December of this year brought a change to Illinois law requiring that all births and deaths be duly recorded on public record. Before this date, it was not technically required to register the events.
See also, 1877, News Clippings, January thru June
____________________ July, 1877 ______________________
5 Jul – Dr. Ballenger gives an interesting account of a visit to a cavern 6 miles north of Vienna, in which human bones, articles of wear, etc., have been discovered. By some the relics were supposed to have been there since the days of the aborigines, but another theory is that a foul murder has been done and the bodies hidden there not later than 5, nor more than 12 years ago. The bones denote 3 different sized bodies and have been partly destroyed by fire. MM
Mrs. Rhoda Crain, widow of Marshall Crain married Mr. Hamilton last week. (Marriage return says Hampton.] MM
The front part of last week, Rudolph Pelensteal, a German living on the Small farm 7 miles northwest, fell from a cherry tree and received serious, if not fatal, injuries. MM
Last Thursday a little stranger arrived at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Dow Phillips of this city. MM
Marriage licenses: John Crawford and Susan R. Clark Isaac Hamilton and Mrs. Rhoda Crain S.T. Hatfield and Mrs. E.G. Berry MM
Last Wednesday, Wash Barker, living between this place and Harrisburg, went to Mr. Caple’s, his brother-in-law, after a plow … It rained and he stayed all night … next morning he found Bankston Creek full of water … he tied the wagon bed to the wagon with bark and drove into the stream … a little boy nearby warned him of the dangerous depth, but he said he must get home…his body was found that afternoon and carried home by his heart stricken companion. MM
12 Jul – Tuesday, at New Burnside, a man named Bame, of the firm of Bame and Hood, attempted to shoot a chicken … the 15 year old son of J.W. Hood was accidentally shot … ball struck the top of his head and crushed the skull bone into his brain, causing death in a short time … he was Bame’s nephew. EP & MM
The wife of Will H. Bundy presented him with something nice on the evening of the 4th. It’s a boy. EP
Monday at Tamaroa, Charles Winthrop was shot dead and his brother Henry wounded … were having a spree with the Dye boys. Constable Taylor tried to arrest them and they started carving on him with a knife. Phillip Corgan, town marshall, tried to help and he received a cut in the neck … he shot both of them … Charles died Wednesday morning… They are sons of ex-Judge Winthrop. EP
Mrs.Francis Fuller of Robinson County, Tennessee is visiting her brother-in-law, L.C. Fuller of this city. MM
19 Jul – Tom McAuliff, an ox driver working for the Morris, Rood and Company sawmill at Ullin, knifed to death a colored boy named John Glass, aged 18. MM
Denver News – Sheriff Thomas J. Porter of White County, Illinois, arrived here Monday evening, having in custody John Aiken, charged with the murder of one Tesh Stewart in White County in 1864. He had associates named Thomas and Charley Glide … the victim was a wealthy farmer. Aiken confessed to the crime and was to be executed, but broke jail and came at once to Colorado … has since resided in the Territory and State for some years living in Custer County where he has a cabin, 75 to 100 head of cattle and a family of 9 children. The officer and prisoner left yesterday on the eastbound train. There is slight chance he will escape the gallows as there are still living 2 of the murdered man’s children and a hired man who witnessed the shooting. This man [Aiken] was well and unfavorably known in Williamson County. MM
Ed Roberts of Corinth returned home last week from Kansas where he has been a couple of months. MM
Will Westbrook left for Denver and the west last Friday, in search of health … will probably remain 6 weeks or 2 months. His mother, Mrs. F.M. Westbrook went with him. MM & EP
Isaac W. McDonald who killed Brush at Carbondale and was sent to the pen in 1874, was in town Saturday night. He says he is going to keep a hotel in St. Louis. Pinckneyville Independent MM & EP
Prof. Karr has left for Bloomfield, Missouri where he will teach the winter school. EP
Allen Baker, one of the Williamson County Ku Klux was one of the ringleaders in a plot to escape from the pen in Joliet Friday night. William Davis of Jackson County was another one. MM
Freeman Augustus Cunningham was born 17 Aug 1875, died 27 Nov 1876. His funeral will be preached at Union Grove the first Sunday in August by Revs. Laughlin and Davis. Not as those that have no hope did we give up our dear child. I believe when I close my eyes on this world I shall see Freeman and know him. J.T. Cunningham Crab Orchard, Illinois July 13, 1877 MM
26 Jul – Marriage licenses:
- John Reps and Sarah A. Carter
- William Lanningham and Ellen Beardon MM
The funeral of Arch Clarida was preached at Union Grove last Sunday by Rev. James King. Mr. Clarida was a member of the Masonic fraternity. MM
Rev. Mrs. E.C. Cline lately presented her husband with a bouncing girl. MM
Another Republican – Marion Furlong’s wife presented him with a fine boy on the 14th. Crab Orchard Chips MM
Married at the parsonage Sunday morning, July 22, by Rev. T.J. Davis, William Lanningham and Ellen Beardon. MM
Died in this city Saturday, July 21, Nannie, daughter of Hardin and Harriet Goodall, in the 9th year of her age. Buried in City Cemetery. MM
____________________ August, 1877 ______________________
2 Aug – Marriage licenses: T.J. Jackson and A.J. Dougherty Jasper Carlisle and S. Henderson Henry Odle and Almedia P. Rainey MM
Last Friday night a thief entered the sleeping room of W.H. Bundy in this city and stole $40 from his pants pocket. EP
Friday afternoon a pig belonging to Dean Norman bit little Frank Ewan on the abdomen, in the street near Mr. S. Ewan’s residence. EP
A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Phillips Monday. EP
J.M. Burkhart and his family have gone to St. Paul for their health. MM
The residence of R.P. Dodds, the finest one in Stonefort, was destroyed Wednesday morning last week, with all its contents … He arrived in Marion from Kansas, where he had been for 2 weeks, was informed at the depot of his misfortune in getting his dwelling and contents burned. MM
Cypress Hill Happenings – we have an omnibus line between this place and Middleton. Tom Tanner acts as conductor. He made the first trip yesterday. MM
An accession to families of N.N. Phillips and J.F. Cornell of the Press. Boys. MM
Andrew Davis’ new steam thresher is doing good work and giving satisfaction wherever it goes. Last week the machine was sat up 14 times and threshed 3,000 bushel of grain. They thresh 2 and ½ bushels of oats per minute … (The Aug 9 Issue gives a correction 2 and ¼ bushels of wheat and 6 bushels of oats per minute.) MM
9 Aug Bills for divorce:
William Thompson vs Anna Thompson – she is a non-resident William Kingery vs Luella A. Kingery – she is a non-resident MM
A girl for Marsh Phillips. MM
Mrs. L.D. Phillips died here Sunday, she had been confined to bed several weeks with consumption. MM EP says died Monday.
