1875, was a rough year for this county. There was an influx in the first phase of the Ku Klux Klan formed in the post-Civil War reconstruction period which saw notices being served on numerous locals telling them they must leave the county or face consequences. This year also saw the murders and resulting trials of a number of county citizens related to the culmination of the “Bloody Vendetta” era.
1875, News Clippings, January thru July
____________________ August, 1875 ______________________
5 Aug – Arabell Corder, daughter of Mrs. Lucinda Corder, was struck by lightning and instantly killed Wednesday, July 29. MM
The oldest son and daughter of John Allen, living in east end of county, died from the flux…other members in dangerous condition. MM
6 Aug – William Spence, Crainville merchant was killed Saturday night… body found at 5 A.M. Sunday by Dr. Brown and William Crain. About 60 shot and slugs in his body, also shot in the head with pistol. Buried Hurricane… EP
Notice – All persons are warned not to negotiate for or buy certain promissory notes drawn in favor of Mariah Lawrence. First note is drawn on Sanford Mann for $20.80, second on William Adams for $11.60, third on Samuel McNeill for $8.70. Lost on Friday, July 30, 1875 while aboard train between Carbondale and Mt. Carbon. Marion, Ill., Aug 2, 1875. Mariah Lawrence EP
Some of the murderous gang that infests Jackson County fired a heavy charge of buckshot into Allen Baker’s house Sunday night… he lives near and is employed by Purdy’s Mill, Jackson County… all that saved his life was the would-be assassins thought his shadow on the window was his body. EP
12 Aug – Williamson County has offered a reward of S1,000 each for the arrest of the murderers of David Bulliner, James Henderson, Dr. Vincent Hinchcliff and William Spence. Governor Bevridge offered $400 for arrest and conviction of the murderer of Captain G.W. Sisney and George Bulliner, late of Jackson County. The Governor also added $400 for the first 4 named. MM
John D. Lee, who played an important role In the Mountain Meadows Massacre, married Agatha Ann Woolsey of Kaskaskia in Randolph County 23 Jul 1833, by Joseph Ore, J.P. MM
Luther L. McCowan was sentenced to 4 years for rape. MM
13 Aug – A.B. Morgan of Carbondale died at his residence on Monday of last week of consumption. EP
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Volte, aged 1 year and 9 months, died Tuesday of last week. He noticed him in the streets at 6 o’clock Tuesday evening, in apparent good health, soon afterwards he was attacked with violent spasms and died about 10 o’clock that night. Nashville Journal EP
19 Aug. — Luther McCowan sent to reform school because of his age. MM
Charles Link has fashionable a barbershop in Robinson’s building. MM
Rev. L.J. Simpson is conducting a meeting at Mount Zion CP. Church 3 miles east of here, mm
A special term of Franklin County Court will be held the 18th to try William M. Drew for incest. MM
Married at residence of bride’s father on 25 July by G.W. Lamaster, Frederick Crenshaw and Mary E. Stroud. MM
Dr. J.C. Mitchell left for Labette County, Kansas, where he will probably locate to practice physic. MM
We had a letter from Henry Pease from Sonora, California, where he will make his future home. MM
In Franklin County, Sheriff J.F. Mason, hearing from a reliable source that a band of Ku Klux would visit John B. Maddox in Crawford’s Prairie, for the purpose of dealing with him unlawfully, summoned a posse of 20 men and laid in wait along the lane around the house, about 10 P.M. Shortly after 2 a body of men arrived in white coats and hats and dark masks…ordered to halt, the reply was, “No, by God, we will not surrender.”… they fired upon the sheriff and turned to escape… 20 guns were discharged… one nan named Duckworth was fatally wounded and now lies at the point of death in Benton…He told who the others were… next morning masks and coats were found scattered along the lane at Maddox’s… 13 were picked up, 6 were badly riddled with bullets, and bloody. A. Neal and Captain G.M. Cantrell (formerly of the 110th Illinois Volunteers) were arrested, the latter badly wounded… there are over 100 of these characters in our county, we have names of 40 of them and are in pursuit of them. MM
