Calhoun County AlArchives News.....Newspaper abstracts for MAY 1885 and JUNE 1885 1885 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: C Gravelle tealtree@comcast.net October 2, 2006, 8:03 pm The Jacksonville Rebublican 1885 NEWSPAPER ABSTRACTS FROM "THE JACKSONVILLE REPUBLICAN", Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama for MAY 1885 and JUNE 1885 NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, May 2, 1885 LOCAL News DEATH OF MRS. D.H. ADERHOLT DIED, in Gadsden, after a long and painful illness, Saturday the 25th inst., Mrs. D.H. Aderholt, formerly of this place. On Sunday her remains were brought to the cemetery here for interment. A large concourse of friends and relatives followed the body to the grave, thus testifying their respect and love. Some years ago, Mrs. Aderholt was caught in the shafting of her husband's Mill, and received injuries about the head from which she never fully recovered and from which, it is supposed, she finally died. From the date of the accident her health was never so good as before, and when she was attacked by the fever in Gadsden, her constitution was too weak to withstand the ravages of the disease. During the whole course of her sickness, her friends here suffered the deepest anxiety, and when the intelligence reached here that she had suddenly grown worse and died, the sorrow was deep and universal among her many friends here. For some years prior to their removal to Gadsden, Mrs. Aderholt and her husband lived in Jacksonville. During her stay here she won the regard and love of every one with whom she came in contact. Her friendly and loving disposition, her trustful, christian walk in life, her mild and gentle manners, attached all hearts to her that came within the sphere of her influence. It was not strange that she was so much beloved and it almost broke the heart of her husband, relatives and friends to give her up. ---- IN MEMORIAM OF MRS. NANNIE J. REESE Mrs. Nannie J., wife of James E. Reese, died near White Plains, Ala., March 4, 1885, aged 36 years. Having been in infancy devoted to God and His church and trained by a christian mother in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, she early learned to love the Savior and in her childhood cast her lot with His people by joining the M.E. church; ever through life, loving and learning it's doctrines and usages, thus exhibiting the beauty of christian character. For more than two years she had been the victim of Pulmonary troubles. Through all her suffering she murmured not but with cheerful, hopeful, christian fortitude endured all, hoping for a restoration of health and usefulness. When told that the time of her departure was near, she calmly resigned all hope of this and with peaceful anticipation, looked to the life beyond as higher, better, purer, fully realizing that the change was to her great gain. Retaining unto the last, clearly and fully, all the mental powers, she exhibited such complacency of mind and spirit as to convince those who witnessed her death, that there is a reality in the religion that she professed. Thus, has passed away a good woman, a good wife, a good mother; leaving to husband, children and friends, the rich legacy of a pure life and as trimphant, death. And to them we say in her own words, uttered as she removed a ring from her own to the finger of her little girl, "think not of me as dead, but as living up yonder, waiting and watching for you." "The mother when she parts from earth, Leaves all her cares behind her, For angel forms have come from God, With golden ties to bind her. Enrobed in folds as pure and white, As snows of winter driven, She whispers while she fades from sight, meet me, meet me in Heaven. " ----- A SAD DEATH A letter received yesteday by A.P. Bush announced the death of his brother Forney Bush who was dangerously ill a few days since, which sad event occurred at Montgomery, Texas. Forney was the youngest son of Mr. W.P. Bush, well known in Anniston. The remains will be brought home for interment at the family burial grounds near Alexandria at an early day. The deceased was just 24 years of age. Thus another Calhoonite in the dawn of young manhood gone to try his fortune in the far west, fired by zeal, and thrilled with the hope of a prosperous career away from kindred in a land of strangers, has been suddenly cut off, in the springtime of his life, so far from home that there was none near to mourn after he had slept for days beneath the sod. ---- ALABAMA News Courtland, Ala., April 25th - - - Last night, Thomas Little, a wealthy planter was called to his door about dusk, when some one sprung up in front of him and fired twenty-four buckshot into his breast. Samuel Livingston, his brother-in- law, is in jail, charged with the crime. Much excitement prevails. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, MAY 9, 1885 ALABAMA News From a Eufaula Alabama newspaper (Barbour county): MAN HAD NINE WIVES and One Hundred and Seventeen Children: " I want to get you to write something in the Bible", said Lawson Lawrence, a regular subscriber to the newspaper. He was accompanied by his aged "Uncle" whose hair was grey and it was for him that the Bible writing was intended. "He is one hundred and three years old" said Lawson, and at this, the reporter was of course "all ears". Inquiry of "Uncle Nero" developed, according to his statement, that he was born in Trenton district, North Carolina on May 9, 1782 and would consequently be 103 years of age on the 9th of May 1885. He said he came to Eufaula "during Jackson's War" and when Eufaula was Irvington. The Indians were encamped about Montgomery and he bought a pony from them for five dollars. His present wife, "Henry Kringle's sister" is fifty years old, he having married her when she was a "gal" as he expressed it. She is his ninth wife and in reply to the question as to how many children he had, he said he had been assessed of having one hundred and seventeen, and it was not for him to dispute it. Last year, he cultivated twenty acres of land and raised an abundance of peas, corn and potatoes. This year he is cultivating cotton. He lives within a quarter of a mile of White Pond, this county, where he has been for the past eleven years. He labors during the week and preaches on Sunday, being the pastor of Mt. Zion Methodist church for eight years. ----- HOMICIDE NEAR GADSDEN Gadsden, May 4th John Edwards, in an affray this morning, cut J.K.P. Miller's throat. Miller died in about three hours. There was an old feud between the parties which led to the trouble this morning. Both men are well to do farmers, living within about eight miles of Gadsden at Coat's Bend and are highly respected in that community. Mr. Edwards came to town this evening and delivered himself up to the sheriff. He claims that the killing was done in self defense. ---- A DASTARDLY MURDER Scottsboro, Ala., April 30th North Alabama comes again to the front with a most horrible murder. Mannie Hillian, a peaceable farmer living in Marshall county, just below Langston, and in one quarter of a mile of Hillian's store, was killed yesterday by a man named Ward, with a rock. Ward is a transient fellow who is in the employ of Major Grantham and had been paid off a few days since. He and another man, name unknown, were passing Hillian's house and Ward, with three bottles of whiskey in his pocket and partially drunk, asked Hillian as he sat in his front yard making a plow stock, if he (Hillian) had anything against him. Hillian told him no. They were strangers. This question was asked four times, when Ward said, I will make you have then, and jerked up two rocks, with one of which he knocked Hillian down. Hillian's wife, who was in a delicate condition, ran out to her husband, getting between the two men and as Hillian arose with a plow handle in hand, Ward struck him on the head with the other rock and broke his skull. He lived a few hours and died. Ward drew the handle on Mrs. Hillian and was going to kill her, when his companion interfered and took him away. Last night at 9 o'clock, Ward was arrested within six miles of where he committed the dastardly deed. There are strong reasons for believing that he will be lynched tonight, as there are many threats of that kind. Mr. Hillian married Mr. Abner Rosson's daughter of this town. Mr. Rosson is the ex-mayor of Scottsboro. ---- LOCAL News We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Nicholson, wife of Mr. J.A. Nicholson, a substantial citizen of the county living in Beat 4, west of Anniston. ---- We regret to learn of the death of Mr. Lucius Lester who died at his home a few miles south of Jacksonville, on Tuesday last, of pneumonia. ---- Mr. James J. Adams, who many years ago left Jacksonville and went to Texas, spent two weeks here among his old friends and relatives. He was very warmly welcomed by the old friends of his boyhood days. Mr. Adams is now a resident of Bryan, Texas. He is tax collector of his county and manager of a large estate on the Brazos. While here he was the guest of his brother Mr. Robert Adams, whose good wife supplemented the cordial welcome of her husband by a display of her fine skill in the culinary art and the exercise of her admirable powers to please. It is not strange that he found his visit so very pleasant. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, MAY 16, 1885 ALABAMA News Mr. Joseph Clayton of Etowah county was recently thrown out of a wagon to which was attached a runaway team, and so badly injured that he died. --- Maj. P.J. Chisolm of Maple Grove, a useful citizen of Cherokee county, died on the 29th of April. --- The "Jasper Eagle" newspaper records two sad accidents: Mr. Joe Dinsmore in northeast Walker, was chopping down a tree and felled it on his shot gun near by, causing it to fire and shoot his little son standing off to one side. Nearly all the load of buckshot and slugs lodged in his right shoulder and one shot passed into his right breast and on through his body. No hopes of his recovery are entertained, but he is still living at this writing. Mr. Berry Banks' team became frightened and turned his wagon over, killing his little son instatly by the wagon falling on and badly mashing his head. He was about one year old. ---- Several days ago, someone ambushed, shot and killed a negro named Enoch Chaney, while he was plowing in Choctaw county. --- An Autauga county negro man named Tom Massengale was found dead without discoverable cause in his field a few days ago. --- John Edwards, who recently killed Polk Miller near Gadsden, was bound over to the circuit court in the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars. The preliminary trial excited great interest. ---- A negro named Samps Henry of Gadsden was found dead with a bullet hole in his head, about a mile and a half from Gadsden in the woods, Monday night last. It is supposed he had been playing cards with some one and had been shot and left by his antagonist. He was well known about Gadsden and was employed at Echols Saloon at the time of his death. ---- From "The Chattanooga Times" newspaper, Nashville, May 11th - - - Rev. Sam Jones, in alluding to his past sinful life during a sermon in Chattanooga, said, " I got mighty low down, low down indeed, but I never got low enough to be a member of the Georgia legislature." In the same sermon, he let this one fly at politicians, " I have more hope for any man in the universe than an old broken down politician. I have never prayed for one since the War. " Fifteen hundred people gathered in the Gospel tent at six o'clock this morning to hear Rev. Sam Jones. At least two thousand failed to gain admission. The sermon was the most powerful ever head here and the effect of the revival is already felt. Tonight every man, woman and child rose to ask for prayers and a most affecting scene was witnessed all over the tent. There are no doubters now as the good effect of the preaching. ---- LOCAL News DEATH OF MRS. LIZZIE MAY Died, Tuesday evening, May 12th of cancerous affliction, Lizzie, wife of Mr. J.J. May of this place, after a long and painful illness. Mr. May moved here last year from Oxford and bought a place, with the hope that the change might benefit his wife who was at the time a helpless invalid, but the nature of her disease was such that no change could help her. She was almost constantly confined to her bed and was a great sufferer. She was 45 years old at the time of her death. The bereaved husband has the sympathy of our entire community. He requests us to return thanks to his neighbors for the kind attention shown his invalid wife during her illness. ---- Mr. D.W. Rogers who lately purchased the farm of Mr. Jake Green in Alexandria valley, will go into the stock raising business. --- CROSS PLAINS News Died, at her home near Cross Plains, on the morning of the 7th inst., after a lingering illness, Miss Sallie Teague, daughter of Dr. Robert G. Teague. By her death, another home is made desolate and many hearts are saddened. She was a lovely girl, just blooming into womanhood. With a genial disposition and lightsome spirit she scattered sunshine wherever she went and was admired and loved by a large circle of friends. But she is gone, and while loving ones mourn her departure, we pray that God will afford comfort and consolation in this their sad bereavement. ---- Mr. J.T. Warlick of North Carolina, an old time citizen of Cross Plains, spent two or three days with us this week. Jim has many friends here and they were very glad to see him again. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, MAY 23, 1885 LETTER FROM MISSISSIPPI FROM S.M. SMYTHE Recollections of One of the Earliest Settlers of Calhoun county Baldwin, Miss., May 11, 1885 " I was handed the Jacksonville Republican of April 11, 1885. I read it carefully and saw a few names of the first settlers of old Benton county, now Calhoun county. It called up old memories of the first days of white man's rule in that country. I read the first issue of the Jacksonville Republican in 1837, Mr. Grant, editor. It gave the news of movements of U.S. Troops in the Everglades of Florida against Oceola (Harsaola in the Indian pronunciation, meaning Sunrise). The Republican gave also Gen. Sam Houston's victory at the battle of San Jacinto. I saw Jacksonville in 1831, when Ladiga and family was the entire population of the town. Ladiga was an Indian Chief. I saw the sedgegrass five feet high where the court house stands. I saw Calhoun county an unbroken forest, except an Indian patch occasionally. I saw Indian bones as thick as corntalks on Tallasehatchie battle ground in 1831. I saw the road cut out from Greensport to Alexandria. I think that I saw the first furrow ever plowed by a white man in Calhoun county. It was done by the late