TIMES PAST


This photo, reprinted from the World War I book Called to the Colors, published last year by the Historium, is believed to show the second contingent of 64 military draftees who gathered in Gainesville in February 1918 to be taken to the train station in West Plains in a caravan of 15 cars. The Times reported, “It took a half hour for all the cars to cross the North Fork on the Hodo ferry. Crowds thronged the ferry and the waysides to wave cheer and blessings.” The book lists the names of the men separately from the photo, so we don’t know who’s who in the picture. But one of them is believed to be Lawrence Cates, who shipped out with the second contingent, and whose death at Camp Funston was reported in the April 12, 1918, Times item shown below.

Ozark County Times
April 12, 1918
 Lawrence Cates, one of the 64 boys who left here on Feb. 25 for the training camp at Camp Funston, died of pneumonia on Wednesday of last week.
The body arrived at the home of his parents near Noble on Saturday and was interred with impressive ceremonies in the Peters cemetery Sunday evening. This is the second death in Ozark County’s quota. The other was William E. Freeman, whose parents reside at Zanoni. 
 Sharp – The ladies of the A.R.C. [American Red Cross] met at their sewing room last Wednesday with 14 members present. They have two bolts of muslin to make into hospital shirts. The juniors meet with the seniors and have taken up refugee work. They are making aprons. Mrs. Lin Price is chairman of the Junior Chapter. ...
 
April 14, 1938
Bessie (Futrell) Johnson born May 2, 1885, departed this life March 16, 1938, being 52 years, 10 months and 14 days old. She united with the General Baptist church at the age of 17 and lived a true and devoted Christian life. ... She was united in marriage to John C. Johnson Dec. 30, 1903; to this union eight children were born, two dying in infancy.
She leaves to mourn, four sons: Marvin of Van Buren, Ark., Fred of Hammond, Mo., Frank Johnson of Gainesville and Glena of Dugginsville; two daughters, Mrs. Clara Sallee of Foil; Mrs. Vada Risley, Lutie. ...
Funeral services were conducted by Bros. G. W. Willhoit and John Wray and her form was laid to rest in the Lutie cemetery. 
 
April 15, 1943
Miss Helen Louise Robbins, “Ginger,” of Mammoth was one of the first girls of Ozark County to join the W.A.A.C. She left Sunday morning to report to Ft. Des Moines, Iowa, where she will begin her basic training. She has been employed for the past year on the Army post at Camp Crowder. ...
Luna – On March 13, a large crowd gathered at the Albert Hambelton home for a party for Albert. Pvt. Ted Hambelton was among those present. The evening was spent in playing games and visiting. Ted spent a 7-day furlough with home folks. 
Pvt. Noel Bratcher has got his wings and is stationed at a camp in South Carolina.
Foil – Willie Ross and family returned from Detroit where he has been employed for the past year
Pontiac – Arthur Barner, who is serving in the Coast Guard service, writes from his station in California that he has been promoted to assistant camp commander. ... He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Barner of this place.
Mrs. Ikie Robbins of Mammoth will be our teacher again next year. 
 
April 18, 1968
 Lutie & Theodosia – Mrs. Eulah Hampton and son Mackey and daughter Joy Addis were in Texas to be with Mrs. Jodee Canon, who underwent heart surgery there Wednesday. Mackey and Joy returned home, but Mrs. Hampton stayed to be with her daughter until she gets OK. 
Dawt – There was a music practice session held at the Arthur Gaddys. Those present besides the Gaddys were the Ross Coans, the Ross Coans Jr., and the John Stengers with Edward. 
While Russell Adams was in the hospital, someone threw large rocks through his windows, breaking three windows, chipping the fireplace bricks, scratching the TV and scratching a chair. 
 
April 14, 1993
 Carbon monoxide is the suspected cause of nausea and headaches experienced by several employees of Hodgson Mill, Inc., Gainesville.
On April 5, three employees were transported to hospital by Ozark County Ambulance and six others transported themselves.
Don Haile, national sales manager at Hodgson Mill, said, “We suspect it was carbon monoxide emissions from the forklifts we use in the plant.”
Gainesville City Clerk recently swore in the newly elected members of the Gainesville City Council: Benton Breeding, Dan Walker and Robert Johnson. Gainesville’s mayor is Frank McClendon.

Ozark County Times

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