1915, News Clippings, April thru June

April

The 15-month-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Dean died Monday at the home of Mrs. Dean’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Barnett. HN 1 Apr 1915

There are forty-five prisoners in the county jail, made up of murderers, bootleggers and petty offenders. HN 1 Apr 1915

The Benton Republican reports the mine at Hanaford, recently purchased by a Chicago coal syndicate has been named The John A. Logan Coal Co. after securing the consent of the late general’s widow. It was decided at first to name it the Black Star Coal Mining Co. An effort is being made to change the name of the post office to Logan. HN 1 Apr 1915

Mrs. Lou Foster and children left Tuesday for Grand Tower to attend the funeral of her uncle, Marion Sanders. HN 1 Apr 1915

William McMurray, 57, died at his home in this city Wednesday after suffering a month’s illness of Bright’s Disease. He is survived by a wife and 3 sons. Burial will be in Hurricane. HN 1 Apr 1915

M.F. Bumpus, former owner of the blacksmith shop on West Monroe, died of tuberculosis Sunday afternoon at his home on North 14th Street. He is survived by a wife, two daughters, Rado and Grace, and a son, Gale. Burial was in City Cemetery. HN 1 Apr 1915

Quite a sensation was astir Wednesday when the authorities received the information that an inmate at the county farm, north of this city, had been beaten, died and hastily buried. The alleged beating took place in a room at the county house. The victim was Mrs. Isabel Boles and the one accused of administering the beating was a blind inmate by the name of Lizzie Vandiver. It seems the Vandiver woman was in the Boles’ woman’s room when a difficulty arose and a commotion took place. Nothing was said to Superintendent Quinn, nor to his wife about it. Mrs. Boles, however, complained much during the following day (Sunday) but was up and about all day. That night she died at about 2 o’clock a.m. The undertaker was notified to bury her Monday afternoon, but on account of another funeral, she was interred about 11 o’clock Monday, 22 March. After the burial some of the men inmates told Mr. Quinn that the woman was beaten to death. He began to investigate and found a wide divergence of statements in reference to the circumstances surrounding the case, the men accusing the Vandiver woman, while the women vindicated her. Some of the women went so far as to say that they were in the room at the time of the alleged beating should have occurred and no such thing took place. On the other hand, some of the men state that they not only heard the deceased screaming but heard the licks as they were being unmercifully delivered. With these conflicting stories in his mind, the superintendent of the farm decided that it should be proper to notify the coroner and the sheriff and let them make the proper investigation. Wednesday the body of Isabel Boles was exhumed and thoroughly examined. There were marks found upon the body, but the evidence was so conflicting that the jury was unable to fix the responsibility and the verdict rendered that she came to her death from causes unknown. Mrs. Boles was the wife of the late John Boles who died in a hospital in Danville, Illinois, three days after the death of his wife. MDR Thursday, 1 Apr 1915

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Three weeks ago, in a “blind pig” at Madison No. Nine, Ernest Williams shot and killed Joe Gargolia, the Italian proprietor, and escaped. He was arrested in Union City, Tenn. Special Deputy Gentry went to Union City and brought him to the jail in Marion. MDR 1 Apr 1915

Burnie J. Lindell of this city and Anna Beveridge of Scottsboro were married Wednesday. MDR 1 Apr 1915

Meta Davis, former Marion girl, and Henry Keith of Beaumont, Texas, were married 27 Mar in San Antonio, Texas. MDR Friday, 2 Apr 1915

Mr. and Mrs. William Cross, of near Creal Springs, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary Sunday. [A long list of those attending.] MDR Saturday, 3 Apr 1915

Henry Lloyd Burd, three weeks old son of Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Burd, died Thursday. The young couple have one other child, a little girl. MDR 3 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Lount Leach, 22, and Della Harper, 19, both of Blairsville

Earl Arnold, 21, of Hurst and Alma Shackleford, 20, of Crab Orchard

Jack Starfield, 25, and Margaret Mowrey, 37, both of Cypress

Ernest Davis, 29, Carterville and Ruth Rosenoine, 23, of Bush

Steven E. Dulgenoff, 31, of Benton and Meda P. Donoff, 20, of Weaver   MDR 3 Apr 1915

Fire broke out Saturday evening in the large flouring mills on North Market Street, owned by John Dupont of this city. The fire was discovered by Oscar Feurer who has a wholesale cream factory in that vicinity. The walls seem to be intact and the first floor all but about one third in the center is alright. The upper floor and roofing was totally destroyed. The entire stock of feed and flour was ruined.  MDR Monday, 5 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Edgar Clarida, 24, and Gladys Griffin, 18, both of Crab Orchard

Elmer Hicks, 23, Carterville and Hope Stocks, 22, Carbondale  MDR 5 Apr 1915

Byrd Norman vs Frank Norman, bill for divorce, he a non-resident.  MDR 5 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

E. Jones, 21 and Rosie Ellet, 17, both of Marion

Luther Woods, 18, Herrin and Ester Brandon, 16, Carterville

A. Thurston, 36 and Arta Motsinger, 24, both of Crab Orchard

Ed Seldridge, 22 and Homa Clark, 21, both of West Frankfort

Albert Drury, 42 and Alice Boles, 49, both of Carterville MDR 5 Apr 1915

O.A. Harker Jr. former cashier at Johnston City State Bank, will be tried in the U.S. Court in Cairo for bank wrecking. His two confederates, J.J. West and H.J. Froelish will also be arraigned before the U.S. District Court to answer to similar charges. Stockholders lost in the neighborhood of $55,000. The cashier’s father, Judge O.A. Harker Sr., made good about $30,000. MDR Tuesday, 6 Apr 1915

Notice of Adjustment Estate of Wm. W. Grant, deceased. Mrs. Josephine Grant, administratrix.  MDR Wednesday, 7 Apr 1915

Mrs. Charles Ingalls, formerly Miss Edith Akin of this city, died Tuesday at her home in Benton. She moved to Benton about two years ago. On 21 Oct 1914, she married Charles Ingalls, a civil engineer of Vermont. She had been in the Mt. Vernon city hospital the past three months, but finding her case hopeless, she was brought home two weeks ago. MDR 7 Apr 1915

Iva Ward of Marion and Pearl Crain of Carterville were married Tuesday. MDR 7 Apr 1915

A shooting took place Sunday at a christening in Clifford. Joe Trainor, a Russian with an American name, is jailed. Andy Dublinski/Dublinshi was shot twice through the bowels and will probably die. Lawrence Cashone/Sashone was shot in the hand. Trainer and Dublinski were arguing over who was the better soldier. MDR 7 Apr 1915 & HN 8 Apr 1915

Marion, Franklin and Jasper counties are voted dry Tuesday. That makes 55 dry counties out of 102. HN 8 Apr 1915

George Bell and family were called to Golconda Sunday because of the death of Mrs. Bell’s father who died in his 65th year. HN 8 Apr 1915

Louise Pisoni, six-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Pisoni, died Thursday of pneumonia. Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery. HN 8 Apr 1915

A son was born a few days ago to Mr. & Mrs. Judson Harris of DuQuoin. Mr. Harris left here about a year ago and married a DuQuoin lady. The son bears the father’s name — Judson Emery. HN 8 Apr 1915

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Carbondale Free Press  Fred Walker is in jail. He confessed to breaking into the home of Homer Etherton two or three weeks ago and taking shot gun shells and some house furnishings which he sold to a second-hand store. He claims Herrin is his home. HN 8 Apr 1915

Card of Thanks — For kindness in the sickness and death of our little son and grandson, T.R. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Deans, Mr. & Mrs. T.R. Barrett. HN 8 Apr 1915

Rev. J.N. Beane returned Wednesday from Gallatin County where he has been attending a saloon campaign the past two weeks. He says the wets were beaten two to one. Not a single woman voted the wet ticket in New Haven Township. MDR Thursday, 8 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

James White, 73 and Mrs. Emeline Sheppard, 71, both of Creal Springs

Val Swain, 27, Mt. Vernon and Edith Snyder, 26, Beatrice, Neb.  MDR Friday, 9 Apr 1915

L.C. “Cass” Pulley, living on a farm six miles east of Marion, died Saturday. His parents were the late Robert L. and Susan Pulley. They came to this county in 1824 and settled on the farm where Cass Pulley was born, reared, and died. The elder Pulley had four brothers: Thomas, John, Daniel, and Wash. All of them were very large men. The father was county judge at one time. He was the largest man in all the country round. The Pulleys were natives of Old Virginia. They lived near Norfolk and Lynchburg and had the distinction of belonging to the F.F.V’s. Cass Pulley married Lucy Angel some forty years ago. She is a sister to Josh Angel. He is survived by his wife and children: Mrs. Curt Norman, J.H. Pulley, and a teacher in Marion city schools, Stella Pulley, Bertha Pulley, who is in the State School for the Blind in Jacksonville, Guy Pulley, Ollie Pulley, Chester Pulley and Thelma Pulley. Two children preceded him in death: C.A. Pulley who died last summer and an infant. He also leaves a brother, Isaac H. Pulley who lives on the old homestead site. His other brothers and sisters have preceded him: Willis Pulley, wounded at Fort Donelson in ’62 and died shortly afterwards, his body was brought home for burial; Samuel Pulley fell from his barn loft several years ago, resulting in his death; Mrs. Robert Davis (Jane Pulley); Mrs. Monroe Scobey (Sarah Pulley); Mrs. John Scobey (Amanda C. Pulley) The funeral will be at the Christian Chapel near the home with burial there. MDR Saturday, 10 Apr 1915

Mrs. Nick Krumrey, who has been sick several months with consumption, died Friday at her home four miles east. She was formerly Clara Kobler, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Kobler, deceased. She was married eight years ago. Besides her husband and three children, she leaves four brothers, Jake, John, Albert and Henry Kobler and four sisters, Mrs. Chas. Fry, Mrs. George Jones, Bertha and Freeda Kobler. Funeral services will be at Davis Prairie Church. MDR 10 Apr 1912

Frankie Kern died Saturday at the home of his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Kern on South Russell Street. He had suffered several months from consumption and was bedridden for six weeks or more. He leaves his parents and a brother, Lee, and sister, Fern. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. MDR 10 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Frank Matus, 26 and Anna Stutgenskaity, 22, both of Weaver

Albert Malcom, 20 and Lura Mae Sutton, 20, both of Creal Springs  MDR 10 Apr 1915

Eugene Otey, son of Mr. & Mrs. F.M. Otey of Pittsburg, was throwing loaded 22 cartridges on the concrete sidewalk. One shot penetrated his right eye and lid. No hopes are held for saving the eye and it may have to be removed entirely. His father is a son of Thos. Otey and a brother of Attorney Chas. Otey.   MDR Monday, 12 Apr 1915

Mrs. Sophronia Cash, sister of Wm. McCown, tax collector, died Monday in St. Louis. She fell down the stairs at her home about four weeks ago, breaking her hip. She was born and reared six miles west of Marion, the oldest of a large family of Mr. & Mrs. Michem McCown. She leaves brothers, William McCown and E.M. McCown, sisters, Mrs. Flora Cagle, Mrs. Mary Watson and Martha Brandon of Desloge, Mo. Burial will be at Carterville. MDR Tuesday., 13 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Casimer Sickems, 35 and Jerva Sykema, 25, both of Herrin

