The morning air was heavy with the weight of justice as Thomas Earl Hess and Howard Graves stood before the magistrate court. The Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat detailed the events that led to their appearance, marking a day of accountability for the two men.

In the early hours, around 2 o’clock, the quiet of Highway 24 west of Moberly was shattered by an incident that would bring Thomas Earl Hess into the courtroom. He was charged with assaulting Mrs. Mary Cockrum, a transgression that left the community in shock and demanded redress.

Meanwhile, Howard Graves faced his own charges. The previous afternoon, at around 5 o’clock, the Negro ball park west of Moberly was the scene of another assault. Jean Hayes, the victim, bravely stepped forward to ensure that justice would be served.

Both Mrs. Cockrum and Miss Hayes signed the complaints that set the legal process in motion. Their courage in coming forward was a testament to their strength and resolve, highlighting the importance of standing up against violence.

As the court proceedings unfolded, Hess and Graves pleaded guilty to their respective charges. The magistrate levied fines of $26 and additional court costs on each man, a financial penalty that underscored the seriousness of their actions.

The newspaper captured this moment of reckoning, illustrating the swift hand of justice in Moberly. The fines, while modest, carried a message that such behavior would not be tolerated and that the community stood in solidarity with the victims.

The article, made available courtesy of The State Historical Society of Missouri, served not only as a record of the events but also as a reminder of the importance of maintaining order and respect within the community. For Hess and Graves, this day in court was a sobering reminder of the consequences of their actions.

This historical narrative, detailing the court proceedings and consequences of assault charges against Thomas Earl Hess and Howard Graves, was reported in the Moberly Monitor-Index and Moberly Evening Democrat on Thursday, July 5, 1951. The account underscores the importance of justice and community support in the face of wrongdoing.