James Brown of Crawford’s Prairie, was visited by Ku Klux, he was sick in bed, wife went out, telling them he was sick… begged them to kill her if they must kill someone… they told her they would call again…Brown was so prostrated from fright he died. MM
A report from Jackson County says a vigilence committee was organized and Montgomery Stephens and William Flood were arrested. MM
Rumor says that Henry Norman was shot and killed at Blairsville last Sunday – another report is that he was not killed but wounded and could not recover. MM
Marshal Calvert and lady are both made to rejoice, a girl the cause. MM
Col. D.H. Brush has offered a $500 reward for parties who murdered Captain G.W. Sisney. MM
Prof. E.C. Hill writes to Rev. C.E. Cline from Minnesota. He has accepted the principalship of the Worthington Seminary at county seat of Nobles County. MM
20 Aug – At the home of J.B. Maddox, in Franklin County, one of the men killed by sheriff’s posse was named Summers…same gang visited a man named Brown, earlier…Brown was sick and has since died… a brother of Summers, who was killed, also died, was sick and died from hearing of the results of this affair. EP
Married Tuesday at Ewing, William S. Washburn, editor of the Egyptian Press and Miss Libba A. Kimball of Chicago. EP
Last Sunday near Raleigh, George D. Taylor and wife, both aged about 80 years, and a young lady were returning from church in a buggy…horse became frightened and threw them out…a stick was forced into one of Mr. Taylor’s eye, bursting the ball and injuring the other one… Mrs. Taylor had a leg broken and the young lady was considerably injured. Harrisburg Chronicle EP
The Franklin County Militia has arrested a man named Lawnis, supposed to be a member of the KKK. EP
Last Tuesday William Donehue, a young man living near Crainville was kicked by a mule in the breast. He called for water and his brother, who was with him, went to get it. When he returned he found the young man dead. EP
26 Aug – Who ever heard of J.D.F. Jennings resigning? He never did resign, but left here because he did not do his duty. MM
Re: Rumor of shooting of Henry B. Norman at Blairsville, incorrect. From Sparta Plain Dealer, a conversation between Norman and the editor: I came to this place from Williamson County and sent back for John F. Shankton to come and work for me. He worked about one month and, owing me some money, I took a bill of sale of some furniture, etc., as security… he returned to Williamson County near Carterville, to live. This morning at 6, he, in company with my brother-in-law, James T. King, drove up to my fence in a wagon… called me out. Shankton said he had some papers and wanted that property…an argument ensued and Shankton picked up a double barreled shotgun. I ran, he fired, hitting my arm, back and side and took off across the field. He is 22 years old. In further conversation with Mr. Norman and his stepfather, Mr. Davis, we learned that they, with their families and 2 or 3 other relatives had to leave Williamson County under threats of death from the Vendetta. These 2 men, along with 2 other: gave evidence before the U.S. Grand Jury against some of the assassins in that county, lives were threatened, the other 2 men having since been killed. About 46 shots were lodged in body of Norman, the greater portion in the right arm. Warm weather may produce mortification and cause amputation of his arm. MM
