Thurs, 3 Jan 1924, Vol. 40 No 44,

NEIGHBORS QUARREL, SHOOTING IS RESULT

He had Resisted Arrest on State Warrant Issued

Quarrel Between Families of Fred Crismon and Grant Thompson Results in Shooting Affrey

Grant Thompson and son Joe were peppered with shot last Thursday by Fred Crismon, near the home of the latter, about two miles east of Bagnell, as Mr. Thompson and son were returning home from Bagnell. It was first reported that Thompson was killed and that the son was fatally injured, but later reports gave it as not so serious.

The Crismon and Thompson families have been at outs for sometime following differences over school and Sunday school matters, and possibly other things. Several quarrels had been engaged in. Thursday, Mr. Thompson and son were returning from Bagnell with a load of lumber and as they passed Mr. Crismon's barn words passed between Mr. Thompson and son Joe on the one hand and Mr. Crismon and sons Frances and Leo on the other. As a result shots were exchanged between Mr. Thompson and Mr. Crismon, the latter using a shot gun and Mr. Thompson a revolver. Conflicting reports are circulating as to the ones engaged in the shooting and the number of shots fired. This will be brought out at the preliminary trial.

Mr. Crismon was using a shot-gun loaded with No 4 shot. Mr. Thompson was struck by thirteen shot and the son was struck by four. Crismon and sons were not struck by any shots. Mr. Thompson has sworn out a complaint charging Mr. Crismon and sons with assault. The preliminary hearing was to have been at Brumley but a change of venue has been asked to Eldon, the day of the trail not yet having been determined.

Thurs, 24 Jan 1924, Vol. 40 No 47,

THOMPSON-CRISMON CASES SET FOR MARCH

Both Parties Waived Preliminary Hearing Last Saturday

The case of J. G. Thompson against F. P. Crismon in which Thompson charged Crismon with assault with intent to kill, was to have been heard in justice court at Brumley Saturday. Phil Donnelly Lebanon attorney, represented plaintiff and W. S. Stillwell represented Crismon. Crismon has also made charges against Thompson for the same cause. Thompson and Crismon each waived preliminary hearing at Brumley and the two cases are set for trial at the March term of circuit court.

These two cases are the outcome of the shooting affair which took place recently near Crismon's home and Thompson and son Joe were shot by Crismon.

Thurs, 10 Apr 1924, Vol 40 No 6,

CIRCUIT COURT TRIES EIGHT JURY CASES

The case of the State V.S. Fred Crismon, Francis Crismon and Leo Crismon, charged with an assault committed upon Grant Thompson, attracted considerable attention, and brought a large number of witnesses and spectators to court. At the close of the evidence on the part of the state, Judge Westhues gave a preemptory instruction to the jury to find the defendants Francis Crismon and Leo Crismon not guilty, which was accordingly done. They were sons of the other defendant, Fred Crismon, and the court held that there was no evidence to justify their case being submitted to the jury. The trial proceeded against Fred Crismon, and at the end terminated in his acquittal. Cross complaints were made by these men against each other, and the other case, being the case of the State V.S. Grant Thompson, charged with a felonious assault upon Fred Crismon, will come on for trial at the next term of the court.

Thurs, 31 July 1924, Vol. 40 No 22,

JURY FAILS TO RETURN VERDICT IN GRANT THOMPSON CASE

The case requiring most time was the charge brought by the State of Missouri against J. G. Thompson. Dozens of witnesses were used in the case and the trial consumed more than a day and during which time the court room was packed beyond seating capacity. This case is the result of a shooting affray last winter between J. G. Thompson and Fred P. Crismon, both of near Bagnell, when Thompson was shot by Crismon. Thompson was the prosecuting witness at the March term of circit court against Crismon wherein Crismon was charged with felonious assault. Crismon was then acquitted. At the same time, charges were brought by Crismon against Thompson for the same offense. Trial of Thompson this court resulting in the jury being unable to reach an agreement.

Thurs, 4 Dec 1924, Vol. 40 No 40,

GRANT THOMPSON SHOOTS FRED CRISMON

Old Trouble Showed Itself Again at Bagnell Saturday.

