening; T.C. HICKS and wife and daughter, Miss GENTRY, attended the Fifth Sunday meeting at Buncombe church last Sunday. (Mager)

On the first of this month, Perry SIMPSON resigned his position as assistant cashier of First National Bank of Corning and left here, assuming the position of cashier of Farmers and Merchants Bank in Kensett, in which, we understand, he has purchased about 50 percent of the capital. First National Bank loses a valuable citizen as Mr. SIMPSON has served as city treasurer for two terms, as well as taking an active part in the civic improvement of our community and county at large. Mr. SIMPSON's position here has not as yet been filled, but will probably be by the first of next month. Ed SHEEKS is acting as errand boy for First National until he leaves for school next month.

Oscar McALISTER and Clarence BELL residing North of town, left first of this week to work in the fruit harvest at Koshkonong, Missouri. Oscar returned yesterday via Ravenden Springs.

Dr. WALKER and family of Success, Miss Dora WEBSTER of Current View, Elmo ROE and wife and others of Reyno, were here Saturday evening and attended the show at Starlight Theatre.

Noah MOTSINGER and wife and Miss Ada BURGESS and Timon NEAL, left yesterday at noon for Rockford, Illinois where the men have employment. Miss BURGESS will visit her sister who resides in Rockford.

Dr. F.L. NELSON, while cranking his automobile last Monday about noon, suffered a fracture of his right arm just above the wrist, when the engine backfired. Drs. SIMPSON and LATIMER set the injured limb and he is up and about, having lost not time getting along nice, but not steering his car now-a-days.

George WILES and A. SOUTHERLY, who reside on Black River three miles below the railroad bridge, were in Corning Saturday on business. Mr. WILES, who is engaged in the pearling business on Black River, found a pretty 35 and one-half grain pearl Wednesday of last week, which he readily sold for $225.00 to Mr. WOODSON, a pearl buyer of Walnut Ridge. George says he is going to get one of the big ones some of these days.

Money to lend at eight percent interest, on improved farm lands, with the privilege of paying back one-fifth of the principal at any interest paying date. All interest to cease on part paid. G.B. OLIVER,Jr.

As was stated in The Courier last week, Judge F.G. TAYLOR of Corning is the presidential elector for the First Congressional District. This honor was conferred by the recently held Democratic State Convention at Little Rock. Corning appreciates the honor given one of her best citizens. There are nine presidential electors in Arkansas and their duties are to meet at Little Rock after the November election and canvass the vote cast for president and vice president after which one of the number will be selected to carry the returns to Washington City and deliver them to the president of the senate.

John M. RHEA has recently purchased the residence and lot just South of his pretty home from Larry BOSHEARS, consideration being $800.00 cash. Mr. RHEA will move the building off the lot, which will give him a commodious yard for his residence, three lots.

Joe SELLMEYER of Knobel is here this week acting in the capacity of foreman of the grand jury. Joe is right there with the goods no matter where you put him.

Mrs. D.W. VICKREY and little granddaughter, Rosalind RHEA, daughter of J.M. RHEA, left last Friday afternoon for Warren where they will visit Mrs. VICKREY's daughter Mrs. C.A. BAUERMANN. They will also visit relatives in Crossett before returning home next Fall in time for Rosalind to be at the opening of the Corning School.

Jack KELLY, while working at the KOCHTITZKY dredge boat in the Ring neighborhood last week, stuck a nail in his foot and he has been confined to his home on the East side.

John C. BAKER, president of the Peoples Bank of Peach Orchard, was a Corning visitor Monday. Mr. BAKER's wife was at Heber Springs visiting their son, Edward, during the tornado which struck town recently and 25 lives were lost. Mrs. BAKER stated that the situation was really worse than pictured by the newspapers. Houses were moved away, leaving nothing to indicate that a house had once stood there and all the feathers taken from chickens, leaving the nude fowls alive. Mrs. BAKER returned home last week, says the storm was terrible and performed some unexplainable feats.

