MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1994 Los Angeles – O.J. Simpson was ordered Friday to stand trial on charges of murdering his ex-wife and a friend of hers by a judge who ruled there was “ample evidence” to establish suspicion of his guilt. After six days of often-dramatic testimony in a preliminary hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to try him, Municipal Judge Kathleen Kennedy Powell ordered the former football star held without bail and set arraignment for July 22 in Superior Court. 50 years ago — 1969 National Trust Life Insurance Co., founded in Memphis 38 years ago, has been acquired by Capital Holding Co. of Wilmington, Del., in a $19 million transaction. Alvin Wunderlich Jr., board chairman and president of National, said the company, which has policy owners in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Georgia, will remain under present management. National Trust Life is the largest Memphis-based insurance company and is ranked in the top 10 percent of insurance companies in the country. Known as National Burial Insurance Company until 1964, National Trust Life is principal owner of Memphis Funeral Home. The company was an outgrowth of National Funeral Home Inc., which was established in 1929. The business has been owned by the Wunderlich family throughout the company’s history. 75 years ago — 1944 Enoch Brown, vice president and general manager of The Commercial Appeal, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in Italy, where he is now serving with the Allied Military Government. One of Memphis’ best-known newspaper executives, Captain Brown, as he is known because of his service in World War I, left his desk in January 1943, to accept a commission as major. 100 years ago — 1919 An increase of 25 percent in gas rates, effective Aug. 1, was asked Tuesday by the Memphis Gas & Electric Company in a petition filed with the state railroad and utilities commission by Lovick P. Miles, attorney for the company. 125 years ago — 1894 The Garden Party and archery tournament for the benefit of the Women’s Exchange will be given Thursday night on the lawn of Mrs. J.N. Falls’ residence. It promises to be one of the most enjoyable events of the season.