Extracted chiefly from the newspapers, Egyptian Press (EP) and Marion Evening Post (MEP)
January
On Thursday, Fountain Camp No. 10866, Modern Woodmen of America, met at the home of their neighbor, John Phillips, who is ill and unable to work, and “secured” his corn for him. A big dinner was set and a fine time was enjoyed by all. MEP 1 Jan 1912
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Mollie Goodall Spann at the home on North Van Buren Street. Her son, James Goodall, who was in California, arrived home Sunday morning. The pallbearers were her nephews. MEP 1 Jan 1912
W. Clyde Chamberlain, switchman on the LC., was killed Thursday night beneath the wheels of a freight train at Carbondale. A letter was found among his effects from Chamberlain to his wife whom he had left at his old home in Mason. One part read, “I don’t know, dear, but that it would be best for you if I were dead and you had the insurance money. I find it hard to get along here owing to the way the world is effected by the strike.” MEP Monday, 1 Jan 1912
Mrs. R.E. Gillespie departed for her home in East St. Louis after being here for the funeral of her stepmother, Mrs. Mollie Goodall Spann. MEP 1 Jan 1912
A boy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Charley Veach on South Vicksburg Street, their first child. MEP 1 Jan 1912
Non-resident notice Otis Sanders and Henry Bell vs Sarah Braham, et al. Non-residence of John Moake, Eva Lashot, Andy Lashot, William Morris, David Morris, May Morris, William Dougherty, unknown heirs and minor heirs of John Moake, unknown heirs and minor heirs of Susan Morris. Bill to quiet title and establish deed. MEP 1 Jan 1912
The Historical Souvenir of Williamson County, compiled by J.F. Wilcox, is now on sale at G.N. Moore’s jewelry store. Formerly sold for $2.00, now 50 cents. MEP 1 Jan 1912
The south part of the city was considerably stirred up Thursday afternoon by a big man chase which stretched from the Gent addition east and across Thorn Place and out of that quiet section. Three men figured in the chase but the one pursued proved to be the most successful. The others were a Marion constable and a brother of the one pursued. Sandy Motsinger, a more or less well to do farmer living east of the city was the one chased and who made a getaway. The constable and the other Motsinger were armed with a warrant for his arrest on a charge of wife and child abandonment. They had located him in the Gent addition at the home of a notorious Yellow Sox, Bell Sweet or Fite. Sandy saw them coming and skipped out. It is said Sandy has been wayward of late. Although he has a wife and children, he has persisted in staying in town as a star boarder at the Sweet woman’s home. Sandy furnished a fine Christmas for her and three or four of her kind and they have all been having a fine celebration. On Monday he went to his home and killed and dressed a 250-pound hog, according to his brother’s statements, and brought the pork to the Sweet woman’s place. The brother got tired of seeing his family so treated and had a warrant issued charging him with abandonment of wife and children. MEP 3 Jan 1912
Evidence developed at the inquest of Fred Eberhardt shows he did not die of heart failure but rather an overdose of booze and exposure. He and his wife had been to Johnston City where he drank freely. He was in a state of intoxication when they arrived home. She endeavored to get him out of the buggy but he refused to leave it. She then unharnessed the horse and went into the house leaving him in the buggy. Later she went out and made an effort to get him to come in but he refused. She went out again about eleven o’clock and found him lying upon the ground dead. He had not broken his neck but seemingly died of exposure. MEP 3 Jan 1912
Born to Mr. & Mrs. Willie Wilson on South Vicksburg Street, a baby girl, the third girl and child in the family. EP Thursday, 4 Jan 1912
A baby girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Guy Rex of Spillertown. EP 4 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses were issued on Monday — New Year — to the following couples: Herbert A. Paddock, 25 and Bessie Brundles, 31, both of Johnston City Ed Fuller, 22 of Crab Orchard and Sylvia Groves, 19. EP 4 Jan 1912
John Howe, 27, and Edna Vaughn, 18, both of Johnston City, came down to Marion Saturday in spite of the rain and procured a marriage license. Rev. G.W. Allison performed the ceremony at his home. A marriage license was also issued Saturday to F. Zobars, 21 and Zira Pinter, 19, both of Johnston City. EP 4 Jan 1912
Two couples were married Saturday at the courthouse. They are Roy Davis & Edna Clayton of Benton and Riley Lemay & Anna Druary (Drury?) of Marion. EP 4 Jan 1912
A marriage license was procured on Saturday by Guy Martin and Addie M. Mannering, both of Royalton and soon afterwards at the home of Rev. G.W. Allison they were united in marriage. EP 4 Jan 1912
William Reel, a prominent and prosperous German farmer living three miles east of Johnston City, died Sunday. He suffered a stroke of paralysis Saturday morning. He was a brother of Jacob Reel of this city. EP 4 Jan & MEP 1 Jan 1912
A baby girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Harley Howell on West Union Street, the first child in the family. EP 4 Jan 1912
After spending most of the night Monday sitting up with the corpse of an old friend, William Reel, Fred Eberhardt, a prominent young farmer living four miles northeast of Johnston City, dropped dead at his home Monday night. Mr. Eberhardt and his wife, who were neighbors of Mr. Reel, spent most of the first part of the night at the Reel home, after having returned from Johnston City where they had been trading. They returned to their home in a buggy and he had unharnessed the horse and he and his wife were almost ready to retire when he went out to get a package his wife had left in the buggy. She waited for some time, then went out and found his lifeless body by the side of the buggy. He was about thirty-three years old, the son of Constable Anton Eberhardt. He leaves a wife and one child, his parents, two sisters and a brother. His wife is a niece of Constable B.D. Jent of that city. MEP 2 Jan & EP 4 Jan 1912
James Durham, about 25 years old, was killed by unknown parties at Herrin Monday night. The killing occurred at the rear of Tony Maroni’s saloon on Monroe Street. He had been shot and beaten up. The Carbondale bloodhounds were telephoned for and arrived at twelve o’clock. They followed the trail with great keenness to Weaver where they lost it. He was about 26 years old, single and worked on top at Squirrel Ridge mine. [Elsewhere it says he was married with two children, but had not been living with them for sometime. He had a brother in Herrin.] EP 4 Jan 1912
Births, all on New Years Day.
A boy to Mr. & Mrs. Amos Anderson.
A boy to Mr. & Mrs. Leo Eveland.
A boy to Mr. & Mrs. Joe Chandler.
A son to Mr. & Mrs. Frank Veach. EP 4 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses
Thursday — Ed White, 28, Creal Springs & Stella Uhles, 20, Stonefort. Friday — Frank Craig, 28, Carterville & Lottie Gentry, 24, Carbondale. MEP 5 Jan 1912
Uncle Pressley Pike, an aged citizen living one mile east of Johnston City, died at his home Sunday evening as the old year passed by, thus came to a close the life of this noble and good man. He had passed his four score years. He leaves a wife and three sons, Thomas, Eugene and Spencer. EP 4 Jan & MEP 1 Jan 1912
William Nelson, the Madison No. 9 Negro who was shot by another Negro, Arthur Ward, is dead. The shooting occurred several weeks ago and Nelson was taken to a hospital at Murphysboro where he has been ever since. Nelson is the good-natured Negro who was prosecuted by the Madison Coal Company after he swiped a pig from their pen. He served a jail sentence last year. A few weeks ago, he got into a pistol fight with Ward who shot him in the back. The bullet shattered his spinal column and spinal cord, paralyzing him. Ward has not been caught. MEP 6 Jan 1912
H.H. “Doc” Hill, living in the southeast part of the city, was adjudged insane Saturday morning and ordered to the hospital in Anna. It is said he lost his reason studying religion. He has been in constant attendance at the Holiness protracted meetings now going on. He is said to belong to the Holiness church of Carterville. This is the sixth person to be adjudged insane within the last month and the second out of six to lose his reason over religion. However, this is not an argument against religion or the Bible. It might be an argument that to be moderate or temperate in all things is the best for health and happiness. MEP 6 Jan 1912
Leonardo and Dominick Varcallo, brothers, were arrested for shooting and wounding Dominick Owdoni, whose arm was shot away. They were implicated several days after the shooting by the wounded man who thought he was going to die. He said one of the brothers shot him down and the other pointed a gun at his heart while he was on the ground and told him if he didn’t promise not to tell who shot him he would kill him right then. The wounded man kept the secret even after his own brother was arrested and jailed for the crime. EP 6 Jan 1912
Sunday morning at four o’clock the temperature was nineteen below zero. MEP 8 Jan 1912
A girl was born to Prof. & Mrs. E.G. Lenz. MEP 8 Jan 1912
Formal sentence of 23 years was pronounced on Charley Cordoro, the Italian recently found guilty of killing Monte Caruso and Saqua Gacibandio at White Row in September last. Joe Arrigo was indicted with him but liberated by the jury. Thursday, 11 Jan 1912
Sebastian Bartman was stabbed at Clifford New Years Eve night and later died at St. Andrew’s Hospital in Murphysboro. A Jackson County jury recommended the arrest of Mike Parrish and Frank Walls. Burial was in the Catholic cemetery. Through an error in names, he was known here as Jake Brakeman. EP 11 Jan 1912
In loving remembrance Our dear son and brother, Philip J. Fischer who died 11 Jan 1911. EP 11 Jan 1912
David Renfro whose real name is Boyd, of Hallidaysboro, left Monday for Oakdale, Cal. where he will make his future home with his sister. He was placed in a children’s home in Chicago when quite young. At the age of about eight years, he was adopted by Mrs. Renfro, deceased, of Hallidaysboro. After her death eight years later, James Forester, superintendent of the Muddy Valley Mining Co., took charge of the young man and immediately started an investigation to find the whereabouts of his relatives. A sister was located in Oakdale, Cal., who had been adopted into the family of a millionaire. A correspondence between the brother and sister followed which resulted in the boy going to the west to make his home. EP 11 Jan 1912
A baby girl was born to Prof. and Mrs. E.G. Lentz. EP 11 Jan 1912
Ed Stephens, 28, of Marion and Eliza Royal, 23, of Dewmaine procured a marriage license Monday and were married. They are colored. EP 11 Jan 1912
Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Kreiger of New Denison, report the arrival of a new baby girl, their first-born. EP 11 Jan 1912
The Clifford Pole, Jack Sebastine, the man who was cut and beaten up Monday night last by some of his fellow countrymen, died Sunday night at the hospital in Murphysboro. The Independent gives the man’s name as Jake Brakeman instead of Jack Sebastine, saying: He was hit in the head by a pair of knucks and stabbed in the back five or six times. Due to the unusual amount and heaviness of his clothes, the knife blade did not reach his skin. A doctor dressed his hurts and he was able to be about the next day. On Wednesday, paralysis of the right side developed and Thursday he lost his power of speech and had convulsions Thursday night. Friday, he was brought to the hospital and operated on. There was a bruise where the knucks were supposed to have hit the head and the skull was trephined — that is, a “button” was removed from the skull in order to get to the supposed depression. There was a blood clot which, when removed, opened an abscess of the brain which may have been there for years. Dr. Molz, who performed the operation, washed the button and discovered the abscess had caused necrosis of the skull and the button took out the greater part of the place where the necrosis was working and that at one point the skull had rotted away until it was quite thin. Then he found that instead of a wound from metal knucks, a knife blade had penetrated the skull just where the necrosis had made it thinnest. Had the blade gone a quarter of an inch on any side of where it did go, it would not have gone through the skull. EP 11 Jan 1912
