Chatham County GaArchives History .....Chronological History 1891-1899 
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  1891.—January 1st, permits for construction of over 300 buildings were issued
in 1890.

  There were 169 fires during the year, with $138,000 looses.

  January 20th, John J. McDonough elected Mayor.

  January 29th, tax returns for 1890, show an increase in personal property over
previous year, of more than $500,000, and of real estate of $1,300,000.

  March 18th, Savannah's receipts of cotton reached to-day 1,000,020 bales, more
than 100,000 bales beyond the record of any previous year at same time.

  March 30th, Post Office moved from Bay and Drayton Streets to the Whitfield
building.

  March 31st, Reverend I. S. K. Axson, pastor of Independent Presbyterian
Church, from 1857 to 1882, and pastor emeritus since that date, died, aged 77
years.

  April 3d, Thomas Gadsden, cashier Merchants' National Bank, committed suicide.

  April 15th, Council of Roman Catholic bishops met at the Episcopal residence,
Cardinal Gibbons presiding.

  May 14th, Episcopal Diocesan Convention assembled in Savannah, elects Rev.
Thomas F. Gailor Bishop of Diocese.

  June 5th, Rev. T. F. Gailor declined the bishopric of Georgia.

  June 6th, John L. Hammond, president of Merchants' National Bank, died, aged
47 years.

  June 8th, Central Railroad leased to the Georgia and Pacific. General E. P.
Alexander resigned presidency, and sweeping changes are inaugurated.

  June 14th, new Independent Presbyterian Church dedicated.

  June 26th, Guards' Armory lot decided upon as site for new Post Office.

  July 16th, first train on the South Bound Railroad run to Savannah River,
thirty-four miles.

  August 7th, Electric Railway Company run its first cars.

  August 10th, public schools reported as having 3,161 white pupils, and 1,474
colored, a total of 4,638.

  August 29th, the State Legislature and Mayor and Council of Atlanta, visit
Savannah, and inspect the harbor.

  September 1st, cotton receipts for past year, 1,139,608 bales; shipments,
1,138,078 bales; exports of turpentine, 201,509 casks; of rosin, 790,137
barrels; of lumber, 120,191,920 feet. Total business for year, $153,550,000, an
increase for year of nearly $20,000,000.

  1,596 vessels entered and cleared the port.

  Over 700 buildings have been constructed in past twelve months, representing
$1,636,000.

  September 8th, the South Bound Railroad opened for travel to Denmark, 110 miles.

  September llth, Night Express on Central Railroad held up by masked men, five
miles west of city, and express pouches taken.

  September 16th, Express robbers caught, and found to be three former employes
of Central Railroad.

  September 23d, Reverend Ethelbert Talbot elected Bishop of Georgia, declined
the office.

  September 25th, S. Guckenheimer & Sons' immense building, constructed in 1888,
destroyed by fire, together with, other property, involving a loss of about
$350,000.

  October 7th, Georgia Industrial College for Colored Youth, formally opened by
Governor Northen.

  October 14th, Council authorized the expenditure of $10,000 in furtherance of
efforts to obtain deep water.

  October 19th, cotton receipts for day, reached 23,397 bales, nearly 5,000
bales in excess of any previous record.

  October 31st, first through, train over the South Bound Railroad from Savannah
to Columbia.

  November llth, Reverend Cleland K. Nelson of Pennsylvania, elected Bishop of
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.

  December 6th, Reverend J. E. L. Holmes, pastor of Savannah Baptist Church,
died suddenly of apoplexy.

  December 30th, Richmond and Danville Railroad Company refuse to honor drafts
of Central Railroad and Banking Company, and present bill for .$800,000.

  1892.—January 6th, city filled with rumors as to proposed wrecking of Central
Railroad.

  January 12th, William Hunter, prominent citizen, born in Savannah in 1823,
died to-day.

  January 15th, annual report of Chief of Fire Department, shows 213 fires in
1891, destroying $1,345,265 worth of property, upon which there was insurance of
$1,796,161.

  January 20th, Hon. William Harden retired from judgeship of City Court, and
was succeeded by A. H. MacDonell.

  January 22d, Chatham Artillery celebrated seventieth birthday of Captain John
F. Wheaton, their commander for thirty years, and member of the corps for
forty-three years.

  January 27th, Christian Endeavor workers of Georgia met in annual convention
at Wesley Monumental Church.

  January 29th, Dr. J. P. S. Houstoun, prominent physician and lineal descendant
of Sir Patrick Houstoun, died, aged 42 years.

  February 13th, Georgia Society of Sons of the Revolution organized.

  February 29th, boiler explosion in Plant System Shops kills two men, fatally
injures another, and wrecks three buildings.

  March 4th, the Central Railroad placed in the hands of General E. P. Alexander
as temporary receiver.

  March 17th, Senator David B. Hill of New York, arrived in the city as guest of
the Hibernian Society. Cordially welcomed by citizens. At banquet in evening,
responded to toast of "The United States."

  March 28th, Central Railroad turned over to board of directors, and H. M.
Comer elected president.

  April 1st, Savannah Wholesale Grocers' Association organized .

  April l9th, Sixth Biennial State Council of Catholic Knights of America met in
Savannah.

  April 24th, Bishop C. K. Nelson made his first episcopal visit to Savannah,
and conferred the rite of confirmation upon seventy-five persons.

  April 26th, General Wade Hampton, guest of Confederate Veterans' Association,
delivered Memorial Day address.

  May 7th, United States warships Kearsarge and Philadelphia, under Admiral
Gherardi, arrive in Tybee Roads, to take part in May Week festival.

  May 8th, the cruiser Kearsarge came up to lower wharves. Admiral Gherardi and
staff escorted to the De Soto.

  May 9th, dynamite cruiser Vesuvius arrived. Cotton Exchange entertained naval
officers.

  May 12th, fire starting at corner of Habersham and Huntingdon Streets,
destroyed twenty-seven dwellings, involving loss of nearly $100,000.

  May 14th, United States cruiser Newark arrived off Tybee, Fleet visited by
many people.

  May 18th, fleet of United States warships sailed for Charleston.

  June 4th, Savannah passed the million-bale point to-day, total receipts to
date being 1,001,211 bales.

  July 4th, H. M. Comer appointed temporary receiver of the Central Railroad.

  July 7th, Savannah delighted over news that Congress has passed the harbor
bill, which commits the Government to the establishment of a 20-foot channel
from the city to Tybee bar.

  July 15th, Judge Speer appoints H. M. Comer permanent receiver of the Central
Railroad.

  September 1st, receipts of cotton for past year, 1,027,816 bales; exports,
1,030,248 bales; shipment of turpentine, 273,522 casks; of rosin, 934,840
barrels; of lumber, 140,243,603 feet.

  Volume of business for year, $125,100,000.

  Vessels entered and cleared the port, 1,684.

  Over $900,000 expended in building during year, the Provident Building,
Guards' Armory, Board of Trade Building, and Guckenheimer & Sons' Building,
being among the structures completed.

  September 13th, Superintendent Baker's annual report shows 3,350 white and
1,487 colored pupils enrolled in city schools. Much need for more room, which
new Henry Street School will partially supply.

  September 10th, American National Baptist Convention, (colored), met at First
African Baptist Church, with 300 delegates present.

  September 25th, Hon. A. Pratt Adams, judge of the Superior Court from 1882 to
18S9, died, aged 40 years.

  October 9th, Grace Methodist Church; (heretofore New Houston Street Church),
dedicated, Rev. W. A. Candler-preaching dedicatory sermon.

  October 21st, Columbus Day observed as public holiday. Banquet at night at the
De Soto.

  November 8th, Colonel R. E. Lester elected to Congress for the third time.
Majority in county, 3,991, in district 5,089. Cleveland's county majority, 3,977.

  November 9th, one hundred guns fired in honor of election of Cleveland as
President.

  November 18th, grand jubilee and torch-light procession over Democratic
victory, 5,000 torches in line.

  1893.—January 16th, coldest day in many years, mercury dropping to 18 degrees.

  January 17th, John J. McDonough re-elected Mayor by majority over R. F.
Harmon, of 623.

  January 18th, heaviest snowfall of half a century, more than an inch upon the
level.

  Business suspended, and snowballing the order of the day.

  Committee appointed to readjust affairs of Central Railroad, and report plan
of reorganization.

  January 26th, seven hundred men reported at work between Savannah and t3ie
Altamaha River, pushing the Florida Central and Peninsular toward this city.

  January 31st, the past month the coldest since the Weather Bureau was
established in 1871, the deficiency from the average for the month being 227
degrees.

  February 8th, Central Railroad plan of reorganization accepted, and deposit of
stock and securities begun.

  February 18th, fire on Broughton Street destroyed Lindsay & Morgan's store,
and other property to value of $85,000.

