Wednesday, 5 Jan 1876:
Died.

At Savannah, Georgia, on the 28th of December, Mrs. H. Matthuss, of consumption.  Mr. Mathuss was a brother of Mr. Z. D. Mathuss, of the firm of Mathuss & Uhl of this city.
 

Friday, 7 Jan 1876:
Died.

At her home on Twentieth Street, yesterday morning at 7:30 o’clock, Elizabeth McDevitt, wife of Peter McDevitt.  The funeral services will take place at the German Catholic church at 1 o’clock p.m. today.  Special train will leave the foot Eighteenth Street after the services and convey the remains to Villa Ridge for interment.  All friends of the family are invited to attend the services.

(Peter McDevitt married Elizabeth Welch on 5 Oct 1872, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Murderer Arrested.

On Thursday before New Year’s Day, Officers Gossman and John Cain received a telegram from Ironton, Ohio, requesting them to keep a lookout for a colored man named John R. Robinson, who had murdered a man named Hiram Stewart at Ironton on Christmas night, and who was trying to make his escape to the South.  Having received a description of Robinson, the officers watched for him.  Robinson arrived in the city by the Vincennes train on Friday night, December 31^st, and as soon as he stepped out on the cars was arrested by Cain and Gossman, and lodged in the county jail.  On Wednesday, Mr. N. Munshower, chief of police of Ironton, arrived in the city armed with a requisition from the governor of Ohio for Robinson, and left yesterday on his return to Ironton, taking Robinson with him.  Robinson was a saloonkeeper, and having a difficulty with Stewart, the murdered man, struck him on the head with a brass faucet, fracturing his skull, from the effects of which, he died in a few days.  Robinson, the murderer, is a brother of the notorious Sheriff Robinson, at Helena, Arkansas, who will be remembered as the man who got up the disturbance between the whites and blacks at that place a year or two ago.
 

 

Tuesday, 11 Jan 1876:
Died.

Jessica Mildred Oberly, born July 28th, 1872, died of diphtheria, January 10th, 1876, aged three years, five months, and twelve days.  Services at the residence of parents at 2 o’clock p.m., today; funeral by special train to Beech Grove Cemetery at 2:30. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.

(The 22 Jan 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported the death of Jessica Mildred Oberly, the daughter of John H. Oberly, of Cairo, and states she died of diphtheria.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Obituary.

Died, about two o’clock a.m., Monday, January 20th, 1876, after a long and painful sickness, Mrs. Bridget Fitzgerald, beloved wife of Mr. Richard Fitzgerald, aged about thirty-five years.  Her funeral will take place today from her husband’s residence, corner Twentieth Street and Washington Avenue, at 1 o’clock.  Services at St. Patrick’s Church.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at half past two o’clock for Calvary Cemetery, Villa Ridge. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.

(A marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Mother Fitzgerald Jan. 20, 1876.—Darrel Dexter)
 
 
Saturday, 15 Jan 1876:
Kicked to Death.

On Last Saturday or Sunday, an Irishman named John Buckly, went into the peanut stand on Ohio Levee between Twelfth and Fourteenth streets, kept by a man named John McCarty, and shortly after entering a difficulty took place between Buckly and McCarty, the latter being the aggressor.  As Buckly was about the leave the stand, McCarty gave him several severe kicks inflicting injuries so severe that it was found necessary to send Buckly to the hospital for treatment.  Yesterday Buckly died from the effects of his injuries.  When the officers went to look for McCarty, it was found that he had closed out his peanut stand and was nowhere to be found.  However, the officers are on the lookout for him and from information in their possession his arrest is only a matter of time.
 
The case of the People vs. James K. Lane, indicted for manslaughter, was set for trial next Tuesday.  Messrs. Green and Gilbert have been retained for the prosecution and a hard contested trial is anticipated.
 

Tuesday, 18 Jan 1876:
We hear a number of citizens who contemplate visiting Marion, Williamson County, on Friday next, January 21st, to witness the execution of the murderer, Marshal Crain.  It is to be hoped that Crain will be sent into the “blue beyond” in style.
 
McCarty, the man who inflicted the kicks on the man Buckley, who died in the hospital last Friday, was arrested at a negro cabin in the upper part of the city yesterday morning.
 
Died—on Monday afternoon, Jennie, daughter of George B. and Katy Armstrong, aged six years.  Funeral services at the residence on Twelfth Street, between Cedar and Locust, this afternoon, at half past one o’clock.
 
The trials of the Crains—W.J., Sr., and W. J., Jr., will probably come up for trial the latter part of this week. The witnesses are expected to arrive in a day or two.
 
A little daughter of Mr. Able’s died of scarlet fever on Sunday and was buried yesterday.  Mr. Able has two more children who are very low with the same disease.
 
A little daughter of Mr. George Armstrong’s, Twelfth Street, below Cedar, died yesterday of rosceola.
 

Wednesday, 19 Jan 1876:
One of the Jackson County Ku Klux, Gum Stephens, by name was tried last week for highway robbery, found guilty and sentenced to fourteen years in the penitentiary.  Jackson and Williamson counties are rapidly ridding themselves of their thieves and murderers.  It would have been better for the reputation of both counties had this good work been inaugurated two or three years ago.
 

Thursday, 20 Jan 1876:
Marshall Crane, the murderer of Capt. Sisney and William Spence, will be hanged at Marion, Williamson County, tomorrow.  It is hoped the sheriff will make a neat job of his work.
 
The trial of the Crains, members of the Williamson County Vendetta, now in the Alexander County jail, will come up early next week.  Judges Allen and Duff of Carbondale, and County Attorney Mulkey, will conduct the prosecution.  We have not learned who the attorneys for the prisoner are.
 
Memphis Avalanche:  “The funeral of the late William E. Dill took place from his late residence on Monroe Street, yesterday noon, and in spite of the very inclement nature of the weather, was largely attended.  The casket, which contained the remains, was decorated with handsome floral tributes in the shape of crosses, wreaths, anchors, and other devices.  The pallbearers were Capts. James Lee, Jr., Ad. Storm, R. W. Lightburne, John Harbin, James Good, and Clarence Hall.  Elmwood Cemetery, near the city, was selected as the last resting place of the departed.
 
The remains of Capt. Ike Dallis, who died in Louisville on Sunday night, were interred at Cave Hill Cemetery on Monday afternoon.
 

Friday, 21 Jan 1876:
It is not believed that there is any foundation for the rumor that an attempt will be made today, to rescue Marshall Crain from the gallows.  The people generally have settled down in the conviction that in the miserable man deserves the fate that awaits him.  There is not the shadow of a doubt existing anywhere as to his guilt; and we cannot believe, therefore, that any man or set of men are desperate enough to seriously contemplate a violent interference with the course of the law.  The sheriff should, however, take all needed precautions.  Indeed, cognizant as he must be of the rumors afloat, it would be a neglect almost criminal in its kind, should he fail to summon a posse that would be equal to any possible emergency.
 
Marshall Crain will be hanged today at Marion, Williamson County.  Several persons left the city yesterday to be present at the matinee.
 

Saturday, 22 Jan 1876:
CRAIN.
He Was Quietly Executed Yesterday.
(Special to the Bulletin)

CARBONDALE, Ill., Jan. 21, 1876.—Marshall Crain was executed at one o’clock today.  A crowd of twenty-five hundred people were congregated in front of the jail; but no exhibition of feelings was manifested.  He was suspended for a space of thirty minutes, and pronounced dead at twenty-six minutes.  He made no further confession than has been published.  Particulars tomorrow.
 

Sunday, 23 Jan 1876:
The execution of Marshall Crain, at Marion, in Williamson County, on Friday last, without any demonstration of disapproval from the immense crowd in attendance, furnishes a most gratifying indication that the bloody era, in that county, has been brought to a close.  The bad men have been compelled to succumb to the law and to recognize, in order-loving people the power and right to execute its severest penalties.  We congratulate Williamson on this turn in the tide of her affairs, and (line missing) she be bought, at the end of such a terrible ordeal, may be permanent.
 
“HANGING OF THE CRAIN.”

“I am the Murderer of William Spense and George W. Sisney.”

A Bad Poet, but a Cool Fellow.

The Bulliner Side Punished.  How About the Other Side?

Over 3,000 Persons Present at the Hanging.

CARBBONDALE, Jan. 22, 1876.

IN MY DISPATCH

I announced the execution of Marshall T. Crain, in Marion, Williamson County, on Friday the 21^st, and promised you particulars by letter.

Accompanied by a number of Bohemians of the press, representing the Chicago Times, St. Louis Republican, New York Herald, St. Louis Globe-Democrat, Chicago Tribune, and (words missing) reputation, took (words missing) at Carbondale early on Friday morning.  The cards were will filled, and while passing Carterville and Crainville, many others, citizens living in the vicinity where the

VENDETTA SPENT ITSELF,

got upon the train.  Reaching Marion we found large crowds assembled on all the corners of the streets, and from the principal avenues leading to the town, men, women and children flocked in on foot, horseback and in wagons and carriages.  By ten o’clock the town was crowded with people of the neighborhood, and previous to the execution numbered at least three thousand.  Being acquainted with the town and officials, I took, by general consent,

CHARGE OF THE EDITORIAL BRIGADE,

and learning that Sheriff Norris, an efficient officer, interpreted the law so as to exclude reporters, I consulted Prosecuting Attorney J. W. Hartwell, who immediately visited the sheriff and made arrangements satisfactory to that gentleman, who was fearful of violating the law.  Besides being under obligations to Mr. Hartwell, the press force owes much to his law partner, Mr. Walter Warder, for courtesies extended.

At 11 o’clock the militia assembled, commanded by Captain James Grider; William Henderson, lieutenant.  Sixty-five muskets were carried by men who seemed to know how to handle them.

One o’clock was the time set for the springing of the trap that would

END THE DAYS OF MARSHALL CRAIN.

The front of the jail was entirely blocked up by people, as orderly a crowd as I ever laid eyes upon, reflecting great credit on the farmers of Williamson and citizens of Marion.  There was no drunkenness, no boisterous conduct, seeming more like a holiday; or a grand arsenic display that the men, women, and children, contemplated seeing, instead of a tragic chapter in a bloody drama.

            BAYONETS GLEAMED

in the jail yard, and along the fence surrounding it, and an avenue was opened for those who were authorized to enter the building where the doomed man was preparing for death.

            After 12 o’clock, accompanied by the press force, I repaired to the jail, presented my pass to the officer in command, and was soon inside the hall of the building.  Ascending a flight of stairs I

CONFRONTED THE GALLOWS,

a rude structure, but sufficiently strong to hold a small elephant, erected in a corner of the upper hall, the floor being cut to let the body swing down after severing of the rope.

            INSIDE THE CELL

Marshall Crain was dressing himself for that the fatal leap, and in a few moments, in company with Deputy Sheriff Edrington, he made his appearance in the hall.  A window was opened for him and he looked calmly out upon the people assembled.  A white robe covered his whole body, and he was closely shaved, with hair nearly cut.  In a clear, distinct voice he said it was his duty to God and man to confess his crimes, asked to be forgiven, and hoped the country would be quiet and prosperous after his death, which was not far off.  He closed by reading the following poem, which was, at his positive request, published verbatim:

CRAIN’S POEM

Dear friends from you i must part

            My life on earth will leave today

Leave dear little wife with broken heart

            My love with thee i cannot stay.

And when you see that i must pass

            From one that’s been so kind

Remember that it is you love

            That i shall bear in mind.

When I left here a plan i laid

            My dear little wife i did not take

When caught a sleep arrest was made

            Then my self i did forsake

When arrested then i was took

            By Frank Lowe you no him well

Then for a reward he did look

            Which he would get if i did tell

Then for a witness i was sent

            A gainst two men you all no

To Joliet allen ort not a went

            John bulliner i thought or to go

To the Marion jail i was took

            And their we stay for a while

Then for my trial i did not look

            Then an affidavid i did file

Before the judge i did go

            I begged for time which i did not get

Their witnesses i did not no

            The day for trial it was set

Then in the trial i was forsed

            A plea of guilty i did make

My attorneys said to me of Course

            For dear that my neck would brake

It was the judge whoes took my life away

            To prison me he could a sent

My love is upon him night & day

            But to hang me was his intent

My trial over the day is sot

To part me from this life

With friends around ile see them not

And i to part from my little wife

On this day my life will depart

From friends that is so kind

With enmities around with proud heart

When i am dead they can find

What you take to be my enemies

They are my best friends

To some they will have avenge

On that you may depend

Dear little wife from you i must part

To stay with you it cannot be

For you my dear has broke my heart

To leave to part from thee

Dear little wife mourn not for me

When to the grave i go

But when I’m gone away from thee

It is but death you know

When once in bloom was death not near

It is a debt we have got to pay

We must forever watch and fear

The one that watches night and day

I fear not the gallows

Or i fear not to die

When my soul on to heaven

With angels will fly.

And when on the gallows

These words i will say

Good people around me

For my poor soul pray,

Good by to kin, friends while in my blooms

To leave my wife to mourn and weep

For I am bound to leave you soon

And in the tomb i their must sleep

Dear lord to you my heart is given

To make my home above

Where angels dwell with thee in heaven

Where all is joy and love.

Thus lies my soul alone with thee

Bereft of all my delight

Yet fretting not nor making moan

But bearing patiently my flight

Believing that the time will haste

That joy and peace again will be

My life on earth is only waste

When thou dear lord did come to me

Tho god and Christ are in my creed

And life or death forever

This may be mine tho sinful greed

That through its conquest never

I will not then of creeds make boast

Which ever lip may fashion

Nor let my soul be torn and tost

By fierce polemic passion

Enough that I this faith maintain

Which god within me teaches

Which conquers self through

Christ and pain.

The life eternal reaches.

THE EXECUTION FOLLOWED.

He was led to the scaffold and took a position on the trap without flinching, only looking serious, but composed.  The Rev. Sanford Gee, of Mount Vernon, and Rev. H. Atkinson, of Marion, officiated, the former delivering a brief and pathetic discourse.  The hymn, “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” was sung by those in the upper hall.  Crain joined in the hymn.  The number present did not exceed thirty.  After the singing, the prisoner proceeded, with others, and listed to a pathetic prayer.  On arising to his feet, Deputy Sheriff Edrington said:

“You have just five minutes to live; Have you anything to say?”

A moment’s silence and he replied:

“I am the murderer of William Spense (a short pause) and of George W. Sisney.”

The cap was then drawn down over his face, a deep silence ensued, and Deputy Kelly, who superintended the hanging, intimated that all was right.  Deputy Edrington gave the signal to Brice Holland; a hatchet rose and fell, the trap went down with an ominous noise, and Marshall Crain swung in the air, shrugged his shoulders, moved his feet once or twice, and then hung straight and motionless.  A cousin of the criminal, Lorenzo Crain, witnessed the scene.  The body was taken down thirty minutes after the trap had been sprung, was put in a coffin, and delivered to friends awaiting it.  They placed it in a wagon and rove in the direction of Crainsville.

SHERIFF NORRIS,

a full cousin to Marshall Crain, seemed to sadly deplore the disgraceful fate that his relative had brought upon himself, and did not throw any obstacles in the way of the law.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY HARTWELL,

for the fearless manner in which he has worked in defense of law and order, deserves the gratitude of the people of Williamson County, and also for the fight he has made, and is yet making against lawless me and assassins.  In a few days he will be in your city in the prosecution of the Crains in the Cairo jail, and I hope he may not want for friends in this arduous undertaking.  J.H.B.

 
The remains of ex-postmaster Casey, of Vicksburg, were on board the Robert Mitchell yesterday.  They are being taken to Kentucky for interment.
 

Tuesday, 25 Jan 1876:
The Trial of the Crains.

Judge W. J. Allen and A. D. Duff, of Carbondale, arrived in the city yesterday, preparatory to going into the trial of the Crains, who are now in the Alexander County jail, having been brought to this county on change of venue from Williamson.  The trial of these men was set to commence yesterday morning, but as the Lane trial was not concluded of course it could not come up.  It will probably be called this afternoon.  We were not able to ascertain the names of the attorney for the accused.
 
Circuit Court.

The trial of James K. Lane, on the charge of manslaughter, has occupied the time of the circuit court since Thursday afternoon last.  One day was taken up in securing the jury and Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and the greater part of Monday forenoon was spent in hearing the evidence.  The argument was commenced at noon yesterday, County Attorney W. H. Mulkey making the opening speech.  Mr. Mulkey spoke for about two hours and was followed by Hon. D. T. Linegar for the defense.  Mr. Linegar took up nearly all yesterday afternoon in his remarks, and concluded at the adjournment of court.  Judge John H Mulkey will make the closing argument for the defense this morning, when Judge W. H. Green, will close for the people.  The case attracts considerable interest, and the attendance on court since it has been on trial has been very large, the colored population forming no inconsiderable portion of the audiences.  The result is looked for with interest, as well by the friends of the dead man, Storias, as the friends and acquaintances of Mr. Lane.  The circumstances of the killing of Storias have been twice published in the Bulletin and are generally known to our readers.
 

Wednesday, 26 Jan 1876:
Circuit Court

The case of the People vs. James K. Lane still occupied the time of the circuit court yesterday.  Judge Mulkey commenced the closing argument for the defense at the opening of court in the morning and concluded between two and three o’clock, when Judge Green commenced the closing speech for the prosecution.  The courthouse was densely crowded during the entire day, the colored population being well represented.  As the case draws to a close, the interest seems to increase.  Judge Green spoke until the adjournment of court last evening, and will conclude this morning when the court will instruct the jury and the case will be given to them.  It is generally conceded the jury will not remain out long.
 

Thursday, 27 Jan 1876:
Circuit Court

End of the Lane Case, and a Verdict of “Not Guilty”—The Trial of the Crains Commenced

The trial of James K. Lane, for the killing of the negro Storias, came to an end in the circuit court yesterday morning.  Judge Green concluded his argument for the prosecution by about 10 o’clock, and the court proceeded to instruct the jury, after which the case was given to them.  It was about 11 o’clock when the jury retired from the court room, and after an absence not to exceed fifteen minutes returned a verdict of not guilty.  It is the opinion of those who heard the evidence that the jury did all they could do—acquit Mr. Lane; and the verdict is generally conceded to be a fair one.

The Crain case was called at convening of court after dinner, and the work of empanelling a jury commenced.  Judges Allen and Duff of Carbondale, and County Attorney Hartwell of Williamson County, together with County Attorney Mulkey, will conduct the prosecution; while W. W. Clemens and J. B. Calvert of Williamson County and Hon. D. T. Linegar, of Cairo, will conduct the defense.  At the adjournment of court last evening but five jurors had been obtained as follows:  John McEwen, Sen., S. P. Bennett, W. P. Bristol, M. M. Yourd, and Phil Saup.
 

Friday, 28 Jan 1876:
Circuit Court.
A Full Jury in the Crain Trial—Examination of Witnesses to Begin Today.

The case of the People vs. William Jasper Crain and William J. Crain, for the murder of William Spence, in Williamson County, was continued in the circuit court yesterday.  Counsel for defense was allowed until half past 1 o’clock yesterday in the afternoon for consultation.  On assembling of court the counsel for the defense entered a motion for either a separate trial before the jury, or a joint trial before the court.  The case then went to trial.  Judges Allen Duff of Carbondale, and County Attorneys Hartwell of Williamson and W. H. Mulkey of Alexander County, appearing for the People and Messrs. Linegar, Clemens and Calvert for the defense.
 

Saturday, 29 Jan 1876:
The little daughter of Mr. Cherry residing on Ninth Street, back of Walnut, died of scarlet fever at eleven o’clock on Thursday night.
 
Mr. George Mackie, who has been suffering for the past two years with consumption, was lying at the point of death last evening, and was not expected to live through the night.
 
Died.

Of scarlet fever, on Thursday, January 28th, at 11:30 o’clock, p.m., Melissa Isabel, aged five years, youngest daughter of F. W. and M. I. Cherry.  Funeral services at the residence of the parents today at 11 o’clock a.m. and friends of the family are invited to attend.

(Francis W. Cherry married Melissa I. Horn on 27 Aug 1864, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
THE CRAINS

The Trial of William Jasper Crain Alias Jep Crain and William J. Crain alias Black Bill Crain.

Sam Musick, the Accomplice of the Crains, on the Witness Stand.

He Tells the Story of the Murder of Spence, and Who Did It.

The Trial Will Probably Continue Ten Days or Two Weeks.

The Crain murder case was continued in the circuit court yesterday morning.

On the assembling of court, Judge Baker announced that one of the jurors, Mr. S. P. Bennett, having been taken ill the night previous, would be unable to sit on the jury, and asked the attorneys what they proposed to do in the matter.

Mr. Linegar, for the defense, said that he knew Mr. Bennett so well that he felt sure he would not put in an excuse to avoid serving on the jury unless the same was well founded; and moved that Mr. Bennett be discharged, and someone else selected to serve in his place.

The work of selecting another juror was then commenced, and after the examination of ten or a dozen persons, Mr. George Van Brocklan was accepted and sworn to serve.  The following

WITNESSES

for the prosecution were then called and sworn:

            Samuel Music, John Ditmore, V. H. Ferrell, J. W. Laundrum, Mary C. Tippy, William Hendrickson, Marion Davis, Keonard Fuller, Norcissia Waggoner, Newman Grimes, H. W. Johnson, Monroe Roland, Ann Impsen, John Craig, William Rollan, Thomas Duncan, James Hampton alias Joseph Hostetter.

JUDGE ALLEN

for the prosecution then addressed the jury for about thirty minutes marking out the line the prosecution would follow.  At the conclusion of Judge Allen’s remarks, court adjourned until 1:30 o’clock p.m.

AFTERNOON SESSION

            On the opening of court after dinner, Mr. W. W. Clemons, for the defendants, prosecuted the case for the defense, occupying the time of the court for nearly two hours.

            The prisoners are really fine looking men, and have none of the appearances of men who would be guilty of the terrible crimes with which they are charged.

JEP CRAIN

is a man probably thirty-five years of age, and stands six feet one in height.  He has a full round face, light blue eyes, light complexion, light brown hair, and chin whiskers and moustache.  He is neatly dressed in grey clothes, and does not look like a bad man.

BLACK BILL CRAIN

is a very tall man, standing six feet three inches in height.  His complexion is dark, and his feature sharp.  He has gray eyes, black hair and whiskers, and moustache.  Like Jeff Crain, he is neat and cleanly dressed in a suit of dark clothing,

            Both of the men on trial seem to feel deeply the uncertainty of the position in which they are placed, but are not demonstrative in their manners.  They sit quietly, but watch with interest every incident of the trial.  They have placed their fate in the hands of their attorneys, and seem content to allow them work it out as best they can.

            The first witness called was Dr. H. V. Ferrell, of Carterville, who testified as follows:

            I know the defendants. I have known Jep Crain for about four years, and it will be six years in March since I became acquainted with William Crain—I speak of him as “Black Bill.”  I knew William Spence for about two years, becoming acquainted with him in the year 1873.  On Saturday morning, the first day of August last, Mr. Dowell told me that Mr. Spence was murdered in his store.  I was on my way over Crab Orchard.  On my way home I went by and saw Mr. Spence and saw he was dead.  It appeared as if there had been a chair near the door and as if he had sat down in it and then fallen out of it.  There was a number of wounds on his person.  Shortly after I was summoned by the coroner to make the examination, and found quite a number of wounds in the region of the stomach and bowels; one shot entered the right eye and came out near the ear.  If I remember right he was laying against the door when I first saw him—in his store.  The wounds I thought were produced by shotgun, judging from other wounds I had seen produced by a similar weapon.  I probed the wounds but did not extract any shot.  I made a written report of doctor examination and furnished it to the coroner.  There were no wounds to his hands.  I think Mr. Spence died from the effects of the wounds.  The killing occurred in July last, in Williamson County, state of Illinois.  My attention was called to a bruise that appeared to have been made by the muzzle of a shotgun.  I do not remember how many shot entered the body (at this point the doctor spoke in such a low voice that the reporter lost a part of the testimony).  Continuing Dr. Ferrell said:  The front doors to the store are glassed above the locks and the glass was knocked out.  The house has what is called a glass front, the glass coming down lower than the panels of the doors.  I think there was one pane of glass in the front broken out. I think there was a counter on each side of the store room.  The house fronts to the North, but the counters do not come all the way up to the front of the buildings—there is room to pass between the window and the end of the counter.  Mr. Spence had fallen down and his left leg was thrown across the chair; his head was to the north.  It seems to me that someone said there was a box between the end of the counter and the window, but I don’t remember if this was the case. I think Mr. Spence had one slipper on.  The house is a two-story building, with the stairs in the back end of the storeroom.  Mr. Spence’s bed was in the north end of the building.  I can’t say how many windows there are in the building above the door.  Mr. Spence told me he was a Scotchman.  He had no family there, and roomed alone; he took his meals at Call Waggoner’s some distance north of his store.

            On cross examination Dr. Ferrell stated that in his opinion Spence was shot with some small shot, some large shot and some slugs, judging from the character of the wounds, which were similar to wounds he had seen on Hinchcliff, Ditmore, and others.  The doctor also testified that to the best of his recollection, there was some fifty odd wounds on Spence’s person.

            The cross-examination elicited nothing new from the doctor, and hence we omit it.

SAM MUSICK

was the next witness called.  Musick is an ordinary looking individual, about five feet seven inches high, and heavy set.  He is thirty-three years of age, and his countenance indicates that he is by no means a teetotaler and would not make a good member of Father Lame’s temperance society.  He has ruddy complexion, light gray or blue eyes, long curly hair and light moustache.  While his clothing is by no means expensive, he was neatly and cleanly dressed.  So far he has given his testimony in a clear, straightforward manner, and without the least appearance excitement.  He detailed the circumstances attending the

MURDER OF WILLIAM SPENCE

as follows:

My name is Samuel Musick; I am thirty-three years of age; I lived at Crainville, in Williamson County last summer—I lived there about 12 months.  I was living at Carbondale and Murphysboro before that.  I was working for Mr. Landrum at Crainville, and drove a team for him.  I think I went there in August, and quit his services in 1875—probably in July.  I worked for Mr. Hodges about two years, and drove a team.  I was at Carbondale and Murphysboro for about 7 or 8 years; I was married; was married in Missouri.  I know the defendants.  I have known Jep Crain for five or six years, and I have known Black Bill for pretty near a year.  I got acquainted with Jep in Murphysboro.  Mr. Landrum lived fifty yards east of me.  One of the defendants is a brother and the other a cousin of Marshall Crain—Jep being his brother.  He is known as “Big Jep” and lived at Crainville.  He is not marked.  Black Bill lived about four miles south of Crainville.  He is not married.  I think I quit work for Mr. Landrum in July last, we were not doing much, teaming got dull and I stopped work.  I did not go direct from Hodges to Landrum; I think I quit Hodges in the winter, and went to Landrum’s the next August.  I was living at Crainville the last days of last July, towards the last of the month, and no one occupied the house after he left it.  There was a bedstead and some other things left in the house.  There was no family that I know of lived in the house after he left it; I have seen men in the house after he moved.  It was a box house, and stood about twenty steps from the road; the road was a country road running north and south—called the Marion and Carbondale road.  The funeral of Capt. Sisney was on a Friday, towards the last of the month.  They said they buried him at Bulliner’s.  The remains were brought to Crainville, and I saw some of the procession to town—on Friday.  Me and Marshall and Jep met in town that evening and went to Marshall’s house, and Jep was the next man he wanted killed, and wanted me to go to John Bulliner’s and get a gun.  I told him I did not want to do that, for I would be seen; but I said I would go to Ditmore’s and get his, and he said that would do.  We were to meet back of Mrs. Hampton’s field on Saturday morning, and if we got there first we were to break down the weeds and bushes to let them know we were there, and go on the hill and shoot.  The place where we broke the weeds there was a path that ____ out of the road.  There was two paths at this place, one turned north and the other south; the road was not a public one and there was no house in sight.  I had been along the road but not back of the field before that.  Where we met was 2 ½ or 3 miles south of Crainville, and about one mile from Black Bill’s house.  We got there about 8 or 9 o’clock and waited until they come.  They came about 10 o’clock, I reckon.  We had some whisky and talked it over and agreed to

KILL HIM THAT NIGHT.

            Me and Black Bill and Marshall Crain were to do it.  Marshall and me took the whisky out and we had three pints; we got it at Carterville; I took two pints and Marshall one—it was in pint bottles.  Marshall and I started pretty early and walked to the place together.  We got together in the woods close to “Yallar” Bill’s; and there was two men overtook us—Al Robinson and Joe Ballard; they were walking and we went to the end of the line together; and they went one way and we went the other.  We broke the weeds and went on the hill and waited.  I don’t remember what kind of weeds they were; we broke bushes, too; some of the weeds we broke clear off and put them in the path, and we fired a pistol two or three times.  We didn’t have a watch, and I don’t know what time it was, I am only guessing the time.  I don’t remember if it was cloudy or not.  We both broke weeds and threw them down in the path; there is only one path there and that is fifteen or twenty feet from the fence.  The road is a ____ country road on the edge of the hill.  We went just on top of the hill when we fired the pistol—it was in the roads and two or three shots were fired before the other boys came.  I don’t remember how near they came before we saw them.  We drank some whisky while they were there.  It was agreed that I was to go home, get some whisky, and meet them in the woods back of “Yaller” Bill’s; I don’t know who selected the place where we were to meet, but were to meet at dark.  There is a thicket where we were to meet.  We had dinner that day at Wes Crain’s—Jep told us we had better go in there and get dinner.  Wes Crain is a brother to Jep.  It is one quarter of a mile or more from where the meeting was to Wes Crain’s.  We went up and found no one at home, but we went in and eat a cold snack and went back to where we met.  Jep and Black Bill started to Black Bill’s, but I don’t know what they went there for.  I left Marshall at the time, and went home, and then to Crainville, and got some whisky, and came back and met them where I had agreed to.  I don’t remember what kind of clothing the others wore, only Black Bill’s.  He had on a sharp-topped cap and socks over his shoes or was in his stocking feet.  I don’t know if anything was said about his cap.  We staid there till it was dark and then went to Marshall’s where the guns were.  We had no guns when we were in the woods.  Marshall had a pistol. There was two shotguns in the house—Marshall took one and I took the other—I took Ditmore’s; I went after it Friday night and Ditmore did not want his gun to be away from the house, got it and put it in Marshall’s house.  I was talking to Marshall about the gun, and he gave me the key that night, so if he didn’t get there I could put it in the house, and kept the key all night.  I saw him the next morning before I put the gun in the house, and then I went in and put the gun on the bedstead.  I think there was something on the bedstead; when stood in the northeast corner of the house.  The other gun was put in the house after dark the night before by Marshall.  We got it out of a hollow tree out in the woods.  We had no light in the house, and staid there until nine or ten o’clock; both the doors shut and we talked very low.  I don’t remember what we talked about.  We had the guns but I don’t remember if anything was said about what we were going to do.  When we left

BLACK BILL TOOK THE GUN

I got from Ditmore and Marshall took the other one.  It was 9 or 10 o’clock, and we had been waiting for it to get still and quite before we went out.  We went out the gate and across the road, east, till we got to the store.  When we got there, Marshall called to Mr. Spence and said:  “Mr. Spence” (he called twice) and said John Sisney wanted to get some shrouding for a child.  Mr. Spence said he would come as soon as he got his shoes.  Black Bill and I was back about ten steps out east of the door, while Marshall was in front of the door.  When Spence came down Marshall shot him with the shotgun, and after he shot him with the shotgun he reached in and shot with his pistol.  Spence made a noise—a groan which was the only noise I heard.  When Marshall shot, we stepped up to the corner of the house, and just about that time Marshall jobbed a light out of the window on the east side of the house and went in.  He broke the light out with the muzzle of his gun I think.  He was not in the store more than two or three minutes, though I did not see him in the store; he took his gun in through the window.  When we came out we started west, and he had a pocketbook and dropped it, and said there was nothing in it.  This was on the railroad track.  We went east till we came to Terry Crain’s lane, and I went to Landrum’s and then home.  Marshall and Bill carried the guns.  I said to them, “What shall I do if I am arrested, when Bill said have us subpoenaed and we will swear you clear.  When we were in the words back of Mrs. Hampton’s field Black Bill said he belonged to the Ku-Klux and Jep asked him if he couldn’t initiate us, and he said he could.  Jep named that day that if anyone of us got in jail and remained in one month or three months, we needn’t be uneasy for we would be taken out.  Someone said something about getting the keys from “Old Charley;” Jep said, “Never mind the keys; mash the door in;”—Old Charley was the jailor at Marion;—this was at the field Jep used this language;—I don’t know if it was Bill or Marshall talked about the keys;—don’t remember Jep saying where he was going to stay at, but the reason they wanted Spence killed was because they thought he was a pay for the Sisneys; I have not see the gun since that night; Black Bill had it last I knowed anything about I; Ditmore lived two hundred and fifty yards from where I lived, in the same village; we met on the evening Sisney was killed in Crainville, about thirty yards from the drugstore; don’t know who mentioned about meeting at the house; I remember before we got there Marshall Crain volunteered to shoot Spence himself; I don’t remember if Black Bill had the socks on his feet when he went up to kill Spence; it was not a very light night; but was not raining; I did not see any light on the way up to the store.  When we went from the store I didn’t think it was over a quarter of a mile till I parted from them and went to bed, did not see them any more that night; I don’t remember seeing any light upstairs before Spence came down; I saw a light at the door before he was shot; did not hear any alarm, as if anyone was coming.  While Marshall was in the house Black Bill called and said to him Marshall “come out they are coming.”  Bill changed his voice; Marshall came out right away.

            At 6 o’clock court adjourned until 8:30 o’clock this evening, when 8 a.m. Musick will continue his evidence.

            (Samuel Musick, born about 1843 in Illinois, married, teamster, is in the 1880 census at Joliet Penitentiary in Will Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

Sunday, 30 Jan 1876:
MARSHALL CRAIN’S PLAGIARISM

            The “poem” read by Marshall Crain a few moments previous to the execution has been wisely copied in the papers of southern Illinois.  The lines are published just as they were copied by the reporters from Crain’s own manuscript, he having insisted that no corrections of punctuation, capitalization or of grammatical errors should be made.  From this circumstance it would seem that Crain’s rhymes were original and that his pride of authorship extended even to the bad grammar, lower case I’s and incorrect orthography.  But the “poem” was not original, and neither was his idea of cultivating the muses and reading to the people assembled to witness his taking off, the result of his wooings.  He had a prototype in the person of Mr. William Delaney, a noted desperado, who some two months ago expiated the crime of murder on the gallows in New York.  Crain we think, must have read of Delaney’s rhyming propensities and of the attention he attracted to himself because of them, and determined that writing a poem would add something to the éclat with which he himself would swing.  He not only copied Delaney’s idea, but some of his stanzas.
 
THE CRAIN CASE.
Yesterday’s Testimony in the Trial of the Crains

Sam Musick Still on the Stand—His Cross-Examination

How Capt. Sisney and William Spence Were Sent Out of the World as Related by Musick.

In the Crain murder trial yesterday, the testimony of Sam Musick one of the actors in the Williamson County vendetta and now principal witness against his former associates in the murder of Spence, was still on the stand, and underwent the ordeal of a rigid cross-examination without flinching.

SAMUEL MUSICK

Continued as follows:

Jep wanted me to go to John Bulliner’s and get a gun, but said I didn’t want to do that for I would be seen; and I told him I could get Ditmore’s gun, and he said that would do; we told him we had the guns, and where they were; I don’t remember what Jep said; I knew Marshall Crain about a year before this occurrence; I don’t know how long we had lived neighbors; he came there after I moved to Landrum; he made me a confident from about the first of July—it was between the fifth and the tenth when I found it out; there was a lane back of Mrs. Hampton’s field, where we broke the weeds; it was near the north end; it ran north and south; I don’t know if it was traveled by wagon or not; I think it was wide enough; Wes Crain’s was southeast, and we went though a cornfield to his house; I don’t know the given name of Mrs. Hampton; it was about 3 o’clock when Jep and I and Marshall went down to the old house; I was drinking at that time and don’t remember correctly; I first told about this thing to Mr. Landrum at Marion, Williamson County.

