Lamar County AlArchives News.....Vernon Courier January 7, 1887 ************************************************ 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: Veneta McKinney http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003775 April 16, 2007, 5:59 pm Microfilm From AL Dept Of Archives And History January 7, 1887 Microfilm Ref Call #371 Microfilm Order #M1992.4966 from The Alabama Department of Archives and History THE VERNON COURIER ALEX A. WALL, Editor and Publisher VERNON, LAMAR CO, ALA. FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1887 VOL. I. NO. 32 Subscription $1.00 Per Year -----REE LOVERS – Poem – [St. Louis Magazine] -----OOD FEARS - ---- Proofs That Nature is ---- Strange to Us – [article about nature and how awe inspiring it is and the fear that it sometimes instills] SCIENCE AND FICTION – The Manner In Which The Two Are Indebted To Each Other……. [article about how science and fiction work together] PRACTICAL BENEVOLENCE A lady and her daughter in Berlin change places with their servants every other Sunday. Doing the entire housework themselves and giving up the drawing room to the servants and their friends. The servants play on the piano, sing, read, knit, sew, and otherwise occupy themselves as they please, and are waited upon by the ladies precisely as they themselves wait on ordinary days. Usually the servants have company on these peculiar occasions, and the benevolent ladies have an extra dinner to cook, which they do, however with cheerfulness, washing the dishes afterward. The literary observation of the Golden Rule is doubtless what the Berlin ladies intend, though of course the rule does not specify that persons need practice it only on every fourteenth day. – [Frendidnbina] PITH AND POINT It requires very little ability to find fault. That is why there are so many critics. Wonder if the sea serpent could swallow all the stories that are told about him? – [Chicago Standard] There is a man in Wisconsin who owns sixty newspapers. He is so poor that his clothes rattle when he walks. – [Burlington Free Press] There are some men who have so much genius that they can’t do anything but sit around all day and think about it. – [Shoe and Leather Reporter] “Please inform me if there is any cat of the height of two feet?” asks a correspondent/ There is not. The size of the voice probably misled you. We don’t’ wish to deter anybody from being polite, but we can’t help observing that many a man has been a heavy loser through a civil section. – [Boston Post] One cause of the throat and lung trouble in this country is the fact that all of us sing too much and so sweetly. Neither the throat nor the lungs were intended to stand such strains. “Charley, what is a chestnut bell?” said his girl. “Oh, it’s a bell that rings when any one tells an old story” “Well, they couldn’t call me a chestnut belle; I have no ring.” It succeeded, and they are to be married when Charley has his salary raised. – [N. Y. Graphic] Lightning struck a hive of bees in Kansas the other day. The painful story is soon told. The misguided lightening came out of that hive quicker than it went in, and went off into space with its talk between its legs. Moral: Never pick a quarrel where you are not acquainted with the folks. – [Texas Siftings] CARE OF THE THROAT – Muffling The Cause Of A Majority Of Severe Winter Colds Much trouble and annoyance to say nothing of the actual throat ailments, during the winter months, any be avoided by a little forethought in that direction. The question for consideration is: Shall we muffle the throat during the winter? The answer is: Except on rare severe days or unless suffering from illness, No. Of course, if one has already begun to war a muffler or scarf, then, to all probability, it will have to be continued during the winter. The experience of one who has tried both ways is here given as an illustration of the truth which we advocate. The writer of this article personally knew of a young man who was always in the habit of wearing a woolen scarf around his neck during the winter. Commencing early in the fall, it was continued until the cold spring days had passed. This individual rarely went through a winter without one or two colds, and frequently a sore throat lasting usually several days. In addition to this the throat was always s tender and easily affected by the wind. Several years ago he discarded the scarf entirely. During the first winter of going without a scarf, he had but one cold, and that not a severe one, and in the spring his throat was much stronger than any winter before. Subsequently, he never wore a scarf during the winter and only during a storm or on a severe winter day did not even turn his overcoat collar. This case is not cited as a rarity but only as an illustration. A little more care in keeping the feet dry and warm, and less attention to muffling the throat during the winter, would, in most cases, secure better health and a less number of colds. If we study the manner of dress of those whose employment takes them out in all weathers, we shall see that as a rule the milkman, butcher, postman and many others do not habitually wrap up their throats while on their rounds. Wearing a scarf during the winter has a tendency to make the throat tender, and, if it happens to be forgotten, or a mild day tempts you to go without it, such exposure is almost sure to be followed by a cold or sore throat. It is better to accustom one’s self to clear bracing air in the early fall, and it will soon be found that the additional muffling during the winter months is unnecessary. – [Golden Rule] BATTLE OF ANTS – The March Of Two Armies, The Desperate Attack And Heroic Repulse – [article about a battle between two nests of ants in Formica Pennsylvania] Most smokers are proud town a real amber mouthpiece. What would they say to a room, seventy-five or one hundred feet square, line on all sides with amber clear to the lofty ceiling? That is what some American tourists saw the other day at Tsarskoe Selo, an Imperial Summer Palace near St. Petersburg. The precious fossil gun was cut and dove-tailed so as to make beautiful figures of cupids, fruits, and flowers. The whole is in the highest style of polish. – [Chicago Herald] Disgusted writer – I don’t believe the paper want good poetry. Friend – Oh, I guess they do. D. W. – No they do not. I’ve just had two poems refused. Friend – Oh, now I know they do. – [Chicago Rambler] AN ANCIENT RUIN – History of the Picturesque Circular Church at Charleston The ruins of Circular Church, one of the most picturesque ruins of Charleston, is about to disappear as one of the city’s landmarks. The church, or rather all that was left of it after the great fire of 1861, has been a point of interest to every visitor to Charleston for the past twenty-five years, and with its twin relic, St. Finbar’s Cathedral, is soon to pass out of existence as an ornamental ruin. Its crumbling walls and its “colgnes of vantage” on its toppling tower have been the resort of the doves and