Obituaries and Death Notices

 

The Cairo Citizen

6 Jan 1898-29 Dec 1898

Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois


Transcribed and annotated by Darrel Dexter

darreldexter@hotmail.com
 

Thursday, 6 Jan 1898:
Hudson, the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Houghawout, died Tuesday afternoon, after only a very short illness.
 
The wife of Elmer E. McRaven, of McClure, died last Thursday and was buried Friday.  She was the daughter of Henry Jarvis, an old resident of this county and a soldier of the late war.  The deceased was twenty years of age.  Mr. McRaven is the youngest brother of Dr. P. H. McRaven.

(Elmer E. McRaven married Alice Jarvis on 6 Oct 1895, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Westerman died on Wednesday of last week of malarial fever.  (Olive Branch)
 
Mrs. E. Elbert Kimmell died in Murphysboro at the home of her brother-in-law, A. B. Garrett, December 30.  She was 30 years and 2 months old.  The deceased contracted a severe attack of pneumonia in 1895 at Chicago, which afterwards developed into a hopeless case of consumption.  She was the youngest daughter of the late Dr. A. G. Williams.  She was a kind disposition and was liked by everyone who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.  Her remains were brought to Dongola and after the funeral services, which were held in the Congregational church, of which she was a member, was followed by a large concourse of people and interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.  She leaves to mourn her loss a fond husband, Prof. E. E. Kimmell, of Murphysboro; an aged mother, Mrs. S. R. Williams, of Dongola; three sisters, Mrs. A. B. Garrett, of Murphysboro, Mrs. H. E. Eddleman,  Mrs. F. E. Bravard, and one brother, A. H. Williams, all of Dongola.  The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the grief stricken ones.

(Eli Ebbert Kimmel married Mollie Williams on 13 Aug 1890, in Union Co., Ill.  Henry E. Eddleman married Aquila J. Williams on 12 Oct 1876, in Union Co., Ill.  Frank Brevard married Alice Williams on 18 May 1880, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at Dongola reads:  Mollie Williams Kimmel 1867-1897.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mr. Lane, a brother of G. V. Lane, died last Sunday and was buried Monday at Beechwood Cemetery.  Mr. Lane has been an invalid for years and was a great sufferer.  (Villa Ridge)
 
Mrs. Rebecca White died Monday morning.  She was one of our oldest settlers and the mother of A. D. Childers, who was buried Sunday last.  (Sandusky)

(Tapley White married Rebecca E. Childers on 31 Dec 1868, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Jan. 4th, Mrs. Mary Wilbur.  Remains were removed to Marshall, Ill, for interment.  (Thebes)
 
Elizabeth M. Gore, wife of Thomas M. Gore, died here (Vienna) on December 30, after a lingering illness.  She was 37 years old and was born in Tennessee, coming to Illinois with per parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Parrish in 1870.  She was the mother of three children, two boys and a girl, only one boy now surviving her of the children.  Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Saturday, conducted by Rev. J. H. Ford and the remains were laid at rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

(Thomas M. Gore married Elizabeth M. Parrish on 24 Dec 1878, in Johnson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 13 Jan 1898:
Mrs. Robinson, the aged mother of Capt. John H. Robinson, died in Springfield, Mo., last Monday.  She was 88 years of age.  The family lived in Cairo during the war and left here in 1869.  Capt. Robinson went on to attend the funeral, which occurred yesterday.
 
Judge W. S. Dewey left for Springfield last night to appear before the Board of Pardons as counsel for Fred Douglas, sent up for life for murder in 1888.  His brother, C. B. Dewey, accompanied him,
 
Sandy Redman, a well known colored man, died this morning of consumption.
 
Died, in this city last Saturday, January 8th, Mrs. Katherine Hogan, in the 83rd year of her age.  The funeral occurred Monday.  She was in comfortable circumstances and was ill but two or three days.  She was one of the oldest citizens of Cairo.  She was the mother of John P. Hogan, formerly a member of our police force, but now a watchman on the bridge over the Ohio River.
 
Death of a Former Cairoite.

The following from the St. Louis Globe Democrat of Saturday tells of the death of a former Cairoite:  Hugh M. Mann, an old resident of St. Louis, died yesterday morning at St. Mary's Infirmary, after a short illness. Mr. Mann was born in Philadelphia seventy-eight years ago, and spent his early life in Louisville and Cincinnati.  After his father's death he came to St. Louis.  During the gold fever of '49 he went to California, where he was quite successful in mining and also carried on a large foundry business in San Francisco.  A few years later he returned to St. Louis and entered the foundry business with Mr. Joseph B. Reed. At the beginning of the Civil War the firm of Reed & Mann moved to Cairo, Ill., and built many of the steamboats used during the war on the river.
 
Died, Wednesday, Jan. 5th, after a lingering illness from cerebro spinal meningitis, Bertha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Sowers, aged 11 years.  She was a bright little schoolgirl and a loving playmate, and it is sad that her young life should, like a beautiful flower in the springtime, be so ruthlessly snatched from the parent stem.  Kind hands there were to smooth her pillow, and night after night with gentlest care the best friends that a child ever can know, ministered to every want, but all in vain.  The little lamp of life gradually grew dimmer, and at last with just the faintest flutter the little spirit passed to the life beyond, and a happy home was left dark and desolate.  The remains were interred at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Kitch conducting the funeral obsequies, at 11 o'clock on Friday.  The family have the sympathy of everyone in their affliction.

(Eli Sowers married Malinda Braddy on 27 Mar 1873, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Bertha L. Dau. of Eli & Malinda Sowers Born June 7, 1887 Died June 5, 1898, Aged 10 Yrs., 11 Mos., & 28 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The remains of a Mrs. Lasley was brought here from Collinsburg Tuesday for interment.  (Vienna)
 
L. B. Sidman, of near Simpson, died Tuesday of this week at 1 o'clock p.m., aged 82 years, 2 months and 25 days.  Interment will take place Thursday at Carey Springs Cemetery east of Vienna.
 
DEATHS.
Sarah A. Johnson.

Mrs. Sarah A. Johnson was born in Missouri Dec. 15th, 1854, and at the age of 15 moved to Alexander County, Ill., where she resided up to the time of her death.  She was married to Nathan Sams in January 1871.  To them were born four children, two of whom are still living.  After the death of her first husband she was married to Thomas Johnson on the 24th of February 1881.  From this marriage there were seven children of whom five are living.  She was ever a faithful and loving companion, a true and devoted mother.  For the past two months her health was not good.  She was taken much worse on Wednesday, Dec. 29th, and declined rapidly until death came to her relief on Tuesday, Jan. 4th, at 3 p.m. at the family residence near McClure, Ill.  She leaves a husband and children besides many relatives and friends to mourn her loss.  The funeral services were conducted by the writer from the residence and the body was interred in the family burying ground four miles distant to await the morning of the resurrection.  May the tender mercies of a loving and compassionate Heavenly Father attend the bereaved father and husband and ever be over and around about the motherless children.
J. D. Dillard.

(Nathan Sams married Sarah A. Dickerson on 24 Jan 1871, in Union Co., Ill.  Thomas J. Johnson married Mrs. Sarah A. Sams on 24 Feb 1881, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 20 Jan 1898:
The little five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Baker, of West Twenty-fifth street, died suddenly Monday morning of croup  Mr. Baker is in the railway mail service on the Cotton Belt road.
 
Gossett McKinney, son of the late Capt. J. W. McKinney, was adjudged insane by the county court Monday.  Drs. Rendleman and Walsh were appointed by Judge Dewey to make the inquiry.  He is 19 years of age and his trouble is inherited.  It will be remembered this father committed suicide some eight years ago by shooting himself and that the mother was pronounced insane a year later and the next day after the inquiry she jumped into a cistern and was drowned.  The boy was taken to Anna Tuesday.
 
DEATHS.
Harris Schultze.

Happy, jovial Harris Schultze is dead.  He was suddenly taken off in the prime of life.  Saturday evening he attended choir meeting at the Lutheran church as usual.  He was a great lover of music and was always on hand to join in the singing. Sunday morning he arose, apparently as well as ever, but was stricken with apoplexy almost immediately and his life hung in the balance until about 7:30 o’clock Monday evening when he died.  The suddenness of his taking off was a great shock to everyone.  Mr. Schultze was 44 years of age.  He was born in Chicago on May 16, 1853, and was the son of Christian and Caroline Schulze and the only boy among six children.  He came to Cairo with his parents when young.  He was one of the first class to be confirmed in the Lutheran church here in 1867.  On Nov. 12, 1878, he married Hermina A. Lohr, daughter of Andrew Lohr.  The widow and two children, Edith and Harris, survive him, also his aged mother and two sisters, all of whom are here to attend the funeral.  The mother and one sister reside at Grand Tower, and his married sister lives at Murphysboro.  Mr. Schulze was formerly engaged in the grocery business here, but later has been in the employ of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad.  He was an active member of the Alexander Lodge I. O. O. F., and the Arab Fire Company.  Funeral services are held at the Lutheran church this afternoon and the remains will be interred at Villa Ridge Cemetery.

(Harris Schulze married Hermine A. Lohr on 21 Nov 1878, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mary B. Yost.

Mrs. Mary Barrett Yost, wife of Casper Yost, died last Monday forenoon at eleven o’clock, after an illness of a few days.  She attended a meeting of the missionary society of the Methodist church Tuesday afternoon of last week and returning home was taken with pneumonia, from which she never recovered. The disease was progressing favorably, but heart failure set in and she died at eleven o’clock.

Mrs. Yost was born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., on July 2nd, 1844, her maiden name being Mary E. Barrett.  Even in her early childhood she was always active in church work and as a leader of the singing.  She was married to Mr. Yost on Sept. 17, 1862, and in 1866 they moved to Cairo, where they have resided continuously.  Her husband alone survives her.  Mrs. Minnie Countryman, who was a ward of Mr. Yost, was reared by them, but they had no children of their own.

During her entire life, Mrs. Yost was a sufferer. When a child she became lame in her left foot, and since her marriage she has been an invalid and suffered constantly from other causes, but in spite of bodily ailments she was always cheerful, unusually so, and active in benevolent work.  Before her health compelled her to give up the work, she was a faithful worker in the Methodist Sunday School, and at her death was one of the church stewards.  In the Woman’s Relief Corps she held a number of positions, among them president and was installed treasurer of the corps on Jan. 3d, last.  She also held positions in the state organizations.  In whatever organization she labored, she was always willing and was always a ready, and an intelligent and pointed talker, consequently her services were always in demand.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. J. A. Scarritt, Wednesday afternoon, and the remains were taken to Villa Ridge cemetery for interment.

Mrs. Yost was the youngest of ten children, and two brothers survive her.  One of them, Siras A. Barrett, of Ashley, with his family, attended the funeral.  The other brother lives in Arkansas.

Mr. Yost has been for a number of years a mail carrier at the post office, and their home is at 531 Thirty-fourth Street.

(Caspar Yost married Mary E. Barrett on 18 Sep 1862, in Jefferson Co., Ill.  Her marker in Cairo City Cemetery reads:  Mary Barrett Yost Born July 2, 1844 Died Jan. 17, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, William R. Rains, at Creal Springs, aged 77 years.  He served during the war in Co. B, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteers.
 
Died, Mrs. Ann E. Kathan, aged 59, at Mount Vernon.  She was a niece of Commodore Perry, the hero of Lake Erie.
 
Died, Thomas Golden, of Clay County, at his home in Harter, aged 81 years.  Seventy years of his life were spent in Clay County.
 
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Britton died last Friday and was buried Saturday. Rev. Brannum conducted the funeral sermon at the M. E. church.  Mrs. Britton is reported very ill, so much so that she was unable to attend the funeral of the child.  They have the sympathy of the entire community (Villa Ridge) in this their first bereavement.
 
Doylie, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Dillow, two and one half miles northwest of town (Mill Creek) died on Monday, January 10th, of typhoid pneumonia.  The whole family of six were stricken with the same disease, but at this writing all the rest are rapidly improving.

(Eli Jefferson Dillow married Olive Jane Dillow on 19 Dec 1889, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker in St. John’s Cemetery near Dongola reads:  Doile V. son of E. J. & O. J. Dillow Born Aug. 4, 1895 Died Jan. 10, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
A little boy of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harrell died Tuesday morning (Sandusky)
 
Mrs. T. Reed died Monday.  She was the wife of Rev. T. Reed, the colored preacher.  (Sandusky)
 
RUFFIANS ASSAULT A TEACHER.

E. C. Cowan, of Cauble School near Mill Creek, Lies Very Low as a Result.

            MILL CREEK, Ill., Jan. 18.—Quite a serious difficulty occurred on Sunday night last on the road home from church between Scott and Henry Jordan, aged about 18 and 20 years respectively, sons of John Jordan, Sr., on the one side and E. C. Cowan, teacher of the Cauble school, upon the other.

            It appears that Henry, who had not been attending school, went to the schoolhouse one day last week, tied a string to the side of the house and stepping back some distance began sawing it across with a piece of rosin, thus creating considerable racket on the inside and disturbing the scholars.  It is said that Mr. Cowan sent two of the boys out to ascertain the cause of the disturbance, who came back and reported to the teacher the facts as stated; whereupon he went out and remonstrated with the disturber, requesting him to desist—go away and not interfere—but instead he began cursing the teacher, even following him into the house and continuing his profanity in the presence of the whole school in spite of the remonstrance of Mr. Cowan.

            Then another source of the trouble, as reported by one of the directors, was the refusal of a youngster to speak to the teacher each morning when he came to school.  Mr. Cowan had objected to this strenuously and warned the young gentleman in question that if he refused subsequently he would put him out of the house and compel him to speak before being admitted again.  So that the following day when the obstinate youth put in appearance he politely refused to do as requested, whereupon the teacher proceeded to carry out his former declaration.  It was at this stage that Scott took a hand by saying that he would be looked after later, or words of similar import.

            It is said that he and Henry were on the lookout for Mr. Cowan Wednesday night, after church, but he went home in a wagon with Mr. Henry Goodman.  So that on Sunday night they were again on the watch and were more successful.  On their way home about one-fourth of a mile from town, Mr. Cowan was walking along the road with Messrs. George Lackey and Henry Vick, who were riding horseback, when they were overtaken by the two Jordan boys, one of whom struck Mr. Cowan on the side of the head just back of, and above, the left ear, felling him instantly.  The one who did the striking went off on a run, and the other made a rush to jump upon the prostrate man, but Mr. Vick sprang from his horse and detained him.

            It was found upon examination that the wound was of a very serious nature and the injured man has been unconscious a greater portion of the time since the incident occurred up to this writing.

            The boys were placed under arrest on Monday night, guarded until Tuesday evening, when they were handcuffed together and taken to jail at Jonesboro by Constable H. S. Cruse for ten days to await the result of the injuries to Mr. Cowan.

            State’s Attorney Lingle came down to prosecute the case and Mr. P. H. Hileman to defend them.

It is earnestly hoped that the injured man may speedily recover, but Drs. Heilig and Lawrence express serious doubts as to the result.


MRS. CHARLOTTE OLLER.

A newly made grave at Unity graveyard marks the resting place of a beloved friend, Mrs. Charlotte Oller, who died at her home near Olive Branch, Ill., Jan. 6th, 1896, aged 48 years.  She had been in poor health for some time, but would not give up until overcome by pneumonia.  She was seriously ill but a short time and the news of her death spread with quickening sorrow to her many friends.  She had lived a consistent Christian for thirty years, which is a great consolation to the broken hearted family. She was conscious until the last spark of life faded away and even when dying said she was prepared and willing to go.

 

Want Damages for the Katherine Accident.

            Betty Hall, widow of Louis Hall, the negro fireman on the Katherine, who lost his life when the ferryboat was wrecked in May 1896, has taken out letters of administration in the county court in order to be able to bring suit against the Cairo City Ferry Company and Capt. J. S. Hacker for damages.  Last Saturday at Wickliffe, Ky., a judgment for $640 was entered against the ferry company for the death of Miss Bertha Stanley in the same accident.

            (Louis Hall married Betty Hayman on 10 Sep 1884, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

 

Thursday, 27 Jan 1898:
WIND BRINGS DEATH AND RUIN.
Herbert's Building Wrecked by Collapse of a Wall and One Man Killed.

The high wind of Saturday evening blew down a large section of the wall of the City National Bank building.  It went crashing through the building of Louis Herbert, adjoining on the south, carrying death and destruction with it.  In Herbert's office, in the rear of his wholesale liquor store, were Harry Cushman, the bookkeeper, and three colored men who worked for Mr. Herbert.  They immediately sprang to escape the falling walls.  Mr. Cushman and two of the men succeeded in getting out, not without some injuries from the flying debris, but the third colored man, Sam Boston, was crushed to death. To add further horror to the situation the wreck caught fire and completed the destruction of the building.  The flames burned from 5:30 o'clock p.m. when the accident happened, until ten or eleven o'clock at night, and were confined to the one building only by the strenuous efforts of the fire department.  A large quantity of whiskey stored in the basement fed the flames and the high wind made them burn furiously.  For a time it seemed almost certain that Uncle Joe's Hotel, next on the south, would catch fire and that the bank building might also again suffer from the flames.

Mr. Herbert carried $4,000 insurance upon his building in Candee's agency and he had also some insurance upon his stock.  He was fully protected.  The loss to Uncle Joe's hotel, from smoke and water, which was merely nominal, was also covered by insurance.  The front rooms upstairs in the Herbert building were occupied by the Illinois Club, and they lost their furnishing, etc.  Mr. Herbert also lived in the building and of course all his effects ere consumed.  He was also the possessor of one of the finest numismatic collections in the west, which included one of the celebrated 1804 dollars.  The most valued coins were in the safe, but a few were not and melted in the fire.  The outer doors of the safe were open, as the fire started during business hours, but the safe fell on its side and fortunately was so protected by debris that the fire did not injure its contents.

Sunday morning work in the ruins to recover the remains of Boston was begun and his body, crushed and severely burned was found.  He leaves a widow.

Mr. Herbert has opened for business on Eighth Street since the fire.
 
Died, Henry Gaebe, one of the wealthy men of Washington County.
 
Died, Dr. Samuel McClure, aged 83, at Olney.
 
The report this morning (26th) is that Mr. Cowan, the teacher of the Cauble School who was assaulted by the two
Jordan boys as reported in The Citizen last week is apparently improving slowly.  There is paralysis of the left side of the head and face, however, and his condition is not yet regarded as safe.  The blood oozing from his ears continues occasionally and indicative, so that doctors say, of a fracture of the skull at or near the base of the brain.  He appears in good spirits and is hopeful of complete recovery but the doctors will not consent for him to attend the preliminary trial on Friday.  It was on the whole a very unfortunate affair, and has occasioned a vast amount of trouble to the parents of the two boys who are highly respected citizens of the community.  If some of the disturbers of the peace here are not made to suffer for their rowdyism our town will eventually have a name that will compare favorably with some of the western mining towns some years ago.  It is a singular circumstance that a community which boasts of civilization and Christianity will tolerate so much disorder and rowdyism. 

 

Mrs. C. M. Buster died at her home in the country, January 19.  She leaves a husband and several children and a host of friends to mourn her loss.  (Thebes)
 
Died, at his home in Murphysboro, on Monday, January 24, Dr. C. F. Farrell, aged 74 years and 11 months.  Interment was made at the Cobden Cemetery Tuesday.  Dr. Farrell was until a year or so ago, a resident of this place (Cobden) and was at one time a prominent fruit grower as well as a successful physician.  He was the originator of several standard varieties of strawberries and was one of the promoters of the Cobden Refrigerator Company that recently surrendered its charter.  He leaves a wife, two sons and one daughter.

(His marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  Charles T. Farrell 1823-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Harvey Baker, of Stringtown, died quite suddenly Saturday morning.  She was aged 22 years and leaves a husband and two children, the youngest an infant only a few hours old.
 
Mrs. Ida Turley died in this city (Vienna) last Monday at 2 o'clock p.m. from childbirth and was buried Tuesday.  She leaves a husband and two or three small children to mourn her death.

(John Turley married Ida Turley on 2 Sep 1890, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

 

Thursday, 3 Feb 1898: 
DROWNED IN THE
OHIO.
R. P. Holley's Skiff Overturned and His Baby and a Young Woman Are Drowned.

Two persons were drowned in the Ohio River just before six o'clock last evening.  R. P. Holley, of East Cairo, Ky., with his wife and infant babe, and their hired girl, Lulu Brown, entered a skiff at Eight Street to return home.  The boat had scarcely left the shore when Holley lost an oar and so lost control of the boat in the swift current.  It was carried against a snag at the head of the wharf boat and overturned.  The occupants managed to grip hold of the skiff, all of course except the baby, and in this way they floated down under the outer guard of the wharf boat and as far as the ferry landing when help reached them. The transfer steamer Morgan was coming in to her landing just at the time and seeing the accident, Capt. Lippett held his boat out in the river to avoid running down the unfortunates, while a yawl was hastily put out.  As the yawl neared the skiff the Brown girl lost her hold and went down.  The others were rescued and landed at Fourth Street, where they were taken care of.  The young woman who was drowned was about 16 years old.  The baby was only six weeks old and was known as the smallest child in this section, having weighed only three quarters of a pound at its birth. Holley is employed as a night watchman at East Cairo.  He also runs a slaughterhouse over there and supplies meat for a butcher shop in North Cairo.  The terrible accident was witnessed by quite a large crowd of people.

