Freestone County, Texas History Year 1873 Newspaper Transcription: [This is a transcription of the only known existant copy of "The Cotton Gin Herald" newspaper. Cotton Gin was a town in Freestone county that is now a ghost town. ] [page 1] THE COTTON GIN HERALD Our Town, County and State Vol. 1. Cotton Gin, Texas, March 1, 1873. No. 2. [left column] TEXAS NEWS Throckmorton, Winkler, Pickett, Coke, Hobby and others, are spoken of as candidates for our next Governor. We'll take Winkler in 'our'n. The small pox is in New Salem, Rusk county, and in several other towns in Texas. Our people should be prepared to meet this scourge, by vaccination. The cars reach and leave Denison thrice a day from and to St. Louis, a distance of 620 miles. Notwithstanding the great number of cattle that have died and are still dying, the people of Western Texas are gathering their herds, and some are ready to start for Kansas. The Texas Pacific cars are expected to run to Kaufman by the 1st of April. Regular trains are running to a point 10 miles from Sherman, on the Central R. R. The Texas Pacific cars are expected to run to Kaufman by the 1st of April. Regular trains are running to a point 10 miles from Sherman, on the Central R. R. The Waco Tap Road was sold on the 4th inst. for $400,000 to Col. Hutchins, vice President of the Central. Judge J. W. Oliver has resigned the judgship [sic, judgeship] of his district. A. Sessums, a prominent merchant of Galveston, favorably known throughout Texas, is dead. Petitions have been circulated in eighty counties in Texas asking our Legislature to pass a liquor law similar to the one in Ohio - making the seller of liquors responsible for damages committed by the liquor drinkers. This is a movement we ardently hope may succeed. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad are singing through bills of lading from St. Louis to Calvert, Texas. The population of Austin is said to be 12,000. The steamer Henry A. Jones, in the trade between Houston and Galveston, was destroyed by fire, when near Red Fist Bar, on the night of the 6th inst. 20 lives were lost - all being officers and crew of the ill-fated steamer. 400 bales of cotton were destroyed. Loss about $50,000. Gen. Sherman, of Texas, San Jacinto [same page] [right column] fame, is reported to be in very ill health, and is not expected to live much longer. Louis Frankee, from Fayette county, a member of the House, in the Texas Legislature, was most foully murdered at the foot of the capitol steps, in Austin, on the night of 19th February. Robbery is supposed to have been the object of the murderers, as Mr. F. had been robbed of his watch and money when found. No clue to perpetrators of the foul deed. The meningitis prevails to such an extent in Tyler, Texas, that it is difficult to find a well man in the place. We are happy to say that the health of our town and county is very good. Hon. John C. Conner, M. C. from this district, has written an address to the people of Texas, in which he virtually abandons the Democratic party to its fate, applauds Gov. Davis and tacitly approves of the Grant administration. All we have to say about it is, that we are disappointed in Mr. Conner, and rejoice that he has less than one month longer to serve as the member in the Second District of Texas. - Bonham News As the Democrats of the Second District knew Mr. C. to be a carpet-bagger at the time of his election, they and the party at large should not be surprised at his desertion. ------------------------------------------ GENERAL NEWS King Amadeus, of Spain, has abdicated the Spanish throne and returned to Italy. A republican form of government now exists in Spain. The latest news from Washington indicates that Congress will decide in favor of a new election in Louisiana. Judge Reland, chairman of the Credit Mobelier committee in Congress, has made his report. He exculpates the speaker. The conduct of Messrs. Dawes, Garfield, Kelly, Bingham and Schofield is severely criticised [sic, criticized] and resolutions of expulsion in reference to Messrs. Ames and Brooks were reported in the House. Commodore M. F. Maury died in Lexington, Ba., on the 1st ult. [page 2] [left column] Cotton Gin, Mar. 1, 1873. J. W. Storey, Pro'pr; G. K. Anderson, Pub. HALT! = Read what Mr. Lovelady has to say for himself, and give him a call when needing anything in his line. ------------------ We have received two communications for publication, from two lady friends. -- We return the ladies our grateful thanks for the interest they seem to manifest in the HERALD, but want of space prevents us from publishing their articles. ------------------ The farmers in our vicinity area now busy as bees, preparing their land for planting corn. We have heard of many who have commenced planting, and a few "early birds" finished two weeks past. -- As the propsperity of the entire country is dependent upon the success of the farmers, we heartily wish them a golden harvest for their arduous labors. ------------------ We learn that a newspaper, in the interests of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is to be published by the Rev. Messrs. Renfro & Wefford, at Tehuacana, and that it will make its appearance in a few weeks. The price of the paper will be $2.50 per annum. We wish the enterprise success, and commend it to the good graces of the members of the C. P. church and the public generally. ------------------ For the informantion of parents and guardians who have daughters or wards to educate, we take great pleasure in stating that a music class (piano forte) is now being taught in Cotton Gin, by Mrs. S. N. Daniel, a lady of unsurpassed qualifications for her positions. She has heretofore taught music in our town, and has universally given satisfaction to both patrons and scholars. Do not fail to give your daughters the benefit of her instructions. ------------------ The friends of Cotton Gin Seminary, or those who may feel so disposed, are each respectfully invited to plant and enclose a shade tree on the grounds attached to the academy. [same page] [right column] IMPROVEMENTS Several new buildings are going up in our town, and among other improvements in contemplation, it gives us pleasure to chronicle the fact that the liberal citizen of the town and vicinity have made arrangements to make addditions to our present seminary building, the work to be commenced early next fall. We are informed