sparrows for an indefinite number of years, and its ivy-clad walls have made up a picture of sad and pathetic interest. According to the information given in Mayor Courtnay’s Year Book of 1882, the Church was constituted between the years 1680 and 1690. Its founders were Presbyterians from Scotland and Ireland, Congregationalists from England and New England., and French Protestants who had emigrated to South Carolina upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The first three ministers of the church are supposed to have been Congregationalists. The popular name of the original church was the “White Meeting” a name which was evidently applied from the color of the building. In consequence of the Revolutionary War the church remained without a permanent minister for six years, but in 1783 regular service was resumed. The original building used by the congregation was only forty feet square, but in 1772 the demand for pews necessitated the construction of a new church, which was erected in 1787 on Avondale Street. In 1804 it was determined to build a new and handsome edifice in circular form, eighty-eight feet interior diameter. The church was dedicated in 1806, and in 1838 a lofty and graceful spire was added. It was from the latter date an ornament to the city until it was burned in 1861. It is now proposed by the congregation to erect a new building on the site of the old one. The object of the congregation is being materially furthered by the Congregationalists throughout the Untied Sates. – [Savannah (Ga.) News] ABOUT PARTY WALLS – The General Laws Governing Their Ownership and Construction A party wall in law is the wall dividing lands of different proprietors, used in common for the support of structures on both sides. In common law, an owner who erects a wall for his own buildings, which is capable of being used by an adjoining proprietor, can not compel such proprietor, when he shall build next to it, to pay any portion fo the cost of such wall. On the other hand, the adjoining proprietor has no right to make any use of such wall without consent of the owner, and the consequence may be the erection of two walls side by side, when one would answer all purposed. This convenience is often secured by an agreement to erect a wall for common use, and half on each others land, the parties to divide the expense; if only one is to build at the time, he gets a return from the other party of what it costs him. Under such an agreement, each has an easement in the land of the other while the wall stands, and this accompanied the title and descent. But if the wall is destroyed by decay or accident, the easement is gone, unless by a deed such a contingency is provided for. Repairs to party walls are to be borne equally; but if one has occasion to strengthen or improve them for a more extensive building than was at first contemplated he can not compel the other to divide the expense with him. In some Sates, there are statues regulating the rights in party walls, and one may undoubtedly acquire rights by prescription on a wall built by another, which he has long been allowed to use for the support of his own structure. – [Building] A SHAKESPEARE STUDY – American Citizens Bearing the Name of the Illustrious British Poet A correspondent conducted under my direction less than nineteen months ago elicited the fact that there are just thirty persons (male) in the United Sates named Shakespeare. Of these all but four are married and the fathers of families. These thirty group themselves as to vocations as follows:……..But it must be reluctantly stated that after considerable correspondence., interviewing, and the assistance of an expert antiquarian, not one of the aforesaid was able to furnish any further pedigree than that his “family originally came from England.” “The meanest man in town” said a barber in Philadelphia, one day recently, “is a lawyer who will come in one day, get shaved, and come in a day or two later and get his head rubbed and hair combed on the old shave.” PAGE 2 THE COURIER ALEX A. WALL, Editor and Proprietor Vernon, Alabama Friday, January 7, 1887 Two hundred and sixty thousand Indians inhabit the United States. Fifty colored men hold clerkships in the Departments at Washington at salaries ranging from $1,000 to $1,600 a year. Detective Sullivan, of this city, will open a merchant’s police and detective agency, modeled after the one conducted by Pinkerton in Chicago. – [Birmingham Age] CONSTITUIONAL CONVENTION We see a few of our contemporaries are eager for a Constitutional Convention, and the burden of their song is “Progress” and their chief hope rests with the young legislators. We are willing to look charitably upon the presumption of youth, and even to accord to their egotism all good intentions. But we are not willing that crude ideas of “progressiveness” should take the place of the caution, and wisdom of those who steered our ship of state through the tempestuous billows that threatened to overwhelm it only a decade ago; or to say that the autumn of those statesmen is in any degree inferior to the golden promise of the summer of their wisdom which gladdened our land and “whence good deeds do live after them.” Political politeness is as profitable a social politeness; and deference to age, wisdom and experience is one of its cardinal virtues. Reheboam of Scriptural celebrity, scorned the advice of his elder, adopted that of his younger counselors and his kingdom was rent in twain. Doubtless now, a few of our “progressive” juniors with their heads turned by the fulsome and shallow adulation of a few newspapers, do not think it even necessary to consider the views of their constituents, but relying on the higher authority of their own transcendent genius, are willing hastily to throw us into the whirl of political excitement which must inevitably attend the holding of a constitutional convention. The vast canvass in which these “progressive young legislators: were elected did not resound with this grand idea, nor was it made an issue in that election. We would advise these embryo statesmen to go home and feel the pulse of their people, make the issue on this question in another election and let the people of Alabama have a voice in the matter before they incur the expense of a Constitutional Convention which may not be ratified, which many split the Democracy into hopeless factions, and perhaps send these valuable young “progressionists” into private life – were like Mr. Bonaparte – “wrap tint eh solitude of their own originality,” they many sadly ponder over the great lesson that they are not yet too large for the world they live in. The people we think are not quite ready to hold a Constitutional Convention every ten years. That a few constitutional amendments may be necessary we do not deny, but it is far better to present them to the people a the usual elections, than to go to the expense and trouble of a Constitutional Convention holding a long session with a number of delegates as large as the legislature drawing