Articles of Interest from the Alabama Courier, Limestone, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/limestone/newspapers/al_courier1.txt ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed and copyrighted by: Richard Shelby ==================================================================== July 2003 The Alabama Courier Athens, Limestone Co., Alabama Jan 5, 1888 - JANUARY 5, 1888 "Gus Edmonds was hanged at Somerville, Morgan County last Friday for wife murder. He of cour se said he was going right to glory. 2500 people witnessed the hanging." JANUARY 19, 1888 KILLED HIS MAN Scottsboro, January 13th. Sheriff W. H. Dieus shot and killed Hugh B. Garland, a saloon keeper here this evening. In the difficulty Dieus was shot in hte thigh by Garland but the wound is not dangerous. There is great excitement over the shooting. Jim C. Hall, a bystander was shot in the shoulder by a stray bullet. DIED At the residence of her son W. T. McDonaldk on January 11th 1888 of consumption, M rs. Elsirah Christian McDonald,aged fifty-five years. She was a consistent member of the Primitve Baptist Churchm, and died as she had lived... DIED In this place at her late residence of paralysis, on Dec 22, 1887 Mrs. Martha e. Hamilton aged 62 years. In the death of this good woman a son has lost a loving and devoted mother and a --- a watchful and loving sist er. the church's true and consistant member and the community a good neighbor and citizen. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1888 An Early Morning With a Mountion Lion. Walter Bouldins and John Bennett operaives in a shoe factory....went West into Wyoming territory and embarked in he business of sheep farming....(There were two or three columns to this story. I only copied this because of the names. What happened was that a mountion lion stole their just butchered sheep hanging in a tree while they were earting some of it for breakfast.) Died Hobson--- On Jan 28, at 6. a.m. at the family residence on HJobson St.Martha Chappell, wife of George S. Hobson. Funeral at the Tulip Street Church at 2:" p.m. Sunday, Jan 29. Services by Rev. Drs. West and Brown - Nashville American. Mrs. Hobson was daughter of the latge Dr. Stith Malone and a sister of Mrs. Sue Cain of this place. She was raised and educated in Athens and by her sweet and charming disposition won friends by the score, and like her sisters was -- student and graduated with high distinction at the female college at Athens. She early professed religion and became a member of hte Methodist church and retained her membership until her death. Although Mrs. Hobson has been living in Nashvillea numer of years she has many friends in Athens who remember her fondly. May he who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" watch overand protect them who left motherless. Died Aprill 19, 1888 Cole at his resident in Elkmont Beat, this county, last Thursday, Mr. William Cole of old age. Mr. Cole was a devout member of the Primitive Baptist Church and died as he had lived; a juist and good man. We have intimately known "Uncle Bill" since our infancy and have always known him to be a kind hearted and cleaver citizne. He was for many years a prominent citizen of Lincoln, Co.,TN where he has many relatrives and friends who will join in with his family in this county in sorrowing over his death. MAY 17, 1888 A Sad Death One of the saddest events we have had to chronicle in many days is the sudden and untimely death of Mrs. Lydia Nelson, a lady respected and loved by all who knew her and well-known by all the older residents of Limestone County. She was the wife of the late Mr. Louis Nelson, one of the oldest and earliest settlers in this section of the country. They had since the halcyon days of young man and womanhood lived contentedly and happily on their plantation in the upper end of this county near Shoal creek, and the hospitality of this home and these people was known and enjoyed by many -- very many, some of whom are today yet among the living, breathing, existing throng of humanity no where, while yet others are in the land of the Leal, and perhaps extended a welcoming hand and loving greeting to these pure souls on the other side of the dark river where all is light, joy and happiness. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Nelson has been in a very indifferent state of health and the loss of her life long consort seems to have preyed upon her mind until, under the unnatural strain she became morbid and finally subject to fits of temporary aberration. And it was during one of these moments of mental darkness that she met her death. she wandered from her home last Thursday morning and in her wanderings.reached the banks of Shoal creek, where she paused long enough to take off her bonnet and spectacles and lay them on the fence, then plunged beneath the surface to rise no more till the cold hand of death had grasped its own and the white soul had winged its flight to the heaven of the just. Mrs. Nelson was about 65 years ofage, and her death will be sincerely mourned by all. Our sympathy is extended to the rebreaved famly and to them we say that there is consolation in the thought that in the great beyond when the trials and tribulations of this short life are o'er, they may meet this loved relative