Extracted chiefly from the newspaper “The Leader” (TL)
August
Clarence Owens, 21-month-old son of Charles and Ardena Owens, died at the home of Mrs. Vinnie Owens at Bainbridge. TL 9 Aug 1888
A.R. Bauder died at his residence in Eight Mile Prairie 1 Aug. He was born in Herkemer County, New York 13 Nov 1836 and came to Illinois in 1858, locating in this county. He enlisted in the 18th Illinois Infantry and was transferred to the 2nd Illinois Artillery. He was a member of the G.A.R. and commander of J.H. White Post #279. TL 9 Aug 1888
Resolutions of Respect — Carterville Lodge No. 703 I.O.O.F. — The death of Brother H.R. Tally, sympathy to his wife and daughters. Also the death of Brother Samuel T. Lauder. TL 9 Aug 1888
Our Old Men And How They Vote
H.Y. Moren came to Williamson County 56 years ago, a young man 21 years old, therefore he did not get to vote for General Jackson in 1832. He assisted in driving the wild animals out of this county and voted for Van Buren in 1836-40 and has voted the Democratic ticket every chance since; voted for G. Cleveland, Esq. In 1884 and is anxious to vote for him this fall. Says he will be in town when they raise the Democratic pole and give a hoist. He is 77 years old.
Uncle Jo Kimmel voted for Van Buren in 1840, in 1860 voted for Honest Abe Lincoln and also in 1864. Has been an independent voter all his life; will vote for Cleveland this fall.
Uncle Dick Ward commenced voting the Democratic ticket way back in the 20’s and has voted the Democratic ticket till the present and will vote the same ticket this fall.
William Hampton voted the Democratic ticket in 1836 and has an unbroken record till the present; will be 75 years old in a short time and will vote for Cleveland this fall.
Davis Mitchell of Northern Precinct voted for Harrison in 1840 and has voted the Whig and Republican ticket since and will vote for Harrison and Morton this fall.
Abraham Tippy voted his first presidential ticket in 1840 for Martin Van Buren and has voted the Democratic ticket since and will vote for Cleveland this fall.
John Dunn was born in 1806, is now 82 years old; voted for Jackson in 1828 and 1832 and the Democratic ticket in 1860, has voted the Republican ticket since and is anxious to vote for Ben Harrison this fall.
Henry McRoy, of Union township voted for Old Tippacanoe in KY; in 1840 and will vote for Young Tip in 1888, and all his boys will do likewise.
J.F. Otey, of Northern Precinct, commenced voting the Whig ticket in 1830, voted for Clay in 1832, Harrison in 1836 and 1840, voted for the Whig candidates till 1860 when he voted for Lincoln, and has voted the Republican ticket since and is enthusiastic for Harrison and Morton.
Uncle Abe Ford came to this country in 1831 and settled in Johnson County; voted for Vanburen in 1836 and 1840 and has voted the Democratic ticket since and will vote for Cleveland this fall.
Uncle James Taylor was born in Kentucky in 1811, voted the Whig ticket in 1832, voted for Harrison in 1836 and 1840 and that ticket until 1860, was a soldier in the 60th Illinois Volunteers and also furnished four boys for the Union army, returned home at the end of the war and have voted the Republican ticket since and all are enthusiastic for Harrison and Morton.
Phillip Cruse was born in Union County, Illinois, cast his first vote for Van Buren and has voted the Democratic ticket ever since and is for Cleveland in 1888. B.F. Ensminger was born in Shawneetown, Illinois in 1815, cast his first vote for Jackson in 1828, [at the age of 13??] voted the Democratic ticket till 1860, voting for Douglas, in 1864 voted for Lincoln, 1868 voted for Grant, 1872 voted for Greely, 1876 for Tilden, 1880 for Weaver, 1884 for St. John and is for Fisk in 1888.