their per diem, for the sake of a few changes in the Constitution. If the people want these amendments, they can vote for them at the elections, and if they do not, they will let them rest as heretofore in the silent tomb. We are by no means “old fogys” and favor in a reasonable manner ideas of advance, but we think it best to put the unhealthy mania for “progress” in a straight jacket and let nature and deliberate wisdom dictate a sane and healthy progress. The President suffers considerably with rheumatism, and so does Blaine. Logan died with rheumatism. GOOSE-BONE INDICATIONS – [Montgomery Advertiser] The goose bone as a prophet of the winter weather has been before the people too long to require any introduction here. The bone and the secret of reading it has frequently been told, and those who watch for its yearly predictions fully understands these points. The bone this year is very plentifully marked, and though some find a mystery in its deep discolorations, all unite on the prophecy of exceedingly cold weather during January. There is more grease in the bone than usual, and the red stains are of a brighter hue, two strong signs of cold weather. Throughout the three months of winter, there will be a great variety of weather: the indications of change are very general all along the bone, but wet and cold will predominate and good fires will be welcome all through. As the goose bone has generally told the truth in the past, a good housekeeper will see that his coal house is well filled. For the poor the picture that bones presents is not encouraging, and there is fear of much suffering. Coal is already high, and dealers predict that prices will further advance and be firmly maintained. The charity organization and charity people will find plenty to do this winter. The reading of the bone is that the Christmas holidays will be cold with sleet and most probably snow. The general character of the weather for the month will be falling, and not much of the sun will be seen of the sun. The average temperature will be lower than usual. January will come in with a bluster, rain, snow, and cold – just such weather as makes people feel best at home. Along about the 9th of the month, however, the lines on the bone become indistinct, indicating more pleasant weather. This, however, is only a prelude of what is to follows. About the middle of the month red spots on the bone grow more brilliant, and the dark, greasy tracings spread out over the whole bone thus indicating very severe weather. Many well versed in gooseology say that they never saw the bone so terribly marked. A careful reading predicts a storm about the 16th of the month, followed by some the coldest weather ever felt in this latitude; and when it is remembered that the mercury in Louisville has been 20 º below zero, some idea may be formed as to what to expect. The storm here spoken of may be a few day earlier or later, as it is hard to single out days on the bone, but along about the middle of January great storms and exceedingly cold weather may be looked for. Upon the whole the month will show much snow, and the average temperature will be lower than probably we have ever known. The first days of February will be cold, and if the little ground-hog comes out on the 2nd he will be in danger of freezing. After that the weather will moderate very decadently, and the remainder of the month will be changeable, and with no remarkable weather. A kind of nondescript month that will have nothing particular to distinguish it from other Februaries. Here the prophecy of the bone ends, but with the heavy drifts of snow that such a winter will leave in the mountains, and the ground frozen too hard to drink in the water, it is probable that the rivers will wash out the record of flood times. THE MEMPHIS & BIRMINGHAM – CAPT. GRUNT’S SUCCESSOR – PROGRESS OF BUILDING THE ROAD – [Birmingham Age] Maj. R. H. Elliott, recently general superintendent of construction at Bessemer, once principal assistant engineer of the Mississippi Valley Railroad, is a worthy son of the late distinguished Bishop Elliott, of Georgia, has been appointed to the position of chief engineer of the Memphis & Birmingham division of the Kansas City railroad. His predecessor, Capt. John A. Grant, will leave here so as to take charge of the general management of the Texas Pacific by the first of January. The rapid dispatch of work on the Memphis & Birmingham road continues with unabated vigor. The grading of the first ten miles from Birmingham is completed, and fifteen or twenty miles of grading beyond, carrying the work over the Warrior River, is nearly finished: The rest of the work to connect the Memphis, Birmingham &* Atlantic division at Tupelo is getting along bravely. Track is now laid between Tupelo and Memphis, and trains will be running regularly between these two points by March 1. It is also safe to say that trains will be running between Birmingham and Memphis by August 1, and probably earlier. One of the most remarkable features of the work lately contracted for is McDonald’s Cut, located at the water shed divide near the state line, marking the flow of the streams of the Mississippi and those of the gulf through Alabama. This cut is to be 1,800 feet long and eighty feet deep, being the biggest in the south. WALKER & DONOGHUE, Dealers in Staple and Fancy groceries and plantation supplies Columbus Miss. Keep constantly on had a full supply of all goods usually kept in a first-class grocery house. Give us a call when you are in the city. Mr. GEO. TAYLOR is connected with the above firm and will be pleased to see his friends and will sell them goods at rock bottom prices. W. B. SPANN of Lamar County with NATHAN & OPPENHEIMER Whole sale & Retail Dealers in Staple & Fancy Groceries, Tobacco, cigars, plantation supplies, etc. Wholesale dealers in liquors, wines, etc. Columbus, Miss. Note: I respectfully solicit my friends from all parts of the country to call in and see me when in the city. Will sell you goods at a very small margin above cost. I am ever thankful to my customers for the past favors. – W. B. SPANN J. A. JORDAN of Lamar County in now connected with TROST & SOLOMON Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Wines, Liquors, Cigars, & Tobacco. Columbus, Miss. Call and see him before purchasing elsewhere. L. S. METCALF, with T. O. BURRIS, Columbus, Miss. Groceries, Dry goods & shoes, hats & caps & clothing. Note: I respectfully ask my friends of Lamar and Marion to give me a call when in the city. Will sell you goods at a very small margin above cost. L. S. METCALF. OTTLEY & NEWBY Dealers in Crockery, Glassware, Lamps, Guns, Pistols, Powder, Shot, Steel, Iron, nails, Castings, Sash , doors, blinds, and a full line of stoves and tinware. Special attention paid to the repairing of tin work. No. 51 Market Street, Columbus, Miss. Cotton! Cotton! Cotton! S. E. WEIR & Co. Kennedy, Alabama Pay highest prices for cotton, country produce, &c, and sell all goods at rock bottom prices Fancy prints 4 ½ @ 7 Ladies Hats 25c