Extracted chiefly from the newspapers, Marion Monitor (MM) and Egyptian Press (EP)
October 1881
Eight Mile Mrs. Holder was robbed of $40 or more on the 28th by three men. It was all the money she had. They seemed to know where she kept the money. MM 6 Oct 1881
Miss Ella Spiller will teach the school at Cottage Home. MM 6 Oct 1881
Young Deming, the murderer of Yewell, gave himself up last Saturday…. he has always borne a good reputation. MM 6 Oct 1881
Adi. notice – L.W. Miller admr. estate of Samuel R. Miller MM 6 Oct 1881
Deaths:
George W. Edwards of Crab Orchard died Sunday. _[MM 13 Oct says he died of congestion of the brain.]
Mr. Edd Barnett, living one half mile from here, had been rolling wheat ground. At sundown, he got on a mule to ride to the house. The mule threw him, his foot became entangled and the mule ran to the house, dragging him over a fence. His skull was broken and when his folks reached him, he was dead. EP 6 Oct 1881
Mrs. Bell Bundy, wife of William H., is at Moore’s Bridge, Alabama for her health. EP 6 Oct 1881
Crab Orchard – Tom Bundy is the giant boy. He is 19 years of age and fills a pair of No. 12’s. Tom is a stalwart of the first water.
The new Baptist Church will soon be complete. L.C. Parks presented it with a new bell.
The new school house just completed speaks well for the contractor and the committee. MM 13 Oct 1881
J.J. Hendrickson will leave next week for Verndale, Michigan to join his wife.
Henry Lamaster and wife will leave today for Rochester, Minnesota to make their home. MM 13 Oct 1881
F.A. Nance and Jennie Broad were married in Mrs. Broad’s parlor. The first bridesmaid and groomsman were Altha Hundley and George H. Goodall. The second ones were Meta Goodall and Will H. Warder. [Lengthy account and list of gifts] MM 13 Oct 1881
Deaths:
Uncle Joseph Hopper, 80 years, 9 months and 5 days, one of oldest citizens of Marion and the county, died 10 Oct. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery by the Masonic Lodge. EP 13 Oct 1881
Dr. J.M. McCarty, 45, of Carterville, died of pulmonary apoplexy Wednesday of last week while attending a fair in St. Louis. He was of the firm of McCarty and Fain, engaged in drug and saloon business. His wife died two years ago. He leaves four children. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery. [MM says body returned to Carterville and buried there.] MM and EP 13 Oct 1881
Frank C. Hartwell, 10 months and 8 days, son of L.D., died Wednesday, 11 Oct [Wednesday was the 12th]
Mr. Andrew Lewis is at present very ill at Carterville. Later -just as we close our forms, we learn he is dead.
Thompsonville– Mrs. Columbus Downs died the 6th of typhoid fever.
Mr. Jas. Sampley died the 7th of typhoid fever. EP 13 Oct 1881
Agnes Pamelia, 5 months and 11 days, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Pace, died 10 Oct, their only child. Burial was in Barham Cemetery.
