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Submitted: 11/17/23 • Approved: 11/17/23 • Last Updated: 11/20/23 • R833847-G0-S3
28 Oct 1911 Barry Co MO
6 Jan 1936 Aurora Lawrence Co MO
Son of Thomas Elbert Hemphill and Margie Elefair Gimlen
The metal funeral home marker was found on the steps of the church building. King Funeral Home Aurora MO
Elbert "Cotton" was murdered (depending on which account is believed) at a New Year's Eve Party and another young man, Floyd Forrester was injured when Frank Norman shot them with a .38 revolver. A coroner's jury found the "the deceased came to his death as a result of two gun shot wounds fired by Frank Norman in a felonious assault following a drunken brawl". {I am quoting the news article and not making a judgement.}
Frank Norman was acquitted of charges in the murder by a "hung jury" the next month. The Prosecuting Attorney decided to not refile the charges.
It should be noted that The Rainbow Tourist Camp which was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Norman burned the ground later that year. Frank Norman was around 70 at the time all this happened, and he stated that he fired his revolver in self-defense. All of these things may have come into the decision to not refile charges.
Please read consider reading The Cassville Democrat on Newspapers.com
I was unable to find an obituary for Elbert T "Cotton" Hemphill. If you have a copy, please consider letting us post it on here. Click on the submit button to send a message. Thank you!
Contributed on 11/17/23
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Record #: 833847