davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
DAY WAS
OBSERVED MONDAY
National Guards and Boy Scouts
Assist in The Observance
Good Crowd Attended

Memorial day fittingly observed
in Liberal Monday, and tribute paid
to the heroes of the wars which
have made America great.
The program was carried out
practically as announced, the Ma
tional Guards and Boy Scouts taking
part in the ceremonies Of the day.
The parade formed at the court
house and proceeded to the ceme-
terry. The National Guards formed q
hollow square and Rev. Olin Hunt
pastor Of the Friends church, in q
short address paid tribute to the de-
parted soldiers.
A May pole was then wound with
the National colors by bevy Of lit
tie girls under the direction of Mrs
Lucille Lake which was-a pretty fea
ture of the program. Following this
the graves were strewn with flowers
by the children.
The National Guards fired a sa-
lutte and the assemblage adjourned
until 2:30 when the afternoon pro-
gram was given at the Christian
Church.
The program opened with the
singing of America by the audience
and Judge Grinstead gave the in
vocation.
The Male Quartet rendered a
much appreciated selection and Miss
Spradling gave a patriotic reading
in very pleasing manner.
Remembrance of our Heroes"
by Audry Rhodes, Lois Hudldeston,
Mary Molter, Esther Pile, Pauline
Hahan and Mary Hanlin was very
nicely given.
"In Flanders Field" by Mrs. Ben
H. Day was one Of the good num-
bers Of the program.
After the selection by the Male
Quartet Rev. Eli Walker Of the
Christian Church made the address
Of the afternoon and made talk
long to be remembered.
The program closed with the sing
ing Of "The Star Spangled Banner"
led by Agatha Printz.
The business places closed from 0
until 4 and some Of them remained
closed all day.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

to locate the perpetrator it begins
to look as though he was going to
be able to get away with it. People
are living in constant fear lest there
come another murder, and the Pc
culiar manner in which the victims
have been selected 1t is uncertain
who might be the next to receive
the fatal bullet should the murder
er decide to continue his terrible
work.
Herman Smith was 26 years old,
and was fine young man.
Funeral services were held at the
ternoon, the Rev. Henry conducting
the same, the National Guards Of
which Smith was a member was also
in charge Of the arrangements.
Interment was made in the Floris
cemetery near the body Of his faith
er who died about year ago.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
v|CKERS OPENS NEW
GROCERY ON WASH.
In New Building, New
Fixtures Make Very
Fine Appearance

Liberal this week has another gro
Gerry store, this one being located on
North Washington Avenue by the
Vickers Grain & Seed Company.
The store has all new and up-to-
date fixtures and in the new building
Just erected for it makes mighty
fine appearance. The stock Is all
brand new and of the standard
brands and if the past record OF this
firm for getting business can be ta-
ken as a parallel the store will do
good business from the start.
When Vickers built his feed store
on North Washington that part Of
town was hardly in the business sec
ton, but when the store was started
the firm ran out Of room and made
an addition. Then a nice business
building was erected on the south
lot owned by the firm and the street
took on more Of business-like as
pect. Then Vickers got busy and
erected three dandy rooms between
the original building and the south
building, making in all five business
rooms.
It is in one of these rooms ad-
joining the feed and seed store that
the grocery stock has been placed.
An office has been fitted up in the
front part Of the feed store building
with an opening into the grocery
department, making 1t CONVENIENT
to transact business with either de-
partment.
A delivery service has been in
stituted and with a good line Of
merchandise, flour, feed and seed
there is no doubt but what success
will come to the firm as in the past.
They give the information that they
expect to sell at rock bottom prices
and give service and goods equal to
the best. They will make special
ty Of case lots and quantity orders,
but one can buy any quantity de-
sired.
They are inviting a share Of your
patronage in an ad in this issue
and will be glad to see you in their
new place Of business.
Just what will occupy the other
rooms Of the block is not known at
this time, but 1t is not likely that
they will remain vacant long, and
when these are occupied North
Washington will become one of the
good business streets of the city.
W. W. Nelson who has been with
the Vickers Grain & Seed company
for many years will manage the
business. He is experienced in the
grocery business and will make an
excellent manager.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
Slayer Copied His Victims Writing
And Wrote Brother

