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Cairo Index Page |
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Obituaries and Death Notices
Cairo Daily Democrat
1 Jan 1867-28 Dec 1867
Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois
Transcribed by Darrel Dexter
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Cairo Daily Democrat
Tuesday, 1 Jan 1867: DIED. In this city on Friday morning, at the residence of his brother, A. J. Clark, Mr. Truman Clark, aged 66 years. The deceased was an old river pilot. His remains will be sent to Dayton, Ohio, today.
DROWNED.—James Wesling, a passenger on the P. W. Strader, either fell or jumped overboard, just below Cincinnati, on last Monday, and was drowned. The boat was stopped and every effort made to save him, but the river was full of ice, and he soon disappeared.
A Man Chokes His Wife to Death and Escapes Particulars of the Dreadful Tragedy Again we are called upon to recount one of those shocking and dreadful tragedies that chill the blood at their recital. The carnival of crime continues its loathsome orgies, and the reporter’s pen must run glibly over his notebook in order to keep pace with the bloody track of the monster. William Handley, or as sometimes he is called William Sharp, murdered his wife yesterday morning at the boarding house of Mr. Sullivan, on Nineteenth street, by choking her to death. The murderer and his victim were comparatively little known in this city. He had been here some time, and for a while worked at the Cairo Docks, but it was conjectured by those who knew him best, that his real business was counterfeiting. He was irregular in his habits, and mysterious in his movements, and altogether was not regarded by his acquaintances as a valuable citizen. He had not been at any regular work for some time, and a few days ago he gave up his house where he had been living, on 9th street, and he and his wife took up their board and lodging at the above named Sullivan’s. There had been nothing in Handley’s conduct previous to that fatal night to excite any apprehension that he for a moment contemplated the revolting crime, which he perpetrated. On the night of New Year’s Day, the different members of Sullivan’s family heard considerable contention, or rather, quarreling by Handley at his wife, the difference appearing to be that he wanted to go to Mound City and she did not. Yesterday morning, Mr. Sullivan, on going his usual rounds to wake up his boarders, noticed that the door to the room occupied by Handley and wife was open, and Mrs. Handley lay across the bed, with her clothes in much confusion. He immediately went down stairs and requested Mrs. Sullivan to go up and see if there was not something the matter with Mrs. Handley. Mrs. Sullivan at once went to the room and found Mrs. Handley dead! The alarm was given and search made for Handley, but he had made his escape, and up to the present time no definite trace of the murderer has been found, although it is supposed he is probably secreted in the woods north of here. The scene presented when our reporter entered the room was shocking in the extreme. The poor woman had not undressed, and it was supposed they had set up while Handley was nursing his murderous designs and warming up his fiendish resolves to the sticking point, by abusive quarreling, and when all was quiet in the house, and the world slept, there alone, with no eye upon him but that of the doomed and hapless victim, and the eye of Him who sees all, he sprang with the agility and ferocity of a wild beast at her throat, and never loosened his first fatal grip till the murderous work was completed. There were no signs of a struggle around the room; there lay on every hand the evidences of woman’s order and thoughtful care, even the bed on which the dead woman lay had been but little disturbed, and only when one looked at the protruding tongue, distended eyes, and distorted features of the murdered woman did the full reality reveal itself. Coroner Corcoran was at once called to the scene, a jury summoned and all that could be elicited from witnesses was detailed before them. There was no doubt upon the mind of either juryman or spectator as to who was the murderer, and they as promptly returned a verdict accordingly. The following is the evidence as given before the jury of inquest: Bridget Sullivan sworn—I got up this morning at half past four; William Handley came down in a few minutes. He came down the back way. My husband had been upstairs waking up boarders, and came down and told me something was wrong with Mrs. Handley, and to go up and see her. I went up and found her lying across the bed, dead. Mr. Sullivan sworn—Corroborated the above, and stated that there had been considerable disputing between Handley and wife, about going to Mound City. He had known Handley for some time. The following is the verdict of the jury: We, the jury, find that deceased, Mrs. Handley, came to her death by strangling or choking, inflicted by the hands of her husband, William Handley, on the night of the 1st inst. Daniel Jorden, foreman (Mrs. Handley’s name is not recorded, but Alexander County marriage records include the marriage of William S. Handley and Adeline Youngblood on 11 Aug 1866.)