Burnam [Texas] Sentinel – Oscar D. Phillips, 6, son of L.D., smothered to death 12 Sep in seed cotton on the estate of the late Capt. J.W. Williams. About 8 a.m., Oscar left the house saying he would go to the cotton house and get a sack and then go to the field where his father was. He playfully dug a hole in the cotton and crawled in. The cotton fell in on him. His father came to the cotton house to empty his basket and saw his child’s feet protruding. He was an only child. Burial was in the Independence graveyard. L.D. Phillips is a former resident of Marion. MM 13 Oct 1881
Alla Fowler, charged with robbing Dick Thompson’s store, had a preliminary hearing in Benton and was discharged. EP 1_3 Oct 1881
J.H.L. Rich and Alice Young were married yesterday at the Pulley House by Esquire B. Holland. EP 13 Oct 1881
Andrew Lewis, who died at Carbondale Wednesday of last week, was buried at his father’s residence three miles southeast. He was a member of the Marion Guards. EP 20 Oct 1881
Mrs. Abraham Lincoln is staying at a New York hotel. She is too ill to receive callers and passes most of her time in bed. EP 20 Oct 1881
Sheriff’s sale – Judgment against C.C. Sanders in favor of W.H Grant. EP 20 Oct 1881
Our old friend, Oliver Cox, writes us to send the Monitor to him at Peace Valley, Howell County, Missouri, where he has pitched his tent for a while, at least. MM 20 Oct 1881
W.H. Metzgar, of Irvine, Pennsylvania, was visiting his son, the editor of this paper [Charles W. Metzgar] last week. He had not seen him for 15 months. MM 20 Oct 1881
Last Friday, at Carbondale, John H. Potts, a sporting man from St. Louis, shot and killed Kelley Davis, a jockey from Carmi, over a bet…. he ran away and a policeman shot at him, missed and wounded Mr. Johnson of Carterville in the leg. [MM 27 Oct says Mr. Jordan, not Johnson.] MM 20 Oct 1881
It is a stated fact that no man ever came to the presidency who was born in a city.
Quinine is cheaper than it has been any time since the war. EP 27 Oct 1881
A bran new little Democrat made his appearance at Sheriff Duncan’s Tuesday. EP 27 Oct 1881
Sheriff’s sale – Judgment against James M. Craig, David Craig and William S. Cannon in favor of the People of the State of Illinois, for the use of William Z. Roach EP 27 Oct 1881
Deaths:
Mary E. Clope, 18, died of typhoid fever at the residence of Mrs. Whitlock in this city Friday. Burial was in Bethlehem Cemetery, Rev. G.W. MAY officiating.
Wilson B. Shearer, 60 years, 7 months and 20 days, died of typhoid fever 22 Oct at the residence of his son-in-law, J.M. Eubanks. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery, Rev. G.W. May officiating. EP 27 Oct 1881
Mary Wilkins, 101 years, 1 month and 10 days, probably the oldest person in the state, died in Marion County the 25th. MM 27 Oct 1881
W.A. Wiggs, of Washington County, and Theresa E. Stewart were married 25 Oct at the residence of the bride’s father, T.R. Stewart, by Rev. Loflin. MM 27 Oct 1881
In Memoriam – Co E 11 Regt Ill National Guards – Death of Andrew J. Lewis 12 Oct 1881. Sympathy to aged father, brothers and sisters.
Resolutions of Respect – Andrew Jackson Lodge AF & AM, Corinth – Death of Elijah Ross 27 Sep 1881 at his residence in Franklin County. MM 27 Oct 1881
November 1881
W.W. Grant is teaching at Crabtree School. EP 3 Nov 1881
Mt. Vernon News – Mrs. Zachariah Scates, who died recently at Carrollton, Illinois, was generally supposed to have reached the remarkable age of one hundred and twenty years. She often asserted that she could remember well when the American Independence was declared, and this, together with the fact that the youngest of her family is a man gray in years, afford the only means of knowing anything concerning her age. Her husband was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died in 1864. Although for some years blind and unable to walk, yet the old lady retained her mental faculties to the last. The physicians who attended her believed she was even older than above stated. EP 3 Nov 1881
According to rule, the fatal epidemic, Asiatic Cholera, will be due in America in 1881….is raging upon Russia and Austria now…. there is a possibility of it reaching our shores earlier than the usual 17 years ….it first visited this country in 1832, again in 1849 and a third time in 1866. EP 3 Nov 1881
Legals:
Chancery sale – Semonin & Dixon vs John B. Edrington and Sallie J. Edrington, foreclosure, EP 3 Jioy 1881
Adi. notice – Elizabeth Smith admrx. estate of Jeremiah Smith
Petition to sell real estate – John B. Willeford admr. estate of George A. Willeford VS Martha W. Pulley and Robert Pulley, George W. Willeford, William C. Willeford, Thomas H. Willeford, William T. Davis, Julia Davis, Susan Davis and Nancy Davis. MM 3 Nov 1881
Lli eilwh mih tnes teuqob eht rof B. ot sknaht nruter A. (read backwards) MM 3 Nov 1881
Obediah Strike, 75 years and 11 days, father of Mathew, died 16 Oct at Corinth. He was born in Pennsylvania 5 Oct 1806 and came to Illinois in 1846. Burial was in Corinth Cemetery. MM 3 Nov 1881
A match game of baseball was played at Carterville between the Oak Grove Club of Corinth and the Clipper Club of Carterville. The game was close. The Clippers won by one run – Clippers 9, Oak Grove 8. MM 3 Nov 1881
R.C. Proctor and wife arrived last week from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He is engaged in the lumbering business with Hugh Lauder. MM 10 Nov 1881
The wife of Dr. George W. Evans presented that gentleman with a ten pound boy last Friday EP 10 Nov 1881
Dr. W.H. Bentley was 47 years old yesterday. A reception and dinner were given for himself and family by Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Hargon at their residence. The doctor is a good eater. We actually believe he is worse on chicken than a yellow legged preacher.
