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Almost Yesterday is a glimpse into the rich history of our region. Dr. Frank Nickell takes listeners on a journey to specific moments in time, such as the first radio broadcast on KFVS, the history of Farmington’s Carleton College, and the short-lived safari on a Mississippi River island. A gifted storyteller and local historian, Dr. Nickell’s wit and love for the past are combined with sounds and music that augment his narrative.On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Almost Yesterday received First Place in the "Special Programs" category at the Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards Banquet in Kansas City, Missouri.Almost Yesterday airs every Wednesday at 5:42 and 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Almost Yesterday: Old Man Haggerty Dies

December 1863
Southeast Missouri State University
December 1863

It seems like Almost Yesterday that The Cape Girardeau Argus newspaper carried an editorial tribute to the oldest resident of the city, known to all as “Old Frank” Haggerty, who died in 1863 at an age in excess of 100 years.

Haggerty moved to Cape Girardeau in 1816 before Missouri was a state, accumulated some wealth which he attributed to God’s blessings and to whom he committed his life. He spent a number of years as a preacher, never married, and claimed to have no relatives in the whole wide world.

The editor of the The Argus wrote that by the time “Old Frank” was elderly he had fallen upon hard times. His money was gone, he was homeless, and often found sleeping in public places – dependent upon charity for survival. There was, of course, no welfare system in the 19th century, and Frank was on his own until he came to the attention of Mr. Giboney, a prominent Cape Girardeau land holder and businessman.

Mr. Giboney pleaded Frank’s case with the county court and from that time on “Old Frank” was provided a warm meal and a warm bed. He became a community “institution,” bothered by no one, accepted by all.

That is until the 20th Illinois Infantry came to “The Cape”, and late one evening in the autumn of 1863 an officer arrested the frail and palsied gentleman found wandering the streets and threw him into the guard house. There, it was reported, “Old Frank” became cold, sick and “as frightened as a scared rabbit” – and soon died.

The editor of The Argus concluded his editorial by asking, “Who does not remember Frank Haggerty?”

Frank Nickell is a retired history professor at Southeast Missouri State University.
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