weakley_newspaper_abstracts.htm
Cousin Martha's Abstracts
Weakley County, Tennessee


Dresden Enterprise Newspaper

Transcribed from Microfilm by Martha Smith

1907 May 3rd, 10th & 17th

Friday, May 3, 1907
 
Attempted Rape
Sam HIGGINS is Locked Up, Charged With Heinous Crime Hit in Head With Hammer
 
Excitement was at fever heat in the vicinity of Dukedom Monday, when it was learned that Sam HIGGINS, an ex-convict, had attempted rape upon the three daughters of Mr. John MARR, a highly respected citizen of that community. In fact, the excitement and indignation over the foul murder of Miss Winnie STRONG had not died down, and the reported crime of HIGGINS added fury to the flames. It is stated that had he been allowed to remain in the community Monday night summary punishment would have been administered.    
The ages of the girls is eleven, thirteen and eighteen years, and are nieces of HIGGINS, their mother being his sister. He told them that if they told of his attempts to commit rape, which occurred at different times, that he would kill them, and he being of desperate character, they were afraid to say anything about the matter, but one of the young ladies finally told of the affair to her brother’s wife, who told the father of the girls. This was Sunday and Mr. MARR, learning that HIGGINS was at the home of Marion BETHEL, near by, went over there to arrest HIGGINS. When he arrived, it is charged, that HIGGINS resisted, whereupon MARR struck him a terrific blow on the head with a hammer. HIGGINS fell to the ground and it was reported that he was dead. He finally revived and was carried before Esqs. Almus GOLDEN, Ben GAULDEN and J. A. ESKRIDGE on Monday, waiving examination. His bond was placed at $1,000. in default of which he was brought to jail Monday night by Deputy Sheriff FOSTER. The magnitude of HIGGINS” crime did not become generally known till Monday, or he would have been lynched, it is said and he might have been severely dealt with Monday night had he remained in that community. HIGGINS served seven years in the penitentiary from Obion County on a similar charge, being released last January, since which time he has been about the MARR home part of the time.
Mr. MARR, who is fearless as any man living, would doubtless have killed HIGGINS, but his friends persuaded him not to do so, and he pledged them his word that he would not.
HIGGINS comes from a good family, and seems to be the black sheep and has never conducted himself in the manner he should.
 
$5,000 Damage Suit
Mr. STRONG, father of Miss Winnie, who was murdered by Will SAWYERS at her home in No. 17 on Tuesday night of last week, was here last Friday and filed suit in the circuit court against Will SAWYERS in the $5,000 damages for the death of his daughter. Attorneys H. H. BARR and F. P. HALL were employed by Mr. STRONG to represent him in the suit. An attachment was issued attaching all of SAWYERS’ effects and executed by Sheriff ACREE. When the Sheriff arrived at SAWYERS’ home, he found attachment notices already posted. It appears that the day before the killing, SAWYERS borrowed the sum of $200 from Mr. D. C. REAMS, a neighbor, and as soon as REAMS learned that SAWYERS had left, he had an attachment issued and attached all SAWYERS’ effects.

Mr. E. C. RICE, cashier of the First National Bank of Fulton, was there Friday and also attached all SAWYERS’ effects. SAWYERS borrowed the sum of $500 from the bank at Fulton on the day of the killing and the bank holds his note for that amount. Besides this, he drew $50 from the bank. This amount he had on deposit. He was required to give no security for the $500, for he had been dealing extensively with the bank and frequently borrowed that amount on his own note without additional security. Mr. RICE says he considered SAWYERS one of the safest patrons of his bank. It is said by parties who claim to know that SAWYERS has a sufficient amount to pay off all the attachments.
 
Death of B. J. TAYLOR
B. F. TAYLOR was born September 1, 1835, died April 23, 1907; aged seventy one years, seven months, and twenty two days. He was born and reared in Weakley County. He was an honest, up-right citizen, and had lived a good moral life; he never made any pretensions to religion until a short while before he died; when he got in bad health, he said unless he got better he could not last much longer, and if he did not get well that he had a better home than this, and that he was not afraid to die. As a young man, he was married to Clementine Porch. To this union were born five children. After her death, he was again married to Anne PARHAM, and to this union was born five children. When she died, he was married to Miss Bettie REED. To them were born three children, and she preceded him to the grave a little over seven months ago. He leaves ten children, several grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, a host of relatives and friends to mourn his death. The burial service was conducted by W. C. NEWBERRY and the writer in presence of a large congregation of people, after which his body was laid to rest at the family burying ground, at his sister’s, Miss Mary TAYLOR, to await the resurrection morn.           H. W. JACKSON   
 
News From No. 12 Column
Mrs. Abe PARKER has been chilling for past week.
Curtis ROBBERSON has had chills since our last.
Mr. A. J. WEAVER has been quite sick for several days, but is some better.
Mrs. Martha PERKINS has been in quite a bad condition for several days. It is feared that she is losing her mind.
Mr. and Mrs. REEDER wish to thank their good neighbors for their service during their child’s illness.
Mr. Reef THORN has had a very bad case of the measles and it is thought now that he is taking slow fever.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim REEDER’s little infant girl died last Friday afternoon and was buried Saturday evening at Umble’s graveyard, three miles east of Huntingdon.
Mr. J. D. PARKER and a Mr. THOMPSON are to have a law suit tomorrow at Esq. W. J. RAY’s. The nature of suit is this: Mr. THOMPSON bought a cow from Mr. PARKER. THOMPSON claims that he has paid for the cow. PARKER claims that he has not and PARKER replevied the cow, hence the suit.
 