(Robert P. Holley married Ida Farmer on 4 Oct 1896, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Death of Mrs. Bristol.

Mrs. W. L. Bristol passed on from this life to the life beyond about one o'clock yesterday morning, February 2nd.  She had been quite ill since September 1896, suffering from a stomach trouble.  Much of the time she had been confined to her bed.  Last summer, a sister who lives in California was here with her for some time and they planned to have Mrs. Bristol accompany her to California.  But her strength gradually failed and she could not undertake such a journey.  Finally some weeks ago she went to Chicago, and entered Pratt’s Sanitarium for treatment. But she derived no benefit from the treatment, and about ten days ago Mr. Bristol brought her home only to tarry with us a few days until the spirit, weary and worn with suffering, took its flight.  She suffered very much, almost constantly, but was always patient and uncomplaining.

Mrs. Bristol was born in Cambridge, New York, November 3rd, 1843, and was consequently in the 55th year of her age.  Her maiden name was Louesa S. Watkins.  She was married to Walter S. Bristol December 25, 1866, at Bristol, Wisconsin, and the family has lived in Cairo since the marriage.  Besides her husband, Walter L. Bristol, she left four sons, namely:  Walter W. now residing in Berkley, California, William E., residing in Chicago, Lewis T., residing in Dongola, and J. B. Bristol residing with his father in Cairo, also Florence, an adopted daughter residing here.

Mrs. Bristol had been an active member of the Methodist church since she was ten years of age, and during her 31 years in Cairo her influence had always been felt for good.  She was quite and unassuming, but always reliable and always influential.  She had been a active member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union since its organization more than twenty years ago.  But her work is done and well done and she now rests from her labors.  She died as she lived, a faithful Christian and has gone to her reward.  Her loss to the community, to the church, and to society is very great.  But to her family, to her husband, and sons, her loss is irreparable.  Funeral today at the Methodist church, and burial at Beech Grove Cemetery.
 
Crushed to Death.

Harrison Mattingly, son of a prominent farmer living near Olney, was crushed to death the other day in a runaway accident.
 
Died, Mrs. Eliza B. Turk, of Red Bud, aged 83.
 
Died, George T. Adams, aged 63, at Ullin, Pulaski County.  He was widely known as a mill man.
 
Death of George T. Adams.

George T. Adams, of Ullin, died last Friday morning at 6:30 o'clock, of pneumonia, complicated with other disease.  He had only been sick about ten days. Mr. Adams was widely known as a mill man.  For probably twenty-five years he had charge of Bell's mill at Ullin,  Funeral services were held Sunday and the remains were buried in the Ullin Cemetery.  The following sketch of his life is from the county history:

George T. Adams was born in Athol, Worcester County, Massachusetts, March 13, 1835, and was a son of Timothy and Laura (Twitche) Adams, the father being a distant relative of President John Quincy Adams.  There were three children—Rosanna, wife of Dutton DeWood, of Pana, Ill.; Achsah, wife of Emory Gage, of Athol, Mass., and George T., who received his education at the schools of New Salem, Mass., and then went to door and sash manufactory in his native town.  In that mill he remained until 1857, and then came to Pulaski County, Illinois, where he worked in a mill owned by Dutton DeWood. After remaining in that location for four years he returned to his native town.  At the latter place he also remained four years; then in 1865 came back to Pulaski County and commenced working in James Bell's mill, at Ullin.

Mr. Adams was married February 24, 1866, to Mrs. Hennie R. Morford, nee Mangold, who was born in Pennsylvania.  The lady is the mother of four children by her present husband, one of whom is now living—Roy, born February 24, 1873.  Mr. Adams was a member of Dongola Lodge No. 581, A. F. & A. M. and of the American Legion of Honor.  In politics he was a Republican.

(His marker in Ullin Cemetery reads:  George T. Adams Born Athol, Mass., March 13, 1835, Died Ullin, Ills., Jan. 28, 1898.  If we be dead with Christ, we shall also live with him.  For if we are planted together in the likeness of death, We shall also  be in the likeness of his resurrection.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Friday of last week a young man by the name of Will Dill, brakeman on the Big Four, was killed at Olmstead, while coupling or uncoupling cars.  The young man's parents resided at New Burnside, this county (Johnson County), and his death has cast a gloom over that community.
 
J. C. Sims, an old resident of this community (Thebes), died at his home in town, January 26th, after a short illness.  Mr. Sims was a member of the G. A. R. and drew a pension of $30 per month.  He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss. 
 
George T. Adams, for many years a prominent and well-respected citizen of Ullin, died last Friday.  He was foreman at
Bell's large sawmill there for nearly a quarter of a century.
 
Died, at her home one mile south of Cobden, Mrs. Margaret Maher Hilton, aged about 22 years.  Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery at this place (Cobden).

(A marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Cobden reads:  Henry Hilton 1816-1899.  Father.  Margret Hilton, his wife, Died Jan 1898 Aged 72 Years.  Mother.  At Rest.—Darrel Dexter)
 
I. G. Goodrich, whose health had been rapidly failing for the last few months died at his home last Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  He had reached the advanced age of 84 years and was an unusually active man for his age.  Mr. Goodrich has been one of the most prominent fruit growers of this vicinity for more than a quarter of a century and has been connected with one of the Chicago commission houses until a few years ago.  The funeral services were held at the late residence, conducted by Rev. D. M. Brown, and interment was made in Rockland Cemetery.

(A marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  Isaac G. Goodrich Born May 13, 1814 Died Jan. 30 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mr. E. C. Cowan has recovered sufficiently to be removed to his home in Williamson County the latter part of last week.
 
Henry and Scott Jordan, the two boys who were arrested and placed in jail, charged with assaulting Mr. E. C. Cowan, waived examination and were bailed out on $1,000 each on Monday and are now at home.
 
 
Thursday, 10 Feb 1898:
George R. Minnich Dead.

Hon. George R. Minnich, of Villa Ridge, died Monday morning, February 7th, after a long and painful illness of pneumonia.  He was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1825 and came to Pulaski County in 1856.  He was consequently seventy-three years of age when he died, and had lived in the county more than forty-one years.  He had been a man of prominence and influence.  He had been sheriff of the county and also surveyor.  During the period of his active public life he was a very ready and effective public speaker. For the past ten or fifteen years he has lived a quiet retired life and has not been much before the public.  He leaves two sons, W. P. Minnich an active businessman of Villa Ridge and Grant Minnich, a dentist.  He commanded great respect wherever known.

(His marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  George Minnich Died Feb. 7, 1898 Aged 72 Yrs. And 5 Mos.—Darrel Dexter)
 
W. E. Bristol, who came down from Chicago to attend the funeral of his mother, returned Tuesday afternoon.
 
The body of Lulu Brown, who was drowned by the overturning of a skiff in the river near the harbor on the evening of January 26th, was found Monday evening below the Big Four incline.  The baby who was drowned has not been found.
 
Judge George Minnich of Villa Ridge, was buried today (Tuesday).  He was one of the oldest citizens of the county.  He was a staunch Republican and a sterling citizen.
 
Mrs. Kelly, wife of Parson Kelly, another pioneer of our county (Pulaski County) died last Monday at her daughter's Mrs. William Stringer's. Mrs. Kelly was quite old and has been sick a great deal lately.  She leaves a large number of children and grandchildren, and an aged husband to mourn her loss.  She was buried last Tuesday in the cemetery near Meridian Church.  (Villa Ridge.)

(William M. Stringer married Mary Jane Kelly on 28 Sep 1869, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mr. George Minnich, died last Monday a.m., at 7 o'clock, at the residence of his son, W. P. Minnich.  Mr. M. has been a great sufferer for some time.  He was an old and highly respected citizen of our town, full of life and energy, an active politician and great temperance worker,  His has been a "good fight fought, a good life lived."  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Hartwell, last Tuesday at 2 p.m.  Interment at Villa Ridge cemetery.
 
Killed by a Bull.

The lifeless body of Richard Neall, aged 67 years, was found lying in a pasture on his farm south of Huey, Clinton County.  Death was due to injuries sustained in an encounter with an enraged bull.  The deceased was one of the largest fruit growers in the county.
 
Died, "Uncle" Thomas G. Holland, for 60 years a resident of Jefferson County, aged 86 years.

(Thomas G. Holland married Armelia Goodrich on 24 Jul 1840, in Jefferson CO., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Mrs. Margaret E. Connor, aged 70 years, for many years a resident of Jackson County.
 
Died, Mrs. Martha McCreery, aged 63, at DuQuoin, after a short illness.
 
Mrs. Harris Harvick, living one mile southeast of town, is very low with typhoid fever.  (Vienna)
 
Mrs. Schlittler's little girl, Marie, is dangerously sick with diphtheria. (Cobden)
 
Death of Mrs. Miles W. Parker.

Mrs. Elizabeth Parker, widow of the late Miles W. Parker, died yesterday morning, February 9th, after a long and painful illness. She was born in Pennsylvania, September 24th,1826, and married Miles W. Parker in 1852.  She was conceded to be the oldest citizen of Cairo in point of residence.  It is said that she had lived here since 1839—a period of 58 years.  She leaves surviving her one daughter—Mrs. Mary A. Axley, wife of French Axley and two sons-in-law, William Winter and Herbert Harrell, of Chicago.  The funeral occurs this afternoon at the M. E. church.  Burial at Villa Ridge.

(William French Axley married Mary Ann Parker on 8 Oct 1871, in Alexander Co., Ill.  William Winter, Jr., married Nellie Parker on 24 Dec 1876, in Alexander Co., Ill.  Robert A. Harrell married Emma Parker on 14 Sep 1877, in Alexander Co., Ill.  Her marker in Cairo City Cemetery reads:  Elizabeth wife of Miles W. Parker Died Feb. 9, 1898, Aged 71 Yrs., 4 Mos., & 16 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The two Jordan boys, Scott and Henry, who have been confined in the county jail during the past weeks, were on last Monday released on a bond of one thousand dollars each, and departed for their home in Alexander County.  Mr. Cowan was taken to his home in Williamson County one day this week.  His father, brother and sister have been with him most of the time since his injury and they removed him home in order to give him every attention in their power.  His condition at present is somewhat improved, but it is feared he will have to undergo an operation of trepanning in order to remove the pressure of the bone upon the nerves.—Anna Democrat
 
Lee Davis, a prominent colored man, died suddenly of pneumonia Tuesday evening.  (Unity)
 
Charles Tinsley, of this place (Santa Fe), attended the funeral of is brother-in-law, Mr. Allen Petit, of Thebes.
 
Died, Feb. 14th, the youngest child of T. J. Hill and wife.  Funeral held on Tuesday.  (Thebes)
 
After a long siege of consumption, Allen Petitt, 28 years of age and single, died at his home in Town (Thebes), Friday, February 11th, at 7 o'clock a.m.  Funeral was preached Sunday, 2 p.m. at M. E. church and remains interred at Thebes Cemetery.  He leaves a mother and several brothers and a host of friends to mourn his loss.
 
Died, at the residence of her late brother, Andre Thomas, Monday evening, February 14th, Mrs. Benedict Vogtier, aged 73 years and 2 months.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon.  Interment was made at the Cobden Cemetery.
 
Little Marie Schlittler who suffered for more than a week with diphtheria, died Friday night.  She was buried Saturday in the Catholic Cemetery.

(Her marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Cobden reads:  Marie J. daughter of F. & M. R. Schlittler Born Feb. 3, 1892 Died Feb. 11, 1898—Darrel Dexter)
 
A 7-year-old son of Willis Tweedy, living about three miles northwest of town, died very suddenly last week.  We have been unable to learn the cause of his death.
 
Died, Dr. Frank E. Trobaugh, of Murphysboro, suddenly, of apoplexy.
 
Died, B. F. Bevis, aged 64, in the hotel business at McLeansboro.  He was a Union veteran.
 


Thursday, 24 Feb 1898:
Death of Judge Henry M. Smith.
Pioneer Citizen of Pulaski County Expired Last Saturday.

Hon. Henry M. Smith died at his home in Olmstead last Saturday morning, February 19th, in the 78th year of his age.  He had been rapidly failing for the past year or two.  He died pf pneumonia after an illness of about two weeks.  He leaves a widow and several grown children to mourn the loss of a husband and father.  Judge Smith was born May 3, 1820, in South Carolina.  In 1830, his father removed with his family to Pulaski County and so Henry M. Smith had lived in the county more than sixty-seven years.  He was reared upon a farm.  When twenty-four years of age he was elected sheriff of the county and held the office four year.  In 1852 he was elected judge of the county court, but after serving one year he resigned and studied law with Hon. John Dougherty.  He was admitted to the bar in 1857 and from that time practiced his profession in Pulaski County and Southern Illinois.  He was elected circuit clerk in 1860 and held that office eight years.  In 1872 he was elected state's attorney and served four years. In 1879 he was elected county judge to fill the vacancy and in 1882 was again elected for the tem of four years.

In addition to the practice of law he was also engaged in trade. He started a general store at Caledonia in 1863.  After the completion of the Cairo & Vincennes railroad he removed his store to Olmstead and carried it on until his death.  He also carried on a large farm near Olmstead.  Judge Smith was a man of high character and was universally respected.  His integrity was unquestioned.  He was a man to be relied upon.  His word was as good as his bond.  Such men give character to the community in which they live.  In their death the community suffers a severe loss.
 
Judge Henry M. Smith, of Olmstead, this county, died last Saturday and was buried at the family cemetery near Olmstead, on Sunday.  Funeral services were conducted at the Congregational church, in Olmstead, Sunday at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Green, pastor.  He delivered an able discourse, reviewing the past life of the deceased, mentioning the many stirring events of national character through which deceased had passed.  Judge Smith was born in 1820.  Had served as circuit clerk, state's attorney, and county judge, of Pulaski County.  The funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends from all over the county.  Funeral services were held under the direction of Caledonia Lodge No 47, A. F. & A. M.  This lodge was organized in 1847, with Judge Smith as a charter member.
 
Several Mill Creek people attended the funeral of W. H. Hindman, at Wesley Chapel Wednesday of last week.

(His marker in Mission Chapel Cemetery near Dongola reads:  William C. Hindman Died Feb. 14, 1898, Aged 62 Years.—Darrel Dexter)


It is with deep regret that we are called upon the chronicle the death on Wednesday last, of little Ruth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis I. Mowery.  Her illness was brief, being of only three days duration, but in this short time she suffered the most excruciating pain from congestion of the brain until death came to her relief.  Little Ruth was a bright and cheerful disposition, the idol of her parents, and a favorite of her many friends.  Funeral services were conducted Friday morning from the Lutheran church, by Rev. C. E. Weaver, after which the remains were interred at St. John's Cemetery.  The grief stricken parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.

(Dennis I. Mowery married Delia S. Williams on 29 Mar 1891, in Union Co., Ill.  Her marker in St. John’s Cemetery reads:  Ruth C. daughter of Dennis I. & Delia S. Mowery Died Feb. 16, 1898, Aged 5 Yrs., 7 Mos., & 26 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, at his home in Cobden, Thursday, February 17, Joseph Wicke, aged about 22 years.  Funeral services were held at the house, conducted by Rev. A.M. Elliot.  The remains were placed in Cobden Cemetery.
 


Thursday, 3 Mar 1898:
Uncle Henry Nelson, an old resident of Diswood, died last week of pneumonia.
 
Child Burned to Death.

The infant child of C. G. Copeland, a farmer four miles northwest of Carterville, was burned to death.  Mother badly burned trying to save little ones.

(C. G. Copeland married Dora Bishop on 9 Oct 1892, in Franklin Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 10 Mar 1898:
HARTMAN ACQUITTED
Jury Says He Must Not Be Punished for Killing Samones.

They Wrangled for Three Hours Over the Verdict and Then Those Who Wanted to Convict Surrendered.—Result Reached at Eight O’clock Last Night.—The Verdict Severely Criticized.

Ernest Hartman was acquitted by the jury at eight o’clock last night and went out from the courthouse once more free.  Twelve men said he must not be punished for taking the life of Charles Samones at Unity on September 10th last.

The case went to the jury at five o’clock yesterday evening.  It is said nine were for acquittal and three for conviction at the start.  They argued and wrangled for three hours and at eight o’clock last night suddenly announced that they had reached a verdict.  The judge was summoned and to the surprise of nearly all they acquitted Hartman.

The verdict is very freely criticized by the public.  The feeling is that the law has been outraged.  Especially will the people in the country be indignant where Hartman and Samones were best known.  The jury was composed entirely of Cairo men or the result might have been different.

The Hartman case was taken up by the court Monday morning when Earnest Hartman was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.  A jury was then selected.  Edwin Halliday, A. J. Reese and Rudolph Hebsacker were taken from the regular panel, and the remainder of the twelve were Gus Winter, J. H. Woodward, Earnest Lemen, C. R. Stuart, Jr., Frank Fry, G. A. Swoboda, Robert H. Baird, Richard Ruffin and Phil Shafer.  M. F. Gilbert and Reed Green conducted the defense, their effort being to prove self-defense, and William N. Butler prosecuted.  Tuesday was entirely taken up in the examination of witnesses, and a part of Wednesday.  The State put on the stand William Bronson, John Smith, Robert Donovan, James Crain, Mrs. Sarah Asher, E. T. Boles, W. L. Richmond, Joseph Berry, Claud Ireland, William A. Miller and John B. Stepp.  The witnesses for the defense were George Hardin, Robert J. Weigant, Tom Welfont, Hazard Martin, William H. Berry, Edward Hodges and the defendant.

Yesterday morning the prosecution introduced witnesses in rebuttal and then the arguments were made by the counsel, which consumed the entire day.

The crime was committed on September 10th last, at Unity.  During the afternoon a trial was in progress before Squire W. L. Richmond.  Charles Samones and Ernest Hartman were among the spectators.  Samones made a suggestion to the person who was conducting the examination of a witness and Hartman accused him of “putting in.”  Hot words followed, and after court adjourned the quarrel was resumed.  Samones walked up to Hartman and told him he would slap his face if he put his lip in any more.  Hartman told him to slap.  Samones laid his left hand on Hartman’s shoulder when the latter thrust a knife in Samones’ left side.  He made three stabs under Samones’ left arm.  Samones then threw Hartman down and took the knife away from him.  Then he commenced to weaken, and died in twenty minutes.

The testimony of the defendant was that after the trial Samones came out of the justice’s court and walking up to him, grabbed him by the throat and struck him a blow on the side of his face.  Dizzy with pain and with the force of the blow, he fell to the ground, and realizing his life was in danger stabbed Samones as he fell, two or more times.  When Samones was pulled off, Hartman threw his knife away and then got up.  He testified his throat was lacerated by the grip of Samones and that his face was considerably bruised.
 
In Memory of Mrs. Yost

The Woman’s Relief Corps held memorial services Monday evening in their hall in memory of Mrs. Casper Yost.  The hall was appropriately decorated, and a vacant chair heavily draped in mourning, marked the place where she was so frequently to be found.  The exercises, both the music and the addresses, were in keeping with the character of the evening and were very touching.

Addresses were made by Mayor N. B. Thistlewood, Judge John H. Robinson, Judge A. Comings, E. S. Dewey and H. A. Hannon and also by Miss Annie Stuart, and Mrs. H. A. Hannon read a series of resolutions, which had been prepared.  At the conclusion of the service Miss Stuart presented Comrade Yost, on behalf of the corps, with a magnificent bouquet of choice flowers, as a token of sympathy and esteem, accompanying it with an appropriate speech.  Mr. Yost was quite overcome with emotion, but he responded as best he could.

The following are the resolutions:

In the midst of life we are in death!  Swiftly and surely, but alas! Too closely we hear the clanging of that dread summons which calls from our ranks one who has been esteemed, honored and loved.  The twilight of our earthly course draws on space, and in the glinting rays of the fading sun, we snatch with tearful eyes the passing of some loved one.  “To that bourne from whence no traveler e’er returns.”

Words fail us and our voices falter, when we look over the past and try and end expression for the kindness and faithful cooperation we have ever received from the hands of our departed sister, there is a blessed heritage, a love offering, a reward awaiting you, our dear sister, now that you have joined the ranks of the heavenly host, the glorious work you accomplished will not go unrewarded, and when you were summoned before our heavenly commander for the last roll call, your decoration will be Love, Purity, Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, to mankind.

Noble type of American Nobility in spirits and patriotism, over your grave in the silent city of the dead where you are silently sleeping should rest a stone, engraved on its face.  America’s highest type of noble womanhood.  Therefore be it,

Resolved, by this corps that in her death we have lost one of our ablest members, and a loyal and devoted friend, not alone to the members of this corps and department, but to every survivor of the Union Army the great unselfish heart of Mary E. Yost went out in fullest sympathy, no task was too difficult for her to undertake, no duty too arduous for her to perform, in the interest of one who had worn the Union Blue.

