The following are selected articles from a Newspaper titled, "The Higbee News" which was issued out of the town of Higbee, in Randolph County, Missouri from the years 1888 through 1953. The editors and owners were a wonderful man by the name of W. H. Welch and his son H. Scott Welch. This paper covered the Higbee area and also a great deal of the northeastern part of Howard county. It is because of my tremendous admiration for this father and son, that I am transcribing this paper and putting it in a more readable format, so that this work may again be brought to light, to entertain, and teach a whole new generation of the descendants of the inhabitants and neighbors of a little town called "Higbee." The copyright notice at the end of this transcript is there for the sole purpose of keeping this work free to the public, and to ensure that it is not harvested by a fee-based corporate genealogy site, or published in any format for profit. If you decide to use the information from this transcription, PLEASE LIST ME AS THE SOURCE, rather than the paper. My transcription is another generation removed from the microfilm, and would thus be a third generation copy of the original paper. I wouldn't want my own possible errors in transcription, blamed on the editors of the paper. For proper documentation, a researcher should obtain a photocopy of the microfilm for their own permanent records, and use my transcript as a guide or index. The microfilm is available for interlibrary loan through the State Historical Society of Missouri, and a copy is also on file at the Moberly Public Library, generously donated by the Higbee Historical Society. When the Higbee Historical Society disbanded, their material was donated to the Randolph County Historical Society and is still available there. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 9 (second front page), col 1--Miss Mary Barron Dead--The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Barron of Slater will learn with the deepest regret of the death of their daughter, Mary Helen, which occurred at the family home in that city Wednesday of last week, her death being sudden and unexpected, she dying of rheumatism of the heart. She was the fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barron and was 13 years, 11 months and 13 days old. Funeral services were held at the Slater Baptist church and interment made in the Slater cemetery. Deceased was the granddaughter of Mrs. Fannie Barron of this place. the following from here attended the funeral: Mrs. Will Sperry, Mrs. Emmett Barron and Bryan Barron, and Mrs. Mamie Wilkinson of Moberly. The NEWS joins other friends in sympathy to the bereaved family. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 9 (second front page), col 2--Limb Broken in Fall.--Mrs. Chas. Robb of south of town, while in town shopping Wednesday, had the misfortune to fall on an icy walk near Walton & Lambier's store and dislocate her right ankle as well as breaking the small bone in the limb just above the ankle. A great Christmas present, surely. Mrs. Robb has the sympathy of all. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 9 (second front page), col 3--PHYSICIAN HELD FOR OPERATION--Husband Charges Armstrong Physician With Cause of Wife's Death--When the law failed to provide funds for the apprehension of a man who, he charged had wronged him, E. R. Moffett, special railroad agent, obtained a special deputy sheriff's commission and arrest his man last night. Today he took him before the prosecutor for action. Mr. Moffett charged the man Dr. J. L. Cecil, Armstrong, Mo., with performing a criminal operation upon Mrs. Sarah Moffett, from the effect of which Mrs. Moffett died twenty-six hours later. The operation was performed last Wednesday, according to Moffett, while he was away from the Moffett home, 8011 Independence avenue, on an errand. The Moffetts formerly lived in Armstrong and Dr. Cecil was the family physician. When in Kansas City Dr. Cecil frequently called at the Moffett home, Moffett said. Six weeks ago Dr. Cecil observed a tumorous growth upon the leg of a small son. They physician, according to Moffett, said he would remove the growth when he came for a visit last week. But, Moffett charged, instead of operating upon the son Dr. Cecil performed an operation upon his wife while Moffett was away from the home, buying groceries. Moffett contended he knew nothing of the operation until his wife was in a dying condition. Dr. Cecil, he charged, deserted his patient and returned to Armstrong. The special railroad agent placed the facts before the prosecutor. Forrest W. Hanna, prosecutor, said no funds were available for transportation to Armstrong to bring Dr. Cecil here to face the charge. "I'll go get him," Moffett replied. "I've got a pass on the railroad." Moffett, through the co-operation of the prosecutor's office obtained a warrant for Dr. Cecil and went to Armstrong. Dr. Cecil was arraigned before Justice Alex D. Saper on the charge. He was released on bond of $3,000. Preliminary hearing was set for December 29th. The physician denied he performed the operation, declaring he merely treated Mrs. Moffett. The prosecutor's office announced a charge of manslaughter may be brought against Dr. Cecil--Kansas City Post, December 16. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 9 (second front page), col 4--George Wilson Better--Geo. Wilson, whose critical illness has been noted in the NEWS from week to week, and who, it was thought last week, could not live the week out, is a great deal better, we are mighty glad to say, and was able to sit up for a short time yesterday. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 9 (second front page), col 5--W. B. TAYLOR FOUND DEAD--Prominent Farmer of Near Fayette Found Dead in Bed.