All articles extracted from the newspaper, The Marion Daily Republican
October
Lafayette Tippett, 38, died at his home in Herrin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, of tuberculosis. His widow and three children survive him. Deceased was a son of William and Bell Tippett and formerly lived in Marion. James Tippett of Marion is a brother. Interment was in the Carterville Cemetery. Oct 1, 1926
Cambria The funeral of Frank Lansford was held at the Christian Church Monday. Mr. Lansford was seriously hurt in a fall of coal in the Bush mine on Tuesday and died on Friday at the Herrin Hospital. Mr. Lansford was born November 23, 1882. His wife, Mabel, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Reeves preceded him in death six years ago. He leaves three sons, Leonard, 18, Clyde, 13, Wayne, 11, and a daughter, Mrs. Martha Tyner. Four brothers, Walter, Ed, Oscar and Harry and two Sisters, Mrs. Ida Karr of Auburn and Mrs. Charles Kensler of Christopher, also survive him. Oct 2, 1926
Charles Rott and Miss Mable. Draper, both of Marion were married in Murphysboro on Friday afternoon. The groom is employed at the Marion Produce Co. and the bride is a daughter of John Draper, superintendent of Slogo Mines. Oct 2, 1926
Creal Springs Maudie Lee Travelstead was born March 9, 1909 and died September 27, 1926. She was 17 years, 6 months and 18 days of age. She attended the Donelson School and continued her studies in the Creal Springs High School until she had to discontinue due to sickness. She is survived by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Travelstead, four brothers, Albert, Carl, Clarence and Alexander, one sister, Wilma; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Travelstead and Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Howerton and several uncles and aunts. Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church Wednesday and interment was in the County Line Cemetery. Oct 2, 1926
Everything was quiet in Marion Monday night although at least four automobiles loaded with men carrying guns drove through the city late Monday night. There were two Lincolns and one Hudson sedan, all of which carried several men with rifles in evidence, according to those who saw them. A fourth car carrying armed men was seen on East Main Street. An armored truck, said to be the same that gunmen attacked an automobile near Harrisburg, wounding Mrs. Art Newman who was riding with her husband, was seen in Marion early Monday afternoon. Oct 5, 1926
Miss Orpha Fiveash and William Stalhut, Jr. were married on Saturday evening at the Zion Evangelical Church parsonage. Freda Stalhut and Frank Fiveash, sister of the groom and brother of the bride, witnessed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Fiveash of Crab Orchard and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Stalhut, Sr. The couple will make their home in St. Louis where Mr. Stalhut Is working as a foreman of a contracting firm. Oct 5, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Lloyd Finney, Energy 19
\Lesta Marks, Marion 17
/Helbey Scott, Carterville 37
\Willie Harpending, Cairo 32
/Ira Arnette, Johnston City 21
\Velma McAne, Johnston. City 18
/Gilbert P. Simpson, Marion 22
\Mildred T. White, Creal Springs 18
/Herbert Paul Winkler, Chicago 24
\Irma Damron Carrier Mills 23
/William Stalhut, St. Louis 21
\Orpha Fiveash, Crab Orchard 21
/Mattes Pettina, Herrin 28
\Spezia Regina, Herrin 31
/Ruel Parks, Creal Springs 23
\Lillie Arnold, Creal Springs 18 Oct 5, 1926
Leman Lee Krantz, the small son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Krantz of Pittsburg, died Monday morning at the age of 20 months and 6 days. Burial, will be in the Maplewood Cemetery Tuesday. Five other children, Lorene 16, Loren 14, Alleen 10, Howard 5 and Richard 3 survive with the parents. Oct 5, 1926
Harold Gooch and Kenneth Beltz of Scotsboro were severely shaken up and bruised Sunday when a motorcycle they were riding skidded and threw them to the pavement about five miles south of Marion. Oct 5, 1926
A little boy born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hayden of Marion, died Sunday afternoon. The body was taken to St. Louis for interment. Two other children survive with the parents. Oct 5, 1926
Creal Springs Miss Esther Copeland departed for St. Louis where she enters the city hospital for a three-year course in nurse training. Oct 5, 1926
Herbert Paul Winkler of Chicago and Miss Ina Damron of Carrier Mills were married Sunday about 9:30 p.m. at Methodist Church Manse. The groom is a telegraph operator with the I.C.R.R. at Chicago where they will make their home. Oct 5, 1926
Mrs. Mary Craig, widow of the late W.R. Craig of Lake Creek Township, passed away at 4:35 p.m. Monday at the home of her son, Samuel Craig, four miles east of Johnston City. The deceased was born in Franklin County August 15, 1832 and at the time of death was 94 years, 1 month and 19 days of age. She was the daughter of Beverly Flemens. Her husband and eleven children preceded her in death. One son, Samuel Craig survives her. Funeral services were held at Old Spring Grove Church Wednesday with interment in the church cemetery. Oct 5, 1926
W.H. Baker of St. Louis, formerly of Marion, died Tuesday in St. Louis from pneumonia. Mr. Baker ‘was a traveling salesman for the Simmons Hardware Company. His wife and one son, Fred Baker and one daughter, Jean Baker, survive him. His son, Fred Baker was engaged in the auto business in Marion for a short time. The body was taken to Tennessee for interment. Oct 6, 1926
Warrants were issued Wednesday against Charlie Birger, Fred Wooten, Arthur Newman, one alias “Bamba” or “Alabama” and Ward Jones, charging them with the murder of Harry Walker and Everett Smith. The warrants were issued upon a sworn statement of Ray Walker, brother of one of the deceased men. Warrants were also issued at Harrisburg on Wednesday for the three Shelton brothers, Carl, Earl and Bernie, charged with the attack upon Art Newman and wife Monday near Birger’s roadhouse. Oct 6, 1926
Creal Springs MissMildred Lucille, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.D. White, and Mr. Gilbert Simpson of Marion were married Saturday evening, October 2, 1926 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of the bride’s parents. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Simpson of Marion. Oct 6, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Dossie Clarence Yates of Marion are the proud parents of a baby boy born October 4, 1926 who has been named Dossie Clarence, Jr. The mother was formerly Miss Susie Felts. Oct 6, 1926
Miss Effie Eason who makes her home with her brother, Willeford Eason east of Marion was in serious condition at the Marion Hospital Friday as the result of burns she suffered Thursday when her clothing caught fire from the stove when she lifted a cap from the top of the range. The flames completely enveloped her before they were distinguished and her body was badly burned. Oct 7, 1926
Mrs. Julia Ann Jackson Ollis died at her home near Goreville Wednesday at the advanced age of 89 years. She was born in Tennessee but most of her life was spent in Illinois on the farm where she died after spending the remaining years of her life with her son, Basco Ollis. She was the grandmother of Mrs. Guy Perry and Mrs. Frank Pinson of Marion. She is survived by six children, J.H. Ollis of Goreville, Basco Ollis of near Goreville, George Ollis and Mrs. Pressley of Goreville, Monroe Ollis of Olive Branch and Mrs. Minnie Kelley of White Ash. She also leaves 26 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Oct 8, 1926
Captain T.B. Price of Downey, California passed away Thursday morning. Captain Price formerly lived in Marion, coming here as manager of the Marble Works and later acted as chief of police for several years. He served as an officer in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He left Marion about 7 years ago moving to Downey. He would have been 85 years old in December. Three daughters, all who lived in Marion at one time, survive. They are Miss Carrie Price, Mrs. Hogan Williford and Mrs. Ada Vandergrift, all of Downey. Oct 8, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/William Milligen, Herrin 42
\May Ida Huey, Herrin 36
/Ace R. Early, Madison 21
\Mary O’Toole, Herrin 17
/R.D. Mathis, Marion 33
\Mary Mathis, Herrin 28 Oct 8, 1926
Creal Springs Martha Taylor Randolph was born September 8, 1843 and died October 2, 1926 at the age of 83 years and 24 days. She married N.E. Randolph January 14, 1863 and eleven children were born to this union, six girls and five boys. The husband and one son and two daughters preceded her in death. The following children with one stepdaughter are left to mourn her departure, Mrs. Jesse Cobb, Creal Springs; Mrs. J. Will Hodge, Sacramento, California; Mrs. Spencer Anderson, Kankakee; Charles Randolph, Casa Grande, Arizona; Dr. H.E. Randolph, Chicago; Ernest Randolph, Raum; Nathan Randolph, Eminence, Kentucky and step-daughter, Mrs. I.M. King, Raum. There are 35 grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Mary Fulkerson, Mounds who survive. Mrs. Randolph was baptized in Creal Springs in January 1918 and united with the Baptist Church. Burial was at the Sulphur Springs Church in Pope County. Oct 8, 1926
Stonefort The infant of Mr. and Mrs. Durman of this place was laid to rest in the Bolton Cemetery last Sunday. Oct 8, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Duwall of Stonefort have moved to Carrier Mills. Oct 8, 1926
Lloyd Reynolds and family of near here moved to Wasson, Ill. last Saturday. Oct 8, 1926
man has been named Melvel Franlin Dunn for his father and grandfather. Mrs. Dunn was formerly Miss Lilley Troutman. Oct 8, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Douglas of 903 West White Street have a baby girl, born October 9, 1926 and she is the second child in the family. The little Miss has been named Patsy Irene and tipped the scales at seven and one half pounds. Oct 11, 1926
Thomas J. Mayer of Creal Springs died at his home in that city at 8:10 p.m. Monday. Stomach trouble was the cause of death. The deceased was born in Murray, Kentucky May 20, 1852 and was 74 years of age. He came to Illinois when a boy of fourteen year and the most of his life was spent as a resident of Williamson County. He was married to Priscilla Willeford who survives him. Six children were born to this union, Hosea L. Mayer of Creal Springs and Ruby A. Mayer of Creal Springs, John G. Mayer of Chicago, Harley W. Mayer of Columbus, Ohio and Martha A. Roberts of East Alton. Two brothers, J.F. Mayer of Marion, J.B. Mayer of Hazel, Kentucky and one sister, Mrs. J.G. White of Creal Springs R.F.D. also survive. Mr. Mayer was the son of Jacob Mayer, now deceased. He was a member of the Northern Baptist Church at Creal Springs and was at one time a minister of the gospel. By occupation he was a farmer during his active life. Oct 12, 1926
Miss Vera Veach, formerly of Marion, daughter of Frank Veach of Marion, was married to William A. Watson of St. Louis, Mo. at Farmington, Mo. Sunday, July 4th. Mrs. Watson is a graduate from the St. Louis Public school and is an accomplished musician. Mr. Watson is associated with this father in the real estate business in St. Louis. They will reside at 4152 West Pine Boulevard. Oct 12, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Byron V. Reeves, Cambria 27
\Mrs. Mary Ford, Cambria 30
/John Bell, Colp 24
\Kathleen Melroy, Colp 19
/T.J. Jackson, West Frankfort 35
\ Mae Perry, West Frankfort 26 Oct 12, 1926
Mrs. Effie Eason is in the Marion Hospital recovering from severe burns. Oct 12, 1926
William Mayberry and Elva Lucas, both colored, were arrested for violating the liquor law Tuesday during a raid in Gent Addition. Oct 13, 1926
Marriage License
/George T. Smith, Johnston City 47
\Laura Thornton, Marion 49
/Pete Celuski, West Frankfort 21
\May Payne, West Frankfort 30 Oct 13, 1926
The old Shelton roadhouse north of Herrin was a sorry spectacle today, completely riddled with bullets: Not a pane of glass was left in front or rear of the building, which was presumably swept by machine gun fire. Members of the Birger gang, old enemies, are suspected. It is reported that sixteen armed men participated in the shooting. Oct 14, 1926
The Reverend J.T. Mayers passed away at his home in Creal Springs at 8:10 p.m. Monday, October 11, 1926 at the age of 74 years, 5 months and 21 days. He was born in Calloway County, Kentucky May 20, 1852, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mayers (deceased) and was educated in the public schools of this county. He came to Williamson County when a boy of fourteen and most of his life was spent here.. He was converted at the age of 19 and united with the Cana Baptist Church near Creel Springs, later moving his membership to the Northern Baptist Church in Creal Springs. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry some fifteen years ago, but did not do much pastoral work, however he felt the call and loved the work and was regarded as one of the most worthy. He was married to Priscilla Williford November 7, 1875. Eleven children were born to this union; five have preceded him in death. Those surviving are, Hosea L. of Creal Springs, Mrs. Logan Roberts of East Alton, and Harley W. of Columbus, Ohio, Miss Ruby A. of Creal Springs and John G. of Chicago. Oct 14, 1926
Herman “Kiddo” Whiteside was convicted was alleged to have been committed, the charge of attempting to assault the little ten year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ferris having been placed against him in the fall of 1924. Whiteside is serving an indefinite term on the conviction for attempt to commit rape at the penitentiary at Chester. Oct 14, 1926
William Worth Perry was born in Williamson County, Illinois February 21, 1848. He passed away-Thursday afternoon October 12, 1926 at his home on South Court Street at the age of 78 years. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Perry and is the last of a family of eleven children. He was united in marriage in 1878 to Nancy Hudgens Carson who preceded him in death. Of nine children born to this union three also preceded him in death. Those surviving are Vernell Perry of St. Louis, Mo., Clyde Perry of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Mrs. Roy Sellars of Marion, Mrs. George F. Brown of Jacksonville, Illinois, Mrs. Charles Parks of Downers Grove, Illinois and Mrs. Donald Fox of Chicago. Mr. Perry was a farmer and carpenter, having lived and labored in Williamson County his entire life. He was not a member of a church but accepted Christ as his personal Savior recently and talked beautifully to his daughter, Monta. Oct. 15, 1926
Noel Clark of Johnston City was arrested Saturday for killing a German police dog belonging to Rev. Doellefeld of West Cherry Street. Oct. 16, 1926
Indictments Wayne Kendall and William Weinacht pled guilty to automobile theft. Minnie Riwen, colored of Colp was arrested for killing General Horton, colored of Colp who jilted her to many another girl. Fred Franescon and Domenic Benardo, Stiritz grocers were arrested on charges of assault to murder. Elijah Ewing and “Red” Beason are in the county jail in connection with the attack on the Nuck Tudoff café in Herrin in September. Oct. 16, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith of East DeYoung Street were recovering Monday from gas fumes that almost caused their deaths when they were overcome in their home Sunday. Oct 18, 1926
John Moulton, Paul Moulton and Earl Randolph of Carterville were held in the county jail Monday for the slaying of Hue Chamness at Carterville early Sunday morning following an alleged quarrel between the men. Paul Moulton told officers that he fired the shot that killed Chamness. The other men were with him at the time of the killing and were jointly held by the coroner’s jury. Mrs. Stella Chamness was the principal witness. She said that some time before four o’clock Sunday morning Moulton and some other men went to Chamness’ house and called Chamness out of bed. She said she heard one of the men ask Chamness if he had anything to drink and that he said he had a little whiskey for himself. Afterwards she said Chamness went away with the men and was gone about an hour. When he returned he told her that he was going to get his shotgun and some shells. He left the house again and did not return. She learned later that he had been killed. The charge from Moulton’s gun took effect in Chamness’ body near the heart. W.D. Ruffin, Carterville policeman told the jury that the men surrendered to him and they were under’ the influence of liquor or at least some of them were. Oct 18, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Cloud of Marion are the proud parents of a fine baby’ boy, born October 17, 1926. He has been named Charles Richard. Oct 18, 1926
Virgil Vickers, son of Lela Owens Vickers of Johnston City and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Vickers of Marion, died in the Herrin Hospital at 10:15 p.m. Saturday after a nine week siege of typhoid fever. The boy had two relapses before death came. Virgil was a sophomore in the Johnston City High School. He had formerly lived in Marion and at the time of death was 15 years, 9 months and 3 days of age. A brother, Lester–D. Vickers, of Johnston City survives. Funeral services to be held at the Second Baptist Church in Johnston City. Oct 18, 1926
Miss Stella Robinson, daughter of Hosea Robinson and William J. Connell, son of William Connell, both of Marion, were married about 8:00 Saturday evening by the Rev. A.R. Ranson, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Harrisburg. The couple will reside at 103 West White Street. Oct 18, 1926
Aline Yates, 16-year-old daughter of Theodore Yates of Johnston City was in the West Frankfort Hospital Monday suffering from bullet wounds while officers in Williamson and Franklin Counties were endeavoring to locate Elmer Spires, charged with the shooting. The sheriff was told that the Yates girl was shot three times by Spires in a house in West Frankfort. Spires who was a former lover of the girl recently returned from Indiana and shot the girl when he found her with another man. The girl had been missing from her home in Johnston City for the past three weeks. Oct 18, 1926
Miss Gertrude L. Barnett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Barnett and William J. Cowles, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Cowles, both of Marion, were united in marriage at 5:30 Saturday evening at the First Baptist Church in Murphysboro. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hinckle attended the bride and groom. Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Cowles of Rt. 1, Marion entertained with a 12:00 dinner Sunday in honor of the newlyweds. Oct 19, 1926
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon for little Dorothy Ray Thompson of 403 North Holland Street who died Sunday of summer complaint. Two other children, Esco Thompson and Robert Earl Thompson with the parents survive. Oct 19, 1926,
Lloyd Martin Freeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martha Freeman of Pittsburg passed away at the home of his parents in Pittsburg at 8:37 Monday evening of typhoid fever. The young man was born in Williamson County March 11, 1904, and was 22 years of age. He was a member of the Christian Church. His parents, one brother, Floyd Freeman of Pittsburg and two sisters, Mrs. Maude Webb of Johnston City and Mrs. Agnes Marion of Detroit, Michigan, survive him. Funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Pittsburg with interment in the Maplewood Cemetery. Oct 19, 1926
