Madison County AlArchives News.....Items from The Huntsville Weekly Democrat January 17, 1883 ************************************************ 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: Kenneth Stacy klstacyfamily@aol.com January 28, 2007, 4:10 pm Microfilm At Huntsville Library January 17, 1883 PERSONAL MENTION Mrs. Wm. S. Barry, Jr., has returned to her Mississippi home. Miss Emily Bradley is visiting her kin at Atlanta, Ga. John G. Taylor, Esq., and Mr. Reuben Chapman are back for Sumter County, Ala. Dr. A. S. Harris, of Madison, and Maj. John T. Phinizy, of Lawrence Co., were in the city on Monday. Lieut. Oliver G. Warwick, U.S.A., is visiting his father, Mr. Geo. H. Warwick, Mr. and Mrs. Eustis Windham, and son, are at her father’s Mr. Joseph Martin’s. Mrs. Ada Lane (nee Calhoun) has gone back to New Orleans. Mrs. Todd, Miss Mattie Lou Brown, Maj. Wagner and Mr. Ernest Robinson left, to-day, for Nashville, to hear Neillson sing. Chief Justice Brickell came up from Montgomery Sunday last, and will return to-morrow. DIED: McGaha.—Died, near Whitesburg, Ala., Jan’y 12, 1883, Mrs. Caroline R. McGaha, wife of James M. McGaha, after nearly two years’ illness, aged 48 years. Mrs. McGaha was s devoted wife and mother, and, for many years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. LOCAL ITEMS Coming—Huntsville Amateur Minstrels, February 1, 1883. The Sunny South, published at Atlanta, Ga. at $2.00 a year, ought to be liberally patronized by the Southern people, because of its intrinsic excellence as a literary journal, and because it is a Southern enterprise, developing and encouraging Southern literary talent. Important Will Case ------------------------- A BONANZA FOR TWO HUNTSVILLE MEN ------------------------- Elsewhere, we publish a telegram from Atlanta, Ga., to the Cincinnati Enquirer, giving an account of a contest of an alleged will of one John Broad, an Englishman by birth, who died at Atlanta in 1881, leaving about $40,000 of property. We allude to it, because Jonathan Broad, a brother, and Mrs. Tommy Maynard, a sister, of John Broad, legal heirs of two-fifths of his property reside in the vicinity of Huntsville. Jonathan Broad and Tommy Maynard (who are coal miners on the mountain, adjoining Huntsville, called Monte Sano), employed John J. McDavid, Esq., of this city, to represent their interests. Mr. McDavid went to Atlanta several times, and, a pretended will having been set up, alienating the property from the legal heirs, by his diligence and legal skill, succeeded in getting up evidence proving the will a forgery, and with the aid of able attorneys in Atlanta, had the will set aside by the verdict of a jury. Mr. McDavid as attorney, represents all the heirs. We congratulate the heirs and their attorney on the result. Two of the parties to the forgery are arrested. The third party skipped. $8,000 apiece are pretty good for “Uncle Jonathan” and “Uncle Tommy.” ALABAMA ITEMS How Daniel Wilson Was Killed ------------ Editor Guntersville Democrat:--I see in the Huntsville Independent that W. L. Goodwin had killed N. T. Williams, a moonshiner, near Attalla, and that an inquest justified the killing; all of which is false. These are the facts. Samuel Thomas and Daniel Wilson were at Attalla selling brandy contrary to law, when W. _. Goodwin, J. P. Smith and a Mr. Campbell went to arrest them. There were two rooms in the house. Thomas and the owner of the house were in one room and Daniel Wilson, a young woman and a lad were in the other room. Smith and Campbell went to one door, and Goodwin went to the other door which was shut. Goodwin burst through the door and leveled his pistol at Wilson, saying three times “See here.” I am told no other words were spoken. Wilson met Goodwin and threw him back out of the door and started to run. About the time Wilson cleared the door, Goodwin fired killing him dead. If it’s law to shoot a man running, Goodwin is justifiable. These are the facts as I gather them from eye-witnesses. These witnesses, though present at the killing, were not examined by the coroner and jury of inquest. Whoever bossed the farce of an inquest would not let them be examined, alleging, as an excuse for not allowing them to testify, that the person with whom Wilson and Thomas were stopping were concerned in the brandy and would not tell the truth. That is new law to me. Even if concerned in the brandy, I think they were, at least, competent witnesses, and should, by all means, have been examined if that coroner and jury had desired to learn all the facts. But these witnesses were not in the least concerned in the brandy.