Miss Eva Bush is feared fatally injured by falling from the top of a log her brother was hauling to the Makanda mill…she is unconscious. Later, 22 Aug., Miss Bush was married this morning by Rev. F.M. Agnew to John McGee of Carbondale…she was not able to raise her head during ceremony. This would seem to indicate her friends have lost all hope for her recovery. Grassy MM
A few days ago, Mrs. George Williams, whose husband had been in employ of Mr. Purdy at the mill on Crab Orchard, returned home after a brief absence and was stopped by a man disguised and masked, who asked where her husband was…said he had been watching the house and said to tell her husband to get away as soon as possible or we will kill him. She asked why and he, with several oaths, told her to shut her mouth. Mr. Williams left immediately. Carbondale Observer MM
William Donehue was plowing one mile west of Crainville.. Went to house for drink of water.. Returned to field, and while hitching mule to plow, the mule kicked him in the stomach. A boy with him asked if he was hurt. He said, “Plow a round and I will feel better.” The boy did and returned and found him dead. MM
Monroe Jack found this note at the draw bars on his farm at Wolf Creek: We hereby give you 20 days to leave this county and if you don’t do it we will shoot you as full of holes as the bottom of a sifter. Ku Klux MM
27 Aug. – Charles M. Oglesby, age 23, of Hamilton County, is accused of killing his wife, by cutting her throat with a razor. She was raised in Saline County, her maiden name was Brown. EP
______________________ September, 1875 ______________________
2 Sept. – Rev. C.W. Hutchison of Fairfield, from this county informs us he will likely move to Harrisburg. He will visit Pleasant Plains in this county sometime next month. Mrs. Hutchison is recovering from injuries received on the C and V Railroad some time since at Stonefort. MM
Rev. Braxton Parrish was born in North Carolina 24 Oct 1795 and located In Franklin County, 6 miles east of Benton in 1821. He died at the residence of his son in Benton, Monday August 16, 1875, aged 79 years, 9 months and 22 days… he was a pioneer of M.E. Church in Southern Illinois, organized first Methodist class meeting in this county at place where Dr. Carter now lives. In 1822, served six years as County Judge…elected in 1832 a member of State Senate to fill the vacancy by death of Conrad Will, for district composed of Jackson and Franklin Counties. Jackson County Era MM
Roy, 1 year old son of Henry L. Roberts of Corinth, died last week MM
Charles Coffey, who murdered Kavanaugh at Murphysboro will be tried next week In Union County. MM
Miles Brooks was arrested in Cobden Saturday evening for intoxiation…said he was a Ku Klux from Williamson County… several masks were found in his possession. He formerly lived at Carbondale.
A note was left on the premises of C.D. Howell, Grassy Township, Monday night of last week, telling him he could not live in this county. MM
9 Sept – Johnson County Journal 4th – There was much excitement at the Pierce House Tuesday night. Mr. Stanley went to bed with a revolver in pocket of his pants, muzzle side up. During the night he dreamed the Ku Klux was after him, in drawing the revolver it discharged…ball lodged near his elbow. Dr. Bratton removed the ball… MM
Died Friday at Carbondale, M.L. Fellows—lived here a short time. Leaves wife and 5 daughters; Mrs. Clemens; Mrs. Little; Mrs. Eubanks and 2 single. MM
The youngest of the Young family can now be found at G.W. Young‘s a girl – and yet George has no boys. MM
James W. Phillips was adjudged insane Tuesday and sent to the asylum at Anna. This is the man who had some toes pulled off by some of Jackson County’s “law abiding citizens”. George Masters also adjudged insane last Thursday and was taken to Anna. MM