P.M. Smith of Crab Orchard was born in Huntington County, New Jersey, May 25, 1814, moved to Ohio in 1830 where he remained until 1836 when he came to Illinois. “Uncle Dick,” as he is known by his numerous friends, voted for William Henry Harrison in 1836 and also in 1840. In 1844 he deserted the “Harry of the West” and voted for James K. Polk, but redeemed himself four years later when he voted for “Old Rough and Ready.” In 1852 he voted for the hero of Lundy’s Lane and in 1856 voted for the first Republican candidate, John C. Fremont. From that day to the present, he has an unbroken Republican record, voting for every presidential candidate nominated by that party and is now very enthusiastic for the grandson of old “Tippacanoe.” TL 16 Aug 1888
W.H. Matthews and Georgia Ann Gray were married Tuesday. TL 16 Aug 1888
Stonefort — A little child of A. Simpson died Thursday of whooping cough.
Lewis Craig and Frank Anderson left Sunday for Riverton, Indiana to work at the spoke works at that place. TL 16 Aug 1888
Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Kelley of Old Stonefort celebrated their fiftieth anniversary wedding day on the 9th. About fifty relatives were present. Among the most important present received was forty five gold dollars. TL 16 Aug 1888
Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Cline rejoice in the fact that they have a daughter. It being their first girl, John laughs a little better than usual. TL 23 Aug 1888
Mathew Walker, of Carterville, received a painful wound in the leg Monday evening from a pistol in the hands of Thos. Ward, a resident of the south side of the county. The shot is said to be accidental, another misfortune growing out of the evil effects of whiskey. A party of men were congregated near the saloon. Walker was a bystander. TL 23 Aug 1888
S.I. Baptist — At Creal Springs we found an oven with the following inscription: In this oven food was cooked for the wounded soldiers who fell in the Battle of Cowpen, S.C., Jan. 17, 1781. It belonged to Thomas and Mary Jordan, who lived one mile from the said battle field at that date and rendered assistance in caring for the wounded and suffering martyrs of liberty on that occasion. At present it belongs to Mary A. Horton, granddaughter of Thomas and Mary Jordan, who desires it to be preserved as a memorial and in honor of those who sacrificed their lives upon the altar of our country for liberty. TL 23 Aug 1888 Mr. Stahlnecker, from the House Commission on Library, has reported favorably a resolution to set apart Iowa Circle, at the intersection of Vermont and Rhode Island Avenues and P and Thirteenth Streets in Washington, D.C., for the Logan monument. The resolution also authorizes the Secretary of War to furnish condemned cannons for metal for the statue and provides for the pedestal at government expense. It is expected that the measure will be adopted this season and contributions should be hastened in order that the comrades of the Grand Army may not be behind Congress with their share of the work. Iowa Circle is the last of the choice sites of the capitol for that purpose and it is eminently fitting that the greatest of volunteers should occupy its perpetual bronze where all the generations that come may see it. TL 23 Aug 1888
Mr. and Mrs. John H. White of Olney are visiting relatives and friends here. IL 23 Aug 1888
Non-resident notice — Luella Ferrell vs William 0. Ferrell — divorce. Geo. R. Mitchell vs A.J. Mccollough — mechanic’s lien. TL 23 Aug 1888
Attachment notice — Blake & Ryan vs Sawyer, Wallace & Co. TL 23 Aug 1888
Non-resident notice — Allen Shelden, George A. Owen, John A. Murray, Archibald Y. Gray, Henry T. Beadle, George S. Wells vs Edwin R. Saxon and Judah D. Saxon. TL 23 Aug 1888
Death broke the family circle and Mr. and Mrs. James Tippy mourn the loss of a child that died of congestive chill last Monday night. TL 30 Aug 1888
John M. Bainbridge returned to Fayetteville, Arkansas last Monday to accept a position in a general merchandising house. TL 30 Aug 1888
J.W. Parsons of Herrin’s Prairie and Annie B. Sizemore were married 23 Aug at the home of the bride’s father, John Sizemore, attended by J.W. McNeil and Mary E. Hendrickson. After refreshments were served, the young folks, led by Annie Walker, rendered some choice selections of music. TL 30 Aug 1888
September
Last Saturday afternoon, William Edwards, a young man who has been working for W.W. Mcfadin, 3 miles east, took his own life by placing a pistol to his head and firing. He lived until 4 o’clock Sunday evening. He assigned no reason for the act, only that he was tired of living. TL 6 Sep 1888