David Lewis, 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. P.N. Lewis who live on the hard road two miles east of Marion, was recovering Wednesday from a severe electric shock sustained during the electric storm Tuesday night when he had a narrow escape from death. When he reached home Tuesday evening he had to do some of his chores. He had just finished milking and was leaving the barn when he was struck by lightning and knocked unconscious. He was painfully burned on the neck and the arm and was unable to hear or see well after he first regained consciousness, but is rapidly improving. Oct 20. 1926
Troy Mandrell free on bond for child abandonment. Oct 20, 1926
Marriage License
William Fisher, Paulton 24
Etta Edmonds, Pittsburg 16 Oct 20, 1926
Funeral services for Wayne Vaughn, who was killed in an accident while working as a trip rider in Peabody Number 3 Mine Wednesday, will be held Friday at 2:00 o’clock at the First Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery. The deceased was born in Williamson County near Corinth June 19, 1901 and was the son of Mrs. Jack Pine. His father, James Vaughn, died when Wayne was a child and the mother married Mr. Pine. The young man was 25 years, 4 months and 1 day of age at the time of his death. Besides the mother, two sisters, Mrs. R.H. Dunston and Mrs. Richard Rush and two half-brothers, Freeman Culbreth and James Pine, Jr. survives. Oct 21, 1926
Thomas Ward entered a plea of guilty in circuit court Tuesday to a charge of larceny and was sentenced to an indefinite term of from one to ten years in the state penitentiary at Menard. Oct 21. 1926
Paul Barth was arrested in Herrin Wednesday night and charged with selling mortgaged property. Oct 21, 1926
Lee Absher of Lansing, Michigan arrived in West Frankfort to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. J.C. Raney, who died there Tuesday evening. Absher is with the Detroit office of the Columbia Steel Company and expects to move to that city soon. Oct 21, 1926
William Fisher of Paulton and Miss Etta Edmonds of Pittsburg were married at eight o’clock Tuesday night at the Methodist parsonage. The groom is a miner and the couple will live at Paulton. Oct 21, 1926
Dewey Loyd and Miss Helen Hampton, both of Cambria, were married Thursday morning by Justice of the Peace C.M. Parks in his office on the public square. Oct 21, 1926
V.K. Nall, pioneer resident of this county and an uncle of Supreme Judge W.W. Duncan of Marion, passed away at his home in Herrin Wednesday evening at the age of 75 years. Oct 21, 1926
Funeral services were held on Thursday morning for little Lawrence Brown, aged seven months and four days, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Brown of 1006 West Goodall Street. Seven other children are deceased and four survive. Interment was in Freedom Cemetery. Oct 21, 1926
David Sohn, manager of the Good Luck Clothing Store at Herrin, was arrested on five charges of altering check to defraud. Each of the checks was for $100.00. Oct 21, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde 0. Walker of 504 East Main Street are the proud parents of a baby girl who arrived at their home at 9 a.m. Friday. The little Miss has been named Joanne Walker. She is the first girl. The mother was formerly. Miss Hazel Pride. Oct 22, 1926
Laverne Smith, Carterville mail carrier, is free on bond following his arrest by postal inspectors on a charge of robbing the mails. Smith’s arrest followed a series of reported losses from the Carterville mail and he was suspected. He is free on bond. Oct 22,1926
Anna Bell Raney, daughter of James and Vernie Graves was born in Kentucky July 10, 1871. When a small child she came with her parents to Illinois. She was first married to Lee J. Absher. To this union six children were born, Fred, Marion, Ill. Lee Roy, Lansing, Michigan, Mrs. Floy Hancock, West Frankfort, Ill., Mrs. Will M. Dameworth, St. Louis, Mo., Sam Absher, Lansing, Michigan and Mrs. Holden Sanders, Logan, Ill. She also had eight grandchildren living. Her second marriage was to J.C. Raney, July 1, 1919. Their home was in East St. Louis, 405 North 27th Street. She died at the home of her daughter at West Frankfort October 19, 1926, aged 55 years, 3 months and 9 days. Early in life she professed faith in Christ and united with the United Methodist Protestant Church at the Old Liberty Church in Saline County at which place her funeral was conducted. Her body was laid to rest near her parents’ grave in the cemetery near the church. Oct 22, 1926
Mrs. Emma Eason of Dykersburg died in the Marion Hospital Friday morning at 3:45 as the result of burns that she received several days ago when her .clothes caught fire from a kitchen stove. At the time of the accident it was feared the woman would not live, but after entering the hospital she showed indications of recovery. She was so severely burned, that the injuries finally caused her death. The deceased was born, November 25, 1888 and at the time of her death was 37 years, 10 months and 17 days of age. She was the daughter of George Eason. The following brothers and sisters survive, George, of Elendale, Kansas, Eva of Nebraska, Mrs. Kate Tippy of Dixon, Willford Eason, Marion and Mrs. Ella Haley of Marion. Albert Harwood of Marion is a half-brother. The deceased made her home with her brother, Wilford Eason. Interment in Maplewood Cemetery. Oct 22, 1926
W.D. DeWoody, who has resided on his farm on Route 1, Thompsonville for the past sixty-five years moved to Marion Tuesday and will hereafter reside at 700 East Carter Street with his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Abbie DeWoody, who also moved from Thompsonville. Mrs. Henry Beers served a big family dinner Friday in honor of Mr. DeWoody’s 82nd birthday. Oct 22, 1926
Creal Springs Mrs. Ollie Bell Mangrum, daughter of Henry and Regina Mangrum and beloved wife of William Mangrum, was born in Buncombe and died in West Frankfort October 19, 1926, aged 52 years, 11 months and 27 days. She leaves to mourn, her husband and six children as follows, Mrs. Evelyn Franklin of West Frankfort, Mrs. Louise Dempsey of Crab Orchard, Robert, Edna, Roy and Wilma, the latter being twelve years old, four brothers, Arlie Mangrum of East St. Louis, Charles Mangrum of Marion, William Barringer of East St. Louis and Thomas Barringer of East St. Louis. Her sister, Mrs. Lillie Jones preceded her in death about one year ago. Burial was made at the Creal Springs Cemetery. Oct 23, 1926
Mrs. Edward Melville of Crenshaw Crossing passed away at 12:00 Monday night of cancer at the Herrin Hospital where she had been a patient for the past few days. Oct 25, 1926
The story of a gruesome tragedy spread over the city early Sunday morning when it was learned that Judge W.O. Potter, driven insane by financial worries, had turned madman and slaughtered five members of his family and had then taken his own life. The tragedy occurred in the beautiful Potter residence, about one o’clock Sunday morning. The victims were Judge Potter’s wife, Mrs. Myrtle Spiller Potter, their daughters, Mrs. Lucile White and Eloise Potter and granddaughters, Phyllis and Cynthia, the latter a babe of three weeks. Their bodies were found on the second floor of the home, horribly mutilated, their heads crushed with a heavy iron furnace shaker. The body of Judge Potter was found in a cistern five feet in the rear of the house where he had ended his own life by jumping head first into three feet of water after he had killed the other members of his family. Oct 25, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown of 604 North Johnson Street received word of the death of their five year old nephew. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Brown of Johnston City. Oct 25, 1926
U.M. W. Of A. Death Claims Paid
L.P. Tippett, age 48, died of tuberculosis September 30, member Local Union 1000 Herrin Oct 25, 1926
John Garavaglia, age 48, ulcer of stomach was cause of death September 25, member Local Union 986, Herrin Oct 25, 1926
Creal Springs Mr. and Mrs. John Clark have an eight-pound baby girl, born Saturday. She has been named Deneena Jean. Oct 25, 1926
Joint funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Christian Church for Judge W.O. Potter and his family. Dr. Gilbert White, son-in-law of Judge Potter and husband of Lucille Potter White, who with their two children were killed in the horrible tragedy, arrived in Marion on Monday evening. Dr. White was enroute to Marion by auto from Miami to get his wife and children and also to see his newly born daughter who was only a little over three weeks old. Dr. White’s mother, Mrs. John H. White had reached Marion from Olney before her son arrived, but Gilbert Jr., the 7-year-old surviving child, was left with relatives at Olney. Oct 26, 1926
Isaac Fawcett of Marion has been transferred from the Great Lakes Training School to Hampton Roads, Virginia to enter the Annapolis Preparatory School. If he passes his preparatory work with an exceptionally high grade he will be given an opportunity to enter the Naval Academy. Oct 26, 1926
William Oscar Potter was born in Williamson County in Rock Creek Precinct, February 17, 1871. He received his schooling in the common schools of the county and in the old Crab Orchard Academy where he was a member of the charter graduating class, March 3, 1892. After graduation he taught school until he took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar August 29, 1894. He practiced law in Johnston City where he opened an office on March 13, 1897, and practiced there five years during which time he served a term as mayor. On June 20, 1897, he was married to Miss Susan Myrtle Spiller. In 1902 he moved to Marion and became a member of the firm of Neely, Gallimore, Cook and Potter. A few years after moving to Marion, Everett Spiller Potter, their two-year-old son, was ran over by a Coal Belt electric car which at that time operated on North Market Street and passed the Potter home. Mrs. Potter witnessed the death of the little boy under the wheels of the car and the effect of the shock was so great that she never completely recovered from it. Judge Potter was the son of Jacob Scott and Margaret Hale Potter. Mrs. Mattie Turner of Dykersburg is a sister and is the only surviving member of the family.
Mrs. Susan Myrtle Potter was born July 14, 1874 and at the time of her death was 52 years and 3 months of age. She was the eighth daughter of W.J. and Susan Spiller. She is survived by the following brothers and sisters; Mrs. W.H. Boles of Marion; Mrs. Della Askew, Benton; Mrs. J.V. Walker, Herrin, Mrs. J.H. Duncan, J.W. Spiller and J.R. Spiller of Marion and Mrs. Emmet T. Harris of Carbondale and Mrs. Dollie Cochran of Marion. She and her older daughter, Mrs. Lucille White, were members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Lucille Potter White, the elder daughter of Judge and Mrs. W.O. Potter became the bride of Dr. Gilbert White on Sunday, June 8, 1919 in a ceremony under an arch of roses and lilies at the beautiful Potter home on North Market Street by Rev. John I. Gunn, then pastor of the Christian Church. Mrs. White was born March 29, 1898 and was 28 years of age. She graduated from the Marion Township High School and attended Christian College at Columbia, Mo. and Northwestern University at Chicago. She was a talented singer and won many honors in musical contests during her high school days. She was a member of the Christian Church and often sang there when she made her home in Marion. Following their wedding the Whites went to Kirksville, Mo. where Dr. White was an intern in an osteopathic hospital at that time. Later Dr, White established an office in Benton where he remained three years, going from Benton to Olney. After practicing a year in Olney he came to Marion. About two years ago he and his family moved to Miami Florida where he established an office. The White’s had three children, Gilbert, Jr. 6; Phyllis, 4 and Cynthia, 23 days old. The eldest child escaped the fearful death that was the lot of his mother and sisters, having been left with his grandmother, Mrs. John White at Olney, when Mrs. White came here two months ago, prior to the birth of her second daughter.
Eloise Potter, the youngest daughter of Judge and Mrs. W.O. Potter, was born May 8, 1908 and was in her sixteenth year. She was a junior in the Marion Township High School. She was a secretary-treasurer of her class last year. This year she was a member of the cast that would be presenting the play, “Seventeen,” to be given by the juniors at their annual class play. She was active in Sunday school and church. At home, as the youngest of the family, she held a special place in the affections of her parents. Oct 26, 1926
Creal Springs We learned that last Monday, October 18 Allen T. Miller and Mrs. Sophia Springs, were married at the. Soldiers’ Home in Quincy. The bride, a long time resident of this city is also known as the widow of the late Dr. N.G. Springs. The Chaplain of the home performed the ceremony in Cottage No. 1. Oct 26, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Barnwell and other kinsmen in this city departed Monday by auto for new living quarters in Los Angeles, California. Oct 26, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Ward are the parents of a baby boy born October 23rd . He is the second child in the family and has been named Wendell Laverne. Oct 26, 1926
Coal miners found the body of William E. McQuay, 24, about five o’clock Tuesday morning in a bullet riddled Ford coupe parked on the roadside near the Daddy Creek overhead bridge on the old dirt road between Herrin and Johnston City. There were twenty-eight bullets fired into the back of the coupe, sixteen had entered the man’s body, four in the head and 12 in the back. They were 45 caliber bullets and were evidently fired from a machine gun. Farmers living nearby heard shooting.in the vicinity of the bridge about eight o’clock Monday and motorist passing about ten o’clock saw his car parked by the roadside. It is believed McQuay was living in West Frankfort and had been on his way from there to Herrin to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orville McQuay. Some believe McQuay had suspected he was being followed and turned onto the dirt road at Johnston City to shake off his pursuers. McQuay, known as “high Pocket” is known to have at one time been an associate of the Shelton brothers, although recently he has not been seen with them, and is said to have become friendly with Charlie Birger, rival of the Sheltons. A few months ago he purchased a Ford coupe from Birger, but it is not known if the car in which he was shot was the one Birger sold him. Several weeks ago McQuay had reported his car had been stolen. There was a warrant for his arrest at the time of his death. The warrant was issued on a complaint of Constable Frank Roberts who swore that McQuay took his gun away from him while Roberts was on duty at a Herrin voting place during the – April 13 election. Oct 26, 1926
J.B. Heyde received word Tuesday of the death of his brother, Henry Heyde of Mascoutah. The funeral was conducted Wednesday, October 27th. Ted Heyde and Walter Heyde of the Heyde Music Store are nephews of the deceased. Oct 27, 1926
Joe Garrison, 60, Negro, was shot and killed in a restaurant in Gent Addition about six o’clock Tuesday night by Roscoe Gibbs, known as Rossie Gibbs, following an argument over fifty cents that Gibbs claimed Garrison owed him. Garrison lived about 30 minutes after he was shot. Harrison Hodge who was in the Kidd restaurant at the time of the shooting and Ethel Thomas who runs the restaurant were witnesses before the coroner’s jury. Their testimony was practically the same. They said Gibbs came to the door of the lunch room where Garrison was sitting at the counter eating and thrust a shotgun through the doorway in the direction of Garrison.
“I want my fifty cents.” Gibbs said to Garrison
“You can’t get it,” Garrison replied
“If I don’t’ get it, I’m going to shoot you,” Gibbs said
“Then you’ll have to shoot,” the Negro answered
And Gibbs shot. The charge from the Winchester pump gun entered Garrison’s left side, inflicting a terrible wound. It is said Gibbs had been drinking. He was arrested and confined in the county_ jail. The coroner’s jury returned a verdict Wednesday to the effect that Garrison came to his death by gunshot wounds at the hands of Rossie Gibbs and recommended Gibbs be held without bond to wait the action of the grand jury. Garrison leaves a widow and six children as follows, Queen, aged 20, Rutherford, 16, Arthur 10, George and Charles, twins, aged 6 and Mercy, aged 4. The four older boys and the father were recently arrested in connection with the burglary of the Allen Grocery Store in Gent Addition, but at a court hearing were released. Gibbs has been arrested innumerable times on minor charges varying from drunkenness to assault and battery and disturbing the peace. His last arrest was a few weeks ago when he paid a fine in police court for attacking HArry Hudgens on the street without apparent cause. Oct 27, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Batts of 721 North Harper Street have a baby girl born Saturday, October 23, 1926. The little Miss has been named Margaret Jane. Oct 27, 1926
States Attorney Arlie a Boswell stated Thursday that his official inquiry into the theory that Judge W.O. Potter was murdered had been dropped. He said it was his opinion that there were no grounds for believing in the murder theory and unless there was some new developments nothing further would be done in the matter. Oct 28, 1926
Dr. Gilbert White whose wife and two daughters were among the victims of the tragedy said to a reporter Thursday, “We do not think that Mr. Potter killed his family, we know he did. – Maurice and I agree in that belief that rumors that have been circulating have not truth in them.” He said that it was the family’s opinion that a physical breakdown was the cause of the deed committed by Judge Potter. They give little credence, he said, to the belief that he worried over finances or over his former office as federal attorney. He denied also that Judge Potter had lost anything in the recent Florida hurricane. Dr. White said he would stay in Marion until the affairs of the family are settled and then will return to Miami to resume the practice of osteopathy. Oct 27, 1926
In an interview a reporter had with Charlie Birger recently at* the Shady Rest hideout, he asked Birger about his breakup with the Shelton brothers. Birger said the break occurred when the Shelton boys held up a Harrisburg businessman who was a friend of Birger and took several thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry and money from him. Birger said he made the Shelton’s return the money. Birger said those in the hold-up were “Blackie” Arms, now in the penitentiary, and one of the Shelton boys. After they returned the money, the other gang planned to kidnap the man for a $1000 ransom and at this planning Art Newman, reputed leader of an East St. Louis gang, switched to the Birger gang and the kidnapping was stopped before being carried out. Because Newman had informed Birger of the proposed kidnapping, the Shelton’s became angered and as a consequence Mr. and Mrs. Newman were fired upon while enroute to Birger’s stand from Harrisburg a few weeks ago and were injured. Birger said when the trouble started he had a few friends, but was not organized with any fixed gang. When he learned that Shelton had organized a gang of men of some fifty or sixty, he got busy and recruited a number of men to assist him. Shelton then built an armored truck in East St. Louis. The truck was a Graham speed wagon and Birger said he first learned of the truck when it was fired into his stand and home. To cope with the situation he had a like truck constructed at Harrisburg and has it at his house for protection.