  March 2d, Georgia Hussars, forty-nine strong, under command of Captain Beirne
Gordon, embarked for Washington, to take part in President Cleveland's
inauguration.

  March 17th, Jasper Greens celebrated their half century of existence by a
semi-centennial banquet.

  March 27th, Major W. T. Gary of Augusta, appointed prosecuting attorney of
United States  Court   and   Frank Leverett of Eatonton, marshal.

  April 4th, school census taken under superintendence of Mr. A. E. Sholes,
exhibited 5,357 white, 5,571 colored children in city; total 11,128, an increase
over report of 1888, of 2,973.

  April llth, Richmond Terminal Company ask that Receiver Comer of the Central
Railroad, be discharged, and order of court placing him in charge of road be
declared void.

  May 8th, the Nueva Espana, Spanish torpedo gunboat, arrived in port, and
remains during week, courtesies of May Week Association being extended to officers.

  May 14th, Marvin Methodist Church dedicated.

  May 28th, announcement made that twenty-three miles of city streets, one-fifth
of total, are paved, ten miles of paving having been laid in past five years.

  May 27th, Richmond Terminal effort against Central Railroad defeated by ruling
of Judge Jackson.

  June 8th, Georgia Bankers' Association assembled in annual convention at the
De Soto.

  June 28th, Judge Jackson in United States Court, decrees the Central Railroad
hopelessly insolvent, and orders it sold on January 1st, 1894.

  July 16th, hottest day since July 18th, 1887, mercury reaching 100 degrees.

  July 17th, Policeman Thomas Jones, oldest member of force, having served
forty-three years, overcome by heat and died.

  August 12th, yellow fever reported in Brunswick, and quarantine declared
against her.

  August 28th, terrific hurricane swept the city and surrounding country.
Fifteen people killed; about thirty missing, thirty vessels wrecked in or near
harbor, and $500,000 worth of property destroyed.

  August 30th, news arrived of the loss of Steamer City of Savannah, off Hunting
Island. No lives lost, but vessel a total wreck.

  August 31st, later reports of effects of storm show damage much greater than
estimated. Tybee Railroad utterly destroyed, wrecks strew the coast, and the
injury to property in and about city is nearly $1,000,000.

  The loss of life upon the sea islands along Carolina coast mounts into many
hundreds.

  September 1st, receipts of cotton for year, 793,898 bales; exports, 792,550
bales; shipment of turpentine, 248,435 casks; of rosin, 923,197 barrels; of
lumber, 114,139,316 feet.

  Permits for 211 buildings granted during past twelve mouths. Total business
for year, $115,300,000.

  September 7th, contributions to amount of over $1,300, raised for Sea Island
sufferers by E. V. Petit, secretary Wholesale Grocers' Association.

  September 9th, tremendous rainfall flooded city, 4.35 inches falling in
twenty-four hours.

  September 1.2th, Savannah Volunteer Guards move into new Armory.

  September 25th, contributions for yellow fever sufferers in Brunswick amount
to nearly $1,000.

  October 7th, on account of depressed financial conditions, date of sale of
Central Railroad is deferred from January 1st, 1894 to April 1st, 1894.

  E. Somers Hayes appointed co-receiver with M. H. M. Comer.

  October 9th, South. Bound Railroad transferred to the Florida Central and
Peninsular.

  November 13th, Superintendent Baker reports 4,800 children in city schools,
300 more than at any one time heretofore.

  His annual report exhibits 5,033 scholars enrolled in city schools in 1892,
3,532 white and 1,501 colored; all the schools overcrowded.

  December 1st, quarantine against Brunswick raised.

  December 5th, Merchants' Trade Association initiate series of excursions to
Savannah, by bringing over 600 Florida merchants to city.

  December 7th, Savannah, Florida and Western Railway consolidated its
indebtedness by issuing $20,000.000 first mortgage 5 per cent, bonds.

  December 12th, the Farmers' National Congress convened in its thirteenth
annual session at Guards' Armory Hall.

  December 17th, Dr. William S. Lawton, president Augusta and Savannah Railroad,
died, aged 69 years.

  December 18th, Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad completed to Savannah.

  December 25th, first through trains over the Florida. Central and Peninsular
run to-day, one passing through from Jacksonville north, via Charlotte, the
other going, south.

  1894.—January 17th, J. F. B. Beckwith appointed Collector of United States
Customs.

  January 24th, Georgia Hussars leave for Florida line, by order of Governor, to
guard against Corbett-Mitchell prize fight occurring in Georgia.

  February 3d, report of Health Officer Brunner for 1893, shows 1,266 deaths,
475 white, 791 colored.

  February 5th, fire starting in Willcox, Gibbs & Co's, factory, on River
Street, destroyed stores of M. Ferst's Sons & Co., and Savannah Grocery Company,
with, loss amounting to $370,000.

  February 9th, J. F. B. Beckwith relieved Collector T. F. Johnson, and assumed
position of Collector of Customs.

  February 18th, cornerstone of Home for the Aged laid.

  February 10th, Policeman Neve killed in attempt to capture negro criminal Abe
Smalls.

  General John B. Gordon delivered before immense audience his lecture on "Last
Days of the Confederacy."

  February 22d, monument to General R. H. Anderson at Bonaventure unveiled.

  March 8th, one hundred men at work rebuilding the Tybee Railway.

  March 20th, failure of effort to consolidate street car lines, results in
cutting rates to three cents.

  April 13th, George S. Haines confirmed as Postmaster.

  April 29th, first through train over reconstructed Tybee Railway.

  April 30th, George S. Haines assumed postmastership, relieving J. F. Doyle.

  May 8th, biggest day's record in naval stores, 10,000 casks of spirits, worth
$130,000, being sold.

  June 14th, excavation begun for foundation walls of new Government building.

  July 25th, one-cent fares introduced on the street railways and everybody rides.

  July 26th, an inspection of the river shows that work done to date, has
produced a 24-foot channel at high water.

  July 13th, rainfall for July 13.18 inches, the greatest since establishment of
Weather Bureau in 1871.

  September 1st, receipts of cotton for past twelve months, 971,405 bales;
shipments, 973,114 bales; exports of turpentine, 245,148 casks; of rosin,
1,025,569 barrels; of lumber, 93,552,592 feet.

  Building permits during year, ninety-four; volume of trade for the year,
$123,800,000; increase in every branch, save 1umber.

  1,471 vessels entered and cleared port.

  September 8th, clash between union and non-union longshoremen, resulted in
four persons being wounded.

  Military under arms, and much excitement for a time.

  September 19th, sale made of 30,000 casks of turpentine for $367,500.

  October 4th, Savannah Theater sold to American Theatrical Exchange for $50,000.

  October 20th, one-cent fares in vogue on all the lines, and nearly 50,000
people were carried to-day.

  October 21st, Mrs. Charlotte M. Branch, born in Savannah, in 1814, died.

  October 30th, Savannah Bureau of Freight and Transportation organized.

  November 5th, eight vessels on fire during day, and several thousand bales of
cotton damaged. Supposed to be a result of difficulties between union and
non-union longshoremen.

  November 6th, Colonel B. E. Lester elected to Congress for the fourth time, by
a majority of 9,474.

  December 4th, Hon. J. L. Warren, leading citizen, died, aged 60.

  December 18th, Mr. Edwin F. Bryan, superintendent of the Cotton Exchange, from
1874 to 1888, died, aged 48 years.

  December 19th, Mr. Eugene Kelly, founder of the Southern Bank, died, aged 86
years.

  December 29th, coldest weather ever known in Savannah, mercury dropping to 12
degrees at Weather Bureau, and 8 degrees to 10 degrees lower in exposed places.

  1895.—January 1st, Savannah Bureau of Freight and Transportation organized.

  January 7th, John E. Young appointed temporary receiver of Savannah Street
Railroad and Electric Railway.

  January 14th, Savannah contributes a carload of provisions and several hundred
dollars in aid of Nebraska sufferers.

  January 22d, Herman Myers elected Mayor.

  Mrs. Ann Sinnott, 100 years old, and resident in Savannah forty years, died.

  January 27th, Hon. John Erskine, judge United States Court from 1865 to 1883,
died, aged 82 years.

  February 8th, temperature drops to 12 degrees and highest point for day was 26
degrees.

  February 15th, Snow fell to depth of more than an inch.

  February 16th, Bradford Dunham appointed general superintendent of the Plant
System.

  February 20th, Captain Robert G. Fleming, superintendent of the Savannah,
Florida and Western since 1881, died, aged 57 years.

  February 26th, attack upon Masonic Hall, where ex-priest Slattery was
lecturing. Riot alarm sounded and ten companies of military assembled. Crowd was
dispersed, several parties arrested, and Slattery escorted to hotel by military.
March 1st, by order of United States Court, fares on Savannah Street Railroad
and Electric Railway go back to five cents. City and Suburban put on three-cent
fare.

