Obituaries and Death Notices
The Cairo Citizen
1 Jan 1891-31 Dec 1891
Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois
Transcribed and annotated by Darrel Dexter
Thursday, 1 Jan 1891:
(A marker in Anna City Cemetery reads: Elisabeth wife of Levi
Craver also 2nd wife of John Rendleman Born Oct.
10, 1823 Died Dec. 30, 1890.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 15 Jan 1891:
(A marker in Calvary
Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads: William B. Geck Died Jan. 11, 1891
Aged 28 Yrs., 11 Mos.—Darrel Dexter)
Mortuary. Peter Fahr, a German cooper living on Poplar Street, died Tuesday morning of bronchitis. He was 49 years old and had made Cairo his home for nearly twenty years. He leaves a wife, an aged mother, and several children. The funeral occurred yesterday. (A marker in Cairo City Cemetery reads: Peter G. Fahr Born Nov. 28, 1842, Died Jan. 20, 1891.—Darrel Dexter) Mrs. Martha Dunker, wife of Policeman Henry Dunker, died Tuesday evening of pneumonia. She was fifty-four years old and leaves a husband and three sons to mourn her loss. The funeral occurred yesterday afternoon under the auspices of Alma Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, and the remains were interred at Villa Ridge. (A marker in Cairo City Cemetery reads: Martha wife of Henry Dunker Born Sept. 22, 1836 Died Jan. 19, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Mrs. J. H. Hagood, wife of the carpenter, died early
Tuesday morning of pneumonia. She was but twenty-five years of age, and
leaves four small children. The remains were interred at Arlington, Ky.,
the home of her parents. The people of our community were surprised and shocked last Wednesday by news of the death of Mrs. Cooper (nee Miss Erah Parker) the daughter of Lieut. J. F. Parker, which occurred at Villa Ridge that day. Mrs. Cooper had been making her home in this city for the past six months and was taken to her father's home at Villa Ridge only a few days before her death. She leaves an infant child. Mrs. Cooper was very well known by a large number of our people and stood high in their estimation. She was for many years a prominent teacher in the schools of our county. She was married about a year ago, but her matrimonial venture was not a pleasant or profitable one, Her husband deserting her under such circumstances as to bring upon himself the odium of all who knew the circumstances. The remains were interred in the Villa Ridge Cemetery Thursday afternoon.
(Harry A. Cooper
married Erah Parker on 7 Apr 1890, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
The
case of the People vs. Walter Johnson, for murder, occupied the
attention of the circuit court at Mound City Monday and Tuesday and the
colored people turned out en masse to witness the trial. The jury
was organized Monday and Tuesday, was spent examining witnesses and hearing
the arguments. The jury returned a verdict Tuesday night of guilty and
fixed the penalty at twelve years in the Penitentiary. The defendant, the
deceased, Bob Lynch, and several other colored fellows were engaged
in shooting craps, sometime last November (we forget the date). Lynch
having won Johnson's money, the latter picked up an oak stave and hit
him across the forehead. Lynch fell forward upon his face and
remained in that position, insensible for some minutes. He afterwards
recovered sufficiently to walk home, but died a few days after. There are
several other negroes awaiting trial for perjury, growing out of this case.
The next case was the People vs. William Shelby assault to murder.
(Thomas N. Henley
married Mary F. Hurt on 19 Oct 1865, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
(A marker in Concord
Cemetery reads: Our Mother Anna gattin von Jacob Studer Geb. 26 Jun
1845 Gest. 2 Feb 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
(Isaac A. Ong married
Lydia Amanda Davis on 24 Jul 1862, in Union Co., Ill. John
Holshouser married Sophronia Davis on 9 Sep 1869, in Union Co.,
Ill. George Washington Coughenour married Rose Bell
Davis
on 25 Feb 1880, in Union Co., Ill. A marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at
Dongola reads: To my wife A. L. Ong left us Feb. 7, 1891.—Darrel
Dexter) Mrs. Nancy A. Mulcahy, wife of James H. Mulcahy, of Commercial Point, this county, died last Sunday, after a long illness of consumption. Mrs. Mulcahy was forty-seven years of age. She leaves six children, the youngest of whom is about twelve years of age. The funeral occurred Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Mulcahy's maiden name was Arrington. She was a consistent member of the Baptist church and has passed on to join the great majority on the other side of the river which has never yet been bridged and whose waters have never been vexed by oar, wheel or rudder. Her husband and children can only remember that she has been called home and has joined the sons and daughter of immortality among the green hills and vales of Paradise.
(James H. Mulcahy
married Nancy A. M. Burress on 13 Jan 1870, in Alexander Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter) COPELAND—At the residence of Mr. George Fisher, in this city, yesterday afternoon at 4:10 p.m., Mrs. Amelia B. Copeland, mother of Miss Julia B. Copeland, and of the late Mrs. George Fisher.
Mrs. Copeland was
born in Litchfield, Connecticut, December 5th, 1803, and was consequently 87
years of age last December. She had been a member of Mrs. Fisher's
family for the past fifteen years. Her maiden name was Cleaver. She
belonged to a long-lived family, her father, Tobias Cleaver, reaching
nearly the age of 90 years. Her mother's name was
Adams.
She was a connection of the family of Samuel Adams, of
Massachusetts. When a young woman, she was a member of the Congregational
church at Litchfield, during the pastorate of Dr. Lyman Beecher. She
was well acquainted with his sons, who afterwards became so famous. During
those early days the Law School at Litchfield was perhaps as celebrated as
any in the country. She very distinctly remembered Judge Gould, who
was connected with that school. She was married June 12th, 1826, to Mr.
John B. Copeland, with whom she lived 48 years and 7 months, until
his death. Prior to the death of her husband, she was a very efficient,
active, capable woman. She has been gradually breaking down for the past
fifteen years. About one week ago she took a slight cold, which settled in
her bronchial tubes. The immediate cause of her death was an accumulation
of mucus in the air passages of her lungs, which she was not able to throw
off, and so she was smothered. To her, death had no terrors. Her work was
done and she welcomed the pale messenger.
OLMSTED, ILL., Feb. 17,
1891.—A sad accident happened to the family of Ben Bird Thursday of
last week. During the absence of the parents, their oldest son, a lad of
four years, climbed upon a chair and, taking a loaded pistol from the bureau
drawer, aimed it at his little brother, a bright little fellow of two years,
who was playing on the floor, and pulled the trigger. The ball entered the
right eye and ranged downward. The child lived about two hours after the
shooting and died in great agony. John Rees, the Twentieth Street baker, died last Tuesday noon of asthma and pneumonia, at the age of 63 years. He had been in poor health for a long time. Deceased was born in Germany and has been a citizen of Cairo for nearly forty years. He leaves a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters. The funeral was held this afternoon and the remains were interred at Villa Ridge.
(His marker in Cairo City
Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads: John Ries 1828-1891.—Darrel Dexter)
(H. Clay Horner
married Mary Fleming on 28 Nov 1877, in Randolph Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter) (A marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads: Gracie Naomi daughter of A. J. & E. Hunsaker Born Nov. 15, 1889 Died Feb. 9, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 5 Mar 1891: Timmons—Died at the residence of James W. Davidge, in Olmsted, Saturday, February 28th, 1891, at 11:15 p.m., Charles P. Timmons, aged 38 years, 1 month and 18 days.
Deceased was a highly
respected citizen, a man of noble principles, generous to a fault and wholly
incapable of anything unbecoming a true gentleman. Funeral services were
held at the church Monday, where an impressive sermon was delivered by Rev.
Gross. The remains were then taken to the family lot on the old
homestead, two miles west of town, and buried with the honors of Odd
Fellowship, of which order he was an honored member. Whereas, the Grand Master of the universe has seen fit in His Providence to remove from our midst to the reward of the just our beloved and lamented brother, J. W. Johnson, of Belknap Lodge No. 251, I. O. O. F., of the grand jurisdiction of Illinois, who departed this life February 14th, 1891; be it Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Johnson this lodge has lost a worthy and highly respected brother; his children a kind and indulgent father; his wife a faithful and loving husband, and the church a faithful and devoted worker in the cause of our Savior. Resolved, That this lodge extend to the family and friends of Bro. Johnson its sympathies and exhort them to depend wholly upon Him who can rob death of its terrors; and be if further
Resolved,
That these resolutions be published in the papers; that they be spread upon
the journal of this lodge, and that a copy be transmitted to the bereaved
family.
ANNA, ILL., March 11th,
1891.—Thomas Ridgeway, a brakeman on the Illinois Central railroad,
met a horrible fate at Mile 32 four miles south of Anna Monday night. His
train, a wild freight northbound, had received orders to run in on the
siding at Mile 32 to let No. 2 pass. Ridgeway jumped off the engine
and started to run ahead to open the switch. As soon as he cleared the
engine he signaled the engineer to go ahead. While running, he fell between
the rails and the engine was on him before it could be stopped. He was
brought to our city and taken to the office of Dr. F. S. Dodds,
surgeon of the railroad, where he died an hour afterwards. Died, at his home in this city, Monday, March 9th, at 10:15 a.m., Mr. Byron F. Blake, after a serious illness of about three weeks. Mr. Blake came to Cairo in the year 1869 and engaged in the wallpaper and paint business with his cousin, Mr. B. F. Parker, the firm being Parker & Blake. About the year 1876, the firm was dissolved by the withdrawal of Mr. Parker and Mr. Blake continued in the business. He met with some reverses and finally the Cairo Paint and Paper Company was incorporated and Mr. Blake's business was merged in that, and he became the secretary and treasurer of the company, which position he held at the time of his death. In the summer of 1876 he married Miss Annie E. Phillis, daughter of the late John B. Phillis. His wife with one son eight years of age survives him. Mr. Blake was a native of Kensington, New Hampshire, where he was born Nov. 21st, 1848, but his boyhood was spent most in Lynn, Mass. He was a man of very great energy and spirit. he has represented his ward in the city council and has been city treasurer. if there was any drudgery or any fatuitous work to be done for the public or for any society of which Mr. Blake was a member, he was the man to do it. He was capable, efficient and willing. He was for many years connected with the Presbyterian Sunday school and was its secretary. He was quite active as a member of the Presbyterian society, though never a communicant of that church. For the past year or two his health has been failing and he has been compelled to give up most of his work for the public. He was a member of Cairo Commandery, K. T., which organization will take charge of his funeral.
(Byron F. Blake
married Anna E. Phillis on 29 Jun 1876, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter) Mr. John H. Foster, an old citizen of Alexander County, died at his home at Commercial Point last Saturday. His health had been failing for some time, but until within a few weeks he had been able to attend to business. A paralytic stroke is said to have been the immediate cause of his death. He leaves a widow and four or five children. Mr. Foster had been a justice of the peace and was a man of prominence in his neighborhood. He was 58 years of age.
(John H. Foster
married Malissa Davis on 15 Nov 1865, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
Thursday, 19 Mar 1891:
Mr. J. F. Oller, who
resided near Olive Branch in this county, died suddenly last Sunday morning
about nine o'clock. He arose and took breakfast as usual and said to his
wife that he was feeling better than he had for some time. After breakfast
he went out into the stable. Some twenty minutes afterwards one of his
small boys went into the stable and found his father lying upon the ground.
He gave an alarm and assistance came at once. He was removed to the house,
but died almost immediately. He was about 48 years of age. He served his
country in the field during the war. Ever since the war he has had a
disease of the heart, which has at some times been very severe. He has
tried to secure a pension, but failed to do so. He leaves a widow and six
children, some of them grown. the body was buried Tuesday in the Twente
Graveyard. Last Sunday proved to be a very disastrous day upon the river. Two men were drowned here and five coal barges were sunk. Daniel Clancy, a son of Mr. Patrick Clancy, was drowned about three o'clock in the afternoon. He came up the river in a little boat and as he turned in toward the shore above the wharfboat he struck a current, which he could not stem. His boat was carried under the wharf boat and he was thrown out and carried down the river. Several persons caught a glimpse of him, but nothing could be done to save him. He was once an alderman from the third ward. Quite late Saturday night Mr. Charles S. Torray is supposed to have been drowned on the other side of the river.
As the towboat Joseph B.
Williams was attempting to pass the bridge Sunday afternoon with a very
large town, she was carried by the force of the current against one of the
piers and five barges were lost, valued at $12,000.