Birger said Ward Casey Jones left his place Sunday afternoon, and in his opinion, was followed towards Harrisburg where he was overtaken and shot down. His car has never been found and his body was found in a creek in Saline County. Birger said Jones had worked in his place as a bartender and was a good boy. “Highpockets,” William McQuay, was a friend of Birger and had formerly been with the Shelton boys. Birger said, “In their statement today, they said that Jones was their friend. If he was their friend, why did Carl Shelton hit him over the head with a pistol at a joint near West Frankfort and then threaten to kill him?” Birger had a hearty laugh over the statement made by Shelton to the effect that, “Birger is crazy.” He said I am not quite as crazy as they think I am. “If I am crazy why has he sent people from St. Louis and East St. Louis to make peace with me? If I’m crazy why has his bootlegging business decreased in Williamson County from $1500 a month to practically nothing? I am prepared for anything that will happen.”
Charles Birger is a veteran of the Spanish-American War and is forty-two years old, although his government record shows him to be 47 years old. He is slim in stature, clean-shaven and a nice looking man. He had a steel jacket buckled on him when interviewed and seemed perfectly at ease. The basement room of the log cabin where he was located was used for a kitchen and was clean and very few guns were in evidence, with the exception of those carried by the men in the room. Birger had two guns strapped on him at the time. The room was well lighted.
Carl Shelton is head of the Shelton gang at the present time according to Birger who also says that Carl’s brother, Bernie, has the nerve of the bunch and that Earl Shelton is down in Southern Illinois carrying out their plans. They had 20 men at West City, near Benton, prepared for Birger as they had heard that he might be through West City. They are watching Birger and he is watching them. They both know each other’s moves and Birger said he is prepared to meet whatever happens. He said it would have been suicide to try to meet the Shelton gang without making a truck like theirs first: Birger promised safety to the public saying that the public need not be afraid of anyone being injured while passing his place of business or being fired upon on the road by any of his men. He said they knew exactly who they were after and no one else will be bothered. Anyone would be absolutely safe to stop into our barbeque stand and would be treated with courtesy as far as he and his men were concerned. He said he thought the Shelton boys are too big cowards to attack me at my home here. The two times his place was shot up were times when he was out of the city and they knew it. One of these times they had the big steel truck. He said he has a truck now and is prepared for them. He said they know it and will not make any effort to bother him. When asked if it was true that he had bought a coffin, he and his men laughed heartily. He said he had made a will and that he had his sister in St. Louis appointed as administrator. He has a wife and two children, both girls, aged 4 years and 9 years respectively in Harrisburg. Charlie Birger is well respected by citizens at Harrisburg.
When asked what he thought about Judge Potter’s death, he said he and Potter were on a trade for the palatial residence of the deceased jurist in this city. The trade was not completed when Judge Potter took his life and the life of five members of his family. Mr. Birger went to Vienna with Judge Potter recently to go on bond for one of Potter’s clients at the Vienna court and enroute back to Harrisburg Judge Potter asked Birger to sell him a gun. Birger refused to sell the Judge a gun, but made him a present of a 38-caliber revolver. He stated that Judge Potter carried on a peculiar conversation during the ride from Vienna, but that he did not think anything about it.
After the interview was completed, Mr. Birger had one of his men escort the reporter to the barbecue stand where he got into his car and returned to Marion. Birger was very courteous at all times and showed consideration for his visitors. The yard around the log house and in the woods nearby is filled with electric lights, which illuminate the grounds so that an attack through the woods would be impossible. Birger has his own light plant operating at the grounds and is prepared for a long siege. Like a general of an army he is fully prepared with ammunition, guns, armored truck, food supply and all that is necessary for a battle. His log cabin, setting at the top of a small rolling hill, makes it an ideal fortress and he feels perfectly safe. The thick logs, about a foot in depth are bullet-scarred form the outside, but not a bullet can be seen on the inside. The barbeque stand, however, is riddled with bullets. Oct 28, 1926
Herrin—Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church here this morning for William B. alias “High Pockets” McQuay, Charles Birger associate who was found dead in an automobile on a roadside near here Tuesday morning. The body was interred in a concrete vault constructed above the ground at the Herrin City Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Orville McQuay and friends followed the casket to the grave. Oct 30, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Frey are announcing the arrival of a baby born October 28, 1926. They have named him Lee D.Frey, Jr. Oct 30, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Hubert E. Ramsey of 607 East Reeves Street are the parent of a fine baby boy born October 29th and the fourth child in the family. The little lad tipped the scales at nine pounds. Oct 30, 1926
The funeral of Joseph Garrison, Jr., who was killed Tuesday night, was held at the Cash Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 28. The deceased was born March 15, 1880. He was united in marriage to Miss Callie Downer Brownlee on November 9, 1897. This union was blessed with 14 children. The oldest, Isaiah Garrison, 28, whereabouts unknown; Willie Lee, Daniel Wesley and Alfred Clevern preceded their father in death and four died in infancy. His father died October 12, and his mother May 31, 1922. He had four sisters and one brother who preceded him in death. He joined Ebenezer Baptist Church at Dewmaine in 1911 and the U.M.W. of A. at Clifford, later uniting with Paul’s Chapel colored Baptist Church in Marion in 1923. His widow and brother Isaac, who lives in Mississippi, two daughters, Lee and Mercy and four sons, Rutherford, Arthur, Charles Evans and George Henry survives. Oct 30, 1926
On Wednesday October 27th at high noon Miss Anna Mae Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George C. Campbell of East Main Street and Howard Schlinger, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Schlinger of Marissa, were married at Nashville, Illinois. Oct 30, 1926
November
A double funeral was held for Landis Cox, 16, and Frank Cox, 66, his father and son. Both died from a shooting that followed an argument between the boy and his father about 9:00 Saturday morning. The boy wanted to go to town and his father requested him to stay home while he sent another son to town. After some heated words, young Cox seized a 38-caliber revolver and fired at his father, shooting him in the neck just below the chin. After shooting his father, the youth ran into the yard and fired a second shot into his own body. The bullet entered four inches below his heart. The father died at 4:00 p.m. Saturday and the son lingered two hours longer, dying at 6:00 p.m. The shooting took place on what is known as the John Riley Kelley place where the Cox family lived, four miles northeast of Goreville and six miles from Creal Springs. The funeral was held at the family residence. Interment was at the Buzbee Chapel Cemetery near Goreville. Nov 1, 1926
Everett Edens of near Jeffrey and E.A. Bennett of near Johnston City were arrested for the slaying near Johnston City Sunday of Fred Aaron, 30, who is alleged to have attempted to attack Eden’s wife Saturday afternoon while Eden was at work. According to the prisoners, Aaron went to Edens’ home near Jeffrey Mine Saturday afternoon when there was no one home but Mrs. Edens and forced an entrance. When the man got into the house, according to the prisoners, Mrs. Edens fled to the neighbor’s home where she stayed until her husband returned home from work. When Edens returned home, the neighbors gave him the license number of the car that the man drove to Edens’ house. Edens traced the number and found the license number belonged to Arron. Then Edens and Bennett accompanied by Mrs. Edens started over to Arrows home. They met Aaron on the road and stopped him and Bennett said he pointed a gun at Aaron and then Edens began beating him. Mrs. Edens is reported to have told her husband that he had beaten the man enough. Then Edens let the man loose. According to Bennett, he jerked the man up from the road with one hand and in some manner the gun accidentally discharged. The bullet pierced Aaron’s temple and he died shortly afterward. Bennett went to Johnston City and gave himself up after the shooting. After he told his story to the police, Edens was also placed under arrest. A widow and seven children survive the dead man.
At the coroner’s inquest, Carl Aaron, 16-year-old son of the deceased, testified as the only eyewitness to the killing. He said that Bennett and Edens overtook him and his father as they were hauling his father’s mining tools to their home in a wagon. The boy said that the men passed them in an automobile and ordered his father to stop, throwing a gun on him as they halted him. Aaron stopped and at the command of the men got down off the wagon. The boy said that the men beat his father and then shot him. He said that both men were armed, although only one shot was fired. In response to the inquiry as to the possibility of his father having been the man who attempted to attack Eden’s wife on Saturday afternoon, the boy said that his father was at home all Saturday afternoon and was not the man who entered the Edens’ home. Nov 1, 1926
George H. Pritchett, well known justice of the peace, passed away at his home at 505 South Madison Street at 12:15 o’clock. Mr. Pritchett was born near Marion December 2, 1850 and at the time of his death was 75 years, 10 months and 29 days of age. He was the son of John Pritchett who died when the deceased was very young. The deceased was married when a young man to Fannie Lewis at Crab Orchard. To this union three children were born, M.L. Pritchett, John E. Pritchett and Gus Pritchett. Mr. Pritchett had one brother, D.N. Pritchett of Stonefort. Squire Pritchett, as he was known to hundreds of people in Williamson County, held his first office in 1878 when he was appointed postmaster at Attila, Ill. under the administration of President McKinley. For twenty years he was a justice of the peace and for three terms served as town clerk in East Marion Township. For seven years he maintained an office in the Cox building on the public square where he still had an office at the time of his death. Squire Pritchett gave up his office because of illness and moved to a residence on East Main Street. During his score of years as justice of the peace, Squire Pritchett performed hundreds of marriage ceremonies. The body will lie in state at the Cash Funeral Home until the funeral service that will be at the Cash home Thursday. Nov 1, 1926
Howard F. Ogden and Miss Emma Agalee Toler, both of Marion, were married at the Baptist parsonage at 8:00 p.m. Sunday by the pastor, Dr. A.E. Prince. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Toler. She was reared in this city in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Craig. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Ogden. He is a mechanic for the Egyptian Transportation Co. Nov 1. 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Arlie Boyt are announcing the arrival of a baby boy born October 29, 1926. He is the second child in the family and has been named Arlie Hubert, Jr. Nov I, 1926
Elbert Yates of Johnston City and a friend, Arlie Staples, were hurt Monday in a collision with their automobile and a train on the Johnston City-Marion hard road. Mr. Yates has internal injuries about the chest and he broke four ribs. Mr. Staples received a scalp wound and a broken little finger on his right hand. Nov 2, 1926
St. Louis—Arthur Newman, identified with the Birger gang in Southern Illinois, and his wife who was wounded a few weeks ago when gangsters poured a fusillade of bullets into Newman’s automobile, were held by police here today, together with two men who gave their names as Fred Wooten and Rado Millich. Millich has been identified with the Birger forces as “Rado”, the Montenegrin? Newman admitting his identity told the police they were on their way to Nashville, Tennessee to escape the gang war in Southern Illinois. The four are suspects of murder in Williamson County and are being held. Nov 2, 1926
After 14 years of service in the West Frankfort city school system, Miss Nell Rotramel tendered her resignation and on Sunday became the bride of R.J. Stiritz, prominent Johnston City merchant. The ceremony was in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haff, 901 East St. Louis Street at 10:00 a.m. The groom is the proprietor of the Stiritz Hardware and Furniture Store in Johnston City. He is a brother of Mrs. Elva Jones of Marion. Nov 2, 1926
Oren Coleman, Republican candidate for Williamson County Sheriff, won the election with a 1,067 majority over Bulliner, the Democrat candidate. Coleman is a former principal of the Marion Township High School. Nov 3, 1926
Word was received in Marion of the marriage of Vernell Perry, son of W.T. Perry of the new Marion Hotel, to Miss Marie Purcell of Salem. The wedding took place in Olney on Sunday morning October 31. The bride is the daughter of S.T. Purcell of Salem. She has made her home with her brother, W.H. Purcell in West Frankfort• for the past few years. Nov 3, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stapleton are announcing the arrival of a fine baby boy at their home, born November 1, 1926. They named him Billy Joe. Nov 3, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Domonic Rotolo are the happy parents of a fine baby boy born November 1, 1926. They named him Vincent. Nov 3. 1926
John E. Campbell, son of Cyrus Campbell, of Marion, was elected prosecuting attorney in Manistee County, Michigan in the election Tuesday. Campbell graduated from the Marion Township High School in 1920, studied law and began practicing in Manistee, Michigan, county seat of Manistee County. Nov 3, 1926
James L. Stotlar of Herrin, pioneer resident of Williamson County and father of Fred Stotlar of the Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company of Marion, passed away at his home in Herrin Wednesday {Nov 3rd} evening at 10:20 o’clock. The deceased was born in Ohio on July 22, 1853 and at the time of his death was in his seventy-fourth year. At the age of three years he was brought to Williamson County by his parents who settled on a farm, part of the present site of Herrin, where he was reared. In early manhood he was married to Miss Alice Cox who survives him. Nine children born to this union survive. They are, Mrs. Maud Alloway, Mrs. George Otey, Mrs. Inez Anderson and Robert Stotlar of Herrin, Leo Stotlar of California, Harry and Kent Stotlar of Benton, Val– Stotlar of DuQuoin and Fred Stotlar of Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Stotlar reared their family on the farm on which the power plant of the Coal Belt Electric Railway is now located. About ten years ago Mr. Stotlar retired from active farming and moved to Herrin where he has since made his home. About three months ago Mr. Stotlar suffered a paralytic stroke and since that time has been in very ill health. Funeral services will be conducted at the family residence at Herrin on Friday. Interment will occur in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Nov 4, 1926
Mrs. Amanda Dugger of this city passed away at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday. The deceased was born in Johnson County on March 1, 1870 and at the time of her death was 56 years, 2 months and 2 days of age. She was the daughter of Thomas and Artie Loless Loney. She was married two times, first to Johnson Harrison and the second time to B. Dugger. Five children, all of who live in Marion, survive her. They are Thomas Harrison, Charles Dugger, Mrs. Vertie Anderson, Mrs. Daisy Nicholson and Mrs. Nola Robinson. The brother, W.L. Laney of Creal Springs and a sister, Mrs. T.S. Dugger of West Frankfort also survive. Funeral services Friday at the Warder Street Baptist Church and interment in the Maplewood Cemetery. Nov 4, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence McGinnis of 605 West Parham Street have a baby girl, born October 30, 1926 and have named her Mary Paralee. Nov 4, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Davis of Route 5 are the proud parents of a fine baby girl born November 2nd. She has been named Betty Jane. Nov 4, 1926
Congressman E.E. Denison of Marion is mentioned as successor to Judge George W. English who resigned from the federal bench six days in advance of his scheduled impeachment trial. Harold G. Baker, recently named as Federal District Attorney, resides in Marion so the new judge will probably be a man about in the district. Nov 5, 1926
The East St. Louis Journal says that an effort to return Rado Millich, bootlegger and member of a gang of gunmen headed by Charlie Birger of Harrisburg who is at war with Carl Shelton of East St. Louis, to the Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Chester to finish his sentence for burglary, as a parole violator, was began by Jule C. Blake, parole officer. Millich and Freddie Wooten, also a bootlegger and former East St. Louis bootlegger, who together with Art Newman, once owner of the Arlington Hotel here, lieutenant of Birger and Mrs. Newman were arrested by St. Louis police Monday night. Blake appeared at the circuit attorney’s office and sought to obtain custody of Millich who is charged with parole violation. Nov 6. 1926
Miss Terzah Carver, one of the oldest and best known school teachers of the city school system, passed away at her home on South Vicksburg Street early Saturday morning. Miss Carver had been ill but a week. The deceased was born in Williamson County May 5, forty-four years ago. She was the daughter of Will and Nancy Carver. She was reared in Carterville where she finished her schooling in 1903 beginning shortly afterward her long career as a school teacher. The family moved to Marion soon afterwards and she became a teacher in the city schools here. Her father died when she was still a young woman and she, with her mother, lived at the Vicksburg Street residence across the street from the Lincoln School where she taught. Miss Carver taught school twenty-three years and had started on her twenty-fourth year when she was passed away. This year she was teaching children of parents whom she taught in the early years of her career. Most of her teaching years were spent at the Lincoln School. This year she was teaching first grade. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church Monday. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. Nov 6, 1926
Earl Evans of West College Street is in the Herrin Hospital recovering from burns he received Friday morning while at work on the steam shovel at the Pyramid Coal Company. Mr. Evans was burned on the hands, face and chest. Nov 6, 1926