  March 8th, about 200 negro emigrants arrive in city en route to Liberia.

  March 12th, Health Officer Brunner's report for 1894 shows 1,179 deaths, 413
whites; 766 colored.

  March 18th, Steamship Horsa, chartered to transport colored emigrants to
Liberia, arrived in port.

  March 19th, the Horsa sailed for Liberia with 202 negro emigrants.

  March 29th, Governor McKinley, of Ohio, accompanied by Mrs. McKinley, Mr. M.
A. Hanna, of Cleveland, and others, arrived in city.

  March 30th, Governor McKinley and party visit cotton exchange, meet prominent
colored people at First African Baptist Church, and attend a reception at
Commercial Club, leaving at midnight for Washington.

  April llth, Lower rice mill erected in 1836, and containing an engine built by
James Watt in 1815, burned, involving loss of $100,000.

  April 17th, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Georgia met in annual
conclave.

  Forty-sixth annual session of Georgia Medical Association met at Guards'
Armory Hall.

  April 18th, second annual meeting of Georgia Society of Colonial Dames of
America assembled.

  April 20th, City and Suburban Railway placed in hands of Col. John Screven as
temporary receiver.

  April 25th, State convention of Womens' Christian Temperance Union met at
Trinity Church.

  May 15th, May week's festivities on. Governor Atkinson arrived in city and
reviewed troops. United States warships Atlanta and Raleigh arrive to take part.

  May 17th, United States monitor Amphitrite joins the other war vessels in harbor.

  May 21st, Georgia Pharmaceutical Association met in annual convention at the
De Soto.

  Twenty-second annual convention of Georgia Sunday Convention met at Wesley
Monumental Church.

  June 3d, work of remodeling Savannah Theatre begun.

  June 8th, an epidemic of murder, three killings occurring in five days. On
June 4th, C. D. Loud killed Phil Fitzpatrick, proprietor of Gaiety Theatre, on
account of a woman connected with the theatre. June 5th, Engineer Pounder, of
the Fire Department, killed Frank Keenan in a quarrel concerning the latter's
discharge from the department, and today James H. Smith, a colored man, was
stabbed to death by Virginia Williams in row over a pawn ticket.

  June 10th, announcement made that Savannah river now has a 26-foot channel to
the sea.

  June 23d, I. D. LaRoche, one of Savannah's oldest and most prominent citizens,
died, aged 78 years.

  July 13th, plan of reorganization of Central Railroad declared operative, and
road will shortly be sold under foreclosure.

  City flooded, more than 2 1/4 inches of rain falling in 50 minutes.

  July 15th, basement story of Government building finished. It has required
500,000 brick, 10,000 cubic feet of concrete, GO tons of iron and 600 tons of
granite.

  July 17th, Lieutenant George P. Walker of Chatham Artillery, elected captain
to succeed Captain J. F. Wheaton, who recently resigned.

  July 26th, Abe Small, who killed Policeman Neve, captured in Baltimore and
brought back to Savannah.

  July 29th, John Skelton Williams elected president of Georgia and Alabama
Railway, and announcement made that road will at once be completed from Meldrim
to this city.

  July 31st, Captain D. G. Purse, president Board of Trade, elected commissioner
of Savannah Bureau of Freight and Transportation.

  August 1st, County tax returns show value of taxable property in Savannah to
be $26,311,640.

  August 5th, The Southern Pine Company of Georgia organized with capital of
$1,250,000.

  August 6th, Rev. Richard Q. Way, former pastor of Second Presbyterian Church,
died, aged 76 years.

  August 19th, Lafayette McLaws Camp of United Confederate Veterans organized
with J. H. Estill first commander.

  September 1, receipts of cotton for past 12 months, 946,272 bales; shipments,
950,646 bales; shipments of turpentine, 319,339 casks; of rosin, 1,023,183
barrels; of lumber, 117,099,736 feet. Volume of business for year, $122,000,000.
Vessels entered and cleared, 1,493.

  September 10th, Savannah Theatre remodeled and under new management, opened
with play of "Darkest Russia.”

  October 7th, Central Railroad sold at auction by order of United States Court,
bought by Samuel Thomas and Thomas F. Ryan, for $2,000,000.

  Robert McIntire, citizen of Savannah since 1839, died, aged 78 years.

  October 31st, Central Railroad and Banking Company property, transferred to
Central of Georgia Railway Company.

  November 3d, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church organized with 148 members.

  November 4th, cornerstone of First Congregational Church (colored) laid.

  November 6th, Old South Broad Street Cemetery transferred to city for sum of
$0,500, the property to changed into a park.

  November 13th, The first Illinois Regiment, 850 strong, accompanied by
Governor Altgeld, Mayor Swift, of Chicago, and 300 Chicago citizens arrive in
Savannah, and spend day here. Grand review of visiting and home troops at the
park extension. Reception to officers at Guards' Armory in evening.

  November 19th, Mrs. Louisa Porter Gilmer, widow of Gen. J. F. Gilmer, fell
dead at Bonaventure while attending funeral of Miss Georgia Chisholm. She was 71
years old, and had lived in Savannah since 1850.

  December 7th, annual report of School Superintendent Baker exhibits 3,727
white, 2,141 colored children enrolled.

  December 9th, Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commander-in-chief of United States Army,
in city, and inspects coast fortifications.

  December 12th, Hon. T. M. Norwood appointed judge of city court to succeed
Hon. A. H. MacDonell.

  December 18th, Georgia Conference of African Methodist Episcopal Church
assembled at St. Philip's Church.

  1896.—January 1st, bank clearings for past year, $124,302,842,27.

  January 19th, delegation of citizens of Rhode Island visit Savannah for
purpose of honoring memory of Nathaniel Greenne. Welcomed by committees from
Sons of Revolution, Daughters of Revolution and Colonial Dames. Impressive
ceremonies at Monument. Welcoming address by Col. John Screven, and historical
address by Hon. George A. Carmichael, of Rhode Island.

  January 26th, Miss Frances E. Willard visited Savannah, and addressed mass
meeting at Wesley Monumental Church.

  January 28th, Marmaduke Hamilton, for many years a prominent merchant of
Savannah, died, aged 66 years.

  January 29th, after active connection for 38 years with the First Volunteer
Regiment of Georgia, Col George A. Mercer, its commander, resigned on account of
ill health and was placed on retired list.

  February 1st, Health Officer Brunner's report shows 1,259 deaths for year
1895; 450 white and 809 colored.

  Fire Chief's report for 1895 shows 141 fires with loss of $98,770.

  February 27th, John Rae Habersham died, aged 74 years.

  March 1st, Steamship Laurada, with 311 negro emigrants, sailed for Liberia.

  March 6th, Evangelist Dwight L. Moody began a series of meetings at
Independent Presbyterian Church.

  March 31st, Georgia and Alabama leased Lyons branch of Central Railroad and
run their first train over own track to city to-day.

  April 2d, temperature dropped 40 degrees in twenty-four hours, from 90 degrees
to 50 degrees.

  April 4th, Major A. R. Lawton, Jr., elected colonel of the First Regiment of
infantry.

  April 6th, fire on Broughton Street destroyed store of Collat Brothers, and
involved a loss of about $75,000.

  April 7th, Savannah Grocery Company's store on Bay Street burned for the
second time; loss, $150,000.

  April 9th, attempts made to set fire to Schwarz Building and Whitfield Building.

April 17th, Dr. Charles H. Colding, resident physician of Savannanh Hospital
from 1885 to 1895, died, aged 64 years. April 20th, the triennial meeting of the
general Society of the Sons of the Revolution assembled at the De Soto.

  May 5th, agreement between S., F. & W. Railway and city council to open
streets in southern section across the railroad, ratified.

  May, 8th, third annual meeting of Georgia Society of Colonial Dames convened
at the De Soto.

  May 9th, Captain J. D. Johnston, officer in United States Navy, from 1832 to
1861, captain of ironclad Tennessee, and ranking surviving officer of the
Confederate Navy, died, aged 79 years.

  May 10th, New Jersey and Washington rifle teams arrive to enter international
contest at Avondale range.

  May llth, Morton Cadets, of Washington, D. C., accompanied by Mount Pleasant
Field Band, the Neely Zouaves of Aurora, 111., and the Indianapolis Light
Artillery visit Savannah to take part in May week.

  May 13th, Citadel Cadets, of Charleston, arrived to contest in interstate drill.

  May 14th, grand parade of local and visiting military. More than 1,200 men in
line, under command of Col. W. W. Gordon, acting as brigadier general.

  Rev. Father Edward Cafferty, rector of Cathedral, and vicar general of Diocese
of Savannah, died, aged 53 years.