About the first of February
Col. Patier went to Hot Springs, hoping to get relief from a trouble,
which resulted probably from a bad condition of the blood. He reached home
last Thursday quite ill with pneumonia. For a full week now he has lain
just on the border land between life and death. There is hope in his case
simply on the ground that while there is life there is hope. From any other
view his case is well nigh hopeless. He has the best medical care. Messrs.
Ed. Cotter and Charley Hessian are untiring as nurses.
Everything that skill and good nursing can do is being done. The weather
today is unfavorable. It is damp and rainy. He may possibly recover, but
the chances are against him.
Charlie Rendleman, a
simple-minded young man living in the southeastern part of the county,
committed suicide by hanging himself Friday afternoon. His body was found
Saturday by Judge H. W. Otrich. Coroner Eddleman was summoned
and held an inquest. The young man imagined he had been crossed in a love
affair and had grown moody, and had from that time threatened to kill
himself.
As we went to press last
week it seemed hardly possible that Col. Patier could survive, but he
passed the crisis and is slowly improving. The weather had been greatly
against him and his improvement has been unsteady. Some days he has had too
much fever. But under the skilful treatment of Dr. G. G. Parker and
the best possible nursing by J. B. Cotter and Charley Hessian,
he is decidedly better, and if he has not relapse, he will be about again in
a very few weeks. Mr. W. S. Lane, of Mound Junction, died very suddenly last Sunday evening, aged 72 years. He was in his usual health during the day enjoying a visit from his daughter, Mrs. DeGelder. Feeling badly toward night he lay down and soon died. He was buried by Cairo Lodge A. F. & A. M., Tuesday. He was a charter member of the Lodge. He was also a member of Cairo Commandery K. T. A large number of friends from Cairo attended the funeral. Mr. Lane had lived in this vicinity for about 35 or 36 years. He resided in Cairo during and from some time after the war.
(George P. DeGilder
married Alice M. Lane on 14 Dec 1887, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
Thursday, 2 Apr 1891:
(His marker in St. John’s
Cemetery reads: Peter M. Cruse Born Dec. 14, 1823 Died Mar. 31, 1891
Aged67 Yrs., 3 Ms., 17 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
(Charles Cunningham
married Annie Marshall Gwatney on 9 Feb 1874, in Alexander Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
(His marker in Cobden
Cemetery reads: Col. W. E. Moberly Born Mar. 13, 1822, Died April 3,
1891.—Darrel Dexter) Mrs. Ricks, wife of Elder Nelson Ricks, pastor of the colored Free Will Baptist Church, corner Fifteenth and Walnut streets, died at 12:35 this afternoon. She had been ill about one week with pneumonia, we believe. Her death is a surprise and a terrible shock to her many friends.
(Her marker in Cairo City
Cemetery reads: Malinda Ricks Died April 16, 1891, Aged 40
Years.—Darrel Dexter)
(A marker in Cobden Cemetery
reads: David McKernen Born Mar. 29, 1868 Died Apr. 11, 1891, Aged 23
Yrs., 13 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
(Etheldred McGinnis
married Sarah J. Greney on 5 Feb 1886, in Union Co., Ill. His marker
in McGinnis Cemetery near Mt. Pleasant reads: Dread McGinnis Died
Apr. 6, 1891 Aged 27 Yrs., 6 Mos., & 6 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
(William E. Otis
married Daisy H. L. Robbins on 8 Sep 1880, in Alexander Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
(James M. Fitch
married Mary A. Thompson on 7 Nov 1872, in Union Co., Ill. Her
marker in Cobden Cemetery reads: Mary A. Fitch Born Aug. 30, 1849
Died April 24, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Mr. C. M. Howe died
at New Orleans yesterday afternoon. He had been battling with consumption
for some two or three years with the usual experience of hope and despair.
He went to New Orleans February 23rd that he might enjoy the advantages of
the salubrious climate of that latitude and also for medical aid. Nothing
could stay the ravages of the dread disease, however, and at last the grim
messenger came to his relief. Mr. Howe was the senior member of the
firm of C. M. Howe & Bro., of this city. He came to this city from
Mississippi about twenty years ago and engaged in the commission business.
His brother, Frank, soon joined him and they have built up an enormous
business and have acquired wealth. Mrs. Howe has been one of the
alderman from the second ward for some years. He leaves a widow and two
children well provided for.
Died—Otis—Daisy
Robbins Otis, wife of William E. Otis, of Kansas City,
Mo., in the 35th year of her age of quick consumption at their suburban home
at Englewood, Mo., April 28, 1891, at 7 o'clock a.m. Thus after a brief
illness of a few months, a young, loving wife and tender mother is called
from fondest ties on earth to enter upon the joyful eternity of a home
above. Mrs. Otis, who was a sister of our former townsman, W. G.
Robbins, and the daughter of Chandler and Henrietta Robbins, of
Marietta, Ohio, was born in Chicago, March 11, 1857, and married William E.
Otis, then of Independence, Kan., September 8th, 1880. The severity
of this trial falls heaviest on her husband, left with five children of most
tender age whom together with her other kindred and friends mourn this
untimely ending of a pure and noble Christian. The last sad rites were
performed by Rev. L. Blakesly, her brother's former pastor at Topeka
Cemetery yesterday morning where her mortal remains were laid to rest
besides those of father, mother and brother, while her soul passed
heavenward to rejoin them in the mansions of the blessed.
Died in Vienna, Monday
morning, May 11, of typhoid fever, Hon. A. J. Kuykendall aged 76
years. On the 4th of July 1886 Major Kuykendall addressed the good
people of Johnson County on the theme "Sixty Years in Egypt." A friend of
Major Kuykendall told us this story of his very early life. In the
month of March, 1815, the parents of Major Kuykendall were moving
from a distant state to southern Illinois. They had reached Illinois tho'
not the end of their journey when the young Major first opened his eyes to
the light of day. On the day of his birth, his parents heard of the famous
victory, which Andrew Jackson had won over the British about two
months before, at New Orleans. Is it any wonder that he was named Andrew
Jackson Kuykendall? His whole life was spent in Egypt. His
education was limited, but what he lacked in education he made up in
sterling good sense. He commanded the confidence of his neighbors
in a wonderful manner and held it to the last. In 1842 he was elected to
the Illinois House of Representatives and was re-elected in 1844. He
occupied a seat in the senate of Illinois for ten consecutive years from
1852 to 1862 by election and re-election. He was again elected to the
senate in 1878. On the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the 31st regiment
Illinois volunteers and was the first major of the regiment. He resigned
however, in 1862. In 1864 he was elected to represent this district in
congress. He was the first man who ever carried the district in opposition
to the regular nominee of the Democratic party. When bloody treason stalked
abroad in the land Major Kuykendall was a patriot. Every drop of his
blood, every fiber of his organism and every thought aspiration and purpose
of his breast were loyal to the core. He was ready to meet treason and
traitors with their own weapons and upon their own ground whether it be in
legislative halls or on the bloody field. He was a man well posed and had
complete control of himself. He never went to extreme, but had strong
convictions and was firm as a rock. Is it any wonder that he held the
confidence of his neighbors? He was elected to the office of county judge
of Johnson County for one or two terms. He was at one time well off in this
world's goods, but disasters came and he lost nearly all. He was seized by
the grippe some weeks ago. After struggling to free himself from its grasp
the disease assumed the from of typhoid fever and carried him off. He was
loath to call a physician and when his friends became alarmed and called one
without consulting him his disease was beyond control. He leaves a son, J.
B. Kuykendall, one of the prominent businessmen of Vienna, and four
daughters, all married. Funeral services were observed Tuesday when all
that was mortal of Major Kuykendall was consigned to the bosom of
mother earth.
(John Hartline
married Margaret Rentleman on 19 Jun 1831, in Union Co., Ill. A
marker in Casper Cemetery reads: Margaret Hartline Died May 12, 1891
Aged 77 Yrs., 1 Mo., & 29 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
The towboat My Choice
of the St. Louis and Mississippi Valley Transportation Company, exploded one
of her boilers last Monday evening at 7:40 p.m., when some twenty-five miles
up the Mississippi. Great confusion followed the accident and the boat
drifted several miles before she could be landed. Three men are missing,
one of them a colored man, and they were probably blown into the river and
drowned. Three others were badly scalded, but will probably recover. They
were brought down to the U. S. Marine Hospital here for treatment. The news
of the accident was brought to this city by some of the boat crew in a
skiff, and Dr. McNemer went up and rendered medical aid.
(John Hollenback
married Mahala Melvina Shipley on 15 Sep 1886, in Union Co., Ill.
Her marker in Jonesboro Cemetery reads: Mahala wife of John Hollenback
Died May 19, 1891, Aged 53 Yrs.—Darrel Dexter)
(Nathaniel Childs
married M. McMillan on 4 Jun 1890, in Perry Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
From Vienna we learn that a
young man named Elkins was shot and killed Sunday night by a young
man named Winchester. Elkins lived about two miles west of
Vienna.
The case of the People vs.
Charles Curtis was submitted to the jury last Saturday night. The
jury was out about 42 hours. They brought in a verdict of "Not Guilty"
Monday afternoon. There were some seventy-five persons present at the
time. They made very loud and tumultuous demonstrations of satisfaction
with the verdict. On the first vote upon the question of guilt or
innocence, five voted for conviction and seven for acquittal. After a while
four more jurors were ready to join in a verdict for acquittal while one
solitary juror held out for nearly twenty-four hours for conviction. As the
evidence was given the opinion generally prevailed that a verdict of guilty
of manslaughter and a term in the penitentiary would be the result.
Mr. M. T. Scott, one
of the most prominent citizens of Bloomington, died in that city last
Thursday morning of pneumonia—the result of la grippe. Mr. Scott
owned, we believe, several hundred acres of land in this county, he owned
over 2,000 of finely improved land in McLean County, upwards of 5,000 in
Central Illinois and 2,500 acres near Des Moines, Iowa. He owned a
controlling interest in the McLean County Coal Company, of Bloomington,
43,000 acres of iron lands near Nashville, Tenn., and only recently formed a
syndicate of English gentleman with a capital of $1,000,000 to operate these
mines, known as the Cumberland Iron Works. Deceased was a brother-in-law of
Hon. Adlai E. Stevenson, who was First Assistant Postmaster General
under Cleveland. Mr. Scott was a typical Southern gentleman
and took great pride in his native state, Kentucky. He also took pride in
the fact that he never drank a glass of liquor and never used tobacco in any
form.
Last Monday night, about
eleven o'clock, Mrs. Fanny Myers, and Miss Nettie Claypool,
two colored woman who live on Fifth Street, had a bloody encounter. They
had both been in our county jail for violation of the city ordinances. It
would appear the Claypool cut Meyers across the wrist of the
right arm making an ugly wound, whereupon Myers wrested the knife
from Claypool and inflicted upon her nine wounds, literally cutting
her to death. It is claimed that they fought over a bashful youth named
Moses Goodman. Mrs. Myers hid herself for a time but finally
gave herself up to the police. A coroner's inquest was held and she was
consigned to the county jail to await the action of the next grand jury.
The subject of this sketch,
Sarah A. Dennis, was born in Jefferson County, Miss., March 14, 1822,
and was married to John F. Little, in Madison County, Miss., Nov. 13,
1839, and died May 23, 1891, at Dongola, Ill. The funeral was conducted by
Rev. S. L. Wisner at the Congregational church last Monday afternoon,
after which the remains were followed to their final resting place in the I.
O. O. F. Cemetery. The family that are left to mourn her loss are the
husband, John F. Little, and a son, J. A. Little and one
daughter, Mary E., wife of W. W. Palmer, of Glasco, Kansas, while a
son and two daughters passed on before, several years ago. Mrs. Little
was loved and respected by all. She was a woman who was kind, benevolent
and sympathetic. The community extends their sympathy to the bereaved
family.
We desire to return our
sincere thanks to the people of Dongola for their kindness and sympathy
shown us during our late bereavement, and trust none of them will ever lack
for friends and that they may ever be as kindly treated as we were.
The bodies of the three men
recently blown overboard from the My Choice lodged near Hickman. A
couple of small boys in a skiff towed two of them to the bank, and they were
interred in the Hickman Cemetery. The third was so thoroughly decomposed
that it was permitted to go down the river. The bodies bore every evidence
of being the My Choice victims, as they were terribly scalded, the
bodies being almost entirely nude, probably from the force of the
explosion.—Paducah Standard
Mrs. Call, wife of
Capt. C. H. Call, died Sunday afternoon after a protracted illness.
