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Obituaries and Death Notices
Cairo Evening Bulletin and
Cairo Daily Bulletin
3 Jan 1870-30 Dec 1870
Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois
Transcribed by Darrel Dexter
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Monday, 3 Jan 1870:
At eight o'clock, on the
evening of New Year's Day, Alderman John P. Gibson died at his
residence in this city, after an illness of several weeks duration. He died
without a struggle, suddenly, before his friends knew there was danger of
such a swift dissolution. He was a native of Ireland, comparatively a young
man, and during life was a man of indomitable perseverance, and great deal
of energy. His remains were taken to Villa Ridge yesterday afternoon, and
buried in the Catholic Cemetery.
[Note
by the Webmaster: A Tribute of Respect for John P. Gibson, passed
by the Board of Aldermen on 3 January, appeared in the issue of Monday,
10 January 1870]
Jonesboro, Jan. 10th, 1870
The circuit court of this
county, which has been in session, more than three weeks will soon adjourn.
All the common law and chancery cases have been disposed of and there yet
remain only three criminal cases undisposed of. In case of the People vs.
Abram Misenhimer, Jr., for murder, the venue was changed to Alexander
Circuit Court. In the case of The People vs. William Whitehead and
Mat Conigan for the murder of Buck Dupass, Whitehead
has moved for his trial to Murphysboro and Conigan's trial will be
commenced this p.m. This is a case of much importance and notoriety, on
account of the character of the deceased, and the manner in which the
homicide will be conducted by Col. Robert R. Townes, and the defense
of F. E. Albright, Esq.
Charles A. D. Jenkins is confined in the Sangamon County jail, charged with the crime of murder. He protests that he is innocent, and will be able to establish his innocence, if he can learn the whereabouts of certain comrades of the 16th Illinois Cavalry. These parties all lived in Cairo in the year 1863, and enlisted with Jenkins in Capt. Fletcher's Company of McClernand Body Guards, which was afterwards consolidated with the 16th Cavalry. In furtherance of the object of the accused we give place to the following advertisement.
Information wanted of any
men who enlisted with Capt. Fletcher at Cairo for the McClernand
Body Guard, and was afterwards mustered in the 16th Illinois Cavalry, at
Camp Butler, 1863; also of the man who kept a saloon at the upper end of the
levee in 1863, and lodged Capt. Fletcher's men previous to their
going to Camp Butler. I think the saloon was called "The Red White and
Blue" Saloon; also information wanted of William W. Vititow, John P.
Hutton, Oscar Addison, Charles H. Bentley, or the man
that was going to be Lieutenant of Capt. Fletcher's Company. Any
information of either of the above parties will be thankfully received by
Ed. A. Wilson, Springfield, Illinois.
Yesterday morning at 6
o'clock, of pneumonia, John, infant son of Louis and Margaret Blatteau,
aged 16 months. The remains were conveyed to Villa Ridge today at 12
o'clock by special train, a considerable number of the friends of the family
accompanying them.
About five o'clock yesterday
evening a white man named Valentine Seigelman, fell overboard from
the steamer
Commonwealth,
lying at our landing, and drowned. The ill-fated man had on a heavy
overcoat, which buoyed him up during an interval of three or four minutes,
and several seconds after his head disappeared beneath the surface of the
water, his coat tails were plainly visible. He floated at least one hundred
yards before sinking. If there had been a skiff or yawl at hand, the poor
fellow might have been rescued. He had been filling the position of fireman
we understand, on the Commonwealth.
This gentleman, generally
known as a kind and inoffensive man of more than ordinary intelligence, died
yesterday evening in the St. Mary's Hospital, having been entered only a few
hours. He had lived in Cairo about four years, filling, during that time,
temporary positions in quite all the county and city offices, where the
services of a good clerk, and a correct accountant are in demand, and not
unfrequently in the counting rooms of our large business houses. He was a
good-hearted man of a most genial nature, good social qualities, and one of
the most ardent partisans of the city. Quite all his acquaintances will
recall the figure he presented during the last presidential campaign, in the
ranks of the
Seymour
"Tax-payers." His tattered and torn garments, his battered hat and monster
broom, rendered him "the observed of all observers." He died penniless, but
his friends, who may be found in almost every home of the city, will see to
it that his body secures a respectful burial. At a meeting of the members of the bar in attendance upon the Supreme Court, in Springfield, held on the 7th inst., the propriety of taking some action in reference to the death of the Hon. D. J. Baker, Sen., a distinguished citizen, and member of the Illinois bar, the Hon. O. B. Ficklin was called to the chair and the Hon. N. M. Knapp was chosen secretary.
[Note by the Webmaster: There follow an extensive series of resolutions lamenting the death of Connecticut-born David Jewett Baker, a young lawyer who arrived in Kaskaskia in 1820. He briefly represented Illinois in the United States Senate and served many years as United States District Attorney for the State of Illinois. Eulogies by Gov. Koerner, Mr. Sawyer, Hon. Levi Davis, Hon. O. B. Ticklin and remarks Gen. McClernand provide additional personal details on Baker, who died at his home in Alton on August 6, 1869. The full text of the resolutions and eulogies can be found in the microfilm copy of the newspaper.]
Dr. A. Carre, more generally known as the “French Doctor” visited the City Brewery yesterday afternoon, shortly after 5 o’clock, and asking the bystanders to drink with him, called for a glass of beer. Before drinking it he drew a small vial from his pocket, and taking a small quantity of the contents upon the blade of his knife, sifted it into the beer, and, with the remark that it was “strychnine—good for the stomach—excellent for those who intended to go to Villa Ridge”—emptied the glass. As it had been his custom to take medicines in this way, his conduct excited little or nor attention. He insisted, however, that he had taken strychnine and would “finish” at six o’clock. He then passed out on the platform in front of the brewery; sat down, and soon tumbled over in a terrible convulsion. True to his prediction that he would “finish” at 6 o’clock, he died while many of the timepieces of the city were proclaiming that hour. Dr. Carre was not a regular physician, but those who were acquainted with him say that he had been well educated, was known in France as Count Veitte, and filled the position of Captain in the French army. He fled his native country to escape the consequences of conspiracy against Emperor Napoleon, whom he hated with an inveterate hate. Arriving in Cairo in 1863 he commenced a round of dissipation that was continued, with occasional intervals of rest, up to the time of his death. Whether the story of his career and position in France is true or false, it is undoubtedly true that his wife occupies a place near the person of the Empress; and it was the receipt of a letter from her that hastened the end of his existence. He has during his stay in Cairo received several letters from his wife, nearly all of them imploring him to return. He received a letter of this kind yesterday morning, and the reflection that he was a poor, penniless castaway, who perhaps would never be in a condition to rejoin his family, spurred him on to self-destruction. Yesterday morning he entered Mrs. Kluge’s grocery and asked the clerk to go to Mr. Feith’s and buy him a coffin. He subsequently met Mr. Feith, who had just shipped the body of Gen. Herron to Villa Ridge, and assured him that he would soon have the job of disposing of his body in like manner. During the day he told other parties that he “had too soon much trouble here; but would be happy tonight.” His bearing, however, gave no proof of his sincerity, so everybody addressed by him paid no heed to what he said. Those who saw him, as we did this morning, stark and stiff in his pauper coffin, have evidence that he was fearfully in earnest in all he said. An inquest was held by Coroner Corcoran over the body, during which most of the above facts were detailed by the witnesses. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased had come to his death from poison administered by his own hands.
During the day the friends of the deceased provided means to
secure a good coffin, and respectable interment of the body in the cemetery
at Villa Ridge.
George D. Prentice,
the journalist and poet, is not more. He died at his rooms in Louisville,
at 10 minutes to 4 o'clock Saturday morning. As a poet, as a wit, and as a
satirist, Prentice was without an equal to his day. "What shall be
his place in the temple of fame, it is scarcely for us, who live yet in the
magic of his presence, to determine." We only know that in his death one of
the greatest of American poets and writers has fallen, and that we may never
seen his like again.
(From the Nashville Union, Jan. 21.) We are again called upon to chronicle another deed of blood, involving the loss of the life of one man who was killed outright and probably mortally wounded of another. Though the tragic event did not occur to our immediate vicinity it promises a high degree of local interest, as the party killed was formerly a resident of this city, and his many friends and acquaintances who still live here. It argues a bad state of things, not to say an absolute increase of crime throughout the country, when we can scarcely issue a paper without recording the shocking murder, killing or maiming one or more parties. The laxity of the law in enforcing the proper rigorous penalties, and the free and indiscriminate use of firearms and deadly weapons everywhere on all occasions have made the frequency of desperate attacks, murders, and killings, and scenes of blood so common that they excite scarcely an extraordinary interest. The shocking affair here referred took place in a drinking saloon I the town of Hopkinsville, near 10 o’clock, last Saturday night, through as to the particulars of the origin of the affair we are not fully informed. It appears that a number of persons were drinking and carousing in the saloon, and that a general melee was going on, in which weapons were freely used.
One of the parties, a man named Donahue, was particularly
obstreperous and seemed to be at the bottom of the difficulty. Mr. J. R. W.
Pearcy, who is acting policeman of Hopkinsville, and who was formerly
a policeman in this city, went to the saloon to arrest this party. While
endeavoring to make the arrest, arms were freely used, and several pistols
were fired. Before the arrest could be made, Mr. Donahue drew his
pistol and fired at Mr. Pearcy, the ball striking him and taking
effect in a vital part. Mr. Pearcy fell bleeding profusely, and died
in five minutes after the fatal shot was fired. Other shots were fired in
the confusion, and one of the balls struck the bar tender, inflicting, it is
thought, a mortal wound. Mr. Donahue was promptly placed under
arrest and lodged in jail. A brother of Mr. Pearcy, who lives in
Pulaski, passed through the city yesterday on his way to Hopkinsville to be
present at Donahue's preliminary trial, which will be had today, and
to look after his deceased brother's interests. Mr. Pearcy, who was
killed, was about 33 years of age, and leaves a wife and young family to
mourn his untimely death. His remains will arrive by this morning's train,
and he will be buried by the Order of Pale Faces. Louisville, Ky., Jan. 23, 1870 The death of George D. Prentice, on Saturday morning, at the residence of his son, a few miles from this city, though not entirely unexpected, was received with every mark of profound sorrow throughout the city, and many flags were placed at half-mast. Mr. Prentice had been dangerously ill for some time. He has made his home in the Courier-Journal office for a year past, but has been in the habit of going down to his son’s farm on Saturday afternoon, and returning on Monday. On the Saturday before Christmas, he left the city in a buggy, late in the afternoon, arriving at his son’s after night, very much chilled, and shivering with cold—the weather having changed suddenly, and found him without sufficient wrappings. The next morning he woke up sick, and was seized with pneumonia. For several days his life was despaired of, but his strong constitution mastered the disease, and until Friday morning he was thought to be recovering rapidly. From that time he commenced sinking, and all the efforts of his physicians to rally him were of no avail. They ascribe his death to no specific cause but general exhaustion of the vital powers. He was conscious up to within a few moments of his dissolution. His last words were: “I want to go.” On the previous day he signed a deposition, after doing which he said: “My work is done.” His remains reached the city today, about 12 o’clock, and were taken charge of by the Masons, of which body he was an honored member. The body was conveyed to Masonic temple, where it will lie in state until the funeral, which will take place from Christ’s church tomorrow. No one was admitted to the hall today, but it will be opened tomorrow from 9 o’clock to 1, when thousands of the people he has so long served will be allowed to gaze upon all that is mortal of the illustrious post-editor,= before its final passage to the tomb. Mr. Prentice was in the 69th years, and leaves one son. He was at one time comparatively rich, but it is understood that little of his former riches survive him.
This information, the Consul
says, is demanded by the French Foreign Department. Any citizen who knows
anything about Mr. Bourgeois will confer a favor on the Mayor by
communicating this information to him, as soon as possible.
It will be seen in our court
proceedings that the Misenheimer murder case has been continued, on
the affidavit of the accused. This much we anticipated. The accused sets
up in his affidavit that he can prove by one Smith, whose presence he
could not secure at this term of the court, that one Huggins had an
angry altercation and a fight with deceased after the altercation between
the accused and the deceased had terminated, and that he, Huggins,
dealt deceased the fatal blow. The trial, therefore, has been postponed
that the presence of this very material witness may be secured.
Mr. Charles O. Faxon, of Clarksville, Tennessee, died at the residence of his mother, near that city, on Friday morning, 28th ult. As a journalist, Mr. Faxon had few superiors in the Western press. He was principal editor of the Louisville Courier, from the reestablishment of that paper, after the war, to the time it was merged with the Journal. He leaves a family and many friends to mourn his death.—Paducah Herald.
Mr. C. O. Faxon was
the brother of Len G. Faxon, who, during the period intervening the
years 1854 and 1859, was connected with the press of this city. He was a
fluent writer, and in every respect a first class newspaperman.
