BLAST FROM THE PAST

The following article is taken from the March 13 1908, Gentry Journal-Advance:

About 2 o'clock Tuesday [March 10, 1908] morning, a portion of the population was aroused from sleep by a loud report which proved to be the cracking of the safe in the post office. The work was undoubtedly that of professional "yeggs," as it was done with so much despatch and neatness. Entrance was gained by prying open the back door. The nitro-glycerine was inserted through the crack at the top of the safe door, this having been closed with soap, except a small hole in the center of which they desired the explosion to flow, and the one explosion completely wrecked the safe, blowing the door across the room, a distance of 12 feet or more, and the stove, which was full of fire, was struck with such force as to remove it about the same distance from where it was setting. It is indeed lucky that the building did not burn.

The robbers secured $362.16 in money and stamps. The loss to the postmaster of the safe, and damage to other fixtures is estimated at $200. Two men who were seen to board a freight train at the grade just beyond the lime kiln were suspected and were traced to Joplin, where all trace of them was lost. These men may or may not have been connected with the robbery. The first persons to make the discovery were Elzie Rairdon and Dave McNeal, about daylight when they were going to their places of business, observed the broken glass from the front window, and they went at once and informed Postmaster Lefors. By this time, of course, the robbers were miles away,and if they left any trail it was a pretty cold one.