District No. 1 Column
Clifford MORRIS informs us that he is going west in the near future on a prospecting tour.
Mr. Ed DONOHO is hauling some nice logs to Roberts, Morris & Co. mill. Guess Ed is going to build.
J. J. C. STEPHENSON and wife, of Janes’ mill, were here last Saturday and Sunday visiting.
Jim COX is training a nice bronco, he says if he can get it properly trained it will make a record breaker.
Ras GARRIGUS, who went to Texas shortly after Christmas has returned; he says Texas is a fine country, but he could not stand the water there.
 
Circuit Court
E. E. FOWLER vs. John BYARS. This is a suit for damages in the sum of $10,000. It is alleged that the defendant in the case accused the plaintiff of larceny of tobacco. All the property of BYARS has been attached. BYARS is one of the wealthiest citizens of the Palmersville vicinity. F. P. HALL is attorney for the plaintiff.
 
Chancery Court
Mrs. I. D. BAKER et. al. vs. Mrs. Elizabeth COX et. al. Defendants in the suit threaten to close right of way from complaints home to public road. An injunction issued restraining them.
John S. HORNSBY  vs.  W. EVERETT and wife.   Bill to foreclose vendors lien on tract of land in No. 4. L. C. HANNINGS attorney for HORNSBY.
Ada BUCK vs. Ad BUCK.    Divorce bill. J. W. THOMAS, attorney.
City National Bank of Fulton   vs. W. T. SAWYERS. Attachment levied on the real and personal property of SAWYERS to make good the payment of a certain note for $500 due said bank by said SAWYER. John  S. ACREE appointed receiver with orders to sell the personal property. F. P. HALL and  H. H. BARR attorneys for the bank.
Grover Cleveland ALGEE  vs. Ruth ALGEE. Divorce bill.
Andrew CRAWFORD et.al. vs. C. H. ROSS et. al. Injunction enjoining collection of justice’s judgement for $90. J. W. THOMAS attorney.
 
County Court
Administrators appointed as follows this week in the county court:
Mrs. Retha DANIEL, Administratrix, of Oscar DANIEL, deceased.
Tom STRONG,  Administrator of Winnie STRONG.
I. B. STAFFORD, administrator of estate of J. R. STAFFORD, deceased.
 
Real Estate Transfers
ANTINIA DOWS   to  J. N. BRASFELD   $1,600.
H. D. GARDNER   to   J. F. ENNIS            $180.
Polk ALEXANDER   to   S. L. EVANS      $133.
B. D. QUARLES   to   John VOWELL       $950.
J. T. PARRISH   to   John VOWELL          $4,600.
J. M. FINCH   and   T. N. DREWRY to A. D. and J.. B. FINCH   $300.
 
Hyndsver Hits Column
Mrs. Iva GARDNER has recovered from an attack of scarlet fever.
B. W. MARTIN, who has been suffering several days from the kick of a horse, is some better.
Miss Blanch CALDWELL visited in these parts this week. Miss Blanch will teach the fall school at this place this winter. She assisted Prof. IVIE last year and gave splendid satisfaction.
There was some excitement in this section this Tuesday morning over the report that Bud LEVISTER had tried to drown himself, but it was found on investigation that he was only wading out in the river, trying to get to his fish hooks. He was still fishing when last heard from.
Quite a large land deal was made this week. The VOWELL brothers bought T. J. PARISH’s home tract and bottom lands of B. D. QUARLES. This land is well timbered, and Mr. VOWELL will erect a saw mill on it at once. Mr. PARRISH retains possession of his home tract until fall.
 Prof. L. A. IVIE will teach at GARDNER next winter.
 
Married
On Saturday, April 27, at Fulton, Ky., Mr. ELBERT McCLAIN, of near Dresden, was married to Miss Lelia ARNN, of Ralston.
Mr. McCLAIN is the son of E. P. McCLAIN, a farmer and is well known in Weakley County as a nice christian gentleman, and has won for his bride one of Ralston’s sweetest girls. Miss ARNN surprised her many friends by going over to Fulton to visit her sister, Mrs. Wright REED, marrying in that city.
 
Ruthville News
Miss Nannie JONES has been in bad health for some time.
 Mrs. M. J. MATHENY was taken very sick on last Sunday. Dr. SMITH was called in and she is much better now.
On the 26th, Rev. W. N. MATHENY was driving the cow home, his horse reared up and fell back on him making a very severe flesh wound in his left thigh. He has been laid up with it ever since. Dr. SMITH is in attendance.
 
Dukedom Doings Column
Mr. Andy WORKMAN’s wife, who has sick all winter, is still sick.
Eld. G. S. JONES is wonderfully improving the appearance of Mr. Fount GIBSON’s place at Austin  Springs by building a new yard fence.
I learn that Prof. Robert PARKER has secured the Salem school near Austin Springs.
Miss Grace SUMMERS, of Austin Springs, boiled a duck egg and on breaking it found another egg inside with a hard shell on it; her grandmother JONES brought in another duck egg with a neck near two inches long on the small end.
Mr. Will STROUP, of Cuba, Ky., seems to be the unfortunate man. Last Thursday night, his dwelling with all of his household goods was destroyed by fire. Only one feather bed was saved. It is said there was no fire about the place, but that the house was struck by lightening and the roof was falling in when discovered. Not long ago, Mr. STROUP went to Louisville to buy goods and his store was burned. There was a policy on the dwelling for $400.
 
Up To Date Doings Column
Headley BURTON has moved to the house formerly occupied by Ed DICKSON.
J. C. KILLEREW’s little boy has had a very severe case of pneumonia, but is getting better.
Mr. and Mrs. Will McCLAIN were called to the bedside of Mrs. McCLAIN’s father, Mr. ROBERTS. On last Monday, who was thought to be at the point of death.
Mr. Joe SHELL is wearing an expression that won’t come off, over the arrival of a blue eyed little miss that arrived last week.
H. VANDOLAH completed his contract here last week and moved his mill to Story’s bridge, on Terrapla creek, near Boydsville. Mr. VANDOLAH saws only for the export trade and turns out a good quality of lumber.
Dr. A. M. BOYD, of near Union Hall, in Henry County, sold his farm and residence last week, consisting of about twenty acres; consideration $1,250; he has moved to Murray, Ky., where he will resume the practice of medicine.
 