A man named Martin died lately and the fellow who came in for a coffin was hard hearted enough to ask for a Martin box. EP 10 Nov 1881
Mr. J.W. CarmicaL, of Northern Precinct, informs us that James Morris and himself were elected Justices of the Peace and John Rains and George O. Mitchell constables in Northern. EP 10 Nov 1881
The Cincinnati prophet, James M. Swormstedt, once of the Methodist book concern, predicts the beginning of the end of the world on Nov 22, 1881, but the final windup of things is put off for forty years thereafter. During these forty years, however, there is to be untold calamities and suffering. EP 10 Nov 1881
Resolutions of respect – Masonic Lodge No. 89 AF AM – death of Joseph Hopper. EP 10 Nov 1881
Deaths:
Mrs. Scythia Ann Mayfield, 66 years and 5 months, died 16 Nov of typhoid fever at the home of her son-in-law, THOMAS M. PARRIGIN. Burial Was In Fountain Cemetery.
Dr. C.V. Corey, about 65 years old, formerly of this city, but later of Carterville, died there last Saturday. He leaves a young wife and 1 child. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery. EP and MM 17 Nov 1881
Charles McCarty, 25, of Carterville, died Friday of typhoid fever at his residence. He leaves a wife and 1 or 2 children. EP 17 Nov 1881
The name of the man killed in the mine at Carterville week before last was Holt. The roof caved in. He was the first man ever killed there.
Carbondale Observer – Mr. Williday, of Carterville, dropped dead on the street last Thursday.
Perry W. Davis, a promising young man of Cobden, died last Friday of typhoid fever. He was betrothed to Miss Fannie Roberts, formerly of this city. They were to be married in two weeks.
