Newspaper Cassville Democrat
Date July 7, 1917
Headline Oz Arnold Kills Jason Whitener
Trouble Occurs at Seligman
June 30 --- Death Comes Next
Day at Springfield
Text Jason Whitener, aged about 33 years, who was shot three times by Ozro A. Arnold, at Seligman, Saturday evening, June 30, about 7 o'clock died from the wounds in the Springfield Hospital, Sunday evening at 7:30.

Whitener was shot once in the right leg; once in the abdomen, the ball glancing around. The fatal shot took effect in the neck and ranged to the base of the brain, fracturing the spinal column.

The trouble between Arnold and Whitener was caused by the delivery of barrel of beer to the wrong place. It seems that Arnold had ordered that the beer be delivered to the rear of a business house but that Whitener, who was drinking, wanted to deliver it to the Arnold & Davis garage and unload it at the front door.

Whitener was there with the best and started to unload it when Ernest Davis, partner of Arnold, told him not to do so. Arnold appeared on the scene about that time and on hearing Whitener abusing Davis, asked, "What's the trouble?" Davis told him of his refusal to permit the beer to be unloaded and Arnold said, "Jason, I didn't tell you to unload this beer here." Whitener, It is said, replied with the same vile language that they both cured each other.

It is said that Arnold then threw a piece of iron at Whitener's wagon and said: "I'm going home. I don't want any trouble." Whitener followed about a block, abusing him and returned to his wagon, driving back to the depot with the beer. Arnold then went home with a piece of ice he was taking to Mrs. Arnold who is in a critical condition following an operation.

In about fifteen minutes Arnold returned to the shop and shortly afterward Whitener drove up again. John Engdahl, who is the only eye witness to all the shooting tells the following regarding it:

"When Jason Whitener drove up, Arnold told him to drive on. Instead of doing so began abusing and cursing Arnold and dared him to come outside the shop. 'I am not coming out,' said Arnold, 'you drive on.'

"I then started home but hearing Whitener's wagon rattle I turned around and saw him enter the garage. Arnold was backing off from him and shortly began shooting and running from him. Whitener continued to run after him, following him outside the building by a smaller door on the south."

The shot which caused Whitener's death was fired outside the building.

All agree that before Whitener entered the garage that Arnold threw a hammer which hit one of the mules driven to the dray causing them to run away.

It is said that there had been some bad feelings between Whitener and Arnold for some time. This is said to have started over some black smith work.

Jason Whitener was a son of D. H. Whitener, a highly respected citizen of Seligman, and was married to Cora Burnett, a daughter of the late Stephen Burnett, one of the county's best citizen during life. He is survived by a widow and three children, one boy and two girls, the oldest being about ten years old. When not drinking he was one of the best natured men and was a hard worker. He was a member of the M. W. A. and carried $1,000 insurance. His remains were brought back from Springfield Monday morning and interred in the New Salem Cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Arnold has lived there all his life and is known as a peaceable man but is considered high strung when mad. He has been running a black smith and machine shop for years and during the past few years opened a garage.

D. H. Whitener of Seligman, was in this city Thursday and went before Squire Sons and filed information against Ozro Arnold charging murder on which he was arrested and gave bond in the sum of $5,000. The charge of assault with intent to kill, was dismissed by Squire Sons.

Jake Davis, prosecuting attorney, and Claud Fuller of Eureka Springs, Ark., will prosecute and J. W. George and Jas. Talbert will defend.

Preliminary will be held July 20.
Resource State Historical Society of MO Microfilm
Submitted by Donna Cooper