to $3.00 Brown Domestic 7/8 5c Men’s hats, 25c to $3.50 Brown Domestic 4-4, 6c Kip Boots, $1.75 to $3.50 Cotton Checks, 6 ½ @ 7 ½ Kip Brogans, $1.00 to $3.15 8 oz Osnaburg, 10c Best Brogans, $1.25 Dress goods, all styles and prices Men’s and boys clothing, latest styles and lowest prices. Muzzle and breech loading guns, $2.50 to $35. Stoves with full line of fixtures, $10.00 to $20.00. We keep constantly on hand a full stock of bridles, saddles, harness, &c. Also good and fresh line of groceries, such as salt, flour, meat, lard, sugar, coffee, and all shelf goods, that we will sell as low as any market. Bring us our cotton and produce and we will pay you the highest cash price for same and sell you any and all goods kept in a first-class store, as cheap as money will buy them in any market. You will find it to your interest to give us a call before purchasing elsewhere. Mr. GARLAND SMITH will be found always on hand to serve his friends and the public. S. E. WEIR & CO. W. G. RICHARDS & Son – Dealers in general merchandise and country produce. Fernbank, Alabama. Not in favor of two weeks court, but selling goods low for cash. Headquarters for dry goods, notions, general merchandise, hats, caps, boots, shoes & clothing. Choice family groceries, including the best coffees, crockery, queensware, earthen and wooden ware, and a thousand and one “Nick Nack’s” which can not be enumerated always in stock. A car load of flour just received, which will be sold at a small margin above cost. We mean business, and I will sell any and all of our goods at rock-bottom prices. Columbus prices paid for cotton, hides, chickens, eggs, and all country produce. Please ask for what you want, we like to show our goods. Established 1867. Cash Store. A. A. SUMMERS, Special announcement for Fall and Winter. The best selected stock of general merchandise ever brought to Vernon. Now on exhibition fine clothing and dress goods at giving away prices, hosiery and furnishing goods at astonishingly low prices. A fine line of notions in abundance at a great discount. No lady can afford to buy elsewhere before seeing my goods and prices. Bargains in shoes, boots, and hats, never heard of before in Vernon. A full line of medicines, hardware, and goods of general utility. Call and see the attraction for yourself. Established 1856. 1886 Still here. N. GROSS AND COMPANY. We are now receiving one of the largest and best selected stock of dry goods, notions, boots & shoes, hats and caps, and clothing, gents furnishing good, that has as yet been received in this city, to which we call it’s attention of all of our Lamar friends. Our intention is to sell our stock at rock-bottom prices, and as we buy our goods for cash, we can of course offer you goods at figures which are astonishingly low. We would call special attention to the wholesale trade. Respectfully, N. GROSS & Co., Columbus, Miss. Note: We have secured the services of Mr. S. WOLFF, who will pay the highest marker price for cotton, and would be glad to see all of his Lamar friends. Call on him. N. GROSS & CO. COLUMBUS MARBLE WORKS. Monuments and Headstones of every description furnished to order with the best of stock. I invite orders for anything in my line from all parts of the country. Don’t be deceived before calling at my yard, for seeing is satisfaction. Everything warranted. LIST OF PRICES OF PLAIN HEADSTONES LENGTH WIDTH THICKNESS 3 ft. 0 in. x 1 ft 0 in x 2 in $12 3 ft 6 in. x 1 ft 2 in x 2 in $15 4 ft. 0 in. x 1 ft. 4 in x 2 in $20 5 ft 0 in. x 1 ft 6 in x 2 in $25 All work done on short notice. Material and work warranted the best. Correspondence solicited. W. H. NEWLON, Columbus, Miss. Fall and Winter Goods. F. OGDEN & Son. Cansler, Alabama. Dry goods, boots, and shoes. Dress goods, prints, notions, etc. Also keep constantly on hand, flour, meat, sugar, and coffee all of which will be sold as cheap as the cheapest. A fine line of snuff and tobacco and in fact everything usually kept in a first-class dry goods store. Give us a call and be convinced that we mean what we say. We wish to call especial attention to our wool carder which is now in first-class repair. We have with us Mr. W. T. TROTTER, an experienced hand in carding, and who will take pleasure in giving prompt attention to all wool brought to our carder. F. OGDEN & Son. Cansler, Ala. Clothing and hats. When you want a first-class article in the clothing line or a first class shirt or hat, call upon the clothing and hat store where you can select from a very large, nice stock of all kinds of goods for men’s wear. We deal especially in men’s goods, fitting a man from head to foot. We carry suits from $6.00 to $30.00. We have attached to our store a Tailoring Department, with a large stock of piece goods and trimmings to make suits to order. Call and see us when in the city. BUTLER & TOPP, No. 55 Main, Columbus, Miss. PAGE 3 THE COURIER Published Every Friday LAMAR DIRECTORY ALEXANDER COBB Judge of Probate R. E. BRADLEY Circuit Clerk S. F. PENNINGTON Sheriff L. M. WIMBERLEY Treasurer D. J. LACY Tax Collector W. Y. ALLEN Tax Assessor JAMES M. MORTON Reg. in Chancery B. H. WILKERSON Co. Supt of Ed. R. L. BRADLEY Representative ALEXANDER COLLINS Coroner N. L. TRULL, County Surveyor COMMISSIONERS R. W. YOUNG W. M. MOLLOY ALBERT WILSON SAMUEL LOGGAINS S. J. SHIELDS – Attorney-at-law and Solicitor in Chancery. Vernon, Alabama. Will practice in the Courts of Lamar and the counties of the District. Special attention given to collection of claims. J. D. MCCLUSKEY – Attorney-at-law and Solicitor in Chancery Vernon, Ala. will practice in the Circuit Courts of Lamar, Marion, Fayette, and Walker. The Federal Court and Supreme Court of Ala. Special attention given to collection of claims. NESMITH & SANFORD, Attorneys-at-law will practice in all the Courts of Lamar, Fayette, and adjoining counties. THOS. B. NESMITH, Vernon, Ala. J. B. SANFORD, Fayette, C. H., Ala. A. J. STANFORD, Attorney-at-law and Solicitor in chancery Beaverton, Alabama will practice in the Circuit and Federal Courts of Alabama. Special attention given to the collection of claims. ABRAM I. HUMPHRIES. Attorney at Law. Columbus, Miss. Special attention to collection of claims SAM’L M. MEEK, WM. C. MEEK - S. M. & W. C. MEEK, Attorneys and Counselors at law. Office on Military Street, (Opposite Court House), Columbus, Miss. Will practice in the Courts of Lamar County, Alabama LOCALS Esq. S. J. SHIELDS returned from Aberdeen the first of the week. Judge COBB issued during the year 1886, 113 marriage license. JOHN RUSSELL has moved to Morton’s Mills for the purpose of attending to the mills. J. W. MORTON earnestly requests those owing him to come and settle at once. Five prisoners occupy the jail now; 1 white man, three colored men, and 1 dusky damsel. Mrs. HARRIS, wife of Mr. CAN HARRIS, died on last Sunday morning at her home near town. Mr. ROBT. YOUNG, Store keeper and guager, with head quarters at Edwardsville, Ala has been in town this week. MARRIED: On Thursday of last week, Mr. WILLIE FERGUSON to Miss