Resolved, That we sincerely condole with Comrade Yost on the dispensation with which it has pleased divine providence to afflict him, may the Great Healer bring to him surcease of sorrow which human sympathy cannot control.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded Comrade Yost, and that as a distinguished mark of respect to our dead sister the charter be draped in mourning for thirty days, and a page in our records be set aside to her memory.

Sarah Echols Hannon,

Amanda Moorehead, Committee
 
The trial of Charles L. Draper for the murder of Charles L. Hastings will be tried in Jersey county during this month. A change of venue was taken from Morgan County.
 
Capt. F. Y. Hedley, editor of the Bunker Hill Gazette, was acquitted last Friday of killing Mayor John R. Richards.  The two men were bitter enemies and on June 12th last, they met on the streets of Bunker Hill and had an excited conversation.  Then Hedley drew a pistol and shot Richards.  The mayor was a giant physically and the editor a small man.  Miss Ella Brown, the woman in the case, was admired by both men and was, it is said, the cause of the enmity of the two for each other.
 
The funeral services for Miss Mary Miller, who died last Friday morning, were held at the M. E. church last Friday.  (Thebes)
 
E. J. Karaker died at his home three miles northeast of Dongola on Sunday, March 6, 1898, aged about 35 years.  His remains were interred in the Chapel Cemetery Monday the 7th.  The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community.

(Elbert J. Karraker married Amanda E. Lingle on 22 Dec 1881, in Union Co., Ill.  His marker in Christian Chapel Cemetery near Dongola reads:  Elbert J. Karraker 1863-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Wilson Lingle died at the home of her son, Josiah Lingle, near Makanda, last Sunday and was buried in Casper Cemetery Monday.  She formerly lived at this place (Cobden) and had reached the advanced age of 82 years.

(Her marker in Casper Cemetery does not have a death date, but reads:  Leah wife of A. Wilson Lingle Born in N.C. July 26, 1816.—Darrel Dexter)
 
James Webster, an old and prominent sawmill man, well known all over this county (Pulaski County), died Friday night at Grand Chain of la grippe and pneumonia fever.  For thirty years or more he had been largely engaged in saw milling and has gotten out from the forest vast quantities of lumber and wagon timber, ties and other timber for railroads.  He gave employment to a large number of men by whom he was universally liked.  He always treated his men well and gave them good wages.  He leaves two daughters, one of whom resides in Chicago and the other in New York.  His remains were interred in Grand Chain.
 
Killed by a Falling Tree.

McCLURE, ILL., March 9.—Alexander Wilkerson, while working upon the farm was instantly killed today by a falling tree.  Mr. Wilkerson was probably fifty years old.  He was a son of Mrs. Susan B. Lightner, and a stepson of the late Judge Lightner.  He was raised at Thebes, learned to be pilot under Capt. Shep Lightner, and was employed for a number of years upon the Emma C. Elliot, which plied between Grand Tower and St. Louis.  Recently he had come to live with and care for his aged mother. His sudden death was a severe shock to his mother.
 


Thursday, 17 Mar 1898:
Fatal Accident at New High School.

L. S. Wilson, a carpenter, employed on the new high school building, fell from a ladder last Thursday evening, when coming down off the roof to quit work for the day, and sustained injuries which resulted fatally later.  He missed his footing and fell from the top of the building clear to the ground, breaking both arms, dislocating his shoulder and injuring his head and receiving other serious injuries.  He was taken to St. Mary's Infirmary where he died Sunday noon.

Wilson was a married man and moved here from Dongola about three years ago.  He was not living with his wife, however, recently.  His remains were taken to Dongola for burial.

(Lewis S. Wilson married Mrs. Margaret E. Craig nee Hatfield on 9 Mar 1879, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Death of Mrs. H. L. Halliday.

Mrs. Laura Evans Halliday, widow of the late H. L. Halliday, died at Milwaukee, Wis., at one o'clock p.m., Saturday.  A sudden attack of pneumonia hastened her death.  She had been in failing health ever since the death of her husband, in September 1895, and two years ago entered a sanitarium at Milwaukee where she remained till her death.

Mrs. Halliday was born in Zenia, Ohio, on July 24, 1846 , and married Mr. Halliday in 1867, when she came to Cairo.  She leaves four children, Mrs. George H. Capen, of St. Louis; Mrs. Preston T. Kellsey, of Indianapolis; Harrey E. Halliday and Douglas Halliday, both of this city.  Her mother, Mrs. Louise Fishback, who resides here, and a brother, Charles H. Evans, of Galveston, Texas, also survive her.

Funeral services were held at the family residence by Rev. F. A. DeRosset, Tuesday afternoon and the remains were taken to Beech Grove Cemetery and laid at rest in the family lot.  All of the children of the deceased were present at the funeral.

(George H. Capen married Eliza P. Halliday on 7 Nov 1893, in Alexander Co., Ill.  Preston Telfor Kelsey married Laura Esther Halliday on 12 Dec 1894, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, William J. Ellis, aged 52, at Mount Vernon.  He served during the war in the Sixth Illinois Cavalry.
 
A young woman, Mrs. Mattie Deaver, wife of John Deaver, living at Fortieth and Commercial, was accidentally shot and killed Sunday.  Bert Lang, a neighbor boy, was handling a pistol thought to be unloaded, and it was discharged and the ball entered Mrs. Deaver's breast and caused a wound from which she died Sunday evening. She leaves a husband and young child.  They recently removed here from Kentucky.
 
Dr. G. W. Crecelius died at his home in Olmstead, Pulaski County, Illinois, Saturday, March 5th, at 4 p.m.  Deceased was born in Crawford County, Ind., December 16, 1830.  He studied medicine in his early life, but gave it up to enter the ministry of the United Brethren denomination in 1860. Four years later he again took up the practice of medicine and graduated from the Nashville Medical College, at Nashville, Tenn., in 1874.  He came to Illinois in 1869 and settled in Jackson County, removing to Pulaski County in 1878.  He held a number of important offices in the county and was attending physician at the county poor farm for 15 years.  By strict integrity and devotion to principle he won the confidence and esteemed of all who knew him.  His generosity and poor health during the late years of his life prevented him from accumulating any great amount of property, so that he died comparatively a poor man.  He was not the man to turn from the pleadings of the distressed and many of the poor of his community can testify to his noble and generous deeds.  He died as he has lived, an earnest, consistent Christian, still holding to the faith of his youth, and with the assurance, that while he had not laid up treasures on earth, for his faithfulness he had an abundant reward in Heaven.
 
Died, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth McGee, in Vienna, on Saturday, March 12, 1898, at 7:30 a.m., Mrs. Nancy Martin Madden, aged 79 years, 8 months and 21 days.  Funeral services were held at the residence conducted by Rev. J. H. Ford, Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m. followed by interment at the Masonic Cemetery. Deceased was among the old settlers in this county, coming here, from Tennessee, in her early childhood.  She has been a resident of Vienna for many years, and was a devout member of the M. E church, of which she had been a member since about 12 years of age, and was a zealous worker in the cause of Christianity. Eight children were the result of her marriage, five sons and three daughters, two of whom survive her, viz:  Mrs. Frank Chapman and Mrs. Elizabeth McGee, both residing in Vienna.  Deceased also leaves grandchildren, viz:  Basil S. and Charles Peterson, Miss Ellen and Ben McGee, Frank Jr., and Bessie Chapman, of Vienna, William McGee, of Metropolis; Mrs. Olive Cole, of Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Amanda Barnwell, of New Grand Chain.  To all of whom The Citizen will extend sincere condolence.

(Frank J. Chapman married Ruth Madden on 24 Nov 1880, in Johnson Co., Ill.  James M. Cole married Olive E. Peterson on 21 Mar 1883, in Johnson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Alf Brown, of Cairo, was called to the bedside of her sister, Mrs. Pekare, who is very sick.
 
George Bourland died on Wednesday, March 9th, of consumption.  He was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and one child.  The remains were interred at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery on Thursday.

(His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  George P. Bourland Born May 28, 1867 Died March 9, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
 
Thursday, 24 Mar 1898:
Death of Carter Chapman.

The city of Cairo lost a valuable official in the death of Alderman Carter Chapman, and the community is sorrowing over the sudden taking away of this quiet, but faithful young man.

Carter Chapman had but recently returned from New York, where he went for medical treatment for appendicitis.  He was apparently completely resorted to health, when he was suddenly stricken down again and died at St. Mary's Infirmary at nine o'clock Saturday morning.

Deceased was 32 years of age.  Mound City was his native town, and he came here a young boy at the Halliday, and as messenger boy for the Western Union telegraph company.  Then he went to work for Thistlewood & Co., and for fifteen years he has been connected with that firm, by diligence and faithfulness working himself up to the position of grain inspector. Two years ago he was elected to represent the third ward in the city council.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, conducted by Revs. F. A. DeRosset and Sanford Gee, and the remains were taken to Villa Ridge for burial.  Ascalon Lodge, Knight of Pythias, of which deceased was a member, and the city council, each attended in a body.

(Carter Chapman married Ada B. Cundiff on 18 Jun 1891, in Alexander Co., Ill.  His marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Carter Chapman Born Oct. 12, 1866 Died March 19, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
One of the sad accidents of the Chicago fire of last week, which came home to Cairo people, was the death of William J. Wilcox, son of Jewett Wilcox, who formerly ran the St. Charles Hotel here.  Mr. Wilcox was treasurer of the W. A. Olmstead Scientific Mfg. Co.  His charred remains were recovered from the ruins and were identified by his name upon his key ring.  Mr. Wilcox was 37 years old and leaves a wife and a ten-year-old girl.  Mr. Phil C. Barclay, of this city, is an intimate friend of the family and received word of the terrible event.
 
Judge Green's Old Law Partner Dead.

The following dispatch from Metropolis appeared in the Globe-Democrat yesterday:  Theodore B. Hicks, aged 70, died at his home in Metropolis today.  Mr. Hicks for over fifty years has been a resident of Metropolis.  In 1860 he was a member of the Illinois Legislature, and has served the people as state's attorney and city attorney one or more terms.  He was for years the law partner of Judge W. H. Green, of Cairo.
 
We are sorry to announce the death of Webster Hargis, one of our best citizens (Diswood).
 
We regret to announce the death of Webster Hargis, which shocked out entire community last Friday He was a son of D. D. C. Hargis, one of the oldest citizens of this community (Sandusky). He leaves a wife and three small children to mourn his loss, besides a host of relatives and friends.

(Webster Hargis married Mary A. Powlas on 29 Sep 1888, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Joseph L. Ball, a veteran of the late war, formerly a resident of Fairfield, at his home in Carmi.
 


Thursday, 31 Mar 1898:
William Dezonia Dead.

After suffering for several years with consumption, William H. Dezonia died about 10 o'clock this morning.  He went west for his health some two or three years ago, but found no permanent relief and returned home.  He was still a comparatively young man, probably not far from 40 years of age. He leaves a widow and two or three children.  He was a pleasant, genial man and always made friends.
 
A daughter of Mrs. Henry Drony, aged about 16 years, died Friday night, quite suddenly  (Wetaug)
 
Died, at her home in this city (Vienna), Sunday, March 27, 1898, at 9:30 a.m., aged 42 years and 29 days, Mrs. Elizabeth Slankard, wife of Thomas N. Slankard.  Funeral services were held at the residence on Monday, the 28th inst., at 1 p.m., followed by interment at the Johnson Cemetery, east of Vienna.  Deceased had been confined to her bed for some months and suffered in misery until death released her from the burdens and ailments of this life.  She leaves a husband, besides two daughters, the oldest, Mrs. O. B. Howell, to mourn her death.  The youngest daughter is little Ollie, about ten years old.

(Thomas N. Slankard married Elmira E. Waters on 1 Mar 1873, in Johnson Co., Ill.  Oscar B. Howell  married Nellie M. Slankard on 3 Jul 1895, in Johnson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Wylie Lingle died on last Wednesday evening of consumption.  He has been a patient sufferer for over two years and all efforts to resist the progress of this fatal disease proved futile.  Funeral services were conducted on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from the Lutheran church, of which he has long been an active member, by Rev. Dr. Earnhart, the pastor, after which the remains were interred at St. Johns' Cemetery.  The grief stricken family have the sympathy of the entire community into their sad bereavement.

(Wiley A. Lingle married Mattie Cruse on 31 Oct 1889, in Union Co., Ill. His marker in St. John’s Cemetery reads:  Wiley Lingle Born Sept. 22, 1867 Died March 23, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Joseph Sterling, Sr., father of the well-known janitor at the courthouse, died last Saturday morning at his home in Unity. He had been ill since Christmas with a kidney trouble.  Deceased was nearly 80 years old.  He served in the late war for which he drew a pension.  His wife and one son, mentioned above, constituted his family.  He was one of the old settlers of Unity.
 
A correspondent from Santa Fe writes that Mrs. Alice Walker, wife of Cody Walker, died at her home near Commerce, Mo., March 18th.  Deceased was 24 years of age and was a daughter of French and Telitha Jones. She leaves a husband and two little children in her immediate family.  The funeral occurred on the following Saturday and the remains were interred at Oran, Mo.  Mrs. Walker was a member of the Baptist church and left a host of friends.
 
H. F. PUTNAM DEAD.
Old Resident of Elco Passed Way Saturday Evening.

H. F. Putnam died at his home in Elco, Saturday evening, March 26th, about five o'clock after a serious illness of two days.  He had suffered severely from a stomach trouble for some time but kept about and went to his store as usual.  He left the store Thursday for the last time.  Friday he was confined to his house and Saturday evening he passed away.  The funeral occurred Monday, March 28th.  He leaves a widow and one little grandson, Howard Palmer, his children having all passed on before him.  Mr. Putnam was an old resident of Alexander County.  He had been an active member of the Methodist church since 1869.  He was a good man, highly respected by all who knew him. James R. F. Standard, his stepson, came on from Norton Kansas, to attend the funeral.

Hiram F. Putnam, was born in Otsego County, New York, May 12, 1825.  His grandfather emigrated from England and located in Vermont, where his father, for whom he was named, was born.  After attending the county schools and later teaching several terms, he went to Cattaraugus County, New York, where he worked three years at the carpenter's bench.  In 1854 he came to Illinois, settling at Warren and two years later he moved to Howard County, Iowa, and at once entered upon a traveling tour which lasted six years and finally he decided to locate at Memphis, Tenn., but on account of the breaking out of the war he only remained six months.  He then came to Anna and in one year he went to Charleston, Missouri, following all the time the trade of a carpenter.  In 1862 he settled in Alexander County at the present site of Elco.  Here he farmed for a while on some rented patches, after which he clerked and kept books for A. A. Soule & Co., of Pulaski County.  In 1866 he returned to Alexander County, where he purchased a farm of forty acres, remaining upon it about six years.  When the town of Elco was laid out he clerked for Leavenworth & Duncan and for Durham & Cauble, their successors.  In February 1878 he was appointed agent for the St. Louis & Cairo railroad, at Elco, holding the position five years.  In 1880 he formed a partnership under the firm name of Putnam & Standard, general druggists and grocers, and since Mr. Standard's removal to the west, Mr. Putnam has conducted the business alone.

Mr. Putnam was married April 6, 1865, to Elizabeth Stacey, the result being five children.  His wife died in 1875 and subsequently he married Mrs. Ellen Barnett, of Ullin.  She died in November 1877 and he married the third time, Mrs. B. J. Standard, May 27, 1880, who now survives him.

(H. F. Putnam married Ellen Barnett on 1 Aug 1875, in Alexander Co., Ill.  He married Barzillah J. Standard nee Henderson on 27 May 1880, in Union Co., Ill.  William M. Palmer married Flora A. Putnam on 4 Apr 1886, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 7 Apr 1898:
Died, Saturday, April 2nd, three miles east of Dongola, Mr. Frank Ramage, age about 50 years.
 
Mrs. Minda Lentz's baby died on Saturday, April 2d, age 8 month.  Interred in Odd Fellow's Cemetery, Sunday, April 3d.
 
J. L. and J. G. Hase left Tuesday for Shawneetown to look after a sister of the former, Mrs. Amanda Hathaway, who resided in the ill-fated city and is reported as drowned in today's papers.  It is earnestly hoped that their worst fears may not be realized and that the report prove false.  She had been a resident of the city for over twenty years and was a greater portion of that time engaged in the millinery business.  (Mill Creek)
 
The Jordan boys were indicted by the grand jury for assault to murder the young schoolteacher, Cowan.  The court fixed their bail at $1,000 each, which they gave and were released.—Anna Talk.
 


Thursday, 14 Apr 1898:
A colored girl eight years old, named Jordan, was run over by a Delta electric car Tuesday evening about 5 o'clock at Twenty-first and Poplar streets.  She started to run across in front of the car and suddenly stopped directly on the track and was struck by the car.  Her arm was broken and she received injuries about her head, but the shock was the most serious part of it and resulted in her death at 2:30 o'clock this morning.
 
Mr. John C. Talbot died last Thursday night after an illness extending over several weeks.  Funeral services were held Saturday noon at the Christian church and the remains were taken to DuQuoin for interment. Mr. Talbot was well advanced in years probably about seventy. He was an old citizen of Cairo, having lived here between thirty and forty years.  He was a clerk in the establishment of Trover & Miller and afterwards in the store of Robert W. Miller in the days of old.  He was a member of the Christian Church and Rev. C. S. Townley, of that church, officiated at the funeral.
 
C. W. Waterman was called to the bedside of his dying brother, William Waterman, last Tuesday.  (Santa Fe)
 
After a serious illness with pneumonia, William A. Waterman died at his home April 11th. He leaves a wife and several children. Funeral held at Thebes Wednesday, April 13th, at 10 o'clock a.m.  (Thebes)
 
Died, John W. Boynton, aged 68, a prominent farmer of Marion County, at his home six miles east of Salem.
 


Thursday, 21 Apr 1898:
Drowned in the Ohio.

Otto Speth was drowned in the Ohio at the coal dump Tuesday forenoon.  He was employed there and fell from a barge while at work.  The swift current carried him under and he was immediately lost to sight.  Deceased resided on Fifteenth Street.  He leaves a wife and several small children.
 
Parties were here (Wetaug) Saturday erecting a fine monument over the grave of the late Betsey Peeler.
 
Joseph Cook, of Pulaski; S. Cook, of Ullin; and John Cook and his sister, of Centralia, attended the funeral of their sister, Mattie at Wetaug on Wednesday,
 
Miss Marie Cook died at Centralia last Monday night and the remains were shipped here for burial Wednesday.  She was a former resident of this village.  She had relatives living at Ullin, Pulaski, and Cairo, who were present at the burial services, which were held at the Catholic Cemetery.
 
Roy, the little 7-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cullum, is seriously ill with typho-malarial fever at this writing.
 
Died, Monday, April 18, 1898,at his home in Dongola, Solomon Penrod, aged 79 years, 2 months and 28 days.  Interment was made in the Odd Fellows' Cemetery Wednesday, April 20.  Mr. Penrod had been a citizen of this town (Dongola) for a number of years and leaves a wife, several children and grandchildren, together with a host of friends to mourn his loss.  The relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this dark hour of grief.
 
Joseph Clifford, John Clement, and E. Hilbold, went to Cairo on Monday of last week to accompany the remains of James Clifford and the remains of the 3-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Will Tanner, of this place (Dongola) for interment.

(James W. Clifford married Mary L. Davis on 31 Mar 1891, in Union Co., Ill.  A marker in Friendship Cemetery near Dongola reads:  James W. Clifford born Nov. 6, 1855 Died April 11, 1898, Aged 42 Yrs., 5 Ms., 6 Ds.  A precious one from us is gone, A voice we loved is stilled.  A place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled.  A marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at Dongola reads:  Loneta Tanner 1895-1898.  William A. Tanner married Ida B. Clements on 14 Dec 1892, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Carolina Block, wife of Henry Block, died at her home, No. 312 Eighth Street, last Thursday, after but a short illness.  Funeral services were held at the Lutheran Church, of which the deceased was a member, Saturday afternoon conducted by the pastor, Rev. Hursh, and the remains were taken to Villa Ridge for interment.  Mrs. Block was a native of Germany, where she was born about fifty years ago. She leaves a husband and six children.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Dena Block 1849-1898.  Mother.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 28 Apr 1898:
Otto Speth's Body Found.

The body of Otto Speth, who was drowned at the coal dump on Tuesday of last week, was recovered this morning.  It was found by some parties below the Big Four Incline who took it in to shore.  They did not tie it to the bank, however, and when a tug went down for it, it had floated away.  The tug started in search and recovered it some ten or twelve miles below.  Coroner Stepp viewed the remains this afternoon.
 
Burr Spangler and Frank Stoner were called to Wetaug last Sunday as witnesses before the coroner’s inquest over Frank Hoffner, who was shot and killed by a colored man last Saturday night near Wetaug.
 
Thomas J. Peeler has erected a fine monument over his mother's grave.
 
Another shocking murder occurred at the Hoffner schoolhouse east of town, Saturday night. There was a colored folks' festival there and some of the young and white negro bucks got into a row.  Frank Hoffner received a bullet wound in the head from the effects of which he died shortly after.  He and a crowd of young men were having words when a negro, who stays in town here (Wetaug) came up and used some insulting words to Hoffner, who drew his pistol and fired three shots.  The negro returned the fire with the above result and then ran off and has not yet been arrested.  Young Hoffner was a grandson of the late Judge Hoffner.  He leaves a mother and several brothers and sisters who are nearly crazed with grief over his sudden summons.  The funeral services were held at Mt. Pisgah on Monday.