J.C. Holland passed away early Saturday in St. Johns Hospital in St. Louis where he had been a patient the past ten weeks. The deceased was born in Williamson County sixty-one years ago last January 18 and all of his life had been spent in this community. He was married early in life to Miss Dora Franklin who survives. Two daughters, Mesdames Robert McKinney and Gordon Burns and one son, Joe Holland, all of Marion, also survive him. Three grandchildren also survive and two brothers,. James and Brice Holland of West Frankfort and three sisters, Mesdames George Eubanks and Hunter McAlpin of Marion and Albert Chamness of Carterville. Nov 6, 1926
ON Saturday evening relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Hill gathered at their home at New Denison to help celebrate Mrs. Hill’s 42nd birthday. Nov 8, 1926
Jeff Stone, Mayor of Colp (Number Nine) and John Millroy, boxer at Colp, were slain in a gang fight at Colp Saturday night about 8:45 by gangsters who fled in automobiles after the shooting. Machine guns were used in the fight and the bodies of the victims are riddled with bullets. “Big Tim” Keith, Chief of Police of Colp was wounded by the bullet fire but refused to discuss the shooting. John Millroy was the first man killed. The shooting occurred about quarter of mile south of the crossroads on the Colp-Carterville road leading from Herrin. Millroy was an amateur boxer and had been incarcerated in the Williamson County Jail a few months ago. Sheriff Galligan stated that Millroy had snitched and turned state’s evidence on some of the men at Colp, thus making several men his enemies. The shooting occurred between Pete Semo’s soft drink parlor and Will Underwood’s poolroom. Millroy was shot down by unknown gangsters about forty feet from the state highway, between the two buildings. It is thought he was called out of Underwood’s place and killed with a few feet of the door. A machine gun was turned on him and one of his legs was nearly shot off. His body is a mass of bullet holes. Millroy was 21 years of age. He lived at Colp with is mother and stepfather. Nov 8, 1926
Charles Birger denied any connection with the shooting of the men at Colp on Saturday night. Birger stated that he did not know either Stone or Millroy, but had heard of Stone. He said he was at home with is sick wife at the time of the shooting and that at about 8:30 he was in telephone conversation with States Attorney Roy Martin at Benton, concerning gangsters from East St. Louis going to Joe Adams place at West City. Birger said he had no interest in the affairs at Colp and had not been at that town in over three months. In an interview with Charles Birger and. Art Newman at the Hut near Harrisburg Sunday afternoon by a Marion Daily Republican representative, both of the men seemed surprised that they would even be charged with the affair. Birger stated that John Freeman was a personal friend of the Shelton boys and that Freeman permitted the Shelton boys to operate slot machines in Colp. He said Stone killed Freeman but he did not directly accuse the Shelton boys of shooting Stone. Nov 8, 1926
A divorce was granted in circuit court Friday to Nora Martin from W.B. Martin on grounds of cruelty. Nov 8, 1926
Eural Gowen, one of Charles Birger’s employees, landed in jail Saturday night for failure to stop at a Boulevard stop sign. When the traffic officer hailed Gowen as he passed the sign another man riding with Gowen jumped out of the car and fled. At the police station Gowen admitted he was one of the Birger men. Among the articles found when he was searched was a 38 Colt revolver, flashlight, deck of cards, assortment of keys, steel jacket shells for a machine gun, revolver cartridges and a bill of sale for $2.35 worth of mean sold on Charles Birger’s by a Henderson, Ky. firm last Saturday. States Attorney Boswell said Gowen would be charged with driving with only one license plate, driving with fake license plates and carrying a concealed weapon. Gowen was already wanted on two warrants charging him with disturbing religious worship and with violating the motor vehicle act. Nov 8, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/J.V. Hearn, Marion 70
\Tinney Coleman, Marion 42
/Lee Slater, Pittsburg 22
\Opal Frye, Pittsburg 18
/Opal Riddle, Thompsonville 23
\Floy Convell, Galatia 19 Nov 8, 1926
Miss Pauline Spiller, daughter of Mrs. Eliza Spiller and granddaughter of John H. Burnett, President of the Marion State and Savings Bank, became the bride of M.E. Klopfenstein of Niles, Michigan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Klopfenstein of Flesperis, Michigan, at the Burnett residence, 120 West Boulevard Saturday afternoon, November 6th at four o’clock. Mr. and Mrs. Klopfenstein will make their home at Niles, Michigan. Nov 8, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Perceval Frey of Carterville route are the proud parents of a baby girl, born November 2, 1926. Nov 8, 1926
Elder Pryor L. Nelson passed away at his home early Sunday morning. The deceased was born in Knoxville on January 5, 1844, and was 82 years of age. He was married three times. He first wife married Miss Sidney C. Jones in 1867, and she preceded him in death. Four children were born to that union, T.F. Nelson of Fall Brook, Cal., Mrs. J.C. Camden of Cherry Vale, Kansas’ and. J.W. Nelson of Carterville. His second marriage was to Eva Lloyd in 1876, and the two sons born to that marriage are deceased. He was married a third time to Mary J. Wright on October 10, 1883, and she survives with’ the following children, Mrs. Raymond Bruce and Mrs. Estelle Fletcher, both of Marion. The deceased was the son of John Nelson who came to country from Sweden. Interment will be in the annex to the Rose Hill Cemetery. Nov 8, 1926
When Harold Moake started to get in his Ford Coupe that he had parked on the public square Monday morning when he saw it going around the square with another man at the wheel. Gilbert White and Maurice Potter, who were with him, watched the car to see which way it was going and Moake ran for the police. Police chased were eluded somewhere on the road to Crab Orchard, but on the way back to Marion they found the car parked near a barbecue stand. The man in the car was arrested and gave his name as Claude McKaid of Eldorado. He said he had mistaken the car for his, which he had parked in front of the Marion State and Savings Bank building. Investigation failed to support his statement when his automobile was not found. The car that was stolen was the same one that State’s Attorney Arlie 0. Boswell was driving at the time he was shot and slightly injured several weeks ago. The bullet holes were still visible on the machine when it was stolen Monday morning. Boswell had traded the machine to the Allen Motor Sales Co. and Mr. Moake of that company had driven it up town when it was taken. Nov 8, 1926
Herrin—The Shelton brothers demanded the chief of police return the guns and ammunition found in a recent raid on the Palace Hotel. Mayor Marshall McCormick said he has no intentions of returning the property, which is virtually an arsenal. Carl and Bernie Shelton, “Jardown” Armes and Ray Walker went to Herrin Saturday night looking for the mayor and police chief. They met the chief of police on the street and told him that if the guns and ammunition were not returned, they would kill both the mayor and him. The Mayor carries a machine gun in his car and says that he is not afraid of the threats made against his life. Nov 9, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Denoll Smothers have a baby girl born at their home November 7, 1926. She has been named Myrtle Lucille and is the first child in the family. The mother was formerly Miss Mary Hudgens. Nov 9, 1926,
Mr. and Mrs. George Duhamel have a baby girl born November 7, 1926 at their home. She has been named Georgette. Nov 9. 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Millard Stewart are the happy parents of a baby boy, born November 3, 1926 and has been named William Leroy, after both his grandfathers. The mother was formerly Miss Iva Armstrong. Nov 9, 1926
Mrs. Martha Jane Jones, widow of John H. Jones died at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Goreville and funeral services will be held Wednesday at the Methodist Church at Goreville. Mrs. Jones was the daughter of John and Mary Bruff Gore and before her marriage and even in more recent years, was a teacher of music, both instrumental and vocal. She was born in Goreville on January 6, 1862, and was 63 years of age. She died in the home where she was born and lived her entire life. Her husband died several years ago. There were no children, but two brothers, John W. Gore of St. Louis and T.M. Gore of Sparta survives. Mrs. Jones had suffered from tuberculosis. Interment was at Chapman Cemetery. Nov 9, 1926
Marriage License
/Carl McCowan, Creal Springs 20 \Mary E. Beggs, Creal Springs 17 Nov 9, 1926
Frederick Stone, son of J.A. Stone of this city, has been transferred from the Great Lakes Naval Training School to the musician’s school at the naval station at San Diego. Nov 9, 1926
Dewey Brush, former Marion teacher and son of-Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Brush, was married in Chicago on October 27. Brush is now teaching at Komensky School, Berwyn, Illinois and also attending school at Chicago Art Institute three nights a week. His bride, Miss Pearl Harwich, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Harwich of Detroit, Michigan. Nov 10, 1926
Honor Roll For Bainbridge School
First Grade—Glenn Brush, Mary Gulley, Marjorie Fisher
Second Grade—Venita White, Elmer Davis
Third Grade—Hilda Wohlwend, Pearl Fisher, Nadine Brush, Aline Gulley, Marjorie Stephens, Harold Owen, William Broeking, Lester Wohlwend
Fifth Grade—Keith Chester, Alvin Fietsam
Seventh Grade—Lorin Clark, Jean Stephens, Frank Travelstead Nov 11, 1926
Lloyd C. Bivins of Harrisburg and Miss Priscilla Sanders of Marion were united in marriage at Murphysboro Saturday, November 6, 1926 at the office of Justice of the Peace, William E. Roberts AT 3:00 P.M. The couple will reside in Harrisburg. Nov 11, 1926
Cambria Floyd Thetford who was sent to the State Farm from here was put on as a “safety” but skipped out one night. Marshall Raymond Pleasant received word to search for him but found no trace of him anywhere. Nov 11, 1926
The funeral of Clyde Storme, aged 42, who passed away at Anna on Friday, was held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charity Fletcher on Saturday after noon at 2:00. Nov 11, 1926
Death Claims Paid By U. M. W. Of A.
Frank S. Whitson, age 71, death October 19 due to hardening of arteries, member Local Union 1144, Colp Nov 11, 1926
Wesley Goddard, age 59, died of heart disease October 7, member Local Union 1941, Johnston City Nov 11, 1926
Frank Lansford, age 43, was killed by fall of coal September 17, member Local Union 2418, Bush Nov 11, 1926
Gangsters rode through West City, near Benton, and fired a machine gun fusillade into two homes there. Authorities were inclined to believe that the Birger gang had fired on the homes, thinking the Sheltons were hiding there. One of the homes was that of Gus Adams, brother of Joe Adams. The other home alongside was that of Mrs. Mary Loughran, a widow. Forty-five bullet holes were counted in two houses and it was regarded as miraculous that no one was injured. The shooting occurred at two o’clock this morning. The houses are the first and second doors from Mayor Adam’s home. Although the Adams’ brothers are believed to have known the Sheltons, it is not believed that Birger’s men intended the firs for either the Mayor or his brother. Nov 12, 1926
During the past few days, a number of people have gazed into the big hole in the ground near the resort operated by Charlie Birger on the Marion-Harrisburg road. The hole is located about 250 yards east of Birger’s house and is of considerable size. It was found there following an explosion Wednesday night that rocked houses in the vicinity and broke windows. In a telephone conversation with Charles Birger, it was learned that he was not at his cabin when the attack occurred. He had been sick in bed at his home in Harrisburg for three day. He said the men at his cabin told him that an airplane flew over the cabin that morning about 9:30 and dropped several bombs, some of which failed to explode. He said he knew nothing about the shooting at West City but did attack Mayor Joe Adams, whom he said was too friendly with the Sheltons. Nov 12, 1926
In Yester Years—November 12, 1926
Five years ago today Hazel Edwards, age 5, burned to death near Paulton when her clothes caught on fire from a grate.
The will of T.A. Newton was admitted to probate in county court, Judge W.F. Slater presiding.
“Red” Harris of the M.T.H.S. football team missed the train and was left behind when Marion went to Murphysboro, Marion lost 41 to 0.
The post office received a full-feathered chicken, estimated weight 4 pounds, which was shipped as a day old chick and clerks were wondering how long it had been on the road.
Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Absher of East Marion celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on year ago today. Nov 12, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Clark of East DeYoung Street are rejoicing over the arrival of a ten pound baby daughter at their home on November 11, 1926. The little Miss has been named Wanda Lee. Grandpa, H.A. Swan is getting along well as could be expected. Nov 12, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Blades have a fine baby boy born November 4, 1926 and has been named Jean Arthur. Nov 12, 1926
Families celebrated on Armistice Day with a dinner in honor of the 36th birthday of Mr. George R. Baker and the 15th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. F.P. Clark, all of Marion. Nov 12, 1926
Henry Bantz, Marion insurance man, but for a quarter of a century a traveling salesman, died at 2:45 a.m. Saturday at his home, 800 North Market Street. Mr. Bantz’s health had not been good for several years, but he had not gone to bed until the 13th of October. He became better, but the shock of the Potter tragedy caused a relapse and he died Saturday morning. Mr. Bantz was born at Lovettsville, Lowden County, Virginia on April 9, sixty years ago. He attended the schools in Virginia then attended Clearfield, Pennsylvania Academy and later went to college at Gettysburg, Pa. After coming to Illinois he read law in the office of his brother at Lewistown, Illinois, being admitted to the bar when 21 years of age, but had to give up the practice of law because his health that time would not permit close confinement. He did teach school for short periods in Virginia and Kansas. He located in Marion on October 15, 1900. He was married to Miss Annice Goddard, daughter of J.D. and Emma Spiller Goddard, on December 31, 1902, the ceremony being performed by Rev. W.H. Boles, uncle of the bride at the Christian Church. John Bantz, a brother, of San Francisco, is the only immediate member of his family who survives. Miss Helen Bantz was a favorite niece and she lived with him for several years attending school here. She now lives at Peoria. Funeral services will be at the Presbyterian Church Sunday with interment at the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Nov 13, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Cobb of Marion Rt. 2 are proud parents of a baby born November 4, 1926 and the third child in the family. Nov 13, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Luther Beers of Thompsonville have a fine baby born at their home November 1st. Nov 13, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Knight and daughter, Mary Catherine of Nashville, Ill., attended the funeral of Mrs. Knight’s mother, Mrs. S.B. Beers here. Nov 13, 1926
Charles Birger and his little company of men at the Birger resort near the Saline County line, were quick to attempt retaliation against the men who flew over their place Friday and dropped three dynamite bombs in the woods near Birger’s cabin. Openly defying Franklin County authorities today, a member of the Birger gang called the sheriff’s office in Benton and declared the Birgers were coming to West City near there to “clean out the Sheltons.” Nov 13, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sanders are the parents of an 8 1/2 pound baby girl, the second child born into the family and was named Eloise. The first child is a son named Calvin Leroy. Nov 13, 1926
Letter To The Governor:
“Hon Len Small, Governor of the State of Illinois, Springfield
Dear Governor: During the past three years, as a citizen of Williamson County and as Mayor of the City of Herrin, Illinois, I have been in very close touch with Klan and Anti-Klan wars, bootleggers and anti-bootleggers and gangsters’ wars and have had all factions with which to deal.
I have seen the most prosperous counties in the State of Illinois, Williamson, Franklin, Saline and Jackson infested with gangs, armed with every means of warfare that human ingenuity can devise, including machine guns, hand grenades, armored trucks, tear gas, in fact, everything for modern warfare, assume control of these counties, robbing our citizens of thousands of dollars in property and burning or otherwise destroying untold values, also coasting the taxpayers thousands of dollars in taxes to attempt to maintain order in Williamson County.
These gangs have beaten up hundreds of people and killed a great number, for which no arrests have been made and are now going about these counties and as far north as East St. Louis, boasting of the numbers they have killed and of those that are yet to be “bumped off” Not only that, but they have denied the people of these counties the right to travel the public highways of the great State of Illinois unmolested.
Only Saturday night, the sixth of this month, a mayor of a Williamson County town was killed and others have been threatened and the sheriff elect (Owen Coleman) of Williamson County is in grave danger before the beginning of his term.
The gangs have reached such proportions that no sheriff regardless of his efforts, can relieve the conditions. The prosecution of these outlaws is equally impossible, as no citizen will produce evidence while these gangs are at large for fear of their own lives being taken and no prosecuting attorney could live who attempted it.
I have tried from every angle to work out some hopeful solution and the best minds in ‘ Southern Illinois have put their effort into it only to find it lost in dismal failure. There is no man in Williamson County who believes civil authorities can ever meet the existing – conditions.
I, knowing that every civil agency has failed, yet realizing the embarrassment it brings to you, to me and to our state, am frank to tell you that the only solution so far as I can see is to the setting up of military court so that arrests can be made, that evidence can be submitted without witnesses being intimidated and justice administered and guilty parties punished, that the name of the State of Illinois shall not be called into degradation; that the rights of its people shall not be impaired; that the laws shall be upheld, and that these perpetual law violators and murders shall suffer for their crimes and be an example for future generations.
For these reasons, I as Mayor of Herrin and a citizen of Williamson County and a lover of Illinois, submit to your honor the military court, with full authority, as recommendation for a solution.