OLLIE DUNCAN. All of Lamar County Haley & Dinman on lat Monday moved their stock of goods into the building occupied by the Courier last year. The exercises of the High School was resumed non Monday morning, with Prof. BLACK at the helm. A very pleasant dance was indulged in by the young ladies and gentlemen Thursday night of last week, at the residence of Dr. W. A. BROWN. Col. T. B. NESMITH is on a business trip to Hamilton this week. The Col. is ever vigilant and his clients need have no fears when they entrust business to him, and his worthy nephew, Esq. WALTER N. Capt. A. B. HAMLET, U.S. Marshal was in town one day this week. Miss EMMA SPRINGFIELD on last Saturday received 3rd grade licensed to teach, from the Board of Education. We understand she stood a most excellent examination. It was a mistake. Messrs. FIELDS and TOMLIN did not draw a cent from the La. State Lottery as we mentioned in our issue of the 24th ult. Dr. R. L. BRADLEY received this week a handsome Dental Engine. The Dr. has an elegant outfit of Dental instruments, and he can do work in his line in first class style and durability. Sheriff PENNINGTON made a business trip to Fayette C. House this week. He put up at the Jones House, and right here we will remark that, we know he received a cordial greeting by the kind host and hostess, Mrs. MELLIE JONES is an excellent lady, and she delights in making her guests pleasant. To one and all we commend this house. It is first class place to stop at. At an election by the patrons of Oak Grove School on the 1st inst, Miss ALICE BLACKMAN was chosen as teacher receiving 38 notes out of the 39 votes cast. This is an emphatic endorsement of this young lady’s efforts as a teacher at the same school last fall. She is now teaching a thriving school at Caledonia, Miss. Our county may be congratulated in again securing this competent and worthy young lady as a teacher, and her many friends here will receive her warmly. Two thousand dollars has been raised in the City of New Orleans by a large number of store keepers, saloon keepers, etc., for the purposes of testing in the courts the constitutionality of the Sunday law enacted by the last Legislature, which goes into effect on and after the 31st of this month. A DOUBLE HOMICIDE – [Jasper Citizen] A negro JAMES WALKER, and Mr. HENRY POPE WOODAN were both shot and killed in the afternoon on Christmas day, near Davis’ Ferry about 3 miles below Cordova, in this county, by a negro man whose name is not certainly know, as he passes under several aliases, two of which we learn are WALTER JACKSON and JACK DEBEAR, or JACK BEAR. It appears that Jack ran up to Wood & Morgan’s grocery, got a pistol and went immediately back in the direction from which he had come, and the report of a pistol was soon heard in the direction he had gone. WOOTEN and others started in that direction and soon met Jack returning, still running. He approached WOOTTEN and shot him three times killing him instantly. It was afterwards discovered that the negro JAS. WHALKER (sic) has been shot where the pistol report was first heard, and was not yet dead. His statement was that he was shot by the negro Jack Bear. He lived several hours but his statements were confused and unsatisfactory. Jack has not been captured, but three negroes, suspected of being part– iceps (sic) criminals, are in jail and will perhaps have preliminary trail nest week. Also: We learn that a Mr. PAT GREGG was shot through the heart and instantly killed by EUGENE STUBBLEFIELD at a grocery near Thomas’ camp, in this county, on the Kansas City RR Sunday night last. We lean since the above was put in type that the homicide was held justifiable and Mr. STUBBLEFIELD discharged on preliminary trial. FINAL STATEMENT The State of Alabama, Lamar County, Probate Court, 27th day of Dec. AD 1886 Estate of SAMUEL JOHNSON, deceased. This day came THOMAS B. NESMITH, Administrator of said estate, and filed his statement, accounts, and vouchers, for final settlement of his administration. It is ordered that the 21st day of January AD 1887 be appointed a day on which to make such settlement, at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said settlement, if they think proper. Alexander Cobb, Judge of Probate Old people suffer much from disorders of the urinary organs, and are always gratified at the wonderful effects of Dr. J. H. McLean’s Liver and Kidney Balm in banishing their troubles. $1.00 per bottle. In cases of Fever and Ague the blood is as effectually, though not so dangerously poisoned by the effluvium of the atmosphere as it could be by the deadliest poison. Dr. J. h. McLean’s Chills and Fever Cure will eradicate this poison from the system. 50 cents a bottle. We are not selling at cost, but just a little over cost. Geo. W. Rush & Co. Imperfect digestion and assimilation produce disordered conditions of the system which grow an are confirmed by neglect, Dr. J. H. McLean’s Strengthening Cordial and Blood Purifier, but is tonic properties, cures indigestion and gives tone to the stomach. $1.00 per bottle. Animals are often afflicted with a disease called the mange, the same disease in human beings is called the itch, and is highly contagious; to cure it mix flour of sulphur with Dr. J. H. McLean’s Volcanic Oil Liniment, bathe it thoroughly, and take Dr. J. H. McLean’s Liver and kidney Balm. Rush & Co. kindly request their customers who have tickets with them to call and settle. If your kidneys are inactive, you will feel and look wretched, even in the most cheerful society, and melancholy on the jolliest occasions. Dr. JL H. McLean’s liver an Kidney Balm, will set you right again. $1.00 per bottle. Frequently accidents occur in the household which cause burns, cuts, sprains, and bruises; for use in such cases Dr. J. H. McLean’s Volcanic Oil Liniment has for many years been the constant favorite family remedy. If you wish to purchase books, go to Rush & Co, who will give you Rock-bottom prices. S. E. Weir & Co., Kennedy, Ala are selling stacks of goods so close an sell so cheap, that they have been able to successfully compete with and sells number of bills around Birmingham. In fact they have sold several bills that went directly to Birmingham himself. Special bargains in clothing, boots, and shoes. Call and see for yourself. Geo. W. Rush & Co,. Disease lies in ambush for the weak; a feeble constitution is ill adapted to encounter a malarial atmosphere and sudden changes of temperature, and the least robust are usually the easiest victims; Dr. J. H. McLean’s Strengthening Cordial and Blood purifier will give tone, and vitality and strength to your entire body. $1.00 per bottle. FARMER’S INDEPENDENT WAREHOUSE. We have again rented the Whitfield Stables, opposite the Court house, for the purpose of continuing the Warehouse and Cotton Storage business, and we say to our friends and farmers of West Alabama and East Mississippi, that we will not be surpassed by any others in looking after the wants of our customers to make them conformable while in Columbus. We will