News from Smith County in the Wills Point Chronicle - 1895 

Submitted by Scott Fitzgerald
7 January 2003

Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895:

A Tyler printing office is to issue a book detailing the 
burning of the negro rapist there. Let the matter drop. The 
black fiend paid a fearful penalty for his brutal crime and 
out of respect to the family of the poor woman and the people 
of the Texas as well the "history" should never see the light 
of day.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895:

Miss Viola Goodnight, one of Wills Point's most charming young 
ladies, is visiting the family of M. J. Pruitt. We wish her a 
pleasant time. - Lindale Times.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895:

John E. Crumpler died at Tyler Thursday from the effects of 
chloroform on the heart, while an operation was being performed 
for necrosis of the bone.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895:

Gov. Culberson has appointed Clyde Yarbrough, of Tyler, delegate 
to the trans Mississippi commercial congress, which meets at 
Omaha, Neb., on the 25th.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles column):

There was a couple from down about Mt. Sylvan married here 
Sunday. Not exactly a ran away but the old folks made some 
objections and they came up here. The names of the parties 
were Mr. McCurley and Miss Cates. Uncle Caleb Smith was called 
in to tie the knot.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles column):

Miss Lola Burge, of Tyler, is visiting here mother, Mrs. 
Josie Burge.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 14, 1895:

A gentleman from Tyler tells the CHRONICLE that in reply 
to Gov. Culberson's demand on him for the names of all 
participants in the burning of the negro rapist at that 
place the sheriff sent the tax list of Smith County, with 
the request that it be returned in time for next year's tax 
collections.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1895:

GOING TO THE TYLER FAIR.

Adapted from Chicago Times Herald

Sue's bought a brand new caliker-John
	has got a pair o' jeans;
An' mammy's got some chickens, an' a
	load o' turnip greens.
An' we're goin to Tyler to the fair-East
	Texas Fair.
It's been a blazin' summer, but we
	toiled along the way.
An' cotton took an upward leap-so
	that is why we're gay.
An' now we've took the children-an'
	we've got a few to spare.
An' we're going down to Tyler-to the
	East Texas Fair.
So, get your hat Malindy, and come
	along with Sue,
With the frisky mule a-leadin' an' the
	ox-cart follerin', too;
The summer time is over-there's music
	in the air,
An' we're goin' to roll in' clover at the
	East Texas Fair.
Polly's got a hunkin' nice new rifle, an'
	she can shoot it, too;
Hit the bull's-eye every time, and shoot
	a hair in two;
She'll win the prize they offer, and
	never sweat a hair,
Down at the town of Tyler at the fair-
	East Texas Fair.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1895:

The Smith County poor farm raised this year 5,000 bushels 
of corn, 40 bales of cotton, hogs, garden truck and plenty 
of forage. Nothing very poor about that farm.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1895:

That printer Bright, at Tyler, is not what his name would 
imply. Had he good sense it would not be a hard job to learn 
him that all the history people desire of the burning of the 
negro rapist and of his brutal crime has been given by the 
newspapers. In the name of decency and out of respect to 
the husband and friends of the murdered lady the "history" 
should be squelched.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles Column):

B. H. Engledow and family have moved to Tyler.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 28, 1895:

TYLER is determined to keep its name before the public. 
First, a negro burning, then a fair, and now it is in the 
throes of a howling blizzard.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Nov. 28, 1895:

Wig Smith, a Tyler deputy sheriff, was here Thursday looking 
for a party who had stolen a horse and buggy at the crematory 
town. Later reports indicate the finding of the outfit where 
it had been left by the owner and Wig was on a wild goose chase.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 5, 1895:

Palmer Times: "The burning at Tyler has been heartily condemned 
by many people who would be first to stick a torch to the funeral 
pile were the outraged victim a relative, no matter how remote. 
It must be borne in mind there are crimes so heinous in nature 
that no law can ever reach them."

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 5, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles column):

Miss Lola Burge, of Tyler, has returned home after visiting 
her mother here.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 12, 1895:

Gored by a Vicious Bull

Tyler, Dec. 10. - Ben Ford, a farmer living on the line of 
Smith and Van Zandt, was gored by a bull last Friday. He 
attempted to drive the animal off his premises, when the 
infuriated beast plunged at him, goring him in the thigh and 
hip, breaking one arm and otherwise injuring him. His son 
came to the rescue and shot the ferocious animal.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 12, 1895:

Tyler Democrat Reporter: At Yoakum the Baptist church with 
drew fellowship from Rev. A. J. Williams on the charge that 
he was teaching Martinism; and then Rev. Williams sued Rev. 
T. W. Staton, the regular pastor, for defamation of character. 
It may be put down as a correct rule that preachers with more 
doctrine than religion are a set that ought to be ignored the 
world over. The only result of their irreligious work is to 
stir up bitterness and strife.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 12, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles column):

Archie Everett, of Garden Valley, is visiting his brother, Sam 
Everett, of this place.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 12, 1895 (Canton 
Chronicles column):

Rev. J. W. Kelly, of Garden Valley, came in Sunday and took 
back with him his son, Will K. who is very sick. Hope to see 
him back in his store soon.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1895:

The Tyler China Company says it is solid and [won't] break, 
but neglects to tell whether it refers to the company or the 
product.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1895:

Employees of the Tyler coffin works went out on a strike last 
week. It is said the management was not coughing up high enough 
wages.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1895:

Disastrous Fire at Tyler.