Michael Finn, of Saline Precinct, drowned Monday in Grassy Creek. It is said he had been drinking and fell in. The water was not over 18 inches deep. He leaves a wife and several small children. MM 17 Nov 1881
While in Anna we stopped at the Winstead Hotel, kept by Mr. Roberts, formerly of this city. He runs a first class hotel, assisted by his sons, Charles and Frank and daughter Fannie. MM 17 Nov 1881
Crab Orchard – C. Motsinger and Miss Bruce were married last week. Also, M. Bruce and Miss Sarah Drake MM 1_7 Nov 1881
Grassy– It’s not a voter this time, but a girl at William York’s. All doing well. MM 17 Nov 1881
Tom Hilliard, charged with the murder of Bruce Hendrickson, has a change of venue to Franklin County. EP 24 Nov 1881
Mr. Walter Snaden, of Carterville, died Sunday. He was a member of Herrin’s Prairie Masonic Lodge. EP 24 Nov 1881
Three paupers, a woman and her two little children, from Grassy Precinct, were taken to the Poor Farm last Sunday. As they were being conveyed through the public square in a road wagon, sitting upon the bare bottom of the wagon bed, very thinly clad, the little ones being bareheaded, the mother with a flimsy sun bonnet pulled down over her face, partly, perhaps through humiliation and partly to shield her pinched face from the cold, raw air of the day; and when we considered the uninviting, dirty, poorly provided for place to which they were going, we meditated and asked our self the question, is it true that “God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb!” EP 24 Nov 1881
The infant son of W.H. Phillips, of Carterville, died on Wednesday of last week of diphtheria. EP 24 Nov 1881
Estray notice – Taken up 24 Nov by Solomon D. Thompson, T9 R3 E, one red and white steer marked with a crop and under bit in right ear, under bit in left ear, branded on the right horn with a diamond and letter X on right hip. About 4 years old and appraised at $40. MM 24 Nov 1881
Frank M. Wise was found not guilty of murder. In April 1873, he was 19 years old. He sold some mules to Buck Newton, who was not happy. They met on horseback and Newton threw a huge rock at him. Wise shot and killed him. Wise went to Tennessee and then to Wellington, Kansas and entered into business there under the name Frank Chapman. He was twice elected alderman. He married Cora Randall there under his true name of Wise. He was arrested in October last year by a detective and released on his own recognizance. He assigned his property to his brother and came back here. After the verdict, a reception was given at the Cline House and the Marion Coronet Band serenaded him and his wife. Accompanied by Mr. Wise Sr. and R.H. Wise, he and his wife left for Stonefort. MM 24 Nov 1881
December 1881
A little child of James Hindman was terribly burned last Saturday when her dress caught fire from the grate. MM 1 Dec 1881
Russell, accused of killing Stocks about a year and a half ago, was acquitted after the jury hung for twenty four hours. MM 1 Dec 1881
Jane L. Nickens, wife of Rev. E.C.G. Nickens, died 24 Nov in Southern Precinct after a four days illness of heart clotting. They had been living in Pulleys Mill a short time. MM 1 Dec 1881
Lafayette E. Wells, of East St. Louis and Lenora Ezells, formerly of Marion, were married 24 Nov in Collinsville. MM 1 Dec 1881
John L.D. Hartwell will be married this evening to Miss West, sister of the late Britton West.
Ambrose H. Seay and Mrs. Louisa C. Campbell were married 24 Nov at the bride’s residence in this city by Rev. G.W. Scawthon.
John M. Springs and Stella T. Lodge, daughter of the late Nelson Lodge, Esquire, of Madison, Indiana, were married 22 Nov at the residence of the bride’s brother, Dr. A.N. Lodge by Rev. G.W. Scawthon EP 1 Dec 1881
F.M. Simpson, druggist at Vienna, was indicted by a grand jury for selling a bottle of McLean’s Strengthening Cordial. EP 1 Dec 1881
Deaths:
Hilliard Everett, an aged and respected citizen of Lake Creek Precinct, died very suddenly near his home last Thursday. He had left the house only a short time when his family found him a corpse.