Thomas McKinney, 41 and Alice Spears, 39, both of Dewmaine

Lewis Rye, 23 and Abia Coleman, 22, both of Herrin

Robert Beaver, 20 and Essie Bostain, 17, both of Herrin MDR 13 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Frank Clindeni, 25 and Lengia Valoni, 19, both of Herrin

Joe Polaski, 25, Clifford and Josephine Yacias, 21, E. St. Louis

Joe Miramonti, 27 and Rosa Frigerio, 21, both of Herrin MDR Wednesday, 14 Apr 1915

Elbert True and Cecil Brown were married Wednesday at Benton. The groom is the tuba player in the Marion Military band. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. O.P. Brown of near Goreville, and a former teacher. MDR Thursday, 15 Apr 1915

Rev. E.C. Capozzi, pastor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at Freeman Spur, and Hazel M. Bennett were married Wednesday in St. Louis. The bride was born in St. Louis, but had lately been living with her mother in Cincinnati. HN 15 Apr 1915

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Caesar Biotti and wife, Katie, arrived Saturday from Cuggiono, Italy. He is the former proprietor of Caesar’s Place. They were accompanied by two maidens, Signorini Rosa Frezaria and Tressa Valoni, both of whom have sweethearts over here and whom they came to marry. Caesar said, We sailed from Genoa and were on the water eighteen days. There were no sign of war until we rounded the big rock at Gibraltar where we met a fleet of transports loaded down with English troops being sent to the seat of war in the vicinity of Dardanellea. After we left Gibraltar, we never sighted another ship of any sort until the skyline of New York harbor hove into view. You may think you have hard times over here, but you should be in Italy. The country is dead and right on the verge of going into war. Everything is sky high in price and there is much complaining among the people. I am glad to get back to America.” HN 15 Apr 1915

Michele Azzolina, late of Philadelphia, Pa., has opened a conservatory of music in the old city hall building at the corner of Monroe and 14th Streets. He is a graduate of a conservatory of music in Milan, Italy. He is giving instructions on reed, string or brass instruments, also on the piano. He expects his family to be here shortly and join him and make their home here. HN 15 Apr 1915

Births

Mr. & Mrs. Otto Heiple, a girl Mr. & Mrs. A.B. Porter, a boy Mr. & Mrs. W.F. Martin, a boy Mr. & Mrs. Sam Koris?, a girl HN 15 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

J.H. Alexander, 30, Metropolis and N.E. McKee, 21, Cypress MDR 15 Apr 1915

New Burnsides — Mrs. Harry Ellis and her foster brother, who have been held for two months in connection with the death of her husband on their farm here, have been released. The Johnson County grand jury failed to indict them.  MDR Friday, 16 Apr 1915

A ten-pound girl was born Wednesday to Mr. & Mrs. George Askew on West Cherry

Street. Mrs. Askew was formerly Hettie Chanaberry. MDR 16 Apr 1915

On April 11, Paul’s Baptist Church, colored, celebrated Easter. The pastor is Rev. A. Chavis. After church, with Deacon Clemens, they marched to the jail and surprised the prisoners with an Easter egg shower by Washington Chavis and his sister, Mercy. Then a march around the cells began the eggs being distributed by the children from top to bottom. MDR 16 Apr 1915

Mrs. Bert Davis, charged with assault and battery upon Dora Roberts, was found not guilty. The Roberts girl was a domestic in the Davis home and an altercation took place. Mrs. Roberts pled guilty and at her instance Mrs. Davis was arrested. MDR 17 Apr 1915

Fire broke out early this morning at Creal Springs. The Citizen’s Bank, Booz & Taylor’s clothing store, Fred Ford’s general store and both telephone exchanges went up in smoke. MDR Saturday, 17 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Joe Rinello, 26, Murphysboro and Josie Disalvo, 17, Marion

Edwin Thomas, 28 and Myrtle Phillips, 20, both of Creal Springs

Elbert Walker, 19 and Gusta Boyd, 18, both of Herrin

Dwight Skelcher, 21, Carbondale and Edna Ragland, 19, Cambria   MDR 17 Apr 1915

Gabrello Ruggari, better known to Americans as Ben Rogers, was shot and killed by parties unknown early Sunday morning at Herrin. A policeman, he was on duty Saturday night and was left alone at the midnight hour, the rest of the force turning in. He was shot five times and a sixth shot set fire to his coat sleeve. He fell in front of John Maurigo’s confectionary near Felix Marlow’s meat market and also near the Citizens’ Bank. He was an Italian and received his citizenship papers 16 years ago. Later, John Garvalia was arrested. He said he killed Rogers but it was self-defense. Rogers was 45 years old, a veteran of the Spanish American War and is survived by a wife and three children. Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery. John Garavaglia is 30 and unmarried. He operated a lunchroom on North Park Ave. [A lengthy account] MDR Monday, 19 Apr 1915 & HN 22 Apr 1915

Deputy Warden Charley Dowell of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Chester, died Monday. He had been suffering for weeks with a complication of diseases of which Bright’s disease was the most pronounced. He was born 65 years ago on the old Dowell homestead three miles southeast of Carterville, son of John and Sarah Dowell who had seven children, three dying in infancy. The others are: Charley, Alice, now Mrs. A.D. Gulledge, Mon and Link. The mother died about 22 years ago, and the father died 7 years ago last February, aged 90 years. Link Dowell, former sheriff of this county and later Deputy U.S. Marshal, died in this city in Nov. 1907 and Mon Dowell died in Feb. 1910. Charley Dowell was married 32 years ago to Miss Mary Dunn of Chester; ten children were born: Mrs. Lena Logan of Chester, Jean of St. Louis, Dortha, postmistress at the prison, Margaret at home, and Mary Katheryn in high school. Four children preceded him in death. The funeral will be Wednesday at Menard. MDR Monday, 19 Apr 1915

James Groves, formerly of this county, but lately of Nashville, Tenn., was adjudged insane this morning and committed to the insane asylum at Anna. He arrived just recently from Nashville. MDR Tuesday, 20 Apr 1915

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The funeral of “Uncle Wash” Jennings, who was found dead at his home in Creal Springs, was held Monday under the auspices of the G.A.R. Burial was at the city cemetery at Creal Springs. MDR 20 Apr 1915

The first prisoner to ever escape from the county jail building made his getaway Tuesday night. He gained his liberty from the jail building and not from the jail cells proper. County Jailer Foster made his rounds about 8 o’clock last night and locked the cells after he thought all the prisoners had entered the cage. Somehow Harry Martin was not locked in. He used a knife and iron bar to work the bricks loose from around the window casing on the east side. Those who have seen the hole wonder how anyone could crawl through such a small hole. Foster’s wife thinks he had help from the outside. MDR Wednesday, 21 Apr 1915

The funeral of Mrs. John Jeter who died Monday was held Tuesday. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. MDR 21 Apr 1915

Carl Slankard and Opal Warren, both of this city, were married Tuesday at Benton. MDR 21 Apr 1915

Boyd Henry, colored of Madison No. 9 settlement, found a thief in his chicken house Thursday morning and shot it. It was a gray timber wolf belonging to A.R. Hill, manager of the Herrin opera house. The wolf had broke loose a few days ago and been at large in the Madison No. 9 settlement. The body was taken to Marion and put on display. HN 22 Apr 1915

A baby boy was born this week to Mr. & Mrs. Robert Reid. HN 22 Apr 1915

Mr. & Mrs. Jess Thetford and children left Saturday for Mills, New Mexico, to make their home. HN 22 Apr 1915

Charles Colp, 54, died Sunday at his home in Hurst. Burial will be in Osage Cemetery near Royalton. HN 22 Apr 1915

Ollie Thompson, 35, and Ernest Cremeans, 31, were married Saturday. The bride is a sister of John Thompson. HN 22 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses, all from Herrin

John Kalamaras, 28 and Ale Bendgiova, 25 William Salome, 20 and Ava Copher, 23

Charley Teague, 22 and Mayme Hazel, 16 HN 22 Apr 1915

The Benton Standard of last week says a settlement was reached between the Franklin Coal & Coke Co. and the widows and relatives of the unfortunate miners who lost their lives in the explosion at the mine in Royalton last November when 52 were killed. The widows receive $600 each and the relatives of the unmarried men receive $300 each. The case of the six who refused to settle will be adjusted in court. HN 22 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

Joe McCarty, 20, Herrin and Bertha Armstrong, 18, Marion

Joseph Ozbourn, 22, Herrin and Libbie Brewer, 24, Carbondale MDR Thursday, 22 Apr 1915

John Garavalgia was held without bail for the killing of Gabriel Roggera, better known as Ben Rogers last Sunday in Herrin. MDR Friday, 23 Apr 1915

Mrs. Nan White, widow of A.F. White, South Van Buren Street, suffered a slight stroke Friday. MDR Saturday, 24 Apr 1915

Mrs. L.D. Hobbs, wife of cashier Hobbs of the Johnston City State Bank, was judged insane today and ordered committed to the insane asylum at Anna. MDR Monday, 26 Apr 1915

Word has been received of the death of John W. Burton, 62, former lawyer and resident of this city, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Burton who settled in Creal Springs about 80 years ago. About 14 years ago he became so afflicted with asthma that he located in Salt Lake City. He is survived by his wife and son of McGill, Nevada, and daughter, Mrs. Claude Williams of Salt Lake City. MDR 26 Apr 1915

Clarence Clare was given an indefinite sentence Monday for assault to murder in the slaying of Constable Jas. Garrett. Will Lee, a fugitive from justice, is charged as the actual slayer of Garrett. MDR Tuesday, 27 Apr 1915

Marriage licenses

John Bondi, 34, Johnston City and Maggie Giacono, 22, Pinckneyville

W.J. Baker, 48 and Mae Wells, 32, both of Marion  MDR Wednesday, 28 Apr 1915

Robert J. Woolenweber/Wollemweber, 30, a fireman on the C.B. & Q. railroad, was instantly killed Wednesday at the overhead bridge of the Coal Belt between the Moake and Crenshaw crossings. He had got out on the top of the engine tank with a bucket to get water to wet down coal and was high enough when the train passed under Coal Belt electric line bridge, he was hit. His home was in Centralia and he leaves a wife and one child. MDR Thursday, 29 Apr 1915 & HN 29 Apr 1915

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This week saw the last brick laid in Paving District No. 1, the downtown district, and by the end of the week ground likely will be broken for District No. 2, which extends from city hall on Park Ave. to the C.B. & Q. Ry. station. The new district covers 9,560 square yards. The district is to be completed by August next. The contract was let for this paving district November last and was awarded to John Brogan and Co. of Green Bay, Wis. at $26,297.38. The company had been reorganized and the former foreman, C.A. Brown, will assume the contract. Albion brick will be used. Some of the machinery and material are already here and the work is to start right away. HN 29 Apr 1915

