1875, was a rough year for this county. There was an influx in the first phase of the Ku Klux Klan formed in the post-Civil War reconstruction period which saw notices being served on numerous locals telling them they must leave the county or face consequences. This year also saw the murders and resulting trials of a number of county citizens related to the culmination of the “Bloody Vendetta” era.
1875, News Clippings, August thru December
____________________ January, 1875 ______________________
7 Jan – Murphysboro Era – Mac Worsham was shot and killed Christmas day by James Sivits in Elk Prairie Township on Sivits’ farm, occupied by Marion Worsham, brother to Mac. Marion had won a lawsuit against Sivits and there was bad blood. Mac was 28 years old and married. Sivits is 21 years old. Shooting took place 8 miles north of Murphysboro. MM
John D. Sanders, old and respected citizen, died Sunday of pneumonia at his residence 3 miles northeast. MM
Married Christmas Eve at Union Grove Church, Thomas Edwards and Lucy C. Hendrickson. MM
Felix Henderson was indicted for murder of Vincent Hinchcliff…officers went to his house 7 miles northwest of here…he went upstairs and climbed down a post and ran off…officers fired 5 shots and he fired 3…still at large. MM
Mr. Ed Brown has returned from Colorado. MM
City Butcher Shop, Simmons & Miller, proprietors. MM
Letter to editor – A brief history of my grandmother, Priscilla Jones was born 1798 in SC, moved to Indiana… member of M.E. Church since 18th year…married age 19 to Thomas Stafford, 3 children, he died and she married Thomas Jones…11 children…he died and she is now living with her second son Trice Stafford…in 76th year. Tolerable good health…14 children, 78 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren…total 117. Old Frankfort, Illinois. 18 Dec 1874 H.H. MM
14 Jan – Murphysboro Independent – Jacob Farmer, one of oldest residents of county, stepped out on porch Tuesday during the night, slipped on the ice and died. MM
A little daughter of Mrs. Carter was severely burned Wednesday…got too close to fire, clothes caught fire. MM
A little child of Willis Aikman got too close to fire one day last week…clothes caught fire and burned to death…buried Sunday last. MM
This morning, a 7 year old son of Hugh Parks, living 12 miles east of here, was on the way to school… stopped where a man was cutting timber to warm…tree was ready to fall and the man told the boy to run, he ran in the way of the tree and was killed instantly. MM
Married at residence of W.R. Farmer on the 7th, William H. Stocks and Sarah A. Fozzard, also David Trout and Jane Hinchcliffe, James Benedict and Lizzie Elders… married at residence of bride’s father on the 6th, James L. Richerson of Franklin County and Bethany J. Benson of Williamson County. MM
The infant of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Gallagher of this city, died last Sunday. MM
Mr. John Stevens, aged and respected citizen, living 3 miles southwest of here, died Sunday last. MM
Samuel Gardham, formerly of here and now of DuQuoin, sold his farm in this county and is going to Kansas. MM
I hear Mr. Sisney has already moved away on account of further expected danger…MM
Last week, W.H. Perry, teacher in a district west of here, (Carterville), gave the daughter of Mr. Stum, one of the board of directors of that district, a “linting” with a small hazel brush for some misconduct. Mr. Stum got a double barreled shotgun from Jeff Russell…John Russell took the gun away from him. Mr. Stum went to the school and gave the teacher a good going over in language somewhat rough for a minister of the gospel, which we are informed he is…had teacher charged with assault and battery, found not guilty. MM
______________________ February, 1875 ______________________
4 Feb – George W. Sisney called on us Tuesday last…has very bad wound and thinks his arm will likely be a cripple for life…has moved to Carbondale. MM
A young man named Anderson, brakeman on the C & S Railroad, while coupling cars at Carterville Friday, fell between 2 cars…leg was crushed…Dr. Roberts of Carbondale amputated it above knee. MM
Sam Lipsey knocked a Scotchman down in the street…his wife gouged Lipsey in face…Lipsey reached for his Navy Six gun…others interfered… MM
11 Feb – The wife of Arch Odum, 6 miles north of here died Saturday night. MM