J.H. Duncan has bought Mr. Oglesby’s interest in the mill at Pulley’s Mill and is the sole proprietor. TL 6 Sep 1888
There will be a grand barbeque given by the members of Allen Chapel, at Harrison’s Grove, three miles east of Corinth on Saturday, September 22, 1888. Several good speakers and the Harrison and Morton Glee Club are expected to be present. The barbeque dinner will be served for 25 cents, the proceeds to help finish the church. TL 6 Sep 1888
Charlie Denison Left Monday for Spokane Falls, Washington Territory where he will locate. TL 6 Sep 1888
Barton’s Free Press – Surviving members of the 81st Illinois Infantry to the number of 60 held a reunion last Saturday. The regiment was mustered into service at Centralia on 25 Aug 1862. Among those present were Capt. John Rees, president of the regimental organization and Lieut. Sanders, secretary. Business was transacted in the Opera House, after which the veterans marched to the west side grove. Mayor Burket bid them welcome and a bountiful dinner was partaken of. In the evening quite an audience gathered at the Opera House. Addresses were delivered by Capts. Rees and Bartleson. Prof. Inglis recited “Sheridan’s Ride,” Mrs. Inglis recited “Maude McNeil’s Ride” and Miss Emma Hewitt rendered a magnificent piano solo and the ever popular “Old Shady” and “Marching Through Georgia” were sung. The next meeting will be 25 Aug of next year. TL 6 Sep 1888
Adm. sale of real estate — John Adams adm estate of Sarah C. Farrer. TL 6 Sep 1888
Geo. Gay shot Geo. Southerland Saturday. Both live near Plumfield, Franklin County. Gay is in the Benton jail and Southerland is home with a hole in his head. TL 13 Sep 1888
Miss Prucilla A. Morris, 24, of this place, died Tuesday of typhoid. TL 13 Sep 1888
The courthouse, which is in course of erection, we are told, will be completed some time in November. The brick work has been finished and the roofing is being put on and plastering will begin as soon as material arrives. The city authorities are discussing the expediency of placing a town clock within the cupola of the building. The Board refuses to donate anything toward paying for the clock, but say they will pay the expenses of placing it in the building. We hope the city authorities will conclude to give us a timepiece. The courthouse, besides being first class in all its appointments, will be a model of elegance and beauty. And what is better, the cost will fall short of the original estimate, all of which go to show that the county commissioners have been guided by the interest of the people. Mr. Rapp, superintendent, will come in for a good share of the people’s praise for his architectural ability and the honest work he has done on our Temple of Justice. TL 13 Sep 1888
Our young friend, Roy Hall, left Monday for New Orleans where he will take a position in the commission house of Goddard & Hall. TL 13 Sep 1888
The County Commissioners were in session Monday and Tuesday. They have fixed the circuit clerk salary at $1,200, no clerk hire. Surveyors $800 and $300 clerk hire, Coroner $400. TL 13 Sep 1888
A slight cutting affair occurred on our streets Monday, the participants being Eak Cruse, a boy about 13 and a young fellow named Edwards. An older Cruse boy and Edwards were throwing apples at each other and Eak, thinking Edwards was about to harm his brother, thrust the knife at him, striking him in the breast. The wound is not necessarily dangerous. Young Cruse went before Squire Connell, entered a plea of guilty of assault and battery and was fined $10 and costs. TL 13 Sep 1888
Chancery sale — John W. Carter et al vs Bertha Hayes and George Hayes – bill for partition. TL 13 Sep 1888
George Allen, Franklin County, and Martha Sargeant, Williamson County were married the 11th by Geo. N. Moore. TL 20 Sep 1888
On the 13th, Geo. N. Moore, Esq., officiated in uniting Edwin Hinchcliff and Mrs. Sarah Hinchcliff in marriage. This is the fifth marriage for the groom and the fourth for the bride — twice they were the contracting parties. TL 20 Sep 1888
Louella Parks, 15 years and 8 months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Parks, died Sunday after an illness of two weeks. Burial was in the new cemetery. TL 20 Sep 1888
Will Powell, formerly of this county, now of Nebraska, is spending a few days with friends in this place and Lake Creek. TL 20 Sep 1888
Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Whitaker have been blessed with a boy and girl. TL 20 Sep 1888
Cheever Cox, Henry Davidson and Francis Davidson left Monday for Washington Ter. where they will make their future home. TL 20 Sep 1888
