Date ruined by unromantic gun accident in 1925

Guns and romance don’t mix. This is what a Poplar Bluff couple would likely tell readers after a revolver went off during their date in 1925. Meanwhile, charges against five murder suspects in Stoddard County were dropped, leaving investigators back at square one.

Civic and educational improvements were the top stories of 1975.

No issue available: March 5, 1950.

100 years ago

March 5, 1925

• Charges were dropped today against five family members accused of murdering a Frisco railroad employee, leaving investigators back at square one.

Brothers J.B. Johnson, C.H. Johnson and James Johnson, plus J.B.’s son Elic Johnson and a man named Everett Lindsay were the prime suspects in violent holdup on the night of Feb. 27, when paymaster Charles L. Spencer was fatally shot at the Powe train depot. Spencer had the company payroll on his person at the time but the suspects fled without taking anything. Bloodhounds led police to the Johnsons’ home, and the brothers were arrested. Lindsay was later arrested as an accomplice.

The Stoddard County prosecuting attorney on the case released the men after new evidence was presented, but this evidence remained unknown. No other arrests have been made.

• A 25-year-old Poplar Bluff man is recovering from a gunshot today after a tryst with his girlfriend took a decidedly unromantic turn.

Carl Todd and an unidentified woman arranged to meet at a cemetery last night to avoid the woman’s father. She stated she brought a revolver as protection against dogs, and Todd explained to officers they were “fooling” with it when a bullet discharged into his thigh. The wound was reportedly painful but not life-threatening.

No charges were filed since the statements of Todd and his date corroborated each other.

50 years ago

March 5, 1975

• The renovation of Hillcrest Pool began with a bang. The Poplar Bluff Street Department took a wrecking ball to the sides of the pool; 10 feet will be added to its width and a 35-by-35-foot diving well incorporated into one end.

• The Poplar Bluff Area Adult Basic Education Program has been approved, opening the way for veterans without a high school diploma to continue their education. Veterans can learn part- or full-time at the Poplar Bluff Area Adult Education Learning Center, at no cost.