Randolph County AlArchives News.....Randolph County Alabama news making it across the State of Alabama. 1800's ************************************************ 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: Linda Ayres http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00031.html#0007674 September 10, 2022, 7:13 pm Misc 1800's Jacksonville Republican [Jacksonville, Alabama] Nov 9, 1852: The Jail of Wedowee was burned on the night of the 27th, and the prisoner was missing, and many thought he was burned in it, but he came in town on the evening of the 28th, detailing the circumstances of his deliverance in a very miraculous manner (all stuff of course) he was one of the 30 John Smiths of Randolph County, but it is very reasonable to suppose that the census will show one John Smith at least. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Jan 9, 1856: October 1, 1856. WHEREAS, it has been made known to this Department that heretofore, to wit: on the 10th day of October 1856, in the county of Randolph, and State of Alabama, BENJAMIN LINCH did kill one Thomas L. Lurry [Curry?] and that the said Benjamin Linch has fled from justice Now, therefore. I John Winston. Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby offer a reward of TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS to any person or persons who will arrest the said Benjamin Linch and deliver him to the Sheriff of Randolph County, to be tried for the offence of which he stands charged. Given under my hand and the great seal of the State affixed at Montgomery, of the first day of October in this year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eightieth year. By the Governor: JOHN A. WINSTON. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Sep 16, 1866: ...These are the plain facts as they are. They need no embellishment. A mother and two little daughters dying, in a few days of each other, from want, and two others found in a dying state, and all this for the want of bread and assistance. The wife of a soldier who died in the Confederate army, and those little girls his children. Her name was Mrs. Brooks, and she came from Randolph County. If any ono doubts these facts by going to the Home for Orphans, they can find out about them. Jacksonville Republican [Jacksonville, Alabama] Jan 19, 1867: Difficulty in Randolph County We learn that a fatal difficulty occurred in Randolph County in this State, on Christmas day. A gentleman of this City has placed at our disposal the following extract from a private letter, front a reliable and intelligent source, to-wit: "I received intelligence from Wedowee on Thursday evening, stating that on Tuesday (Christmas day) crowd of Union men, (so-called,) composed of one of L. Clifton's sons, one of C. Clifton's sons, one Bryant, and others beat John Reeves so bad he could not walk; and killed one of his sons Reeves and others had been out on a deer hunt, and met this crowd a little west of town on their return I cannot give you full particulars. Reeves that was killed was shot twice, and a Father John Reeves, also shot, twice, out Clifton had hold of his gun and prevented his killing anyone. We learn that John Reeves died a few days after. The Marion Commonwealth [Marion, Alabama] Jan 15, 1874: A difficulty occurred at Louina Randolph County last week between a Mr. Ogletree and a Mr. Rice in which the former was shot and killed. Rice escaped. The Times-Argus [Selma, Alabama] Mar 10, 1876: The Randolph County News is a new paper published at Wedowee. Mr. W. H. Cofield, of Randolph County was recently killed by a falling tree. Near Rock Mills, recently, Frank Henderson was accidentally shot and killed by a Mr. Prather. The Troy Messenger [Troy Alabama] May 11, 1876: We learn from Mr. J. J. Gaston of this place, who has just returned from Alabama, that a terrible shooting affair occurred eight miles North of Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama, on the 25th inst., between the Sheriff of that county, and posse, and three desperadoes, Edward and Charles Kelly and William Busby. They passed through Wedowee on Sunday morning about day, arousing some suspicion, and on Monday they sent back to Wedowee a fine mare to be shod, when it was found out that they were stopping at the house of an uncle of the Kelly's some two miles from town. The Sheriff and a posse started out and on coming in sight, the desperadoes made fight. After some skirmishing around without doing any damage to either party, they lost sight of them and returned to town. The Kelly sent Busby went back to their uncle's, leaving word that they would never surrender alive. The Sheriff collected some twenty or twenty-five men and followed them to another uncle of the Kelly boys about eight miles above town. Arriving there they learned from the uncle that the objects of their pursuit were in the woods about his house, and at a given signal from some of the family they would approach when the Sheriff could surround them. The signal was given as stated, they advanced and wero surrounded when they commenced fighting their way out. Edward Kelly made his escape, Charles was first shot through the stomach. He reeled but never fell and fired on his pursuers. Cocking his pistol, lie leveled it on Mr. I. W. Holaway [Holloway], When Dr. Grant [Gauntt?] shot Kelly through both hands, tearing them up in a terrible manner. He received another shot with telling effect in the neck, when he staggered and fell. He clutched his pistol, and with his little finger he cocked it, but was unable to raise it, being fatally shot and helpless, when lie was secured, lie fought with a bravery worthy of a better cause. Busby was shot in four places, in the back and hip, by our former townsman, Wm. Baker. Mr. Baker, admiring his determined bravery, admonished him to surrender, but he sternly refused to do it. Mr. Baker then threw his own gun down, rushed upon him and threw him to the ground and held him fast and secure until others came