Noah Avery, a prominent citizen of Townmount Prairie, Franklin County, died very suddenly last week. [Later said to be untrue.] EP 8 Dec 1881
Rachel H. Bentley, 81 years, 7 months and 7 days, mother of Dr. W.H. Bentley, died last Thursday at the residence of Dr. E.L. Denison. She was the mother of Mrs. Denison. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery. MM and EP 8 Dec 1881
Freeman Russell was sentenced to one year for breaking into the depot last spring. William Roberts, one of the participants, turned state’s evidence. MM 8 Dec 1881
John M. Robinson was acquitted of the murder of Cagle. MM 8 Dec 1881
John M. Robertson was acquitted of the murder of Vincent Cagle. EP 8 Dec 1881
Legals:
Chancery sale – To foreclose mortgage in which John C. Hundley was complainant and John W. Burton, admr. estate of Robert M. Hundley, was defendant. MM 8 Dec 1881
Final settlement notice – J.M. Cline and Arabella Mayhew admrs. estate of P.A.C. Mayhew
A chattel mortgage executed by J.M. Mccarty to Hampton L. Story and Isaac N. Camp, comprising firm of Story & Camp. EP 8 Dec 1881
Young B. Hill, of Carbondale and Julia Russell, of Marion, were married 11 Dec at Carbondale by Elder Crim. Robert Bauguss and Easter Barringer were married 11 Dec at residence of bride’s mother, four miles south of Marion, by Esquire Brice Holland. EP 15 Dec 1881
Roberts, who killed Adams in Johnson County last summer, was indicted by the grand jury for manslaughter. He has been at large ever since the killing, until several days ago when he went to Vienna, accompanied by 25 men and made a good bond for his appearance in court. EP 15 Dec 1881
We stated last week that death had overtaken Noah Avery in Townmount Prairie, Franklin County. This was an error. Mr. Avery sent us the following information, “I am the livest old corpse in Franklin County.” EP 22 Dec 1881
John Murry, indicted for burglary in Jefferson County, was arrested here Friday. EP 22 Dec 1881
Price Parker, of northeast Missouri, is visiting his brother, P.M., here. EP 22 Dec 1881
Francis Marion Campbell, son of M.C. and C.H., died last Sunday, aged 3 years, 4 months and 15 days. Burial was in Cunningham Cemetery. EP 22 Dec 1881
Legals:
Chancery sales – Bennett H. Stotlar, conservator of Mary J. Nolen an idiotic person, vs William Nolen, bill for partition.
Samuel Russell vs Sophronia Stocks et al, foreclosure
Cass C. Russell, John Q. Russell et al vs Marshall T. Russell,
Florence Moneyham et al, petition for partition
Preston Brothers vs Mary E. Parks and Charles Parks
Preston Brothers vs James Miles and Sarah Miles, foreclosure
MM 22 Dec 1881
Pertinent points :
Butter 25 cents a pound, Eggs 30 cents a dozen, Chickens on a strike, and all. The barnyard loudly buzzin;
The cows declare they will not milk, The hens they will not lay; Was ever such confound luck, In all this country, say? MM 22 Dec 1881
Over 170 criminal cases on the docket at the beginning of Circuit Court is a little more than the average. MM 22 Dec 1881
Mrs. Caroline Harris, about 56 years, died of typhoid malarial fever 9 Dec in Southern Precinct, leaving a husband and 5 children. She was born in Tennessee in 1825 and came to this section in 1854. She joined the Christian Church at an early age. MM 22 Dec 1881
J. Albert Dunaway and Millie Ralls were married 18 Dec at home of the bride’s stepfather. The groom is the only son of John L. Dunaway and the bride is the daughter of Mrs. Mann, hostess at the Mann House. The bride’s attendants was Miss Ettie Dunston, the groom’s was Cary E. Wiley. MM 22 Dec 1881
Grassy- Mr. Samuel Kendall, who was taken to the Insane Hospital at Anna a few weeks ago, is rapidly improving. MM 29 Dec 1881
Oscar Meade, 18, accidentally shot and killed himself the 15th at his parents’ home, 6 miles north of Shawneetown. He was blowing in a rifle gun to ascertain if it was loaded and it discharged, the ball passing through his head, killing him instantly. He was standing within a few feet of his mother. MM 29 Dec 1881
The wife of Albert Cline made him a holiday present of a fine large boy. MM 29 Dec 1881
Deaths:
Zaney White died one day last week at his residence four miles southeast.
Mr. Mavrille Ellett, of Blairsville, son of the late Jonas Ellett, died the 20th of consumption.
Freddie Reid, 1 year, 2 months and 23 days, son of N.G. and Nannie, died yesterday. Burial was in the Marion Cemetery. EP 29 Dec 1881
Sheriff’s sale – Judgment against James Duty in favor of Goddard & Allen. EP 29 Dec 1881
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 2)