The following is taken form the
Wichita Beacon Of May 31st:
Dan Hosmer, superintendent ct
the police bureau Of Identification, re-
turned today from Liberal where he
had been helping authorities in an
effort to clear up the mystery Of
the murder Of Henry Smith, a farm
er boy, aged 26, who was murdered
May 23, in the sandhills near Liber-
al by a stranger to whom he was CIV
ing a ride. The body was found
three days Letter lying in the sand
and covered with brush.
He had been shot once thru the
temples and once in the back of the
head.
Hosmer was called because there
were bloody fingerprints on the
boys wrists which had been made by
the slayer in his struggle. Hosmer
was unable to get impressions of
the finger prints however.
The only motive known was the
theft of the Ford automobile the boy
was driving. One suspect is under
arrest at Liberal. He denies any
connection with the crime but he
confessed to Hosmer that he was an
ex-convict, having served sentences
for horse stealing and for mail rob-
berry. Before Hosmer arrived the man
had denied he had ever been arrested
but when Hosmer took his finger
prints he quickly confessed.
The automobile which Smith was
driving the afternoon of his death
has been recovered. It was in gar
age at Hooker, Okla, where it had
been left by the slayer to be washed
The garage owners washed the blood
off the car without thinking there
had been a murder.
After killing Smith, the murderer
apparently drove to Hooker, Ok,
using an around-about course. After
reching Hooker he wrote letter to
Pete Smith, brother of the slain
man. He signed the name "Hank"
which is the name Henry Smith goes
by. He said he was in trouble with
a girl in Liberal and was going to
Colorado to live under an assumed
name.
Pete Smith decided it was not his
brothers handwriting and went to
Sheriff Nelson at Liberal. A search
was started and the body was found
by a posse Of farmers.
On Friday Pete Smith got a Sec
ond letter, which was purported to
have been written at Elkhart Kans.,
by "Hank." The second letter was
in the same handwriting as the first.
Il said that Hank was on his way to
Colorado, and that he would sell the
automobile and send half the money
to his brother.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
AN ILLUMINATING
STORE WINDOW
J. E. George Grocery Shows Fall
of The Cost of Living

What you could buy for $500
year ago and now for $3.50 to-
day is gloriously illustrated by q
display in the window of the J. e.
George grocery store.
On one side is sack of flour,
bushel Of potatoes and a sack Of
sugar, the three articles a year ago
costing $500. on the other side
is a wagon load of stuff which can
be bought for ten cents less.
The outfit consists Of flour, po-
tatoes, sugar. canned goods, coffee
tea, cigars, crackers, ETC., the things
the average family uses every day.
Take look at the window when
you pass and turn to the J. e.
George ad in this issue and seee the
comparison and the list Of articles.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
VERNON ENGEL HOLDS
SCHOLARSHIP HONOR
Roma Brown and Ruth
Cure Close Contend
ers-High Averages

Three pupils Of Liberal High
School who graduated with the class
Of '21 had averages of above 80 for
the four full years.
Vernon Engel, son Of Mr.. and
Mrs. F. A. Engel, stood highest with
an average Of 94h for the four
years. Roma Brown, Was second,
with an average Of 92h and Ruth
Cure, daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs. A..
J. Cure was third with an average
of 91.
All are exceptional cases and
show that the young folks have
worked diligently during the four
years of their high school life.
Vernon not only led the school
in scholarship records, but won q
letter as a foot ball player. He was
also one Of the stars of the basket
ball team. He was also interested
in the tennis club, took part in high
school theatricals and other activ-
tiles.
Ruth Cure was one Of the best
players on the girls basket ball
team, figured in the school activ-
tiles and pursued her musical edu-
cation as well.
Roma Brown took the normal
training course took part in the
Senior play and other school activ-
tiles.
That these young people could
take such high honors as scholars
and at the same time look after
other interests is most commenda-
Bile, and the Democrat looks for
them to make their college record
just as good.
Gr--
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