to his assistance. His wounds are considered mortal. Busby is boy of but about sixteen or seventeen years of age, and is from Madison County, this State, and says he has been with the Kellys one week and a half. Edward and Charles Kelly are from Covington, Newton County GA. It. will be remembered that Charles Kelly is the man who killed Capt. Hardeman in Covington some three years ago, and was under a life sentence in the penitentiary, but escaped some months since. Too much credit cannot be given J. E. Amos the Sheriff, and his posse in their efforts to capture and rid the country of these lawless and dangerous characters. The Marion Commonwealth [Marion Alabama] Dec 13, 1877: We are informed that a young man named J. D. Bennett, was frozen to death last week near Wedowee. He had attended a circus and was return home. When about three forths a mile from Wedowee, under the influenceof whisky, he dismounted from his horse, pulled oil his overcoat and one boot, and laid down in the road, where he was found the next morning dead. Choctaw County News [Butler Alabama] Dec 22, 1877: There was an awful mere scene in this "county yesterday morning about ten O'clock. Mr. John Daniel Bennett (son of ex-Sheriff Bennett for this county), a young man 26 years of age, was found dead one half! mile south of Wedowee He was discovered by some people coming to the show, laying about two rods from the road. He was not in the habit of drinking, but night before last he and several other young men took a spree of drinking, and left Wedowee about 9 o'clock in that night. The barkeeper supposing that the young man's friends would take care of him, closed his doors and retired, Supposition is that the unfortunate man animal threw him, and he being too drunk to recover froze to death. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Jun 25, 1878: We learn that a fatal quarrel occurred between two colored families in Louina last Sundaya man named Patillo being shot and killed by Jere Heflin. One of Jere's sons was cut, it is feared, fatally, by how and Patillo before the shooting. From what we hear it was a general family quarrel, growing out of Jere Heflin's whipping a child of Patillo for picking plums in his (Jere's) yard. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Sep 24, 1878: Mr. Atkins, an old and highly respected citizen, who resided near Louina. Ala., while leading in prayer, on last Sunday evening at the Camp Meeting fell back dead. He was 84 years of age, and we believe was a member of Concord Primitive Baptist church. His remains were interred on last Monday. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Jan 8, 1879: Mr. Micajah Davis, an old man living about eight miles north of Wedowee, was found dead in the woods, about 35 yards from the road, one day last week. It is not known what caused his death, but it is thought it froze. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Mar 5, 1879: The residence of J. M. Davis Louina was burned a few days since. Furniture, clothing all lost. The mother of J. S. K. Davis of Louina, is now eighty-three years old, bas fifty-one children and grandchildren, and fifty-eight greatgrandchildren. The old lady is active, walks a mile to church as well as any of her children. She has eight great, great grandchildren. Total 117. On Monday last while Mr. James Clardy and his wife were engaged at work in the garden near Almond, Randolph county, they discovered that their house, in which they had left their four months old babe, was in flames. Although so near, and doing all they could to save the child, it was burned to death before they could make a effect a rescue. The house with its contents was totally lost. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Sep 5, 1879: Wedowee Journal: Mrs. McDowell, of Flat Rock bear having mysteriously disappeared from her home, was, we are informed, the victim of a most foul and atrocious murder last week. She was found in a quarter of a mile of her home, in an unfrequented place, with her throat cut and her head badly beaten. She was an old woman, probably in her seventy-fifth year, and was a woman of very bad character. The murderer is not known. The Ashland News [Ashland, Alabama] May 16, 1880: The Wedowee Journal: A warrant was issued last week for the arrest of Mrs. Halpin, wife of Dallas Halpin, of Halpin's. beat. She is charged with an assault on the person of Linda Wood. The Monroe Journal [Claiborne, Alabama] Aug 2, 1880: The Wedowee Journal says: Two sons of Mr. Tillison [Tollinson?], who resides near Saxons bridge, this county, were struck and killed by lightning one night recently. The occurrence was unknown to the family until next morning, when they were found dead in the bed. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Nov 20, 1880: Editor Advertiser: I wish to announce to your many readers the glad tidings of great joy over the success of Prohibition in Randolph County. An election was held at Wedowee on Monday, the 15th instant to decide whether or not the people were ready to close the saloons within the limits of our county and out of 1,081 votes cast prohibition was carried by a 175 majority. This was a great victory, and something more than the mere statement that it has been achieved, will doubtless be of interest to your readers. Most people would be inclined to think from the reputation which Randolph has abroad that of all places it would have been the most unfavorable for the success of Prohibition. To many people the very name of Randolph is linked in idea with an ignorant population of course ruffians, whose hills are covered with still-houses and whose towns and cross- roads are crowded with barrooms. This was the character the county made years ago, and it has clung to her up to the present. But the very fact that Randolph is the first county in the State to put down the hydra-headed monster of this age intoxicating liquors is an argument more convincing than any other which could be given, showing