Times Past: Dec. 13, 2017
This photo, from the collection of Judy Ford Lyons, shows Ozark County’s second jail, built in the 1870s in Gainesville and most likely the one mentioned in the 1897 report of a prisoner’s attempted escaped in this week’s Times Past. A History of Ozark County, 1841-1991 says the two-story jail, about 12’ x 18’, was attached to the sheriff’s dwelling with removable steps leading to a second-story doorway. The lower jail level could be entered from the long porch fronting the sheriff’s dwelling. The jail and dwelling were “located in the field across Lick Creek, northeasterly from the town square, where Highway 160 bridge crosses the creek,” according to the history book. In its Dec. 28, 1905, edition, the Ozark County Republican expressed its opinion that “the jail ... is little better than a hog pen, ...disgraceful to the county.” A later newspaper story said the old jail “is immediately below a livery stable and the drainage from the stable naturally makes the jail a very unsanitary place to confine persons.” In its Jan. 11, 1907, edition, the Ozark County Times reported that the county court had appointed a committee to select a site and erect “a good substantial stone jail for Ozark County.” That jail is believed to stand today near Harlin Drive and Third Street and is owned by Wayne and Doris Sayles.
Ozark County News
Dec. 9, 1897
James Guilliams, who is in jail on a charge of burglary, came near causing a conflagration in town last Thursday by trying to burn his way to freedom. The jail is made of logs, and the walls are double.
Last Thursday, while passing through the alley, Hugh Layton discovered smoke coming out through the grates in the west side of the jail. An investigation followed, and the logs were found burning while the prisoner sat quietly watching developments. He had a bucket of water nearby which he was closely guarding and guiding the work of his fire. Guilliams had little prospects of escaping the “pen” on the charges already against him, but his attempt to abscond and burn the jail makes his chances of a ride “over the road” doubly sure.
Ozark County Times
Dec. 14, 1917
Ad – We have rented the Hogard Livery barn in Gainesville and are now in possession and prepared to feed and care for horses and teams. ... We will be pleased to have our friends, when in town, call on us. Our charges are reasonable. Yours very truly J. W. and Tony Sullivan.
On account of the snow and intense cold, this city was without mail from Friday evening until Monday evening.
The public schools of this city were closed Tuesday evening until Monday ... on account of being out of wood for fuel.
George Boone Luna is the owner of the first war saving stamp sold at this post office.
Bakersfield School Notes – The Board of Education has ordered a bell and a flag for the school.
Dec. 13, 1918
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gillette of near Bakersfield received a telegram a few days ago telling of the death of their son, Gillmore, who was with the American Army in France.
Dec. 13, 1934
New Hope – The pie supper at New Hope was well attended and netted a nice sum for the purchase of library books. Miss Roselle Graves won the cake for the prettiest girl, Grant Wallace, the bar of soap for the dirtiest man. The jar of pickles went to Miss Marie Stanley and Audie Luna for the most lovesick couple. Lawrence Vivrette was the auctioneer.
Dec. 17, 1942
The Ozark Theater was filled to capacity Sunday night to see the popular radio entertainers Lum & Abner in “The Bashful Bachelor.”
Pontiac – Billie Barner was called to Springfield Tuesday where he was examined for U. S. Coast Guard service. He will take the oath Dec. 16.
Guy Piland has a new radio.
Luna – Billy Hambleton has a severe head injury as a result of a fall.
Miss Velta Miller is recovering from a tonsil operation.
Miss Lura Fay Miller fell and seriously hurt her arm.
Dec. 15, 1955
John C. “Uncle Johnny” Harlin, 80, Ozark County’s most beloved citizen passed away at his home here Sunday at 7:05 a.m.
Dec. 14, 1967
James L. Jones, ... son of Mrs. Lois Conley, Brixey, has been awarded a bronze star and distinguished flying cross for rescue work in Vietnam.
He is now stationed at the Army base at Fort Rucker, Ala., where he is a helicopter instructor.
Bull Shoals – Theodosia – We were mighty happy to see one of our neighbor boys, Chief Sgt. Herman Mashburn, U. S. Air Force, Texas. He has recently completed his tour of duty in Vietnam. He was here visiting his brother Kater of Springfield and Tilford, who still resides at the old Mashburn home.
Lilly Ridge – Mrs. Clyde Smith has returned from the Baptist hospital. She has improved some as she received such good treatment in the hospital. Dec. 2 was her birthday, and the hospital baked her a lovely cake.
Dec. 16, 1992
The Springfield News-Leader Puryear Poll has given high ratings to teams from two Ozark County schools.
... In Class 1A the Lutie boys ... were rated fourth ... the Lutie Indian girls were in the third position.
In Class 2A, the Gainesville Lady Bulldogs ... were rated fifth. The Bulldog boys were listed as a team to watch.