She was worn out with consumption. Everything that could be done for her
was done, but nothing could stay the progress of the disease. Funeral
Tuesday afternoon, Rev. F. D. Davenport officiating.
A few minutes after midnight
Sunday night a mob of armed and disguised men rode into the little town of
Wickliffe, just below Cairo in Kentucky, and halting near the jail,
proceeded to the house of J. S. Rawlins, the jailor, and demanded the
keys of the jail. He refused to surrender them, whereupon they took him out
of his house and placing a rope around his neck threatened to hang him. He
escaped and ran, but was caught and kept under guard. Meanwhile a party was
engaged searching his house for the key and soon found it. With a yell of
triumph they rushed toward the jail where Evan Shelby was confined
for the murder of Mrs. Sallie Moore. Shelby had been tried
twice. The first time the jury failed to agree. On the second trial he was
convicted and given a life sentence in the penitentiary. A tremendous
pressure was brought to bear upon the court and some of his ruling were
probably irregular. At any rate, Shelby appealed to the supreme
court of Kentucky. This court recently heard the case and overruled the
judgment of the lower court and granted the prisoner a new trial. When the
friends of Mrs. Moore heard of this decision of the Supreme Court,
they determined to take the law into their own hands and executed the
prisoner. Arriving at the jail they found the prisoner armed with a hickory
spoke. He asked for a chance for his life, which was refused. He warned
them that it would not be safe for them to venture within the jail. One man
more adventurous than his fellows did start to enter the door when the
hickory spoke came down upon him laying him out in a jiffy. The mob then
fired upon him with their pistols, probably without effect, but a rope was
thrown about his neck and he was jerked to the floor and dragged out of jail
as they would drag a hog. He was dragged 150 yards more or less, to a tree
where he was hanged. Whether he was dead or alive when hanged is
uncertain. A coroner’s inquest was held and a post mortem examination
made. We are informed that while wounds and bruises were found upon the
body it was not certain that any of them were gun or pistol shot wounds.
Mr. Mort Shelby, an uncle of Evan Shelby, was also charged
with being an accessory to the murder of Mrs. Moore, and was under
bond for his appearance in court when wanted. When the mob demanded the key
of the jail from Rollins, he told them to go for Mort Shelby.
They told him that they had already attended to Mort. This however was not
true as we understand. Mort Shelby was a free man and in a condition
to defend himself. Some members of any mob attacking him would probably
bite the dust. The evidence connecting Evan Shelby with the murder
of Mrs. Moore was purely circumstantial. It pointed strongly to him
we are told, but still he might have been innocent. The city was startled Tuesday morning by the announcement that George W. Hendricks, Jr., had just passed away at 7:30 a.m. The fact that he was seriously ill was not generally known. He had been confined to his house about one week with inflammatory rheumatism, but no apprehension was felt. It seems that he had suffered somewhat from a trouble at his heart for some years. He returned from a business trip to Arkansas some ten days ago and had not felt well since that time. His system was probably filled with malaria. On Sunday he had a very high fever and was delirious. Toward the last he would be better and then worse. On Monday his case was very hopeful, but he was delirious in the night and early Tuesday morning his condition was desperate. The complication of diseases baffled all human skill, and he died at 7:30 a.m.
Mr. Hendricks came to
Cairo with his father's family from Memphis in 1862, when he was a child.
He grew up here and received his education in our public schools. He
graduated from our high school in 1874, and immediately studied law in the
office of Linegar & Lansden. He was admitted in the bar in
1876. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law. He has
been city attorney for the past four years and was defeated for the same
position at the April election. He leaves a wife and little daughter. He
had not accumulated much property, but he had $5,000 insurance upon his life
in an Odd Fellow's company. He owned a fine little homestead on Sycamore
Street, but it was under mortgage to one of our building and loan
associations. His life insurance will save the homestead to his widow and
will give her a good start beside. She is an excellent singer and will be
able to do something for herself.
(His marker in Cairo City
Cemetery reads: George W. Hendricks Born April 29, 1856, Died June
16, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
(Charles M. Clifford
married Ada M. Parker on 2 Nov 1887, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
(His marker in Hinkle
Cemetery reads: Dennis Karraker Born July 18, 1830 Died June 12,
1891 Aged 60 Yrs., 10 Mos., & 24 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
(William Butcher
married Nancy Corgan on 5 Jun 1842, in Union Co., Ill. Her marker in
Butcher-Norton Cemetery north of Alto Pass reads: Mary A. dau. of William &
N. Butcher Born Oct. 5, 1846 Died June 14, 1891, Aged 44 Yrs., 8 Ms.,
& 9 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Saturday, 25 Jun 1891:
Andrew Kline, a
brakeman on the Illinois Central Railroad, was run over and killed last
Thursday afternoon, between Bridges Junction and Mounds. His train, the
construction train which hauls earth from the Villa Ridge hills, ran over
some cattle, wrecking eight cars, and he was caught and crushed in the
debris. He leaves a wife and several small children. Kline was a
mail carrier under Postmaster Irvin.
PADUCAH, KY., June 23.—At 11
o'clock last night, Dr. Thomas E. Reivers, one of the oldest and most
prominent physicians of this city, died suddenly at his residence, of heart
failure, in his 60th year.
Thursday, 2 Jul 1891: Died, in this city last Friday night about 11 o'clock, Mr. William H. Schutter, of a cancerous disease of the throat. Death marked him for a victim some two or three years ago, and the announcement of his death occasioned no real surprise, except as death is always a surprise. His disease had made such progress two years ago as to cause a slight but constant hemorrhage. Dr. Stevenson then performed a very skillful operation, cutting into his throat and tying the artery and thus stopping the hemorrhage. The doctors said, however, at the time, a cure was beyond human skill; that he could only add a year or two to his patient's life. Slowly and steadily the disease has made its inroads. Mr. Schutter has been able to be out upon the streets a little up to within a very few weeks, but he was very much emaciated and very weak. He was an old citizen of Cairo, coming here before the war. In 1863 he was one of our wealthiest men, but reverses came and swept away his property. He was a man toward whom everybody felt kindly. In his reverses and misfortunes he had the kindly sympathy of every man in the community, for he was himself a kind-hearted man.
He leaves a widow and eight
children—three sons and five daughters. Two of the daughters are married,
the eldest to Harvey Robinson, of Memphis, the second to F. W.
Karsmeyer of this city.
(James M. Turman
married Etta M. J. Daily on 24 Feb 1889, in Alexander Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
A very bad affray occurred
at Ullin July 4th, by which one man may lose his life. A man by the name of
Joe Duvall and a lad some eighteen years of age named Sidney
Augustine occupied the same room on the night of July 3d. On the
morning of July 4th the body thought he was short a dollar or two in his
cash and charged Duvall with taking it. Duvall resented the
charge and sharp words were used. Mr. John Bise took the part of the
boy. Mr. Duvall was retreating and said he did not want any
difficulty, but while his attention was attracted by Mr. Bise the boy
ran up to him and stabbed him with a pocketknife. The knife entered the
abdomen and the small intestine protruded. Dr. Robinson was spending
the Fourth at Anna and no surgeon could be found. Several hours passed
before the man received any attention. Dr. Robinson came home and
did the best he could for him, but his chances for recovery seem very
doubtful. The boy was arrested and taken to the jail at Mound City.
A man named George Clark
was drowned in the Ohio at Fourth Street Monday evening. He went in to take
a swim and, being drunk, sank beneath the water and did not appear again.
He was one of a crowd of men who were brought down from St. Louis by the
towboat Eagle and discharged here. His body was found yesterday
morning. The murder of three persons in Pulaski County last week Wednesday, by Daniel Welsh, a negro who is supposed to be insane, was a shock, which is seldom felt by any community. As dead men tell no tales, and as there seem to have been no witnesses to the bloody tragedies, the facts were chiefly gleaned from Welsh himself. For some time he has exhibited signs of insanity, but was never considered dangerous. He told his own story to the editor of the Pulaski Patriot about as follows: About 10 o'clock in the morning he went to the residence of Dr. Waite to procure some medicine. After leaving Waite and en route home he met Patrick Moss in the road. Welsh had a gun in his hand and ordered Moss to climb a fence and get into an adjoining field. Here he struck him on the head with the gun and then took a club and beat his head to a pulp. Welsh returned to Waite’s house, and while there Carter Odle came along the road. Welsh followed him toward his home, and when they had proceeded about a quarter of a mile he told Odle that the Lord had commanded him to kill him and he was going to do it. The boy begged him not to do so, but the boy was told to climb the fence into an adjoining field. The boy did this and then ran about 200 yards, when he was overtaken and his skull crushed by repeated blows with the heavy club. After the death of the second victim Welsh again returned to Waite's. About 2 o'clock he left there and went to the home of Edly Davis nearby. Finding no one at home, he tore down the outhouses and was demolishing the inside of the residence when Davis arrived on the scene.. Welsh had left his gun outside the house and Davis secured it and asked Welsh what he meant. Welsh then came out, and after some parleying the latter sat down the gun. Welsh immediately grabbed it and told Davis he was going to kill him and suggested a pile of rails nearby as an appropriate place for the execution. Davis took to his heels and ran to the woods, but was overtaken and killed in like manner as the two victims. He took the hats of his victims to Waite's and said he had been killing squirrels. He was found by the officers at his home near Cross Roads. His house was surrounded by a posse and he was arrested after a desperate struggle. He voluntarily took the officers to the bodies of his victims and gave them the details of the awful tragedy. He was taken to the Mound City jail and an inquiry will be made soon as to his lunacy. The persons killed were all colored, two of them heads of families, and Odle, the boy, 12 years of age.
(The 23 Jul 1891 Citizen
refers to him as Daniel Walsh.—Darrel Dexter)
(Miles J. Barnum
married Susannah Mangold on 6 Aug 1865, in Union Co., Ill. A marker
in Cobden Cemetery reads: Susan wife of M. J. Barnum Died July 11,
1891, Aged 54 Yrs., 5 Mos., & 15 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Mr. Norman J. Slack, postmaster at Metropolis died in that city July 3d, and was buried Sunday, July 5th. Mr. Slack was only 46 years of age and yet he served in the army three years during the war of the rebellion. He was a man of the people, and his funeral was attended by the Masons, G. A. R. the K. of P. and the K. of L. of which organizations he was a member.
(Norman J. Slack was
a private in Co. I, 120th Illinois Regiment during the Civil
War. He enlisted in August 1862 at the age of 18 and was a native of
Johnson Co., Ill. Norman J. Slack married Mary M. Sexton on
24 Jan 1869, in Johnson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter) Mr. George W. Higgins, of Olmsted, the late partner of Mr. J. Y. Clemson, is as well known in this community as any merchant in Southern Illinois. His wife, the daughter of Mr. George W. Olmsted, was spending a few days at Creal Springs. During her absence Mr. Higgins took his meals, or some of them at least, at the hotel. On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. G. G. Parker, of this city, was called by telegraph to go up to Olmsted at once for surgical work. He went, and found Mr. Higgins lying upon his bed suffering from a pistol shot, which he saw at once must prove fatal. The ball entered just above the navel and went a little to the left, nearly through the body, causing internal hemorrhage. Mr. Higgins lingered until about 10 o'clock. Wednesday morning, when he died. A telegram was sent to his wife at Creal Springs Tuesday evening calling her home, but giving no clue to the cause. It came too late that she could by no possibility reach home that night. She left yesterday morning at the earliest possible moment and reached home just before her husband died. She learned upon the train that her husband had been shot. It seems that Miss Minnie Riddle, a daughter of the late Dr. Riddle, lived in the family of Mr. Higgins some time ago as a domestic that since that time she has frequently kept house for Mr. Higgins during the absence of his wife; that an intimacy—probably an undue intimacy—sprung up between Mr. Higgins and Miss Riddle. When Miss Riddle learned that Mrs. Higgins had gone to Creal Springs she went to the house of Mr. Higgins. It was known that both she and Mr. Higgins had been drinking heavily during the day and it is certain that they were both under the influence of strong drink when she shot him.
When her mother learned what
her daughter had done she took a pistol and went to the house of Mr.
