This Week in History:
Murder investigation is ongoing; boys get a warning in attempted beating
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a column of local happenings and history pulled from the pages of the Texarkana Gazette and its legacy newspapers.
100 Years ago For those of you who love the 100 year ago section, you are in for a treat. Seeing as the January 1963 microfilm went mysteriously missing, you are getting a double dose of 100 years ago!
January 27, 1913: Little progress has been made into the investigation of the identity of the murderer of Albert Clark, whose body, was found beside the Iron Mountain tracks last week. At first, reports said that Clark had died accidentally, but a closer examination of the body disclosed two bullet wounds, one in the head and another in the right hand. Clark’s pockets were turned inside out suggesting he was murdered and robbed or killed after trying to convince his assailants he was without money. Evidence indicates the man was shot in a freight car and thrown from the train. It has been ascertained that Clark was in Texarkana and it is believed he boarded the outbound Iron Mountain freight to journey to Little Rock. He was a skilled laborer, traveling from place to place working for a while in one town and then journeying to another paying his way, save that of traveling.
Jan. 27: Joe Morrow and Miss Mary Brommer, well-known young Texarkana people, have sprung a surprise on their local friends by keeping quiet about their wedding, which was celebrated at Kansas City Thursday night. Miss Brommer has been in Kansas City the past two months and Mr. Morrow went without saying anything to anybody about a wedding being in prospect. Also, Attorney Henry Moore, Jr. is home from Little Rock were he has been transacting business.
Jan. 28: Three “striking” telegraph messenger boys faced City Judge W. B. Weeks this morning on charges of staring a “rough house” at the Western Union office. The boys are charged with attempting to beat up the messenger boys who were working, with having thrown brick, rocks or other stuff at the glass windows into the rear of the office. Judge Weeks discharged the boys after giving them a severe lecture as to the common proprieties only after telling them he would hold the present charges against them and if ever they were brought before him again. The boys stated that they would keep within the law in the future.
Jan. 29: Paul Williams, an “engine herder” for the Iron Mountain, reported to the East Side police that he had been held up and robbed beneath the Iron Mountain viaduct. Williams say he was confronted by a big man who held a pistol to his head while rifling his pockets. A watch and $1 in money was taken. Officers Frank Kuhn and A. J. Lummus, made a careful search of the railroad yards, but were unsuccessful in finding the man.
Jan. 30: Mrs. Sallie Talbott Strafford, a member of one of the most prominent and aristocratic families in this section, and one of Texarkana’s most brilliant women, who was 67 years of age, died Thursday at a local sanitarium. She was taken there several days ago when her condition became critical. Mrs. Strafford was a victim of misfortune, yet tragedy only sweetened a character already noted for kindness and charity. About 35 years ago, Miss Talbott, daughter of the late Judge Talbott, became the bride of Samuel Stafford, the honeymoon terminated in tragedy, the husband meeting death in a railroad wreck a few months after the marriage.
Jan. 31: The body of Miss Ella Young, who died as the result of burns received at Memphis, Tenn., early in the week arrived here on the Cotton Belt train. The father of Miss Young was employed at the Four States Press. Its offices will be closed today as a mark of respect.
Feb. 1: At the home of Judge Wilson on Olive Street, Miss Vi Wilson and Mr. Guy Strickland were married. The house was decorated in evergreens, ferns and cut flowers. Pink and white Killarney roses and carnations were used in abundance. The bride’s maids, Misses Lois Mahaffey and May Little were dressed in pink charmeuse with over draperies and carried huge arm bouquets of Kilarney roses. The bride was a picture of all that is lovely and sweet in an ivory satin gown with pearl and lace trimmings and a becoming veil with orange blossoms. Her bouquet was made of rare white roses with the shower of lily-of-the-valley and fern.
Feb. 2: The Music Club meeting was well attended this week and an interesting programs of Old English songs, including the Nocturne-Wedding March from “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream” were enjoyed and many compliments were paid the exquisite Knabe piano used for accompaniment.
50 Years ago Feb. 1, 1963: At the Good Year Service Store this week, washers are only $188, while Westport stereo consoles are $148.88, and Golden Tone LP Records albums are only 99 cents.
Feb. 2: Miss Brenda Francis was honored with a surprise 15th birthday and slumber party held in the home of Miss Betty Roark. Pictures were made and dancing was enjoyed by the group prior to refreshment time.
(Look for “This Week in History” every Monday. Email R.J. Kennedy at columnistrjkennedy@juno.com, or write to her at R.J. Kennedy, c/o Texarkana Gazette, 315 Pine St., Texarkana, TX 75501.)