  May 16th, to-day closed, the most successful May Week which has ever been
celebrated. Two of Savannah's riflemen, F. C. Wilson and C. S. Richmond., broke
world's records in the interstate contest at Avondale, the former with a rifle
at 200 yards, and the latter in revolver match.

  May 20th, Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum met in annual convention at the
De Sato.

  May 26th, Georgia Car & Manufacturing Company organized and applied for charter.

  June 3d, ordinance for renumbering city adopted by city council.

  June 9th, Congressman Lester secured by hard work an additional appropriation
of §100,000 for Savannah Post Office by vote of 96 to 91. This insures a
building constructed of Georgia marble.

  June 14th, Capt. Thomas M. Fleetwood, born in Savannah in 1843, secretary and
treasurer of the Pilots' Association, died to-day.

  June 29th, Prof. Otis Ashmore elected superintendent of Public Schools,
succeeding W. H. Baker, resigned.

  July 1st, Oglethorpe Light Infantry and Savannah Cadets left for Richmond to
attend reunion of United Confederate Veterans.

  July 2d, General A. R. Lawton, lawyer, soldier and statesman, born November 4,
1818, citizen of Savannah since 1843, died today.

  July 7th, Julius B. Gaudry, formerly leading business man, died, aged 71.

  July 22d, Mrs. Mary Elliott, widow of William Elliott, and daughter of Robert
Habersham, died, aged 83 years.

  July 23d, Planters' Rice Mill, with large quantity of rice, Duckworth wharf
and other property burned with total loss of $200,000.

  July 30th, temperature reached 101 degrees; hottest day since July 12, 1879,
when it attained 105 degrees.

  August 22, fourteen Savannah sharpshooters leave to take part in national and
international contests at Sea Girt, N. J.

  September 1st, receipts of cotton for year, 784,983 bales; shipments, 767,249
bales; shipments of turpentine, 317,212 casks; of rosin, 1,122,245 barrels; of
lumber, 144,970,011 feet. Volume of business for year, $128,400,000. 1,347
vessels entered and cleared the port. Claimed that Savannah River now has
26-foot channel to the sea.

  September 4th, Citizens' Bank moved into its new building just completed.

  September 5th, Savannah team wins 11 of the 23 prizes in rifle contest at Sea
Girt.

  September 7th, Capt. Robert H. Footman died, aged 63 years.

  September 23d, for the third time in ten months, the store of A. B. Hull &
Co., on Bay Street, was burned, causing loss of $40,000.

  September 25th, Major John R. Tebeau, surveyor of Chatham County for 40 years,
died, aged 76 years.

  September 29th, City swept by tremendous hurricane, lasting but 50 minutes, 16
lives were lost, many people injured and nearly $1,000,000 of property
destroyed. Wind attained velocity of 75 miles per hour. Every church in city
damaged. Plant System depot destroyed and over 1,000 dwellings injured.

  October 12th, John N. Lewis, born in Savannah January 21, 1812, oldest member
of Independent Presbyterian Church and of Savannah Volunteer Guards, died to-day.

  October 1st, new Anderson Street School Building practically completed and
opened for pupils.

  November 3d, Lester re-elected to Congress by plurality of 1,066. Democratic
majority in Chatham County on presidential ticket, 148.

  November 5th, Salomon Cohen, large real estate owner and public-spirited
citizen, died, aged 60 years.

  November 10th, John M. Egan elected vice president of Central of Georgia
Railway, and will assume charge of physical operation of property.

  November 13th, Major L. M. Warfield, former manager of Savannah Cotton Mills,
died, aged 58 years.

  November 21st, work of renumbering houses in city begun to-day.

  December 22d, Mrs. Mary A. Prendergast, born in 1811, and who had lived in
Savannah since 1818, died.

  Major A. L. Hartridge indicted for forgery.

  December 23d, Savannah's oldest stevedore, Capt. John Neill, resident of this
city for 6O years, died, aged 74 years.

  1897.—January 3d, a census of the shade trees shows 11,063 in the city.

  January 7th, Electric Railway bought by the bondholders for $210,000.

  January 9th, Electric Railway Company changes its name to Savannah Traction
Company.

  January llth, report of Commissioner of Public Works for 1896 shows
expenditure through his office of $172,387.22, about $35,000 of which was for
paving streets.

  January 12th, house numbering finished, 11,600 numbers being used in city.

  January 15th, William W. Rogers, cashier of Merchant's National Bank, died,
aged 40 years.

  January 16th, Charles D. Owens, prominent railroad man and traffic manager of
Plant System from 1882 to 1894, died, aged 62 years.

  January 25th, Mr. Levy J. Myers, native of Savannah, and for many years
associated with the city treasurer's office, died, aged 73 years.

  January 26th, Peter W. Meldrim elected mayor by majority of 223 over Herman
Myers.

  January 29th, mercury drops to 17 degrees. Coldest January day in ten years.

  February 7th, Major W. F. Shellman, traffic manager of Central Railroad, died,
aged 56 years.

  February 12th, Charles Ellis, prominent cotton merchant for more than thirty
years past, died, aged 74 years.

  February 13th, Vice President D. F. Jack, of the Plant System becomes freight
traffic manager with headquarters in Savannah.

  February 17th, the corvette Ellida, of the Norwegian navy, visits Savannah.

  February 21st, Rev. Dr. T. Dewitt Talmage arrived in city yesterday; held
reception at Y. M. C. A. rooms in afternoon, and lectured in evening, and to-day
preached to over 2,000 people at Independent Presbyterian Church.

  March 1st, Sub-station of Savannah Post Office established at Duffy and
Whitaker Streets.

  March 14th, Mrs. Deborah Pratt Gammon, born in Savannah, and oldest member of
Trinity Methodist Church, died, aged 83 years.

  March 15th, Gen. John M. Wilson, chief of the United States engineering corps,
paid an official visit to Savannah to inspect the harbor work and new
fortifications at Tybee.

  March 17th, Gov. E. Y. Atkinson a guest of the Hibernian Society at its annual
banquet.

  March 22d, German citizens celebrate the centennial birth of Kaiser Wilhelm
I., at Chatham Artillery Hall.

  April 1st, the steamship La Grande Duchesse broke all records by making run
from New York here in 43 1/2 hours. Previous lowest record that of the Kansas
City, 44 hours.

  April 7th, South Broad Street renamed by council in honor of Oglethorpe, and
becomes Oglethorpe Avenue.

April 9th, Alexander Abrams died, aged 80 years.

  April 10th, Dr. W. F. Brunner, health officer, resigned to accept position at
Havana, Cuba.

  April 29th, James J. Graham, former harbormaster, died, aged 32 years.

  May 1st, Georgia Car & Manufacturing Company begun operation with, force of
100 men.

  May 5th, Dr. J. C. LeHardy, elected as health officer.

  May 6th, Michael Hayden, oldest employe of Plant System, died, aged 72 years.

  May 7th, Rev. Dr. J. Y. Fair arrived to assume pastorate of Independent
Presbyterian Church.

  Rev. J. D. Jordan accepted call to pastorate of Savannah Baptist Church.

  May 12th, Southern Hardware Jobbers Association met in annual convention at
the De Soto.

  May 16th, State convention of King's Daughters met in lecture room of
Independent Presbyterian Church.

  May 18th, Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias assembled in annual convention.
Two thousand Knights in city.

  May 22d, Christ Church destroyed by tire, only the walls left standing. Loss,
$75,000. Insurance, $32,500.

  May 24th, Archbishop Gross, former bishop of Savannah, visited city for first
time since appointment to bishopric of Oregon, eight years ago.

  May 25th, fire on Bay Street destroyed stores of Smith Brothers and J. M.
Dixon & Co., with loss of nearly $100,000.

  May 27th, Capt. 0. M. Carter, for twelve years past in charge of Georgia coast
and harbor improvements appointed military attache to American Embassy at London.

  May 29th, Savannah Traction Company property sold to Savannah, Thunderbolt and
Isle of Hope Railway Company, thus consolidating all of Savannah's electric
railways.

  May 30th, Rev. Dr. J. Y. Fair installed pastor of Independent Presbyterian
Church.

  May 31st, slight shock of earthquake felt throughout city.

  June 10th, George Cornwell, citizen of Savannah since 1835, and formerly one
of her most prominent business men, died, aged 75 years.

  June 12th, George S. Owens, native of Savannah, and one of her best known and
most prominent citizens, died, aged 72 years.

  June 15th, yesterday and to-day two hottest June days known for many years,
mercury reaching 100 degrees each day.

  June 21st, C. L. Montague, senior member of firm of C. L. Montague & Co.,
cotton factors, died, aged 45 years.

  Cornerstone of Seventh Street Methodist Church laid.

  June 27th, Georgia Export and Import Company incorporated in December last,
announces through Gen. G. M. Sorrell, manager, its readiness to start operations.