A terrible steamboat explosion occurred on the Mississippi River at the foot of chute 66, about forty-five miles below Helena, Arkansas, shortly after noon on Thursday, which resulted in the total destruction of the steamer Maggie Hays of Pittsburg, the death of the commander, Bernard C. Martin, the second engineer Michael McDermitt, three colored deckhands, and one fireman, and the scalding and bruising of several other persons. The captain, a heroic commander, was found near the capstan, writhing in the greatest agony and frightfully scalded. He had been blown from the top of the hurricane roof down on the lower deck. He was still conscious, and although suffering the greatest pain, his first thought was the safety of his passengers and turning to the mate, Mr. Wilson, he asked with a semi-bewildered look, "What has happened?" When told the boat had exploded, he anxiously said, "Go and try and save the people and leave me here." He appeared resigned to his fate when told that all the passengers had been placed in safety on board the board.
The second engineer, Mr.
Henry McDermitt, whose home is in Algiers, Louisiana, was in charge
of the engine at the time of the explosion, and when discovered he was found
lying outside the engine room door. He was terribly scalded about his head,
face, and other parts of the body, in fact, in the words of our informant,
he was frightfully scalded from head to foot. The flesh was hanging in
shreds and although he was still conscious and when picked up placed on his
feet was able to walk along the deck toward the bow. Here everything was
done for his relief which human skill could suggest.
Three deck hands and a
fireman, all colored, are missing, and it is supposed they were all blown
overboard into the river and drowned. Their names are as follows: James
Mordling, fireman; Tom Wilson, Belair; David Skinner,
Belair; and John Harris, Pittsburg, deckhands.
Mr. Henry McDermitt
suffered the most extreme agony, and all efforts for his relief proved
unavailing , and about midnight death came to his relief and his spirit
returned to the God who gave it. He was buried yesterday, near the foot of
the chute 66.
Captain B. C. Martin
was carried on board the steamer Commercial where he was most kindly
cared for by Captain Glass, his officers and passengers. It was
however soon observed that he was beyond the power of human aid, and about a
quarter past 4 o'clock he commenced to sink rapidly, and at 5 o'clock death
came to his relief and his spirit was gently wafted towards that bourne from
whence no traveler returns. His remains were taken ashore at Helena, and
will be forwarded from that city to Pittsburgh, where Captain Martin
leaves a widow and a young family to lament the untimely loss of a kind
husband and an affectionate father. During the prevalence of the storm Monday evening, a young man named Alfred Palmer, stopped for shelter, at a dwelling house about midway between Ullin and the saw mill owned by Morris, Rood & Co. He was on his way to the mill, where he had secured employment, and while standing in the doorway, conversing with the master of the house, there came a terrific flash of lightning that killed him instantly, and set the building on fire. The proprietor of the house was greatly shocked, but recovered in time to save a portion of his effects, but the house burned to the ground. Young Palmer's parents, who are said to be honest and hardworking people, live near Pulaski, and thither the body was conveyed for burial.
(His name was recorded as
William Saulsbury in the 23 Feb 1870, issue.)
Edward Coleman, a
brakeman, attempted to jump on the cars of the I. M. Railroad at Belmont, on
Wednesday evening, while they were in motion and losing his footing fell
upon the track. The wheels of one of the cars passed over his leg, crushing
it from the knee downward in a shocking manner, inflicting probably, mortal
injuries. He was carried to a neighboring house, where he received all the
attention possible under the circumstances.
(His name was recorded as
Alfred Palmer in the 16 Feb 1870, issue.) (Middleton Axley married Lucinda Lee on 27 Dec 1868, in Alexander Co., Ill. He married on 26 Oct 1873, Martha L. Atherton, in Alexander Co., Ill.)
A STEAMBOAT PILOT ATTACKED
BY RUFFIANS
Sometime during Monday night, Mr. Dean, a steamboat pilot
to some extent known in this city, while passing over the high sidewalk on
Poplar Street, to the vicinity of the Orphan Asylum was set upon by two or
more villains, thrown from the sidewalk and beaten in a most cruel and
shocking manner. He was found by passersby, about daylight next morning,
and was shortly afterwards conveyed to the St. Mary’s Hospital, where he now
lies. One of his legs was broken and some of the bones of one of his hands,
and his face and head were shockingly cut, bruised and swollen. It is
thought the he will recover, but his confinement will necessarily be painful
and protracted. Under what circumstances he was assailed and by what number
of persons, we have not learned, as, at last accounts he was lying
insensible, having spoken not a word since he was beaten.
Thursday, 24 Feb 1870: We made reference yesterday to the midnight attack made upon a steamboat pilot named John Dean, by two or more unknown ruffians closing with the remark that the wounded man was conveyed to St. Mary’s Hospital, and that hopes were entertained of his recovery. Those hopes, it appears, were not well grounded, for at the hour of 6 ½ p.m., yesterday, Mr. Dean died, having remained in a state of insensibility from the moment his murderous assailants left him for dead, until he breathed his last. The kind sisters and the hospital physician bestowed all possible care, watching closely for the faintest gleam of consciousness in the wounded man, but all to no purpose. He died without giving the slightest intimation why he had been assailed or who were the assailants. All that we have heard concerning the terrible affair may be detailed in a very few words, and in the hope that it will furnish some clue to the murderers, we make it public.
The day preceding the night
of the attack Mr. Dean visited the hospital. He had been drinking
and presented evidences of intoxication. After remaining a short time, he
started down town. He stated to the sisters that he had no money, having
given his last ten dollars to a destitute passenger of the ill fated Emma
No. 3. he was seen in different town saloons during the day (Monday) and at
night visited a dance given in the upper part of the city. About two
o’clock Tuesday morning, such residents in the vicinity of the Orphan
Asylum, as happened to be awake, heard the cry of “Murder!” “Help!”
“Help!” The city was soon silenced, however, and no immediate inquiry was
extended to ascertain the cause. This cry, beyond doubt, was raised by
Dean, when set upon by his murderers. About daylight, Tuesday morning,
the passersby discovered Dean’s body lying on the ground, where it
had been thrown from the high sidewalk. One thigh and arm were broken, the
face and head were terribly cut and bruised but it was not thought the
injuries severe as they were, were necessarily fatal. A dray was procured,
the wounded man placed thereon and conveyed to the Sisters’ hospital, where
he died of his wounds as above stated. The report in circulation that a
considerable sum of money was taken from Mr. Dean’s person, is
untrue, as he had no money about him. It is also untrue that he was
beguiled into the suburbs by two pretended friends whom he met down town in
a saloon. He was doubtless set upon by persons lying in wait for him, or
persons who followed him for the purpose they have accomplished. The
policeman who will unravel the mystery will show himself the “right man in
the right place,” and be entitled to the thanks of the community.
Peter Williams, more
generally known as "Cairo Pete," cleared the shores of time on the evening
of the 22d inst., after an illness that was painful and somewhat
protracted. He had resided in Cairo fifteen or sixteen years, and was known
as a somewhat peculiar character. He was singularly fond of excitements,
and was ever present at fires, on occasions of celebrations, and took an
especial delight in the crashing roar of cannon, or the sound of martial
music. A year or two ago, while celebrating the national anniversary, his
right arm was so torn by the premature discharge of a cannon, that
amputation became necessary. A few months ago, accompanied by a few
friends, he repaired to the Villa Ridge Cemetery and there buried his
amputated limb, with all the form and solemnity of a regular interment. The
balance of his mortal part was put away yesterday in the same narrow resting
place.
A St. Louis dispatch under date of the 24th instant says: The Negro, Anderson Reed, who was arrested a few days ago for the alleged murder of Frederick Sudikee, near Venice, Ill., a few miles from here, was lynched on Tuesday evening while being conveyed from Venice to the jail at Edwardsville, by a party of men who took him from the wagon. After knocking the officer I charge insensible they shot the Negro several times through the head and then hung him to a tree. The Negro was fully identified by Mrs. Sudikee as one of the murderers of her husband, and he confessed having assisted in the murder.
The same evening a young man
named Joseph Tuttle, of St. Louis, was arrested at Venice on
suspicion of horse stealing. Tuttle protested innocence, and sent a
messenger to St. Louis for evidence of his good character. In the meantime
he was left in Justice Robinson’s office, in charge of two men, one
of whom asserts that during the night Tuttle was allowed to go
outdoors, when he started to run, and was fired upon, but with what effect
is not known. It seems to be a fact however, that he has not since been
seen or heard of, and the impression prevails that he was also lynched,
which is deeply deplored by the citizens, as the messenger who went to ST.
Louis returned with abundant evidence of the young man’s good character.
Thursday, 3 Mar 1870:
Our community was not a little shocked, this morning, by the announcement that Mr. John C. Miller was no more. His illness was a protracted and exceedingly painful one, and, although his physicians abandoned hope of his recovery several days ago, those connected with him by ties of relationship hoped one while there was life. Last night he died, however, and all that is mortal of John C. Miller lies composed for the tomb. Mr. Miller was one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, having resided in Cairo during a period of fifteen or sixteen years, surrounding himself with many friends, and performing a faithful part as a father, citizen and friend. He has taken part in the councils of our city, and has satisfactorily filled other official positions under our city government. He was a zealous Christian, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, working faithfully and persistently to build up that society in this city. He lived to raise his family and to see his sons and daughters grown, and well settled in life. Indeed, he seemed to have performed his mission on earth, and at a ripe age firmly believing in God and his revealed will, he passed away to the great and eternal rest. The community deeply sympathizes with the bereaved family, and hope that time may soon relieve their load of sorrow. Funeral services will be held in the M. E. church tomorrow, at 2 o’clock p.m. The special train with the remains will leave for Beech Grove Cemetery, Mounds Junction, at precisely half past three. Friends of the family are invited to attend.
A man by the name of
Hutchinson, a resident of Ballard County, we believe, was killed, a few
days since at the hands of a Mr. Tetter. The killing is said to have
been unjustifiable and almost unprovoked. At all events the friends of
Hutchinson
were so deeply exasperated that they pursued the guilty man, and overhauling
him near Hickman summarily dispatched him. He was shot dead in his tracks,
we hear, and his body remained where it fell until the residents of the
vicinity disposed of it.
A colored man, named James
Coathes, died, in the neighboring town of Blandville, on the 1st
instant, having reached the extraordinary age of one hundred and thirteen
years. Coathes served in the Revolutionary War, as the driver of an
artillery wagon, and, it is said, was with
Washington
at the famous “Crossing of the Delaware.” The Blandville News says
that the venerable darky had a very distinct recollection of the “Father of
his Country,” having frequently spoken to him in person. Coathes was
a slave during a period of one hundred and six years, being freed by the
Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln.
A short paragraph, clipped from a Metropolis paper, and published in another column, announced the death of Judge J. B. Hicks, of Massac County.
The name of no man is more
intimately connected with the history of Southern Illinois than that of
Judge Hicks. A man of strong mind, resolute will and some culture,
and taking an active part in politics, and in support of all those projects
that had in view the material advancement of Egypt, he was, perhaps as
generally known as any man among us. He was a lawyer of very respectable
ability, a gentleman of fine social qualities, good citizen and true
friend. At the last State election, he was a candidate for the office of
State’s Attorney in this judicial circuit and “barely escaped” election,
although the majority in the circuit against the party with which was
connected was nearly, or quite five hundred. He had frequently filled
positions of honor and trust and was never known to abuse the confidence of
the people. But, it is for those who know him more intimately to pass a
eulogy upon his life. Such may be found in almost every community, and will
not hesitate in the performance of that ad duty. At the time of his death
Judge Hicks was about 48 years of age. The refusal of the company to adjust and pay this loss has called out rather damaging comments. On more than one occasion we have been urged to hold the company up to public execration, but feeling it no part of our duty as a public journalist to take part in individual controversies, we have persistently forborne. The brother of the deceased, is said to be embittered against the widow, and but for his representations the claim would have been settled sometime ago. He has used all the means in his power, it is said, to defeat its payment. If his course is instigated more by hate than a sense of justice, he merits a large share of the censure that is now so freely heaped upon the company.
The
report, in circulation yesterday evening, that Mrs. Charles Galigher
had died during the day, created a profound impression in the community, as
no lady is more universally known and loved. The contradiction that
followed was most joyfully received, and relived many a heart of a load of
sorrow. Mrs. G. is very sick, and has been so during the past week
or ten days, but her recovery is by no means despaired of. (From the Paducah Kentuckian, 5th.)
A notice of a murder of
particular atrociousness was unavoidably crowded out of the Kentuckian
yesterday. It seems that a German, who was some sort of artist, and
has been residing at Trenton, Tenn., was coming toward Mayfield, and was
walking with a man whom he chanced to meet and whom, as the stranger had no
money, he treated. When they, at about 10 o’clock on Wednesday night, got
to within a mile and a half of Harris’s Station, on the Paducah and
Gulf Railroad and were walking along the track, the stranger suddenly
demanded the money of the German, who refused to give it up. The stranger
then said he had killed a man before for money, and he would kill him, (the
German) and knocked him down. The stranger then drew a knife and attempted
to cut off the head of the German, or at least to sever the jugular vein.