Mr. Bowen has moved his shoe shop to the room recently occupied as a barber shop by Alva Kibby, first door north of Goddard block. P.H. Lang has moved his stock of goods to the house recently occupied by Westbrook and Howell, southeast corner of public square. Mrs. M.E. Goddard left Monday evening for St. Louis to purchase stock of millinery goods for her fall trade. Bundy and Denison are moving their drug store to the old stand of T.J. Newton, first door west of Goodall Block. MM
County Commissioner’s Record – J.D.F. Jennings, as states attorney for this county is indebted to the School Fund in this county for $927… ordered $300 to be paid for arrest of Dock Burnett for the murder of James Gibbs. MM 16 Sep (See the post, Al Jennings )
10 Sept – Gupton was found guilty of manslaughter in Johnson County and sentenced to 4 years. EP
James M. Ferrell of Dallas, Texas, formerly of this county, visited with friends and relatives here. EP
16 Sept. — The following is a complete list of the Ku Klux of Williamson County of whom writs have been issued: Calvin Moore, Aaron Neal, George Herd, George Proctor; Rufus Striplin; Williamson Friley; Henderson Summers, Thomas Summers Jr., William Plasters Jr., Green M. Cantrell, John Duckworth, Hiram Summers, William Boyd Jr., Thomas Poage, William Scarlet, James Launius, William Launius, Huston Summers, Enoch Summers, Randall Poindexter, Elias Summers, Calvin Summers, Daniel Summers, Ambrose Summers, Mandex Summers, Joseph Hughines, Marve Shaw, Benjamin Herd, William C. Perriman Sr., James Absher, Lafayette Absher, William Knight Jr., John Vincon, James Bailey, William Nolan, John R. Moore, Frank Fleming, James Shain, Robert Summers Sr., Aiken Plasters Sr., Scott Summers and Henry Johnson. All of which are false as there are none of the above persons, citizens of Williamson County. {Likely, written because of statements printed in the Benton newspapers concerning the criminal activities in Williamson County. MM
Friday morning B.F. Lowe arrived here from Cairo with a man named Samuel Music, charged with killing Mr. Spence at Crainvllle on July 11th … He confessed and said the killing was done by an organized clan and that Noah W. Crain, William Crain, Jasper Crain, Samuel B. Crain, Marshall Crain, Allen Baker and John Bulliner were in the organization…all were arrested except Marshall Crain who has fled the country… MM 16 Sep Music was in the employ of Col. Landrum but now claims to be a resident of Missouri… EP 10 Sep
A lad by the name of Forbes was arrested in Carterville a few days ago… said he shot or knows who shot Capt. G.W. Sisney. MM 17 Sep
17 Sept. — Dr. J.C. Mitchell and family, accompanied by Miss Minnie White, left here for Ripon, Kansas yesterday. EP
D.H. Evett who resides 3 miles northwest of Marion has informed us that he has sold off his personal property and will soon leave for the west. EP
LOST – All persons are warned not to negotiate for or buy certain promissory notes drawn to the order of J.O. Freeman of Carbondale, Ill., in favor of Hoover and Co. The first drawn of William E. Wiley for $162, second and third on Timothy Cagle and John Price for .45 each, lost by me on Saturday, September 4, 1875 on the road between William Wiley’s farm and Marion. Marion, Ill., September 13, 1875 John Dowell EP
John Shanklin who shot Henry B. Norman In Randolph County some time since, was “taken in out of the wet” at Carterville Monday night… in county jail. EP
Allen Baker, Samuel R. Crain and John Bulliner who are supposed to be the murderers of George Sisney, were taken to Murphysboro yesterday. BP
23 Sept. – Mr. Picard of this place has sold his farm in the northern part of the county to Rev. R.W. Perdue and calculates to start for Texas in a short time. MM