nevermore to be separated. Capt. Matt Moore, JU.S. Stamp deputy (?) office at birmingham died Saturday of congestion of the bowls. His death is generally regretted as he was held in high eseem by all who knew him. MAY 21, 1888 Rev. Isaac Catlin, aged 70 years died at the residence of his son in law Mr. W. N. HJargrove, in this county, on May 11th. His death was caused by a paralysis. He has been a resident of Limestone County for over 60 years and no better man ever lived within her borders. His enemies were few and he numbered his friends by the score. He died ---- by a number of grown children and loving grandchildren... MAY 31, 1888 Mr. James R. Henderson and Miss Maggie Belle Kirkland were united in marriage at the reisdence of the bride's uncle Mr. William Herald, last Thursday evening. Hon. James E. Horton performed the ceremony in his own manner. JUNE 24, 1888 The many friends of Mrs. Della Bellk throughout the county will be glad to learn that she reached Eagle Pass, TX without anyu accident, where she was met by Mr. Ashton and they were married and went onto Mexico. She writes that she has a lovely and comfortable home and is perfectly satisfied in the far west. JULY 5, 1888 Rev. Asa Skinner died at Georgiana last week. Aged 82 years and has been a minister of the gospel for 55 years of his life. JULY 5, 1888 HOn. Peyton Bailey one of the most prominent men in Dave Co was assisinated last Thursday by James Windham. The murderous assassin made good his escape.. If caught there will be a necktie party. July 19, 1888 MARRIED: Sunday the 8th inst. at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. James F. Riddle and Miss Maggie R. Henderson were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Esq. A. G. Yarbrough tied the golden cord that made their hearts beat as one. Mr. Riddle is one of our most honorable citiznes and intelligent, thrifty farmers, while his bride is richly endowed with al the graces that re required to make the perfect woman. May their sorrows by light and may the hand of fate deal kindly with them. AUGUST 2, 1888 Mr. R. L. Todd and Miss Fannie May Jones were married in the Methodist Church of Decatur lat Thursday night. Rev. Gwin officiating. They were two of the most popular young people in the gate. AUGUST 9, 1888 James W. Kidd who is said to be the only surviving member of the True Blue Co., of Montgomery Inf. in t he Seminole War died at Dallas TX last Thursday from hydrophiba. DIED Hardy --- At the residence of her husband last Saturday in this county, of inflammation of the stomach, Mrs. Elizabeth Black, wife of John H. Hardy. The deceased was an amiable, intelligent and industrious lady and had many friends in this county that will regret to learn of her untimely death. She was forty five years of age and had long been a consistent member of the Methodist Church and the faith that had been her comforter through all the dark places along the journey of life never deserted her in the trying hour but was her chief and mainstay. She died in the faith of a bright hereafter and besought her husband and two manly and loving sons to tread aright and straight and narrow path that leads to where her frail bark was heading and at last anchor on the same shore she felt so sure of. Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones in this hour of darkest and deepest sorrow. Moore --At her residence near Cartwright, in this county, last Friday, Miss Nancy Moore died after a short but severe spell of sickness. She was a maiden lady and lived alone and was highly respected by all who knew here. She was about forty-five years of age and and had lived all her life on the same farm where she was born. AUGUST 16, 1888 Mrs. Francis Ada Scott, once a queen in New Orleans society and daughter of Gen. Sparks, author of that touching poem "Somebody's Darling" committed suicide in Memphis last week. She was striving to make a living by sewing. During the late war she was a confederate spy. (her life story would have to be an interesting one) AUGUST 23, 1888 Gov. Seay has pardoned Alex Kelly who was sent to the penitentiary from here two years ago for bigamy. Alex had two wives and made an application for license to married the third one but Judge Malone happened to recognize him. SEPTEMBER 13, 1888 MARRIED Hatchett - McWilliams -- At the residence of the bride at Elkmont last Wednesday evening. Mr. James Hatchatt led to the altar Mrs. Nancy Williams. The ceremony that united these two loving hearts, was preformed by Elder Pain, 0f the Baptist church. In the presence of a few invited friends and relatives. The groom is one of the most useful and best citizens and farmers in the county, while the bride is all that could be found in a pure, unselfish, devoted Christian lady. We congratulate them and hope the hand of time may deal gently with them and that the remaining days may be blessed with health and uninterrupted happiness. SEPTEMBER 13, 1888 ADMINISTRATOR'S LAND SALE Under and by virtue of an order of the Probate Court, I as administrator of the estate of J. E. Coman, deceased, will proceed to sell to the highest bidder for one-third cash balance in one and two years, in Athens, Ala on the 24th day of September, 1888 the following real estate belonging to said testator and described as follows: West