The teachers' institute, for the Western District of Clay County, which was held in the high school building in this city last week, was brought to a close last Friday. In every respect the institute was declared the most successful held in Corning and considering the fact that the institute was the most extensively patronized one in this section of the state for many years, coming from teachers n attendance, is a tribute and a great one to Professor HICKS and others who had the meeting in charge. Those who attended state that the institute was the best they have yet attended, because of the fact that the instructions were more thoroughly practical than any ever given before and then the attendance was much larger. Talks by Professors J.L. BOND, Democratic nominee for state superintendent of schools, D.T. ROBERS of Jonesboro and W.A. HINKLE, superintendent-elect of Corning Schools, were highly appreciated by all who heard them.
Here is the program as was rendered during the session:
Lenne BLACKSHARE, music; C.W. FERGUSON, algebra; D.T. ROGERS, arithmetic; J.A. OWENSBY, penmanship; W.A. HINKLE, U.S. History; C.W. FERGUSON, geography; Archie A. TAYLOR, spelling; Lenne BLACKSHARE, Arkansas History; W.A. HINKLE, agriculture; D.T. ROGERS and Mrs. J.A. OWENSBY, reading; J.A. OWENSBY, physiology; D.T. ROGERS and Miss Glenna OLIVE, grammar.
Following are among those who attended the institute:
Corning, Roy MIZELL, Delmer MOORE, Ella ANDERSON, Iris BOYD, Guy BARNES, Lenne L. BLACKSHARE, Wilma BARRINGER, Lois BROWN, J.N. CRUTCHFIELD, Wanda ESTES, Bertha FRENCH, George R. HILL, Myrtle MOORE, R.M. MARTIN, Ethel McCOLLUM, Glenna OLIVE, Dollie SMITH, Mrs. Fannie WILKERSON, Ray CLARK, William CATON;
Success, Krata WADDLE, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. OWENSBY, Sibyl WALKER, C.W. FERGUSON, John LAUGHLIN, Faye BRYANT; Palatka, A.A. TAYLOR, Homer H. MASTERSON, John R. MANNING; Knobel, W.R. GREGORY, Hazel ALEXANDER, N.E. HICKS; Boydsville, Lon GRAHAM, Beulah PENDERGRASS, Gussie REED; Rector, Robert E. DEATON; Datto, Wilford FITZGERALD,
Paragould, Mrs. Estelle BROWN, Doniphan, Missouri: W.A.HINKLE,
Mansfield: A.H.BRECKENRIDGE, Vick

WARMAN Bros. sold the Corning meat market to Al NANCE and A.D. DOWNS, who have taken charge of the business. It will be good news to the patrons of this market to know that NANCE and DOWNS are the new proprietors, which in fact is a guarantee that the very best the market affords will be found at the Corning Meat Market. They are experienced butchers and will treat you right. WARMAN Bros. will give their entire attention to the local ice business.

One of the best attractions that has appeared at the Starlight Theater recently was the CAMP Sisters (Misses Dorothy and Catherine) who were here last Monday and Tuesday evenings. They are real youngsters, but in singing and dancing they are proficient. They visited our school, attended church services and made many friends among the juvenile population of the town during their short engagement at the Starlight.

Sunday school was reorganized at Landmark Sunday, the officers being R.W. SNODGRASS superintendent; Mrs. Ross HAYES, secretary; Mrs. Dan WEERTENBERGER and Mrs. R.W. SNODGRASS, teachers. There will be a Sunday school at that place every Sunday morning at ten o'clock. Everybody go and take someone with you.

Mr. and Mrs. Laney BLACK, popular young people of Naylor, Missouri, spent Sunday with relatives in Corning. Mr. BLACK returned home Monday and was followed by his wife Wednesday.

W.G. BOEVING, one of the hustling young men of Peach Orchard, was a guest of Corning friends, Monday.

Colonel Joe SELLMEYER and J.L. SMITH, two of the best boosters of Knobel, were business visitors in Corning, Tuesday. By the way, Mr. SMITH has recently purchased a fine Studebaker automobile and will be in the "swim" in the near future.