The wife of Terry Crain died Friday of a congestive chill. MM
Phillip Sprague of Eight Mile had his left arm torn off in a threshing machine at Widow Aikman’s farm on the Carbondale and Shawneetown Road last Thursday. Dr. Roberts of Cobden amputated the arm and dressed the wound. MM
A.F. White writes from the Black Hills that he will soon return to Marion. Redskins have been In close quarters with the miners and killed one of McCoy’s mules taken from St. Louis with the Marion delegates last spring. MM
Mrs. Sallie Young this week had a beautiful monument erected over the grave of her late husband, John M. Young in the city cemetery. It is from an Evansvllle firm. MM
Last week Riley farmer of Eight Mile fell from a wagon load of wheat, caught on his hand, throwing his weight and the sudden jar thereon, breaking his arm and crushing the arm bone thru the skin and out of the hand. MM
Mr. P.W. Todd of the eastern part of county tells us of his neighbor, James Bowers, being bitten by a rattlesnake … recovery is doubtful. MM
Wiley Jones of Northern Precinct was thrown from a mule last Thursday evening and severely injured. Mr. Dillon, our informant, says the case (at the time he reported) last Saturday, was thought to be almost fatal. MM
Dr. Corey’s family arrived in this city last week from Arkansas. The doctor resides in the house lately vacated by Prof. Karr. MM
The first load of coal from J.B. Willeford’s ne coal shaft, 2 miles north of Marion, was delivered last week to Mann and Edwards Mill in this place. Mr. A.B. Hendrickson, their fireman, informs us that it is 25 per cent the best coal he has ever used. MM
J.M. Burkhart and family did not start on their northern trip last week as was announced … They were detained by illness of Mr. Burkhart, he having been confined to his room the past few days. MM
16 August – J.C. Baiar of Jeffersonville was in town Monday lifting a collection for a festival which is to be given at Jeffersonville Tuesday evening, August 28 … when last heard of, he had between 40 and 100 names, running from 25 cents to one dollar each. MM
Mahala Vineyard was arrested Monday for carrying a concealed weapon and keeping a disorderly house. MM
Mahala Vineyard, a woman of bad repute was caged at this place Monday on a charge of keeping a disorderly house. She will have a hearing today before Police Magistrate Reynolds … the wailing of Mahala Vineyard, the woman of bad repute, who is now in jail, calls very vividly to mind that old and true scriptural proverb; “the way of the transgressor is hard.” EP
J.H. Duncan horsewhipped one Mahala Vineyard, a prostitute, Friday afternoon. He was prevented by citizens and officers from inflicting severe punishment as he thought the case justified. It is a rash was of handling such cases, but he felt he was fully warranted in what he did and his actions met with the sanction of most of the good citizens. He went before Squire Doty, pled guilty and was fined $5. That he was seriously aggrieved, there can be no doubt. EP
J.H. Duncan buggy whipped Mahala Vineyard, a woman who inhabits this city and is recognized as a prostitute. The transaction occurred on the east side of the public square about 3 o’clock Friday evening and created quite a sensation. Duncan paid $5 for the privilege and satisfaction realized for the above account. MM
Corinth – John H. Mitchell is the happy father of two new boys. MM
A gain of one at Ad. McInturff’s, another boy. MM
The wife of John Brock, 3 miles southwest, died Tuesday. EP
Effie, daughter of Mr. Starrett, died Thursday of scarlet fever. MM
Reynolds Swafford married Nannie Brack Sunday afternoon at the residence of the bride’s father, 3 miles southwest. EP
Marriage Licenses:
- Andy Hall and Mary E. Hunt
- Hezekiah Moore and Elizabeth M. Crain
- Levi Rodgers and Mary E. Wilburn
- W.T. Burnett and Miss Erwin
- C.W. Ozment and Louise G. Henry
- James Hall and Mary E. Hunt
- Lycurgus Knight and Martha Neebor
- W.R. Swafford and Nancy Black
- Burl Ward and Martha B. Bloodworth
- Benjamin Dowdy and anna Chavour
- J.M. Burns and Catherine Dickson
- Silas Bryant and Jane Chavour (colored)
23 Aug – Uncle Charley, the jailor, had another foot race last Saturday with Mahala (Vineyard). She seems to be a hard bird to tame. MM
Rev. John A. Rodman will preach the funeral sermon of Mrs. L.D. Phillips at the Baptist Church next Sunday. MM