that the majority of our citizens are a moral, intelligent and sober-minded people. Yet Prohibition had its opponents here, as it is sure to have everywhere. Their chief argument was: "That it was taking away the rights of American citizens. This formula of words was caught up by the "wet" men and repeated over and over with great vehemence and profanity. But the nature of society and the object of government easily refuted the so-called argument. Sorrow's bitter memories, with its widows and its orphans, with its depths of ignorance and its degradation of manhood, and Crime's bloody history, with its burden of taxes, its jails, its lunatics and its tragical deaths all these and much more, the result of intoxicating liquors, were more than any sensible man could endure. In the southern portion of our county, including the towns of Rock Mills, Roanoke and Louina we have had Prohibition for about eight years. Its good effects are everywhere manifest. Our population has increased very rapidly, and the value oi real estate has gone up from twenty-live to one hundred per cent. Instead of the drunken rowdy and the fighting a"bully," who was once the most prominent person to be seen, we now have sober, peaceable and law-abiding citizens. Nearly every community has its school and its church, and some of our schools are the equals of any in East Alabama. The trade of the town has been more than doubled. One argument that anti-prohibitionists usually make is that it will destroy the trade of the town. I never one time in this election heard that argument mentioned, for it was completely silenced by the fact that in those towns where prohibition had already been in existence, the trade had greatly increased, nearly killed a great many who opposed prohibition eight years ago, were strongly in favor of it now. The good and intelligent men of all churches, parties, classes, and colors, were united for prohibition, and this is why it succeeded. A third of the colored men in the county were "dry," and nearly all were "dry" in that end of the county where prohibition had already existed. Years ago, in Randolph was a place where the law-breaking "hoosier" could come and live with impunity and mingle with his kind, but that day has passed. A beneficent Creator has given us a county rich in natural resources, and by His aid the good people of the county intend to develop and enjoy them, and for this purpose they invite sober, moral and industrious people from all quarters to come and help them. We will give you a hearty welcome. We will find you homes among us. and we will help you to make them pleasant by banishing the greatest curse to mankind "Whiskey". In stopping the sale of intoxicating liquors in Randolph, we thereby proclaim peace and good will to all mankind, and protection, happiness and prosperity to all our citizens. Most respectfully, W.A.H. Roanoke, Alabama, Nov. 17, 1880 The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Apr 04, 1881: Randolph. Counts News: At High Shoals, eight miles northeast of Roanoke. on Friday night there was a destructive cyclone. Mr. Jack Embrey with his family of a wife and two children, unfortunately resided in the line pursued by the tornado. His house, recently built of plank on the "box style." was totally destroyed and all were killed. Nothing was known of the awful affair until early the next morning, when a neighbor on looking in that direction. saw that the house was gone. Giving the alarm to another neighbor, the two has tened to the spot, and were horrified at the sight before them upon one bed, in the positions they had assumed upon retiring, were the four bodies, upon which the chimney had been hurled soundly sleeping the sleep of death! No evidence that either one had even awakened from natural sleep was found, except that the lifeless hand of Mr. Embrey grasped some of the dirt of the chimney. Without a moment's warning all had been launched into eternity. The four bodies were buried in one grave the two children in one coffin at High Pine cemetery last Sunday afternoon. The new bridge across the Little Tallapoosa River is reported to have been washed away last week. Four bridges were washed away on this stream the damage done to mills and farms on the smaller streams is very great. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] May 3, 1881 Wedowee Journal: Mr. J. B. Amos, near Arbacoochee. Cleburne county last week was hauling stock to his sawmill. when some of the machinery which holds up the log broke loose, and the "jack lever" struck him a powerful blow upon the head, rendering him insensible, from which condition he did not recover in several days. We are sorry to say that when last heard from his condition was very critical. The prospect for a crop of apples this year is good, though the peaches are probably all Killed. We learn that another mad dog killed near town by Mr. J. D. Robertson, it belonged to Mr. Nobley, and was one which he had recently purchased. Hydrophobia, with all its horrors, is here at last. Two rabid dogs were killed in the streets of Wedowee Sunday morning, and another in the afternoon in the edge of town. Another was killed Monday. And these are not all. Two were killed in Burson's Beat a day or two ago, and Mr. Nix killed one a few miles west of town on Sunday. Mr. B. F. Weathers tells us that his brother near Roanoke had a dog to die with striking symptoms of hydrophobia, it was tied to a tree, and died in the midst of violent convulsions, tearing at the tree and its chain in the utmost rage. Other cases have been reported from that community. Alabama Beacon [Greensboro, Alabama] Jun 3, 1881: The Rock Mills recently burnt down in Randolph County are to be rebuilt. L. L. Berry, of Randolph County who killed Dr. Rawles in 1870 has been sentenced on the third trial, to the penitentiary for 35 years. Another appeal has been taken to the Supreme Court. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery Alabama] Aug 16, 1881: RANDOLPH COUNTY. Roanoke New. John Q. Adamson, son of S. M. Adamson, was drowned in the Tallapoosa river, near Louina, on Friday last, he was in bathing with other smaller boys, when he got into deep water, and being unable to swim, was drowned. He was a most estimable lad, about its years old. The Macon Mail [Tuskegee, Alabama] May 31, 1882: Tho Randolph News says of Mr. Wm. Knight of Wesobulga. He is probably the oldest man in Alabama. At his next birthday he will have seen one hundred and eight summers his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are about 90 souls. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Mar 27, 1883: Three prisoners from Randolph County, Dick Gore, Polk Gore and Wm. Moore have been committed to jail in default of bail, charged with illicit distilling. The Bibb Blade [Six Mile, Alabama] Sep 20, 1883: After a delay of several month's in building our ferry boat at Blake's Ferry, we are now prepared with a "brand fire new" boat to cross the traveling public at all reasonable hours at usual rates. Parties convenient to our ferry are respectfully solicited to give us a share of their patronage, as our accommodations are as good as any on. the river. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Feb 28, 1884: A correspondent writing to us from Roanoke Randolph County, Alabama. reports a double killing that county (Randolph) on the 25th. On that day a sale was held at Mr. William Wood's place on Corn House Creek, near the halfway ground between Roanoke and Wedowee. About 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon while the sale was progressing, a serious difficulty occurred between Wyatt Pate and William Littlefield, which resulted in both combatants being killed. It is not often that such affairs happen in that county. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Mar 4, 1884: The two principals in the unfortunate affair were a Littlefield and a Mr. Wyatt Pate son of Mr. Thomas Pate. They were attending a sale at the residence of Mr. William Wood, on Corn-House creek, when the difficulty occurred. It seems that Littlefield first had a difficulty with a man whose name our informant did not know and that Pate took up the quarrel with Littlefield and a few blows passed between them, the latter knocking the former down. The combatants were separated by the interposition of other parties, when Pate left the crowd and returned in about an hour, drew his pistol and began shooting at Littlefield the latter retaliating by cutting his assailant several times in the neck and shoulders. Parties ran up and endeavored to separate the two men, when Littlefield reached over one of the peacemakers' shoulders and stabbed Pate in the throat, cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. Mr. Jas, Knight then ran up, drew his pistol and shot Littlefield. killing him on the spot. Knight [Stepfather of Pate] the only remaining participant in the most horrible affair has been arrested. The LaFayette Sun [LaFayette, Alabama] Nov 26, 1884: An Incendiary Captured, Last week we noticed, in our local columns, the burning of Wedowee. The following, which we take from the LaGrange Reporter, indicates that justice about to overtake the incendiary Marshal John R. Ware, who keeps a lookout for strangers, made the acquaintance of a dusky gentleman from Randolph County, Alabama on Monday evening, under circumstances which were rather embarrassing to said whose real name was Allen Thomas. He was visiting our city because he was suspected of having applied the torch, a few nights ago to the town of Wedowee, by which act part of it was reduced to ashes... He was here only about an hour before lie was "picked up." Mr. Merrell from that county took him in charge. Later After printing the above, we learn that there are ten negroes in the Wedowee jail that are charged with the offense. Jacksonville Republican [Jacksonville, Alabama] Mar 13, 1886: Mr. James Lynch drowned in the Tallapoosa River near Lounia recently. He was endeavoring to hold a mule on a ferry boat that was crossing the river when the mule threw him overbroad. Clay County Watchman [Ashland, Alabama] May 28, 1886: George Bradford was brought over from Wedowee and lodged in jail Thursday, there are two indictments against him in this county for not doing what the law says do about liquor. It seems that Geo would hollow "calf-rope", but it is made out of "tough material". Clay County Watchman [Ashland, Alabama] Sep 3, 1886: Last week near Louina, Ala. Mrs. Cottle woke up one morning and found a snake on her bed. A scream from her brought her son with whom she was living. He tried to persuade her that she had been dreaming, but she was so persistent that he removed the cover and bed and found the snake on the slats. His snakeship was quickly dispensed with. It was a chicken snake and measured six and one- half feet. The Lamar News [Vernon Alabama] Jun 2, 1887: Robert Taylor shot and killed Col. W.C. Whorton a one-armed Lawyer at Wedowee a few days ago. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Sep 3, 1887: A pair of moonshiners, brought in from Randolph County, were arraigned before United States Commissioner Bell yesterday morning on the charge of violating the revenue law. The cases were passed as follows: H. H. Pitts, of Randolph County, retailing spirits without license; bound over in $100 bond to await the action or the grand jury. P. L. Gambles, of Randolph County, illicit distilling; bound over in $200 bond to await action of the grand jury. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery Alabama] Feb 9, 1888: Thursday the Postmaster at Milner, Randolph County, Mr. J. F. Halpin, and Mr. J. B. Dunston, a mail contractor of that place, reached the city with a negro boy by the name of Earl Greathouse. The prisoner was the mail rider between Heflin and Wedowee in Randolph County, and last January he cut open one of the mail pouches and took three registered packages from it He was taken before Commissioner Bell last night and sent to jail in default of a $500 bond. One of the packages was found on him. It had been rifled by him and he told where the other two are and admitted the robbery. The Prattville Progress [Prattville, Alabama] Feb 24, 1888: Deputy Revenue Collector John Mickle returned to Montgomery from Randolph and Clay counties, and reports that the following large illicit distilleries - have been captured. Bethel Wheeler's still, Fern Cliff, Larkin & Duncan's still, the stills of Isaac Barnes and J. M. & S. A. Nichols, Harty Coffee's still, John Fitner's still, near Wheelerville, Randolph County, six large fermenters and 800 gallons of mash. Tom Taylor and Lute Yates, Wedowee, Randolph County, a large still, and Andrews & Harrel's still, containing 2,000 gallons of beer. The Stevenson Chronicle [Stevenson, Alabama] Nov 27, 1888: The Montgomery Advertiser on the 22nd Messrs, Jno, J. Mickle and W. W. Colquitt, Deputy Colquitt of Internal Revenue were in a bad box in Randolph County day before yesterday. The officers were up above Wedowee looking for moonshine stills, and after going all day they reached a house about supper time and asked to be given sleeping quarters for the night. The man who answered their call told them he had no place to give them, but if they would go a little further, some three hundred yards, they would find another house belonging to him which was well furnished. The door, however, was locked and the key being lost, they would have to break in the door. The officers congratulated themselves on their good fortune, and picking up a stout stick to use as a battering ram, got to the house and broke it open at the first lick, when low and behold, a man in his night clothes, armed with a gun, and looking dangerous generally, confronted them and asked them what they meant by such conduct They tried to explain, and found that they had broken open, the house of the bitter enemy of the first man met, and were looking down two shining gun barrels in addition. The man kept them prisoners all night, and the next morning marched them up before a justice of the peace, who fined them heavily, which they paid and went on their way certainly wiser men. Their opinion, expressed in a letter to head, quarters received yesterday, is that the first was a moonshiner, and knowing who they were, deliberately ran them into the house to let them get out the best way they could. The officers are still hunting the merry moonshiners who dwell in Randolph's hills and will hereafter be careful who they tackle for lodging. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Jan 13, 1889: Wedowee, Ala., Jan. 11 Mr. Wm. Barrett, a highly respected citizen of this county, was poisoned a few days ago by eating soup made of the seed of Jimson weed. His wife prepared it for him. She tells him he is a hard one to kill or the last dose would have gotten him. He has today filed a bill for a divorce. The Monroe Journal [Claiborne, Alabama] Apr 12, 1889 Geo. Brown who shot Will and Green Cofield a few weeks ago near Wedowee which resulted in the death of the former, has surrendered to the authorities. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Nov 19, 1889: W. W, Colquitt, ex-Deputy Revenue Collector, was arrested here by Sheriff Westcott, on a warrant charging him with assault and battery on a woman. The warrant was issued from the Circuit Court of Randolph County, and based on a bill of indictment found by the grand jury of that county.The offense charged against Colquitt was committed in Randolph County on December 1, 1888. It is charged that he assaulted a white woman by slapping her in the face, Mr. F. M. Bunn, ex-Deputy United States Marshal, was present and a witness to, the occurrence, and from him an Advertiser reporter learned the particulars of the affair, which are given as follows: In December 1888, Deputy United States Marshals F. M. Bunn, A. Holder. C. W. Eichelberger and Deputy Revenue Collectors W. W. Colquitt and J. J. Mickle went to Randolph County to raid an illicit distillery reported to be in operation at the home of a white man named J. F. Folksom. When the officers reached the house Folksom [Folsom] was absent, but his wife was there. The officers had been informed that Folksom . had his still located in his smokehouse in the back yard. Mrs. Folksom made an effort to protect the property and showered upon the officers a volley of abuse. The smoke houses was finally broken open, and there the officers found a furnace and two- or three-barrels containing mash and beer, but no still. Several of the officers then went out to make a search for the still in the locality. While they were absent, Mrs. Folksom cut one of the horses loose, and was prevented from disturbing the others by Mr. Mickle, who caught her und held her. She continued to abuse the officers and fought Mr. Mickle desperately. Colquitt came up and undertook to help Mickle control the indignant woman. She had a small stick in her hand. Which she had picked up to throw at Holder's horse, and with it she struck Colquitt on the arm. He flew into a rage and slapped the woman in the face. At this point Mt this point Mr. Bunn interfered and told Colquitt that he must not strike the woman. Some days later Folksom was arrested and brought to Montgomery and tried on the charge of running an illicit distillery, when the Randolph County grand jury met at Wedowee Colquitt was indicted, Mr. Colquitt gave bond in the sum of $150, for his appearance at court in Randolph County, and was released. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Feb 14, 1890: Deputy Collectors Bryan and Cordin raided the illicit distillery of James and Green Cofield. near Lamar, Randolph county. They captured one 50-gallon copper still, 14 fermenters, one 300 gallon vat full of mash, 900 gallons of beer, and a lot of meal, malt and singlings. The operators made their escape from the distillery. On the same date the same officers raided the illicit distillery of John Reeves, near Milner, Randolph County. They captured one fifty-gallon copper still, nine fermenters, fifty gallons of beer and mash, fifty gallons of singlings and a small quantity of whisky. Reeves was arrested. The total value of property destroyed on these raids is placed at $730. The raiders are still in the field. The Covington Cresent [Andalusia, Alabama] Mar 8, 1890: Wiley Henry and Captain Ford, two prominent farmers of Roanoke, Ala., started to Wedowee to court when the mule became unruly and threw Mr. Henry out of the buggy, killing him instantly by breaking his neck, and seriously injuring Captain Ford, who is in a precarious condition. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Apr 3, 1890: Deputy Collector Wellborn, W. Colquitt and Moses W. Cordin on the 27th just, raided the illicit distillery of Hiram Nix, near Christiana, Randolph County, and captured and destroyed one copper still and fixtures, over 2,000 gallons of mash and beer, 25 gallons of singlings, etc. On the day following, in the same neighborhood they captured and destroyed one large copper still, cap and worm, ten fermenters, 1500 gallons of beer, one flake stand, one Doubler, 30 gallons of singlings, 20 gallons of corn whisky and other distillery apparatuses. This still was owned and operated by Wiley A. Nix. The distillers and operators in both of these cases made good their escape. The value of the property destroyed is estimated at $300. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Apr 30, 1891: On April 23rd the officers raided the distillery of Taylor and Thomson near Louina, Randolph County. They captured and destroyed a 50-gallon wood still, with flake stands fermeaters, etc. The property was valued at $75. No arrests. On the same date the same officers raided the distillery Gibbs Horton near Swann Hill, Randolph County. They destroyed a 7O-gallon copper still, cap and worm, seven fermenters, 1,500 gallons of beer, twelve gallons of whisky. On the same date the officers raided and destroyed the illicit distillery of Mr. Edmondson, near Corn Hill, Randolph county. They destroyed one sixty-gallon copper still and complete outfit valued at $200. No arrests. On April 24th the same officers captured a still operated by W. W. Webb, near Omaha, Randolph county. They destroyed six fermeaters, troughs, flake stands etc., the property being valued at $20. The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama] Oct 3, 1891: Wedowee, Ala., Oct. 3. J. C. Gauntt, who has been residing near Roanoke, Randolph County Ala. for the last four years, was arrested by Sheriff Ford at Roanoke on the 26th ult, on a requisition from Governor Hogg of Texas, and was turned over to John Hugh, Sheriff of Morris County, Texas. Today, who immediately started back with him. Mr. Gauntt is charged with the offense of assault with intent to murder Ben Smith, of Morris County, Texas. Mr. Gauntt was raised in this county went to Texas in 1879. He is of good family and is a very peaceable man. The Weekly Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Oct 24, 1891: Four prisoners made their escape from the jail last night. The escape was effected by removing the stove piping ana cutting toe way larger by some instrument which they had procured. The jail was in the care of a deputy at the time, the sheriff being absent. The escape was discovered sometime afterwards, and dogs were put on their trail, but they succeeded in dodging them and are still at large. They are all charged with cattle stealing. The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama] Apr 18, 1892: April 18th comes from Swann that Ed Pearson bought a sack of flour branded the Pilgrim a few days ago, and his wife cooked breakfast of it, and by 10 o'clock every one of them were raving distracted on account of poison. There could be found in its lumps about the size of a partridge egg almost as yellow as gold. But by the skillfulness of Dr. C. A. Jordan, they are all up again. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Aug 25, 1892: Aug. 24. (Special.) The Grand Jury returned three bills in this county. This about the greatest number of indictments that were ever found in Randolph. Mr. Gus Casper [Cosper] of the Northern part of this county, was shot four times last week by one Mr. Fuller. The difficulty arose about a settlement road when last heard from Mr. Casper was in a serious condition. Mr. Fuller is still at large. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Nov 9, 1892: Wedowee, Nov. 8. (Special.) The boldest robbery that was ever committed in this county occurred at Lovvorn's Store, about ten miles north of this place, on last Saturday night Just after supper one of Mr. Lovvorn s clerks and his son went down to the store, which was about" a quarter of a mile from thehouse, and built up a fire. In a few minutes two masked men entered with pistols and ordered "hands up." They were promptly obeyed. They were then demanded to open the safe, which was promptly done, and all the contents, amounting to about $5OO, were taken. The robbers then compelled the two men to go with them for a mile, when they wore ordered to lie down on their faces and stay there until morning under penalty of death if they moved. But they remained only a few minutes until they went back to the store. The robbery bad been discovered by Mr. Lovvorn, who was searching the premises thinking that his clerk and son had been murdered. The sheriff with a posse of men left here yesterday in search, but nothing has yet been heard. The Birmingham News [Birmingham, Alabama] Nov 20, 1892 Revenue officers have had another fight with moonshiners at Christiana, Randoph County, last Saturday and another moonshiner, mortally wounded, is added to the list. It is at Christiana that last Wednesday Andrew Harrel was shot while attempting to rescue his friend. At Christiana twelve stills have been broken up in the past two weeks. Saturday's posse of Deputy Caldwell and Deputy