Very respectfully yours, Marshall D. McCormack Mayor of Herrin Nov 15, 1926
An inquest into the death of Claude Craig, 35, Saturday night failed to reveal anything further than the fact that he came to his death by gunshot wounds at the hands of parties unknown. Elvis Doerr, one of the proprietors of a roadhouse known as “Big Swede’s Place” just north of Herrin, said that about eleven o’clock Saturday night he heard several shots fired outside of his place. He said he ran outside and found Craig lying on the ground. He had been shot three times, once through the heart. Mezo went to Herrin for the police. The body was removed to the undertaking establishment. No motive for the killing was found. Craig was a miner employed at Royalton. His widow survives him. Nov 15, 1926
The weekend passed quietly without Charlie Birger and his men carrying out the threat made to Franklin County authorities Saturday that they were going to West City and “clean out the Sheltons.” Nov 15, 1926
Mrs. Visa Blanche Anderson and Walter James Anderi were married at 2 p.m. on, Monday at the Presbyterian Manse. The bride’s sister, Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Leo Courtney were witnesses. Nov 15, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. J. Lester Peterson are the parents of a baby girl who arrived at their home, 404 East Jackson Street, Monday morning, November 15, 1926. She is the second child in the family and tipped the scales at 4 Y2 pounds. The mother was formerly Mildred Landers. Nov 15 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Alexander of 703 South Market Street are the parents of a fine baby boy born Saturday, November 13th. He is the third child in the family. Nov 15, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Orvel Graves have a baby at their home born Saturday November 13, 1926. Nov 15, 1926
Alfred Ingram, 21, and Mary Newton, 18, both of Herrin and Virgil Benefield, 22, Paulton and Lillie Hale, 19, of Herrin were united in marriage in a double ceremony about nine o’clock Sunday morning, November 14th at the home of Justice of the Peace C.M. Parks. Nov 15, 1926
Bernice Baker, daughter of the late Dr. A.P. Baker and Elizabeth Day Baker, both deceased, was born at Cottage Home, Illinois May 28, 1886 and died at Miami, Florida November 13, 1926. She leaves three brothers and one sister, Dr. V.A. Baker of Marion, David M. Baker of Miami, Florida, Mark W. Baker of Salem, Oregon and Mrs. J.W. Asbury of East Chicago. One brother, the late Dr. G.J. Baker, who for many years was one of Marion’s foremost physicians, died about eighteen months ago. She attended the Baker School near her birthplace where she gained her elementary education. She attended on year at the M.T.H.S. Later she studied at Brown’s Business College, Marion and graduated at the same school in St. Louis, Mo. Several years of her life were spent as teacher in the Herrin, Illinois public schools. After that time she was employed in the State Teacher’s Pension Department at Springfield, Ill. At the time of her death she was an assistant in the law firm of Price and Price, Miami, Florida. She was a member of the Herrin First Baptist Church. She suffered a complete nervous breakdown after the recent hurricane in Florida and never recovered. Nov 16, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Alfred Ingram, Herrin 21
\Mary Newton, Herrin 18
/Virgil Benefield, Paulton 22
\Sela Hale, Herrin 19
/Ira Appleton, West Frankfort 24
\Opal Idle, Johnston City 18
/Kenneth P. Melvin, Herrin 27
\Lucille Dawson, Herrin 21
/Daniel S. Batson, Makanda 55
\Elizabeth Keller, Cambria 39
/Ettone Cioni, Johnston City 28
\Margaret Rossi, Johnston City 24 Nov 16, 1926
Mrs. Harriet Lewis, mother of P.N. Lewis, died at 4:30 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Collins, in Onawa, Iowa. Mrs. Lewis had spent the greater part of the time for the past twenty-rive years in Western Iowa with her children who live there. She spent the past winter and spring with her son, P.N. Lewis at his farm in East Marion Township and her relatives and friends celebrated her 87th birthday at the fair grounds on Memorial. Day at which time she was in splendid health for one of her age. On June 1st she returned to Onawa, Iowa (near Sioux City), in company with her daughter, Mrs. Laura McBride where she visited until her death, which was caused by la grippe. Funeral services will be held at Onawa, Iowa Friday and interment will be in the Onawa City Cemetery. Mrs. Lewis was the widow of the late D.N. Lewis who is buried in the Lewis Cemetery in Williamson County, but her request was that she be buried wherever she might be when she died. Nov 17, 1926
Robert L. Oliver, Jr., four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Oliver of 1710 West Cherry Street, died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday of diphtheria. He was born July 22, 1922, and was four years, three months and twenty-six days of age. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Nov 18, 1926
Jonathan Chamness of Chamnesstown died Wednesday night at DuQuoin. The deceased was 70 years old and had lived in Williamson County, until about 15 years ago when he moved to DuQuoin. He was the father of Mrs. Calvin Phillips and Mrs. Milton Simmons of Marion. Burial was the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Nov 18, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Teague have an 8 pound 10 ounce baby boy born at 2:18 Wednesday afternoon at the Carbondale hospital. He has been named William Henry, Jr. Nov 18, 1926
Peter Chiodini, 18, formerly of Herrin, Ill,, may appeal the fine of $500 imposed on the charges of disturbing the peace of Miss Geraldine Pearson, 16, in an alleged attempt attack but the girl and. her mother will fight to see that he is punished, they announced. Miss Pearson fought her assailant who dragged her into an alley near her home and neighbors captured Chiodini who was tried on the charge. Nov 18, 1926
Mrs. Crestin Bastin of Carterville was on her way from her home to the garage when two robbers held her up at 10:30 Monday evening. Nov 18, 1926
East St. Louis-Earl Shelton, 32, brother of Carl and Bernie Shelton, Williamson County gang leaders, was taken into custody at Fairmount City, a suburb of East St. Louis, yesterday and is being held under the same indictment on which his brothers were arrested several days ago. He was lodged in the East St. Louis Jail. The three brothers were named in indictments returned by a federal grand jury at Springfield, Ill., more than a week ago for complicity of the $15,000 robbery of a 64year-old post office messenger at Collinsville January 27, 1925. Carl and Bernie were arrested last Friday and since have been moved to Springfield. Earl Shelton gave his address as 809 Summit Avenue, East St. Louis. Earl Shelton will be taken to Springfield to be arraigned. Nov 19, 1926
Death Claims Allowed by U.M.W. of A.
Theo Mongt, age 65, death October 25 caused by hemorrhage, member Local Union 986, Herrin Nov 19, 1926
Wayne Vaughn, age 25, was killed in a mine accident October 20, member Local Union 1880, Marion Nov 19, 1926
Hugh Chamness, age 45, was shot October 17, member of Local Union 1146, Carterville Nov 19, 1926
B.F. Murphy, age 66, apoplexy was cause of death October 19, member Local Union Herrin Nov 19, 1926
Joe Lee Garrison, age 46, died October 26, member Local Union 8125, Marion Nov 19, 1926
William Barnett McQuay, age 23, was shot October 25, Local Union 1218, Herrin Nov 19, 1926
Emanuel Chiblod, age 48, member Local Union, Bush Nov 19, 1926
Benton, Ill.-Gangsters speeding by in an automobile hurled a dynamite bomb at the home of Mayor Joe Adams of West City near here early today, shattering every pane of glass and blowing off the doors of the house. The blast was heard several miles. The lives of the mayor and his wife and his brother, Gus Adams who were sleeping in the rear of the home, probably were saved by the fact that the bomb fell about ten feet short of the front porch. The bomb tore a gaping hole in the front\yard and blew weather boarding off the house besides damaging the doors and windows. The houses on both sides of the mayor had windows blown out. The attempt on the lives of the Adams brothers is the second to be made by gangsters alleged to be members of the Birger gang. Nov 19, 1926
J.R. Tucker and Miss Mina Pearl Atwood, both of Creal Springs, came to the county clerk’s office Friday morning and procured a marriage license. Mr. Tucker has been married before, but this is the first matrimonial venture for the bride. Nov 19, 1926
Shafner Flener was found guilty on two charges of assault and battery filed by his wife, Hazel Flener. The fine on each charge was $12.50 and costs totaling $90.00.Flener declared he would appeal both verdicts. Nov 19, 1926
In Yester Years
Five years ago today the funeral was held for Elmer Erwin. Nov 19, 1926
One year ago today Hosea M. Turner died Mrs. Milley Murphy was buried Nov 19, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/John Wesley Clendenin, Marion 55
\Elizabeth Blades, Marion 48
/Nova Simpson, Herrin 21
\Amelia Harris, Johnston City 19 Nov 19, 1926
Jacob Garavaglia, Johnston City miner employed at Mine No. 18, was killed Thursday afternoon when he was caught in a fall of coal. An inquest was held at Johnston City Friday and the jury found that he came to his death by being caught in a slip of the face of the coal. The witnesses said that he had been caught by the slipping coal and pushed into a mach line. The body was taken to the Wildridge Undertaking establishment and then removed to the Garavaglia home. Nov 19, 1926
Benton, Ill. Thehome of Joe Adams, 300 pound mayor of West City near here, was under armed protection today as a safeguard against repeated bombing. Authorities are positive that members of the Birger gang were responsible for the bombing, but only one witness has been found who saw the car and he said it was traveling at such a speed that he could not identify the occupants. Nov 20,1926
Marriage License
/Harry McClintock, Herrin 33
\Edna Pittman, Benton 23 Nov 20, 1926
Miss Marie Andris and Gus Pritchett, both of Marion, were quietly married in Harrisburg Thursday evening by the Saline County Judge. Miss Andris is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Andris of West Union Street. The groom is the son of the late George H. Pritchett of this city and has been employed with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Co. here for the past fifteen years. They will make their home with the bride’s sister, Mrs. Robert McKinney of Thorn Place where they have rented their rooms. Nov 20, 1926
John Phillips of Herrin filled a $2500 bond on a charge of running a confidence game. Nov 20, 1926
Creal Springs Mr. and Mrs. Elza Smith are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby boy in their home last Saturday and all are doing well. Nov 20, 1926
Last Sunday morning a bouncing 10 pound boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Brim whose hearts are gladdened to the full. Nov 20, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Taylor returned from Detroit last week where he has been employed for some time and on Saturday moved to Marion to live. Nov 20, 1926
West Frankfort—Johnny Gardner of West Frankfort, who is said to have been listed by Charles Birger as “Dressed Up Johnny Gardner,” a member of the Birger gang, was arrested in West Frankfort and taken to Mt. Vernon where he is wanted on a charge of auto theft. Nov 20, 1926
Divorces Granted The following divorces have been granted in Circuit Court recently:
Ernie Sanders from Letta Sanders Nov 20 1926
Mamie Pearce from Walter Pearce Nov 20, 1926
Grace Fox from Carl Fox Nov 20, 1926
Nora Marten from Warrant Marten Nov 20, 1926
Probate Court
Tony Marsholl appointed administrator of the estate of Frank Surgi, deceased Nov 20, 1926
Joe P. Benson named administrator of the estate of Claude Craig Nov 20, 1926
Anna Mooney was appointed administrator of the estate of James H. Mooney. Nov 20, 1926
Lydia Aikman was born October 2, 1885, and died Sunday, November 21, 1926, at the age of 41. She attended the Marion schools, graduating from the M.T.H.S. in 1906. She also attended Normal School and was a teacher in the city schools for about ten years. On June 7, 1911, Miss Aikman was married to Mart E. Chamness. Following her return home after marriage she resumed teaching and continued until the death of her mother, Mrs. Parlee Vick Aikman in August 1914 after which she kept the home for her father and sisters. Her father, W.J. Aikman, died May 30, 1926. At an early age, Mrs. Aikman united with the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Marion. In 1914 she was in an automobile accident and her injuries left their results that added to her suffering many years of ill health. She had been confined to her home for the past three months and the past several weeks she was confined to her bed. Her five sisters, Misses Ruth, Parlee and Nellie Aikman at home and Mrs. Martha Baker, survive her. Funeral services were held at the Aikman home on West Main Street with interment at the Rose Hill Cemetery. Nov 22, 1926
Mrs. Ethel M. Sweitzer, wife of Rev. O.H. Sweitzer, pastor of the M.E. Church, South, died at 4:20 a.m. Monday following less than a week’s illness with gallstones. The Sweitzer’s have been in Marion but a short time, coming from Centralia three months ago. The deceased was born in Terre Haute, Indiana June 6, 1888 and was 38 years old. She was the daughter of Charles and Sallie Shepherd Lockard. She graduated from the high school in Terre Haute and from the University of Terre Haute: Two daughters were born to this union, Norma 13 and Mildred L. Sweitzer, both at home. Besides the husband and daughters, two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Ferry and Mrs. Jess Demangun, both of Terre Haute, also survive. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church Monday and the body was taken to Terre Haute for burial. Nov 22, 1926
Marriage License
/Leon Hampton, Carterville 21
\Ethel Roland, Cambria 17 Nov 22, 1926
Mrs. Lilly Childers of Herrin, died at3 a.m. Monday as the result of-taking permangate of potash, according to the findings of a coroner’s inquest. Dr. Frank Murrah told the coroner’s jury that he was called to the home of Dr. T.M. Treece in Herrin about 10:00 p.m. Friday and found Mrs. Childers, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Treece, lying on a bed with her lips and tongue discolored from poison. He said the woman told him that she had taken poison intending to end her life. Mrs. Treece told the jury that her daughter came to her home last Thursday, evidently in very low spirits. She said during the night she heard something fall on the floor in her daughter’s room and on running into the room found her daughter lying on the floor. Nov 22, 1926
Garnetta Frances Burns, small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hanson Burns, died of diphtheria at the Dodd Hotel here Sunday morning. The parents of the child had registered at the hotel Saturday night. Private services were held Monday and interment was at Maplewood Cemetery. The father is the pastor of the Holiness Church in Scotsboro and resides in Creal Springs. The child was five years old. There is one other child, Weldon Wayne Burns, age 10. Nov 22, 1926
Miss Maurine Martin of the Cherry Beauty Shoppe will open a shop in Johnston City on Monday, December 6th, under the name of the Swan Beauty Salon. Miss Vada Peterson will take charge of the Cherry Shoppe in the absence of Miss Martin. Nov 23, 1926
John Wood, son of Mayor Walter H. Wood of Cairo, was killed while Quail hunting near Villa Ridge Saturday. He stumbled in a brush pile and fell and his gun discharged, entering his head. He died instantly. Nov 23, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Drue Kent of 505 South Buchanan Street are the happy parents of an 8 1/2-pound baby girl born Tuesday morning, November 23rd. She is the second child in the family. Nov 23, 1926
Charles Byford Garrigus, son of Mrs. Jone Stone of North Washington Street, is suffering with a scalded left hand that happened Monday evening while he was playing. Nov 23, 1926
Sheriff Galligan brought Homer Appleton from Johnson City and incarcerated him in the county jail on Monday afternoon on a charge of larceny. Appleton is said to be an employee of Charles Birger. He was arrested for stealing the Chevrolet coupe belonging to Dr. McKee of Johnston City. The car was found on the streets of Harrisburg and Appleton was sitting in it. Appleton denied stealing the car and said he had asked the driver for a ride out to Birger’s place and was waiting for the driver to come back when officers arrested him. Appleton and another professed employee of Birger, Eual Gowen, are in the same cell. Gowen was arrested for violation of the motor vehicle laws. Appleton said he worked for Birger at his barbecue stand, cooking and waiting on customers. Both youths declared that Birger was a “prince of a fellow” to work for. Nov 23, 1926
Mrs. Kim Monroe, formerly of Marion, died at the home of W.S. Monroe, 300 South Court Street Tuesday morning of tuberculosis. The deceased was born in Marion January 13, 1898 and was 28 years of age. She was the daughter and only child of Mr. and Mrs. Van Linder, both of whom are deceased. On July 23, 1914 at the old Opera House in this city, she was married to Otley A. Monroe from whom she was divorced about 3 years ago. Mrs. Monroe had been in ill health for the past 18 months and for the last 3 months had been in the west for her health. She was brought to Marion a short time ago as her condition became worse. Funeral services will be Thursday at the Methodist Episcopal Church with interment in Rose Hill Cemetery. Nov 23, 1926
Lee Rushing filled bond for his appearance for trial on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon and carrying concealed weapons. Nov 23, 1926
Word was received in Marion of the death in an accident in Miami, Florida of W.A. Fry, brother-in-law of Frank Stallons of this city and Senator W.J. Sneed of Herrin. The body will be brought to the home of Senator Sneed for the funeral. Nov 23, 1926
