One of two original Jefferson Highway signs in the Bates County Museum collection.
From the Eddie Herrman Archives
December 10
1877-Charles Robinson, who was injured November 26 at the Powers Saw Mill, dies of lockjaw. At his deathbed he confessed his real name was Richard Tuttle and he had run away from his Vernon County home several years ago.
1879-J.C. Clark, take collector, say that unless the delinquent taxes are paid by the 1st of January, “the coercive influence of the law will be brought into requisition”.
1883-Newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. John Leabo, of the Foster community by a $2,100 life insurance policy on each other. (The body of Mrs. Leabo would later be found in a well. John Leabo would go on trial for the death of his wife and be acquitted on a technicality by the Supreme Court.)
1917-The Hume School building is partially consumed by fire.
1934-Highway representatives from 5 states assemble at Joplin. They are suggesting a 4 lane highway from Canada to New Orleans, using Highway 71 from Kansas City to Arkansas.
1908-Tramps and vagrants are blamed in the fire that destroys the large club house at Athol, owned by a group of Kansas City hunters.
December 11
1861-In a nighttime raid by Kansas jayhawkers, Parkersville, founded in 1857 by Wiley Parker, is utterly destroyed. (South of Burdette in East Boone township)
1869-Theophilus Freeman, convicted murderer of James Westbrook, escapes from the Bates County jail. He was to be hung the 17th.
1871-A mass meeting is held in the new courthouse to squelch rumors that Bates County is to be divided.
1882-Professors Johnson and Epstein open a music conservatory at the new Walton Opera House, southwest corner of the Butler square.
1883-J. C. Brook cannot make bond of $500, as he is charged with the shooting of Mr. Condre, Postmaster at Cornland, a short time ago.
1907-Rich Hill votes wet in the local option election, 415 wet, 270 dry.
2004-Kansas City Royals Hall of Famer Frank White is the Grand Marshall of Butler’s Christmas Parade.