Henry Uhls pled guilty to horse stealing in Murphysboro last week and was sentenced to 4 years. He is too well known in Marion for us to tell our readers anything about him. MM
Marriage licenses:
- William H. Walker and Sarah L. Poe
- Arch Blackburn and Mrs. Julia Clarida
- R.T. Stratton and Mary Kent
- Pat Sammons and Fannie Awl
- George Crossland and Mary J. Campbell
- J.H. Williams and Harriet R. Clayton MM
Albert Dunaway was fined $3 and costs by J.H. Reynolds, Esquire, Monday morning for assault and battery on the person of Mahala Vineyard, some days ago. EP
30 Aug – A donation party was held at her abiding place on West Main Street for Mrs. Brown, a very poor and aged lady, on Friday night. Quite a quantity of provisions and clothing and about $5 was donated by our good people. EP
It is now an offense finable in the sum of $10 for physicians to fail to report to the county clerk all the deaths and births coming under his supervision, within 30 days of their occurring. Where no physician is employed, the same shall be reported by the parents, nearest relative or resident householder. EP
A church festival was held at Jeffersonville Tuesday. $250 was raised to seat the Lake Creek church house. Dr. Bundy offered prayer … a vote for the most handsome lady present was held, the candidates were Fannie Fellows of Marion and Sarah Duncan of Jeffersonville … votes were 10c each … after each received 380 votes, a tie was declared and the young ladies drew for it, which resulted in favor of Fannie Fellows … Judge Bishop gave a short speech and Mr. Evans made a declamation. Dr. Titsworth, Ben Wharton and Thomas Belcher are entitled to special credit for their efforts. EP
____________________ September, 1877 ______________________
6 Sept. – Pat Hightower found guilty of murder of Kendrick at Boskeydell … sentenced to 14 years. MM
Stonefort Items – J.H. Epperson lost $55, all in $5 bills on the 18th of last month. The finder will please return and get rewarded … W.H. Tucker is manufacturing pennyroyal oil … John W. Epperson started for Texas the 23rd of last month … W.H. Ridgeway and son bought R.P. Dodd’s storehouse and have moved their large stock of goods into it … William H. Blackman, son of C.S., has been in Texas for some time … H.F. Good of Stonefort and Victoria Wise of Johnson County were married a few days ago. MM
Marriage licenses:
Stephen Gill and Sarah A. Appleton Thomas M. Phelps and Susan M. Clark John Craig and Eleanor P. Alexander G.P. Chamness and M.A. Roberts William L. Stilley and Clementine Stilley F.A. McCormack and Harriet Russell MM
Next Thursday a barbeque will be held at Mt. Zion Church, in a beautiful grove near Allen Scurlock’s. MM
A.M. Askew is the successor to R.D. Holland, dealer in family groceries, northeast corner of the square. MM
Will Westbrook returned home last Wednesday week from Colorado, 24 pounds a”bigger man” than when he went west. MM
13 Sep – Mr. J.W. Carmical, a fine young man and teacher, called on us Friday last and subscribed to the Press … he will teach near Corinth this winter, his school commencing on the 17th. EP
A little child of George Brown was severely scalded Friday from the upsetting of a coffee boiler. EP
Monday afternoon about 7, Jake and Pet Hightower escaped from the Murphysboro jail. Pet was sentenced to 14 years for killing Kendrick in Jackson County last April. Jake was yet to have his trial. EP
Marsh Cruse came into possession of his fifth heir Friday. EP
20 Sep – Mahala Vineyard was locked up again last Friday because of her inability to satisfy an execution. EP
George Brown intends to go before the Probate Court to resign as guardian of the minor heirs of Jeremiah Midgett, deceased, on the third Monday in October. EP
There is an old bachelor in town who wants to adopt a girl baby, one not less than 18 years old. EP
Duncan and Holland sold their new sawmill to George Chamness and P.W. Turnage. It will be taken to Wolf Creek. EP
George O. Mitchell, son of Dr. S.M., married Maggie Fitzgerrell, daughter of W.L. Fitzgerrell of Perry County, on Sep 13 by Rev. J G Mitchell, at home of bride’s parents. Another account says the Fitzgerrells are of Horse Prairie, Franklin County. MM
Hugh Parks of Crab Orchard died Tuesday morning at 4 o’clock, age 84 years … had lived to see 4 generations of descendants. MM EP 13 Sept. says he died Monday.