Mrs. Elizabeth Dees died Sunday of pneumonia at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ben Ridenhour, southeast of town. She was 78 and is survived by three children. Burial was in City Cemetery. HN 29 Apr 1915

Ola Felts, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. R.B. Felts, and J.W. White were married Saturday. HN 29 Apr 1915

Blanche Dawson and John Dixon were married 17 March in Miami, Fla. Before going to Miami a year ago, the bride lived in Johnston City with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Dawson. HN 29 Apr 1915

Will Snyder, 40, a well-known bricklayer of this city, died Sunday at his home on North Park Ave. He had been suffering a long time with paralysis of the throat. Burial was at Jonesboro. HN 29 Apr 1915

The funeral of Mrs. Rachel Ann Vincent who died Thursday at her home, 608 North Court Street, was held this afternoon. She was 76 years old and a sister to the late John Sanders of this city. She leaves her husband and one sister Mrs. James M. Smith of this city. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. MDR Friday, 30 Apr 1915

May

Mrs. L.L. Gallimore died Saturday at her residence near Wolf Creek. Her death was the result of a stroke of paralysis received Thursday while milking. Since then, she has been unconscious. Before her marriage she was Miss Sarah Lentz. She leaves three sisters: Mrs. John M. Kilbreth of Southern Precinct, Mrs. S.M. Fowler of Herrin and Mrs. Dr. Throgmorton of Arkansas, five brothers: I.N. Lentz of Wolf Creek, Robert Lentz of Oklahoma City, Okla., Marshall Lentz of Arkansas, Theodore Lentz of Washington, D.C. and Prof. E.G. Lentz of Carbondale. The immediate members which she leaves besides her husband are: Mrs. Wingate Normon of Walnut Ridge, Ark., Mrs. Henry Titus of Mounds, Ill., Mrs. Jessie Links of Ewing, Ill., Mrs. Flora Throgmorton of Herrin and Miss Madge, who is at home. Burial will be in the family cemetery at Wolf Creek. MDR Saturday, 1 May 1915

The only child of Mr. & Mrs. Perry Frieze, which has been critically ill for some time, died Friday. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Elsewhere it says he was 10 months old. MDR 1 May 1915

Marriages

Charley Gulley, 20, and Lillian Stone, 21, were married Friday.

Raymond Overton, 24, and Elsie Bowen, 16, both of Herrin were married this morning. MDR 1 May 1915

The discharged Negro section hand who killed foreman J.C. Courtney, has not been apprehended. It is thought he is on his way back to relatives in Miss. William Brown and a Negro woman witnessed the deed. It is said he went to the car of Courtney and shot him dead. Courtney died on the train at Chester enroute to a hospital in St. Louis and was not returned to Bush. It is thought the inquest will be held there.  MDR 1 May 1915

Madison No. 9 was the scene of another killing. Bruno Rocco was shot four or five times while in his yard. It is said he received a Black Hand card shortly after Dominic Varcolla was killed, but being a single man, he decided to take his chances with those sending the letter. MDR Monday, 3 May 1915

Word was received today that Herbert Williams, 14-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Value Williams died very suddenly. He was the only boy in the family. Mr. Williams was formerly one of the workmen at the steam marble works in this city, moving to Mt. Pleasant, Texas some two years ago. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. MDR 3 May 1915

George W. Roberts died last evening at his home in Herrin. He was born 26 Mar 1838 in Robinson County, Tenn., the son of Ephraim A. Roberts and came to this county when about one year old. He received only 14 months of schooling. He acquired enough learning to teach school. He married Annie Herrin on 28 Mar 1861. She is a sister of Ephraim Herrin. The following children were born: W.J. who died in 1891, Ephraim A. who died in 1892, George E. who died in 1891 and Artisma who died in 1897. Two children survive: Mrs. Ida, wife of William Fults, with whom he has made his home on the old homestead, on the northeast edge of this city, since the death of his wife in 1901, and Mrs. Harry Grandstaff of Carbondale. He was reputed to be the wealthiest retired farmer in Williamson County and the largest property holder in Herrin. His estate is valued at from $150,000 to $200,000. He owned some 300 acres of land, top and bottom and about the same in mineral rights. Mine “B” of the C. & C. Coal Company is now working some of the mineral rights. He was the largest individual rental property holder in Herrin. Burial was in Perry Cemetery, east of here.   MDR Tuesday, 4 May 1915 & FIN 6 May 1915

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Mrs. Phillip L. Lang, nee Miss Carrie Denison, 39, died last Thursday in Spokane, Wash. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Denison and was born in this city. The family moved to Spokane when she was six years old and lived there until her parents moved back to Marion a few years ago. After the death of Dr. Denison, she and her mother moved back to Spokane. Sometime after returning to that place, the mother died and Carrie later married Phillip L. Lang. She and her husband had returned only a few days before her death from Ohio where they attended the funeral of Mr. Lang’s brother. She is a cousin of Congressman E.E. Denison of Marion. She died in Sacred Heart Hospital following a serious operation. She leaves a husband and three brothers: Dr. E.L. Denison of Chicago, who arrived in time to assist in the operation, Charles Denison of Almira, Wash., and Emmett Denison of Liberty Lake. Funeral services were held in Spokane with burial in Greenwood Cemetery at that place.  MDR Wednesday, 5 May 1915

Mrs. Ellen Humphrey died yesterday at her home in Murphysboro. The body arrived here today and was taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. Lou Schaller on North Logan Street. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery. MDR 5 May 1915

Grand jury

Bennardo Guida — murder of Brueno Rachcho at Madison No. 9.

Nischel Williams alias Ernest Williams — murder of Joe Garagolia at No. 9

Antino Angello, John Cappa and Jack Solomon — murder of Dominic Varacolla at No. 9

Alva Thomas and Oscar Shackleford — murder of special officer Thomas Friezo

George Babish — assault to murder upon a cousin of the same name

James Dominic — assault to murder Frank Macri

Guy Navari who recently made threats on the public square tending to intimidate witnesses going before the grand jury MDR 5 May 1915

Card of Thanks — For kind deeds during illness and death of our husband and father. Mrs. Will Snyder and Frank Snyder. HN 6 May 1915

Lota Lindsey, 7-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Grover Lindsey, died Monday of stomach trouble at her home in Bush. The body was sent to Calvert City, Ky. for burial. HN 6 May 1915

C.F. Newton, familiarly known as Slaught Newton, died at his home in Johnston City Wednesday from typhoid fever after a two weeks sickness. He was 37 and never married, living with his mother, Mrs. Jesse M. Casey, who is a stepmother of Editor S.K. Casey of this city. He is a brother of Walter Newton, Mrs. Noah Murrah and Mrs. Maude Whittington. Short funeral services will be held at the family residence in that city at 10 o’clock Saturday, the regular funeral being held at 12 o’clock that day from the Primitive Baptist Church in this city. MDR Thursday, 6 May 1915

Andy Mainard who died at the pauper farm north of the city on Tuesday evening, was taken by relatives to his former home south of Carterville for burial. MDR 6 May 1915

The body of C.S. Newton will be laid to rest in Barham Cemetery. MDR Friday, 7 May 1915

Ben H. Culbreth, 26, and Grace Dale Williams, 19, both of this city, were married Wednesday at the Presbyterian Manse. The ceremony was witnessed by Mrs. John Goddard, sister of the bride, and Misses Dora and Gazelle Culbreth, sisters of the groom. They will live on North Van Buren Street. MDR 7 May 1915

Mrs. Caroline Gregg, nearly 80 years old, widow of the late Francis Gregg, died 7 May at the home of her son, John Gregg, at Omaha, Ill. She leaves three sons: William, James and John all of Omaha and a daughter, Mrs. Emma Humphrey of near Decatur, Ill. Mrs. W.H. Campbell who died in this city 16 years ago was another daughter. Mrs. J.M. Campbell is a niece and Fayette Eubanks of this city is a half-brother to the deceased. Fred G. Campbell and Eva Campbell are grandchildren. Mrs. Gregg and her husband lived in this city 35 years ago. Funeral services in Omaha. MDR Saturday 8 May 1915

Paul Donet of Johnston City, who boarded with Paul Opsomer, has lost his bankroll because he thought the banks there were not burglar proof. Recently a robber tried to obtain entrance to one of the banks there. He had $500 on deposit and withdrew the money and placed it in his trunk. Saturday morning the Opsomer house burned. After the fire Donet recovered eleven $20 bills but is short $340. The money was badly disfigured but was sent to the United States Treasury department and redeemed. MDR 8 May 1915

Tony Pelma was arrested this morning and placed in jail here on a charge of murder committed in 1909 at Madison No. 8. A coroner’s jury exonerated him at the time. Since the recent killings among the Italians there, the people have become divided into factions and someone turned evidence against him. He is a brother to Mrs. Dominic Vercallo whose husband was recently killed at Colpville. MDR 8 May 1915

After a pretty courtship of four years duration, James 0. White of Chicago wedded Miss Leta Moss of this city, at Chicago. The bride is the daughter of the late J.H. Moss who died last November at their home on East College Street. Since then, she has lived with her widowed mother, Mrs. Hattie A. Moss. She spent the first 13 years of her life at Atwood, Ill., Platt County, but since that time has resided in Marion. The groom was reared on a farm near Flora, Ill., where his parents still reside. [A picture of the bride.] MDR Monday, 10 May 1915

Otto Cline died Sunday in Albuquerque, N.M. He had gone there 21 Mar for his health. He was afflicted with tuberculosis of the throat. He was about 36 years old and leaves a wife and an infant about six weeks old. Mrs. Cline left here only recently to be with her husband. He was the son of A.L. Cline. MDR 10 May 1915

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Earl Denison Cline, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Marion and Frances Helen Willis were married 22 Apr in the parlors of the Trinity auditorium. Los Angeles Express MDR Tuesday, 11 May 1915

Marriage licenses

Joe Lattuca, 30 and Mariantonia Cattone, 20, both of Marion

H.C. Fullenstein, 25 and Joe Harding [as written] 23, both of Mounds  MDR 11 May 1915

Rev. Laurence Smith left this morning for Creal Springs to conduct the funeral of the mother of Prof. Isaac Gilford. MDR 11 May 1915

A souvenir of the first fair ever held in Williamson County is now in possession of George G. Morris, a member of the Daily Republican force, and is doubtless the only one of its kind in existence. It is a diploma awarded to Mr. Morris’ grandfather, Mr. G. Garland by the Williamson County Agricultural and Mechanical Society almost sixty years ago for the best brood mare exhibited that year. The diploma is dated October 23-24, 1857. Willis Allen was president and J.W. Lewis secretary. Mr. Garland left the diploma with his son, David Garland, who died a few years ago in West Frankfort. Mrs. Sarah Garland, widow of David, gave it to Mrs. Carrie Morris of Creal Springs, who presented it to George G. Morris recently. The paper on which the chromo was printed several years before the war is now yellow with age but it can still be easily read. Mr. Morris expects to have it framed and put on exhibition at the fair here this year. MDR Wednesday, 12 May 1915