Samuel Music says Marshall Crain, brother of “Yaller” Bill and “Jep” did the shooting of both Sisney and Spence…said Wes Crain is Marshall’s brother, Jep and Yaller Bill are brothers and Marshall is a brother of theirs. MM
24 Sept – Mrs. Norman, wife of Solomon, a few miles northeast of here, died last night…very old but had been sick only a short time. EP
Old Uncle Johnny Crain died at his residence 2 miles west of here last Sunday___78 years old — came to county when it was a vast wilderness…was Mason more than half a century— EP
Samuel Music confessed to murder and as a result Samuel R. Crain, “Big Jep” Crain, “Yaller ” Bill Crain, “Black Bill” Crain, John Bulliner and Allen Baker werearrested — all charged with being connected with murders of Sisney at Carbondale and Spence at Crainville. Only Marshall Chain remains at large… [Lengthy account]—Samuel R. Chain released for want of evidence. EP
30 Sept – A special train ran from Marion to Carbondale for persons desiring to attend the funeral of Anna P., daughter of Jesse and Rebecca P. Bishop, died 24 Sep, 6 years, 9 months and 6 days. MM
Married 25 Sept. by Squire G.W. Young, Benjamin L. Hutchens and Elizabeth Whittington. MM
Died 20 Sep, Zenas Boles, 1 year, 3 months and 12 days…died 28 Sep, Mrs. Nannie Edrington. MM
Last Sunday B.P. Lowe arrived from Arkansas with Marshall Crain, captured at Pocohantas… Crain was armed with a shotgun, rifle and pistol (the one Spence was shot with), but Frank caught him napping—was taken to Murphysboro and placed under guard, the jail being so crowded, there was no room for him. MM
_____________________ October, 1875 ______________________
1 Oct. – A little daughter and only heir of Judge Bishop died Thursday of last week. EP
Nannie Edrington, wife of John B. Edrington of this place, died last Tuesday night of consumption. EP
Terry C. Crain was arrested Sunday at Crainville for the murder of old Mr. Burbridge at Crab Orchard Bridge, Jackson County, in the fall of 1862…killing happened the day the 128th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers left for Camp Butler. EP
(The Egyptian Press began publishing on Wednesdy with the October 6, 1875 edition.)
6 Oct. – Mrs. Richmond Carter, living north of Galatia, met with an accident last Sunday afternoon, probably fatal.. some boys left a loaded revolver on the mantle…she took it down and for some unexplained reason, cocked it and commenced hammering the cap with a case knife, with the muzzle held toward her… the gun went off and shot her in the bowels. EP
Last Thursday afternoon, William Brewer, aged 19, son of William Brewer, Sr. had his right arm caught , drawn in and mangled while feeding a threshing machine. The arm was amputated between the elbow and the shoulder. Carbondale observer EP
Marshall W. Phillips and Mary J. Crawley were married last Sunday in the western part of county. EP
7 Oct. – Died Saturday, Temperence, consort of J.W. Seay, aged 78 years…died in hope of immortality. MM
Business cards:
Robert L. McKean has rented a room above the post office and intends fitting up a picture gallery by the first of next month…has bought stock in trade of former gallery of “Honest Dow” on north Main Street where he can be found until November 1.
William F. Erwin has removed his stock of drugs from Carbondale to Elkville. Jackson County.
P.I. and A.F. Mcinturf, proprietors of Farmers Mills.
Robertson & Davis, Studybaker wagon, best New Haven open and top buggies, also M.W. Robertson’s mammoth stock of cooking and heating stoves, hardware, etc. Also Thomas Davis Livery Feed and sale stable, one block east, south side East Main Street.
J.B. Bainbridge, dry goods. The poor man’s friend has arrived. Old fogeyism done away with. West Main St.
Ingersoll & Sheppard, watches, school books, stationary, east side of square, Carbondale, west side of square, Marion.