The German seemed dead and supposing him so, the stranger kindled a fire by
the railroad track and then placed the German in such a position that it
would seem he had been injured by the cars. After this he made off but
without securing the money for which the crime was committed, as the German
when attacked had held it in his hand and had thrown it away. Its entire
amount was twenty-two dollars and a half in gold and silver, tied in a rag.
The German, bathed in blood, lay all night on the railroad track, and at
eight o’clock yesterday morning was found by a farmer and cared for. He was
still able to describe the murderer and tell the circumstances of the
desperate assault, but he was not expected to live. The murderer is
described as six feet high, with a goatee, a soft white hat and an overcoat
that has a cape in it. The place where the murderous assault was committed
is about 57 miles from Paducah.
In a recent number of the Bulletin we spoke of the serious sickness of Mr. James Smith, and expressed doubts as to his recovery. His dreadful disease (consumption) continued to wear upon him until 4 o’clock this morning, when he breathed his last. A faithful and fearless discharge of his duty as a fireman cost young Smith his life. During one of the coldest nights of the winter he unhesitatingly faced all the hardships and dangers that attended a discharge of his duty, and, returning home, his clothing stiffened by ice, and his strength paralyzed by over-exertion, he retired to his room and bed, in which, today, he lies a corpse.
He was a member of the
Hibernian Fire Company, and his death tells of his devotion and fidelity.
The company proposes to accompany the family and friends to the cemetery,
where beside the dust of his father, all that is mortal of Jimmy Smith
will be laid to rest.
[Webmaster’s Note: An In
Memoriam Resolution by the officers and men of the Hibernian Fire
Company follows. Signers were James Kennedy, John W. Miller,
Timothy Gorman, John Hyland, and M. J. Marney,
Sec'y
Last December, a lewd woman
named Anna Johnson, arrived in Cairo from Paducah, and took up board
and lodging in "Windsor Castle." About two weeks ago she slipped and fell
from the rear steps of the house, to the ground, a distance of some six or
eight feet. Day before yesterday the consequences of the fall revealed
themselves in miscarriage. The foetus was placed in a small box and given
in charge of a negro man who had been employed to carry it to a point
between the Mississippi levee and there bury it. Instead of carrying it the
negro concealed it where it was discovered yesterday afternoon. These facts
were drawn out before a coroner's jury of which A. J. Curle was
foreman, empanelled by Coroner Corcoran during the evening.
"The procession that
followed the remains of Jimmy Smith to the train was one of the most
imposing of the kind ever seen in Cairo. The Arab, Rough and Ready and
Hibernian fire companies, in uniform, headed by the Silver Cornet Band, led
the columns, and ladies and gentleman on foot, numbering about 200 brought
up the rear. There were over 400 persons in the procession.
We received yesterday, at an hour too late for publication in the evening paper, the particulars of what seems a most shocking and cruel murder, on board the steamer Quickstep. It occurred on Monday night last while the boat was lying at Uniontown, Ky., and forms another horror to place to the account of drinking and gambling. Mr. Alexander Gumbert, recently barkeeper on board the steamer Fayette, and a young man named McSherry, a resident of Evansville, had been playing cards. The latter approaching Gumbert (who it is said felt the influence of liquor) expressed dissatisfaction over the result. Gumbert replied angrily and a quarrel ensued. Harsh epithets were given and returned until finally Gumbert drew his revolver, McSherry begged him not to shoot, declaring that he was unarmed, but Gumbert, blind with excitement and rage gave no heed to the entreaties, but leveling his weapon, fired four times upon the young man, in rapid succession, at least two of the balls inflicting mortal wounds. McSherry fell upon the cabin floor, when Gumbert, not yet satisfied with his horrid work, placed the revolver to his head, and sent a bullet crashing though his brain. The bystanders transfixed with horror, seemed unable to raise a hand to prevent what (if our report be true) was nothing less than the slaughter of an unresisting man. The body of McSherry was sent back to Evansville, and Gumbert was placed in charge of the police of Uniontown.
(The next day’s issue gives
his name as Alexander Bumgerts.)
(The previous day’s issue
gave his name as Alexander Gumbert.)
(They also had a brother
Thomas Smyth, who according to the 1860 census of Cairo, Alexander
Co., Ill., was born in Ireland about 1834 and was a merchant. See the 31
Mar 1870, issue.)
Friday, 8 Apr 1870: Miss
Alice Kinney, sister-in-law of our townsman, Mr. William Longergan,
died yesterday evening, and was buried this afternoon. The deceased was an
estimable young lady and will be mourned by a large circle of acquaintances
and friends.
On Saturday last two men,
whose names we could not learn, entered a grocery in the town of Santa Fe,
in this county, about twenty miles from Cairo, and soon afterwards engaged
in an angry altercation. Words lead to blows, when on of the men, seizing a
heavy glass tumbler, hurled it at the head of the other with all the force
at his command. Wesley Price, a respectable citizen, of the county,
was sitting in his wagon, directly in front of the grocery door. The glass,
missing the object at which it was thrown, struck Mr. Price directly
in the forehead, knocking him senseless, and inflicting injuries from which
he died without forty-eight hours. Mr. Price was wounded on Saturday and
died the ensuing Monday.
Mr. John C. Hunsaker,
lately deceased, was not only himself a good farmer, good citizen, but as
his will proved, the friend of the farmer. He was a great advocate for
scientific agriculture, and so eager was he to elevate the science of
farming that he bequeathed the whole of his farm and other estate to the
Union County Agricultural and Mechanical Society to be expended in
furthering the efficiency and usefulness of this worthy association. All
honor to his memory.
(See the 12 Aug 1869, issue
for the article about the accident in which Dinan was killed.)
The wreck of the exploded
towboat Raven lies sunk and nearly submerged in the Ohio River a
short distance above the foot of Ludlow Street. It is supposed three lives
were lost by this disaster—the mate, J. C. DeWolfe, nephew of the
captain, of Syracuse, Ohio, the pilot, Asa Woodward, and the colored
chambermaid, Jane Bell, of Middleport, Ohio. They all have families.
(From the Home Missions.) Desirous that some further mention should be made of the labors of that active and devoted Missionary of the Church, the late Isaac P. Labagh, I send you the following brief outline of his biography. The Rev. Isaac Peter Labagh was born in Leeds, Greene Co., New York, in 1803. His father, the Rev. Peter Labagh, was a minister of considerable prominence in the Dutch Reformed Communion. He sent his son first to Rutgers College, New Jersey, and afterwards, on his removal to Pennsylvania, to Dickinson College, Carlisle. Soon after his graduation, young Mr. Labagh began a course of theological study, preparatory to entering the ministry of the communion of his forefathers. In due time, he was ordained as a minister in that body, and continued as such for some years. Having occasion however, to examine the subjects of ecclesiastical order and church organization, questions to which, in his theological studies, he had paid but little attention, as they were deemed by his instructors of very secondary importance, he was surprised to discover what he considered a lack of scriptural and primitive precedent for Presbyterian government, and that it appeared a plan of some of the Reformers for bridging over, for the time being, some of the difficulties in which they were placed. The uneasiness, which a knowledge of this created, led him to seek orders in our church. He was then living on Long Island. He received Deacon’s Orders from Bishop B. T. Onderdenk in 1865, by whom also he was advanced to the priesthood. Mr. Labagh’s first work in the Church was done as missionary to the Jews in the city of New York. In 1847, he became rector of the Church at Haddenfield, New Jersey. The occasional missionary services, which he then gave to Gloucester, resulted in the organization of the parish, and the erection of the church there. In the autumn of 1849, he became the first Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Brooklyn, then recently organized where he remained about nine years. During the rectorship he delivered a course of lectures on the subject of unfulfilled prophecy, which were issued from the press here, and afterwards in England. In 1860, he removed to Illinois, and at considerable cost to himself, established at Marengo a large school for the education of girls. The school was intended to be of a high order, and was receiving considerable patronage, when the building, most unfortunately, was burned to the ground. The insurance policy had expired a few days before, and had not been renewed so that Mr. Labagh’s pecuniary loss was very heavy. Defeated in his attempt to work for the church in this way, he accepted a missionary appointment to Cairo, where he remained from 1862 to 185. He then removed to Fairfield, Iowa, laboring as missionary first there, and afterwards in towns still farther in the interior of the state, until his death. Until the summer of 1869, he had enjoyed uninterrupted good health, but about that time, it became seriously impaired. Unwilling to own it, he continued is labors, until, in October, increasing illness obliged him to cease. He died of jaundice, December 28, 1869. Mr. Labagh was a man of much more than ordinary attainment, and his sermons were marked by much earnestness and vigor of thought. He thoroughly understood and loved the church and was always ready and able to defend her against all assaults. He died with a calm, quiet trust in the merits of his Saviour, with no transports indeed, but with no doubts.
REV. L. P. LABAGH
We copy today, from the
Mission
a deserved tribute to the memory of the late Isaac P. Labagh, of
whose death most of our local readers have already been advised. During a
period of three years the Reverend gentleman was a resident of this city,
filling the while the rectorship of the Church of the Redeemer. He was a
profound theologian, a ripe scholar and an author of more than ordinary
merit. His oratory was plain, entirely unadorned, being of that kind that
appealed to the reason, and not the passion or sympathy of this hearers.
His nature was eminently sociable, his will strong, and his industry
unflagging. He was a man indeed of whom it may be said the world is better
because of his labors. A gentleman, who arrived this morning from New Madrid, gave us a few details of one of the bloodiest affairs that ever occurred on the Mississippi River. It appears that one Captain McIntyre undertook the delivery of a raft of lumber to Col. Matthews, of Vicksburg, and engaged as his crew Dennis Dowd, Michael McGuire, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ferguson, and a Negro. The raft left Cairo about ten days ago, and had reached Cottonwood Point, when McGuire and Dowd, without any apparent cause became very stubborn and unruly. About eight o’clock Capt. McIntyre and Wilson and Ferguson retired to their bunks, leaving Dowd, McGuire and the Negro sitting outside. The first named parties had been in bed but a few minutes when McGuire and Dowd entered, McGuire with an ax in hand, and Dowd carrying a large knife. They at once avowed their purpose, which was to murder the balance of the crew and take possession of the raft. By a violent effort Ferguson kicked off the weather boarding at the back of his bunk, and made his escape, leaving McIntyre and Wilson to contend with the would-be murderers. True to his threats, McGuire dealt a blow at the Captain, but in doing so tumbled and fell, relinquishing his hold upon the axe, which fell upon the floor. In an instant McIntyre seized the weapon and buried it to the eye in McGuire’s brain. By this time Dennis had gained the bank where Wilson was lying, and had his knife poised for a blow, when McIntyre’s axe descended and killed him on the spot. The bodies were then hustled into the river, and an hour later no traces of the terrible tragedy could be seen. From the Memphis Appeal, of yesterday, we learn that McIntyre and Wilson, fearing the delay and expense inseparable from a legal inquiry into the matter, abandoned the raft at that city, leaving Ferguson and the Negro in charge for the balance of the run to Vicksburg. The evidence is such as would acquit Messrs. M. and W. in any court, yet they propose to submit to an investigation only on compulsion.
DEATH OF AN EMINENT EX-CITIZEN OF CAIRO
The telegraph has already
announced the death of the Hon. Henry W. Billings. He died in New
York, on the 19th inst., after an illness, more or less severe,
running through a period of three months. Mr. Billings resided for a
number of years in this city, and took an active part in the management of
our county affairs. Our county records show that when a county clerk became
too sick or drunk to attend to his duty, the services of Mr. B. were
brought into requisition; when a treasurer failed to pay over, or got his
accounts into a mux or tangle, Mr. B. was called on to rectify
matters. He enjoyed the fullest confidence of everybody who knew him, and
being a young man of good business qualities, it not unfrequently happened
that he was called upon by our county officials to bring order out of
chaos. His nature was genial and frank, and he felt kindly towards
everybody.
Shortly after taking his
seat as a member of the Constitutional Convention he presented symptoms of
insanity, which finally assumed such an aggravated form that his friends
were compelled to remove him to an insane asylum. Although he died in an
institution of that kind, the immediate cause of his death was an attack of
erysipelas. His remains will be buried in the Alton cemetery, and there may
they rest in peace.
Another murder has been added to the number that blackens the history of the steamboat navigation of the Mississippi River. Benjamin Canady, engineer of the towboat Mary Alice, and at one time the partner of Mr. Perry Powers in the livery stable business in this city, was attacked by two Negro deck hands, last Monday night, stabbed and thrown overboard. The particulars of the terrible affair as detailed to us are as follows: During the last trip of the Mary Alice the two deck hands referred to entered the engine room. Canady ordered them out. Angry words were passed, coupled with threats, it is said, from both parties. About nine o’clock Monday night, when the boat was at a point some twenty miles below Memphis, Canady appeared in the fire room, before the furnace doors, and being observed by the two Negroes, was immediately attacked, and disposed of as above stated. He cried for help but disappeared beneath the water before he had floated half the length of the boat. On the arrival of the boat at Memphis, the Negroes were handed over to the authorities, and were immediately placed in prison.
