American Legacies Organization, Inc.

Irene Murphy, a past resident of Springfield and Clever, Missouri, now a resident of Memphis, Tennessee, was born in Purdy, MO to William Marriott and Effie Lokey on September 4, 1902. She celebrated her 100th Birthday on September 4th.

Marion was one of the few who actually volunteered for the war. His voluntary submission to the U.S. Army came when he saw his brother’s draft summons. The cold reality of war was now knocking on his door, pulling his brother from the safety of The Lone Star State, and into the grasps of the armed forces. At that moment, Marion knew he wanted to go, not as a draftee, but as a willing servant. “If I don’t go, they’ll get me to go anyway,” he said stoically.

The school leaving age in those days was 14 and Billy’s father arranged for him to stay on another year hoping to improve his knowledge. However the truth of the matter was that Billy just didn’t have what it takes, which they now say is the result of unfair genomes distribution (biological makeup). So what he’s trying to say, is being a dum-dum wasn’t his fault and he’s not guilty your honor.

By Donna Sundblad

(based on an interview with Mary Barnard)

But the stranger? He was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry.

Joyce Virginia McNutts 1947 senior high school Poto. She was born in 1929.

by Joe Mayfield

I waited for another vehicle to come and finally I saw the headlights headed my way. It was the bus with Cincinnati on the sign. I flagged it down and got on. We hadn’t gone very far until I noticed a good looking gal and her mother riding in the front seats. I started a conversation with her and learned that they had been visiting her brother at Camp Campbell, KY.

In November 1946 Billy was ordered to report to Kempston Barracks in Bedfordshire for six weeks basic training in the British Army. Entering the gates of this impressive foreboding looking fortress, which was built in 1875 and could easily be mistaken for a prison, he couldn’t help thinking that his only crime was to reach the tender age of 18.

By Sunshine

Sooner or later, most people get asked,”And what do you do?” Depending on the kind of day I have had, I have been known to say, “I raise a mother.”

Needless to say, I have gotten some strange looks when I say this. I find that some people first look at me funny, then their expression changes and they respond, “Oh! You too?” We then start discussing this “job” we both share.

By Dale Castle

I have always been interested in how life was back in the 1800s. I never get tired of watching reruns of Bonanza and Gun Smoke or other old movies of that time period.

My cousin told me that Missouri Town would be having their annual Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music October 1st and 2nd, and if I wanted to really see and experience what life was like in the 1800s, I should spend an afternoon there.