A ten-pound son was born Tuesday to Mr. & Mrs. Byrd Turner at their home on East Reeves Street. MDR 12 May 1915

George Chamness died this morning at his home in Creal Springs. A few days ago he became overheated while at work in his garden. His wife died about three weeks ago. He leaves children: Samuel, George now mayor of Creal Springs, Brose, Frank, Laura and Sallie McCreery. He was the son of Elder W.B. Chamness, a North Carolina settler and of Quaker belief who was at one time expelled from his church for having married out of his faith. Burial will be in the family lot at Creal Springs. MDR 12 May 1915

An eight-pound girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Rice Jackson at their home on North Lear Street. MDR 12 May 1915

A ten-pound boy was born 10 May to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Garrett at their home on East Reeves Street. MDR 12 May 1915

Raymond Overton, 24, and Elsie Bowen, 16, both of Herrin, were married Saturday. HN 13 May 1915

Joe Thomas pled guilty to burglarizing Herrin Auto Company’s garage and was sentenced to an indefinite term. Also, Rufus Pressley pled guilty to robbing the chicken roost of Robert Folkel, taking 25 fat hens. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail and a fine of $15.00. He has spent over two months in jail. HN 13 May 1915

Marriage licenses

Alta Westmoreland, 24, Creal Springs and Julia Maddox, 18, Herrin

Paul Youngblood, 20, Crab Orchard and Ruth Bandy, 16, of this city HN 13 May 1915

Silas Gibson, colored of Freeman Spur, was hit over the head with a poker Sunday and killed, after he tried to cut his assailant. It happened just over the line in Franklin County. The coroner’s jury ruled self-defense. He leaves a wife and two children. The body was shipped to Pineville, Ky. HN 13 May 1915

The funeral of Otto Cline was held this morning with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. MDR Thursday, 13 May 1915

Noma Hester vs Tandy Hester, bill for divorce and custody of child, he a non­resident. MDR Friday, 14 May 1915

Will Wilson, under sentence of death in Alexander County, who escaped from jail before his execution date a year ago, was shot and killed Friday at Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was sentenced for the murder of Thomas Logan near Cairo on 14 Jan 1914. MDR Saturday, 15 May 1915

The infant child of Mr. & Mrs. James K. Shillings of North Logan Street was found dead in bed Sunday morning. Burial was at Willeford. MDR Monday, 17 May 1915  [The 19 May issue gives her name as Loriane Beatrice Shillings, born 28 Dec 1914.]

Mrs. B.R. Felts died Monday at her home in Johnston City. She was born 8 May 1846. Her maiden name was Mary D. Everett& She married Dr. B.R. Felts 6 Sep 1866 and nine children were born: Grace died in infancy, Malissa, the oldest, died about thirty years ago, Mrs. T.E. Benton, Mrs. Will Spires, Cora Felts and George Felts, all of Johnston City, Prof. W.T. Felts of Carbondale, Loren Felts, banker of Harrisburg and Dr. Harvey Felts of Chicago. She also leaves two brothers and two sisters. MDR Tuesday, 18 May 1915

A seven- and one-half pound girl was born Tuesday to Mr. & Mrs. Charlie McCormick of North Madison Street. MDR Wednesday, 19 May 1915

A 13-pound boy, their first child, was born Tuesday to Mr. & Mrs. Bert Lovitt of West Main Street. The mother is the former Myrtle Freese. MDR 19 May 1915

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Ed Robinson was killed Tuesday by falling slate at Saline Mine No. 2 at Harrisburg. He was 36 years old and lived here until eight years ago. He is a brother to WM. Robinson, proprietor of the White Kitchen Restaurant in this city. He also leaves a wife and two sons, his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Wadkins, sisters: Mrs. Belle Ward, Mrs. Ida Doerr and Mrs. Will Nelson, all of this city. MDR 19 May 1915

Several days ago the announcement of the wedding of Frank Matus and Anna Stuiginskatisgicitzage of Weaver, appeared in the local papers as well as the Chicago and St. Louis dailies. She received a card from Miss Mae Harlanbokolous of New Bedford, Mass. congratulating her on changing her long name and envying her the short one. She said she spoke from experience in telling of the inconvenience of a long name. HN 20 May 1915

Johnston City has just enumerated its population and finds 5255 people. The number of homes is 1137. HN 20 May 1916

Forest Ramage, an employee of the Murphysboro Telephone Co. in this city, and Ruth Willis of Brockport, were married Monday at the home of Squire Birkholz at his home on North Park Ave. They will make their home in this city. HN 20 May 1915

The 3-year-old child of Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Green of West Cherry Street died Wednesday of stomach trouble. The body was sent to Brownfield for burial. HN 20 May 1915

Pete Carigan, 84, died Saturday at his home at Sunnyside. He leaves a wife and three sons. Burial was in City Cemetery. HN 20 May 1915

A marriage license was issued Saturday to Maude Tyner and Vernon Green, both of Cambria. HN 20 May 1915

Ed Robinson leaves a wife and one son to mourn his loss. The remains were taken to Marion for burial. MDR Thursday, 20 May 1915

The contract for the erection of the Public Library building was awarded to the lowest bidder, Robert Sparks of this city, who bid $15,998.15. This bid includes all the work incident to the building except the heating which was awarded to O’Donald Steam Heating Company of Evansville. The work is expected to begin within the next few days. The building will be one of the most handsome of the kind throughout southern Illinois. MDR Friday, 21 May 1915

Uncle Arch Odum, 79, died early this morning at his home in Benton. A veteran of the Civil War, he was confined in Andersonville prison for about ten months. He was a man of remarkable physique, being more than six feet and four inches in height, yet when released from Andersonville he weighed less than one hundred pounds. He was a brother of Ex-Sheriff Thomas Odum of Franklin County. He formerly lived near Johnston City, but retired from active life some fifteen years ago and moved to Benton. The funeral will be held at Benton on Sunday next. MDR 21 May 1915

The dedication of Cedar Grove Church will be held May 30th. An all-day service will be held and the sermon will be preached by Rev. J.C. Kinnison of Mt. Vernon. Everyone is invited to attend and bring well filled baskets. MDR 21 May 1915

Marriage licenses

Leo Foster, 21 and Ruth Trout, 20, both of Marion

Richard Kirk, 18 and Lillie Elders, 16, both of Carterville

Albert Drury, 42, and Manda J. Owens, 50, both of Carterville MDR 21 May 1915

Mrs. Ed Robinson and son, Boyd, returned to their home in Carrier Mills after being here for the funeral of their husband and father. MDR 21 May 1915

B.B. Slade died this morning in St. Louis. He formerly traveled for the Howard – Casey Grocery Co. of this city. The funeral will be at Mt. Vernon. MDR Saturday, 22 May 1915

Roland Chaney and Nellie Parker were arrested Saturday night in the northeast corner of the city cemetery. Chaney beat it but was later taken into custody. Both pleaded guilty and were fined one hundred and trimmings. Chief Clarida states that “pandering” in the city cemetery will be stopped if he has to sit up there night after night. The dastardly and immoral practice of desecrating the city of the dead will certainly not be tolerated under the present administration. Being unable to come up with the long green, both defendants are now in the city jail. Also arrested Saturday night were Jess McGill for drunkenness and Ike Campbell on a like charge. Roscoe Gibbs, who only recently entered a plea of guilty of too much “red eye” and who was working out his fine, became loaded again Saturday night and was locked up again and will now receive a raise in the amount to be given the city. The case against Charles Sisney for selling intoxicating liquors has been set for trial again Wednesday morning. Two juries have failed to agree so far. MDR Monday, 24 May 1915

Petition to have children declared dependent

To Ike McMann, father of Elmer McMann and Earl McMann, a petition was filed by Frank Buckner (supervisor of West Marion Township) to have said children declared dependent and to take from you the custody and guardianship of said children, the petition further prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption and to give said children out for adoption. MDR 24 May 1915

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Vick Watson, 13-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Tim Watson of Carterville, had a fatal accident Saturday afternoon. He was out in the woods hunting rabbits near his home. He was standing on a log with his gun waiting for a rabbit to come out. He got excited and pulled the trigger too son and shot himself through the left arm near the shoulder. His mother heard the shot from the house and ran to the place only to find her son weak from loss of blood. Three doctors were called. They were forced to amputate the arm at the shoulder. He never recovered from the operation and died at 3 a.m. Sunday. He is a nephew of Mrs. Ed Hartwell of this city. MDR Tuesday, 25 May 1915

James Montgomery, a young man of Bush, was in Carmi Thursday trying to get some trace of his mother or half-sister who formerly resided in that city. He stated that on the 15th day of April 1896, he was taken to the children’s home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, in company with his half-sister, Lucy Burch. At the time he was four years old and she was eight years old. After a few months, he was adopted by a family from Percy and lived there until three years ago when he went to Bush where he is in the car department of the railroad. MDR Wednesday, 25 May 1915

Joe Sakalauckas vs Mary Sakaluckas, she a non-resident, bill for divorce and custody of child. HN 27 May 1915

The infant child of Mr. & Mrs. J.L. Brown died Friday and was buried in Hurricane Cemetery. HN 27 May 1915

Bert George, 50, who was employed with the paving crew of men, dropped dead Wednesday just before quitting time. He had come to this city just a few days ago. His home is thought to be in Belleville and he was boarding at the Wright Hotel on North Park Ave. HN 27 May 1915

Bert Leroy of Belleville, Ill., employed on the construction work of paving the streets at Herrin, dropped dead Wednesday evening. He had started uptown after supper when he fell dead.   MDR Thursday, 27 May 1915

Mrs. Sarah Sanders of St. Thomas, Mo., who attended the funeral of her father, Arch Odum, left Thursday for her home.   MDR 27 May 1915

A baby boy, their first child, was born to Mr. & Mrs. Harry Davis.  MDR Friday, 28 May 1915

Nischel Williams, who was found guilty of the murder of Joe Gargolia and sentenced to forty years, attempted to escape from the county jail last evening. MDR Saturday, 29 May 1915

A boy was born Friday to Mr. & Mrs. Solon Hodge. MDR 29 May 1915

The infant of Mr. & Mrs. C.I. Silver, which was born Friday, died about four o’clock yesterday afternoon. The remains were taken to St. Louis for burial. MDR Monday, 31 May 1915

Roy Whitehead, son of Sheriff James Whitehead of Johnson County, was brutally killed Saturday night three miles west of Tunnel Hill. An ice cream social was being held at the home of John Boner. A difficulty came up between a number of boys who had been drinking. Roy tried to quiet the disturbance and the Boner boys turned on him. He was hit with an axe and stabbed with knives and died three hours later. All the Boner boys implicated in the killing were arrested and placed in the Cairo jail for safekeeping. The young man killed is 24 years old. His father is a brother to Allen Webb, the stockman of this city. [A lengthy account.] MDR 31 May 1915