There was no house in sight where we met in the woods back of Mrs. Hampton’s field; I think Mrs. Hampton’s house was southwest, but don’t know what distance from the place; the farm on the east of the lane was near a quarter of a mile long; I was at the same place the next Sunday evening after Spence was killed on Saturday night; I was never there after that time; Spence was killed in July, in the last of the month, and I was arrested about the 13^th of September, and taken to Marion and put in jail.

Q—State if you made any statements soon after you were put in jail in person about the breaking of the weeds you have spoken of near Mrs. Hampton’s field.

Question objected to; objection overruled and exception taken.

I did the evening after I was put in jail, to Mr. Landrum, Mr. Hartwell and Mr. Norris; I told it to Mr. Landrum first, when there was no one present but me and him; that was after I was in jail; it was in the evening I spoke to Landrum about it; I told it to Landrum first; the cap Black Bill wore was speckled, white and blue, I think; the spots were small; I did not have my hands on it; I don’t know if he had it on in the old house; we had whisky back of the field; when we met nothing was said about how Jep and Black Bill came; they were there when I got there; I don’t know how Black Bill got to Crainville.  I did not hear him say; Marshall stood not far from the door at Spence’s when he shot—probably not more than three or four steps; I don’t know if he fired both shots at once—both barrels went off at once if he did; I did not examine Ditmore’s gun when I got it and don’t remember if anything was said in the house about the guns being loaded; going out I did not go on the railroad track; in going to Spence’s sometimes were together and sometimes one behind the other.

On cross-examination Musick detailed his history from the time he was a child ten years old to the date of his connection with this bloody affair.  Samuel Musick was born in Spring Garden, Jefferson County, in this state, and was the son of Jesse Musick, a farmer.  When Sam was ten years old his parents moved from Illinois to Kentucky, but Samuel did not accompany them, but remained in and about Spring Garden for a year or two, and then went to his father’s in Union County, Kentucky.  When the war of the rebellion broke out, Musick became a member of Capt. Prow’s company, Thirteenth Kentucky Calvary, commanded by Col. Adam Johnson. He was at Clarkville and Fort Donaldson, but could not tell just when he left the service, but from the statements it must have been some time in ‘63. He returned to Illinois, went to Jefferson County, and drifted about until he came up in the neighborhood of Murphysboro and Carbondale in Jackson County, where he worked at whatever he could get to do for some seven or eight years. Some fourteen or fifteen months ago, he went to work for a Mr. Landrum, a mill owner near Crainville, a small town on the Carbondale and Shawneetown railroad in Williamson County, and about half way between Carbondale and Marion. Here it was that Musick became acquainted with the Crains, and through whom, according to his story, he was drawn into the bloody murders, out of which this trial has grown.
            We shall only give that portion of

MUSICK’S CROSS-EXAMINATION

which relates to his connection with the murder of William Spence, for which the Crains are now on trial.  Musick said:

            I was arrested here in town by the sheriff or deputy sheriff and Frank Lowe; I was near the post office when arrested; I was living across the Mississippi River (at Greenfield’s Landing) with my mother-in-law, and had been there some four or five weeks.  My brother-in-law’s name is Brewer and is a laboring man.  When I left Crainville, I went to Carbondale then came here.  I left Williamson County because I was afraid to stay there.  I was brought here (meaning the Cairo courthouse) and put in jail until 12 o’clock that night, when I was taken to Marion by Frank Lowe, and I was told what I was arrested for.  I think I told him I didn’t mind going up for I could prove myself clear.  I think Lowe said if the man who knew all about this would tell it, he would be set up selling goods, but he did not ask me to tell.  This was between Cairo and Carbondale; I don’t remember if Lowe named the parties connected with this affair.  He said Marshall Crain was the main witness.  I have heard men speak about a reprieve at the jail, but I don’t remember if it was about my case.  I heard one man say something about my coming clear, and when he went downstairs I put my ear to the floor and heard him say I would be sent to the penitentiary for life.  There was a man told me I needn’t be afraid of hanging, and the governor’s name was mentioned.  I did say when I first told about this affair that I was not present when Spence was killed, but the next time I acknowledged to being there.  I acknowledged this to Mr. Landrum, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Dennison, Mr. Norris and maybe others.  I stated the truth to Landrum—all about my being present.  At first I told him I was drunk at home and in bed; I don’t think I have made different statement about it since.  I told the truth about it at first, and have tried to tell it since.  My statements may be a little different.  I denied at first being in it, but I never denied being in it after I first told it.  I think I stated to Mr. Landrum that I was at home drunk when Spence was killed, and I then made this statement.  I don’t remember if Dennison came to my call after these parties.  (Norris, Landrum, Hartwell, Lowe, etc.) had been there and gone away, and I don’t know whether he came alone, and I don’t know who first said I would have to testify in court; I don’t remember whether I was notified that I would have to testify.  I did not say anything to -------- about what Lowe told me.  When someone said, “I don’t believe the Crains killed Spence,” I don’t remember saying, “I don’t believe it either;” I know I did not say that.  I have testified twice before in this case, once before Squire Reynolds, and once before Judge Crawford.

            Court adjourned until 1:30 o’clock p.m.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

            Court assembled at 1:30 p.m., when Sam Musick was placed on the stand again, and the cross-examination continued as follows:

            I was never exchanged for a Federal prisoner from Camp Chase, Ohio.  I went to Jefferson County, and lived ten miles from Spring Garden, and worked on a farm for another man, Mr. William Weaver; I worked for him twelve months;—from there I went to Centralia, and then I went to Carbondale; I staid at Centralia four months;—I was with Weaver about twelve months; at Carbondale I was first at one thing and then another;—the first man I worked for was Hessig, at a sawmill;—this was in 1865; I don’t know how long I worked for him, about four or five months, I reckon; I don’t remember who I worked for next, but I staid in that county; I worked for Snyder, Hill, and other parties; I worked for Cy Hill on a brickyard; I had been working around in that neighborhood from ‘65 up to the time I was arrested, to the time I left Crainville; I worked for Hodges about two years at teaming; I got acquainted with Marshall Crain in 1875, about the forepart of the year, or maybe in ‘74—towards the last of the year, at Crainville; I saw him there in town and got acquainted with him;—I knew some of the rest of them;—I became intimate with him in June, ‘75; he was my neighbor and we were together “right smart;” he wanted me to go in with him in these crimes in July; we had been together on the 4^th and went to Murphysboro, and while there someone shot into his house; and he asked me if he got in trouble would I help him out, and I said I would; we went to Murphysboro to run a lemonade stand; we had had one at Crainville on the third; we had been together “right smart,” but there had been nothing particular between us; his house was shot into on the 5trh, and we got back on the 6^th; I think it was the next evening he asked me again if I would help him out if he got into trouble; on the night of the fourth and fifth, and went back on the morning of the fifth; I don’t know if he staid at my house the first night after we got back from Murphysboro; he staid with me the next night; we got back home on Tuesday morning the 6^th; we went home in a wagon; on the night of the seventh Marshall staid at my house, and he asked me if he got into trouble if I would help him out; he did not say what kind of trouble; I don’t know if he said anything else, this was on evening of the seventh at my house; he did not stay with me the night of the 8^th; he asked me again if he got in trouble would I help him out, and I said I would; he said he thought John Sisney had shot in his house and he wanted revenge; he told me what he wanted me to do—that was to make a witness of me to help him out of trouble, and I told him I would help him; this was in the evening in the yard at my house; I intended to swear to help him out.  If I had staid as I was then, pretty full of whisky, I would have done it; he told me when me and John Bulliner and him got together, Marshall told Bulliner I was into this now, and they remarked if I went back on it I would be the next one killed; they wanted me to assist them if they got into trouble; they was aiming to kill, but not to steal anything; I told them I would help them and do what I promised to do; this conversation was along in July, about the 15th, I don’t know just what time; me and Marshall had been together and around town that day, and went up and met Jep; me and Marshall and John Bulliner had been talking at about twelve o’clock, and there was only us three there then; we were talking about shooting of George Sisney; Marshall was telling John how he had shot him; he told how he went and how he got there and that he had nearly give it out, when “that man” (meaning Obe Stanley) came and went in; I don’t remember what Bulliner said; I saw Bulliner give Marshall fifteen dollars, and said he would pay the rest when he sold his wheat; I saw Marshall at Crainville that day and he said he was going to kill Sisney that night; I had heard Marshall and John talk about killing him before; Marshall wanted to kill John Sisney first, and Bulliner wanted George killed first; don’t know of any one to be paid for the work but Marshall; he was to get $150; I was at Carbondale that day of the killing and saw Marshall at John Beard’s lumber yard; He told me he was there for the purpose of killing Sisney, and wanted me to take his coat and boots home; he said his boots hurt his feet and he couldn’t walk well; I think he told me afterwards that he had his gun hid out by Mrs. Phillips’; I took his boots and coat home and took some bullets from his pockets; he did not say anything about them being there; I think I found them when I was putting some papers in his pocket; I throwed the bullets away, because they might search his pockets and find them; I never revealed any of these conversations; I was in the house in the morning with Baker; it was about 8 o’clock in the morning; we went from Carterville and me and Marshall and Baker went in; while we were in there Baker said the reason he did not meet Marshall the night Sisney was killed was because it rained; I was drunk and went home; I don’t remember being there any more till noon, when me and Marshall and Bulliner went there; I had seen John Bulliner the day before and he told me tell Marshall he would be there that day to talk to him; he said her would be at the drug store; I don’t remember wheat time it was when we got together; I don’t remember what the discussion was to be; we didn’t stay at the house long; it was about 12 o’clock and we staid about half an hour.  I left them there and went down home; Bulliner was not present in the morning; I saw other parties there that day; me and Marshall and Jep met there.  There was no other meeting there that day except me and Baker and me and Marshall and Bulliner and me and Marshall and Jep; there was card playing and Marshall, Jep and I played; Marshall and I met Jep at the drug store and went to the house; I don’t remember the business we went to transact; we went to the house as soon as we got together; we went direct to the Marshall Crain house; I don’t know, but I reckon it was 3 o’clock; when we got there, Jep said Spence was “the next man he wanted killed;” I never heard Jep talk about these matters before; I met Jep the Thursday before, but he said nothing about the murders; he said this as soon as we went in; there was a box there and we sat down on it and around it; There might have been something else said, but I don’t remember what it was; Jep just said that the next man he wanted killed was Spence; Marshall did not say anything and Jep said he wanted me to go to John Bulliner’s and get a gun for Black Bill; I said I did not want to go there—that I would be seen, but that I would get Ditmore’s gun, and he said that would do; Ditmore lived two hundred yards from there and John Bulliner lived ----- from there; there was several houses between Bulliner’s and the house where we met, the distance being about 2 miles; if I went the bi road, there were five or six houses around Ditmore’s; Ditmore’s house is in an open field; Jep said that he would go to Black Bill’s that night, and for me and Marshall to meet him the next morning; we played cards and had some whisky; we didn’t play but a little while; we had the cards out while we was talking, so if anybody come up they would think we were playing cards; we were not there over an hour; maybe I stated  before Squire Reynolds that we were there for an hour; I think it was two or three o’clock, and Jep left first; Marshall and I might have stayed half an hour after Jep left, for we played after he left; I did not go to the door when he left; we were in the south end, close to the east side of the house; it is a box house with a petition about half way to the back end, and we were close to the position there is two doors in the house; we were about fronting the door; Jep shut the door when he went out, and I saw him going south, a little piece, thirty or forty steps from the house; I don’t know if he said where he was going just when he went out; it was about night when me and Marshall went home; I saw Marshall that night at the mill, but I don’t remember if I went out there to meet him, and I don’t think there was anyone else there, and it was not dark; Marshall gave me the key to put the gun in the house if he didn’t wake up; I went to Ditmore’s to get his gun; and he said he didn’t want his gun away at night, but I could have it in the morning; I went back home, I don’t remember if I went in the house when I went home or to the mill; if it wasn’t sundown it was close to it when Marshall and I met at the mill; I know Captain Davis, but don’t remember seeing him that day; I don’t remember seeing John Crain that day; I did not see Marshall anymore that night after he gave me the key; I don’t remember anything passing only he gave me the key to put the gun in the house; he was going to stay at Yellow Bill’s that night, and told him I had borrowed the gun and when I would get it; I went home and stayed that night; I got up by day next morning and went to Ditmore’s, and stayed just long enough to get the gun, and told Ditmore I was going squirrel or turkey hunting; Ditmore said the gun was loaded—had good loads in it; I took the gun down to Marshall’s house and found him there; I don’t mind what was said, and gave him the key and we went in and put the gun in; we went out, and he went on up to Yellow Bill’s; I don’t think the sun was up when I put the gun in the house; I think I got two bottles, went to Carterville and got them filled with whisky, and went home and got my breakfast; I got the whisky at Monroe Bulliner’s; I eat my breakfast and started across to Mrs. Hampton’s; I started in a south direction, kind of southeast, away from the road, and part of the way through the woods, about 2 miles, I reckon; I was not in sight of the main road while in the woods; I left home and went across the woods, and Marshall came across and met me; Yellow Bill lived about 50 yards from me; we got together about one hundreds and fifty yards from our houses, in the woods; we started on together; we went though and along the lane; Joe Bullard and Al Robinson overtook us and came up to us and went along with us some distance; we didn’t go far with them; they were forty or fifty steps behind us when we stopped; they went two hundred yards with us; we went through the bottom field and on up to the woods, we went a mile or more, and never struck the main road till just before we came to the place where we were to meet; we were pursuing pretty near a south direction and got to the place at 8 or 9 o’clock; I didn’t know the place till we got there; it had been described but I didn’t know it; Marshall knew the place; I reckon Marshall and me was there four hours or more, it was at the north end of the lane; I did not see any person passing the road; Jep and Bill were the first persons we saw; they were ten or fifteen steps off when I first saw them; their field’s south of where we were and we were fifteen or twenty steps from the field; I don’t think there was anything in the field along the fence; I don’t remember if I could have seen anyone coming up the lane for the timber; there was a hill on the east side of the road; it was just a gradual rise; it was in a hollow, at the edge of the bottom; I don’t know for certain how long we did stay there, maybe an hour or more, and were discussing his plan of killing Spence; Jep and Bill left first and started off the way they come; Marshall and I didn’t stay but a little while, I think we left right away and went across a field to Wes Crain’s and got something to eat and went back to where we first met, but didn’t stay there over one half hour, I reckon; we had used up all the whisky; Marshall was making Crainville his home, though his wife was not there; Marshall was to wait there and come with Black Bill, while I was to go home and go to Carterville and get some whisky; the agreement was that Marshall was to wait and come with Black Bill; I went pretty much all the way by the road, and went into the house, and then went to Carterville, and got some whisky and went home and stayed there till after sundown and then went out in the woods where I was to meet them, back of Yellow Bill’s where I met them; there was thicket where we met; it was not dark yet; we staid there till it got good dark and then went up to Marshall Crain’s house; we staid in the house till 9 or 10 o’clock; we did not talk much and don’t remember what we talked about.  We then went out and across the road and up to the store, at the store I stood 8 or 10 steps a little north of east of the store; I could not see the store; I saw a light when Spence came down; I never got up to the house or looked in while I was there; the muzzle of Marshall’s gun was 3 or 4 feet from the door when he fired; I only heard one report and then he shot with his pistol, putting his hand though the hole made by the shooting; I think it was the glass in the middle of the floor; I didn’t hear him break any glass; he turned around and jobbed a light out and went in; I don’t think he was in more than 2 or 3 minutes; I don’t remember noticing the light anywhere about the house after the gun went off; I didn’t hear him walk while in the store; it was a star-light night; I didn’t hear him make a noise after he got inside; we did not ask him what he had____ when he came out; after we started ___ got on the railroad, he dropped a pocketbook and said there as nothing in it; it was a large book, like a daybook; I saw Marshall the next evening (I was up town that morning and saw the crowd there; I never noticed the first of the house; there was not a very large crowd there; I believe Squire Crain held the inquest; I left Crainville on the Tuesday afterwards; I was at home Monday; I left Tuesday, but don’t know if I went on the morning or evening train; I met Marshall at the place where I met him on Saturday; I had promised to meet him there.  I didn’t know whether I have never said before that I had an agreement to meet Marshall there on Sunday; we went there and was to meet Jep and Bill that night; that was the agreement, but I don’t know where or when the agreement was made; we met at the same place, and Marshall was there when I got there—we did not stay there but a short time; we met one hundred yards or more northeast of the lane—I think we went from there to Warren Crain’s southeast; we went there and got our suppers; it was 3 o’clock, perhaps more, when we met; it must be over a mile to Warren Crain’s; supper wasn’t ready when we got there—the sun was probably a half an hour high; I rode Mr. Landrum’s mule, and Marshall got on behind me, and we went to Warren Crain’s Marshall said we must meet Jep and Black Bill that night, and we went to the back of Bill’s to the old orchard, and they were not there, and we went back to Warren’s and went to bed; the next morning I got up and went home, and Tuesday I left; Marshall staid at Warren’s; I have heard parties who went to this place where we had the meeting talk about it; I have heard Hendrickson and Hartwell talk; they told me they found it just like I said; I think Mr. Davis described the place; he told me something about it one night while he was on guard; I think he named about some bushes being broken; maybe he told me about how the bushes were broke and which was the closest to the fence, I think he did; if he charged me to remember what he told me I don’t remember it; I testified at Murphysboro in the trial of Bulliner and Baker; I don’t recollect if I stated anything there to Mr. Landrum about a pardon; I will not state positively that I did not say something about a reprieve or pardon at that trial, for I don’t remember; I took the boots to my house, and Marshall got them; I testified about this matter at Murphysboro; I say he didn’t have them then, but he got them after that, I had the boots on then myself; I don’t remember Mr. Dennison’s coming to the jail by himself; I don’t remember telling Mr. Dennison I could not testify against these parties; I don’t think I said I wanted money to leave here; “I won’t testify against them;” I might have said, “By God, I won’t see these parties;” I don’t remember saying I want to get the money and get away. I knowed Charley Robinson when I saw him for two or three years; I knew him previous to his going to jail.

            On redirect examination Musick, stated his reasons for wanting to leave the country as follows:

            I left because I was afraid of the parties I was in with—some of the parties that was concerned in the killing of Sisney and Spence, my own party that I was in with.  Marshall came near shooting me the day after Spence was killed; I had hid a bottle of whisky and because we couldn’t find it he thought I was betraying him, and wanted to kill me.

            Two other witnesses were called, but owing to the great length of Musick’s cross examination, we are compelled to defer their statements until Tuesday morning.  At 5:15 court adjourned.

            (Samuel Music is listed in the 1860 census of Morganfield, Union Co., Ky., as an 18-year-old, living in the household of his father, Jesse Music, who was a 48-year-old native of Indiana.  He is listed as a private in the Confederate Kentucky Calvary, Col. Sypert’s Regiment and as a private in Col. Johnson’s 10^th Kentucky Confederate Calvary.—Darrel Dexter)

Tuesday, 1 Feb 1876:

William H. Kernes was sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary at Joliet, for killing John McKay in a drunken quarrel at Pontiac last October.

THE CRAIN MURDER TRIAL.

So far Matters Look Gloomy for the Prisoners.

Some Damaging Testimony Brought Out Yesterday.

Threats by the Prisoners—Jep Crain Alleged to Have Said, “He Would Shoot Spence and Laugh to See Him Kick.”

The Evidence for the Prosecution Probably All In.

            The taking of evidence in trial of Big Jep and Black Bill Crain was continued in the circuit court yesterday.  A number of witnesses were examined, and some damaging evidence against the prisoners was brought out.  One of the witnesses, a Mrs. Waggoner, who keeps a boarding house at Crainville, and with whom Big Jep Crain and Spence, the murdered man, boarded, testified that Jep once requested her to delay supper so that he could “catch Spence” in the dark between his store and the boarding house, adding that he “would shoot Spence and then laugh to see him kick.”  In fact much of the evidence brought out yesterday was hard against the prisoners, and it will require strong testimony on the side of the defense to counteract its influence.

            But this is the prosecution, and it may be that the defense have some just as strong testimony on their side to prove that the prisoners are not so bad as they have been pained.  It is to be helped so, at all events.

            Messrs. Clemens, Calvert and Linegar for the defense, put the witnesses to their wits ends on cross examination, and there was occasionally some sharp sparring between counsel.

            Three witnesses were examined yesterday whose evidence does not appear in this morning’s Bulletin, owing to a press of other matter.  It will appear in full tomorrow, however.

            Just before the adjournment of court last night, Judge Allen announced that there was one more witness the prosecution desired to put on the stand, but that he had not yet arrived in the city; and that if he did not arrive in time to be present at the opening of court this morning, the prosecution would announce the case for the people closed, and the evidence for the defense would be heard.

            H. W. Johnson testified as follows:

            My name is H. W. Johnson; I reside in DuQuoin, which has been my home for 17 years; I am a millwright; I was at Crainville, Williamson County, in July last; I knew William Spence; I went to Crainville the first of June and was putting in mill machinery for Mr. Landrum; the mill was 300 yards or more from Spence’s store; I remember Spence’s death; I think about dark, after supper.  (I boarded with Mr. Landrum) I went to the Crainville post office, and when I left the post office it was dark; I left the railroad west of Spence’s store to shun a mud hole; when I got west of the store I heard something that attract my attention, someone said I want to get some article of goods; I heard a reply that they should be waited on; the calling seemed to be by Spence’s drug store or in that direction; when I got near my boarding house I heard the discharge of a double barreled gun, and I went about ten steps further and heard a single report; the first shot was undoubtedly a double-barreled gun, the barrels off pulled simultaneously; I should think it as between 9 and 10 o’clock; it was a pretty dark, cloudy night; what attracted my attention when I stopped I don’t remember, but when I had sopped I heard a voice, “We want to get,” and gathered from the reply they would be waited on; I suppose I was three hundred yards away when I heard the report; I don’t think there was any lights burning when the shots were fired; it is nearly north from my boarding house to the store, in going up and down railroad track; I saw the remains the next day before they were removed and after they were laid out; Spence’s was a store house with a counter on each side; he was lying on the east side of the house apparently as if he had fallen out of a closet; I wouldn’t be positive if his head was against the end of the building; he had his pants on and his vest was unbuttoned; I think there was one shoe on one foot and a shoe laying in the middle of the floor; the glass in the door, on the side where he was laying, one light as broke out; the glass in the door are ten inches wide by fourteen inches long; one side light east of the door was broken out; Crainville is in Williamson County, Illinois.

            John Ditmore testified:

            I live one half or three quarters of a mile from Carterville; last July I lived in Crainville and worked at Landrum’s mill; I know Sam Musick; I have known him pretty near a year; I knew Mr. Spence; I heard of the death next morning, but I can’t tell exactly what hour, probably at 5 or 6 o’clock; I owned a heavy double barreled shot gun at the time had had it about a year; the gun was not at my house the night Spence was killed; the night before Spence was killed, on Friday evening, just before dark, Sam Musick came there and wanted the gun, but I didn’t let him have her; I told him that I never loaned her at night, but would let him have her in the morning; it was just good daylight when I let him have her; he said he was going turkey hunting; there was a young man at my house that used the gun, and my boy would go with him; I was at home the night Spence was killed; I heard the reports of two guns that night; I suppose I lived nearly one hundred yards from the store—north of west of the store;  I lived south of the railroad; as was well as I remember a few minutes before or a few minutes after 9 the shots were fired; there was a lady at our house that night, and just as I was getting ready to go to bed the shots were fired; I was not up to the store till Kirt Brown came up and told me Spence was killed; he was laying close to the door, a double door with panels and top glass; the panels came down even with the lock; the distance from the floor to the lock is about three feet; the floor is about a foot from the natural elevation of the ground; I was not on the inquest but was present part of the time; the door had not been opened when I got there; I was not in the store till after the body had been moved; I didn’t notice anything about the lights he had in the store; I was the third or fourth one to get there; we just went to the door and locked in and could see his feet, and by putting our heads in could see the body; there was a light on the left of the door, broken out; I got my gun back on Saturday morning, eight days after the murder; found it in Jep Crain’s old grocery house; nobody told me it was there, I first stumbled on it; Jep owns or did own the property; I didn’t go inside then, but could see through the windows; I don’t know how the gun came there; both barrels were loaded and capped; I drawed the loads; it was loaded with shot larger than bird shot, I call them rabbit shot; the shot were all the same size.

            Thomas Duncan testified as follows:

            I have lived in Williamson County all my life; I live four miles from Crainville.  I have known the defendants as long as I have known anybody; I was acquainted with Mr. Spence, and heard of his death.  I heard Jep Crain say in February last that he and Spence had had a quarrel, and someone asked why he did not hit him, Jep said that he did not want to hit him; that if ever he did hurt him he would kill him.  This conversation was on a Sunday in February last, at Call Wagoner’s house.  I never heard him say anything else.  He said Spence had ordered him out of his store.

            Mrs. Call Waggoner testified as follows:

            I live in Crain City, Williamson County, Illinois; I was born and raised in that county, I am the wife of Call Waggoner; I will have lived in Crainville three years in March next; we went there to keep a boarding house, and are still in that business.  I was acquainted with William Spence; he boarded with us for about two years.  He was boarding with me at the time of his death.  MR. Spence’s store was about 300 yards from the house.  Mr. Spence never slept at the store until about two weeks before he was killed; he said what was to be should be, and went there to sleep; I know the defendants; I went to school with Black Bill; George Duncan is my father.  Big Jep Crain boarded with us about two years. I know the day Jep and Spence had a difficulty at the table in my house, it was on the 4^th Sunday in February last.  They were quarreling a good many times from October to February.  I was not present at the difficulty in the store, but I heard Jep say at the breakfast table that he intended to go into the store and “naturally massacre” Spence, if he did not take back what he had said.  I don’t know what the trouble was.  Sam, Yellow Bill and Jep Crain came to the house, and Sam and Yellow Bill were dwelling Jep about Spence and Jep said they might laugh about it now, but he intended to kill Spence when he could get a little dark between him and Spence, and that he would kill him for five dollars.  Jep left my house on the 23d of April last.  After that Jep made some remarks at my table and wanted me to turn Spence away, and I told him I could not do it.  He then wanted me to put off supper late so that he could catch Spence between the house and the store, he said he would shoot him and

LAUGH TO SEE HIM KICK.

I told him I could not put off supper, and he then said he would not come in until 10 o’clock; I told him to let Spence alone, that he was not troubling any one.  Jep said Spence felt himself better than he was.  I told Jep I was going to tell my husband when he had said, and he replied there was no use in it, he didn’t mean any harm, and there was no use to tell about it.  After leaving my house Jep never came about it again, and I never had any conversation with him since.  Mr. Spence went to his store to sleep only the Thursday night before the Saturday night on which he was killed.  I saw Big Jep on Tuesday morning of that week.  Spence told me on Wednesday morning that he was going back to the store to lodge.

            Worth Tippy testified:

            I was born and raised in Williamson County; I know William Spence; I knew the defendant since I have known anybody.  In February or March, me and Wash Sisney and Black Bill were coming from Marion, and someone said let’s go by Crainville and get some whisky, when Black Bill said let’s go by, “I want to whip Spence;” I think he was owing Spence some and he was cutting up about it.  Bill said he would knock his d-----d old Scotch head off his shoulders.  I was a witness before the coroner’s inquest and said I had never heard any threats.  These are the only threats I ever heard.  I never heard Jep say anything.

            Washington Sisney testified:

            I am a son of Capt. Sisney, who was killed at Carbondale; I know W. J. Crain, “Black Bill;” I knew Mr. Spence; I heard Black Bill say, as we were coming from Marion, that he owed Spence some and he was making a fuss about it, and if he made much more fuss about it he would knock his head off his shoulders; this was in February, near Bainbridge, on the way from Marion, and was considerably out of my way to go to Crainville from where I was then living.  I never heard any other threats.

            Martin Davis testified:

            I have lived in Williamson County, in this state, for twenty years, and was there last August; I was not personally acquainted with Mr. Spence; I heard of his death about 9 o’clock the next morning after the killing; I know the defendants—have been acquainted with Jep a good many years, and have seen Black Bill but am not well acquainted with him.  I was in Marion the morning Musick was put in jail there, but can’t tell the exact date.  I think it was sometime about the first of September.  Shortly after, probably the 13^th, Mr. Hartwell, Mr. Fuller, and Mr. Nickerson and I went out some ten miles west of town to the Widow Hampton’s farm.  To the west of the far we found a lane, but it was so small we did not drive the team through it.  Mr. Hartwell, Hendrickson and Mr. Fuller went down the lane and shortly Mr. Hartwell called and I went down.  We found a lot of weeds broken off and others bent over; I picked up some hazel bushes, and went and compared with the stumps and they fit exactly.  From their appearance I would judge the weeds and bushes had been broken off a month.  From the description given us the place was not hard to find; it was a desolate looking place, and there was not much travel that way; I found one bunch, about a handful, consisting of weeds and hazel brush, thrown on the ground in the road.  I was along when Black Bill was arrested.  He was arrested before we made the trip to the place where the weeds were broken.  Sheriff Norris, Mr. Grider, Mr. Calvert and myself made the arrest.  It was at night, about 11 o’clock and about 2 miles from the place where the weeds were broken; Bill was arrested at his house in bed, by Sheriff Norris and Mr. Calvert.  Bill said in a jesting and laughing way that he and Big Jep would make a jail full themselves. When Bill got his clothes on, we went to Crainville and then to Carterville, but did not go to Marion that night.  We staid at Carterville all night.  I had a double-barreled gun; I don’t know anything about his saying he would get away if I didn’t have a shotgun; he said in a laughing manner that when we got to the hollow he had a good horse, and he was going to leave us; I told him I had a good shot gun with sixteen slugs in each barrel, and they would follow him.  This was the evening after Musick was put in jail at Marion.

At five o’clock, court adjourned until 8:30 this morning.

Wednesday, 2 Feb 1876:

THE DEFENSE.

The Crain Murder Trial—Hearing Evidence for the Defense.

Efforts to Establish an Alibi—More than Twenty Witnesses Swear to That End.

The Prosecution Closed Their Case Yesterday Morning.

            The evidence for the prosecution in the Crain murder trial, was closed on Monday evening.  The defense brought up their witnesses yesterday, and upwards of twenty of them were examined.

            It is the plan of the defense to make out an alibi, as will be seen from the drift of the testimony given by their witnesses.

            The evidence of three of the witnesses for the prosecution was not published yesterday, but will be found in their morning’s Bulletin.

            William Hendrickson testified as follows:

            I live in Marion, Williamson County; I was born and raised there; was there last August and September; was not personally acquainted with Spence; I knew him when I saw him; I think it was about the 10^th of September when Music was brought there; I was one of a party that made a search for the broken weeds and bushes; Mr. Hartwell, county attorney, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Davis were with me; we went to the northwest corner of Mrs. Hampton’s field; we went along the south side of the farm till we struck a lane, and went down that lane one-fourth of a mile till we struck the corner of Mrs. Hampton’s field; it was a dark, out of the way place; there may have been some wagons went down the lane, but it was not traveled much; there was a kind of a hill to the right and then t the left was another little knoll; it is a quarter of a mile from any house; we found some hazel bushes and some weeds broken off and laid along the road; some of the weeds were broken over, but not clear off; some of the hazel bushes were broken off and laid on _____ side of the road; (here a lot of weeds and bushes were produced by Mr. Hendrickson).  These were found in different places; this was the bunch (producing some hazel bushes) that was found on the west of the road; these are the weeds that were broken off (producing another bunch of weeds); the broken weeds that were bent over were on the east side of the road; I was raised on a farm in Williamson County, and I think from the appearance of the weed, they were broke two months; the sun would shine on them a part of the time; I had never heard any statement before about these things; going to the place, along the lane we found some weeds broken off, but were not satisfied until we got where these were found; I think this was Monday afternoon, September 13^th, last.

            Leonard C. Fuller, testified as follows:

            I live in Marion, Williamson County; I am city marshal; was there last September, and remember Musick being brought there and put in jail; I think it was Friday, the 10^th of September; me and Mr. Hartwell went to a place—the Widow Hampton’s.  At the south end of the field we got out of the back and went on to the northwest corner of the lane; it did not look like a public road, or was much traveled; we found some weeds broken; right at the corner of the field, there was a lane at the north of the filed, though east; (witness made a diagram explaining the locality where the weeds were found); the weeds were broken off and laid down at the wide of the road; there was some bushes with them, and some weeds were bent over; the handful was right at the side of the road; we took up the tops of the bushes and compared them with the stumps.  Stock could not have broken these weeds.  I would not say for certain, but would think the weeds and bushes might have been broken for a month.  We found some near the fence and others eight or tens steps from the fence on the west side of the road.  This search was made I think on the Monday after Musick was put in jail.  I heard no statements where these weeds would be found only from Mr. Hartwell.  I think the nearest house to this place was between a quarter and a half mile away.

            James W. Landrum testified as follows:

            I have resided in Crainsville, Williamson County, since 1868, and am acquainted with the defendants; I became acquainted with Black Bill in 1866, perhaps, and have known Jep since the year 1869.  I was well acquainted with William Spence, and know when his assassination occurred; as I remember on the night of the 31^st of July between 9 and 10 o’clock, I heard the report of a gun an got out of bed and went to the door to see if I could hear any excitement, but I could hear none.  The report seemed to be a very heavy, dull report.  My house was about two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards from Spence’s store, in a nearly due north direction.  I saw Mr. Spence early in the morning, about sun up.  He was laying close to the door of his storeroom, as I remember back against the counter or a box, with one slipper on an the other off; I saw a bloody spot and a hole as if the ball had gone in the right eye, and came out near the ear.  I did not make an examination of the body; examined the front part of the house and through the store, and found quite a tumbling of valises, trunks and paper cases.  All these things seemed to have been opened as if there had been a search.  I fid not find any other wounds on the body, only those made by the shot.  The store was what might be called a glass front; the first pane of glass nearest where Mr. Spence lay was entirely out.  The glass in the door were smaller than on the sides of the house, where the large pane was knocked out there was evidence of someone having crawled through into the store; that was the condition of the store early in the morning; I did not examine the stomach and breast of Mr. Spence after he was shot; Spence had a store and done a general neighborhood furnishing business; I was in the sawmill business and putting up a flouring mill; I was told of the death of Spence early in the morning by Mr. William Crain, “Yellow Bill;” I went on up as soon as I could get on my boots; the doors of the store were not opened; there were some people there; there was no other business relations between us than this’ I deposited my money with Mr. Spence, and when I bought a load of cotton I would give an order and he would pay it; I am pretty well satisfied he had only a small amount of money at that time; there was no expectation of his receiving money just at that time; I deposited my money with Mr. Spence and paid my hands through him; I was expecting $5,000 at that time, and told my hands that fact; I had put off some that I was owning and told them about it; Judge Lemma, of Carbondale, was to get the money for me, and came down on the Friday previous and stayed at my house, and then went to Spence’s store and stayed till the train come, and went home; that is a very independent railroad, and not very regular; its time was about 4 o’clock, but it varied sometimes three-fourths of an hour; the Saturday in the forenoon I was at home and after breakfast went over to my farm, about 4 miles; from my place Mrs. Hampton’s is near due east; I have several hundred acres of land; I passed within about ¼ of a mile of the place spoken of, where the meeting was to be held; I would suppose it was 8 or 9 o’clock when I passed this place; I was riding; when I was passing, going to my farm, at the end of the land, I was due north to the place; before I got to this place I heard a gun, and before I got to my farm I heard another; the sounds were in the direction of the Widow Hampton’s from me, but it was a distinct sound; I saw a pocketbook in the hands of one Hill and examined it; knew it was Spence’s handwriting in it; I saw it as they came into the crowd around the store; I knew Jep staid with his brother Marshall, within 200 yards of my house; Marshall lived between 50 and 200 yards from Musick; I don’t know what he followed; I don’t know how long he staid about there; when he came back from the north I saw him once or twice passing back and forth; don’t remember of seeing him that Sunday or the next day, Monday; don’t remember the day Spence was buried, but it was Tuesday or Wednesday; on Saturday I staid on my farm till pretty late in the evening; persons had told me my cattle were breaking into people’s fields and that is what attracted my attention when I heard the shooting; saw Black Bill that evening as I was going around my farm; was going angling south, and met him coming up the hill; thought he was a little excited; he said he was going down to Warren Crain’s to get his nag; he was walking; this was something near one o’clock.

