Extracted chiefly from the newspapers, Marion Monitor (MM) and Egyptian Press (EP)
July 1881
At the Old Settlers Annual Celebration held 4th Jul at the fairgrounds, Rev. Wilford Ferrell, who had just returned to the county after 22 years in Texas, spoke of his younger days and happiness in old Williamson. Elder A.T. Benson submitted a memorial to the old settlers who had passed to the other shore since the last meeting:
William Groves, died 19 Nov 1880, aged 71 years
Thomas Pulley, died Dec 1880, aged 72 years
Hardy Conley, died 2 Apr 1881, aged 76 years
R.M. Hundley, died 2 May 1881, aged 60 years
EP and MM 7 Jul 1881
The Carter brothers, of Thompsonville, who killed Rains were sentenced to three years each. MM 7 Jul 1881
Deaths:
Mrs. J.B. Calvert died here Saturday of consumption.
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Will J. Aikman died today.
Daniel Sanders, two miles east, died Tuesday, the 5th. He had erysipelas for years. EP 7 Jul 1881
John A. Logan sunk a shaft for coal at Murphysboro, the coal wasn’t there and therefore John has sunk $20,000. EP 14 Jul 1881
Attila – It’s a girl for J. Allsap and wife – their first. MM 14 Jul 1881
Deaths:
John H. Manier, 2 months and 25 days, son of John E. and Alice, died at Carbondale 12 Jul. The funeral was held at the Christian Church here with burial in the Marion Cemetery. EP and MM 14 Jul 1881
Eliza Avery, wife of George, three miles north, died Monday after a very short illness.
The wife of Washington Lewis, three miles southeast, died Sunday after lingering six weeks with typhoid fever. She was the daughter of Mr. J. Cash. EP 14 Jul 1881
Legals:
Adi. notice – Mary J. Wilburn admrs. estate of Richard T. Wilburn
Chancery sale – Michael J. Gill vs Silas Parker MM 14 Jul 1881
Lake Creek – Warren Pike and family of Kansas are visiting friends and relatives in this vicinity. MM 21 Jul 1881
Partridgeville News – The first death occurred in our town on the 5th, which was the child of L.W. Spencer. MM 21 Jul 1881
Minnie Smith and R.E. White, of Carterville, were married 17 Jul at the home of her parents. MM and EP 21 Jul 1881
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Manier extend kind and sincere thanks to Mrs. James Bryden of Carbondale, for her self-sacrificing care and attention toward their babe while it was sick. Also to Mrs. O. Spence and others for their kindly assistance at the funeral. EP 21 Jul 1881
Mr. Yesky, father-in-law of M. Cantor, died one day last week in New York City of cancer of the stomach. EP 21 Jul 1881
Legals:
Chancery sale – James Vinson, for the use of J.B. Brown vs Richard Oliver et al, foreclosure of mortgage
Adi. notice – John M. Crain admr. estate of O.H. Wagoner
Non-resident notice – Tropp G. Manker vs Oliver P. Manker, Louisa J. Manker and Leonidas Manker, all three non-residents. MM 21 Jul 1881
Bluford Gibbs of Cheatham County, Tennessee, arrived here one day last week and will remain a month or so. He is the nephew of Levi Simmons.
Henry T. Goddard, who has been in Conway, Missouri the past three or four months, doing business for William R. Hall, returned home last Thursday. Master Roy Hall accompanied him home and will visit relatives here a short time. Mr. Goddard will remain here. We understand Mr. Hall has sold his business at Conway and will go to New Mexico. EP 28 Jul 1881
August 1881
Deaths:
Britton West, 25 years, 2 months and 28 days, living three miles southwest, died Monday night after a two days illness of sporadic cholera. He was a member of the Marion Lodge of The Knights of Honor and has a brother and sister to whom his $2,000 policy will be paid. He was a teacher in our schools a long time. He was buried by the Knights on Tuesday. MM and EP 28 Aug 1881
“Doc” Palmer died Monday of pneumonia at Carterville.