(His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Franklin Hoffner Born Aug. 8, 1876 Died April 26, 1898, Aged 21 Yrs., 8 Mos., & 15 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Tom Roach, a citizen of Ashley, died at the polls after voting at the municipal election last week.  He was in poor health and was taken to the voting place in a carriage.  After casting his ballot he was helped back into the carriage, but complained of feeling sick and was taken again back into the building where the election was in progress when he died.
 
Green Phelps, one of the most reliable colored men in Cairo, died Monday afternoon.  He was a Grand Army man and was about fifty years of age.  He had been ill for some time.  He was sorely afflicted with the piles and recently had surgical operation performed which probably hastened his death.  He was a prominent member of the Knights of Tabor and was buried today under the auspices of that order.

            (His marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  G. G. Phelps Born 1847 Died April 25, 1898.  Pvt. Co. I, 4th U. S. Col. Hy. Art. C. G. MI, 777 International 333 Order of Twelve.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 5 May 1898:
Death of William Q. McGee.

Hon. William Q. McGee died at the home of his mother in this city yesterday morning, May 4th, after an illness extending over about two weeks of pneumonia.  He was forty years of age and unmarried.  He was well educated and was admitted to the bar about twenty years ago.  He was elected city attorney in the spring of 1879 and held the office two years.  He then went to Sandusky, where his mother had a farm and spent several years in the country.  In 1896 he was nominated by the Democrats for the legislature and was elected. He was a pleasant, genial man and made many friends.  The feeling of regret at his untimely death is we believe universal in this community.

(His marker in Cairo City Cemetery reads:  William Quincy McGee 1857-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
A. J. Whitehead Dead.

Mr. A. J. Whitehead, Southern Passenger Agent of the Big Four system, died at his home in Dallas, Texas, Monday, May 2nd.  Mr. Whitehead was stationed in Cairo for several years and was well known and highly esteemed here.
 
S. A. Turner, the colored school teacher, who ran for the office of county court clerk against Capt. J. F. Rector in 1894, died of pneumonia last Friday, at his home in the county.
 
Killed in the Yards.

J. E. Thompson, employed as a switchman in the Mobile & Ohio railroad yards, Murphysboro, was killed by being run over by an engine.
 
Mrs. Effie Billingsly buried one of her children, said to have had typhoid fever.  This is the only boy the widow had and she has the sympathy of a host of friends.
 
It pains us to announce the death of Mrs. McRaven, after being confined to her bed for almost three months with consumption.  Death came Friday night and claimed its own.  She leaves one daughter, who faithfully stood by the bedside and administered to the wants of a suffering mother.  The bereaved has the sympathy of the entire neighborhood.
 
Mrs. C. N. Hileman died at her home in Thebes, April 27th, after a severe illness.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Corzine.  She was born August 27, 1857, and married Mr. Hileman December 2, 1876.  She leaves a husband and several children to mourn her untimely death.

(Calvin N. Hileman married Margaret Corzine on 2 Dec 1877, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 12 May 1898:
Proceedings of Alexander County Bar upon the Death of Hon. William Q. McGee.

At a meeting of the Bar of Alexander County on Thursday morning at the office of Lansden & Leek, to take appropriate steps in reference to the death of Hon. W. Q. McGee, Judge John M. Lansden was made chairman and M. J. O'Shea Esq., secretary.

On motion a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions of respect to the memory of the deceased, to present a copy of the same to his family, to publish the same in the city papers and to present a copy thereof to the Alexander County Circuit Court at the May term.

The resolutions were as follows:

The member of the Alexander County Bar receive with sincere sorrow the announcement of the death of their fellow member, Hon. William Q. McGee.  He was a man endowed with amiable qualities of mind and character, and with a most pleasing personality, which won for him the friendship of every member of this community.  As a lawyer, he was well versed in the law, loyal to every trust reposed in him through his profession and his ability was recognized by his associates.  He received at the hands of the people positions of honor and trust, being at the time of his death a member of the Lower House of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois.  As a representative of the people he was thoughtful of their interest and responsive to their wishes.

Resolved, therefore, that we deeply sympathize with the family of the deceased in the great bereavement they have sustained, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family and to the press of the city and to the Alexander County Circuit Court at the May term.
Walter Warder
Reed Green
William S. Dewey, Committee
 


Thursday, 12 May 1898:
Will Jones, a young colored man well known here (Wetaug) and who worked a couple years in Davis & Mowery's sawmill, died Friday of consumption.
 
We are sorry to announce the death of Mrs. Clara Lolless, wife of Craig Lolless, of Cairo.  She leaves a husband and many relatives to mourn her loss.  The bereaved have the sympathy of the entire community.
 
Died, at his home one mile east of Cobden, Tuesday morning, May 10th, Joseph Long, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferd. Long.  The deceased was about 18 years old and was a victim of that dreaded disease consumption.
 
A crowd of Cobden boys went "up the road" last Saturday night, just for a little pleasure trip.  They went as far as DeSoto, and while catching a freight train to come home, Edgar Johnson fell between the platform and the track and was caught by the end of the journal receiving even internal injuries.  He was brought home Sunday morning and after suffering for forty-eight hours died from his injuries.  He was buried Wednesday afternoon in Casper Cemetery.

(His marker in Casper Cemetery reads:  Edgar A. son of W. A. & Lovina Johnson Born Aug. 1, 1878 Died May 10, 1898 Aged 18 Yrs., 9 Mos., & 9 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
W. F. Lamer, an old citizen of this place (Cobden) died at his home 1 ½ miles north of town, at 12:25 Tuesday morning, aged 68 years, 7 months and 27 days.  Mr. Lamer had been a sufferer or several years with acute bladder trouble and has employed the best medical skill of St. Louis, but of no avail.  He leaves a son and daughter, W. F. E. Lamer, of this place, and Mrs. T. J. Reid, of West Point, Miss.  The funeral services with Masonic honors were held at the late residence at 2 o’clock p.m.  Wednesday and interment was made in Cobden Cemetery.

(His marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  William F. Lamer Born Sept. 13, 1829 Died May 10, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 19 May 1898:
Charles L. Draper Acquitted.

Charles L. Draper, who killed Charles L. Hastings in the office of Abstractor of Titles Kirby, at Jacksonville, a year ago, was acquitted at Jerseyville last Saturday.  Draper was formerly in Kirby's employ.  Later he entered upon the abstracting business on his own account.  He was suspected of entering Kirby's office at night and examining the records and then mutilating them.  Hastings, an employee of the office, kept watch and finally caught Draper in the office.  A desperate fight ensued in which Hastings was killed, having been cut 138 times by a penknife in Draper's hand.  Draper at first denied all knowledge of the affair, but later made a full confession.  Upon trial at Jacksonville he was sentenced to a life term in the penitentiary.  It was learned that one of the jurors said he would use his best endeavor to hang Draper, so a new trial was granted.  A change of venue was taken to Jerseyville on account of the strong feeling against the defendant at his home.  The trial lasted four days and resulted as above stated.  The defense was that he was suffering from melancholia when he went into Kirby's office and when he met Hastings that he simply fought for his life as any other man would have done.  Draper's lawyers were D. P. Dyer and Gov. Johnson, of St. Louis, and Gen. John M. Palmer.  The result of the trial was a surprise.
 


Thursday, 26 May 1898:
MORTUARY.
CUNNINGHAM

Mrs. Alice Peters Cunningham, wife of R. H. Cunningham, died at her home in this city Monday at 1 o'clock p.m.  She had been failing for nearly a year.  The death of her son, Harry Cunningham, was a shock from which she probably never recovered.  She was in the fiftieth year of her age.  Mrs. Cunningham was not generally known to the public as she seldom went into society and never engaged in public affairs.  Her death is an irreparable loss to her husband who in his old age is thus bereft of his life companion. She leaves no child.  R. A. Cunningham, of Villa Ridge, is the only son of Mr. R. H. Cunningham by a former wife.  The funeral occurred yesterday afternoon from the family residence, Rev. J. T. M. Knox, of the Presbyterian church officiating.  Mrs. Cunningham was a member of the Presbyterian church.  Burial at Beech Grove Cemetery.

Mrs. Judge Vaughn and daughter of Odin, Ill., sister of Mrs. Cunningham, came down to attend the funeral.  Mrs. Cunningham had another sister living in Ohio.

(Robert H. Cunningham married Alice Peters on 18 Feb 1867, in Alexander Co., Ill.
 
HARGIS.

D. D. C. Hargis died at his home in Sandusky Precinct Tuesday evening, May 24, from the effects of a paralytic stroke.  He had not been very well for several years.  He was nearly 69 years of age and was gradually failing.  But the grim messenger came like a thief in the night. Late Friday night he was stricken and Tuesday night he passed away without recover consciousness.  Mr. Hargis was born in Tennessee, July 29, 1829.  He came to Alexander County when 20 years old and had lived here forty-eight years.  He was in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Mr. Hargis was always prominent in his neighborhood.  He was respected and looked up to as a man of influence.  He was twice married and leaves an aged widow and several grown children.  He will be greatly missed in his neighborhood.

(D. D. C. Hargus married Arzilla P. Nelson on 17 Mar 1858, in Alexander Co., Ill.  D. D. C. Hargis married Carolina Miller on 30 Mar 1875, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Death has again visited our neighborhood (Diswood). Our beloved neighbor and friend, D. D. C. Hargis, died Tuesday evening, May 24, of paralytic stroke.  He was stricken Friday night about 11 o'clock and was unconscious until his death.  He and his feeble wife and a little grandson 5 years old were alone in the house.  Before full daylight the little fellow went to the nearest neighbor and aroused the family.  Our community will miss Uncle Cicero, as he was called by everybody who knew him, and was loved by all who knew him.  The funeral services was by Rev. J. H. Albright.  His remains were laid to rest in the Hargis Cemetery.
 
Harry Williams, a nephew of Mr. T. B. Farrin and Mrs. Caswell, of this city, died in a sanitarium at St. Louis last Friday, as the result of epilepsy.  Deceased was 19 years old.  His mother, Mrs. Holmgren, of Chicago, came down to attend the funeral.  His remains were interred at Beech Grove Cemetery last Sunday.
 


Thursday, 2 Jun 1898: 

GOULD IS EXONERATED.
Coroner's Jury and Green's Parents Hold Him Blameless.
He Supposed He Was Being Held Up and So He Shot His Friend, Pearl Green.—The Young Man Almost Crazed with Grief Over His Terrible Deed.—Sympathy of the Entire Community Extended to the Slayer and Parents of the Slain.

We the jury find that John, commonly called Pearl, Green came to his death from the effects of a pistol shot fired by George Gould, JR., without criminal intent.

The above is the sequel of a tragedy which last week rent the community of Villa Ridge from center to circumference, and which ended the life of one promising young man and cast a dark cloud over the life of another.

The young people of Villa Ridge had been practicing for a Congregational entertainment, which was to have been given last night.  On Wednesday night of last week a rehearsal was held at Grange hall, which continued until a late hour.  George Gould, Jr., started away at its conclusion with Miss Blanche Wilbur in his buggy to take her home.  It was about 11:30 o'clock.  The young lady is a daughter of Capt. Henry Wilbur and lives opposite the Congregational church.  The young people were driving slowly, eating cherries.  The subject of the hold ups was brought up and Gould asked the young lady what she would do under such circumstances.  She replied she would shoot.  She then turned to him with the question and he said he would not shoot unless forced to do it.  As they talked he took his pistol from the buggy seat and placed it in his lap.

They had just turned the corner at Hannaford's and were headed for the village when they entered the shade of a large maple tree.  Just then it seemed to them a man stepped out from the darkness, apparently from behind a tree, and thrust himself into the buggy.  One of his hands clutched Gould's arm and the other appeared to be trying to grasp the reins.  He said something that sounded to them like "Whoa."  Gould quickly raised his pistol and fired, without taking aim and the man fell.  The young lady, being farthest from the man, seized the rains to keep him from getting them and urged the startled horse forward.  She expected the shot would be returned.  She thought the man was a negro.  The horse ran about a hundred yards before Gould stopped him.  Gould wanted to go back and investigate.  The young lady objected, but he insisted and so they hitched and she went into a house nearby while he went back to see whom he had shot.  Striking a match, he was horrified to find a bicycle rider lying in the road, and still greater was the shock when he discovered the man to be Pearl Green.  He called William Hannaford and James Broyhill, who also lived in one of the cluster of houses there, and they carried the prostrate form of the young man into Mr. Hannaford's and summoned a physician.  Green had been shot in the head, a little back and above the left ear.  The ball had paralyzed him and he never regained consciousness.  He died at 1 o'clock last Thursday afternoon, when his body was taken to his father's home.

Gould and Miss Wilbur did everything they could for Green.  The shock was severe upon the young lady.  She held up as long as she could be of assistance, but the ordeal was more than she could stand, and when she could do nothing more, she fainted away.  She was taken home about 2 o'clock in the morning.  Gould remained close at the side of his friend all night.

The above facts were gathered from a conversation with Miss Wilbur.  Her story as told before the coroner's jury tallied exactly with that related by Mr. Gould.  How Green came to run into the buggy is only to be conjectured, but the most plausible theory is about as follows:

Green had been to call upon a young lady friend.  As he had worked his horse hard that day, he used his brother's bicycle to spare them.  He was just learning to ride.  He carried no lamp probably in order not to attract attention, as he also feared a hold up.  He came up behind Gould's buggy and may not have seen it until he was very close.  Every rider will remember the terror he experienced in learning to ride when he attempted to pass a vehicle.  Green's wheel had a bell but it was in the center of the handlebar and he could not reach it because he dared not let go of the grips.  Evidently when directly alongside Gould, he completely lost control of his wheel, and finding himself falling, clutched at the buggy in order to save himself and his wheel, crying, "Whoa" to stop the buggy so he would not be run over.  From the wheel he evidently pitched into the buggy with arms outstretched to save himself.

The coroner's jury viewed the remains Friday morning.  The jury was composed of M. Culp, foreman; G. A. Pavey, clerk; Logan Galbraith, Eli Armstrong, Gordon Conant and Thomas Wafford.  They examined the few witnesses and returned the verdict as given at the head of this article.

The funeral occurred Friday at 3 o'clock, and was one of the most impressive ever held in that neighborhood.  Everyone turned out for everyone was a friend of Pearl Green.  Rev. P. T. Brannum, of the M. E. church, officiated.  Gould was close beside the corpse of his friend as he had been almost constantly from the time of the fatal shot.  His suffering was intense.  When the remains had been laid at rest, George Green, father of the dead boy, stepped up to Gould, and putting his arm around him tried to comfort him.  He told him he knew he did not intentionally kill his boy; he said he held no malice toward him for the terrible event, which robbed him of a son.  The scene was most touching.  It was beautiful.  And the company of people present understood that if the father could, over the fresh grave of his son, so publicly and completely exonerate him of all blame he was certainly sincere.
The people of Villa Ridge without exception hold the same feeling.  They find no word of blame for George Gould.  The country is annually, during the strawberry season, overrun with the scum of creation.  This year has been worst of all.  Bums of the lowest class have swarmed into the country and they spend their time robbing the strawberry pickers of their wages by the throw of the dice, or holding up citizens at night.  Gould was held up near the Congregational church on Friday night before the tragedy.  He escaped by whipping up his horse and running away from them.  He had never gone armed, but after this experience everyone advised him to carry a revolver, and he took their advice.  It is sad to think that a noble young man should be sacrificed in order to teach the lawless and worthless elements that they must behave.

George Gould is a son of George Gould, the nurseryman.  Mr. Gould, Sr., and his son, William E. Gould, now of Toulon, Ill., are widely known.  George Gould, Jr., is a fine young man, about twenty-two years of age.  He is nearly crazed with grief.  The deceased was also very highly regarded in the community.  He was twenty-nine years of age, and was soon to be married, to a young lady of the neighborhood.
 
Died, William I. Weaver, an old and respected citizen of Flora, very suddenly.  He was an old soldier, having served from 1861 to 1865, and had since held several important positions.
 
Died, on Sunday, May 29, 1898, of spinal meningitis, Glenn, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Kimber, of Egypt, Union County.  He was sick eleven days and was taken with what was thought to be cold and croup, but later proved to be the dread disease from which in infant life there is scarcely a hope for recovery.  The little fellow suffered a great deal but the parents in their great sorrow have the assurance not only that the tired little body is at rest, but that the little spirit is happy with the great host already gone before and that when they too cross over the River of Death the little hands will be reaching to them from the other shore.  It is this thought that consoles us all in trying hours of our great sorrow.

(Morris Kimber married Edna S. Avitt on 13 Oct 1896, in Pulaski Co., Ill.  His marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Viran Glenn Kimber Born Aug. 27, 1897 Died May 29, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Miss Grace Lewis, of St. Louis, was called home last week to attend the funeral of her cousin, Pearl Green.  She returned to the city last Monday  (Villa Ridge)
 
Never before in the history of Villa Ridge has such an accident happened as occurred last Wednesday evening, when George Gould, Jr., shot Pearl Green.  The whole neighborhood was shocked when the terrible news was known to be true.  The boys were friends.  Pearl died at 1:30 Thursday afternoon.  The funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the M. E. church, Rev. Brannum officiating.  The interment was in Villa Ridge cemetery.  Mrs. Green was prostrated with grief.  The family has the heartfelt sympathy of everyone in the community.
 
Jim Albright, the Mississippi County desperado who killed Prosecuting Attorney Elliott, will hang on July 9th.
 


Thursday, 9 Jun 1898:
W. H. Boicourt, of Golconda, formerly one of the trustees of the Anna hospital, died on May 29th.
 
TOOK CHLOROFORM.
Erich W. Schwartze, a Commission Merchant, Commits Suicide.

Erich W. Schwartze, who for several years was in the commission business at No. 1002 North Third Street, took an ounce of chloroform, with suicidal intent, some time during Thursday night.  He died at 7:15 last evening.

Schwartz was 43 years old.  He had for about two years occupied a ground floor flat at No. 1245 Auvert Avenue.  His family consisted of his wife, Clara, and two children, 4 and 7 years old.  Recently he was in financial difficulties, and for several weeks had done no business.  His domestic relations are said to have been happy, but the man was very despondent on account of business reverses.

Yesterday morning Mrs. Schwartze discovered her husband in a comatose state, but did not immediately summon help, but tried to bring him around herself.  Failing in this attempt, after several hours' labor, at 11 o’clock she summoned Dr. Gilliam, of 4935 Page Avenue.  Dr. Gilliam worked over the man until 7:15 p.m., when death ensued.  When the end came, Mrs. Schwartze's nerves gave away, and for several hours thereafter she required constant attention of the physician while the neighbors took charge of the children and affairs of the household.

The above is from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of last Saturday.  Mr. Schwartze formerly lived in this city and his wife was Miss Clara White, whom he met here and married.

(Erich H. Schwartze married Eliza A. White on 16 Nov 1887, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, at the home of his parents, Monday morning, June 6th, Mr. George W. Hoyt, aged 22 years, 5 months and 28 days.  The deceased had been suffering for several weeks from lumbago and shortly after breakfast Monday he received a paralytic stroke, which proved fatal.  The funeral services were held at the Congregational church, Tuesday, at 2:30 p.m. and interment was made at the Cobden Cemetery.
 
 
Thursday, 16 Jun 1898:
Monday evening Oliver Flowers, a Mobile & Ohio switchman, was run over by a train at the incline at East Cairo.  He was thrown from a car by a sudden jar, and his left arm and left leg were crushed, and he received also internal injuries.  He was taken to the Infirmary where he died a few hours later.  Deceased leaves a family living at Wickliffe.
 
A dispatch from Chicago announces the death of Miss Julia Irvin, daughter of the late Alexander H. Irvin, which occurred this morning.  She was afflicted with a form of paralysis
 
Died, Mrs. Maria Nagle, aged 89, the oldest person in St. Clair County, at her home in Belleville.
 
Died, Hiram Jones aged 65, an old soldier and highly respected citizen of Saline County, at his home in Harrisburg.
 
Martin Heater was called to Wetaug Monday to attend the funeral of his grandchild.
 
George Engler, of West Point, Ind., was struck by a northbound train and instantly killed just south of town (Dongola) on last Friday about 11 o'clock a.m.  He was about 52 years of age.  The sum of $6.62 was found on his person.  After the inquest the remains were turned over to the undertakers, Messrs. Dodd & Ford and were interred in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at the expense of the county.
 
Suicide of Mrs. Wingfield.

Cairo people were shocked to hear of the death by her own hand of Mrs. Gussie Johnson Wingfield.  The tragedy occurred near Anniston, Mo., in Mississippi County, last Friday.  As did her mother several years ago, the young woman killed herself with a shotgun, the charge taking effect in her breast.  Mr. and Mrs. Wingfield went to Charleston, Mo., several months ago and started a tailoring establishment.  They did not succeed and according to the Charleston Enterprise, her husband deserted her.  Between her troubles and the morphine habit, she was suspected of being insane, but was not found so by a jury selected for that purpose.  In her destitute condition some good people there found her a home with William Thomas, near Anniston, where she ended her life, only a few days later.  She leaves a little two-year-old daughter.