Tyler, Dec. 16. - At 4 o'clock Sunday morning fire broke out 
in the Donnelly two-story brick on the south side of the square 
and destroyed the laboratory of Dr. Leman; also some type 
belonging to the Orchardist printing office. The stock of 
groceries of Wright & Smith, in the lower story was damaged by 
fire and water to the amount of $1,500 with $2,750 insurance. 
The floors were extinguished after burning the ceiling and 
flooring of the building. The loss will reach $1,000 with $3,500 
insurance. The fire caught from a stove.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1895:

Horse Thief Caught.

From the Tyler Dispatch.
	Officer Wig Smith and Thornton have recovered a horse that 
was stolen from a Mr. Darnell, of Van Zandt County, in the possession 
of some gypsies that are camping in the eastern portion of the county. 
Jack Cotton, the man who stole the horse, has been arrested in Lindale 
and will be brought to the city today and jailed. The price that 
Cotton received for the horse from the gypsies was $12.60.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1895:

Edwin C. Rice, of Tyler, writes the Dallas News that he belongs to 
the prolific Rice Leftwich family. He remembers enough of his mother's 
obituary to state, that her descendants numbered 150 citizens of South 
Carolina, not one of whom has ever been accused of a crime for which 
the laws of our country would punish them.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Jan. 16, 1896:

Miss Hubbard Cousins of Tyler is visiting Dr. Moughon and family.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Jan. 16, 1896:

Mrs. J. P. Groome left Thursday last for Tyler where she will spend 
several weeks visiting.

Miss Lela Hamilton, who has been the guest of R. R. Jarvis and 
family, returned to her home at Omen Tuesday.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Jan. 16, 1896:

"LIFE IN JAPAN AND THE ORIENT."

Ex-Governor Hubbard, the Silver Tongued Orator, to Lecture Here 
Jan. 21.

	The rarest intellectual treat Wills Point has enjoyed in 
a long time will be the lecture on "Life in Japan and the Orient" 
by Ex Governor R. B. Hubbard of Tyler at the Methodist church Tuesday, 
January 21st, 7:30 p.m. To have a crowded house it is simply necessary 
to announce that Governor Hubbard would lecture, for his matchless 
oratory and high, scholarly attainments are known all over the South - 
and the United States for that matter. Governor Hubbard is a natural 
orator and his four years as minister to Japan gave him ample 
opportunity to prepare a lecture on that distant island and her people. 
The lecture will be under the auspices and for the benefit of the 
Epworth League and the tickets are being sold at 50 cents, no extra 
charge for reserve seats.
	From among the many press notices given this distinguished 
orator and statesman wherever he has been, we clip the following:
	Atlanta Constitution, April 6th: "The lecture last evening 
at the Grand opera house under the patronage of the most distinguished 
citizens of Georgia, by Ex-Governor Richard B. Hubbard of Texas on 
"Life in Japan and the Orient" was, we think, the most superb lecture 
ever heard by Atlanta. Gov. H. (known in his adopted, as well as his 
native state of Georgia, as "Dick Hubbard") was our minister to Japan 
from 1885 to 1890, and his picture of wonderland was a master piece of 
humor, wit and eloquence. Gov. Northern, his school mate, introduced 
the distinguished orator to the cultured audience in a splendid tribute 
to the son of Georgia."
	Macon, Ga. - President Gambrid of Mercer University, Ga, said 
of his lecture in the Press: "Gov. Hubbard's lecture to the University 
last night (his Alma Mater) was a rare and cultured contribution to 
eloquence and learning. We wish that the lecture on "Japan and the 
Orient" could be heard by every school and university in the union."