Vick S. Stephens, grocery, successors to M.T. Vick, east side of square. MM
13 Oct. – Marshall Crain attempted an escape from the Murphysboro jail Sunday, just after midnight… told guards he needed to step outside and answer a call of nature.. . threw handful of lime in the guard’s face… captured before he got out of town. EP
Thomas Ray, old and respected farmer of Lake Creek Township, died some 10 days aqo… went out to work in morning and was found dead soon after in the field…had been troubled with heart disease for many years. EP
14 Oct. – Randall Allen of Rock Creek died last Monday…one of our oldest citizens. MM
Allen Baker and John Bulliner were sentenced to 25 years for murder of George W. Sisney in Jackson County. MM
Jeremiah Owens of this county, rode from Scoharie Prairie to DuQuoin Sunday night with state’s warrant for Jesse Eason, charged with attempting to murder A.A. Lawrence last Friday…Eason was moving away, owed Lawrence, who called upon him for payment. Eason picked up a fence rail and knocked him off his horse and commenced further violence when a nephew of Eason arrived and prevented further violence…brought back to this county… bond $500. MM
Samuel Music and Marshall Crain were brought here yesterday and lodged in county Jail. MM
R.P. Dodds of Atilla and William Bird of Stonefort have exchanged locations. Mr. Dodds will continue in the mercantile business. MM
20 Oct – The sheriff’s salary was set at $750 per year, $250 per year for clerk, hire, fuel and stationary. EP
Milton “Mit” Baxter , indicted last fall for the murder of Vincent Hinchcliff, was arrested at the fair…released on $3,000 bond. 20 Oct EP and 21 Oct MM
Black Bill, Yellow Bill and Big Jep Crain got a change of venue to Alexander County…EP
We understand the grand ]ury indicted Monroe Jack, Calvin Craig and Robert Craid for perjury…. They swore alike for Black Bill Crain. EP
21 Oct – A.D. Violette and Levi Ferrell are going to start for Kansas next month, will probably select a location for a future home. MM
Pad Henderson was sentenced to 1 year for malicious mischief. His time in jail was short and he was soon informed what it costs in this county to ax a cow. MM
William Massey was tried on charge of resisting an officer… fined $100 and sentenced to 1 hour in Jail. MM
People vs Field Henderson, charged with murder of Vincent Hinchcliff… States Attorney entered a nolle. MM
In memorial – No. 89 A.F. & A.M. – death of John Crain, full of years. MM
Tim Cagle, a young man indicted for attempt to murder G.W. Sisney was acquitted. MM
Marshall Crain plead not guilty on Tuesday to murder of William Spence… pled guilty on Wednesday. MM
Aaron Heal indicted for manslaughter [Franklin County) … brought here on change of venue…case continued. MM
27 0ct. – Thomas J. Helton and Hattie Ray were married in this city on the 14th. EP
John Bulliner, sentenced to 25 years, kissed his mother and brother Monroe goodbye.. 28 Oct. MM … Bulliner and Maker are at Joliet.. Bulliner preferred the tailor’s trade and Baker concluded to spend his time in a shoe shop. 27 Oct. EP
Charley Kern of the dry goods firm of Young & Kern married Kate Mitchell at the residence of the bride’s father, Sion Mitchell in Northern Precinct Sunday last. EP
28 Oct. – Died in Vienna on the 13th, Joshua, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Wilhelms, aged 13 years and 3 months. MM
Marshall Crain was sentenced to hang for the murder of William Spence. . . wife wept bitterly.. . he sent for Wash Sisney to visit him and confessed to killing his father.. . pled with him to forgive him. MM
Public Notice – James Moore filed a petition for appointment as conservator for person and property of Mariah F. Moore, alleged to be insane and incapable of caring for her property. MM
The grand jury indicted Leander Ferrell for manslaughter. MM
Lake Creek Lodge No. 729 A.F. & A.M. was duly constituted and the officers installed at Jeffersonville on Saturday October 23 A.D. 1875. MM
_____________________ November, 1875 ______________________
3 Nov – John Oglesby, a young man living a short distance south of here, died last Thursday. EP
4 Nov – Charles Erwin, 78 years old, died Wednesday last.. .member of Baptist Church 40 years… MM
James, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sealy, died Thursday week…taken a chill and died in 3 hours.. .truly the old and young are alike, called to the tomb. MM
Dr. Bentley and family left on the morning train last Tuesday for Welman, Colorado County, Texas, where they contemplate residing… Mel Hargon went with them…10 Nov EP_and 11 Nov MM