the Dody Wnlle Johnson SOuBht
farm house where he phoned to s. A..
Miller coroner and Sheriff Nelson.
They in turn notified the Stevens
county officials. By 8 o'clock in the
evening an inquest had been held,
the verdict being that Smith had
come to his death as the results of
wouds inflicted by parties unknown.
The body was then brought to
town where it was prepared for bur-
ial.
The finding Of the body Of Smith
caused the greatest excitement which
ever prevailed in Liberal. The death
Of John Longenecker, who was mys-
teriously murdered three weeks ago
was still fresh in the minds of the
people and all seemed horror-strick-
en- that another terrible murder had
been committed.
The murder of Smith was COM
mitted almost identical as was that
of John Longenecker. Bullet holes
in the back of the head and shashes
across the throat, more in the ma
ture of mark than an attempt at
cutting the throat, the body being
covered instead Of an attempt be-
ing made at burial.
It is the concensus Of opinion that
the murder of both men was COM
mitted by the same person.
In both cases no motive for the
crime could be attributed. In neith-
er case could it be made out that
the motive was robbery and neither
man was known to have any ene-
mics.
Tuesday evening the second let
ter was received by Herman Smith
to which his brothers name was
signed and in the same handwriting
as at first. In the letter it was stat
ed that it was written at Elkhart and
sent here for mailing. This letter
was mailed in one Of the city mail
boxes and collected by the mail car
riers.
The identity of the murderer is
just as much mystery today as
when the body was discovered. Sew
eral suspects have been taken into
custody, and one or more are re-
ported as being held by authorities
pending further investigation.
A finger print expert was here from
Wichita and did some preliminary
work but this has not resulted in
anything definite up to this time.
Friday evening Earl Galusha, who
lives southwest of town noticed a
fellow crouching in a wheat field
nearby and fooling with a six-shoot-
er. He got message to town and a
samll crowd went out and made a
search but with no success. Satur-
day almost 200 men and boys armed
with every conceivable weapon went
to the scene and combed the wheat
fields for miles in every direction
but their efforts counted for naught.
Saturday evening bunch were re-
turning from the hunt when Harold
Bangs saw a man in the wheat field
and thinking it was one Of the crowd
who had been out searching, called
to him, the man made no reply and
disappeared in the field. Upon their
arrivel in town they were reinforced
by large crowd and returned to
take up the search but he seemed to
have vanished.
Since this time hundreds Of ru-
mors have gained circulation and
the bodies Of additional victims have
been reported at frequent intervals,
all of which proved without founda-
ton.
The people of Seward, Stevens
and Beaver counties are wrought up
to a nervous frenzy as result Of
these terrible crimes, and while
every possible effort Is being made
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
GONE AFTER TRUCKS
FOR BOY SCOUTS

John W. Baughman left for Wich-
ita the first Of the week for two
new REQ trucks which are to be used
in conveying the boy scouts and the
equipment on the big New Mexico
and Colorado trip which starts next
week.
The trucks were purchased thru
Molter q Galloway.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
CUTS WERE DELAYED

Those who ordered extra papers
containing the pictures of the grad
yates and under classes will have to
have not shown up yet. We are
wait until next week as the cuts
promised delivery in time for next
week. If you have not ordered your
papers better do so at once.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
FAREWELL TO BOY SCOUTS

The Boy Scouts Council is giving
a farewell reception to the Scouts
Friday evening, June 10th at the
Christian Church. A general invita-
tion is extended to the public. We
trust that there win be large audi
ence. All Scouts Of all troops in Lib
eral are expected to attend. A pro-
gram consisting Of talks, music and
etc will be given. Rev. Henry will
be the principal speaker.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
ROY cAwLEY BREAKS
L ARM SECOND TIME

Roy Cawley, SON Of F. E. Cawiey
slipped on the lawn while running
at the Warren Farmer home Tues
day morning and broke his left arm
near the wrist. The break IL . bad
one, being wen splintered. The for
mer injury, just above. had hardly
healed when this occurred.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
Body of Henry Smith Found in Dug-Out at old
Abandoned HabitatiOn.
Young Beaver County Farmer Murdered in
Manner Identical With That of John Long
necker Three Weeks Ago
Man-Hunts Occupy People of Town and Sur
rounding Country, But Success Has Not as
Yet Attended the Efforts

], AS the Democrat goes to press
there are no new developments in
the case. Several new rumors are
afloat. One is to the effect that a
man arrested had confessed to the
murder Of Longenecker. This is
emphatically denied by Sheriff Mel
son.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02
BETTER CUT YOUR WEEDS

If you have any weeds growing on
your premises It would be a timely
warning to cut them.
The city has a notice in this issue
OF the paper calling your attention
to the weed cutting. Look it up and
read II.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02