Death due to typhoid fever took away two girls, members of the same class in the Johnston City High School. Funeral services were held Wednesday for Mamie Alta Polley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Polley of North Washington Street who died Sunday in the Herrin Hospital. The funeral of her classmate, Anna Podnar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Podnar, who died the same day in the West Frankfort Hospital, was held Tuesday afternoon. Both girls were fourteen years of age. Miss Polly’s death was not due directly to typhoid but to a weakening condition of the heart following a siege of the typhoid fever from which she had apparently recovered. The funeral was held Wednesday at the M.E. Church. The funeral of Miss Podnar was held in the Catholic Church. Nov 24, 1926
Miss Daisy Bundren, former cook at the Bracy Coffee Shop, was accused of breaking down the back door of the café with an axe and stealing some silverware, dishes and a quantity of foodstuff. She has been discharged from the café’s employ. The matter was not reported to the authorities until Miss Bundren endeavored through the union of which she was a member to secure her job again. Nov 24, 1926
William Hodder, 22, and Harry Thompson, 21 were arrested at Johnston City Tuesday for robbing a filling station north of Johnston City Monday night. Thompson was identified by the proprietor of the filling station as one of the men who entered the place and robbed him, but he was unable to identify Hodder who was released after being held in jail overnight. Nov 24, 1926
Miss Mildred Kelley and Ben Terry, both of Goreville, will be united in marriage Wednesday evening, November 24th at 5:00 at Vienna. Miss Kelley graduated from the M.T.H.S. with the class of ’21’. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Kelley of Fairfield. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W.G.P. Terry of Goreville. Mrs. Griffity Jewell of Marion, sister of the bride, attended the wedding. Nov 24, 1926
Mrs. Frank Summers is back at her home in Marion after being a patient at the Herrin Hospital for the past month suffering from an attack of typhoid. Nov 24, 1926
Sam Lannom, trip rider at No. 18 mine of the Old Ben Coal Corporation at Johnston City, was killed while at work in the mine about 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. An inquest was held Wednesday afternoon and mine officials understood that Lannom fell off while riding a trip and was ran over by a string of cars. Nov 24, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Charley Foster of Marion are the parents of a baby boy born November 23, 1926. They have named him Charles Deneen. Nov 26, 1926
The body of Lulu Simmons, age 14 years, daughter of Mrs. Simon Simmons, who died at St. Mary’s Infirmary, Cairo Thursday night, was taken to Herrin, Illinois Sunday where funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church. Interment was made in the Herrin Cemetery. Nov 26, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Charles Minton, Royalton 22
\Edith Thomas, Bush 16
/Tellis Mashas, Herrin 41
\Rosa Adams, Herrin 35
/George Sherrard, Herrin 29
\Dessie Yates, Herrin 30
/Herbert Willes, Johnston City 20
\Thelma Norman, Marion 21 Nov 26, 1926
William T. Brush, proprietor of the City Meat Market on West Main Street, dropped dead Thursday {Nov 25th} morning at 5:00 a few minutes after he had arisen and dressed. W.T. Brush, known as “Humpy” and was born in Pope County April 10, 1862. At death he was 64 years, 7 months and 15 days of age and had lived in Illinois all of his life and for the past 19 years had been a resident of Williamson County. On September 1, 1901 he was married to Elizabeth Reid who with two sons, Dewey and Marion survive him. The elder son, Dewey, is teaching school at Berwyn, Ill. Marion was a partner in the City Meat Market. The deceased is also survived by one half-brother, Sam Brush who is in the Army and one sister. Mr. Brush was the son of James and Mary Grissom Brush of Pope County. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Saturday at the residence at 412 East Jackson Street and interment at Maplewood Cemetery. Nov 26, 1926
Mrs. Adolph Albright of Marion received a sad telegram from Delray, Florida advising her that her brother, Frank M. Webb, had burned to death. The body will be taken to the home of the deceased’s son in West Frankfort to await funeral services to be held at the Christian Church there. Interment will be made at the Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Nov 26, 1926
Charles Birger, Connie Ritter and a party of friends visited Marion Friday afternoon. They combined business with pleasure and spent part of the afternoon visiting at the city hall where Birger extended a cordial invitation to Chief of Police Jack Bradley to visit Birger’s cabin on the Marion and Harrisburg road. Birger told the police chief that any time he had a warrant for Birger or any of his men, they would come into town if notified to or would submit to service of a warrant if the officer chose to visit the cabin. Birger’s real reason for being in Marion was to secure the release of one of his men, Homer Appleton, from the county jail where he was held for automobile theft. Birger went security for $2000 on Appleton’s bond. No reference was made by Birger to Eual Gowen, another of his men held in jail on various charges. Nov 27, 1926
Mrs. Mary Kutka of Johnston City is charged with assault and battery in a complaint made by Margaret Delinski Saturday. This is another echo of a kissing game at the home of a Johnston City family, which resulted in the arrest of Tony Kutka for beating his young wife, Mary, when she approached him for showing attention on another girl. The “other girl” has now made a complaint against Tony’s young wife, charging that Mary Kutka, aroused by jealousy, assaulted her. Nov 27, 1926
Marriage License
/Thomas J. Ford, Herrin 36
\Maude Borders, Herrin 33 Nov 27, 1926
The house owned and occupied by Delmos Hastings and family at 301 South Holland Street was practically destroyed by fire Sunday night, only one room of the four room dwelling remaining untouched by the flames. The roof was burned off and the wall partitions damaged. All of the furnishings were destroyed, including clothing. Nov 29, 1926
Mrs. Anna J. Sturtzum of McRae, Arkansas, daughter of Judge John W. Peebles of Marion, died at her home Sunday morning. The deceased was born at Crab Orchard February 18, 1873 and was 53 years of age. She was first married to Zolla A. Dodd. Four children born to this union survive, Zolla A. Dodd, Miss Vida E. Dodd and John P. Dodd, all of Chicago and Mrs. Jack Thompson of Los Angeles, California. She was next married to Jacob Sturtzum who survives. One brother, Fred Peebles and a sister, Mrs. Kate Tidwell of Oklahoma, also survive. Mrs. Sturtzum was a member of the Baptist Church. Nov 29, 1926
Misses May and Minnie Cavitt of Johnston City spent Thanksgiving weekend with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. U.S. Cavitt at Creal Springs. Nov 30, 1926
Dr. and Mrs. E. E. Woodside and son, “Big Boy” and Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Pulley have returned from a ten-day trip to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where Dr. Woodside inspected his citrus orchard near Harlingen and the party visited Louie Fluck and George Weber and their families at Harlingen. Nov 30, 1926
Benton—Mary Grawach, 40, of Zeigler shot and killed herself at the family home in Zeigler at an early hour Friday morning. She arose early and had started preparing the morning meal. One of the couple’s four children woke the father and said, “Mother has killed herself.” The husband rushed to the kitchen where he found his wife unconscious with an open wound in her chest. She never regained consciousness and didn’t leave a reason for her death. Nov 30, 1926
Leo Reed’s Chevrolet was stolen Monday night. He had left the car parked in front of the home and sometime between six and nine thirty it disappeared. Nov 30, 1926
December
John R. Younkin passed away at the home of his son, J.H. Younkin, at 1001 South Aikman Street at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday at the age of 78. Dec 1, 1926
Clatterville Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Corder are announcing the arrival of a fine ten-pound grandson born Saturday night. He has been Christened Billy Gene. This is the second child and second son. Dec 1, 1926
Hudgens Items Mrs. Cordia McAnelly called on her daughter, Mrs. Mae Sullivan Saturday. Dec 2, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Rushing and daughter, Irene, of Dog Walk spent Thanksgiving Day with the latter’s parents, ‘Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Gulledge of Hudgens. Dec 2, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hudgens are moving to their new home near the country club. Dec 2, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Turner Gulledge of Marion spent Thursday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Gulledge. Dec 2, 1926
The funeral for Mrs. Jacob Stortzum was held Wednesday at the Warder Street Baptist Church. Mrs. Stortzum was the daughter of Judge John W. Peebles of McRae, Arkansas. Out of town relatives at the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. R. Tidwell of Miami, Oklahoma, John Dodd, Chicago, Zolla A. Dodd, Chicago, Miss Vida Dodd, Chicago and Mrs. Harry Fickensker. Pallbearers were cousins of the deceased, A.C. Corley, Milton Pulley, Hardin Pulley, Harry Peebles, Cliff Pulley and Vert Elmore. Dec 2, 1926
Arnold View The stork visited Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Tanner and presented them with a boy. The youngster tipped the scales at 10 pounds. He has been named James Vernell. Dec 2, 1926
Mrs. Ollie Sims is on the sick list. Dec 2, 1926
Ira Mosley, a carpenter of Arnold View, has been employed on the I.C. Cut Off near Stonefort. Dec 2, 1926
Freeman Arnold transacted business in Creal Springs last Saturday. Dec 2, 1926
Curren Clines purchased a new cow and pigs from O.I. Odelsberger Friday. Dec 2, 1926
It was learned Thursday that Miss Hattie Nelson, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Nelson of North Market Street and Clyde Boatright, the son of Mrs. Lucy Boatright of East Main Street, were married some time ago. Mrs. Boatright is employed as a teacher in the Herrin City Schools. Mr. Boatright is also employed at Herrin where he makes his home. Dec 2, 1926
Mrs. William (Edna) Haddick, daughter of E.A. Johnston who formerly lived in Marion but now resides in Chicago, died suddenly in Chicago. She leaves her husband, her parents and one sister, Miss Marguerite Johnston. Dec 2, 1926
Phil Diehl and Harve Ford were in an automobile accident near the Watson curve and both were taken to the Marion Hospital. Harve Ford was discharged from the hospital on Thursday. Dec 2, 1926
Mrs. Amanda McIntosh Cooksey, wife of John H. Cooksey of South Court Street, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. She had been in ill health for some time. The deceased was born near Chamnesstown on September 17, 1844. She was married to John H. Cooksey sixty-four years ago next January 1st and they would have celebrated that wedding date, had she lived another month. Besides the husband, all of the children survive, as do 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. The children are Mrs. William Hines, Mrs. Fred H. Barath, J.M. Cooksey, Mrs. John Lipe of Marion, John J. Cooksey of Chicago and Mrs. Ralph Lindsey of Oklahoma City, Ok. None of her brothers and sisters survives. Mrs. Cooksey was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marion, but funeral services will be held at Crab Orchard Church near Chamnesstown and interment will be in the church cemetery. The church located only a quarter of a mile from her birthplace was her girlhood church and where she was married. Dec 2, 1926
Benton—December 2—Because her husband ran away with her sister three days after marriage Emma Ochman of West Frankfort was granted a divorce yesterday and has her maiden name of Emma Stefan restored. In her testimony, which was corroborated by her mother, Mrs. Ochman told of marrying Louis Ochman on October 26, 1925, and that three days later while she was working, her husband eloped with her younger sister and went to Chicago to live. She tried to get him to return to her, but he stubbornly refused as her sister pleaded for his love. (Special to Republican Leader—Dec 2, 1926)
Herrin—December 2—Mrs. Nancy Sneed, 82 of 617 N. 9th Street, wife of the late William J. Sneed, well known Civil War veteran, died at her home Monday about noon. She had been suffering from pneumonia and because of her age was unable to fight it off. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Annie Brown of Sesser and was living with her brother, R.P. O’Daniel and grandson, Glenn Sneed. Mrs. Sneed is an aunt of Senator William J. Sneed. Dec 2, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lawrence Corder of Marion Route 2 are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby boy born at their home November 28, 1926. Dec 2, 1926
Robert Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.N. Moore of Marion and Miriam Lightfoot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Lightfoot of Chicago, formerly of Marion, were married in Chicago a few days ago. Both are graduates of the M.T.H.S. Mr. Moore is employed in a leading store of Chicago. Dec 3, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Lester Mann, Carterville 23
\Lois Lukens, Metropolis 18 Dec 3, 1926
George William Hudgens died about five o’clock Thursday afternoon at the South Court Street residence where he made his home. The deceased was born in Tennessee on December 27, 1852, and at the time of his death was 73 years, 11 months and 25 days of age. He was the son of James S. and Angeline Wilson Hudgens. He had lived in Illinois since a boy of ten years. He was a farmer during his active life. About fifty years ago he was married to Francis Phillips who preceded him in death. Eight children, Mrs. Lula Reeves, Bernie, Mo.; Ira Cash, Marion, Mrs. Lillian Ford, Marion, Mrs. Bertie Johns, Marion RFD 6, Miss Stella Hudgens and Syd Hudgens of Marion survives. Three sisters, Mrs. Melcina Tulley, Marion RFD 5, Mrs. Nannie Pritchett of Texas; Mrs. Ehud Watson of Hudgens and one brother, Theodore Hudgens of Marion RFD 5 also survive. Funeral services will be Saturday at Fountain where the deceased was a member of the M.E. Church, South. Dec 3, 1926
Galligan Makes Last Official Statement
On Saturday, (December 4, 1926) the last day that the sheriffs office was open for business under the administration of Sheriff George Galligan, the retiring sheriff issued his last official statement as follows:
“I assumed office of December 4, 1922 at which time there were 24 prisoners incarcerated in our county jail, which number was supplemented by 9 men as a consequence of the Lester Strip Mine trouble. I am not going to make such comment on my turbulent career while in office. I do not ask for either eulogy or sympathy, but I do not hesitate to say that I had done the best a man could with the leeway that I was given and the assistance rendered me. My conscience is clear as to the discharge of my duties and I do not feel I owe any apology to the citizenship of Williamson County. However, I wish to make slight comment on the aspect of law enforcement during my regime as sheriff.
On February 20, 19271 will be 29 years of age and I have lived 100 years during my four years of office. My original bondsmen were O.E. Lyerla, C.E. Anderson and Charles McGowan, the sheriff bond being for $10,000. I submit to those who have criticized my record and me asking them to scrutinize and balance with it the events of my four-year term of office. Perhaps, it is not common knowledge that I captured 72 stills and chopped up many gaming tables during the first four months of my term. When on takes into consideration that the mine riot trials were on during the time and taxed my time for 12 hours a day, my efforts to enforce the prohibition law was stupendous. This work was done with only two field deputies when my critics were no doubt tucked snugly in their warm beds. From that time on I was the recipient of more opposition than cooperation. I was even arrested on the trumped up charge of the murder of Caesar Cagle, a Herrin constable, although not on the scene at the time he was shot and was out under .$65,000 worth of bonds at one time. I do not wish to criticize the county board of supervisors as I believe that we now have a most sincere set of men, whose integrity and desire to do good is beyond question. Their channels of finance are very restricted and regardless of their desire it is physically impossible for them to function to the extent of their desires and knowledge of the county’s needs in the matter of law enforcement. I do submit, however, that the field deputies and the office deputy are totally inadequate for Williamson County. There should be at least five field deputies and one office deputy. Franklin County with five command less population, has this number and I hope ways and means will be provided to give my predecessor, Mr. Oren Coleman, the necessary additional force that my experience has demonstrated as being necessary. I did take a 60 day vacation from February 11, 1925 to April 14, 1926 at the request of Governor Len
Small, Adjutant General Carlos and Attorney General Oscar Carlsturn. They seemed to think I was to blame for the chaotic condition in the county. I have nothing adverse to say to their conception of affairs in our county. I was a party to their agreement and desirous of demonstrating they were wrong. I kept the agreement in good faith and in time demonstrated they were wrong. I have had as many as 87 prisoners at one time and surely I could not have idled much time away. Compare this with any like county in the United States and then compare the size of my staff of deputies.