—Thomas and Wilson were simply stopping with them. I am told that the witnesses who were examined were the deputies only. They swore that Wilson had tow pistols buckled around him, that he snapped his pistol at Goodwin and, afterward, knocked him down with it. All the witnesses, with whom I talked, say that Wilson had no pistol about him and, in fact, had no weapon of any kind. It might be proper for me to state that Wilson had no interest whatever in the brandy. He was only hired by Thomas to drive the team. Daniel Wilson was by brother, but I have given the facts just as told me by those who saw the killing, being desirous that my friends should not be under a false impression as to how my unfortunate brother came to a sad death, and, for this reason, I ask the publication of this letter written by one not accustomed to write for newspapers. H. J. WILSON, Martin’s Mill, Jan’y 3rd. U.S. NEWS Edward D. Cooley was only thirty-five years old when he died, at West Springfield, Mass., and yet he lived alone in so poor a hovel that it was assessed for taxation at only $25, while bank books discovered since his death show that he had about $25,000 at interest. He was a graduate of Amherst College, and it is said that a love affair first made him a recluse. His life was very solitary and his nearest neighbors had no acquaintance with him. A few books and a gun were his companions, and he was contented to live in rags and squalor. William Welch a young man died in Pittsburgh, Pa., the other morning from the effect of cuts inflicted by a friend named William Lewis, in a drunken fight a week before. The last hours of Welch were terrible. The agony from his wounds was intense, but he paid no attention to this or to the tears of his friends. He seemed to have but one desire, and that was to recover in order that he might be avenged on Lewis. With frightful oaths he cursed the fate that made the accomplishment of his vengeance impossible, and virtually died with an oath on his lips.—Pittsburgh Post Bate Inaugurated ---------------- Nashville, Jan. 15.—Gen. Wm. B. Bate was inaugurated Governor at noon to-day with imposing ceremonies. In his inaugural address he referred approvingly to the emphatic expression of popular will at the ballot box to pay that which the State acknowledges she justly owes, known as the “State debt proper,” but not that part of the debt known as “contingent,” the liability for which was questioned by a large portion of the intelligent voters and taxpayers who claim equities as just and honorable offsets. The State, by a decided vote, authorizes, in a spirit of compromise, the tender of terms of settlement to the creditors of one-half of the principal and interest, which he hoped and believed will be met in the spirit with which it was tendered, and a full, final and satisfactory settlement effected. After the inauguration a live eagle was set at liberty from Capitol Hill, bearing a medal on which was inscribed; “For President, Cleaveland [sic], of New York; for Vice President, Bate of Tennessee.” Balloting for United States Senator begins to-morrow. Harris, the present incumbent, is the leading candidate, but if he is not elected on the first ballot some doubts are entertained his election at all. Treasurer Polk ------------------ More Details of the Defalcation and Flight ------------------ RECAPTURED AND AT LAST REPORT HOMEWARD BOUND ------------------ NASHVILLE, January 10.—A box has come to light left by Treasurer Polk, before he decamped, with the former State Treasurer, Dr. Wm. Morrow, which box and contents he had instructed his attorney, John W. Childress, of this city, to take charge of. The box contains various papers, mostly receipts, drafts and due bills from different persons for amounts varying from $3 to $28,000 and aggregating about $125,000; they date back as far as the Spring of 1879. Among them are the due bills of Charles N. Gibbs, former Secretary of State for $1,000, about the same amount in the name of Rufus K. Polk, and smaller amounts from various members of the last Legislature were also found. There are eight drafts on Thos. O’Conner, for about $15,000; also one for $2.000 drawn by a member of the last Legislature on O’Conner. There are vouchers showing that Polk invested twenty-eight thousand and odd dollars in the lumber enterprise of D. R. Cooper & Co.; also, a receipt of D. R. Cooper for $5,000, borrowed money. Other papers in the box five evidence that Polk invested $33,000 in a silver mine in Mexico, and $9,000 in the Nashville Gate Company. There is one receipt for $8,000 paid to Thomas O’Conner for stock in the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company, the notes of Wm. Morrow, former State Treasurer respectively for $250, $300 and Morrow’s checks for $700, and $50, together with numerous other small amounts against various persons. These papers were left in the attorney’s hands by Polk for collection for the benefit of certain of his named bondsmen. His walnut lumber investment is first liable for the balance of the purchase money, about $25,000, and property probably worth double that amount. DETECTIVE OFF FOR TEXAS WITH A REQUISITION FOR THE FLEEING TREASURER Nashville, January 10.