While the steamer Fanny Brandeis was lying at the Metropolis wharf, yesterday afternoon, one of the deck hands went ashore, and was set upon by two young men of the town, one of them being Tobe Hicks, who was born and raised in Metropolis, and who is spoken of as a wild and dissolute young man. The deck hand, being of a resentful turn, knocked Hicks’ friend down, and seeing that Hicks was about to draw a pistol, and being of a discreet, as well as of a resentful turn, he vamoosed the premises. Hicks fired at him, and the friend, gaining his feet, drew a pistol and also fired, but the deck hand escaped unharmed.
From the wharf, Hicks
and his friend, passed up into town. They soon met a Mr. John Farrell,
with whom they forced a quarrel. The quarrel having gained a point where
Hicks thought a fight should commence, again drew his pistol, cocked and
aimed it. Before, however, he had time to pull the trigger, Farrell
seized the desperate young man’s arm, and in the scuffle that ensued,
completely reversed the direction of the muzzle of the pistol, so that when
Hicks fired, the ball entered his own abdomen. It is not thought
that Farrell purposed anything more, in the scuffle than to save
himself; but had he aimed at the result that followed, it is scarcely
probable that public sentiment would have severely censured him. Young
Hicks was conveyed to the National Hotel, where physicians were called
in, and examined the wound. As the boat upon which our reporter was a
passenger, was about to push out, he was unable to seethe wounded man; but
it was reported that the ball had entered the intestines, and that,
consequently, there is scarcely a possibility of his recovery. It is said
that both Hicks and his companion had been drinking, and were
decidedly under the influence of liquor.
A few days previously the
mate of the Celeste, a steamer running in the coast trade above New
Orleans was compelled in self defense to kill a negro deck hand on his boat.
The testimony was so plain that he was immediately admitted to bail.
Monday, 2 May 1870:
The colored folks of the country, to the number of 700 or 800 assembled in Columbus, Kentucky, yesterday, to manifest their happiness over the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment. The Phoenix band of Cairo, was present and assisted the speakers in blowing. Bird of Cairo, and Jones of Corinth, were the principal talkers. We hear Jones' speech extolled as an eloquent and conservative effort that lasted two hours, Bird, it is said, repeated, substantially, his Cairo speech, an imperfect synopsis of which was given in the Bulletin.
The car containing
thirty-six colored girls, capsized while descending the hill and injured one
of the girls so seriously that no hopes were entertained for her recover.
When picked up she was speechless and bleeding at the mouth and ears. She
was also injured internally. The other girls escaped with slight bruises
and scratches.
We referred, last Thursday,
to the drowning of a man by the name of Boyle from the Cairo and
Paducah packet, Petrolia, Capt. John W. Trover. The
unfortunate man fell overboard Tuesday night, at a point known as the Grand
Chain, about twenty miles above Cairo. Suffering somewhat from the effects
of liquor, one of the hands of the boat prepared as place for him to lie
down. When a few minutes afterwards, the hand passed around to see how his
charge was faring, he could fine no trace of him. He had walked or fallen
overboard, and without a single cry for help, that was heard, sank to rise
no more.
Terrible Reminders of the Stonewall Disaster We were informed by gentleman from Goose Island, today, that the dead bodies of three men and one woman lie lodged in the drift in the Mississippi River at Dog Tooth Bend, about eighteen miles above Cairo. One of the bodies is entirely naked, and all of them far advanced in the process of decomposition. That they are victims of the Stonewall disaster can scarcely be doubted. The burned and charred clothing, the decomposed state of the bodies, and other facts point unerringly to that conclusion. One of the bodies bears a mortal wound, inflicted evidently with a knife. This is, no doubt, the body of the man who was stabbed by another while clinging to a bale of hay—a tragical occurrence alluded to by the Bulletin a day or two after the Stonewall disaster. Besides these facts, there are others, which go to prove that the bodies are those of the Stonewall victims. About two weeks ago the body of a man was taken out of the river at Commerce. By the initials on the shirt studs it was recognized as the body of one of the Stonewall’s pilots. On Saturday last, the body of a man floated ashore at Goose Island. Esquire Farrell organized a jury and held an inquest. The clothing found on the body consisted of a gray woolen undershirt, a gray cassimere over shirt, black cassimere pants, and a fine pair of sewed calf boots. A patch had been inserted in the instep of the right boot. In the pantaloons pocket was found a leather port-monia (?) containing six dollars. It was thought that deceased was about 35 years of age, but the bloated and decomposed condition of the body rendered all conjectures of this kind quite uncertain. This, too, is no doubt another victim of the Stonewall, given up by the waters of the Mississippi, which during a period of five months served as its sepulcher. Will the sad reminders of that awful disaster never cease?
One of the bloodiest occurrences that mark the history of Southeast Missouri occurred yesterday, at the crossing of the Iron Mountain railroad and Little River. It appears that four men of that neighborhood, who had shipped a carload of staves, and received returns there from, disagreed about a division of the money. A violent quarrel ensued, but was, for the time, quieted down. The man separated, but each apprehending further contention, armed himself. About one o’clock p.m., they again met in the vicinity of the hotel kept by a man by the name of Patterson, and renewed the quarrel. The inmates of the hotel heard the discharge of firearms, but before anyone could reach the spot to interfere, three of the men were shot down, and all of them, it seems, by the man who had possession of the money about the division of which the altercation arose. Two of the men fell dead in their tracks; the other, although he received a bullet in his brain, lived about a half hour. The survivor, who claims that he was the assailed party, and acted in self-defense, received a slashing cut, entirely across the obliquus externus abdominis (?) muscle, making a frightful and possibly a fatal wound.
As our informant left on the
train that arrived immediately after the close of the terrible tragedy, we
are without full particulars.
Again the fire fiend has visited out city; and what yesterday was a costly and elegant block of buildings, the scene of business bustle and industry, is now a shapeless mass of charred and smoking ruins. The saddest feature of the calamity was reserved for the last. The walls stood the shock of the tumbling roof, partitions and inside timbers, but only, it seemed to lure men to their deaths. About half past seven o’clock the rear portion of the lower sidewall fell with a crash, smashing the adjoining building, and burying two men under the rubbish. When taken out they were dead. The first body taken out was that of Thomas Davis, well known by most of our citizens as the “ice man.” His skull was badly crushed, and his head and face covered with cuts and bruises. He had resided in the city eight or ten years, and was known as an honest, hard working man. He leaves a wife, an aged mother, and four children, who were dependent for subsistence solely upon his daily labor. The second body was that of James Holmes. Seeing the wall giving way he ran under the adjoining building, and was in the act of passing out of the window, when the great mass of rubbish above fell upon him. His body was found, face downward, lying across a barrel—in which condition he died. Mr. Holmes will be remembered as the late steward of the David Watts, and as a prominent witness in the somewhat notorious Magnolia insurance case. He was, we understand, unmarried.
Judge Corcoran was called, on Saturday last, to hold an inquest on the dead body of a man found floating in the Ohio opposite the old fort. The body was much decayed, having been in the water probably a month. The clothing consisted of a grey coat, black pants, and brogan shoes. In a tin box in the pantaloons pocket were found twenty-eight dollars and sixty cents in greenbacks and fractional currency. No letters or papers or marks upon the clothing were found to indicate the unfortunate man's place of residence. His height was about five feet six inches, and his age was supposed to be thirty-eight or forty years. The jury, of which Ed. Shannessy was foreman, arrived at the conclusion that the deceased came to his death by accidental drowning. The money found upon the body was, or will be, paid over to the county treasurer.
Thus are the remains of
another human being put away to rot and be forgotten—his parents, friends,
perhaps a wife and children, anxiously waiting and watching for his
coming—hoping, longing for a reunion with him, which, now is appointed for
the eternal world.
Considerable excitement was
occasioned in Metropolis yesterday by the finding of the dead body of a
young woman in the Ohio River, under circumstances that aroused suspicion of
foul play. The body was nicely and rather expensively dressed. On one arm
was a gold band bracelet, and on the other arm the marks or imprint of a
bracelet. The marks of a finger ring were detected on one of the fingers,
and being of a peculiar character they were closely observed, in the hope
that they might assist in furnishing a key to the mystery of the young
woman's death. A man, a stranger in the country, was found lurking in the
neighborhood, and upon one of his fingers was found a ring capable of
conveying an imprint almost identical with that left upon the finger of the
corpse. The stranger was taken into custody. There were no shoes upon the
feet of the deceased, and from the appearance it was judged she had not been
in the water longer than a few hours—not over a day at farthest. Who is the
unfortunate, and where did she come from?
A sad result of the terrifying thunderstorm that visited our city yesterday was the death of two citizens by lightning. Between 4 and 5 o’clock Mr. John Stafford, section boss, with a gang of six men was at work upon the track in the vicinity of Levee and Thirty-second Street. While in the act of moving a “dummy car” loaded with ties, the fatal volt descended, being succeeded by a crash of thunder that fairly shook the whole city. Five of the seven men were knocked down, one of the number, Mr. Stafford, was killed instantly, and another, Mr. Bart Cashman, so terribly injured, that he died before regaining consciousness. The others soon regained their feet, and, although severely shocked, bestowed the necessary attentions upon their more unfortunate companions. Mr. S. had, as already stated, been killed instantly. The bolt had struck him on the head, and passing down his right side and leg, plowed up the skin in its course, and finally passed out at the sole of his boot, tearing the boot into shreds, and communicating fire to his clothing. It also embraced his sliver watch in its course, melting the case as if it had been wax. Mr. Cashman remained motionless and in a state of insensibility until about 7 o’clock, when he breathed his last. The other parties will not, probably, realize any injurious effects, although they were for the moment, rendered senseless. The concussion must have been very severe. Mr. Joe Abell, a hundred feet or more below the scene of disaster, and Mr. Brown, watchman for Mr. Arick, a still greater distance above, were both knocked down and stunned quite severely. Mr. Cashman had resided in Cairo about sixteen years, and was known as an industrious, hard-working man, who gave special attention to his own business and never interfered with that of his neighbors. Only a short time ago his house was burned, subjecting him to a loss of several hundred dollars above the amount of his insurance. Mr. Sifford was one of the first settlers of Centralia, but had lived in Cairo a year or more. He enjoyed the highest confidence of the railroad company, and the friendship of all who knew him. It was his purpose to start for Iowa, in a few days, where a more responsible and lucrative situation awaited him. He leaves a young wife, overwhelmed with sorrow at the loss of a kind and affectionate husband and protector, and friends in every part of the city to sorrow with her.
The occurrence taken
altogether, is the saddest that ever happened in our city.
It is a singular coincidence
that one of the pilots on the Dick Fulton, which arrived this
morning, is of the same name as the unfortunate man who was killed here
yesterday by lightning.
It affords us much pleasure
to state that Mr. Bart Cashman whose death by lightning, we reported
yesterday, still lives; and that the chances are strongly in favor of his
early and complete recovery. We were very positively informed that he lived
only a few hours. It turns out, however, that his injuries are not even
serious. A meeting of the friends of the late E. H. Barber, was held at the St. Charles Hotel May 23d, 1870. Mr. F. E. Swift was called to the chair, and Mr. Jewett Wilcox was appointed secretary. The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, the inscrutable hand of Divine Providence has been laid heavily upon us, in removing by death, evermore from our presence four beloved friend, E. H. Barber, Esq., be it Resolved, That while we bow in submission to His infinite will, yet in the death of E. H. Barber, we fell that we lose one endeared top us by many social ties, and whose many virtues will ever be enshrined in our hearts. Resolved, That in the loss of our friend a blank is left in our midst, which it will be difficult ever to fill. We shall ever miss his genial smile, his cordial greeting, his kindly words for all. Resolved, That we hereby tender to his bereaved wife and relatives that sincere sympathy which we feel, even more deeply than our words can express, and trust that their loss will be his eternal gain. Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the papers of the city, and a copy of the same forwarded to the bereaved family of our beloved friend. Attest: Jewett Wilcox, Sec’y W. P. Halliday, H. H. Candee, James S. Morris, A. A. Arrick, D. Hurd, C. H. Foote, P. W. Barclay, Ed F. Sisson, H. Meyers, E. H. Fallis, B. FG. Whittaker, Charles Thrupp, Thomas Winter, H. C. Miller, A. G. Ransom, Isaac Walder, Sol A. Silver, D. Hartman, James Johnson R. H. Cunningham, John Antrim, J. F. Cavinson, F. W. Bedford, Louis Jorgensen, M. B. Harrell, C. W. Dunning, C. D. Arter, H. C. Loflin, G. J. Steinhouse, H.A. Hannon, H. Wardner, William Winter, J. M. Lansden, M. S. Cox, S. P. Peabody, J. M. Phillips, Louis Mathews, John Howley, Robert Smyth, H, W. Webb, M. L. Dunning, C. Hanny, W. H. Sandusky. A.B. Safford, W. H. Morris, A. Sweeney, C. R. Hurd, John N Patton, G. D. Williamson, John H. Oberly, Thomas S. Barclay, Louis Herbert, F. Bross, B. S. Harrell, Alex H. Irvin, John Q. Harmon, C. C. Davidson, R. W. Miller, N. Cantwell, Wood Rittenhouse, T. Carrigan, Peter Saup, Walter Hyslep, C. H. Evans, Thomas D. Holmes, George W. McKeag, Frank Hundly, W. B. Gilbert, C. W. Green, H. E. Spaulding, William Stratton, Thomas Wilson, Al. H. Hurd, R. S. Brigham, R. C. Weinck, F. S. Kent, A. Marx, Joseph McKenzie, Phil. Howard, C. N. Hughes, W. M. Williams, P. G. Schuh, J. T. Rennie, George Fisher, Henry Winter, P. H. Pope, and many others. Conductors I. C. R.R.–W. J. Morgan, J. G. Cormick, A. M. Putnam, C. N. Gilmore, Sam George,
About noon today a quarrel occurred between two colored roustabouts of the steamer Thompson Dean, now lying at our wharf, which resulted in the death of one of the men. The name of the murderer is George and the murdered man is Jack. The difficulty began in the morning and George persisted in denouncing and in every possible way insisting on a fight. He finally rolled a heavy barrel against the left of his victim, and provoked him into angry language. He then approached him sneeringly, with a joke on his lips, and when he got within arm's reach plunged a knife, which he had concealed in his sleeve up to the hilt in jack's heart. He then withdrew the blade, and as the wounded man fell stabbed him again in the back. The wounded man died almost instantly. Marshall Bambrick and Constables Cain and Arnold succeeded in arresting the murderer, and he is now in the county jail. Several heinous murders have been committed in Cairo within the past few years, but the murderers have escaped and the public and press, for fear of offending lawyers, have been compelled to keep profound silence. Let justice be down in this instance, at least.