Lon Spence, a farmer living in the southwest part of the county, was adjudged insane and taken to the hospital at Anna. EP 11 Jan 1912
Embezzlement, bigamy, wife and child abandonment are some of the charges that Bill Repeley, alias Bill Lisenby, will face when he is taken back to Marion, Ind. Friday. He embezzled a lot of money from his employer in Marion, Ind. And went to Chicago, leaving a wife and nine children. He met and married Anna Anderson there. They moved to Vermont, Ill. And about six weeks ago came to Marion where he found work at the James L. Jones store. He is a stove repairer and an expert in his field. They have been living in furnished rooms in the M.J. Perry home on North Van Buren Street. [A lengthy account.] MEP 11 Jan 1912
Jack Fultz, one of the best-known characters of Williamson County, died Wednesday night at the hospital at Anna where he had been confined only a few weeks. The body was shipped to this city and taken to the home of Tom Jackson, east of here, where he had so long made his home. He is a brother of Mrs. Jackson. He has always had a simple mind though was never vicious and was able to get around by himself. MEP Thursday, 11 Jan 1912
Mrs. Aimee Drake, mother of Mrs. D.D. Hartwell, died Friday at the home of her daughter in Thorn Place. Her other daughter, Mrs. Lashley and only son, Leonard Drake, of St. Louis, are here. Mrs. Drake had been here a few weeks from St. Louis on a visit to her daughter. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. MEP Friday, 12 Jan 1912
Guy Cole, better known as Battle Axe, and Eva Edwards, who have been in jail for several days on charges of adultery preferred by the girl’s father, Doodle Edwards, have been released from jail. The cases against them were nolled. MEP 12 Jan 1912
The great snow which raged all day Thursday and practically all night was a typical New England blizzard and left about thirteen inches of solid snow, which is said by the oldest people to be the biggest snow that has fallen here within fifty years. The winds drifted in places until it was from two to three feet deep while at the same time it swept it from hilltops and houses. The temperature was four degrees below zero Friday morning at seven o’clock. Little school children had the worst time of their lives going to school. At one building a teacher met the crying children at the door and those suffering from cold hands were not allowed to come inside until they had dipped their hands in snow so that frostbite might be removed. Miss Alma Tidwell, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. S.L. Tidwell, on East Allen Avenue, was all but overcome on her way to the high school. By the time she reached the Logan building, she was almost frozen and suffering great pain in her head. Something went wrong with the heating plant at the High School and it was impossible to bring the temperature up in the upstairs rooms and school was dismissed. William Lough, the concrete man, was out early with a snow plow which was drawn by two large stout mules. Trains were delayed several hours and the greater number of mines were shut down before the day was over Thursday, it being impossible to move the coal on account of the heavy banking of the snow. MEP 12 Jan 1912
Domenico Spinelli, a railroad worker for the Erie Railroad in Pennsylvania, arrived in the city one day last week with the head of his brother-in-law, James Depalma, and buried it with the rest of the remains in the Catholic Cemetery north of the city. DePalma is the Italian who was killed by Newton Blevins near Vienna in June 1910. He robbed the victim of a check for $3,000, killing him afterwards. The mutilated body of DePalma was not found until July 4 and was buried in the cemetery at Herrin on July 6th. The head was retained by the court at Vienna for the trial which took place last summer. Blevins was sent to the pen for life. After the trial DePalma’s head was not needed anymore and then D. Spinnelia made a trip to this state to take care of the last part of the mutilated body. It was packed in a little box and deposited in the Catholic Church till the arrangements for the burial was completed. MEP 12 Jan 1912
Overcome by the intense cold Friday night, Jas. Hackett, a C. & E.I. track walker, was found Friday by the South local crew in an unconscious condition. He was taken to Olive Branch and died soon after reaching there. The man had literally frozen to death. He was an unmarried man about 38 years old. MEP Saturday 13 Jan 1912
Thirty five years ago the Egyptian Press said, “Upon a close calculation it is said the case of Henry Ockletree, colored, now confined in the county jail for sixty days, will have cost the county over $125 by the expiration of his punishment. He was convicted of stealing two hogs valued at $14. Of course, there is at present no remedy for such an enormous expense to punish petit larceny, but it does seem that a more effectual penalty with less expense attached could be devised by our law makers.” MEP 13 Jan 1912
Thirty degrees below zero was registered Saturday morning by thermometers belonging to M. Cantor on South Market Street and Capt. Ben Price in Thorn Place. MEP 13 Jan 1912
Murphysboro Republican Era Ed Clayton left Percy Saturday night in his cups and was found frozen to death in a snow drift Wednesday a short distance from Percy. For many yards around the white mound tracks showed only too plainly where the young man had walked many hundred yards in a circle and had then staggered to his death place, overcome by the sleep which is ever a forerunner of death from cold. He was a Murphysboro boy, the son of Font Clayton, a former resident of Harrison. He was a farmer and lived within two miles of Percy. It will be remembered that Saturday night was one of blinding snow and unusual cold. MEP 13 Jan 1912
Many birds froze to death last week during the cold nights. In one place a whole covey of quail were found frozen to death. The game birds of this section are the native quail, the Hungarian partridge and the pheasant. MEP 15 Jan 1912
George Scurlock died Tuesday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Samantha Campbell, 208 East Boulevard. He had endured lung trouble for two years. He was 37 years, 10 months and 3 days old. He was the son of Allen Scurlock. He leaves besides his father, the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Samantha Campbell, MRS. A.J. Binkley, Frank Scurlock of Johnston City and Mrs. Ed Myers and H.T. Scurlock. He worked for years as a bridge carpenter. About two years ago he became ill and went to Phoenix, Arizona for ten months, returning home but little improved. Burial will be in Rose Hill cemetery. EP Thursday, 18 Jan 1912
A marriage license was issued Tuesday to James E. Barlow, 29 and Emma Stewart, 23, both of Crab Orchard. EP 18 Jan 1912
The body of an elderly lady, a Mrs. Willis, who died at the home of her son-in-law, Tom Daugherty, at Weaver Monday, was laid to rest here in Rose Hill cemetery. EP 18 Jan 1912
John Kefala, 27, of Clifford and Ethel Doss, 17, of Herrin came to the county seat Monday to get married. The prospective bride was under age and the license was refused. They left claiming they would return with her parents. EP 18 Jan 1912
Miss Annie Henderson, known since July as Mrs. Bill Lisenby, left Monday for her former home in Chicago on money sent by relatives in the Windy City. She figured as wife No. 2 in the Bill Rupeley alias Bill Lisenby case. The man was arrested Wednesday and taken to Marion, Ind. to face charges of embezzlement, bigamy, wife abandonment and child abandonment. The couple had been occupying rooms at the Matt Perry home on North Van Buren Street. EP 18 Jan 1912
A boy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Minto Bradley. EP 18 Jan 1912
While sitting on the side of the bed reading Mother Goose rhymes to her small grandchildren at Hurst, Mrs. Lucinda Barter, a widow lady, fell to the floor Tuesday morning about eight o’clock and died suddenly. She was 56 years old and was keeping house for her son-in-law, Oscar Mayes. Her husband died a few years ago. Coroner Russell had just held an inquest over the body of Bert Mckenzie, the drug clerk who took his life Monday evening. EP 18 Jan 1912
Cold December Of 1836 “Oldest Inhabitant” Able to Come Back With a Cold Spell That Makes 14 Below Seem Mild.
Mt. Vernon News: Some of the old settlers will remember the wonderful stories told by those who were here as early as the year 1836 — of the cold Tuesday, the 16th of December that year. Monday was quite warm with softening, heavy snow. Tuesday morning it began to rain and continued until 4 o’clock at which time the ground was flooded with water and snow and all the streams were overflowing. All of a sudden there arose a fearful looking cloud in the northwest with a rumbling noise. On its rapid approach, everything congealed and in less than five minutes the air was intensely cold. One man related that he galloped his horse half a mile and while in the mud when he started, he was going over frozen ground before making the short distance. Next morning the streams were frozen solid and did not thaw out till March. A Mr. Gilbert and his man were driving hogs on the prairie. Just before the cloud reached them the hogs refused to go farther and began to pile themselves into one vast heap. During the night those of them on the outside were so frozen that they had to be cut loose to enable others to get out and many of them froze to death before reaching their destination. Mr. Gilbert and man rode five miles distant to find a place to stay over night, having their fingers, toes and ears frozen. Two other men riding across the prairie came to a stream too wide and full of ice to cross. The night was on and it was many miles back to settlement. After exercising in vain to keep warm, they killed one of their horses, rolled his back to the wind, cut out his entrails and thrust in their hands and feet to keep them from freezing. Mr. Frame, the younger one, gradually froze and died in agony. EP 18 Jan 1912
The trial of “Speck” Holman and W.B. Moulton for the murder of James Turnage in June last, has been held over. It will not be tried for a few weeks, at least. EP 18 Jan 1912
“Well, I’ll show you the route I’ll take,” said Bert Mckenzie, a Herrin drug clerk Monday evening when told by his wife that she would go her way and he could go his. He turned a bottle of carbolic acid to his lips and drank. He had been discharged by his employer. His wife took their eighteen-month-old baby and went to her parents’ home in West Frankfort. Later, she went with her sister, Miss Gazelle Cabinas to the home to divide their belongings. They quarreled and he drank the poison, ran into a neighbor’s yard where he fell and was dead in ten minutes. He was formerly of Centralia; his parents live at DuBois, Illinois. His wife was formerly Miss Katherine Cabinas, daughter of West Frankfort’s leading hotel man, John Cabinas. Her parents formerly lived on the Washburn place near Marion. EP 18 Jan 1912
A marriage license was issued Monday to Franciesco Suca, 25, and Carmella Falzona, 17, both of Marion. EP 18 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses were issued Saturday to W.T. Pool, 48 of Marion & Nellie Guer, 30 of Carterville and Albert Jack, 43 & Florence Collier, 24, both of Marion. EP 18 Jan 1912
The funeral services over the body of Mrs. Aimee Drake were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Beane of the Presbyterian Church at the Hartwell home Sunday. The body was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery near the grave of the infant son of Dr. and Mrs. Hartwell. EP 18 Jan 1912
The will of Mary E. Goodall Spann, who recently passed away in this city, was filed for probate Monday. She bequeathed all of her personal property and all her real estate to her only child, James A. Goodall of this city. If the son should die, the personal property and real estate intact at that time is to go to 7 of her nieces and nephews: Martha E. Baker (wife of Dr. J.G. Baker), Mary Baker (infant daughter of Dr. & Mrs. G.J. Baker), Eliza J. Aikman (now Mrs. Mart Chamness), Samuel V. Aikman, Ruth Aikman, Parlle Aikman and Edna Lowe (wife of C.A. Lowe). It is estimated her personal property will reach about eight thousand dollars while the value of her real estate is about ten times that much. EP 18 Jan 1912