(This may refer to Julia Johnson who married Scott Wingfield on 7 Jan 1869, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 23 Jun 1898:
Insane Man Killed.

Complaint was made of the condition of John Hooks, a negro living in the northern end of town, and last Saturday, a commission consisting of Drs. Clark and Fields, reported him to be insane.  They found he had received an electric shock on his head six years ago, which resulted in the softening of the brain.  He was regarded as harmless and would have been taken to Anna Monday.  Saturday night he wandered around and attempted to enter the house of J. W. Green, another colored man.  The latter was aroused from his sleep and demanded what was wanted.  Not receiving a satisfactory reply, he quickly opened the door and fired, shooting Hooks through the head and killing him.  Hooks was dressed only his underclothing and his head and feet were bare.
 
A colored man, name unknown, was killed by an Illinois Central train at north Cairo last night.  His body was terribly mangled.
 
The new bridge under construction by the Illinois Central railroad over Big Muddy River near Murphysboro gave way last Thursday afternoon and a derrick and an engine went down with the wreck, burying the engineer underneath.  He was Frank Scanlon, of Centralia.  Ben D. Williams, a laborer, was fatally injured and died soon after the accident.  Five others were severely injured.
 
Dr. S. Fillmore Bennett, author of the immortal hymn, "The Sweet By and By," died at his home in Richmond, Ill., last Saturday at the age of 62.
 
An infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Switzer's was buried last Saturday afternoon in the Catholic cemetery.  (Cobden)

(A marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Cobden reads:  George Sweitzer Born June 8, 1898 Died June 17, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Saturday, June 18, an infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Manning.  Interment in Friendship Cemetery Sunday, June 19.  (Dongola)

(Dennis L. Manning married Maranda Keller on 31 Dec 1893, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Tuesday, June 21st, Henry Caster, age about 45 years.  Mr. Caster was a prosperous farmer, residing one mile west of Dongola; he has been in very poor health for some time.  Interment in the St. John's Cemetery Wednesday, June 22.   The hearts of our people go out to the bereaved family in their great sorrow.

(Henry C. Castor, 23, married Lizzie Cruse, 22, on 31 Jan 1884, in Union Co., Ill.  Henry Caster, 28, married Della Cruse, 17, on 16 Mar 1890, in Union Co., Ill.  His marker in St. John’s Cemetery reads:  Henry Caster Born June 21, 1860 Died June 21, 1898, Aged 38 Years.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Monday night, June 20, Hugh A. Hill, aged 56 years, 4 months, and 3 days.  Interment in I. O. O. F. cemetery, on Wednesday, June 22.  The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this dark hour of grief.  Mr. Hill was born in Tennessee and resided there until he enlisted in the war of 1861 and after the close of the war he came to Illinois and has been in this state ever since.  He has been a resident of Dongola and vicinity for the past twelve years.

(Hugh A. Hill married Martha Penrod on 22 Feb 1866, in Johnson Co., Ill.  His marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at Dongola reads:  Hugh A. Hill Corpl. Co. E, 6 Tenn. Cav.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, at his residence in Dongola, on Saturday, June 18,th, Dr. Henry Harmes, aged 72 years, 9 months and 6 days.  Mr. H. has been a resident of Dongola for many years and was one of our leading physicians until about four or five years ago he was struck down with paralysis and never has been able to get out or do any practice since.  He leaves a wife, four boys and five girls together with a host of friends.  Funeral services at Baptist church, Sunday, June 19, at 10 o'clock a.m.  The remains were followed by a large number of friends to their last resting place on earth in the I. O. O. F. cemetery.  The family has the sympathy of the entire community in their loss.

(His marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at Dongola reads:  Henry Harmes, M.D., 1825-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Our town was thrown into a fever of excitement early Tuesday when the news was spread that Charlie Meisenheimer had been run over and badly mangled by the cars.  It is not known just how the accident happened.  He was last seen alive at the depot a little after midnight Monday night and nothing more was seen of him until early Tuesday morning when his remains were gathered up by pieces and put together.  It is supposed that he was killed about 3 o'clock as his watch was found and had stopped at that time.  Charles H. Meisenheimer was a son of A. Meisenheimer and was making his home with his father at the time of his death.  He was 26 years of age.  He leaves and aged father and mother, three brothers and one sister and a host of relatives and friends.  Charley was well known all up and down the line in southern Illinois, as he was once a railroad man and had formed a large acquaintance and gained many friends, he was kind and sociable and well liked by all who knew him.  Always had a good word for everyone.  The general services were conducted at the residence and followed by a large concourse of our people to the grave.  Interment in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery at 10 o'clock.  The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this sad and dark hour of grief.

(Abraham Meisenheimer married Jane Sethman on 2 Mar 1854, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker in I. O. O. F. Cemetery at Dongola reads:  Charles R. son of A. & J. Meisenheimer Born Oct. 23, 1871 Died June 21, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
At this writing, Mrs. Eliza Waters is very sick, thought to be dangerous; old age and general debility mixed with trouble is the supposed cause. (Friendship)
 
Mrs. Louise Mason, wife of H. A. Mason, died at the home of her father, H. H. Spencer, at Valley Recluse, yesterday afternoon, of kidney trouble.  The funeral will be held Sunday, with burial at Beech Grove Cemetery.  She was the youngest of the family.

(Hugh Mason married Louise H. Spencer on 17 Sep 1893, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 30 Jun 1898:
Twin babies of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Wright, aged 3 months, died, one on Friday and the other on Saturday night, and were interred Sunday afternoon. (Villa Ridge)

(Lincoln Wright married Mary Mahoney on 20 Jun 1883, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Louise Mason was buried last Sunday at Beech Grove Cemetery.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Parker of Vienna.  The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in this vicinity, as Mrs. Mason was widely known and highly respected.  The friends and relatives have the sympathy of this community in their bereavement.
 
A little child of Walter Hight's died about the 13th of June.  (Wetaug)
 
An infant child of Mr. John Sullivan, section foreman at Makanda, was brought down here (Cobden) Tuesday morning for burial.
 
The body of Engineer Frank Scanlon, who was drowned in the wreck at Murphysboro, was recovered last week when the engine was lifted from it.
 
 
Thursday, 7 Jul 1898:
Obituary

The heroic spirit of Miss Julia Safford Irvin passed into the realm beyond as the sixteenth day of June, eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, was enrolled on the calendar of Time.  Illinois was her native state, being born in Cairo, and spending the last six years of her life in Blue Island, where she has gained so many friends, to whom, one and all, she left thanks for kindnesses extended to her, especially during the last two years of her illness.  Educated in Knoxville and possessing a deeply religious nature, she took her confirmation vows in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-six, and ever since has interested herself in churchly duties, seeking to benefit mankind in the various ways which only a young woman of beautiful character, loving disposition, and fertile mind can.

Her witticisms and originality always made her the center of interest in social companies, while her cheerfulness and courage during the months of her inactivity have been a source of benefit to all who have come in her presence.  Her one sadness has been the separation from her idolized brother, Alfred, now a brave United States volunteer, yet she said, "I have had a happy life."

Her bier strewn with rosebuds bears testimony of the love and respect won from the now stricken hearts of her companions, both old and young.

In the springtime of her life when the world is most beautiful, she has entered the "house not made with hands" eternal in the heavens--at home with God.—Blue Island Standard.

The funeral services occurred on Saturday, June 18th, at 2 o'clock, at the home of Mrs. Irvin, on Maple Avenue, Blue Island.  The Episcopal services were read by the Rev. Percival McIntyre, and the Rev. Frederick Millar delivered the address, basing his remarks upon the words, "As we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly," paying a beautiful tribute to the short life of our friend, who, by her patience and trust in the One who makes no mistake, but doeth all things well, taught a lesson to all who came in contact with her, during the two years of her illness.
The disease was very peculiar; the name of it was "progressive muscular atrophy," a wasting or drying up of the muscles of the body.  During the entire two years she was well, except that her hands and feet were powerless; she suffered no pain, only the pain of mind, knowing that there was no relief and no cure for the disease that was sapping her life away.  No one, not even her devoted mother and sister, ever heard one word of complaint from her; and she wrote only six weeks ago to a friend in this city:
"I have been blessed all my life with kindness, and shall I now murmur or complain because my Heavenly Father sees fit to lay me aside from the doing of his work.  Let me rather be so cheerful and happy, that when I am gone, all will remember me with pleasure, for I realize that I will not be here much longer."

As one friend beautifully expressed it, "As a little bird comes down from Heaven, sings its sweet song, and then flies away; so in her sweet patient life, she sang her song of live and trust, and has gone home, to be forever with the Lord."

In the beautiful cemetery of Mt. Greenwood she lies asleep, and as the sun sank slowly to rest, in the western sky, the words, "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide," softly fell from the lips of the singers, we turned sadly away, and left her there feeling that,

"Death should come gently; to one of gentle mold like thee;

      As light winds wandering through groves of bloom;

Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree

And we will find, see you, and hope to see thee yet again."

 

Two boys were killed on the Central at Anna Monday night.  They were Robert Aldrich and Robert Powell.  They were going up the track to Cave Springs to see fireworks and had stepped off one track to avoid a freight train when the passenger train came along on the other track and struck them, killing them instantly.

            (One marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Robert Aldridge Born Nov. 10, 1885 Died July 4, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 14 Jul 1898:
Banks Will Hang.

Bob Banks, the negro rapist, who was tried at Mayfield, Ky., was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on August 26.  Troops guard the prisoner throughout the trial.
 
Died, Saturday, July 9, 1898, a little child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jillet, aged about nine months.  Interment Sunday in Odd Fellows cemetery.  (Dongola)

(Frank Gillett married Edith Provo on 27 Jan 1896, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
John Clutts, Sr., is very low at this writing and not expected to live.  He is the oldest man in this community, being eighty-eight years of age.
 
Death of an Old Resident.

Uncle Joel Lackey died at Pulaski last Friday and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery on Sunday.  The old gentleman was nearly 81 years old.  His father settled in Pulaski County about the beginning of the century and five boys and two girls grew up and Uncle Joel, as he was familiarly called, survived them all.  He was a fine, old gentleman.  Five grown children, all married, survive him, and a host of other relatives who are among the citizens of Pulaski County.
 


Thursday, 24 Jul 1898:
Died, at her home, Sunday, after a serious illness, the wife of Bernard Free.  (Thebes)

(Bernard Free married Anna J. Edwards on 6 Dec 185, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Killed by the Cars.

John W. Waymer was engaged in cleaning the windows of a Big Four car Tuesday afternoon in the union depot yards when an Iron Mountain train backed in.  It struck his ladder and Wayner fell under the train, which ran over one of his feet and also injured him internally.  He was taken to St. Mary's Infirmary for treatment, but died yesterday morning.  Deceased was only 19 years old.  He has a mother living here and several brothers and sisters.
 
John Clutts Dead.

John Clutts, one of the old landmarks of Thebes, died Tuesday and was buried yesterday.  He was 88 years of age.
 
Drowned While Bathing.

The 12-year-old son of Alderman L. E. Thomas, of Centralia, was drowned the other day while bathing in Crooked Creek, near Centralia.
 
Walter Lynch was shot and killed by George A. Leird at Anna.  Leird was too familiar with Lynch's wife and when the latter resented, Leird shot him.

(Walter A. Lynch married Stella Hutchins on 13 Nov 1892, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 28 Jul 1898:
Murder Near Wickliffe.

The body of a man was found lying at the edge of the river just below Wickliffe Tuesday with a bullet hole through his breast.  He was not dead and said he had been shot by two men and robbed of his gold watch.  He was taken to Wickliffe, but died before reaching there.  No papers upon his person identified him and his name was not learned.

Various stories are afloat about the man, but no clue has been found to indicate who he is nor have the murderers been apprehended.
 
Killed by Lightning Near Unity.

During the heavy rain of last Tuesday morning, Mr. Robert Sutts and sons, Frank and Harry, on their way to work, near Unity, took shelter under a tree, which was struck by lightning.  Harry, the younger son, was instantly killed, while Mr. Sutts and Frank were found in a helpless condition, both severely stunned, and the father was speechless.

 

A very sudden death occurred yesterday in the sudden passing away of Miss Nellie Galligan.  She had been ill only a short time of remittent fever and the disease was progressing favorably when Tuesday night inflammation of the bowels set in and at noon yesterday she died.  The deceased was 18 years of age and was a graduate of the high school last June.  She was a favorite with all who knew her on account of her cheerful disposition.
 
Steven Shad, the oldest man in this country is down with dropsy of the heart and will not remain long.  He claims to be one hundred years of age.  (Wetaug)
 
Will A. Langley, a prominent young farmer and son-in-law of Squire Gus Thompson, died at his home three miles southeast of Ullin Saturday of typhoid malaria.

(This was actually William A. Lackey.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Saturday, June 23rd, at his home near Ullin, Willie A. Lackey, of typhoid fever.  He leaves a young wife, the only daughter of G. A. and Martha Thompson and three children, an aged mother and a host of friends to mourn his loss.  Funeral by Rev. G. C. Jamison at New Hope Church where Willie was a lively member.

(W. A. Lackey married Sada Thompson on 28 Oct 1894, in Pulaski Co., Ill.  His marker in New Hope Cemetery near Ullin reads:  W. A. Lacky Died June 23, 1898 Aged 30 Yrs., 8 Mos., & 15 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The child of Mr. and Mrs. Scarlin Davis, after many weeks of suffering, passed away Tuesday morning.  Everything was done that could stay the hand of death, but all to no purpose.  They have the sympathy of the entire community (Elco)
 
Zadoc Elms, a pioneer resident of Union County died at his home in Anna on the 19th, at the age of 71 years.

(Zadock Elms married Eleanor Jones on 16 Aug 1851, in Johnson Co., Ill.  His marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Zadok Elms Born Nov. 5, 1826 Died July 19, 1898.  Sgt. Co. A, 60th Ill. Inf.—Darrel Dexter)

 

Jumped on a Freight and Was Killed.

Willie Walker, the 10-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Walker, was injured while attempting to board a Mobile & Ohio train Monday and died from his injuries.  In company with several other boys he was playing near the crossing at Twenty-first Street Monday afternoon and attempted to board a passing freight train.  It is supposed he missed his hold on the car and was dragged some distance for besides being injured internally the flesh on his limbs was horribly torn, and one thigh was broken.  He was taken to his home on Twenty-second Street and everything possible was done for him, but he died about midnight Monday.  The blow was a severe one for his parents, who it would seem have been visited by more than their share of trouble.  Mr. Walker was one of the partners in the New York Dry Goods Store.  The accident is not surprising as so many small boys play around moving trains that the only wonder is more do not meet similar fate.

(His marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  William E. Walker 1887-1898.—Darrel Dexter)


 
Thursday, 4 Aug 1898:

Alderman Taylor Dead.

Alderman W. D. Taylor died at 6:10 o'clock this morning after an illness of about two weeks duration, of bronchitis.  During his entire illness he realized that his end was near.  The funeral will be held Saturday and the remains will be buried at Villa Ridge.  W. D. Taylor was a Kentuckian by birth and was 55 years of age.  He came to Cairo about 13 years ago from Hickman, and has conducted a grocery store at the corner of Thirty-fourth and Sycamore streets.  He was a progressive man and the residents of that end of town, the Seventh Ward, recognized ion him a proper person to represent them in the city council.  He has served as alderman six years, and has been a valuable official.  He has done a great deal for his neighborhood, building up that part of town.  As a man he was one of the people, a genial, big-hearted man.  His death robs the community of a valuable citizen.  The deceased left a wife and four sons.  He also has brothers and sisters living at Hickman.
 
Alex. Booth Is Dead.

Alex. Booth, who has been prominent among the colored men of Cairo during the last thirty years, died at his home on Fourteenth Street last Sunday night.  The funeral occurred Tuesday morning.  Mr. Booth was an old man, probably seventy years of age.  He was buried at the county farm.

(Alexander Booth married Rachael Hilliard on 15 Feb 1888, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Samuel Martin, retired farmer, aged 75, at his home in Anna.  He was a veteran of the Mexican war.

(Samuel Martin married Matilda McElhaney on 5 Apr 1849, in Union Co., Ill.  His marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Samuel Martin Born Aug. 31, 1824 Died July 30, 1898.  Father.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, one of the pioneers of Jefferson County, at her home near Marlow.
 
Two men died of starvation last week.  Their names were Solomon Harris and John Barber, and their homes were in Braceville, Ill.  They were coal minters and were member of the Miners Union.  Unable to find work, they wandered from place to place.  The exposure broke down their health and they took sick.  At Mt. Vernon they applied for work, but when they found it was a non-union mine they refused to go into it, although they were nearly famished.  They finally were compelled to apply to the Mt. Vernon authorities for sustenance and it was readily given but it came too late.  Both were Odd Fellows and one was also a Mason.  They sacrificed their lives upon the altar of trade unionism.  They had a false notion of duty.  They forgot that self-preservation is the first law of nature.  They, like many others, could not endure to be called "scab," even though it meant life itself to them, and those dependent upon them.  It is a sad state of affairs, indeed.
 
Last Thursday, as William Selden and Miss Minnie DeWitt, of Anna, were on their way to join a party of campers at Beech Grove, while attempting to cross the creek at the Harris ford, about half a mile from Mountain Glen, the buggy was caught in the strong current and was presumably overturned, drowning both of them.  The sad accident occurred between 5 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon and their fate was not known until the following morning.  Mr. Selden's body was found about one hundred yards below where the accident occurred a and Miss DeWitt's body was found under a drift about half a mile distant.  Their bodies were taken to Anna Friday afternoon.  The funeral took place Sunday afternoon, Revs. Sabine and Miller officiating.  The deceased were both well-known young people.  Miss DeWitt was the eldest daughter of J. C. DeWitt, one of Anna's leading businessmen.

(John C. DeWitt married Luedella Shadrick on 8 Sep 1878, in Johnson Co., Ill.  William A. Selden married Caroline Throop on 20 Apr 1872, in Union Co., Ill.  Their children’s marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Julia Minnie daughter of J. C. & L. D. DeWitt died July 28, 1898 Aged 18 Yrs., 5 Mos., & 19 Ds.  William A. son of W. A. & Carrie Seldon Died July 28, 1898 Aged 26 Yrs., 2 Mos., & 3 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The saddest accident in years in this county (Union) was the drowning of Will Selden and Miss Minnie DeWitt, of Anna, last Thursday afternoon in Clear Creek, near Mountain Glen.  It seems the young people left Anna about three o'clock in the afternoon to go to a party of friends camped in the bottoms.  They proceeded as far as the old Lilly place, near Mr. Purdue's farm when they were stopped by a man who knew the danger in trying to ford the creek at such a high stage of water and refused to let them go further.  They then turned back and attempted to recross at the Harris ford where they had just previously crossed, but the road ran diagonally across the creek so that in recrossing they had to face the current and it proved to strong for them.  It is supposed that Mr. Selden lost his life in his efforts to save Miss DeWitt.  The body of Mr. Selden was found early Friday morning by a farmer who first noticed a napkin and a lap robe down the creek.  Then he saw the buggy and later the horses standing in the water.  Then he came upon the body partly out of water.  The news was quickly spread and all sorts of wild rumors were soon afloat.  One was that 12 persons had perished, but it was soon corrected.  Miss Dewitt’s body was found one and a quarter miles down the creek at 1 p.m. Friday.  the funeral services were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. DeWitt, parents of the young lady, Sunday.  The procession formed in two lines with two hearses and was headed by the Jonesboro and Anna bands.  It was the largest and saddest funeral ever held in Anna.  The parents of young Selden are very old and feeble and were partially dependent upon him.  A sad thing of it is that the young couple were engaged and were to have been married in October.  But though their bodies lie side by side in the grave, we can trust with Tennyson, "That not one life shall be destroyed, or cast as rubbish to the void, when God hath made the pile complete," and that they are together in a purer, happier sphere.
 


Thursday, 11 Aug 1898
MURDERED WITHOUT CAUSE.

David Rue Stabbed by Edward Wilson in Wilmot’s Saloon.

            An unprovoked murder was committed in Louis Wilmot’s saloon last Saturday evening soon after six o’clock.  David A. Rue was stabbed by Edward Wilson and died in a few minutes from the effects of his wound.  There was no quarrel preceding the crime.  There was no old grudge to in any way justify it.  The men were strangers to each other.