The little child of George Brown who was severely scalded last week by overturning a boiler of coffee, died Saturday. MM
Corinth – Willie King, son of James and Sarah King and grandson of D.D. Mitchell, was buried in Corinth Cemetery Sept. 11, 1 year old. MM
Marion Hynds, living near Reynoldsburg, Johnson County, hanged himself last week … was once an honored Elder in C.P. Church at Old Gilead, but, alas, he went back on his religion … hung about 24 hours before he was found. MM
William R. Ross was sentenced at Mt. Vernon to hang for killing his children 25 Dec. 1871. Samuel Elkins was also sentenced to life for killing his new born baby in Jefferson County some years ago. MM
County Commissioner Wise started to Jacksonville Tuesday evening last with his son George C. Wise and William Butler, George Copher, Joshua Copher and Emeline Copher, all mutes. MM
Plnckney M. Parker has moved into the residence on East Street recently occupied by Mrs. Cline and has opened a first class boarding and eating house. Also, he will run an eating house at the fairgrounds during the fair. MM
Duncan & Holland sold their saw mill Monday to G.B. Chamness and Reuben Turnage. The new firm will locate 4 miles south of Bainbridge on the Saratoga Road, at the crossing of Wolf Creek. MM
H.D. Brown of Arkansas, son of J.B. Brown Union Precinct, was a Monitor caller last week. He cast the only Hays vote in his precinct in Arkansas last fall. MM
Marriage licenses:
- Ephraim Boren and Amanda A. Stern
- Abraham Fozzard and Sarah A. Stocks
- T.H. Dungey and Martha Stacey
- John Gill and Elizabeth Case
- James A. Jackson and Merida Creek
- John A. Moore and Mary Williams
- Alexander Beasley and Emma Smith
- William Lovell and Mildred Jones
- A.L. Gothard and G.E. Nix MM
27 Sept. – Jeffersonville Jottings – Uncle Bob Trusty, an old citizen of Lake Creek was induced by the plausible tongue of a traveling corn doctor to have an operation on a corn that gave him trouble. After the operation inflammation set in and he has been suffering intensely for several weeks. At one time the physicians thought amputation would be necessary. The corn is removed. MM Martin Feurer will remove from our village to his farm 3 mile’s east this week. T.C. Watkins will take possession of the dwelling vacated … Monroe Williams, Phillip Lager, Frank Lager and Webb Duncan will attend Ewing College from this vicinity … Gov. Cullom has commissioned T.C. Watkins, a notary public in Lake Creek Precinct … Joe Hopt, an old citizen, has moved out on a farm … Wilson Gower is the proprietor of the International Hotel …The Association of Regular Baptists held at Pleasant Hill, one mile west of Jeffersonville, closed today.
John Schultz was received into the Baptist Church in this city last Sunday by the ordinance of baptism administered by Elder Rodman at 4 o’clock at the mill pond. MM
From a letter from Festus Holland, we learn Caleph Holland had to remain with relatives in Zenia, Ohio on account of sickness. Festus and his mother Mrs. Bazzle Holland arrived safely and in good health at their destination, Fairmount, Virginia. [An earlier account said they were going to West Virginia.] MM
Births – A girl for Charles Link and lady Tuesday, Sep 25…A girl for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brock Monday. MM
A little child of Mrs. Hale of East Street, died Monday. MM
Marriage licenses:
- Alexander Fitch and Annie Crain
- Benjamin Stroud and Clementine Ollis
- H. Dehart and Henrietta Bevel
- Joseph Morris and Mary Dean
- Columbus Wagoner and Mary E. McNeil
- E.T. Garrett and Mary A. Dixon
- James B. Kelley and Mary C. Hampton MM
____________________ October, 1877 ______________________
4 Oct – Saturday night some men from this county went to Franklin County to arrest a man named Albert Adkins for stealing and selling an oxen belonging to Thompson Southerland of this county. He ran and a man named Connor shot him dead. EP
Saturday night a party of men from this county, with States Warrant, went to Franklin County to arrest Albert Adkins for stealing and selling an ox of Thomson Southerland’s, of this county. They procured more assistance there, surrounded his house just at daybreak and went in on him. He broke and ran and a man named Connor shot him dead on the spot. MM
In the village of Plumfield, officers were trying to arrest John Adkins for theft of some cattle from Ruff Harrison … Adkins ran toward Adam Coonrod’s place … officers called upon Coonrod to stop him. Coonrod fired a shotgun, putting 17 buckshot in the back of his neck, killing him instantly. Coonrad fled and is still at large. MM [Sounds like the same account as last two.]
Marriage licenses:
- David Herrin and Alice E. Crain
- Richard M. Dehart and Margaret M. Butts MM
The little child of Green B. Womack died Saturday. EP & MM
Jeffersonvllle Jottings – Dr. Titsworth purchased half interest in the drug store of Samuel Jones … School opens today, the schoolhouse is 1 mile north of our place. MM
Lewis W. Boren, Minnie Brooks, Mattie Kirkpatrick and Moses Martin were arrested near this city Sunday on a charge of fornication. Boren was, not long since, city marshall at Anna. The women are also from Anna, Martin is from Franklin County. MM
11 Oct – Pea Holland is at Morgantown, West Virginia. EP
W.W. Edwards and Carrie Avert were married 7 Oct at Union Grove Church. EP
A 9 pound boy makes sunshine in the house of Tom Helton. EP
Marriage licenses:
- Thomas Naugle and Martha Waldron
- William Moulton and Josephine Grimes
- Jas. Clarada and Mary Parks
- W.S. Tarpley and Lizzie E. Joiner MM
A.F. “Zl” White has returned from the Black Hills. MM
Mr. J.M. Furlong has for several days been upon the verge of death. Those who have seen him pronounce his case a remarkable one on account of its unchanging cause and the prostrate condition of the patient so long without apparently getting better or worse. Mr. Furlong is one of the pioneers of the county and is known and admired by a large number of persons. MM
Last Thursday, Thomas Scates, an old colored man, became drunk and was locked In Jail. Straw had been put down for the prisoners to sleep on. At 9 P.M. a fire broke out and he died the next morning at John Goodall’s from burns. [Lengthy account] MM & EP
James Steward was sentenced to 5 years for horse stealing. EP
There is no murder case to be tried at this term of Circuit Court, which is something unusual. EP
