Remembering John Bradley: A life spanning 106 years and Poplar Bluff's history

Poplar Bluff mourned its oldest resident on this day in 1949. John Bradley, age 106, was the oldest man in the city and likely the entire state, and moved to the area in 1869. Other news on this date included a repentant burglar and a tragic plane crash.

100 years ago

Dec. 27, 1924

• An unknown burglar righted his wrongs by returning stolen goods, The Daily Republican reported today.

Three raccoon pelts worth $15 were taken from the home of S.D. Hoover yesterday. The thief or thieves broke in while he was away at breakfast. This morning, Hoover was in his back office when he heard someone carefully open the front door. He rushed out and found the stolen pelts lying on the floor, but there was no sign of anyone.

“I guess his conscience wouldn’t let him keep the furs,” he told reporters.

75 years ago

Dec. 27, 1949

• The oldest man in Butler County — and probably all of Missouri — passed away today at the age of 106.

John M. Bradley was born May 22, 1843, in Kentucky, and moved to Poplar Bluff in 1869.

During the Civil War, he was a private in the Confederate army and was captured by Union troops in Paducah, Kentucky. Since he wasn’t in full uniform, he was court-martialed as a spy and sentenced to death by firing squad. He killed the sentry guarding him overnight and escaped.

His post-war life was nonviolent, yet eventful. He hauled Poplar Bluff’s first printing press to town with a team of oxen, and this press was used to create the county’s first newspaper, the Black River News. From 1870-1874, he served as coroner. His other careers included carpentry and painting. He described himself as a jack of all trades, the Daily American Republic said.

Bradley passed away at Poplar Bluff Hospital after weeks of illness. He is survived by a half-brother, a son, and several grandchildren.

50 years ago

Dec. 27, 1974

• The wreckage of a missing plane was discovered on a Southeast Missouri farm.

Dr. John Rome, a farmer and school superintendent in the Rolla area, located the wreckage in a remote wooded area near his pastures while rounding up cattle. Authorities identified the bodies of pilot Michael Pratt and passengers Terry Offenstein and David Fredericks, all of Iowa. The plane went down near Rolla while flying home from Florida.

They were last seen departing Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, on Christmas Eve. Inclement weather was blamed for the crash.