Jan. 8, 2025, TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
This 1910 photo from the collection of April Arington Legler shows the general merchandise store at the Ozark County community of Birdtown, also known as Toccoa. West Plains resident Jim Decker provided this information about those in the photo: Seated, from left: Pat Briscoe (a local blacksmith), Dr. Gordon (a local doctor), Tim Gordon (Dr. Gordon's son), John Decker (Jonathon's son), Marty Moody, Arthur Gordon, Sam Thompson, Walter Tabor, Homer Decker (father of Jim Decker), Mont Tetrick and Bill Moody (and his dog, Molly Cottontail). Standing: John Gordon, Jonathon Decker (who built this store building in 1905), Charles Decker (son of Jonathon), Eddie Lewis, Claude Moody and Eldon Decker (the two boys in front of window).
Ozark County News
Jan. 2, 1890
A disease known as influenza, or “grippe,” is raging in many of the large cities of Europe, causing as many deaths as the worst scourge of Cholera ever known.
The Recorder issued a marriage license one day last week to Mr. Hiram Welch, aged 47 years old. He is probably the oldest person who ever procured marriage license in the county.
The Republican
Jan. 4, 1905
(Opinion) – With Republican prosperity and the excellent administration given by the Republicans, we cannot see how the Democrats hope to make an issue in this state in the coming campaign. With the splendid management of affairs of this county, there can be no issues here if we continue to nominate, for county officers, such men as Robt. Q Gilliland, E. E. Conkin, William Mahan, Jno. C. Harlin, Marion Haskins and the members of our Honorable County Court, or, in other words, nominate and elect men who are not afraid to do their duty without fear or favor.
The Democrat
Jan. 4, 1905
Thos. Blacksher, who lives 3 miles east of this place, was in town Saturday. He informed us that his family is improving. . . . nine of his family having had the typhoid fever.
(Humor column) – We can now refer to it as “the defeat of last year,” and that will help some.
Chief Engineer Wallace favors building the Panama canal on the level. But doing government work “on the level” is rather unusual, is it not?
Bakersfield News
Jan. 18, 1940
Mrs. Haley Brown has agreed to building, for Dr. Stark, a new modern cobblestone building on the site of her old store building. It will have a drug store front, a receiving room between and living quarters in the rear.
Ozark County Times
Jan. 21, 1965
Dr. Marvin O. Looney, a native of Gainesville, now dean of instruction at Kellogg Community College at Battle Creek, Michigan, is featured in an article in the Enquirer and Record there on the new “Tele-Lecture” installation which gives the college two-way communication with top lecturers and international figures anyplace in the world where there is telephone service.
Jan. 4, 1973
Barry Sax, D. O., has purchased the office and equipment of the late Dr. M. J. Hoerman and has assumed his practice.
Jan. 2, 1985
Newly elected Ozark county officials were sworn into office Monday by County Clerk Dallas Herd. Taking the oath of office are James Shaw, sheriff; Judson Shipley, commissioner eastern district; Floyd Graham, commissioner western district; Bob Sullivan, coroner; Ealum Bruffett, assessor; and Joe M. Bales, public administrator. . . James Shaw, newly elected to the office of sheriff, succeeds Herman Pierce, who did not run for reelection. Pierce, who held this office longer than any other man in the history of the county, was recently recognized at a retirement dinner. Several weeks ago he was hospitalized with a heart attack but is improved.
Jan. 4, 1995
The Board of Directors of Douglas County Bancshares, Inc, and Gainesville Bancshares, Inc., the parent companies of Douglas County National Bank and Bank of Gainesville respectively, announce they have reached an agreement for Gainesville Bancshares, Inc, to purchase controlling interest in Douglas County National Bank.
Patrolman Wayne E. Talburt of the Missouri State Water Patrol was promoted to the rank of corporal, effective Jan. 1, 1995. Corporal Talburt assumed the duties as the Assistant Dive Team Supervisor for the Water Patrol.