I intend to take another 60 day vacation, this time at my own choice I will go to visit my sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Service at Topeka, Kansas, then to my son, George Galligan, Jr. at the military academy of Mexico, Missouri and try to recuperate the vitality that this stupendous term has sapped me of. I shall then return to my home at 120 N. 10th Street at Herrin and go back to my boyhood occupation of mining, probably as mine manager of one of the mines located on the outskirts of Herrin. I started to work at the miens at the age of 11 years and it is a much more satisfactory and peaceful occupation than being sheriff of Williamson County. The people who have hated me are people who probably never saw me. I wish Mr. Coleman success. He has a hard task in front of him. I hope my friends will cooperate with him. I had one lesson in cooperation when Adjutant Black told me to go to Herrin and deputize sufficient men to cope with a certain situation. I gathered about 100 together and when the first shot was fired the others went home or to cover. I pray for peace and good will for Mr. Coleman and sincere cooperation and relinquish my office without enmity, to anyone.” Dec 4, 1926
George Galligan, Ex-Sheriff of Williamson County 1922 – 1926
August Fowler, Marion attorney, was rushed to the Holden Hospital at Carbondale Friday suffering with an acute attack of appendicitis; His condition remains serious. Dec 4, 1926
The partnership of the Scobey and Ozment Undertaking firm has been dissolved. Mr. Ozment purchased Bert Scobey’s interest has assumed the sole ownership. Mr. and Mrs. Scobey occupied the apartment over the funeral parlor and are now at home at 417 East Main Street. Dec 4, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eggers requested the aid of Williamson County authorities to find Mrs. Egger’s son, Harley 0. Casey, 13, who disappeared last Sunday morning on his way to Sunday school. The boy’s father is dead and he had been in the Creal Springs and Mt. Vernon orphanages until about eighteen months ago when his mother brought him to live with her in Johnston City. The stepfather believes the boy got in the car with someone and then kept on going. Dec 4, 1926
The first warrant served by the new sheriff, Oren Coleman, was one charging George Galligan, his predecessor, of the murder of Charles Wollard at Herrin on August 30, 1924 in the gun battle at the Smith Garage when six men were slain. Galligan accompanied by Jack Wilkinson and Joseph Ing, two former deputies and his son, George, Jr., went to the office of States Attorney Arlie 0. Boswell with Sheriff Coleman and Deputies Jenkins and Schafer and filled bond. A bond of $5,000 was set for his appearance before the grand jury. The warrant was sworn out by Wollard’s widow, before Justice of the Peace Davis of Herrin last Saturday. Mrs. Wollard was at one time a witness before the grand jury, which failed to return any indictments for the death of her husband although other indictments later dismissed were returned for the deaths of Otto Rolland and Chester Reid in which Galligan, Ora Thomas and A. Mezo were named. Dec 6, 1926
Mrs. L.E. Armstead of West Frankfort died Sunday at the Marion Hospital from injuries she received late Sunday afternoon when the automobile she and her husband and eleven year old son, William, turned over on the Marion-Harrisburg hard road about 5 miles east of Marion. The boy suffered a broken collarbone and the father was skinned and bruised. Mrs. Armstead’s body was removed to Harrisburg Sunday night where the funeral will be held. Dec 6, 1926
Letters To Santa
Dear Santa: I want a pair of roller skates for Christmas and a Bye low baby and of course some candy, nuts and fruit and will you please bring my mama some new shoes. I am going to school this year and I like to go. Wilma Cox, South Virginia Avenue Dec 6, 1926
Dear Santa: As it is getting almost Christmas time I will write you what I want. A mama doll and a very nice one too and a buggy and a set of dishes, a broom, a nice dresser for my doll and my little sister, too. Nuts and candy and don’t forget all good children. Vivian Newlin, 500 South Van Buren Street Dec 6, 1926
Dear Santa Claus: I am seven years old and attend Foreville Rural Practice School and we have eight teachers every day and I have not missed a day since I was five years old. The gifts I want for Christmas are a little doll, ten inches long, ring, dishes, watch or bracelet, candy, fruit. Please do not forget my mother and my daddy. My teacher is Miss Bost. She lives at Cypress. Genevieve Bowyer, RFD No 3, Carterville Dec 6, 1926
The first liquor raid under the administration of Sheriff Oren Coleman was made early Monday evening when the new sheriff and State’s, Attorney Arlie 0. Boswell led a raid on the homes of Gus Major and Allen Ferrell on North Russell Street outside of the city limits. A quantity of liquor was captured at the Major home and Major was arrested. Nothing but empty bottles was found at the Ferrell home. Ferrell told officers that he quit bootlegging when Coleman took office because he believed the new sheriff meant business. Dec 7, 1926
Mrs. Beulah May Kirkpatrick, wife of Ozza Sherman Kirkpatrick and daughter of Rev. J.H. and Lanora Cox Browning of Scotsboro, died at her home in Scotsboro at 8:45 p.m. Saturday from influenza. This is the first influenza death reported this winter. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Pope County on May 10, 1900 and was 26 years, 6 months and 24 days of age. She was united in marriage with Mr. Kirkpatrick at• Scotsboro on January 25, 1920, having moved to this county when she was six years of age. Three children, Coring Delois, age 6, Jackie age 3 and William Laverne, age 5 months survive besides the husband and brothers and sisters, Harl, Verdie, Mary, Meri, Lorene, Coral and Oral Browning, all of Scotsboro. Mrs. Kirkpatrick graduated from the public schools of the county and from Brown’s Business College. For five years she was employed by the O.B. 8s Q as billing clerk. She was a member of the Scotsboro Baptist Church for 12 years. Funeral services to be at the Scotsboro Baptist Church on Tuesday with interment at the Rose Hill Cemetery. Dec 7, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Absher of East Carter Street entertained with a chicken dinner on Sunday in honor of Mr. Absher’s 68th birthday. Dec 7, 1926
Bert Scobey who last week dissolved his interest in the Scobey and Ozment Funeral Home had purchased an interest in the Eliza Cash Funeral Home on South Van Buren Street and will hereafter be affiliated with that organization. Mr. Scobey’s entrance into the Cash firm gives that firm the two oldest licensed embalmers in Marion. Mr. Cash, being the oldest in point of service, has been in the undertaking business for the past 22 years while Mr. Scobey has been a licensed embalmer since 1910. Scobey and Cash were business partners once before, having been in business under the firm name of Cash and Scobey from 1915 to 1918. Dec 7, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Garris of Marion are the happy parents of a baby boy born at their home December 3, 1926. He has been named Andrew, Jr. Dec 7, 1926
Miss Ruth Russ of Johnston City and E.O. Werner of Richmond, Virginia were married Monday afternoon by Dr. J.W. Cummins. The couple will reside in Richmond. Dec 7, 1926
Rev. Arthur Doerr united John M. Bond and Miss Eva Brown in marriage on Saturday. Dec 7, 1926
C.N. Logan writes from the U.S. Veteran’s Hospital No. 92 at Jefferson Barracks that he is getting along fine. He had his tonsils remove on November 30th. Dec 7, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Frick, formerly of Marion are now in Miami, Florida where Mr. Frick is employed as a baker. Dec 7, 1926
J.W. Absher has been a reader of the Republican Leader during the entire history of the papers and while his eyesight has failed on account of his age\of 84 years, he is still interested in the news events. Dec 7, 1926
On Monday afternoon Art Newman and Connie Ritter, friends of Charles Birger, proprietor of the roadhouse on the east hard road near the Harrisburg line, visited Sheriff Oren Coleman at his office in the courthouse and spent a few minutes in conversation with him. Coleman said the callers “just chatted” with him and nothing was said regarding Birger leaving the county. Dec 7, 1926
In talking with a reporter Charlie Birger referred to the arrest of former Sheriff Galligan Monday and expressed regret that it had happened. “Not that I’m a friend of Galligan’s,” he said. “He never did anything for me or against me, but I would hate to see all that strife stirred up again. I want peace.” Dec 7, 1926
Creal Springs The Harve Betts family returned last week from Elizabethtown where Mr. Betts has been engaged for several months in carpentry on the new Hardin County Courthouse. George Corder and wife and Albert Summer also came home. Dec 8 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones of Marion are the happy parents of a fine baby girl born December 6th and the first child in the family. The mother was formerly Miss Vera Moore. Dec 8, 1926
A fine eight-pound baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mont Davis at their home on December 7, 1926. She is the second child in the family and has been named Helen Imogene. Dec 8, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johns of Rt. 6 have a baby boy, born at their home December 5th and tipped the scales at nine pounds. He has been named William Harold. Dec 8, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Henderson are announcing the arrival of a fine baby boy born December 6th. The little lad has been named Dorman Lavelle. He weighed 11 pounds and is the second boy and third child in the family. Dec 8, 1926
Three men in a Ford Touring car robbed the filling station belonging to W.F Watkins on East Main Street Tuesday night. They stole $20.04 from the cash register. Dec 8, 1926
U. M. W. of A Death Claims Allowed
Martin Stritzel, age 57, died of tuberculosis November 19, member Local Union 1239, Johnston City Dec 9, 1926
John Cherme, age 51, death November 10 due to an ulcer, member of Local Union 1941, Johnston City Dec 9, 1926
Mrs. William Hardy, 65, who died at her home on North 13th Street in Johnston City Tuesday at 8 p.m., was buried Thursday. Dec 9, 1926
Miss Frankie Bradbury of Carterville is a contestant in the $20,000 beauty contest being conducted by the Chicago Tribune. Her picture appeared in the rotogravure section of the Tribune Sunday. {Dec 5, 1926} Dec 9, 1926
Mrs. J.C. Browning and son Alva of Ozark were called to Marion on account of the death of Mrs. J.H. Browning. While here Mrs. Browing visited her mother; Mrs. N.L. Runnels who is ill. Dec 9, 1926
Oak Grove Mrs. George Russell of this place received word that her Uncle Joe Thornton of Harrisburg was dead Saturday. He was laid to rest at the Bolton Cemetery Sunday afternoon. Dec 9, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. R. Russell are the proud parents of an 11-pound baby boy and they have named him Walace J.R. Dec 9, 1926
Mrs. Anna Tanner visited her parents; Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Deaton. Dec 9, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/J.H. Scruggs, St. Louis 25
\Verda May Yeates, Carrier Mills 22
/Alexander McCluskie, Marion 41
\Bessie Deaton, Creal Springs 40
/E. Oscar Werner, Richmond, Va. 42
\Ruthe Russ, Johnston City 27
/Herman Peek, Kuttaw 24
\Stella Mae Holland, Eddyville 22
/Sylvester Randolph, Royalton 53
\Clara Sparks, Royalton 23 Dec 9, 1926
Letters To Santa
“Dear Old Santa: I am a little girl five years old. I have been pretty good. I go to Sunday school and wash the dishes for my mother. I want you to bring me a tricycle, a big doll and a set of dishes. Nuts, candy of course. Old Santa, please bring my things over to my grandmas as we have our Christmas tree there. Please don’t forget my little cousins, Dorothy June and Jimmy, as they will be there too.” Thelma Louise Har Well, West Prairie Street Dec 9, 1926
Letters To Santa
“Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy eight years old. I live at 204 Charles Street. My mother is a widow and I shall not expect very much. Please, Santa, bring me some skates, a gun, football and a story book. Also, remember mother and brother. I have been a good boy so don’t forget me.” Harold B. Gibson Dec 9, 1926
“Dear Santa Claus: I am a boy nearly seven years old and I am in the second grade at school. For Christmas I want a watch that will run, roller skates, train, candy and oranges.” William Sims, 702 East DeYoung Street Dec 9, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Caesar Crain are the happy parents of a fine baby boy born December 7, 1926 and he has been named Gene Lavern. Dec 9, 1926
Word was received in Marion of the death of Mrs. C.T. McAbee of North Canton, Ohio. She was a sister of Mrs. D.T. Norman and Mrs. Lizzie Whitcomb, both of Marion. Mrs. McAbee died at her home in North Canton and Mrs. Whitcomb and her daughter, Emma, were at her bedside when she passed away. Dec 9, 1926
Mrs. Lester Emery and children of East St. Louis have been visiting with her mother, Mrs. Larve Riddel of Creal Springs and sisters, Mrs. Dwight Miller and Mrs. David Fife of Marion. Dec 9, 1926
Isaac Fawcett, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Fawcett of South Buchanan Street is in the Naval Hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia. He is improving but will not be discharged until the first of the year. Dec 10, 1926
Boogerville A birthday party was given on Saturday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Garrison in honor of their daughter Reva’s thirteenth birthday. Dec 10, 1926
Fred and Helen Travelstead spent the weekend with their grandmother, Mrs. Francis Arnold. Dec 10, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Wilkins of 1211 North Market Street are the happy parents of a fine baby girl at their home, born December 10, 1926. The little Miss has been named Alice Elaine and is the second child in the family. Dec 10, 1926
Mr. Ind Mrs. Lawrence Nicholson of Marion are the proud parents of a fine baby boy who tipped the scales at 8 pounds. The little son has been named J.B. Dec 10, 1926
Creal Springs Mrs. Martha McNeal is reported afflicted with a bad case of erysipelas at present. Dec 10, 1926
Elder J.R. Tucker conducted the funeral of Thomas B. Shelton at. the Baptist Church in Grantsburg last Monday. The deceased was a long-time prominent farmer in the vicinity of Grantsburg, but had located in Oklahoma City, Okla. a few years ago where he died December 1, 1926. His companion preceded him in death several years ago. Dec 10, 1926
Peoria–Carl Shelton, one of three brothers, members of the famous Shelton gang of Southern Illinois, awaiting trial for the Carlinville mail robbery, was free today on $60,000 bond, signed by four men of Granite City and a business man of Springfield. Earl is still in jail in Marion and Carl announced he would try to raise funds to release both Earl and a third brother, Bernie. Dec 11, 1926
Benton—An inquest was held today into the death of Joe Adams, mayor of West City who was shot and killed by men who called him out of his home in the village just west of Benton about 4:00 Sunday afternoon. One of the men told Mrs. Adams that they had a letter for him. Four shots were fired. Adams was hit three times, once near the heart, once in the stomach and once in the back. A fourth shot went wild and struck a table in the dining room of the home. Adams died almost immediately after whispering to his wife that he did not recognize the men who shot him. The slaying of Mayor Adams was the last of a series of attacks on his life. Dec 11, 1926
Violet Hogue, age 13, a student of the Chittyville School district 21 in Herrin Township won the county spelling contest held at the Washington School in Marion Saturday and will compete in the state spelling contest at Springfield December 28th. Miss Hogue spelled 450 words correctly, being the only one of 44 entrants to do so. Dec 11, 1926
The funeral for George 0. Thomas, Marion miner who was accidentally killed at the Carbon Fuel Company’s Mine Monday morning, will be held at the, First Methodist Church Wednesday. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. The deceased was born December 23, 1887 and was 36 years, 11 months and 20 days of age. He was married early in life to Miss Laura Dwyer. One son, George Edward, age 11 survives. The family lives at 308 N. Hamlet Street. Dec 14, 1926
Katherine Boles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Boles, fell from the back steps at their home Sunday and broke her right arm. Dec 14, 1926
Benton—At the coroner’s inquest into the slaying of Joe Adams, mayor of West City, Arain Adams, daughter of the slain mayor, said that she ran after the men towards the automobile in which they escaped and intimated that one of the men was Charlie Birger. Mrs. Beulah Adams, widow, told of being warned over the telephone by a man who said he was Birger “to get more life insurance on her husband.” Dec 14, 1926
Ralph M. Turner of Creal Springs was the first man to enlist in the army since the opening of the Marion recruiting office. Turner was accepted for the air service and will be stationed at Mt. Clemens, Michigan where he will train in basic air corps work, preparatory for entrance to the Cadet Flying School. Dec 14, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Marks of Marion have a baby girl, born Monday, December 13, 1926 and has been named Phyllis Maree. Dec 14, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Arnold of Marion Rt. 6 have a baby boy born Tuesday morning, December 14th. The little lad weighed 9 pounds and is the first child in the family. The mother was formerly Miss Edna Cox. Dec 14, 1926
Elbert W. Atwood was born near Willeford about 48 years ago and was the son of John Atwood. All of his life had been spent in this vicinity. For the past several years he resided in Marion and followed the occupation of a carpenter. He was a member of the carpenters’ local union. He was married to Miss Mamie Slankard and two sons were born to this union and they survive with their father. Mr. Atwood had gone to Willeford from Marion on the noon train Monday when he dropped dead from a heart attack. The funeral will be Wednesday at the family residence. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery. Dec 14, 1926
A coroner’s inquest was held at Herrin Tuesday into the death of Oscar A. Abbott of Herrin who died in the Herrin Hospital Tuesday as the result of injuries sustained in a mine accident at Royalton Saturday. Abbott was caught under a fall of coal. The jury found his death was accidental. Dec 14, 1926
Miss Mabel Josephine Frick was born August 23, 1911, at 901 North Court Street and died at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 1926, at the same place she was born. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Frick and had always lived in Marion. She was a sophomore at the M.T.H.S. and was a member of the Presbyterian Church, having taught the largest class in the Sunday school primary department. She took sick four weeks ago Monday with typhoid fever and after two weeks illness, started having hemorrhages, which brought about her death. Her mother, Mrs. G.J. Frick is ill in bed with influenza and a sister, Miss Irene Frick was also suffering with tonsillitis. Besides her grief-stricken parents, the brothers and sisters that survive are Irene, Howard, James A. and William Douglas Frick, all at home. The grandmother, Mrs. Josephine Willbanks, for whom Miss Frick was named, now lives in Texas and also survives. Funeral services to be held at the Presbyterian Church with interment at the new Rose Hill Cemetery. Dec 15, 1926