Higgins, saying that she would finish the man if her daughter had not
done so, and that then she would kill her daughter; that she was tired of
having things go on so. She was dissuaded from her purpose, however. A coroner's inquest was held over the body of Mr. Higgins, yesterday afternoon, and elicited some new facts. Judge H. N. Smith testified that he called on deceased soon after the shooting. He asked how it happened and Higgins replied: "Oh, it was an accident; she didn't intend it." Ned Sanders, an old negro, was in the yard drawing water, when he said he heard loud voices. He recognized them as the voices of Higgins and Miss Riddle. She said, "I'll kill you, d--n you," and he replied, "The h-ll you will." Almost instantly after this the shot was fired. He went into the house and found Higgins on the floor, who said to witness, "Uncle Ned, I'll never get over this." Ben Higgins, son of the deceased, was sitting in front of the store when the shot was fired. He ran to the house. Miss Riddle answered his knock and let him in. He ran upstairs and found his father lying upon the floor. He said to witness, "She shot me." Ben seized the woman by the throat and choked her, saying, "I'll kill you." His father called to him and told him to let her alone, saying "She is not to blame." His father then turned over and vomited a large among of blood. Miss Riddle then tried to manufacture evidence for herself. She said to Higgins, "George, you know you went after the revolver and told me to snap it. I did, and it did not go off. I snapped it again and it went off. " She then cried, "My God!" and fainted. When she became conscious again she asked Ben to forgive her. He replied that he would see about that later. His father said to witness: "If I die I want to be buried with Millie (his first wife) and the baby." When witness rushed to the house he found the pistol from which the shot had been fired lying on the ground in the front yard, where it had been thrown from a window. Mrs. Higgins, herself identified the pistol as one which her husband had given her. She said: "I asked George if Minnie Riddle shot him, and he said yes; I asked him if she did it intentionally and he refused to answer." Mrs. Higgins then went on to say that she believed Minnie fired the shot with intent to kill her husband. She (Minnie) had tried to make her jealous of her husband at various times, but she had the fullest confidence in him. He always treated her right. Dr. J. A. Hale, who was first called to attend the deceased, said that he asked the deceased who shot him. He answered: "Minnie, but she didn't intend it." This was the substance of the evidence taken by the coroner’s inquest. The young woman was taken into custody, and though she had remained at Olmstead in charge of an office up to this morning, it is probable that she will be removed soon to Mound City jail unless she is too ill to do so. She is, of course, laboring under great excitement and was thoroughly prostrated. The report that she had taken poison with suicidal intent is probably without foundation. Mr. George Higgins was 43 years of age. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, August 28, 1847. He settled at Caledonia in 1872 and married Miss Mollie Clemson, by whom he had one son, now 18 years of age. His first wife died in 1879. In 1882 he married Miss Nannie Olmstead, then residing in this city. He has a brother in Cleveland, other friends living in Wheeling and a sister in Topeka. The funeral will probably occur next Sunday.
(George Washington
Higgins married Nannie Olmstead on 26 Apr 1882, in Alexander Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter) Died, in this city, Monday night, July 20th, of intermittent bilious fever, Mr. W. E. McEwen, in the 36th year of his age. Mr. McEwen was born in 1855 at Oxford, Miss. He was, of course, a mere child during the war. He was educated at Alcorn University, in the State of Mississippi. In May, 1879, he came to Cairo, and has made his home here since that time. In the autumn of that year he married Mrs. Mattie Sowell, whom he leaves as his widow.
Mr. McEwen leaves no
children, though his wife has a son by her first husband, now nearly grown. The school closed about the middle of June. Mr. McEwen was at the time completely worn out. He went immediately to Hopkinsville, Ky., to rest. He thought that there he could recruit his vital forces. He was there three weeks, but found no relief. On the 8th of July he was prostrated with intermittent bilious fever. Finding that he could not escape the grasp of the fever, he decided to return to Cairo. His devoted wife was with him. She brought him back, reaching Cairo July 12th. Fore eight days the struggle with the fever continued, until at last he succumbed to the grasp of the fell destroyer. All that could be done for his relief was done by loving friends, but to no purpose. He carried a policy of insurance upon his life, issued by the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co., of Newark, N.J. for the sum of $2,500. This will be a great help to his family. He was a member of Lincoln Lodge, A. F. & A. M., under whose auspices he was buried yesterday afternoon. He was also a member of the A. M. E. Church. Members of the lodge marched to the late residence of the deceased and to the music of a solemn dirge escorted the funeral cortege to the A. M. E. church, where fitting services were held. The members of the Board of Education, with Professor Clenderen, attended in a body. The remains were interred at Villa Ridge.
(W. E. McEwen married
Mattie Sowell on 22 May 1879, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter) Mrs. Comings, the wife of Judge Alfred Comings, was stricken with paralysis last Wednesday night. The disease seemed to affect only the nerve forces. She lost the use of her right hand and left limb at first, but afterward regained it. Last Friday noon she lost her speech and remained in that condition until Tuesday night at 10 o’clock, when she died. During all this time she was perfectly conscious and her sufferings were intense. Her sudden death was a great blow to her family and friends. She was in apparently good healthy up to last Wednesday. In fact, but a few hours before she received the stoke she expressed herself as feeling remarkably well. Mrs. Comings was nearly 62 years old. She had been married twice. Her former husband died early in the sixties. One son survives her as the result of this marriage, Mr. James W. Mason, of the Iron Mountain railroad. She afterward married Judge Comings, and leaves one son by him, Fred Comings, just nearing his majority. Mrs. Comings was a sister of Henry and James Kinnear. She had a large circle of friends who will always feel her loss and remember her kindly.
(Alfred Comings
married Sarah A. Mason on 17 Aug 1869, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
(Edward O. Sterrette
married Ida M. Herin on 23 Oct 1889, in Union Co., Ill. A marker in
Cobden Cemetery reads: Guy Sterrette Our Darling.—Darrel Dexter)
(E. B. Morton married
Mrs. Mary E. Wolfe on 24 Apr 1888, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
(Oscar Eddleman
married Martha A. Mullinax on 29 Sep 1887, in Johnson Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
A man named S. F. Owsley
committed suicide Tuesday morning about 8 o’clock at 1109 Washington Avenue,
shooting himself through the heart. Owsley had a wife and a large
family of children living on a farm near Wickliffe, Ky., but owing to his
dissipation his wife would not live with him. He was barkeeper at Gibson
House for a time, but lately was out of employment. He was about 50 years
old.
(The 16 Jul 1891 Citizen
refers to him as Daniel Welsh.—Darrel Dexter)
(Thomas Wyatt Halliday
married Charlotte Josephine Taylor on 1 May 1866, in Alexander
Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter) Tuesday evening about 4 o'clock as engine No. 1460 on the Illinois Central was backing down to the Second Street depot with the passenger train known as No. 4, she struck and killed Herman Michaels, just below Eighth Street. The circumstances are as follows: Michaels was going down to meet the Gus Fowler, which was just coming into port. A long line of freight cars standing on the levee prevented him from seeing any approaching train, and above the loud whistling of the Fowler he could not hear the sound of the engine bell. Just as he stepped upon the track the tender struck him and knocked him down, pushing him along before it. He was horribly crushed about the head and body, and lived but about town minutes.
Michaels
was a large fellow and was commonly known as "Big Mike." He earned a living
by doing odd jobs about the city. He has no immediate relatives here.
Charles Curtis who
was recently acquitted for the murder of "Doc" Brooks, at Hodges
Park, has been playing the mischief again. Last Sunday evening he attempted
to kill Bob Henderson at Hodges Park, but was prevented by
outsiders. Henderson was one of the principal witnesses against him
in this trial. Curtis was arrested yesterday and it now in the
county jail. Capt. James Lanning, brother of Mrs. E. K. Riley, and father of Mrs. H. H. Candee, of this city, died Sunday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa. He had been spending the summer there seeking to improve his health, which was very poor. His death was the result of hemorrhage of the bladder. Two of his daughters, Mrs. L. D. Bayley, of Parkland, Ky., and Mrs. S. V. Cordish of Chicago, were present at his bedside during the last hours. The funeral occurred in Chicago, Tuesday and Mrs. Riley went up from here to attend it. Mrs. Candee and son, Harry, were also in attendance, but Mr. Candee remained at Cape May, where they family have been spending the summer. Captain Lanning was born at Bridgeport, Pa., on May 19th 1821, which made him a little over 70 years old at his death. He learned the cabinet marker’s trade, but in 1842 he obtained a position on the river and his whole life from that time on was devoted to steam boating. At the outbreak of the war he offered his services to the Union cause and was quite actively engaged in naval warfare on the lower Mississippi winning distinction, but at the same time receiving injuries from which he never fully recovered. He was a charter member of Warren Stewart Post G. A. R. of this city.
(Henry H. Candee
married Belle S. Laning on 22 Feb 1868, in Cook Co., Ill. Standish
V. Cornish married Anna V. Laning on 14 Sep 1871, in LaSalle
Co., Ill. Louis D. Bayley married Julia M. Lanning on 10 Feb
1880, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
(His marker in Mt. Pisgah
Cemetery near Wetaug reads: Anthony George Born Feb. 24, 1808 Died
July 20, 1891 Aged 83 Yrs., 4 Mos., 26 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
(His marker in I. O. O. F.
Cemetery at Dongola reads: J. R. Elliott Born Mar 18, 1826 Died July
28, 1891 Aged 65 Yrs., 4 Mos., 10 Ds.—Darrel Dexter) The news of the death of Miss Lou Christman, which occurred at 2:15 yesterday afternoon, at the family residence No. 231 Twelfth Street, caused great sorrow in our city. Miss Lou had been in poor health for a long time. Her illness was chiefly caused by an enlargement of the heart, but a complication of disease resulted in her death. She managed to attend to her duties as cashier of the Woodward Iron and Hardware Co., until the 5th of last January—just seven months before her death—when she was obliged to give up her labors and devote her time to the endeavor to improve her health. She went South by boat in February, visiting New Orleans and Memphis, but the trip failed to benefit her much. During these seven months of sickness she endured intense bodily pain, but all without a murmur. It is wonderful that she held up so long, but it shows how strong her constitution was. Just a few weeks ago her brother, Mr. W. D. Christman, of Franklin, Kan., accompanied by his wife and child, spent two weeks here, and during the time Miss Lou appeared much better and was able to sit up most of the time, but after their return she was taken worse. Her death was very peaceful—a quiet passing from this world into the next. She was conscious to the very last, and was surrounded by the family during the last moments only her brother, Mr. George Christman, being absent. he was down at Kennett, Ky., on a business trip, and arrived home this morning. Miss Christman was born in St. Louis on October 17th, 1858, and was therefore nearly thirty-three years old. At the age of thirteen she united with the Methodist church and always since then she has been very active in church work. She was a most earnest and consecrated Christian and her influence will live long after her in this community. her death is a severe blow to her family, but with it comes the comforting fact that her days of suffering are over and that she now enjoys her reward. The funeral will occur Saturday from the Methodist church, interment being at Villa Ridge.
(Her marker in Cairo City
Cemetery reads: Laura Lou Chrestman 1853-1891.—Darrel Dexter) [Line on the Death of Baby Jean Halliday by Anna L. King] (poem not copied)
Mrs. Lydia Foster was telegraphed last Thursday evening of the extreme illness of her infant grandson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Toler, of Anna, and left Friday morning for that place. The babe died that morning and was buried Saturday.
(Ellis S. Toler
married Alice Foster on 20 Oct 1879, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel
Dexter)
Last Friday morning Chester
H. Clark, a young man about 22 years of age, was killed by Marshal
Robert Morton. Clark had been creating a disturbance and was
arrested by the marshal, who turned him over to a deputy to put him in
jail. On the way to the prison Clark resisted and was getting the
better of his captor, when Morton came to the deputy's assistance,
and drawing a revolver, shot Clark through the heart, killing him
instantly. The coroner’s jury returned a verdict of unjustifiable homicide
and Morton was taken to the county jail at Murphysboro to await the
action of the grand jury. Clark was a son of Rev. O. N. Clark
of Carbondale. The following appears in Tuesday's Globe Democrat: The steamer Idlewild met with a serious accident by the bursting of a steam pipe about 8:30 o'clock on Sunday night, while the boat was on the way from Commerce, Mo., to this city. The boat has been running regularly between St. Louis and Commerce, leaving this city on Mondays and Fridays. She has a good patronage, both of freight and passengers. At the time of the accident, the boat was about two miles below Ste. Genevieve. Captain John Griffin was in command and Clerk Taylor was looking after the welfare of the passengers, who numbered about eighty. The passengers were suddenly thrown into a state of the wildest excitement by a terrific explosion, which tore up a section of the floor near the middle of the cabin. A lady passenger, Miss McNamara, of this city, was standing almost directly over the bursting pipe, and was hurled several feet toward the rear end of the cabin, but strange to say she escaped unhurt. Chairs and tables were thrown right and left. Blinding steam filled every portion of the cabin, and, to add to the consternation of the passengers, the steam continued to escape with a deadening roar until it was all out of the boilers. On the deck below the rousters and other member of the crew fared much worse than the passengers. Two rousters named Charles Anderson and Marshal Carter, and a colored passenger named Beal were badly scalded by the steam. Sam Jackson, a colored fireman, and another fireman whose name could not be learned were on a bod a short distance from the bursting pipe and were apparently frightened so much an extent that they jumped overboard. Their bod was undisturbed by the explosion, but it is thought the men were not badly scalded, if at all. The have not been seen since and are supposed to be drowned.