an addition of twenty feet will be made to the main building, and a wing, 16x20 feet, will be added to either side of the building. In addition to the above, a building to be devoted exclusively to the music department of the school, will also be built. Our people have despaired of receiving aid from the State, and have determined to help themselves. Our town is now blessed with educational advantages equal to those of our neighboring towns, and after the perfection of the comtemplated improvements, will be in the van, and "on the highway to prosperity." COTTON GIN SEMINARY ------------------ A first class-school for the youth of both sexes is now in operation, under the charge of R. T. Kennedy, Principal, and K. A. Fleming, Associate. These gentlemen are both experienced educators, and have for several years, in this vicinity, sustained the reputation of successful teachers. We feel safe in recommending this school to parents and guardians having children or wards to educate. The rates of tuition are as low as could be asked; in fact, too low for full remuneration of teachers who have spent an ordinary life time in making a reputation for themselves as teachers. The locality is a healthful one. The good moral character of our community is not surpassed by that of any other section of Texas. -- We predict for said school a proud and prosperous career. A bill to incorporate the school is now before the Legislature, which when passed, will place Cotton Gin Seminary upon an equal footing with the best institutions of learning in the State. Knowing the men who have charge of this school, we earnestly appeal to all interested in fostering among us such institutions, to rally to their support. [page 3] [left column] FRUIT TREE PROTECTOR As there is much interest manifested in this part of Texas, at present, on the subject of growing fruit trees, I have concluded to give the readers of the HERALD a receipt for making a liquid that will protect all fruit trees from insects of every kind, and improve the growth and beauty of the trees and increase the quantity and quality of the fruit. RECIPE - Carbonate of Ammonia, 1 lb.; Potash, 1 lb.; Whale or Train Oil, 1 gal.; Coal Oil or Oil of Tar, 1 quart; Rain Water, 30 gallons; or, better, stable liquid from a small tank in your horse lot, instead of the water. Mix in a barrel with one head out and stir well before using. MODE OF APPLICATION - Remove or loosen the earth around the root of the tree, so as to secure the liquid over the roots until it is absorbed and the roots well saturated. Then apply the liquid to the trunk and limbs of the tree with a brush or broom -- use it freely, so that it may make its way down the trunk to the roots of the tree. Make this application every four months, and your trees will be secure from insects and rabbits. This liquid is adapted to all kinds of fruit trees. Plant your fruit trees out well, cultivate and keep stock from them, and use the fruit tree protector, and you will have the best of fruit to your heart's content, for home use and for market. J. S. WILLS ------------------ W. L. LOVELADY Saddle and Harness Maker, Cotton Gin, Texas, Takes pleasure in announcing to his friends and the public, that he has opened a shop in Cotton Gin for the manufacture of Saddles, Harness, Bridles, &c. Job Work of every description neatly and promply executed. ------------------ Cotton Gin Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., holds its regular communications at 2 P. M. on first Saturday after full moon in month. [same page] [right column] COTTON GIN SEMINARY ------------------ The First Annual Term of this Institution commenced on the 2nd Monday of February, 1873. The scholastic year will be divided into two sessions of 20 weeks each. RATES OF TUITION Primary Class (including Spelling, Reading, Primary Arithmetic) per month - $2.50 Second Class (including above, with Writing, School Arithmetic, English Grammar, School Geography, History &c.,) per month - $3.00 Third Class (including any or all the above, with Higher Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Physical Geography, Chemistry, Physiology, Composition and Rhetoric, Latin and Greek, per month - $4.00 Pupils will be charged from the time of entry to the close of the term, and no deduction will be made for absence or loss of time unless in case of protracted sickness of two week's duration, (except in cases of special agreement with the Principal at the time of entering.) All bills due and payable at the end of each session. Board can be obtained in private families, everything except washing furnished, at from $10 to $15 per month. R. T. KENNEDY, Principal J. A. FLEMING, Associate ------------------ R. D. KENNEDY, DENTIST, Cotton Gin, Texas, will practice his profession at Tehuacana, Mexia, Cotton Gin, and surrounding country. Is prepared to Fill and Insert Teeth, on Pivot and Plate. Satisfaction guaranteed, and all work warranted. ------------------ JOB PRINTING neatly done at this office [page 4] [left column] NEW & CHEAP DRY-GOODS, GROCERIES, Hardware, Books, Stationery &c., &c., &c., Just received - A new lot Bacon for sale cheap for cash. J. W. STOREY Trace Chains, Hames, Hoes, Swingletrees, Rakes, Garden Hoes, Buggy Shafts, for sale cheap for cash. J. W. STOREY Always on hand a large lot Texas Flour, new Sugars, Molasses, Syrups, Salt, Mackerel, - cheap as the cheapest - for cash, by J. W. STOREY A second supply of Landreth's Garden Seed, and Irish Potatoes - Early Rose, Early Goodrich, London Lady, and other varieties. Call and get a supply at J. W. STOREY'S. Agent for Weir's celebrated Walking Cultivator. 20 sold this season. They universally give satisfaction. A new lot on hand. Prairie farmers, call and examine them at J. W. STOREY'S. A large lot Men's and Lady's Saddles, Bridles, Girths, &c., just received from St. Louis, and for sale at lower figures than ever known in this market, by J. W. STOREY. A lot Iron, and Nails of all sizes, cast and wrought - Horse and Mule Shoes, at J. W. STOREY'S. As usual, I will keep in stock Dry Goods; of every description, Hats, Boots, Shoes, Hardware, Books, Stationery, Buckets, Brooms, Crockery, Queensware, and a thousand and one articles, too numerous to mention, cheap for cash, and on time to approved customers. NEW GOODS RECEIVED DAILY No trouble to show goods. If you wish Bargains, call on J. W. STOREY Cotton Gin, Texas. [right column]