—Detectives Porter and Field left here last night for Texas with a requisition and all necessary papers to secure Col. Polk. HOW THE TREASURER WAS CAPTURED—REPORTS TO BRIBE OFFICERS NEW ORLEANS, January 10.—A special from San Antonio to the Picayune, says Treasurer Polk when captured, was accompanied by a detective named Cameron, whom he had bribed to pilot him out of the country. They left the train night before last at Webb Station, and Cameron walked 20 miles to procure a horse. Polk was lying out in the brush when captured by the officers. Polk’s hands and clothing were filled with prickly pear thorns which he had got from wandering in a thicket. Cameron was also arrested and held by Officer Sheely and after his arrest protested, telling the officer that he had made a good thing out of the business and could get him in the way to realize $4,000. Sheely denounced him for the insulting proposition, and he will use these unsolicited confessions against Cameron. GALVESTON, January 10.—A special dispatch to the News from Laredo says, Treasurer Polk, after his arrest by detective Price, was liberated for something over $50,000 and took the train for Laredo, getting off at Webb Station 30 miles from this place. United States Marshal Sheely, learning this started in pursuit on horseback. On arriving at Webb’s he arrested the detective sent with Polk. After considerable trouble he found Polk secreted seven miles from Webb’s. Polk was at first disposed to fight, afterwards he offered Marshal Sheely $8,000 to release him. Polk was taken to the city, (Laredo) where he will be held until the necessary papers arrive. He has very little money with him. It is reported that his nephew and servant crossed into Mexico with a large amount of money. Polk appears much distressed at his arrest. SAN JACINTO, January 10.—M. T. Polk, the defaulting treasurer of Tennessee, and his companions, including Detective Cameron, who accompanied them from this city, have been arrested by Deputy United States Marshal, Joe Sheely, Morrill, the car conductor, and others near Webb Station, a little town on the International Road, eighteen miles north of Laredo. Polk and his party left the train at Webb and attempted to make the Mexican side of the Rio Grande on horse back, having purchased horses for that purpose at Webb after having been detained on suspicion here. They were doubtless afraid of similar and more disastrous experience at Laredo. Sheely has telegraphed to the governor of Tennessee for instructions, and also stating that after the arrest Polk offered him eight thousand dollars if the officer would allow him to go on. The offer was refused, and the prisoner and guards will arrive in San Antonio at 6 to-morrow. Morrill, the conductor, suspected that he had big game from the action of Polk and the detective on the train, and telegraphed to Laredo for help to make the arrest, which was sent immediately, with the above result. PROBABLY BRIBED The action of Joe Price the detective here, who liberated Polk in San Antonio, is severely condemned, many thinking he was well paid for it, and that Cameron was to receive a large sum after his arrival in Mexico. WHAT POLK SAYS IN HIS OWN BEHALF. Special to the Picayune. SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 10. Polk will be held here until taken by the Tennessee authorities, who will arrive on Friday. Polk takes the matter cheerfully, and while at Laredo was jovial, played cards and told Sheely how he had bribed Detective Cameron and Price. Polk says he is defaulter only $136,000, and not $400,000 as the legislative committee reported, and says he had a confidential friend who got away with $50,000 and he spent $50,000 trying to recover the other, and seeing that he could not pay out he went in deeper, and with his cousin Van Leer invested $200,000 in Mexican mining stock in mines near Saltillo. He intended going to Mexico to work those mines and try to pay his short comings. He says that now he has made up his mind to stand the consequences, which can only be penitentiary for two years, though he regrets the disgrace that falls on his wife and ten children. Marshal Gosling says he visited Polk, and when Polk saw him he was greatly surprised to see one whom he had known from childhood, and greeting him cordially he said, “Well, this settles