A sequel to the disappearance of
Henry B. Smith, young Beaver coun-
ty farmer who had been missing for
several days, came last Thursday
evening, when his body was found in
a dugout in an abandoned place IL
miles west of Liberal.
Smith, who lives with his brother
Herman, on farm 6 miles southeast
Of Liberal, came to town Monday
evening of last week to attend Ma
tional Guard drill. He was seen in
Liberal about 6 o'clock, and told
that he had come to attend drill.
He did not return home during
the night, and the following morning
Herman came to Liberal to investi-
gate. He learned that Henry had not
appeared at drill, and became alarm
ed, fearing he had become the victim
of foul play.
Investigation resulted in the dis
covery that he had started west in
his car with stranger, and the last
persons who sw him alive were pro-
badly Chas. Miller and son Gray
don, who saw Smith and stranger
pass in the car Monday evening. A
search was made and the car was
found at Hooker, where it had been
left with instructions that it be
cleaned and painted. the person leav-
ing it making the statement that he
was going to Kansas City and would
return within two days or three
weeks for It. n
The finding Of the car under such
circumstances heightened the feeling
that young Smith, had been murdered.
On Wednesday Herman Smith re-
ceived letter purporting to be
from his brother, postmarked at
Hooker on May "a, in which it was
stated that he was on his way to
Colorado, that he had left the car at
Hooker and that if he wrote for
money to be sure and send It. The
handwriting did not look like Smiths
and this caused more uneasiness,
which resulted in a search Of the
country.
Wednesday afternoon National
Guards and citizens secured the
country for miles with no success,
and Thursday the search was resum-
ed, hundreds Of men combing the
wheat fields and out-of-the-way
places. At a o'clock a party consist
ing of Roy johnson, H. N. Witt and
Ed Sublette who had left town late
by themselves and went straight
west in the direction Smith was sup
posed to have taken. They drove IL
miles due west and arriving at a
place where there had at one time
been habitation with scrubby trees
and an old cave. Johnson remarked:
"this looks like as good a place as
any to start hunting" and the car
stopped. They separated and they
started across the wheat field and
near the clump Of trees near the
dugout, Sublette suddenly stopped
ond haoon xuovinO hia ayyna and
calling for the others whereupon all
members Of the party came togeth-
er. There was no top to the dugout
and it was partially filled with trash
and dirt, and there, sticking out
from under pile Of weeds were the
feet Of a man. The weeds were re-
moved and the body Of young Smith
was found beneath.
Sublette and Witt remained with
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

Miss Blanche Farrell who has
been here a short time visiting her
parents Mr.. and Mrs. R. Farrell and
-usH Ioy 6epuuS aJeI 'seAauIel Ioqao
sas City.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

Mrs. G. E. Rowland returned Sat-
urday from Canon City, Colo,
where she has. been visiting her
mother, and other relatives and
friends. Mr.. Rowland went to Hook
er Saturday and returned with her
in the afternoon.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

Miss Gertrude Chadwick went to
Greensburg, Saturday, to attend
the Alumni banquet and to visit a
few days with friends.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

DIR. and Mrs. Beatty and little son
who have been visiting relatives in
the eastern part Of the state return
ed home Wednesday afternoon.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

D. M. Snyder left Tuesday for Ex-
celsior Springs, for his health. Mr..
Snyder has been sick for some time
from the effects Of the flu.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

Jack Gray is reported quite sick
and Is under the care Of physicians.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

The next legal holiday is July 4
It comes on Saturday.
The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1921-06-02

s. W. Ebgler Of Clay Center was
here this week on business.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-01-20

Mrs. B. f. Reynolds was the
charming hostess at a delightful
Rock party, Saturday afternoon
from four to six o'clock, honoring
her sister-in-law, Mrs. ]. Smith
Henry, of Lilesville, Mrs. James
Ewing, both brides of December,
Miss Bright Henly, of Lilesville,
and Miss Mary Ellen caves, of Co
lumbia. Ten tables were arranged
in the library, living room and din
ing room, which were very attrac-
tive in decorations of ferns, cut flow
ers and the soft glow of many can
dies. For more than an hour the
game was thoroughly enjoyed dur
ing which the hostess served deli
cious punch. At the, conclusion Of
the game a salad course with &C
cessories was served. The hostess
presented to the honorees Lowell!
boxes of powder.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-01-20