A marriage license was issued Wednesday to W.M. Tyner, 20 & Gladys Kelly, 17, both of Carterville. MEP 18 Jan 1912
The old Crossroads Church, down east of Marion about four miles, is being repaired and a union revival meeting is to start Saturday night, conducted by Rev. Henry C. Ingram of Murphysboro, Missionary of American Sunday School Union, and Rev. C.M. Stout, evangelist of West Frankfort. Everyone of all denominations who has a love for this old church is invited to attend. MEP 19 Jan 1912
Rolla Brewer, a former Williamson County boy, died Friday night at his home in La Mar, Missouri, twenty-four hours after he had been injured by an engine with which he was working. A nephew, Ed Norman, has gone to La Mar. Mr. Bower, with his brother, T.W. Bower, was an oil driller at La Mar. He was a brother to the wife of Postmaster H.C. Jones and Mrs. Orleans Norman, both of this city and I.T. Bower, living west of here a short way. He was born and reared in the east part of the county. He was about 40 years old and unmarried. He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Bower, aged 86, living with her daughter, Mrs. Jones, and a brother J.C. Bower of East St. Louis. [Name spelled both ways.] MEP Saturday 20 Jan 1912 & EP Monday, 22 Jan 1912
Funeral services over the body of Ex-Sheriff H.S. Harris who died Thursday at his home in East Lake Creek will be held Saturday. Burial will be in Harris cemetery, one mile south of the home. EP 22 Jan 1912
Otis Meals, a Negro arrested in New Orleans, has confessed to killing Marshal Robert Chastine of Ullin on August 15th. The father and brother of Meals were arrested after the shooting and sentenced to the penitentiary. They were implicated, but Otis was the one who did the shooting. EP 22 Jan 1912
Clyde Jarrett and Arthur Jones, says the Murphysboro Independent, will do time in the Chester penitentiary and Owen Jarrett will pay a fine of $100, according to the verdict returned Friday. Jones will do two years and Clyde Jarrett one year. Owen Jarrett is the father of Clyde. The three men, farmers in the Dry Hill neighborhood, were charged with threatening Vincent Korando, aged 75 years, that unless he pay them $500 they would go before a jury and testify that they caught him committing a disgraceful crime against the laws of the state. The old man told his sons of the threat and kept brooding over the trouble. A day or two after the threats, he took a shotgun and blew his head off. EP 22 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Joe Chipulis, 25 & Annie Ambritis, 26, both of Johnston City
N.F. Atwood, 39 & Lida HAYS, 23, both of Johnston City MEP 20 Jan 1912
A marriage licenses was issued Friday to Action R. McFarland, 21 & Ida M. Henry, 30, both of Murphysboro. MEP 20 Jan 1912
H.S. Harris, former sheriff of Williamson County, died Thursday at his home four- and one-half miles northeast of Johnston City, while sitting in a chair. He suffered from enlargement of the liver. He took a dose of medicine and was at once seized with a smothering spell. He served as sheriff from 1902 to 1906 and served as treasurer from 1898 to 1902. He was born in Cheatham County, Tennessee, 3 Aug 1937 and came seven years later with his parents to Williamson County and settled near Herrin where he lived about a third of a century. Most of his school days were spent at Spillertown. He married Sarilda Hays, daughter of Henry Hays of Old Frankfort, on 25 Oct 1868. Three children were born, the youngest son, Charlie, died at the age of 21 years. John D. still lives near the parents’ home. The daughter, Mrs. James Parks, lives in Oklahoma City. Mr. Harris was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. MEP Friday 19 Jan 1912 & EP 22 Jan 1912
Among those summoned as petit jurors were three dead men. They are J.C. Chamness, who died when he fell from a barn and broke his neck five years ago, J.W. Morris of Morris Crossing, died recently and Ex-Sheriff H.S. Harris died Thursday. EP 22 Jan 1912
Squire C.E. Feurer received word Friday that his sister had died at Belleville. MEP 19 Jan 1912
The four-week-old son of Mr. & Mrs. J.V. Clendenin of Fordville, was found dead in bed Wednesday morning. The coroner’s inquest found he died of hives. EP Thursday, 25 Jan 1912
Dr. R.M.C. Throgmorton, leading citizen and physician of this county, died at noon today at his home in Herrin. He was a cousin to W.P. Throgmorton of this city. EP 25 Jan 1912
Luther Pritchett and Lora Bradley were married Saturday night at the home of Justice C.C. Davis. The groom is the son of Justice G.W. Pritchett and the bride is daughter of Samuel Bradley. The couple was accompanied to Squire Davis’ house by the bride’s sister, Lulu Bradley and Will Hood. MEP Monday, 22 Jan 1912
Dr. R.M.C. Throgmorton of Herrin, one of the best-known physicians in Williamson County, is dying at his home from cancer. He was reared in Grassy Precinct. His wife is the daughter of L.L. Gallimore of Grassy. MEP 22 Jan 1912
One man was shot to death and a woman, his wife, was perhaps fatally wounded Tuesday night at the scene of a dance and beer drinking at Carterville. The man killed is Sam Bulliner, son of Monroe Bulliner and nephew of Ex-Sheriff E.H. Bulliner. It came about over the refusal of Bulliner’s wife to leave a dance that was being given at the home of Abe Priddy at the old Grandma Carter place just northeast of the Carterville city limits. Bulliner asked his wife to leave and when she refused, he tried to slash her but was prevented by Abe Priddy. Bulliner left and returned, calling his wife to the door. He raised a shotgun, aimed it at her breast and pulled the trigger. She fell to the floor, her right breast shot entirely away. He cocked the gun again, aimed it at her and pulled the trigger, but the gun snapped. He ran out and a regular battle began. Over a score of shots were fired and Bulliner was killed. Mrs. Bulliner was cared for during the night and taken to the hospital at Murphysboro Wednesday morning. Bulliner was about 35 years old. His wife was Miss Waldron before their marriage. They have two boys and a girl, the oldest being 14 years old. His mother and two sisters, who live apart from the husband and father, live near Peabody No. 3 mine, northwest of Marion. EP 25 Jan 1912
Rev. J.H. Davis went to West Frankfort Sunday to preach the funeral sermon over the body of an old friend, Mrs. M.B. Dimmick, the grandmother of Mrs. Jean Burkhart of this city, who passed away. She was the widow of the late Old Frankfort hotel man who died two months and ten days before, also the mother of banker G.D. Dimmick of West Frankfort, who died in April last. She was 78 years, 3 months and 3 days old. She was one of the oldest people of Franklin County. She leaves a son, Frank Dimmick and a daughter, Mrs. Maude Woods. MEP 22 Jan 1912
Nancy A. James, oldest daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Casey, was born in Smith County, Tennessee 9 Nov 1827 and came to Williamson County at the age of nine years and settled with her parents on a farm four miles north of Marion upon which she lived until the year 1895 when she came with her son, Judge W.F. Slater to Marion, where she lived until her death on January 20, 1912. She was married first to John W. Slater in 1858 and three children blessed this union. They were: Thomas Sherman who died at the age of five years, Henry Leroy who died at the age of twenty years, and Wiley Franklin who survives. Her first husband died at their farm home April 25, 1872. She married in 1875 Wesley James, a former Marion merchant. No children were born to this union. He died in 1898. She is survived by a brother, Moses Casey, who is Police Magistrate at West Frankfort, aged 71 years, and a sister, Mrs. Polly Hartwell who lives on a farm almost adjoining the old home where the family of eight children spent their childhood. Three brothers and two sisters preceded her to the Great Beyond. In the order of their departure, they are: Henry Casey, Mrs. Sally Fry, John and Jesse M. Casey and Mrs. Leacy Weaver. Judge Slater was in Chicago holding court when notified his mother was critically ill. He hastened to Marion, hoping to again see her in life, but arrived fifty minutes after her life had gone out. The train was one hour late, else he would have won. Funeral services were held at the Primitive Baptist Church of which she was a member. The body was taken to the old Hartwell Church and cemetery, seven miles northeast of this city, where it was laid to rest. MEP 22 Jan 1912
Mrs. Josh Angel died Monday from injuries received three weeks ago when she was thrown from a horse she was riding on her way home from a Rebekah meeting at Crab Orchard. She leaves a husband and children: Mrs. Will Turner of this city, Miss Ina, living at home and Claud, Moody and William. Burial was at Pleasant Grove. MEP Tuesday, 23 Jan 1912
James A. Moore died Wednesday of pneumonia at his home near Pittsburg. He leaves a wife and several children, also brothers, James Moore of Johnston City and George Moore of Union County. , a sister, Mrs. T.J. Wilson of Johnston City. He was about fifty years old. [His name is later corrected to John Moore.] MEP Wednesday, 24 Jan 1912
Sheriff Brents of Christian County came to Marion Monday for the purpose of taking back to Pana one F.O. Mccurty who has been wanted there for wife abandonment. EP 25 Jan 1912
Mrs. Jo Taylor of Spillertown was placed under a peace bond Monday. An effort to have her daughter, Maude, and a small son placed under like bonds failed. This is simply another echo of the big fight that was waged at Spillertown not long since between Mrs. Taylor and her son and daughter on one side and Mrs. Altha Stone on the other. At that time, Mrs. Stone was so thoroughly whipped that she was not able to be out of bed for several days. The trouble came about over a pan of ashes which Mrs. Taylor was accused of trying to get on Mrs. Stone’s washing when she poured them into the street near their homes. At that time, Mrs. Taylor and daughter were fined for fighting. EP 25 Jan 1912
A marriage license was issued Monday to Louis Labotte, 20, and Flora Druary, 16, both of Marion. EP 25 Jan 1912
Joe Phelts, a Russian coal miner, was killed Saturday at Sunnyside Mine near Herrin. MEP Saturday, 27 Jan 1912
Notice of adjustment W.W. Skaggs, administrator of estate of John W. Morris, deceased. EP 27 Jan 1912
Frank Butts was shot Friday by Raymond McGill at McGill’s home on West Cherry Street. He is laid up with a shattered knee joint. McGill is the one who was knocked in the head with a sledge hammer, a pick and a car pin in the Peabody Mine No. 3 about two weeks ago by enraged Italians. [A lengthy account.] EP 29 Jan 1912
Mrs. Prunett Caskey, 68, died Friday at the home of her sister, Mrs. Charley Winters on East Main Street. She is a sister to Wilson Butts, Mrs. Susan Alexander, Mrs. W.O. Jenkins, Mrs. Chas. Winters, Mrs. W.C. Bell and Mrs. W.C. Cash Her husband died a number of years ago and she and her sister, Mrs. Alexander, lived with their brother, Jeff Butts until his death two years ago. Burial will be at Shiloh. EP 29 Jan 1912
Will Ates shot and killed Will Smith at his home in Weaver Friday night. The crime is similar to that for which Pete Gosnell was sentenced to 40 years. Gosnell shot an inoffensive Scotchman, John Boal, in a restaurant in Herrin without provocation. MEP Saturday, 27 Jan 1912
At Galatia Saturday, James Goodman shot and killed his wife and killed himself at the local telephone office. He slipped up behind her while she was answering calls at the switchboard and fired a bullet through her brain. He then turned the gun upon himself and blew out his brains. His body fell across that of his victim. They separated recently and he was a victim of tuberculosis. Mrs. Goodman was formerly Ella Rieter. She married first Joe Pemberton and they had one child. They separated and she later married Goodman. MEP Saturday 27 Jan 1912
Murphysboro Independent Roy Dowd was sentenced to life in the pen. He killed Will Mitchell, a fellow descendant of the tribes in the African jungles. EP 29 Jan 1912