            At the conclusion of Mr. Landrum’s testimony, the prosecution closed their case; and the evidence for the defense was heard.  Something over twenty witnesses were examined during the day, and it is probable as many more will be called before the case is closed.

            THE FIRST WITNESS

for the defense was Henry Bowles, who testified;

            I heard of the killing of Mr. Spence, and suppose he was killed on Saturday night, the last of the month; I was in Marion the Friday before the Saturday on which Spence was killed; I knew Jep for twenty or twenty-five years.  I saw him in Marion on that Friday.  The sun was probably an hour high when I saw him.  I did not see him on Thursday.  I don’t know anything about the trains on that day.  Old man Ward was in town and we went out together.  I was detained while Ward was finishing up a game of cards with Crain and others.  I had no watch and am only guessing at the time.

            James Samuels testified:

            I have known Jep Crain since 1855; heard of the death of Spence on Sunday after he was killed; saw Jep Crain on Thursday before that at the depot.  Saw him get off the train; asked Jep if he knew the particulars of the killing of Sisney.  On Friday morning I saw Eke Norris and Jep together.  Saw him again about 10 o’clock, but can’t say with any certainty that I saw him after that.  The train from Marion to Carbondale leaves about 9 o’clock, a.m., and I saw Jep after the train had left.  This was on the Friday before the Saturday on which Spence was killed.  Think the second train from Marion to Carbondale leaves about three p.m., but can’t say whether the train was late that day.

            Wesly Crain, a brother of Big Jep, D. B. Ward and James Hampton, all testified that they had seen Jep in Marion on the Friday afternoon before the Saturday on which Spence was killed.  This evidence was introduced to refute the statement made by Musick that he (Musick), Jep and Marshall Crain had had a meeting at Marshall’s house in Crainville on that same Friday afternoon.

            Columbus Waggoner testified:

            I live at Crainville; am in the dry goods business; have known Jep Crain for three of four years; know the time of the of the time of the Carbondale and Shawneetown railroad; the train goes down about 10 in the morning and 4 p.m.  Crainville is west of Marion; I heard of the death of Spence; was at Crainville the Friday before the killing, also on Thursday; don’t remember of seeing Jep the Thursday before the killing;; he made his home at Crainville, but had been away; don’t think he had been back but a few days before the killing of Spence; saw him on the Friday afternoon before the killing, coming from the train; he got off the train; I don’t remember if the train was late that evening; I think this was the day Sisney was buried; there was a number of persons came back to Crainville to get on the train to go home.  I saw Jep after he got off the train two or three times at the drug store, and outside near the door; the times were not far apart that I saw him; I think he was not there more than half an hour or an hour; I don’t remember the latest time I saw him; the times I saw him was not more than ten or fifteen minutes apart.  I think there were some parties going away and he said to them to hold on, that he would go with them; I don’t know that I know Branston; I think Jim Craig was one of the parties; Jep came in the store after a coat; I don’t think it was over half an hour after he got off the train that he came after the coat; I think I saw him about 10 minutes, maybe a longer after that; I think he came after the coat before he hailed the parties; I don’t remember the time that elapsed between the time.  The regular time for the train to go down at that time was 4 o’clock.

            L. D. Crain testified:

            I live one half ile east of Crainville; I know the defendants since we were boys; we are somewhere from one third to one-fifth cousins; I heard of the death of Spence about 8 o’clock, the morning after he was killed; went to Crainville on Friday, the day before and staid there till the corpse of Sisney came up, then went to the burying, and came back and staid till sundown; saw Jep get off the train; the time of the train then was 4 o’clock, I think, the train was late that day; took out my watch and it was 10 minutes after 4 o’clock; saw Jep for a few minutes after he got off the train; don’t think he was out of my sight till he left town, only when he went into the back room of the drug store; I think the drug store is 40 or 50 feet north of Spence’s store; Jep spoke about going across Crab Orchard Creek that evening.  It is three miles to the creek; when I saw him last he was going off with James Craig and someone else.  He has two brothers living over the creek--Warren and Wesley Crain; he would have to cross the creek going to Warren’s; don’t think Jep was out of my sight five minutes from the time he got off the train till he left town; I am sure this was on Friday afternoon, the day before Spence was killed; I know where Marsh Crain’s house is, right south the drug store, perhaps 150 yards; think Yellow Bill was there that evening; don’t remember their going off together; Yellow Bill was around there all evening.  The nicknames “Yellow Bill,” “Big Bill” and “Big Jep” originated because there are so many of us of the same name; the evening Jep was there I was in the drug store; I did not see Sam Musick, Marshall Crain, and Jep together; Sam Musick was at the depot drunk, and was most of the time in the house: I saw Marshall there; did not see Musick, Marshall and Jep Crain together that day; their nicknames were given to them by other parties for the purpose of designating them; Jep may have lived in Murphysboro for a year or so; Black Bill was in the army, but I can’t say how long, perhaps two or three years; think he was in the 81st regiment.  During harvest times Jep would go north to harvest--he went north during this season.

Thursday, 3 Feb 1876:

THE CRAIN TRIAL—The evidence for the defense is nearly all in.  Musick, who ought to be in the air, is getting a bad name.  He is being painted as black as the devil.

THE MURDER TRIAL.

Yesterday’s Proceedings—Evidence for the Defense Nearly All In.

But the Prosecution Have a Little More to Introduce in the Way of Rebuttal.

            The Crain murder trial draws its slow length along in the circuit court.  Yesterday the defense introduced a great deal of evidence, the greater part of it for the purpose of convincing the jury that the prisoners were not at Crainville on the night on which Spence was murdered.  But here is the evidence:

            N. J. Crain testified:

            I have known Jep Crain since he was a child; he is my brother; I have heard of the death of Spence; Dr. Brown and I found him; I went to Dr. Brown’s early in the morning to get some whisky for Sam Musick, and as I came back my cow was across the track and I said to the doctor I would drive her up; when I went by the store I saw the lights broken out, and I went up and looked in and saw Spence dead; I told Ditmore, Mr. Landrum, and others; I was in Crainville on the Friday before from 8 or 9 o’clock in the morning; I went to Sidney’s funeral, and when I got back I was in Crainville all the balance of the evening; I saw Jep Crain that evening get off the down train down from Marion; I think the train was on time; I saw Jep get off, and after he was off he stopped and shook hands with a good many of the boys, probably Judge Lemma; he halloaed to me about my mule; he spoke to Bransen, and said wait till he got a coat; he went to Cal Wagoner’s, got his coat and came back and stood around the drug store; Jep, Bransen and Craig went with me to get the mule; I might have seen Musick, but don’t remember; I don’t remember that I saw Musick about the depot; my house is south of the drug store about 300 yards; me and Jep started from the store together, and met Bransen and Craig at the blacksmith shop, and we went from there to the stable and got the mule; I told Craig to ride the mule and let Jep ride his horse; the Marshall Crain house is over 100 yards north from my house, and we passed it going down; the house is about 60 feet west of the road and we were in company when we passed the house; I did not see Marshall Crain or Sam Musick or anyone else at the house; Jep said he was going to Warren Crain’s and started south; it is something near three miles to the Crab Orchard; I don’t think Jep was out of my sight exceeding ten minutes after he got off the train; when he went to my house he only staid long enough for me to catch the mule; it had been raining; I was at home Friday night; these nicknames were applied to us by other persons; when we went into the war there was three Bill Crains in one company, and they nicknamed us; these names were applied to us in the army; I was in the army with Black Bill pretty near two years when I was captured; we were in the 81^st regiment—Black Bill was never absent from Williamson County long at any other time; Jep was away just before Spence was killed; had been gone better than six months, and come back on Tuesday before the night Spence was killed, and staid till Thursday morning; said he was going to Marion; did not see him any more Thursday; I don’t remember anything about halloaing anything  to Marshall the morning of the Saturday Spence was killed; I don’t remember halloaing to him that Musick had gone; Jep had relatives in the direction he was going that Friday evening before Spence was killed; Jep and Black Bill are cousins; Black Bill and his two sisters keep house and farm; I don’t remember date of his father’s death; Black Bill run the farm after his father’s death; Mr. Craig would cross the creek going home; I don’t know exactly where Bransen lived.

            J. U. Crain testified:

            In reside in Williamson County; lived there about sixty-one years; lived on the same farm forty years; I know defendants ever since they sucked; Jep lived at Crainville, and the other one lived over on Grassy; I heard of the death of Spence the evening after he was killed; I was in Crainville on Friday before the killing; I was to the burying of Captain Sisney; the body came on the cars to Crainville; I saw Jep Crain get off of the train; I staid at Smithers’ till after sundown, and this day I staid pretty late; there are two stores at Crainville, one a drugstore and the other a dry goods store; the buildings are about eighty feet apart, with no buildings between them; one door open to the east, and the other to the north; I saw Jep around after he got off the train; I heard Jep call to Jim Craig to hold on he would go with him; there was another man with Craig they called Bransen; I don’t recollect the time, but I heard him call to Craig to hold on, he would go with them; I saw him about there all the time; I couldn’t set any particular time that he was out of my sight; I don’t think there was a half hour that he was out of my sight; I heard him say hold on he was going to get something; I did not see Jep, Marshall Crain and Sam Musick together at all; I don’t think they could have got together and been out of sight half an hour.  The train is sometimes there a little after and sometimes a little before 4 o’clock; I know the Marsh Crain house; it is some 200 yards from the drug store; don’t know whether Musick was there that day or not; might have seen him, but don’t remember; saw Jep because I knew he had gone to Marion.

            James Crain testified:

            I know Jep Crain; I heard of the death of Spence; he was killed on Saturday night; I was in Crainville the Friday before; I went there between 2 and 3 o’clock, and was there 2 or 3 hours; I saw Jep, the defendant, there that day; I saw him coming from the train; I did not see him get off; he came up to where the crowd was, and we were around there, and when I got ready to go he said wait he would go with me; he got a mule, and I rode it, and he rode the nag I had; the mule was very small, and I rode it and he rode my horse; we had been about the store there together; I saw him between the time I saw him coming from the train and when we left, around among the crowd; don’t think I missed him over 15 or 20 minutes at any time; he said he was going to get his coat, and think he went back to the drug store; I don’t know if the train was late that afternoon; from the first I saw of Jep till we started was sometime, maybe an hour and maybe two hours; I had no watch; Mr. Crain and myself, Yellow Bill and Billy Bransen went to Yellow Bill’s stable and got the mule; Bransen and myself went home and Jep went to Warren’s; we had some difficulty in crossing the creek was very full; I swam the stock over and the other two went across on a foot log.  I am sure this was the Friday night before Spence was killed; I did not see Jep and Marshall and Musick in consultation that afternoon; when we went by the Marshall Crain home we did not go in nor did not see anyone; the Marshal Crain home is in sight of the drug store, in an old field, with no woods between them.

            Mary A. Crain testified:

            I know Jep Crain; I heard of the death of Spence on Sunday; I saw Jep on Friday night at our house, and he left there Saturday morning; it was dusky-dark when he got there and he staid all night; it was about 7 o’clock in the morning and Warren and Jep said they were going to Black Bill’s, and they went in that direction; it’s a mile and a half south of west from our house to Black Bill’s; my husband got back sometimes between 12 and 1 o’clock; I am sure this was on Friday night before the Saturday on which Mr. Spence was killed; my sister told me Jep had got back, and this was the first I had seen him.  I live three or four miles from Crainville, in Williamson County.

            Mrs. Anna Crain testified:

            I live about ten miles from Marion; I know both the defendants; I live about a quarter of a mile from Black Bill; I remember the death of Mr. Spence; I remember where I was the day he was killed; I was at home; Jep and Bill came to my house, I should think between 11 and 12 o’clock; they did not stop long; I had not seen Jep for some time; when they left Jep went to Black Bill’s, and Bill went to get some cattle out of my field; we went right west; he never came in; I did not see them come; he went in that direction; I am stepmother of Black Bill and am aunt by marriage to Jep; the field where the cattle were in was close to the house; the house was right in the corner of the field, only divided by a fence about the house; Martha Crain, sister of Bill, left with Jep; I can’t tell, but took it to be between 11 and 12 o’clock when they came; this was the Saturday before Spence was killed; it is called 4 or 4 ½ or 5 miles from our home to Crainville.

            Martha Crain testified as follows:

            I know the defendants; Black Bill is my brother; I live with him; there are three in the family; Bill and myself and sister; my brother died last winter; Bill is a farmer and follows it for a living; I have known Jep all my life; I heard of the death of Spence the next day, on Sunday evening; I was at home, and at stepmother’s twice the day before; I saw Jep and Bill that day; Jep came to our house that day; Warren Crain was with him; Bill was at home, but not at the house when Jep came; he came in a little while; they staid there about an hour, and then went to look over Bill and Warren Crain’s corn; saw them again at stepmother’s; about 12 ½ when me and Jep got home; we went from stepmother’s; Bill went around the field; there was some breeding cattle there of Mr. Landrum’s; was quarter of an hour when Bill came; we were still at the table when the clock struck 2; Bill and Jep were both there; Jep left our house at nearly three o’clock to go to Phil Smith’s, in southwest direction; Bill was still at home when Jep left; Bill said when he went away that he was going to catch a horse and see if he couldn’t sell him; did not see Jep any more that day; I staid at Widow Craig’s that night till between 11 and 12 o’clock, sitting up with a sick child; went home next morning about nine o’clock; Bill was there when I got home; he was not at home on Saturday evening when I left.

            Sarah Hampton testified as follows:

            My mother’s name is Louisa Hampton; I know the defendants; Black Bill don’t live far from us; I heard of the death of Mr. Spence on Sunday; I saw Black Bill, Jep and Warren Crain the day before the murder; they came up and looked at the cattle; I was out in the pasture with Caroline Payne and Benny Payne; when I came back I found Warren, Black Bill, and Jep there; they asked which one had been shot, and I showed them; this was about ten o’clock.

            Phillip T. Smith testified as follows:

            I know the defendants; I live west of Crainville; I heard of the death of Mr. Spence on the Sunday evening after he was killed; I was at Forney Tunster’s hauling hay; it is southwest of Black Bill’s about a mile; I saw Jep Crain that evening and he said he was going to Phil Smith’s; I was unloading hay; I wanted a drink and him and I went to the well and sat down on some rocks and talked awhile; it was between twelve and three o’clock; he was afoot; in going from Black Bill’s to Phil Smith’s that would be the way to go; it was about two miles from where I was at work to Phil Smith’s; Phil Smith’s wife passes for his sister; it was about a mile from where I was unloading hay to Black Bill’s; it was on Saturday, the last day of July.

            John Smith testified as follows:

            I know the defendants; I live at home with my father, about 9 miles from Crainville, little east of north; I heard of the death of Spence on Sunday; I saw Jep at night on Saturday just about good dark; I had been at John and Dave Baker’s thrashing wheat; when I got home found Jep there; he staid at our house till Wednesday morning; he went to church next day at New Hope meeting house; I mean the Wednesday after Spence’s death; this church is sometimes called Tedford meeting house.

            Philip D. Smith testified as follows:

            I live about 8 or 9 miles south of Crainville; I know the defendants; I heard of the death of Mr. Spence on Sunday evening after he was killed on Saturday; I saw Jep Crain the Saturday evening before, passing by a neighbor’s house to my house, and I found him there when I got home; I think he staid there till Tuesday about noon; we went to church the next day at the Tedford meeting house, about three quarters of a mile from my home; he was gone about three hours; I think it was about an hour by sun when I first saw him;  he was afoot; I saw Jep in Carbondale going home, he said, from the north where he had been harvesting; this I think was on Monday or Tuesday; I did not see him get off the train; I wanted him to go out home with me.

            Samuel Crain testified as follows:

            I live in Crainville, Williamson County; I know the defendants; I was not present at the preliminary examination before Squire Reynolds, and only a part of the time before Judge Crawford; I expect that I was present on the day you allude to, but can’t fix the day or date; I was there when Jep and Spence had a fuss, but don’t remember the date; Thomas Duncan was there, but I don’t remember whether it was in the morning or afternoon; I was at the store when Jep and Spence had some words, at Mrs. Waggoner’s I can’t tell, for the fact that we were all joking and rigging Jep about his and Spence’s quarrel; I don’t believe I can tell what was said, for we were all laughing and joking and I could not have told in an hour after what was said; I don’t remember hearing Jep say anything about massacring or killing Spence; I think if anything of that kind had been said I would have remembered it; I id not hear it; we were joking Jep about having a quarrel with Spence and abusing each other so and not fighting; it was in the morning and in the evening we were talking about it again; Jep was a little angry, of course, for he had just come out of a quarrel, and we were teasing him about it; I don’t remember that he made any dangerous threats, and if he did I did not hear them.  I do not have any knowledge that there was going to be a difficulty between Spence and Jep; they got to talking about the affairs of Williamson County, and Spence said the people were not capable of electing their officers, they ought to be appointed.

            N. E. Norris, Sheriff of Williamson County, testified as follows:

            I know the defendants; I arrested Black Bill, and it was a part of my posse that arrested Big Jep at Crainville; we made the arrest at night; there was Mart Davis, Jim Grider, Mr. Calvert and myself in the party that arrested Black Bill; some 50 or 60 yards from the house we divided, Mr. Grider and Davis going around on the west side of the house, and Mr. Calvert and I went in the front way; it was further for Davis and Grider to go around; Bill was in bed, and Grider and Davis came up in five or ten minutes after; I did not right immediately make known my business; before going in, I halloaed at the gate and one of the girls came out and caught on the dogs; Bill said it was me and told them to take off the dogs; I think I had told Bill what my business was, and named the parties we had got and sent on; I remember mentioning Jep’s name before Davis came up; Bill said, “If me and Jep get in the same cell we will about fill it up;” I was present at the trials before Squire Reynolds and Judge Crawford, but don’t think that I was present when Mrs. Waggoner gave her evidence; I think she was nearly through when I got there; Judge Allen and Duff and Mr. Hartwell were there; I don’t know that I paid much attention and could not be positive what she said.  After arresting Black Bill we went to Crainville and then to Carterville, where we staid all night; the next morning Bill went to Dock McCarty’s house, 50 or 60 steps away, and presently came back by himself; he was only gone a few minutes; I don’t know that I heard any of Mrs. Waggoner’s testimony before Judge Crawford.

Friday, 4 Feb 1876:

THE CRAIN TRIAL.

The Evidence in the Crain Murder Trial All In.

The Argument to Commence This Morning.

The Case Will Be Given to the Jury Sometime Saturday.

            It is not necessary to give all the evidence in the Crain murder trial, now going on in the circuit court; and even if disposed to publish the testimony of all the witnesses, as taken by the reporter for the Bulletin, we could not do it.  Would take a sheet larger than the Chicago Times, and would fill an edition of the New York Herald.  We shall give such portions of the evidence as, in our opinion, will give our readers the clearest understanding of the case.

THE EVIDENCE.

            We closed our report in yesterday’s paper with the evidence of N. E. Norris, sheriff of Williamson County.  Several other witnesses were called and examined, and though their testimony was important as to the issues of the trial, would be of no interest to our readers, and we omit it.

MUSICK’S CHARACTER.

            A number of witnesses were called to testify as to Musick’s character among them the somewhat notorious Dock McCarty, who has been several times mentioned in connection with the Williamson County troubles.  Columbus Wagoner, L. U. Crain, L. D. Crain, and Samuel Crain all testified they would not believe Musick on oath.

WHAT MUSICK WAS PROMISED.

            Mr. Charles H. Dennison, circuit clerk of Williamson County, was called and testified to what occurred at the time Musick made his first written statement concerning the murder of Captain Sisney and Mr. Spence.  Mr. Dennison is an intelligent gentleman, and gave his evidence in a clear and comprehensive manner.  He testified as follows:

            I know about the time, but not the exact date that Musick was put in jail at Marion, and I was at the jail shortly after in company with Mr. Landrum and Sheriff Norris; Mr. Landrum came to me and wanted me to get someone else to go to the jail with him; he said Musick was going to make a statement.  We started to Mr. Hartwell’s office and on the way met Sheriff Norris, and asked him to go with us.  We then went to his cell, and Landrum said:  “Now Sam, we have come and want you to make a statement.”  Landrum remarked that Musick was not a murderer, but that he had been drawn into the affair through bad company and whisky.  He said he had been acquainted with Musick a long time; that he was a good friend of Musick’s and would put his hand in his pocket and let him have his last dollar.  Landrum said he wanted Musick to tell the truth, and not to implicate an innocent man in the murders.  Musick said if he told all he knew he would have to implicate some of Norris’s relatives.  Norris said go on, don’t shield anybody; let the truth come out.  Musick then said if he told the truth they would kill him or mob him.  Landrum replied that Musick should never see the parties, that he should have money enough to take him out of their reach.  I think Landrum had just come from the jail when he come to me.  Musick asked me to come back, and I went back in the evening, and the jailer brought in a light.  Musick asked me if “they had gone after the boys,” and asked me if they were going to “bring them in here.”  I told him I guessed they would, when he said, “I can’t see them;—I want the money promised me, I want to leave before they come in.”  I replied, “Sam, you will have to stay.  They will not put the boys in with you; but you will have to go before the court, and before the grand jury and tell what you know about this matter.”  He said, “By God, I can’t do that; I want to leave.”  I replied that he couldn’t think of leaving, that he would have to stay, that he would not be harmed.

            WAS MUSICK A BUSHWACKER?

is an open question.  Mr. William Commings, of Eldorado, Saline County, swore he once arrested Musick on that charge.  Commings was put on the stand and testified that in 1864 he received orders from the provost marshal at Caseyville, Kentucky, to arrest Musick; that Musick was charged with being a “guerilla;” that he went after Musick and got on his track at the house of a man named Weaver, at Spring Garden, Jefferson County.  Commings was not smart enough to keep his business to himself and told Weaver what he wanted.  Weaver was a friend of Musick’s and “bamboozled” Commings till Sam got away, and got as far as Salem before Commings overtook him. On his way back with Musick, Commings arrested Weaver, not that he had any charge against him, but because the old man had “fled to him.”  Musick was taken back to Kentucky, and then taken to Louisville and Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was held as prisoner of war.  The old man Weaver was released after the valiant home-guard Commings had “put him to some trouble.”  Commings must have been a “loil” man during the war.  He ought to have a post office.

LANDRUM’S PROMISES AGAIN.

            Sheriff Norris was put on the stand again and testified as to what occurred in the jail when Landrum, Dennison and Norris went to hear Musick’s statement.  Sheriff Norris’ version of what took place at the interview is substantially the same as sworn to by Mr. Dennison.

            Mr. John Dowell, a worthy citizen of Williamson County, and a member of the last grand jury of that county, was put on the stand, but nothing of interest was made known through him.

WHERE WAS BLACK BILL ON THAT SATURDAY NIGHT?

            John Rollen was the next witness, and was introduced to swear that Black Bill was seven or eight miles from Crainville the night that Spence was killed.  Rollen saw Black Bill and spoke to him one half hour before sundown on that Saturday night.

HE SLEPT WITH CALVIN?

            Calvin Craig testified as follows:

            I knew Mr. Spence; I heard of his death on Sunday after if occurred; Sunday was the 1^st of August; in the morning of the day before we loaded up the threshing machine and went to Phillip Turnage’s and threshed some wheat; we left there just at dusk, I had a couple of horses going home, and Mun Jack had a yoke of oxen, and come up behind me; it was probably 8 o’clock when we got to John Jack’s, and we stopped there; John Jack was there, and so was William Crain (Black Bill) there.  Munroe Jack came up while I was there and passed by; I was sitting on my horses and John Jack was in the yard; I think Black Bill was in the act of getting on his horse; when I got ready to go, I asked Mr. Crain to go home with me and stay all night, and he said he would go, that he wanted to swap horses with me, anyhow; he went off with me to my house; my wife was not at home, she was at High Craig’s to set up.  Black Bill staid all night with me, and left about sun up the next morning. Robert Craig came to my house just about the time he left.  I got breakfast myself; it must have been 9 o’clock in the evening, probably a little later, when we went to bed.  I think it must have been close to nine or ten miles from my house to Crainville, the direction being a little west of north.  I have known Black Bill since we were boys.

            Robert Craig deposed that he eat breakfast at Calvin Craig’s on Sunday morning, and that Black Bill eat at the table with them; also that he had seen him at John Jack’s the night previous.

            Munroe Jack swore that he saw Black Bill at his brother John Jack’s gate on Saturday evening an hour after dark.  Other witnesses corroborated the above statement.

THEN CAME “MACKADO.”

            Mr. William J. Mackado (that’s a tough old name) was next called.  Mr. Mackado has lived in Jefferson County since 1849, and was well acquainted with Sam Musick when that individual lived at Spring Garden.  After telling all about Musick, from his boyhood up to the time he went into the rebel army.  Mr. Mackado wound up by saying he would not believe him under oath.

A LITTLE MORE MUSICK.

            Sam Musick was brought from his cell and put on the stand again.  He was asked whether he had ever been in jail in Marion County.  Sam said he was and told what got him into prison.  He went out walking with another man’s wife and she forgot to go home that night, and the next day her husband had him arrested and they put him in jail and kept him there three weeks.  He was asked whether he was ever under arrest and made his escape by jumping off a train of cars.  He said he was not.

WOULDN’T BELIEVE HIM.

            David Crawford, an old man in soldier clothes, testified that he knew Sam Musick when he lived at Spring Garden, and from his reputation in that community he would not believe him on oath.

JACK, THE SON OF SAMUEL.

            John Jack said that he had lived in Williamson County all his life, and that his father’s name was Samuel.  Mr. Jack swore that on the night of the 31^st of July last—the night on which Spence was killed—he was in his stable yard unhitching his horses when Black Bill Crain rode up and spoke to him.  Jack told Crain to go to the house, and when he got done he would come.  Mr. Jack also testified that Black Bill staid and eat supper with him; at about 8 o’clock left his house in company with Calvin Craig, who had asked Bill to go home and stay all night with him.

            With this witness the defense closed their case, when the prosecution introduced some

EVIDENCE IN REBUTTAL.

            It would be a tedious task to go over all the evidence, and we shall not undertake it.  The main points are all we shall attempt to give.

            Mr. County Attorney Hartwell, of Williamson County, was called to the stand and testified that on the preliminary examination of the prisoners and Yellow Bill Crain, Black Bill testified that he had taken a certain route in going from Crainville to John Jack’s on that fatal Saturday night.

THEY SAW BILL.

            Several witnesses, among them Mrs. Mary Ann Tippy and Mrs. Ann Impson testified that they saw Black Bill on the afternoon or evening of the night on which Spence was killed, going towards Crainville.  One witness said it was about 3 or 4 o’clock she saw him pass her house, and the other said it was as late as 5.  These witnesses lived apart, and saw Bill at different points on the road.

MORE ABOUT MUSICK.

            Mr. James L. Landrum was recalled and testified as follows concerning the interview with Musick when he was about to make his statement concerning the matter.  Mr. Landrum said:

            I can only state what took place at the interview with Musick when Mr. Dennison and Mr. Norris were present.  Their statements are in the main correct.  I went to Musick and appealed to him in this way, that he had been in my employ; that he had had my confidence, and that I did not believe him to be a bad man.  I said to him for God’s sake don’t implicate any innocent man.  He said if he told all he would have to implicate some of Norris’s friends.  Mr. Norris said if that is so let it come out; if they are guilty let it come out.  Musick said that he was afraid that they would kill him or mob him that they were 400 strong.  I told him not to be afraid; that if he came clear, he should have money to go away.

            I know Sam Musick, but I can’t tell just how long I have known him.  He came to me in 1874 and worked for me until the next July.  I was acquainted with his character for truth and veracity; I think it is good, and if he was sober I would believe him on oath.

SOME PERSONS WHO WOULD BELIEVE MUSICK.

            Laban Carter, a justice of the peace at Carterville; Mr. J. C. Hodges and Paul W. Willis, of Murphysboro; Mr. Burton, of Carbondale; Mr. William A. Weaver, of Grand Tower; Mr. A. R. Warders, of Williamson County; Mr. E. H. Brush, of Carbondale, all testified that they would believe Musick on oath, and Samuel’s character was made whole again.

BLACK BILL AGAIN.

            Tutt Hampton and John Craig testified that they went to Black Bill’s house on the Sunday morning after the Saturday night on which Spence was killed, and found Black Bill laying on the bed, and that he got up and eat breakfast with them.  This was sometime between 6 and 9 o’clock.

The prosecution then closed their case.

            The defense presented several witnesses in rebuttal, but the evidence would be of no importance to the reader.

THE ARGUMENT

will be opened this morning by County Attorney Mulkey for the prosecution.  In all six speeches will be made, but we are not able to state the order in which the attorneys will speak.  The argument will occupy at least a day and a half.

Saturday, 5 Feb 1876:

TAKEN BACK.—Sam Musick, the principal witness against the Crains, was taken back to Marion by Sheriff Norris, on Friday morning.  It is not known yet when Musick’s trial will take place.

CIRCUIT COURT.—The argument in the Crain case was opened yesterday morning by State’s Attorney Mulkey, who spoke for over three hours, occupying the entire forenoon.  Mr. W. W. Clemens, for the defense, followed in the afternoon, concluding at the adjournment of court at 5:30.  Judge Duff addressed the jury last night in a masterly effort of several hours’ duration.  Mr. Calvert will make the first speech this morning, and be followed by Mr. Linegar in the closing speech for argument for the defense.  Judge Allen will close the argument for the People, but it is doubtful if he will get to speak before Monday morning.

ANOTHER MURDER TRIAL.—The case of William Keelin for the murder of a man named Meace, in Williamson County will come up for trial in the Saline County circuit court on next Monday.  Meace was at church and while the communion services were being performed, Keelin walked into the house and deliberately shot Meace.  The prosecution will be conducted by State’s Attorney Hartwell of Williamson County, assisted by Judge Duff.  Judge Allen of Carbondale and Mr. W. W. Clemens of Marion will appear for the defense.

Sunday, 6 Feb 1876:

On last Monday, a construction train on the Cairo and Vincennes railroad track, a few miles above Vienna, collided with a handcar, and threw it off the track; a Mr. Sharp, of Tunnel Hill Township, who was in the car, was instantly killed, and his sister, Mrs. Cox, was dangerously wounded.  The workmen on the handcar escaped injury by jumping off.

            (There is a Johnson Co., Ill., marriage record for James Cox and Sarah E. Sharp on 7 Mar 1861.—Darrel Dexter)

DUFF’S ARGUMENT.—Judge Duff’s argument in the Crain case was long and able.  It was ten hours long and remarkable for its subtle force.  The able gentleman reviewed the whole case, taking up each event, discussing it carefully, and displaying, with consummate skill the weak places in the defense.

DENIES IT.—Several days previous in his execution Marshall Crain wrote a letter to Allen Baker, now in the penitentiary, acknowledging that he had sworn falsely against Baker and begging his forgiveness.  If Baker made any reply to the letter we have not seen it, but those familiar with the history of the Williamson County troubles say this history of Crain’s may be the means of procuring Baker’s new trial.

AN UNFORTUNATE FAMILY.—Lillia Genevra Martin, aged fifteen years and seven days, died January 28th, 1876; Effie Frederica Martin, aged twelve years and seven days, died February 5th, 1876, at 7 o’clock a.m.  Miss Gae Martin, sister to the above, is very sick.

CIRCUIT COURT.—The argument in the Crain case still goes on.  Judge Duff concluded his argument at about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, having consumed nearly ten hours in his remarks.  Mr. Calvert, for the defense, had not concluded his argument at the adjournment of court last evening.  Mr. Linegar will follow Mr. Calvert and Judge Allen will make the closing speech for the prosecution.  It is now almost sure that all day Monday and a part of Tuesday will be taken up by the arguments of Mr. Linegar and Judge Allen.  The case will probably be given to the jury sometime Tuesday.

Tuesday, 8 Feb 1876:

DROWNED.—Old Man John Roach, for twenty years a resident of this city, was drowned in thee Ohio River opposite Cairo, on Sunday last.  Mr. Roach had rented a piece of ground on the river bank in Kentucky opposite this city, and was intending to make a crop upon it. The field is now under water, and on Sunday the old man went out to see if the fences were all right.  He had to make his way on the fence, and losing his balance fell into the water and was drowned.  His remains were brought to Cairo and were yesterday taken to Villa Ridge for interment.  Mr. Roach was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and esteemed by those who knew him.  The funeral took place from the Hibernian engine house at three o’clock yesterday afternoon.

CIRCUIT COURT.—The argument in the Crain murder trial still goes on.  Mr. Calvert for the defense concluded his argument at noon yesterday.  At the assembling of court at 1:30 o’clock, Mr. Linegar also for the defense, took the floor and occupied the balance of the afternoon, and had not finished at the adjournment of court at 5:30 o’clock.  A night session was held, and at 9:30 o’clock, when our reporter left the courthouse, Mr. Linegar was still talking.  Judge Allen will make the closing argument in the case this morning, and it is anticipated that on this occasion he will make one of the great speeches of his life.  The courthouse will undoubtedly be crowded to hear him.  The case will probably be given to the jury this evening.

Wednesday, 9 Feb 1876:

James H. Cochran, a resident of Union County, for sixty-six years, died of consumption in Grand Tower, on the 29th ult.

            (The 12 Feb 1876, 19 Feb 1876, and 4 Mar 1876, Jonesboro Gazette stated that James K. Cochrane, of Makanda, aged 68 years, a brother of Hon. John Cochrane, died 29 Jan 1876, and was buried in Union Church Graveyard.—Darrel Dexter)

THE CRAIN JURYMEN.

            The correspondent of the Marion Egyptian Press, in his report of the Crain trial in this city, gives his impression of the personnel of some of the members of the jury.  His pen pictures of a few of these gentlemen will be new to themselves and friends, while others will be recognized as correct.

            Mr. Phillip Saup he described thus:

            A well-dressed, mild-mannered, intelligent young man—just such a juror, in fact, as both parties, believing themselves right, would have selected.

            Mr. Bennett is dismissed as follows:

            The second juror accepted, the eighth one examined, is Mr. S. P. Bennett, a business man on Ohio Levee.  He is a middle-aged man—has read accounts of the “Williamson County Affair,” and has very strong impressions as to the guilt of the prisoners, and would undoubtedly have been rejected by parties who felt a want of evidence to secure their acquittal.

            Mr. Bristol, the 8^th Street grocer, the Press reporter describes in three lines:

            W. L. Bristol, a businessman of the city, is an intelligent man of pleasing address and quiet manners.

            Who except a Williamson County newspaperman would have this opinion of Mr. John McEwen?

            The fourth juror accepted, the 22d examined, John McEwen, is an intelligent, well-to-do looking farmer, and from appearance may have some ideas as to the different qualities of whisky.

            Passing the jurors until we come to the eleventh, Mr. Osborn, the readers of the Press are informed that he is:

            “An elderly man, tall, bony, long-faced, sharp, prominent nose, heavy eye brows—all indicating nervous temperament—rather important in bearing, clean shaved, except an elegantly trimmed goatee, which shows much care.”

            And Mr. Cundiff, twelfth and last juror, is thus described:

            “Twenty-three years old, medium intelligence, unassuming in manner, smooth of face, unimportant in demeanor, and will not by himself hang the jury, whatever he may do for the defendants.”

            We wish it understood that we do not know the name of the newspaper reporter who expressed so candidly his opinion of the jurymen in the Crain trial, and we don’t wish to be interviewed by any of the above named gentleman who may wish to find it out.

Thursday, 10 Feb 1876:

THE CONVICTION OF THE CRAINS

            The jury in the Crain trial returned a verdict yesterday morning of guilty and fixed the penalty at twenty years in the penitentiary.

            The circumstances surrounding this case were of a peculiar kind, and a great interest has been manifested by the public in its development.