Married on the 9th at residence of G.W. Goddard, J.H. Pinkleton and Amanda Baran, all of this county … on the 11th, James M. Tippy and Malinda C. Hill, all of Marion, at residence of M.C. Campbell. MM
Died the 7th at Corinth of pneumonia, Holladan Holland, infant son of Eugene O. and Mary Roberts. Halla was 11 months old…father is in Rocky Mountains…left in care of grandmother Mrs. Chloe M. Hearn—mother preceded him to the better land but a short time. MM
9 Feb Corinth, Ill. – Last Wednesday we performed the last sad office for Green M. Carter…born and raised in this county… served in Co. F, 81st Regt. Ill. Vols… died 2 Feb., wife is daughter of J.R. Grant… 3 little children… buried Pleasant Grove… member Corinth Lodge #502 IOOF___ Funeral services by Rev. Oliver Cox. MM
Samuel Keelin was brought here, in jail for murder of William Mece at residence of Mr. Fitzgerald of Northern Precinct last winter during religious service. Keelen escaped, went to Nebraska where he has been known as Mitchell until his arrest by John Fletcher of Northern Precinct. MM
Business Cards:
Dow Phillips, for good pictures of any kind, give him a call
For sale – Steam, saw and corn mill…apply to J.L. Roberts, Corinth, Ill., 12 miles northeast of Marion
W.N. Mitchell and Son, drugs, lamps, coal oil, lanterns, glassware, school books. We also keep a news depot where daily papers and all the leading periodicals may be found. Our store is HQ of Drs. Denison, Ferguson and Bentley, south side of public square. MM
25 Feb – Anderson, who had his leg amputated, died Tuesday night of tetnus. MM
Dean Norman and Vienna Cook were married last Sunday at residence of bride’s mother… married at residence of bride’s mother on the 21st, Phillip Ruble and Mary J. Carter, all of Marion…also on the 18th at residence of Widow Copher, Thomas E. Jeter and Julia A. Copher. MM
____________________ March, 1875 ______________________
25 Mar – Pulleys Mill – Mary Morgan’s youngest child died on the 14th of typhoid pneumonia. MM
A child of Hon. Isaac Clements died last Monday. MM
New grocery house of William Taylor, northwest corner of public square. MM
_____________________ April, 1875 ______________________
1 Apr – Died 31 Mar, 7 miles north of Marion, Mrs. Starrick, of consumption…leaves a husband who is nearly blind with a house full of little children. MM
Widow Beverly, 8 miles northwest, fell and broke her thigh…could not get up, remained till late in evening when her cry for help was heard by a boy. MM
8 Apr – Dr. J. Davidson, 3 or 4 miles southeast, died Monday and was buried in this place yesterday…70 years old…associated in practice of medicine with Dr. R.M. Hundley. MM
Died last Sunday, little girl of 3 or 4 summers, daughter of F.M. Goodall of this place. MM
Mrs. Beverly who had thigh broken last week, died Sunday. MM
Elder Boles baptized Mrs. W.P. Goodall and Mrs. Shepherd into full fellowship of Christian Church Sunday. MM
Rev. R.W. Perdue and wife are the parents of a boy born Friday. MM
A.C. Bugher and A.F. Crouch have combined their galleries over Westbrooks & Howell’s store, south side of square. MM
Mr. E.M. Phillips, who but a few days ago left for Xenia, Ill., was brought to Carbondale a corpse…his wife and 2 children left here Monday to join him…he was in good health… MM
The wife of Oliver W. Catlin was holding a loaded pistol…it went off, entered breast. Inflicting a serious but not dangerous wound. MM
A colored man named Brewster was indicted in Jackson County for bigamy. MM
Contracts for mail routes from this place went to the following: Marion to Harrisburg, Marion to Benton and Marion to Goreville, to Bishop of Johnson County; Marion to Sarahsville to Wm. Calvert and Marion to Attila to Thomas Davis. MM
29 Apr – Mandy Davison was lodged in jail last Monday on bigamy charges, her husband, John Bradley is also in jail in same building, charged with adultery. MM
Mr. Walter Warder is confined to his room in company with the “scarlet rash.” (Note: Scarlet fever) MM
Business Cards:
T.M. Edwards has opened an office in Marion for the sale of the Singer Sewing machine, northwest corner of square.
Dwyer and Brothers and Company, proprietors of Crab Orchard Mills flour, meal, mill feed, poplar, walnut and oak lumber, cotton bought at market price
W.M. Tune and Company, blacksmith, carriage trimming, plows, horse shoeing, immediately north of M.E. Church, Marion
H.M. Basinger has sold his mill and will sell one hundred thousand feet of lumber at first chance.