That he might be near the scenes of his happy boyhood days when death came upon him, Perrine Leroy Craig recently returned to this county from Arkansas, where he had been for about two years. He arrived in a very serious condition, being in the last stages of consumption and being without funds was taken to the poor farm where he died Wednesday night. He was born in Grassy Precinct 5 Mar 1882, a son of Robert Craig. His mother died when he was young and he and five other children were then placed in homes that could be found. The father, Bob Craig, is known here. There were two boys and four girls in the family. The other boy and one girl are married and live in Arkansas. The father contributed but little to the support and education of the two younger sisters and much responsibility fell upon the shoulders of the young man, Perrine. He leaves three sisters here: Bertha, who is grown and a housekeeper, Tot, who is living in the home of Mr. & Mrs. M.L. Baker and attending school, and Della, who is living at the home of Mr. & Mrs. John H. Duncan and attending school. The exact whereabouts of the father are not known. The body will be taken to Willeford and the funeral and burial will be there. [A lengthy account.] MEP 25 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses
Thursday — Harry Davis, 19, & Willie Christian, 19, both of Herrin Friday — Frank Hicks, 22, & Ethel Cralih, 18, both of Lusk, Ill. MEP Friday 26 Jan 1912
The four-week-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Hartwell Marks, living at Blue Row on the Marion-Johnston City Road, died Wednesday of pneumonia fever. Burial will be at Willeford. EP 29 Jan 1912
Three little boys, aged three, five and seven years, abandoned a month ago by their mother, Mrs. Arthur Bennett, are in need. The children are with a family named Knight on North Court Street, whom their father, a Coal Belt section laborer, is endeavoring to pay board. The little ones need clothing. While the oldest one is old enough to be in school, it is stated he cannot attend for lack of shoes. The father doesn’t make enough salary to pay his and the children’s board and provide for them properly. The children should be placed in an orphanage and it seems that this would be an excellent opportunity for some charitable inclined person to get busy. EP 29 Jan 1912
Fred Beaver, the piano tuner, who formerly made this city regular and was well and most favorably known here, died Wednesday at the Southern Illinois Hospital at Anna where he had been an inmate for a year or more. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks here. He was 34 years old, the son of Mr. & Mrs. S.M. Beaver of Centralia, where the remains were sent for burial. MEP 25 Jan 1912
Mrs. Bulliner, who was shot by her husband, died Wednesday at Murphysboro. EP 29 Jan 1912
Harry M. Thompson, 21, and Rebecca Oliver, 19, both of Marion, were married Wednesday. MEP 25 Jan 1912
The body of a girl baby, fully developed and preserved in a fruit jar of alcohol, was found Tuesday five miles west of this city on a farm owned by Rev. L.L. Smoot of this city. The jar with its ghastly contents was found by a Mr. Coffee and another workman in an old dead tree top which has the appearance of lying upon the ground several years. The spot is about a hundred yards from the Marion-Carterville Road. The body had at one time been wrapped in newspaper and there still appeared the imprint of some words, one being “Aons.” It seemed the paper was printed in a foreign language. Coroner Russell turned it over to an undertaker and Mr. Holland stated he will not place it in a regular casket and would thereby save the county a burial expense bill. It will be buried in Rose Hill in the Potter’s field. MEP Thursday, 25 Jan 1912
The excitement caused by the fire at Jim Warren’s house in the Gent addition one day last week brought about the death of one person week later. Mrs. Jeff Crain was soon to become a mother and the excitement caused the baby to be born prematurely Wednesday night and the mother died Thursday. She was about forty years old and the mother of nine living children. Her maiden name was Fry, born and raised southwest of this city. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery. MEP Friday, 26 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses issued on Monday and Tuesday
Carl Stewart, 23, Murphysboro & Maud Ramsey, 19, Dewmaine
Miles Norris, 26 & Dome Boyd, 22, Both of Anna
Charles Caello, 30 & Bertha Deal, 18, Both Of Christopher
Otis Maze, 21 & Minnie McCarger, 20, Both Of Goreville
Carl H. Smith, 21 & Bessie Dawson, 23, Both Of Herrin
Charles Jones, 23 & Mayme Mccoy, 18, both of Grassy Precinct EP Thursday, 1 Feb 1912
Willis McCormick, for several years a resident of this city, was declared insane Tuesday. MEP 31 Jan 1912
Mrs. John H. Duncan left Tuesday for St. Louis where she took the three little children of Walter Bennett to an orphanage of the Christian Church. They will be placed in the institution there and homes secured for them. The mother of the little ones deserted them and their father recently. The father is a laboring man here. MEP 31 Jan 1912
The funeral of Mrs. Frank M. Westbrook, who passed away Monday night at her home on East Marion Street, will be Thursday afternoon and burial will be in Rose Hill cemetery. MEP Wednesday, 31 Jan 1912
George Caswell, 58 years old, and Lilly Neely of East St. Louis were convicted of white slave trafficking yesterday in Judge Geo. Crow’s court in Belleville. Caswell was sentenced to one year in the county jail and pay a fine of $800. The woman was given six months and a like fine. The evidence which convicted them was given by May Caswell, the 16-year-old wife of the defendant. The complaint of Ruth Lewis, made to her father, John Lewis, in Marion, after she escaped from the home of the Neely woman in East St. Louis, started the prosecution. According to her story, she was taken to Clayton by Caswell and Neely in 1910, when she was 14 years old, with the understanding that she was to marry Caswell. On account of her age, the Neely woman posed as the bride when the license was taken out, giving the name May Peterson. No marriage took place and the girl was taken back to East St. Louis where she remained for some time before she finally escaped to her home. At the trial, Caswell’s girl-wife took the stand and at first denied she had been a victim of the white slave system and contradicted the statements she had made before the grand jury. She was dismissed from the stand and a few minutes later Assistant States Attorney Johnson caused her arrest on a charge of perjury. She then told Sheriff Mulconnery that she was willing to go back and tell all she knew. On taking the stand a second time, she said she had denied her story to the grand jury because Caswell had told her the state could not make a case and no harm would come to her. MEP 31 Jan 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
James P. Thompson, 27, Of Marion & Maggie Bowman, 17, of Whiteash
F. Spragel, 24 & Mary Bryan, 19, both of Johnston City
Herbert Lannom, 20 & Bernice O’Daniel, 17, both of Creal Springs EP 1 Feb 1912
Notice of Adjustment
Mary E. Oglesby administratrix of estate of William A. Oglesby, deceased
O.W. Williams administrator of estate of Lubena Tennessee Absher, deceased EP 1 Feb 1912
Uncle Arch Odum of Benton was in Marion Tuesday meeting his many old friends and neighbors. He is looking hale and hearty. Mr. Odum stated that his wife was in very poor health this winter. EP 1 Feb 1912
Deputy Sheriff Gentry arrived in this city Saturday with Will Atess who shot and killed Will Smith Friday night. The body of Smith was shipped back to his former home in Ohio. It was accompanied by his wife who announced she would return to this county and remain long enough to prosecute her husband’s slayer. Smith was a large man weighing 222 pounds. It is said Smith had been bootlegging to a few special fellows of Weaver and Atess became intoxicated on Smith’s whiskey. A lengthy account of the crime.1 EP 1 Feb 1912
Mike Matuckanis, a Lithuanian of Weaver, was arrested Monday for incest against his eight-year-old daughter, Eva. The mother left the home almost a year ago because of ill treatment on the part of the father. She left three children, boys now aged five and three and the daughter. The little girl seems not to distinguish the difference in vulgar words and choice words. Unabashed, she uses bad language before men. Her story is verified by a couple of physicians who made an examination and performed an operation on her. The man says, “If I did it, I did it while I was drunk.” The children are now here in the Commercial Hotel and will be kept here until an order can be secured from the court committing them to an orphanage. [A lengthy account.] MEP Tuesday 30 Jan 1912
Continued illness, a great amount of suffering and the realization of the fact that he was afflicted with an incurable disease, prompted Theodore H. Woodbridge, once a wealthy dentist of near Nashville, Tenn., to drink half the contents of a four-ounce bottle of laudanum. His death occurred Sunday at his home just north of Scottsboro. For the last two years he had suffered from tuberculosis of the throat. Born in Pennsylvania, he was 58 years old. He came to Northern Illinois with his parents when he was two years old, later went to Missouri and from there to Iowa. Later he went to Tennessee and then moved to this county He and two of his sons operated the Woodbridge Mine west of Scottsboro until less than a year ago. He is survived by his wife, Lillian A., three sons, Will of Kirksville, Mo., Jesse of this city, Reid at home and a daughter, Mrs. Allie Steeger of this city. Burial will be in Rose Hill or Maplewood cemetery under the auspices of the Masonic lodge of this city. MEP Monday, 29 Jan 1912
Pascel Pritchett, grandson of Justice G.H. Pritchett, was killed Monday night at ten o’clock after he hopped an Illinois Central train. The accident happened on the west switch of the wye in this city. Young Pritchett, along with Audie Allen, Willie Hill, Ray Wright and Val Phelps, were riding the car after it had arrived here, had discharged its passengers and baggage and was preparing to “go in the hole” till morning. He was jammed between the end of a coal car and the side or corner of a passenger coach. He was 12 years, 5 months and 27 days old. Burial will be at the Prairie, east of this city. MEP Tuesday, 30 Jan 1912
Pauline J. Wes I Brook died Monday after an illness of six years. She would have been 83 years old if she had lived till March. Before her marriage, she was Pauline J. Lafferty. She married F.M. Westbrook 26 Jan 1855 who died 3 Dec 1913. [error] and three children were born to them: W.J. Westbrook of Arizona, Willis Wes I Brook of this city and Daisy B. Mitchell, wife of G.E. Mitchell of Dallas,
Texas. The body will be placed to rest beside the side of her life companion who now sleeps at Rose Hill. MEP 30 Jan 1912
February
Mrs. Elbert L. Underwood, living two- and one-half miles southwest of Mouser’s store, died Thursday after an illness of typhoid and pneumonia fever. She was about 38 years old. Before her marriage she was Miss Minnie Moore. She leaves a husband and six children, the oldest one, a girl, is just now recovering from typhoid fever. She was a member of Crab Orchard Church near Chamness. W.B. Moulton and Henry Kelly, neighbors, were in town Thursday for the casket. It is thought the funeral will be at Crab Orchard Church. The body will be laid to rest in the cemetery nearby. MEP Thursday, 1 Feb 1912
James Ates, brother of Will Ates, the slayer of Will Smith at Weaver, was arrested Wednesday at his home in Herrin on a charge of murder. He is charged with having furnished his brother with the gun to slay Smith. MEP 1 Feb 1912
W.D. “Dug” Hartwell, died Thursday of brain fever at the age of 51 years and two days. He was born in Lake Creek Precinct, son of Mr. And Mrs. James C. Hartwell. He married Emma Robinson 27 Sep 1888. Five girls and one boy were born to this union. Two of the girls died in their early years. He taught school and later worked on the railroad, being a section foreman on the C. & E.I. at the time of his death. His wife died four years ago. The children left to mourn their father are: Mrs. George Fisher, Mrs. Robert Hill Lillian and Leslie Hartwell. Burial will be in Rose Hill. MEP Friday, 2 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses Thursday
Ward Casey, 21, Carterville & Bertha Crabtree, 19, Anna