Oak Grove Column
Harry BELL is now up, after a spell of mumps.
Miss Sallie COLLIER continues to mend slowly.
Uncle Dick CLEMMONS is very low at this writing.
Uncle Joe TRIBBLE is now able to be visiting, after a long spell of sickness with dropsy.
 
Pretty Home Wedding
A pretty home wedding of much more than passing notice was celebrated at Union City Tuesday. It was that of Mr. James Smith FITZPATRICK, of Helena, Ark., to Miss Elizabeth Jane GARDNER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. GARDNER. The groom was accompanied by Mr. Charles WATSON, of Helena.
The bride, attired in an exquisite tan traveling gown, came in accompanied by her father who gave her away. Preceding the ceremony Mr. Robert GARDNER accompanied on the piano by Mr. Howell BRANSFORD sang, “As I Have Chosen You” and during the ceremony “Without Thee,” was played. Congratulations were showered upon Mr. and Mrs. FITZPATRICK after which they departed for their home in Arkansas by way of St. Louis where they will make a short visit.
Mr. FITZPATRICK is a banker and wholesale druggist in Helena, and is a young man of fine Christian character, and is eminently worthy of the young lady made his wife. Mrs. FITZPATRICK since leaving school has been a great favorite in society circles of this city, Nashville, Memphis and Helena, where she has frequently visited.
 
Gardner Gems Column
Little Nannie May MOORE has had another spell of chills.
Miss Mollie CRAVENS, whose health has been bad all winter, is no better.
Mr. Jack GARDNER, who has been sick so long, is reported so improved that he can go to the table for his meals.
Mr. Neal MOORE received news yesterday that his mother, Mrs. Frank MOORE of near Palmersville vicinity had gotten her arm broken and the doctor thinks erysipelas was setting up. Owing to her advanced age, it will go very hard with her, but hop she will recover.
 
Jonesboro Jots Column
Willie MORRIS has an abscess on his lung.
Miss Nancy SMITHSON, the richest old maid in the 16th, has contracted with John LEWIS for the erection of a fine little cottage on the Galey Farm.
John DUNCAN came very near losing a fine mule on a barbed wire fence Saturday. It would have bled to death had it not been for the timely arrival of Mr. Raleigh PERRY.
The new official directory of the telephone exchange at Greenfield gives 255 phones to that exchange. Two years ago the list of subscribers was printed on one sheet of thick paper. Now they are printed in book form.
 
 
The remainder of this page and part of the next one with local news is missing,    
 
Town and County
We had a conversation with Mr. Tom STRONG last Friday and he informs us that his daughter, Miss Beulah, had never given SAWYERS any cause to believe she would marry him; that she had only treated him civil and as a neighbor boy should be treated. Others familiar with the circumstances say that it has always been patent to everybody that Miss Beulah did not even encourage SAWYERS to wait upon her, but that he persisted in coming to see her and occasionally she would permit him to come, for the sake of being civil. After Miss Winnie was shot, Mr. STRONG informs us, she started to her brother’s, some distance, but fell in a wheat field, where she later was found. Mr. STRONG, not knowing his daughter was wounded, went out and took the discharged gun from SAWYERS, who remarked that he did not care, that he had another, and whipped out a pistol, running around the house in search of Miss Beulah, his mind fully made up to kill her. Not finding her, he came back to the front part of the house and Mr. STRONG admonished him to leave, saying someone would kill him. Whereupon SAWYERS remarked he did not care, but told STRONG if he would give him his gun back, he would leave. This STRONG did, and SAWYERS got back on his horse, but returned, when he was fired upon by young STRONG. He then rode home and told his cropper that he was in trouble and had him saddle another horse, going via Hatler’s Campground, where he met several parties, whom he told that Miss STRONG had been shot and rode on, his shotgun lying across his saddle. Mr. STRONG tells us that SAWYERS was drinking, but not drunk, as he found his whiskey bottle next morning near the front gate. Miss Winnie was buried Thursday afternoon, the burial being attended by the largest gathering ever witnessed at a funeral. It is said that strong men who had never shed a tear, broke down and wept on this sad and heart rending occasion. Miss Winnie was very popular, being a beautiful, refined, modest young lady, possessing a most lovable character, and her tragic death was a sad blow to the entire community. A large reward has been made up for the capture of SAWYERS, and it is said that every man in that whole community who have been asked to, donated most liberally to the reward fund. Mr. STRONG tells us that SAWYERS did not appear in the least excited, but was very cool and deliberate and seemed thoroughly at himself.         
 
Obituary
Eliza BRUNDIGE was born August 14, 1870; was married to Walter S. PETTIT December 18, 1890. She professed a hope in Christ and joined New Hope Baptist church in September 1900, of which she lived a true and faithful member until she was called from this world where there is no sickness and death. She fell asleep in the arms of Jesus April 13, 1907. She leaves a kind husband, seven children, a loving father and a great many relatives to mourn her death. Age, thirty six years seven months and twenty nine days.
 