Robert B. Little, merchant at Sparta, was robbed and killed on his way home from the store Thursday evening … found by John Dennier, a harness maker, in a ditch by the sidewalk within half a square of his home … he died about one and a half hours later … skull was crushed front and back, a singletree of a wagon was found near the body … The victim had between $400 and $600 in his pocketbook, which was gone. Two colored men, Abe Joiner and Jerry Clark were arrested Friday … Joiner was discharged and Clark was held. EP
18 October – Fritz Everhart, a holly German is connected with Charles Lefler in the butcher business. EP
J.M. Furlong died Thursday … born in Tennessee … came to Illinois with his parents when a youg man … served as Treasurer, member of C.P. Church. MM
Mary E., 1 year old daughter of M.C. and C.H. Campbell, of this place, died Monday. Buried Cunningham burying ground Monday. EP (MM says died Sunday)
A reward of $100 by the sheriff of Pope County, $200 by Phillip Vinyard and a prospect of $400 more by the state and county is authorized for the arrest of Alexander Wilson, 22 years old, who broke jail 7 Oct 1877 at Golconda, where he was detained for the murder of James Vinyard in Elizabethtown last spring. MM
George Sprague, one of our best citizens in the west end of the county, died Saturday of typhoid pneumonia. EP
Dr. George w. Willeford, formerly of here but now of Washington, Indiana, is visiting relatives and friends here. EP
25 Oct – Benton Standard – A shooting affray occured Sunday between O.C. Fitts and Dr. Fayett Carter. Jealousy seems to be the cause … 12 shots were fired, nobody hurt. EP
Dr. J.D.F. Jennings, Williamson County’s defaulting States Attorney, is living in Rome, Ohio. MM
A little son of Judge Reeves of Carbondale had his arm crushed badly by a train on the Central road last week … had to be amputated. He and some boys were jumping on and off the train. MM
Schools mentioned – Concord in Northern Precinct, Moak in Marion Precinct, Schoolhouse near W.W. Young’s, Oaks in Grassy Precinct, Gulley in Eight Mile, Hickory Thicket in Western Precinct, Perry in Herrin’s Prairie, Carterville and Ferges in Lake Creek Precinct. MM
A thief entered the residence of Rev. John Calvert and carried off a small tin trunk containing $83 in money and a lot of valuable papers, among which were deeds, patent and a school order. He is almost 80 years old. MM
Dr. George W. Evans and family and Rev. W.S. Evans and youngest daughter Maggie, for several months residents of Herrin’s Prairie, returned to Missouri, their former home last Thursday. The doctor will remain in St. Louis and attend medical college during the winter, the family will locate at Holden. MM
Moses Martin and Mattie Kirkpatrick were charged with adultery. Mattie pled guilty and was fined $200 … Lewis Boren and Minnie Brooks charged with same,” Minnie’s case nolled and Boren’s to court for trial. MM
Marriage licenses:
- J.M. Phillips and Jennie Robinson
- George H. Hopper and Mary Wingfield
- T.A. Thompson and Nancy A. Weaver
- W.T. Barham and S.E. Huddleston
- Robert Pate and Euphemia Blades
- A.B. Ellett and Laura Robinson MM
____________________ November, 1877 ______________________
1 Nov – A son of Robert Pulley in southeast part of county, killed a grey eagle that measured 7 feet from the tip of one wing to the other, last Sunday. EP
Marriage licenses:
- John J. Austin and Margaret Baldwin
- John J. Ray and Elizabeth Could
- L.P. Kennedy and Tennessee Mosley
- George Oeth and Elizabeth Wehr
- Jonah Nicely and Miranda J. Anderson MM
Mr. Silas Parker of Northern Precinct, brought into town Tuesday a limb off a red bud tree in full bloom, a freak of nature for October. MM
They once had a pump in the public well at Crab Orchard. The citizens wouldn’t raise $3 to finish paying for it and the pump man who put it in, yanked it out of the well. MM
The post office address of Dr. J.J. Fly has been changed from Pulley’s Mill, Illinois to Nashville, Tennessee. The doctor will return at the close of Nashville Medical College. MM
Felix M. Burnett and Susan L. Willeford were married on the 21st by Elder E.E. Davis. MM
Deaths – Mr. and Mrs. Hunt lost a young child Saturday night … a little child of John Jenkins, living a short distance from town, died last Thursday night … a little child of Van Simmons died in this city last Thursday … Solomon Norman, old pioneer, died last Thursday. MM
J.C. Baiar, Jeffersonvllle’s jovial grocery man was taking in the sights and cracking jokes with the boys in Marion last week. MM
Silas Parker of Northern Precinct tells us he is now running a tannery 3 miles from Corinth. MM
8 Nov. – Mrs. Hudspeth, mother-in-law of Thomas Davis, is very sick. MM
Marriage licenses:
- S.L. Shackleford and Missouri Cauthorn
- Richard Lundy and Nancy Ann Sims
- Benjamin D. Gent and Sarah E. Kelley MM
W.J. Dowell has moved his butcher shop into a room just north of Goodall s Block. MM
Thomas Utley’s sons went out to feed while it was very dark. While feeding the horses, one son was picked up and carried off. Upon investigation, it was found he had squatted down on the head of a cow and as she got up her horns hung in his clothes and she walked off with him. EP
15 Nov – There is a man named Karr in Franklin County who is 6 feet and 7 inches tall. EP
Perry Martin and J.D. Carr of Franklin County were considered guilty of stealing cattle in this county … $700 bond on 4 counts for each of them. EP
Mrs. W.R. Hall, formerly of this city and late of Austin, Texas, is now located at Lebanon, Missouri. EP
L.K. Tucker returned home from a visit to Scottsville, Kentucky Sunday … is selling stock and will return to Scottsville soon to reside. EP
A little child of Mrs. Wilhelm, who recently moved into the Bainbridge property on West Main Street, died Tuesday. MM EP says a child of James Wilhelm who moved here Monday, died the same day. Samuel Russell, age 87, died Monday in western part of county. EP Samuel Russell of Eight Mile died there Tuesday of pneumonia, at age 87, lived there 59 years. MM
William Lanham and Sallie Price were married 9 Nov by Esquire James Anderson. MM
22 Nov. – A. Luke Ralls and Warren Hunter captured a gray eagle near Nat Caxson’s at Bear Creek. It measured 6 ½ feet from tip to tip of its wings, from beak to the end of its tail was 2 feet and 9 inches and its claws were 12|?] inches. It is still alive and in the possession of Luke Ralls. MM A.Luke Rall’s eagle died from too much bleeding of a wounded wing. MM
Married on the 8th by Esquire Richie of Rock Creek Precinct, Z.T. Walker and Mrs. Harriet J. Harris, she late of Franklin County. MM