  July 1st, hottest day in ten years; temperature reaching 102 degrees.

  July 13th, the fifth annual convention of Chiefs of Police, Sheriffs and the
Marshals Union of Georgia assembled.

  July 16th, Dr. Benjamin F. Sheftall, former coroner of Chatham county, and
member of one of Savannah's oldest families, died, aged 49 years.

  July 17th, Savannah, Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope Railway Company increase
capital stock to $1,600,000.

  July 18th, Capt. Oberlin M. Carter left Savannah enroute to London to assume
duties of military attache to American Embassy.

  July 21st, Capt. Cassius E. Gillette, of the United States engineering corps,
arrived and assumed charge of the office here recently vacated by Capt. Carter.

  July 22d, United States gunboat Wilmington, the government training ship,
arrived from St. Simons with two Savannah divisions of naval reserves who have
been undergoing a week's drill.

  July 23d, Lafayette McLaws, major general in the Confederate army, postmaster
of Savannah from 1876 to 1884, died, aged 78 years.

  July 27th, long-distance connection made by telephone. Guests at reception at
De Soto hold conversation with friends in Brunswick and Jacksonville.

  August 1st, tax returns for 1897 show value of city property to be about
$26,600,000.

  August 4th, Georgia State Horticultural Society met in annual convention at
the De Soto.

  August 7th, eighteen of Savannah's best shots chosen to represent Georgia at
the Sea Girt contests.

  August 8th, Dr. Armenius Oemler, scholar, scientist and horticulturist, born
in Savannah in 1826, died to-day.

  August 9th, John Steinberg, resident in Savannah for 70 years, died aged 90.

  August 15th, E. B. Hall, oldest member of the police force, having entered it
prior to the civil war, died.

  August 21st, Savannah's Sea Girt team sailed on the Kansas City.

  September 1st, cotton receipts for year, 846,591 bales, exports, 862,129
bales; shipment of turpentine, 305,216 casks; of rosin, 1,142,686 barrels; of
lumber, 126,678,285 feet. 181 permits for building granted during during past
twelve months, representing about $750,000. Volume of business for year,
$127,600,000.

  1435 vessels entered and cleared.

  September 3d, the Hilton Trophy, carrying with it the military championship of
the world, won by Savannah team at Sea Girt

  September 13th, Savannah declared quarantine against New Orleans and Mobile
and the territory between those cities infected with yellow fever.

  September 14th, statement published that Capt. O. M. Carter, recently in
charge of river and harbor improvements here, is short in his accounts
$1,000,000. Story is generally disbelieved in Savannah.

  September 17th, Special Order of date September 13th published, ordering board
of officials to convene at Savannah September 21st, in connection with the works
of improvement of the Savannah River, Georgia, and Cumberland Sound, Florida.

  Capt O. M. Carter returned to city.

  September 21st, the investigating board composed of Col. George L. Gillespie,
Majors Charles W. Raymond, and Henry M. Adams, convened at United States
engineers office.

  September 23d, Col. George E. Waring visits Savannah upon invitation to confer
with Mayor and city officials relative to house drainage.

  September 25th, Investigating Board on river and harbor closed labors and left
for Washington.

  September 28th, Council decides to adopt Waring system of house drainage and
awards contract for engineering work to Waring, Chapman & Farquhar.

  September 30th, Michael Lyons, pilot on Savannah River for 45 years, died,
aged 62 years.

  October 2d, Robert F. Burdell, cashier of Chatham Bank, died suddenly.

  October 7th, Capt O. M. Carter completed preparation of his answer to charges
against him, and left city for New York.

  October 10th, Seventh Street Methodist Church completed and first service held.

  October 18th, School Superintendent's annual report exhibits 3,957 white
pupils, 2,189 colored, in city schools; total 6,146.

  October 20th, St. James Dispensary for the medical and surgical relief of the
poor of the city opened.

  October 31st, volume of Savannah's trade for past month was greater than any
previous month of her history. Total exports, nearly $10,000,000.

  Mrs. Robert D. Walker, resident in Savannah since 1846, died, aged 81.

  November 1st, Mrs. Sarah H. Lawton, widow of Gen. A. R. Lawton, died, aged 73.

  November 3d, City Council grants exclusive franchise to Savannah, Thunderbolt
and Isle of Hope Railway.

  November 6th, British steamship Oriel, with miscellaneous cargo, cleared for
Liverpool. First shipment of the kind from this port, and represents the
beginning of operations by the Georgia Export and Import Company.

  November 13, Mrs. Sarah Mell, native of Savannah, and life-long resident,
died, aged 75 years.

  November 24th, the United States torpedo boats, Dupont, Porter and Cushing,
arrived in port.

  November 26th, Savannah naval militia drilled upon the torpedo boats.

  November 29th, Charitable Association of Savannah organized.

  December 1st, announcement made that Capt. O. M. Carter is to be tried by
general courtmartial for alleged irregularities in office.

  December 17th, Capt, 0. M. Carter returned to Savannah.

  December 25th, Christen M. Hoist, resident of Savannah since 1851, prominent
merchant, died, aged 71.

  1898.—January 1st, bank clearings for past year, $127,777,407.99; over f
3,000,000 in excess of 1896.

  January 3d, Mrs. Rosina Smith, relict of William Hayne Smith, and oldest
communicant of Christ Church, died, aged 92 years.

  January llth, Hon. William D. Harden, prominent lawyer and citizen, and judge
of city court from 1878 to 1892, died, aged 61.

  January ]2th, courtmartial for trial of Capt. 0. M. Carter convened in United
States courtrooms, Gen. Elwell S. Otis, president of court; Col. Thomas P. Barr,
judge advocate.

  January 13th, Georgia Export and Import Company cleared the British steamship
Ranza with 18,200 bales of cotton, the largest cargo ever shipped from an
Atlantic port.

  January 15th, John H. Cavanaugh, prominent Mason and citizen, died, aged 52.

  January 18th, Tax Assessors report taxable property in Savannah, $35,054,987;
a gain of $285,512 over last year.

  January 21st, Commissioner of Public Works reports expenditures for 1897 in
his department, $213,434.31, of which $70,330.30 was for street paving; 2.42
miles having been laid during year. There are 96 5-16 miles of streets and lanes
in city, of which 22.42 are now paved. There are 17.88 miles of sewers; 6,215
feet being constructed the past year.

  January 28th, River and Harbor Committee of Congress visited Savannah and were
taken down the river on steamship City of Augusta.

  February 2d, The Union Association of Lumber Dealers, a party of 100, mainly
from Ohio, visited the city and were entertained by Savannah lumbermen.

  February 4th, Henry Blun, Jr., appointed by the President as postmaster of
Savannah.

  February 6th, two large fires in one day destroy first $100,000 worth of
property on Bay Street, and later the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist,
representing a cost of $250,000.

  February 8th, John H. Deveaux appointed by the President as collector of
customs for Savannah.

  February 9th, Dr. Montague L. Boyd, one of Savannah's leading physicians,
died, aged 48.

  James A. Crisp, of the cotton firm of Gaudry, Crisp & Co., died, aged 47.

  February 10th, receipts of cotton passed the million mark, total amount to
date being 1,000,025 bales. This breaks all previous records.

  February 15th, Savannah Port Society's new building completed and opened.

  February 21st, Carter courtmartial adjourned to meet in New York March 1st.

  February 22d, First Regiment Georgia Infantry paraded in honor of Washington's
birthday, and was reviewed by Gen. Otis, and other officers of the Carter
courtmartial.

  March llth, Calhoun T. Morel, comptroller of the Plant System, died, aged 53.

  March 15th, Carter courtmartial resumes its sessions in Savannah.

  March 18th, Battery F, First United States Artillery, arrived to-day to man
fortifications at Tybee Island, and Battery F, Fifth Artillery, is enroute for
same purpose.

  A. F. Flint, well known jeweler, died from injuries received in bicycle
collision, aged 62.

  March 24th, Gen. William M. Graham, commanding Department of Gulf, visited
city on tour of inspection.

  March 25th, recruiting officers from United States monitor Amphritrite open
office for enlistment of men for the navy.

March 27th, British warship, Cordelia, visited the port.

  April 3d, Savannah military men looking forward to war with Spain and announce
the local troops as ready for it.

  April 5th, Cotton Exchange commends conservative action on part of the
President, and appeals to him and to Congress to avert war, if it can be done
with honor.

  April 7th, Seventh Annual Congregational Convention of Georgia convened at
First Colored Congregational Church.

  April llth, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee passed through Savannah enroute from Havana to
Washington. Greeted with major general's salute by Chatham Artillery, and
welcomed by 5,000 people.

  April 19th, Annual Convention of Georgia Division of the Travelers' Protective
Association, convened at Masonic Hall.

  Mrs. Sarah B. Postell, resident in Savannah since 1830, died, aged 90.