            The prisoners who stood at the bar were Jep Crain and William Crain who was lately executed in Williamson County for the murder of William Spence, and Bill was his cousin.  Upon information obtained from Sam Musick, who was present with Marshall Crain and assisted at the murdering of Spence, Jep and Bill were arrested.  Musick, making a clear breast of the matter, charged that Jep and Bill were also parties to the murder of Spence. He gave with apparent truthfulness, a narrative of the conspiracy to slaughter Spence, in which he implicated Jep as the manager and Bill as an active participant.  His story was well told, and on the witness stand he was wonderfully self possessed.  The defense attempted to prove an alibi, but failed.

            We have no doubt the evidence in the case justified the verdict, and we believe the prisoners have reasons to be thankful that they have escaped with their lives.

            We have heard it said that more bloody work will be the result of these trials and convictions.  We do not believe this.  Murder was bold in Williamson County while it was unchallenged.  It carried terror into the neighborhoods, and even suspicion did not dare to whisper against the guilty wretches who were plying the business of assassination with malicious coolness; but crime is cowardly, and before the certainty of punishment hides its head.  The experience of the past few months, and the developments yet to be made, will make the murderers of Williamson County timid as hares.  They will be anxious to save their necks, and their bloody work will be stopped for the time being at least.  We believe the verdicts of the past few months will be of invaluable service to the law-abiding people of Williamson and the good work should go on.

NOT FOUND.—Although every effort has been made the body of Frank Gilman, drowned near the Illinois Central stone depot on Monday evening, has not yet been recovered. Yesterday divers were employed and the bottom of the river in the vicinity searched, but to no purpose. It is now supposed that the body was caught in the current and carried down the river.

CIRCUIT COURT—THE CRAIN CASE—At about 7 o’clock yesterday morning it was announced that the jury in the Crain case had agreed, and were ready to return a verdict.  Judge Baker, Circuit Clerk Yocum, and County Attorney Mulkey for the prosecution, and Mr. Linegar, Mr. Calvert and Mr. Clemens for the defense were notified of the fact and soon after appeared in court.  The defendants were brought into the courtroom and took their usual seats, and when order and quiet had been restored, Judge Baker asked if the jury were ready to report, the answer being that they were.  The foreman of the jury then stepped forward and handed the clerk the following verdict:

            We the jury, find the defendants guilty, and fix their sentence at twenty years each in the penitentiary.

            The announcement of this verdict seemed to have no effect upon the prisoners.  They never so much as changed color, but on the other hand a faint smile seemed to illuminate Big Jep’s face.  A moment after the verdict was announced Black Bill left his seat and accosting Mr. Linegar whispered a few words to him, and then returned to his seat.

            Mr. Linegar entered a motion for a new trial, after which court adjourned, and the judge and officers of the court went home to breakfast.

            Later in the day Judge Allen asked that a day for arguing the motion for a new trial be fixed, and suggested that it be announced for as early a day as possible.

            Mr. Linegar thought sometime during the early part of next week would be soon enough.

            Mr. Calvert said that he had some business to attend to next week at Vienna, and would be compelled to be there two or three days.

            Mr. Clemens wanted time enough to make full preparations for the argument of the motion.

            Judge Allen said that it had been stated in the Bulletin that Judge Crawford had adjourned the Saline County circuit court until next Monday, and in that case he could not be here after Saturday, as he and Judge Duff had an important case to try in Judge Crawford’s court, and it would probably come up the first day of the term.

            Mr. Linegar suggested that it could easily be ascertained when the Saline County court would meet, and in case it did not convene on next Monday, then he hoped the argument of the motion would go over until Tuesday.

            Judge Baker then announced that in case Judge Crawford convened court at Harrisburg on Monday, then the argument on the motion for a new trial would be heard on Saturday, otherwise it should go over until Tuesday.  To this proposition counsel agreed.

            It has been ascertained that on the first ballot after the jury retired, they stood ten for hanging, one for acquittal and one for fourteen years in the penitentiary.  The one for acquittal soon went over to the fourteen-year man, and thus the jury stood until morning, when a compromise was agreed on at twenty years in the state’s prison.

Tuesday, 15 Feb 1876:
Col. John Martin, Sr., died at Paducah, Kentucky, last Wednesday.  He was a native of East Tennessee, but for many years prior to 1869, when he removed to Paducah, was a prominent citizen of Memphis.  Col. Martin was once a member of the Tennessee legislature, and always took an active part in politics.  Several years after his removal to Kentucky he made a congressional canvass of the Paducah district against Col. Crossland.
 
FOUND.—The body of a white man was found in the river at Bird’s Point last evening, and brought to Cairo in the belief that it was the remains of Frank Gilman, recently drowned near the Illinois Central wharf boat.  Just before going to press we heard that the body does not answer the description given of Gilman.
 

Wednesday 16 Feb 1876:
ANOTHER FLOATER.—A telegram from P. P. Barlow, father-in-law of Frank Gilman, the drowned engineer was received by John Holmes in this city yesterday, stating that the body of a drowned man had been found in the river a short distance above Columbus, and asking that efforts be made to ascertain if it was not Gilman.  Arrangements were being made last night to send someone to investigate the matter.
 
DEATH OF JACK HODGES’ PARTNER.—The following was received at the Bulletin office last evening:
Unity, Feb. 12, 1876.
Old Uncle Jesse, colored, who in days past waited on General Jackson, and was at the Battle of New Orleans, aged 103 years, 7 months, and 23 days, died here this day, leaving two wives and one child.  Before death he made a will bequeathing his farm to the two wives in equal shares, and appointing John Hodges executor of said will.  Mr. Hodges is hunting up witnesses to probate the will.
 
THAT FLOATER.—The body of the floater found at Bird’s Point on Monday evening, and to which we referred  in yesterday’s Bulletin, was examined yesterday.  On the body of the dead man was found two prescriptions, directed to “F. Pauley, apothecary and druggist, N. W. corner Benton and Sixteenth streets, St. Louis, Mo.”  Across the end of the prescriptions the name “Kraft” was written, which is supposed to be the name of the drowned man.  No other papers of any description by which the deceased could be identified were found on the body.  The body was buried by Mr. Thompson Bird at Bird’s Point.
 
FIVE MEN DROWNED.—During the storm on last Sunday afternoon, H. I. F. Mechau, James Sheridan, William Laura, August Fetthouse, and William Faubush, were drowned while out skiff riding in the Ohio River opposite Golconda, Pope County.  The wind blew a terrible gale, and the skiff was swamped and sunk.  Mechau was an Odd Fellow and Golconda Lodge No. 292, I. O. O. F. offers a reward of fifty dollars for the recovery of his remains.  The following is a full and perfect description of Mechau:  Forty-four years old, about five feet six inches high, rather dark complected, black hair and beard; had on gray suit of clothes, had a pin on his vest in the shape of a shield, and had engraved on it a heart and hand and three links; on his right forearm he has the mark of a flag; and had in his pocket a silver Saltham watch, hunting case.  Should anyone find Mechau’s body, they should notify N. Barber, N. G. or J. M. Boicourt, secretary of the lodge at Golconda.
 
DEATH OF GEORGE WINTER, THE ARTIST.—From the Lafayette (Indiana) Daily Journal, of a late date, we clip the following:

It is with unfeigned sorrow we chronicle the sudden death of our valued friend and most estimable citizen, George Winter, caused by an apoplexy.  Mr. Winter had but a few days since returned from a long visit in California, and was greeted on every side with a hearty welcome home.  After dinner yesterday he said to his family he believed he would attend the railroad meeting at the opera house, and in company with a friend walked up Main Street just before 2 o’clock and went to the meeting.  He had hardly been seated before it was noticed by those near him that something was wrong, and at once he was removed to the outer entrance of the building, near the ticket office, and expired without a groan in a few moments.  He was immediately removed to the dwelling of his daughter, Mrs. Gordon Ball, on Third Street, near the Journal office, where he had been staying since his return from California.  The sad news had been conveyed in the meantime by friends to the family.

Mr. Winter was born at Portsea, England, and came to this county when about twenty-five years of age.  He married in 1850 at Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and removed to Logansport, where, after a residence of twelve years, he came to LaFayette, and has been here ever since.  He was the youngest of fourteen children, and one, a maiden sister, now residing at Cincinnati, survives him.

He leaves a widow and two children, one a son, George, in California, the other a daughter, Mrs. Gordon Ball, of our city, to mourn his sudden demise.  Cultured and kind hearted of liberal mind and soul, possessing every instinct of a gentleman, and of a cordial and cheerful disposition, he was ever the welcome guest at the homes and firesides of all who knew him, and we doubt if there be another in our midst who was more generally beloved by all classes of society.  The sympathy of our entire community goes forth to the loved ones and the shadowed household who survive him in this their sudden and sad bereavement.

Several years ago, the subject of the above notice, visited his relatives, our present mayor and his brothers, William and Thomas Winter, in this city, and will be remembered by many of our citizens with whom he became acquainted.
 

Thursday, 17 Feb 1876:
$1,000 Reward.—The friends of Mr. Langstaff, of Paducah, who was drowned near that place during the gale on last Sunday afternoon, offer one thousand dollars reward for the recovery of his body.
 
There are yet several important criminal cases on the docket, among them the Hudson murder case and the DeGrath case, but as none of the parties were ready for trial, their witnesses being absent, they were continued to the next term of court.
 

Friday, 18 Feb 1876:
DEAD.—It was reported yesterday that Red Campbell, well known in this city, died a few days ago at some point on White River.  Campbell left Cairo some two months ago.
 
 
Saturday, 19 Feb 1876:
William Campbell, of this city, steward of the towboat Blue Lodge, died at Brazoo City a few days ago.
 

Friday, 25 Feb 1876:
Mr. James Norton, a large cattle speculator of Shawneetown, returning from a business trip to New Orleans on the steamer Commonwealth, was violently attacked with typhoid pneumonia at Natchez.  The fact was telegraphed to his relatives at Shawneetown, and Dr. Jones, his uncle, met the Commonwealth at this city, but was horrified to find that the disease had made such progress that his nephew, for whom he entertained feelings of more than ordinary affection, was entirely unconscious.  He was removed to the residence of ex-Mayor Wilson, also a relative, of this city, where he expired in the course of a few hours.  The remains will be taken home today.  Dr. Jones and friends have the sympathy of many friends and acquaintances in this city.
 

Saturday, 26 Feb 1876:
Dr. W. L. Johnson, a resident of Jackson County for thirty years and one of its prominent physicians, died last week.
 
J. W. Johnson, who killed a man named Copper, because he neglected to pay him two dollars and a half when he promised to, was sentenced to nineteen years in the penitentiary at Bloomfield, Mo., recently, after pleading guilty.
 
FUNERAL NOTICE.—Died.  February 25th, 1875, at 1 o’clock p.m., John Cochran, aged 55 years.  The funeral of the deceased will take place at one o’clock today from his residence on Commercial Avenue, near the corner of Fifth Street.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at 2:30 o’clock.  Friends of the deceased invited to attend.
 

Sunday, 27 Feb 1876:
SCARLET FEVER.—The scarlet fever has not yet let go its terrible hold upon the children of this city.  Several cases still exist here, and several deaths have occurred within the past week.
 
Mrs. James S. Norris, who died on Saturday morning of pneumonia, was a lady highly esteemed and respected by many in this city.  She had a large circle of friends here who greatly mourn her loss, a number of whom will go to Ullin this afternoon, to attend her funeral, which takes place tomorrow.
 
Judge Bross and wife, and Mrs. John H. Oberly will go to Ullin this afternoon to attend the funeral of Mrs. Morris, tomorrow morning.
 
Mrs. Minnie Call, daughter of Young Garner, of Thebes, died on yesterday at Ullin.

(The 1870 census of Thebes, Alexander Co., Ill., lists M. J. Call, born about 1843 in Illinois, the wife of C. H. Call, born about 1835 in New York.—Darrel Dexter)
 
DEATH OF MRS. JAMES S. MORRIS.—The death of this estimable lady occurred at Ullin yesterday morning.  The news of her decease was a shock to many people in this city where she has a large number of friends and acquaintances.  She was taken sick on Monday last with pneumonia, but her friends anticipated no fatal consequences and her death was very sudden and unexpected.

Mrs. Morris was born in Mt. Pulaski, Logan County, Illinois, in 1844.  Her home in her early youth was in the vicinity of Springfield and Decatur, and before her marriage she passed a few years in this city.  In May, 1862, she was married at Decatur, and from that time she resided in this city with her husband, until 1873, when they removed to Ullin.

The funeral ceremonies will take place on Monday and the remains will be taken to Villa Ridge for interment.

Mrs. Morris leaves a husband, three children and two sisters, to all of whom her death has brought a crushing weight of grief.  She was a kind and indulgent mother, a devoted wife and an affectionate and faithful friend.  Her loss is an irreparable one to her family and is felt by a large circle of friends as a personal sorrow.  In this sudden and terrible bereavement, her afflicted husband, children, and relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.
            (James S. Morris married Mary J. Starr on 19 May 1862, in Macon Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

Tuesday, 29 Feb 1876:
Michael Enright, who bit off the nose of James Leddy, of Joliet, was introduced to the penitentiary on Saturday afternoon.
 
DEAD AND BURIED.—Mrs. A. C. Coleman died on Sunday night at twelve o’clock.  Three years ago yesterday, the deceased was attacked with sickness from which she never sufficiently recovered to rise from her bed, suffering during these long years untold agony, and from which death to her was a welcome relief.  Mrs. Coleman was an estimable lady, and her loss is mourned by all who knew her.  She was buried at Beech Grove Cemetery.
 
 
Wednesday, 1 Mar 1876:
William Ramalge, a promising young man of Pekin, Illinois, was kicked to death by a colt near that city on Sunday.
 
 
Friday, 3 Mar 1876:
DEAD.—Shelton E. Hunter, city clerk of Mound City, and a prominent young man, died on Wednesday afternoon and his funeral took place yesterday at 12 o’clock.  The remains were followed to the grave by the mayor and members of the city council of Mound City, the Good Templars and a large concourse of citizens.
 
 
Saturday, 4 Mar 1876:
A shooting affray between two men named Tom Burke and Hugh McGrogan occurred in Jacksonville on Wednesday, which it is thought will end in the death of the latter.
 
A SUDDEN DEATH.—A little daughter of Mr. Henry Ellis, residing at the corner of Eleventh and Walnut streets, was taken sick late Thursday afternoon, and died yesterday a little after one o’clock.  The child is supposed to have died of scarlet fever.
 

Sunday, 5 Mar 1876:
DIED.—Mr. John Prindel, residing on Sandy Ridge, Unity Precinct, died of pneumonia, at his home on Friday afternoon last at about three o’clock.  Mr. Prindel was thirty-four years of age and well known and highly respected by his neighbors and those who knew him.  He leaves a wife and four children, the oldest of them, a daughter, being sick and not expected to live.  The funeral will take place today.
 

Wednesday, 8 Mar 1876:
Mr. McGee, son-in-law of Capt John Robinson, died at the residence of the latter last evening between 7 and 8 o’clock, of pneumonia.
 

Thursday, 9 Mar 1876:
The remains of Mr. McGee, who died at the residence of Capt. John Robinson on Tuesday evening, were taken to Grand Chain, where they will be interred, this morning.
 
 
Saturday, 18 Mar 1876:
DEAD.

A. Comings, Esq., of our city, is in receipt of a telegram from his brother, U. L. Comings, of Windsor, Vermont, announcing the death of Mrs. Sarah Comings, their mother in the 84th year of her age.  Mr. Comings is anxious to attend the funeral to which he has been summoned, but business engagements and the great distance prevent his being present in time to attend the service and look upon the face of the dear one gone before.  Mr. Comings has the sympathy of all his friends in this affliction.—Sun.
 

Sunday, 19 Mar 1876:
A Card of Thanks.

The undersigned desires to return her sincere thanks to the many kind friends, especially those connected with the railroad, for the many favors shown, in assisting her to settle up her business, and the untiring efforts made to recover the body of her husband, feeling that everything that could be done to aid her, in this time of trial, and to recover his body, has been done.  She will ever remember them with the kindest feelings, and her prayer is that they may be richly rewarded in this world and the world to come.
Mrs. Frank Gilman
Cairo, March 19th
(Sun please copy)
 

Tuesday, 21 Mar 1876:
Funeral Notice.

Died, March 19th, Lizzie L., only daughter of Fred S. and Mattie L. Smith, of congestion of the brain.  Funeral at 1 o’clock p.m., today, at the residence of the parents, on Division Street between Poplar Street and Washington Avenue.  The remains will be taken to Joliet for interment by the 3 p.m. train today.
 
A little daughter of Mr. Fred Smith, of the Illinois Central railroad office, died on Sunday night, after an illness of only three days.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith have the sympathy of their many friends throughout the city.

 

Thursday, 23 Mar 1876:
Dangerously Ill.

A report was in circulation last evening to the effect that Mr. Bernard McMannus, who has been sick for some time with pneumonia was not expected to live.  After some inquiry we found that the report to be only too true—that Mr. McMannus was very low, and his recovery considered doubtful.  We hope these fears may prove delusive—that Mr. McMannus’ recovery may be speedy and complete.
 
Death of M. B. Goodrich

Mr. M. B. Goodrich, general freight and ticket agent of the Cairo & Vincennes railroad, died at his room in this city at 9 o’clock yesterday morning.  Mr. Goodrich was taken sick very suddenly while on the cars a week or ten days ago, when on his way home from New York, and on arrival here was carried from the train to his room, at the corner of Eighth Street and Washington Avenue.  He was very sick for a few days, when his disease, pneumonia, seemed to abate, and he improved so rapidly that up to night before last he was considered out of danger, and his speedy recovery seemed assured.  But at 10 o’clock Tuesday night he took a relapse, and notwithstanding everything that medical skill and kind and devoted friends could do for him, he continued to grow worse, until about 9 o’clock yesterday morning, when he died.  Mr. Goodrich had been connected with the Cairo and Vincennes railroad for about two years and filled the position to which he was assigned with marked ability, and to the entire satisfaction of the management of the road.  He was about thirty-five years of age, and was married less than a year ago.  We understand the remains will be taken to his former home at Auburn, New York, for interment.  One of the saddest features of Mr. Goodrich’s death is the fact that his mother now lies ill in Chicago, and was not aware even that her son was sick.  The news of his death will prove a terrible blow to her, and Mr. Goodrich’s friends in this city are fearful of the results.

(Milan B. Goodrich was a private in Battery G, 3^rd New York Light Artillery, enlisting in September 1861..  He married Anna Jackson, in Manhattan, New York, N.Y., in 1875.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Friday, 24 Mar 1876:
Recovering.

We called upon Mr. Barney McManus yesterday and found him much better than he had been reported to us.  He has been dangerously ill, but we are glad to say he is now in a fair way to speedily recover his health.
 
Taken to Auburn.

The remains of Mr. M. B. Goodrich, who died in this city on Wednesday morning, were taken to Auburn, New York, yesterday morning, via the Cairo and Vincennes railroad.  The body was accompanied by Mr. Roswell Miller, and Mrs. Goodrich, the grief stricken wife of the deceased.
 
 
Sunday, 26 Mar 1876:
Funeral Notice.

Rosa Smith, aged eight years, stepdaughter of P. H. Corcoran, died at her home on Thirty-fourth Street at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon.  The funeral will take place this afternoon at 2 o’clock, from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, corner of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue.  Friends and acquaintances of the family are requested to attend.

(Patrick Corcoran married Mrs. Rosanna Smith on 10 Jul 1873, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died.

Mr. William Easley, who has been suffering for some time with pneumonia, died at his home on Thirty-Fourth Street on Friday night.  The deceased moved to this city from Smithland, Kentucky, about three years ago, and has been the greater part of the time engaged by Halliday Bros. as engineer on one of their tugs.  The remains were taken to Smithland by steamer last night, where they will be interred.
 
Miss Fannie Smith, a stepdaughter of Mr. Patrick Cochran, and a sister of the little girl who died yesterday, has been confined to her bed for five weeks with a severe attack of sickness.
 
Mr. C. H. Goodrich, brother of the deceased M. B. Goodrich, who is engaged in traveling for a queensware establishment in Evansville, arrived in this city on Friday night.
 
On the last trip of the Belle Memphis, a gentleman named Miles Lott got aboard the boat at Osceola.  He was in very bad health, and when spoken to by Capt. Crain, was so weak that it was with difficulty he answered the Captain’s interrogatories.  He was given a room by the commander, who intended putting him off at this point upon the arrival of the Belle, but was informed by Dr. Dunning that if Lott was moved he would die, and he was kept on board the boat.  After leaving here, the invalid began to sink, and died before the boat reached Cape Girardeau.  Captain Crain procured a coffin, and had the corpse buried at Grand Tower.  Lott, from papers found upon his person is supposed to have been an Ohio River boatman, and resided somewhere in Indiana.
 

Tuesday, 28 Mar 1876:
Very Low.

Mr. Thomas Parker, who has been suffering for years past with consumption, is now lying at the residence of his brother, Mr. Miles Parker, on Walnut Street, so low that all hopes of his life are despaired of.
 
Moses Hutson, an old citizen of Alexander County, died of pneumonia, a few days ago.  The Gazette says:  “A good old man was Moses Hutson and everybody who knew him will learn of his death with sincere sorrow.”

(The 25 Mar 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported that Moses Hutson, of 12 miles south of Jonesboro in Alexander County, died 21 Mar 1876, aged 64 years.  He was born six miles south of Jonesboro.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Wednesday, 29 Mar 1876:
Death of Thomas J. Parker.

Died, in this city, on Tuesday morning, March 28th, 1876, of consumption, Mr. Thomas J. Parker, nephew of Miles W. and Elizabeth Parker.  The funeral services will be held at the residence of Miles W. Parker, on Walnut Street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, this Wednesday afternoon, at two o’clock.  Friends and acquaintances of the deceased are invited to be present.
 

Thursday, 30 Mar 1876:
Dead.

Mr. L. W. Barber, a former resident of this city, died in Nashville, Tennessee, at nine o’clock yesterday morning.  The deceased was a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. George Hill, of this city.
 
Shot.

A dispatch from Fort Jefferson to parties in this city, received last night, stated that Mr. Echols, brother-in-law of Horace Hannon, of this city, had been shot and that the services of a physician were needed immediately.  Whether the shooting was accidental or intended the message did not say, and we were unable to learn.
 

Friday, 31 Mar 1876:
Funeral.

Mrs. Tucker, wife of Harry Tucker, colored, who died on Wednesday, was buried by the Free Benevolent Sons of America and the Union Aid Society, both colored orders, yesterday afternoon.  The funeral was largely attended.  Both societies turned out in full regalia.  The remains were taken to the place of burial by special train on the Illinois Central.
 
The Shooting of D. A. Echols.

On yesterday morning we published a short item stating that Mr. D. A. Echols, a brother-in-law of Mr. Horace Hanon, of this city, and a man well known to many in Cairo, had been shot at Fort Jefferson on Wednesday night, but we were unable to give any particulars regarding the misfortune.  Since that time we have learned the following facts:

Mr. Echols is the keeper of a hotel at Fort Jefferson, and is living in a house belonging to Captain Kendall.  Joseph Dupoyster, a man also well known in this city, had removed the fence from around the house.  The fence was owned by Kendall, but was claimed by Dupoyster, who in removing it, had left some old refuse rails.  Echols was at work cutting some of these rails into stovewood, when Dupoyster drove up with a wagon and asked Echols what he was cutting his rails up for.  Echols replied that they were not his rails.  Dupoyster drew a pistol from his pocket and said, ”Put that rail on the wagon, or G-d d--n you I’ll kill you.”  Echols refused to do so, when Dupoyster shot him.  The ball struck Echols in the back touching the spinal column, and it is said will prove his death, as he was bleeding internally yesterday morning.  If Echols does not die, he will be disabled for life.  It is said that Dupoyster and Echols have been at loggerheads for some time.

(Daniel A. Echols married Matilda Duncan on 22 Aug 1869, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
  

 

Saturday, 1 Apr 1876:
THE DEATH OF AIKEN.—CARBONDALE TRADUCED.

We find the following in the Mt. Carmel Register of March 30th:

For low-down stinginess the town of Carbondale is entitled to wear the belt. Mr. Aiken, a former publisher of the Illinoisan, and his child, were actually permitted to die for want of the commonest necessaries of life—literally starved to death. The house in which they died was destitute of furniture, cooking utensils and goods of any kind. All this in a city which claims to be the Athens of Egypt; where the Southern Illinois University is located; where the State pays thousands of dollars for the education of future statesmen. Charitable, Christian Carbondale—a city where it is deemed a sin to drink whisky, but which permits honest, respectable citizens to starve to death. The Register will chip in a nickel towards purchasing a leather medal for the city council of that strictly temperate, but unmistakenably mean city of Carbondale.

Paragraphs of similar import to this are now floating about the land in every direction. They do to the good people of Carbondale very great injustice.

Mr. Aiken, the unfortunate gentleman whose untimely death, the cause of this scandalous report, gave much sorrow to his friends and acquaintances, was, in life, a mixture of minister, editor and printer. Occasionally he would exhort sinners to invest in the scheme of Christian salvation, so that they might

“—read their titles clear

To mansions in the skies;”
then he would use his pencil in the business of instructing the people through newspaper columns, and again eke out a livelihood by picking types from cases. A gentle-dispositioned man, without the ability to command a high position either as preacher, editor or printer—being too much of all these to excel as either—he did not, as everyone may know, gather about him many of the luxuries or even the comforts of this life. He died a poor man, as how many have done before him!—as how many now living and yet to be born will do hereafter! But that he died for want of bread is so false a report that we must give to it most emphatic contradiction.

Our contradiction becomes proof of the falsehood of the starvation charge made by the traducers of Carbondale, when we say that Mr. Aiken was, at the time of his death, a beneficiary member of the society known as the Odd Fellows. No Odd Fellow ever suffered for want of bread in any community in which there was an Odd Fellows’ lodge. It is the pride of this society, that, although the poor crowd into its doors—laborers and artisans—those who earn their bread in the sweat of their faces—those whose means of obtaining bread are cut off when disease robs them of the ability to labor—yet not one of its members has ever become an object of public charity—the inmates of an alms house. “To visit the sick, bury the dead and relieve the distressed” is the command of the law of this society, an imperative duty which Odd Fellowship enjoins and each member is entitled—not as charity, but as a right—to certain amount of money each week, and two watchers each night, of his sickness. At every meeting of each lodge, immediately after the reading of the minutes, the question is asked: “Does any brother know of a sick brother, or a brother in distress?” and just before the lodge is closed this other question is asked: “Are there any cases requiring the charity of the order?” In replying to these questions, with actions as well as words, the Odd Fellows of America expended in 1875 about $2,000,000. It will not do therefore to say that Mr. Aiken, the Odd Fellow, living in Carbondale, where his lodge was located, was permitted to starve to death—that his child was compelled to follow its father to the unknown land because there were no hands to give to it the necessities of life. The charge is a greater insult to the Odd Fellows of Illinois than to the citizens of Carbondale. We pronounce it to be unqualifiedly false.

Died.

At the residence of her mother, on Seventh between Walnut and Cedar streets, Martha Hahn, aged fourteen years. The funeral will leave the house at 2:30 p.m., today. Special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at 3 o’clock sharp. Friends of the family invited to attend.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Martha Hahn 1861-1876; Rosa Hahn 1866-1876; Olga Hahn 1871-1876; and Sidonie Hahn 1826-1916.—Darrel Dexter)

Died.

Died, in this city, Friday evening, March 31st, 1876, Miss Ellen Purcell, niece of John Howley, of this city. Funeral services will be performed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, on Sunday April 2d, half past one o’clock. A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street with the remains, for interment at Villa Ridge.

(A marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Sacred to the Memory of Ellie Purcell Died March 31, 1876, Aged 22 Years.—Darrel Dexter)

Joe Dupoyster who shot and probably fatally wounded D. A. Echols at Fort Jefferson on Wednesday evening, was arrested and is now out under bonds. Echols is in a very critical condition, and it is thought will die.

THE LATE M. B. GOODRICH.

From the Auburn, New York, Daily Advertiser, of March 25, we clip the following item:  “The remains of the late M. B. Goodrich, arrived last night at 11:45. They left Cairo, Ill., Thursday morning last in charge of Mr. Roswell Miller of the C. & V. railroad, an old comrade and friend of Mr. Goodrich, and accompanied by the bereaved wife. At Cleveland they were joined by the mother and brother, and at Auburn by the father and sisters of Mrs. Goodrich, and were met at the station by Capt. Ashby, E. H. Cobb, and other friends. The remains were taken to the residence of Mrs. D. C. Goodrich.

On the route the most kind and delicate attentions were shown by the officers of the Evansville and Crawfordsville, the Vandalia line, the Indianapolis and Vincennes, the Indianapolis and Cleveland line, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and the New York Central, to the respect and esteem of the officers of which roads Mr. Goodrich had commended himself by his ability, integrity and winning manners. It cannot fail to be a source of consolation to the surviving friends and relatives that the deceased is sincerely mourned by everyone who knew him in social or business relations.

The following dispatch of condolence was transmitted by the officers of the C. & V. R. R. Co., in receipt of the intelligence of the death of Mr. Goodrich:
New York, March 22, 1876.

H. L. Morrill, Supt., Cairo, Ill.:

            In the absence of the president, Mr. J. Pierepont Morgan, I beg to tender in the name of the officers here to Mrs. Goodrich our deep sympathies and condolence with her in her sudden bereavement. Anthony J. Thomas, Treas.”

 

Sunday, 2 Apr 1876:
The trial at Murphysboro of Rice, for the murder of Taber, committed a few years ago, was concluded Friday evening, and the jury retired. The case excited much interest, the court room being densely crowded during its continuance.

Funeral Notice.

Died, March 30th, 1876, Julia Hahn, aged sixteen years. Died April 1st, 1876, Rosa Hahn (sister of the first named) aged ten years. The funeral will take place from the foot of Eighth Street, at eight o’clock this afternoon. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.

Died.

At his residence in Mississippi County, Missouri, April 1st, 1876, of pneumonia, Mr. James B. Greenfield. Funeral services at residence Monday morning at 10 o’clock. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend. The ferryboat T. R. Selmes will be at the landing at the foot of Tenth Street at 9 o’clock a.m., to convey all those wishing to attend.

Died.

Died, in this city, Friday morning, March 31st, 1876, Ellen Purcell, niece of John Howley, of this city. Funeral services will be performed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Sunday, April 2d, half past one o’clock. A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street with the remains for interment at Villa Ridge.

 

Tuesday, 4 Apr 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of Mr. J. B. Greenfield, who died at his home in Missouri, opposite this city on Saturday morning, took place yesterday. The remains were buried on his farm. There was a large number of people from this city present at the interment.

Obituary.

Since the death of L. W. Barber, which occurred at Nashville on Thursday morning, we learn the following facts.

The deceased was born on the banks of the Green River, in Kentucky, in the year 1841. At the age of three his parents removed to this State, where at the age of ten, he was left an orphan. In 1865 he entered into a partnership in the grocery business with Mr. J. H. Mitcalf, which was carried on until 1869, when he sold out his interest in the store, and went to California. He returned to this city in the same year, and in 1870, was married to Miss Sallie Mayes, a daughter of Mrs. E. G. Hill. Mr. Barber and his wife moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in the latter part of 1870, where he commenced the manufacture of vinegar in company with P. G. Roche, of that city, the firm also opening a commission house, under the firm name of Roche & Barber. The deceased was energetic, industrious and a good business man, and was very prosperous. About two years ago he was attacked with paralysis in the left side and which finally affected his brain to such a degree that he was taken to the State asylum at Nashville for treatment. Every effort was made to restore his mind, but each in turn failed, and on Thursday he died.

In attendance at the funeral were the grief stricken wife, and Mrs. Ella Winston, widow of the late Gus Winston, only sister of the deceased.

The remains were interred in Olive Cemetery at Nashville, and were followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends.

(L. Westerfield Barber married Adaline Phillips on 20 Sep 1866, in Alexander Co., Ill.  He married Sarah A. Mayes on 13 Feb 1870, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

Wednesday, 5 Apr 1876:
Murder.

On Monday two men named Robert Anderson and Stuart got mixed up in a quarrel near New Grand Chain. Anderson struck Sam Stuart, when the latter drew a large knife and plunged it into the breast of Anderson, killing him almost instantly. From Mr. Richard Powers, section boss on the Cairo and Vincennes railroad, our informant, we learn that Stuart was arrested and taken to Mound City where he was put in jail.

Anderson, the murdered man, was quite young, and had been married but a short time. Stuart is also young. What the cause of the quarrel was we have been unable to ascertain.

(The 8 Apr 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported that George Babel Anderson, of Pulaski County, the son-in-law of J. T. Miller, was stabbed by Sam Stewart east of Grand Chain on 2 Apr 1876.—Darrel Dexter)

 

Thursday, 6 Apr 1876:
Died.

Isaac Smith, a colored man, living in the north end of town, died of pneumonia yesterday morning. He had been sick for one week.

Recovering.

Mr. D. A. Echols, who was shot, and it was thought fatally wounded by Joseph Dupoyster at Fort Jefferson a few days ago, we are told, is recovering.

 

Friday, 7 Apr 1876:
Died.

Mr. Adkins, father of Captain Adkins of the transfer steamer Junius S. Morgan, died at his residence on Seventh Street yesterday morning, of pneumonia. The remains were taken to St. Charles, Missouri via the St. Louis from Iron Mountain and Southern railroad last evening, where they will be interred.

 

Saturday, 8 Apr 1876:
Dr. Hawley’s Address at the Funeral of Capt. Milan B. Goodrich, March 26, 1876

            The following address, delivered by the Rev. Dr. Hawley, at the funeral of Captain Milan B. Goodrich, at Auburn, New York, we clip from the Auburn Daily Advertiser.

            The few words I have to say are readily suggested by the event which has brought us together.  Death is always its own interpreter, and never is its lessons so impressive as when a friend, a citizen, is taken away in the midst of his days and the promise of still many years of usefulness, with an established character, already tried and matured by large and varied experience and founded on right principles.

            Our friend, whose remains have been brought from a distant city for burial among his kindred, was well known here where he was born and where he has left a name which is associated with many cherished memories.  It was here that he laid the foundations of a character which won for him the confidence of all who knew him, and gave him position and influence in subsequent life.  There is but one line of testimony in this regard, both in Auburn and from those with whom he was associated in later years.  Though he has died in the prime of his life, he has left a record which we now review with gratitude and satisfaction, mingled indeed with sadness that one who had done so much and done it so well, could not have been spared to live longer.  It has been a life crowded with events and shaped by a discipline full of interest and instruction.

            Captain Goodrich was among the very first of our young men who responded to the call of the nation to arms in defense of its life against armed rebellion.  He enlisted as a private among the three months men in the “Old Nineteenth” and remained in the service through the changes which passed over this gallant regiment, until it was merged in the 3d N. Y. Artillery; and with the latter through the entire period of the war.  He was only eighteen years of age at the time of his enlistment, and of rather delicate constitution—so much so that his friends feared he might not be able to endure the trial of the first brief campaign.  He, however, rapidly grew into a soldier, and soon became noted among his comrades for his coolness and manly courage.  On one occasion, at the siege of Little Washington, N.C., conducted by Longstreet, he was publicly complimented on the field by the commanding officer, General Foster, for his bravery in a difficult position in the defense of the place, and was rewarded with his first promotion.  He subsequently passed through the several grades of promotion to his captaincy, in each instance for some gallant service rendered.  He participated in the battles of Kingston and Whitehall, and, I think, Goldsborough, in North Carolina, and was also engaged at the Siege of Petersburg; and his record, covering the entire period of the war, is without a blemish.