The steamer Crystal City
was a short distance behind the Idlewild when the explosion occurred. She
towed the disabled boat to Ste. Genevieve and taking her passengers stock
and poultry aboard brought them to this city. She arrived here at 2 p.m.
yesterday. The three colored men who were scalded were sent to the Marine
hospital. The towboat Dolphin was sent to Ste. Genevieve after the
Idlewild, and will bring her up today. The steamer Calhoun
took the place of the Idlewild last evening and will remain in the
trade until the repairs of the Idlewild are completed. Thursday, 20 Aug 1891: Mortuary Mr. C. Kocht, the lower Commercial boot and shoe dealer, died Last Monday morning early of dropsy. The deceased had been in poor health for a long time, but was bedridden for two weeks prior to his death. He was nearly 56 years old and had been a citizen of Cairo for about thirty years. The funeral occurred yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F. P. Davenport. Interment at Villa Ridge. (A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads: Christian F. Koch Died Aug. 17, 1891 Aged 55 Yrs., 1 Mo. & 26 Dys.—Darrel Dexter) Mrs. Fitzgerald, wife of Coroner Richard Fitzgerald, died Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m., after a hard struggle with sickness. She was 42 years of age, and had been married to Mr. Fitzgerald fifteen years, one son being the result of the union. The funeral occurs today. (Richard Fitzgerald married Margaret Sheehan on 6 Jun 1877, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Monday evening at 9:20 o’clock, Miss Florence Putnam died at her father’s home, surrounded by friends and relatives. She had just passed her 19th birthday. Florence is now at rest, after a three years’ struggle with that fell destroyer of human life, consumption. All that human aid could do was done, but to no avail. Florence was of unpeculiarly quiet and kind disposition, making a friend of every acquaintance and always exhibiting a child-like Christian life. May she rest in peace. (Elco)
We are sorry to note the death of little Reilus Mowery, of Pulaski County. Funeral was preached a 10 o’clock last Monday at St. John’s Church, about three and a half miles northeast of here (Mill Creek). (Eli Mowery married Amanda Jane Cruse on 18 Nov 1869, in Union Co., Ill. A marker in St. John’s Cemetery reads: Aurelius son of Eli & A. J. Mowery Born Aug. 31, 1883 Died Aug. 16, 1891 Aged 7 Yrs., 11 Ms., 16 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 27 Aug 1891: Mr. Robert W. Morton, who murdered young Clark at Carbondale a few days ago, has been admitted to bail by Judge Roberts on a writ of habeas corpus, the judge fixing the bail at $10,000. There may be mitigating circumstances, but from all accounts that we have seen, it was a most base and cowardly murder.
Another death. Mr. Walter Mowery’s youngest son, Saturday morning. Funeral was preached in the Congregational church here (Mill Creek) Sunday morning. Interment in the St. John’s Cemetery in the evening.
Aurelius Mowery, who had been sick for several months of an affliction of the brain, died Sunday morning, Aug. 16th. The remains were interred at St. John’s Cemetery. Rev. Joseph Wolbach conducted the funeral obsequies.
A feeling of sadness passed over the town (Alto Pass) Tuesday when the death of Fount Dillow, the only son of James E. and Nannie Venable became known. His sickness was brief and his little life on earth closed when 1 year, 11 months and 12 days old. Funeral services were held in the Congregational church, Cobden, on Friday. The Rev. J. H. Runalls officiated. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved parents. (James Venable married Nannie Rendleman on 24 Oct 1880, in Union Co., Ill. A marker in Cobden Cemetery reads: Fount Dillon son of James & Nannie Venerable Died Aug. 20, 1891 Aged 1 Yr., 11 Ms., 12 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Died, Mrs. Aaron Atherton, last Saturday. Her husband is very low with malarial fever. (Villa Ridge)
Died, Mrs. H. H. Weiting at her home and J. H. Richards of Pulaski Precinct. Both were our oldest settlers and will be sadly missed, not only in their families, but by their many friends. (Villa Ridge)
Died, Saturday, August the 12th, little Glen Neibauer, aged 5 years and 6 months. Funeral services were held Sunday at 10 o’clock a.m. at the Lutheran church, conducted by J. K. Reed. A large number of friends followed the remains to its last resting place in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Neibauer and family have the sympathy of the entire community (Dongola) in this dark hour of grief. (Frank Neibauer married Mary Craver on 1 Apr 1877, in Union Co., Ill. A marker in I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Dongola reads: J. Glenn son of Frank & Mary Neibauer Died Aug. 22, 1891 Aged 5 Yrs., 6 Mos., & 8 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 3 Sep 1891: Died, Tuesday morning, Mrs. James Axley.
Dora Lentz, second daughter of Moses Lentz, of New Hope, died Monday evening of congestion of the brain. She was sick but a few days. Her age was about 14 years.
Died, Tuesday, Sept. 1st, at the residence of her son, about three miles north of Dongola, Mrs. Caroline Otrich. (Henry W. Otrich married Caroline Penninger on 31 Dec 1839, in Union Co., Ill. Her marker in Big Creek Cemetery reads: Caroline C. wife of H. W. Otrich Died Sept. 1, 1891, Aged 73 Yrs. & 4 Mos.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 1 Oct 1891: Uncle Philip Schmidt, a former citizen of Cairo who has lived on a farm in Mississippi County, Mo., a few miles from Charleston for the past eight or ten years, died there last Thursday. The remains were brought over here Friday for interment.
Old Mr. Dilday passed away at the age of 83 years and was buried at Limestone. (Alto Pass) (A marker in Limestone Cemetery reads: Elias Dildey Born Nov. 12, 1808 Died Sept. 24, 1891 Aged 82 Yrs., 10 Mos., & 12 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Died one day last week, at Zalma, Mo., of typhoid fever, John H. McKenny, in his 65th year. This is “McKenny” the jolly good-natured Mack so well known all over South Illinois and although possessing an iron constitution, he has at last surrendered to the grim monster, death. Peace to his ashes.
Died, from diphtheria, Sept. 27, a little son of Widow Eastwood, aged 5 years. (Ullin)
Uncle John Vader, of Maple Grove, is quite sick and not expected to live. (Wetaug).
Thursday, 8 Oct 1891: Riley Bain Dead. Our County School Superintendent Succumbs to Typhoid Fever. Died at his home near Wheatland at eight o’clock p.m. Tuesday night, Oct. 6th, of typhoid fever, Mr. Riley J. Bain, aged 36 years. Mr. Riley J. Bain, late superintendent of schools for Alexander County, was born in Gallatin County, Illinois, in the year 1855. He was reared upon a farm near Equality, in that county He attended the public schools of the county and fitted himself for the work of a teacher. He came to Alexander County in 1872, where he found employment every winter in teaching. Not satisfied with his attainments, he went to Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, from which institution he graduated in 1880. He then returned to Alexander County and again pursued his chosen profession. He married a daughter of the late Pilgrim McRaven, at Wheatland, some seven or eight years ago. He has studied law and been admitted to the bar, though he has had little practice in the legal profession, as he has always lived in the country. Last November he was elected county superintendent of Alexander County by a handsome majority. He entered upon the duties of his office Dec. 1st, 1890. He was quiet and modest. He made no great pretensions but modestly and intelligently entered upon the work in which he took very great delight. About three weeks ago it was reported that he was seriously ill with typhoid fever. His friends in Cairo knew that he would receive the very best of medical care at the hands of his brother-in-law, Dr. P. H. McRaven. But medical skill could not save him. The deadly fever accomplished its fatal work, and Tuesday night he died. He leaves a wife and three small children. He lived upon a fine farm in the Clear Creek bottom near Wheatland. To his family his loss is irreparable. He was an honorable high-minded gentleman, scholarly and aspiring. He was a good citizen, a man whom Alexander County could ill afford to lose. He insured his life in the Equitable Life Assurance Society for $2,000 Sept. 16th. This will be a great help to his family just at this time. His family will doubtless receive the money within sixty days, perhaps within thirty. (Riley J. Bain married Luella McRaven on 25 Mar 1883, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Last Friday witnessed the largest funeral procession that has taken place in this town (Cobden) for some time, that of Miss Emma Bigler. There were 38 teams in line, which proved that she was highly esteemed by the people of the village and surrounding country. It is sad that death should so suddenly and ruthless snatch her from the endearments of earth so soon—only 24. She joined a party of friends, 18 in number, last Tuesday morning of last week for a time of recreation—fishing in Clear Creek. She was taken sick late that night and died before daylight the next morning, from heart disease. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bigler, of this place. Her untimely demise has cast a gloom over many warm friends and relatives. (Her marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Cobden reads: Emma C. daughter of of J. & M.A. Bigler Born March 22, 1867 Died Sept. 30, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Elder Hargis preached the funeral of Aunt Nancy Cauble, at the Baptist church last Sunday. Mrs. C. had been a member of the Baptist Church for more than 50 years. (Elco)
Thursday, 15 Oct 1891: CAPT. McKINNEY DEAD He Ended His Own Life Yesterday Morning The city was startled yesterday morning by the report that Capt. J. W. McKinney had fatally shot himself. The report seemed incredible at first, but it was confirmed by careful inquiry. It seems that he arose about 5 o’clock, as usual and called the hired girl. After a short time he went out and the girl thought he had gone to the butcher’s for steak. He did not return and the girl wondered at his long delay. She went to the water closet and finding him there immediately returned to the house and aroused his wife, saying that she thought there was something the matter with him. His wife and niece soon went out and found him speechless. They at once gave an alarm and called Dr. Sullivan. The doctor was soon on the ground. It was about 6 o’clock and was not yet light. The doctor saw blood coming upon his person and thought he had been having a hemorrhage. Upon taking hold of him the doctor found him still warm and limp. A very casual examination disclosed a bullet hole in his right temple. A Smith & Wesson 32-caliber pistol was found on the floor and the mystery was solved. It seems that the captain closed the door of the water closet and shot himself in the right temple. The bullet lodged somewhere in his head. As the door was closed the report of the pistol was not heard in the house. A coroner’s jury was empanelled but could learn nothing in addition to the facts stated above. The captain seemed in excellent spirits last night. He was doing well in business and was a man of temperate habits. No cause is known for this rash act. He leaves a widow and five boys. Capt. McKinney was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 4th, 1839, and was consequently nearly 52 years of age. He spent his life in the river and was licensed as a pilot in the year 1861. He came to Cairo in 1862 and served as post pilot and captain of the Champion No. 2. In 1865 he entered the service of the Illinois Central R. R. and continued in their service until his death, a period of 26 years. From 1865 to 1873 he was in command of the Illinois Central transfer steamer, plying between Cairo and Columbus, Ky. Since 1873 he has been in command of their transfer boats in our harbor engaged in transferring cars between the rivers. He was a very safe, reliable man, otherwise the I. C. R. R. would not have retained him so long. He was a member of the Cairo Commandery K. T. and was highly respected in our community. He leaves some property and had insurance upon his life.
John and Sarah Gregory have lost a little boy. Membranous croup was the cause of his death. (Alto Pass) (John A. Gregory married Sarah E. Haley on 4 Nov 1877, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
OBITUARY There is no flock however matched and tended But one dead lamb is there! There is no fireside, howsoever defined But has one vacant chair. The air is full of farewells to the dying. And mourning for the dead: The heart of Rachael, for her children crying, Will not be comforted. The family of our friend, Mr. A. S. Lewis, can fully appreciate the truth of the above quotation from Longfellow. Sunday night, Oct. 4, at 9:30 o’clock, Jack Lewis, the third son of A. S. Lewis and Elizabeth Lewis, his wife, died after a brief illness of twenty-four hours. He left the store Saturday night as well as usual and said to his father, “Now papa, this is my list day in the store, I shall start to school Monday morning. Who will you get in my place?” It was not only his last day in the store, but next to his last day on earth. Jack was only 17 years old, but had lived long enough to be loved by all who knew him, and was loved best by those who knew him best. He was not only a favorite of his parents, but of everybody. Nearly his last words were a kindly greeting and a pleasant word to a couple of little children. His grieved parents may well exclaim in the language of Tennyson: Forgive my grief for one removed; Thy creature, whom I found so fair. I trust he lived in Thee, and there I find him worthier to be loved.