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Jan. 30, 1896 (From Grand 
Saline Grists Column):

Miss Edna Florence of Jamestown, Smith County, was in the Salt 
City visiting her uncle, Sim Florence, last week.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Feb. 6, 1896:

Mrs. J. B. Gulett of Tyler is visiting Major Evans this week.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, Feb. 20, 1896:

A recent Tyler Dispatch says the city council exempted fireman 
from the payment of "pool" taxes. There is evidently a miscue 
somewhere, McDougall, or you've made a scratch.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, March 5, 1896:

J. S. Johnson has sold the Tyler Argent to G. M. Lasseter, of 
the Center Champion-Press. Judge Beaird continues as editor and 
a daily infliction of the Argent is threatened. Johnson in his 
farewell to the paper's patrons says he feels "a tender interest 
in the future of his pet." A man generally does feel that way 
when he has a boil.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, March 12, 1896:

At Tyler recently, Rev. Wm. Beckham, colored, was arrested, charged 
with theft.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, March 12, 1896 (from the Ben 
Wheeler Budget column):

Miss Hardwicke from Overton is in our town to teach a class in 
music. We wish her abundant success.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, March 19, 1896:

It is generally understood that Mr. Yoakum would again be an 
aspirant for congressional honors, but since his announcement 
to the contrary there will likely be a scramble for the place. 
Bob Stafford of Mineola, ex-district attorney of this district, 
has already announced, and Judge McCord of Tyler is spoken of. 
There will be others.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, March 19, 1896 (from the 
Ben Wheeler Briefs column):

Miss Hardwick is having good success with her music class, and 
all who have heard her say that she is a fine performer. Ye scribe 
can testify that she has a fine voice and knows how to manage it, 
as he has heard her sing at Church.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 2, 1896:

The Tyler Fruit Palice [sic] will open when patriotic feeling is 
highest - July 4th.

Rev. E. C. Rice of Tyler preached at the Baptist church Sunday 
night.

E. J. Pope of Troupe spend several days in the Point this week 
visiting his sister, Mrs. J. B. Langham, and shaking hands with 
his many friends here.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 2, 1896 (from the 
Ben Wheeler Briefs column):

During the season of the Institute, the young folks of Ben Wheeler, 
lead by Miss Hardwicke, discoursed some excellent music. We hope 
the teachers will meet with us again at an early date.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 9, 1896:

We have received the first issue of the Alto News, a new boat 
launched on the great sea of journalism by G. M. Lasseter, who 
also owns the Champion-Press at Center and Argent at Tyler. Chas. 
J. Matthews, a young man from this county, is editor and manager. 
We trust the venture will prove a success.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 16, 1896:

The East Texas Teachers' association will convene at Tyler on 
the 25th inst. It behooves every teacher to attend this meeting. 
V. M. Fulton of Henderson is president.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 23, 1896:

Death of Mrs. Russell.

We regret very much to hear of the sudden death of Mrs. J. G. 
Russell at Tyler Tuesday morning. The remains were interred in 
the Tyler cemetery yesterday.

Mrs. Russell was reared at Canton, this county, where her mother, 
Mrs. Matthews, still lives and where she was married to Judge 
Russell several years ago. They lived in Wills Point a number of 
years moving from here to Mineola and thence to Tyler.

We join the many friends of the family here in extending sympathy.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 23, 1896:

Rev. E. C. Rice of Tyler preached a very able sermon Sunday on 
"Signs of the times."

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, April 30, 1896:

East Texas Teachers.
	Tyler, Tex., April 28. - The East Texas Teachers' 
association met Saturday in the lecture room of the Methodist 
church. About 125 teachers were present from adjoining counties. 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carlisle was present 
and addressed the association.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, May 7, 1896:

Shot and Killed.
	Tyler, Tex., May 5. - Mr. W. P. Rowland, a brother of 
H. H. Rowland, was shot and instantly killed last night at 9 
o'clock. Mr. Rowland, his partner, Charlie Buckland, and other 
gentlemen were standing in the doorway of Loftin & Hallow's drug 
store, when the shooter approached, and called Mr. Rowland aside 
and immediately began firing. Three shots took effect, either of 
which would have killed. The shooter fled. Bloodhounds have been 
telegraphed for, and arrived at 11:30 last night. Owing to the 
prominence of Rowland great excitement prevails here over the 
killing. Cause not know.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, May 14, 1896:

Corpse on Exhibition.
	Tyler, Tex., May 12. - The body of Jim Waldrop, who was 
executed Friday at Birmingham, Ala., for the murder of a fellow 
convict, and which was shipped here to the State Undertakers' 
association, which convenes here Tuesday, arrived Sunday. All 
day Sunday the body was viewed by throngs of curious people, 
and yesterday it was an exhibition at an undertaker's 
establishment.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, May 14, 1896:

Rev. W. M. Webb of Tyler preached at the Baptist church Monday 
night.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, May 21, 1896:

We acknowledge receipt of an invitation to attend the Texas 
Fruit Palace at Tyler from July 8th to 22nd. The Fruit Palace 
has found favor with the public and we hope to see it succeed 
in future as never before.

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From Wills Point Chronicle, Thursday, May 28, 1896:

Loy Jarvis of Canton passed through the city Friday on his return 
home from Omen where he has been attending school.

Stuart Smith and John Broughton of Tyler were in the city Tuesday 
in the interest of Mr. Smith's candidacy for district attorney.