            But though he survived the perils of the field, the various exposures and hardships of the service, as in a multitude of instances, made inroads upon his constitution, which were never repaired, and to these, doubtless, may be traced more or less directly, his early death.  I regard his death as that also of his lamented father, Captain Luther Goodrich, of the 75^th, who died shortly after the close of the war, as truly a sacrifice on the altar of patriotism, as if they had fallen in battle; and now we number them both among our honored dead.  It has been my duty not unfrequently, during the past fifteen years to perform the last offices of religion, at the graves of our soldiers who fell in the strife, or whose days were cut short by the hardships of the service—here in Auburn, once among the mountains of my native region, and once in one of the national cemeteries—and in each instance I have regarded the offering as alike laid upon my country’s altar.  Each life thus given is a unit in the sum of sacrifice that the nation might live.  Each deed of valor is a unit in the nation’s purchased glory.  And it is an honor which will gain luster as time goes on, to have borne a part in the greatest and most fiercely contested struggles of all the ages, for justice, liberty and human welfare, and to have conquered.  Some still survive, who may cherish, while they live, the manly pride of having discharged a high trust in their time, and, what is better, the generous sentiment that they have done something to perpetuate the blessing of good government and to save a sacred cause, in its extremity; for which the good and the brave and the true of all time have been ready to lay down their lives.

            At the close of the war, Capt. Goodrich resumed the duties of the civil life for which his earlier training had fitted him; and at the time of his death was occupying a position of large responsibility in connection with one of the important lines of travel and commerce at the West.  He brought to every trust committed to him the same fidelity and intelligence which characterized his military career.  One who has been associated with him intimately for nearly half his life, both in the war and since, in business relations, and who was with him in his last hours said, “he was the very soul of honor and integrity.”  He was, moreover, popular, because of his pleasant ways with all, and his courteous habit so well adapted to make friends and to attach them strongly to himself.

            These are things we love to remember of our friends when they are taken from us.  But more than this, our departed brother was a sincere Christian, of intelligent views, and alive to the honor of religion, both in speech and conduct.  I am informed that he early made a public profession of his faith in the church which he was nurtured.  While residing in the city of New York, and before removing West, he was a diligent attendant upon the ministry of Dr. Howard Crosby, to whom he became strongly attached, and who, as the pastor of the family with which Capt. Goodrich became connected by marriage, was expected to officiate on this occasion, and was only prevented by engagement beyond his control.  It is enough for us to say that he feared God; was just and kind to his fellow men; was faithful to his country in the time of her greatest trial; and that, now through the grace of the Master whom he followed, we may think of him as having entered upon the rewards of a well spent life.  Let this be the consolation of those who are bowed with grief in their sudden bereavement.  Let them trust implicitly in God who “doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men.”  Let them take to their hearts the words of Jesus, “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”  So will they find that this great sorrow has come to them only to open a new page in the Book of Life, to whom them things which hereafter will be their enduring portion:  For he hath also said, “I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.”


 

Sunday, 9 Apr 1876:
Mrs. Della Mason Dowdall, wife of William T. Dowdall, editor of the Peoria National Democrat, died in Peoria Wednesday morning last. Mrs. Dowdall died of typhoid fever from which she had suffered for three months. The many friends of Mr. Dowdall throughout the state sincerely sympathize with him in his severe affliction.

Mr. C. H. Goodrich, who attended the funeral of his brother, Captain Milan B. Goodrich, at Auburn, on the 26th of March, returned to this city yesterday.

 

Tuesday, 11 Apr 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of Mrs. Eugene Fitzpatrick took place yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended by friends and acquaintances.

(A correction was printed in the 12 Apr 1876, issue stating that the deceased was the wife of Michael Fitzpatrick.)

Dead.

A telegram passed over the wires in this city yesterday, saying that A. T. Stewart had died at his home in New York City at half after two o’clock p.m.

Fatal Shooting.

From Conductor Condon, of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern railway, we learn that on Saturday afternoon, a passenger conductor named Settle, who had charge of an accommodation train on the St. Louis division of the road, got into a quarrel with the engineer on his train, and drawing a revolver from his pocket, shot the engineer, whose name was Cornwell, and killed him almost instantly. After shooting Cornwell, Settle shot himself, and was expected to die at any moment. Conductor Condon was unable to learn what caused the difficulty.

 

Wednesday, 12 Apr 1876:
A. T. Stewart, the head of the great dry goods firm of A. T. Stewart & Co., in New York, died in that city on Monday. Mr. Stewart was the richest merchant in the United States.

Died.

At 2:30 o’clock Tuesday, April 11th, 1876, Michael Edward, infant son of Patrick and Hannah Kennady, aged eighteen months. The funeral will take place from the residence of the parents, Commercial Avenue, between Twenty-first and Twenty-second streets, today at 3 o’clock. A special train will be in waiting to convey the funeral party to Villa Ridge and return. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.

It was Mrs. Michael Fitzpatrick who was buried on Monday, not Mrs. Eugene Fitzpatrick.

 

Thursday, 13 Apr 1876:
The case of Leander Ferrill, for shooting James B. Murray in Marion last May, is now being tried in that town. Public sentiment is against Ferrell. The trial of Neal for the killing of Summers, has just been concluded.

 

Friday, 14 Apr 1876:
A Sad Blow.

In the death of Miss Fannie Smith, our fellow townsman, Mr. P. H. Cochran suffers another sad blow. This is the second stepchild of Mr. Cochran’s whose young life has been cut short within the past four weeks, and the family in their affliction have the sympathy of the entire community.

Died.

At 10 o’clock, p.m., Wednesday, April 12th, 1876, Fannie Smith, stepdaughter of P. H. Cochran, of disease of the spine. The funeral will take place from the residence of Mr. Cochran, corner Thirty-fourth and Levee streets today (Friday) at 3 o’clock. A special train will leave the foot of Fourteenth Street to convey the remains to the place of burial.

 

Saturday, 15 Apr 1876:
Died.

Albert, infant child of James and Eliza Law, on Friday, April 14th, of croup. The funeral will take place from the residence of the parents, on Cedar Street, at 2 o’clock tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street for Beech Grove Cemetery at 3 o’clock.

(There is an Alexander Co., Ill., marriage record for James Law and Jane Jester on 13 Jun 1861.—Darrel Dexter)

 
Tuesday, 18 Apr 1876:
Aaron Neal, the leader of the Franklin County Ku-Klux, was lately on trial at Marion, Williamson County, for murder. After the evidence was all in, and before the arguments had been concluded a mule kicked and killed one of the jurymen, and Mr. Neal secured further time. The trial went over.

Died.

Died, of diphtheria, at five o’clock yesterday morning, Joseph, infant son of Joseph and Phillipina Roneker, aged six months. The funeral services will take place at residence of the parents, at half past one o’clock today. The remains will be taken to Villa Ridge for interment by the Illinois Central train.

 

Wednesday, 19 Apr 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Roneker, took place yesterday afternoon.  There was a large number of friends of the grieved parents in attendance.  The remains were taken to Villa Ridge by the Illinois Central train, where they were interred.
 

Thursday, 20 Apr 1876:
Burial of Little Walter Stratton.

In the death of Little Walter Stratton, grief is awakened in the hearts of the bereaved father and mother that calls forth the sympathy of the entire community.  The remains were taken to Charleston, Mo., on Tuesday afternoon, where they were interred in the family burying ground, a mile distant from that village.  A number of friends of the family here accompanied the remains to their last resting place.
 
The Death of Mrs. Massey.

A telegram was received in this city yesterday morning bearing the sad news of the death of Mrs. Massey, wife of Honr. Hart Massey, at her home in Blue Island, at nine o’clock Tuesday night.  Mrs. Massey was a most charitable, kind hearted, and esteemed lady, and was the stepmother of Mrs. Ham Irvin, of this city, who, in her affliction has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.  The funeral will take place at Blue Island, near Chicago, today, and will be attended by Mr. Irvin and family and Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Safford, of this city, who left on the Illinois Central train yesterday.
 
We regret to inform our readers that Miss Julia Hagey, formerly of this city, is lying dangerously ill at her home in St. Louis.  She has been suffering for sometime with consumption, and four weeks ago was confined to her bed, and it is feared she will not survive.  Miss Julia has many warm friends in Cairo.
 

Friday, 21 Apr 1876:
Funeral Notice.

The funeral of Louis Joseph Herbert will take place this afternoon at half after three o’clock, from the residence of the parents on Ohio Levee.  The remains will be buried at Beech Grove Cemetery.  Friends of the family are invited to attend.
 
Died.

April 19th, at the residence of her grandfather, Mr. James H. Clay, little Hattie B. Green, aged two years, daughter of Mrs. Sarah E. Green.  The remains were taken to Villa Ridge yesterday and laid by her father and little brother.  The sympathy of a large circle of friends is tendered to Mrs. Green who is now a widow and childless.

(There is a marriage record in Pulaski Co., Ill., for James A. Green and Sarah E. Clay on 1 Jan 1871.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Death of Louis J. Herbert.

Louis Joseph Herbert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Herbert, Ohio Levee, aged nine years and eleven months and eleven days, died at the residence of his parents at half past ten o’clock on Wednesday evening, after a short though painful illness.  The subject of this notice was taken sick three weeks ago, and though all that medical skill and constant and tender nursing could do for him his life could not be saved.  Louis was a bright and intelligent little boy, and the pride and hope of his parents.  With their many friends we extend to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert our heartfelt sympathy and condolence.  The funeral notice will be found in another column.
 

Saturday, 22 Apr 1876:
J. F. McCartney, Esq., the Metropolis vegetudinarian, is very severe upon Col. C. M. Ferrill.  The colonel’s offense seems to have been that he went to the state senate at a time when Mac was of the opinion that the welfare of the commonwealth and the people called for his presence there.  To imperil the good of the state and disregard the wishes of the sovereign people, constitute an offense that Mac conceives that he has not right either to forgive or forget; hence he “goes for” Ferrill on all sorts of occasions and pretexts.

The recent shooting of Echols by Dupoyster remains Mac that Echols is the man who, in 1872, was a delegate to the senatorial convention at Golconda, and disregarding his instructions, sold out to Col. Ferrill for a price.  This sale and perverseness of the whole Pulaski County delegation, gave to Ferrill, McCartney’s chance to go to the senate.

This was enough.  In that very act the Republican Party separated from McCartney; and without his guidance it wandered into by and forbidden paths.  He stood gloomily, but grandly alone, all that was left of the once “glorious Republican Party.”  Beecherism, Babcockism, Belknapism, and Keeism soon damned the wandering prodigals and contemplating the ruin that had been wrought, his patriotic soul caught fire, he d---d Col. Ferrill and but for the merest trifle of an obstacle he would have lammed him too.  The trifling obstacle was fear.
 
Funeral.

The funeral of little Louis Herbert, who died on Wednesday night, took place yesterday afternoon.  The remains were taken to Beech Grove Cemetery and buried.  A large number of the friends and acquaintances of the family were in attendance.
 
A Card.

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Herbert take this manner of expressing their thanks to their friends and acquaintances for the kindness and sympathy shown to them during the sickness and on the death and burial of their eldest son.  For these valued and affectionate services the afflicted parents are sincerely grateful.
 

Sunday, 23 Apr 1876:
Died.

Mr. Phil Saup yesterday morning, received a letter from his home, Zanesville, Ohio, bearing the news of the death of George Smith, at Mansfield.  The deceased was the father of Mrs. Elizabeth Saup, mother of Peter and Phillip Saup, of this city, and was at the time of his death, one hundred and thirteen years old.
 
Shot.

A telegram was received in this city yesterday from Dexter, Mo., stating that Meyer Rosenwater a resident of that place and a cousin of Mr. S. Rosenwater, of the firm of Goldstine & Rosenwater, had been shot on Friday night.  No particulars of the affair were given.  Mr. Rosenwater was still living at the time the dispatch was sent, but was very low.  Mr. S. Rosenwater left for Dexter yesterday afternoon.
 

Tuesday, 24 Apr 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, took place yesterday afternoon.  There was a very large attendance of the friends of the family who sympathize with the parents in their affliction.
 

Wednesday, 26 Apr 1876:
Little Lida Saup, daughter of Philip and Emma Saup, is, perhaps, the only child in Cairo who had two great-grandfathers living at the time of her birth; and she is, most likely, the only child in the whole West who had two living great-grandfathers, one of whom was only enough to be the grandfather of the other.  Dr. D. Arter, of this city, seventy-eight years of age, and George Smith, of Mansfield, Ohio, aged one hundred and thirteen, were the great-grandfathers.  Had Smith been the father of a daughter at eighteen (which might have been the case) that daughter might, at seventeen have given birth to Dr. Arter.  Hence, the great-grandfather Smith might have been the grandfather of the great-grandfather Arter.
 
Col. A Spencer.

One morning early in the summer of 1872 there came to the Bulletin office an old gentleman who inquired for Mr. Oberly, with whom he said he had important and urgent business.  He was neatly dressed in a suit of black broadcloth, and was in every way of exceeding genteel and respectable appearance, and might have been mistaken for a minister.  He was shown to Mr. Oberly’s room where after some commonplace remarks he settled down to business and in a straight-forward, frank manner made the object of his visit known.  He said he had been in the city several days, and put up at the St. Charles Hotel.  That morning the proprietor of the house had called on him to settle his bill, which he was unable to do, and being without baggage, he was notified that he must pay in advance, or leave the house.  He said he had once been in the newspaper business—if we remember correctly, he said he had once owned and edited one of the leading Savannah, Georgia, dailies and wanted Mr. Oberly to give him employment for a few weeks that he might write to his friends for means.  Mr. Oberly took the old man in, gave him a room in his own house, and boarded him, and in payment the old man occasionally wrote articles for the Bulletin.  He remained at Mr. Oberly’s four or five weeks and then took his departure.  The next we heard of him was at Cape Girardeau, where he was married to a daughter of Mrs. Branch, who was at one time (in 1868) proprietress of the old American House on Eighth Street in this city. 

Now for the sequel.  Everybody who reads the daily papers has read of the cold-blooded murder of Col. A. Spencer, at Linn, Missouri, on the morning of the 19^th of the present month.  Col. Spencer was no other than the old gentleman above referred to.

As reported by the Linn correspondent of the St. Louis Times, the circumstances of the killing of Col. Spencer were about these:  On the morning of the 19th, Col. Spencer was standing in front of a harness shop in the little town of Linn in conversation with several gentlemen.  While thus engaged the door of the shop suddenly opened, and a man with a revolver in his hand stepped out of the door and said, “Col. Spencer, where is my wife and boy?”  Col. Spencer exclaimed, “Who are you?  What do you want?”  And started to go across the street, but before he had gone ten steps was shot through the head and died within a few minutes.  The murderer, turning to the sheriff of the county, who by this time had arrived on the ground said, “I am your prisoner.  Take this pistol; I have no further use for it.”

It seems that Mrs. Spencer had been married twice before she married Spencer.  Her first husband’s name was Murphy and he died some years ago.  In 1868, at Carbondale, Jackson County, Illinois, she was married to Jeffers, who at that time was known as Davis Jefferson, and under this latter name he wooed and won Mrs. Murphy.  Shortly after their marriage Mrs. Jeffers ascertained that the man to whom she was united had another wife living and from whom he was not even divorced.  Learning this she at once left Jeffers.  In 1872 she married Spencer, though she had never obtained a divorce from Jeffers.  Jeffers, it appears, was fondly attached to his wife and could not brook the idea of seeing her the wife of another, and hence the murder.  Mrs. Spencer was known to many persons in this city.

(Davis Jefferson married Mrs. Laura A. Murphy on 5 Feb 1866, in Jackson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Thursday, 27 Apr 1876:
Returned.

Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Safford have returned from Blue Island, where they went to attend the funeral of the late Mrs. Hart Massey, the lamented stepmother, Mrs. Irvin.
 
Died.

At the family residence on Fifteenth Street, George William, eldest son of Arthur Mackie, aged thirty-three years. The funeral services will be held at the home on Friday morning at half past nine o’clock.
 
Died.

Mr. George Mackie, who has been suffering from consumption for several years, and who for many months past has been confined to his bed, died at twelve-o’clock yesterday.  The deceased was well known to the entire community, and though death no doubt was a relief to him, all mourn his loss, and deeply sympathize with his bereaved family.
 
Suicide of an Old Resident.

Many citizens of Cairo and nearly everybody in the county knows old George W. Florer, of Hazlewood.  He has lived, during the past twenty years, in this and the adjoining county, and was always known as a hardworking and thrifty man, blessed with more than average intelligence and education.  A few weeks ago he left his home and remained away several days.  It is said that his domestic relations were not harmonious and his absence from home is ascribed to that cause.  He returned, however, and resumed his usual routine of farm work.  On Monday morning last, a neighbor passing through the woods near the old man’s house, saw his dead body dangling from the limb of a tree.  He had during the morning, or the night before, shuffled off his mortal coil at the end of a halter which his own hands had adjusted.  We are without full particulars, but as the old man was given to periodical sprees, we are inclined to the belief that he hung himself while crazed by liquor.  Details will be given hereafter.

(The 29 Apr 1876, and 13 May 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported that G. W. Florer, of near Toledo, Alexander County, hung himself on 24 Apr 1876.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Friday, 28 Apr 1876:
Died.

April 26th, at his home on Thirteenth Street (German Lutheran church) Gottfried, son of Rev. C. and Catherine Duerschner, aged two years and eight months.  The funeral will take place today.  Services at the church at 2 o’clock sharp. Rev. Oehlert of Jonesboro officiating.  Special train will leave foot of Eighth Street.  Friends are invited.
 

Saturday, 29 Apr 1876:
Funeral.

The remains of little Gottfried Duerchner, son of Rev. C. Duerchner, were conveyed to their last resting place by special train yesterday afternoon.  There was a large number of the friends and acquaintance in attendance.
 
Very Ill.

Conductor Joseph Cormick, known to nearly every person here, just before his train started from the depot yesterday afternoon, received a dispatch bearing the news that his daughter, who has been ill for some time, was very low, and was not expected to live until he could reach her bedside.

(The 20 May 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported the death of Georgiana Cormick, only daughter of Joseph and Louisa Cormick, who died 5 May 1876, at Jonesboro.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The Funeral of George Mackie.

The funeral of the late George Mackie, took place yesterday morning.  The remains were taken to Jonesboro via the Narrow Gauge railroad, where they were interred in the family burying ground.  A number of the friends of the family accompanied the corpse to its last resting place.
 

Sunday, 30 Apr 1876:
Died.

Emma Scheeler, aged one year and ten months, daughter of Frederick and Eliza Scheeler.  Notice of funeral Monday.
 
 
Thursday, 4 May 1876:
Death of a Fugitive.

On last Monday morning, a gentleman looking very weak and sickly, went to the Planters House and registered as “Charles Williams, Missouri.”  He was shown to his apartment and went to bed.  He requested that Dr. Dunning be sent for, who was hunted up and shown to his room.  The doctor at once pronounced Williams on the verge of death from pneumonia, and that death was unavoidable.  The sick man remained in his bed until yesterday morning, at and half past ten o’clock expired.

After Williams learned from the doctor that his time on earth was about run out, he told Mr. Rexford, proprietor of the Planters, that his name was not Williams, but Henry Farley; that he had served three years in the Union army during the rebellion, and that at the end of the war had been discharged.  He then enlisted for five years in the regular army.  While in the service, he had a dispute with one of the officers, and that he had used his gun on him, giving Mr. Rexford to understand that he had killed him.  He then ran away and changed his name, and has since been a fugitive.  He has been at work for several months for Mr. Richard Overton, about six miles from this city in Missouri, and previous to that time had been traveling about from place to place.  His mother lives in Painsville, Ohio, who was written to of his death.  Farley had not heard from his mother for more than five years.
 

Friday, 5 May 1876:
Death of Miss Julia Hagey.

It is with the deepest regret that we inform our readers of the death of Miss Julia Hagey.  The deceased was well known in this city, having resided here for a number of years.  She had many intimate and warm friends here, who deeply feel her loss, and whose heartfelt sympathy is with the bereaved relatives.  Her death occurred at three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, after a long sickness with that fell destroyer, consumption.
 
The Last Rites Paid the Late Hood Oneil.

The remains of Mr. Hood Oneil, who died at half past ten o’clock on Tuesday night after a most painful attack of pneumonia, which kept him confined to his bed for more than two months, were taken from this city via the Illinois Central railroad on the midnight train, Wednesday.  The body will be taken to Dayton, Ohio, for burial.  The sister of the deceased, who, we are told, is the only living relative, arrived in Cairo from Dayton on Tuesday, and was at the bedside of her brother at the time of his death.  The remains were followed to the train by the Cairo Commandry of Knights Templar, of which order the deceased was a most active and valuable member.  Mr. Oneil had been in the employ of the Illinois Central railroad company at their depot here for several years.  He was ever attentive and correct in his work for the company and was highly esteemed and valued by the managers.  During his life here he was always courteous and thorough gentleman, and by his conduct toward his fellow men and associates, won the friendship of all.  There are many here, though not connected with him by ties of relationship, who feel a deep grief at his untimely end.  Through the long and wearisome days of his sickness, his sufferings were borne with fortitude and bravery that were truly noble.  His bedside was from the first hour of his illness watched by his brother Knights, who are deserving of the highest praise for their untiring attention to him and who all mourn his loss sincerely.
 

Saturday, 6 May 1876:
The remains of Miss Julia E. Hagey passed through this city, accompanied by Mrs. Hagey and her son, Ben M. Hagey, yesterday afternoon.  They will be taken to Smithland, Kentucky, the former home of the family, where they will be interred by the side of her father.
 
 
Wednesday, 10 May 1876:
Supposed Suicide.

A gentleman named Charles Elmwood arrived in Cairo a few days ago and remained until Monday night, when he disappeared very suddenly.  Yesterday morning his body was picked up in the Ohio River near Halliday Brothers’ warehouse.  A coroner’s jury was summoned and held an inquest over the corpse.  They came to the conclusion that Elmwood had come to his death by drowning, and that he had committed suicide.  The deceased was known to several gentlemen in this city, who inform us his home was in Elkhart.  He was formerly a resident of Springfield, and was at one time a prominent grain merchant of that city, but failed.  Since his failure in business he has attempted several different times to put an end to his life, but failed.  Upon his person was found a memorandum book, a pocket book containing one dollar and twenty cents, and a few other little trinkets of no value.
 
A Floater Found.

Mr. Clayton Hutchison, who resides near Cottonwood Point, a short distance below this city, was in town yesterday.  Mr. Hutchinson had in his possession a piece of clothing taken from the body of a man found floating in the Mississippi River near his home, which he believes is the remains of Frank Gillman, who so suddenly disappeared while working about the Illinois Central Railroad company’s wharf boat some two months ago.  Mr. Hutchison brought the fragment of the deceased here.  He says the corpse is very much decayed and has been in the water a long time.
 

Thursday, 11 May 1876:
Died.

On Wednesday morning, May 10, 1876, at one o’clock Mrs. Earnestine, wife of John Krug.  The funeral will take place today at three o’clock by special train from the foot of Fourteenth Street. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.
 
 
Saturday,13 May 1876:
Funeral Notice.

Died, yesterday, May 12th, in this city, of scarlatina, little Mary, adopted daughter of John Howley, aged five years and one month.  A special train will convey the remains to Villa Ridge from the foot of Fourth Street, at 3 o’clock this afternoon.
            (A marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Sacred to the Memory of Little Mary Crowley, Died May 12, 1876, Aged 5 Years.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Tuesday, 16 May 1876:
Died.

The venerable father of Reese and Irwin Dugan, we regret to inform our readers, died at his home in Covington, Ky., on last Saturday.  The deceased has been suffering for several months, having taken to his bed about the middle of last winter, and has been confined ever since.  Although his death was not unexpected by his family, it is a sad blow to them.
 
We sincerely regret to hear of the death of the aged father of Reese and Irvin Dugan, of the Eckert.  He died in Covington, on Saturday, from the effects of a fall last winter.  The sons of the deceased have the sympathy of their entire circle of acquaintances in this city.
 
 
Friday, 19 May 1876:
Funeral Notice.

Died of pneumonia, in this city, at one o’clock yesterday morning, Harmon Sanders, aged two years and seven months.  The funeral will take place from the residence of the parents, corner of Seventh and Cedar streets, this afternoon at 2 o’clock.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street, on the Illinois Central road for Villa Ridge at 3:15 today.  The friends of the family are requested to attend.
 
A TERRIBLE DISASTER.
The Steamer Pat Cleburne Blown to Atoms.
A Large Excursion Party Aboard at the Time of the Disaster.
Thirteen Persons Reported Killed and Fifteen Wounded.
Shawneetown the Place of the Awful Scene.

A feeling of sorrow was spread over this city yesterday afternoon by the receipt of a number of dispatches announcing the terrible explosion of the boilers of the steamer Pat Cleburne, at Shawneetown, on Wednesday night.  Thirteen persons were reported killed and fifteen badly wounded.  Captain Dick Fowler, well known to nearly everybody in this city, was blown from the fore part of the boat into one of the wheelhouses, where his body was burned up.  Charles Cotton, second mate, and Richard Patridge, express messenger, were also killed.  The first engineer was terribly wounded and at last reports received in this city yesterday afternoon, was dying.  Sidney Humphreys, the first clerk, and a young man named Brown, the second clerk, were badly scalded.  Humphreys was not killed as telegraphed to parties here.  The Arkansas Belle was lying alongside the Cleburne when the explosion took place and was badly wrecked.  There was a large excursion party aboard the Cleburne at the time of the disaster from Evansville, many of whom were wounded and killed.  This is the substance of the news received, but it is hoped that it will not turn out so bad as reported.
 
Suicide of a Negro.

Some ten or twelve days ago a steamboat negro named Charley Howard, hailing from Memphis, was put into St. Mary’s Hospital, in this city, being sick.  On Wednesday night, after all the inmates of the institution had gone to sleep, Howard became delirious, and springing from his couch, made a rush for the window.  He was detected in his movements by two other invalids in the room who seized and tried to hold him, but he proved too strong for them, and again making a dash for the window, which was closed, jumped through, carrying sash, glass and all with him, to the ground below, and running to the edge of the sipe water, jumped in and was drowned.  An inquest was held over the remains by Coroner Gossman, yesterday afternoon, and the body was buried.
 
 
Sunday, 21 May 1876:
The Late Alexander Blackburne.

We clip the following extract from the Lock Haven, Pa., Democrat, in regard to the death of Mr. Alexander Blackburne, who died at the Planters House, in this city on the 6th instant.  In addition to the gratitude expressed in this extract for those who cared for Mr. Blackburne during his illness here, Mr. Rexford, proprietor of the Planters’ House, has received a number of very kind letters from the relatives of the deceased in Lock Haven.  The Democrat says:  “On the 6th inst., in Cairo, Ill., Mr. Alexander Blackburne departed this life, aged 34 years, 2 months and 21 days.  Deceased closed out his boot and shoe store here about the first of April and started several days since for the Hot Springs, Arkansas, hoping to receive relief there from the severe rheumatism, that he been afflicting him and disabling him for active duty.  He had been a great sufferer for some time.  He took a steamboat at Pittsburg, and not being able to go farther than Cairo, he there laid up and died among strangers.  It is believed that he was most kindly treated and all done for him that could be.  Deceased was a brother of Mr. Thomas Blackburne and of Mrs. G. O. Deise, and was of a pleasant disposition and kind heart.
 
 
Wednesday, 24 May 1876:
Resolutions of Respect.

At a regular meeting of the Delta Fire Co. held May 17th the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Whereas, the Chief Engineer of the universe, having called from active duty and placed on the honorary roll of our much esteemed companion, W. W. O’Neal, therefore be it

Resolved, that in the death of our much beloved fellow member we have all and each of us sustained the loss of a friend and brother, socially and mentally.  When at his post of duty as a fireman, or when engaged in the pursuit of business, Hood O’Neal stood preeminent as an honest, upright man, whose sole endeavor in life seemed to be do to his duty in any position in which he might be placed and to deserve and retain the love of his fellow man.

Resolved, that individually and collectively we tender our heartfelt sympathies to his bereaved relatives, hoping and thinking that their loss is his gain.

Resolved, that these proceedings he spread upon the record of the company, and a copy sent to his afflicted relatives.
John T. Turner, Pres.
M. J. McGauley, Sec’y.
 

Thursday, 25 May 1876:
Circuit Court.

The greater part of yesterday was taken up in the Alexander circuit court by the trial of John Hudson, for the murder of Jacob Sutton, the narrow gauge railroad engineer, last fall. The case was given to the jury about three o’clock, but no verdict had been returned up to the time when we left the court room.
 

Friday, 26 May 1876:
Captured.

James M. Craig, who is charged with the murder of Thomas Morrow, at Unity, in this county, and who escaped from the officers in charge of him last Friday night, was captured in Hickman, Ky., on Wednesday.  He was brought to this city and placed in the hands of Sheriff Irvin on Wednesday night, who locked him up in the county jail for safe keeping.  He will be given a preliminary examination as soon as witnesses can be brought to this city, who are now being subpoenaed.
 

Sunday, 28 May 1876:
Craig’s Examination.

James M. Craig, charged with the killing of Thomas Marrie, at Unity recently, will be given a preliminary examination on Monday morning.  Judge Mulkey and D. T. Linegar will appear in behalf of the defendant.
 

Tuesday, 30 May 1876:
The Funeral of the Late Captain Dick Fowler.

In speaking of the funeral obsequies of the late Captain Dick Fowler, known well and favorably to nearly all of our people, who came to such an untimely death by the awful disaster that befell the steamer Pat Cleburne, the Paducah Tribune of Saturday says:  The ex Confederate soldiers met at the appointed place at half past 9 o’clock, yesterday, and repaired to the residence of Captain Joe Fowler, on Court Street, where the remains had been deposited after being encased.  At 10 o’clock the remains were taken in charge, and carried to the Presbyterian church.  Rev. Dr. Hendricks, the pastor, read the 90th Psalm as the basis of his remarks.  After an earnest devout prayer to the Heavenly Father, that this dispensation of his providence might be received with meekness and result in good to us all in bringing us into closer communion with him, in the honor and great glory to his name in arresting the careless and unconcerned causing them to make their peace with him, before it is too late, he announced his text taken from Sam. 20:5—”As the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth there is but a step between me and death.”  The sermon was short , but full of comfort and consolation to the bereaved loved ones and friends; of encouragement to those who had put their trust in Christ, and warning to the impenitent and ungodly.  His mention of the fatherless and motherless little ones were full of pathos, bringing moisture to many eyes that are strangers to tears.

The services being concluded, the remains were borne to the steamer Rapidan, and at one o’clock the boat left for Smithland, at which place they were interred in the family burying ground by the hands of those who had learned to love the deceased for the many noble traits concentrated in his character and manifested in his life.  This ended the last sad rite to all of earth that was left of as brave, yet gentle, just, kind, faithful, true and noble as ever blended in any among the sons of men.”

Wednesday, 31 May 1876:
Obituary.

It is with feelings of sorrow we are called upon to announce the death of Mrs. Nancy C. Haynes, who died at Charleston, Missouri, and was buried on the 23d inst.  She was the wife of Mr. Chesley Haynes, foreman of Halliday Bros. cooper shops.  Mr. and Mrs. Haynes removed from Smithland, Ky., four years ago, and have been residing in the Fourth ward of this city since that time.  Three weeks ago Mrs. Haynes not feeling very well, went on a visit to her two sisters living in Charleston, Missouri, and while there was taken sick, and wrote her husband, who went immediately to her bedside, after remaining with her forty-eight hours, her doctor thought he could return home, as she was apparently out of danger.  He had not been here over twelve hours when he received a telegram she was dying, and before he could reach her she was cold in death.  The many friends of Mr. Haynes truly sympathize with him in this bereavement.  And to add to his sorrow he was called again on Saturday last to bury his youngest child, a son seven and one half months old.
 

Thursday, 1 Jun 1876:
Died.

Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Margaret J., wife of John T. Rennie, of this city, of heart disease, in the fiftieth year of her age.  Funeral services Friday 9 a.m., at her late residence on Walnut Street.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at 10:30 a.m. for Villa Ridge.  Friends of the family are cordially invited to attend.
 

Friday, 2 Jun 1876:
I. O. O. F. Notice.

The members of Alexander Lodge No. 224, I. O. O. F. and the Daughters of Rebekka are requested to meet at the residence of Bro. John T. Rennie to attend the funeral of our late sister, Margaret A. Rennie, at 9 o’clock sharp.  By order of the Lodge.  C. Lame, N.G.
 
For Killing His Wife and Children.

From a gentleman employed by the C. A. & T. railroad company, we learn that while he, in company with a lot of other men, were at work on the road a day or two since, they were suddenly accosted by the city marshal of Sikeston, Mo., who asked whether they had seen a certain individual, describing him, pass that way.  The workmen had seen such a man pass them only about an hour before, and told the marshal so.  The officer, who was accompanied by five other men, all heavily armed, started in pursuit, and in a short time returned with their man.  Upon asking what he was arrested for, the marshal informed those present that he was charged with the killing of his wife and children in Cairo a few days ago.  The prisoner was taken to a house a short distance from where our informant was at work, and placed in the keeping of one of the marshal’s posse, while the balance of the party went to take dinner, but while they were feasting he managed to give the guard the go-by, and he has not been seen since.  We have been unable to learn of any husband killing his wife and family here.
 

Saturday, 3 Jun 1876:
Craig Waives Examination.

Mr. Morrow, a brother of the late Thomas Morrow, with whose murder James Craig is charged, was in the city yesterday.  Craig was taken from the county jail and arraigned before Judge Ross, but waived examination and was returned to his quarters in prison.
 
The Drowning of Charley Frazier.

Yesterday afternoon between 2 and 3 o’clock, little Charley Frazier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Frazier, was drowned in the Ohio River near Halliday Brothers’ warehouse.  The unfortunate little boy was out bathing with a number of companions, and ventured beyond the depth, and was lost before assistance could reach him.  Mrs. Frazier, the almost distracted mother, was in attendance at the graduating exercises in progress at the high school at the time of the death of the boy, and was listening to her daughter, Lulu, who was a member of the graduating class, read an essay, when she was called from the room to learn of little Charley’s sad fate.  The information spread a feeling of deep sorrow over the assembly in the school room, as it did over the entire community, and the bereaved parents have the sympathy of all.

LATER—The body of the unfortunate boy was recovered about 5 o’clock last evening near the spot where he went down.
 

Sunday, 4 Jun 1876:
Called Away.

The Rev. Mr. Gillham, pastor of the Methodist church of this city, was called to Virden, Illinois, on Friday, to attend the death of his sister, Mrs. Lawrence.  The Rev. Mr. Treadgold, of Mound City, will fill his place in the pulpit of his church this evening.  There will be morning services.
 
Died.

On the 2d of June, 1876, by drowning in the Ohio River, Charles, son of Alexander and Elizabeth L. Fraser, in the eleventh year of his age.  Funeral services at the residence of the parents this (Sunday) at 9 o’clock a.m.  Rector Gilbert officiating.  The remains will be buried at Beech Grove Cemetery.  Funeral train will leave the corner of Fourth Street at 10 o’clock a.m.  Friends and acquaintances of the parents of the deceased are respectfully invited to attend.
 
The Late Mrs. John T. Rennie.

This estimable lady, who died in this city last Wednesday evening, leaves behind her a large circle of friends who esteemed her for her many excellent qualities of head and heart, and will long mourn her loss to our community.  Her maiden name was Margaret J. McFarren.  Born April 17^th, 1827.  She lived through her girlhood at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where she was married to Mr. John T. Rennie, on the 17th of September, 1845.  A few years after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Rennie removed to Carroll Parish, Louisiana, where they resided five years.  They then settled in Massac County, in this state, where they lived until 1862, when they came to Cairo.  About three years ago Mrs. Rennie’s health began to fail.  Mr. Rennie in the hope that she might regain her health traveled with her to the lakes, and through New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and lately took her South as far as Memphis.  But neither change of climate nor medicine could save her life and after a lingering illness, mourned by her large family and regretted by this entire community, she passed away from earth from its cares, its sorrows, and its joys, to—let us hope—a fairer world where death is unknown and trouble does not intrude upon the joy of immortality.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Margaret wife of John T. Rennie Born April 17, 1828, Died May 31, 1876.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The funeral of little Charlie Fraser will take place at 9 o’clock this morning.
 

Tuesday, 6 Jun 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lampert, was attended by a large number of the friends of the family yesterday afternoon.
 