Miss Vashti White returned to
Lumberton Tuesday night after
spending week here with Miss
Emma Grey Ledbetter. Miss
Louise Moore, of Dillon, will ar
rive this afternoon to be the
guest of Miss Ledbetter through
Sunday. Tonight at the Country
Club Mr.. and Mrs. Marshall
French will entertain at a bird
supper.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. L. Parsons
returned to Rockingham Tues
day night: Mr.. Parsons from
New York and Mrs. Parsons
from Raleigh. The latter did not
60 to New York as she first in
tended, being detained in Raleigh
on account of sickness.
The many friends of Mr. Hi
Kelly, as we'll as friends of Mr..
Claude Gore, will be glad to
learn that Mr.. Kelly's ';+tle eight
year-old daughter, who was TN
avoidably knocked down by Mr..
Cores car, on Monday, is getting
aiorg nicely, recovering from the
shock which luckily seems to be
the only damage sustained.
Among the many parties given
in honor of Mrs. James Coving-
ton, Jr,, there has not been cne
more attractive and thoroughly
enjoyed than that given by Miss
Halle Covington Wednesday af-
ternoon. Rock was the diversion
of the afternoon. The honoree
was presented with a box of
Azurea powder. The delicious
refreshments consisted of con-
gealed salad, cheese sandwiches,
crackers, dates and hot coffee.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-01-20

Mrs. Walter C. Covington enter
tanned on Wednesday afternoon Of
last week in honor of Mrs. Sparger,
of Greensboro, mother and guest of
Mrs. Sam S. Steele, at the Coving-
ton home on Ann street. All the
ladies were asked to bring their
sewing, which they did, and a real
good time was enjoyed. There
were twenty that availed them
selves of Mrs. Covington's hospital
ity. AS the evening waned, the
hostess served a delightful course
of fruit salad, cheese sandwiches,
pickle, crackers, hot coffee with
whipped cream.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-01-20
SOCIAL
Contributed

Mrs. George S. Steele entertained
in honor of her husband, Mr.. George
Steele, at a beautifully appointed
five-course dinner on Friday night
of last week. In the. dining room
were seated forty-eight guests, be-
sides a table of four in the hall. At
each one of these tables there was
hostess and her assistant; these
were the school teachers, who look
ed after the comfort of the gentle
men, in seeing that they were well
and bountifully helped to the good
thing that were prepared for them.
The hostesses were Misses Finley,
Turner, Brooks, Allen, Parish, Will
liams, Arrowood, Groves, Gather,
Sheridan, who served Grape fruit,
oyster stew, turkey with accessories,
hot coffee, followed by block ice
cream and cake. When the gentle
men retired and were enjoying their
cigar, the hostesses and few near
neighbors were served from the
pantry. After every borly felt al.
most too full for uttcrance,' Ms.
Steele announced that the teachers
present wished to have an old time
educational rally" which all were
expected to participate in, and they
did, from Mr.. John S. Ledbetter and
Mr.. Frank Biggs, to Rev. w. r. Cop
ped and Claude Gore. The latter
sang Sweet Alice Ben Bolt" and
Mr. Coppedge splendidly rendered
Believe if Thy Endeavoring Young
Charms" which called forth round
OF applause. Mr.. Ellis Thomas told
why he did not believe the sun re.
volved on its axis, etc. DR.. J. M. Led
better was a splendid pupil, answer
ing several questions that pa3sod
over to him, and many funny Other
things, happened that delighted tho
guests, because all were loathe tc
! depart for home, and declared this
to be very unique party and in
every way perfect success.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-01-20

Mrs. Bernard Garrett was the de-
lghtful hostess ON Friday after
noon, at her bungalow, on Wash
ngton street, honoring Mrs. James
Covington, Jr, a bride of last month.
Invited were Mrs. James Coyine-
ton, jr., honorec, Mcsdalnes w. S.
Thomas, Farley Long, B. +. Rev
Enolds and guest, Miss Horny 9.
l.ilesvilie, Eugene Payne, sam
Steele, 7. /. Covington, A. r. Nc
Phail, Ed. covington, J. I. Bennett,
v. Coney Steele, Frank Garrett,
Misses Mary Entwistle, Ruth Gov
ington, Vashti White, Marie and
Halle Covington, and Elizabeth
Cole. All were requested to bring
their work bags, and on arriving
the hostess gave to each d white
linen glass lowell 70 hem and en-