Thursday, 2 Oct 1891: Killed by His Train. William J. Thistlewood, nephew of Capt. N. B. and Mr. P. J. Thistlewood, of this city, was killed on a Mobile & Ohio freight train near Waterloo, about 17 miles from St. Louis Monday night. He was head brakeman on the train and had been in the railroad business only a couple of weeks. It is supposed that in hurriedly stepping from one car to anther he missed his footing and fell under the wheels. Dr. Ben Thistlewood and others went up to the scene of the accident and brought the body back Tuesday evening. It was taken to Mason, Ill., yesterday for interment. The deceased was but twenty-one year old. He was formerly employed by N. B. Thistlewood & Bro. in the commissioner business. He was a son of the late David Thistlewood, and leaves a mother and sister in this city, to whom the terrible news came with crushing force. (David B. Thistlewood married Josephine Donaldson on 29 Dec 1869, in Effingham Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Fanny Myers, a colored woman, is on trial today for the murder of a woman named Claypool some months ago, and the courtroom is filled with colored folks. State’s Attorney Butler is prosecuting and M. F. Gilbert and Ted Green defending. The criminal docket will probably occupy the balance of the week.
We learn of a sad accident which took place on the farm of Mr. John Eddleman, about 4 miles west of Mill Creek. A boy 9 years old, whose name we did not learn, was dragging wheat and with a very heavy drag, having four horses hitched to it, and by some means while standing on the drag to drive, pitched forward and was caught under the drag and crushed to death. He was found dead in the field under the drag. Coroner Eddleman, of Anna, was called and an inquest held.
Quite a sad accident that proved fatal to a boy at the farm of John W. Eddleman, occurred last Monday just before noon. A boy 10 or 12 years of age, a stepson of John Hinkle was engaged in driving four horses that were pulling a roller or drag, used to prepare the plowed ground for wheat sowing, when he fell, in some way, in front of the drag, it passed over him, and as the line became tight the team was stopped, just at the time the largest log in the drag was on his body, and the life was crushed out of him. He was found in a short time by Mr. E., dead, and the coroner was called and the inquest brought no light on the subject, as no person saw the accident and verdict was rendered accordingly. (John Hinkle married Mrs. Rhoda Dickerhoof on 17 Oct 1886, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Mr. Hastings, the blind man, died on Tuesday and was buried on Wednesday at Mount Tabor.
Thursday, 29 Oct 1891: Hazard Wilson, son of the late Samuel Wilson, died Monday evening at the hospital. His sickness was of short duration.
Mr. J. H. Schaelder was in from Idlewild Tuesday. He brought the sad news of the death of his infant child, which occurred last week.
Fanny Myers, murder, twenty year in penitentiary. Fanny Myers will serve her time in Joliet.
We were pained to learn first of this week, that William Kelly, who lived on Horseshoe Lake, was dead. He was an exemplary citizen, a good neighbor, and a king and affectionate husband and father. Bro. Ashby was called to attend the funeral.
Thursday, 5 Nov 1891: Mr. Joseph Tapprich of Ullin died Monday morning after an illness extending over some weeks. He was an old resident of Ullin. He had kept the hotel there for many years and had carried on a saloon for the past year.
Mr. J. M. Galbraith, Postmaster at Villa Ridge, died last Saturday and was buried Sunday.
A man named Adkins, a son-in-law of Levi Hoffner, accidentally killed himself while hunting east of Dongola, Saturday. (Marshel Adkins married Sarah J. Hoffner on 1 Mar 1891, in Union Co., Ill. His marker in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Dongola reads: Marshall Adkins 1872-1891.—Darrel Dexter)
A daughter of Wiley Ledbetter, a farmer living east of Ullin, was seriously if not fatally burned while trying to extinguish a fire, last Monday evening.
The remains of John Hartline who killed a girl and then himself were interred at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery Friday evening. He was a nephew of C. Hartline of this place (Wetaug). (His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery reads: J. F. Hartline Born Oct. 8, 1859 Died Oct. 29, 1891 Aged 32 Yrs., 21 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Joseph Tapprich, of Ullin, who has been sick several weeks, died Monday morning. The remains were interred at Villa Ridge. He was ex-postmaster of Ullin. (Joseph Tapprick married Matilda Crary on 23 Apr 1874, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
James George, who had his spinal column dislocated and was otherwise seriously injured by having a tree fall on him, which he had cut, is doing as well as could be expected, and has a small chance of recovery. He was injured a week ago last Monday.
John Polk, while out hunting, a few days ago, accidentally shot himself, the full charge of shot taking effect in his left shoulder. He died from his wounds Saturday, and was buried at the Reform church cemetery, Sunday evening. He was a good citizen, sober, industrious and well respected. He leaves a wife and eight children who were dependent upon him for support. (Wetaug)
Rev. George Walbach, of the Reformed Church, preached the funeral of George Mowery at the church in Wetaug Friday, and conducted the burial services at Mt Pisgah Cemetery where the remains were interred. Mr. Mowery died of typhoid malarial fever, after about five weeks’ sickness. He was a good man and a worthy citizen in every respect. He had a relief membership in the Knights and Ladies of Honor for $1,000. (His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery reads: George W. Mowery Died Oct. 29, 1891, Aged 37 Yrs., 2 Mos., 21 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
Died—Oct. 30th, John Thompson, a young man of industry and honor. He leaves but two brothers, Albert and Francis, to mourn his death. He was cousin to Alex Williams and others. (Elco)
On the 29th ult., Mr. Francis Brown, living near Horace Caldwell’s while hauling a load of lumber, met with a terrible and fatal accident. In some way the load was over turned and fell upon him, crushing the life out of him. It happened one evening and he was not found until the next afternoon, the team still standing, with the lumber on the deceased. Mr. Brown was an old and most excellent citizen and we regret to have to chronicle his death.
J. A. Little attended the funeral of Mr. Galbraith at Villa Ridge last Sunday.
Mr. Thomas Freeze, an old citizen of this community (Dongola) , died last Sunday night at his home east of town. The funeral occurred Tuesday at the Karraker graveyard. (Thomas
Freeze married Mrs. Malinda Bame on 22 Sep 1859, in Union Co.,
Ill.—Darrel Dexter) James H. Manning, who was struck down with a paralytic stroke Oct. 25th is still lingering in a critical condition. Mr. M. is 72 years of age and it is feared that his recovery is doubtful, but we hope that he may get up again.
A young man named Marshall Adkins accidentally shot himself while out hunting last Saturday and died almost instantly. He lived about two miles east of town (Dongola) and had been marred only a few months.
A little less than two weeks ago the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lovitt died of that dread disease diphtheria. The other children took it and last Tuesday the next youngest child, Jessie, a little girl eight years old, died. She was beloved by all who knew her, for she possessed a remarkably week disposition, and winning ways. At school she was a bright, intelligent pupil, always docile and obedient. The bereaved parents have the deep sympathy of the community in their double affliction. The remaining three children had the disease more lightly and are now recovering.
Thursday, 12 Nov 1891: MORTUARY Mrs. Moses Herman died last Friday afternoon, after an illness of a couple of weeks. She was formerly Miss Flora Malinski. Her sudden death was a great shock to her husband and friends. Frank Drum, aged about 65 years, who resided on Division Street, wandered away from home Friday forenoon and a thorough search for him resulted in finding his body in the Mississippi River, opposite Twenty-eighth Street, late in the evening. A coroner’s jury rendered a verdict of accidental drowning. He leaves a wife and three daughters. Mrs. J. S. French, a wife, living at 29th and Sycamore Street, died Saturday evening. Her funeral occurred Monday from the Baptist Church, the Woman’s Relief Corps and W. C. T. U. attending. Lester Paul Schuh, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Schuh, died Monday, aged about two years. Diphtheric croup was the cause.
Thursday, 19 Nov 1891: Last Saturday the jury in the case of Howell for killing Frank Tripp last Christmas night, at a dance somewhere in the country, returned a verdict of six years in the penitentiary for Howell. The two men that were arraigned with Howell were acquitted.
A little child of George Hodges, at Unity, is quite ill with typho-malarial fever.
Mrs. Benjamin McDaniel, living near Hulen’s died last Wednesday, the 11th, of congestion of he bowels, and was buried on the 14th. She had been sick only a few days. She was the daughter of George W. McCrite, of this city (Cairo). (Benjamin McDaniel married Miss McCrite on 10 Feb 1889, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 26 Nov 1891: JOHN MILLER DEAD. The County Commissioner Succumbs Yesterday to Pneumonia Death Claims Other Prominent Men in this Vicinity. (picture) We are pained to announce that Mr. John Miller, one of the county commissioners of Alexander County, died at the Sister’s Hospital in this city, yesterday morning, about ten minutes after midnight. He had been ill with pneumonia, as the readers of the Citizen know. When we went to press last week, we hoped for his recovery. We knew that he was quite ill, but we also knew that men much worse than he seemed to be, often, recover. He gradually grew worse, however, His disease took a typhoid character and he became delirious. His son came own from Thebes Sunday not expecting to find him dangerously ill. When he saw his father, however, he felt that the case was well-nigh hopeless. On Monday his wife came down. Mr. Miller seemed to know her once in a lucid interval, but they had no conversation. His wife and son left with the body on the M. & O. train yesterday noon for Thebes by way of Unity. Messrs. Dewey, Sidney B. Miller and Alfred Brown, went with them. Mr. John Miller was born Aug. 5th, 1839, about two miles east of Thebes on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Martin Brown. His parents were Germans by birth and during his childhood German was the language universally used in his home. When nine years old he was left an orphan and from that time he was compelled to rely on himself in fighting life’s battle. At the age of fifteen he entered the service of H. S. and E. E. Walbridge, with whom he remained six years and thoroughly learned the art of running a sawmill. Though he was engaged in other business since that time he always drifted back to his first love. He thoroughly understood a saw mill. For several years, just after the war, he was associated with Mr. F. D. Atherton in the sawmill business. He then went upon the river, thinking he would learn the pilot’s art. After spending 18 months upon the river, a tempting offer from Watson & Anderson of Commerce, Mo., brought him back to terra firma. He accepted their offer and took charge of the walnut mills in Scott County. In 1879 he opened a country store at Oran, Mo. He subsequently followed the same business at other places but drifted back to Alexander County in 1880, and has lived in this county since that time. In 1882 he was the Republican candidate for county commissioner and received a majority of the votes cast, but in consequence of the failure of the judges of election, in one precinct to certify the returns, he was counted out. In 1884 he was again nominated by the Republicans and elected. He was re-elected in 1887 and again in 1890, which he had no opposition. He was a man of varied experience and great versatility of character. It is not necessary to say that he made an excellent commissioner; people said that at the polls. On the first of March, 1866, he married Miss S. S. Hancock, at Cape Girardeau, Mo., whom he now leaves a widow. She was the daughter of Henderson and Rebecca Hancock, natives of Kentucky. She is a most estimable lady and has been a faithful and devoted wife. Mr. Miller owned a fine farm just north of Thebes, which is occupied and managed by his son, while he occupied a little homestead in the town of Thebes.
Death of Dr. George G. Parker. The serious illness of Dr. Parker at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago has been more than once announced in the Citizen. After lying on the boundaries of another world for several days, he passed away last Thursday night about nine o’clock. He was born in Rutland, Meigs County, Ohio, February 1st, 1849, and was consequently 42 years of age last February. He came to Cairo about the year 1873 and associated himself with Dr. H. Wardner in the practice of medicine and surgery. He has devoted himself strictly to the practice of his profession from the first. His course here has been a constant growth until at the time of his death, he was facilis princeps among the medical fraternity of Southern Illinois. He took special delight in surgery and had a large practice in that department of his profession. He had been the surgeon of the Illinois Central Railroad Company for many years. He was appointed Pension Examiner about the year 1879. He occupied that position until the time of his death, with an interruption of about two years during the latter part of President Arthur’s Administration. He was a man of careful, prudent habits, and had acquired a competence. Some two years ago he married Mrs. Mae Loomis, widow of Mr. C. O. Loomis, of Coldwater, Mich., whom he leaves a widow. His remains were taken to this old home on Ohio for interment, where his aged parents still live. The slight wound, which caused his death, was received October 20th. He was dressing the finger of a railroad man. He laid down his instrument and in a quick movement afterward his right thumb came in contact with the sharp point. He realized the danger at once, and instantly sucked the wound, and did everything which could be done to avert the danger. But nothing could stay the progress of the poison. It was in his blood and worked through the system. He left Cairo October 31st, reaching Chicago November 1st. There in St. Luke’s Hospital everything which could be down for his relief was done. His wife , his brother and three or four other Cairo friends were constantly at his side on the alert to do all in their power for his relief. All efforts of kind friends availed nothing. The grim reaper cut him down in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness.