            Wilmot’s Saloon is at the corner of Twentieth and Poplar streets.  Rue, Harry Corzine, Theodore Landon, W. W. Fletcher and Louis Wilmot were there when Wilson came in.  They drank together, Wilson being invited to join with them.  Then Corzine and Rue withdrew to the back room and sat down to a card table and were chatting together.  Rue had his back to the door.  In a few minutes Wilson entered.  He made some threatening remark, and drew an open knife out of his pocket.  Then he reached over Rue’s right shoulder and with a hard blow plunged the knife in Rue’s right breast.  Rue fell forward and his chair fell over with him.  Over this Wilson stumbled and sprawled on the floor and Rue then commenced to kick him and strike him in the face.  Wilmot heard the noise and coming in, said he would allow no fighting there.  Corzine told Wilmot what had happened and suffered Wilmot take the knife away from Wilson.  This Wilmot was afraid to do and Wilson made a threatening remark that if he attempted it he (Wilson) would treat Wilmot as he did Rue.  By this time Corzine had helped Rue up and they started for a doctor.  When they got outside Rue could only go as far as Raggio’s when he grew faint and Corzine left him there while he went after Dr. Walsh.  The patrol wagon was also telephoned for and it arrived and took Rue to the infirmary, but he died just as they reached the gate.  Wilson remained in the saloon until about the time the patrol wagon drove up.  He threatened Wilmot and the latter had to stand him off with a pistol.  Then Wilson ran out the back door, and out Twentieth Street, around the courthouse and up Washington Avenue to Twenty-third and out that street to Walnut.  There Officer Greaney who was waiting for an electric car there, took the man in charge and he was taken to the courthouse and placed in jail.

            The above is substantially the story as told by Corzine, who was the only eyewitness, before the coroner’s jury.

            Rue was a married man, but was not living with his wife at the time of his death.  He was a brother of Mrs. Charles MoureyRue was a bridge carpenter by trade.  He was a member of Safford Lodge, I. O. O. F., having recently completed the degrees.  He was a young man of quiet disposition.

            Edward Wilson is a Mobile & Ohio engineer.  He is also a married man.  His wife was Miss Guncher.  They live here.  Wilson is said to be a peaceable man when sober, but very quarrelsome when intoxicated.

            Funeral services were held over the remains of Rue Tuesday afternoon, the Safford lodge attending in a body.  The service was held in the Cairo Baptist church by Rev. Gee, and the remains were buried at Villa Ridge.

            Funeral services were held over the remains of Rue Tuesday afternoon, the Safford Lodge attending in a body.  The service was held in the Cairo Baptist church by Rev. Gee, and the remains were buried at Villa Ridge.

            Wilson has not talked about his crime.  This is at the advice of his attorney, Angus Leek, Esq.

The coroner’s jury which viewed the remains was composed of Walter Nellis, foreman; A. W. Weldon, C. S. Reynolds, Erick Parker, George T. Sams, and Joseph L. Sterling.  Their verdict is as follows:

            We the undersigned jurors sworn to inquire of the death of David A. Rue, on oath do find that he came to his death by a stab wound in the breast a short distance above and to the left of the right nipple, which wound penetrated the right lung.  That the wound producing his death was made by a spring back dirk knifed, with a blade 3 5/8 inches long, which knife was held in the right hand of Edward Wilson, and the assault was made in the back room of the saloon of Louis Wilmot, Jr., on the corner of Poplar and Twentieth streets, Cairo, Alexander County, Ill., about the hour 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 1898, and that said David A. Rue died from the result of such stab wound about 7:00 p.m. on the same date.  The jury further fined that the assault as made was without justification or excuse and recommend that the said Edward Wilson be held without bail to await the action of the grand jury at the October term 1898 to answer for murder of said David A. Rue.

                (Charles W. Mourey married Bessie Rue on 23 Jan 1894, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)


MORTUARY.

Jacob Brickell died at his home on Nineteenth Street Saturday night, after an illness of about three weeks.  The deceased was 83 years of age and was an old resident of this section.  He was a native of Pennsylvania and came here before the war, working at his trade, that of ship carpenter.  Part of the years since have been spent at Mound City and Villa Ridge.  Deceased leaves a wife and three children, a son living at Pittsburg, a daughter living there also, Mrs. Rectanus, who came on during her father’s illness, and Mrs. Tom Caraher, of this city.  Mr. Brickell was a member of the Presbyterian church, and his funeral was held from that church Monday afternoon, Rev. J. T. M. Knox, officiating, and the remains were taken to Villa Ridge Cemetery for interment.

(Jacob Brickell married Elizabeth M. Law on 26 Nov 1865, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

Miss Emma Kennedy, daughter of Mrs. Margaret Kennedy, died at her home 1__5 Pine Street, Sunday of heart disease.  Deceased was 19 years old.

 
It is reported that Frank Gillespie was killed yesterday on the Cotton Belt road while engaged in inspecting and loading ties.  He was a son of Capt. J. B. Gillespie of New Burnside and a brother of George B. Gillespie, state's attorney of Johnson County.
 
 
Thursday, 18 Aug 1898:
MORTUARY

Died, at the home of her son, Capt. William Sickman, Mrs. Elizabeth Free.  Mrs. Free was born in Germany, Nov. 9th, 1821.  She was married to Theodore E. Sickman, of Commerce, Mo., in December, 1843.  She and her husband removed to Santa Fe, Ill., where Mr. Sickman died in 1853, leaving her a widow with three children, viz:  Capt. William Sickman, now of Mound City, Ill., Theodore Sickman, of Mississippi County, Mo., and Mrs. J. E. Merriman, of Greenfield’s Landing, Mo.

            Two years after her first husband’s death, she was married to Frederick Free, and their son, John J. Free, their only child, is a resident of Mississippi County, Mo.

            Mrs. Free, who was loved and respected by all who knew her, leaves a host of friends and relatives in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri, who mourn deeply the loss of a loved one.  Though she is dead, her philanthropic deeds will ever gleam with luster in the precincts that knew her, and her bereaved Christian spirit is a lasting monument to her memory, and a guide to her children and friends who may follow her course in life.

 
Miss Lizzie Klein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Klein, Jr., died last Friday.  She was 16 years of age.  Funeral services were held Sunday.

(Jacob Klein married Rosanna Stacher on 13 Apr 1871, in Alexander Co., Ill.  Her marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Elizabeth Klein 1881-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Frances, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George F. Dewey, of Charleston, Mo., died about 1:30 o'clock Tuesday morning.  The little one was nearly two years old.  She had been ill for some day and had been reported dead here even before the sad event occurred.  The entire family of Circuit Clerk E. S. Dewey went over to attend the funeral, which was held Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Fannie Clarkson, Mrs. Dewey's mother.  Rev. Patty, of the Methodist Church, officiated, and the remains were buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery there.  The little child had inflammation of the bowels, and toward the end her brain was affected, which brought on the end.  She was a very bright child.  She was named for both her grandmothers, her full name being Frances Janette Dewey.
 
Passed Away Peacefully.

Katherine Kotting was found dead in bed at her home in Germantown, Clinton County.  The verdict of the coroner's jury was death from heart disease.  She was 80.
 
Died at his home, at 7 o'clock Tuesday morning, August 16, of typhoid fever, George Whittemore Mesler, aged 14 years, 5 months and 2 days.  Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. of the same day.  George was a boy that possessed a very delicate constitution and proved an easy victim to that terrible malady.  While he was weak physically, he had an abnormal development of brainpower and could converse intelligently on any subject.  George was an active member of the Christian Endeavor Society of the Presbyterian church and was well liked by all who knew him.

(His marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  G. W. son of Carrie M. & W. P. Mesler Born Mar. 14, 1884 Died Aug. 16, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
An infant child of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson, of Stringtown, was interred in the Wetaug cemetery Monday.
 
A man named Bowers was buried at the Catholic cemetery last Tuesday.  He resided in Johnson County and was killed by a falling tree.  (Wetaug)
 
Uncle Steven Shad, a colored man who has lived here since the war and who claimed he was about 100 years old, died last Tuesday of dropsy.  (Wetaug)
 
Mrs. Paul Barker died in Grand Chain last Monday after a short illness.  She was a young colored woman who has resided here (Wetaug) for several years and was well educated and quite well esteemed by all.

(Paul Barker married Emma Brown on 8 May 1892, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Thomas Miller died at her home in Alexander County three miles west of Wetaug, Friday, August 12, or puerperal eclampsia.  She was the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Sowers, and was a young woman of many graces of character and was universally esteemed by her acquaintances.  She was married the 30th of April 1896, to Mr. Thomas Miller of this place (Wetaug) who with two infant children, are deprived of a most dutiful wife and mother.  She was aged about 20 years.  The remains were interred at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Revs. Metzler and Kitch conducting the obsequies.  Seldom have so many people been present as were there to attend the services.

(Thomas L. Miller married Minnie Sowers on 30 Apr 1896, in Alexander Co., Ill.  Her marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Arminda Viola wife of Thomas L. Miller Born Oct. 25, 1877 Died Aug. 10, 1898 Aged 20 Yrs., 9 Ms., & 15 Ds.  In my father’s house are many mansions.  She’s gone to worlds above, Where saints and angels meet, To realize our Savior’s love, And worship at his feet.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Annie Axley died Monday night, August 15th, at the home of her sister, Mrs. George Scurlock in Dongola, aged 44 years, 4 months and 5 days.  Funeral services were held Tuesday at 3 o'clock p.m., at the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Childress.  A large number of friends followed the remains to the Odd Fellows Cemetery, where they were interred.  (Dongola)

(John W. Axley married Margaret Ann Harper on 10 Mar 1872, in Union Co., Ill.  George W. Scurlock married Manerva Harper on 1 Dec 1877, in Union Co., Ill.)
 
Died, the wife of Thomas Miller, died August 10, aged 20 years, 9 months 15 days.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Sowers, and was a devout Christian.  Funeral services were held at Mt. Pisgah Church Thursday, conducted by Rev. M. S. Metzler and Rev. Kitch.  The remains were interred in the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.  The husband and family have the sympathy of the entire community (Dongola).
 
Quite a serious accident occurred at Gale on the I. C. R. R. last Thursday afternoon.  A crew of sixteen men were unloading a car load of steel rails from one side, and after they had all off from the one side the weight of the rails on the other side turned the car off the trucks upside down, killing three men instantly and injuring eight others, of whom one died afterwards.
 
Preaching at McClure Sunday evening, August 21st.  Obituary will be read and a few remarks made on the life of Uncle John Clutts Sr., at Thebes M. E. church, Sunday morning, August 21st.
P. A. Smith
 
Died of Yellow Fever.

Word reached here yesterday that John Beauman, son of D. F. Beauman, of Tunnel Hill, died July 26, at Santiago, of yellow fever.  He belonged to the regular army, having joined it in the west some three or four years ago and was attached to the signal service corps.  He went through the battles down there all right, but sickened and died afterwards.  He was a robust and worthy young man.  His body was buried at Santiago, but his relatives will likely have it brought home.—Vienna Times.
 
Jesse Herin died suddenly on the government quarter boat No. 3 at Buffalo Island, last Friday night.  He was head baker.  Just after supper he sat down to write to his wife when he expired and was found dead sitting in his chair.  Constable E. G. Kunsman came to Cairo to notify the coroner, but no inquest was deemed necessary as he died of heart disease.  The body was taken in charge by Undertaker BattyHerin was an elderly man and his home was at 2500 South Second Street, St. Louis.  Herin was an Odd Fellow, and after being prepared for burial his remains were shipped to Cincinnati by Safford lodge for interment.
 
FOUR LABORERS KILLED.
And Ten Injured by the Overturning of a Car of Steel Rails.

A very bad accident occurred at Gale on the Illinois Central Railroad, last Thursday, resulting in the death of four men and the injury of ten others.  Sixteen men were unloading a car of steel rails when the car overturned, and the men were caught under the heavy iron.  The rails had been taken off one side of the car and the weight on the other side overbalanced it.  The men were Italians.  Coroner Stepp went out and held an inquest.  Gale is on the new branch of the Central, and is opposite Gray's Point.
 


Thursday, 25 Aug 1898:
Murder Near Mound City

Harvey McDowell, the man who was shot by a party of negroes near the National Cemetery early Thursday morning, died Saturday.  McDowell had been employed at Villa Ridge for several years and left there with his wife and team in search of work.  He had camped for the night near the cemetery.  A party of negroes going out from Cairo was very noisy and McDowell got out of his wagon to see his horses were not frightened.  One of the negroes fired five shots at McDowell, one of them taking effect in his side.  The negroes drove on toward Beachwood, and McDowell’s wife hitched up and drove to Mound City for help.  The Mound City officers arrested four men, the names of thee of them being Walter Freeman, William Balkan and James KeeneyFreeman is said to have done the shooting.  Upon the death of McDowell there were mutterings of vengeance, and the negroes were brought down to Cairo for safekeeping.  They are still in jail here.


Death of Mrs. Goss.

Mrs. C. C. E. Goss died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Al Sloo, at Topeka, Kan., last Saturday at the age of 82 years.  The remains were taken to Springfield, Ill., and the funeral was held from the home of Mrs. S. P. Wheeler, who is also a daughter of Mrs. Goss, Tuesday.  Mrs. Goss formerly lived in Cairo and is well remembered by the older residents.
 
Pardoned by the Governor.

Gov. Tanner has pardoned James H. Kirkham, who was sentenced to the penitentiary from Hardin County, in 1894 for a term of 14 years for the murder of Newton L. Fowler.  There seems to be some cause to doubt his guilt.
 
Fatally Injured.

Steven Burtan, member of a prominent family at Mount Vernon, was found beside the railroad track unconscious and fatally injured.
 
News has just reached here (Wetaug) of the death of W. R. Hayes, of Grand Chain, who died on Monday with a congestive chill.  He was a son-in-law of Bentley Sowers, and was a Christian gentleman and beloved by all who knew him.  He was buried at Cache Chapel on Tuesday.

(Richard K. Hayes married Lydia A. Sowers on 25 Aug 1892, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The remains of B. N. Rethey were brought down from Champaign for burial Thursday.  Mr. Rethey was a resident of this place (Cobden) for a number of years and was a workman of rare ability.  He was the maker of the famous Rethey guitar.  He leaves three children—Mrs. A. J. Russell, Frank and Julia Rethey.

(Alfred J. Russell married Emma Rethey, daughter of Benjamin N. and Louisa nee Keiser Rethey, on 10 Oct 1886, in Union Co., Ill.   His marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  B. N. Rethey Born Dec. 15, 1831 Died Aug. 22, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Miss Annie Gertrude Pidgeon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pidgeon, died Monday morning after a brief illness.  She was 22 years of age.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from St. Joseph's Church and the interment was at Villa Ridge.

(Her marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Annie G. Pidgeon Aug. 28, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 1 Sep 1898:
The mother of Mr. Charles Cunningham died at Gainesville, Tex., last Thursday night.  She was 76 years of age, and last March she and her husband, William Cunningham, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.  They were formerly residents of Cairo.  Mr. Cunningham was present at his mother's death.
 
Twin boys were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cange last Sunday.  They lived only a short time.  (Wetaug)

(Their marker in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Wetaug reads:  Infants of Joseph and Elizabeth Cange Died Aug. 29, 1898.  Happy infants early blest, Rest in peaceful slumber rest.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Dr. Lyon was called to Clear Water, Ark., by a telegram announcing that his wife's father had been killed by a runaway horse, Monday.
 
A daughter of Jacob Headinger was buried at New Hope last Sunday.  Monday a child of Mr. Robert Wilson, colored, was buried and the same day Mr. and Mrs. Booth buried their little daughter.  Paul Cange and James Cange lost their infant babes Monday.  It seems that Monday was an unlucky day, as more deaths are recorded on that day than on any day in the history of this settlement.  (Friendship)

(Jacob A. Heddinger married Ellen J. Cantrell on 16 Oct 1881, in Pulaski Co., Ill.  A marker in New Hope Cemetery near Ullin reads:  Gertrude daughter of J. A. & Ellen Heddinger Born Sept. 1, 1882 Died Aug. 27, 1898—Darrel Dexter)
 
Miss Mary Smoot died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Smoot, one day last week, three and a half miles north of Dongola, aged about 21 years.  Interment in Christian Chapel Cemetery.

(Alexander Smoot married Rachel C. Jones on 25 Sep 1870, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Ettie, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. V. Brown, of Balcom, was buried at the Big Creek church Sunday, August 28.  Deceased was 19 years of age and has been a sufferer from childhood.  She was a victim of that dread disease, consumption, and for six long years she battled against her formidable enemy.  During all this time her life was one of sweetness, and almost sublime patient.  During all this period she was confined to her bed and it seemed that she really hovered between time and eternity.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. W. Hunsaker.  She will be long remembered by the young people of that community, because the waves of influence set in motion by her noble character will ever continue to expand.

(Martin V. Brown married Mary J. Grear on 1 Mar 1860, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker in Big Creek Cemetery near Anna reads:  Mary E. Brown 1879-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
George W. Sammons
            Mr. George W. Sammons died at his home near Thebes last Sunday evening after an illness extending over several months.  He had a severe attack of the grip a year or two ago, and his system was left in a bad condition.  His ailment finally developed into a lung trouble, which slowly and surely wore him out.  He was 73 years of age last March.  Mr. Sammons was born in Jonesboro, Ill., March 10, 1825.  His grandfather, Robert Sammons, and his father, John Sammons, were both Virginians.  The former served in the War of 1812, and was in the Battle of New Orleans.  Mr. Sammons’ father removed to Illinois, near Jonesboro, in 1822, and lived there nearly all the time until his death in 1848.  He left eight children of which George W. was sixth.  The latter worked on a farmer during his early manhood.  In 1844, which was noted for the high water in the Mississippi, he saw a part of the great tribe of Cherokee Indians, led by the chief Bushy Head, when they crossed the river at Green’s Old Ferry on their way to hunting grounds of the west.  The same year he removed to his county, but remained only a short time.  The next year, in company with a companion, he set out on foot for the west.  They traveled about five hundred miles, the country through which they passed being covered with a fine growth of timber and abounding in game of all kind, but it was very thickly settled and after reaching Arkansas, they returned to Illinois.  In January 1847, Mr. Sammons located at Goose Island, in this county, and the following year was elected constable.  He also served at different times as school director and justice of the peace, and in 1875 he was elected county commissioner from Thebes Precinct, having removed there some year previously, and served one full term of three years.  In all, he held the office of justice of the peace for about twenty-five years.

            Mr. Sammons joined the Lake Milligan Baptist Church in May, 1849.  He afterwards became identified with the Sexton Creek Baptist Church near Thebes.

            Mr. Sammons was married four times.  His first wife, whom he married in 1843, was Miss Susan M. James.  By her he had three children, Robert, Lafayette, and Daniel W.  After her death he married Miss Rebecca Ann Mayo, in 1851, but she lived but a short time.

            In 1852, he married Miss Mary Pendell, and five children were born to them, Jasper N., Elazetta, John A., Matthew, and Wood Rittenhouse Matthews.

            Mr. Sammons’ present wife was Mrs. Emily Durham, whom he married in 1866. They had two children, Joel and Emma.

            Funeral services were held at Thebes, Tuesday forenoon at 11 o’clock.  Deputy Clerk John A. Sammons, who made so frequent trips to Thebes during his father’s lingering illness, went out to attend to these last sad rites and returned yesterday.

            (George W. Sammons married Susan Matilda James on 12 Jan 1843, in Union Co., Ill.  He married Rebecca Ann Mayho on 9 Mar 1851, in Alexander Co., Ill.  He married Emily Durham on 11 Mar 1866, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 

 

Thursday, 8 Sep 1898:

False Suicide Story Circulated.

A report was circulated in Cairo Friday to the effect that Frank Moore, of Pulaski, had committed suicide.  The report was entirely untrue, but one Cairo paper unfortunately published it.  Mr. Moore was naturally very indignant at the publication.  Only the day before, at Mound City, he straightened up all the claims against him, which grew out of his failure in the mercantile business at Villa Ridge and is ready to make a new start.
 
An infant of James Eaton, of Stringtown, died Saturday night of marasmus.  (Wetaug)
 
Mrs. Ussery, of Anna, a relative of the Bourland family, was down to attend the funeral of Frank Bourland. (Wetaug)
 
Al Moore died Friday at his home near Ullin of pernicious malarial fever.  He leaves a wife and several children.
 
Joseph Barnes, a colored man prominent as a violinist, died last Thursday of inflammation of the bowels, at his home near Cache Chapel.
 
Frank Bourland, a young farmer, who lived 2 ½ miles southeast of town (Wetaug) committed suicide last Friday morning by hanging himself from a rafter in the barn.  He had been despondent and in poor health for some time.  He leaves a wife and four children in destitute circumstances.

(William Frank Bourland married Mary Edna Octavia McMillon on 12 Aug 1888, in Pulaski Co., Ill.  His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  William F. Bourland Born Dec. 12, 1865 Died Sept. 2, 1898, Aged 32 Ys., 8 Ms., & 20 Ds.  He was a man and a good husband, a fond father, and a friend to all.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. William Hanniford died last Friday.  (Villa Ridge)

(William Hannaford married Mrs. L. M. Barnum 12 Jul 1891, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Benjamin Campbell, who has been suffering for years with that dread disease, consumption, died last Tuesday evening.  Mrs. Campbell leaves a husband and two children, Mrs. Thomas Peeler, of Wetaug, and Mrs. Lee Howe.  Mrs. Peeler came Tuesday evening.  Mrs. Howe has resided with and cared for her mother during her illness.  (Villa Ridge)
 
Died, at her home in Dongola, Monday, September 5, 1898, Mrs. Elmina Wright, aged 76 years, 11 months and 7 days.  Her husband died about twelve years ago and she has been keeping house and living alone ever since as she had no family.  She was good and kind to all, and when any of her neighbors were sick, Aunt Mina, as she was always called, was always on hand ready and willing to do anything she could in the way of nursing and comforting the sick.  Mr. T. N. Henley always looked after her welfare and saw that she always had what she needed in the way of provisions and fuel, and if she was sick at any time some of is family were always there to take care of her.  The funeral service was conducted at the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Carter officiating.  A large concourse of friends were present. The remains were laid to rest in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
 
He Was Sick.