A brakeman named Hunter, on conductor John E. Manier’s train, was run over Tuesday and almost instantly killed. MM 28 Aug 1881
There is a movement to get James C. Norris out of the pen. He was sent up from this county in 1876 for the murder of James Henderson in 1874. EP 4 Aug 1881
All persons who have penny royal growing on their lands are requested and urged to take care of the same, as the undersigned will pay a good price for it. Remember this and save it all. R. Borton of the Frame Mills. EP 4 Aug. 1881
Carterville – The miners here want 75 cents a ton for digging coal. The company offers 45 cents. We look for a strike. MM 4 Aug 1881
Deaths:
Mrs. Joseph Dobson of Carterville died Monday. She leaves a husband and three little children.
Corinth – S.I. Hearn, son of W.E., who returned from Florida soon after his father in May, died 15 Jul at home of brother-in-law, J.L. Roberts . Burial was in Union Grove. The father is still very feeble. MM 4 Aug 1881
Mrs. Sicily H. Hartwell, 62 years and 8 months, mother of J.W. and L.D., died 29 Jul at the residence of her son-in-law, Abraham Kelley in Lake Creek Precinct. EP 4 Aug 1881
A grand brass band tournament will be held at Galatia on the 27th.
Mr. Maltby tells us an address will be delivered by Prof. Welch in the forenoon and in the afternoon one will be delivered by Hon. James M. Gregg. EP JM Aug 1881
Metropolis Democrat – Miss Flora Davis returned Saturday night from an extended visit with old friends in Marion, Illinois, her former home. She was accompanied by Miss Helen Yost, a niece of our late deceased townsman, William J. Yost. She is visiting the family of Dr. S.H. Bundy. EP 11 Aug 1881
George Senter, son of Rev. E.F. Senter, and Nannie Reynolds were married Sunday at the residence of the bride’s father, J.H. Reynolds, in this city. EP and MM Aug 9 1881
Lake Creek – The new schoolhouse is rapidly nearing completion. Prof. Duncan will take charge of the school. MM 11 Aug 1881
The old rope and bucket at the well in the park have been replaced by a new rope with a bucket at each end. This makes it much better, as while one bucket is coming up full, the other is going down. MM 11 Aug 1881
Benton Standard. Aug 5 – Last week Steve Herd was put out of Tobe Hungate’s saloon in Thompsonville. On Wednesday, he went to Thompsonville and was arrested. John Sheppard was the officer guarding him. Sam Pemberton came and tried to rescue Herd, drew a cocked revolver and pointed it at Sheppard. A man named Miller took it away. He reached in his hip pocket with his left hand and pulled out a self-cocking revolver. As he presented it to Sheppard, Sheppard threw his right hand, with the revolver, around Herd’s neck and shot Pemberton in the head. He died that night. EP 11 Aug 1881
Mr. A. Ackerman, editor of the Observer in Carbondale, died at home there Thursday, aged 62. He was a member of Knights of Honor. He leaves a wife and several grown up sons and daughters. EP 11 Aug 1881
At Tamaroa last Thursday, William Watts, city marshal, was stabbed and killed by James Vaughn, while trying to arrest Vaughn for disturbing the peace. Vaughn had been drinking. EP 11 Aug 1881
Adi notice – R.M. Willeford and J.D. Neeley admr estate of H.F. Willeford MM 11 Aug 1881
Dick Wharton, an old Carterville boy, is now a resident of New Mexico. MM 18 Aug 1881
Cairo Argus 9 Aug – A case of garroting occurred on the levee above 8th Street last night. George S. Wyatt, a butcher of Marion, Williamson County, was here enroute to Dexter, Missouri to get his family, which has been visiting there. He fell in with Red Dillon, John Lyon and another similar character here and after they had drank together several times, thay took a walk along the levee. Lyon and Dillon robbed Wyatt of $45. After they left, the third one knocked him down. Lyon was arrested. Dillon has not been found yet. EP 18 Aug 1881
A new bridge is being built over Crab Orchard Creek, just south of town. The veteran bridge builder, Steve Harrison, has charge of the work. EP 18 Aug 1881
The People vs Thomas Ice and William Chamness charged with racing on the highway, case nolled. EP 18 Aug 1881
A case of hair pulling occurred on the north side of the square last week. The contestants were Olie Calvert and Mrs. Ed Calvert, the cause was family difficulties. In a short time the air was filled with flying hair, articles of dress and c. It finally ended with Olie knocking the other down with a bucket. Olie was fined. MM 18 Aug 1881
The Carbondale Observer is in the hands of Emily and Ed S. Ackerman, the daughter and son of the late A. Ackerman.