Dr. A.G. Smythe, of Bethany, Miss., on the Gladden place, ten miles southwest of Jacksonville. I was present at the election for the county names. The names of Benton and Anderson were the ones proposed. Benton was elected. I saw the green corn dance and the scalp dance, marriage dance and many other wild amusements performed by the noble red men. The first office holders in Benton county, Ala., were Jas. Brown, Sheriff; Jas. Crow, Circuit Clerk; William Arnold, County Clerk; Daniel Smythe, Tax Collector; C.Green, County Judge. The first merchants were Christopher Green, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Wm. Arnold, Col. Thomas C. Hindman, Maj. Thos. M. Lacking and others. The first hotel keepers were John H. Pendleton, G. Weir. The first man shot in Jacksonville was Jesse Harris by Alfred George; first man killed was Mr. Nisbet by Wm. Arnold. The first man, and I hope the last, was whipped at the post in 1835. His name was Wilson Brazeal. Wm. Bradford first settled Alexandria and Daniel Crow next. The first merchant in Alexandria was T.H. Pearson and the next were M.M. Houston and O.E Burt and others. In 1836, Oceola (or Harsaola) became restless in the Everglades. Uncle Sam called on the boys to go down and quiet him. The Jacksonville boys responded handsomely. I have seen a thousand Regiments of men, but never did nor never will see as handsome one as left Jacksonville on the 9th of March 1836 to fight the Red man in the Florida swamps. The Regiment formed a circle in the Square, mounted on fine chargers and three hundred of the handsomest ladies that I ever saw entered the circle and marched around to the most inspiriing martial music; then the Regiment formed two lines, marched south to the end of the street and fought a sham battle for 10 minutes. At the end of the battle, the Regiment turned their backs on the 300 weeping beauties, and marched away, many of them never to see the "gals they left behind them" and I among the rest. That was my last sight of Jacksonville or the 300 beauties. I have doubts whether their granddaughters look as well in their "banged" heads as their grandmother's did without bangs. S.M. Smythe ----- ALABAMA News Mr. Saxon of Cherokee county died at the home of his son-in-law Mr. James Stocks, some days ago. --- James Dalton, an honest and hard working man, was killed instantly at the ore mines of the Tecumseh furnace May 11th, by the caving in of an ore bank in which he was working. He leaves a family in almost destitute circumstances. --- From "The Huntsville Independent" newspaper: David Wilson, a well known local colored politician, died a few days ago. A correspondent elsewhere informs us that he had buried some savings which whereabouts he neglected to reveal. --- From "The Prattville Signal" newspaper: Toney Massengale, a colored man, wa found dead in his field near Mountain Creek a few days ago. He had been out hunting and when found was lying on his face with his gun under him and a rabbit in his hand. An inquest did not show that he died from any unusual cause. He was a good negro and always voted the Democratic ticket. ---- PISTOLS IN BIRMINGHAM; Quarrel over Game of Cards Birmingham, Ala., May 19th An exciting duel took place this afternoon in a billiard hall between W.T. Bradley, general delivery clerk at the post office and Henry Barnard, the proprietor of the hall. Bradley and Barnard had a difficulty over a game of cards last night, but were separated. It was renewed today by Bradley going into the billiard hall, telling him that unless he retracted something he said the night before, he would shoot him. Barnard replied "Shoot away!" At this, Bradley began firing at him with a Smith & Wesson six-shooter, the second shot taking effect in Barnard's right shoulder. Barnard then ran behind a cigar stand and taking a large Colt's Army pistol from a drawer, opened fire on Bradley. Both fired five shots. Barnard's arm being wounded, he could not manage his heavy weapon to his advantage, but shot in almost every direction. Bradley's fifth shot passed through Barnard's hat, and after firing it, threw the pistol at Barnard and then took to his heels. Bradley was arrested and placed under at $1000. bond for assault with intent to murder. ---- STATE OF ALABAMA, Calhoun County Probate Court, Special Term, May 12, 1885 This day came G.H. Denman and filed in court a paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Blake Denman, deceased, and also filed his petition in writing and under oath, praying that the said Will be probated and admitted to record in this court. It is therefore ordered by the Court that the 8th day of June 1885 be appointed the day upon which to hear said petition and to probate the said Will, and that notice thereof be given by publication for three successive weeks in the Jacksonville Republican newspaper, printed and published in said county, as a notice to the next of kin to deceasead, who are