Friday, 4 Jan 1867:
OBITUARY. “And he died.” Thus has it been written in all ages; of all men. Today, it becomes our painful duty to notice the death of one of our most generally-known, and much beloved and respected citizens, Henry Oswald. He had been complaining some for several weeks, and on Christmas was seized with acute bronchitis and asthma, terminating in congestion. While we realize something of the sorrows of the widow and orphan, we feel that it is not an inappropriate time to contemplate for a moment, the taer (?), that all must follow, and soon, very soon, perhaps, become inhabitants of the Silent City of the dead. We might say much on this occasion, but let it suffice to say that in this loss we lose one of our most worthy citizens and kindest friends.
Samuel T. Hunsacker died Thursday at Anna.
FOUND DEAD.—Coroner Corcoran yesterday, was called to hold an inquest on the body of an unknown man whose body had been washed ashore and left nearly covered with slimy mud deposited from the river, on the Levee, opposite Tenth Street. There was nothing on the body by which the name or residence of the deceased could be learned. He was, it is supposed, a young man, had $10.70, two putty knives and two pencils, and it is supposed the man was a painter by trade. He had evidently been in the river a considerable time. There were no marks of violence perceptible, and supposition is it was accidental. The jury returned the following verdict: We the jury summoned to hold an inquest on the body of an unknown man, which had washed ashore, find that the deceased came to his death by drowning, and from appearances suppose said drowning to be accidental. William Standing, foreman.
Thursday, 10 Jan 1867:
ACCIDENT.—Mr.
George D. Bailey, boss mechanic for the firm of Fox,
Howard & Co., while employed in switching a broken car
yesterday morning, by some accident fell on the track, and
before the train could be stopped, three of the cars passed over
him. One of his feet was crushed badly, and shoulder bone
fractured, an ear nearly cut off, and an ugly gash cut in his
head, but the physician attending thinks the wounds are not of a
dangerous character, though it is not known what internal
injuries he may have received. The accident, we understand,
occurred in consequence of the engineer having, through some
misunderstanding, suddenly checked the speed of the train, which
threw the unfortunate man off the cars.
At Elgin, Ill., John Pund, a respected citizen of that place blew his brains out last night in a fit of temporary insanity.
TERRIBLE AND PROBABLY FATAL
ACCIDENT.—Miss Sarah
Porter, eldest daughter of Thomas Porter, of this
city, was shockingly and probably fatally burned yesterday
morning. It is impossible to tell at this time whether she is fatally burned or not; at a late hour last evening she had inhaled so much of the flame that recovery would be exceedingly doubtful. Almost daily we read accounts in our exchanges of similar accidents to this from the careless handling of combustible and explosive oils. How unfortunate it is that people will not learn to be more careful.
Miss Sarah Porter, who was so badly burned the other day, we are happy to learn, is improving, and the physician now is confidant of her early recovery.
OBITUARY. MASONIC.—Whereas, it has pleased our Divine Master to call our much esteemed brother, David G. Yost, from labor to refreshment: therefore Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Yost, who departed this life on the 8th day of January, 1867, Masonry has lost one of its noblest patrons, Christianity one of its most ardent adherents, society one of its most exemplary members, and his family, both in the relation of husband and father, one eminently devoted and kind. Resolved, That we tender our sympathies to the bereaved family in their time of distress. Ordered to be printed in the Journal and Press. Isaac Miller, C. F. Hartman, Amos Watts, Com.
HOMICIDE.—The
Hamilton (Ill.) Democrat says that an unfortunate
row occurred upon the streets of McLeansboro. When by some
unfortunate means, Captain William B. Garner, who was
passing along the street, became involved, suddenly in the
affair, when by an unfortunate blow by Garner, upon the
head of a man by the name of Daniel Ballard, resulted in
the death of the latter in some four or five hours afterwards.
OBITUARY.
