Triple murder at Tri-County Road and NW Last Drive, just SE of Cameron, Mo results in only public hanging carried out in Caldwell County. The motive remains a mystery, but theories ranged from an illicit love triangle to the madness from a sore finger. Dec. 21, 1907, just before daylight: A blood-soaked Elsie Filley banged … Continue reading Cameron, Mo Farmer Butchers Wife, Child & Brother
Caldwell County
Loss of Mansion Leads to Murder
Patrick S. Kenney, builder of the infamous Kidder Mansion, was a well-respected early Caldwell County pioneer. Given his rise in prominence, his fall was even more unexpected and shocking. The Rise of P. S. Kenney Kenney, an Irish emigre, began his career as a merchant, successfully running one of the first stores in Kidder. Kenney … Continue reading Loss of Mansion Leads to Murder
The Kidder “Slave Mansion”…It’s Gonna Need a New Name
Gary Mielke family, Sept. 1974, just prior to the demolition. The house, locally referred to as the “Kidder Slave Mansion,” was built by Patrick S. Kenney between 1870-1876. It was located approximately 1/10 mile North of the intersection of NW Grandview and Kenney Drive, just southwest of Kidder, Mo. There are many stories connected with … Continue reading The Kidder “Slave Mansion”…It’s Gonna Need a New Name
A Time Before Driver’s Licenses
Prior to September 1936, driver's licenses were available and encouraged, but few drivers voluntarily complied. In Sept. 1937, Missouri passed the law requiring a driver's license for all drivers 16 and over. Applicants had to pay 25 cents for a blank card (application form), fill out the form and mail it to Jefferson City for … Continue reading A Time Before Driver’s Licenses
1966 Fire in Hamilton Destroys 2 Business Buildings
An Aug. 13, 1966 blaze threatened an entire block at the north end of Davis Street in downtown Hamilton, destroying two business buildings. Four business establishments and a utility company office were destroyed in one of the buildings: Humphrey Plumbing and Heating store, Real Gas Corp., Ray Thompson Appliance store, the B & M Donut … Continue reading 1966 Fire in Hamilton Destroys 2 Business Buildings
Dirt Road History 