Dukedom Doings Column (Too late for last week)
Mr. Grant RIDGEWAY’s daughter that has had typhoid fever is slowly improving.
Uncle Joe VINCENT has been in feeble health for some time; his nerves have given away, and the old man has almost given up.
There were mistakes in my column last week, it was Miss Tinie HENDERSON that married.
Eld. DUCKWORTH, of Indian Territory, who is talking of locating in Martin, was at Austin Springs Sunday and preached two good sermons.
Mr. Jam COLE, of Austin Springs, who was clerk in Frields & Jone’s store last year, is contemplating going into the undertaker’s business, and the first call he got was burying a mule.
G. S. JONES, the hustling brick layer of Austin Springs, was called to Mr. Will WILLIAMS’, two and a half miles west of Dukedom, on state line, to do some work for a new residence on his father’s old place. There will be about eight rooms and three halls and it is to be built in the latest style and when complete will cost about two thousand. I learn that it is to be a turnkey job.
 
Hall’s Branch Budget Column
Bennett BYNUM, Gleason’s hustling stave man, has had six teams on the road for the last several days, hauling stave bolts from here, bolts that were cut last autumn.
Messrs. Henry SISSON and John ALLMAN each delivered a very impressive and intelligent speech Saturday night at Lamb’s Union and quite a number attended.
Joe, the small son of Mr. and Mrs. Will SUDDATH, was taken suddenly very sick Saturday afternoon and for a while had spasms. Dr. TATUM attended the little fellow, who has about recovered at this writing.
Bro. John MILES will fill his regular appointment at West Union Saturday and Sunday.
Theodore UNDERWOOD and Miss Fannie FOWLER, accompanied by King UNDERWOOD and Miss Minnie SIMMONS drove to the home of Brother C. C. McDEARMON, near Jolley Springs, where the few but mighty words were spoken by that good brother that united as one the future lives of this happy couple. The groom is sa son of Mr. Bill UNDERWOOD, and a very sober, moral, worthy young gentleman and his fair bride, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bullard FOWLER, is a very estimable and sunny disposed young lady.
 
Limbs Locals Column
Master Edward INNIS, who has been suffering several days from a severe bruise on his foot, is improving nicely.
Miss Minnie and Dolphus BRUCE, of Fulton, visited the family of Mr. Tom BROOKS Saturday and Sunday and had a musical entertainment Saturday night. A large crowd was present and all reported a good time.
 
Town and County Column
Mrs. John R. THOMASON attended the nuptials of her niece, Miss Bessie GARDNER, to Mr. FITZPATRICK at Union City Tuesday.
Governor PATTERSON announced Monday that the state of Tennessee will pay a reward of $150.00 for the arrest of Will SAWYER.
Wess BRUMMITT informs us that the heavy wind storm on last Monday night did considerable damage in his community, blowing down timber and fencing.
The infant of Mr. Foster CAMPBELL was interred at West Union Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. H. A. STACKS was in town Wednesday with a fine lot of berries of the Klondike variety.
The nine months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie REAVIS, residing east of Dresden, died Tuesday of pneumonia and was buried Wednesday at West Union. The parents have the profound sympathy of a host of friends in their bereavement.
Mr. W. N. SCOTT arrived from Obion Wednesday and has taken charge of the telephone exchange here. Mr. Dave BULLINGTON leaves next week for Nashville, where he will be engaged in the shops of the telephone company.
The death of Miss WORMATH, at the West Tennessee Hospital, should be investigated. Miss WORMATH died there and was buried without her relatives at Martin receiving any notification of her even being sick, though Mrs. WORMATH had repeatedly requested the officials at the hospital to notify her in case the young lady was taken ill, but instead, she sickened and died and was buried and still no notice was given to the parents. Mrs. WORMATH and sons frequently visited the young lady and the management of the hospital can not claim they did not know where to locate her relatives.
After being buried a week or more information of her death reached Martin and her brothers went to Bolivar and had the body disinterred and brought to Martin and buried last week.
The wife of Mr. Albert WINSTEAD, Latham’s progressive, polite merchant, is very low and not expected to live.
Mrs. Carl BOWDEN was taken to Nashville from Martin the latter part of last week for treatment and we are informed that she is improving.
An electrical storm visited Martin on last Sunday morning, doing some damage. A telephone in the residence of Mr. B. E. DODD was torn from the wall. Mr. R. M. OLIVER was in the lot milking the cow, and had occasion to step into the house during the storm. Just as he stepped out the door to finish milking lightening struck the cow he had been milking, killing her instantly.
Mr. H. B. JONES received a message Tuesday that his mother, Mrs. Sarah JONES had
died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. WHITE, in Dallas, Texas. Her body arrived here
Thursday morning and was interred at Salem that day. Mrs. JONES was born and reared
in Dresden, but has made her home with her daughter in Texas. She was a daughter of
Hillary BONDURANT, who, years ago, was one of this county’s most prominent
citizens. The deceased was seventy nine years of age. She has been in declining health
some time, though not considered dangerous. Mrs. JONES was a good Christian woman,
loved by everybody and her many friends will be grieved to learn of her death.
 
Public Wells Column
Clem PARSLEY has returned to this county again.
Fred MORGAN gave the young people a singing at his house last Tuesday night.
 
From No. 9 Column
L. F. RUTLEDGE has la grippe.
Mr. Luther BROCK is reported no better.
Mrs. Sallie ADAMS is confined to her bed with la grippe.
Mrs. Walter DOLAN has neuralgia and is a critical condition.
Uncle Mace EZZELL happened to a painful accident Friday morning by falling through
an elevator passage at J. L. Shannon & Co.
 
Killgore Schoolhouse Column
Mr. Robert VAUGHAN continues very low.
Master Shobert CARNEY is on the puny list.
Mr. J. G. BAKER happened to the painful accident of mashing his hand while covering a shed.
Mr. Will NANNIE is having his house painted by Mr. RAFTER.
 