non-residents, and all others interested, to be and appear in my offfice in Jacksonville, Ala., on the 8th day of June 1885, and contest the same if they think proper. A. Woods, Judge of Probate ---- LOCAL News Mrs. Elizabeth Liner, wife of Mr. J.A. Liner of Anniston, died in that place last Saturday night. --- Mr. Henry Farmer of Rome is visiting his parents here. --- CROSS PLAINS News Mrs. Langston who has been sick a long time is now lying very low at the residence of her son-in-law Mr. Geo. Allison on east Broad street. But little hopes are entertained for her recovery. ---- DEATH OF AN AGED LADY Amother of the octegenarians of this county has been added to the long list of ancient "landmarks" that have passed away during the past year. Died, at her residence near Bethlehem church, a few miles from Oxford, Mrs. Cochren, in her eightieth year. Mrs. Cochren was one of the oldest living inhabitants and was highly respected in the neighborhood in which she leaves a large number of children and grandchildren to mourn her loss. She was buried yesterday int he Bethlehem church yard. ---- BEAT FOUR News Mrs. J.A. Nicholson died very suddenly last Sunday, living only a few hours after she was taken by paralysis. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, MAY 30, 1885 LOCAL News The Cross Plains Post newspaper thus notes an almost fatal accident to a young lady who is much esteemed in Jacksonville: "Information comes to us of what is likely to have been a sad drowning. Miss Willie Borden of Borden Springs, in company with her cousin, Miss Annie Alexander, were out fishing. Miss Willie grew tired of fishing and went boat riding by herself. Her dress became entangled with some fishing tackle and in extricating her dress, she lost her balance and fell into the deep water. Nothing but her great presence of mind saved her from a watery grave. Be careful, Miss Willie, we are not ready to lose you by so tragic a fate. " ---- Mr. Dan Morgan, of near Cross Plains, has returned from Texas. He thinks Texas a good country but prefers Alabama. --- Died, in Oxford on Thursday the 21st instn., Elbert, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Teague. --- Died, on Tuesday the 19th inst., at Anniston, Lillian, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Coleman. --- ALABAMA News A well in Pike county caved in last Monday, killing an negro named Allen Jackson who had just gone down to clean it out. --- Jas. E. Murray of Milltown in Chambers county, advertises a $50. reward for an escaped negro convict, known as Bill Dansby of dark ginger-cake color, about twenty-one years old, weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. --- On Gov. O'Neal's place in Colbert county last Tuesday, a negro named Trial Howell was killed by a gunshot from a plum thicket. The supposed assassin is an old negro named Boatright, who had been working land for Howell and had a quarrel with the latter about the character of the work he was doing. Boatright has disappeared. ---- LOCAL News Mr. W.N. Reid and Miss L.A. Knapp were married in Anniston on the 22nd inst. --- That old and honored citizen of Calhoun county, Mr. G.W. Humphries, was in Jacksonville the early part of this week visiting friends. Mr. Humphries is over eighty years of age but yet more hale than most men of sixty-five. He is ever welcome in Jacksonville and the people here vie with each other for the pleasure of entertaining him whenever he comes. --- CROSS PLAINS News We regret to state that Mrs. Lon Ferguson is very seriously sick. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, JUNE 6, 1885 ALABAMA News Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor died in Talladega recently at the advanced age of 85 years. --- CLEBURNE County News Mrs. Malinda Grubbs died near Oak level, the 26th ult., aged 66 years. ---- LOCAL News Died in this city, yesterday morning, Mrs. Paulina Langston, an aged and beloved lady, who leaves many friends behind to weep over her depature. The Cross Plains Post, May 29th. ---- Miss Bonnie Griswell of Anniston was married to Mr. John King of Selma, on Sunday last, by Rev. E.T. Smythe. --- A tunnel on Noble street in Anniston caved in on Mr. A. J. Colley a few days ago and came near killing him. --- Mr. J.H. Murphy, night watchman on the E.T. Va. and Ga. Railroad at Anniston, accidentally shot himself Sunday last. He is seriously though not thought to be fatally wounded. --- DEATH OF AN OLD CITIZEN - - - - Mr. Jackson Dale, an old and respected citizen of Calhoun, who lived six miles north of Jacksonville, died Wednesday after a long illness. ---- Mr. A.W. Kirby, an old and respected citizen of this county, died at his home near Oak Grove church, in the western part of the county, a short while ago. ---- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, JUNE 13, 1885 ALABAMA News Talladega County News - - - - Mr. Robert Becket of Childersburg had a stroke of paralysis on the 