it; I cannot deny any longer,” and proceeded to tell his friend of former days all about his defalcation, his attempted escape, and how he had bought Price and Cameron, and how they had failed to fulfill their contract to land him on the other side. He expressed his willingness to return to Tennessee, but begged Mr. Gosling to take him right on in a hurry and not wait for the coming agent, as he proposed to go with one he knew would treat him kindly. He then said he gave up all hopes of escape, and would go along quietly, but he was loud in his denunciation of a number of high officials in Tennessee and says he will make revelations when he gets home that will startle the people of Tennessee. He says his victims will comprehend all classes, from Supreme Court Judges down. Polk’s Arrival in Nashville --------------------------- Nashville, Jan. 13.—Ex-Treasurer Polk arrived this morning in charge of officers, and is now in custody until he shall be admitted to bail.—He refuses to be interviewed. The grand jury of Davidson county at noon presented an indictment against Polk in two counts for embezzlement and larceny of $480,000. The Judge of the Criminal Court is charged with the duty of fixing the charge of conspiracy upon certain parties in obtaining funds from Polk, knowing it to be funds of the State. His counsel will, on Monday, make application before Judge Quarles, of the Criminal Court, for the release of the prisoner on bail. Meantime the prisoner is held at the county jail, but occupies comfortable quarters in the jailor’s office. LEGAL NOTICES State of Alabama – Madison County -------------------- Regular January Term Court of Probate, 13th day of January 1883 -------------------- Estate of Ellie L. French, Infant. -------------------- This day came James H. Mayhew, Guardian of the estate of Ellie L. French, and filed with the Court his account and vouchers for partial settlement of his guardianship of said Estate: It is considered, ordered, adjudged and decreed by the Court that the 9th day of February 1883, be and the same hereby is appointed a day on which to make said settlement. It is also ordered by the Court, that due and legal notice of the filing of the account and vouchers, the nature of the same, and the time appointed by the Court for the settlement, be given, by publication for three successive weeks, in the Huntsville Democrat, a newspaper published in the County of Madison, State of Alabama; at which time, all persons interested can appear and contest said settlements, if they see proper to do so. WILLIAM RICHARDSON, jan17-3w. Judge of Probate Mortgage Sale of Real Estate ---------------------------- Under and by virtue of a mortgage executed by William J. Gladish and wife, Lillian N. Gladish, on the 19th day of May, 1881 to C. C. Dement to secure a debt therein described, which said mortgage is of record in Record Book No.32, page 32, Records of Madison County. I will as assignee of said Mortgage proceed to sell before the Court House Door in Huntsville, Alabama, at Public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, on Monday the 26th day of February 1883, the following described Real Estate situated in Madison county, Alabama, to- wit: One undivided half interest in the South half of the South half of Section five, containing one hundred and sixty acres more of less, and also another tract described as beginning at the Northeast corner of the Southeast quarter of Section seven, thence West 82 poles to a large white oak, thence South 75 poles to a small red oak, near the road, thence in a Northeasterly direction with the road to a spring branch where it crosses the road and near the head of Plank Mill Race, thence in a direct to the head of the mill race, thence with the meanderings of the creek to a point where the East Boundary line of said quarter section crosses said creek, thence North with said line, twenty seven poles to the beginning, containing twenty-five acres, more of less, except in the above tract, ten acres in the Southwest corner of said twenty five acre tract, conveyed to Mary Curtis, and also another tract known as Ten Acres in the Southeast quarter of Section 7, and beginning at the Southeast corner of said quarter section, thence North 220 yards, thence West 220 yards, thence South 220 yards, thence East 220 yards to the beginning; all lying and being in Township 4, Range 2, West. The title to said lands is believed to be good, but I sell only such title as is invested in me as assignee. GEO. M. HARRIS, Assignee Jno. J. McDavid, Atty. January 17th, 1883. td. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/madison/newspapers/itemsfro1301gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 19.4 Kb