| Obit For | Elisha Lenore Hagler |
|---|---|
| Headline | E.L. HAGLER SUCCUMBS TO ASSASSIN'S BULLET Nightwatchman Shot a Month Ago in the Performance of His Duty Passes Away at 1:30 O'Clock Wednesday Afternoon FUNERAL FRIDAY Services t be Held at 2:30 O'Clock in the Methodist Church. Burial in Waldensian Cemetery |
| Text | #1. The victim of an assassin's bullet, E.L. Hagler, nightwatchman of the Monett police force, died at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, exactly one month after he was shot by one of four bandits, as he was attempting to frustrate their theft of a Chevrolet car from the Hildrith Motor Co. The bullet severed Mr. Hagler's spinal column, paralyzing him from the chest to the feet. The attending physician gave up hope of his recovery when an X-Ray revealed the nature of the injury. Mr. Hagler was able to take only small amounts of liquid nourishment since he was shot, but maintained his cheerful disposition to the last. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Methodist church. Burial will be in the Waldensian Church cemetery by the side of his wife who died ten years ago. Elisha Lenore Hagler was born in 1885 about 4 1/2 miles southeast of Monett in the Bethel neighborhood, and was at the time of his death 45 years 10 moths and 6 days old. He was the son of John A. and Dotty Hagler, pioneer residents of the community. Mr. Hagler was employed in the drug store of Alvin Cox as apprentice until he received a diploma in pharmacy, awarded him after he attend a coarse of training at Joplin. Returning to Monett, he worked in the Cox Drug Store for a several of years until he bought a drug store of his own which was located where Adams Electric Company is now. Subsequently he owned the Monett Drug and the Corner Pharmacy. After selling the later, he bought the Rexall Drug Store in Galena, Kansas, in 1925, and remained there two years. Mr. Hagler continued in the same business in Kansas City, and later returning to Monett established a pharmacy on Fourth Street. After selling out he was employed as a drug salesman for a year and on his resignation was made a member of the Monett police force a year ago, November 1. He was one of the best officers on the force, and was known by the whole community for his jovial disposition, and devotion to his family. The affection to which he was regarded was especially demonstrated after the shooting, when each morning people met one another with the evitable query, "How's Leishe this morning?" He was married twenty-three years ago to Miss Blanche Combs and to them were born three children, Mildred, who is employed as a bookkeeper for the Blue Ribbon Bakery of Joplin, Edwina, at home, and Mary Margaret who is a sophomore in high school. Mrs. Hagler died February 15, 1921. Mr. Hagler is survived by his father, John Hagler, one sister, Mrs. W.R. Davis, four brothers, Dr. M.C. Hagler of New Braunfels, Texas; Elmon Hagler of Neodesha, Kansas; Amon Hagler of Monett; and Luther Hagler of Arlington, Missouri; six nieces, Mrs. Ora Huffman, Miss Ella Davis, Mrs. Dimple Fagan, Miss Lola Davis, Miss Verna Mae Davis and Mrs. Claud Sponidle of Joplin; and seven nephews; Lester Davis, Oltie Davis, W.F. Davis, Raymond Davis, Efton Hagler, John Hagler and Leo Hagler. All the brothers with the exception of Dr. Hagler who was unable to come on account of his patients have been with Mr. Hagler since the time he was shot. #2. JONES and LANGLEY ARE CHARGED with MURDER Bandits Positively Identified as Men responsible for the Death of E.L. Hagler at Monett. ARE HELD IN JAIL Ralph Jones Held in Cassville Jail for Burglary and Red Langley in Fayetteville for Auto Theft. Ralph Jones, 26, at present in jail at Cassville, and Red Langley, 29, in jail at Fayetteville, were formerly charged with the murder of E.L. Hagler Thursday. The warrant was issued by Justice of the Peace E.A. O'Dwyer by request of Luther Hagler, complainant. Jones and Lanley were positively identified Sunday when they were viewed by Monett officers and others as the ones who opened the doors of the Hildrith Motor Co. as Hagler, nightwatchman, and Freeman Wilson, nightwatchman of the mill, surprised some bandits as they were attempting to steal a car. One shot was fired, the bullet striking Hagler in the left shoulder severing the spinal cord --an injury which resulted in his death on Wednesday, October 21, exactly one month after he was shot. Jones was arrested in Purdy on October 7, when he, in company with several others, was attempting to rob some stores. Langley was arrested by Oklahoma and Arkansas officers in Enid, Oklahoma, last week on charges of stealing a Fayetteville automobile. Monett officers went to Fayetteville and the suspect was later identified by witnesses, as the one implicated in the Hagler shooting here. He is being held in Fayetteville to answer to numerous charges of hijacking. Royle Ellis, prosecuting attorney, is being assisted in the case by City Attorney James F. Sater. The warrant will be sent to Sheriff Walker of Fayetteville, who will inform the prisoner of the charge made against him. Sheriff Holman will have charge of the warrant issued against Jones. #3. HAGLER FUNERAL HELD FRIDAY AFTERNOON Funeral services for E.L. Hagler who died at West Hospital Wednesday afternoon were held at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon at te First Methodist Episcopal church with the Rev. J.F. King conducting the final rites. Interment was in the Waldensian church cemetery under the directions of Callaway Undertakers. In tribute to Mr. Hagler, the Mason Motor company, city offices, and all drug stores closed during the hours of the funeral. Relatives who arrived last night to attend the funeral including Mr. and Mrs. Elmon Hagler of Neodesha, Kansas, and Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Sponsble of Joplin. |
| Newspaper or Funeral Home | Monett Times |
| Date | #1., #2. & #3. Oct. 1931 |
| Death Cert Link | Death Certificate |
| Resource | Monett Times |
| Submitted by | Jack Fly |
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