(“George” is likely George
Morse. See the 25 Jul 1870, issue.)
Mr. Withrow, living a
few miles from Commerce, Missouri, informed us Saturday, that considerable
excitement and conjecture were excited in the neighborhood of Forest Mills,
a few days ago, by the finding of the skeletons of two little children, side
by side, lying among the roots of a tree, about two miles from the mills.
The skeletons are those of little boys, probably seven and eight years of
age, and the fact that they were found together, suggests the thought that
the children were lost, and lying down, among the roots of the tree, frozen
or starved to death. How long the skeletons had been lying where they were
found, is of course unknown; but the bleached appearance of the bones, is
evidence of long exposure. As no children of the neighborhood have been
lost, within the memory of the oldest resident, the most reasonable
conjecture is that the little boys became separated, in some manner, from
one of the emigrant trains passing through the country years ago, and
wandered about in the deep woods where their remains were found, until
overcome by hunger and cold, when they lid down and died.
A short time ago the Commerce, (Mo.,) Dispatch published the details of the murder of Thomas Baker at the hands of Elijah Griggs—both residents of that part of Missouri. The same paper of the 28th ult., gives the particulars of another murder in the same neighborhood. On Saturday last James Moore, Alonzo Gregg, and John Verden met in the village of Sikeston. Gregg, who had been drinking, became involved in a quarrel with Verden, and finally concluded he would shoot him. Mr. Moore interfered to save Verden’s life, and in the scuffle that ensued between him and Gregg, the contents of one of the barrels of the pistol was discharged, and took effect in his thigh, severing the femoral artery. Mr. Moore was immediately removed to his residence, about three miles distant, where, on the succeeding Monday, he died. He was an old resident of that part of Missouri, and the father of five children. The announcement of his death and of the fact that one John Flagg urged on the fight, and even furnished the pistol that was used, occasioned a great deal of excitement, and induced a number of the citizens to seriously contemplate the organization of a vigilance committee to preserve order, by driving the ruffianly element of population, to whose account his and sundry other bloody renconters are chargeable, from Southeast Missouri. The Dispatch deprecates mob violence, but thinks that the law having failed to protect the people from scenes of bloodshed, outrage and murder, the people should exercise the right of protecting themselves.
Bloated, burned and partially decayed bodies are found almost every day floating in the Mississippi between this point and the wreck of the ill-fated Stonewall. Two bodies more taken from the water at Cape Girardeau, on Monday; a third one was taken out on Tuesday morning, and a fourth one was seen floating in the channel of the river. There were no papers, no marks about the bodies recovered, by which they could be identified. Four miles below Commerce the body of a female, richly dressed, but bloated, black and distorted was seen, on Tuesday morning, tied by a piece of bark, to the shore. How it was disposed of, we have not learned.
The Cape Girardeau Argus
accounts for the appearance of these bodies at so late a day as follows:
"The channel of the river is shifting over to the eddy in which the
Stonewall sunk, and displacing the sand previously washed upon the
bodies, sends them to the surface to drift down the stream." Will these sad
reminders of that terrible disaster never cease?
A Negro Boy Terribly Mangled by the Cars One of those accidents of which our citizens live in hourly dread, occurred yesterday afternoon, shortly after the arrival of the passenger train. A Negro boy, named George A. Porter, about twelve years of age, confirming to what has become a habit with at least fifty of the youngsters that frequent the levee, mounted the cowcatcher of the switch engine for a ride. The engineer admonished him to keep off, but the youngster persisted in maintaining his place, until by some movement of his own, or the efforts of some one to make him leave his perilous position, he lost his balance and fell to the ground. As the engine was in the act of passing over him, he caught hold of some of its parts, and was dragged a distance of fifty or sixty feet. When he could no longer maintain his hold, the engine passed over him, crushing his left arm in the most horrible manner, lacerating his scalp, cutting off his left ear and severely bruising his body. He was immediately picked up and conveyed to the house of his brother-in-law, on Twentieth Street, where his arm was amputated at the shoulder, and his case, generally attended to. The ordeal was a terrible one, and the cries of the sufferer might have been heard a quarter of a mile. The chances are certainly against his recovery. We wish that every body who is in the habit of imperiling his life and limbs by jumping upon the moving cars, could have witnesses the agony of this poor little Negro boy. It would have cured every one of them of the dangerous habit, except such as are determined to fine no cure except in the grinding up of their bodies.
The colored boy, George A. Porter, who was so terribly mangled by the switch engine Tuesday evening, died this morning. The little fellow suffered a thousand deaths, horrifying the whole neighborhood by the shrieks rung from him by the pain.
Will this case, so terrible
in all its features, serve as a warning to the reckless youngsters who,
every hour of the day, clamber upon the cowcatcher of passing trains? If it
does not, the city council should interfere for their protection, and commit
them to the calaboose every time they so recklessly imperil their lives.
Anthony Hart, fireman of the engine that ran over the Negro boy, Porter, a few days ago, was arrested, yesterday, at the instance of the boy’s relatives, who suspected that he was privy to the terrible and fatal occurrence. On the trial, this morning, a Negro boy swore very positively that Porter fell beneath the engine because of a push Hart gave him to get him off the cowcatcher. On the other hand, the engineer swore that Hart was not on the engine at the time of the accident and knew nothing whatever of the occurrence.
Under the circumstances
‘squire Bross was bound to discharge the prisoner. When the squire
announced that the evidence was not sufficient to sustain the charge, the
sister of the deceased boy “carried on” at a high rate, declaring in a loud
tone that Hart was guilty; that after throwing her brother under the
locomotive, ran home and changed his clothing that he might not be
identified. How much truth there is in this assertion we shall not pretend
to say. Of this, however, we have been assured, that the engineer who swore
that Hart was not on the engine is entitled to the fullest credence.
His acquaintances speak of him as a man of impeachable integrity. A Missouri Farmer Stabs and Mortally Wounds a Steamboat Man. He is Arrested and Imprisoned. Johnson Malone, a resident of Rush’s Ridge, Mo., visited Cairo on Saturday last, to purchase family supplies. He made his purchases and shipped them by ferry boat, but having taken a glass or two with a friend, he felt decidedly hilarious and concluded to remain in town and have a “time of it.” During the afternoon he fell in with a steamboatman named Mike Duffey, and felling very liberally displeased, asked Duffey to drink with him. Duffey drank with him, and afterwards treated him. The pair then walked down the Levee, stopping at the foot of Fourth Street. Duffey appeared exceedingly anxious that his newly made acquaintance should accompany him down Fourth Street, but Malone stubbornly refused to go. Duffey finally became insultingly importunate when Malone shoved him off somewhat roughly with the remark: “Go off and let me alone. You want my money. I won’t have anything to do with you.” This rebuff was not sufficient, however, to drive Duffey away. He continued to urge Malone to accompany him down Fourth Street catching hold of him and trying to force him along. Malone finally became somewhat exasperated, and dealt Duffey a blow with his fist, exclaiming at the time: “Let me alone, d--- you; I don’t want anything to do with you.” Shortly afterwards Malone passed into Mr. Lehning’s clothing store, and bought a pocket knife, for which he paid a half dollar. “That fellow wants to rob me,” he remarked, “and if he don’t let me alone I’ll cut him.” He then passed out to the sidewalk, and was again accosted by Duffey, who had not, it seems, abandoned the idea of getting him down Fourth Street. He warned Duffey to let him alone—told him that if he did not, he would certainly cut him. About a minute afterwards he assailed Duffey with a knife, inflicting a severe, if not mortal wound, at a point just below and to the right of the sternum. The blade of the knife entered near the point of the sternum and made a large incision at right angles with the external oblique abdominal muscle, probably penetrating the lower portion of the lungs. The wounded man was conveyed to St. Mary’s Infirmary where he received prompt and skillful medical attention, and where, under the kind nursing of the sisters, he may recover. Malone was immediately arrested, and committed to the county jail. We called on him, yesterday, and found him asleep. Awakening him, we asked for his version of the unfortunate affair, and he solemnly protested that he was unable to recall any of the details. He said he was very much under the influence of liquor; recollects meeting Duffey, and has a misty, dreamy impression that he had trouble with him; but what it was about, where it occurred, the result, etc., he is wholly unable to remember. He said that he was aware that drunkenness did not excuse but rather aggravated his conduct. He could not furnish us the details for the simple and only reason that he did not recollect them.
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1870:
Mr. J. N. Goddard, of Williamson County, Killed by the Cars. The friends of Mr. J. N. Goddard will receive the intelligence of his terrible death with feelings of the profoundest sorrow. Mr. Goddard was in this city, on Saturday and Sunday, and left, if we mistake not, on the Monday morning train. At Carbondale, on Monday, he was in the act of boarding Mr. Cormick’s train, at a moment when a freight train was moving on the sidetrack. One of the freight cars struck him on the hip, and threw him beneath its wheels. One of his legs was shockingly mangled in two places. The other leg and one of his arms were broken, and his body received several severe bruises. He was removed to one of the neighboring buildings where he received prompt medial attention, but all to no purpose. His injuries were moral. He died the ensuing evening.
Mr. Goddard was a
brother-in-law of our fellow citizen, Judge Allen, and one of the
leading citizens of Marion and Williamson County. He was widely and
favorable known in Southern Illinois, and his violent taking off will cast a
gloom over the feelings of hundreds and even thousands who knew him and
respected and loved him for the many excellent qualities that distinguished
him as a true man and a good citizen. His remains were conveyed to Marion
today, where his bereaved family and friends will give it burial.
The
name of the man accidentally killed at the Mounds Junction last Monday is
Jack Carr. A hand car ran over him causing his death in a few
hours. He was a section hand, and worked under James Mullett.