The Funeral of Charley Fraser

The funeral of little Charley Fraser, whose death by drowning on Friday cast a deep feeling of sorrow over the entire community, took place on Sunday morning at nine o’clock.  The remains were buried at Beech Grove Cemetery.  The funeral was attended by a very large number of the friends and acquaintances of the bereaved family.
 
Died.

On last Friday morning a man by the name of William Welsh, came to this city on the steamer Thompson Dean from the south.  He was sick, and had been so for some time, with chronic diarrhea.  On Saturday night, he became suddenly very ill, and lay down on the Ohio Levee, just opposite Saup’s restaurant, and died.  Coroner Gossman was notified and held an inquest over the body.  The remains were buried.  The deceased was an Irish laborer and was recognized by several men in this city at the inquest.
 
 
Friday, 9 Jun 1876:
The Examination of Craig.

Efforts are being made to release James Craig, charged with the murder of Thomas Morrow, at Thebes some three weeks ago, on a writ of habeas corpus.  The examination of Craig was begun yesterday, and will probably be concluded today.
 
 
Saturday, 10 Jun 1876:
Died.

Mr. Ed. Fallis, formerly of this city, died of pneumonia in Bloomington a few days ago.  The remains were taken to Cincinnati for interment.  The deceased was son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. D. Hurd.

(Edwin H. Fallis married Annie Z. Hurd on 13 Jan 1872, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Unity, Not Thebes.

The killing of the man Morrow occurred at Unity and not at Thebes as stated in the Bulletin yesterday morning.
 
Died.

In this city, Thursday night, at half past 10 o’clock, Pearlie, daughter of Mrs. A. H. McKee, widow of John W. McKee, in the seventh year of her age.  Funeral services this morning at half past 8 o’clock, at the residence No. 40, Tenth Street, conducted by Rev. Gillham.  The procession will leave the house in carriages at 9 o’clock for Beech Grove Cemetery.  Friends of the family are invited to attend.
 
The examination of James Craig, charged with the murder of Thomas Morrow, was concluded yesterday morning, and the defendant ordered to be released upon giving bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars.  The accused is still in jail.
 
 
Tuesday, 13 Jun 1876:
The remains of the late Hon. Samuel K. Casey, of Mt. Vernon, were disinterred on the 23d ult., and removed from Union to Salem Cemetery.
 
Died.

In Chicago, Illinois, June 6th, Mrs. Martha Humphrey, wife of Henry Humphrey.  Mrs. Humphrey lived several years in Cairo, and her death will be a surprise to her friends here.
 
Died.

Mary Margretta, aged about six months, daughter of Antone Cells.  The funeral will take place this afternoon at 8:30 o’clock, from foot of Tenth Street, by special train to Villa Ridge.  Services at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 2 o’clock.  Friends of the family invited to attend.
 
 
It is with deep and unfeigned regret that we learn of the death of Mr. Lee Finney, clerk of the steamer John B. Maude.  The deceased was one of those genial, kind-hearted persons who is known but to be loved and respected, and by his death the steamboat fraternity lose a valued member.  His death took place on the Maude at Memphis, on Sunday evening.  His disease was congestion of the brain.
 

Wednesday, 14 Jun 1876:
On last Sunday morning the body of a negro was caught floating in the Ohio River, just above the Stone Depot.  Coroner Gossman held an inquest over the remains, which were charred and so badly disfigured that there is but little doubt that the deceased is one of the unfortunate who suffered death by the late terrible explosion of the Pat Cleburne at Shawneetown.
 
 
Friday, 16 Jun 1876:
Ferd. Amen’s Funeral.

The funeral of young Ferd Amen took place yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock, and was attended by a large number of friends and acquaintances.  Young Amen was an active member of the Rough and Ready Fire Company, which organization turned out in force to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of their departed brother.  The remains were interred at Villa Ridge.
 
WHITE MAN STABBED BY A NEGRO BOY.

Thomas Richardson, a negro boy of about sixteen years of age, yesterday afternoon about three o’clock stabbed a white man named William Brown, a carpenter, on Eighth Street.  The difficulty that resulted in the stabbing of Brown originated in a fight between the negro boy, Richardson, and a white boy.  Richardson was whipping the white boy, Brown interfered telling Richardson to let the white boy alone.  Richardson swore at Brown, who slapped him with his open hand and kicked at him three times, hitting him with his boot once.  Richardson then drew a pocket knife and stabbed Brown in the side, under the left arm, and would have done more injury had not Billy Winter stopped him.  Brown is severely injured.  He fell on the pavement and had to be carried home.  It is feared the wound will prove fatal.  It was dressed by Dr. Mitchell.  Richardson was arrested by Marshall Gossman and is now in the county jail.
 
SUNK.
Collision Between the Steamers Grand Tower and Shipper’s Own.
Sinking of the Latter—One Life Lost.

The steamer Shipper’s Own, was run into and sunk by the Anchor Line boat Grand Tower a short distance above the stone depot about twelve o’clock Wednesday night.

The Grand Tower had just pushed out from the Illinois Central wharfboat where she had been discharging cotton and was heading for the wharfboat of the Cairo and Vincennes railroad.

The Shipper’s Own was proceeding down the river in the channel usually taken by boats preparatory to landing at Halliday & Phillips’ wharfboats and was about opposite the coal dump when her pilot, Harvey Thomson discovered the Grand Tower’s signal. 

The Grand Tower succeeded in rescuing all but one man named Kirkland, who boarded the boat at Dover, Tennessee, and who, upon being awoke amid the confusion, became so bewildered that he rushed to the guards of the vessel and jumped overboard and has since been missing.
 

Saturday, 17 Jun 1876:
A MISTAKE.

Among the headlines over the criminal news in the Chicago Times of the 13th we find the following:  “Johnson the Murderer, to Be Hanged at Cairo.”  This will be news to the people of Cairo, if Mr. Johnson or any other man is to be hanged at Cairo, we have not heard of it.  In looking over the criminal news we find that a man named Johnson is to be hung at Paris, Illinois, on the 23d inst., and suppose the Times has simply made a mistake in the location—made it Cairo instead of Paris.
 

Sunday, 18 Jun 1876:
A negro man named Creswell Moon, whose home was in this city, fell overboard from the Thompson Dean, while the boat was in low water at Cumberland Island, and was drowned.
 

Tuesday. 20 Jun 1876:
BURNED TO DEATH.

The Golconda Herald of the 16th says:  “On Friday last a very distressing accident took place near Bay City.  A daughter of Moses McElhaney, aged about eighteen years, undertook to kindle a fire using coal oil, pouring the fluid on the wood, when the flames rushed into the can exploding the same, setting fire to the young lady’s clothing and burned her body to a crisp.  She suffered unutterable torture until Saturday when at 10 o’clock she died.
 
TWO MEN KILLED.

From the Golconda Herald of the 16th we learn that on Monday of last week an “accident occurred at the Rose Clare mines which caused the instant death of two men and the severe injury of three others.  It appears the timbers in one of the drifts gave way and the fall of rock and earth from above killed one Frank Shepard and Andrew Apt, the former a Welshman and the latter a German.
Of the three injured one got his leg broken, one received a severe cut on his arm, and the other received internal injuries.  The timbers in the shaft gave way some few weeks since and were repaired, but since that time have been considered dangerous.  Three men who were down in the shaft escaped unhurt.”
 

Thursday, 22 Jun 1876:
DIED,

In this city at four o’clock Wednesday afternoon, June 21st, Jossie, infant daughter of Louis and Josephine Kaha.  The funeral will take place from the residence of the parents at 2:30 o’clock today by the regular train on the Illinois Central.  Friends of the family invited to attend.

(Louis H. Kaha married Josephine Laurent on 15 Jul 1875, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

One of the most fearful accidents that has taken place in this city for a long time occurred in the Illinois Central railroad yards about 9 o’clock Tuesday night.  Joseph Matteson, the night switchman, while in the act of coupling two cars, got his foot fastened between the rails, fell upon the track and was instantly killed.  In his efforts to free himself, the unfortunate man pulled off one of his shoes.  He fell with his body across one of the rails and was pushed along for nearly twenty feet, the car wheel almost cutting him in two.  The deceased has been in the employ of the Illinois Central Company for several years, and was considered a valuable man in his place.  His friends and relatives in this city have the sympathy of the public in their sad bereavement.

 
Friday, 23 Jun 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of Joseph Matteson took place on Wednesday evening.  There was a large number of the friends of the deceased in attendance.
 

Friday, 30 Jun 1876:
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.
An Unknown Man Attempts to Kill Himself Cutting His Throat.

About sundown last evening, Mr. Chris Ort brought to the county jail in a wagon, a man supposed to be a German, with his throat cut from ear to ear.  Mr. Ort stated to Jailor Fitzgerald that the man had come to his house near the upper end of the new levee, in this condition, and said that he wished someone to take charge of him.  Jailor Fitzgerald took him to the hospital where he now lies in a very critical condition.  He was unable to talk, but on being interrogated by the jailer, told him by nods of the head that he had tried to kill himself.  He is about thirty years of age, with smooth face, dark complexion, and hair.  There was found in his pocket a knife covered with blood, a railroad ticket bought at Leavenworth on the sixth of June, good for passage from that place to Evansville, Indiana, a spy glass and a bunch of keys.  He was unable to give his name.  It is thought he cannot live.
 

Saturday, 1 Jul 1876:
A TRAGIC DEATH

Miss Louisa Hawthorne, an actress of considerable reputation, and who will be remembered as having played with Lawrence Barrett in this city some three years ago fell from a sixth story window in the Tremont House, Chicago, on Wednesday morning last, and was instantly killed, her skull having been crushed to pieces by the fall.  Miss Hawthorne had been indisposed during Tuesday, and the theory of the accident is that her illness having increased, she approached the window of her room for air, sat down on the ledge and overcome by faintness or pain, fell out.  She struck the court yard below and when found had on a night dress and over this a wrapper.  Miss Hawthorne’s real name was Mary Simmons, and she was married some years ago to Mr. George Morton, of New York.  The horrible death created much feeling in dramatic circles in Chicago.
 
Died.

Yesterday morning at 9 o’clock, of measles, Minnie Hasenjager, daughter of Henry and Caroline Hasenjager, and granddaughter of Charles Hellfrich, aged 21 months.  The friends of the family are invited to meet at the house on Ninth Street between Commercial and Washington Avenue, at 2 o’clock p.m. today.  The remains will be taken to Villa Ridge on the 3 o’clock train.

(Henry Hasenjager married Caroline Hellfrich on 1 Nov 1870, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Sunday, 2 Jul 1876:
RECOVERED.

Mr. Brown, who was stabbed by a negro boy some two weeks ago, for attempting to prohibit him (the negro) from whipping a little white urchin, is almost wholly recovered from his wounds, and is again able to be out.  The negro who stabbed Mr. Brown will be given a hearing in a day or two.
 
DIED.

At 12 o’clock p.m. July 1st, 1876, James Johnson, son of Matthew P. and Sylvia Walsh, grandson of James Johnson.  Funeral services will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church today at 3 o’clock  Special train will leave from the foot of Eighth Street at 4 o’clock p.m.  Friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend.

(Matthew P. Walsh, Jr., married Sylvia Johnson on 2 Jun 1874, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
DEATH ON THE RAIL.
Old Man Cotton Killed on the Narrow Gauge.

The incoming train on the Cairo and St. Louis Railroad last evening ran over and instantly killed an old colored man familiarly known to many of our citizens as “old man Cotton.”  From the evidence before the coroner’s jury, it seems that Cotton was seen at about six o’clock on Seventh Street considerably under the influence of liquor.  The theory is that the old man being drunk, wandered about and got on the railroad track and either fell down and was too drunk to get up, or lay down and went to sleep.  The engineer, Fred Messet, testified that he saw something on the track and was under the impression that it was a pig, but was too close on it to stop his engine before striking it.  When his engine struck the object he at once concluded that it was a human being.  He whistled down breaks, and as soon as the train could be stopped, ran back to see what had been run over.  He found the old man terribly mangled and dead.  His brains were knocked out and scattered along the track for some distance; both feet and one arm cut off and his body otherwise terribly mangled.  The above are the facts as stated to the jury, and a verdict of accordance therewith was rendered.

(The only Cotton family on the 1870 census of Cairo, Alexander Co., Ill., was that of Monroe Cotton, born about 1830 in Louisiana; L.A., 35, Kentucky; Lottie, 20, Louisiana; Kate, 18, Louisiana; Arrena, 16, Louisiana; Phebe, 11, Louisiana; Denus, 3, Illinois; and Dan Stephens, 1 month, Illinois.
 

Tuesday, 4 Jul 1876:
Funeral of Little James Walsh.

The funeral of little James Walsh, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Walsh, took place on Sunday afternoon.  There was a very large attendance of the friends and acquaintances of the bereaved parents.
 
DIED.

POOR—Near Dongola, Illinois, June 18th, Evan W., son of George R. and Ada A. Poor, aged one year and eight months.  This is the second time that death has entered this family since their departure from Cairo in August last, they having lost their interesting little daughter Ada, in December last, aged fourteen years.

(A corrected obituary was published in the 7 July 1876, issue.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Thursday, 6 Jul 1876:
Died.

Capt. Thomas R. Dashiell, brother of Mrs. Dr. Dunning, of this city, died at her home in Columbus, Mississippi, on the Fourth of July.  The deceased was one of the prominent men of that section of the country.

 

Friday, 7 Jul 1876:
DIED.

POOR—Near Dongola, Illinois, June 18th, Evan W., son of George R. and Adaline A. Poor, aged one year and eight months.  This is the second time that death has entered this family since their departure from Cairo in August last, they having lost their interesting little daughter Ada, in December last, aged four years.

(George B. Poor married Adaline A. Coons on 19 Sep 1862, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Friday, 14 Jul 1876:
Funeral of Thomas Naughton.

The funeral of Thomas Naughton, which took place yesterday afternoon, was very largely attended.  St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, of which organization the deceased was an active member, were in attendance in full uniform and accompanied the remains to their last resting place.
 

Saturday, 15 Jul 1876:
A Sad Occurrence.

On Thursday evening, between 7 and 8 o’clock, a lady named Mrs. Foley, living on Twentieth Street, between Poplar Street and Commercial Avenue, attempted suicide by letting herself down into a cistern with a rope.  She was detected in her motives and rescued.  Some ten months ago a little child of this lady, while trying to draw a bucket of water from the cistern in which Mrs. Foley attempted to put an end to her life, fell into the water and was drowned.  It is said that since this sad occurrence, the mother has been almost prostrate with grief, and has become tired of life.

(The 20 Jun 1875, issue stated that a 7-year-old daughter of Mrs. Thomas Foley fell into the cistern and was drowned.—Darrel Dexter)
 
A negro woman named Mrs. Sherman, living in the barracks, who has been sick for several weeks, died on Thursday night, and was buried yesterday morning.
 

Sunday, 16 Jul 1876:
Funeral Notice.

Died, yesterday morning at 4 o’clock, Henry, son of Henry and Mary Schick, aged 7 years and 4 months.  The funeral will leave the house at half past two today (Sunday).  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at 3 o’clock p.m. for Villa Ridge.  The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend.
 
 

Tuesday, 18 Jul 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of little Henry Schick, child of Henry and Mary Schick, which took place on Sunday, was attended by a large number of the friends and acquaintances of the family.  The remains were interred at Villa Ridge.
 
The Englishman who was found on Friday night by Chief Gossman and Deputy Sheriff Cain, about three miles above this city, died on Saturday evening, and was buried.  The suffering of the unfortunate man must have been terrible.  He died without being able to give his name.
 

Wednesday, 19 Jul 1876:
Resolutions of Respect.

At a meeting of the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, held at their hall, July 12th, 1876, the following resolutions were adopted in respect to their deceased brother, Thomas Naughton:

WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst by the unsparing hand of death our worthy brother, Thomas Naughton,

Resolved, That while yielding with meek submission to the will and mercy of Almighty God, we deeply mourn his death, since by that we have lost not only a good member, but also a kind and faithful friend, and one we shall miss at our meetings and social gatherings in future.

Resolved, That by his death this society sustains the loss of one of its most honorable and worthy members, humanity a kind friend and his family an affectionate husband and father.

Resolved, That we tender our sympathy to the wife and family of the deceased in their hour of bereavement.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented by the secretary to the family of the deceased, entered at large on the journal, and published in the Cairo Bulletin and I. C. R. B. U. J.
P. Mockler,
P. Clancy,
Michael Bambrick,
P. O’Laughlin, Committee
 

Tuesday, 25 Jul 1876:
Guy Clarke, one of the oldest and best engineers on the Illinois Central Railroad was buried at Centralia on Sunday.  The deceased was afflicted with dropsy for a long time previous to his death, and went to Minnesota in the hope of restoring his health.  He grew worse, however, and on Wednesday died.  Mr. Clarke was well and favorably known to many in this city, and his death, though not altogether unlooked for, is deeply regretted.
 
From parties who came through Charleston, Mo., on Sunday, we learn that George N. Hatcher, a partner of the law firm of Moore & Hatcher, of Charleston, dropped dead in the court at New Madrid, on Saturday night.  The deceased was well known to many in Cairo.  He was considered an able young lawyer, and at the time of his death was canvassing in the interest of his father, the Hon. Robert W. Hatcher, member of Congress.
 

Wednesday, 26 Jul 1876:
Mrs. Mary Choat, aged ninety years, died at her home in Massac County on the 15th.  Mrs. Choat came to Illinois in 1810.  She was the mother of twelve children, eleven of whom grew to maturity.  At the time of her death she could count her descendants to the number of two hundred and twenty-seven.
 
A farmer named Goodell, residing in Pulaski County, three miles from Ullin, was overcome by heat on Friday last.  He was still alive on Monday evening, but his recovery was considered doubtful.
 
A stranger, name unknown, fell dead at Williams’ Mill, a short distance this side of Ullin on Friday last.  His remains were deposited in an out-of-the-way place near the mill.
 
Hon. R. W. Hatcher, member of Congress from the Charleston, Missouri, district, accompanied by Mrs. Hatcher, was expected to arrive in the city yesterday on their way home to attend the funeral of their son, who died so suddenly at New Madrid a few days ago.  Richard H., another son of Mr. Hatcher’s, passed through the city yesterday, to attend the funeral of his brother.
 
 
Sunday, 30 Jul 1876:
Peter Doud, well known drayman of this city, died at his residence on Friday night.  The funeral of the deceased will take place this afternoon.
 
Daniel S. Hay, later internal revenue collector for the Thirteenth District of Illinois, died at his residence in Burnt Prairie, White County, on Thursday, July 20th, 1876.  Col. Hay was one of President Lincoln’s appointees, and served in the capacity of collector for over seven years, making Cairo his headquarters.  He was well known to all our businessmen and was regarded by all as an honest, honorable, and efficient official.  Col. Hay was fifty-five years old at the time of his death.
 

Tuesday, 1 Aug 1876:
At a meeting of the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, held at this hall July 29th, 1876, the following resolutions were adopted in respect to our deceased brother, Peter Dowd.

WHEREAS, It has pleased the Almighty God to remove from our midst by the unsparing hand of death our worthy brother member, Peter Dowd,

Resolved, That whilst we bow in submission to the decrees of Providence, our hearts are veiled in sorrow at the loss of one endeared to us by the mantles of friendship and affection.

Resolved, That by his death this society sustains the loss of one of its most honorable and worthy members, humanity a kind friend, and his family and affectionate husband and father.

Resolved, That we tender our sympathies to the family of the deceased in their hour of bereavement.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased; also be published in the Cairo Bulletin.
J. M. Hogan, Patrick, Mockler, Michael Hickey, Committee on Resolutions
 
The funeral of Peter Dowd, who died in this city on Thursday night, took place on Sunday.  The St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, of which the deceased was a member, attended the funeral in a body.  Besides the members of the organization, a large number of the friends of the grieved family of the deceased were in attendance.

 

 
Saturday, 5 Aug 1876:
From a gentleman who resides in Missouri, about ten miles from this city, we learn that on last Tuesday a man and woman named Robinson, living about twenty miles from here, came to Cairo for the purpose of buying a wagon and set of harness.  The woman had deposited in one of the banks in this city, one thousand dollars, and on Thursday drew out three hundred.  After getting the wagon and harness, the couple started home, and within a few miles of their house they were met by a gentleman who observed that Mrs. Robinson was crying.  He inquired the cause of her grief, and was informed by Robinson that he had given her a “slapping.”  That evening about eight o’clock, Robinson called on an old squire residing in the neighborhood and said he wanted the squire to go with him to his house, that when within a mile of her home, he got out of the wagon to fix something about the harness, and that while doing so, his wife shot and killed herself.  The old squire went with Robinson, and an inquest was held over the body, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the facts as stated by Robinson, and at an early hour the following morning the remains were buried.  The manner of the death and Robinson’s conduct since the couple were in Cairo, has aroused many people in the neighborhood where he resides to suspicion that all is not as Robinson would make it appear.  His character, we are informed, is not one that will stand a stringent test, having been arrested sometime ago by Indiana authorities for a murder committed in that state.  He is said to have had a hand, also, in the kidnapping of a girl, which occurred at New Madrid and is remembered by many in this vicinity.  He is reported to have been also charged with robbing a man in New Madrid, and is considered a rough citizen, all round.  When Robinson married the deceased it is said she had two thousand dollars in one of the banks here.  Since their marriage and up to the day of the death of the woman, one thousand dollars had been drawn.  Since the death of Mrs. Robinson, Robinson has been looking after her property with much interest, she owning a small farm some twenty miles from this city in Missouri, and on Thursday he came to Cairo and drew the remainder of the money in the bank here which belonged to her.  As we have said, Robinson’s movements since the death of his wife have been closely observed by the people of his neighborhood, and it is not very improbable that they will make it very unpleasant for him ere many days have gone by.
 
 
Wednesday, 9 Aug 1876:
Died.—At Marietta, Ohio, Sunday afternoon, July 30th, Mrs. Sarah B. Fearing, beloved mother of Mrs. Chandler Robbins, of this city, aged 76 years.
 

Thursday, 10 Aug 1876:
The funeral of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. McKee, which died on Tuesday night, took place on yesterday afternoon.  The parents have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.

            (Walter F. McKee married Mary L. Slocum on 24 Sep 1872, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Friday, 11 Aug 1876:
On last Wednesday a gentleman named Bracken and another party arrived in this city in search of a man whose name we could not learn, who, they informed the authorities here, had killed an old gentleman in Graves County, Kentucky, on last Tuesday.  The circumstances, as related by the two men, are that about a week ago the murderer went to the store of the murdered man, whose name was also Bracken, and an uncle to the first named party, and asked him to credit him for a pair of shoes.  The old gentleman refused which aroused the anger of the man, but he left without saying anything.  On Tuesday he again returned to the store of Mr. Bracken, and when the old gentleman was not expecting any hostile demonstration, struck him on the head with a large piece of wood, killing him almost instantly.  The murderer then fled and it is supposed came to this city, but no definite clue up to last evening had been found of him.
 
 
Friday, 18 Aug 1876:
A Southern tragedy occurred in Hancock County, in this state, a few days ago.  A man of the name of Wilson deliberately killed a man of the name of MacDonald, and was shot at five times by MacDonald’s brother.  He escaped into a cornfield, was surrounded by citizens, and at latest advices was in danger of being lynched.  In the East the people are now talking about Western barbarisms and are saying we are almost as bad as the Southerners.  Wise Yankees!
 
 
Friday, 25 Aug 1876:
George Croften, for five years an employee of the Bulletin office, died of consumption at the home of his sister on Third Street, yesterday afternoon.
 
From Mr. Baker, a baggage master on the Mississippi Central railroad, we learn the following in regard to the terrible disaster which happened to a passenger train on that road on the morning of the 21^st inst.  When crossing a trestle work about eight miles this side of Jackson, Miss., the train was precipitated into a creek by the giving away of the bridge, the pillars of which had been washed away by a heavy rain during the night previous.  There were four persons killed, two of whom were Canadians, one a negro woman and a Chineman, besides fifteen wounded.  Mr. Al. Arnaut, of Paducah, and James B. Bough, of New Orleans, messengers on the train, and both well known here, were badly, though not dangerously hurt.  The dead and wounded were all removed to Jackson, where the wounded are all receiving medical treatment at the expense of the company.  The train was badly wrecked.
 

Saturday, 26 Aug 1876:
TERRIBLE ACCIDENT
Awful Death of Silas Ostrander

            One of the most terrible and sickening accidents that has taken place in this city occurred on the Cairo and Vincennes railroad at Twentieth Street yesterday morning about ten o’clock, by which Silas Ostrander, yardmaster for that road, came to an untimely and awful death.

            Ostrander had been in the yards during the morning and he completed making up a train of freight cars, several of which were to be brought to the lower end of town to be unloaded.  The rear car of the train, the draw-head having been pulled out, was fastened to the other cars by a large log chain.  When near Twentieth Street, coming down, the engineer increased the speed of the train, as is the usual custom, in order to get up the grade, when the chain, which was some six feet long, slacked up and dragged on the rails, and the car wheels ran over it, throwing the car off the track bottom side up, making a fatal wreck of it, and pulling the next car off the rails after it.  Ostrander was sitting on the front end of the second car from the rear of the train, and feeling the jar, jumped up and attempted to run forward, and losing his footing fell between the second and third cars to the track.  Six pairs of wheels passed over his body before the engineer could stop the train, mangling and cutting the flesh from the bones of the unfortunate man to shreds.  The only words Ostrander uttered after the train struck him were, “For God’s sake take me out.”  He was carried away from the track and expired in a few minutes.

            Coroner Gossman was summoned and held an inquest over the body, when the following testimony, which we publish in justice to the railroad company, was given:

            Tony Kapps, engineer of the train, was sworn by Justice Commings and said:  “I was on the engine when the accident occurred.  We started from the yard where the cars were weighed with seven cars.  We left one at Twentieth Street, and pulled out over the switch.  Mr. Ostrander shut the switch, with the intention of taking the other six down town.  We went faster at Twentieth Street; was running probably eight of ten miles an hour.  Ostrander was on the rear end of the car.  I felt the jar and saw a man fall and stopped as quick as I could.  I went back and looked and found it was Ostrander, who said, “Help me out.”  We helped him out and brought the sectionmen from up the road and then sent for Mr. Morrill and a doctor.  The train ran probably four car lengths after I felt the jar.  We ran about twelve car lengths from the switch before the car jumped the track.  The car that ran off had a broken down head and was chained to the others.  There was no other man on the train.  Ostrander was acting as brakeman.  It is the custom to chain cars in this way when there is anything wrong with the drawhead.

            J. C. Callahan was sworn and testified:  I am a shoemaker; I was looking at the train when the accident happened.  When the car ran off the track, saw Ostrander try to grab the brake; he lost his footing in trying to run from the second to the third car, and fell between them.  I do not know what caused the train to run off.  Ostrander died before I could get to him.  He was taken from the track and died in four or five minutes.  He was unable to talk.  I picked up scraps of bone and flesh after they carried him away.

            Leonard W. Harvey, car repairer for the road, was sworn and said:  All the cars were in good condition but one, which was being brought down to have a drawhead put in.  I did not see the accident.  He could not have weighed the cars without knowing.  He could not have made up the train without knowing.

            Richard Powers, track foreman, was sworn:  The track was in a good and safe condition.  I did not see the accident.

            The jury, after listening to the evidence, convinced that the misfortune was purely accidental, rendered a verdict in substance, as follows:

            We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire of the death of Silas Ostrander, on oath do find that he came to his death by an unavoidable accident on the Cairo and Vincennes railroad, near Twentieth Street, in the city of Cairo.

            The deceased was about thirty-five years of age, has a wife, and a son about twelve years old, who have been making their home in Vincennes, but who were at the time of his death in New York State visiting the relatives of Mrs. Ostrander.

 
Sunday, 27 Aug 1876:
Died.

In this city on Thursday, August 24th, 1876, at 3 o’clock p.m., George C. Crofton, aged 23 years.
The deceased was for more than five years an employee of the Bulletin pressroom, and was well liked by his employers and fellow workmen.  In May last he took a severe cold, and though the best medical skill in the city was procured in his case, nothing could be done for him.  He gradually grew worse, and in a short time his physicians pronounced him a victim of that dread disease, quick consumption.  Six weeks ago he took to his bed, from which he never again got up.

The funeral will take place this afternoon.  Services at the Catholic church, corner of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue, at 2:30 o’clock.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at 3 o’clock.  The friends and acquaintances of the deceased and the family are invited to attend.  The remains will be interred at Villa Ridge.
 

Tuesday, 29 Aug 1876:
BOWMAN’S AIM
Jackson County the Scene of a Tragedy—He Shoots a Little Girl through the Head.
Escape of the Murderer and his Pursuit.
(Special Dispatch to the Globe-Democrat)

CARBONDALE, Ill., Aug. 26.—A most horrible homicide was enacted two miles north of this place at 5 o’clock this afternoon.  The tragedy occurred in a very respectable family, the head of which is a thrifty and well-to-do farmer.  It will terminate in the death of an innocent little girl, shot with a rifle by her uncle, who intended the ball for her father.  The particulars of the terrible occurrence, as gleaned by your correspondent from eye witnesses at the scene of the tragedy, are as follows:

The Details

            It has been of late quite common for someone in the neighborhood to put up a beef to be won by he who made the best record with a rifle at a target.  A certain amount was paid for each shot.  William Dillinger staked the beef today and while shooting for it a dispute arose between his brother-in-law, Bill Bowman, and himself, in relation to buying some whisky which was being sold on the ground.  Bowman wanted more whisky, but the dealer, James Lewis, a hired hand of Dillinger’s, refused to let him have more, whereupon Bowman threw a missile at Lewis.  The affair was

Taken Up By Dillinger,

who said he would allow no one to run over this hired help.  Bowman then turned away and began to load his rifle, but when nearly finished James Gatch took it away from him, and afterward returned it, with Bowman’s promise to go home quietly.  Bowman started toward his home, and Gatch, Dillinger and his little girl started in an opposite direction toward Dillinger’s house, some hundred yards distant.  The other neighbors went in different direction to their homes.  When Bowman reached the edge of a wood, about seventy yards from his adversary, he turned and

Took Off-Hand Aim

and shot at Dillinger, taking to his heels instanter.  The ball missed its intended victim about two feet, but unfortunately it spent its force in the little girl’s head, entering just above the right temple, and lodging its force in the little girl’s head, entering just above the right temple, and lodging in the base of the skull.  She was immediately removed to the house, where at this writing she lies in an unconscious state, with no hope of living through the night.  Addie is seven years old, a very pretty, bright, intelligent girl.  She is the only child and the loss will be

Terrible to Her Parents.

            Bowman is twenty-four years old, is married, and has one child.  He has borne the character of a dangerous and treacherous person, especially when intoxicated, and his rows with different ones are numerous.  Her had trouble with Dillinger some five years ago, and has threatened his life several times since.  He is still at large, but will not be long, as a pursuing party of between forty and fifty are scouring the bottoms of the Big Muddy River, where he has undoubtedly taken refuge.  No leniency will be shown him.  The excitement is at fever heat, and there is danger of Judge Lynch opening court, unless the authorities get Bowman in charge first of all. 

            (William H. Dillinger married Elizabeth A. Bowman on 20 Aug 1868, in Jackson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

Judge Crawford, in the circuit court at Murphysboro today, decided against the motion for a new trial, in the case of the People vs. Terry Crain, for the murder of Edward Burbridge in 1862.

The funeral of George Croften took place on Sunday afternoon.  A large number of the friends and associates of the deceased followed the remains to their last resting place.
 

Wednesday, 30 Aug 1876:
DEAD AND BURIED.
The Jackson County Tragedy—Little Addie Dillinger Dead and Buried—Capture of Her Murderer.
(Special dispatch to the Globe-Democrat)

CARBONDALE, ILL., August 28.—Little Addie Dillinger died at 3 o’clock this morning.  She was buried at 4 o’clock.  The scene at the funeral was heart-rending, as nearly all her relatives were present, and she had been loved by all.  Her mother is almost broken down by grief.  Her murderer, Bill Bowman, is now lodged in the jail in this city.  He was captured by the wide-awake city marshal, O. P. Hightower, assisted by his brother, Jacob.  They left here about 10 o’clock yesterday morning, and rode to Bowman’s house, where they made Pomp Taylor, Bowman’s negro, tell where Bowman had gone to.  Having
GAINED WHAT THEY SOUGHT FOR
they started at full speed, making for Green’s Ferry, in Union County.  They had ridden eight miles when they turned around a curve in the road, and before them sat Bowman and several others, to whom he was trying to sell his horse.  The officers advanced on him, and he held up his hand, saying, “Boys, don’t shoot.”  Hightower requested the men standing around to assist them in taking Bowman, but they refused, and probably thinking the James boys were on a raid, they dispersed.  Jake Hightower then held a large revolver to Bowman’s head, while Pete
TIED HIM.

Having secured him on his horse, they started for Carbondale at 5 o’clock, arriving here at 2 o’clock this morning.  On the way here Bowman cried like a child and relented very much at what he had done.  In a conversation with him this afternoon he told your correspondent that he would not have done the deed for the world, but being so crazed with liquor he acted on the impulse of the moment.  He said he would rather die than suffer what will necessarily follow.  He will probably waive examination, and be committed to the county jail at Murphysboro, until his trial, which will probably be next month.  The Hightower boys receive great praise for their bravery and success.
 

Friday, 1 Sep 1876:
On yesterday morning, between seven and eight o’clock, Coroner Gossman’s attention was called to the body of a man found lying near the Illinois Central railroad’s incline plane, in the upper end of town, which had been picked up by those who found the corpse and placed in a box near Galligher’s mill.  Coroner Gossman summoned a jury and after examining the remains, finding no marks of violence or anything to indicate that the deceased had met with foul play, a verdict to the effect that he had come to his death from cause unknown to the jury was rendered.  In the pockets of his clothes were found a number of letters, several of which were written by Ferdinand Messmer, proprietor of the Pacific Brass Works, 513 Market Street, St. Louis, for whom the deceased, whose name was Henry Kerber, was traveling, selling brass faucets.  Kerber has been in this city for several weeks.  He was a man about forty-five years of age.
 
 
Wednesday, 6 Sep 1876:
Died of congestive chills, at the residence of D. Garrett, Esq., Blandville, Ky., Sept. 4th, Lizzie Caster, daughter of Mr. N. O. Caster, of Cairo, aged 13 years.  The remains were interred in the Blandville cemetery yesterday.
(Sun please copy)

Friday, 8 Sep 1876:
Resolutions of Respect.

At a regular meeting of St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, held on Sunday evening, Sept 3d, the following resolutions of condolence were adopted.

WHEREAS, It hath been the will of the Omnipotent and all-wise God, in his infinite wisdom to call from our midst, in the vigor of manhood, our beloved brother, Patrick McDermott, therefore be it

Resolved, That in his death our society has lost a faithful and active member and his family a loving husband and kind father.

Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family in this their affliction.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased, and also published in the Cairo Bulletin.
M. E. Powers,
James Manning,
M. J. Howley, Committee on Resolutions.
 
CARD OF THANKS
Mr. Editor—Sir:  I desire to return my sincere thanks to the St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society for their kind and prompt attention in assisting me to bury my husband, who died in Louisville, Ky., August 27, 1876.  your kindness I shall never forget.
Margaret McDermott
 

 

Saturday, 9 Sep 1876:
A colored woman named Rix, whose home was somewhere in the vicinity of Kline’s brick yard, was buried at Seven Mile burying ground yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Martain V. Young, a few years ago a prominent insurance agent of this city, died in Rochester, New York, on Monday last. Mr. Young was known to nearly all old Cairoites and was highly esteemed and respected by them. While he made Cairo his home he took an active part in nearly all public affairs, was an active fireman, and very popular; his friends here and they are numerous, will learn of his death with regret.

Mr. R. Corzine, an old citizen of this place (Dongola), died Thursday, Sept. 7th, of inflammation of the stomach.