Gov. Finch Dead. The news comes to us that Mr. E. H. Finch, of Anna, died Monday. We knew that he had been quite ill, but were not prepared to hear of his death so soon. Mr. Finch was one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Anna. He came there in 1855, when the town was first laid out, and has lived there since that time. He was for many years a member of the Board of Trustee of the Southern Illinois Hospital for the Insane. He was a man of unquestioned integrity and high character. He was interested in a large livery stable at Anna, and in the lime kiln at Ullin. He leaves a widow and one son. He was in his 73d year at the time of his death. (His marker in Anna Cemetery reads: Eleazer H. Finch 1818-1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Col. Deal Dead. Col. H. J. Deal died at his home in Charleston, Mo., last Friday morning aged 61 years. Col. Deal had lived in Charleston thirty-five years and had been one of the most prominent men in the county. He is said to have been the father of the watermelon culture in Mississippi County and a few years ago he commenced the culture of the osier willow and the manufacture of willow ware. He was of German descent and was born in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Baptist church.
Another Homicide. William Orange, a son of the notorious Jim Orange, was shot an instantly killed by his wife yesterday afternoon, about three o’clock, near the corner of Tenth Street and Commercial Avenue. The woman ran, but was intercepted, arrested and placed in the county jail. The parties were colored. (Will Orange married Ella Stevenson on 19 Mar 1890, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Mr. W. C. Blaunelt was suddenly called to Newberg, N.Y., last week by the death of a sister.
We mentioned last week that a little child of George Hodges, of Unity, was quite ill. We are sorry to announce that the little fellow died Monday. He was three years old.
Mrs. Lydia Hatter, the aged mother of Mr. G. W. Hatter, Division Superintendent of the I. C. R.R. died last Thursday at the residence of her son in this city, aged 77 years. The remains were taken to Centralia, Friday for interment.
The old reaper is getting in his work with terrible energy. We announce this week the deaths of Dr. Parker, John Miller, Gov. Finch, of Anna, and Col. Deal of Charleston, Mo., all men of prominence in this vicinity.
The death of John Miller makes it necessary to call a special election to choose his successor.
Mrs. Leist, mother of Rev. P. Englebert, died Friday, Nov. 20th, of pneumonia, after a short illness. She was born in Switzerland in the year 1803, but removed to this country many years ago. She had lived at the Abbey farm, below town (Wetaug) for several years and had always been in vigorous health until the last three of four years, since which time she had become blind and much broken in health. The funerals services were held Monday at St. Joseph’s Church in Wetaug, after rites of the Catholic church, of which she was a devout member. Several members of the clergy from Cairo and Anna were in attendance and many friends from the neighboring towns and country. The remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery near the church. (Her marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Wetaug reads: Elisabeth Leist Born 1803 Died Nov. 20, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Mr. Dan Kiser’s little son, Marion, has been suffering with typhoid fever, and at the present writing little hopes are entertained of his recovery. (Cobden)
Thursday, 3 Dec 1891: TOOK HER OWN LIFE. Mrs. McKinney Was Declared Insane on Monday. But Ended Her Life in a Cistern This Morning. Mrs. J. W. McKinney, wife of the late Capt. McKinney, was brought before the county court Monday afternoon and inquiry was made as to her sanity. After hearing the evidence, the jury found her insane. She will be taken to Anna for treatment at the hospital. She has five children, all boys ranging in age from five to fifteen years, but as the captain left several thousand dollars at his death, they will be well provided for. Mrs. McKinney labored under the delusion that she and her family would come to want. Some months ago her little daughter died and recently her husband died by his own hand. Her trouble seems to have seriously affected her mind. It is hoped that after a few months at Anna she will be fully restored to health, mentally and otherwise. Later—A Sad End Mrs. McKinney was permitted to remain in charge of relatives at her own home until this morning. It was necessary to appoint a conservator before taking her to the hospital at Anna and no one could be found who would take the position. It was expected, however, last night that a conservator would be appointed today and that she would be sent to Anna today. This morning about six o’clock she was found dead in a cistern. It seems that she arose perhaps about five o’clock and quietly stole out of the house in her night dress and threw herself into the cistern. The boys will now probably be sent to the Masonic Orphan’s Home as Capt. McKinney was a very prominent Mason.
Killed His Brother. A sad accident which was as usual the result of careless handling of a loaded gun, brought anguish to the family of Mrs. James H. Mulcahy, at Commercial Point, depriving them of a bright lad of about 17 years of age, on Thanksgiving Day. A flock of geese was a tempting sight to Jimmie and his younger brother Eddie, and they ran to get a gun, intending to load it and try their skill. While in the hands of the smaller boy it was discharged, the charge entering Jimmie’s breast just above his heart, killing him instantly. The sad event was a dreadful ending of what should have been a happy day. Rev. W. A. Ridge, of Dongola, was called by telegraph to come down and attend the funeral. (James H. Mulcahy married Nancy A. M. Burress on 13 Jan 1870, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
The little six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lind, living at the corner of Cedar and Twelfth streets, died last Saturday morning of membranous croup. (Jacob Lind married Lena F. Klein on 29 Nov 1883, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
The death of John Miller made Thanksgiving a day of sorrow at this place (Thebes).
The funeral of Luther Bruce at his late residence last Saturday morning was conducted by Rev. J. B. Green, after which a large circle of friends followed the remains to the burial in I. O. O. F. Cemetery. The suicide of Mr. Bruce was quite sad. He deliberately took morphine in time to relieve him and he died within three hours after taking it on Thanksgiving night. Mr. B. was well known here and had many friends. He leaves a widow, three daughters and one son. His father and one sister came down from Iowa last Saturday. Mr. Bruce of Davies County, Iowa, and his daughter spent a few days here with Mrs. Bruce. Mrs. Smith, county superintendent of schools, of Pulaski County, and other relatives of Mrs. B. and C. C. Parks and wife and brother of Anna, relatives of Mr. L. Bruce, were at the funeral last Sunday. Mrs. Bruce and children desire to thank the people of Dongola and vicinity for their kindness during their afflictions. (Luther Bruce married Harriet Jane Howell on 14 Apr 1872, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 10 Dec 1891: DR. PARKER SUICIDES. Ended His Life with a Pistol Tuesday Evening. Grief Over the Loss of his Brother Unbalances His Mind. Cairo was shaken from center to circumference Tuesday evening when the news spread that Dr. D. H. Parker had shot himself through the heart. The terrible tragedy occurred about 4:50 p.m. Mr. H. L. Halliday, cousin of the deceased; Dr. Frank Parker, his younger brother; Mr. W. N. Butler, and Judge W. H. Boyer, were in the law office of Boyer & Butler, just in the rear of Dr. Parker’s suite of rooms, settling the estate of Dr. George Parker, Mr. Halliday having been appointed administrator. Dr. Herbert had assisted them in getting some papers out of the safe, but had remained in his office when the others left it. A shot and a scream reached the ears of the gentlemen as they were seated in the back room and Dr. Frank Parker sprang to his feet, exclaiming, “My God, it is ended!” Simultaneously, Mr. Halliday cried, “My God, it has come to this!” They immediately rushed forward into Dr. Parker’s rooms, Mr. Butler in the lead. He found the doctor sitting upon the bed with his hand upraised. Thinking if he were not dead he might do further violence, Mr. Butler grasped his hands and the doctor fell over backward on the bed, and with a gasp expired. The shot entered his beast just over his heart. The pistol was found on the floor where it had fallen. A coroner’s inquest was held immediately and the testimony developed to the above facts. Mr. Butler was one of the witnesses and having been eight days in Chicago, at the bedside of Dr. George, he was thrown a great deal of the time in the company of Dr. Herbert. From the first the latter gave up all hopes of his brother’s recovery, and his grief and despair at the thought of losing him, was terrible to witness. Thoughts of his brother seemed constantly on his mind from the time of his death until he committed this terrible deed, and no doubt the handling of his brother’s papers in the adjustment of the estate brought an avalanche of recollection which were too much for his worn mind to endure. Dr. Daniel Herbert Parker was 39 years of age. He was born in Rutland, Ohio, where his aged parents and brother Frank reside. He was associated with his brother in the practice of medicine here and the skill and study of the two secured for them a practice which very few physicians can enjoy. That he should prefer death to the continuance of so grand a work as that left him by his brother is a matter of general surprise. Much sympathy is felt for his aged parents upon whom the second blow will fall with crushing force. The remains were sent yesterday afternoon to the Ohio home where the interment will be made.
James Dunning, a son of Henry Dunning, of Frog Flats, was very sick early this week. He is a young man about 22 years of age and married.
Dr. Mary Safford, sister of the late Mr. A. B. Safford, died at Tarpon Springs, Florida, Tuesday evening. She was born at Morristown, Vermont, and was sixty years old at her death. She spent a number of years in this city.
A young man probably 25 years of age, was killed last Saturday on the land of J. B. Anderson, near Willard, in this county. He was engaged with a partner in clearing land. They were felling a tree and by some means the tree fell upon him and killed him.
Died at the residence of Herman Schmidt in Springville, on last Sunday night, Miss Ida Ludwig, sister to Fred Ludwig, of our town. The remains were taken to their home in Missouri for interment.
Died, on last Sunday, a little child of Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Watkins, one mile east of Mill Creek. (Green P. Watkins married Dakota Cruse on 3 Apr 1887, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Little Fred Keith, son of Robert Keith, died last Sunday from membranous croup and was buried in the new cemetery on Monday. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the community (Alto Pass) in their loss, and the mother a comforting fact as she thinks of her little angel boy. (Robert Keith married Missouri Davis on 12 Aug 1880, in Union Co., Ill. His marker in Alto Pass Cemetery reads: Freddie son of Robert & Zura Keith Died Dec. 6, 1891 Aged 2 Yrs., 9 Mos., & 16 Ds. Our precious darling angel.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 17 Dec 1891: Death of Cyrus Stevens. Rev. Cyrus Stevens died at his home in Randolph, Tennessee, last Friday. The remains were brought to Cairo for interment. Funeral services were held at the Free Will Baptist Church, corner of 15th and Walnut streets, last Monday, after which the body was taken to Villa Ridge for burial. Mr. Stevens formerly lived in Cairo, but has lived in Tennessee for several years. He opened a farm down there and was comfortably situated. He was a good man and his death will prove a loss to the community in which he lived. He was honest, conscientious and conservative. His influence over the colored people of his neighborhood was most excellent. He leaves a wife and four children, some of them grown to manhood.
Death of Gov. Safford. Governor A. P. K. Safford died at his home at Tarpon Springs, Florida, last Monday. He was a brother of the late A. B. Safford of this city. Gov. Safford was born near St. Albans, Vermont, Feb. 14, 1828, and was consequently nearly 64 years of age. He came to Illinois at an early day and afterward went on to the Pacific Cost. He was appointed governor of Arizona by General Grant and held the position during two terms. He finally went to Florida where he founded the town of Tarpon Springs and became largely interested in Florida real estate. He leaves a widow and several children.
Card of Thanks. We, the undersigned desiring to express our thanks to the good people of Cairo for their kindness to our late husband and father, John Miller, during his sickness in that city, take this means of publicly expressing our unfeigned thanks to all who so kindly watched over him and endeavored to alleviate his sufferings, as best they could, during his life and so kindly accompanied his remains to his late home so sadly bereaved of its head, and we especially desire to express our thanks to the Sisters at St. Mary’s hospital for their kindness in nursing him so faithfully while under their care. Mrs. John Miller, Chris. Miller Thebes, Ill., Dec. 14th, 1891
Murder Will Out. Nearly two years ago, Hon. D. B. Gillham was murdered in his own house in Upper Alton, Ill. He awoke from a sound sleep in the night and found a burglar in his bedroom. He sprang from his bed to attack the scoundrel and was shot dead. The murderer fled leaving no clue to his identity. But the crime was not forgotten. Detectives were constantly on the alert to discover the criminal. They found circumstantial evidence, which justified them in arresting three men and holding them for trial. One of them weakened and told the whole story. On his evidence supported by corroborating circumstances, two of them were convicted and sentenced to a term of thirty years each in the Illinois penitentiary. The murder was a most atrocious crime. Mr. Gillham was a very prominent gentleman of standing and character. The death penalty is the only proper punishment for this crime, but it is seldom inflicted when the crime is proved by the testimony of an accomplice.
