110 YEARS AGO: Jan. 29, 1915: It could be a crime to cuss

Jan. 29, 1915, Ozark County Times: Moses N. Neilhardt of Hickory County has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives making it a misdemeanor for a farmer or village store keeper to swear. A section of the bill exempts St. Louis and other larger cities.

For little cuss words uttered in a soft tone of voice when conversing with an Ozark County mule in an effort to cause him to improve his demeanor, the fine is fixed at $5, but for big cuss words spoken with violence, a fine of $10 can be assessed.

Each year, according to the bill, every man has to appear before the County Clerk and make affidavit as to the number of times he has used profanity during the year. Punishment for perjury can be inflicted for false returns.

Women are exempted from the provisions of the act. Neihardt has the support of Representative Joshua Bradley and Senator Goodson for the measure.