Senator L.Y. Sherman arrived in Marion Sunday. He was met at the station and escorted to the home of Ex-Senator Potter on North Market Street where he was breakfasted. He and several others left on the C. & E.I. for Johnston City where he made a masterly address at Baiar Grove near Old Town where a sumptuous feast was spread on the lawn. There were only a few old Civil War soldiers who marched out to the “Old Shake Rag ” cemetery and then to the grove. MDR 31 May 1915

June

Word reached the Republican office that Houston Boner, at whose home Roy Whitehead was murdered, is too badly injured to be taken to jail. His sons, Ben, John, Hal and Herman are all in jail. MDR Tuesday, 1 Jun 1915

Wiley Shokley, an aged citizen of Crainville, died of heart failure Sunday morning at his home. MDR 1 Jun 1915

A boy, their first child, was born to Mr. & Mrs. Noah Harrell of North Garfield Street. MDR 1 Jun 1915

Della Williams was found guilty of forgery. The conviction carries with it an indefinite sentence in the state penal institution. She testified that she wrote the check for $735 and presented it to the Johnston City State Bank. She left the following morning for Success, Ark., where she joined her husband. They traveled around the country and then returned to Marion. She was sentenced to the home for incorrigible girls at Geneva. Judge Pope, in passing sentence on her, allowed her to take her eleven months old baby with her, but stated he did not know what action the authorities at that institution would take in regard to her keeping the child while confined there. MDR Wednesday, 2 Jun 1915

Sylvester Haughee, aged sixty years and past, died Friday at his home, 101 North 17th Street of miners’ asthma. He was born and reared in Mt. Vernon, Ind. and had lived in Herrin 14 years. He is survived by a wife and seven children: Mrs. George Burk, Mrs. Joe Jeffrey, Mrs. Jasper Metzger, Mrs. Elish Green, Mrs. Congress McNeill, Ralph Haughee and Alex Haughee, brothers: James Haughee of Nelsonville, Ohio and Fred Haughee of Brazil, Ind. Burial was in City Cemetery. HN 3 Jun 1915

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Neva Fox of this city and Harry Sanders of Jeffrey, were married Saturday. HN 3 Jun 1915

Thornton Stacy, 59, died Saturday at his home in this city. He leaves a wife, 3 children, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Burial was in Hurricane. HN 3 Jun 1915

A large number from this city attended the funeral of Mrs. Thomas Little, formerly of this city, who was buried in Murphysboro Sunday. HN 3 Jun 1915

Births

Mr. & Mrs. James Dougherty, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Loren Pengilley, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hewlett, a girl

Mr. & Mrs. Pete Serina, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Bart Baranco, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. G.M. Telfred, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. D.M. Dawson, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. George Burk, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Heip Mike, a boy     HN 3 Jun 1915

Bailum Walker, 75, died Thursday at his home in this city. He leaves a wife and 4 children. Burial was in Hurricane Cemetery. HN 3 Jun 1915

A naturalization term of City Court will convene Saturday. The list of applicants are:

Joe Youdis, Russian                                      Alexander Nevampaa, Russian

Arthur Chater, England                                 Angello Belossi, Italian

Franciskus Czezekas, Russian                        Frank Pisoni, Italian

William Zarskis, England                               Jno. Garavaglia, Italy

Joseph Powalonis, Russia                              Mike Darasazkiewick, Russia

Gaetano Talluto, Italy                                    Paul Darazkiewicz, Russia

Nicholas Liapopulas, Greece                           Pietro Viterisi, Italy

Charles Evanovski, Russia                              Jack L. Mckay, England

Jno. Stavarczuk, Russia                                 John Gualdoni, Italy

Jno. Bena, Italy                                            Angelo Biotti, Italy

Vittori Cardini, Argentina                               Pete Clivio, Italy

Jno. Leakutus, Russia                                      Frank Calcaterra, Italy HN 3 Jun 1915

Judge Pope of DuQuoin sentenced eight prisoners this morning. Bernardo Guieda was sentenced to from one year to natural life for the manslaughter of Brueno Rachcho, Nichcel Williams to forty years for the murder of Joe Gargolia, also to be placed in solitary confinement on bread and water on the anniversary of the crime, George Douglas and wife to one to fourteen years for robbing Dr. Mullins, James Dominic from one to fourteen years for assault to murder, Della Williams, Rudy Belts and a Schaffer boy [later identified as Joe Schaffer, for burglary and larceny. MDR Thursday, 3 Jun 1915

Dr. J.W. Clayton of Johnston City and Miss Agnes Doty of this city were married Wednesday. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W.H. Doty of this city and has been teaching in the schools of Johnston City the past year. MDR 3 Jun 1915

Otis Bainbridge, second son of Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Bainbridge, and Sallie Carter Barnhart were married Wednesday at the home of the bride’s parents in St. Louis. MDR 3 Jun 1915

Ethel Douglas Makes A Statement

To whom it may concern: I have to go to prison for highway robbery of which I am not guilty and of which my husband is also innocent. Dr. J.M. Mullins is even surprised himself that we have to go to the penitentiary. He will even help us out and has already helped my husband. I thank God we are leaving only a couple of enemies behind and that is a black of Gent’s addition and a Mr. Will Sanders, the former policeman. I do trust that God will turn their thoughts to a better life…. MDR Friday, 4 Jun 1915

Will Price (colored), a merchant of 1008 South Monroe Street, died at his home Friday. MDR Saturday, 5 Jun 1915

Bob Craig, the court house janitor, is giving the hall and stairway a thorough scrubbing. Sheriff Harris states that the practice of “spitting” on the stairs and floor and walls of the hall must be stopped or prosecution will follow. The sheriff is to be congratulated on his position in this matter. MDR 5 Jun 1915

The remains of John H. Harris, who was found dead in bed at Herrin Friday, were taken to Earlington, Ky. for burial. MDR 5 Jun 1915

Guy Stanley, 22, son of Mr. & Mrs. John Stanley of this city, and Miss Nellie Lannon of Goreville, were married Friday. MDR 5 Jun 1915

Ed Brown, nicknamed Coke Head, was arrested for breaking and entering the A.A. Mosley hardware store on East Main a few nights ago. He is the husband of the woman killed at Freeman some months ago in the saloon of Charles Amati. Others are being sought. MDR 5 Jun 1915

A girl, their second child and second girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Paul Corder. The mother is the former Eva Tindle of Chester, Ill. MDR 5 Jun 1915

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Harry Farmer and Charles Sisney were arrested on suspicion of being connected with the robbery of A.A. Mosley. This makes six who are confined in the county jail and suspected of knowing something about the robbery. The others are Charles and Frank Brown, Chas. Sisney, Fred McElroy, Rosey Gibbs and Harry Farmer. MDR Monday, 7 Jun 1915

Emmit Wilcox of Herrin and Elsie Cox of this city were married Saturday. MDR 7 Jun 1915

Ernest Lawrence and Miss Robbie Williams were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. L.E. Williams on North Garfield Street. MDR 7 Jun 1915

Henry T. Scurlock, 46, died Sunday at his residence on North Market Street. He suffered a stroke of paralysis one week ago and was forced to take to his bed. He leaves a widow, an aged father, Uncle Allen Scurlock, three sisters, Mrs. Samantha Campbell, Mrs. A.J. Binkley, and Mrs. Edgar Myers. Burial will be in Rose Hill. MDR 7 Jun 1915

Helen May Stone, 10, daughter of Assistant States Attorney and Mrs. George B. Stone of Thornsdale, died Sunday at the City Hospital where she underwent an operation last Wednesday. The nature of the trouble was the formation of an abscess back of the left ear near the brain. She was a healthy child until she was five years old. She was taken with diphtheria and her condition became so alarming the physicians injected 23000 units of anti-toxin into her body. She recovered but was never strong again. Later she was stricken with typhoid fever and that left her still more frail than before. She is the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Stone and Mr. & Mrs. J.C.B. Smith. Burial will be in Rose Hill. MDR 7 Jun 1915

Daisy Amelia Moseley died Sunday at the city hospital. She leaves a husband, Clarence L. Moseley, merchant on West Main Street, daughter, Daisy, 14, mother Mary Kern of this city, brother, Samuel A. Dunaway of Chicago, and half-sister, Annie J. Kern. She was born 2 Sep 1879, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Dunaway. She married Remus Pride about 15 years ago. Two daughters were born: Daisy and Florence Amelia, the latter died several years ago. The first husband died about nine years ago in Arkansas. She later married Clarence L. Moseley on 4 Oct 1909. No children were born to them. Burial was in Rose Hill. MDR 7 Jun 1916

Announcement has been made of the wedding of William Kirpzki and Miss Verna Wanchullis, both of Johnston City. Eight months ago the prospective bridegroom got a license. He gave no reason for his long delay in using the document. MDR 7 Jun 1915

Mrs. Maggie Barnett, an aged lady living with her son at Colpville, was found dead Friday by her son upon his return from Marion. A coroner’s jury found she died of a hemorrhage of the lungs. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. MDR 7 Jun 1915

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Memorial services were held at First Baptist Church Sunday, 6 June. The Oddfellows and Rebekah’s orders were well represented. Rev. J.W. Mckinney delivered the address and the choir rendered splendid music. After the services the orders proceeded to Rose Hill Cemetery where the graves of the departed members of each fraternities were decorated. Williamson County Lodge No. 392 Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted on the evening of May 27, 1869 in the Masonic Hall in the third story of what was then known and called the Goddard building. Since then the building has been torn down and on that site has been erected the five story bank building, a modern structure of elegance and beauty, owned and operated by the Marion State and Savings Bank. This lodge, for the last fifteen years, has occupied an elegant and well-arranged hall and banquet room in the First National Bank building on the north side of the public square and has lately renewed its lease for a series of years. Williamson Lodge was instituted by five humble, but enthusiastic members: Samuel W.S. Pribble, a tailor by trade here in Marion, was the first Noble Grand; Pierce L. Jemison, a farmer living five miles north of Marion, was the first Vice Grand; David M. Fligor, a harness maker here in Marion was the first Secretary; James M. Jemison, a farmer living five miles north of Marion, was the first Treasurer and James 0. Bagwell, a photographer here in Marion, was the first Financial Secretary. William H. Eubanks and John H. Willeford were the first and only two members initiated on the night of the institution. Both are still living but have not been members for several years. The third member was Augustus N. Lodge and he has been dead several years. Lorenzo D. Hartwell and George W. Willeford were initiated July 10, 1869. They are both living but have not been members or several years. The sixth member was Daniel A. Davis, initiated July 17, 1869 and the seventh was George W. Young, initiated July 24, 1869. Edward H. Bishop, deceased, was the eighth member on July 31, 1869. The ninth was David V. Sanders, Nov 27, 1869, now deceased. The tenth was Caleb T. Holland on Dec 18, 1869. He is still living, but has not been affiliated with this lodge for many years. Since the institution of the lodge, we have lost thirty-one members by death who were entitled to funeral rites at the time of their decease:

Winfield Scott Goddard, died 8 Nov 1870, buried in Rose Hill Cemetery

Rev. William P. Nance, died 21 Nov 1871, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Stephen Wesley Alsbrook, died 21 Nov 1871, buried Union Grove Cemetery seven miles northeast of Marion