28th utl. and died on the 30th. --- Etowah County, News - - - - Mrs. Thomas Oliver died near Gadsden on the 1st inst. She was the daughter of Mr. B.B. Whorton and much beloved by all who knew her. ---- St. Clair County News - - - - Mrs. B.F. Ashley has rented the Broken Arrow Hotel for another season. ---- Cleburne County News - - - - Mrs. M.A. Bryant, of near Heflin, died Saturday night last. ---- Cleburne County News - - - - Mr. Willie G. Milligan and Miss Lou Pinson were married in Heflin several days ago. ---- Shelby County News - - - Mr. David W. Caldwell who has lived in Shelby county since 1847, is dead. ---- Chambers County News - - - - Mr. Alonzo Grimmett of Chambers county died recently of Consumption. ---- Montgomery, Ala., News - - - - Frank Boykin, colored, died in Mongtomery on Wednesday at the age of 115 years. He purchased his freedom more than thirty years before the emancipation of slaves. ---- Bibb County, Ala., News - - - Bibb county has old old colored woman, Abigail Smitherman, aged 103 years. ---- STATE OF ALABAMA, Calhoun County Probate Court, Special Term, June 10, 1885 Notice is hereby given that on the 18th day of May 1885, Mrs. M.W. Mattison filed in this court a paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Sprewill, deceased, and also filed her petition in writing and under oath, praying that said Will be probated and admittted to record in this court and this day, the 10th day of June 1885 being set to hear said petition, and it appearing that all the persons next of kin to deceased had not been brought into court as required by law, the cause is continued. And it is therefore ordered that the 6th day of July 1885 be and is hereby appointed the day on which to hear said petition adn to probate said Will and that notice thereof be given by publication for three successive weeks in the Jacksonville Republican, a newspaper publishes in said county, as a notice to: Georgia Smith, wife of J.D.S. Smith of Rome, Ga. Sarah Kirkpatrick, wife of Wallace Kirkpatrick, of VIney Station, Ga. Maud Cunningham, of Atlanta, Ga. May Cunningham, of Rome Georgia; non residents; and other interested persons, to be and appear at my office in the courthouse of said county on the said 6th day of July 1885 and contest said Will if they think proper. A. Woods, Judge of Probate ---- LOCAL News Mr. S.B. White has returned from Florida, disgusted with the State and better pleased with old Calhoun than ever before. The same may be said of Mr. McD. Broughton who recently returned from Texas to spend the balance of his days in Calhoun county. --- Mr. William J. Whiteside of the eastern part of the county, came out of the War a wounded Confederate soldier, with not a dollar in the world and in debt three thousand dollars for a family of slaves bought just prior to the war. With nothing to rely on but his farm and the labor of himself and family, he went to work, paid off that debt, built him an elegant cottage, educated his family and has made at least ten thousand dollars clear besides, for which he has property to show, and today, he does not owe a dollar and pays cash for all that he buys. Mr. Whiteside, has invariably raised all his supplies at home and is not one of the class of farmers who keeps their smoke houses and corn cribs in the West. ---- DEATH OF AN AGED AND RESPECTED LADY IN CLEBURNE COUNTY Mrs. Elizabeth Howell, mother of ex-state Senator, W.P. Howell, died at her home in Oak Level, Cleburne County, at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 8th inst., at the advanced age of ninety-one years. Mrs. Howell came with her husband John Howell from Georgia and settled above White Plains, in this county, fifty years ago. Three years afterwards they moved to the neighborhood of Oak Level where she lived forty-seven years previous to her death. At the time of her death she was a member of the Methodist church seventy-five years. She was the mother of fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, all of whom she lived to see grow up to maturity and unite with the church of her choice. During her marriage she suffered the anxiety of having her loved ones in service during two wars. Her husband served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Jackson. She also had seven sons in the Confederate Army, all of whom lived to return to her after the war. She lived to see quite a number of her fifth generation, and according to the best esimate, she had five hundred descendants at the time of her death. She died in great peace and was buried in the family burial ground at Oak Level, by tender and loving relatives, by the side of her noble husband, who had preceded her to the better land thirty-one years. It is rare that the press is called upon to record the death of one having such a remarkable record as this. "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." ------ NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, JUNE 