Grant Thompson of near Bagnell has been arrested on a charge of felonious assault as a result of his attempt on the life of Fred Crismon at Bagnell Saturday morning. This is a sequel to the trouble that has been going on between the Thompson and Crismon families for some time. Saturday's trouble came up very unexpectedly. It appears, from statements made by those standing near, that Crismon and Charlie Williams, deputy sheriff, were standing on the Bagnell post office porch talking about the subpoenaing of witnesses for use in the case of the State against Thompson, in which case Crismon is prosecuting witness.

Thompson came from the direction of the J. C. Calkin store and his presence was not noted by Crismon and Williams until Thompson was heard to remark, "Fred Crismon, you won't tell anymore lies on me," or words to that effect. Following this remark he opened fire on Crismon with a 38-calibre revolver. According to several witnesses, three shots were fired, one of them striking Crismon at the point of the left shoulder at the back, and ranging toward the neck. The bullet struck the shoulder blade and glanced out. Crismon dodged into the post office and only one shot struck him. The wound is not serious unless blood poison develops.

About this time, Francis, a son of Fred Crismon threw Thompson to the ground, and other parties stepped in and took the gun away from Thompson. When Thompson was released, he continued to curse Crismon, whereupon Crismon struck him and knocked him to the ground. Fred Ridenhour, constable of Franklin Township, and Charlie Williams arrested Thompson and Williams brought him to Tuscumbia. Crismon's wound was dressed by Dr. Allee of Eldon and Thompson's injuries were dressed by Dr. Kouns.

Thompson is charged with felonious assault and Crismon was released. Owing to the nearness to circuit court, Thompson was held by Sheriff Kinder till Monday when Thompson was released on a bond of $5000.00 to appear for trial at Tuscumbia December 18th at a special term of circuit court. Thompson was to be tried here this week on the fist charge of felonious assault, but owing to his physical condition as a result of the trouble Saturday, he was given more time.

Thurs, 1 Jan 1925, Vol. 40 No 44,

GRANT THOMPSON AND FRANCIS CRISMON DIE
FOLLOWING GUN BATTLE

Family Feud of Two Years Brought Fatal Results

Wednesday of Last Week When They Meet at Bagnell Ferry.

Grant Thompson was instantly killed and Francis Crismon fatally wounded about eight o'clock Wednesday morning of last week in a gun battle between the Thompson and Crismon families at the south Bagnell ferry landing.

This was the third time the families have had trouble when shooting took place. The first shooting was in front of the Crismon home a year ago when Thompson was shot by Crismon with a shot-gun. Crismon was tried by jury and acquitted in the case, both parties having exchanged shots in the first fight. Thompson was then arrested on a charge of felonious assault and the trial at the July term of circuit court resulted in the jury failing to agree. About three months ago Thompson and Francis Crismon had trouble on the Bagnell ferry boat. Thompson struck the Crismon boy and Thompson was fined in justice court at Bagnell. Another charge had since been brought against Thompson for disturbing the peace of members of the Crismon family. The feud again took on a very serious aspect the 28th of November when Thompson made an attempt on the life of Fred Crismon at Bagnell and shot him in the shoulder. A charge of felonious assault was brought against him for this shooting and the case was to be taken to another county for trial. Both families reside on the south side of the Osage River from Bagnell, the Crismon family about two miles from Bagnell and Thompson about a mile farther down the river. Both families realized the seriousness of the trouble and Thompson had on several occasions publicly stated that he would get Crismon at the first opportunity, referring to Fred Crismon, the father of Francis.

It so happened that Mr. Crismon and his two sons, Francis and Leo, and his nephew Logan Hicks came upon Thompson and his son Charlie at the Bagnell ferry Wednesday morning. The ferry-boat being on the north side of the river, they became engaged in a heated conversation. Crismon saw that Charley was armed with a shot-gun, and demanded that he hand over the gun to them. Many different reports are heard as to how the shooting began. However, during the melee which followed, Thompson was shot and instantly killed by Crismon and Francis Crismon was shot twice by Charlie Thompson who was armed with a pistol which he brought into action after pulling it from his pocket. One shot struck the Crismon boy in the arm and the other shot, which proved fatal, struck him in the spine.