22 Nov – Eugene Roberts, late of this county, is visiting his parents and friends at Corinth.
Thomas Woods and his wife Martha Jane were arrested in Saline County last week and brought here, charged with stealing goods to the amount of $25 from the home of H.P. Duty, in eastern part of county … they pled guilty and bond was $500. MM
Marriage licenses:
- John Thedford and Martha J. Ward
- John A. Hill and Margaret McCormack
- Franklin Waggoner and Angellne C.S. Stephens
- T.G. Moulton and Sophronia Silcutt
- J.M. Hestand and Mary A. Robinson
- William Cagle and Eliza Rushing
- C.F. McKinney and N.J. Young
- William F. Harter and Mary J. Motsinger MM
29 Nov – Jeffersonville Jottings – Rumor says Sam Jones sold his part in the drug store in this place to Charley Prickett … Miss Lucy Thompson is visiting with the family of her brother-in-law, Dr. Titsworth and will return home to Kentucky In a few days … Scott Harris has been quite low with typhoid, is out on the streets again … Josiah Dorris, an old and highly respected citizen of this vicinity was buried Friday by the Masonic Fraternity. He died the 22nd of consumption. MM
Gilbert T. McInturff died at the residence of his father, 2 miles south on Wednesday Nov 21, in the 25th year of his age … was buried on the 23rd in the family burying ground with honors of the Odd Fallows Fraternity. MM
John C. Aiken is on trial for the murder of Mr. Stuart of White County, on a change of venue to Shawneetown. MM
John Dorris of Lake Creek was buried with Masonic honors Friday. EP
John S. Moore of Lake Creek Precinct, died Saturday of consumption. EP
G.T. McInturff, 25, died the 14th … buried near father’s residence, 2 miles south of here, with honors of Odd Fellowship, the members of Williamson, Sulphur Springs and Crab Orchard taking part. EP
Marriage Licenses:
- James H. Wells and Martha H. Stacey
- William I. Gray and Mary A. McKimie
- Robert C. Sheretz and Amanda Parks
- Andrew Ward and Nancy J. Smith
- Andrew J. Smith and Sarah A. Hinchcliff
W.L. Benson went to Paducah last week to get one Mitchell who killed his brother Joseph Benson at Stonefort 7 years ago. Mitchell had been arrested and jailed before he arrived and he was delivered to the Sheriff of Saline County, who took him to Harrisburg.
Tom Mitchell killed Lumb Benson’s brother Joseph by beating him with weights. Benson is the son of A.T. Benson of this place, and was an attorney. EP
William Davis, known as Mat Davis, was captured at Carterville by Noah S. Crain Monday … stole mule … was sent from Saline County to the pen for 18 months for stealing a steer and is now booked for the same place a second term. MM
____________________ December, 1877 ______________________
6 Dec – Joel M. Ward of Eight Mile, hung himself in his barn Dec 3. [Lenghty account! Witnesses at inquest ware his wife, son Edward, daughters Sarah and Martha, H. Cole and J.P. Cole. MM EP says he died last Saturday.