  April 20th, President McKinley issues his ultimatum to Spain, and Savannah, in
common with all the country, talks of impending war.

  April 21st, Ninth and Twenty-first United States Infantry pass through city en
route to Tampa.

  April 24th, Governor summons' regimental commanders to Atlanta for conference.

  April 25th, war declared with Spain, and the States called upon for their
quota of troops. About sixty per cent, of the First Regiment announce their
readiness to enlist, the Jasper Greens leading the list with seventy men.

  April 26th, Colonel A. R. Lawton appointed to command First Regiment.

  April 27th, Savannah Volunteer Guards volunteer for service, with their
commander as Lieutenant Colonel.

  April 28th, Chatham Artillery voted to tender services as a body to the
government.

  William Garrard and Jordan F. Brooks appointed lieutenant colonels, the former
of the Second Regiment, and the latter of the First.

  April 30th, Carter courtmartial finished its work. Thirteen trainloads of
troops pass through Savannah enroute to Tampa.

  Enrollment of recruits progressing rapidly here.

  May 1st, news received of Dewey's victory at Manila. Crowds surround bulletin
boards. Fifty Cuban refugees arrive by steamer from Matanzas.

  Nearly 500 men have thus far enlisted in Savannah.

  May 4th, Lieutenant Davis Freeman appointed adjutant Second Regiment, left for
Atlanta.

  May 5th, the apointment of Henry Blun, Jr., as postmaster of Savannah
confirmed by the Senate.

  May 8th, three companies of First Regiment, the Savannah Cadets, the Jasper
Greens and Republican Blues, left for State camp at Griffin, Col. Lawton and
Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks acompanying them. St. John's chimes pealed as they
marched through city. Confederate Veterans and remainder of regiment acted as
escort, while thousands of people lined the streets.

  May 9th, Capt. John F. Wheaton, commander of Chatham Artillery for more than
thirty years, Mayor of Savannah for six years, collector of the port from 1884
to 1888, died, aged 76 years.

  Chatham Artillery left for State Camp.

  May llth, appointment of Henry Blun, Jr, as postmaster revoked on ground that
it had been made by mistake, and Joseph F. Doyle appointed by the President.

  Companies B. and D. of the Guards left for camp.

  May 12th, companies A. and C. of the Guards left with full ranks for camp.

  May 15th, the body of Ensign Bagley, killed in naval engagement off Cardenas,
passed through Savannah; met by hundreds of people, and his coffin decorated
with flowers.

  May 18th, the Diocese Convention of the Episcopal Church met in annual session
at St. John's Church.

  May 22d, Christ Church restored and reopening services held, Bishop C. K.
Nelson preaching the sermon.

  May 23d, Gen. Henry R. Jackson, colonel of Georgia Regiment in Mexican War,
Minister to Austria 1853 to 1858, brigadier general in Confederate Army, and
Minister to Mexico from 1885 to 1887, died, aged 78 years.

  May 24th, Grand Encampment of Independent Order of Odd Fellows held
fifty-first annual session at Odd Fellows' Hall.

  May 25th, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee and staff passed through Savannah, enroute for Tampa.

  May 27th, Col. W. W. Gordon appointed brigadier general.

  May 28th, Council appropriated $25,000 and passed resolutions urging Savannah
as a rendezvous for troops.

  May 30th, hottest May day known, temperature reaching 101 degrees twice during
day.

  May 31st, Major General Nelson A. Miles, commander United States Army, and
staff passed through Savannah en-route to Tampa.

  June 3d, Joseph F. Doyle relieved George S. Haines as postmaster of Savannah.

  June 4th, Bartow Camp, United Sons of Confederate Veterans organized with U.
H. McLaws as first commander.

  Steamships Gate City and City of Macon, of Ocean Steamship Company's fleet,
leased to the government.

  June 6th, Col. John Screven elected to succeed Gen. Henry R. Jackson as
president of Georgia Historical Society.

  June llth, Gen. W. W. Gordon left Savannah for Mobile to assume command of his
brigade.

  June 14th, Seventh Annual Convention of Georgia State Bankers' Association met
at Tybee.

  June 19th, Upper, or Habersham Rice Mills struck by lightning and destroyed by
fire; loss $25,000.

  July 4th, Day of general jubilation over the victory of Shafter at Santiago,
and destruction of Cervera's fleet by Schley. Flags everywhere.

  July 15th, steamship Adula, captured by United States cruiser Marblehead,
brought to Savannah.

  July 25th, five gentlemen of Savannah present to the Ladies' Regimental Relief
Association a stand of colors and guidon for the First Georgia Infantry.

  July 28th, Judge Speer, of the United States Court, declares the Adula a
lawful prize of war.

  July 30th, new Knights of Pythias Hall finished.

  August 3d, Dr. John D. Martin, for nearly forty years a physician in Savannah,
died, aged 60 years.

  August 7th, Fifth Regiment United States Volunteers arrived from Mississippi
to embark on transport Rio Grande for Santiago.

  Third Regiment United States Volunteers arrived from Macon and camped near old
water works.

  August 8th, Fifth Regiment sailed for Santiago.

  August 13th, Third Regiment U. S. V., sailed for Santiago on transport
Minnewaska.

  August 15th, Mrs. John Hope Reid, one of the oldest natives of Savannah, born
1811, died, and at almost same hour her son, F. W. Reid, cotton merchant, died
suddenly in New York at same hotel where his father died, also suddenly, in 1848.

  August 16th, General W. W. Gordon appointed member of Porto Rico Commission.

  August 22d, Mrs. Sarah R. Dorsett, born in Savannah, died aged 88 years.

  August 25th, Policeman D. J. Cronin presented by the Police Commission with a
gold medal in recognition of special bravery in April last, when he saved the
lives of two persons at a fire.

  August 30th, Savannah touched by a cyclone. Terrific storm, and wind attained
a velocity of 80 miles per hour. Hundreds of houses unroofed; nine vesels washed
ashore; six churches badly damaged; a property loss of $250,000, with, however,
but one fatality; a sailor being drowned. Surrounding country for fifty miles
flooded. All travel, save southward, broken up.

  August 31st, Lieutenant Henry S. Morgan, of the United States Engineer Corps,
drowned off Tybee while endeavoring to save the lives of some shipwrecked sailors.

  September 1st, Receipts of cotton for year past, 1,192,028 bales; shipments,
1,190,636 bales. Exports of turpentine, 356,569 casks; of rosin, 1,191,669
barrels; of lumber, 144,970,011 feet; 128 building permits granted during year,
representing about $750,000. Bank clearances for year, $131,329,494.31. Total
volume of trade, $135,800,000.

  September 3d, first train from Atlanta since August 31st, arrived.

  September 26th, Gen. Russell A. Alger, secretary of war, visited Savannah and
investigated its advantages as a camp for troops, and a place of embarkation.

  October 2d, Col. A. R. Lawton, with the three Savannah companies of the First
Georgia Regiment returned.

  Second cyclone of the year struck Savannah, flooding Hutchinson Island, and
blowing several vessels ashore, but doing little other damage.

  October 3d, Savannali selected by War Department as place of embarkation for
troops.

  October 5th, Savannah Volunteer Guards, constituting 1st Battalion Second
Georgia Regiment, under command of Lieutenant Colonel William Garrard, arrived
home.

  Announcement made of the purchase of river front of Hutchinson Island by
Georgia & Alabama Railway, and the intention to make it a great railroad terminal.

  October 10th, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, commanding Seventh Army Corps, arrived and
established headquarters at the De Soto.

  October 18th, Chatham Artillery, or Battery B, Georgia Volunteer Artillery,
mustered out of service and returned home.

  October 19th, City granted its lands on Hutchinson Island, save five acres to
Georgia & Alabama Railway.

  October 21st, first installment of troops, consisting of a battalion of Fourth
Illinois, arrived and will act as provost guard, under command of Major Russell
B. Harrison.

  October 22d, Second South Carolina and Ninth Illinois Regiments accompanied by
Brigadier General Loyd Wheaton, arrived and camped on Dale avenue.

  October 23d, two more regiments, the First Texas and Second Louisiana,
arrived, and encamped on Dale avenue. Headquarters of Seventh Army Corps at the
De Soto, with Gen. Francis V. Greene in temporary command.

  Col. W. J. Bryan of the Third Nebraska arrived.

  October 24th, Third Nebraska and One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana arrived,
the former camping on Dale avenue, and the latter on Thunderbolt road.

  William W. Chisholm, formerly prominent merchant and banker, died, aged 53 years.

  October 25th, the Second Illinois and First North Carolina Regiments arrived
and emcamped on Thunderbolt road. Gen. J. Warren Keifer relieved Gen. Greene
from temporary command of the Seventh Corps.