James Dougherty, 22 & Myrtle McPherson, 19, both of Herrin
Friday — Lewis F. Jones, 35 & Jannie Watson, 33, both of Grassy Township MEP 2 Feb 1912
Johnston City suffered a fire Saturday morning. The blaze gutted the First National Bank building, destroyed the banking institution, the Duncan-Baker Hardware store, the Brown cigar factory and some offices. The building destroyed was on the north side of the principal business street, east of the C. & E.I. railroad. It was one of the best business buildings in Johnston City, being two stories high and having four business rooms on the lower floor. The bank occupied one of the rooms, the Duncan-Baker store occupied two rooms and a saloon occupied the fourth. The cigar factory was located directly over the hardware storage or ware room. The fire gutted three rooms and the floor above them. The second floor of the burnt building was occupied by Brown’s cigar factory, Atty. Gordon Pillow’s law office, Dr. Felts’ office, Dr. Woodside’s office and the Johnston City band as a practice hall. The walks were left standing. The Barlow building on the west side was greatly Damaged As Well As The Saloon Stock In The Barlow Building. The Building of John Ellis, located to the east, was greatly damaged. This is the second time the First National Bank and its building has been burned out. This bank erected one of the first brick buildings ever built in Johnston City. Later, when a row of frame buildings were destroyed, the brick and its contents also went up. The was four or five years ago or longer. The bank was then rebuilt on the same ground, erecting a much larger and more expensive building. The Johnston Progress, Pie-counter Dick’s paper, is housed on the second floor of the Barlow building. The Progress plant was unharmed except, according to messages, the oil was stewed off the presses. MEP Saturday, 3 Feb 1912
James Henshaw, a farmer aged 60, was found in an unconscious condition in his bed at Henshaw Monday morning, death following in a few minutes after he was found by members of his household. MEP 3 Feb 1912
Herman Brown, son of Mr. & Mrs. Roy Brown, died 14 Oct at Dyersburg, Tenn., aged 15 months and 9 days. EP 5 Feb 1912
A marriage license was issued Friday to H.C. Grant, 27 and Annie Coleman, 26, both of Johnston City. EP 5 Feb 1912
Johnston City suffered the loss of another business brick by fire Sunday morning. The tile double building located on the north side of the principal street on the west side of the railroad was destroyed, together with its contents, two saloons and a butcher shop. MEP Monday, 5 Feb 1912
Ed Boyd was killed Tuesday afternoon at the Oak Ridge Mine near Herrin by a fall of slate. He leaves a wife and child. The death is similar to that of Joe Atkocitis who was killed Saturday at the West Side Mine at Johnston City. Atkocitis was a young, unmarried man. MEP Wednesday, 7 Feb 1912
Baker Borton, the southpaw who is in the eyes of the baseball public just now because of his excellent prospects of getting a place on the Chicago White Sox this season, arrived home Tuesday on a train from St. Joseph, Missouri, accompanied by his bride of one day, formerly Miss Pearl Leonardi. They were married Monday at St. Joseph. He is the son of Mrs. Mattie Borton of this city. They will visit here about two weeks. He will then be in Chicago on the 29th for the opening of practice. MEP 7 Feb 1912
Resolutions of Respect, Rebekas Death of sister Maggie Angel. EP 8 Feb 1912
J.R. Ogilvie, 26 & Mary Templeton, 22, both of Carterville were issued a marriage license Thursday. EP 8 Feb 1912
A marriage licenses was issued on the last day of January to Vittrio Berra, 26 & Lucretia Ciertti, 19, both of Herrin. MEP 1 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Milton H. Allman, 20 & Grace Swinney, 16, Both Of Marion
Doran Belcher, 22, Desoto & Melle M. Schaffer, 20, Creal Springs
Clyde Simmons, 22, Tunnel Hill & Inez Baner, 21, Marion
Clyde D. Walker, 22, Carterville & Mary John, 22, Carbondale EP 8 Feb 1912
Mike Mautsetski, the Lithuanian arrested for a crime against his eight-year-old daughter, was released Wednesday. States Attorney Hartwell said he believed it was a conspiracy by the man’s sister-in-law and possibly others to railroad him. Physicians who examined the girl said she had never been ravished by anyone. The child, who is a good type of the lowest of moral degeneracy, will perhaps be sent to a state’s home for girls. EP 8 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Tuesday
Clarence Manning, 21, Herrin & Zada Cawthon, 18, Clifford
Frank Hewlett, 18 & Ruth Walker, 18, both of Herrin EP 8 Feb 191Z
Charley Blue, 1303 North Logan, died 3 Feb, after suffering a year from tuberculosis. He was born 58 years ago in Kentucky, married Sarah A. Cutrell in 1878. Seven children were born; four have preceded him to the home beyond. Three survive; one is Mrs. George Fowler of this city. Funeral services were held at Freedom church, just over the Saline-Williamson county line, near where he formerly lived. MEP Monday, 5 Feb 1912
Ben Thaxton, former Carterville citizen died Saturday in Tampa, Florida where he had gone with his family eight months ago for the benefit of Mrs. Thaxton’s health. He was 28 years old and born in this county. His death was from typhoid fever, with which his brother, Will, a former Marion boy is also suffering and is in critical condition in a Florida hospital. After Ben moved to Florida, Will joined him. They both contracted typhoid fever. Ben leaves a wife and three children, a mother Mrs. Armenta Thaxton who lives with her daughter, Mrs. Rosco Norman in this city, brother Will, sisters: Mrs. J.W. Bradbury of this city, Mrs. Frank York of Herrin, Mrs. Rolla Rushing who lives on the old homeplace near Carterville, Mrs. Chester Atwood and Mrs. Rosco Norman of this city. MEP 5 Feb 1912
John Nolte and Mary Baugert, a prominent Madison County couple, were married Sunday at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Baugert. MEP 8 Feb 1912
B.F. Thaxton, son of John W. & Arminta S. Thaxton, was born 13 Sep 1873,
died 3 Feb 1912. He married Nellie J. Baggott 13 Sep 1896. His father died 15 years ago. His body will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery waiting its summons on the morn of the resurrection.
Never here, forever there
Where all parting, pain and care
And death and time shall disappear
Forever there, but never here EP Monday 12 Feb 1912
The funeral of Marshall Jack was held Saturday with burial in Maplewood Cemetery. EP 12 Feb 1912
A double wedding took place at Herrin Saturday. The parties were John Gualdoni & Bertha Merlo and Ernest Ruggeri & Lena Calceterri, all Italina. For the feast, one large ox and one hundred chickens were barbequed. Fifty kegs of beer were tapped. Other good things to eat and drink were furnished in proportion. MEP Saturday, 10 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Henry Bradley, 26 & Laura Abney, 27, both of Marion
Elmer Gregg, 24 & Susan A. Parham, 20, both of Grassy
Roy Kirby, 21 & Lola Terry, 18, both of Goreville
On Friday
Charley Rogers, 26 & Maechi Enrichetti, 21, both of Clifford EP 12 Feb 1912
Ed Threet, one of Marion’s best known colored men, for years a barber on West Main Street, died Thursday at his home on North Garfield of apoplexy. The body was taken to Mayfield, Kentucky for burial. MEP Friday, 9 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Thursday
Bart Bainbridge, 21 & Dora Roland, 18, both of Johnston City Orval Rector, 21, Simpson & Grace Palmer, 18, Bonnie MEP Friday, 9 Feb 1912
Mrs. Mary L. Campbell, one of Perry County’s pioneer residents, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fannie Williams in Pinckneyville Tuesday, aged 90 years, 10 months and 1 day. Burial was in Green Briar Cemetery. EP 12 Feb 1912
Fannie Davis and Robert 0. Boatright were married Saturday in Murphysboro. They are well known young people of Marion. The bride is the daughter of Uncle Mart Davis. MEP Saturday, 10 Feb 1912
Marshall Jack was almost instantly killed Thursday at the Carterville District mine when coal fell on him. He was born and reared in Johnson County near Goreville. He leaves a wife and a small boy and girl. He was about 37 years old. MEP Thursday, 8 Feb 1912
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Presson went to Carbondale in response to a message her father, Levi Brewer, was dead. He fell dead Thursday at his home. He was about 76 years old and the last of five brothers, all of whom passed from life in the same tragic manner. A son, about 18 years old, also died in like manner. He /eaves a wife, one son, William Brewer of Carbondale and a daughter, Mrs. Presson of this city. MEP Thursday, 8 Feb 1912
Notice of adjustment
O.W. Williams, administrator of estate of Lubena Tennessee Absher, deceased. Mary E. Oglesby, administratrix of estate of William A. Oglesby, deceased. MEP 12 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses Monday
Charles W. Buchanan, 21 & Bertha L. Fluck, 18, both of Marion
E.E. Taylor, 28, East St. Louis & Anna Howell, 19, Grantsburg MEP Tuesday, 13 Feb 1912
The body of Willis McCormick, who died Sunday at the hospital in Anna, was taken to the home of his mother on South Market Street. Burial was three miles east of this city. Elsewhere – He was in the last stages of consumption when taken to Anna. He left a wife and several children. EP Thursday, 15 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Tuesday
Levi Echols, 32 & Alma Norman, 22, Both Of Crab Orchard J.W. Hopper, 23 & Hepsey Winget, 18, both of Herrin EP 15 Feb 1912
S.T. “Skelt” Moore died Monday at the Southern Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Anna. He was sent there in September 1909. He was a farmer, about 50 years of age and his home was near New Denison. He leaves a wife and six children: Charley, Guy, Auda & Glynn, all living at home and Harvey, living in Missouri, John, Mrs. Eva Parten & Mrs. Loui Parten [as written], all living in Calif. He was born in Alabama in 1847 and came to this section when young. The funeral will be held at Springhill Church, of which he was a member. MEP Tuesday, 13 Feb & EP 15 Feb 1912
A small child in the family of Mr. & Mrs. Pete Ficarra, Italian people living on West Faust Street, died Saturday. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery. EP 15 Feb 1912
Bessie Underwood, 18-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dan Underwood, died Tuesday of tuberculosis. Her parent’s home is about two and a half miles southwest of Mouser’s store, near the home of her brother Elbert Underwood, whose wife died less than two weeks ago. She leaves her parents, brothers: Elbert, John & Will and sisters: Mrs. Nannie Shoberts, Mrs. Della Stover and Carrie Underwood. Frank Hudgens and W.B. Moulton, who came in Tuesday after the casket, stated the funeral would be held Wednesday at Crab Orchard Church. The body will be laid to rest there. MEP Tuesday, 13 Feb 1912
Guy Standard, a popular young man of Creal Springs, died at his home there Wednesday night. He was a law student at the university in Michigan and a few days since returned home quite ill. MEP Thursday, 15 Feb 1912
Mrs. Jane Davis has just received a letter from an old-time friend, Mrs. Anderson of Grand Tower, Ill., formerly the wife of the late Dr. Spencer, a medical doctor who years ago practiced here and died here. Mrs. Anderson stated her daughter, Mrs. Azdell of Pine Bluff, Ark., who will be remembered well as Nora Cam’ or Nora Spencer, passed away last November at her home there, leaving a grown daughter. Nora Spencer was a popular young girl in Marion at a time when Marion was a small village. MEP Thursday, 15 Feb 1912
In Loving remembrance of Hannah Brown, beloved wife of A.E. Brown who departed this life on Feb. 16, 1911. MEP 16 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses
Wednesday — James Graney, 22 & Lizzie West, 19, both of Bush
Friday — James Maddox, 23 & Maggie Brown, 19, both of Dewmaine
Saturday — Marion Kirk, 23 & Stella Cox, 18, both of Herrin EP 19 Feb 1912
Relatives and friends on Friday arrived in this city on the northbound C & E I passenger from Morley, Mo., with the body of Mrs. W.H. Black, 65, who died there of pneumonia fever. The family is formerly from Metropolis and the body was taken there for burial. Those in the party were the bereaved husband and their sons, W.M. & Fred Black, Mr. & Mrs. H.F. Emerson, Mrs. D. Tomlinson and J.E. Smith. EP 19 Feb 1912
