I’ve mentioned before that many copies of the 1903 papers are dark and difficult to read, and some issues of 1904 are missing. This is true of many other years, but those two are the worst. Thank goodness Mr. Crossett was somewhat nostalgic and included a glimpse of the past in his papers! He often printed the locals from the previous 10, 20, or 30 years. This practice has allowed me to “fill in the gaps” in my research and to find people who otherwise seemed to vanish.
Mr. W. J. Moon was one of the most prominent and influential businessmen in Caddo. He owned a block of buildings, a general store, the Moon (later Royal) Hotel, and other properties. His worth was listed as $140,000 in his divorce papers in 1906. His personal problems interfered somewhat with his business plans and he later moved to Texas where he established a whole new life. You may recall from my earlier postings that his first wife killed herself, his second accused him of abuse, and he was charged with adultery with the woman who became his third wife. (Photo shows Mr. Moon's block.)
The Herald editor, Mr. Crossett is mentioned here, as are Charles McPherren, Caddo’s first mayor, and Judge R. L. Williams.
The Caddo Herald
June 20, 1924
20 Years Ago
W. J. Moon was selling lawn at 7c, umbrellas for 50c.
S. L. Oliver was convicted and given life for murder. This was a case where Oliver was stealing a ride on a freight train and he shot a brakeman name McMillan.
The Japs continued to win in the war with Russia. News was hard to get, yet the Japs always advanced.
An election to vote on $15,000 worth of school bonds was to be held July 18. The incorporated town of Caddo then had to do the bond voting. Edward Bates was mayor. A. E.. Richey, town clerk.
The Herald then was advocating good schools, good roads, and good citizenship. Progressive spirit, then, is nothing new to The Herald editor.
G. A. Crossett and Chas. E. McPherren were delegates to the Territorial democratic convention which met at Durant and elected R. L. Williams as National committeeman.
People had complained of two weeks continuous rain. Continuous rains had given the weeds a chance to grow- and they did. The Herald was urging the people to cut the weeds.
Ira L. Smith was here from Atoka. He was employed in the land office.
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