 

Sunday, 10 Sep 1876:
Mrs. Farley, mother-in-law of Mr. Charles R. Stuart, of the firm Stuart and Gholson, while on her way to this city from Lockport, to visit her daughter, was accidentally killed by the passenger cars, at Hensdale, on Thursday evening. The remains were expected to arrive in this city yesterday, and will be buried at Villa Ridge. The accident was a sad one and has created the deepest sympathy in this city for the bereaved daughter.

(In Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge is a marker that reads:  Mary Farley Born in County Kildare, Ireland.  It is not certain this is the Mrs. Farley referred to in the above death notice.—Darrel Dexter)

 
Wednesday, 13 Sep 1876:
Mrs. Hanahan, residing at the corner of Fourteenth and Walnut streets, died yesterday afternoon, after a short illness.

 

Thursday, 14 Sep 1876:
Will Die.

Oliver Purcell, sent to the Southern Illinois Insane Asylum from this city about a year ago, is said to be very sick with no hopes of recovery.

Funeral Notice.

Died, at her house, corner of Fourteenth and Walnut streets, at 5 o’clock a.m., on Wednesday morning, September 13th, 1876, Mrs. Ellen Hanrahan, in the forty-fifty year of her age. The deceased was sick but a few days. She was a woman of unusual energy and business tact, and was much beloved by her friends and acquaintances. The funeral will take place from her late residence at 1 o’clock today, the services to be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The remains will be taken to Villa Ridge for interment by the 5 o’clock train on the Illinois Central railroad. Friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend.

 

Friday, 15 Sep 1876:
Killed.

The Pope County Reformer of this week says:

On Saturday last a sad casualty occurred at a place known as Beatty’s Hollow in this county, some five miles northwest of Golconda, resulting in the death of one man and seriously injuring another. It has been arranged to have a horse race at the Hollow, and at the time appointed quite a crowd had assembled to witness it, while certain preliminaries were being argued two young men present concluded to let their horses run through the track for amusement. When near the outcome one of the horses “flew the track” throwing his rider, William Wheeler, and striking his head against a tree that stood near the track, bursting his head open and killing him almost instantly. Mr. Wheeler is said to have borne a good character in the community where he resided. He leaves a brother and widowed mother to mourn his loss. The injury to the other man, Hesick Wilkins, was caused as we are informed by his horse coming in contact with a loose colt that happened to get on the track, and which caused the race horse to stumble and throw his rider to the ground.

Saturday, 23 Sep 1876:

Died, Thursday, September 21, 1876, Lizzie A., infant daughter of Henry and Catherine Eichoff, aged two years and six months.  The funeral services will take place today, at two o’clock, at the residence of the parents on Eighteenth Street, between Poplar and Commercial Avenue.  The remains will be interred at Villa Ridge, by special train to leave foot of Eighteenth Street at three o’clock.  Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

            (Henry Eichoff married Katie Foehr on 19 Mar 1871, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

A Sad Death.

            It will be remembered that some four weeks ago Mr. S. P. Bennett bookkeeper for Stratton & Bird, left this city accompanied by his wife and little son, Harvey, for a visit to the Centennial.  A few days ago Mr. Bennett and his family left Philadelphia to return to their home in Cairo.  Mr. Stratton last night received a telegram from Mr. Bennett stating that little Harvey had been killed on Wednesday night, and requesting Mr. Stratton to have a conveyance at the depot this morning, to convey him to his home, as he could not walk.  How the unfortunate little boy came to his death was not stated in the telegram, but we are told it was by an accident on the train, by which Mr. Bennett was also wounded.  This sad news will be read with sorrow by the entire community.

            (Later reports give the boys name as Harry Bennett.—Darrel Dexter)

Sunday, 24 Sep 1876:

DEATH ON THE RAIL.

Frightful Railroad Accident Near Columbus Ohio.

Four Persons Killed and a Large Number Badly Injured.

Details of the Accident, with a List of the Dead and Wounded.

            The following account of the terrible accident on the Pan Handle railroad near Columbus, Ohio, on the morning of the 22d, will be read with interest by the people of Cairo.  It was in this accident that little Harry Bennett of this city was killed and his father and mother and little sister were each more or less injured.  Mr. J. B. Reed, the iron merchant, and his wife were also passengers on the same train, but fortunately escaped without serious injury.

THE ACCIDENT.

            Columbus, O., Sept. 22.—A most frightful accident occurred at an early hour this morning at Black Lick Station, on the Pan Handle road about twelve miles from this city.  The train was running at the rate of perhaps forty miles an hour, while from some cause or other four cars of the train jumped the track and rolled down the embankment which is some twenty-five or thirty feet at that place.  The engine, baggage car and mail car remained on the track, while those in the rear went off.  This leads some to think that the accident was caused by a broken rail, while others are of the opinion that it was caused by jumping the track while making the curve.  The cards that went down the embankment are in a terribly broken condition.  A gentleman who was on the train states that the cards are fine enough to make kindling wood and that there is not a single wheel on any of the cars.  Intelligence was at once sent to the city and in a few minutes a wrecking train and physicians were at the scene of the accident, and every attention given the wounded that could be given.  Conductor Lacy, who was in charge of the train, and his assistants did what was in their power to alleviate the sufferers until assistance arrived.

THE KILLED AND WOUNDED

were brought to the union depot, from whence the wounded were removed to the hotels, the greater portion of them going to the Exchange and National.  Physicians from this city responded promptly and were this morning busily ministering to the wants of their patients in the confusion which prevailed. It was hard to get the names of the killed and wounded.  Four persons are known to have been killed outright—two men and two children.  One of the killed is a son of S. P. Bennett, of Cairo, Ill., Lizzie Bancroft, of Philadelphia, a child three years old, one of the men is said to be from St. Louis and another from Hamilton, Ohio.  Of the wounded no adequate idea can be given to the number.  Many of them took their regular trains at the depot and departed for their homes without reporting to anyone.  It is variously estimated that there must have been between thirty and forty persons who were more or less injured by the accident.  Some of the wounds are very slight, while others are quite serious, many of the injuries being about the head and upper portion of the body.

Funeral Services.

            The funeral services in connection with the death of the only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Bennett, will take place today (Sunday) at 2 p.m., at the family residence on Twentieth Street between Washington Avenue and Walnut Street. Services will be conducted by Rev. Mr. George.  Special train will leave the foot of Twentieth Street at 3:15 p.m. for Beech Grove Cemetery, where the remains will be interred.  Friends of the family are invited.  On account of the funeral of Mr. Bennett’s child there will be no services at the Presbyterian church this evening.  Rev. Mr. George will conduct the usual services in the morning.

Died.

            Our sweet little darling lies under the sod, But her bright little spirit gone home to her God.

Died, at Thebes, Alexander County, Illinois, September 16th, 1876, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Rolwing.  We sadly mourn the loss of their little daughter, Mary Zelia Eulalie Rolwing, aged 7 years, 1 month, and 2 days.  Yet it seems hard that I should mourn or wish back again the little angel that has flown to the land of perfect bliss, when we know so well that she is free from all pain and sorrow.  Never more will the beautiful eyes of their pet shed sorrowful, bitter tears.  She is safe in the tender shepherd’s care.  Their little Zelia was sick but a short time—she was taken ill Tuesday night, September 12th; died, Friday night, 30 minutes past 12 o’clock.  Her remains were taken to the family church yard, Texas Bend, fifteen miles from Commerce, Missouri, September 17th, there to remain until the last day, when God shall come to judge the living and the dead.  We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved parents.  May the God in Heaven help them to bear up under the sorrowful bereavement that has fallen upon them.

Tuesday, 26 Sep 1876:

A CARBONDALE TRAGEDY.

            Another bloody affair has transpired in Carbondale, Jackson County, reminding us forcibly of the days of the fearful vendetta.  Last Thursday night, between the hours of eight and nine o’clock, D. A. S. Gent, and his wife hearing an altercation between Aleck Frazier and his wife, in a neighboring house, and fearing the woman’s safety was endangered, entered Frazier’s premises in the woman’s behalf.  Frazier represented as a dangerous fellow, without any ceremony knocked Gent down, and drew a pistol, intending no doubt to kill him.  That gentleman sprang to his feet, drew a pistol and shot Frazier, the ball entering near the left nipple, passing though in the skin.  After receiving the wound Frazier walked to the residence of E. T. Burbank, where he died, lying upon the floor, living two hours after receiving the wound.  Gent is a well-known citizen of Carbondale and is considered a law abiding and peaceable man.

            (David A. S. Gent married Susan E. Spiller on 9 Dec 1858, in Williamson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

Body Found.

            Our readers will remember an account published in the Bulletin of a week or ten days ago giving the particulars of the disappearance of a young man named Harry Rapp from his work on Decatur Atherton’s house a short distance from Goose Island.  Nothing was heard of Rapp until Friday last, when his remains were found on the bar opposite Goose Island.  There was scarcely any flesh left on the bones, and had it not been for a pocket rule and some other articles found in the pockets of the deceased known to belong to Rapp, identification would have been impossible.  The friends of the deceased took charge of the body and gave it decent burial.

The funeral of little Harry Bennett, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Bennett, whose sad death by the late accident on the Pan Handle railroad sent a thrill of sorrow to every heart in the city, was largely attended on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, 8 Oct 1876:

Death of a Journalist

            Mr. J. A. Signiago, for many years a resident of Memphis, but for the past seven or eight years editor of the Grenada (Miss.) Sentinel, died in Jackson, in that state, on the 3d.  More than a year ago his mind became affected, and several months since he was compelled to abandon his journalistic duties and attempt to secure relief in medical treatment for what his friends then hoped would prove only a temporary disorder.  But Providence decreed otherwise, and a few weeks since his removal to the asylum for the insane became necessary.  It was too late, however, for human skill, and death came to end his sufferings.

            Mr. Signiago, who was by birth an Italian, was a gentleman of fine education and splendid literacy abilities.  As a newspaper editor he years ago made his mark as a forcible, vigorous writer.  Every southern journal, and many in the North, have printed his poetry, and not a few of his contributions will live many years after even the name of their author has been forgotten.  A man more upright and honorable, truer to his friends and his convictions of duty, braver or more chivalrous in the highest sense of those terms than poor Gus Signiago, it would be difficult to find.  He had not an acquaintance who was not his friend, and every one who knew him in life will sincerely mourn his death.—Memphis Avalanche.

            Before the close of the war J. Augustine Signiago was connected with the Cairo Democrat, as local editor, filling the position with ability.  In 1864—we believe that to be the date—he, in company with James O. Durff and J. Birney Marshall, purchased the Cairo News, on which paper Mr. Signiago acted as local and river editor, making hosts of friends by his genial and impulsive disposition.  He was a child of genius and a man of versatile talent—being actor, poet, orator, translator, and editor.  Born in sunny Italy, he inherited the vagaries, the pathos and poetic fire of that courageous people, which the matter-of-fact life he led in America for over a quarter of a century could neither dampen nor chill.  Occasionally they would break out in song, in glowing rhapsodies, in translations, in speech and in exuberant manners.  For a number of years he was Italian consul at Memphis, and although now dead, we know the Italian citizens of that place and thousands of people of all nationalities, will deplore his death and crown his memory with a wreath of laurels.

Tuesday, 10 Oct 1876:

On last Tuesday morning an unknown man, supposed to be a tramp, was killed by the cars on the Illinois Central at a point about two hundred yards above the station (Ullin).  He was buried on the “right of way” near where he was killed.

The Funeral of David Lampert.

            The funeral of David Lampert, who died on Saturday, at 1 o’clock took place yesterday afternoon.  The funeral procession was one of the largest seen in this city for years, the Odd Fellows, Masons and other secret orders attending in regalia.  Mr. Lampert was one of the oldest, most honored and respected citizens, of Cairo, and his loss is deeply mourned by all.

Thursday, 12 Oct 1876:

Clayton Hutchinson, a man well known to nearly everybody in Cairo, died at the hospital in this city on Tuesday evening at 6 o’clock, of pneumonia.  For some months past, the deceased has been employed by one of the coal companies of this section as their agent at Cottonwood Point.  He was a member of the Rough and Ready Fire Company and also an Odd Fellow, in both of which he was in high standing.  The Odd Fellows and Rough and Ready fire companies will attend his funeral in a body.

A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT.

The Result of Gross Carelessness of a Mother.

A Little Girl Burned Almost to Death.

            About three o’clock yesterday afternoon a negro woman named Blake, living in one of the huts on Fifteenth Street, between Poplar Street and Commercial Avenue, started out in search of wood.  Before leaving her house she built a big fire in the cooking stove, and tying her little three year-old girl in a chair, drew the chair close to the front of the stove, locked the door, of the house behind her, and went on her mission.  She went to the Ohio Levee, and after wandering up and down the levee for some time gathering chips and pieces of woods, returned to her home.  When she entered the house she found the child almost lifeless.  A spark of fire had blown from the stove, which had no door, into the unfortunate little creature’s lap, setting her clothes on fire and burning her breast, legs and arms almost to a crisp.  A physician was called to attend the wounds, which it is thought cannot but prove fatal.

Friday, 13 Oct 1876:

Resolutions of Respect

Cairo, Ill., Oct. 8, 1876

            Arabs, it becomes us to express in a proper manner some fitting tribute to the living of the dead, and place upon the record our action in perpetuating the recollection of our associate, therefore be it

            Resolved, That in the death of our brother Arab, D. Lampert, on the 7th of October 1876, we recognize the hands of our great Chief Ruler, to whole command we humbly yield implicit obedience, knowing he doeth all things well.

            Resolved, That we deeply and sincerely sympathize with the afflicted widow and fatherless children in their irreparable loss, and assure them that the Arab Fire Company will ever hold in respectful and fraternal remembrance the goodness of heart, and excellence of character of him, the late husband and father.

            Resolved, That his company will drape their hall and furniture in mourning for thirty days as a mark of respect to their departed brother.

Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be spread upon the record of the company; that a copy be furnished to the widow and that the paper of this city be requested to publish them.  Respectfully submitted,

Jeff M. Clark

Frank Krathy

Carl Peters, Committee

Saturday, 14 Oct 1876:

Resolutions of Respect.

Daniel Lampert

Hall of Alexander Lodge, No.Cairo, Ill., October 12, 1876

            WHEREAS, Our Creator hath in his wisdom seen proper to remove from our midst our late brother, Daniel Lampert, who died at his residence in Cairo, on Saturday, the 7th inst., and while submitting to the dispensation of an all wise Creator, yet under a deep sense of our affliction, we feel it a debt we owe our departed brother, to give expression to our feelings, and pay the tribute due to his memory; therefore be it

            Resolved, That in the death of Brother Daniel Lampert, this lodge has lost a most worthy and esteemed member, and this community an honest and upright citizen, his widow a kind and affectionate husband, his children a good and loyal father.

            Resolved, That we tender to our deceased brother’s widow, and fatherless children and friends, our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.

            Resolved, That the lodge room be draped in mourning and the brothers wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

            Resolved, That the above preamble and resolutions be spread at large on records, a copy hereof presented to the widow of our deceased brother, and a copy be furnished the Cairo Bulletin for publication.

R. S. Yocum

Alex Fraser

C. M. Osterloh, Committee on Resolutions

CLAYTON S. HUTCHINSON.

            WHEREAS, Death has again visited our Lodge and removed from our fellowship our brother, Clayton S. Hutchinson, and although we deplore deeply the death of our esteemed brother, we accept with resignation the decree of an all wise Providence.

            Resolved, That in the death of our brother, Clayton S. Hutchinson, Alexander Lodge No. 224, I. O. O. F., has sustained the loss of a member whose walk and conversation in life was that of a true Odd Fellow, and whose long connection with our Lodge had endeared him to us with ties stronger than friendship.

            Resolved, That to his family and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathies and trust that they will accept with becoming resignation his untimely death.

Resolved, That a page in our journal be set apart sacred to his memory and that these resolution be inscribed therein and that the secretary be instructed to deliver to the widow of our deceased brother a copy hereof, and that they be published in the Cairo Bulletin.

W. K. Hawkins,

T. J. Kerth,

B. G. Gilmore, Committee

Sunday, 15 Oct 1876:

Funeral Notice.

            Died, October 14th, at 5 o’clock p.m., Andrew, son of Mark and Julia Kain, aged 2 years, 11 months, and 14 days, at their residence on Fourth Street.  The funeral will leave the parents’ residence at two o’clock p.m., today.  A special train will leave the foot of Eighth Street at three o’clock p.m. to carry the remains to Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge.  Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

Death of Col. Henry L. Webb.

            The Jonesboro Gazette published a lengthy and interesting article on the life and career of Col. Henry L. Webb, who died at Makanda on Thursday, the 5th inst.  The remains of the deceased were buried on the Friday following his death.  Col. Webb was one of the oldest and most prominent men in Southern Illinois, and his death is deeply regretted by all.  The Gazette speaks as follows of the funeral:

            “The funeral of the venerable Colonel Henry L. Webb on Friday of last week, was conducted by the Masonic lodges of this place and Anna, Elder Asa Harmon, of the Anna lodge officiating.  The attendance was very large, the line of carriages alone being over half a mile long.  The flags along the route of the procession were lowered to half mast.  We noticed among the sorrowing friends Capt. John S. Hacker, who is nearly as old as Col. Webb was, and who, was a member of the first legislature of the State of Illinois, of which Col. Webb was also a member.  There were no railroads in those days and these two veterans have traveled day in and day out in each others company on horseback.  Colonel Webb was known and highly respected by almost everybody in Southern Illinois, and their sorrow was very great on learning of his death.  The grief stricken relatives have the sympathy of one and all to their great bereavement.

Tuesday, 17 Oct 1876:

Died.

            Before the Cincinnati and Memphis packet Vint Shinkle left Memphis on Friday two gentleman boarded the steamer and one engaged passage for the other to Louisville.  The passenger gave his name as A. E. Eshleman, and registered for Louisville.  He remarked upon being assigned to his state room that he was not very well, but he would be all right in a day or two.  Instead of improving, however, Mr. Eshleman kept getting worse day by day, and on Sunday morning he died.  The officers of the boat procured the services of a physician at one of the way ports, but he could not save him.  A card was found in one of the pockets of the deceased’s clothes with the inscription “B. R. Eshleman, Druggists, Vandalia, Illinois,” who is supposed to be his father.  The remains were left here by the boat until something in regard to his home and relatives can be learned.  He has, it is said, a brother living at Villa Ridge who has been sent for and will be here today.

Attempted Murder

            From parties who arrived in this city yesterday from Jonesboro, we learn that Mr. J. G. Sublett, Democratic candidate for sheriff of Union County, was waylaid on the public road on Saturday night and so dangerously hurt as to render his recovery extremely doubtful.  Mr. Sublett was out electioneering, and left Dongola for his home in Anna at a late hour in the evening.  When within above seven miles of Anna he was set upon by three or four unknown parties and in the struggle that ensued received several terrible cuts in his throat and about the head.  Indeed, it was said his throat was cut from ear to ear.  He was otherwise badly hurt and when found the next morning was lying by the roadside with his overcoat for a bed.  Mr. Sublett was removed to his home in Anna, and at last accounts was in a critical condition.  He says he is confident the men who assaulted him were a gang of tramps.

Friday, 20 Oct 1876:

Death of Mr. John L. Sullivan.

            Another of our old citizens has gone the way of all flesh.  Mr. John L. Sullivan died at his residence in this city on Wednesday night, October 18th, aged fifty-eight years.  Mr. Sullivan lived many years in Cairo, respected by all his neighbors and esteemed by all who knew him as an honest and upright man.  His daughter, now on a visit to friends in the East, has been telegraphed to, and is on her way home.  The funeral will be announced on her arrival.

            (A marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  John L. Sullivan Born 29 Dec 1815 Died 8 Oct 1876.—Darrel Dexter)

Attempted Assassination.

            Several days ago we mentioned the fact that one of the Democratic candidates for sheriff in Union County had been waylaid and severely injured.  The Anna Union of the 18th referring to the matter says:  “Mr. J. G. Sublett, an old time and prominent citizen of Anna, went in company with several others last Saturday, to Alto Pass, to participate in a Democratic meeting.  During the day Mr. Sublett had a personal difficulty with a young man by the name of Norton, growing out of some political matter.  Time passed away, the meeting adjourned and Mr. Sublett returned as far as Cobden where he halted until late at night—some say he left there after midnight.  On the highway in the night time near Karraker’s farm he was assaulted by a party of three or four men, knocked from his horse, and stabbed about the throat with a knife.  In this condition he was dragged from the road to the brush, a short distance and left.  He was divested of his boots, overcoat, hat and shawl.  His overcoat had evidently been doubled up and placed under his head, in the brush, where it was afterward found.  His shawl and boots were found in the road where the deed was perpetrated and his horse was also found grazing nearby.  The perpetrators made a bad job of it—for Mr. Sublett was not dead, and about daylight recovered sufficiently to walk up to Mr. Karraker’s house, and make known what had happened to him.  He was brought home Sunday afternoon, and is recovering with as much rapidity as could reasonable be expected.  His under jaw being broken, he communicated with difficulty—and his friends are not positively certain that they have a perfect understanding of his version of the affair if indeed he would be capable of giving one surprised as he was at so unusual an attack and in so sudden a manner in the dark.

            Mr. Sublett is hopeful and expects to recover soon.  We are, therefore, requested to state that he is still a candidate for sheriff and if elected, will be up, qualify, and enter upon the discharge of his duties, at the legally prescribed time.”

Sunday, 22 Oct 1876:

Funeral Notice.

            The funeral of John L. Sullivan, who died on Wednesday, will take place from his residence, corner of Twenty-first Street and Commercial Avenue, at one o’clock this afternoon.  The funeral services will be performed at St. Patrick’s Church.  The friends of the family are invited to attend.

Died.

            Friday, October 20th, 1876, at 2 o’clock a.m. of disease of the lungs, Henry P. Fahr, aged three years two months, and twenty-two days.  The funeral will take place from the residence of the parents Nineteenth Street, between Poplar Street and Commercial Avenue, at 3 o’clock today.  Services will be held at the house at 2 o’clock.  Special train will leave foot of Eighteenth Street at 3 o’clock. p.m. for Villa Ridge.  Friends and acquaintances invited to attend.

Tuesday, 24 Oct 1876:

Funeral Notice.

            Died, at four o’clock p.m., Sunday, the 22d inst., of diphtheria, Augusta, infant daughter of C. W. and Amanda Wheeler, aged 10 months and 24 days.  The funeral services will take place at the residence of the parents of Twelfth Street at two o’clock p.m. today.  A special train will leave the foot of Twelfth Street for Beech Grove at three o’clock p.m.  The friends of the family are invited.

Wednesday, 25 Oct 1876:

Died.

            Died of typhoid malaria, in the service of Semple, Briggs & Co., St. Louis, Fred E. Dietrich, only brother of E. B. Dietrich, of this city.

Obituary.

            Died at his residence at Olive Branch, Alexander Co., Illinois, of pleuro-pneumonia, Oct. 18th, 1876, Rev. Jessee Glasgow.

            His illness was short, only ten days, which he bore with the fortitude of a good Christian, and with his armor on, he met the king of terrors, but not in fear.

            Mr. G. was born in Wake Co., North Carolina, Sept. 15th, 1823, removed with his parents to New Dresden, Weakly Co., Tennessee, in 1825, lived afterwards a few years in Arkansas and Missouri, came to Illinois, Alexander Co., about 12 years since, where he resided until his decease.

            Mr. Glasgow was licensed as a Methodist Episcopal preacher in Tennessee, about thirty years since, and has always been a firm and consistent follower of his Lord and Master.

            His family, as his name indicates, was of Scotch origin, and he inherited in a great degree the steady manliness of his race.  In his death, his family and friends have met an irreparable loss, and his neighbors that of a kind, good man, whose sympathies were ever with the needy and afflicted.

            It may be truly said of him that he was the noblest work of God—an honest man.  Peace to his memory, and from that book of books, he loved and understood so well, it is proper to quote:

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”

R.

Dresden, Tennessee paper please copy.

Thursday, 26 Oct 1876:

Died.

            At his residence, corner Fourteenth Street and Washington Avenue, October 25th, 1876, at 4 o’clock p.m., with flux, John H. Phillips, in the forty-fifth year of his age.

            The funeral services will take place at 2 o’clock p.m. today, at the Episcopal church, Rector Gilbert officiating; and the remains will be taken to the 3 o’clock train, whence they will be taken to Greenville, Illinois, for interment.  All friends of the family invited to attend the funeral.

Mrs. Daniel Lampert will continue the barber business of her late husband at the old stand on Eighth Street between Washington and Commercial.  The shop will be under the supervision of John Lampert who is a first-class barber and invites old and new customers to give him a call.

Resolutions of Respect

Adopted by the Rough and Ready Fire Company on the Death of C. S. Hutchinson.

            WHEREAS, In the providence of God, the hand of death has been laid upon a brother member of this company, and,

            WHEREAS, It is proper that we, his fellow members of the Rough and Ready Fire Co., should give expression to our sorrow and respect for his memory; be it therefore

            Resolved, By the Rough and Ready Fire Co., that in the loss of our brother Clayton S. Hutchinson, this co. has lost an efficient member who was always ready to do his duty when opportunity offered.

            Resolved, That we mourn our deceased brother as a man of kind heart, and wear the usual badge of mourning and drape our hall for thirty days; be it further

            Resolved, That to the stricken and bereaved family of the deceased we tender our earnest and heartfelt sympathy, and may he who watches over all be their stay and comfort in their hour of sorrow and distress.

            Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished by the secretary to the family of the deceased and that they be published in the Bulletin of this city.

Joseph M. Veirun, Pres’t

Harry Schuh, Sec’t.

Friday, 27 Oct 1876:

Funeral.

            The funeral of Mr. J. H. Phillips took place yesterday afternoon.  The deceased was one of Cairo’s most esteemed and respected citizens.  His remains were taken to Greenville for interment.

Saturday, 28 Oct 1876:

Died.

            It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely and sad death of Mrs. Austin, wife of Mr. Charles Austin, formerly a conductor on the narrow gauge railroad, and well known in Cairo.  Mrs. Austin was ill for some time and died on Monday morning in St. Louis.

            (The 28 Oct 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported that Inez May Auston, wife of Charles J. Auston, died 23 Oct 1876, aged 25 years, 6 months, and 20 days.—Darrel Dexter)

Died.

            Friday morning, October 27th, 1876, Maggie, infant daughter of Charles and Mary Parker, aged two years and six months.  The funeral services will take place today at 2 o’clock at St. Joseph’s German Catholic Church.  Funeral will leave the foot of Eighteenth Street at 2 o’clock p.m. by special train for Villa Ridge.  Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

            (The correct name of the child was Maggie Baker and a correction was printed in the next day’s newspaper.—Darrel Dexter)

Sunday, 29 Oct 1876:

Correction.

            A mistake occurred in the name of the parents of the child, notice of whose funeral appeared in yesterday’s Bulletin.  It should have been Charles and Mary Baker and was so written in the copy and not Charles and Mary Parker, as appeared in the paper.  The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of the friends and acquaintances of the parents of the deceased.

Saturday, 4 Nov 1876:
Resolutions of Respect to the Memory of Robert Campbell
HALL OF ALEXANDER LODGE, I. O. O. F.
Cairo, Ill., Nov. 2, 1876
BROTHERS:  Death has again entered our family of Odd Fellows, and has taken from our midst Brother Robert Campbell, in whose past life and character we find beautifully illustrated the virtues which adorn the nobles of our race; be it therefore

Resolved, That we deeply deplore the death of our late brother, in whom we found at all times and under all circumstances a true, genial and kind-hearted brother and husband, and an honest upright and good citizen; and hereby tender the family and the relations of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy in their sad bereaement.

Resolved, That the lodge be arranged in mourning, and that the brothers wear the proper badge for thirty days.

Resolved, That the secretary have these resolutions published in the city papers, spread them at large upon the record, and deliver a copy thereof to the family of the deceased brother.
F. Bross,
A. Frazer, Committee on resolutions.
 
Our town (Dongola) was quite startled this morning by the news that a man by the name of Reiter had committed suicided.  The fact as near as we could learn was that he had been unwell for some time and being a man that was fond of company, and not being visited very much during his sickness, it is supposed he got tired of lying and concluded to end his life, which he did by taking an old musket and shooting himself through the head.  From the posture of the man, he must have pulled the trigger with his toe, as he was sitting in a chair when found.  A coroner’s inquest will be held this evening.

(The Saturday, 11 Nov 1876, Jonesboro Gazette reported that George Ritter, nearly 50 years old, committed suicide on 3 Nov 1876.—Darrel Dexter)
 

Tuesday, 7 Nov 1876:
Death of J. H. Phillips

The Greenville (Ill.) Advocate, speaking of the death of Capt. J. H. Phillips, of this city, says:
“The remains of Capt. John H. Phillips were brought here from Cairo, this State, last Friday, and interred in the graveyard in this city.  Capt. Phillips died at his residence in Cairo on Wednesday, October 25, 1876, of dysentery, the effects of his service in the Union army.  His parents, John Wesley and Margaret Phillips, came from Pennsylvania and settled in this county nearly a quarter of a century ago.  They were an intelligent, earnest, Christian people of revolutionary stock, and were highly esteemed by all who knew them.  During the rebellion four of their sons gave themselves to the Union.  Never did parents lay their children on their country’s altar more cheerfully than did these.  Robinson was the first soldier from this county dying in that war; Joseph fell at the first charge at Donelson; Fielding never recovered from a wound which he recieved on the Red River Expedition; the Captain, John H., now follows as the fourth.  He was nearly forty-five years of age, having been born December 12, 1831.  He enlisted as a sergeant, June 25, 1861, in Company D, of the 22d Regiment, Illinois Volunteers; was promoted second lieutenant, June 8, 1862; was promoted first lieutenant, November 2, 1862; was promoted captain, March 23, 1863, and honorably dischaged July 7, 1864.  He was twice married, first to a daughter of the late lamented A. Buie, and some years later to Miss Emily Koester, a student of Almira College, who is now left a widow.  Capt. Phillips was trustworthy and attentive to business and exemplary in all the relations of life.  Few men have ever lived in this community who had more friends and fewer enemies.  Verily this generation shall all pass away before the full price of our Union shall have been paid.”

(John Howell Phillips married Mary Virginia Buie on 5 Oct 1857, in Bond Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

Saturday, 11 Nov 1876:
Died.

George Winter, native of England, born May 30th, 1834, Friday morning, 2:30 o’clock.  Funeral from the Art Gallery, Sixth Street, between Commerical and Washington avenues, at 10 o’clock, November 11th, 1876.  Friends invited to attend.
 
SHOOTING AFFRAY
Champion Lewis, a Kentucky Darkey, Fatally Shot by John Vickers.
Vickers Locked Up in the County Jail.

Between one and two o’clock yesterday afternoon, John Vickers, a white man, shot and fatally wounded a negro named Champion Lewis, just in front of the door of G. D. Williamson’s store on Ohio Levee.

The circumstances surrounding the case, and which led to the shooting, we are infomred are about as follows:  A man named Charley Glass and Lewis made a bet some two weeks ago on the election at Barlow City, Ky.  The stakes were placed in the hands of Vickers, who keeps a grocery store at that place.  On Wednesday, under the belief that Tilden had been elected, Vickers gave the stakes to Glass.  Vickers came to Cairo, and was met by Lewis near the corner of Sixth Street and the levee, when the latter asked him for the money.  Vickers told him he had turned the stakes over to Glass.  This made Lewis angry and he followed Vickers to G. D. Williamson’s store, where another dispute took place.  Hot words were used by both, and Lewis called Vickers a liar, and said, “If you put away your pistols I’ll fight you.”  Vickers laid two revolvers on the head of a barrel just outside the door of the store and started toward Lewis, who also started toward Vickers with an open knife.  Vickers, upon catching sight of the knife, seized both pistols and began firing at Lewis, who turned and ran into the stairway leading to the Argus-Journal pritning office, and closed the door after him, and laid down in the hall.  Vickers, who had already fired three shots, went up to the door, and putting one of his pistols through a broken pain in the window fired three more shots.  Lewis turned and ran up the stairs and sat down.  Vickers turned on his heel, walked into Williamson’s store, deliberately reloaded his revolvers and left the house, going out the back door.

The above is the statement of parties who seem to know the most about the trouble, but Lewis in his deposition, before H. H. Candee, says some two weeks ago, while at Barlow City, he lent Charley Glass ten dollars to make a bet with Vickers.  That Glass won the bet, and returned him his ten dollars.  He (Lewis) afterward went into Vickers store and taking out his pocket book, took from it a two dollar bill, which he asked Vickers to change, laying the pocket book on the counter.  Vickers took the pocket book, saying as he did so, “You owe Jack _____ this money on that bet.”  A dispute arose, which resulted in Vickers snapping a revolver at Lewis twice, and finally ran him out of the house with a weight.

Lewis says he has been boarding with Kirt Horn, in this city, for a week.  That he met Vickers at the corner of Sixth Street and Ohio Levee, and asked him for his money.  Vickers told him at first to go away, but afterward said, “Come along with me.”  He followed him and Vickers shot him four times.

Vickers was followed by several negroes from the scene of the shooting to Washington Avenue, and pointed out to Constable John Hogan who arrested him.  Sheriff Irvin took Vickers in charge and locked him up in the county jail.  Vickers had on his person when arrested three revolvers.  He will probably be given a hearing today.  Two of the shots fired took effect in Lewis’ stomach, and the other in his arm.  His wounds are believed to be fatal.
 

Sunday, 12 Nov 1876:

When Vickers, the Kentucky Radical, shot Champion Lewis, the Kentuckly negro, all the Radicals of Cairo said:  “There, we told you so.  The Democrats have succeeded, and they are already killing negroes.”  When it transprired that Vickers, the negro killer, was a Radical, the Radicals of Cairo said:  “Well, he was provoked to to it, and you Democrats want to persecute him because he is a loyal man.”  How beautiful is consistency.
 
Still Very Low.

The negro Champion Lewis, who was shot by the Kentuckian, Vickers, on Friday afternoon, still lies in a dangerous state at the home of his friend, Kirt Horn.  It is thought he will not recover.
 
The Funeral of George Winter.

The funeral of Mr. George Winter, who died on Friday, took place yesterday morning.  The remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of friends and acquaintances of the deceased.
 

Tuesday, 14 Nov 1876:
Died.

Champion Lewis, the darkey who was shot by John Vickers, on the Ohio Levee Friday, died about eight o’clock yesterday morning.  Vickers, who has been in the county jail since the shooting will be given a preliminary hearing today.  Since the death of Lewis, much has been made out of the supposed fact that Vickers was a nigger-hating Democrat, and that the difficuly which led to the death of Lewis, was raised over national politics.  According to Lewis’ dying statement, there is no grounds whatever for the belief that the dispute was about politics, and as to Vickers being a Democrat, our white and colored Radical friends may not be aware of the fact that Vickers, before the difficulty took place, boasted to parties in this city, to whom we can refer them if it is desired, that he was the only man in the whole precinct in which he lived in Kentucky, who voted the Republican ticket.  Though Vickers certainly displayed considerable brutality in the manner in which the deed was committed, yet there is two sides to the question.  In the stairway where Lewis attempted to seek refuge, was found on Saturday morning, a razor blade, stuck into the wall between the plastering and lathes, which is supposed to be the weapon that Lewis is said to have had in his hands when Vickers shot him.  Lewis, however, said in his dying statement that he had no weapon of any description either in his hand or on his person when Vickers fired at him.  The examination of today will very likely throw much light upon the unfortunate occurrence, which is not now generally known.
 

Wednesday, 15 Nov 1876:
Died.

At her residence on Nineteenth Street, yesterday, at 12 o’clock M., Mrs. Annie Page, of consumption.  The deceased was an old resident of Cairo, and very much respected by all who knew her.  The funeral will take place at 2 o’clock, today, from St. Patrick’s Church.  The remains will be taken to Villa Ridge for intement.  Friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend.
 

Thursday, 16 Nov 1876:
Funeral.

The funeral of Mrs. Page, who died in this city on Tuesday, took place yesterday afternoon, and was attended by many friends of the family.
 

Friday, 17 Nov 1876:
Vickers is still in the county jail awaiting a preliminary examination.  The prosecution is ready for the hearing, but there is something unsettled in the matter of the fee of the lawyers who are to defend the prisoner.
 