Dollie Logan, daughter of John A. Logan was married the 28th of last month at parent’s home in Chicago. EP & MM
Addie Corey, wife of Dr. Corey, was baptized by Rev. T.J. Davis and received into the M.E. Church last Sunday. Dr. Corey, Ellen E. Hoge and Susan Broad were also received into the church. MM & EP
Scott Ray killed 66 quail one day. MM
Jeffersonville Jottings – John S. Moore died Saturday, Nov. 29 of consumption … buried at Hartwell Church. MM
James Meneese died at his residence 10 miles south of here Nov. 29, 87 years old … lived in the county 60 years and on the place where he died 47 years. EP & MM
A petition for the pardon of James Norris for the murder of James Henderson, is in the hands of W.W. Clemens … It is signed by nine of the jurors before whom he was tried, one of the three who have not signed is dead, one is in Missouri and the other one lives in this county but will not sign. Judges Allen and Duff and several of our county officials are also on it. MM
N.E. Norris, ex-sheriff, living 4 miles west of here, married Miss Watson last Sunday. Eke has been an old bachelor for a long time and probably went on the principle “that it’s better late than never.” EP & MM
C.E. Dawes, president of Carbondale and Shawneetown Railroad was in Marion Wednesday evening. MM
Married at the residence of the bride’s father, Green Mitchell, Nov. 29, Patton Pope and Lizzie Mitchell. MM
Robert Heron of Carbondale, a resident of Marlon for many years, died at his residence 2 Dec. MM
Married Wednesday at residence of bride. Andrew J. Snyder and Mrs. Sarah H. Hinchcliff of Williamson County. (Report of marriage licenses gave his name as Smith.) MM
Married at residence of bride’s father. Sterling H. Norman and Cynthia M. May on Dec 2. EP & MM
Ben McNeill, a resident of the western part of the county, was adjudged insane and will go to the asylum in Anna. EP (MM says Mr. S.B. McNeil)
Robert Warren, late of Marion, who married Mrs. Cline last spring, is in custody in Harrisburg, having gone insane … his children were sent for Tuesday to take charge of him. MM
Marriage licenses:
- Richard Y. Bayless and Elizabeth A. Throgmorton
- Samuel Leach and Martha J. Odum
- Joseph Sanders, age 71 and Julia Ann Parmelia Walker
- C.J. Harrison and Eliza Brooks MM
13 Dec – Married Sunday Dec. 9 at residence of bride’s father, G.H. Mosley, Calvin Bearden and Elizabeth Mosely. EP
Sam Cover of Grand Tower killed a man at that place Saturday and fled the country. EP
Died in Williamson County on Sunday the 26th Inst, of consumption, Mrs. Adaline Fox, wife of D.F. Fox… had been ill one and a half years and confined to her room last 9 months and to bed last 6 … Buried County Line Church, Eight Mile. Carbondale Press EP
Jeffersonville Jottings – John Casey and Mary Williams were married at the residence of James Weaver Thursday … William Reel has had a very severe attack of mumps … Uncle Tommy Harris had six children sick with typhoid fever, another, Alice, the youngest, is laying very low, but under skillful treatment of Dr. Fowler, is slowly recovering … Lake Creek Lodge No. 729 A.F. & A.M., in memoriam, death of Josiah M. Dorris and John S. Moore … Union Sabbath School was organized here with T.O. Watkins Supt., Wm. Titsworth, Asst. Supt. and George Duncan Sec’y … John Powell has a new house nearing completion under the skilled workman. Field Henderson … Capt. Corley has been on a visit to his old hometown in Tennessee and has returned … Riley Burk erected a new dwelling on the farm recently purchased from Gus Dorris … Another visitor at Dr. Titsworth, a young lady called on Saturday and concluded to stay. No one in our village appears happier than the doctor… MM
Blairsville – William B. Hall is preparing to start to Texas. EP
Stonefort – The dwelling of Elijah Tanner Sr. was destroyed by fire Saturday Dec. 8 … a small part of the furniture was saved … loss at $900. MM
Saline Precinct – John Nicholson married Nannie Spencer. MM
Stonefort – W.J. Ridgway laments his baby being a girl, W.E. Chitty, too. But the principles of Republicanism will be duly instilled in the infantiles. MM
Stonefort – On a visit last Saturday we met Ridgway and Son, general merchants, W.J. Ridgway druggist and grocer, the hotel kept by W.H. Tucker, J.W. Willeford town Marshall, Smith and Company, Mr. Blackman and others seem to be doing a large and profitable business. Captain M. J. Potts of Harrisburg was in the village looking after his business interest. Timothy Dwyer, miller. We also met D.O. Allen, Will H. Campbell and H.U. Shackleford. MM
Dr. W.J Carter has embarked in the drug business in Creal Springs. MM
James Holland of Jimtown, West Virginia, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Resin Holland of Schoharie Prairie. MM
E.O. Roberts of Corinth received a letter from J.P. Mitchell of Namaqua, Colorado. MM
In Jackson County last Friday, a Bohemian named Charles Merlich, whose wife worked for Squire Barnes, want to the Barnes home 2 miles from Fountain Bluff and shot his wife and then himself … they had been separated. (name also spelled Mulrich) MM
Lewis Boren pled guilty to charge of adultery and fornication and was fined $25. MM
Dissolution notice – Partnership of A.M. Askew and J.H. Eubanks … Mr. Eubanks retired and Askew will continue the business. Mr. Eubanks will be found behind the counter as usual. MM
Marriage licenses:
- William Rich and Clara Ball Snider
- Calvin Beardon and Sophronia Mosley
- John B. Walker and Mary E. Walker
- George W. Avery and Eliza A. Simmons
- Isaac G. Harris and Mary J. Murray
- A.J. Spears and Sarah E. Arnold MM
20 Dec. – Stonefort – The wife of James Gregory died Friday Dec. 14.
J.W. Rose is selling goods cheap.