Tumbling Creek Column
Monroe WARD is no better, and it is feared by his physician that he has tuberculosis.
T. H. BELL’s baby is gradually getting better.
Mr. Gus SMITH, of near Smith’s Schoolhouse is not expected to live very long.
Nathan WARD is better after a severe spell of three weeks.
         
 
 
May 10, 1907
Only portions of two columns of the front page of this issue are on the microfilm and the remainder is missing

 
Route 4 McKenzie Column
Dr. THORN delivered a powerful discourse at New Hope on the duty and strength of the church.
Some of our citizens have bought from the Cumberland Telephone Co., the line running from McKenzie to Christmasville and Pillowville, and they have connections with the same company at McKenzie.
 
Route No. 2 Martin Column
Mr. Ed SWEARINGEN is on the sick list and it is thought he has measles.
Mr. J. W. THOMPSON has gone to Dawson Springs and will return the last of the week.
Arden SUMMERS sold a twin yoke of cattle to Mr. Walter MALOAN Tuesday; consideration $125.
There was a gathering at Mr. T. WASH’s Tuesday night and the young people report a great time.
Mr. Obe CHANDLER had a barn raising Tuesday.
There will be some levying and bridge work let out on the 15th at two o’clock on the Martin and Sharon road, near the Jim CROCKETT place. A. J. GARDNER, Arden SUMMERS and L. F. STALCUP, committee.
Dr. BRITT, while crossing Sandy Branch near Mr. Buck CHANDLER’s got into quicksand and had to have some help to get his horse and buggy out.
 
Jonesboro Jots Column
Bro. W. P. HIPPS has been employed to preach at Meridian for one year.
I am told that Crawley & Grissom are doing an old time business with their up to date grist mill. The people are glad to return to riding on a “turn” of corn across a mule’s back to the mill.
This part of the county was visited on Monday night of this week by the hardest rain that has been known to fall. It carried away some of the Bear Creek bridges and two near Green MANESS’. Ed CURLEE and E. J. CANTRELL were employed to replace them, which they are doing.
Mrs. A. E. NUTTING received almost a wagon load of groceries from one of the mail order houses in Chicago.
A few days ago, Col. R. B. PERRY, our time honored bachelor and the most up to date bee raiser in the county, showed me the finest thing in bee gum that I have ever laid my eyes on.
 
 
May 17, 1907
 
Z. W. GROOMS For Trustee
Z. W. GOOOMS announces his candidacy for re-election to the office of Trustee of Weakley County.  
 
Obituary
Mrs. Maggie STEVENSON was born April 27, 1852; died April 19, 1907, age fifty four years, eleven months and twenty three days.
She professed a hope in Christ in the year 1874. Though she never joined the church, she lived a consecrated Christian life up to her death, being a strong believer in the Primitive Baptist doctrine and tried to live altogether in consistency with that faith.  She having been deprived of good health for three or four years and being confined to her bed for six months previous to her death, was never heard to make a complaint on account of her afflictions, bearing her sufferings with Christian fortitude, hoping the future would bring her much relief. Her suffering and death was the result of chronic heart trouble, caused by acute sores on the lining of the chest. The medical assistance received brought no lasting relief and the last few hours she spent here were of great suffering. All earthly help and assistance were administered in vain; her time had been spent and the hour allotted for her to die arrived, and no mortal hand could stay what the Lord had planned.
A husband, three sons and one daughter remain to fight the battle of life as best we can. The last rites of respect were administered and the remains were tenderly interred to rest at Colliers graveyard to await the judgment call.        Written by  A Son.
 
Public Wells Column
B. A. BRIGHTWELL is building some stables, which will add a great deal to the value and looks of his place.
On Monday last, Mrs. DRUMMOND was taken with something which was thought to be paralysis, but is better now.
Donnie ROWLETT has just completed a pump well at the county house which will supply them plenty of water.
 
District No. 23 Column
Rev. R. H. JACKSON, of Sharon, will preach at Mt. Zion next Sunday at 11 o’clock.
Rev. John KNIGHT, of Arkansas, is visiting his old friends and relatives, he preached at Mt. Zion Sunday at 11 o’clock and a Ward’s Chapel Sunday night.
There is talk of the farmer’s putting in a rural telephone line, running from Gleason to Pillowville via Ward’s Chapel. This is very much needed and for particulars see Wayne McGEHEE.
Mr. Bob BYNUM, tells me there will be a singing at Freeman’s schoolhouse the first Sunday in June.
Mr. Ira BEASLEY, of Huntingdon, and Miss May GOODEN drove out to Esq. W. L. GAINER’s Sunday afternoon and surprised their many friends by getting married. They are most excellent young people.
Messrs. A. W. BRAWNER, J. T. BERRYHILL, R. W. McGEHEE and others from this district attended the gin and warehouse meeting at the Valley Saturday, May 11.
 
District No. 1 Column
Mr. B. W. MORGAN is on the sick list.
Uncle Joe VINCENT is improving some at this writing.
Mrs. Ethel CLEMMONS is dangerously ill.
Sid FARMER had a congestive chill last Sunday. Dr. Luther DONOHO was called in attendance.
The young people had a singing at Mr. L. B. LASSITER’s.
Geo. STEPHENSON is trying to grow a mustache since the arrival of that new girl.
Mr. W. E. GRIFFITH hauled off another big load of tobacco last week.
John GRIFFITH and Geo. STEPHENSON had a run-away a few evenings ago while en route home from Austin Springs. Their mule became frightened at some cattle.
The Sid FOWLER threshing machinery, which was sold by the Chancery Court the first Monday of this month, was purchased by Ed DONOHO.
Mr. Jess PARKER and a Miss TOMLIN were united in holy bonds of wedlock at Austin Springs last Sunday morning. The groom is the son of Geo. PARKER, a highly respected citizen of old No. 1, and the bride is the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Mr. Milliard TOMLIN, who  is a citizen of No. 1.
I am informed of the death of Mrs. Jennie VAUGHAN, who, on last Saturday morning at 5 o’clock, quietly passed from the scenes of this life to the great beyond and where there is no more sickness, pain and death. Mrs. VAUGHAN died at Bolivar, where she had been confined in the asylum, she having been insane since April, 1892. Her remains were tenderly laid to rest in the family burying ground at the home of her husband, Mr. Crockett VAUGHAN. She was a member of the Christian church and always did her duty as a Christian. She never lost an opportunity to do good or help those in need of help. She leaves a husband, three sons and a host of relatives and friends to morn her death.
 