Benj. F. Cagle, 80, living with his son, J.H. Cagle, on a farm five miles northeast of Goreville, committed suicide by drowning in a spring on the farm Saturday. It is said there was only two or three feet of water in the spring and it was a small one. He had been missing about thirty minutes when a small boy found him with his head and shoulders submerged. He had been in feeble health for some time. EP 19 Feb 1912
H.H. “Dock” Hill, a resident of the southeast part of this city, who was committed to the asylum at Anna about a month ago, escaped Wednesday and arrived at his home that night. He had walked across country from Anna and was in a sad plight when he arrived an hour or two after midnight. Jailer George Miller and D.C. Gill left with him at noon for Anna. EP 19 Feb 1912
James Elkins, brother of Prof. Richard Elkins, principal of Washington School here, died Thursday of tuberculosis at the home of his sister, Mrs. Isaac Jones at 316 West Maplewood. He was 30 years and 27 days old, born and reared at Buncombe, Johnson County, where the body was taken for burial. He went west in search of his health, first to California, then to Arizona and later to Silver City, New Mexico. He was taken critically ill at that place recently and Prof. Elkins went there and brought him to this city. He leaves his mother, Mrs. Mary Elkins of near Buncombe, brothers and sisters: Richard of this city, Mrs. Isaac Jones of this city, John & Ben of Buncombe. MEP Friday, 16 Feb 1912
Murphysboro Independent Will Jones was found dead in a straw stack three quarters of a mile north of Jacob in the Mississippi bottoms Wednesday night. Wednesday, he and some companions were in Jacob and when they left after dark they were intoxicated. Reaching the straw stack, Jones was unable to travel further and crawled into the straw. His body was found there some time later. MEP 16 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Volney Moore, 19 & Betty Mcroy, 23, Both of Creal Springs
David Dickey, 28 & Vena Evett, 18, Both of Carterville
Thomas Cravens, 21 & Nona Bandy, 16, Both of Herrin
B.A. Lawrence, 26 & Bessie Fleming, 22, both of Johnston City EP 19 Feb 1912
John Corgan was in DuQuoin yesterday meeting his old friends. He had just been released from the Southern Illinois penitentiary after serving a fourteen-year sentence for killing Charles Smith on the street in Pinckneyville. They had engaged in a fight and Smith’s throat was cut. EP 19 Feb 1912
Funeral services were held Friday for Guy Standard. The body will be brought to this city tonight and will be at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Dick Odum on West Cherry Street until Saturday when it will be taken to Anna for burial. EP 19 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Thursday
Frank Erwin, 19 & Mamie Jones, 18, both of Marion W.F. Butts, 24 & Eva Glenn, 20, both of Marion MEP 16 Feb 1912
Mrs. John Tooley, living with her husband on East Boulevard, died Sunday of Bright’s Disease and dropsy. For almost 100 days she was unable to lie down and spent that time propped in a chair. She was born and reared in Pope County, as well as her husband. She leaves no children; the one child born to them died in infancy and its body sleeps in a little cemetery near Simpson, Liberty, to which place the mother’s body will be taken Tuesday and be placed by the side of her only child. MEP Monday, 19 Feb & EP 22 Feb 1912
Mrs. O.W. Summers, living with her husband and children between this city and Johnston City, died Monday after an illness of several days from septicemia. She leaves a husband and five children. EP 22 Feb 1912
X. Davis left Monday for Eldorado to attend the funeral of his uncle, Hannibal Davis who died Monday. He is the oldest brother of Uncle Mart Davis, D.A. & C.T. Davis, all of this city. MEP Tuesday, 20 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Monday
Major McReynolds, 25 & Laura McKinney, 17, both of Dewmaine
Harry Weinholz, 45, Carterville & Caroline Frishland, 45, Benton, Neb. EP 22 Feb 1912
A newly born baby boy was found in a sump hole at the outlet of an 18-inch sewer at Carbondale Saturday morning. The pool where the body was found was shallow. While it is the supposition of some persons that the body was thrown in a manhole at some other point in the city, others believe it was thrown in the sump as the flesh showed little if any abrasion. EP 22 Feb 1912
A boy was born to Herbert Raybourn, et al. EP 22 Feb 1912
Isaac Privett was adjudged insane Monday and taken to the asylum at Anna. EP 22 Feb 1912
Jacob Reel was instantly killed Thursday when a C & E I engine ran over him in the north C & E I yards. For years he had been handling the U.S. mail between the C & E I station and the post office. He and his push cart have been most familiar objects about the post office and the station and between the two places. [A lengthy article.] EP Monday, 26 Feb 1912
Mrs. George Campbell, a widow living near Shed church east of this city, Friday. Burial was at Shed church. EP 26 Feb 1912
Mrs. Hardy Shasteen, living near the Big Muddy mines, died Friday of bowel trouble. She was the daughter of Moses Stilley of this city. EP 26 Feb 1912
Marriage licenses issued Friday
Charley Winget, 64, & Mary A. Harman, 51, both of Herrin
Arthur Clarida, 29, Crab Orchard & Gertie Beasley, 23, Creal Springs EP 26 Feb 1912
R.R. Reed, living north of the Watson mine, and Alma Skaggs, a teacher at Herrin, were married Saturday. The bride is the daughter of Press Skaggs. EP 26 Feb 1912
John Kelly of Herrin was arrested Thursday for beating his wife. The sheriff found her unconscious and in a serious condition. EP 26 Feb 1912
Fred Darnell met instant death at the West Side mine Thursday at Johnston City. He fell from a car and it ran over him. He was about 18 years old and was his widowed mother’s only support. His father lost his life about four years ago in a mine accident at Johnston City. EP 26 Feb 1912
Mrs. John H. Duncan left Friday for St. Louis where she took three children belonging to John Mowty of Herrin to the Christian orphan’s home located there. EP 26 Feb 1912
There is now a move on foot to gain for Jack Isham his liberty from the penitentiary at Chester. Likewise, there is a counter movement on foot to keep Jack there until he has finished his term. While drunk, he ran down Mrs. Fritz Noreisch on East Main Street. He was convicted of manslaughter and given a sentence of one to fourteen years. He has been in prison about one year. EP 26 Feb 1912
Thomas Bracy, 58, died Tuesday at his home in Carterville. He leaves a wife and six children, all grown but one, also brothers: William of Carterville, B.D. & A.E. of this city. Burial was at the Carterville cemetery. EP 26 Feb 1912
Logan Homestead To Be Preserved
Widow of warrior says she will place mementos in cottage located in Benton
Benton Standard: The plans of Mrs. John A. Logan, widow of Gen. Logan, who has been cooperating with the citizens of Illinois to purchase the old homestead of the soldier-statesman at Benton and present it to the state are nearing fruition. The old frame house will be maintained in its present condition.
Mrs. Logan said that the proposition to preserve the homestead of her husband has been contemplated for some time. Success, she said, had crowned her efforts.
“I shall be only too glad to contribute my share of mementos to be placed in our old home,” Mrs. Logan continued. “I am afraid though, the furniture which was used by us when we lived in the Benton cottage is scattered. My husband entered the army at the outbreak of the Civil War and we immediately gave up housekeeping.”
“My husband at that time published a little paper in our Benton home and had a printing press. I never have been able to find out what became of that press. If I can locate it I shall endeavor to have it placed in our former home where it undoubtedly will form a most interesting relic.”
Mrs. Logan said that the Illinois legislature at its next session will be asked to provide a maintenance fund for the house and employ a custodian, as was done in the case of the Lincoln home before it became the property of the state. Old residents who have relics of the soldier-statesman have offered to contribute them, she says.
The Illinois delegation in congress has been asked to procure relics. Many interesting mementos are in Washington and the congressmen say they will have but little difficulty obtaining them. EP 26 Feb 1912
Lillie McReynolds knows how it feels to be a bride though her matrimonial career was short indeed. Lillie, then Miss Lillie McKinney, entered the office of the county clerk here Monday on the arm of Major McReynolds, a personage of imposing name. They procured a license and were at once united in marriage. The groom gave his age as 25 and the bride as 27. Her father came along and gave his consent. On the following Monday the bride of last Monday’s wedding came to the city and caused a warrant to be sworn out for the arrest of Major McReynolds on a charge of wife abandonment. She stated that he ran away from her about two hours after the ceremony was performed. She doesn’t know where Major is but believes the officers can find out. They are colored people. EP Thursday, 29 Feb 1912
Mrs. Antus M. Tooley was born on a farm in Pope County, III., Feb 6, 1873 and died 18, 1912. Her father died when she was a small girl. She married John C. Tooley 14 Nov 1892 and came to Marion in 1901. She leaves her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Boulder, three brothers: John of Kansas, Charles of Cape Girardeau, Mo., William of Golconda, two half-brothers: Henry Boulder of Arkansas & Nathan Boulder of Carbondale, four half-sisters: Missouri Watson of Oklahoma, Georgia Manus of Missouri, Phoebe Evetts of Pope County and Mary Holloway of Creal Springs. EP 29 Feb 1912
Joe Martini, a Sicilian, was shot and killed Sunday in a boarding car at Carbondale by Stepano Pusatino/Pusatere, 58. He said Martini built a fire between six and seven o’clock about three feet from his bunk. He said there was a fire in the cook stove at the other end of the car and the second fire was only to roast the old man out. A quarrel started and Martini jumped at him with a heavy poker so he shot him with a shotgun. Pusatere stated he has a brother and two sons living at 548 Barbary Street, Chicago and a sister and married daughter in Pittsburg, Pa. He said his wife is dead. He said Martini had often abused and offended him. He says he is 58 years old, but has white hair and a wrinkled face and appears twenty years older. EP 29 Feb 1912
Mrs. I.M. Sperry of Cobden died Sunday. She is the mother of the wife of G.W. Mercer of this city and the surviving wife of Capt. I.M. Sperry. EP 29 Feb 1912
The little babe of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kelton died Sunday night. Monday a little child of Willie Anderson of Scottsboro died and will be laid to rest in Rose Hill. EP 29 Feb 1912
W.R. Murphy Jr., son of Samuel and Katie Murphy, was born 1 Apr 1911 and died 19 Feb 1912. He had been weakly during the earlier part of his life, but had later grown plump and apparently healthy, brightening the hopes of his parents. EP 29 Feb 1912
March
Mrs. Josephine Bainbridge, widow of John B. Bainbridge, died Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L.A. Browning in St. Louis. She had been in ill health ever since the death of her husband at their home on South Market Street about two years ago. She was born and reared in Marion, the daughter of one of Marion’s first merchants, James T. Goddard. She is survived by two brothers: H.T. Goddard of Mt. Carmel and L.A. Goddard of Chicago. She married 7 Sep 1859 and five children were born to this union. One, John, died a few years ago. She is survived by the following children: James A. of this city, Charley of Pana, Ill., Mrs. L.A. Browning of St. Louis and Mrs. Maud Parham of this city. Burial will be in Rose Hill by the side of her husband. EP Monday, 4 Mar 1912