Sarahsvllle – James Gregory’s wife is laying quite low with winter fever … married 11 Dec, Clara Snider and William Rich. MM
Mr. J.R. Little had a very severe attack of hemorrhage of the lungs Saturday night … is improving. MM
The murder trial of Harrison Burklow, for the killing of David Wagoner at Foreman July 5 inst., concluded at Vienna last week … sentenced to hang … the first verdict of that kind in the history of the county … was a member of Company F, 31st Illinois Volunteers, Logan’s regiment. MM,
Jacob Beck, a temperance lecturer holding a meeting at Vienna, was assaulted in the courthouse by Capt. William Perkins, a saloon keeper … Perkins was fined and afterwards indicted by the Grand Jury. MM
Akin was found guilty of the murder of August Stewart in White County in 1864 … jury was out 3 hours … punishment fixed at death. William Thompson of Blairsvllle was a witness for the people … AKIN lived near Thompson at the time Stewart was murdered. MM
Marriage licenses:
- L.D. Phillips and Lucy B. Dobson
- James C. Swingford and Martha A. Springs
- Iaaac A. Gulley and Lydia Dorris
- James A. Vance and Sabrina Rich
- Christopher C. Sanders and Mary Jane Grant MM
Jefersonville Jottings – James Goddard, one of our oldest citizens met with an accident on the 17th, was thrown from a horse and broke his shoulder and several ribs. Dr. Titsworth set the bones … Wilson Gower, proprietor of the International Hotel, while out killing game for his guests, discovered a fine rabbit sitting in the grass and brought his death-dealing gun to bear on the poor bunny. After discharging 2 heavy loads of No. 2 wads into the face of the victim, he discovered the game was dead and had been placed there by the boys to catch his eye. Wilse says his boarders must be content with bacon and turnips from this on … Messrs. Titsworth and Prickett are remodeling and repainting the interior of their drug store … M.M. Powell of Crainville, is visiting the families of his brother and sister, J. Powell and A.J. Duncan. MM
A fire last Saturday at 2 P.M. destroyed the dwelling of Jacob Stein on Union Street between Van Buren and Liberty Streets. It started in Goodall and Campbell’s tobacco barn on the northeast corner of Van Buran and Union. The two story dwelling of VanCleve Hendrickson on northwest corner of Van Buren and Union also destroyed … some men tore down the carpenter shop of S.S. Ireland on Union, between van Buren and the alley on Jackson, to stop the fire … other buildings in most danger were dwellings of Joseph Hooper, Mrs. Nance and W.M. Davis, a large barn of M.C. Campbell, the dwelling of M.W. Phillips. Pieces of shingles, burned to live coals ware carried several blocks. The roof of the Christian Church caught fire in 3 places; the roof of Henry Newton’s house 5 blocks away caught fire as well as several houses and barns. Goodall and Campbell’s loss was S3,000-$4,000, buggies belonging to Charles Campbell and County clerk Eubanks ware destroyed in the same building, also Isham Harris lost 5 hogsheads of tobacco in the same building. The two story house occupied by Mr. Hendrickson was property of the estate of Samuel Dunaway, valued at $900 to $1,000. Mr. Stein’s house valued at $400 to $500 and Mr. Ireland’s shop at $200 – $500. Since this shop had to be torn away, we think it would be fair for those whose property was saved to reimburse him. There was no insurance on any of the property destroyed. EP
27 Dec. – Steve Stilley returned last week from the Black Hills. EP & MM
Dr. S.M. Mitchell informs us that the Christmas tree at Corinth contained an eagle that has been about his farm for 27 year. He (the doctor) killed its mate 27 years ago. The last one was killed by Thomas Mitchell just before Christmas, while in the act of carrying away a goose which it had attacked. MM
James A. Kibby of Benton has opened a barber shop in the room over Cline’s drugstore, formerly occupied by Jo Burns. He also informs us that about Jan 1, he and L.D. Phillips will open out a photograph gallery in the same building. MM
Died at Stonefort on 20 Dec., Albert M. Thompson, aged 4 years, 1 month and 7 days. MM
Prior Neely of Rock Creak Precinct, died last Monday week. MM
Married on Wednesday last week at M.E. Church, L.D. Phillips and Mrs. Lucy Dobson by Rev. Davis. MM & EP
Morgan Brown of Mulberry Grove, Bond County, is visiting his brother George Brown of this city. MM
Mrs. Harris, wife of Joseph Harris, died Friday from fever, leaving no family but her husband. MM
Jeffersonville Jotting – Wash Harris has a son very low with spinal meningitis … his wife died a few weeks ago, supposedly with the same disease … Titsworth and Prickett broke ground today for a new addition to their drug store. MM
Physicians, who complied with the law requiring them to register:
- Frank M. Agnew, P.O. Makanda, regular school of practice, graduated Ohio Medical Collage.
- S.H. Bundy, P.O. Marion, regular, graduated Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
- William H. Bentley, P.O. Marion, regular, 10 years in practice.
- Edward L. Denison, P.O. Marion, regular, 10 year, in practice.
- John Huddleston, P.O. Crab Orchard, regular, 10 years in practice.
- James Hayton, P.O. Carbondale, regular, 10 year, in practice.
- Augustus N. Lodge, P.O. Marion, regular, graduated St. Louis Medical College.
- John H. Mitchell, P.O. Corinth, allopathic, graduated Chicago Medical College.
- J.F. McAnaly, P.O. Cave, Franklin County, allopathic, 10 year in practice.
- S.M. Mitchell, P.O. Corinth, allopathic.
- David R. Sanders, P.O. Makanda, regular, graduated Ohio Medical Collage.
- T.H. Scott, P.O. Attila, State Board of Health.
But one certificate of death has been returned to the clerk’s office since the law went into force December 1 – Mrs. Eupholia P. Smith, December 21, 30 years old. [The December 20 issue said the law went into force July 1, 1877.) MM
Births registered with the County Clerk’s office since the new law went into effect December 1, 1677:
- Dec. 1 – a boy to L.A. and Cordelia A. Malone
- 10 – a girl to Marlon and Sarah Wright
- 12 – a boy (stillborn) to William and Martha Robinson
- 12 – a girl to Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Woodsides
- 13 – a girl to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harris
- 13 – a boy to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander
- 14 – a boy to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sanders
- 14 – a boy to Jefferson and Martha Sewell
- 19 – a girl to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Goddard
- 24 – a girl to Joseph T. and Augusta Henry MM
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 1)