  October 26th, Fourth Virginia and Forty-ninth Iowa Regiments arrived to-day
and went into camp on the Thunderbolt road.

  October 29th, Gen. W. W. Gordon returned from Porto Rico. About 12,000
soldiers now in Savannah.

  November 4th, the transport Michigan arrived from New York bringing a
battalion of the First Maine Heavy Artillery and a battalion of the Second
Volunteer Engineers, about 800 men in all.

  November 6th, six troops of the Fifth United States Cavalry arrive to embark
on transport Michigan for Porto Rico.

  November 8th, Col. R. E. Lester re-elected to Congress by a majority of over
6,000.

  November 9th, Mr. R. D. Guerard, born in Savannah, organizer of Chatham Bank,
and prominent citizen and capitalist, died aged 69 years.

  November llth, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, commander Seventh Army Corps, arrived and
resumed command of corps. Gov. J. Hoge Tyler, of Virginia, accompanied him.

  November 12th, Seventh Army Corps passed in review before Gen. Lee and Gov.
Tyler, 12,000 men in line.

  November 13th, transport Manitoba, with Gen. Carpenter's headquarters and
staff, and six troops of the Eighth Cavalry, sailed for Neuvitas, Cuba.

  November 15th, contract for construction of army hospital awarded; work to
begin at once, and to be completed within 60 days.

  November 21, First Division of Seventh Army Corps passed in review before Gen.
Keifer, its commander.

 .November 22d, the Third Georgia, under Col. Robert L. Rerner, arrived and
camped at Georgia Car Works.

  Savannah Volunteer Guards mustered out of service.

  November 23d, Thirty-ninth annual session of Lutheran Synod of Georgia
assembled at Church of the Ascension.

  November 24th, Ladies of Savannah provide Thanksgiving dinner for Seventh Army
Corps.

  November 25th, transport Chester broke all previous records on river, coming
up to dock drawing 24 feet.

  November 27th, the Second Artillery, 1900 strong, arrived and went into camp
at LePageville.

  November 28th, transport Chester departs with Fifteenth Infantry, drawing 25
feet of water.

  November 29th, Fourth Tennessee arrived from Knoxville, accompanied by
Brigadier General Snyder and staff.

  December 1st, transport Michigan arrived from Porto Rico, bringing 500 troops.

  December 6th, Grand Review of all the troops of the Seventh Army Corps, 16,000
in number, by General Lee.

  December 8th, transport Roumanian sailed for Cuba with First North Carolina
Regiment.

  December 10th, two battalions of Second Illinois departed on board transport
Michigan.

  Col. William J. Bryan tenders his resignation as commander of the Third Nebraska.

  December llth, General Lee and staff sail for Havana on transport Panama;
wharves lined with people, and the Almirante Oquendo's siren on the Cambria
sounded farewell all the way down the river.

  December 12th, Col. W. J. Bryan's resignation accepted and he becomes a citizen.

  December 13th, Gen. Williston and staff, with the One Hundred and Sixty-first
Indiana Regiment, sailed on the transport Mobile.

  December 17th, President McKinley, accompanied by Mrs. McKinley, Secretary of
War Alger, Secretary of Navy Long, Secretary of Treasury Gage, Secretary of
Agriculture Wilson, Postmaster General Smith, Major Generals Wheeler, Lawton and
Shafter, and other distinguished personages, arrived in Savannah at 11 a. m. Met
at Guyton by citizens committee of which Capt. D. G. Purse was chairman.
Welcomed to Savannah with salute from Washington guns of Chatham Artillery, and
escorted to De Soto by Georgia Hussars. At noon party proceeded to park
extension, and the Seventh Army Corps passed in review. At conclusion of review,
the guests were driven through the city, Gen. Joe Wheeler fairly dividing with
the President the plaudits of the people. At 2 p. in., the party embarked on the
J. H. Estill for trip down river, returning at 4:30. The day was concluded with
a banquet at the De Soto, where speeches of welcome were made by Chairman D. G.
Purse and Mayor P. W. Meldrim, and responses given by the President, with
"Expansion," as his theme; by Secretaries Gage, Alger, Long and Wilson,
Postmaster General Smith and Gen. Wheeler.

  December 18th, the President attended service at Wesley Monumental Church in
morning; visited the Georgia Industrial College and addressed the colored youth
in the afternoon, and later drove through the camp of the First Division of the
Seventh Army Corps. Party took train for Macon at 10 p. m.

  Gen. John B. Brooke, military governor of Cuba, arrived and held conference
during the day with the President.

  December 19th, Forty-ninth Iowa sailed for Cuba on transport Minnewaska.

  December 21st, the Second Missouri sailed on the transports Obdam and
Roumania, completing the removal of the Second Division.

  December 23d, General Wheaton and staff, with part of First Texas sailed on
the Michigan.

  Gen. Brooke and staff left for Havana, via Miami.

  December 27th, Gen. Keifer and staff, with the headquarters of First Division,
sailed for Cuba on transport Panama.

  December 28th, six batteries of the Second Artillery sailed for Havana on the
Chester.

  December 30th, transport Obdam sailed with a battalion of the Third Nebraska.

  December 31st, transport Michigan sailed with balance of Third Nebraska. This
makes 20 sailings of transports from the port, carrying 15,000 soldiers.

  1899.—January 3d, transport Mobile sailed with two regiments, the Fourth and
Ninth Illinois.

  January 4th, Surgeon General Sternberg spent day in Savannah inspecting new
military hospital.

  January 8th, Gen. Wilson, with First Army Corps headquarters and 1st Battalion
of Eighth Massachusetts, sailed on the Obdam for Matanzas.

  January 10th the Michigan sailed for Matanzas with remainder of Eighth
Massachusetts.

  The Thirty-first Michigan arrived from Knoxville.

  January 13th, the Third Georgia embarked on the Roumania for Neuvitas.

  Abe Small, convicted three times for murder of Policeman J. C. Neve in 1895,
finally paid the penalty by hanging.

  January 16th, Mr. John A. Staley, born in 1816, on the corner of Bull and
Broughton Streets, where Adler's store now stands, and lifelong citizen of
Savannah, died.

  January 17th, First Maine Artillery sailed on the Obdam for Havana.

  January 18th, the transport Minnewaska sailed for Matanzas with the Third
Kentucky Regiment.

  January 19th, the ex-members of the First Georgia and their lady friends gave
dinner to the Thirty-first Michigan.

  January 20th, franchise granted by Council to W. A. Bisbee and others to
construct new telephone line.

  January 21st, Transport Michigan sailed for Havana with four batteries of
Second Artillery.

  January 22d, six troops of the Seventh Cavalry sailed for Havana on the Manitoba,

  January 24th, Herman Myers elected Mayor by a majority of 224 over J. J.
McDonough.

  January 26th, the Thirty First Michigan sailed on the Chester for Cienfuegos.

  Anthony Fernandez, native of Gibraltar, citizen of Savannah since 1852, died
aged 64 years.

  January 31st, Mayor's report shows $112,526.16 expended during 1898 for paving
streets, and $78,679.04 for opening new streets.

  February 1st transport Michigan sailed for Porto Rico with five troops of the
Fifth Cavalry.

  February 7th, Harbor clear of transports for first time in more than sixty
days. More than 30,000 soldiers have sailed from the port

  February 13th, coldest day ever known in Savannah; mercury dropping to 8
degrees above zero. Highest temperature for day 21 degrees.

  February 14th, steamship William Lawrence of Merchants & Miners Transportation
Co's. line wrecked off Port Royal bar. All hands saved, but vessel a total loss.

  February 16th, transport Manitoba sailed with six troops of Second Cavalry,
bound for Matanzas.

  February 17th, the Sixth Immunes arrived from Porto 'Rico and went into camp
on Dale Avenue.

  February 19th, Dr. George H. Stone, Union veteran, resident of Savannah since
1871, and one of her most prominent physicians, died of heart failure, aged 55
years.

  February 23d, Capt. Hamilton M. Branch, prominent citizen, died suddenly, aged
56 years.

  March 10th, Hospital ship Missouri arrived from Havana, bringing 220 sick
soldiers to new hospital.

  March 14th, First Battalion of Second Infantry arrived and relieved the Third
Connecticut and Sixth Immunes from provost duty.

  March 15th, Sixth Immunes mustered out of service

  Maine Artillery arrived from Cuba on transport Kilpatrick.

  March 20th, Third Connecticut mustered out of service.

  March 22d, Two Hundred and Second New York Regiment arrived from Cuba and
camped on Thunderbolt road.

  March. 23d, Secretary of War Alger and party arrived ill Savannah aud sailed
on the Ingalls for Cuba and Porto Rico.

  March 24th, the Second Louisana arrived from Cuba, and went into camp on Dale
Avenue.

  March 27th, Third Georgia, passed through Savannah enroute for Augusta to be
mustered out.