Route No. 4 McKenzie Column
Raymond, the little son of Dr. R. D. BERRYHILL, is quite sick.
Mrs. Ethel WALKER has been right sick.
Mr. Charlie CRABTREE has bought the MAYNARD place, and Mr. John MAYNARD has bought the Uncle Dred ELINOR place.
Miss Ida MONTGOMERY, who has been in North Carolina for some time, has returned home and brought her aunt, Mrs. Hettie THOMPSON, with her.
 
From No. 6 Column
John McREE’s baby is mighty sick at this writing.
Chester BEVILL is having a round of chills; had one both Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. Jim JOLLEY fell out of a barn last week and sprained his shoulder pretty bad, but is getting along nicely.
Mr. Loss SUMMERS (Ark. Loss) had a barn raising Monday; he killed a sheep for the occasion and there’s no need to tell anything else.
 
Dukedom Doings Column
It was Sam POGUE (not PAYNE) that lost his wife last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry BERG are rejoicing over the arrival of a new girl.
Mr. Luney HARRIS’ wife, who has been sick for sometime, is reported to be better.
Mr. Anderson JOHNSON, near Abernathy’s precinct, has been quite sick.
Mr. Aaron FRIELDS, the noted widower of Austin Springs vicinity, is spending some days with his son, Dave at Fulton, looking for widows.
It was Mr. Jim POWELL that was hollering so loud the other day. Come to find out, the cause was a brand new girl, born Tuesday night.
Mr. Bent ABERNATHY is lamenting the loss of a gallon of paint, which was lost in the fall of John BREEN, the painter. While painting a house, BREEN seems to have been near the top of an extension ladder, when there was a sudden gust of wind and down came the ladder, paint, painter and all.
While Mr. McNEW and his wife were not home, his two little boys fired an old shot gun and busted the barrel, but fortunately neither of the boys were hurt.
Mr. Clint BENNETT and Miss Cora FOY, both of Graves County Ky., were married in the road just over the state line about a mile north of Austin Springs, by Elder JONES.
 
Oak Grove Column
A very serious accident happened to Mr. Luther BROOKS last week. His horse stepped in a washout and fell into the creek.
I think Mr. PARHAM had better stay away from Sharon. Every time he goes it rains.
 
A Loved one Gone
On January 9, 1907, the death angel spread its mantle in the home of A. F. BETTS and gently wafted the sweet spirit of his beloved companion  back to the God who gave it, to the sunlit shore of sweet deliverance, where none ever wake to weep. Nor sad farewells ever come.
Mary Francis GRADY was born in North Carolina July 24, 1833, and with her parents immigrated to Gibson County in January 1854. There she was happily married to A. F. BETTS, on April 5, 1860. This union was blessed with six children, all of whom, except one, the only boy, who died in infancy, are left to comfort their declining father.
She claimed a hope in Christ when quite young, and united with the M. E. church, where she lived a devoted Christian till God in his wisdom saw fit to call her from this earth to a world on high, where she is now basking in God’s love.
She died in the triumph of a living faith, after a long and painful illness, which she bore with the greatest fortitude, and told her loved ones she was going to a better world than this. She was laid to rest in the Salem cemetery, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. MOORE. The deceased was a resident of Sharon at the time of her death.  Written by Emma KILLEBREW.      
 
A Bit of History
A few days ago we ran across a copy of the Enterprise published in May 1884, twenty three years ago containing the following bit of history:
 
Jimmy MORAN memories of a Weakley County Hero
Our fellow townsman, Mr. J. W. MORAN, returned from Nashville last Saturday, bringing with him the remains of his brother, James, one of the heroes of Capt. John MORTON’s famous battery. The remains were deposited in the Moran burying ground, one mile north of Dresden. Sunday’s Nashville American contains these allusions to Jimmie’s brave record.
“The remains of James H. MORAN, a member of Morton’s Battery who was killed in the attack on block-houses No. 1 on the Chattanooga railroad about five or six miles from this city, on General Hood’s campaign into Tennessee, was removed to the family burying ground near Dresden.” Jimmie MORAN joined Morton’s battery on Gen. FORREST’s raid into West Tennessee, and made as brave and as true a soldier as the confederacy had. He was a gun driver, and was wounded in the left arm at Tishomingo creek, but refused to leave his team until the fight was ended. At Harrisburg he jumped from his horse, when he saw one of the gunners fall at his piece, and supplied his place. He was fighting as a gunner when he was killed. He was lame and walked with difficulty and was rather weakly of constitution, but he had in him the heart of a true man and a brave soldier. He was one of those men who would always respond to the occasion. No one in the battery was more beloved by his comrades than this boy. He was a model soldier in camp; always kind and sweet tempered and active in the discharge of his duties.”
“The above reference to his heroic conduct at the battle of Tishomingo creek; also known as the Guntown or Bryce’s cross roads fight in Mississippi, in June 1864, is also found in a work entitled “The Campaigns of Gen. Forrest”  Page 476.
 
Death of an Infant
Gracie M. LOCKHART was born March 24, 1906; died May 6, 1907; age one year, one month and twelve days. It was hard to give up this sweet little girl.
 