Capt. W.E. Goddard, formerly of Johnson County, but now a resident of Kansas, was in this place Saturday. He reports the people of Kansas in a destitute condition and says without help from other localities many families will undoubtably perish, having neither substance to live on nor means to get away. He says the young grasshoppers have hatched out and can now be seen in vast multitudes. MM
_____________________ May, 1875 ______________________
6 May – Choice molasses 60 cents per gallon at Frank Sparks’. MM
Died 29 Mar at residence of Gilbert Steers, 2 miles north of Caledonia, Mrs. Elvira H. Pulley, aged 56 years. Mound City Journal. MM
J.C. Miller and son were on the way to Marion with a load of tobacco when they were caught in a rainstorm…stopped at Bainbridge under a shed that had stood for years…wind blew it down on them, killing the team, injuring the son seriously and stunning Mr. Miller. MM
Married at residence of B.S. Weaver in Northern Township, D.D. Simpson and Mrs. M.S. Peebles. MM
13 May – A dentist named Carter from St. Louis while passing through stopped at Northern Precinct at F.O. Sims, taken sick and died… was a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors at Union Grove Church Tuesday of last week.. wife was informed, she came here and took charge of his effects, settled his business and returned to St. Louis on Saturday. MM
A late festival was held by W.E. Spiller, assisted by Elders Boles and Wilson, 6 miles east of here, resulting in the organization of a church with 30 members. Elder Spiller is now carrying on a very interesting meeting 2 and a half miles northwest of here at the Corder schoolhouse, with 14 accessions by baptism up to present…Elder Boles is also conducting an interesting meeting three miles south of here at Shilo Church…6 added up to present. MM
Leander Ferell shot and killed Capt. James B. Morray last Monday morning…feud grew out of differences between them in reference to tax collecting by Ferrell as Deputy Sheriff upon lands owned by Morray in Williamson County…collection was resisted by Morray sometime in August 1874…Morray lived in Johnson County. In December, Perrell and James Arnold Jr. were driving cattle near the farm of Amos Burns near Stonefort…met Capt. Morray and one of his sons…both got off their horses and Morray drew a pistol… Ferrell was unarmed…Morray discharged his weapon, but it was knocked aside by Arnold. Last Monday morning they met again on the public square. Ferrell and O.P. Henson were sitting on empty goods box lying near outside edge of sidewalk in front of Westbrook and Howell’s store, his back to the sidewalk. Henson saw Morray in front of the courthouse, coming toward them… when nearly opposite them, it is stated he slightly halted, turned his face toward them, his arm slightly raised and a little behind him… Ferrell sprang from the box and fired…ball passed over Morray’s head and went into a room above the store. Several shots were fired and Morray fell and fired 2 shots…Ferrell ran into the Dunaway store… Morray, shot in stomach, was carried in store of Westbrook and Howell where his wound was examined by Dr. S.H. Bundy, who pronounced it fatal… taken to Goodall House where he died at 1:30 A.M. on the 18th. His family was sent for and were present at the time of death… Ferrell taken into custody by Pulley and Swindle. MM
James Hays, late of Corinth, died Sunday the 26th…funeral conducted by Rev. Green Mitchell by request of the deceased, at Zion M.E. Church…aged 77 years. MM
Mrs. Syntha Rorrer, wife of John, was adjudged insane and sent to Anna. MM
The murderer of Pat Kavanaugh was taken from Jail at Murphysboro under cover of darkness and taken to Jonesboro Tuesday night. MM
Dr. Bundy has returned to this place from Nashville, where he has been for some time… MM
Dogs have been playing havoc with sheep in Union Precinct. George Kimmell had 14 killed and six wounded, Willian T. Hougherton had 14 killed, Isaac Weeks had 2 killed and 2 wounded, H.F. Willeford had 2 wounded. The best and only safe way to deal with dogs is to give them a dose of cold lead or cut their tails off just behind the ears. MM
21 May – Williamson County Medical Association was formed at 1 P.M. on the 15th, inst. In response to a call from Drs. Ferrell and Lodge, about 20 regular practicing physicians of this county met in the office of Drs. Lodge and Vick in Marion. Those elected were: S.M. Mitchell, President; B.F. Pease, Treasurer; A.N. Lodge, Secretary; H.V. Ferrell, James C. Mitchell and John Vick, Committee to superintend the printing of the constitution and by-laws. Next meeting will be the first Saturday in June. EP
A lengthy account of the shooting of Capt. James B. Morray, his son Robert mentioned. EP