10 Nov – The Egyptian Press is 6 months old. EP
Monroe Jack was arrested Saturday, filed bond required and was set at liberty… EP
11 Nov. — The first of the week, Samuel Gardom and family, Washington Roper and family and another man started for Morris County, Kansas to locate. Some of Gardom’s stock got away before he got out of this county. .. he was back here on Tuesday looking for them… stock had returned to Saline County from whence they had started… he has now safely arrived in his western home.. DuQuoin Tribune… Mr. Gardom was once a citizen of this place. MM
Richard G. Fleming and Mary E. Newton were married at the residence of the bride’s father on October 27 by Rev. G.W. Lamaster. Married Wednesday of last week, George Weaver and Annie Marvel In Northern Precinct. MM
13 Nov – Mrs. John A. Logan arrived here for a visit last Saturday with her sister, Mrs. M.C. Campbell. MM
17 Nov – Bloody Williamson elected a full Republican ticket. Now for peace and good order. DuOuoin Tribune EP
William S. Calvert, living 2 miles east of here, died Wednesday, Nov. 24th aged 47 years and 6 months, born Johnson County 24 May 1828…member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church for 25 years… made a Mason 6 Sep 1854, also member of Patrons of Husbandry… he was a kind and affectionate husband … buried in this place on Thursday by the Masonic Fraternity. 25 Nov MM & 1 Dec EP
Mrs. Martha A. Newton, wife of Thomas and daughter of S. Dunaway died at residence of S. Dunaway in this city, on the 30th… funeral held at father’s home… burial in Bainbridge. 1 Dec EP & 2 Dec MM
25 Nov – S.W.S. Pribble has again located here and established a tailor shop on the west side of the public square. MM
______________________ December, 1875 ______________________
1 Dec. — Marshall Crain, sentenced to be hung for the murder of William Spence, was baptized in Mann and Edwards mill pond last Sunday afternoon by Elder W.H. Boles… He was dressed in a long white robe and desired to wear that when he goes to the gallows… He was under the guard of 10 militia men, commanded by Lt. Hendrickson. There was a large crowd considering the bad weather. EP
2 Dec – A company of militia was organized at Crab Orchard last Saturday. J.T. Cunningham, Capt., George Burnett, 1st. Lt., John Davis, 2nd. Lt. We are Informed J.W. Landrum of Crainville will address the company at Crab Orchard next Saturday week. MM
6 Dec – Jerry Callahan, leader of highway robbers in Jackson County, died at home sometime last week. EP
Warren, arrested for bigamy some days ago was taken to Carterville to answer the charge of robbery. EP
9 Dec – Died at residence of parents in Marion, Friday Dec 3., Daniel Webster Hartwell, aged 15 years and 6 months, son of Joseph and Martha—member of Friends of Temperance.. .was a student at S.I. Normal University, funeral at Methodist Church here, of which he was a member, burial in family burying place at Hartwell Meeting House, 5 miles north of Marlon. MM
An order was drawn up for $1,000 in favor of B.P. Lowe, the reward for the conviction of Marshall Crain. MM
Mr. Alfred P. Chitty died at his residence in the southwest part of the county Monday. MM
15 Dec. – Mrs. William Long, living about 3 miles south of town was in her yard rendering out some lard when her clothes caught fire and she Jumped Into a cistern… she was rescued, but died next morning. Albion Journal. EP
16 Dec – Pendergrass was cried In Jonesboro last week for murder of Kavanaugh in Murphysboro last year and sentenced to 24 years. MM
Henry Uhls, a lad of this place, was arrested for stealing a pistol from O.H. Wiley and selling it…charged with larceny, he was released from Harrisburg Jail recently for a like offense. MM
22 Dec Dr. W.H. Parker of this county intends visiting the southwest for the purpose of looking out a location and at the same time practice his profession. EP
M.N. Simmons and Amanda Mcgowen were married last Sunday. EP
23 Dec – Samuel Hulkey, Joseph Gore and James Morgan broke jail at Vienna Tuesday night. MM
James Shanklin who attempted to kill Henry B. Norman in Randolph County last August, was released on $1500 bond Friday, mm
Marshall Crain attempted a Jail break Tuesday night…sawed through a ceiling which is a 9 inch timber…made it to the roof, tore a blanket and made a rope…was captured. MM
We have received a letter from Dr. Bentley from Weimar, Texas. EP
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 1)