Honorable C.T. BLOODWORTH of Corning was in attendance at the Republican Central committee meeting in Rector Monday evening of this week and he is being urged by the Republicans to make the race for Congress from this district, and should he enter the political field he will carry the entire Republican strength and on account of some political trick it is hinted that he will run ahead of the ticket. BLOODWORTH is one of the fearless stalwarts, an uncompromising and sagacious leader, firm as a rock of Gibraltar in his political views. If it becomes necessary, he will go down into his own pocket to support the Republican cause, which he will no doubt do if selected to enter the field.

Harold and Arnold "brought in" the big new well on their rice farm, three miles North of town last Tuesday and it is a gusher producing about 12,000 gallons of water per minute. Knowing ones say that the new rice farm gives promise of becoming one of the best properties of its kind in this part of the country. It is located in a flat one-fourth of a mile East of the German Church.

Will WRIGHT and Roy BOYD two excellent young men and skilled barbers, have purchased the City Barber Shop from Brant and Fred BOWERS and have taken charge of same. We regret to lose the BOWERS boys from our midst. We understand that Brant moved to Paragould and Fred will take up his abode in Missouri. We wish Messrs. WRIGHT and BOYD success in their new location.

Dr. Charles FOWLER died at his home in Supply, Monday afternoon of peritonitis. An operation for appendicitis was performed last Friday, but his condition was such as to give but little hope for his surviving. Dr. FOWLER is a cousin of Tom and Martin FOWLER of this city.

Jesse T. REDWINE, father of R.L. and Dr. J.T. REDWINE, died at his home n Maynard at four o'clock Thursday, April 6. Mr. REDWINE had been a sufferer for eight or nine years from cancer on the face and his death had been expected for some time. Interment took place on Friday in the cemetery at Maynard. He lacked but five days of being 76 years old. He is survived by his widow and two sons and two daughters, the latter being Mrs. Anna PHIPPS of Frederick, Oklahoma and Mrs. WEAVER of Maynard.

Several of our German girls and boys attended confirmation at Lafe, Sunday. Among them were Misses Dora ALLMANDINGER, Maude HEMMERLINE and Minnie BOSCHERS and Messrs Fritz and Otto AHRENT, Christian ALLMANDINGER and Herman BAUSCHLICHER. They all report a jolly, good time. (Mager)

We are informed that Aunt Nan BLANTON of Datto has 899 young chickens and will have a thousand by the middle of April. When it comes to hustling, Aunt Nan is always there.

William McMAKINS won the prize for hulling the most peas at the pea hulling, Tuesday night. Hurrah for William!
A pie supper will take place here next Friday night. Every body come. Girls, bring the pies to the upstairs schoolroom. (Datto)

An Arkansas woman is justified in inflicting corporal punishment upon a male flirt who annoys her. The state Supreme Court ruled today in affirming the $250.00 damage which a lower court had awarded a school teacher, against the Memphis, Dallas and Gulf Railroad. According to the testimony, a male passenger on a train of the defendant railroad stood in the coach of the car in which Mrs. TRUSSELL was riding and winked and threw kisses at her. Mrs. TRUSSELL broke her umbrella over his head. The Supreme Court in its opinion today ruled that not only was Mrs. TRUSSELL justified in her action but was entitled to recover damages for the annoyance and humiliation to which she was subjected.

R. WHITAKER of Knobel, nominated for the state senate from this district, was a visitor in the city this morning.

In a recent town election at Peach Orchard, R.J. BAKER was elected mayor of that thriving town. Besides being the mayor he is the popular and accommodating cashier of the Peoples Bank. Hurrah for Roy; he will make a good mayor and stands for everything that tends to advance the best interests of his town and community.

Charles T. CHOISSER and family of near Success moved one day this week to Poplar Bluff where they will spend the coming summer, or temporarily reside until next fall on account of Mrs. CHOISSER's failing health. They own a splendid farm and home in Little Black River neighborhood to which they will return later.

A large Indian spearhead, beautifully carved, was plowed up on Henry GUNN farm near Rector, recently.

The new City Council met last Friday night and our city fathers were sworn in to guide and protect our town for the next year. The Council remains the same as heretofore with the exception of S.B. NEILL and M.G. HOFFMAN who were replaced with F.A. HAROLD and C.E. RHEA, the other members being, W.M. LETBETTER, L. BOSHEARS and J.M. BLUNK. C.R. BLACK will make a good mayor and E. VANDOVER will be found as an excellent young man in the recorder's office. Judge J.S. JORDAN was made City Attorney by acclamation, as was also the case with C.E. LINDSEY for treasurer and A.C. BAILUS, re-elected as marshal.