Last Friday was the hottest day the citizens of this place ever saw – 110 degrees in the shade.
George Watson has tired of Illinois and will go west in a short time.
Frank Rice starts the Press to his brother, Thomas, at Maiden, Missouri.
A son was born last Thursday to Dr. John W. Vick. EP 18 Aug 1881
Deaths:
The wife of Barton Pulley was buried in the Mclnturff burying ground Friday.
Mr. Peebles, of Kentucky, who was visiting at the home of a friend in the southeast part of the county, died the 10th. EP 18 Aug 1881
Marriages:
Mr. Stull and Annie Ralls, both of this city, were married Monday of last week.
Mr. Little and Miss Hunter were married Saturday in Lake Creek Precinct. A most excellent combination to pun on, but – we refrain.
James R. Smith and Maggie Basinger were married Tuesday in the office of Squire Holland. Both are of the southeast part of the county and both rode horseback to town and rode back home on horseback. G.W. Brock and Sgt. W.H. Campbell were also at the wedding. EP 25 Aug 1881
Tuesday evening, a cavalcade of young persons, consisting of five men and two women, rode in to town, up to the square, where they all alighted and hitched their horses. One of their number then went to the County Clerk’s office and got a marriage license, after which the whole party went before Squire Holland, who married a young man named Smith to a girl named Basinger, daughter of Hiram Basinger. They are both from Southern Precinct and it is said to have been a runaway match. MM 25 Aug 1881
Crab Orchard – Captain Caplinger is still smiling – it’s a girl.
Uncle Ham Corder celebrated his 83rd birthday and is still spright1y.
George Furlong says he remembers a drought about 90 years ago like unto this. He was ten years old at that time. MM 25 Aug 1881
An Ohio woman owed her hired hand $320. She married him to square the account and then for $60 secured a divorce, saving $260 by the two transactions. And yet the Boston papers say women are poor financiers. MM 25 Aug 1881
Lake Creek – Sylvester Williams returned from a trip through Missouri. He expects to move there shortly and several others will accompany him. MM 25 Aug 1881
Last Saturday, R. Borton, of the frame mills, bought the first lot of new corn offered in this market and on Monday made a good quality of meal with it. This is an instance of the earliest maturity of corn ever known to the citizens of Williamson County. EP 25 Aug 1881
Barton Free Press – Sunday morning of last week, Chester McCowen, living near Carterville, procured some seed of jimson weed for horse medicine…. put some in a teacup and placed it in the cupboard…. Mrs. McCowen, in the hurry of getting breakfast, mistook the seed for coffee and prepared it for the table…. All of the family, five in number, partook of it and in a short time became violently ill… all recovered, but suffered greatly. MM 25 Aug 1881
Deaths:
James Littrell, an old, one-legged citizen of Crab Orchard, died the 11th, aged 78.
Mary A. Ewan, 52 years and 4 months, died 17 Aug at her residence in this city…. was ill two weeks…. was member of Christian Church 30 years, joined the one here in 1869….leaves a husband and two children, one, Mrs. John F. Lusk, of Grass Lake, Michigan arrived here several days before she died. Burial was in Sanders graveyard.