third of lot fifteen fronting twenty-two feet on public square, running back half way of block. Known as North 8 23-4 t. B. Coman, Administrator APPLICATION TO SELL LAND The State of Alabama - Limestone Co., Probate Court August 18, 1888 The estate of Thos. R. Griffis, deceased. This day came A. P. and J. F. Griffis, administrators, with will annexed of the estate of Thos.R. Griffis, deceased and presents to this court their petition in writing, under oath praying for the sale of certain lands described in side petition for the purpose of division among heirs. The court having examined said petition it is filed for the inspection of all concerned and the 28th day of September, 1888. be and the same is hereby appointed a day for the hearing of the same; and it is ordered that notice of the filing of said petition and the day appointed for the hearing thereof is ordered to be given by publication for three successive weeks in the Alabama Courier, a newspaper published in Athens, Limestone County, Alabama, requiring all persons interested to be and appear before this court on the 18th day of September, 1888; then and there show cause if ant they have why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. 8-23-3t Jas. E. Horton Judge of Probate. SEPTEMBER 20, 1888 SHERIFF'S SALE By virtue of a Fieri Facias issued out of the Clerk's office of the Circuit Court of Limestone County, and state of Alabama, and to me: directed, whereby I am commanded to make the amount of a certain judgment recently obtained against John T. Tanner in favor of Wm. B. Tanner, trustee, out of the goods, chattles, lands and tenements of the said John T. Tanner, I hve levied on the following proplery, to wit: Lot one hundred and seventy-six and lot one hundred and seventy-seven and the south half of lot two hundred and one, and the east end of lot forty, on which the defendant's office is situated, and lot eighteen, the latter subject to the life estate of Margaret E. McWilliams therein, all in the plan of the town of Athens, Limestone County, Alabama. Also the east half of the north west quarter of section 32, twonshisp 2, range 4, west, in Limestone county, Alabama. Therefore according to said command, I shall expose for sale at public auction, all the right, title and interest of the above named John T. Tanner, in and to the abve described property, on Monday, the first day of October, 1888, during the legal hours of sale, at the court house in the town of Athens, Alabama. Dated at Athens, this the first day of September, 1888 Ben. P. Harris, Sheriff SEPTEMBER 30, 1888 AN ARMY WEDDING (correspondence of Globe Democrat) Fort Grant Ariz. August 24, 1888 Miss Late Murphy, sister of Lieut. and Mrs. L. P. Hunt 10th United States Calvary was married to Lieut. John B. McDonald of the same regiment at the post chapel at 8:30 o'clock on Thursday evening August 23rd, and never in the annals of the post, or at least so the oldest inhabitant of the post who was duly consulted on the subject says - has an event gone off with such eclat and brilliancy as on this occasion. The chapel was tastefully decorated with flags, draped along the walls, and festoons and sprigs of evergreen here and there while over the windows and doors were crossed sabers, artistically arranged with sprigs of silver fire; hanging suspended over the place where the bridal stood was a beautiful parasol of yellow, white and pink roses, the work of Mrs. E. J. Van Valzah, sister of the bridge and at either side of the altar were two jardiniers filled with sunflowers and altogether it reflected great credit on the ladies of the post, who all assisted in embellishing it. All the officers and ladies of the post and other invited guests were assembled at the chapel and the bridal party appeared as the melting strings of Lohengrin's wedding march pealed from that organ. The bride was escorted to the altar by Lieut. L. P. Hunt, her brother in law who gave the bride away.....where the ceremony of the Catholic Church was preformed by the Rev. Father Guildorf. ( the article goes on about how wonderful the groom is etc. ...Lieut. McDonald is a prime favorite with the regiment and his manly bearing, his energy and ability in the execution of his duties have won him many friends outside of the army and his presence from among us will be greatly missed. The bride and groom left the following afternoon, amid a shower of rice and old slippers, thrown by friends who had assembled to see them off for Auburn, AL where he goes to take a school detail and where he will rejoice in the title of Colonel (keep a green place in your heart for Fort Grant, "Kurnel)0 and where his energetic and manly character will be appreciated. This being Liuet. McDonald's old home he has many friends and relartives who are glad to hear of this happy marriage. We wish them a long and happy life. OCTOBER 4, 1888 MARRIED Parham -graham - At the quiet and pleasant home of Hon. Thos. Maclin Hobbs near Quid Nune. Last Thursday afternoon were gathered the friends of Mr. Eugene D. Parham and Miss Elva Graham to witness the happy consumation of cupid's work. It was near enough the plague stricken city of Decatur (yellow fever) to see the rising smoke and hear the roar of the mighty moguls as they dashed through its thorough fares, but a few