A crowd of young folks enjoyed an Easter outing and Kodaking Sunday, among whom were Misses Gentry HICKS, Clara THOMAS, Leila WARREN, Fleeta SHARP, Pete FICKERT and wife, Messrs. Grady and Earle HICKS, Aaron AHRENT, Loyd BROWN and Emmanuel AINLEY. They all returned to their homes Sunday afternoon reporting a jolly, good time and having taken some good pictures. (Mager)

Last week marked the closing of the Success state high school for the Summer vacation. Six grammar school pupils and three high school pupils received diplomas. Mrs. Krata Eileen WADDLE received the honor award scholarship offered by the Chillicothe normal and business college, Chillicothe, Missouri to the high school pupil maintaining the highest standard of excellence in her class work and deportment for the entire term.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. C.T. BLOODWORTH Monday night a fine boy. Mother and youngster are getting along nicely and C.T. says the country is going Republican. This makes three boys and one girl for Attorney BLOODWORTH.

D.C. BROWNE and family came up Tuesday from Beebe where they had been with their roller skating rink which they have shipped to Chaffee, Missouri their next stand.

Dr. and Mrs. ALLEN of Manila were guests at the St. James Hotel Tuesday. Dr. ALLEN and family are locating at Moark.

W.R. WELCH has so far progressed in the home-made candy manufacturing art, that he is turning out batches of the finest chocolates and other up-to-date products in the fine candy line, at his City Bakery and Ice-Cream Parlor, downtown.

Attorney C.O. RALEY of Knobel was here on legal business, Monday. He is like most of the voters in Clay County, he is an enthusiastic supporter of Honorable Earle W. HODGES for governor.

Notice is hereby given that there will be a public examination of teachers at the courthouse, Corning, the 16th and 17th days of March, A.D., 1916 to ascertain the professional qualifications of all persons desiring to teach in public schools of Clay County. N.E. HICKS, county examiner.

Last Saturday, Dr. A.B. McKINNEY resigned from the board of commissioners of Western Clay drainage district and Honorable Joe McCRACKEN of Success has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the board. The commissioners are Judge D. HOPSON, H.H. WILLIAMS and Joe McCRACKEN.

R. WHITAKER, Dr. CUNNING and W.R. SMETHWICK of Knobel were transacting business in Corning, Monday.

Captain and Mrs. George W. HUGG are again citizens of Corning, we are glad to note. They moved one day last week from Newport to the new concrete residence of their son-in-law, S.B. NEILL, on Elm Street.

Humane Officer BAILUS took five more inmates to the Poor Farm last Thursday, a widow and her four children, ranging from four to 13 years of age.

A grass fire ignited some weatherboards of the Southeast corner of Dr. SIMPSON's fine residence one afternoon last week, but, fortunately, it was discovered in time and extinguished.

During the past week three of our business houses have been entered and small quantities of merchandise taken therefrom. For the second time recently thieves entered the store of T.W. WYNN, one door South of The Courier Office, last Friday night and carried away a few articles of merchandise. Saturday night, thieves broke into the grocery store of FOWLER Brothers and stole a small sum of money and a few groceries. On Monday night thieves visited the store of OLIVER and Company, entrance being effected through a North window. About $25.00 or $30.00 worth of merchandise was taken from this store, consisting of shirts, shoes and clothing. The robbery was observed early Tuesday morning and bloodhounds brought here from Poplar Bluff on the eight o'clock train. The dogs followed the trail of the robbers to Corning Cemetery where it is thought the stolen goods were placed in a buggy or wagon and driven away.

Five persons were killed and two were fatally injured by a tornado that raged between Pollard and St. Francis, Monday evening. The dead are, Ransey McLESKEY and two of his children; the little child of Bristo MANN, and the eight year old son of William SIMPSON and Mrs. Ramsey McLESKEY. Several houses were demolished and crops and orchards were heavily damaged in the wake of the storm.

Updated 29 Feb 2008