Frank Bourland committed suicide by hanging with a rope in his barn, two and one half miles southwest of Wetaug, Pulaski County.  He leaves a widow and four small children.  Cause, sickness..
 


Thursday, 15 Sep 1898:
An infant child of Thomas Miller's died last Saturday (Wetaug)

(One marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Arminda daughter of T. L. & A. V. Miller Born Aug. 5, 1898 Died Sept. 10, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Campbell's funeral was held at the M. E. church last Thursday.  The services were conducted by Rev. Brannum.  Interment at Villa Ridge.  (Villa Ridge)
 
Died, at her home two miles southeast of Dongola, Sunday, September 11, Mrs. Malvina Benton, wife of John Benton.  The deceased was 48 years of age.  She had been a sufferer from that dread disease, consumption, for nearly two years.  She joined the Congregational church about ten years ago and has been a devoted Christian since that time.  She was a true and devoted wife, and a kind and loving mother.  Funeral services were held at the Congregational church Monday at 2 o'clock p.m., conducted by Rev. Childress and the remains were followed to Odd Fellows Cemetery by a large concourse of friends where they were laid to rest.  She leaves a husband and six children and a host of friends to mourn her departure.

(John Benton married Melvina Tigner on 5 Dec 1869, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
CARD OF THANKS.

I take this means of expressing my thanks to the neighbors and friends who by their manifestations of kindness and sympathy during the illness of my wife endeared themselves to us.  May God bless and keep them.,
John Benton and Family.
 
Mrs. U. M. Samuels died at Stringtown Tuesday of pernicious malarial fever.  The family from Indiana there last spring.  She leaves a husband and three children.
 
Miss Julia Goe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Goe, of Villa Ridge, died this morning of a malarial hemorrhage.  She had been ill since early in the spring.  Deceased was eighteen years of age.  David H. Winans and Reeder Goe came down this forenoon to make arrangement for the burial.

(William H. H. Goe married Lucinda Brigham on 6 Sep 1870, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
  
Died, Mrs. Lydia S. Longley, aged 78, of Cobden, at Fairmont, Minn.

(One marker in Cobden Cemetery reads:  William F. Longley Died May 27, 1887 Aged 72 Yrs., 9 Mos., & 21 Ds.  Lydia S. Longley 1820-1898, His Wife—Darrel Dexter)
 


Thursday, 22 Sep 1898:
Terrible Tragedy on the Mayflower.

An awful murder occurred on the steamer Mayflower Monday night, when the boat was a short distance below St. Louis, the details of which were learned when the boat reached here late Tuesday night.  The mate, Mart Davis, and the watchman, Charles Baker, had a fight and both were killed.  Davis abused Baker for some trivial matter and used threatening language.  Baker sought refuge in the pilothouse, being afraid of the man, and Davis followed him there, armed with a pistol.  He made for Baker and punched him in the stomach with his pistol.  Baker drew a razor and slashed Davis' throat nearly cutting his head off.  Davis then sent two bullets into Baker's body.  Both men then left the pilothouse and went down into the office, where they died shortly.  Their bodies were put off at Chester.  Davis' remains being sent back to St. Louis and Baker's to Evansville.  Both were unmarried men.  Davis is said to have been under the influence of liquor when he provoked the quarrel.
 
MORTUARY.
Rev. M. B. Kelly

We learn that Rev. M. B. Kelly, who was chaplain of the old Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Stringer, who resides near Pulaski, last week Monday.  Parson Kelly entered the United States service in 1861 as first lieutenant of Company F, but on the resignation of Father Lambert as chaplain of the regiment in April 1862, he was promoted to chaplaincy and held the position until the expiration of his term of service.  He was a brother of the late Capt. John H. Kelly, of Cairo, and of Capt. Isaac Kelly, of DuQuoin.  He was 82 years of age at the time of his death.

(William M. Stringer married Mary Jane Kelly on 28 Sep 1869, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Byron Shelton.

Byron Shelton, who was well known in Cairo and Wickliffe a few years ago as General Agent of the Equitable Life Assurance Association, died in Cape Girardeau, Mo., last Monday.  He was now residing in St. Louis, but was in Cape Girardeau on business.
 
An infant of James Sichling, of New Hope, died Saturday.

(One marker in New Hope Cemetery near Ullin reads:  Florence J. daughter of James & M. C. Sichling Died Sept. 12, 1898  Aged 4 Yrs., & 4 Mos.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Uncle Sam Hill, one of the oldest settlers in the county (Pulaski County) died Saturday, at his home near New Hope.
 
After lingering illness, John A. Sichling passed away last Friday night.  His remains were taken to Ullin for burial.  He leaves an aged wife and several grown children, who have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends.  (Unity)

(John Andrew Sickling married Margrate D. McCane on 27 Feb 1868, in Pulaski Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Little Margie and Harry, children of Mr. and Mrs. Armp. Sanders, died within a few days of each other last week.  The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of the entire community.  (Unity)
 
John Siers was taken suddenly ill and died Monday.  He leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss.  He was a good citizen and will be greatly missed.  (Unity)
 
A little child o Mr. Stokely Bowles is quite sick.  Its recover is thought to be doubtful.  (Unity)
 
Last Sunday seemed to be rather an unlucky day at New Hope—two funerals in one day.  A child of James and Mollie Sichling and Samuel Hill, one of the oldest settlers of this county, were both buried Sunday.
 
John A. Sichling, of Hodges Park, Alexander County, was buried at New Hope Saturday,
 
Adam Sichling, formerly a resident of this county, but who has lately been living near Hodges Park, Alexander County, was buried Saturday at New Hope Cemetery.  He had several relatives in that vicinity.  He was a member of the A. F. & A. M.
 


Thursday, 29 Sep 1898:
Mrs. Roberts, wife of Capt. E. P. Roberts, died at her home at 2007 Poplar Street yesterday morning, of consumption.
 
George T. Bailey committed suicide and died yesterday.  He took morphine.  His home was at Evansville, Ind.  He was and Odd Fellow and Alexander lodge took charge of his remains.  Deceased was 40 years of age.  He sought work as a carpenter at New Madrid and failed to secure employment.
 
Rev. G. E. Morrison, who was sentenced to be hung at Vernon, Tex., Tuesday, for the murder of his wife, will be remembered by most of the older residents of Cairo.  Twenty years ago his father, Rev. A. B. Morrison, was pastor of the Methodist church here and had also been presiding elder of this district.  His son was a very wild young man then.  Later he became a preacher and was stationed at Pan Handle, Tex., when he poisoned his wife.  His father is now pastor of a church at Los Angeles, Cal.
 
Died, Saturday, September 24, Chalmer Lee Gurlock, son of Thomas Curlock, in Dongola, aged 8 years, 3 months and 11 days.  Chalmer was a bright little boy and had just started into school when taken sick.  He was only sick a short time, when he died.  Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Sunday at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Carter.  Interment in the Union Schoolhouse Cemetery, three miles northwest of Dongola.

(Thomas E. Carlock married Harriet Rebecca Davis on 14 Nov 1869, in Union Co., Ill.  One marker at Union Schoolhouse Cemetery reads:  Chalmer L. son of T. E. & H. R. Carlock Age 8 Yrs., 3 Ms., & 11 Ds.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, at the home of her mother, Mrs. Alice Harmes, in Dongola, at 11:30 p.m., Thursday, September 15, Mrs. Mollie Theresse Dillow, wife of D. J. Dillow, aged 37 years, 9 months and 28 days.  She was a victim of that dread disease, consumption, against which she battled hopefully and cheerfully for five years.  Funeral services were conducted at the Lutheran church, Saturday, September __th at 10 o'clock a.m. by Rev. Kitch.  A large concourse of friends and neighbors were present at the funeral.  Interment was in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

(Daniel Jerome Dillow married Mollie Harmes on 31 Jan 1882, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Died, at her residence in Dongola, Monday, September 26, at 3:15 p.m., Mrs. __a F. Wilber, aged 42 years, 9 months and 23 days.  She has been an invalid a long time.  She was married to M. Law in Pulaski, Ill., Aug. 8, 1878, and to them were born two children, Mabel and Lottie.  She was married to A. S. Wilber, in Charleston, Mo., September 15, 1884, and they had three children, Albert, Willie and Julia.  All the children are living.  Funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Childress, pastor of the Congregational church.  Interment in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.
 
Mrs. Clark James who resided in East Cape Girardeau, died last Friday afternoon.  The remains were brought here (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) Saturday for interment in the city cemetery.
 
MORTUARY.
Mrs. Clark James.

Died, in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., Friday, September 23, 1898, Mrs. Juliet Belle James, wife of Clark James, and daughter of R. A. Edmundson.  Mrs. James had resided nearly all her life in East Cape.  She was a member of the M. E. church, having joined about a year ago, and was a consistent Christian.  She was buried beside her mother in the cemetery at Cape Girardeau, Mo.  and many of her friends followed the remains to their last resting place.  She leaves a husband and little 4-year-old daughter in her immediate family.

(Clark James married Julia Edmundson on 16 Dec 1891, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Sergeant O. B. Taylor, of Co. C, Fourth Illinois, died at Carbondale, last Thursday of typhoid fever, which he contracted at Jacksonville, Fla.  He was at home on a furlough when he was taken ill.  He was a son of Judge and Mrs. J. F. Taylor.
 
Died, on Wednesday evening of last week, of typhoid fever, Mrs. Daisy Hight, living on Horseshoe Lake.
 
Died, Samuel Garrison, of White County.  He was born in White County, December 19, 1811, and spent his entire life in the county.
 
With Military Honors.

The remains of Sergt. Breese Taylor, late of Co. C, Fourth Illinois regiment, were buried at Carbondale, the other day, with military honors.
 


Thursday, 6 Oct 1898:
Peter M. Canon, a former Cairo boy, died at his home in Chicago last Sunday evening.  The remains were brought down to Villa Ridge for interment.
 
Hal Pope, one of Cairo’s heroes in the war with Spain, has laid down his life for his country.  He died of dysentery Tuesday morning.  He contracted the disease at Santiago, having been taken sick shortly after the fall of that place.  On August 19th, he sailed for this county and after spending some days at Montauk arrived home on sick leave on September 8th.  He enlisted in the regular army here last spring, joining the Twentieth Regiment.  His remains were taken to Grayville for burial yesterday, and the casket was fairly covered with floral offerings, the gifts of our sympathetic people.  The deceased was 19 years and came here from Grayville last year with his parents.
 
Mrs. Jane Sowers, one of the oldest residents of this county (Pulaski County) died at her home two miles southwest of Wetaug, Friday.  Had she lived until January, she would have been ninety years old.  She was born in North Carolina and came to this county when a young girl.  Her husband died many years ago, and she had only two stepchildren now living, Mr. R. B. Sowers, of this place, and Mrs. M. V. Ussery, of Anna.  She was an intelligent woman, and had a remarkably clear memory and could talk entertainingly of her experiences three quarter of a century ago.  The remains were interred in the cemetery by the Reformed church Sunday at 11 a.m.  The Rev. Mr. Karraker, of Dongola, conducting the obsequies.  She was a consistent member of the Baptist church.

(Her marker in Sowers Cemetery at Wetaug reads:  Jane wife of John Sowers Born Jan. 23, 1809 Died Sept. 30, 1898, Aged 89 Yrs., 8 Mos., & 7 Ds.  Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Helman died last Thursday evening and was buried Saturday afternoon.  (Villa Ridge)
 
A soldier was found on the farm of Mrs. Sol. Silver at Villa Ridge last week, lying dead with his throat cut and a bloody razor by his side.  His furlough paper revealed his name to be W. G. Suttler, a private in Co. C, Second Mississippi, and he had permission to go to Chicago and return to his regiment at Lauderdale, Miss., on October 10th.  He was apparently about forty years of age and German descent.  The strange feature of the case is that no one in the neighborhood saw him there.  The reason for his rash act is a mystery.  He was buried at Liberty.
 


Thursday, 13 Oct 1898:
Suicide of M. S. Leftcovich.

Matthew Sebriski Leftcovich committed suicide in St. Louis early last Saturday morning by asphyxiation.  He was at the home of his brother-in-law, George H. Norman.  Retiring to his room about midnight, he carefully stuffed all the cracks in the doors and windows with paper, stopped up the keyhole and then turned on the gas.  He was found at 2 o'clock in the morning, dressed in clean clothing.  His death was most deliberately planned, and was evidently owing to despondency as he has been out of employment for several months.

His family live at Grayville, Ill.  Mr. Leftcovich was formerly a resident of Cairo and was well known all around here as a traveling salesman, for a time representing the New York Store Mercantile Company, this city.

He was a member of Safford Lodge No. 67, I. O. O. F., and they conducted the funeral at Beech Grove Cemetery Monday afternoon. The deceased was born in Cairo, Mary 10, 1848.
 
Died, Joseph Locher, prominent and influential at Mount Vernon, aged 61.
 
Mrs. Sarah Evans, after a serious illness, died Sunday at 9 a.m. at the home of her sister, Mrs., Richard Brown.  Her remains were removed to Roseville, Ohio, for interment.  (Thebes)
 
Died, Monday, Oct. 10th, at his home near the Lutheran chapel in Johnson County, Mr. Rich Peeler, aged about 60 years.  Interment in the Lutheran Chapel Cemetery, Tuesday, Oct. 11th.
 
A young child of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Short was buried at Mt. Pisgah on Tuesday, Rev. M. S. Metzler, officiating.
 
Miss Kate Arrison died last Saturday morning of consumption, after a long illness. Her remains were taken to Metropolis for burial. Miss Arrison was twenty-seven years of age, and has lived here with her parents for the past twelve years.  She was a member of the Episcopal church and was an earnest Christian young woman. Last year she took a trip to California hoping the change of climate would stay the ravages of disease, but afforded her only temporary relief and when she returned she was taken ill.  Beside her parents she leaves a sister, Mrs. Kidd, of Metropolis, and a brother, John Arrison, who lives at Oscaloosa, Arkansas,.
 


Thursday, 20 Oct 1898:
MORTUARY.
Mrs. Caroline Gossman.

Mrs. Caroline Gossman died very suddenly last Friday afternoon, of heart affection.  She had been out to see the fair in the forenoon, and after dinner lay down to rest.  Late in the afternoon, when they went to arouse her, she was found dead.  It was a great shock to her family.  One of her sons, Frank Gossman, is an officer of the cadets, and was in camp with the company, enjoying the fair, when the news of his great affliction was broken to him.  Another son, Oberly Gossman; four sisters, Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Nellie and Mrs. Albrecht, and Mrs. Jenelle, of St. Louis, and a brother, Mr. Kaha, besides her aged mother survive her.  The funeral was held Monday, under the charge of Rev. Hursh of the Lutheran church, of which she was a member, and the remains were buried at Villa Ridge.  The cadets contributed a beautiful floral piece in token of their sympathy for their comrade.

(John A. Gossman married Caroline Kahn on 31 Dec 1867, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. Augusta Harris.

Mrs. Augusta Harris died last Tuesday night after a brief illness, aged about 63 years.  She had been in rather feeble health for some time, but was able to get out.  On Wednesday of last week she was out viewing the Street Fair.  The day was raw and chilly and she took a cold, which gave her capillary bronchitis.  She was too feeble to endure the attack and passed away Tuesday evening.  She leaves one son, Edward Harris, as her only heir.  Mrs. Harris was the widow of Henry Harris, who died in Cairo in the year 1871.  He was a man well known to all old citizens.  She had three sons by Mr. Harris and one child by a former husband, but Edward J. Harris is the sole survivor.  Mrs. Harris came to Cairo in 1859 and was one of our oldest residents.  She was a member of the Lutheran church and will be buried tomorrow, Rev. Hursh, of the Lutheran church, officiating.

(Her marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Augusta Harris Died Oct. 18, 1898, Aged 68 Years.  Wife.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The remains of the late Alexander H. Irvin were disinterred Tuesday by Undertaker Batty and were shipped to Chicago for burial.
 
Dr. T. J. Edwards.

Dr. T. J. Edwards, the prominent oculist, died at his home in Union City, Tennessee, last Saturday, after a severe illness of nine days.

On Thursday evening, October 6th, he seemed as well as usual and ate a hearty supper.  He was cheerful and conversed pleasantly with his family.  He retired about 9 o'clock and soon afterward told his wife that his heart was not acting rightly, and requested her to bring him some medicine.  When she returned with it, she found that he had been stricken with paralysis, which involved his left side entirely.  He made one or two attempts to get up, but could not stand, and was obliged to keep his bed.  He held on nine days, gradually growing worse, some of the time apparently unconscious and lying in a comatose condition until Saturday, October 15th, when he expired in the 65th year of his age.  He leaves a widow and three children, two sons and a daughter.  His wife is a sister of Thompson and Stephen Bird, of Bird's Point.

Dr. Edwards was the son of a farmer and was born in the county, where he died, near Union City, Tennessee.  He had few advantages when a boy, and worked at regular farm labor.  Finally, when a young man, he disappeared and was absent from his old home for several years.  Probably few of his old neighbors knew where he was.  He finally returned to his old home after the war, a thoroughly educated physician.  He had made a careful study of the eye.  On his return home several of his old neighbors or people living near Union City had severe trouble with their eyes.  He treated them and cured them.  From that time his reputation was made.  He gradually became known as an oculist in every state of the Union.  People flocked to him from all quarters, and were benefited or healed.
Some twelve or fifteen years ago, suffering from neuralgia and nervous troubles, he left home and made a trip around the world, stopping at points of interest as inclination might dictate.  He returned much improved and again entered upon his chosen work.  But his work is now ended and he has been called home. 
 
John Hohn, of Dongola, died last week of consumption.
 


Thursday, 27 Oct 1898:
Suicide of George Tanner.

George W. Tanner, of the Farmer's Hotel, committed suicide at his home in Ballard County, Ky., dying Sunday afternoon.  Claiming to be suffering pain Saturday, he secured a bottle of morphine, which he emptied.  His condition was discovered and restoratives were applied and he was soon out of danger.  The physician said all he needed was rest and Tanner was allowed to sleep.  Friends who were watching by his bedside were attracted by a noise and going to his side found blood rushing from his throat.  He had been put to bed with his trousers on, and in one of the pockets was a small knife with which he stabbed himself in the breast and cut his throat.  Tanner owned the Farmer’s Hotel here, but a short time ago he gave up the management of it and went to Ballard County to live on his farm.  He was twice married.  His present wife is Kitty May Sams, well known as the defendant in the Sampson murder case of a few years ago.  They did not get along together and separated.  Tanner was once tried for insanity and sent to an infirmary from which he was discharged as cured.  Recently he was again tried for insanity but was acquitted.
 
John Knupp died in the hospital at the Cape and was buried in the Lindza Cemetery last Friday.  (McClure)
 

Thursday, 3 Nov 1898:
Run Over and Killed by a Train.

M. Lee Chaney, a young man whose home was at Gillette, Ark., was run over and killed by an Illinois Central train Tuesday afternoon.  Chaney attempted to cross a track to board the Cotton Belt train, when the fast mail came in.  He did not see the approaching train nor hear the shouts of those who saw his danger and the engine struck him, knocked him down and crushed his life out under its wheels.  He had been to St. Louis and was en route home.  His folks are well-to-do people it is stated.  Undertaker Batty took charge of the remains.
 
Charley George, of New Hope, was buried at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Monday.

(Charles George married Mrs. Martha Jane Knap on 29 Oct 1882, in Pulaski Co., Ill.  His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Charlie George 1861-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
An old man who lived at Cluney, south of town (Wetaug), and followed the occupation of gardening, died Friday night.
 
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Columbus Pelly, who lately moved here (Wetaug) from Anna, died last Friday of membranous croup.
 
Died, N. R. Wheat, one of the most prominent citizens of Washington County, at his residence in Ashley.
 
Died, John Eccles, a prominent mechanic of Metropolis.
 
Died, Mrs. Sarah J. Gray, wife of W. L. Gray, of Carbondale, aged 69.
 


Thursday, 10 Nov 1898:
Died, Thomas Kanady, Co. B, Ninth Illinois Volunteers, of typhoid fever, at his home, two miles north of Ridgway.  He came from Jacksonville, Fla., on a sick furlough.,
 
Killed by a Falling Tree.

Johnson Sheppard, aged 17, was killed by a falling tree, near Anna.  The boy, with his father, Pack Sheppard, and a brother, were clearing land.
 
Mrs. Thorpe, a very estimable lady and one of the oldest settlers in the county, died Sunday.  (McClure)
 
Killed on the Bridge.