Stephen Holmes, of Saline Precinct, has recovered from the effects of the gunshot wound received last March and is making a hand in the tobacco field. TL 20 Sep 1888
Notice of adj — Mary E. Watson, admrx estate of A.D. Watson. TL 20 Sep 1888
Sale of real estate — Order of decree in Perry County, William Muller, exec of estate of Nicholas Bomersbuch — land is in Williamson County. TL 20 Sep 1888
Stonefort — Mrs. C.V. Morris died Friday after an illness of several months. Frank Hall’s wife died at Cairo Saturday and was brought to this place for burial. TL 27 Sep 1888
October
Wyatt Ferrell, formerly of this county, now of Arkansas, was shaking hands with his friends in this city this week. TL 4 Oct 1888
Robert Lowe, formerly a Marion boy, now of Kansas City, Mo, in company with his cousin, Miss Laura Lowe, of this city, were callers yesterday. TL 4 Oct 1888
W.D. Hartwell and Emma R. Robinson were married 27 Sep. TL 4 Oct 1888
Oscar Hartwell, 21, attempted suicide Saturday by shooting himself in the head. Drs. Casey and Willeford removed the ball from his head. He is the son of Riley W. Hartwell. TL 4 Oct 1888
Ed L. Denison, attending Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, had a narrow escape with death 21 Sep. The cook at his boarding house had put Rough on Rats in food to poison her ex-husband, William Cazel. She said she intended to kill him if she had to poison a dozen other people to do so. Mr. Denison’s employer, Dr. Wiley, gave him emetic, poison antidote and stomach pumping until he recovered. TL 4 Oct 1888
Stonefort — The death angel invaded our ranks Saturday night and called to another world Robert Duncan, aged about 50 years and a little boy of B.D. Grace. TL 4 Oct 1888
About the first of August, Ben Bundy, son of W.H., fell from the sidewalk and injured his right ankle joint. The best medical skill was called in and a hole was cut through his ankle that decomposed matter might be removed. For several weeks he remained in this condition without relief. Wednesday of last week, Drs. Denison, Ferrell and Bundy amputated the foot just above the ankle joint, but finding bone decomposed, made a second amputation just below the knee joint. He is alive and in a condition from which either life or death will be no surprise. TL 4 Oct 1888
Elizabeth Hendrickson was born 7 Nov 1786 near Cheraw, South Carolina. She was the only daughter of Hartwell Weaver, who was known in the Carolinas and Tennessee in the early days of Methodism as “Shouting Victory” Weaver. She married John Hendrickson, a soldier in the regular army, who was on duty as a regular soldier at the funeral of George Washington and was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1805, she, with her husband, moved from Carolina to Tennessee and in 1829 they moved to Illinois, settling in Williamson — then Franklin — County, near the place of her death. As soon as they arrived, she, with her husband, a Methodist preacher, cast her lot with the M.E. Church at Zion, near Corinth, and was a charter member of the Union Grove M.E. Society. She and her husband aided McHenry, of the McLeansboro circuit, In organizing Union Grove Church. Among the many warm, Christian associates were Mother Yost, Mitchell, Roberts, Stewarts, Pheba and Mary Baker. Their children consisted of four girls and eight boys; the eldest, Henry, was born in South Carolina in 1804 and the youngest, Albert, was born in Illinois in 1833. The children are all dead except two daughters and three sons. Joseph, Elizabeth and Jesse live near the place where their mother died, Richmond R. lives at or near Pocahontas, Arkansas, Jane married J.C. Baker and lives at Duncan Mills, California. In her death on the 11th, was the close of the life of one whose life runs back one year prior to the adoption of the Constitution of the United States; one who was three years old when George Washington was inaugurated president. She was 101 years, 11 months and 4 days old. She was buried near where she died. At her death she had 5 children, over 350 grand, great and great grandchildren. She could remember when there were but 75 post offices in America and when steam was unknown. She married John Hendrickson when she was 17. In her early Christian life she had for her spiritual counselors such men as Peter Cartwright, Learner Blackman and many others of early Methodism in Tennessee and Illinois. There is little doubt but that she was the oldest Methodist in America. She united with the church in 1800, when she was 14 years old, hence at the time of her death she had been a member 88 years. The text at her funeral was Revelation chapter 14, verse 13. TL 18 Oct 1888
Attila — Aunt Oma Bell died the 5th of old age.