Edward H. Bishop, died 14 Nov 1873, buried Carbondale Cemetery (old one)

Lorenzo D. Crain, died 20 Apr 1876, buried Hurricane church graveyard

Gilbert T. McInturff, died 21 Nov 1877, buried Mclnturff Cemetery three miles south of Marion

Festus Holland, died 31 Jul 1878, buried Sanders graveyard three miles east of Marion

Andrew B. Hendrickson, died (was killed) 9 Oct 1880, buried Union Grove church graveyard

Patrick H. Lang, died 9 Oct 1883, buried Marion cemetery (old one)

Wm. Tippett, died 6 Dec 1898, buried Carterville Cemetery

Dr. Wm. E. Tune, died 26 Dec 1897, buried Cana church graveyard ten miles southeast

of Marion

Alexander M. Askew, died 23 Feb 1898, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

William L. Benson, died 23 Mar 1900, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Marshall Hill, died 21 Dec 1904, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Henry Vickery, died 31 Dec 1906 at Trinidad, Colorado, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

James V. Grider, died 19 Mar 1908, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

William A. Boren, died 4 Nov 1908, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

John W. Hill, died 5 Dec 1908, buried Old Liberty graveyard in Saline County, 13 miles east of Marion

Alvin M. Dowell, died 9 Feb 1910, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

William M. Parks, died 14 Jun 1910, buried Coal Bank church graveyard nine miles east of Marion

John Brookhouse, died 22 Aug 1911, buried Cana church graveyard near New Denison ten miles southeast of Marion

William D. Hartwell, died 1 Feb 1912„ buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Manheim Cantor, died 1 Aug 1912, buried Mount Sinai Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

Newton J. Clarida, died 14 Aug 1912, buried Janesville, Wis.

Dr. Geo. W. Evans, died 27 Jan 1913, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Geo. C. Heyde, died 28 May 1913, buried Maplewood Cemetery

James P. Copeland, died 19 Feb 1914, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Charles W. Swan, died 27 Oct 1914, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Joseph Fozzard, died 7 Dec 1914, buried Rose Hill Cemetery

Daniel A. Davis, died 29 Dec 1914, buried Rose Hill Cemetery. He was never delinquent nor suspended for non-payment of dues during an unbroken and continuous membership in this lodge of 45 years, 5 months and 12 days.

The present officers are:

Charles D. Robertson, Noble Grand; William E. Thaxton, Vice Grand; Lawrence A. Sanders, Recording Secretary; Jesse A. Burkitt, Financial Secretary; Robert F. Owens, Treasurer and Alonzo M. Norman, Representative to the Grand Lodge. MDR 7 Jun 1915

I will trade a lot in Creal Springs on the business street or a resident lot in Marion for a Ford in good condition. Apply at 112 East Jefferson St. or phone 116. MDR Tuesday, 8 Jun 1915

John Lane and Mary Wellman, both of Marion, were married Sunday in Murphysboro. The bride is the youngest child of Mr. & Mrs. Crist Wellman of this city. MDR 8 Jun 1915

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Joe Mercer was struck and killed by a C. & E.I. passenger train last evening between the New Virginia and White Ash mines. Tobe Farmer of White Ash was a witness. He says the man was walking down the middle of the track and the train did not whistle nor give any signals. Mr. Mercer was about 50 years of age and had been working as an extra gang foreman on the railroad. The men had been laid off and received their discharge tickets as the deceased had on his person a ticket payable at Salem. MDR Wednesday, 9 Jun 1915

The will of George W. Roberts was filed for probate. He leaves all his property to his two daughters, Mrs. Harry Grandstaff and Ida Fultz, and three grandchildren, Harry Roberts, Mural Roberts and Ray Roberts. HN 10 Jun 1915

A half dozen were taken to the penitentiary at Chester:

George Douglas, Negro, holdup

Earnest or “Nitial” Williams, Negro, murder

Benardo Guida or Notweida, Sicilian, manslaughter

Jim Dominic, Sicilian, assault to murder

Joe Thomas, burglary

Arthur Beltz, Burglarymrs.

George Douglas was taken to Joliet this week. Della Williams will be taken to Geneva and the boy, Schafer, to Pontiac. Another boy, a small one, will be taken to St. Charles this week. There are now twenty prisoners in the county jail. HN 10 Jun 1915

Elsie Cox, a public-school teacher in Marion, and Emmitt Wilcox of this city, were married Saturday. They were attended by the groom’s brother and sister, Miss Golda and Walter Wilcox. HN 10 Jun 1915

Mrs. Maggie Barnett, 76, died Friday at her home in Colp. She is survived by two sons. HN 10 Jun 1915

George Gordon Reynolds, son of Rev, & Mrs. H.J. Reynolds, died Tuesday at his home on South 13th Street of leakage of the heart. He was in his ninth year and was born at Camp Point, Ill. Burial was in City Cemetery. HN 10 Jun 1915

Earnest Lawrence, formerly of this city, and Robbie Williams of Marion, were married Sunday at the home of the bride’s parents. HN 10 Jun 1915

Lola E. Stanley, daughter of the late William Stanley of Herrin, and Frank 0. Cannon, son of Mr. & Mrs. W.S. Cannon, were married Thursday at Jacksonville. HN 10 Jun 1915

Jasper N. Miller, employed at Kelly’s Meat Market, received word from his brother-in-law at Pulaski, with whom the Miller family of this city is visiting, that the daughter, Myrle, had been drowned. Mrs. Miller and two children, Myrle and Paul, left here a week ago. She was in her 19th year. HN 10 Jun 1915

The funeral of Mrs. Belle Crowell, who died Tuesday at her home in Murphysboro, was held Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of that city. She was 49 years old and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Knight of this city. Her husband died about four years ago and she maintained her home with seven children: Clarence, Ardell, Grace, Hallenna, Lorenna, Ross and Arthur. She also leaves her parents and brothers and sisters: Earl of Marion, Ray of Salt Lake City, Harry of Chaffee, Mo., Mrs. Ida Chamberlain of Murphysboro and Mrs. Bertha Hudspeth of this city.  MDR Thursday, 10 Jun 1915

Ed Chapman, one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers of Lake Creek Township, was murdered at his home Wednesday evening. He was shot about 8:30 while sitting near a window reading. His back was to the window and the assassin took deadly aim at his head, two or three shots taking effect in the back of the head. It is thought he was killed by mistake, the assassins intending to kill his son-in-law, Ben Schull, the mine manager at McClintock Mine. The foul deed is thought to be the work of some Italians who had recently been discharged by Mr. Schull. Only a day or two ago one man remarked he would get Schull before many days. At the time of the shooting, his daughter and son-in-law were sitting near a table just a few feet away from the south window. Mrs. Chapman was attending the initiation of the members of at the Knights and Ladies of Security. A lace curtain was over the window but the shade was not lowered. Nine bullet holes were made in the window in a radius of seven inches. Mrs. Schull received a shot in the right arm. The Chapmans and Schu!ls lived together in the house, a mile north and a little west of the business district. The bloodhounds from Carbondale were brought in but little is expected as more than three hundred were upon the premises a few minutes after the shooting. Shortly before noon today three south Italians, Pete Riecho, 21, Joe Falzone, 22 and Frank Caciabolts, 39, were under arrest and placed in the jail there. The entire populace of Johnston City is indignant and more than a thousand were on the streets. After some had departed to their homes for dinner, the prisoners were rushed to the county jail. MDR 10 Jun 1915

The store of Sam Leona at White Ash was dynamited last night about 9:30. The store and dwelling house combined are situated in the northern part of White Ash on the main road leading from Marion to Johnston City. MDR Friday, 11 Jun 1915

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Merle Miller, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jap Miller of Herrin, was drowned Wednesday evening in the Cache River near Pulaski, Ill. The young lady and her mother were guests of William Stringer and family of Pulaski. About twenty-five went to the river for a picnic. She, along with Chris Rife, Flora Hennington, Archie Kennedy and Clyde Bankston, had gone out in a flat boat for a row. The boat was leaking water and the party tried to return to shore when the boat overturned. Henry Boles, the only one of the party who could swim, saved three of the party and later rescued Rife, but Miss Miller was swept away to a watery grave. MDR 11 Jun 1915

The first public lynching in the history of this county took place Thursday in Johnston City when Joe Speranza was taken from the Johnston City jail and hanged. He was implicated in the killing of Ed Chapman Wednesday evening. A report was circulated that Joseph Speranza had been heard to say he would “get” Mr. Schull. He was located and placed in the city jail. Those taking the lead for definite action marched to the jail, followed by thousands of people. Mayor Harry Barlow and Chief of Police Smith both addressed the surging crowd and implored them to let the law take its course. The leaders at once broke open the jail and dragged the terror-stricken man from his cell. Placing the rope around his neck, the crowd at once began to look for a place on which he might pay for the crime. The citizens quietly and orderly took him to a coal shed a few yards south of the C. & E.I. depot. They asked him if he had any statements to make. He would not reply. Putting the rope over a rafter, he was jerked from the ground. When let down he was again asked if he had anything to say. He replied in the usual language of his race “Me no shoot ‘im; me watcha Joe shoot ‘im. Joe Bingo shoot un man.” The confession was sufficient and Speranza was again strung up until dead. The crowd then divided into two parts; one to search for Joe Bingo the other part acting more as spectators around the scene of the execution, looking upon the dangling body of the man. From reports of those acquainted with the death incident to hanging, the man died of strangulation, the knot on the rope being under his chin instead of behind the right ear which is necessary to breaking the neck. By this time the large force of deputies from the sheriff’s office had arrived. Deputy Sheriff Elias Berry cut the dead man down and had him taken to the undertaker’s where he was examined and pronounced dead. He is described as about 24 years of age and unmarried. He resided in Johnston City, though some few years ago lived in this city. When Joe Bingo heard he had been implicated in the murder by the hanged man, he at once made a run for the Illinois Central train which was standing in the depot. He reached the train but not before being struck in the mouth and knocked down. Getting on the train, he rode to Jeffrey mine between Herrin and Johnston City and there left the train and made across the country to the north of Herrin. Ex-Deputy Sheriff John Gentry with Ex-Chief of Police Matt Walker of Herrin took an automobile and overtook the man along the Burlington tracks north of Herrin. He was taken to the county jail at 5 o’clock. It was reported the citizens of Johnston City arranged to come to the jail and take charge of the prisoner. A guard was placed around the jail. Heavily armed men were placed at all four corners of the jail. As night began, the authorities took the four men charged as being implicated in the killing to parts unknown. It is stated that Joe Bingo is not the right man, however, others declare he is and his name is Joe Barbingo, but is called Joe Bingo among his countrymen. There seems to be two factions among the Italians in Johnston City. On the one hand is the Northern or White Italians as against the South or Black Italians generally known as Sicilians. The northern Italians are reported as being active in the apprehension of the ones guilty of the cold-blooded murder of one of the county’s best citizens. Coroner George Strike held the inquest over the body of the man hanged and about twenty five witnesses were examined. Not a one knew anything about who was implicated in the hanging though none of the parties were masked. The verdict was Speranza came to his death at the hands of parties unknown. MDR 11 Jun 1915