weeks ago alive and brisk with the hum of industry, but even now no ear nor dread did these young hearts have for the surroundings. Mrs. Ann D. Hobbs, the very personification of an elegeant and graceful hostess caused all to feel at ease; and guest vied with guest in pleasant converse and not disturbed until by the soft foot-fall of the approaching twain who quietly took their stand in the family parlor and by that man of Godk Rev. T(?) K. Hewlett, were soon pronounced man and wife. After receving the congraulations and best wishes of their many friends some of which were accompanied by handsome and useful presents, theyl eft for the home of the groom and none wishes Eugene less than "True by thy sword thy friend sincere, Thy lady constant, kind and dear." OCTOBER 18, 1888 The many friends of Joe McDonald in this, his native home send congratulations and best wishes to him on the occasion of his marriage to one of the most lovely and accomplished young ladies of MS, Miss Lula Penny,.. this happy event occurred in the city of Greenville last Thursday. IN MEMORIAM Judge John N. Malone was born in Sussec County VA, March 12, 1817 and died in Athens, Ala. October 3, 1888, aged 71 years, six months and 21 days. Judge Malone came to Athens when he was about 18 years old and was clerk in the store of L. M. & J. P. Coman, dry goods merchandise at that time. He subsequently entered La Grange college and in due course of time graduated with the highest honors.... studied law with J. M. McCling of Huntsville. He was admitted to the bar in 1841.... 1851, he was elected to the state assembly, a position he held for l8 years. Services were held at the Methodist Church by the pastor Rev. S. H. Diman after which the Masonic order took the body in charge...He was buried next to his sister Sallie. NOVEMBER 8, 1888 MARRIED Oglesby - Hendricks At Hillsboro last Wednesday night at the Baptist church, the Rev. Dr. Shackleford united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Mr./Will T. Oglesby, of this Athens, and Miss Jessie Hendricks, of that place. We tender them our congratulations and may their lives be one continual stream of sunshine and that no sorrow shall ever cross the door step of their home. Will is a young printer of whom many good things can besaid while his winsome young bride is one of Alabama's fairest daughters whose graces are many. HYMENIAL HAPPINESS Last Wednesday night at the residence of the bride's parents in Guntersville, Mr. Brousais Coman, an Athens boy and one that we are proud to claim was united in marriage to Miss Boyd Baker, a beautiful and accomplished young lady of this city. NOVEMBER 11, 1886 Jackson-Schoesburg Thursday afternoon October 28, 1886 at the residence of the bride, near Huntsville, AL Mr. James H. Jackson of Athens AL and Miss. Fannie Schoenburg were united in marriage. Rev. H. H. Smith officiating. NOVEMBER 15, 1888 DIED In this county at the residence of his brother at Bellmina, after a long and seser (spelled that way) spell of typhoid fever, Mr. Jack Lindsay departed this life aged 24 years and 9 months....surrounding brothers and sisters. (no names given) NOVEMBER 22, 1888 Tuesday Judge Horton performed the marriage ceremony for Mr. Gus Montgomery and Miss Malone of Georgia beat. NOVEMBER 29, 1888 Mr. Charles J. Cooper and Miss Lola M. Green of Pulaski came down on the noon train Thursday and were married at the residence of Mrs. Baker. Jasper Carpenter esq. tied the knot. (this was his first marriage ceremony) Miss Mattie Rogers died at her brother's home in Georgeia beat Sunday the 18th. Mr. Pine Rogers stayed with her during her last days. DECEMBER 9, 1888 OBITUARY Geroge William Tanner, son of Peterson and Sarah C.Tanner, was born in Athens, ALabama on the 5th day of July 1846 and departed this life on the 4th day of December, 1888, at his residence on his plantation near Mt.Caney, Matagorda County TX. He, with his little family, moved from his native land to Texas about twelve years ago. He joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at this place june 8th, 1867. His beloved wife (nee Miss Lula Bentton) and their three children had preceeeded him to the peaceful short of that serene and beautiful clime where no storms every beat, nor shadows mar the brightness of a life eternal and full of peace and joh. Willie Tanner was ever a dutiful son, affectionate brother, loving, kind husband, indulgent father, true friend sympathetic,charitable and generous , even to a fault. (article goes on about wonderful he was) Letters of Administration Estate of David C. Hill, deceased Letters of administration, were granted to the undersigned by the Hon. J. E. Horton Judge of the Probate Court, of Limestone County, Alabama, upon the estate of David C. Hill, on the 17th day of Spet. 1888 Notice is hereby given to all persons holding claims against said estate to present them within the time prescribed by laws or they will be barred, and those owing the estate will make payment ot me. John W.Hill Adminstrator. DECEMBER 13, 1888 MARRIAGE Scott - Gordon Last Sunday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Gordon, east of town, a few friends and relatives gathered to witness the marriage of their daughter Miss Allie B. to Mr. H. N. Scott. Nuptial knot was tied by Elder N. B. Wallace.