Card of thanks from T.S. Ewan and Mrs. J.F. Lusk. MM 25 Aug 1881
Miss Missouri Russell, 20, of this city, died Tuesday of typhoid fever. MM and EP 25 Aug 1881
Hall’s Vegetable Sicilian Hair Remover. For restoring gray hair to its youthful color and life…. will increase and thicken hair growth, prevent blanching and falling off, thus averting baldness. R.P Hall & Co., Hashua, New Hampshire. EP 25 Aug 1881
Our opulent friend, A.M. Askew, sends the Press to his brother, John S. Eubanks at Ashland, Oregon. EP 25 Aug 1881
September 1881
Benton Chronicle – Our county is again infested with Ku Klux. A few night ago, a party of men rode up to the residence of two of the most prominent citizens of Needmore, a small village near Webb’s Prairie, on the Mcleansboro Road, and left the following warnings, together with a piece of rope and a bunch of hickory switches at each house, one was as follows: “If yu doant git yure hous fixt so hits fit to liv in by cold wether, youll be sumarirly delt with.” The other,”Yu had better quit lyin or we’ll give yu a harder likin than yu ever giv that gurl yu took to raze.” It is needless to say that the above requests have been complied with. EP 1 Sep 1881
Theodore Campbell accompanied his invalid brother to the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan last week. He informs us that Mr. H. Goodall, who has been at the sanitarium all summer, is much improved and with the aid of crutches can walk about at his option. EP 1 Sep 1881
Anthony Feator, his wife and little daughter were injured when their horse became frightened and threw them out of their vehicle near Squire VICK’s residence. Dr. Bentley attended them. EP 1 Sep. 1881
C.C. Stotlar and Helen Yost were married a few days ago at Metropolis. EP 1 Sep 1881
A large pond is being dug at the fairgrounds, in case the drought continues. It will be kept filled with water. MM 1 Sep. 1881
The boy stood in the melon patch, Whence all but him had fled, And visions of a royal feast, Went dancing through his head. But the farmer and a bull dog came, And the boy, Oh where is he? Go ask the doctor man who patched His sore an-at-o-mee! MM 1 Sep. 1881
Henry Goddard left Tuesday for Conway, Missouri where he will probably engage in business. MM 1 Sep 1881
Mr. and Mrs. M.K. Hobbs, of Turner, Kentucky are visiting her parents, Rev. E.F. Senter and wife of this city. EP 1 Sep 1881
Crab Orchard – Flour, $3.20 per bushel at Crab Orchard Mills Corn meal, 80 cents per bushel.
Cash Norman has sold out and will move to Eureka Springs, Arkansas next week.
John Peebles laughs out loud. They have not named it yet. MM 1 Sep 1881
On Thursday, the crazy man Tigue escaped from the poor house and came to this city…. had a large knife and cut a long slit in the sign of Hargon & Pillow…. was finally disarmed and put in jail. MM 1 Sep 1881
Legals:
Sheriff’s sale – Judgment against Jasper N. Conley in favor of Jerome B. Holland MM 1 Sep 1881
C.G. Menees and J.W. Bradley admrs. estate of James Menees vs Eliza Farmer, Axon Farmer et al, petition to sell real estate. EP 1 Sep. 1881
Deaths:
James Borum, 69, living five miles southeast, died Thursday…. a citizen of the county 42 years. EP 1 Sep 1881
Nick Wilford, 22, of Anna, son of JESSE, committed suicide on the 23rd…. stood in front of a large mirror behind the store where he is employed, in order, it is supposed, to see how to place the muzzle of the Smith and Wesson revolver he had taken from the showcase for that purpose…. lingered several hours. MM 1 Sep 1881
J.W. Whitlock, of Carbondale, and Martha Connell of Jonesboro, were married 1 Sep at residence of D.A. Connell in this city. EP 8 Sep 1881
Last Thursday, an apple cutting was held at the home of Mrs. Serena Carter in Grassy Precinct. About 12 o’clock, a row came up between Abe Deming and John Rice. Deming was getting the worst of it and his brother, Frank, tried to help him and was held back by a young man named Grimes. A young man named Yewell stepped up and was stabbed by Frank Deming, who fled. Yewell exclaimed, “I’m cut. I’m killed,” and died within five minutes. Deming is 17 and Yewell was 19, the son of Charles. CMM says it was a peach cutting party. EP says home of Mrs. Serena Corder.] EP and MM 8 Sep 1881
Herrin’s Prairie – Miss Clemma Spiller has again been employed to teach school on the prairie.