Peck’s Pickings Column
Matt SPARKS led his class in singing at Prospect last Sunday.
Cleveland CAUDLE’s horse ran away last Sunday, wrecking his buggy pretty badly.
Tom MORRIS led his class at Shafter last Sunday.
Mr. Elmer COCHRAN, of Pedemont, Ala., is visiting home folks.
 
Town and County Column
Little Bernice Featherston  fell last Thursday dislocating her shoulder.
Mrs. Cam BEELER, (nee Forrest KILLEBREW) of St. Louis, is here visiting friends and relatives and will spend the summer.
We are informed that Mrs. Sue F. MOONEY will teach a class of little folks at her home this fall, beginning in September.
The body of Mrs. Crockett VAUGAN, who died last week at the hospital at Bolivar, arrived here Sunday morning and was conveyed to the Collier graveyard, in No. 13, for interment. Mrs. VAUGHAN has been at the hospital for some fourteen years and died last week of dropsy.    .
Mr. Green STOKER was thrown from his wagon near the Russell GARDNER place and bruised up considerablly, He was sitting in a chair in the wagon, which struck an obstruction in the road, precipitating him to the ground lighting on his head and shoulder. Though no bones were broken or fractured he was considerably bruised.
Mr. Buck ORR has taken the job of keeping and making the roads in No. 22.
We were in error stating that all the effects of Mr. John BYARS, residing in Palmersville vicinity, had been attached subsequent to the filing of suit against him by Mr. E. E. FOWLER.
Prof. Marvin MOONEY will return to Dresden later this year and erect a nice dwelling on one of the MOONEY lots, so his mother tells us.
Cashier Bill KILLEBREW has a crew of hands hard at work remodeling the Lee HARRIS old place on Paris Street, The house will be re-weather boarded, new porches added and other extensive improvements made. Mr. KILLEBREW will occupy it when completed.
Uncle Brit SIMMONS continues quite feeble, but is some better than in the winter. He is eighty five years of age and until the last two years was very hale and hearty.
Miss Carrye VOWELL resigned her position as operator at the telephone exchange here and has left for her home in Martin. 
Great crowds are expected at the old folk’s annual singing at Public Wells next Sunday. Preparations are being made to take care of the rowdy element that has been creating a disturbance there during the past several years. The citizens of that community do not propose to be imposed upon this year by those low down drunken dogs and we warn them in advance to stay away or they will get into trouble.
Editor FANNING, formerly of the Gleason Headlight, has moved to Big Sandy, in Benton County, and takes charge of a new paper.
Peyton Nance, an ex-confederate soldier, and a member of the Fifth Tennessee, died at his home in Hazel, Ky., last week. Mr. NANCE made a brave, gallant soldier and the old soldiers who knew him will be grieved to hear of his death.
Mr. Atlas HENDERSON and Miss Mattie PENTECOST, both of Palmersville vicinity, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony on last Sunday, Esq. John BUCKLEY officiating in his usual graceful, happy manner.
There is a new comer at the home of Luther EVANS and wife at Gleason.
Lonzo TRENTHAM, residing near Liberty is stepping mighty high, it’s a 10 pound girl.
Esq. Robt IRVINE is still confined to his bed, though not so ill as he has been.
Mrs. Bob MORGAN, who was taken to Paducah for abscess several weeks ago was brought home Sunday and is on the raped road to recovery.
The Masonic funeral over Mr. Jim HIGGS, deceased, will take place at the Higgs family graveyard in No. 10 on the fourth Sunday this month. The funeral will be preached by Rev. W, W. ARMSTRONG, at Greenfield.
Mrs. Clint MILLER died at her home in the edge of Henry County last Sunday, after a lingering illness of lung trouble. The deceased was about seventy years of age and is survived by her husband and four children. The body was interred at the family burying ground. Mrs. MILLER was born and reared in that vicinity and had resided at the place where she died for more than thirty years. She was a devout Christian and was loved by the whole community.
It will be remembered that several weeks ago a damage suit was filed against will SAWYERS, who killed Winnie STRONG, and that all his personal effects were attached and advertised for sale. One day last week, Mr. Dan SAWYER, father of Will SAWYER, replevied most of the attached articles and prevented their sale. However a part was sold.
 
Two damage suits have been filed in the circuit court since our last. D. FISHER, tax assessor in No. 6, filed suit last Friday against E. M. (Tump) SIMMONS, of the same district, for damages in the sum of $2,000.  Some time ago, they had a difficulty, in which FISHER was struck in the face by SIMMONS, it is alleged, and his face bruised. Tuesday, Vincent WRIGHT, a tenant of the farm of A. ROWE, southwest of Dresden, entered a suit against ROWE for $5,000, charging that the defendant came to his home and created some sort of a disturbance, frightening his wife who is in a delicate condition.
These are the same parties who had a lawsuit here this week, in which WRIGHT was bound over to keep the peace for six months in the sum of $250 by Justice LITTLE. In both of the above cases, the parties bringing suit took the pauper’s oath, so Clerk WEBB informs us.
Our good friend, Esq. J. A. ESKRIDGE, informs us that black leg, that fatal disease, had broken out among the cattle of Mr. W. A. SHANKLIN, in No. 4.
Mr. Rupert ATKINS, brother of Cashier Everett ATKINS, Dukedom, is at the point of death at his home in No. 5, east of Palmersville, and his relatives have been summoned to his bedside.
Mrs. John OWEN, residing on the Weakley-Henry county line, was married at the age of fourteen years, has been married nineteen years and has eleven living children and two grandchildren.
While assisting shearing sheep last Tuesday, Mr. Allen BRASFIELD came near losing an eye, when the sharp point of the shears cut a deep gash just below the eye.
Several weeks ago a drummer named ROACH, representing a Paducah house, married a Miss KIMBEL, daughter of Mack KIMBEL, who killed himself because of a heinous crime he had committed, and Roach and wife left immediately for parts unknown. It now develops that ROACH was a citizen of McKenzie, that he has a wife there, who was an ELINOR before her marriage and a young lady of good family. Roach is said to be about 40 years of age and Miss KIMBEL is about 20 years of age and is good looking.
 