St. Louis—Coincident with the hurried trip to St. Louis made by Charles Birger, gang leader in Southern Illinois, police today arrested his bitter rival, Carl Shelton here and questioned him several hours. Shelton was released several days ago on $60,000 bond at Peoria where he had been held on-a charge of conspiracy in the robbery of a mail messenger at Collinsville two years ago. Shelton said he knew Birger had been in the city and the reason he came here was because he heard his enemy was in thee city to frame a job on him. Shelton was taken into custody at the home of his mother-in-law when the East St. Louis police telephoned, they were informed that Birger and his men had left Harrisburg and were on their way to kill Shelton. Dec 15, 1926
Charles Albert Swanner, born November 26, 1878, died December 8, 1926 at The Age Of 48 Years And 12 Days. He was the son of William and Amanda Swanner on whose farm about 2 1/2 miles west of Stone Fort, the deceased was born. He worked on his father’s farm until he married Martha Elizabeth Mofield on October 15, 1903. The young couple went to housekeeping on the old Brook’s farm near Stonefort where they lived for 6 years, after which they resided at various places in this vicinity until their final removal to Stonefort about 13 years ago. Four children were born to this union, Clyde of Harrisburg, age 22, L.D. at home, age 18, Ellen Jeanette at home, age 10, Gilbert Ray at home, age 7. The entire life of the deceased was spent either on the farm or at public works except for the past 6 years he was employed in the mines about Carrier Mills, Ill. The deceased was a member of Local No. 1606 U.M.W. of A. at Carrier Mills, Ill. Besides his immediate family he is survived by his aged father, William Swanner. Dec 15. 1926
Marriage License
/Jewel Manzy, Bush 20
\Alma Lavender, Hurst 19
/Lewis Hoover, Johnston City 21 \Virginia Strob, Johnston City 19 Dec 15, 1926
Letters To Santa
“Dear Santa Claus: I am a little girl five years old and in the second grade. Igo to school every day and please don’t forget me. I want a by-low baby doll, cedar chest, writing desk, little gloves, oranges, nuts and candy. I will not ask for anymore. As mother and daddy always wants something too.’ Jewell 1VERN Crenshaw 400 North Fair St. Dec 15, 1926
“Dear Santa: I am a little boy six years old. Now I am going to tell you what I want for Christmas. I want a fire truck and a train with track and candy, nuts and fruits.’ Thomas Phalp Dec 15, 1926
St. Louis—Carl Shelton, “terror of Southern Illinois” wept under the terrific bombardment of questions by the local police. He was questioned about the circulation of spurious twenty-dollar bills in East St. Louis. The government took him on a charge of transporting a stolen automobile to Madison County, Illinois. He was given his liberty on $5,000 bond and then detectives took him for questioning in the counterfeiting investigation. Dec 16, 1926
Joe Bendisky of Herrin was brought into county court Wednesday on a citation for contempt of court. On November 20th Bendisky was hauled in court on a charge of wife abandonment and Judge Morgan ordered him to pay his wife $50 a month in $25 installments until the case was formally heard in court. Joe complained at the time that he order was a “little high” and disregarded the order of the court, refusing to pay his wife the temporary alimony. On Wednesday he was sentenced to serve a 60-day jail sentence for contempt of court. Dec 16, 1926
Creal Springs Uncle Reuben Chrisman is still a very sick man. Several of his children from various places have been to see him in the past few days. Dec 16, 1926
Mrs. Matilda Matthews returned last Sunday from an extended visit with her children in Elgin and Decatur. Dec 16, 1926
The Earl Ward family moved from the countryside to Creal Springs and now reside in the Griggs property on Brown Street. Dec 16, 1926
Mrs. J.B. Morray and son, John Robert, are leaving for an extended visit with her sister, Mrs. J.V. Steagall and mother, Mrs. Margaret Wise in Geneva. Dec 16, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Elbert Wayne Stone, Blairsville 21
\Elma Whitman, Hurst 20
/Albert Lane, Cambria 66
\Annie Elliott, Cambria 55
/Brooks Nelson, Carterville 19
\Thelma Ridley, Carterville 18
/Thruman Greggs, Herrin 23
\Hazel Beltz, Herrin 19
/Albert Ritchey, Stonefort 33
\Ora Miller, Carrier Mills 25
/Glenn Gorley, Stonefort 27
\Alma Allen, Stonefort 18
/William McClellas, Colp 28
\Susie Powers, Colp 19
/Dillard National, Bush 21
\Gladys Prewitt, Herrin 20
/William H. Burton, Marion 28
\Lillian Tjomas, Marion 25
/William H. Maze, Chicago 21
\Hazel Manzy, Clifford 19 Dec 18, 1926
Three Marion Italians giving their names as Demenic Vacarra, 45, John Ryzzo, 32 and Phillip Micelli, 32 are in the county jail here resulting from the shooting affair at Johnston City Friday evening when Joe Cardinelli of Johnston City was probably fatally wounded. Cardineli was shot two times, once through the face and once in the chest. One of the three men had a gun when arrested, but when he was taken into Cardinelli’s room at the hospital the injured Italian refused to identify him as the man who shot him, saying only, “Him good man.” None of the Italians could talk and the officers were unable to gain any intelligent version of the shooting. Dec 18, 1926
John Reynolds, wife and baby returned to Marion after living in Casper, Wyoming for several months. Reynolds immediately resumed his duties as a city mail carrier. Dec 18, 1926
On Monday George Fox, a third-grade pupil at the Logan School, was injured when he ran from around a parked car and into the path of an auto driven by Argel Robertson. Dec 18, 1926
Death Claims Paid
Henry C. Ficke, age 38, committed suicide November 12; member Local Union 1776, Freeman Spur Dec 18, 1926
Thomas Starks, age 31, was killed in a mine accident November 18; member Local Union 1776, Freeman Spur Dec 18, 1926
William Mallico, age 34, death November 12 due to pneumonia; member Local Union 1426, Johnston City Dec 18, 1926
Jack Garavaglia, age 30, was killed by fall of coal November 18; member Local Union 3192, Johnston City Dec 18, 1926
Joe Mooney, age 46, tuberculosis was cause of death November 9; member Local Union 2678, Johnston City Dec 18, 1926
Caesar Guarvilla, age 57, sarcoma was cause of death November 3; member Local Union 2678, Herrin Dec 18, 1926
Mrs. G.J. Frick received a telegram on Monday telling of the sudden death of her mother, Mrs. Josephine Willbanks at El Paso, Texas. The news of the death comes as a severe shock to Mrs. Frick, following the loss of her daughter, Miss Mabel Josephine Frick last Tuesday. Mabel Frick had been named for her grandmother and it is believed that her untimely death hastened the death of the grandmother who dropped dead at 7 p.m. Sunday. Mrs. Willbanks was born at Belle Rive, Illinois, near Mt. Vernon, and was 64 years of age. She lived in East St. Louis for a long time, moving to Texas 15 years ago. The husband died there last year. The only children to survive are Mrs. Frick and a son, D.P. Willbank who visited in Marion a year ago last July. Mrs. Frick will be unable to go to the funeral on account of illness. She has been in bed for a week with the exception of the day her daughter was buried when she arose and attended the funeral. Interment for Mrs. Willbanks will be in Texas. Dec 20, 1926
Miss Pauline Thompson and Thomas Robertson, Jr., both of Marion, were united in marriage Saturday night in the parsonage of the Cairo Baptist Church, the pastor, Rev. William C. Hart officiating. Miss Thompson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Thompson of Marion and is a graduate of the M.T.H.S. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Roberson, Sr. and is employed by his father who is assistant engineer of the Southern Illinois Kentucky Railway Co. He is a graduate of the Madisonville, Ky. High School and attended the University of Cincinnati. Dec 21, 1926
A license to wed has been issued in Alexander County to Logan Pulley, 25, and Oradell Gower, 20, both of Marion. Dec 21, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. C.I. Silver received word that his father died in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Silver had been in ill health for some time. Dec 21, 1926
A double wedding occurred at the First Baptist Church parsonage when pastor, Dr. A.E. Prince performed the ceremony uniting in marriage Miss Madge Graves to Orley Miller, both of Carrier Mills and Miss Ora Mae Miller of Carrier Mills to Albert Ritchey of Stonefort. The new Mrs. Miller is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Graves of Carrier Mills. Her husband is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Noah Miller. The new Mrs. Ritchey is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arkwright Miller of Carrier Mills. Dec 22, 1926
Coroner George Bell held an inquiry Monday at Hurst into the death of William McMullen, 60, of that city who was found dead in bed Monday morning. Dec 22, 1926
Ralph Williams and Meredity Swain of Cambria and Dude Ingram of Herrin were arrested Wednesday morning for robbing the Clark filling station at Hurst. The boys are lodged in the county jail where a number of victims viewed them in an effort to identify them and connect them with other crimes. Dec 22, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Nickolson of 103 East DeYoung Street are the parents of a baby boy born at their home. He has been named J.B. Dec 22, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Landon D. Henderson of 1010 East Reeves Street are announcing the birth of a baby daughter at their home who has been named Diamond Lavell. Dec 22, 1926
Leroy Bradley, brother of Charles Bradley of Marion, passed away at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday at Elgin. Mr. Bradley’s death was due to influenza and pneumonia. He would have observed his 47th birthday anniversary on January 14 next. He was born on a farm 3 1/2 miles southeast of Marion on January 14, 1880 and was the son of James B. and Elizabeth Bradley, both deceased. He was married to Miss Bertha Fleming who survives. The couple didn’t have children. The brothers and sister who survive are Henry, Charley, Herman and Wilford and Mrs. Etta Hendrickson, all of Marion. Mr. Bradley moved to Elgin where he has been employed in the mechanical department of the Illinois State Hospital the past 17 years. Dec 23, 1926
Dog Walk Mr. and Mrs. Duff Roberts moved to Carterville where he is employed in a garage. Dec 24, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Carter Johnson moved to their home in Benton after visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Whiteside. Dec 24, 1926
Responding immediately to a tip from Herrin that a number of gunmen were located in a house there, Sheriff Coleman and his deputies made their second raid in two days and arrested four gunmen and recovered two stolen automobiles. The men were brought to the county jail and gave their names as Ray Hyland of Chicago, James Madison of Missouri, George Brown and Clarence Williams of Kentucky. Each prisoner was relieved of a revolver or automatic pistol. Dec 27, 1926
Funeral services were held at the Warder Street Baptist Church for little George Cox, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bertis Cox of Marion who die Christmas Day of injuries received last week when he was run over by an automobile. The lad, age 10, was crushed about the head in the accident and an operation failed to save his life. A coroner’s jury exonerated Argyle Robertson who drove the car. The jury’s verdict deemed the accident unavoidable. Dec 27, 1926
Sheriff Oren Coleman made a wholesale liquor raid Sunday afternoon at Pete Salmo’s establishment at Colp resulting in his arrest and the capture of three truckloads of various sorts in what probably was the biggest liquor haul made in Williamson County in several years. Pete Salmo was put in jail and four of his patrons were arrested. Two gaming tables were confiscated. Dec 27, 1926
Marriage Licenses
/Joe Walker, Carterville 24
\Joy May Clogg, Cairo 19
/Clyde C. Cooper, Marion 23
\Monta Pauline Robinson, Marion 21
/Loren Brush, Marion 21
\Ethel Hilliard, Marion 26
/Glenn Ogden, Carterville 21
\Colleen Wiggs, Carterville 18
/Clarence E. Parsons, Herrin 22
\Louise Wiley, Herrin 19
/Leo Halstead, Carterville 21
\Lora Ramsey, Carterville 17
/Otis Hall, Herrin 35
\Verna Jones, Colp 20
/James M. Frost, Herrin 45
\Bertha Crowell, Carterville 37
/Johnnie Hill, Stonefort 23
\Lela Corder, Marion 21
/Melvin Q. Miller, Herrin 21
\Ruth Benton, Herrin 21
/Alrus C. Taylor, Royalton 22
\Della E. Love, Royalton 20
/Frank Howell, Carterville 22
\Mary Jane Whitmer, Carterville 18
/Edwin Welch, Herrin 21
\Pauline Hicks, Miami 20
/Ernest Goshen, Herrin 24
\Goldia Rodgers, Herrin 21
/Daniel Kelley, San Francisco 45
\Lillian Blackburn, Marion 36 Dec 27, 1926
Miss Juriel Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Miller of Marion and Raymond Eason, son of Mrs. Abb Eason, also of Marion, were married Friday at 9:00 p.m. Miss Bertie Arms, Marie Huff, Earl McDonald and Wilmer Cagle witnessed the ceremony. The couple will reside with the bride’s parents. Dec 27, 1926
Miss Eva Murphy, daughter or Mr. and Mrs. I.E. Murphy of Marion and Virgil Ardery, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ardery of Carterville, surprised their friends in Marion and Carterville by quietly slipping to Murphysboro on December 24, 1926 and uniting in marriage. They will be at home at Carterville. Dec 27, 1926
Charles Glenn Ogden and Miss Daisy Colleen Wiggs, both of Carterville, were married at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 24, 1926 at the First Baptist Church by Dr. A.E. Prince. The groom is the son of Mrs. George Ogden of Carterville and the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wiggs. Dec 27, 1926
Fred Fiughani of Bush was carrying his gun on his shoulder and dropped the gun back over his should and accidentally shot himself in the right heel. He was taken to the Herrin Hospital for treatment. Dec 27, 1926
Miss Blanch Stilley formerly of Marion and Henry Gillman of St. Louis were united in marriage Friday evening, December 24th at the Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Miss Stilley is the daughter of Mrs. D.A. Stilley of 803 East Reeves Street. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gillman of Muskegon, Michigan. The couple will reside in St. Louis. Dec 28, 1926
Hospital Notes
Lloyd Deaton was operated on for removal of a mastoid Sunday at the Holden Hospital at Carbondale. Dec 28, 1926
Mrs. E.A. Tibbals was operated on at the Holden Hospital Monday. Dec 28, 1926
Mrs. J. Earl Patterson underwent an operation at the Union Hospital at West Frankfort last week and is improving. Dec 28, 1926
Nevin Ingram and Miss Melba Leach were–married in Murphysboro on November 21, 1926 and have kept the wedding a secret since that time. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Leach and they did not learn of the marriage until last Sunday when the newlyweds returned from a delayed honeymoon trip to St. Louis. Dec 29, 1926
Harry Hamilton, Herrin miner, died in the Herrin Hospital at 3:00 a.m. Thursday from injuries received on November 22 when he was run over by an automobile driven by Ernest Whitaker. Hamilton was hit by the Whitaker car while crossing the street while trying to avoid another car coming from the opposite direction. He suffered a fractured hip and a broken arm. The cause of death was from a fragment of bone from the hip fracture that obstructed a blood vessel and caused a blood clot on the brain. The deceased was a brother-in-law of Luke Newton of Scotsboro. Dec 29, 1926
Sheriff James Pritchard of Franklin County delivered a warrant to Sheriff Lige Turner of Saline County charging Charlie Birger with complicity in the murder of Mayor Joe Adams of West City. In spite of a report sent out of Harrisburg last night that Birger had given himself up to deputies, Birger declared today that he knew nothing of the arrest. When questioned at her home, Mrs. Birger said she knew nothing about her husband being arrested and said he was gone rabbit hunting. When Birger returned to his home this afternoon, he offered a reward of $500 for any information enabling him to locate Carl Shelton, leader of the Shelton gang, Birger’s hated rivals. Birger explained that he had made a bet with a friend that he would find Shelton and kill him before midnight Friday, New Year’s Eve. He said he was willing to give the reward to anyone enabling him to win the bet. Dec 29, 1926
Crab Orchard Mr. Marion Travelstead and daughter Pearl of Kansas City, Missouri, spent the Christmas holidays with his parents Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Travelstead. Dec 30, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Russell of St. Louis, Mo. were the Holiday guests of Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Shum, Mr. Russell being a cousin of Mrs. Shum. Dec 30, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Norman and son Bobby Lee of Harrisburg spent Saturday and Sunday as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Corder. Dec 30, 1926
Johnny Hill and Miss Lella Corder were married Saturday evening about 7:00. Dec 30, 1926
Cambria Robert Brantley is home from Champaign for the holidays. Dec 30, 1926
Coal fell on Pat Reeves head on Wednesday while at work in the mine. He had the injury bound up and is able to be around. Dec 30, 1926
One of D.H. Mohan’s Christmas presents was a fine fruitcake sent to him by his brother, Thomas Mohan of Sheffield, England. Dec 30, 1926
Albert Lane and Mrs. Ann Elliott were married in Marion on Thursday. This is the fifth venture on the sea of matrimony for the bride and the fourth for the groom. Dec 30, 1926
Miss Margaret Hill of Carbondale, but a teacher in the Alton Schools, was a guest of her cousin, Robert Brantley this week. Dec 30, 1926
A coroner’s inquest was held at Johnston City Wednesday into the death of James F. Felts miner employed at Old Ben Coal Corporation’s Mine No. 18, who was instantly killed when he fell from a mine cage into the shaft a distance of 290 feet. None of the witnesses who testified before the jury were able to explain how the man fell off the cage just as it started down into the mineshaft. The jurors returned a verdict of accidental death. Dec 30. 1926
Dog Walk Mr. and Mrs. George Smith and children went to Neilson Friday to spend Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Walter Smith. Dec 30, 1926
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Rushing and daughter, Irene, spent Christmas with her mother, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Gulledge. Dec 30, 1926
Death Claims Paid
George F. Burk, age 54, cause of death December 4 was tuberculosis, member of Local Union 986, Herrin Dec 30, 1926
Grant Peterson, age 49, myocarditis was the cause of death December 3, member of Local Union 1146, Carterville Dec 30,1926
Oscar Waldrop, age 34, was killed November 12 by fall of coal; member Local Union 1776, Freeman Spur Dec 30, 1926
Price Carter, age 21, died of pneumonia December 3; member Local Union 5090, Blairsville Dec 30, 1926
The funeral for James F. Felts was held Thursday at the Second Baptist Church in Johnston City who was instantly killed Monday in a fall from the mine cage into the shaft. Interment was in the Maplewood Cemetery. Dec 31, 1926
(Extracted from microfilm by Mary Jo Moore, published in Bits of News, Vol. 7)