A change of venue to Saline County for trial of Samuel Keelah, charged with killing Meece. EP
Last Tuesday the 12 year old son of Mrs. Upchurch was crushed by a log at Cover’s Mill at Anna. EP
28 May – Leander Ferrell went before Judge Crawford and was released on $2,000 bail… nearly $300,000 was tendered… some friends complained there was not enough room on the bond for their names. EP
Richard Gulledge, a farmer in Bainbridge Precinct, died at home Wednesday of pneumonia. EP
Charley Chenoweth, living 3 or 4 miles northwest of Marion, died at hone on the evening of the 26th. EP
To those concerned, we will card and spin your wool this season, upon the following terms: carding into rolls, 6 cents per pound; spinning into yarn, 18 cents per pound, you furnishing the grease. We will also give you a yard of good, all wool filling Jeans for a pound of good, clean wool, black or white. Or, if you prefer it, we will give you St. Louis prices for your wool. We have a full stock of waterproofs, tweeds, satins, jeans, doeskins, blankets, flannels, linseys and yards which we offer you at the same low prices of last season. We will take black wool the same as white. Ewing Mfg. Co., J.B. Turner, Mgr. EP
_____________________ June, 1875 ______________________
4 June – On the 2nd, Ben Kluts and William Perigan had a conflict in the southern part of the county… were working in field when they disagreed about rent of some land… Kluts used a knife and Perigan received a slight cut in the back and Kluts a stroke from the axe that nearly amputated his right arm near the shoulder. One is in the hands of a doctor, the other in the hands of the sheriff, both in a bad fix. MM
Fire destroyed one whole block In Marion.. .courthouse and post office both destroyed, also the large 2 story home of Dr. T.D. Ferguson, known as the “Yost property” on the east side of Main street and his smokehouse and stable…ware room and storehouse of Westbrook and Howell… photograph gallery, barber shop and Marion Monitor, drug store of William N. Mitchell and Son, law office of W.W. Clemens, Egyptian Press of flee… 8 buildings, 4 of them large and valuable. EP
11 Jun – John H. Cox, the first man convicted in Williamson County for carrying a concealed weapon, had a hearing before Magistrate Reynolds on Wednesday and was fined $10 and costs. EP
The first annual commencement exercises of Southern Illinois Normal University will be held next Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The annual oration will be delivered Thursday by Prof. W.T. Harris, Superintendent of St. Louis schools, the subject will be The Place of the Mississippi Valley in Civilization and education. EP
17 Jun – At Murphysboro, a 15 month old child of Mrs. Ehrlich swallowed a large shawl pin measuring over 2 inches in length with a glass set head one eighth of an inch thick—passed pin in four days. MM
Murphysboro Independent – Last Saturday a young man named Harrison, living near Campbell Hill was squirrel hunting…stopped at spring for drink and carelessly laid his gun down with the butt from him, as he raised up he drew it toward him…gun went off and entered above the left ear, passing through his brain and out the top of his head…died the next day. 17 Jun MM and 18 Jun EP
18 Jun – W.A. Dillon of Saline County was accused of stealing a cow from his mother-in-law…arrested and in default of $500 is now in Harrisburg jail. EP
A man named McCall at Eldorado attempted to commit suicide on May 22…cut large gash In his throat with a dull pocket knife, while in a crowd …borrowed knife from a boy…financial difficulties are assigned to the case…sent to insane asylum. Shawnee News BP
During the storm on the 3rd, Mr. V. Huntsinger, living near Burnt Prairie, White County, lost his life…was plowing, unhitched team and started to house…when about to enter stable, a limb from a dead tree broke off, struck him In the breast… lived about 2 hours. Grayville Independent EP
Mrs. Andrew J. Snider of Carbondale died Wednesday last and was buried on the 10th…leaves husband and children. Jackson County Era EP
Joseph Tibbs, our stonecutter who undertook to “shuffle off this mortal coil” by cutting his throat with a razor at Galatia last week, is not yet dead… EP
Benjamin Kluts, the man whom Perigan tried to make sausage of, after the old fashioned way, is getting well…EP
24 Jun – Mrs. Frank Roy presented her husband with a gift Monday night – a girl. MM