John S. Parsons has had another accession to his family of late. The young gentleman is doing well and promises to do valiant service in the cause of Republicanism in the near future. MM 8 Sep 1881
Lake Creek – Twenty families passed through during last week, enroute to Stoddard County, Missouri. We must let them have corn real cheap next fall, when they get back. Jake Grant’shound dog assassinated several of Jake Moake’s geese. We now want a part of the dog tax laid carefully to one side for a goose fund. MM 8 Sep 1881
H.T. Goddard orders the Monitor changed from Conway, Missouri to Lebanon, Missouri.
Marion Boles, son of Elder W.H. Boles, formerly of this place, is visiting from Nebraska. MM 8 Sep 1881
Oliver Cox and family expect to move to Missouri next week. MM 15 Sep 1881
S.M. Mayhew of Carbondale and Cynthia E. Calvert of Marion were married 7 Sep at the residence of bride’s mother, Mrs. J.L. Calvert by Elder A.T. Benson.
W.L. Smith and Alice Kimmel were married 7 Sep at the home of M.L. CRUSE, by Rev. A.T. Benson. MM 15 Sep 1881
Deaths:
Carbondale Free Press – Mrs. Aaron Lipe, of near Pomona, last Thursday had a seven month old babe on her lap and was sitting near a stove where dinner was cooking, her three year old playing at her feet. The house girl lifted a boiler of hot coffee from the stove, one of the ears of the bail broke, scalding the children. The babe died the next day, the other is painfully scalded, but out of danger. MM 15 Sep 1881
In Johnson County, a man named Roberts shot and killed a man named John Adams, the cause was an old grudge. EP and MM 15 Sep 1881
Near Dongola, a man named Hazel, an ex-convict, got mad at a woman and beat her child, which died in a few minutes. MM 15 Sep 1881
Harrisburg Chronicle – Delia, 11 year old daughter of Robert Krantz, living in eastern part of town, tried to kindle a fire in the stove with coal oil in a glass can, which was half full and exploded. She died about 11 o’clock, after four or five hours. The parents were in Nashville, Tennessee. EP 15 Sep 1881
The old settlers of Jackson County will hold a reunion at the fairgrounds at Murphysboro the 22nd. General J.A. Logan will address the gathering. EP 15 Sep 1881
Dr. Bundy and family have been called to Carterville because of the dangerous illness of his stepson. EP 15 Sep 1881
Centralia Democrat – Rev. Toothaker and his wife were thrown from a buggy Aug 27 between Salem and Iuka and both were seriously hurt. They sought succor in the nearby residence of Mr. Crippen. When they were ready to leave in the morning, he charged them $11.25. The Reverend paid it out of money he had saved to educate a son. Mrs. D.W. Patterson and Mrs. T.E. Merritt of Salem, upon learning of the circumstances, solicited $17 in cash and other useful family articles. EP 15 Sep 1881
Legals:
Non-resident notices – Mary Durand vs John Durand, bill for divorce
Henry Casey vs Nancy Casey, bill for divorce
Martha E. Hundley vs John T. Hundley, bill for divorce and injunction EP 15 Sep 1881
Governor Cullom pardoned J.M. Mosley who was convicted at the May term, 1881, of attempting to procure an abortion and sentenced to one year. This action will meet with the approbation of nearly all our people who are acquainted with the circumstances of the case. EP 15 Sep 1881
The governor has offered a $200 reward to the citizens of Union County for the arrest of Samuel Hazel, the murderer of the child Mollie Dalton, he is about 26 years old, 5′ 9″ tall, auburn hair, hazel eyes, high cheekbones, prominent Roman nose, sloping forehead and chin, smooth shaved, short, light moustache, bad countenance and brutal face. MM 22 Sep 1881
For sale – A valuable farm known as the George W. Akin farm, at Blairsville. 180 acres more or less. Apply to Charles A. Doten, Bridgeport, Connecticut. EP 22 Sep 1881
The news here is that Al Fowler, well known here, went to Thompsonvilie a few nights ago, broke into Dick Thompson’s stole, stole about $600 worth of goods, took them to Maiden, Missouri and set himself up in business. The officers are after him. EP 22 Sep. 1881
Legals:
Non-resident notice – Anna H. Ledbetter vs Martin V. Ledbetter, bill for divorce and alimony
C.G. Meneese and J.W. Bradley admrs. estate of James Maneese vs James Maneese,
Eliza Farmer and Axon Farmer, petition to sell real estate EP 22 Sep 1881
Robert Benson and Mrs. Mary Maxey, widow of Marion Maxey, both of Lake Creek Precinct, were married Wednesday of last week. EP 29 Sep. 1881
A protracted meeting was held at Perry’s Camp Ground the greater part of last week, with Revs. Lamaster, Scawthon and Mcalpin preaching. EP 29 Sep 1881
Legals:
Non-resident notice – William H. Casey, I.C. Colton, R.R. Abbott, Phillip O. Yowger, H.T. Durkee, W.J. Winnegar, H.S. Anderson and B.B. Robinson, rector, wardens and vestrymen of Grace Church of Springport, New York vs Joseph Davis, Ruth N. Davis, William T. Rainey, Joanna E. Southwick, Mary B. Tillinghast and Warren Southwick.