J.M. Ray has rented a part of L.C. Fuller’s house and if he gets the post office, will become a resident of Attila. TL 18 Oct 1888
Dr. W.C. Willeford performed a surgical operation Wednesday of last week on Katie, 8 year old daughter of T.J. Clope. He amputated one finger and straightened the hand that had for 7 years been drawn almost in a crisp from a burn received at age one year. The hand is doing as well as could be hoped for and indications are that, minus one finger, Katie will have two good hands. TL 18 Oct 1888
James Stover, a staunch Republican, departed this life 13 Oct. The party has lost a good worker and the family a kind and loving father and husband. TL 18 Oct 1888
Dr. James Hayton recently made a trip to his old home in Canada. TL 18 Oct 1888
As we go to press news reaches us of a terrible crime of murder at Thompsonville yesterday. A man named Williams caught hold of a man named Jourdan and attempted to stab him. Jourdan drew a pistol and shot him dead. Jourdan walked off, probably to the depot, and while there a brother of the dead man walked up behind him and split his head open with a hatchet, killing him instantly. TL 25 Oct 1888
The People vs Stephen Clutts — murder — jury failed to agree. TL 25 Oct 1888
Herrin’s Prairie — H.G. McMurray was called from labor to rest last week. TL 25 Oct 1888
Jacob Moak died at his residence near this city yesterday. He was a member of the 9th Illinois, hence another old soldier is mustered out. TL 25 Oct 1888
November
Just as we go to press we learn that Henry Williams (colored), formerly of this place but for the past two years of Carbondale, was run over and killed by a train of cars while in a state of intoxication at latter named city last night. TL 1 Nov 1888
Charlie Gent and Lou Simmons, daughter of Mrs. M.F. Simmons, were married Sunday. TL 1 Nov 1888
Charles B. Skelly and Emma Barham were married 24 Oct at the residence of her father, M.W. Barham, attended by George E. Benson and Mary Barham. The groom is one of the good boys of Sparta. TL 1 Nov 1888
J.M. Gent and Belle Holland were married 25 Oct at the home of Bazil Holland of Corinth. TL 1 Nov 1888
Blairsville – The Big Muddy iron bridge fell Friday, the entire 172 feet span falling from pier to pier, carrying down with it fifteen human souls and a valuable team of horses. The estimated weight of the span is two hundred tons, the distance of the fall from top of bridge to bed of river is seventy feet. William Thompson was killed and the following were wounded: W.H. McRhea, James Campbell, Dennis Mofield, John Edmonds, Thomas Robinson, Miles Harris, Theodore Harris, Frank Leach, John Campbell and Wm. McCall. James Gosnell, Henry Mofield and Ellic McRhea saved themselves by running. The township road commissioners let the contract out to Miles Harris who claimed he could take the entire bottom out of the 172 foot span and replace it new for $70, material furnished. He had no experience building or working on such a bridge and let it down in the river with the above result. [A lengthy account of the injuries suffered by these men.] TL 1 Nov 1888
Stonefort — James Wilkins Jr. and Polly Ann Vanvaper were married Saturday.