  March 28th, First North Carolina returned from. Cuba.

  March 29th, Fourth Virginia arrived and encamped on Thunderbolt road.

  March 30th, Woman's Baptist Missionary Union of Georgia convened in annual
session at Duffy Street Baptist Church.

  One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana arrived from Matanzas, and encamped on Dale
Avenue.

  March 31st, Seventy-seventh Annual Convention of Georgia Baptist Association
assembled at Savannah Baptist Church.

  One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana arrived from Cuba.

  First Maine Artillery mustered out of service.

  April 2d, nearly all protestant pulpits in city occupied by Baptist preachers,
members of Baptist Association now in annual session here.

  Second Illinois passed through city to Augusta.

  April 8th, Ray's Third Immunes arrived from Santiago on transport Sedgwick,
and left for Macon to be mustered out.

  April 13th, Fourth Tennessee arrived and went into camp on,Dale Avenue.

  April 14th, Forty-ninth Iowa arrived, and encamped on Dale Avenue.

  April 15th, Two Hundred and Second New York mustered out.

  Richard D. Munford, teller for twenty-two years of the Southern Bank, died,
aged 62 years.

  April 16th, South Side Baptist Church organized with 50 members.

  April 17th, the enlisted men of the Second Louisana visited General W. \V.
Gordon to express their appreciation of his conduct as their former commander,
and their gratitude to his wife and daughter for care extended to their sick.

  April 18th, Second Louisana mustered out.

  Georgia Union of Christian Endeavor met in annual session at First
Presbyterian Church.

  April 22d, First North Carolina mustered out of service.

  April 25th, One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana mustered out.

  Mr. John Sullivan, prominent insurance agent, died, aged 51 years.

  Thirty-first Michigan returned from Cuba, and encamped on Dale avenue.

  April 26th, services of Memorial Day were made specially impressive by two
companies of the Second United States Infantry acting as escort to the Veterans,
and firing three volleys over the Confederate Monument.

  April 27th, Georgia. Society of Colonial Dames met in annual session. A
feature of their gathering was the dedication of a monument to Tomochichi, the
friend of Oglethorpe. Memorial address delivered by Walter G. Charlton.

  April 30th, One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana mustered out.

  May 3d, City Council received resolutions of thanks passed by the Michigan
legislature for kindnesses shown by Savannahians to the Thirty-first Michigan.

  May 5th, Thirty-first Michigan passed in review before Gen. W. W. Gordon and
Lieutenant Colonel J. F. Brooks.

  May 6th, Maj. George A. Whitehead, native of Savannah, member of staff of Gen.
Joseph E. Wheeler during civil war, and for many years general freight and
passenger agent of Central Railroad, died.

  May 10th, Sixth Missouri mustered out of service.

  May 13th, officers of Thirty-first Michigan dined by those of the First
Georgia at Regimental Armory.

  Forty-ninth Iowa mustered out.

  May 16th, Third Kentucky mustered out of service.

  May 17th, Thirty-first Michigan, the last of the volunteer regiments here,
mustered out.

  May 30th, contract awarded for construction of Georgia & Alabama Railway from
Meldrim into Savannah.

  June 13th, Col. Richard J. Davant, lieutenant colonel of Fifth Georgia Cavalry
during civil war, and prominent business man of Savannah before and since, died,
aged 65 years.

  June 19th, Dr. W. F. Brunner elected health officer of city.

  June 21st, Samuel P. Hamilton, former president of the Merchants' National
Bank, and of the Brush Electric Light & Power Co., and leading business man of
the city for more than thirty years, died, aged 62 years.

  July 1st, Dr. W. F. Brunner assumed charge of the health office.

  July 3d, Robert G. Erwin elected president of the Plant System, vice H. B.
Plant, who recently died.

  July 18th, Georgia. Construction Company have nearly 1,200 men at work upon
the new terminals of the Georgia & Alabama Railway on Hutchinson Island.

  July 23d, Flag of First Georgia at half mast in honor of Capt. C. B.
Satterlee, for several years inspector general of Georgia, who died at Honolulu
July 10th.

  July 29th, Eight Reverend Thomas A. Becker, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of
Savannah since May, 1886, died in Washington, Ga , aged 66 years.

  July 30th, Savannah Cadets left for Columbia, S. C., to attend the funeral of
Capt. C. B. Satterlee.

  July 31st, Bishop Becker's funeral with imposing ceremonies at St. Patrick's
Church.

  Savannah Post Office moved to the new building.

  August 1st, report by house drainage committee of Council that $80,000 worth
of work has been done to date, and about §100,000 worth remains to be done.

  August 2d, Georgia Telephone & Telegraph Company organized.

  August 8th, Dr. A. A. Solomons, born May 2, 1816, and citizen of Savannah
since 1845, died.

  August 23d, Savannah troops ordered by Governor to Darien to suppress
threatened outbreak by negroes. Two hundred men sent, most of whom returned
to-night bringing as prisoner the negro over whom the trouble arose.

  August 26th, second call for troops for Darien, and Col. Lawton responded with
the entire First Georgia.

  August 30th, all quiet in Darien and troops return to Savannah.

  September 1st, cotton receipts for year, 1,101,454 bales; shipments, 1,092,542
bales; shipment of turpentine, 310,017 casks; of rosin, 1,133,588 barrels; of
lumber, 146,209,434 feet. Volume of trade for year, $158,950,000; bank
clearings, $134,540,331.12. 157 building permits granted, representing more than
$750,000 in improvements.

  September 20th, "Wm. Neyle Habersbam, probably oldest native citizen of
Savannah, descendant of James Habersham, last president of the provincial
council of Georgia, died, aged 82 years.

  September 26th, German Volunteers, with two officers and 56 men, left for New
York to join in Dewey parade.

  September 27th, Savannah Cadets, 60 strong, left for New York. Joined at
station by Waycross Rifles, Thomasville Guards and Brunswick Riflemen, the whole
to form a battalion in Dewey parade under command of Lieutenant Colonel J. F.
Brooks.

  October 4th, Offices of United States Court transferred from Custom House
building to new Government Building.

October 10th; City Council decides to invite Admiral Dewey and Lieutenant Brumby
to visit Savannah in near future.
  October 13th, John T. Ronan, sheriff of Chatham County since 1873, died, aged
57 years. 6

  October 18th, Committee of citizens extended invitation to Admiral Dewey and
Lieutenant Brumby to visit Savannah. The invitation was accepted, time and date
to be fixed later.

  October 19th, Thomas J. Sweeny commissioned as sheriff of Chatham County.

  Savannah Volunteer Guards, for several years a separate battalion, transferred
to the First Georgia Regiment.

  October 29th, John F. LaFar, citizen of Savannah for thirty years, and aged 51
years, dropped dead while reading the annual report of the Sunday School of
which he was superintendent.

  October 31st, through the carelessness of officers of Pennsylvania Railroad
ferryboat Chicago, it was run down and cut in two in New York harbor by
steamship City of Augusta from this port.

  November 12th, Savannah's oldest business man, resident here for nearly 65
years, Moses A. Cohen, died, aged 84.

  November 14th, many citizens of Savannah lose sleep while watching for the
meteors which "never came."

  November 16th, Capt. H. C. Daggett, of steamship City of Augusta, exonerated
from all blame in connection with the recent disaster in New York harbor.

  November 22d, Georgia Division of the United Confederate Veterans assembled at
the Theatre. City gay with decorations, and filled with ex-Confederates. Eighty
camps represented in the convention.

  Georgia Division of United Sons of Confederate Veterans met at Odd Fellows' Hall.

  November 23d, parade of Confederate Veterans. Nearly 2,000 in line, escorte by
First Georgia Regiment and reviewed by Governor Candler and staff.

  December 8th, Savannah becomes a terminal of the Southern Railway, first train
over that line reaching the city to-day, bringing prominent officials, and
number of invited guests.

  December 16th, Chatham Academy nearly destroyed by fire.

  December 21st, Thomas J. Sweeny elected sheriff to fill unexpired term of J.
T. Ronan.

  December 22d, Tomichichi Club organized with 120 members.

  December 29th, fire destroys stores of Lindsay & Morgan and D. Hogan, on
Broughton street, involving a loss of $150 000.

  December 30th, Admiral Dewey advises the committee of citizens that he will
visit Savannah March 20, 1900.


Additional Comments:
From:

CHRONOLOGICAL  HISTORY OF SAVANNAH,
From Its Settlement by Oglethorpe down to December 31, 1899,
Together with a Complete Record of the City and County, and
SAVANNAH'S ROLL OF HONOR,

      A Roster of the Soldiers who have in three wars
Gone Forth at their Country's Call, from this City.

A. E. SHOLES, Compiler.

SAVANNAH, GA.: THE MORNING NEWS PRINT.
1900.




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