Miss Mary Axley, of Ullin, died last Thursday evening.
Edward Leahigh, nephew of Mr. T. W. Leahigh, died at the hospital Sunday morning of pneumonia. He was in the employ of his uncle, engaged in operating mills in Missouri. His age was 35 years.
WRECK ON THE MOBILE. Three Men Killed and Ten Injured. ALTO PASS, Dec. 16th.—A terrible head end collision occurred on the M. & O. Railroad between a construction train going north and an extra freight going south, on Thursday, Dec. 10th, about three fourths of a mile south of Mountain Glen depot. Three men were instantly killed and the others seriously wounded. The killed were Engineer G. S. Flippen, Simson Olsion and James Miller, two laborers on the construction train. Those injured are Logan Dixon, James Elliott, William Gregory, and James Bain, all of Murphysboro; James and John Massey, of Ava; Chat Winters, of Pomona; Michael Daily, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Dennis Godfrey and James Applegate, address unknown. Coroner Eddleman was early on the scene of the disaster and a jury of six was empanelled with Harry Grear, of Anna, as foreman. From the evidence given it was clearly proven that Engineer Flippen had orders to take the extra freight down by engine 88 to the gravel pit, passing No. 12 at Jonesboro, not leaving Mountain Glen until 4:30 p.m. and to keep a lookout for engine 53 with the construction train flagging north, of which train Ben Cutler was engineer and Rathbon was the conductor. Cutler acknowledged receiving orders agreeing with Flippen’s, but that he misread the word north for south and protected his train the wrong way. He also admitted his neglect to give his conductor a copy of the orders he received. This blunder on the part of Cutler caused the collision. Dashing around a curve at 40 miles an hour, almost without warning the two trains came together with a fearful crash. The wrecking train with officials and medical aid came as quick as possible from Murphysboro. In the meantime, Dr. Sanders and Dr. Minnie Sanders did heroic work caring for the injured. Jonesboro ought to be proud of a lady with such ability, energy and pure grit as Miss Sanders evidently possesses. Engineer Flippen was a Christian man and the first thing taken from his body was his Bible. His last words were to his fireman, Turner, telling him to jump. His last act was to whistle breaks down and reverse his engine. The mistake of Cutler seems all the more strange from the fact that recently some five of six men have been discharged by the company for disobeying their orders.
We are sorry to hear of the death of Barney Tapprich, which occurred in Ullin last week. (His marker in Ullin Cemetery reads: Barnard Tapprich Born April 16, 1868 Died Dec. 7, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 24 Dec 1891: SUICIDE NEAR WICKLIFFE. A Young Stranger Found with Two Bullet Holes in Him. WICKLIFFE, KY., December 23, 1891.—On last Saturday a young man, while hunting stock in the river bottoms between East Cairo and Wickliffe, Ky., was crossing the Illinois Central and Mobile and Ohio railroads at the river landing known as Fillmore, between the tracks which are not more than one hundred feet apart at that place, in a dense thicket of weeds and bushes, he heard groans as of a human being in agonized suffering. Dismounting, he approached the spot and found a man wounded and bleeding lying on the ground. He immediately went to the fish boat of John Guinn, some distance away and found Mr. Guinn, who with others repaired immediately to the spot. Investigation showed the victim the tragedy to be a young man barely in his 20s, of firm form and physique, well dressed and apparently in the health and vigor of young manhood except two bullets holes , one in the left breast below the heart, the other in the head near the right temple from the effects of which he was found to be dying. The authorities of Wickliffe were noticed and as soon as possible the squire, William Powell, with a sufficient number for a coroner’s jury and quite a large following besides, went with all hast to the fatal spot. After satisfying themselves that the unfortunate man was past human aid, the officers present and the crowd set about the find the cause of the sad affair and the name and home of the victim. Developments were very slow as it was soon found that every precaution had been taken to hide any means of identity. A pistol was found lying on the ground with two chambers emptied and a box of pistol cartridges was found in one hip pocket with the same number of, and the same cartridges that it took to load the pistol. Fragments of paper cut into very small pieces were scattered on the ground, but all too badly cut to be put together and make anything intelligible of, even the buttons were cut off his clothing and the name and initials cut from his handkerchiefs and clothing. Finally a pair of scissors with which the cutting had been done were found in a bush nearby, then after a more thorough search the buttons from his clothing were found buried in the ground, these buttons gave a clue as the name and address of the tailor who had made the clothes were on the buttons, the tailor was telegraphed to at Mendota, Ills. On Monday morning, just as the citizens were getting ready to bury the young man, who had died during Saturday night, a telegram was received from Alpheus Dean, a prominent man at Galesburg, Ill., stating the young man at Galesburg, Ill, stating the young man was his son and to keep the body till he came. Tuesday morning a Mr. F. A. Dean, a brother to the dead man, arrived, and immediately recognized the body as that of his brother, Howard. Mr. F. A. Dean heard the circumstances of his brother’s death and readily consented that he had taken his own life and related additional circumstances that led him to believe that Howard was partially deranged before he let Chicago, and that he came down here on purpose, as he had no business down this way, but that his brother had no known cause except a severe attack of la grippe to lose his mind. Howard was only 21 years old and working at a salary of $80 per month and expense and had money ahead, but very little on his person when he died. Mr. F. A. Dean returned with the body of his brother by first train on the M & O Railroad. He passed through Cairo on his way north Tuesday noon. Howard Dean was in the employment of Rumsey & Chicago. He made his home with a sister at Glencoe, Ill. Last Thursday he went into Chicago from Glencoe, intending to go out to Galesburg to spend the holidays. He sent his valise to Galesburg by express and he himself disappeared. Nothing was heard from him till the Wickliffe people telegraphed to Mendota, as we have stated above. That Howard Dean was insane there is no doubt; that he committed suicide there is no doubt. The young man who came down is a member of the firm of A. Dean & Son, of Galesburg. Their business is furniture and undertaking. He is a young man of fine appearance and evidently belongs to a good family. He seems to think the Wickliffe people might have given his brother more tender are and attention during his dying hours. This was his only criticism..
The Father of Lloyd W. Robertson Dead. Mr. William Robertson died at Paducah Sunday morning, Dec. 13, aged 83 years. He was the father of Mr. Lloyd W. Robertson and of Mrs. Anna Reno, wife of Ed Reno, of Cairo. Mr. Robertson lived in Cairo for a short time about eight years ago and was very highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a devout member of the Christian church and went down to his grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. His widow and seven grown children survive him. (Edward Reno married Anna H. Roberson on 17 May 1887, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Eugene Loyd, a little son of Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Metzger, died Tuesday evening of bronchitis. He was only four months of age. Funeral today. (Matthew C. Metzger married Augusta L. Schuh on 23 Apr 1884, in Alexander Co., Ill. A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads: Eugene Lloyd Metzger Born July 31, 1891 Died Dec. 22, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Mrs. McClaren, wife of Mr. J. B. McClaren, of Ullin, died last Sunday of grippe. Her death will be an irreparable loss to her husband and to the community in which she lived.
If the Bulletin man will read the account of the Wickliffe tragedy in this issue it will learn the facts. Fred Dean did not stop here at all. He reached Wickliffe early Tuesday morning, spent a few hours there and passed through Cairo with the body of his brother on his return north at 12:30 Tuesday by the Mobile and Ohio railroad. The valise of which the Bulletin has so much to say was shipped from Chicago to Galesburg by express.
FRANCIS VINCENT DEAD. Another Old Citizen of Cairo Passes Away. Our community was shocked last Friday night by the announcement of the death of Mr. Francis Vincent. The fact was that very few people knew that he was ill. Last Wednesday he had symptoms of grippe and consulted a physician. Thursday he was out attending to business a part of the day, but was quite ill toward night. Friday morning he was apparently a little better, but was confined to his bed. Late in the afternoon a sudden change came over him and his breathing became very difficult. Physicians were sent for as speedily as possible, but to no purpose. His heart ceased to beat—the silver cord was broken. Francis Vincent was born in the south of France, June 4th, 1814. He came to the United States in 1836 and to Cairo in 1857, and has lived here since that time. He was one of our oldest citizens and was a member of the Old Citizens’ Association. At the close of the war he was quite wealthy and erected a fine house on Fifteenth Street, near Locust. Afterward his good fortune seemed for a time to forsake him. He was compelled to sell his house. Later in life he gradually improved his condition, and at the time of his death was doing a good business and had again secured some valuable real estate. He leaves a widow and four grown children. His funeral, which occurred Sunday, was attended by Rev. C. T. Phillips. It was conducted by Cairo Lodge A. F. & A. M.and by the Old Citizens Association. Our old landmarks are rapidly disappearing.
Mrs. McClaren’s remains were brought here Monday from Ullin and interred in Cobden Cemetery. She died of la grippe. (Joseph B. McClaran married Caroline McClarey on 8 Apr 1862, in Pulaski Co., Ill. Her marker in Cobden Cemetery reads: Caroline McClaran Born Oct. 12, 1828 Died Dec. 20, 1891.—Darrel Dexter)
Thursday, 31 Dec 1891: DEATH’S HARVEST. Mrs. Nathaniel Prouty. Mrs. Nathaniel Prouty died in this city Tuesday evening. Funeral today from St. Patrick’s Church, Father Diepenbrock, officiating. The remains will be interred at Beech Grove. Mrs. Prouty was born in Germany, and was sixty-six years of age. She had been twice married. Her first husband was Henry Dinkel, who died in this city about fifteen years ago. She leaves no children.
John F. Little. We learn just before going to press that Mr. John F. Little, of Dongola, died Monday. He was an old and highly esteemed citizen. He was the express agent at Dongola with an office near the depot. Very few people who travel upon the Illinois Central railroad have failed to become familiar with his venerable face. We hope to give a more extended notice net week.
J. W. Smith. Mr. J. W. Smith, of Johnson County, died at the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. Thomas J. Cowan, in Bloomfield Township, Sunday morning, December 20th, aged 31 years. Mr. Smith had been a teacher in Johnson County most of the time for thirteen years and stood very high in the profession. He was a candidate for the nomination for county superintendent in 1890, but was defeated in the convention. He recently entered the railway mail service and had made a few trips on the Illinois Central railroad. He was attacked with typhoid pneumonia and after a terrible struggle with the disease for two weeks, nature was compelled to succumb to the fell destroyer. He leaves a young widow, an aged father and mother and three sisters to mourn his untimely death. He was an active, self-made man and was highly respected wherever he was known. (James W. Smith married Mary V. Cowan on 3 Oct 1889, in Johnson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
Col. Jacob Wheeler. Col. Jacob Wheeler dropped dead from heart disease at his home in Springfield last Friday. He was pleasantly talking with his family and death came without warning. He had long been well known as a Republican politician. He was a member of the State Board of Equalization from 1872 to 1874, a member of the Legislature from 1874 to 1878, United States Marshal under President Hayes, subsequently United States Revenue Collector, and in 1890 Supervisor of the Census for this District. He had been popularly credited with having engineered the memorable “still hunt” at the special election in the Thirty-fourth District in 1885, which resulted in the election of Wheeler, a Republican to the Legislature, and thereby broke the deadlock and elected Gen. John A. Logan to the United States Senate. Col. Wheeler was 57 years old.
David L. Hawkins died at his home near Blodgett, Mo., last Saturday morning. Mr. Hawkins was elected Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit in 1868, and re-elected in 1874. He was a lawyer of recognized ability and was appointed Assistant Secretary of Interior under Cleveland’s Administration. His remains were taken to Cape Girardeau for burial.
All the parties who were engaged in the murder of John Simpson in Johnson County some two weeks ago have been arrested and imprisoned in the county jail at Vienna. Mr. Spann has been employed to assist the state’s attorney and the fellows will be prosecuted with vigor.
Death has just called away another one of our old and beloved citizens, Mr. James F. Little. We will give full particulars next week; cannot get the full particulars in time for the press this week. |