20, 1885 LETTER FROM TEXAS, FROM J.P. COOPER Waxahatchie Tex., June 12, 1885 Editor of Republican, I am originally from Calhoun county and have a great many old friends there who no doubt would like to hear from me in my far away Texas home. I left Calhoun on the 1st day of Sept. 1868 and paid it a visit in 1869; spent several years in Mississippi and was water-bound one year in Arkansas; then came to this, Ellis County (Texas) the 21st of May 1875 and have spent most of the time here since. I have done almost all kinds of labor, plow, hoe, pick cotton, chop cord wood, maul rails, for three years. I have since that time done business in a small way and held offices; first Constable and Deputy Sheriff; was next elected Justice of the Peace, held that office till I resigned; was last fall elected District Clerk of Ellis county, which office I now hold. Ellis county is indeed a fine farming country, with as good society as anywhere. our county voted in prohibition the 6th of last Sept. and now we have no Saloons. Crime is lessening. We have good schools. Public schools will last this year 11 months; scholastic age 8 to 16 years; has fine school buildings in almost every school community. Ellis county ranks in wealth and popular 6th in the state. I find a great many Alabamians here, several from Calhoun county. Now and then I meet an old soldier who was with us during the late unpleasantness. I belonged to the 30th Alabama Regiment, Co. E and lost my arm at Resaca, Georgia the 15th day of May 1864. The company was Capt. McBee's old company. I learn with sadness that the captain passed away some years ago. Sam Kelly afterwards commanded the company. I would say to the old soldiers who were at Resaca that I attended the soldier's reunion last summer at Dallas and met two comrades who belonged to Pettus' (my) Brigade there. I met a great many noted persons, both blue and grey. We will have another reunion at Fort Worth in August t his year. I met a few of the celebrated 10th Alabama here. Capt. Roger Williams, who once commanded a company in that retiment, lives in my county. Now, I wish to speak of our products and in doing so I will try to deal fiarly with facts and figures though they may seem somewhat large. We make of corn 35 to 60 bushes per acre and cotton half to one bale, often a bale. Wheat is rather an uncertain crop here, from 8 to 20 bushes. Oats is the most certain of the small grain crops, from 40 to 100 bushels per acre. One hundred bushes of oats is no unusual occurrence. Vegetables do well here on sandy soil and fruits of almost every description except apple does well as in Alabama, only trees do not last as long as there. In fact I find that our county fills with the more enterprising, the county is made to produce everything that I find elsewhere. Land is very high here, owing to the fact of Ellis county's reputation abroad. She has had a large emigration every year for a great many years. Lands are worth in the raw state from $5. to $10., improved land worth $15. to $30. according to improvement. I see a letter in the Republican from a man at Groesbeck. They have a good county as well. As to our population, I cannot tell exacaatly now, but in 1880 at which time we took census, it was over 22,000. Our voting population at last Fall election was nearly five thousand. Our county is very quiet just now; our jail contains 6 criminals, mostly for misdemeanors; 2 murder cases on our docket; one man sent to the penintentiary in February term of court. Mr. Editor, I will wind up my remarks for fear I worry your patience. Should you find space in the dear old Republican you may publish my letter and I will cheerfully answer any questions from my old friends who may wish to more of Texas and Ellis county. Respectfully, J.P. Cooper ----- ALABAMA News TALLADEGA County, Ala., News Mr. J.C. Hickey who left Talladega for California fifty years ago has been recently visiting in Talladega. --- Mr. Geo. W. Chambers of Talladega is in England, interesting capitalists in the mineral resources of Talladega county. ---- ST. CLAIR County, Ala, News Mr. R.B. Crow, an old and respected citizen of Ashville, died on the 6th inst. ---- CLEBURNE County, News Married, near Oak Level, Mr. G.W. Malone and Miss M.A. Surrett. --- Married, near Bells Mills, Rev. G.W. Roberts of Iredell, Texas and Miss M.F. Brannon of Cleburne county. --- LOWNDES County News Ed Hairston, a brakeman, was killed near Pintilla, Lowndes county some days ago by falling between the cars. --- J.D. Brock died at Fort Deposit, Lowndes county, last week of Consumption. --- LOCAL News W.H. Lovens of Gadsden, one of the gallant members of the old Tenth Ala. Regt. was in Jacksonville on Thursday. --- Rev. J.J.D. Renfroe, of Talladega, the much beloved chaplain of the old Tenth Alabama Regiment, was in Jacksonville on Tuesday. He was very warmly greeted by all old members of the Regiment here. When he got on the train at