Rev. J.G. Mitchell, 60, father of City Clerk E.J. Mitchell, died 25 Oct at his home in Virginia, Ill. He was born in Tennessee and came to Illinois in 1836 with his father, Edward Mitchell, locating in Scott County. He spent a number of years in the gold mines in California and after his return, he taught school for some time, then entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Nancy B. Eckles in 1856. She survives with two sons, one of them married, and a married daughter. TL 1 Nov 1888
William Gallagher and Florence Sanders were married Sunday. TL 8 Nov 1888
B.F. Kizer and Hattie Goddard were married 1 Nov. He is principal of our public schools. TL 8 Nov 1888
Levi Norman and Millie Bearden were married 7 Nov at the residence of the bride’s parents, four miles east of Marion, attended by A.F. Askew and Mittie Davis. TL 8 Nov 1888
This evening a girl baby about six or seven weeks old was found on the depot platform at Creal Springs. The child is supposed to have been left there by a low, heavy set woman with red hair. At the time she had with her a boy about four or five years of age who wore a Cleveland cap. The child was taken in charge by Marshal Addison Reese of the above named village. TL 8 Nov 1888
Spring Hill — We regret to chronicle the death of Mary McDonald. She was an obedient child and student. TL 8 Nov 1888
Carterville — William McMurry has had another sad happening in his family. His infant died Friday. He has only one living out of five.
Harry Dobson, John Hastin and son, formerly foreigners, went to Marion last week and took out naturalization papers. TL 8 Nov 1888
Nettie A. Scurlock, daughter of Virgil A. and Mary M., died 12 Nov of catarrhal fever in this city. She was one year, 11 months and 15 days. Burial in new cemetery. TL 15 Nov 1888
L.A. Goddard and Annie Bridenthal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Bridenthal of Vincennes, Indiana, were married 14 Nov at the residence of the bride’s parents on East Broadway, Vincennes. [A lengthy account.] TL 22 Nov 1888
James Gill and Maud Cruse were married 15 Nov at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Cruse. TL 22 Nov 1888
Sheriff’s sale — judgment against Isaac Wiley in favor of Davis & Gent. TL 22 Nov 1888
Stonefort — James Blackman and Dollie Odum were married the 14th. TL 22 Nov 1888
Carterville — There is a girl baby at the residence of Chas. Zimmerman, which arrived Saturday night. Also, one at Henry Zimmerman’s, which arrived Monday morning. TL 22 Nov 1888
Silas Wamer was killed on the 10th while cutting timber on Wolf Creek. TL 29 Nov 1888
Attila — William Barter and Lillie Jones were married the 14th.
A new boarder put up with Alf Goodman on the 14th and one on the same day put up with Samuel Chase. Mothers and babies doing well. TL 29 Nov 1888
December
Chancery sale — William Homeier vs Archibald Merielees. TL 29 Nov 1888 Dick Tony has a new boy at his house. TL 6 Dec 1888
S.B. Mann, of Carbondale, finished his contract to plaster the courthouse last week. TL 6 Dec 1888
Crab Orchard — Samuel Shackleford, former resident of this county, died the 15th in Johnson County, aged 31 years. A member of Sons of Veterans camp, he was buried in Coal Bank Cemetery. TL 6 Dec 1888
Stella Elizabeth Mitchell, wife of Ed J. Mitchell, died 11 Dec of congestion of the brain. She was 26 years, 10 months and 26 days and the daughter and only heir of Dr. A.N. Lodge of this city. She leaves a son, husband, mother and father. TL 13 Dec 1888
Sheriff’s sale — Judgment against M.N. Bell and Dr. Fain in favor of Charles Lewis. TL 13 Dec 1888
Carterville — Maggie Cruse, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cruse, died Friday. TL 13 Dec 1888
Nettie Lucile Duncan, 1 year 4 months and 9 days, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Duncan, died last Sunday. TL 27 Dec 1888
Charley Mitchell, of Benton, and Daisy Westbrooks, of this city, were married last evening. TL 27 Dec 1888
Creal Springs — Tersa Phelps, old and respected citizen, died the 22nd at the residence of her son, J.M. Phelps. We learn her life was insured for two thousand dollars. TL 27 Dec 1888
Stonefort — Eugene Robertson and Mattie Martin were married . [No date.] D.W. Dove and Liddie Hudson, of Harrisburg, were married. [No date]
The death angel invaded our ranks on the 19th and called to another world Mrs. J.H. McSparrin, aged 33 years, a member of the M.E. Church. On the 21st, Mrs. Blackman, aged 70 years, mother of J.H. Blackman, a member of the Baptist Church and Mrs. Eligah Campbell, a member of the M.E. Church. TL 27 Dec 1888
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 4)