Andrew Winning, a young man of about 22 years, drank about two ounces of carbolic acid on Friday in the front yard of his parents’ home in Carterville and within a few minutes was a corpse. His father had upbraided him for drinking and advised him to quit and get a job and go to work. This made him melancholy. Later, he tried to borrow a pistol from Albert Schoolcraft and didn’t get it. He then tried to borrow one from Bill Tranbarger. Both men refused after he told them what he wanted it for. He then went to the drug store and purchased ten cents worth of carbolic acid and went to a barber shop and got shaved. On the way home, he was hailed by a young fellow who informed him that he (Winning) had lost a bet they had made relative to the name of the father of Charley Trout, the young man murdered at Fordville Wednesday by “Booger” Graves. He laughingly declared he knew better and then said, “It doesn’t matter for you won’t see me again whether win or lose.” After entering the gate at his home and before reaching the porch, he drained the bottle of acid. His father saw him staggering and ran to him. He helped him to a bed where he died. He is the son of James Winning and grandson of Bob Winning. EP 4 Mar 1912
Frank Morris was shot and killed and Robert Sanders slashed with a razor in a fight at Wade’s place, said to be a blind tiger at Whiteash. John and Clyde Spiller are in jail, one charged with killing Morris and the other with slashing Sanders. Morris was teasing an old man and Sanders interposed in the old man’s behalf. Sanders knocked Morris down. The Spitler boys, friends of Morris, took a hand. John fired at Sanders, missed him and shot his friend Morris through the heart. Clyde then used a razor on Sanders. ” Towery” Morris leaves a wife and one small child, an aged mother, two brothers and a sister. He is about 40 years old. John Spiller is 20 years old and Clyde two years younger. They are the sons of Henry Spiller and wife who was a Goddard before her marriage. George Wade has been in jail at Marion before. He is about sixty years old. EP 4 Mar 1912
Josh Collins, an old citizen of Lake Creek Township, died Thursday and was buried in Union Grove. He leaves two sons. EP 4 Mar 1912
It was Riley Price, brother to Cal Price, one of the two hanged here a few years ago, who was sent to Chester from Benton where he was convicted of slaying a girl, after he had confessed while a convict in Ohio state prison. The Post stated a day or so since, in connection with the Wash Graves murder story, that it was the brother of Jerry Graves, Cal Price’s death companion, who was sentenced from Benton. This was an error. Jerry Graves and Wash Graves are the only Graves brothers who have been charged with murder. EP 4 Mar 1912
Mollie Frazier, aged 10 years, accidentally shot and killed her little Italian playmate, Antonio Laduga, aged 10 years, at the home of her parents in the little row of houses near the Chicago and Big Muddy mine, about four miles northwest of this city. EP 4 Mar 1912
Mrs. Sally Moore was brought over from Herrin and adjudged insane Friday. EP 4 Mar 1912
Wash “Booger” Graves shot and killed Charley “Coon” Trout Wednesday at a saloon in Fordville, owned by Dick Crain and Polos Ellis, called Polo’s Place. After being shot three times, Trout said, “Boys, carry me out of this saloon. I can’t die here; it would break my mother’s heart.” They carried him out and laid him on the sidewalk and he was dead within thirty minutes. He was about 22 years old and the son of Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Trout, living between Herrin and Johnston City. Graves is a brother of Jerry Graves, one of the principals in the Price and Graves double hanging here a few years ago. He is about 28 years old. In an interview the morning after the killing, Graves stated that his wife possibly became a mother again last night. EP 4 Mar 1912
Isaac Privett died Friday at the hospital at Anna. He leaves a wife. EP 4 Mar 1912
A girl, the fourth child and second girl, was born to Rev. & Mrs. G.W. Allison on North Monroe Street. EP Thursday, 7 Mar 1912
Mrs. Hannah Simmons and Mrs. Gussie Lamaster, who were tried on Monday and Tuesday in a justice’s court of running a disorderly house, were cleared Tuesday afternoon. The jury was out but five minutes. They had been proprietors of a rooming house for several months on North Market Street. Their arrest followed a failure of the city to convict Ben Lamaster of running a gaming house. Vain attempts were made to convict H.T. Scurlock, James Jones, Ferd Stevens, Nath Riddle and Ben Mclaren of gaming at the rooming house. EP 7 Mar 1912
Moses Spiller and Josephine Long of Johnston City were married Tuesday. EP 7 Mar 1912
I.N. Privett was born in 1845 in Kentucky and died 1 Mar 1912 at the hospital in Anna. When but a lad his parents died leaving him and his only sister to face life’s battles. This only sister also died about one month ago. He moved to Tennessee during the stormy days of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1861 in the Army of the Cumberland and became identified with the First Tennessee Cavalry. During this period he was confined to a Southern prison for one month. Shortly after peace was declared, he came to Marion. He served as coroner for six years. He married Sarah Simmons 19 Mar 1874, two children were born, both dying in infancy. EP 7 Mar 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Robert Fletcher, 21 & Nancy Williams, 19, Both of Johnston City
Roy Newman, 22 & Ethel Jordan, 20, Both of Crab Orchard
Alphonso Mckinney, 21 & Blanche Williams, 18, Both of Dewmaine
Wilson Darnell, 21, Herrin & Minnie Smith, 17, Creal Springs
Homer H. Thomas, 22, Harrisburg & Winnifred Pearl Moss, 19, Marion EP 7 Mar 1912
Randolph Dale died Friday of injuries while working at a coal mine near Herrin. He was about 55 years old. The funeral party will go to Murphysboro on the Bryan train. EP 7 Mar 1912
Thomas Samples, 19, of Marion and Mrs. Hattie Wyatt, 20, of Metropolis, were married Monday. The groom is a step son of Logan Meadows. EP 7 Mar 1912
Mt. Vernon News The three-year-old child of Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Dempsey, living on Welkin Street, was burned to death yesterday. Mrs. Dempsey left her two children asleep while she went to the well. It is supposed the child woke up and began to play with matches. The child died within thirty minutes. EP 7 Mar 1912
Murphysboro Republican-Era Less than a quarter of a mile from Murphysboro, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, aged 40, died as a result of starvation, exposure and lack of medical attention Friday. Mute testimony as to the suffering that preceded the death was to be seen in the appearance of the body. The woman had been in ill health some time, her husband did not live with her and she had no known means of support. EP 7 Mar 1912
Elmer Swain shot and killed an unidentified man Monday at Christopher. Swain’s father was picking up coal on the railroad tracks and the tramp held him up. Swain had no money and he cursed him. The dead man is about 35 years old and wore a Modern Woodmen badge. He had been in Christopher several days and told someone his home was in Jackson, Tennessee. EP 7 Mar 1912
Homer H. Thomas, of Harrisburg and Pearl Moss of this city, were married Saturday. They were accompanied by the groom’s sister, Mrs. Frank Mitchell and her husband. The couple will live in Harrisburg. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J.H. MOSS. EP 7 Mar 1912
Isaac Priveit and Ed Duke were both buried in Rose Hill Sunday. EP 7 Mar 1912
James Black shot and killed Matthew Jones Sunday at Black’s home near No. 9 mine. It has been stated he was killed to avenge a wrong done Black’s 17-year-old daughter. Jones, 30 years old, had been paying attention to the daughter and it is said she was soon to become a mother. Jones asked Sunday for his consent to marry her and the father refused. The shooting followed. Black fled. All are colored. EP 7 Mar 1912
A boy was born Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Norman on East Union Street. EP Monday 11 Mar 1912
The father of John and Clyde Spiller [Henry Spiller] took his own life last Friday at Whiteash. He took a rifle to a small strip of woods a few hundred yards from his home, placed the muzzle in his mouth and pulled the trigger. His wife missed him, then missed the rifle and spread the alarm. Several neighbors started out to search for him. Merchant John Gulledge found him. His sons, in jail for the killing of Frank Morris, were brought to the house, chained together. The father had displayed a deranged mind since the night of the killing. The funeral will be held at the home in Whiteash and the body will be laid to rest in a cemetery nearby. EP 11 Mar 1912
L.A. Colp, Master in Chancery, on Saturday sold the John Tanner farm and other lands in Rock Creek precinct. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner met death by gas in October last while attending the yearly meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association in East St. Louis. EP 11 Mar 1912
Thomas Stotlar of Herrin died Wednesday night at 1:15 at his home. Death was due to a peculiar complication in which the blood vessels of his body, especially those leading to the brain and spinal cord, were affected. He was almost 72 years old. He is survived by a wife, son, Ed M. Stotlar of this city, and a daughter, the wife of Dr. W.H. Ford of Herrin. In hopes of finding a recovery, he spent two winters in Florida and traveled extensively, spending some time at Hot Springs, Arkansas, Nevada, Missouri and other places. EP 11 Mar 1912
William Dunn died Tuesday and was buried in Freedom Cemetery. Among his children are Mrs. Leander Gorley and Mrs. Sam Hampton. EP 11 Mar 1912
Marshall Jack, son of Alonzo and Charity Jack, was born 29 Oct 1874 in Johnson County, Illinois. He married Bertha Gordon 5 Sep 1897. Two children were born: Cecil, aged 13 and Lela, age 10. EP 11 Mar 1912
Thomas Pulley, who for six years has been living in the county where he was born and spent his early life, died Wednesday at the home of his nephew, Harden Pulley, north of this city. His death was caused by a premature breakdown brought on by a worry over the loss of his eyes which resulted from an explosion a number of years ago. He was 62 years old the 15th of last August. He was born in Williamson County, a son of Thomas Pulley. He leaves a brother, Finis Pulley, sisters: Mrs. William Reese who lives southeast of Marion, Mrs. James Davis of Canaville and Mrs. John Anderson of Stonefort. He was married a number of years ago in Kansas City, Mo. After the marriage, they went to Colorado where they later separated. He leaves two sons by this union, both of whom were born in Colorado and have never been here. Eight years ago near Denver, while assisting in the work of blowing up some huge castings, he was injured in a premature explosion of some dynamite. His eyes were blown out and he was otherwise injured. Amer spending over a hundred days in the hospital, he got out. Two years later he returned to Williamson County. Burial was in Shiloh. EP 11 Mar 1912
Logan Meadows and his brother Bud Meadows were arrested Friday at Fordville for disturbing a funeral procession. Village Marshal Charley Perrine and his wife and friends were accompanying the remains of their little child to its last resting place. The abuse and insults were so strong it was necessary for the procession to pause long enough for the bereaved father to knock the ruffians down and jail them. EP 11 Mar 1912
John Willis died Tuesday and was buried in Rose Hill cemetery. EP Thursday, 14 Mar 1912
Thomas Stotlar was born 9 Mar 1840 in Highland County, Ohio and died 7 Mar 1912. When he was sixteen, his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Stotlar, sold their property and started overland by wagon to Southern Illinois, settling in the autumn of 1856 on a homestead purchased from David Herrin. On This Farm, The Parents Raised Six Sons, Ranging In Age As Follows, Thomas, John, killed in the Union Army, Christopher, residing at Carbondale, William, who died in Herrin in 1906 and was the first lumberman of Herrin, James L., living near Fordville and Hiram, the liveryman of Herrin, and one sister, Zeruah Jane, now residing in Oklahoma. Thomas enlisted in the 9th Ill Inf, Co G. His left arm was shattered by a musket ball at Shiloh. He returned to his father’s farm and while yet carrying his arm in a sling, he commenced the teaching of writing schools, then a very popular instruction because of the desire of everyone to communicate with the soldier boys in the army. He was classed as a good penman and some of his preserved copies are models of the elegant Spercerian system of penmanship. He married Louisa Cox 14 Jul 1860, daughter of George and Jane Cox. Three children were born: Ed, lumber merchant at Marion, Nora, wife of Dr. W.H. Ford of Herrin and Leroy who died 8 Apr 1905 in his twenty second year. His wife died 16 Feb 1903. [A long obit.] EP 14 Mar 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Carl Schuldt, 32, Spenser, South Dakota & Repesy Bowman, 28, Marion Jesse Hefflen, 21 & Ina Davis, 17, both of Herrin EP 14 Mar 1912