Alfred Hornberger, a boy 15 years old, was killed on the Illinois approach to the bridge Tuesday forenoon while attempting to board a freight train to steal a ride over the river.  His brother, John Hornberger, 18 years of age, was with him.  Together they had been wandering over the country for three years.  Their home is in Perryville, Mo.  The coroner took charge of the remains and held an inquest finding no fault with the railroad for the accident.  Undertaker Batty shipped the remains to Perryville.
 


Thursday, 17 Nov 1898:
WILLIAM B. BLYTHE MURDERED.
Texas Lawyer Shoots Him on Account of a Newspaper Item.

William B. Blythe, son of Observer W. F. Blythe, of the United States Weather Bureau, was shot and killed at Galveston, Texas, last Friday,.  Mr. Blythe was for some time a resident of Cairo, working as a reporter on the local papers here, and later serving as advertising manager for the New York Dry Goods Store.  The account of the tragedy is given in a dispatch from Galveston as follows:

William B. Blythe, a reporter on the Evening Tribune, was shot through the heart and instantly killed this morning by Major Edwin S. Easley, a leading lawyer.  The shooting occurred in the reportorial rooms of the Tribune, and grew out of an article in yesterday's Tribune in relation to an incident in the school days of two young women and telling how they met in this city after a separation of ten years.  Although the article mentioned no names and cast no reflections, Major Easley said it aspersed the character of his wife, and he sought Blythe.  While the latter was declaring that he meant no harm, Easley shoved a revolver against Blythe's breast and fired and as his victim was falling clubbed him over the head with his pistol.

Easley is large and powerful and of middle age.  He was commissioned Major of the First Texas Volunteer Cavalry at the beginning of the Cuban war.  He resigned to run for county judge in this county and was defeated at the recent election.

Blythe was the son of William F. Blythe, section director of the United States Weather Service at Vicksburg, Miss.  He was 26 years old, unmarried, and has been on the Tribune staff since last May.  He was of slight build and no match for his opponent.
 
Mrs. Nancy Shad, relict of Stephen Shad, an old colored lady, died at the home of her son, John Shad, last Saturday.  (Wetaug)
 


Thursday, 24 Nov 1898:
PRISONERS ESCAPE JAIL
Charles Martin, Wanted in Iowa for Murder, Breaks from Jailer Brown.

Charles Martin and Thomas Edwards broke jail here at 5:30 p.m. last Monday and have not been captured.  They were confined together in a cell in the county jail.  The lower hinges of the cell door became rusted and broke off.  They discovered it and by working the door soon had it off its hinges.  When Jailer Alfred Brown came in with their supper, they sprang out at him and attempted to shove him into the cell and fasten him in.  He struggled with them and succeeded in getting his foot in the door to hold it open.  They then tried to liberate the other prisoners, but failing, ran out of the jail, brushing Mrs. Brown aside as they ran and disappeared in the darkness.

Martin has a record as a crook.  Some years ago he was arrested for housebreaking here and at Mound City and a large amount of stolen goods were recovered.  One of the houses he visited is situated across the river in Kentucky.  He plead guilty and was sent to Chester for four years, serving out his term.  He came back here again, visited the same houses he robbed before, was caught, and was put in jail to await trial.  He then confessed to the murder of an officer in Iowa and that he had escaped from the penitentiary at Anamosa, where he was sent for life.  The penitentiary officials were notified and Deputy Warden Odell arrived several days ago to take his man back.  Owing to the absence of State’s Attorney Butler, he delayed his departure.  There was a reward of $100 for the capture of the man, offered by the Iowa authorities.

Martin has several aliases.  He is commonly known by the name of Miller, but also goes under the name of Alfred Anderson.  He is a Prussian, and about 25 years of age.  Edwards is a few years younger.  They burglarized Harry Halliday’s residence, and were captured up above the Chicago mill in north Cairo.

Jailer Brown has a very sore ankle where it was caught in the door.

 

Death of Mrs. Brown

[Villa Ridge Correspondence of Cairo Bulletin]

Mrs. Mary A. Brown died at her house at Villa Ridge Wednesday and was buried in the Villa Ridge cemetery Thursday afternoon.  She was the widow of Judge A. M. Brown, who died nineteen years ago and leaves two daughters, Mrs. W. P. Minnich and Miss Jennie Brown, and a son, ___ Brown of St. Louis.  Her death occurred on the 77th anniversary of her birth, and after many years of suffering.  The funeral was very largely attended, and floral offerings were numerous and very fine.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. Perry Branum, of the Methodist church, and occurred at the house.  The music was fine and was rendered by a quartet composed of Mrs. Dr. Rife, Mrs. Taylor, Messrs. George Gould, and W. F. McKee.  The pallbearers were Messrs. Ayers, Pollock, Titus, Kinker, Leidigh, and McKee.  Judge and Mrs. Brown came to Villa Ridge in 1861 and engaged in fruit farming.  He was county judge several terms and was very successful in business.  He was always prominent in the affairs of Pulaski County,  Mrs. Brown was a charter member of the Congregational church at Villa Ridge and always took an active interest in its affairs, living and dying a consistent Christian.

(A marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Alex M. Brown 1818-1879.  Merry G. Maxwell Brown His Wife 1821-1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
S. C. SPAULDING DEAD.
Ends His Own Life at Janesville, Wis., Last Sunday
.

JANESVILLE, Wis., Nov. 20.—After an absence of nineteen years, Stephen C. Spaulding, of Villa Ridge, Ill., aged 75 years, returned to Janesville to blow his brains out on the grave of his daughter.

Two boys found his corpse at Oak Hill Cemetery this afternoon, and beside it lay the revolver with which Spaulding killed himself.  Half a dozen letters were found in his pocket.  Three of them were directed to Janesville men.  In one of these Spaulding said he was tired of life, as he had made a failure of everything.  In addition there were three letters directed to H. E. Spaulding, and one directed to Clarence E. Spaulding, both of Villa Ridge.

Spaulding was engaged in the jewelry business in Janesville many years ago and removed to Villa Ridge, where he engaged in fruit farming.  He came to Janesville for a visit ten days ago and was apparently cheerful and contented.

The above dispatch appeared in one of the Chicago papers Monday.  Mr. H. E. Spaulding, brother of the deceased, also received a dispatch Monday apprising him of the terrible event.  He at once sent his son Rob to Janesville.

Mr. S. C. Spaulding was a native of New Hampshire.  As the dispatch states, he was once in the jewelry business at Janesville.  In 1861 he came to Southern Illinois and at Cobden engaged in raising fruit.  Later he was railroad and express agent there.  From there he went to Hot Springs, but returned to Cairo where he was in the provost marshal's office for a time under Capt. Isaac N. Phillips, during the Civil War.  He next went to Villa Ridge, where he has lived since.  He conducted a general store directly opposite the old station there for many years, but about two years ago closed it out and returned to his farm, where he lived with his niece as his housekeeper.  Last summer he suffered sunstroke and a long illness followed from which he only recently recovered.  Two weeks ago he left for Janesville to visit old friends.  A long letter from him there told of the many changes he noticed and how few of his old friends remained and that they did no recognize him.  Perhaps these things depressed his spirits and his weak physical nature could not throw them off, until the brooding over them overturned his reason.

Mr. Spaulding left one son, Clarence E. Spaulding, mentioned in the above dispatch, who is also a fruit grower at Villa Ridge, living upon a farm near his father's
 
Mrs. Myra J. Hathaway, widow of Dr. William M. Hathaway, died at her home in old Caledonia last week.  She was born in Enfield, New Hampshire in 1832 and was consequently 66 years of age.  She leaves several grown children.
 
Mrs. Judge Brown died at her home last Wednesday, Nov. 16, aged 77 years.  She had been an invalid for many years.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Brannum of the M. E. church.  Interment at Villa Ridge.
 
Mr. S. C. Spaulding, formerly a merchant of our town, committed suicide in Wisconsin where he was visiting relatives.  Mr. Spaulding's daughter had died lately and he went to visit her grave and shot himself while there.
 
Died, Edward V. Satterfield, one of the most prominent men identified with the early history of Jefferson County, aged 64 years.
 
Died, John B. Coleman, aged 73, a pioneer resident of Clinton County, at his home in Keyesport.
 


Thursday, 1 Dec 1898:
Henry Koch Murdered by a Negro.

Henry Koch was shot by a negro named Tom Jones last Sunday night and died yesterday morning at 7:45 from the effects of the wound.  The crime was committed at the house of a negress named Sarah Sutton, on Twenty-first Street near Poplar and immediately after Jones fled and has not been captured.  Koch forced an entrance into the house, slapping the woman who denied him admittance, whereupon Jones who was in there, drew a pistol and fired, the ball taking effect in Koch's left breast.  Koch was bartender for his brother-in-law Henry Zerfass, who runs the saloon at the corner of Fourteenth and Washington Avenue.

(Henry Zerfass married Mathilda Koch on 11 May 1890, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Jordan Boys Convicted.

Scott and Henry Jordan, of Mill Creek, who assaulted and nearly killed Eugene Cowan, the school teacher at Elco, on January 16th, last were convicted in the circuit court at Jonesboro last week.  The jury returned a verdict of guilty early Thanksgiving morning.  A motion for a new trial will be argued this week, but will undoubtedly be overruled.  One of the boys will go to the penitentiary and the other to the reformatory.  They have been neighborhood terrors for a long time.
 
Michael Curry, foreman of the Big Four switch engine No. 64, received fatal injuries last week while assisting in tying up the transfer Duncan at the incline during the heavy gale, died last Saturday morning.  He came to Cairo four years ago from Cincinnati with his brother, who is yardmaster of the Big Four here.
 
Mr. Michael Bambrick, an old citizen of Cairo, died at St. Mary's Infirmary just after midnight yesterday morning, aged 71 years.  Mr. Bambrick had lived in Cairo forty years.  He has been city jailer and has been to some extent before the public.  He was a man of genial disposition and generally made friends.  He had enjoyed good health until within a few weeks.

(His marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Michael Bambrick  Father—Darrel Dexter)
 
Death of Capt. Redman.

Capt. William A. Redman died at the hour of 4:30 this morning after a severe illness of a few days duration.  He died of diabetes.  Capt. Redman was born in Shawneetown, seventy-five years ago, where he lived, went into business and married.  He removed to Arkansas about the year 1852 and lived in the town of Napoleon and other places.  He came to Cairo in 1864 and has lived here since that time.  His wife died about the year 1870 and afterwards he married again.  By his first wife he had five children.  By second we believe eight.  Most of his children are still living, though one or two have died.  His second wife survives him.  Capt. Redman was a merchant before coming to Cairo.  Here he was employed for many years on the Halliday-Phillips wharf boat.  He was a genial man, pleasant to meet and made friends.  His family is well provided for.

(His marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  William A. Redman Died Dec. 1, 1898 Aged 73 Yrs., 8 Mos., & 22 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Dropped Dead.

John M. Conley, of Louisville, one of the old and prominent citizens of Clay County, dropped dead from apoplexy in the streets of Sailor Springs.
 
James Wilson died on Wednesday, Nov. 23d, at the residence of his sister in Ullin of a relapse from pneumonia fever.  He was an industrious farmer and good citizen.  He leaves a wife and four children.  The remains were interred in the Wetaug Cemetery.
 
Eli Knupp, a well known and prosperous farmer died at his home three miles east of town (Wetaug) last Saturday of meningitis.  He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knupp and was aged about 48 years.  He leaves a wife and one child.  He was an exemplary citizen and a man who will be missed in his community.  The funeral services were held at Mt. Zion Church and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.

(Eli Knupp married Ida Peeler on 3 Apr 1895, in Union Co., Ill.  His marker in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Dongola reads:  Eli Knupp Born Feb. 15, 1851 Died Nov. 26, 1898 Aged 47 Yrs., 9 Mos., & 11 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Henry Stoner, the oldest resident of this community (Wetaug), died Monday evening,  Nov. 29th.  He was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, August 22, 1816, and came to this country when quite a young man.  He has resided near Wetaug for nearly fifty years.  He cast his first vote in 1840 for William Henry Harrison and has voted for every Republican president since.  He was gifted with an iron constitution and was a man of great firmness sutdfiness of character.  He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church and devoted to its teachings.  His remains were laid to rest near church of his choice, the funeral services being conducted by his friend, Rev. E. H. Kitch.  He leaves two sons in Illinois, Moses and Frank Stoner, and John Stoner, who resides in Arkansas.

(His marker in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery near Wetaug reads:  Henry Stoner Born Aug. 22, 1816 Died Dec. 28, 1886 Aged 82 Yrs., 3 Mos., & 6 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Riley Brown died in Charleston, Mo., last Friday afternoon.  (Elco)
 


Thursday, 8 Dec 1898:
Circuit court is now in session with Judge Robarts on the bench.  The principal criminal cases disposed of up to Wednesday evening were:  Walter Freeman sentenced to the penitentiary for 20 years for killing John McDowell.  A man by the name of Howard was sentenced for life for killing a man named WinstonMcRerry, for killing Ed Cole, was sentenced to the penitentiary for 5 years.  The killing was decided to have been accidental.  (Mound City)
 
Aunt Polly Robinson, aged about 60, widow of the late Judge T. T. Robinson, died in St. Louis last Saturday night after having undergone a surgical operation.  She was buried in Dutch Ridge Cemetery Sunday.

(Thomas Theodore Robinson married Mary Ann Gregory on 2 Dec 1859, in Jackson Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Frank Redman and wife, of Memphis, Tenn., and Sam Redman and wife of Shreveport, La., who were here in attendance at the funeral of Capt. Redman, returned to their homes Monday.
 
Francis Klier died at Bailey Springs, Ala., last Monday, where he went for the benefit of his health.  He was there with his daughter, Mrs. E. J. Cotter, when the end came.  The remains were brought to Cairo Tuesday and funeral services were held here, after which they were taken to Cobden for burial.  A delegation from Alexander Lodge, I. O. O. F., accompanied the remains to the cemetery where they were laid beside those of his wife.  The deceased was the father of Mrs. Cotter, Mrs. Pankey, Mrs. Dr. Simmons, of Verona, Miss., and Misses Kate and Eva Klier, of this city.
            (Joseph J. Simmons, Jr., married Matilda Klier on 9 Jun 1897, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)

 


Thursday, 15 Dec 1898:
Another Old Citizen Gone.

Mr. William Smith, of the firm of Smith & Brinkmeyer, died at an early hour Tuesday morning of asthma.  One year ago he was stricken with paralysis and suffered from a complication of diseases since that time.  He had tried a change of climate and done everything that medical science could suggest, but received no permanent benefit.  He had been on the street, walking with a cane, but a few days—probably five or six days—before his death.  He leaves a widow and five grown children.

Mr. Smith was born in Germany on the Rhine, July 13, 1836.  He came to this country and to Cairo in 1859 and has since resided here.  In 1864 he married Katherine Reese, who survives him.  He formed a partnership with Mr. Brinkmeyer in 1864 and together, they have pursued the even tenor of their way for thirty-four years, as merchant tailors, doing their part toward keeping our people clothed in the best and most becoming manner.  Mr. Smith's family is comfortably provided for.  He leaves two grown sons and three daughters, all of whom are highly respected.  The remains were buried at Villa Ridge yesterday, under the auspices of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor.
And so another of our old and highly respected citizens has passed that bourne whence no traveler returns.

(His marker in Cairo City Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  William Smith 1836-1898.—Darrel Dexter)

Mrs. F. A. Short died at her home at Elco Monday evening.  She had been ill with pneumonia.  Funeral services were held yesterday.  Deceased was the stepmother of Mrs. Jesse Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. Miller went out to Elco Tuesday to attend the funeral.

(Jesse E. Miller married Fluanna Short on 1 Sep 1889, in Alexander Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Albert Susanka died at New Orleans last Friday.  His remains were brought to Cairo and buried at Villa Ridge Monday.  Deceased was forty years of age and was the eldest of a family of eleven children.  An unusually sad circumstance was that Wednesday of last week was to have been his wedding day and relatives, who went down to attend had their joy turned to mourning by his sudden demise.

(His marker in Calvary Cemetery at Villa Ridge reads:  Albert L. Susanka Born Feb. 4, 1863 Died Dec. 9, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Young Woman's Sudden Death.

Miss Sallie Joyner, aged 20 and highly related in Gallatin and Saline counties, after eating a hearty meal dropped dead at Ridgway.
 
Child Burned to Death.

The three-year-old son of Fred Becker, of Rentchler, St. Clair County, was fatally burned the other day.  The little fellow was playing near a grate.
 
Died, D. M. McCauley, of near Clay City, aged 72.  He had lived in Clay County since a small boy.
 
Died, F. M. Hess, a pioneer of Saline County and a veteran of the Civil War, aged 70.
 
Mrs. May Tanner ended her life Monday night by taking morphine.  Deceased was the widow of the late George Tanner, of the Farmer's Hotel, who committed suicide some weeks ago.  She left letters in which she stated, as a reason for her rash act, that she could not live without Tanner.  The deceased was better known as Kittie May Sams.  Six years ago, before she married Tanner, she killed Rans Sampson at the Planters' Hotel because he had jilted her and married another.  She was acquitted of the crime.  Relatives from Jonesboro, her mother and brother, came down and took charge of her remains.
 
Mrs. Burrell Swofford, Mr. John Wallace and Mrs. Monroe Hileman died in Ullin of pneumonia fever, Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.  Mrs. Hileman was the wife of C. M. Hileman, a leading dry goods merchant there.

(Burl Swafford married Sarah Tabitha Cooper on 21 Aug 1890, in Union Co., Ill.  Christian Monroe Hileman married Harriet Lucinda. Robinson on 24 Sep 1871, in Union Co., Ill.  Her marker in Anna City Cemetery reads:  Harriet L. wife of C. M. Hileman Died Dec. 11, 1898 Aged 59 Yrs., 1 Mo., & 9 Ds.—Darrel Dexter)
 
The remains of a dead man was found a few days since near Pulaski, which were recognized as that of Frank Miller, who mysteriously disappeared nearly two years ago.  The coroner’s jury could not determine as to whether he had met his death by personal violence or by foul play.
 


Thursday, 22 Dec 1898:
Louis Hicks, of Ullin, died last Thursday.  He was an old resident there.
 
Miss Lottie Mowery, daughter of W. J. Mowery, is suffering from dropsy with no hope of recovery.

(William Junius Mowery married Mary C. Costley on 22 Nov 1866, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
A little child of Sheb Keller's, of Friendship, died Saturday night of convulsions caused from whooping cough.
 
Mr. and Mrs. George Bennett, of Carbondale, attended the funeral of Thomas Story last Friday.  They will remove in a short time to Jackson, Miss., where Mr. Bennett will be employed in the capacity of a civil engineer for the Illinois Central.
 
Thomas Story, an old resident of this community (Wetaug), died last Thursday morning.  He came from North Carolina many years ago and was married to a sister of the late Capt. Hight, who survives him.  Two children were born to them, but both are dead.  He was aged 63 tears.  The remains were interred in the Wetaug cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Kitche conducting the obsequies.

(Thomas G. Story married Emeline Hight on 22 Apr 1860, in Union Co., Ill.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Mrs. C. J. Stanton, aged 68 years, mother of Mrs. W. J. Ervin, of this city, died at the home of her daughter, Thursday.  She was a very exemplary and lovely old lady, was highly accomplished and possessed of considerable literary talent.  Her remains were taken to Goshen, Ind., for interment.
 
T. M. Wells, of Arcola, county superintendent of schools of Douglas County, was killed in a wreck on the Decatur & Southern railroad, near Guion Station, 35 miles west of Indianapolis early Sunday morning.


 
Thursday, 29 Dec 1898:
C. M. Eisenbauer, a lumber inspector, died Monday at his home, No. 732 Thirty-fourth Street, of pneumonia.  Funeral services were held Wednesday, conducted by Rev. Father Diepenbrock at St. Joseph's Church.
 
Farmer Cut His Throat.

James Parson, aged 60, a prominent farmer near Eldorado, Saline County, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a pocketknife.  When he was found by his son lying on the ground back of his barn the knife was still sticking in his throat.
 
Uncle Hudge Abbott, aged 75, an old soldier and pioneer citizen, four miles west of Ridgway.
 
Dr. John H. Lee, circuit clerk of Saline County, died on Tuesday of last week.  He was a sufferer from cancer of the face and took a dose of chloral to ease the pain.  But he took too much and death came swiftly.  Deceased was 50 years old and had lived in the county half his life, practicing medicine the greater part of the time.  He had served six years as circuit clerk.  He was a member of the Grand Army, of the Royal Arch Masons, and of several pother orders.
 
Mrs. Charles Corzine, of Egypt, died Christmas Day.
 
A little daughter of John Lingle, of  Mt. Zion died with brain fever Saturday.

(John Simeon Lingle married Sarah Florence Head on 20 Dec 1885, in Union Co., Ill.  Her marker at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Dongola reads:  Sarah C. daughter of J. S. & S. F. Lingle Born Nov. 23, 1890 Died Dec. 25, 1898.—Darrel Dexter)
 
Booth Sammons Dead.

Booth Sammons died at his home at Goose Island yesterday of pneumonia.  A dispatch to this effect was received by his cousin, Deputy County Clerk John A. Sammons, and he went out to attend the funeral, which occurred today.

Cairo Index Page

Next Page