A century ago, two attempted murders in one day rocked Butler County: the first an ambush attack over money owed, and the second a drunken stabbing.
100 years ago
March 6, 1924
• A man is in the hospital after an armed ambush over money. The victim, 23-year-old Walter Slayton of Beaver Dam Township, was riding on horseback southwest of Poplar Bluff when he heard a bang and was struck in the head by buckshot. Turning back, he saw his friend Verner Smith rising from behind a downed tree about 30 steps from the path and quickly spurred his horse out of range. After a short, “heated” verbal exchange between victim and attacker, Smith fled.
The motive is believed to be two bank loans to Smith and his father equaling $85. Slayton is surety on both and since neither loan was repaid, he would soon be required to make it good. Slayton said the loans came up in conversation with Smith several times but the two never quarreled about them.
Slayton has three pieces of buckshot lodged in the rear of his skull. These will soon be removed by surgeons. Those familiar with the case said his life was saved by a tree in Smith’s line of fire.
Smith remains at large, and law enforcement believe he fled the area.
• Another violent attack happened between 8 and 9 p.m. last night when A.S. Overfield stabbed Herman Mofield in a drunken rage. Witnesses said Overfield picked a fight with Mofield at the Midway Bar on Broadway and Maple streets. Mofield reportedly realized the man was drunk and didn’t want trouble. Overfield then pulled out a knife and stabbed him deeply in the abdomen.
Overfield was disarmed by a bystander and left the scene, appearing next around Fifth Street and Park Avenue, where he stood in the road and threatened motorists with a butcher’s knife he somehow acquired. He was arrested soon after and described by officers as “wild drunk.” He’d disposed of his weapon and no officers were reported inured.
Mofield was taken to his home, where a physician saw him, and then to Cadwell Hospital. The wound punctured his intestine, putting him in danger of blood poisoning, and doctors stated it may be several days before they know whether he’ll recover.
March 6, 1949 — No issues available.
50 years ago
March 6, 1974
• Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E has issued 168 warnings and arrested 25 drivers in the past two days. The activity is the result of new national speed limits that went into effect March 4, lowering highway speeds from 70 mph to 55 mph to conserve fuel. The drivers arrested were exceeding 70 mph, a Troop E spokesperson said.
Drivers going 55-70 mph will be issued warnings until March 15, after which they too may be subject to arrest.
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