W.O. “Kit” Carson, tower man in the employ of the C & E I and stationed at the junction of that road with the C B & Q south of Hudgens, died alone Sunday in a small cabin near the switch where he had been keeping batch. Recently he had been internally injured when he had lurched against a desk while throwing a switch. He was able to go back to work after about a week, but complained of feeling badly. He did not report for duty Sunday and the man to be relieved found him dead. He was unmarried. He had lease on a few acres of land near the switch and was operating a small chicken ranch on the side. A stepfather passed through here Monday on his way to Hudgens from Brownsville, Ill., his home. EP 14 Mar 1912
Daniel Holleran was run over and instantly killed Saturday at Bush. He was assistant hostler. While in the yards, he was run over by an engine with no lights. His body was cut in two. A revolver in his pocket was cut in two as nicely as though giant scissors had been used. He was 35 years old, a native of this section and leaves a wife and two children. EP 14 Mar 1912
Ira Schull was killed by an explosion of gas Sunday while at work at the McClintock mine near Johnston City. He was 18 years old and unmarried. The body was shipped to Danville. EP 14 Mar 1912
John Willis died Tuesday of pneumonia. He was 32 years old and had lived in Marion eight years. He was born at Brookport. He leaves a wife and four small children, his parents of Rockford, a sister living here. Mrs. William Armstrong. EP 14 Mar 1912
A marriage license was issued Friday to Henry Miller, 24, of Vergennes and Ona Sizemore, 18, of Clifford. EP Monday 18 Mar 1912
Mrs. R.C. Robertson, mother of Mayor L.E. Robertson of Carterville, died Friday at the home of her son, Rev. Hessho Robertson at Harrisburg. She was 71 years and 11 days. She also leaves a son, Reavis Robertson of Maintau, Colo., daughters: Mrs. Libbie Porter of Vergennes, Mrs. T.R. Lockhart of Manitau, Colo., and Mrs. J.E. Olmstead of Colorado Springs, Colo. A very peculiar circumstance is connected with the death of this good old lady. She was a surviving sister of the late Judge Francis Marion Youngblood who died at his home in Carbondale about four years ago. At the very minute Mrs. Robertson passed from life Friday, her !ate brother’s surviving widow, a long time friend of Mrs. Robertson, passed from life at Bisbee, Arizona, thousands of miles away. Both the deaths occurred on the 81st birth anniversary of their departed husband and brother. Mrs. Youngblood was living with a daughter, Mrs. C.A. Bailey. She celebrated her 71st birthday about three months ago while Mrs. Robertson was 71 eleven days ago. They had been great friends since they were real small girls. The body of Mrs. Youngblood will be brought back to Carbondale. EP 18 Mar 1912
A marriage license was issued Thursday to William McCormick, 22, Creal Springs and Pearl Bridges, 18, Goreville. EP 18 Mar 1912
Coroner Russell was called to Johnston City Wednesday to hold an inquest over the body of a year old infant of a Lithuanian family by the name of Statitis, who was burned to death. On Tuesday, an older child in the family was playing with burning paper. The spread over the baby’s crib became ignited. The baby died that night. EP 18 Mar 1912
Mrs. Nannie Hawkins died of lung trouble Saturday at her home on East Main Street. She was the widow of F. Hawkins who died about 18 years ago. She was the daughter of J.C. and Elizabeth Miller. She leaves a daughter, Miss Estella, and sons Roy and Fred, brothers: Joe, Allen, James, William, Carrol, John and Monroe Miller, all farmers in Southern township and Sandy Miller, deputy postmaster in this city. EP 18 Mar 1912
Willie Smothers, 21 and Nettie Boyd, 21, both of Marion, secured a marriage at Benton, Franklin County, this week. EP 18 Mar 1912
Mary Belle Rodd, small daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Rodd, living at Peabody near the No. 3 mine, died Wednesday evening at the Marion hospital. The little one drank oil of wintergreen about 10 o’clock Tuesday. Aside from being slightly sick, she didn’t seem to be harmed. On Wednesday morning, she awakened her parents and asked for a “great big drink.” After swallowing the water, she groaned as if in great agony. They took her to the hospital. She was two years and five months old, their only child. Her parents are each about 24 years old. Burial will be in Rose Hill. EP 18 Mar 1912
A.A. “Bud” Sisk received word his brother, Lee Sisk, had died in Greenville, Ky. EP 18 Mar 1912
Lewry Jones, an old gentleman of Abilene, Kansas, aged 70, came all the way to Williamson County to get a wife. He and Mrs. Seyvilla Watson, aged 30, of Creal, were married Thursday. EP 18 Mar 1912
Willie F. Lee, a young man of Carterville, was adjudged insane Friday and committed to the asylum at Anna. EP 18 Mar 1912
Louie Calhoun of Creai Springs made some corrections about the death of W.O. Carson. He said he did not die in a cabin, but at the home of I.N. Meneese where he boarded. The body was taken to Browntown, Ill for burial. [A lengthy account of the last day of Jackson’s life.] EP 18 Mar 1912
The trial of Will Holman and W.B. Moulton for the murder of Jimmy Turnage, the Grassy township farmer who was slain on a public highway near Mouser’s store on the 24th of June last is now in full blast. [A lengthy account of the killing.] EP Thursday, 21 Mar 1912
W.H. Evans, colored, living at Dewmaine, was granted a divorce Wednesday from his wife, Mattie Evans. He said she had deserted him five years ago and went to Kentucky. EP 21 Mar 1912
Marriage licenses issued Saturday
Aud Locklear, 22, Carterville & Lena Foster, 19, Herrin
Harry A. Cowan, 22 & Mattie A. Barnette, 22, both of Herrin EP 21 Mar 1912
A marriage license was issued Tuesday to Hubert Baker, 22 and Vivian Spears, 19, both of Dewmaine. EP 21 Mar 1912
A girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. William Rix at their home near Ozark, the sixth child and second daughter. Mr. Rix is an engineer at Marion Mills. EP 21 Mar 1912
Carbondale Herald Conductor Joe Youngblood and A.W. Stewman left Sunday for New Orleans and from there to go part way on the Southern Pacific route to meet the body of Mrs. F.M. Youngblood. A funeral service will be held at Carbondale after which the body will be taken to Benton for burial. EP 21 Mar 1912
Tom Deaton, a resident of this city, Sunday was very drunk and carrying a small baby in his arms. In one hand he carried a knife with which he threatened to kill the child because he loved it. Harry Wollard knocked him down and it was thirty minutes before consciousness was restored. [A lengthy account.] EP 21 Mar 1912
Louis Nepotti, a Johnston City Italian, aged about 35 years old, was found Tuesday morning about 4:30 near the C & E I main line and on the railroad’s right of way south of Johnston City. He was found by Ray Zimmerman and Dave Barnwell who woke up M.W. Atwood who lived nearby. The man was unconscious and died a few minutes later. He suffered a blow to the back of his head. He was unmarried, a coal digger who lived in Johnston City. He had plans to go to Butte, Montana to mine and had drawn money from a Johnston City bank and his pay, possibly $500. His fellow countrymen gave him a farewell social in Johnston City Monday night and he said goodbye and departed at a late hour. He was planning on leaving on Bryan’s train about 9:30 Tuesday morning. EP 21 Mar 1912
Jailer George Miller returned Saturday morning from Anna where he, accompanied by a brother of the patient, went to take Gus Henderson. The officer was completely worn out. The man caused a great deal of trouble and it was necessary to force him and restrain him all the time. He was bound with handcuffs. The sudden death of an infant and the worry of several days of his two-year-old girl who was suffering from pneumonia fever is believed to have been the cause of his mind going from him. He is the son-in-law of M.J. Turner. He has three children. EP Monday, 25 Mar 1912
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward of Carbondale, who have been visiting Mrs. Woodward’s parents the past few weeks, are rejoicing over the arrival of a boy which arrived Wednesday. Mrs. Woodward was formerly Miss Vera Baker. EP 25 Mar 1912
The body of a dead tramp was found Friday by another tramp in an old boarding car on the C & E I a mile and a half north of Johnston City. Nothing was found to establish his identity. He was lying on the floor with his coat spread over his face and blood was about over the car. He was an Irishman, about 50 years of age, six feet tall and heavy set. Burial was in Potter’s field at Johnston City. EP 25 Mar 1912
W.B. Moulton and Will “Speck” Holman stand clear of the charge of murdering Jimmy Turnage. Witnesses said Turnage took his pistol from under his buggy seat cushion and fired the first shot. Also, that Turnage called Holman a SOB. [A lengthy article with testimony.] EP 25 Mar 1912
Bailey Butler, 65, 1607 West Main Street, died Wednesday. He was stricken Saturday night with paralysis. He was born 12 Jul 1847 and died 20 Mar 1912. He was a veteran. He leaves a wife and several children. EP 25 Mar 1912
Nancy M. Miller was born 19 Mar 1855 south of Marion, daughter of J.E. and Elizabeth Miller and died 16 Mar 1912. She was the only daughter in a family of twelve children, three of whom preceded her to the grave. Those left are: Joe, Allen, James C., William, Carroll, John Monroe and Sandy. Her mother died 2 Dec 1885 and her father died 6 Aug 1897. She married F. Hawkins 22 Sep 1875 and three children were born: Miss Estella, Roy And Fred. About thirty-five years ago she suffered from measles and since that time she suffered from a slight affliction of the lungs. The remains were taken to Fountain where funeral services were held. The body was laid to rest at that place beside that of her husband. EP 25 Mar 1912
S.O. Midgett received the news Thursday that his mother, Minerva Elizabeth Midgett, a former resident of this county, had passed away Sunday at Fordtran, Texas. The body was laid to rest there at the Midgett cemetery near Fordtran. EP 25 Mar 1912
Joseph C. Keith, 22, Clifford and Lillian Dodd, 16, Carterville, were married Thursday. EP 25 Mar 1912
Marriage licenses issued Wednesday
Phillip Haggard, 36, Herrin, & Rena Harris, 37, Johnston City
John G. Thompson, 21 & Margaret J. Turpin, 18, both of Johnston City EP 25 Mar 1912
Willis Hendrickson and Tobe Matthews were arrested for bootlegging and taken to Danville by Deputy U.S. Marshall Odum. Elsewhere — Matthews, colored, was cleared in federal court. EP 25 Mar 1912
Mrs. Harry Russell, living on West Cherry Street with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Bud Sanders, died Saturday of tuberculosis. She leaves a husband, parents and a brother. EP 25 Mar 1912
It has developed that Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. F.M. Youngblood did not die on the same day. Mrs. Youngblood passed away the day after Mrs. Robertson, that day being the birth anniversary of the late husband of Mrs. Robertson, each thus dying on the birth anniversary of the other’s husband. Bright’s Disease was the cause of both deaths. EP 25 Mar 1912
Marriage licenses
Friday — Albert Petty, 21 & Lona Dollar, both of Carterville
Saturday Roy Barnwell, 21 & Hattie Westbrook, 20, both of Creal
Malcolm Throgmorton, 25 & Grace Roberts, 19, both of Carterville
T.F. Womack, 28, Mountainair, N.M. & Sophia Hayes, 28, Marion EP Thursday, 28 Mar 1912
Otis Walker, eight-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Walker of Ora Township, Jackson County, died Sunday from an accidental gunshot wound inflicted by his father. Mr. Walker raised his gun to shoot a chicken hawk, not noticing Otis was following at his side. Otis jumped in front of the gun. EP 28 Mar 1912
(Extracted from microfilm at Morris Library and/or Illinois State Library by Helen Sutt Lind, published in Events in Egypt, Vol. 10)