A Citizen Killed by a Circular Saw Details of the Sad Affair About three o’clock yesterday afternoon the report gained currency that Mr. James L. Ross, who for sometime past has been operating a sawmill on the Ohio Levee near the foot of Twenty-second Street, had been cut in two by the circular saw. About five o’clock we repaired to the mill, and, at a glance, received sufficient confirmation of the truth of the report, startling as it was. The upper circular saw, about thirty-six inches in diameter, had been thrown from its boxing, and broken into two pieces. One piece, with its heavy iron axle, was thrown directly forward. The other piece struck the joist, and, making a deep indentation in the hard timber, bounded off to one side. We passed to the second story of the mill, where, in a room overlooking the river, we saw the lifeless body of Mr. Ross composed for the grave. From his brother who was present at the time of the accident, and from the Rev. Mr. Foote who arrived on the spot shortly afterwards, we gathered the following particulars. Mr. Ross was acting as sawyer, and was standing in the usual position directly in front and about six feet distant from the saws. A log, some four feet in diameter, and sixteen or eighteen feet in length, was on the carriage, undergoing the slabbing process. The rope with which the logs are usually turned, on the carriage, had been broken, and to serve a temporary purpose Mr. Ross had brought into the same service, the hawser with which the logs are drawn from the river. O use this hawser it became necessary to pass it from one side of the mill across the log on the carriage to a block and tackle suspended on the opposite side and several feet forward. The saws had just cut a slab from the log, and Mr. Ross had run the carriage back to readjust the log, but running it back a few inches farther than usual, the hawser slipped off the end of the log and was caught up by the teeth of the saws. At this moment Mr. Ross was in a stooping position, scraping the sawdust from the timbers of the log carriage. An employee of the establishment, standing forward, noticed the mishap, and called to Mr. Ross to get out of the way; but Mr. Ross was not knowing what to get our of the way of, for the moment maintained his position. The teeth of the saws failing to cut the hawser in two, the upper saw was finally broken, as stated, the larger part, with its heavy iron shaft or axle, flying forward and striking Mr. Ross in the right side, its sharp teeth cutting a gash, six or eight inches in length, penetrating the cavity of this body where they struck deep into his lungs, lacerating them badly, and cutting in the most shocking manner, a portion of his intestines. Rising to his feet, he called for help, and seeing his brother near at hand, he walked toward him and fell into his arms. He remained conscious only a moment; but during that moment he fully realized that his wounds were mortal. He was carried upstairs and a physician was called, but he was past all help. Within thee quarters of an hour he breathed his last. And so perished James L. Ross, who two hours before was full of life, sporting with companion of his own age with as fair promise of long life as any of them. The Rev. Mr. Foote rendered very kind and essential service in preparing the body, and to perfecting arrangements for its burial. Mr. Ross was a young man, about 27 years of age and unmarried. If we mistake not, Mr. Ross is the third man killed in that mill; certainly the second within our recollection. Two years ago a German was sawed entirely in two. Mr. J. W. Stewart lost his hand there, and when we say that a full quart of human fingers have been snatched off by the greedy teeth of the self same saw, we scarcely exaggerate. The establishment is rapidly becoming a “man trap” that should be shunned with horror.
On the trip of the steamer
Sam Brown from Louisville when she was making a landing near
the mouth of the Wabash, June 25th, one of her deckhands, named
William Comes, of Louisville, Kentucky, was drowned. He had taken a
line ashore in a skiff, made it fast and was returning, when the skiff was
upset by the line becoming afoul of it. He swam some distance, but finally
sank within twenty feet of shore. The above is furnished us by Capt. John
Gordon, of the Sam Brown, who desires Louisville papers to
copy, as the deceased probably has relatives in that city.
The trial of young Misenheimer, of Dongola, for the alleged murder of a young German, something over a year ago, will commence in our circuit court on Monday next. All the leading attorneys of the circuit are engaged in the case, and the indications are that it will be the most closely contested trial ever held in Alexander County. The case was brought here by change of venue from Union County, and as it is one in which a large number of our readers feel interested, we shall publish the evidence.
Dennis Mahoney, one
of the oldest settlers of Cairo, departed this life, yesterday and today his
body was out away to its final rest. An honest, well-meaning, old man, he
had not an enemy living. The surviving members of his family have the
sincere sympathy of all who knew how deeply they are bereaved. Friends to
the number of 200 or 300 accompanied the body to the cars, and a large
number followed it to the grave.
[Note from the Webmaster: Coverage of the 5-day Misenheimer trial, including evidence by the prosecution, statements by witnesses and cross examination by the defense appears in the issues of 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 July 1870. The text is too extensive for on-line publication, but may be found in the microfilm edition of the newspaper.]
Another Version of the Affair The following extract from the Metropolis Times gives the wounding of Captain Worthington at the hands of Captain Trover an entirely different aspect. If the Times is correctly informed, Trover pursued Worthington on his own boat, and struck him down as he was in the act of ascending the stairs. But here is the extract: This morning a serious difficulty occurred between Hugh Worthington captain of the Milbrey, and John W. Trover, captain of the steamer A. Baker, at Paducah. Each one wished to secure some deck passengers on the wharf—about which they had words. Worthington left and was going up stairs on his own boat; Trover followed with a half a brick or boulder and threw it at him hitting him on the left side of his skull, and stripping it of flesh for two inches in diameter. Worthington remains insensible and in danger of losing his life. We are
glad, for the sake of all parties concerned, to add that
Worthington
is not dead, as reported yesterday evening. On the contrary, he has
recovered consciousness, and will, most probably, get well.
While the steamer
Idlewild was lying at our wharf, yesterday evening, a Negro deckhand
went into one of the wheelhouses and clambered on the wheel, but for what
purpose we are not advised. The engineer, unapprised of the negro’s
whereabouts, let on steam. The Negro was thrown from his position into the
river and was not seen again. We hear that his neck was broken before he
was thrown into the water. We could not learn his name.
[Note from the Webmaster: Extensive coverage of the 5-day Misenheimer trial, including evidence by the prosecution, statements by witnesses and cross examination by the defense, was printed on 16, 17, 18 , 19 as well as in this issue. That full text is not on line, but it may be consulted in the microfilm edition of the newspaper. The not guilty verdict on 22 July is summarized in the issue of 23 Julybelow.]
A Tribute to Their Memory One, Albert H. Christian, a resident of this county, recently “shuffled off this mortal coil,” leaving effects for which there were no legal claimants. The administrator of the estate recently submitted to the probate court, the following unique and poetical report. Said administrator would report that no claims have ever been allowed against said estate, that the said Albert H. Christian died leaving no known heir at law or legal representative—that the graves wherein repose the ashes of the dead, Albert, and of his only brother, William B., through whom he inherited the said money, and of his father, Samuel L. Christian, who devised the same to said William, remain unprotected and unmarked by stone or monument—nothing to perpetuate the memory or make the resting place of father and sons, the last of all the Christians who lived and died and left to other times, money for the coffers of the county; but not a cent to protect their own hallowed dust or to proclaim to other Christians, in a Christian land, the spot where these Christians sleep, except by permission of this honorable court. Oh, sad estate! Oh human wretchedness! So weak is man, So ignorant and blind, that did not God, Sometimes withhold in mercy what we ask, We should be ruined by our own bequest. Said administrator, in consideration of the premises, and in order that these three “Christians” may not, while funds that were theirs remain, sink into their graves unknelled, uncoffined and unknown, would respectfully ask of this honorable that he be permitted, as a part of the burial expenses and expenses of administration, to invest the said sum of money now in his hands, in enclosing the said graves and in erecting over them a suitable marble slab, “sacred to the memory” of these men that What we have seen our sons shall see— Remnants of things that have passed away— Fragments of stone reared by creatures of clay And also to the graves of said Samuel’s wife and daughter, and that this cause may be continued until said administrator can make a final report of his action in the premises. But if this honorable court shall not, in its wisdom, grant what seems so meet and proper to said administrator, viz: that the funds of the dead, when unclaimed by justice, and uncalled for by the living, should be appropriated towards giving honorable sepulcher to its owner; then and in that case, said administrator respectfully asks that this be approved as his final report, an that he be discharged as such administrator, upon his paying into the county treasury the said sum now in his hands, and filing with the clerk of this court the treasurer’s receipt therefore. Yet, I beseech you, Rest once the law to your authority, To do a great right, do a little wrong. And give the money to the dead and not the State. Respectfully submitted,
Adm’tr of Albert G.
Christian, dec’d
General Sanders heads
the list of Cairo newspaper men. In 1848 he published a paper here—The
Cairo Delta—known far and wide for the exceeding piquancy and raciness
of its original matter. In every essential particular he was a good enough
fellow to head the list of Cairo editors. We can pay him no higher
compliment because we don't know how.
By passengers down the
Illinois Central we learn of the accident near Odin, by which a man was
killed and his little daughter seriously wounded. The two had been
gathering blackberries, and were returning home. We are unable to explain
how it occurred that a train ran over them, but in that way the man's leg
was cut off, inflicting injuries from which he died in fifteen minutes. The
little girl’s arm was cut off, and her body rather badly bruised—the whole
forming a sum of total of wounds that will probably have a fatal result.
Off for
Joliet. Sheriff Meyer's took the following prisoners to the
penitentiary at Joliet: The verdict of the jury in the Misenheimer case is creating considerable discussion in the southern part of the state. The Mound City Journal, referring to it, says: “The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty and the prisoner was released. If a man who has plenty of money commits a high crime let him get his case into Alexander County if possible. They get up mighty funny juries there when they try.”
To say the least of it, this
is an unkind insinuation. It is more; it is a serious charge. Although
those who did not hear all the evidence in the Misenheimer case may
believe that the young man deserved punishment, only a bold man, or a very
careless one, will assert or even insinuate that twelve men were purchased
and a verdict against the law and evidence thus obtained. No matter how
guilty a man may be, if he cannot be convicted by sworn evidence beyond
reasonable doubt, the public weal demands that he should go free. To
establish the precedent of conviction on impulse or [prejudice, would be bad
policy, fatal to the interest of the people. That young Misenheimer
struck the fatal blow most people believe, but that he intended even to
inflict a serious injury upon the unfortunate man he assailed, and that the
jury acquitted him for money, as the Journal insinuates, we cannot
believe. The lawyers for the defense are skillful men and had an incentive
to use every possible exertion to secure the acquittal of their client.
That they did this, is a result at once surprising and creditable to their
ability as lawyers.
THE LATE COL. JAMES C. SLOO—The death of Col. Sloo—which sad event took place in this city at the hour of 3 o’clock yesterday morning—has already come to the knowledge of quite all our local readers. He died after an illness, more or less painful, protracted through a period of about three weeks.
During the last half century Colonel Sloo has been a
resident of Southern Illinois, occupying most of the time, prominent
official position. He was born in Maysville, Kentucky, in the year 1805,
and located in Shawneetown in the year 1820. In the year 1829 he succeeded
his father in the office of Register of the Land office for the district of
Shawneetown, holding the office during the eight years of
Jackson’s
administration. He filled the same position under Presidents Tyler
and Polk, serving the government and the people; the while, in the
most acceptable manner. At a later day he acted, in conjunction with
others, as commissioner of the Joliet Penitentiary, holding that position
until the completion of the building. In the year 1852 he was independent
candidate for a seat in the State Senate, but the district being largely
Democratic, his principal competitor, A. J. Kuykendall, was elected.
During the past six or eight years he occupied a prominent place on the
Republican State Central Committee, being a member of that committee at the
time of his death. He located in this city in the year 1858, and succeeded
D. T. Linegar, Esq., in the Cairo post office. In that, as in all
other positions, he served the people faithfully and satisfactorily,
maintaining throughout, the reputation of an honest and upright man. He
leaves two daughters—wives of Mr. J. B. Taylor and P. H. Pope,
Esq.—two sons, W. A. and Thomas, and hosts of friends to mourn his death.
Indeed, few men in Southern Illinois are more widely known than Colonel
Sloo; and, few there are whose death would cause more general or sincere
sorrow. His remains will be conveyed to Beech Grove Cemetery for interment,
a special train starting from the foot of Sixth Street at 3 o’clock p.m.,
tomorrow, for that purpose. The friends of the family are invited to be
present.
These details, which come from a resident of Blandville, are given as they were received. From other sources, we have learned that the fight was provoked by a number of the residents who were under the influence of liquor. We shall, most likely, receive full reliable details through the day. If so, we shall make them known to the public in tomorrow's paper.
After writing the above we
learned that Mr. Ray is still alive this morning.
The arrangements of the gang for an extensive business is horseflesh were quite complete. The stolen horses were to be forwarded to Point Pleasant, thence to Osceola, and thence to the interior of Arkansas, where confederate would take the animals in charge and dispose of them. Taylor, the man who was shot, is a bloody villain and a fugitive from justice. He stands charged with the commission of two murders—one in New Orleans last summer, and one in Mound City only a few months ago. The details of the latter were given in the Bulletin.
Wednesday, 24 Aug 1870: Noyes’ Crescent City Circus, which exhibited at Blandville on Saturday, fixed the price of admission at 75 cents. This is the price exacted by respectable circus companies, at all points in the South. While a resident of Blandville was in the act of purchasing a ticket, a Mr. John Ray, said to be marshal of the town, addressed the circus treasurer, substantially as follows: “Why is it that you rob the people here? You charge 50 cents at Cairo, but here you charge 75 cents. It’s simply robbery.” At this juncture an attaché of the circus, who was standing by, remarked to the applicant for a ticket that if he didn’t want to pay the price, he could take his money back. Ray instantly rejoined: “What in the hell is it your business—what do you put in for?”—adding other remarks which the circus man considered as intended to insult him. An angry altercation then ensued, but the parties finally separated without resorting to violence. After the night exhibition had closed; Ray and three or four companions visited a saloon in the village, and had been seated but a short time, when three or four of the circus men entered, among the rest the one who had the quarrel with Ray, whose name it appears was E. D. Phillips. As soon as Ray recognized Phillips he approached him and demanded an apology for the insult he had offered him, but Phillips not being in an apologizing mood, a quarrel ensued of the most violent character. At the very moment Ray and Phillips were about to come together, the latter placed his hand in his side coat pocket. The report of a pistol followed, and Ray fell, shot in the abdomen. Ray’s companions at once vacated the barroom, leaving the circus men inside. The latter, believing that the withdrawal of Ray’s companions was for the purpose of firing upon them as they returned to the circus, remained in the room. A few minutes later the house was surrounded by armed men, who demanded the surrender of the man who shot Ray. Phillips knowing he was the person sought after, and believing that a surrender of his person would be a surrender of his life, tried to make his escape by flight. This attempt was discovered and he was shot down before he had run fifty feet from the barroom. The contents of a shotgun and pistol were fired into his body, killing him instantly. The other circus men were then permitted to retire. On Sunday morning an inquest was held over the body, and a verdict returned in accordance with the facts. Ray’s wounds are believed to be mortal.