Sion Hunt Mitchell was born in Franklin County, North Carolina 19 Sep 1796, died at Rolla [Raleigh?), Saline County, Ill. 21 Jun 1875, aged 78 years 9 months and 2 days…son of William and Elizabeth (Hunt) Mitchell…father supposed to be Scotch and mother of English descent…when a small baby, moved with family to Wilson County, Ill. …in 1819 to this – then Franklin – county.. .married in Wilson County, Tenn. on 25 Feb 1819 to Betsy Cook…13 children: Samuel Minton; Livonia Aristine; Mardonlus Patterson; Elizabeth Thompson; Thomas Soule; Chloe Matilda; Sion Files; Mary Samantha; William McKendree; Zadoc Casey; Jesse Green; Clinton Emory and Emily Fatima, 12 lived to have families of their own and 11 are now living. Clinton Emory died in early youth and Mary Samantha, wife of Enos Phillips died 23 years ago…his wife died 7 years ago…had 2 family reunions, one on his 64th birthday and the second one on her 72nd.. all his children and grandchildren were present, except Willian McKendree and his family who were absent in Kansas…numbering over 70 persons…He experienced religion alone in his father’s cornfield at age 16 and united with the M.E. Church…he kept an altar at his home, called Providence … he taken ill on Friday the 18th and died the following Monday… Wm. E. Hearn asked him how he felt and he said, “I am almost home.”… to one of his sons he said, “Farewell, we shall meet in the world where sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more. On Sunday evening, no longer able to speak, he took one of his sons by the hand and pointed upward 3 times….breathed his last at 5 A.M., Monday…buried in Zion. MM
17 Jun – The following card, addressed to Col. J.G. Hardy, late of 120th Regt. Illinois Vol., was received Wednesday by H.B. Hardy, Esq. of Vienna, Illinois:
Info wanted, $10 reward
Elisha P. Boas, deceased, late private of Company I, 120th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, enlisted from Johnson County, Illinois and was taken prisoner at Guntown, Mississippi 10 Jun 1864 and died as believed at Andersonvllle, Richmond, Florence or sore other rebel prison in January or February 1865. May have been paroled February 1865 and died on the way from Richmond or after arrival at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri the last of February, March or April 1865. His comrades of the 120th, and soldiers of the 81st, 65th, 108th and 114th regiments, taken prisoner at the same time, who can make affidavit to his death or give info leading to the same, will confer lasting favors on his orphan children and receive the above reward. Address James Kenner, Probate Judge or P.C. Hughs, attorney at law, Eureka, Kansas. Johnson County Yeoman MM
25 June – The lot, walls and foundation of the old courthouse was sold at auction last Saturday to Hundley and Holland…Shannon Holland bid $1,775. EP
_____________________ July, 1875 ______________________
1 July – Mrs. Martha Davis, wife of R.N. Davis and daughter of Thos. S. Woodward, was victim of horrible accident near Joppa, Massac County., attempted to kindle fire in cooking stove with coal oil, poured stream in and It exploded…she ran into other room in the hope her mother-in-law, an aged lady, could help…husband heard explosion in field, came and found her crouched down over a chair. She died in a few hours. MM
Two weddings at the M.E. parsonage this week: Mr. Stroud and Miss Smith; Mr. Morris and Miss Manier. MM
John Lowry, 73 year old member of Zion M.E. Church, died Friday the 25th. MM
William Crutcher, believed to be a lunatic, attempted an outrage upon Mrs. Gambel of Eight Mile Precinct, while working in a field in presence of her children, a girl of 13 and a boy of 7… boy gathered a cudgel and defended his mother…on learning of it, Mr. Gambel went after him with a shotgun. EP
Last Monday night some beastly human fired a heavy charge of buckshot into the dwelling of Marshall Crain at Crainville… some of the shot struck the bed on which Mr. Crain usually sleeps. None of the family was home. EP
On Tuesday, Mrs. Braun, daughter of William H. Pankey, living in Brushy Precinct was kindling fire with a can of kerosene, which exploded. She died in about 24 hours. EP
A man made improper advances to Mrs. Hill, in west part of county. Mr. Hill took a gun and caught him at edge of Big Muddy bottom… took him to Carterville…Esquire Carter fined him $25…left town leaving horse, lariat and a blanket. EP
On Friday last week, Mr. Joseph Cooley, living near Round Top School in Jackson Precinct, was killed by lightning while putting up water spouts… other man was wonderfully shocked. Metropolis Times EP
On Monday, the 28th, Walter Gunter, son of Widow Gunter, residing in Crawford’s Prairie, while riding the lead mule, running a reaping machine, was thrown off by team running away… thrown to ground in front of sickle… both thighs half cut off and one heel entirely cut off…Dr. Hamilton dressed wounds… very severe, but boy will probably recover. EP