Talladega to come up here, he observed five men in the car near him, and upon looking at them more closely discovered that they all were members of the old Regiment. ---- Mrs. Terhune with her daughter Clara is visiting her father Mr. Robt. Alexander. --- Messrs. Frank and William Lindsay of Cross Plains, who some months ago moved to Florida, have returned to Cross Plains, satisfied that Calhoun county is the best country. --- NEWSPAPER Issue of Saturday, JUNE 27, 1885 ALABAMA News ETOWAH County News The wife and son of Adcock who shot Roy Fullenwider in Etowah county have been bound over to answer as accessories to the crime. Dillard, who was arraigned with them, was discharged. ---- A. L. Fullenwider who was shot on the 7th inst., is doing very well. The ball has not been extracted yet. --- The Etowah Times of last week says: "Adcock who shot Fullenwider is still at large. He was seen at Foster's X Roads several times last week. The sheriff and his deputy kept a sharp lookout for him but he kept well posted as to their movements and managed to keep out of their sight." ---- Mr. A.H. Cunningham of Atlanta died at the residence of his daughter Mrs. Duncan in Gadsden the 13th inst. ---- Someone reported to a Gainsville, Ga. newspaper that one A.J. Baker, formerly of Gainsville, had been killed in Gadsden. The Times says the story is a canard but that if Baker should drop in at some places not far from Gadsden, such a thing might occur. --- TALLADEGA County News Mr. Wallis, a prominent citizen of the Eureka neighborhood, died on the 7th at Eureka. --- Miss Janie Wallis of Talladega died on the 13th inst. --- Mrs. Margaret Story, relict of the late James A. Story of Talladega, died at her home in that place the 15th inst. She was the daughter of ex-state Senator Andrew Cunningham. ---- ST. CLAIR County News Mrs. Truss, mother of Maj. Jas. Truss, died at home in St. Clair county a few days ago. --- CHEROKEE County News Married in upper Cherokee county the 18th inst., Mr. Flem Ray, aged 82 years to Miss Sarah Dodson, aged 52. ---- CLEBURNE County News R.L. Kilgore has been appointed Constable in Beat 3. --- Frank Dodson of Comanche, Texas was arrested in Cleburne county a few days ago, charged with stealing a horse in Texas. The Sheriff of Comanche county will come after him. --- Mrs. Gann whose husband is in jail at Edwardsville, was put in jail herself some days ago, prepatory to being sent to the Asylum at Tuscaloosa; she is insane. --- JACKSON County News Mrs. Madge Province, a widow lady, died some days ago at Thorpe, Jackson county. --- Miss Sallie Fletcher of Jackson couty, an interesting young lady, died in Jackson county lately. --- Mr. Tidwell who killed Mr. Whitfield a few months ago in Jackson county has been sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. --- CULLMAN County News Bram Wheat, aged 17, was run over by a train at Cullman and killed the 13th. --- BLOUNT County News Mrs. Amanda Cornelius of Blount county died the 13th. --- RANDOLPH County News Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Harmon, both aged ladies of Randolph county, died a few days ago. --- BULLOCK County News The wife of Robert Jackson of Union Springs died, and the stomach was sent to Auburn for analysis. The chemist found arsenic in quantity and Mr. Jackson was arrested and lodged in jail. ---- LOCAL News Married in Cross Plains the 17th inst., Mr. W.C. Woodruff and Miss Amanda J. Reagan. --- Mr. Geo. A. Harrell of Anniston, died in that place the 20th inst. of Consumption. --- On Monday night last, Mrs. Burk, the aunt of Mrs. Manning who lives in the northwestern part of town, became furiously insane and avowed her intention of kiling both Mrs. Manning and herself. She even started to carry here fearful threats into execution and but for the timely arrival of help, Mrs. Manning as well as others might have been the victim of her rage. Though quite small, it took two stout men to hold the insane woman. Steps have been taken for placing her in the Asylum. ---- Mrs. Franciana Eaton of Wallisville, Texas has written to the postmaster at this place asking for any information of Eleazor Hamilton or any of his family. Mrs. Eaton last heard from them when they were living on T.N. Anglin's farm near Blue Mountain (Calhoun county). Anyone knowing anything of the family will please write to Mrs. Eaton at Wallisville, Texas. ---- Dr. Jno. Rowan of New York is in Jacksonville for the summer. Dr. Rowan is a son of Maj. P. Rowan of this place and has been devoting himself to the study of medicine in New York for some years. He holds quite a responsible position in one of the New York hospitals and is rapidly making for himself a fine reputation in that city. Jacksonville may well be proud of the young men she sends out every year. ---- File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/calhoun/newspapers/newspape1126gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 40.3 Kb