Pillowville Column
Ruff THORN continues very sick with slow fever.
Mr. Tom BRAWNER and W. J. MAYNARD are on a land deal.
Sam SCARBROUGH is enlarging his house preparatory to putting in a stock of goods.
Mr. G. R. REYNOLDS suffered a severe attack of paralysis last Saturday, but is better.
Little Velma HORTON got her right arm broken just above the wrist falling off the porch.
Bill MONTGOMERY accidentally killed one of Mr. R. W. DUNLAP’s fine hogs last week by driving over it with a wagon heavily loaded with logs.
Mrs. Cora MONTGOMERY lost eighty chickens due to the big rains and Mrs. Hattie ELLIS lost fifty.
The neighbors met at Bruce MONTGOMERY’s and killed 100 rats and a like number at J. A. BURK’s.      
Lee WRENN was crossing Shade’s Bridge and the back wheels cleared the span just as the bridge went down river.
Mr. Calvin EVAN’s and wife got wet by falling into the back water. The horse they were driving became frightened and backed the buggy off the levy.
Homer SCARBOURGH, while returning home from Joe DUNLAP’s had a serious accident. The night was very dark and the horse was moon-eyed. He drove off in a fifteen foot deep gully, completely demolishing the buggy but not hurting the driver.
 
Hall’s Branch Budget Column
Marion LOCKHART and family, of Siloam church, north of Dresden, were guests of Mrs. E. A. LOCKHART and sons, here two days last week, after burial of their child.
Mr. and Mrs. Will CANTELL’s baby boy, born on the 7th inst., died a few hours after birth and was buried the next day at West Union, quite a number of relatives and friends being present.
Interest in the rural telephone has revived here. Messrs. Ura King, Henry SISSON, and Bob BUNTIN have a branch line out of their homes from the main line out to their homes from the main line on the Dresden and Paris road. I am told that a switchboard will be put in at the residence of Dr. Ira TATUM, and that Miss Annie IRVINE will have charge of it.
 
Tumbling Creek Column
John HIGHFILL’s baby is right sick with cholera infantum.
Nathan WARD is still slowly improving, but is unable to sit up yet.
Monroe WARD has been sick for two months but is little better.
John G. LAWRENCE has completed his new building and moved into it.
Mr. Tom LAWRENCE last Tuesday returned home to Rector Ark., after a week’s visit to old Tennessee.
W. L. GAINER drove a nice bunch of hogs out of this vicinity last week, paying $565.
Mr. John ANDERSON got bitten on the hand by a dog and it is giving him trouble.
Mr. Fletcher BEVILL’s son and Mr. FISHER’s daughter, of Jolly Springs neighborhood, married last Sunday and came to Tumbling.
Port KING has a twelve year old boy that is in a strange fix. His attending physician says that he cannot live long. He does not suffer any pain, eats and sleeps most all the time, but is gradually wasting away.
 
Jonesboro Jots Column
Jackie SMITHSON has bought John CANTRELL’s mule for $70.00. John is to keep it until weaning time.
Some days ago, Mr. and Mrs. Jim DUNLAP came by John MOORE’s pond and saw an eagle fly away with a bird or fish in it’s mouth.
 
Gardner’s Gems Column                
The young people of Farmer’s are having a singing school taught by Mr. Oscar INNIS.
Mr. Jack Gardner, who has been sick so long at his brother’s, is able to be moved to Walter GARDNER’s.
Newt BROOKS, who is a substitute railway clerk, is at home for a few days Newt says he expects a permanent appointment soon.
Miss Grey JOHNSON closed her school here and will leave for her home in Humboldt accompanied by her mother\
 
Ruthville News Column
Mrs. Jim Brown, who has been quite sick is recovering.
The Rev. Tillman JOHNSON, of Texas, will preach at Sandy Branch.
Miss Dena MURRAY, who has been visiting her mother at Potts, I. T., for some time, returned home last Monday.
 
Midway Mutterings Column
Calep TODD has the mumps.
Mr. Brooks OSTEEN’s little girl is dangerously sick with pneumonia.
Mrs. Irb HAWKS is laid up in bed this week, suffering from injures sustained in a fall.
 
News From No. 12 Column
Mrs. Martha COSTEN has gone out to Paragould, Ark., to spend a few days with her son, W. T. COSTEN.     
We had the pleasure of listening to some good singing last Sunday at Union Grove, led by Messrs. Will DODSON, Ivie CAMPBELL and Henry AYLOR.
Hon. John E. EVERETT and wife spent six days at Pine Bluff, Ark., visiting their son, Jim, who is at work for a wholesale drug store there. Mr. EVERETT says he visited the legislature while in Arkansas and found in that august body two of Weakley County’s noble sons, Otis WINGO and John H. HILL.
Mr. Sid SUMMERS got his thumb caught between the bolster and wagon tire. His thumb was badly bruised and unjointed at the first joint and it was thought it would have to be amputated but it is now getting along nicely.      
 
      




BACKto Cousin Martha's Neswpaper Abstracts Page

RETURN to Weakley County Home Page

webpage by MaryCarol
© 2002

Submitters retain copyright on their materials.
Please respect their copyright. Share information with family but no commercial use without permission.

We thank the good people at Rootsweb for hosting this USGenWeb-TNGenWeb project