The Thompson boy was then struck by Crismon with a shot-gun and knocked down. He jumped up and ran from the scene, going up the river chased by the Hickey boy, who overtook him south of Elmer Kidwell's. The Thompson boy had abandoned his overcoat, overshoes and gloves and his hands were frozen. He was taken to the Kidwell home where he was thawed out. It is reported that his hands may require amputation.

The injured Crismon boy was paralyzed from the shot in his spine and his father took him home in the Thompson car, so it is reported. The Crismons had gone to town a foot while the Thompsons used their car.

The body of Thompson lay on the south bank of the river from eight o'clock in the morning till about 3:00 oclock in the afternoon and an inquest was held by order of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Friday the Crismon boy's condition became so serious it was decided to take him to the hospital in Jefferson City. An examination was made that evening when it was found that the bullet had struck the spine and that his condition was very grave. An operation was undertaken Saturday morning and the bullet was located in the marrow of the spine. He never survived the operation.

Mr. Thompson was buried Friday at the Hawkins Cemetery. Funeral services were conducted at the Brumley Baptist church by Eld. J. S. Mahan, and a large crowd was present. He is survived by wife and ten children. His first marriage was to a Miss Ponder, who died many years ago. Six children--Clyde, Otto, James, Mrs. Dell Popplewell, Mrs. Neely Thompson, and John-- survive from the first marriage and the other four boys (by his second marriage to Myrtle Wornell) are Joe, Paul, Charlie and Hadley.

The body of Francis Crismon was brought back from Jefferson City Monday for burial in the Eldon cemetery. Funeral services were held in the presence of a large crowd. Young Crismon is survived by his parents and one brother, Leo, and one sister, Anita.

(Same issue as above) BRUMLEY--Grant Thompson of Bagnell was shot and killed by Fred Crismon of Bagnell on Christmas eve. His funeral was held here at the Baptist church and interment was made in the Hawkins cemetery. This was a very sad occasion. His son Charley is suffering from frozen hands resulting from his trying to get away from his enemies. This is sure a sad sight as his hands are twice their size and are covered with blisters.

8 Jan 1925

CHARLIE THOMPSON IS CHARGED WITH MURDER

Preliminary Hearing Set for December 9th at Tuscumbia.

Sheriff Frank Burks placed Charlie Thompson, age 17, under arrest last Thursday on a warrant charging him with first degree murder in connection with the death of Francis Crismon, who was shot in the spine by the Thompson boy the morning of December 24th.

The Thompson boy is now being cared for at the home of his grandfather, J. M. Wornell, at Brumley. The boy's hands are yet in a bad shape from being frozen the day of the shooting and on the advice of Dr. Dickson the boy was not taken from the home of his grandfather and his bond was filled without the customary procedure. The warrant and papers were drawn up the last day of the year by Pros. Atty Kay and Pros Atty. Elect Stillwell, as the case will be presented by the latter.

A preliminary hearing is set for Friday to be held at the court house before Squire G. T. Nichols, Justice of the peace of Equality Township.

Thurs, 15 Jan 1925, Vol. 40 No 46,

CHARLIE THOMPSON ABSOLVED FROM BLAME

Preliminary Hearing Friday Results in His Release.

Charlie Thompson, who was charged with murder in connection with the death of Francis Crismon the day before Christmas, was released here Friday by order of Squire G. T. Nichols, justice of the peace of Equality Township.

Only four witnesses were examined--Fred Crismon, Leo Crismon, Logan Hickey and Chat Lupardus. According to the statement of Fred Crisman, five shots were fired from a pistol by the Thompson boy, four a Francis and one at the witness. The court ruled in the boy's favor on the grounds of self-defense.

The testimony was taken in typewritten form in case it should become a matter for grand jury investigation at a later date. This case attracted much attention and the court room was well-filled by interested spectators from the time the court began at 10:30 a.m. till the decision was given at about 8:00 p.m.

