William Mullen was thought to be Chariton's oldest resident when he died on July 30, 1926, at the age of 95 after a long an interesting life. This is the tombstone he shares in Calvary Cemetery with his wife, Margaret.
Back in 1888, William and Margaret were operating a restaurant on the levee, a commercial neighborhood with mixed reputation just west of the C.B.&Q. Depot northwest of the square.
Although considered an honest man, William did have a few minor brushes with the law --- violating ever-changing liquor laws, for example, or allowing gambling on the premises.
And during December of that year, by his own account, he was fined for telling the truth. His accuser was a young attorney named Charles C. Leech, then practicing in partnership with Warren S. Dungan. And the charge included blasphemy --- a practice that no longer figures in many court cases.
Here's the brief account of this encounter, as published in The Chariton Democrat of Dec. 27:
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William Mullen, Esq., was in trouble again last Monday. He was arrested on an information filed by C.C. Leech Esq. before Mayor Alexander charging said Mullen with violation of Section 1, Ordinance 31, in this, that the said Mullen had used toward the said Leech, obscene, blasphemous, and vulgar language.
Mr. Mullen plead guilty and was fined three dollars and costs. He paid over the money, remarking as he did so, that the Goddess of Justice must be cross-eyed for, said Bill, "while I am accused of being a uniform and consistent liar, the first time I turn in and tell a man the truth, he has me arrested and fined for it."
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