Marshals Pelham, Ernest, Barker, Gray, Beck and Stuart. They were going down a road, toward where they bad been informed an illicit still was in operation about 8 o'clock Saturday morning, when, much to their suspense man afterwards proved to be Mose Smith, walked across the road about a hundred yards ahead of them with a big still on his shoulder. When he saw the officers, he dropped his load and started to run. Pelham and Gray gave pursuit, while the others stayed behind with the still. he races kept up for three or four hundred yards, and then Smith stopped and began fireng at his pistol, but luckily without effect. They returned the shot and Smith was wounded in both legs. He fell, and as he dropped so did his pistol dropped from his hand. Pelhem and Gray then approached, and finding Smith dangerously wounded and bleeding profusely, Pelham went back to look for the remainder of the party and get assistance, but couldn't find them, and then Gray went back after them, too, at Smiths earnest solicitation. When the party returned the wounded man was gone, having been taken away by some of his friends very probably, and the closest search failed to show up any trace of him. The officers are pretty sure that he was mortally hurt. The still was brought to the city Saturday afternoon. It is the largest one ever captured in that section, and bad a capacity of over a hundred gallons. The officers were completed to leave the scene in a hurry. As soon as Mose Smith began firing it is said his shots were echoed by fifty others in the surrounding ravines and on the hill tops and in very short time, the officers found themselves uncomfortably close to a large band of armed moonshiners this is why they left Mose Smith to his own folks. The moonshiners were several too many for the officers and they put spur to their horses and got out of the country as fast as possible. The possess will go to Christiana again and again, until they have finished their work and will hereafter have men enough for any emergency. The moonshiners seem banded together and always on the alert with signals of alarm and rescue, rendering it necessary to have a large a well-armed raiding force. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery Alabama] Nov 24, 1892: The court got down to business now and there were four jury trials yesterday. Case Norred, John Rice, James Croft, of Randolph County were found guilty of Illicit distilling, Thomas McKittle, of the same county, pleaded guilty to the charge of working in an illicit distillery and was fined $l00 and costs. The Eufaula Daily Times [Eufaula, Alabama] Mar 9, 1893: Anniston, March 8. The mangled remains of Madison Cofield, a young countryman, were found early this morning on the Georgia Pacific railroad track, a half mile east of the Oxford depot. Both legs and one arm were cut off, the other arm mashed and broken, and the head crushed in, besides many other mutilations. Brains, fingers, blood and pieces of flesh were found scattered on the track for many yards near where the body was found. An fast bound train had evidently struck him and dragged him forty or fifty yards, and one going in the opposite direction afterwards caught the body and rolled it under the wheels to where it was found. Cofield lived in Randolph County, and came to Oxford yesterday with some friends. Last night they came to the city to see the elephant. About midnight Cofield, who was considerably under the influence of liquor, started to walk to Oxford, a distance of three miles, alone, and that was the last seen of him until he was found this morning. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Aug 31, 1893: Deputy Marshal Adams brought to the city last night, Jas. and J. J. Smith and J. J. Buchanan, who were charged with illicit distilling in Randolph County. They were committed to jail. Hamilton Free Press [Marion County Alabama] Nov 22, 1893: Andrew Howell [HARVELL] a Randolph County moonshiner, was fatally wounded last night in a fight with revenue officers. Deputy Collector John R. Caldwell and Deputy Marshals John Barker, Tom Pelham, Charles Earnest and D. M. Beck went to near Christiana Post office, thirty miles from here and captured and destroyed two big illicit distilleries belonging to John Fuller and Howell. The latter could not be found, but Fuller and an assistance named Hiram Nix were arrested later. An attempt was made to rescue the prisoners by a crowd of sympathizers headed by Howell. An effort was made to arrest Howell, who began firing. Shots were returned by the officers, and he was mortally wounded, while the revenue men escaped unhurt. There was another fight between revenue officers, near Christiana Randolph County. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] Feb 20, 1894: Deputy Collected Tutwiler and assistants captured and destroyed a thirty-gallon illicit distillery Saturday afternoon located In Randolph County, near Alma [Almond] post office. Johnson Davis and G. G Wilson were arrested as owners of the still. They were brought here yesterday by Deputies Phillips and Taylor, taken before Commissioner Seals and given a preliminary hearing. It resulted in their being bound over in the sum of $300 each to await the action of the next United States grand Jury. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] 22 Jul 1894: Before Commissioner Seals yesterday morning Jim McCain of Randolph was arraigned on a charge of illicit distilling. The fifty gallon still captured up in Randolph County last week is charged to the possession of McCain. It was captured about five miles from Wedowee and destroyed. The amount of beer poured into a branch from the still was 500 gallons. The defendant was committed to jail in default of $3OO bail. Deputy Marshal Gibson arrested I. K. Marr of Randolph County and carried him before Commissioner Smith at Opelika yesterday. He was given a preliminary hearing on a charge of illicit distilling and was discharged on bond. Ben Brown, of the same county was also arraigned before Commissioner Smith on a charge of illicit distilling. He was committed to jail in default of bail. The Lamar News [Vernon Alabama] Jan 24, 1895: The revenue officers have recently made a most successful raid against illicit distilleries in Randolph and Cleburne counties, and as a result four stills with complete apparatus were seized and destroyed, the officers finding it impracticable to remove them. Near Cedron in Randolph County, Deputy Collector J. R. Caldwell and Deputy United States Marshal Tom Pelham, on the 6th inst., seized and destroyed a sixty-gallon copper still with complete outfit and 1,500 gallons of beer. No arrests were made. On the same date near Stone Hill Deputy Collectors J. F. Green and J.R. Caldwell and Deputy U. S. Marshal Barker seized a fifty-gallon copper still, woolen cap, copper worm and fomenters, 1,500 gallons of beer, five gallons of low wines and other article, all of which were destroyed. No arrests were made. Deputy Collectors Green and Caldwell and Deputy Marshal Barker destroyed a fifty-gallon still 1,000 gallons of beer, five ferments, copper worm and a small steam boiler dismantled. The same officers went out near Stone Hill and destroyed a sixty- gallon copper still with complete apparatus and 2,000 gallons of beer. James M. Cook to whom the still is supposed to have belonged was arrested by the officers and detained until they had gotten out of the vicinity when he was discharged, there being no deputy marshal from the Middle District to take charge of him. The Lamar News [Vernon Alabama] Mar 14, 1895: Deputy Revenue Collector J. T. Green arrived in the city today from Anniston and he gives an account of a large and successful raid made in Randolph and Cleburne counties during the first five days. Deputy Green was accompanied by Deputy Marshals Jackson Barker and Cheatwood, and five large illicit distilleries were captured and destroyed. Twenty thousand gallons of beer, 200 gallons of singlings and fifty gallons of corn whiskey were also captured and destroyed, besides a lot of mash, meal, malt, corn and other stuffs. None of the moonshiners were captured in Cleburne County, the men managing to run away from the officers. Near Lofty in Randolph County two men were discovered leering up an illicit distillery. The two men completed their work and then sat down on a keg of whiskey to await the arrival of the officers up. the hillside. "Come on," cried the men. and the officers approached. Hardly had the revenue men got within shooting distance. When the two men raised their guns their shoulders. The deputy marshals began firing almost the same time the moonshiners did. It lasted for few minutes and it was a very heated one. No one was hurt either side, the two revenue violators managing to escape in woods. This was Wednesday evening. Deputy Green told a news reporter that the raid was one of largest made in Alabama in a long while. The moonshiners nine easy sway in Cleburne County account of but few. Deputy Marshall operating around there, that the county being in the middle district of Alabama, the headquarters for which was Montgomery. Deputy Collectors have passed all over the state but can get but assistance from the deputy marshal in that section. The Montgomery Advertiser [Montgomery, Alabama] May 24, 1895: Among the cases tried before Judge Boarman in the United States Circuit Court yesterday, that of Columbus D. Reeves, charged with having presented a pension claim with fraudulent evidence, attracted moat attention, Mr. Reeves is an old man, a resident of Randolph County, where he has been living since 1854, When he moved there from Texas. Alter serving four years in the Confederate army, where he was wounded and lost an eye. Mr. Reeves returned to Randolph, and for several years taught a cornfield school. The case made out against him by the Government is that he attempted to get a pension for his mother, his father having served in the Mexican war, that he committed perjury in mailing out the application and procured false testimony. His mother had been dead three years when he applied for a pension for her. If he had deceived it the Government would have been defrauded of over $7,000. These were the allegations of the prosecution Reeves's defense was that his mother moved to Texas four years ago, living there with one of her sons, and that he never heard of her death. In charging the Jury Judge Boarman said that the only possible grounds of excuse to be considered were whether or not the defendant was ignorant ana irresponsible. At nightfall the jury returned. A verdict will probably, be handed in this morning. The Montgomery Advertiser [ Montgomery, Alabama] Nov 05, 1895: By Deputy Collector C. S. Tutwiler and Deputy Marshals, near Cambridge, In Randolph County, 40-gallon copper still, wood cap, copper worm,flake stand, doublet, five beer stands, 300 gallons of beer, eight gallons of corn whiskey, three gallons of singlings, one yoke of oxen and a wagon, capacity eight gallons per day value S100. Two parties were at work at the still when the officers came in sight, but they made off and managed to make their escape.' The still was destroyed on account of being impracticable to remove same to place of storage. The oxen ana wagon are now in the custody of government agents. By Deputy Collector C. S. Tutwiler and Deputy Marshals, near Wedowee in Randolph county, six beer vats, flake stand, fifty gallons mash, still had recently set up in operation, but had been removed. No arrests were made. The stuff captured was' valued at $10. By Deputy Collector Tutwiler, near Merrell, in Randolph County, one doubler, flake stand and cap valued at $15. [Note: There are other articles about Moonshinners in Randolph County, printed Alabama newspapers, but there is not enough time to trancribe them all] File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/randolph1893gnw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/ File size: 48.4 Kb