Thurs, 12 Feb 1925, Vol. 40 No 50,

FRED P. CRISMON IS CHARGED WITH MURDER

Charlie Thompson Brings Charges for Death of Father

Charlie Thompson, who was recently released here before the justice court on the charge of killing Frances Crismon, is now bringing charges against Fred P. Crismon, murder in the first degree, for shooting and killing his father, Grant Thompson, during the same fight which resulted in the double tragedy.

Complaint was filed before Squire C. F. Hendricks, justice of the peace of Glaze Township. Defendant has filled bond for his preliminary hearing, but at the time the Autogram is printed the place of trial has not been decided.

12 Feb 1925-BAGNELL

Fred Crismon moved his household goods to Eldon Friday. His many friends here wish him well there.

12 Feb 1925--Fred Crismon and family of near Bagnell were visitors here Friday of Davis Hickey and family. Mr. Crismon has rented his farm near Bagnell to Clarence Huddleston and he and family moved to Eldon Saturday. They are moving to the J. S. Wilson property.

26 Feb 1925--FRED CRISMON TRIAL THE 26TH.

Fred Crismon, against whom a charge of first degree murder has been instituted in connection with the killing of J. G. Thompson at the Bagnell ferry during December, will be given a preliminary hearing in justice court today (Thursday) before Squire J. L. Prock, justice of the peace of Osage Township.

Thurs, 5 Mar 1925, Vol. 41 No

FRED P. CRISMON BOUND OVER TO CIRCUIT COURT

Must Face Charges for Killing Grant Thompson December 24th

A preliminary hearing was given Fred P. Crismon Thursday before Squire J. L. Brock of Osage Township on a charge of first degree murder as a result of his fatally shooting Grant Thompson at the south ferry landing at Bagnell the morning of December 24th. At the same time Thompson was killed, Frances, a son of Fred Crismon, was also fatally shot by Charlie, a son of Grant Thompson. The Thompson boy was released following a preliminary hearing before Squire G. T. Nichols a few weeks ago.

Barney Reed of Linn Creek assisted Pros. Attorney Stillwell for the State and W. C. Irwin of Jefferson and Harry H. Kay of Eldon represented the defense.

Crismon filled a bond for $2,000 for his appearances at the March term of circuit court.

Thurs, 26 Mar 1925, Vol. 41 No 4,

FRED CRISMON CASE IS SET FOR TRIAL

Will Come Up for Hearing Tuesday or Wednesday of Next Week

The case of the State of Missouri against Fred P. Crismon on a charge of murder has been docketed for next week and will very likely come up Tuesday or Wednesday.

A preliminary hearing was held a few weeks ago before Squire J. L. Prock, justice of the peace of Osage Township, and the defendant was then bound over to circuit court. At the time the docket was printed it was not known that all parties would be ready for the trial.

Crismon is charged with shooting and fatally injuring Grant Thompson the day before Christmas when the Thompson and Crismon factions met at the south approach of the Bagnell ferry. Francis, a son of Crismon, was also shot and mortally wounded that day by Charlie, son of Grant Thompson.

Thurs, 3 April 1925, Vol 41 No 5,

CIRCUIT COURT IN SESSION THIS WEEK

Case of State Against Fred P. Crismon Is Dismissed

The case of the State against Fred P. Crismon for murder was dismissed.

THOMPSON-CRISMON DIFFERENCES SETTLED

Both Families Agreed to Drop Contentions Which Resulted in Death in Each Family.

A mutual agreement was reached here at the courthouse last week between the Grant Thompson and Fred Crismon families when all agreed to let bygones be bygones and drop their contentions and strife which resulted in the death of Grant Thompson and Frances Crismon, who were killed by gunshot wounds the day before Christmas, and scars of the feud carried by one member of each family.

This compromise was accomplished through the efforts of members of the grand jury who took the position that for the best interests of both families and the people in general the matter should be dropped by all parties rather than have the affair carried in court indefinitely and then the trouble not being finally settled. It is to be hoped that this will all work out for the best of everyone concerned, for the Bible says, "Blessed are the peacemakers."