O. D. AustinO. D. Austin was born in Ohio and served in the Union Army. He was at Ford’s Theater the night President Lincoln was shot.
In October 1867 Austin came to Butler and established the Bates County Record newspaper. In 1876, America celebrated her Centennial with a grand exhibition in Philadelphia. Missouri Governor Hardin appointed O. D. Austin to represent the state at the exhibition. Although we don’t know if they traveled together or separately, this is also the same exhibition that Dr. Elliott Pyle attended and viewed the premiere of William Steinway’s newest piano, which is the same model piano as the Museum’s Steinway. These two Butler businessmen, Austin and Pyle, would have both participated in the festivities commemorating America’s founding.
A peculiar point of interest is that while O. D. Austin was at Ford’s Theater the night Lincoln was shot, his cousin, Everton Conger, also a Federal officer led the troops that tracked down the President’s assassin. Conger set fire to the barn that John Wilkes Booth and his accomplice were hiding in. Booth was mortally wounded by another soldier. Conger was given a $15,000 reward for leading the operation. Everton Conger visited his cousin in Butler on at least one occasion.
O. D. Austin devoted his life to the reconstruction and reconciliation of Bates County following the War. In 1871 O. D. and Florence May Stobie were united in marriage. Two children were born to this union; Edwin Austin and Nell Austin Henry. At the time of O. D.’s death in 1915, newspapers across the state carried the news stating he was ‘the oldest newspaper man in the state.’ He had been a member of the Masonic Lodge for forty-seven years and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. - our thanks to Peggy Buhr
Wednesday, three geologists from DNR/Missouri Geological Survey brought a special piece of equipment called an ERT (Electrical Resensitivity Tomograph) and set up to get data and a better idea of what might be the cause of the sinkhole that has appeared just south of Rich Hill and east of CR 757 and CR 10008.
ot a full weekend of drag boat racing with MLRA on Saturday night!
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| Painting!! Yay! Drywall going on inside! Curb and gutter getting a set up outside! It won't be to long until the grand opening of the new Farmers Insurance Building on Orange Street in Butler. We spoke with Heather last night and a date hasn't officially been set at this time however we will be shooting for early October. Mid America Live News will continue to follow the progress of this new building be sure to keep a eye out in future news for the Grand Opening! - Photo Courtesy of Farmers Insurance Heather Diehl |
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| Glory Realty Listing: 209 N. Orange Butler Asking Price $169,900 Ample office space, large well lit multi-use space w/ a large overhead door, 1800 sq ft heated area on the back side w/ full drive thru access, overhead doors & separate street access. 2 furnaces units for zoned heat, New 15 yr warranty roof For more information &pictures: https://www.homesnap.com/MO/Butler/209-N-Orange-Street |
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| 706 N. Gregory Butler Mo Asking Price $99,500 3 BD, 1 BA, new exterior paint & gutters 2020, roof is 4 yrs old, HVAC is 5 yrs old, new carpet, 1 car attached garage, large back yard, storage shed For more information & pictures: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/706-N-Gregory-Blvd_Butler_MO_64730_M78983-24959?view=qv |