--W. B. Taylor, a well known resident of Howard county, residing northeast of Fayette, in the Bunker Hill neighborhood, was found dead in bed at his home about six o'clock Thursday of last week. Mr. Taylor's family had been residing in town since their fine country home was destroyed by fire several years ago, in order for the daughters of the family to attend school here. Mr. Taylor spent a good part of his time in the country managing his farm and residing in a small house he had erected there. He was last seen alive on Wednesday evening having been in town that afternoon. Mr. Willbanks, who resided on his farm, had not seen him all day yesterday and upon investigation found alight in Mr. Taylor's house, but could not arouse any one. Fearing something was amiss, he called two of his neighbors, Clarence Burnham and Orville George. They, with Mr. Willbanks entered the house and found Mr. Taylor dead in bed. Dr. T. C. Richard, coroner, was notified and an inquest was held. Mr. Taylor was a member of one of Howard county's old and prominent families, having been born and reared on the old Taylor homestead east of Fayette. He is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Morgan A. Taylor. He followed the profession of farming and was known as one of the county's wealthy and most successful farmers and stockmen. Generous and kind, Mr. Taylor was a good neighbor and friend and was held in high esteem by those with whom he was associated. He was always interested in public affairs and took an active part in Democratic politics. Deceased is survived by his wife, two daughters, and five sisters. They are Mrs. John M. Rennolds, Mrs. Tom Howard, Mrs. Ernest Naylor, Mrs. J. L. Wright and Mrs. John Simpson, all of Fayette and vicinity--Fayette Democrat-Leader. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 10, col 3--A Letter From A. B. Guerin--A. B. Guerin writes us from Los Angeles under date of the 8th: "Friend Scott: I have been thinking of you and the old Higbee friends, so I thought I would write you a few lines. So many of my old friends are passing away that it makes me think we are getting old, but I am no older than I was when I came to Higbee 25 years ago, if I am getting a little gray and bald-headed. They call me grandpa now, as Velma (Mrs. Wm. Raymer Stokes) presented us with an 8-pound granddaughter on December 5th, and now is "grandpa" and "grandma" Guerin. We think we have the cutest and prettiest granddaughter in the city and have named her Janice Carrol Stokes. We are having wonderful weather now, thermometer registers 80 today, and nice sunshine and flowers everywhere, which is quite a contrast to your snow and rain in old Missouri. I must close as I am liable to get you in a notion to come to Southern California to live, which I am sure you would if you could be here for the "Tournament of Roses" at Pasadena, on January 1, as you would see the most beautiful flowers and girls you ever saw. Best wishes for a merry Christmas and happy and prosperous new year." Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 10, col 4,5&6--Mrs. Margaret Comstock Dead--Mrs. Margaret Comstock, brief mention of whose illness was made in our last issue, died at her home south of town Sunday morning, following a week's illness from pneumonia. The following is handed us by a friend: Margaret Catherine Comstock was born near Myers, Howard county, November, 1856. Her beautiful and devoted life ended at 7:20 o'clock, with the awakening of a new day, December 13, 1925, being 69 years and one month old. She united with the Christian church at New Hope, present church, during her early girlhood, and later united with the Holiness church, known as Myers Chapel, near Myers. She was the third child of a family of seven children of Joseph and Rachel Perkins, and was married in November, 1870 to Jackson Jamison, who died the following June. She was married to Thomas Arad Comstock December 26, 1871, at the age of fifteen years. They were married fifty years December 26, 1921, the husband and father dying January 15, 1922. Seven children were born to this union, two of whom died in early childhood. The tragic death of the youngest of the family, a little daughter, Mary bell, four years old, who was burned to death, was the great sorrow of the parents. The surviving children are: Geo. T., Lee and Joe Lindsey Comstock, all of Kansas City; Mrs. B. F. Kirby and Charlie Comstock of near town. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Bettie Shomaker, and one brother, John A. Perkins both of Salisbury. Both were with her during her last hours. She is also survived by eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon by the Rev. F. V. Brower and interment made in New Hope cemetery. "The lights are all out in the mansions of clay, The curtains are drawn, the dweller's away: She silently slipped o'er the threshold by night, To make her abode in the city of light." Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 11, col 1--As will be seen by an ad in this issue, the heirs of the late Mrs. Margaret Comstock will sell a lot of personal property at her late home south of town on the 23rd. Friday, 18 Dec 1925, Vol 39 No. 34, pg 10, col 5&6--PUBLIC SALE--We, the undersigned, heirs of Mrs. T. A. Comstock, decease, will sell at her farm, 3 miles south of Higbee, on the Fayette Higbee road to the highest bidder for cash, on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, the following described property: 7 year-old black mare. 8 year-old brown horse 4-year-old black cow, fresh in March. 4-year-old black cow, fresh in April. 5-year-old Jersey cow, giving milk; fresh in April. 9-year-old Jersey cow, giving milk; pasture bred. 2-year-old Jersey cow, giving milk; fresh in June. 2-year old Jersey and Holstein cow, pasture bred; giving milk. 6-year-old Jersey and Holstein cow, giving milk; fresh in June. 3 suckling calves. 1 farm wagon, 1 spring wagon 1 walking cultivator, 1 mowing machine 1A harrow, section harrow Breaking plow, diamond plow, single shovel plow Set wagon harness, set single buggy harness Spring wagon pole Set work harness Grain cradle All sizes of oak lumber Sawed wagon tongue 65 shocks of corn 3 stacks of clover and timothy hay 45 bales of timothy hay 1 hive of bees Axes, sledges and blacksmith tools, a lot of rope and some chicken coops, a big lot of household goods and other things too numerous to mention. Sale to begin promptly at 10 a.m. GEORGE T. COMSTOCK, MRS. B. F. KIRBY, C. L. COMSTOCK, C. T. COMSTOCK, J. L. COMSTOCK, Heirs. H. R. Shoffner, Auctioneer. Copyright notice: All transcriptions in this email are copyrighted by their creator. They may not be reproduced on another site or on any printed or recorded media, CD, etc. without specific written permission from Kathy Bowlin. Although public information is not in and of itself copyrightable, the format in which it is presented, transcriptions, notes & comments, etc. is. It is however, quite permissible to print or save the files to a personal computer for personal use only. Permission is granted to public libraries, and genealogical and historical societies to print and bind for the use of their patrons. Kathy Bowlin Additions, corrections, comments welcome.