At the Old Reliable opera house tonight will be shown 24 views of the lynching at Johnston City, showing body of Speranza in morgue, cell where he was taken from,

Merle Miller, only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jap Miller of Herrin, was drowned Wednesday evening in the Cache River near Pulaski, Ill. The young lady and her mother were guests of William Stringer and family of Pulaski. About twenty-five went to the river for a picnic. She, along with Chris Rife, Flora Hennington, Archie Kennedy and Clyde Bankston, had gone out in a flat boat for a row. The boat was leaking water and the party tried to return to shore when the boat overturned. Henry Boles, the only one of the party who could swim, saved three of the party and later rescued Rife, but Miss Miller was swept away to a watery grave. MDR 11 Jun 1915

The first public lynching in the history of this county took place Thursday in Johnston City when Joe Speranza was taken from the Johnston City jail and hanged. He was implicated in the killing of Ed Chapman Wednesday evening. A report was circulated that Joseph Speranza had been heard to say he would “get” Mr. Schull. He was located and placed in the city jail. Those taking the lead for definite action marched to the jail, followed by thousands of people. Mayor Harry Barlow and Chief of Police Smith both addressed the surging crowd and implored them to let the law take its course. The leaders at once broke open the jail and dragged the terror-stricken man from his cell. Placing the rope around his neck, the crowd at once began to look for a place on which he might pay for the crime. The citizens quietly and orderly took him to a coal shed a few yards south of the C. & E.I. depot. They asked him if he had any statements to make. He would not reply. Putting the rope over a rafter, he was jerked from the ground. When let down he was again asked if he had anything to say. He replied in the usual language of his race “Me no shoot ‘im; me watcha Joe shoot ‘im. Joe Bingo shoot un man.” The confession was sufficient and Speranza was again strung up until dead. The crowd then divided into two parts; one to search for Joe Bingo the other part acting more as spectators around the scene of the execution, looking upon the dangling body of the man. From reports of those acquainted with the death incident to hanging, the man died of strangulation, the knot on the rope being under his chin instead of behind the right ear which is necessary to breaking the neck. By this time the large force of deputies from the sheriff’s office had arrived. Deputy Sheriff Elias Berry cut the dead man down and had him taken to the undertaker’s where he was examined and pronounced dead. He is described as about 24 years of age and unmarried. He resided in Johnston City, though some few years ago lived in this city. When Joe Bingo heard he had been implicated in the murder by the hanged man, he at once made a run for the Illinois Central train which was standing in the depot. He reached the train but not before being struck in the mouth and knocked down. Getting on the train, he rode to Jeffrey mine between Herrin and Johnston City and there left the train and made across the country to the north of Herrin. Ex-Deputy Sheriff John Gentry with Ex-Chief of Police Matt Walker of Herrin took an automobile and overtook the man along the Burlington tracks north of Herrin. He was taken to the county jail at 5 o’clock. It was reported the citizens of Johnston City arranged to come to the jail and take charge of the prisoner. A guard was placed around the jail. Heavily armed men were placed at all four corners of the jail. As night began, the authorities took the four men charged as being implicated in the killing to parts unknown. It is stated that Joe Bingo is not the right man, however, others declare he is and his name is Joe Barbingo, but is called Joe Bingo among his countrymen. There seems to be two factions among the Italians in Johnston City. On the one hand is the Northern or White Italians as against the South or Black Italians generally known as Sicilians. The northern Italians are reported as being active in the apprehension of the ones guilty of the cold-blooded murder of one of the county’s best citizens. Coroner George Strike held the inquest over the body of the man hanged and about twenty five witnesses were examined. Not a one knew anything about who was implicated in the hanging though none of the parties were masked. The verdict was Speranza came to his death at the hands of parties unknown. MDR 11 Jun 1915

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At the Old Reliable opera house tonight will be shown 24 views of the lynching at Johnston City, showing body of Speranza in morgue, cell where he was taken from, body before being cut down, militia on guard duty, and many other scenes incident to the lynching. This will be in addition to the regular picture program and the little KAMP sisters in high class vaudeville. Admission 5 and 10 cents. MDR Saturday, 12 Jun 1915

Mike Vaccara and Nick Vergandchio, both of Johnston City, were arrested today on a charge of bootlegging. MDR 12 Jun 1915

The funeral of Mrs. Mary Grimes, who died yesterday afternoon at her home on South Street, was held this afternoon. She was 34 years old, the wife of Alvin Grimes, and leaves a husband and two boys aged 10 and 4 years. A three weeks old baby was buried last Tuesday. Burial was in Perry Camp Ground some distance northeast of this city. MDR 12 Jun 1915

Not long after the state troops were taken from the village of White Ash Saturday morning, George Spence, while on the railroad track was shot at from ambush, the bullet piercing his hat. MDR 12 Jun 1915

Further developments have disclosed the fact that neither of the four Italians spirited away on Thursday night is Joe Bingo, the man accused of killing Ed Chapman. They will be returned in a day or so. Sam Saitta and Pete Recho were in charge of Deputy C.C. Foster and Joe Falzone and Frank Caciabolts were in charge of Chief of Police Clarida. They were taken to Harrisburg. MDR Monday, 14 Jun 1915

Pearl Swofford and Louis Goalby were married Thursday in Herrin. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. D.J. Swofford of Herrin. MDR 14 Jun 1915

My wife and I have failed to agree therefore I will not be responsible for her debts. Hugh Grider MDR 14 Jun 1915

Charity Inspector Makes Report on Williamson Co.

Miss Annie Hendrickson sent by state Charities Commission visited our county April 17, 1915. County almshouse, county jail and county outdoor relief carefully inspected, commented upon and report filed.

Williamson County Almshouse inspected April 17, 1915. Supt. J.F.F. Quinn

Williamson County evidently thinks more of the comfort of the almshouse superintendent than of the welfare of the inmates. The superintendent’s house is a long, low brick building with a wide veranda across the front. The inmates live in a four-room frame cottage. Both buildings are old, heated by coal grates and lighted by oil lamps. The superintendent’s cottage is twice the size of that of the inmates, is far better ventilated, has better facilities for sunlight and the interior is in better condition, The walls of the superintendent’s house are hard finished and those of the inmate’s house are of wood. But that the welfare of the inmates is not of great consequence to the supervisor’s is shown by the fact that a per diem per pauper allowance of forty-five cents is made for their care and the use of an eighty acre farm is thrown in for good measure. Three women and two little boys, eight and nine years old, live in one large room of the cottage. Walls, ceiling and floor are of wood. The walls are covered with pictures cut from magazines and papers. The women are happy and contented. The children are clean and well dressed. The room was as clean as a very old wood interior with a dilapidated coal grate can be. The men have two rooms in the cottage. The rooms have very old beds, very ragged bed clothing. The larger room in which five men live is made very foul by the beds of two men with no control. The dining room is a long, low room well-ventilated and sunny with a shabby, unpainted long table. In one corner stands a very dirty, ill smelling cupboard. The double toilet used by men and women is very foul. The walks, grounds and outbuildings were in good order. The two children in the almshouse should be taken away at once. They have been here a month and are not in school. They were found in a dirty cabin without food, deserted by their father. Their mother is dead. They are bright, attractive little lads and well behaved. The overseers have promised to secure a home for them and the Marion Clio Club almshouse committee is anxious that the county should immediately take care of them. There should be no delay in placing these children where they can be educated. The superintendent has been here ten years. There is not one inmate capable of doing anything for himself or for the others in case of illness at night and no responsible person is in the inmates’ cottage. It is unsafe to leave these helpless persons alone in a separate building for so many hours. There are no toilet facilities of any kind in the house. If baths are taken, a tub must be brought in and water carried. The Clio Club of Marion has a alms house committee that frequently visits the county farm, takes magazines and papers to the inmates, and maintains a general supervision of the place. This committee goes before the board of supervisors to ask for necessary repairs and occasionally gets them. The committee has once entirely cleaned the house.

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Williamson County Almshouse Population

Men

Age, Cause of dependency

56       Ill health

40       Cripple

75       Old age

46       Cripple

56       Blind

50       Sick

60       Blind

Women

63       Blind

60      Cripple

38      Cripple

Children — boys

9      Deserted by father

8      Deserted by father

Names — William and Elmer McMann

Williamson County jail inspected 17 Apr 1915 W.T. Harris, Sheriff C.C. Foster, jailer The Williamson County jail was completed a year ago at a cost of $35,000. It is a handsome, three-story brick building, modern in every detail. The prison wing extends across the east side of the building and has excellent eastern, northern and southern exposures. The prison has four sections, two on each floor and all alike. Each section consists of a room thirty feet square with a cage twenty-six feet square. The cage has a wide corridor with three cells on each side. The cells are seven feet by six feet and have two iron wall cots and a toilet. Each cage has a shower bath in one cell and two stationary stands in the corridor. There are four large windows at the end of the room and three at the side. On the walls opposite the windows are ventilators. All ceilings are of steel and the floors and walls are of concrete. On the second floor, in addition to the two sections of the prison, are two hospital rooms. Each is well lighted and ventilated and has a toilet and stationary wash stand with hot and cold water. In the larger of these rooms was confined a seventeen-year-old girl forger, with her four-year-old baby son. The plumbing in one of the first-floor sections was out of order and a disgusting pool of water had run into the passage around the cage. Except for the defective plumbing, the prison was in good order, clean and with no odors. The prisoners are separated according to race and not according to degree of crime. On the first floor, one section is given to Americans; in the other are the Italians. In one section of the second floor are the negroes and in the other are the women. Minors are confined with older offenders. The jailer receives twenty cents a meal for feeding prisoners and a locking-in and locking-out fee of fifty cents each. A laundry tub and a wash board are provided for each section. The beds have old, worn comforts and blankets and a pillow with white cases. Separate towels are provided. The prisoners say they are well fed and well-treated. On the third floor is a large, comfortable, well-furnished jury room.

Williamson County jail population, awaiting trial

Men

Date of commitment       Charge

9 Aug 1914                     Murder

2 Dec                              Murder

1 Jan                             Burglary

15 Mar                           Illicit sale of liquor

24 Mar                           Illicit sale of liquor

27 Mar                           Illicit sale of liquor

28 Mar                           Accessory to murder

 28 Mar                           Murder

28 Mar                           Murder

28 Mar                            Murder

28 Mar                            Murder

16 Apr                           Illicit sale of liquor

16 Apr                           Accessory to murder

Two men are awaiting commitment to penitentiary for burglary & murder

Women

6 Feb                             Forgery

22 Feb                           Robbery

9 Mar                             Robbery

15 Mar                           Accessory to murder

Williamson County Outdoor Relief inspected 17 Apr 1915

Itemized bills for goods sold paupers must be presented by merchants. The bills must be accompanied by the overseer’s written orders and by a sworn statement of the merchant that the bill is correct and the items were actually sold to the paupers. Twenty-five mothers receive pensions for sixty-five children. The amounts received are from five to ten dollars a month. Mrs. O.H. Burnett is probation officer and she presents carefully prepared reports of each child. She receives no definite salary and her expenses are not paid. The county supervisors consider the position an unnecessary one and insist that no probation officer be appointed. The county judge declares that as long as he has authority the petitioners for and those receiving mothers’ pensions shall be looked after by a competent woman probation officer. The twelve supervisors receive three dollars a day for their services for the poor. Records required by law of overseers are not kept. Old soldiers are cared for and buried as paupers. Blind are cared for as paupers. The charity department of the Marion Women’s Club does excellent philanthropic work, but does not cooperate with the county authorities.