 
Wednesday, 22 Nov 1876:
Vickers’Hearing

Vickers, the Kentuckian who has been in the county jail for nearly two weeks, awatiing a hearing for the shooting of the negro Champion Lewis, will be given an examination as soon as Mr. Linegar, who is now in St. Louis, returns.
 
Illegal Voters.

We are informed on reliable authority that Champion Lewis, who was shot by John Vickers in this city some two weeks ago, voted in this city.  We are also told that Lewis had no right to vote here, being a Kentuckian, and that there are now gentlemen in Cairo, residents of Ballard County, Kentucky, who knew Lewis and will swear that he voted illegally.  This is but one instance, but Mr. Harmon hopes to prove enough frauds of a similar character to keep Mr. Reeve out of circuit clerk’s office.
 
 
Friday, 24 Nov 1876:
THE VICKERS-LEWIS HOMICIDE.
Preliminary Examination of John Vickers, the Man Charged with the Killing of Lewis

John Vickers, the man charged with the murder of the negro Champion Lewis in this city on the 9th inst., was taken before Justices of the Peace Bross and A. Comings yesterday.  The trial was held in Judge Bross’ office.
TIME CONSUMED

Vickers, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff John Cain and Jailor Dick Fitzgerald, was brought into court at about half past nine o’clock; but it was after eleven before the trial was commenced, the time intervening between the arrival of the prisoner and the opening of the trial being consumed in summoning and getting the witnesses together.
THE PRISONER.

Vickers is a large and powerfully built man, and would undoubtedly turn the scales at two hundred pounds.  He has short, black, curly hair, gray eyes, and is badly pockmarked about the face.  His visage is by no means prepossessing.  We would suppose him to be thirty-six or thirty-eight years.  He is said to be the proprietor of a grocery store at Bardwell, Ballard County, Kentucky.  His deportment during the trial was that of a man fully impressed with the enormity of the crimes charged against him,
THE ATTORNEYS

The defendant was represented by Judge J. H. Mulkey.  County Attorney Mulkey conducted the examination on the part of the People.

There was perhaps a dozen witnesses sworn to on either side, and after the separation of the witnesses, the
EXAMINATION COMMENCED.

Charles A. Saup, an employee of the Argus-Journal office, was the first witness called, and testified as follows:  He did not see the shooting, but heard the report of the pistol.  The shooting took place at about fifteen minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon.  When he first saw the parties they were in front of the express office on Ohio Levee, and heard a part of the conversation between them.  From the conversation he understood that Vickers had some of Lewis’ money in his possession, and had paid a portion of it to someone whom the negro owed.  The negro said it was not true and added, “I thought I would catch you in Cairo sometime and
FIGHT THE MATTER OUT.”

Vickers said, “I don’t want you to talk fight to me,” and walked up the street.  About the time Fred Good (another negro) came up, and told Lewis to go and get an officer and have him arrested.  Both the darkies then started down the levee and went around the corner of Sixth Street.  Vickers went up the levee to Williamson’s store, and in a few minutes came back again and stood in front of Herbert’s saloon.  About the same time Good and Lewis came back up the street, and the witness went to Lewis and told him he had better keep away or he would get shot, that Vickers looked like a man that would shoot.  Lewis replied that he “could do that in Kentucky, but couldn’t do it on this side of the river.” and started up towards Vickers.  Witness went to Good and told him that if he was a friend of Lewis he had better keep him away.  Good said he was not going to have anything at all to say.  The witness walked up the street, and saw Lewis talking to Vickers in front of Herbert’s saloon; witness was only about fifteen yards from them, but could not hear what was said.  Vickers left Lewis and went up the street to Williamson’s store and stood in the door.  The negro followed him up, and when witness got to them the negro was talking to Vickers in a very abusive manner.  Lewis said he “wanted to fight it out,” and wanted Vickers to fight with him.  Vickers said he didn’t want anything to do with him at all.

The witness then left and went up into the Argus-Journal office.  Shortly afterwards he heard the shooting, and on going downstairs found Lewis sitting on the steps.  Witness did not see the shooting.

William Naughton was the next witness called.  As he was going to dinner he saw the parties in front of the express office.  It seemed that the darky claimed some money from Vickers.  The darkey said they had had trouble in Kentucky, and couldn’t settle it there, and that he had come to Cairo to settle it; he would have his money before he went back by some means.  Vickers told him “to go away and not bother him.”  Vickers had two jugs which he took to G. D. Williamson’s.  He came back and met Lewis in front of the bank where they again began arguing.  Lewis kept asking Vickers for his money, and Vickers said, “go away.”  When witness got around the corner he heard a shot and turned back and got to where the negro was just as the last shot was fired.  Vickers had his hand through the door.

The case had not been concluded at the adjournment of court last evening, and will be continued this morning at 9 o’clock.
 

Saturday, 25 Nov 1876:
SOUTHERN OUTRAGE
A Negro Killed—Send Troops to Metropolis.
Metropolis, Nov. 22, 1876.

ED. BULLETIN:  On Monday, the 20th inst., a colored patriot named Isaac Wyatt, went into the grocery store of James Stalcup, and attacked one John Houchen, a white man who is drawing a pension from government in consequence of disabilities received in the late war.  But this white pensioned soldier dares to vote the Democratic ticket, which seems to have given offense to this colored patriot.  On approaching Houchen, Wyatt charged him with being a rebel son of a b---h. Houchen told Wyatt to go away from him, that he was drunk.  Wyatt commenced striking and kicking him, and finally took him by the throat and was choking him when Houchen drew a pocket knife and stabbed him in the neck cutting the jugular vein, from which Wyatt die on the morning of the 21st inst.

We, the good citizens of Metropolis, therefore ask that President Grant send troops to Metropolis.  Just think that this white pensioned Union soldier wouldn’t hold still and be choked to death by this drunken negro!  How can our community bear such outrages!  Negroes ought to be allowed to get drunk and kick and cuss white Democrats about without resentment, and we pronounce any person of contrary opinion a rebel and traitor.
PATRIOT.
 
THE VICKERS TRIAL
Conclusion of the Evidence as Taken Before Judge Bross Yesterday—The Prisoner Discharged.

The trial of John W. Vickers for the murder of the negro Champion Lewis, was continued before Justices of the Peace Bross and Comings yesterday morning.

Michael Stapleton testified:—I was passing by Thistlewood's commission house, on Ohio Levee.  I heard none of the talk between the men, but heard a pistol shot and turned around and saw this man (Vickers) shooting.  He had two revolvers.  He shot probably twice with one, and then changed revolvers.  He shot four or five times.

F. S. Kent testified:—I was standing near Williamson's store, with my back to the parties.  I heard a pistol shot and turned around, I saw Vickers shooting at the negro, who ran upstairs.  He shot five or six shots.  Vickers didn't go up the stairs, but went into G. D. Williamson's store, and went out the back door.  I saw the colored man running as Vickers fired the second shot.  The parties were from five to ten feet apart.  I went up to the colored men and began talking with him.  He had a buckhorn handle knife in his hand while I was talking with him.  I saw no weapon in the hands of Lewis while the firing was going on.  I was talking with other persons and heard no words between them.  I was about twenty-five yards from them.  I didn't know either.  Vickers didn't say anything, but George Hill said "Don't shoot that man again," and Vickers put up his pistol.  I didn’t examine Lewis' wounds.  The firing was very rapid.  I can't say how long the blade of the knife I saw in Lewis' hands was.  I don't know whether it had a blade or not.

Sam Williamson testified:  I saw Vickers on the day of the shooting.  I saw the colored man Lewis also, I heard the quarreling in front of the store.  I was talking with Hi. Williamson and could not get the drift of the conversation.  I told Hi. that there was two men quarreling out there, and that the nigger was doing all the talking.  I heard the report of a pistol.  I looked up but could not see what Vickers was shooting at.  There were three or four shots fired as quick as a man could cock a pistol.  After the first shot, I saw Vickers fire two or three shots, but could not see what he was shooting at.  I was standing in the door, Vickers was firing toward the stairway.  Vickers was eight or ten feet from the stairway, below the entrance.  I saw the colored man after the shooting.  He was sitting on the steps.  I saw Captain Hill, but did not hear him say anything.  I saw one pistol in the hands of Vickers after the shooting.  It looked like a four-barreled pistol. Vickers came in the store and I thought took the cylinder out and commenced loading it.  He picked it up and went out the back door.  I don't know what the size of the pistol was.

John Wilson testified:  I live on Fifth Street.  I have seen Vickers several times but have forgotten just where.  I have seen him several times within the last month.  I have worked at Williamson’s store since last spring.  Vickers came into the store on the day of the shooting about one o'clock.  I was in the store.  Vickers and Lewis quarreled in front of the store.  The colored man wanted Vickers to give him some money and called a young man across the street to prove something by him.  The colored man said, "I told you so," and says "come along" to the white fellow.  The colored man turned around and Vickers says, "I’ve got enough of you" and shot him.  Lewis says "what did you do that for" and ran into the hall and shut the door.  Vickers put his hands through a broken glass in the door and fired two more times.  The men were eight or ten feet apart when the shooting began.  I didn’t see the colored man do anything when Vickers shot him.  I could have seen it if he had.  I didn’t see Lewis have any weapon.  I did not go to where he was lying.  I didn’t see him after he was taken away.  I never saw Lewis before that day.  Did not know his name.

T. W. Halliday testified:  I was standing at the bottom of the stairway leading to the Western Union telegraph office, and heard the parties talking.  Heard Lewis say something about a knife in a threatening manner, and thought their was going to be trouble and left.  They were standing just in front of the bank.

Sol. Silver testified:  I didn't know the parties.  I saw Vickers and the darky on the day of the trouble.  The darky asked Vickers for ten dollars he owed him.  Vickers said, “I don't owe you anything.  I paid the other man.”  They kept on quarreling for some time.  The darkey did the most talking and said he wanted to fight Vickers like a gentleman.  I remarked to Halliday, with whom I was talking, that there was going to be a duel, and that we'd better get away.  I went into the telegraph office and a short time afterwards heard shots.  Upon going out, found the darkey had been shot by the white man.  I did not see the shooting.

Albert Antrim testified:  I was coming from dinner.  The white man (Vickers) had a box and two guns in front of express office.  The negro was talking to him about money.  The negro said there was no law in Kentucky, and he had come to Cairo to settle it.  Another negro standing by said something about letting Vickers bear (?) him out of the money, and Lewis and he went down the street.  The white man went to G. D. Williamson's and put his jugs and box on a barrel.  I didn't see anything more.  The white man seemed peaceable, but the negro seemed quarrelsome.

Mr. Newman testified:  I live in Cairo.  I have been here about one month.  I came from St. Louis.  I am a fisherman.  I saw two men on the day of the quarrel standing on Ohio Levee quarreling and thought it was about the election.  The colored man seemed to be doing the most talking.  The colored man seemed to be following the white man.  The white man said he didn’t want any further trouble with.  I didn't see any of the shootings.

Grundy Bryant testified:  I live in Ballard County, Ky.  I knew Lewis—knew him about five months before his death.  He lived at Barlow City.  Told me when he came there that he come from Tennessee. I know nothing more of Lewis' character than what I have heard.  He was regarded as a dangerous man.  He had several difficulties in Kentucky, and think on two or three occasions he came near being killed.  Vickers and Lewis had some trouble in Kentucky, but I know nothing about it except what Lewis told me.  He said he wanted to catch Vickers on this side of the river, and could cut his G-d d-----d heart out of him.  I saw him a short time after this conversation, and he asked me whether Vickers had come to Cairo.  I said, "I don't know a d---n thing about him," and left him.  This was a short time before the election.  I have been acquainted with Vickers about two months.  He has a good character in the vicinity where he lives.

G. J. Wilkinson testified:  Am selling groceries in Barlow City, Ballard County, Ky.  I knew Lewis from the middle of September until the time he was killed.  He was at my place frequently.  Have known Vickers for ten years.  He is known as a peaceable man.  He has had a good character.  Lewis had a bad character, I told Mr. Vickers that Lewis had threatened to do him harm if he come to Cairo.  Lewis went by the name of Henry Smith in Kentucky.  The darkey and Vickers had a difficulty at my store.  Vickers drew a pistol on him.  I employ Mr. Vickers; he works in the store for me.

S. M. Chapman testified:  I live in Graves County, Ky.  Have been staying in Barlow City, Ballard County for about seven weeks.  Have heard Lewis; character discussed considerably.  He was regarded as a dangerous man.  I have known Vickers for nine years; his character is very good.
Benjamin Wilkinson testified:  I live in Graves County; stay in Ballard part of the time.  Am a son of Gabriel Wilkinson.  My father is a minister.  I have been with my father about four weeks in Ballard County.  I knew Lewis about two months before his death.  Lewis' character among the people was bad.  Vickers had had a very good character.  I have known him eight or ten years.  have heard Mr. Wagner, Mr. Henderson and several others talk of Lewis.

The prisoner was next called and testified:  My name is John W. Vickers.  I met Lewis on Ohio Levee, before the express office on the day of the trouble.  The first word he said was, "I want that money you owe me.”  I told him I didn't owe any money.  He said you took my money from me wrongfully, and that he would have it before he left town.  I said I guess you are mistaken about that.  He says “No, by G-d, I'm not.  I'll have it some way or another.”  I told him I was in a hurry and he should go away and let me alone.  He said he didn't care; by G-d; he was going to have the money I took from him before I went to the ferryboat.  “I'll fight you for it like a gentleman.”  I told him not to talk fight to me; that I did not want to have any difficulty with him.  He come within two or three feet of me several times.  He said he would get an officer if he could not get his money any other way.  I told him to get him, and not to bother me any more.  He turned and went down toward Sixth Street then, and I took a couple of jugs and a box I had to Mr. Williamson's and started toward the drug store.  I met the negro and another one coming up.  They come up to within two or three feet of me and I stepped back.  He says, "By G-d I'm going to have my money now."  He had his hand in his pocket.  He pulled his right hand out with a knife in it, I suppose to intimidate me.  I told him the best thing he could do would be to go away from me as quick as he could and say no more about the matter.  I told him when he fixed the matter right with the other parties I would pay him the money and not before.  I started down to Mr. Williamson’s and he followed me.  When we got there, he began cursing, and I told him to not curse me any more.  He saw young Wilkinson just then and called him.  He asked the boy if it was him or Charley Glass who got the money.  The boy said it was him, and Lewis called him a d---n liar.  I told him not to open his mouth to me any more.  I owed him no money, and was not going to pay him any.  He pulled his hand from his pocket with a knife in it, and I pulled out my pistol and shot him.  I could have touched him with my finger.  I certainly thought my life was in danger from hearing what I had of Lewis, and seeing the knife in his hand.  I knew it was run or shoot, and did not know how I might come out running, and didn't feel disposed to run  anyway.  I aimed at his stomach.  The first two or three shots I fired as rapidly as could.  I expected to see him fall the first shot, but he did not, and I thought he was still coming after me.  I had been told two or three times that he had said he would cut my d--n heart out.  I am twenty-eight years old.  I have no family.  I was raised in Alabama.  I have been in Kentucky about ten years.  I was under General Kilpatrick in the Federal army.  Have been in Graves County for ten years.  Am not related to Mr. Williamson.  I have no relations this side of Alabama that I know of.  The money Lewis had reference to was not stakes.

After all the evidence in the case had been heard, State's Attorney Mulkey opened with a short argument in behalf of the People and was followed by Judge Mulkey in a speech of several hours length.  After a short reply the states attorney submitted the case to the court.  Judge Bross and Comings who after a short consultation, concluded that the shooting was done in self-defense, and the prisoner was discharged.
 

Tuesday, 28 Nov 1876:
Funeral Notice.
Died Nov. 27th, 1876, at 10 o’clock a.m., Jessie Scott, only daughter of W. T. and Linzinka Scott.  Age 6 years, 7 months, and 25 days.  Funeral at the residence of W. T. Scott, 7th Street, between Washington and Commercial Avenue, at 2 o’clock p.m., today, by special train to Villa Ridge.  Friends are cordially invited to attend.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Jessie A., daughter of W. T. and L. Scott, born April 30, 1870, died Aug. 27, 1876.  Wilmina daughter of W. T. and L. Scott Born May 11, 1864, Died May 2, 1865.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died.

Died, at 11 o’clock yesterday, Novebmer 27th, 1876, Willie, infant son of D. J. and Annie S. Gallighan, aged eleven months and eleven days.  The funeral will take place today at 2:30 o’clock from the residence of the parents on Twentieth Street, between Washington Avenue and Walnut Street, by special train to Villa Ridge.  Friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend.
 
Died.

Mr. Anthony Courtway, a well-known citizen of Cairo, died at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on last Saturday.  The deceased was a steamboat engineer and pilot, familiarly known to all Ohio and Mississippi river men, having been in the employ of Halliday Brothers and the Cairo City Coal Company as pilot and engineer on their tugs here for years.

Some three months ago, Mr. Courtway was attacked with dysentery and becoming very weak and feeble, he was advised by his employers to take a trip South, as it was thought a change of diet and climate would prove of much benefit to him.  Some four weeks ago the deceased left this city on the steamer Charles Morgan for New Orleans, where he remained about two weeks.  Not having improved in health by that time he concluded to retun to his home, and accordingly took a steamer for this city, but failing so fast he died upon his arrival at Vicksburg, on Saturday.  Mr. Courtway was a thorough gentleman, and highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  He was one of the most valuable of men to his employers, being regular in habits, throughly versed in his business, and always ready and willing.  The deceaed was a married man, but had no children.  He leaves a wife to mourn his loss, who has the sympathy of the entire community.  The remains were expected to arrive in Cairo in the steamer Charles Morgan last night.
 
 
Sunday, 4 Dec 1876:
Dongola, Union County

A man named Carter was killed by one Prouhet, in Johnson County, near the Union County line, on last Wednesday evening.  No patrticulars concerning the homicide have been received.
 
 
Satruday, 9 Dec 1876:
Miss Thompson, teacher in our public schools, who was called to the bedside of her sick mother last week, has endured the grief occassioned by her mother’s death.  Having performed the last sad rites of daughterly affection, Miss Thompson will return next week to her place among us, by whom she is highly respected, and who sympathize with her in this bereavement.
 
 
Friday, 15 Dec 1876:
A cutting affray in which a  man named Henry Murphy was stabbled, perhaps fatally, occurred at a house of prostitution on Commercial Avenue, near the corner of Tenth Street, at about five o’clock last evening.  The name of the party who did the cutting is not known but is employed by Frank Bryant to drive one of his ox teams.  The wounded man was taken to Barclay Brothers drug store, where Dr. Leach dressed the wound.  What caused the difficulty is not known.  Sheriff Saup arrested the party who did the stabbing at a late hour in the evening, and locked him up in the county jail.
 

Saturday, 16 Dec 1876:
Captain Anthony Courtway.

The late Captain Anthony Courtway, whose death was briefly noticed in the Bulletin of November 29th, was born in Canada West, in the year 1837 and was, therefore, at the time of his death, thirty-nine years of age.  In his boyhood he came to the United States and learned the trade of engineer on the Illinois Central railroad and came to Cairo as a fireman on the first locomotive that ran into this city, his brother, Joseph Courtway, of Charleston, Missouri, being her engineer.  After a few years experience in railroad engineering, he concluded to give it up and turn his attention to river engineering, and held positions on several steamers plying between St. Louis and New Orleans and St. Louis and St. Paul.  At the first call for volunteers at the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Illinois, which was mustered out at the end of sixty days.

Afterward he enlisted in the navy and served three years upon several of the clads and latterly upon the Ram Vindicator.  After his muster out he ran for a short time upon the river, when he entered the service of Messrs. Halliday Brothers and Cairo City Coal Company as engineer and commander of their tugs and coal fleet in our harbor, with whom he remained until the time of his death, or during a space of about eight years.  The length of the time of this employment shows the character of the man.  Strictly moral, sober, honest, industrious, always cheerfully ready for duty, possesed of excellent judgment, a first class engineer, he served his employers in a most acceptable manner.  His close attention to his business gave him very little time for social enjoyment, but as a husband, friend, or employee, he was a true man, and he was loved and respected by all who knew him.  In the fall of 1861, he was married to Miss Johanna Buckley, of Decatur, Illinois, and during the early years of married life buried two children, all that were born to them.  His wife survives him, and in her bereavement has the sympathy of a large number of friends.

The fatal illness of Captain Corurtway began on September 9th, when he was prostrated by what was thought to be a very slight attack of dysentery, but which grew worse until his physicians recommended a trip to some warmer climate as the only hope of saving his life.  He was accordingly taken to New Orleans upon the steamer Great Republican and thence to Biloxi on the seashore.  All the while he grew worse, and was advised by physicians to return north immeidately.  Although almost too weak to be moved, his faithful wife attempted to carry out the directions of the physicians, hoping against hope to be able to save the life she prized so much, and succeeded in getting him to New Orleans and aboard the Charles Morgan.  Capt. Courtway expressed great anxiety to again reach home, but when the steamer reached Vicksburg, he had failed so much that he readily yielded to the advice of friends and stopped there to receive medical treatment at the infirmnary at that place.  But the disease had run its course and on the 25th of November poor Tony Courtway passed peacefully away.  During his long and painful illness everything possible was done to relieve his suffering or that promised a cure.  On his southern trip kind friends were the officers of the Great Republic, Charles Morgan and the people of Vicksburg, all of whom will ever be gratefully remembered by his afflicted wife.  The remains were brought to this city from Vicksburg by rail, and interred in the cemetery at Villa Ridge.
 

Sunday, 17 Dec 1876:
Murphy, the man stabbed in the fracus at the house on Commercial Avenue near Tenth Street, was reported yesterday to be in a dangerous condition.  His wound is even more dangerous than was at first supposed, and his recovery considered doubtful.  The man charged with the cutting is still in the county jail.

 
Wednesday, 20 Dec 1876:
Marsh Bridges, a young man well known in Alexander, Union, Jackson and Johnson counties, was shot and killed by a negro hotelkeeper named White at Helena, Arkansas, on last Wednesday morning.  Bridges had slept at the house the night previous, and during the night heard someone in his room.  In the morning when he got up he found that his shoes had been stolen, and entered complaint to the wife of the proprietor of the house.  Bridges and the woman got into a dispute about the matter, and high words passed.  White, proprietor of the house, then put in an appearance and accused Bridges with having attempted to strike his (White’s) wife with a chair.  Bridges denied the charges, when White struck him on the head with the butt end of his revolver, knocking him down.  Bridges got up and started out of the house, and while passing though the door White fired at him, the ball entering his right side near the spinal column.  Bridges was taken to the city hospital, where he lingered until Thursday evening, when he died.  He has two brothers living in Carbondale, one a dry goods merchant, and the other proprietor of a provision and grocery store.  Mr. Jerome Bridges, brother of the murdered man, was in the city yesterday awaiting the arrival of the remains, which were expected to reach Cairo by the afternoon train on the Cairo and Fulton road.  They will be taken to Vienna, the former home of Marshall Bridges, for interment.
 

 

Thursday, 21 Dec 1876:
Died in Metropolis, Ill., on Saturday the 16th inst., Mrs. Harriet E. Worthington, relict of the late Capt. Hugh Worthington, and second daughter of Dr. D. Arter, of Cairo, Illinois.

(Hugh Worthington married Harriet E. Arter on 7 Aug 1843, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
 
Wednesday, 27 Dec 1876:
George Sowell, a mulatto residing on Eighth Street, died of pneumonia on Sunday morning.  He was buried at Villa Ridge yesterday afternoon.  Sowell was an employee of the Cairo and Vincennes railroad and was an industrious and worthy man.  He leaves a wife and one child.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  George Sowell Born Feb. 2, 1842, Died Dec. 24, 1876.—Darrel Dexter)
  

The Cairo Gazette

31 Jan 1876 – 17 July 1876

Monday, 31 Jan 1876:
THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY CRAINS

            After two days spent in the selection of a jury (and one of more than ordinary intelligence and respectability was secured) the trial of William Jasper Crain alias Black Bill Crain for an alleged participation in the murder of William J. Spence, of Williamson County, was commenced in the Alexander circuit court, last Friday morning.

            The names of the attorneys engaged in the case are as follows:  W. J. Allen, A. D. Duff, and county attorneys Hartwell and Mulkey, for the prosecution, and Mr. D. T. Linegar, of this city, and Messrs. Clemens and Calvert, of Marion, for the defense.

            As at this writing (Saturday morning), sufficient evidence has not been drawn out to furnish the reader an intelligent idea of the defendants’ connection with the crime, we postpone any reference thereto until next week.

            The Crains are rather fine looking men, in a physical point of view, being of large frame and full and apparently hardy development.  William J. Crain alias Black Bill Crain, is about six feet in height.  He has a very low, retreating forehead, heavy overhanging eyebrows, deeply recessed eyes, and hair of a jet and glossy black.  The expression of his face, though not villainous, is lacking in open frankness that is so well marked in the countenance of the elder, or “Big Jep.”

            William Jasper or “Big Jep Crain” is also a large man, slightly inclined to portliness.  He has a high, broad forehead, and a head that is crowned by a very sparse crop of sandy hair.  He seems to be a quick nervous temperament—a man who is quick to anger and as quick to cool.

            His expression of countenance is a good one that is calculated to inspire confidence, and is suggestive of very clever social qualities.

            Place the two men in a multitude of strangers, who move upon the same social and intellectual level, and they would be among the last, most likely, that we would pick out as murderers—especially would this be the case with the older, or Big Jep.

            The trial, it is thought, will occupy the whole of the present week.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY VENDETTA

The Origin and Results, and the Names of the Victims

            That our readers may have a better understanding of the Williamson County troubles, now exciting inquiry in our circuit court, we publish the following:

            Marshal Crain, the hired assassin of the Bulliner side of the Williamson County vendetta, forfeited his life on the gallows in the jail yard at Marion, Williamson County, on Friday, Jan’y 21^st.

            Marshal Crain was born in what is now called Crainville, a small place in Williamson County, now on the Shawneetown & Carbondale Railroad eight miles from Carbondale and ten miles from Marion on the 10^th day of October, 1849.  His father, William Crain, was a man of great influence and considerable wealth.  Marshal received the average amount of education near his birthplace.  He farmed most of his life, but was a wild and heedless boy.  When 25 years of age he married Rhody Richie, whose parents lived within ten miles of his home.  They had one child, which is yet living.  From then to the time he first became connected with the Bulliners, in October 1874, he was an orderly citizen, tilling a farm near Cartersville.  After this connection with the troubles, he took great interest in the Bulliner matters.  In October, 1874, the old feud of long standing again broke out between the Bulliners and Hendersons.  Since that time there have been six men shot down by ambushed assassins, and either mortally wounded or instantly killed.  Three of these were in sympathy with the Bulliners, and three siding with the Hendersons.  Their names, date of assassination, and at what place shot, are as follows, separated on the two sides:

BULLINER SIDE.

            George Bulliner, December 12, 1873, near Carbondale; David Bulliner, March 27, 1874, near home, Cartersville; Vincent Hinchcliff, October 4, 1874, near Fredonia.

HENDERSON OR RUSSEL SIDE.

            James Henderson, May 12, 1874, near Cartersville; George Sisney, July 28, 1875, near Carbondale; William Spence, July 31, 1875, in Crainville.

            At the time David Bulliner was shot, Mrs. Stancil, a relation, was severely wounded, but recovered after a long nursing.

            George Sisney’s life was attempted twice while living in Williamson County, before moving to Carbondale; once almost proving fatal, but he recovered.

            Jason Ditmore’s life was attempted once in May, 1874.  He was not connected with either side, but was friendly to both.

            The scale evenly balances, as the reader can easily see by the list.

            Although some sympathizing with the Bulliner side have most all been brought to justice, it is thought that the Henderson party will share the same fate soon.  One of their number, Baxter, charged with the shooting of Hinchcliff, is now under arrest.

            In August, 1874, Marshall Crain’s life was attempted.  Someone shot into his house one night, supposing him to be in bed.  His temporary absence from home saved his life, as his bed was completely riddled with shot.

THE ASSASSINATIONS.

            Old George Bulliner was shot while riding to Carbondale by persons lodged in the top of a tree.  David Bulliner was shot while returning from church by two parties concealed in a fence corner, whose names he swore to before his death.  Dr. Vince Hinchcliff was shot while riding on horseback, returning from a visit to a patient, when within 200 yards of his house, by parties hid behind the fence.  James Henderson was shot while at work on his farm, by parties jumping up from behind a log near by.  George W. Sisney was shot in his parlor in Carbondale.  He had retired quite early, when an old friend called him up about 10 o’clock to transact some important business.  While talking together in the parlor, someone stepped up on the porch and fired at Sisney through a screened window, instantly killing him.  Great was the excitement for some day after in Carbondale and vicinity at this outrage on the quietude of our city.  Sisney was buried near Crainville the day of the night on which Spence was killed.

            The crime for which Crain was arraigned and plead guilty was that of the shooting of William Spence, although since his arrest he has confessed having shot Sisney on the fatal night.

THE KILLING OF SPENCE

            On the night of July 31, 1875, three days after Sisney was shot, William Spence, a wealthy merchant and prominent citizen of Crainville, was called up about ten o’clock by some unknown persons who said they wished to purchase shrouding for a dead child.  Upon dressing and coming down into his store, while putting on his shoes, he was fired at and supposed to have been instantly killed.  His body was found next morning, Sunday, by parties passing by, who noticed the front door glass broken.  The coroner arrived from Marion Sunday afternoon, when an examination of the store revealed that it had been ransacked, but nothing of any value taken.  At the inquest it was made known that he had been shot four times—twice with a pistol, and twice with a heavily charged shotgun.  Fifty-seven buckshot were taken from his body.

            Yellow and Black Bill Crain are now on trial in the circuit court of this county, whither their cases were brought by change of venue.  Of the  disposition of the other parties arrested and tried the public is already advised.

Monday, 14 Feb 1876:
Mr. Sebastian Glauber, one of the prominent citizens of Paducah, father-in-law of Mr. Ernest Petit, of Cairo, died on Saturday night last.
 
Col. John Martin, of Paducah, died in that city on Tuesday last.  He established the Paducah Kentuckian, and for a period of six or eight years exercised a political influence second to that of no other man then in that part of Kentucky.  He was widely known and highly esteemed.
 
Mrs. Leonard, the wife of Beverly Leonard, the colored man who was killed by the cars near the Mounds junction, about six weeks ago, has instituted a lawsuit against the I. C. R. R. company for $15,000 damages.  James Anderson is plaintiff’s attorney.
 
Frank Gilman, engineer at the freight depot of the I. C. R.R., was drowned in the Ohio River at this place on Monday evening last.  It was supposed that he was catching driftwood and losing his balance fell into the water.  Cannons were fired on Tuesday morning with the hope of raising the body, but without effect.  Mr. Gilman had served the railroad company long and faithfully, and was a good citizen.  He leaves a wife and three children and a life insurance of $2,500.

THE CRAINS.

Twenty Years in the Penitentiary.

            The substance of the evidence in the case of the People vs. Black Bill and Big Jep Crain, indicted for the murder of William Spence was given by us last week.  On Friday the testimony was declared all in, and County Attorney Mulkey, opened the argument for the prosecution.  He was followed by Clemens, Calvert and Linegar for the defense; and Hartwell, Duff, and Allen for the prosecution.  The great speeches of the trial were made by Linegar, Duff, and Allen—the courthouse being crowded during the three days that these gentlemen devoted to the argument.

            On Tuesday evening last the case was given to the jury.  On the first ballot ten of the jurymen pronounced the defendants guilty and declared in favor of hanging them.  The remaining two declared that the defendants were innocent and should be acquitted.  Here was a radical difference, and for ten mortal hours it looked as if the jury would hang, instead of hanging the prisoners.  About 9 o’clock Wednesday morning, however, a compromise was effected on twenty years’ imprisonment, and the jury immediately returned a verdict to that effect.

            The defendants were brought into court, and when the verdict was read Big Jep, who is the more impulsive one of the two, indulged in a few sobs and tears.  Black Bill was not visibly affected.

            It is the universal sentiment that the verdict is a just one.  The jury was one of more than ordinary intelligence, and unlike most juries, did not go to sleep on the attorneys.  On the contrary every member of it bestowed watchful and undivided attention alike upon the testimony and the arguments of the counsel.  Their verdict therefore was not a haphazard affair; but the deliberate judgment of well informed and honest men.

            Big Jep and Black Bill Crane are therefore, to all intents and purposes, dead to the men and scenes with which they are now familiar.  When twenty years hence, they leave the penitentiary, they will be old, gray-haired men.  The old men they now know will be in their graves.  The boys and girls will be fathers and mothers.  Sam Music will have been hanged or killed by whisky; and not a tree of the woods wherein they planned William Spence’s demandable taking off will be left standing to bring back a recollection of their atrocious deeds.  But they shaped their destiny.  They imbrued their hands in human blood, and justice has overtaken them.

Monday, 3 Apr 1876:
D. A. Echols, late treasurer and assessor of Pulaski County, was shot, at Fort Jefferson on Thursday last, by Joseph Dupoyster. It is believed that Echols is mortally wounded. The details of the affair are stated thus. Echols was in the act of chopping up a few refuse fence rails when Dupoyster drove up, in a wagon and ordered Echols to throw the rails into his wagon, declaring a purpose to shoot him, if he refused. Echols refused, and, sure enough, Dupoyster made good his threat. The ball took effect in Echols’ back, lodging against the spine. If this version of the affair is the true one, the assault was a most unprovoked one and Dupoyster should be held to a rigid account therefore.

 

Monday, 17 Apr 1876:
Capt. Hugh Worthington died at his home in Metropolis on the 30th ult., of pneumonia, in the 59th year of his age. He was born in Marietta, Ohio, August 10, 1817. Few men have lived a more active life, and fewer still have realized such varying fortune. In the year 1844 he was married to a daughter of Dr. D. Arter, of this city, and two years afterwards he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Pulaski County. Subsequently he engaged in the mercantile business, and later still he tried his fortune at steamboating. He was, at different times, the owner and commander of two or three different steamboats, and in this business he accumulated money only to lose it again. At least twenty years of his life he devoted to the river, exercising an industry and expending an effort, the while, that would have broken down a half dozen men of every endurance and determination. He was a kind husband, an indulgent father, a good neighbor, and, in the fullest ___ of the term, an honest man. His remains were buried in the Metropolis Cemetery on the 1^st instant, in the ____ a large concourse of friends ____ __ors, who were there to show ______ that was due to the memory ______ __an.  His widow and one _____ survive him, and command the sympathy of all who know _____ their bereavement.

            (Hugh Worthington married Harriet E. Arter on 7 Aug 1843, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

22 May 1876:
A delirious negro plunged through a window of St. Mary’s Hospital last Wednesday and jumping into the sipe water near at hand was drowned.  The coroner deeming an inquest unnecessary, directed the burial of the body, and thus ended the life of the delirious negro.

17 Jul 1876:
A NEGRO DIES FROM THE EFFECTS OF AN UNPROVOKED KICK

A remarkable, and according to developments thus far made, a most brutal homicide occurred at ten o’clock on Saturday night in front of a saloon on the corner of Seventh and Spruce streets.  An old negro man named Henry Smith was standing on the sidewalk engaged in draining some empty beer kegs into an old pan—a practice quite common among an indigent class who have a fondness for drink—when a man named Martin Lambert came around the corner.  Lambert had certainly no claim upon the beer kegs, as he is not employed in the saloon, and so far as could be seen, the negro’s actions afforded no other occasion for his anger; nevertheless, without saying a word, he approached the old man and kicked him heavily in the stomach, after which he walked away.  Smith instantly doubled up and fell to the pavement, where he lay writhing and almost unconscious until assistance came.  He was sent to the city hospital where he died at 10 o’clock yesterday morning.  Officer Sullivan on learning of the assault at once arrest Lambert and locked him up to await the result of the injury.  The only explanation of the assault, if the above statements be correct, is that Lambert was under the influence of liquor.  But it is not impossible that the inquest, which will be held today, will develop facts going to show provocation for the assault.

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