have fire places instead of stoves for both white and colored; separate houses fitted up for each. We will have also good shed room for 100 head of stock more than we had last year; also a convenient and comfortable room for our friends who may come to Columbus. We do not hesitate to say that we can and will give you better camping accommodations than any other house in the house in the place. Mr. J. L. MARCHBANKS of Lamar County, Ala., and MILIAS MOORHEAD, of Pickens County, Ala., will be at the stable and will be glad to see their friends and attend to their wants, both day and night. Our Mr. FELIX GUNTER will be at the cotton shed where he will be glad to see his old friends and as many new ones as will come. All cotton shipped to us by railroad of river will be received free of drayage to warehouse and have our personal attention. Thanking you for your patronage last season, and we remain the farmer’s friends. Yours Respectfully, J. G. SHULL & CO, Columbus, Miss. WAREHOUSE. The Cotton storing public must not forget the popular firm of TURNER & Co. who occupy the Brick Warehouse at the depot, where every convenience is offered to campers. Messrs. J. D. & W. M. TURNER, the sons of Major J. H. TURNER, deceased, are successors in the business, and will be on hand to look after the interests of their friends in this section. ALABAMA LANDS FOR SALE 13 Farms for sale in Lamar County, ranging from 440 to 80 acres in size. The undersigned offers the above farms for sale in Lamar, which a reference to all authentic reports will show to be a county above the acreage in Alabama. They contain as good farming lands as this section can boast, and are advantageously situated. Good water, healthy locations, convenient to schools and churches, also to the county seat at Vernon. A railroad traverses the lower end of the county and one is in course of construction through the upper end. The future prospect is flattering and capitalists are turning their eyes this way seeking investment. These lands and many others besides in this county can be purchased on wonderfully low terms, from $1.00 to $5.00 per acre. Address, A. A. SUMMERS, Vernon Lamar County, Ala JUST RECEIVED HUGH PENNINGTON has just received a full and varied stock of shelf goods, fancy candles, nuts of all kinds, raisins, apples, oranges, and a number of other nice things. All of which he intends to sell at a small margin above cost. A full line of tobacco and cigars kept constantly on hand. His terms are ---- over the Cash and get a heap for a little. NOTICE Parties indebted to the undersigned are earnestly requested to come and settle notes and accounts without further notice. – A. COBB & Son For sick headache, female troubles, neuralgic pains in the head take Dr. J. H. McLean’s Little Liver and Kidney Pillets. 25 cents a vial. PICTURES. Taken in Cloudy as well as Fair Weather, at the following prices! Cards: Two for 50 cents. Four for 75 cents. Eight for $1.00. Photos $2.00 per dozen. All must be taken at one sitting of one person. 8 years experience. A. H. SANDERS, Photographer. I will be at Vernon December 20th, 1886. KINGVILLE HIGH SCHOOL under the principalship of B. H. WILKERSON will open Oct. 25, 1886 and continue for a term of nine scholastic months. Rates of tuition as follows: PRIMARY: Embracing Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Geography, and Primary Arithmetic, per month, $1.50 INTERMEDIATE: Embracing English Grammar, Intermediate Geography, Practical Arithmetic, Composition, and U. S. History, per month, $2.00 ADVANCED: Embracing Algebra, Geometry, Physiology, Rhetoric, Logic, Elocution, and Latin, per month $3.00. No incidental fee. Discipline will be mild but firm. Special attention will be given to those who wish to engage in teaching. Board in best families from $4.00 to $5.00. Tuition due every three scholastic months. For further information address B. H. WILKERSON, C. Supt., Principal. Kingville, Ala, Oct. 29, 1886 THE FERNBANK HIGH SCHOOL under the Principalship of J. R. GUIN, will open Oct. 25, 1886 and continue for a term of Ten Scholastic months Rates of Tuition: PRIMARY: Embracing Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Grammar, Primary Geography and Primary Arithmetic, per month $1.25. INTERMEDIATE: Embracing Brief English Grammar, Elementary Geography, Elementary Arithmetic, Letter Writing and Hygiene, per month, $1.50. PRACTICAL: Embracing English Grammar, Practical Arithmetic, Complete Geography, English Composition, U. S. History and Physiology, per month, $2.00. HIGH SCHOOL: Embracing Rhetoric, Elocution, Algebra, Natural Philosophy, Botany, Geology, Zoology, Hygiene, Physiology, Latin, &c, per month $2.50. Discipline will be firm. Special attention will be given to young men and women who wish to engage in teaching. Good board at $7.00 per month. No incidental fees. Tuition due every five months. Correspondence solicited. Address J. R. GUIN Fernbank, Ala. Lamar County Clothing! Clothing! At A. COBB & Son Dealer in General Merchandise. Ladies best fitting (picture of a corset) always in store, and at prices to suit the ladies. Our summer stock is complete – consisting of ladies fine dress goods, ladies shoes, men’s shoes, boots, hats, etc. Our stock of clothing of the best quality, which we are offering at a small margin above cost. We are selling cheap. We mean what we say. Don’t fail to call when you are in town. We have a lot of Iron Foot plows which we will sell very low (picture of iron foot plow). Very Respectfully. A. COBB & Son Ho! (picture of canteen) Every one that Thirst food and lodging for man, and provender for horses can be had to live and let live prices at the WIMBERLEY House, Vernon, Ala. L. M. WIMBERLY, Proprietor J. T. STINSON & Company. Cotton Factors and Commission Merchants. Columbus, Miss. We return to our many friends and patrons, our usual thanks for their very liberal patronage extended us; and trust by strict attention to their interests to merit their favors and influence in future. Our local facilities for handling cotton are unsurpassed by other markets, having suitable warehouses with storage capacity of 60,000 bales, two Banking institutions with ample money facilities to move the entire crop marketed here, and a Morse Patent Compress similar and equal to presses located in the coast markets; with these interior business conveniences our markets has become a spinner’s market, and we are enabled to realize the highest market price for cotton marketed here. The bulk of our cotton is readily taken by our local cotton buyers and shipped direct to Eastern Mils. We make liberal advancements as usual on cotton consigned to us, which will receive our prompt attention on arrival. Bagging and ties furnished on application. Soliciting your patronage, Respectfully yours J. T. STINSON & Co. Gilmer Hotel. Columbus, Miss. This establishment has changed hands and will be thoroughly overhauled and refurnished and first-class accommodations guaranteed and charges will be moderate. A. W. KING, Proprietor Barber Shop. KELLY & ALBERT, No. 58 Market Street Columbus, Miss. Upstairs, opposite Cady’s Stable. Hot and cold baths. G. W. RUSH B. F. REED New Cash Store. BUSH & REED, Vernon, Alabama. Dealer in Dry goods and groceries, boots, and shoes, hats and caps, clothing, hardware, Queensware, etc. which is offered at bottom prices for cash or produce. Our stock of clothing is complete and first-class. A superb and well selected lot of notions. We have a large and handsome line of school books, also inks, pens, and paper. Always keep constantly on hand a full stock of Patent Medicines. THE VERNON HIGH SCHOOL, Under the Principalship of J. R. BLACK, will open October 4, 1886 and continue for a term of nine scholastic months. Rates of Tuition as follows: PRIMARY: Embracing Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Geography, and Primary Arithmetic, per month $1.50 INTERMEDIATE: Embracing English Grammar, Intermediate Geography, Practical Arithmetic, Composition, and U. S. History; per month $2.00 ADVANCED: Embracing Algebra, Geometry, Physiology, Rhetoric, Logic, Elocution, and Latin, per month $3.00 Incidental fee 20 cts, per quarter. Discipline will be mild but firm. Special attention given to those who wish to engage in teaching. Good board at $7 per month. Tuition due at the end of each quarter. For further information, address: J. R. BLACK, Principal, Vernon, Ala KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL Located in the live and growing town of Kennedy on the Georgia Pacific Rail Road. The moral and religious influences surrounding this school are unsurpassed in any part of the state. Boarders can find pleasant homes in refined families at very reasonable rates. The first session will commence on Monday Nov. 1st, 1886 and continue for a term of ten scholastic months. TUITION PRIMARY: Embracing Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Geography, and Primary Arithmetic, per month, $1.50 INTERMEDIATE: Embracing English Grammar, Intermediate Geography, Physiology, History of U. S., Practical Arithmetical and Elementary Algebra, per month $2.00. ADVANCED GRADE: Embracing Higher Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoric, Elocution, and Latin, per month, $2.50. An incidental fee of 25 cents, per session. Special attention will be given to those who expect to engage in teaching and preparing boys and girls to enter college. Tuition due at expiation of each quarter. For further particulars address J. C. JOHNSON, Principal, Kennedy, Ala. PAGE 4 GLANDERS AND FARCY – Description of the Symptoms of These two Terrible Diseases – [article which describes in detail these 2 diseases] TIMBER CULTURE – The Advisability of Returning a portion of farm Land to Forest Low prices for all kinds of farm produces suggest the idea that in some sections the business of tillage has been overdone, and that a return to forest growth of a portion of the land cleared p is advisable. With improved culture and thorough maturing one-half the land now under cultivation might easily be made to produce as much as the whole now does. If the other half were planted in the best kinds of timber the steady growth of value in land thus occupied would be far preferable to the present practice of cultivating large areas for crops which can not sell for enough to pay expenses. Of course the broken land would first be relegated to timber under this plan. Much of this, it is now seen, should never have been put under cultivation though it might be advisable to clear off the original growth to get it set more evenly or with more available varieties of timber. The fact that old woodlands yield so little value in their annual growth is the great bugbear against more extensive forest planting. Yet the two methods are alike only in keeping the soil occupied with trees, but differ in almost every thing else. None of our old woodlands bear the number or kind of trees that they should for profit. Often they are so scattered that grasses and weeds grow under them and diminish their vigor, even to destroying vitality. A wood lot equally with a cultivate field needs careful planting to insure an even and uniform stand. Probably most old woodlands have less than one-half the trees they should carry, and these have been the best ever since the first settlement of the country. To expect woodland not half filled with seraway trees, too poor to be worth cutting, to pay nay profit is absurd. Clear up this land and replant it, at proper distances, with trees of the most profitable varieties, and the wood lot will in a few years tell a different story. Or, better still, keep this new land for farm cropping, and devote some field run down by continued cultivation to timber culture. – [American Cultivator] No stains look more formidable than an ink spot, yet if fresh this is not hard to remove. The best article for this purpose is fine salt used in sufficient quantities to absorb the liquid, and renewed until the spot disappears. Let the salt stay on several days if necessary. Apply salt if ink has been spilled on a carpet. Where spot has been dropped do not try to remove it till it has been covered with salt and then brush up both together. If ink has dried on any article soak in sweet milk, sponging where stained; finish by washing in warm water. – [Detroit Tribune] Henry Brill, of Southington, Conn. has invented a wrench which he thinks for service, cheapness, and durability, beats any other wrench in existence. He says the principle was revealed to him in a dream. – [Hartford Courant] NEW YORK’S MAYOR – An Explanation of His Far-Reaching Powers and Responsible Duties The mayor of New York is elected for two years. His term begins at noon on January 1. His salary is $10,000 per year. He may be removed for cause by the Governor. In case of a vacancy arising during the term the President of the Board of Aldermen acts as mayor, either temporarily or until the vacancy is filled by special election. The general duties of the major are thus prescribed by the consolidation act, which is the city charter: 1. To communicate to the Common Council, at least once a year, a general statement of the finances, government and improvements of the city. 2. To recommend to the Common Council all such measures as he shall deem expedient. 3. To keep himself informed of the doings of the several departments. 4. To be vigilant and active in causing the ordinances of the city and laws of the state to be executed and enforced, and for that purpose he may call for consolation and co-operation all heads of department. 