Williamson County appropriations for charitable and penal purposes

Jail                     $2,500

Almshouse             2,500

Outdoor relief        3,000

Mothers’ pensions   2,600    MDR 14 Jun 1915

The Liles and Jones building on West Main Street which was recently purchased by the Howard-Casey Grocery Co., and later sold, is about ready to be moved to Big Muddy mine where it will be converted into a store building. Howard-Casey plan to erect a modern brick structure on the lot vacated. MDR Tuesday, 15 Jun 1915

A girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Walter Hassler of East Marion Street. MDR 15 Jun 1915

A.R. Miller, 24 and Susie A. Gregory, 23, both of Johnston City, were married Monday. The bride has been a teacher in the Johnston City schools a number of years. MDR 15 Jun 1915

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The new Hotel Arlington will be opened tonight to the traveling public in Johnston City. An elaborate banquet will be spread and music furnished by the Dawson Orchestra of Herrin. Supper will be served from 5:00 to 8:30. More than 200 guests are expected to be present. The event opens up one of the most modern hostelries in Southern Illinois. The Arlington is owned and will be operated by Mr. & Mrs. J.M. Perry, formerly of this city. The cuisine will be in charge personally of Mrs. Perry who will keep none but the best cooks obtainable. Thirty-five rooms have been remodeled and furnished newly throughout. The management has installed a water plant of their own, and the rooms will be furnished with hot and cold water from the plant. MDR Wednesday, 16 Jun 1915

Marriage licenses

Walter Smith, 25 and Lela Clark, 16, both of Hurst

Henry Murphy, 23 and Florence Richardson, 18, both of Rend  MDR 16 Jun 1915

Gustave Karla, a German of Johnston City, was arrested and charged with attempting to rob the Johnston City State Bank on 31 Mar. Shortly after the attempt, he went to Decatur where he was married. He returned to Johnston City and was working at the West Side mine. MDR 16 Jun 1915  On 17 Jun, Herrin News gives his name as Gus Jarla.

A girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Jent of North Van Buren Street. MDR 16 Jun 1915

Only six out of twenty-five get naturalization papers. William Zarski, Joseph Pawilonis, Mike Daraszkiowicz, Frank Calcaterra, Jack McKay and Nicholas Liakapulus. The latter asked the court to legalize his name to Lockas, but was told the present court had no jurisdiction over that matter. HN 17 Jun 1915

A son was born Tuesday to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Opoe of South Park Avenue. HN 17 Jun 1915

Pearl Swofford, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. D.J. Swofford of Herrin, and Louis Goalby, son of Mr. & Mrs. John F. Goalby, were married Thursday of last week at the Presbyterian parsonage, to the surprise of most of their relatives. With the minister pledged to secrecy and the groom’s sister, Mrs. Harry Sherertz and her husband only in the deal, the news didn’t get out until Friday. They will be at home in Herrin after July 1st, after a honeymoon in Chicago. “I have had three children now to marry, and I have never been let in on the deal and am the last to find it out,” said Mr. Goalby, the father. HN 17 Jun 1915

Resolutions of Respect   In death of John H. Harris. A.L. Gothard, Geo. Hunt, Jacob Jones, Committee Local Union No. 581. HN 17 Jun 1915

Brooks Warren and Miss Faye Barham, both of this city, were married Wednesday. MDR Thursday, 17 Jun 1915

Marriage licenses

Albert Stewart, 23 and Ollie Ward, 19, both of Royalton

John Casey, 47, Johnston City and Georgia Sawyer, 46, West Frankfort MDR 17 Jun 1915

Howard Campbell, formerly of Marion, and Miss Jean Sinclair Murray, both of Manistee, Mich., will be married 28 June. MDR 17 Jun 1915

Mrs. Minnie Smith, superintendent of the Children’s Home at DuQuoin, was in Marion today and took in charge the two dependent little boys at the county farm. They are Elmer and Earl McMann who will be taken to DuQuoin and placed in the orphan’s home there. MDR Friday, 18 Jun 1915

The case of John Garavalgia, charged with the murder of Ben Rogers, went to the jury today. MDR Saturday, 19 Jun 1915

John Garavalgia, who was acquitted of the murder of Ben Rogers, was arrested and charged with the murder of James Durham, who was found murdered at the rear of the saloon of Tony Maroni on West Monroe on New Year’s night three years ago. The warrant was sworn by E. Durham, father of James. MDR Wednesday, 20 Jun 1915

Joe Lee, the negro section laborer who some two months ago shot and killed Section Foreman Courtney at Bush, was arrested at Byhalia, Miss. MDR Monday, 21 Jun 1915

John Garavalgia was acquitted of killing Ben Rogers. MDR 21 Jun 1915

Marriage licenses

G.W. Binkley, 35 and Grace B. Stover, 22, both of Marion

Clint Hundley, 21 and Mary Malandrone, 22, both of Herrin

Arthur Funk, 19 and Elizabeth Cowell, 19, both of Marion   MDR 21 Jun 1915

In loving remembrance of Ida Young Rochester who died 21 Jun 1909. MDR 21 Jun 1915

Coroner Strike held an inquest over the body of an infant of Mr. & Mrs. Isaiah Hiscox at Weaver. The child was premature and died a few hours after birth. MDR 21 Jun 1915

Elza Brooks, a policeman of Carterville, died shortly after midnight Saturday night. About midnight on June 10, he took a large quantity of tablets of citric acid and corrosive sublimate. He refused to take anything to counteract the effects of the poison. He was born 16 Nov 1888 and leaves a wife and a child four years old. His parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.M. Brooks of Cobden, arrived at his bedside on 12 June and he told them he took the poison because he was positive he had the consumption. The funeral was at Anna with burial in the family plot there. MDR 21 Jun 1915

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Henry Murphy and Florence Richardson, both of Rend, were married Sunday at the Methodist parsonage by Rev. Laurence Smith. MDR 21 Jun 1915

Arthur Funk and Elizabeth Cowell were married Sunday. MDR Tuesday, 22 Jun 1915

Isom Primm was acquitted of the murder if D.C. Gill.  MDR Wednesday, 23 Jun 1915

Elva R. Jones and Carolyn Stiritz, accompanied by John Samuel and Miss Mertus Jones, passed through our city this morning enroute to Paducah where they were married. The groom is a 1913 graduate of Marion High School and the bride, who graduated Johnston City High School one year ago, is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A.C. Stiritz. They will live in Johnston City. MDR 23 Jun 1915

A committee from the County Board of Supervisors called on the jail at mealtime and inspected rations as given out to each prisoner. The committee decided the jailer was feeding too heavily and recommended the rations be reduced. The board agreed and reduced the daily allowance of feeding the prisoners from 60 cents to 50 cents per day. MDR 23 Jun 1915

Ed Randolph and Winnie Lane on Thursday announced their wedding which has been kept a secret for a year. Mr. Randolph’s home is in Creal Springs and the Miss Winnie lives with her mother in this city. MDR 23 Jun 1915

Births

Mr. & Mrs. L.A. Mifflin, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Joe M. Bond, a girl

Mr. & Mrs. Quinn Bolen, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Tissoni, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Guthrie, a girl

Mr. & Mrs. Arla Williams, a boy

Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Kollenoski, a girl

Mr. & Mrs. Polley Ellis, a girl HN 24 Jun 1915

The infant of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Starkis died Wednesday and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery. HN 24 Jun 1915

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A meeting was held today at the Elks Home in this city. The occasion was the perfecting of the organization for the construction of the Logan — Lee trail which will be a national highway from Jacksonville, Fla. to St. Paul, Minn. The route thru Illinois is to be from Metropolis thru Vienna, Marion, Johnston City, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Salem and via Taylorville to Springfield and thence to Rock Island.  MDR Thursday, 24 Jun 1915

J.W. Absher of Crab Orchard made a visit to this office Thursday. Fifty years ago the 28th of this month he returned from three years’ service as a soldier. Fifty years ago, in November of this year he married Miss Mary Stockdale. Mr. & Mrs. Absher are still enjoying good heath regardless of approaching old age. MDR 23 Jun 1915

Ruth Johnson and Agnes Wood were arrested in Metropolis for pandering. They gave their address as Marion. They are about 17 or 18 years old and are of foreign extract. No evidence was submitted in the case except one of the girls was sitting talking to a man up the alley, with her head resting upon his shoulder, and also that they were transients, loitering about under suspicious circumstances. They were fined $5 each, and being unable to pay, were committed to jail. MDR Friday, 25 Jun 1915

Friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mrs. Lucinda Goodall on 22 June to help celebrate her 97th birthday. She is better known as “Aunt Dude” and is the widow of Richard Goodall. She is the oldest lady living in the county. [A long list of those attending.] MDR 25 Jun 1915

Sheriff W.T. Harris and Special Deputy Sheriff Gaffney went to Harrisburg to bring back Will Lee who was reported to be in jail there. They found the man not to be Lee, but Will Rice. Rice is wanted here, however, for the killing of Little Dick Reed at No. 9. No serious charge is against him as Reed shot Rice in the arm before Rice returned the fire. [Lee was wanted for the killing of Constable James Garrett at No. 9 over a year ago.] MDR Saturday, 26 Jun 1915

Dr. M. Hendrickson, a prominent physician of Johnston City, received a letter on Thursday unsigned and, according to reports, stating he must leave Johnston City at once under threats that if he did not his hands would be tied behind him and he would meet the same fate as did Joe Speranzo, the Italian who was lynched there recently. Dr. Hendrickson placed the letter in the hands of a reliable interpreter who gave him the proper interpretation of the letter which was written in the hand of a Sicilian. The doctor is not making any arrangement to leave but if any Blackhanders wish to call upon him they will find him at his usual place of business or about his daily vocations as heretofore. MDR 26 Jun 1915

Don Hemphill and Ollie Jones of this city were married Saturday in Benton.  MDR 26 Jun 1915

Charles Mowery was arrested Friday in Murphysboro for being drunk. While drinking he talked about the murder of James Hickey at Johnston City three or four years ago, which led his hearers to believe he was connected to it. Hickey was killed at a resort and the body hauled away and dumped beside the road. The house was burned down the same night. MDR Monday, 28 Jun 1915

Sheriff Harris and Special Agent J.D. Long of the Missouri Pacific, returned from Bayhalia, Miss. with Joe Lee, charged with killing Section Foreman Courtney at Bush. MDR Tuesday, 29 Jun 1915

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