We have received additional
details, as to the origin of the difficulty, which go to show that Mr.
Ray, who was seriously wounded, was by no means blameless. We think it
unnecessary, however, to make them public.
(The 27 Aug 1870,
Jonesboro Gazette reported the name of the deceased as Isaiah Cash.
Another Mr. Cash was killed by a Mr. Stanley on 3 Nov 1868,
according to the 7 Nov 1868, Jonesboro Gazette.)
We are called upon to record
the death of one of Perry County's oldest and most respected citizens in
person of Mrs. McElvain, who was killed last week while riding in a
hack. From the best information we have, the deceased came to her death by
the accidental upsetting of a hack, while on her way to visit friends. Mrs.
McElvain took leave of her children, Harvey and Sam McElvain,
and Mrs. Wiley Lipe, of this county, only a few weeks since, to visit
her children in Missouri. She was something over eighty years of age and
remarkably vigorous for one so old. She leaves a large circle of bereaved
relatives and friends to mourn her unexpected death.
We receive this morning the details of a strange and terrible accident that occurred on Thursday last, in a harvest field, about two miles back of the town of Brooklyn, in Massac County. A number of hands were engaged at the work of collecting and stacking the sheaves of wheat. The stack had been built up to a height of fifteen or sixteen feet, when the men stopped to rest, one of them leaning his pitchfork against the side of the stack, the prongs resting upon the ground. The man on top the stack had occasion to come down, and, as he has often done before, attempted to slide down the side of the stack. While descending, the handle of the fork passed between his legs and entered his body to the depth of eleven inches. Thus impaled he fell forward to the ground, the handle of the fork breaking off within about five inches of his body. His companions came to his assistance, and, as no medical aid was within convenient distance, it was deemed best to remove the broken handle from the suffering man's body. It required all the strength of a strong man to do this, and when it came out, clinging to and following it were lacerated portions of the poor fellows entrails. Of course, the result of such horrible injuries could only be death. In great agony the poor man lingered, until after dark, when death put an end to his sufferings. His name we were unable to learn.
Thursday, 1 Sep 1870:
The manner of his death was
this: He was on the streets, Tuesday night, considerably stimulated, but
managed to reach his home. Yesterday afternoon while attempting to take a
cup of coffee, he fell from his chair in a frightful fit. From that time he
remained in a state of insensibility, until 4 o'clock p.m., when he breathed
his last. He Is Killed by the Accidental Discharge of a Shotgun The friends and relatives of Capt. Joseph F. Blake, of Ballard County, have just received intelligence of his death, by the accidental discharge of a shotgun. It will be recollected that Capt. Blake severed a business connection with Mr. C. C. Davidson, of this city, a short time ago, with the avowed purpose of locating in the State of Texas. In pursuance of that purpose the captain accompanied by Mr. Hugh Upshaw, started intending to make the greater portion of the trip by land. They had gained a point in Arkansas, beyond Little Rock, where they encountered a stretch of very rugged, rocky road. While passing over this road, Capt. Blake discovered a shotgun lying in the bottom of the wagon bed, and apprehending that the jolting would discharge it, caught it by the muzzle and attempted to remove it. In doing so, he struck the hammer against the wagon bed with sufficient force to explode the cap. In the twinkling of an eye the entire contents of the gun—nine buckshot—were deposited in the Captain’s breast. Without a word or a groan, he fell to the ground and died. What disposition was made of the body we did not learn.
Captain Blake was an
intelligent, enterprising gentleman, of great personal popularity, and, had
he lived, would have acquired both wealth and distinction. The news of his
death will come as a crushing blow to his family.
J. Birney Marshall, a
well known journalist, fell from the window of his room in the old post
office building last night, and was instantly killed. It is supposed he sat
in the window to cool himself after undressing preparatory to retiring, and
fell asleep. His lifeless body was found this morning.
(From the Memphis Avalanche) On Sunday morning out citizens were again startled by the announcement that Colonel James Birney Marshall had been killed by falling from the window of his room, which was located in the second story of the old Post Office Building. At what time he fell it is difficult to say, as his body was found by officers Neil and Duffy, at an early hour in the morning. From all appearances he had been lying there for some time. His right arm was broken and the hand considerably mashed as if he had put it out in order to break the fall. A jury of inquest was summoned, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the above facts. The deceased was aged about sixty years. He was a native of Kentucky, and brother of Gen. Humphrey Marshall. Her first published a paper at Louisville, called the City Gazette. Afterward he was editorially connected with the Ohio Statesman, published at Columbus. He was next employed upon the Cincinnati Enquirer, in similar capacity. Going to New Orleans, he became connected with the Delta and Picayune. At the close of the war he went to Cairo and engaged in the publication of the Daily News, then published in that city. His first appearance in Memphis was in the summer of 1861. He wrote occasionally for different papers and in a few months went into the real estate business in conjunction with Mr. O. H. Lide (since deceased) and Mr. Passmore. The firm was Passmore, Lide & Marshall, and continued until sometime in 1862. Colonel Marshall left Memphis and returned to Cincinnati soon after Federal occupation in 1862 and engaged in the Cairo newspaper enterprise. He returned to Memphis in 1866, since which time he has seldom been out of the city. Colonel Marshall was one of the veterans of the press, having been engaged in editorial and literary pursuits perhaps thirty-five years. He possessed abilities of a high order, and a superior education. His writing revealed both intellect and cultivation, strengthened by good judgment and had he applied himself as assiduously to producing results as to acquiring the knowledge necessary for them, no eminence in his vocation would have been beyond his reach.
Her had a large number of
friends, and few, if any, enemies. No one who knew him will learn of his
death without sorrow. His remains were attended to the Memphis and
Louisville depot by members of the press, Typographical Union and other
friends, and were forwarded yesterday afternoon, to Frankfort, Ky., for
interment, in charge of Captain F. L. James and Mr. M. Nealis.
About 11 o’clock last night, Louis Parker, of Bird’s Point, a quiet, inoffensive colored man, was murdered in his own dooryard. Hearing a call, the doomed man responded to it; but no sooner had he made his appearance outside of his house, than he was shot dead in his tracks. Two musket balls entered his head, two entered his breast, and one his neck, killing him instantly. Constable Arnold was duly informed of the affair, and undertook to search out the guilty party. He learned that three Negro men named Jake Haspil, Aleck Merritt, and Aleck Cook had made threats against Parker, Haspil declaring a purpose to take his life. Cook and Merritt voluntarily accompanied Arnold to Bird’s Point, and there established their innocence—proved to the satisfaction of everybody that they had no part in the murder. Haspil, however, told conflicting stories; claimed that certain burs on his coat—a kind that does not grow in Cairo but does grow at Bird’s Point—were found by him in Cairo, and was unable to prove where he was at the time the murder was committed. He was, therefore, taken in charge by the Missouri authorities and committed for trial.
Parker
leaves a family of five or six children.
Two bottles of medicine, almost exactly alike—one a virulent poison and the other a harmless remedy for the child’s sickness, were standing in the cupboard; and although Mr. Barton took the precaution to taste the medicine before administering it, he gave his child the poison. Every effort was made to save the little sufferer’s life, but without avail. The fatal potion did its work, and, a few hours after swallowing it, the little girl was a corpse! We need scarcely add that the occurrence almost drove their parents to distraction. Over Mr. Barton’s life it has cast a shadow that long years can scarcely dispel. The blow was a terrible one, and could scarcely have fallen upon a father and mother who would have more deeply and sincerely bewailed it.
We have been restrained from
making these particulars public, though out unwillingness to harrow up the
feelings of the parents; but as others have placed them in print, we shall
probably add nothing to the measure of sorrow the ad occurrence begat by
giving them a place in the Bulletin. The suspected parties were conveyed to Bird’s Point, Monday morning, and the balance of the day was devoted to the work of hunting up evidence. The preliminary examination was made yesterday, quite a number of Cairo negroes being present as witnesses. The evidence pointed rather positively to Haspil as the guilty party. Wash. Wyatt, a negro seventy-two years old, concluded he would “make a clean breast of it.” He therefore confessed that Haspil, Merritt and himself killed Parker. Haspil loaded the gun, putting in a heavy charge of powder and buckshot. Wyatt called Parker out of the house and Merritt shot and killed him. Of the nature of the quarrel that led to this tragic affair, we have not been informed. Haspil, Merritt and Wyatt were placed in irons and conveyed to Charleston, and there committed to jail to await final trial in the Mississippi County circuit court. Aleck Cook, who was also suspected, established an alibi and was acquitted. The gun with which Parker was killed, was brought to Cairo by Haspil and concealed in a house on Third Street, where Constable Arnold found and took possession of it.
From all we can learn, we
judge that Haspil
was the principal—the prime mover—in the murder—that he laid the plans and
persuaded Wyatt
and Merritt
to assist him in executing them.
Hon. Austin Brooks,
for many years and at the time of his death editor of the Quincy Herald,
died at his residence in Quincy, on the 20th instant, after a short but
painful illness. Mr. Brooks was an elegant writer and forcible
editor, and, for many years, has acted a leading part in the politics of
Illinois. He had a host of friends, who will deeply regret his untimely
death.
(John H. Gossman
married Caroline Kahn married on 31 Dec 1867, in Alexander Co., Ill.)
Wednesday, 28 Sep 1870:
The fight was one of the
bloodiest that ever took place in that portion of Kentucky, and the parties
to it being men of fair standing, the excitement the affair occasioned was
intense. Two of the survivors are said to be mortally wounded, and the
others dangerously. We shall, probably, receive further details by
tomorrow.
Early on Monday morning Mr. Thomas Ryan, who for sometime past had been driving dray for Thomas Meehan, was found lying under the high sidewalk, between Washington Avenue and Walnut Street. He had, sometime during the night, fallen from the sidewalk, a distance of eight or nine feet, to the ground, and being so seriously injured that he could not recover his feet, or make sufficient noise to attract the attention of the neighbors, he remained where he fell until daylight. He was promptly removed to the residence of Mr. Thomas Meehan, on Poplar Street, between Division and Twenty-first streets, where medical aid was called, but to no purpose. The unfortunate man had received injuries that placed his case beyond all human control. His entire body was paralyzed. He could move neither hand nor foot, and, save a sluggish action of the brain was a dead man hours before his soul left his body. He died last night, and we hear that his body will, today, be subjected to a post mortem examination. Ryan was a young man, of industrious habits and was generally respected by all who knew him. He was unmarried.
His remains were taken to
Villa Ridge for burial, by the special train that left at 2 o’clock this
afternoon. The remains of Joseph Higlin and Damos (Thomas) Merien
were taken out on the same train.
(Nicholas Strott
married Susan R. Lamb on 24 Mar 1868, in Sangamon Co., Ill. Horace
A. Hannon married Eliza R. Lamb on 13 Nov 1866, in Sangamon
Co., Ill.)
During the past two weeks we
have been having quite an epidemic of diphtheria among the children in this
community. Thirteen cases have occurred in succession, one of which were of
the typical varieties and four of the ulcerative—two of which terminated
fatally in a few days. In every case yet recovered there has been the
subsequently characteristics sequel as unmistakable evidence of the disease
from which the patient has just recovered.
He leaves a devoted wife and
interesting family, and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.
And flowers to wither at the
Northwinds' breech;
But then, hast all seasons
for thine, O Death. (This obituary was repeated in the 1 Nov 1870, issue.)
The
Thompson Dean received over 400 tons here. While she lay at our wharf
last night two young men, who were assisting a man who had a large lot of
poultry for New Orleans, began scuffling in play on the guards of the wharf
boat, when one of them named Joseph F. Hoyer, originally from
Carbondale, but recently from Cape Girardeau, fell into the river and was
drowned. The other, name unknown, while endeavoring to save Hoyer,
also fell in and was drowned. The body of Hoyer was recovered this
morning, and buried. The body of the other has not been found. When it is known that Brashiers was the bloodiest minded desperado that ever lived in Alexander County, that the sheriff could only keep him confined in jail by placing inch-and-a-half iron manacles upon him, and by chaining him to the floor of the cell, Mr. Munn's desire to vindicate "innocence" will be understood.
Voter, if the name of D. W.
Munn is on your ticket, think of Brashiers!
There may be other versions
of the affair; we merely state the fact as we heard them. Two negro children were burned to death in the upper part of the city yesterday evening, under circumstances the most distressing and horrible.