Final settlement notice – Permelia Sanders and William C. Sanders admrs. estate of Jesse Sanders EP 29 Sep 1881
Non resident notice – Martha M. Gill vs James W. Goddard and John V. Goddard, bill to perfect title.
Non-resident notice – Robert J. Murray vs William R. Boyd, David E. Boyd, Rufus K. Boyd, Ivison Boyd, Zatphosa Denquid Mary Ellen Boyd, June E. Boyd, Hardy Boyd and Lucy Ann Boyd
Final settlement notice – Margaret Baiar and John A. Baiar admrs. estate of John C. Baiar
Non-resident notice – Mary E. Groves vs John H.W.S. Groves, bill for divorce MM 29 Sep 1881
Eight Mile school – Pupils attending Nelson School who made an average of 80 or over for the week ending 16 Sep. Emma Stocks, Teacher.
| Class | A | Ibby Bush | 93 |
| Sirena Nelson | 92 | ||
| CI ass | B | Flora Elders | 85 |
| Milton Russell | 84 | ||
| Minnie Stone | 85 | ||
| Blanche Stone | 81 | ||
| Cornelia Nelson | 87 | ||
| Class | C | Samuel Russell | 91 |
| Florence Stocks | 90 | ||
| Emma Nelson | 89 | ||
| Lucy Williams | 80 | ||
| Cordelia Crane | 88 | ||
| Alice Crain | 88 | ||
| John Howard | 87 | ||
| Henry Elders | 82 | ||
| James Halstead | 88 |
MM 29 See 1881
Whereas, my wife, Narcissus Askew Shaw, has left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, notice is hereby given to all persons not to harbor or trust her on my account, as I will not be responsible after this date for any debts contracted by her. Marion, Ill, Sep 29, 1881 John W. Shaw MM 29 See 1881
George W. Stover, of Richhill, Missouri, will receive the Monitor and receive all news from Williamson County. MM 29 Sept 1881
The father and mother of Eldorado R. Martin, 19, of Southern Township, are dead. B.F. Chitty was appointed guardian and he made made his home with him. In July, he went to Keokuk, Iowa to enter Mercantile College and wrote several letters, each time asking for more money. Chitty wrote a letter to the college and learned he was selling papers and “knick-knacks” on one of the numerous railroads leading out of the city. Chitty then received a letter from Aplin, Arkansas, signed Mrs. E.R. Martin. She said she was Eldorado’s lawful wife, 21 years of age and demanded settlement of the property held in trust. An investigation revealed she was formerly Miss Lizzie More and lived near Carbondale and that she was poor. Her mother is supported by one of the churches in Carbondale. In August, Eldorado wrote and asked her to join him. Mr. Chitty will not pay until he becomes of age or another guardian is appointed. MM 29 Sep. 1881
Henry McHaney, formerly of this county, now residing in Dunklin County, Missouri, arrived here Monday, having in charge the notorious Al Fowler, whom he had arrested in Missouri on a charge of robbing the store of Dick Thompson at Thompsonville. There is a $100 reward. MM 29 Sep 1881
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 2)