5. And generally to perform all such duties as may be prescribed for him by the city ordinances and the laws of the state. The mayor has the sole power of appointing the heads of the various departments of the city government whenever the term of an incumbent expires or a vacancy occurs. He also appoints the police justices. But the comptroller is elected by the people. The chief officers to which the mayor’s appointing power extends are :City Chamberlain, Corporation counsel, Police, excise, charities and correction, public works, fire park, taxes and assessments, street-cleaning and dock commissioners; also two members of the board of education. The mayor has power to remove these officers for cause, provided the Governor approves. Except the power of appointment and removal, the mayor has no control over those departments – no right to interfere with their operation. Formerly the mayor nominated and the Board of Aldermen confirmed or rejected. On account of the notorious abuse by the Aldermen of the authority vested in them they were stripped of all share in the appointing power. The power, with the responsibility, was then centered in the mayor. This reform was carried by the Legislature of 1884, and took effect January 1, 1885. Mr. Grace was the first mayor under the new regime. At the same time the office of Comptroller was made elective instead of appointive, and it was provided that the President of the Board of Aldermen should be elected by the people instead of by his fellow-members. The mayor is a member of the sinking fund, the board of estimate and apportionment, the board of street opening and improvement and (ex-officio) the emigration commission. These are important functions. With the Comptroller he was formerly a member of the aqueduct commission, but both were ousted from this by the Republican Legislature of 1868. Among the minor functions of the mayor is to issue theatrical and certain other licenses. As a magistrate he may perform the marriage ceremony. – [N. Y. Herald] USE OF STRAW – Its True Economy Lying in Its Comfort to Stock as Bedding Why not, when stock is put into the yards for wintering, cover the ground thickly with straw, and especially under the sheds? Thus liquids, the most valuable portion of the manure, instead of going to waste, would be soaked up by the straw, and at length become thoroughly moistened. In the spring the whole may be piled to be rotted into manure. The straw should be added to from time to time, especially after snow storms, so there may be plenty for cattle to lie on. Thus while serving their comfort at the same time it is increasing in value, for the ultimate value of straw is in proportion to is saturation with the liquid waste of the yards and stables. Straw is of little value as food, except to properly distend the stomachs of animals that are fed grains. Rotted down by itself, many good farmers claim that its true economy lies in its ashes. There is good ground for this belief, unless in the case of tough soils that requires to be lightened up mechanically. It may pay in such cases to plow it under while dry. Yet its value on such soils is as much enhanced by being first used as bedding as upon any other soil; for before serving its ultimate purpose in any soil it must first be brought into humup or mold. It is still more astonishing that many farmers having plenty of straw should refuse to allow the stock, stabled in humup, a full supply of bedding. Even where straw is scarce there is no economy in bedding light. No more is lost by deep bedding than by thin bedding. It is only the fouled portions that need be thrown out. Little if any more will become so when the bed is six or eight inches thick than when there is only a slight covering to the floor and very much less feed is required when animals lie warm and rare comfortable in other ways than they will be when thy lie shivering and uncomfortable on nearly bare planking or on the hard ground. Stock never cluster so when allowed their freedom. Then they seek the woods where the wind is broken, and where there is the comfort of the leaves with which the ground is covered. Where straw is scarce it will pay to gather leaves for bedding. And even much of the soiled portions may be dried and again used as bedding if necessary. – [Chicago Tribune] BUZZARD DEN – A West Virginia Cavern Which Harbors a Fierce, Sheep-Eating Serpent – [article about a snake] WHEN A MAN WEIGHS MOST – [Chicago Tribune] According to the experiments carried out by the Belgian savant Quetelet a man attains his maximum weight towards his 40th year, and begins to lose it sensibly towards his 60th year. A woman, however, does not attain her maximum weight until her 50th year. The age at which people attain their maximum weight and the weight itself differ in the different classes to society. In the affluent classes the average maximum weight is 172 pounds, and is attained at 50 years of age. In the artisan class it is 154 pounds, attained at 40. Amongst farm laborers it is 171 pounds, attained at 60. In the general classes it is 16+4 pounds, and is reached between forty and 50 years of age. THE PIKE’S PEAK OF THE SENATE – [Washington Letter] The late Senator Pike had a seat with Senators Manderson and Palmer in a short row of desks in the rear of the regular tiers of seats, and the jolly Senator Palmer always referred to the locality as “Pike’s Peak” A tenderfoot correspondent one day wrote a sketch of him as Senator “Pickerell” and the pun on his name, although unintentional on the part of the man who made it, seemed to amuse him as much as it did the other Senators. Jokes I have heard with interest that the thimble of plain sewing was invented in the year of 1684 by a gallant young Dutch goldsmith of Amsterdam, who devised the “thumb bell” – for this was its original name – in order to protect his sweetheart’s thumb tops when she was engaged with a needle and cotton. There are thumb thimbles still, and sailors, I believe, always wear them. The “thumb bell” has, as a rule, however, become a “finger bell” but in shape only little change has taken place in it since the loving Hans placed the first thimble on the thumb of the lady love. – [London Figuaro] A new actress goes upon the circuit wearing 165 diamonds, 25 emeralds, 19 rubies, 14 sapphires, 4 lapis lazuli, 2 cat’s eyes and 1 large turquoise. After such evidence of eminence as this, it would be rash thing for any one to affirm that this actress is not head and shoulders above all other ladies in her profession. – [Chicago Journal] It is estimated that the matter ejected in the recent volcanic eruption in New Zealand amounts to 5,000,000,000 cubic yards, weighing 6,000,000,000 tons – not quite a cubic mile, but it would take more than the National debt of England to excavate it. It would take a good workman 1,000,000 years to shovel it into carts, but it was all done in four hours! J. B. Wells, of Red Bluff Cal cut down a sound oak, and four feet from the butt, in a little cavity in the heart of the tree, were five small and healthy frogs. They were a little off in color, but all right. – [San Francisco Chronicle] Small advertisements Ad for Hood’s Sarsaparilla Ad for Prickly Ash bitters Ad for Benson’s Porous Plaster Ad for Brown’s Iron Bitters Ad for Demorest’s Monthly Ad for Mason & Hamlin Organs Ad for Remarks by Bill Nye – book Ad for Youth’s Companion File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/lamar/newspapers/vernonco1431gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 57.3 Kb