A negro woman who lives near
Mr. Aubrey's residence, left her little child, only one year and
three months old, tied in a chair near the fire, and went out to gather up
an arm load of wood. She was not gone more than twenty minutes, but when
she returned she found the child enveloped in a sheet of flame. The other
child, about three years old, was found lying on the floor beside the chair
of the little one, a charred mass of lifeless remains. The mother found it
impossible to extinguish the flames in time to save the life of the younger
child, and it died, we hear, a few hours afterwards in the most horrible
agony.
Mr. Reynolds was a
young man who was highly respected by all who knew him. He was generous
hearted, kind, frank and genial, and no one could truthfully say that Newt
Reynolds ever stooped to the performance of a mean act. Peculiarly
sociable in his nature, and light hearted, he was courted as a companion,
and valued as a friend. But he has "crossed over to the other side," and
all who knew him here are left, only blessed memory.
(Daniel Phillips is
listed as a minister in the 1870 census of Mound City, Pulaski Co., Ill.
His wife was Susan, a 22-year-old-native of New York.)
We present both sides of the
matter and leave the reader to form his own conclusions—only remarking that
we hope that the last report that reaches us is reliable.
A Family of Five Persons Butchered in Missouri—Their Heads Cut Off and Their Bodies Burned. A Dreadful Story A most horrible murder of a whole family, numbering five persons, was committed near Potosi, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, Washington County, Mo., last Saturday. The particulars, as related by special dispatches to the papers, are as follows: John Armstrong and Charles Jolly, miners working in the neighborhood, went to Potosi on Saturday to sell their mineral. They drank freely in town and while returning home called at the cabin of David Lapere, a French Creole residing a mile and a half north of Potosi. While there a difficulty arose between Armstrong and Jolly and a sister of Mrs. Lapere. Mr. Lapere interfered to quiet the disturbance when Jolly drew a revolver and shot the old man four times, killing him instantly. Jolly then turned upon Mrs. Lapere, who had endeavored to the killing of her husband, knocked her down with his fist and then shot and killed her.
Armstrong
in the meantime had procured an axe with which he knocked down Mrs.
Lapere’s sister and then completely severed the heads from all the
bodies. The two children were also murdered. The men fired the cabin and
burned it to the ground with the bodies of the butchered people in it. The
murderers then fled and have not yet been captured, but the officers and a
large posse of citizens are in pursuit, and their arrest is regarded as
certain.
All for Love (From the Mount Vernon Free Press, 25th) The quiet of the Township of Field in this county was disturbed on Friday night last by the news that a young lady by the name of Myers, daughter of David Myers, Esq., had deliberately taken her own life by shooting herself through the body near the abdomen, producing death. The young lady was about 15 years old, was beautiful, accomplished, and a great pet in the neighborhood. Her father is one of the best farmers in that part of the country, is well off, lives easy and comfortable, and those being the circumstances surrounding her life, the news that she had committed suicide naturally produced great excitement in the neighborhood.
It appears that she had been
keeping company with a young man in the neighborhood, with whom she had
become deeply enamored. Her parents objected, it is said, to her receiving
the attention of the young gentleman from causes best known to themselves,
but she did not heed their remonstrances, and at every opportunity was in
his company. On the evening of the suicide she had been in his company, and
her father took her to task about it, reprimanding her severely perhaps.
She then proceeded to her room upstairs, and in a few minutes two reports of
a revolver were heard by the inmates of the house, which seemed to come from
her room. They ran up and bursting open the door, found her upon the bed
weltering in her own blood. She had procured a revolver in some manner, and
discharged two balls into her body just below the abdomen. It was at once
seen that the wounds were fatal, yet an effort was made to obtain medical
assistance. She however, only lived about an hour and a half, expiring in
great agony. She appeared to be very reticent as to the immediate cause
that had led her on to the commission of so terrible a crime, but in answer
to the questions asked, said she wanted to die. A young man named Rhodes was killed in the woods near Paducah, on Saturday last, under circumstances which are detailed as follows by the Herald:
Young
Rhodes,
with three other boys from the city, was out coon hunting when the fatal
accident happened. They treed a coon, some two or three miles from the
city, up quite a large tree, which they proceeded to cut down. The tree was
very much bent over; and when nearly cut through it split off and shot
backward over the stump with a terrible force. Young
Rhodes
was standing directly in the line upon which the tree reacted, was crushed
beneath the butt. When his companions drew him out, he gave a single gasp
and died. A dispatch from Evansville, Indiana, of the 30th instant says: A desperado named Pelham, assaulted an inoffensive negro at Fairplay, Union township, in this county, about dusk last night, and wantonly shot him in the back, supposed fatally. Pehlam then turned and snapped his revolver, at Mr. Cravens, the proprietor of the store where the shooting occurred. Cravens took a revolver out of his desk and shot Pehlam though the breast.
Another rough named
Oastern, who drew a knife, received a bullet from Craven's pistol
though the shoulder. Oastern escaped. Pelham and Oastern
belong to a gang called Shawneetown Boys, from Shawneetown and Cave-in-Rock,
Illinois, who have been a terror to that neighborhood.
The residents in and about the neighboring village of Unity, were thrown into a high state of excitement on Saturday evening, by the instant killing of a man by the name of Oller, and the serious wounding of another man by the name of White.
The facts as detailed to us
are about as follows: White and Oller had involved themselves
in a quarrel with other parties and were in the act of resorting to violent
measures when constable Holden appeared on the ground and commanded
the peace. No attention was paid to the command, and the constable seeing
that prompt interference was necessary called upon a bystander (whose name
we could not learn) to assist him in enforcing good order. No sooner had
the bystander been thus designated than White and Oller
attacked him, but before they could seize hold of his person, he drew his
revolver, killed Oller on the spot, and fired a bullet into White's
breast, which may or may not work a fatal termination.
One Man Killed, and Another Mortally Wounded. We briefly referred, yesterday, to a shooting affair in the neighborhood of Unity, in this county, which resulted in the death of a man named Hiram Oller, and the serious wounding of another man, named John W. White. The details of the affair, as furnished to us by a party who visited the scene of the tragedy, are as follows: White and Oller were returning from Unity to Pulaski, about dusk, Saturday, somewhat under the influence of liquor, and meeting Theron Gilson (who was on horseback and accompanied by a boy named Thomas Sowers), drew him from his horse and commenced beating him. Mr. William Holden, county constable, was working in a cornfield nearby, and observing the fight hastened to the spot, and commanded the peace. White and Oller, thereupon attacked the constable, compelling him to retreat to the cover of the cornfield. They immediately returned to Gilson and resumed operations on him, manifestly intending to beat him to death. Holden again came to Gilson’s rescue, and called upon the boy Sowers, to assist in arresting White and Oller. White instantly drew his knife and Oller picked up a wagon feloe (?) and advanced in a threatening attitude. Holden, discovering that Sowers was armed, ordered him not to permit the desperate men to approach any nearer unless they laid down their arms, and told them the consequence of a persistence in their attack. White and Oller continued to advance and Holden and Sowers to retreat, until the latter saw the time had arrived, when they must resort to decisive measures. The assailants were again told to advance no further, but disregarding the warning, Sowers drew his revolver and fired, planting a ball in White’s breast, and inflicting what is thought to be a fatal wound. Oller continued the attack, but had advanced only a few yards further before Sowers shot him through the heart, killing him instantly. The body of Oller was permitted to remain where it had fallen, the only watcher for hours being young Sowers. Late in the night the corpse was removed to Pulaski, where the wife of the deceased resides, and where the body was interred on Monday last. White was assisted to the residence of Widow Atherton, where he remained until Sunday afternoon, when he was removed to Pulaski. As the ball penetrated the cavity of his body, causing considerable internal bleeding, grave doubts are entertained of his recovery. Oller had been married only a few months. White has a wife and a number of children, all dependent upon him for support. Holden and Sowers immediately surrendered themselves to the authorities; a preliminary inquiry was instituted before Squire Holmes, who discharged the prisoners after a five-minute trial. Our informant says, that little or no sympathy was expressed for the wounded man or his more unfortunate companion. They were regarded as quarrelsome and when under the influence of liquor, were thought to be dangerous.
(George B. Poor
married Adaline A. Coons on 19 Sep 1862, in Pulaski Co., Ill.)
The chase was kept up until the other thief was captured and both mules recovered, when it was thought advisable to make search for the individuals in the cornfield. The search was not a protracted one, for within a hundred yards of the road they found a dead body, which proved to be that of the other thief. The party then started for Charleston, but when they arrived there their prisoner was “missing.” It was surmised, by some that the rascal had, a la Absalom, caught himself in the limb of a tree and thus miserably perished.
Horse thieves will probably
learn ere long that Southeast Missouri is not the safest place in the world
in which to operate. A PARAGRAPH recently published in a St. Louis paper concerning the death of an old German, named Charles Rhoderick, calls to mind of an old resident of this vicinity, the following facts: About the year 1840 Mr. Rhoderick reached Cairo, on his way to New Orleans; but learning that the yellow fever was raging in the South, he concluded to go no further. Being a carpenter by trade, he secured employment from Mr. Richard McDonald, who was then engaged in the erection of a number of buildings for the Cairo Company. He assisted in the erection of the Holbrook house, the “big carpenter shop” and foundry, remaining here until the summer of 1841, when he went to St. Louis, where he located. He left his family near Baltimore, Maryland; and, after reaching St. Louis, wrote for them to come on. He received no tidings from them. After the lapse of several weeks he wrote again; but receiving no answer, finally wrote to an acquaintance requesting information, and then learned that his family had left the neighborhood, but no one knew whither they had gone. Although greatly troubled in mind, he devoted himself to his trade, and in the course of a year or two accumulated several hundred dollars, with which he started out in search of the truants. After a year’s fruitless search he returned to St. Louis, and again devoted himself to his trade. A few years afterwards he made a second search, passing through Canada, northern New York, Maryland and Virginia, returning after the lapse of six months, in a state of mind bordering on distraction. Nowhere could he obtain the least trace of his family; and conviction was now fixed upon his separation from them was final. His worst fears were realized. The ensuing twenty-six years brought him no tidings of the missing ones and a few days ago he was found dead in his hut, in the vicinity of St. Louis, where he died of pulmonary hemorrhage.
Thursday, 15 Dec 1870:
A most brutal murder was
committed at the grocery of James M. Henley, in the county, 12 miles
southwest of this place. The particulars are about as follows: Old Bart
Lynn and Monroe Spence, two notorious scoundrels of Massac
County, were engaged in a game of cards, for money, with Thomas Jones,
a well-to-do farmer, living near Henley's grocery, which had been
protracted during the night, as the difficulty, which resulted in the
killing of Thomas Jones, occurred at about 5 o’clock in the morning.
The difficulty which is supposed to have been premeditated for the purpose
of robbing Jones of a sum of money he was thought to possess was
begun about the game, and Jones was knocked down with some heavy
substance, supposed to be either a weight or the barrel of a pistol, in the
hands of one of the parties; and when he fell they drew their knives and cut
his throat and stabbed him a number of times in the left breast and side;
and parties who saw the body state that the left side and breast were
literally cut to pieces. The cutting was done on last Tuesday morning at 5
o'clock and he died at 9 o'clock that night. A warrant was issued for the
arrest of the murderers, but the officers in whose hands it was placed,
failed to find them. It is supposed that they fled into the State of
Missouri.
In the valise which
Carmody carried on board were found a number of private letters from
which it was learned that he has a wife and two children living in England;
that he was a member of the Masonic or some other secret body, and that he
recently resided in Oil City, Pennsylvania. As he wore heavy, iron-spiked
shoes, it is probably that he immediately sunk to the bottom of the river
and did not rise again. No one saw him tumble overboard.
A private letter to Mr. Sam
Orr, of this city, states that a few days ago, the house of Mr.
McGurley, a farmer living near the Sulphur Springs, Crittenden County,
Ky., was burned down during his absence, and that his wife and daughter, the
latter about 24 years of age, were both burned to death. The wife
was confined to her bed by severe illness, and as the charred remains were
found together near the door, at some distance from the bed, it is supposed
the daughter had lifted her mother out of bed, and was endeavoring to escape
with her from the burning building, when overcome by the stifling smoke.
(John Quincy Stancil
married Mary Hill on 22 Jul 1851, in Alexander Co., Ill.) The burial of the remains has been postponed on account of the absence of the brother of deceased who is expected to arrive by the morning train. The following old citizens of Cairo have been designated as pall bearers: Miles W. Parker, Samuel Wilson, Thomas Wilson, James Quinn, R. H. Baird, B. S. Harrell, Henry Winter, A. J. Carle, M. B. Harrell, D. C. Stewart, D. T. Linegar, J. S. Rearden, C. D. Arter, John Myers, R. J. Cundiff, M. J. Buckley, John Patton, Dr. C. W. Dunning, Fritz Whitcamp, C. Osterloh, and Henry Whitecamp, all of whom are requested to meet at the residence of Mr. Stancil on 9th Street at quarter past 10 a.m. |
