James M. Gladden, 81, prominent Texas County merchant for more than 60 years died at 10:15 a.m. Saturday (February 11, 1950) at his home in Turley.  Mr. Gladden had spent his entire life in Texas County and was postmaster at Turley for 30 years.  He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church, Plato Masonic order and the Abou Ben Adhem temple in Springfield.  He received his 50-year Masonic pin in 1948.  Mr. Gladden also was a well-known stockman and farmer.  He is survived by his wife, Lulu; five sons, Don of Springfield, Mack of Jefferson City, Sturgeon of Houston, Ralph of Eldon, and Garth of Upton; one daughter, Mrs. Hattie Anderson of Bessemer, Ala.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Liberty Church with the Rev. H. R. Halbrook officiating.  Burial, under direction of Elliot of Cabool, was made in Success Cemetery with Masonic services at the grave.

From the Mountain Grove Journal
Posted by: Phyllis Rippee   July 2005