8 July – A.C. Bugher, photographer and barber is going to Benton to follow his business. MM
Married at the Hotel De Sullivan, Pinckneyville, last Friday, Prior England and Amanda Clayborn, both of Carterville, Williamson County. They arrived on a train with a mutual friend who said she was engaged to another and while he had gone to Marion for a license to marry her, she came to this place and married another without telling her espoused, but he couldn’t see it and was taking steps to forever seal the contract. MM
Frank Pease has sold his interest in the store of Roberts and Pease at Corinth… MM
15 July – Married by G.W. Young Tuesday of this week, William Bullard and Edith Rude, both of Carterville. MM
The new courtroom in the building of Goodall, Campbell and Dunaway is a really nice room for the business and we think our court did well in securing it. MM
T.C. Hardy was found guilty of adultery and fornication. MM
16 July – Casendanie Alexander, wife of J.W. Alexander, died 28 Jun 1875…suffered with consumption 12 months…daughter of Uncle Jep and Aunt Ailsey Crain…born this county 29 Apr 1837…married first V.S. Perry in June 1854… he died in 1863… she married Mr. Alexander in 1866… leaves parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, husband and 4 children…baptized into fellowship of Hurricane Church in 1860 by Elder Peter Hagler. EP
20 July – Dr. James C. Mitchell has returned from Kansas for his family. He has located permanently in Kansas.
22 July – Larkin Harrington vs Jane Harrington – bill for divorce. MM
Dr. Evans, late of Holden, Missouri, has located at Herrin’s Prairie where he will practice his profession. MM
L.A. Goddard returned last Saturday from a 4 month stay in California. MM
John W. Finney and M.E. Longabough were married Saturday evening at the home of Prof. Woolaver, by Rev. W.P. Brown. MM
David Thompson and Elizabeth Kinchloes were married at the Goodall House. MM
Last Saturday a group of masked men entered the home of Fred Knauer in Ora Township and demanded $1,000… he gave them what he had, $28… had sold tract of land and was to receive $1,000, but money had not been paid…they ransacked his house but had to depart with the small haul of $28. MM
Dr. George L. Owens has returned after a few days visit to Denver, Colorado, accompanied by Hon. Isaac Clements who will return in a few days. MM
A. Scurlock, woods reapers, mowers, iron of all kinds, wagon maker, lime, cement, laths and shingles, 2 blocks north of public square. MM
Drop in at Phil Cruse’s Ice Cream saloon and keep cool. MM
29 July – Tribute of Respect – Hall of Fellowship Lodge No. 89 A.F. & A.M. – Death of Brother E.M. Phillips, sympathy to wife and children. MM
Amanda Beard vs Marcus Beard, bill for divorce. MM
Thomas 0. Nelson who murdered James K. Childers in Randolph County 12 Nov last, was sentenced to the pen for term of natural life. MM
The case of Amanda Bradley alias Davison, charged with bigamy… accusers were not there so judge told her to go in peace…her husband Bradley arrested on same charge, received like words of comfort. MM John Bradley 30 Jul EP
A difficulty arose at Crab Orchard last Tuesday between Peter Crossley on one side and Van Goddard and Theodore McHaney on the other…Crossley shot through hand and struck on head with a gun barrel. MM
Thomas W. Jones, less than 16 years old, was brought before Squire G.W. Young to answer charge of assault to rape Laura H. Connell, age 13, last week. MM
30 July – Wednesday afternoon during thunder and rain storm, a 13 year old daughter of widow Corder living 2 ¼ miles southwest of Marion, was struck and killed instantly by lightning, while sitting in the house. EP
Capt. George W. Sisney was murdered at home in Carbondale Wednesday at 9:30 P.M….had gone to bed, was called up at that hour by Overton Stanley of Johnson County for purpose of getting him to put his security on a note and also to settle some private little demand that Sisney held against him… were sitting on first floor, completed business and Sisney said it was about time to retire, almost instantly a shot was fired through the window… struck him in the breast near the right nipple… window was protected only by a wire mosquito bar… only spoke words, “Oh, Lord, I am killed.” This was third or fourth time open and bold attempt was made on his life.. .buried in Stancil graveyard near his farm in Williamson County…was Mason 12 or 15 years…leaves wife and 8 children… He was a Captain in Company G, 81st Regiment, Illinois Volunteers.. Severely wounded at Vicksburg in May 1863 and resigned 3 August 1863. EP 30 July and MM 5 Aug
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 1)