MURDER AT CENTRALIA.—We learn that a man by the name of Harris was killed at Centralia on Saturday night last, by another named Williams. They had been in Dowd's Saloon, playing and drinking, and after going outside got into a desperate altercation as to which should have paid for the drinks. Harris knocked Williams down once or twice, when the latter declared if he persisted in striking him he would stab him. Harris, as it appears, gave no heed to his threat, but kept pummeling Williams, who defended himself with a knife, inflicting several severe gashes about the throat and breast, which caused the death of Harris in a few hours. Both parties are represented as having been characters of very little worth to a community. Williams had at last accounts been apprehended. Both were men with families. Salem Advocate.
Altogether this was one of the most
melancholy accidents that has occurred for many a day in our
city. She was a very intelligent and interesting girl, just
verging into womanhood, and was respected and beloved by all who
knew her. Her sufferings were prolonged and excruciating
torture, and when death finally came, she welcomed him as the
only friend that could relieve her agony. This sad announcement
will bring a hush to the hearts of her many young friends and
schoolmates. DEAD MAN EATEN BY GULLS.—A most shocking sight was presented in the river in front of our city yesterday. The dead body of a man had become frozen fast in the floating ice, and when it passed here there had gathered an immense flock of sea gulls around the corpse, and they were feeding off of it, and fighting over it. The sight was enough to curdle the warm blood in the veins of the beholders. Some were perched upon the body gorging themselves as they tore the frozen flesh from the bones; others flapped around in the cold air, and still others were hopping about on the floating fields of ice, awaiting their turn at the repast. The awful spectacle floated by with the current of the river, and undisturbed passed from view.
DIED.—At Paducah, January 15th, 1867, after a short but painful illness, Rev. J. J. Fitzgerald, (colored). The subject of the above was born in Alexander, Virginia, and at the age of 14 years moved to Michigan with his father. In his youth he joined the church at Columbus, Ohio, and at once commenced to study at Xenia, Ohio, and was admitted to the ministry at the age of 20. He was sent to Africa by the Southern Baptist Board, where he remained until 1866, when his own, and the health of his family, compelled him to return. He was an exemplary Christian and much beloved and respected by his different charges.
It appears that the unfortunate young
lady had attended a party, accompanied by a young man of that
town, and returning late at night the young fellow told her he
was going to marry, naming the girl. Miss Stokes did not
believe him and so expressed herself, when the young man showed
her the license. It appears this was crushing news to her, and
she determined to rid herself of life, which had as she supposed
become a burden. She however controlled herself as to any
outward demonstration, but slyly procured a lot of arsenic and
swallowed nearly two teaspoons full. Her friends soon noticed
that she was ill, but she continued to deny it when asked, but
finally they sent for Dr. Condon, but when he arrived,
nothing could be done and the unfortunate girl expired at two
o'clock yesterday morning.
FATAL ACCIDENT.—We learn from the Decatur (Ills.) Gazette of the following fatal accident, which recently occurred three miles north of that place. Two brothers named Shepherd, aged respectively 15 and 17 years, were examining a loaded pistol in the hands of the younger, when the load was accidentally discharged, taking effect in the breast of the older one, killing him instantly.
NEGRO SHOT.—We
learn from the Columbus Chronicle that a quiet and
peaceable negro was shot and killed in that place last Thursday
by a blood-thirsty scoundrel named Jesse Meshew. The
murder was a brutal and causeless once, and Meshew should
be promptly hung for it. The negro's name was Wash
Gardner. Sunday, 10 Feb 1867: FROZEN TO DEATH.—We learn from the Nashville (Ill.) Press that a man named Casper Mechalsman was recently frozen to death in Little Prairie. He had been in Nashville the day before, and imbibed freely of whisky.
SUICIDE.—We learn from the Mound City Journal that David Johnson, an old and faithful government employee of that city, killed himself on last Friday night, by shooting himself in the head. The body was found with the pistol still clutched in the hand. It appears that the man had made a mistake in measuring a coal barge, which so preyed upon his mind as to cause him to commit suicide.
From the Mound City Journal we learn that William Neninger, of that city, died of consumption in New Orleans on the 6th inst.
DEATH Of WILLIAM G. PRIEST.—It becomes our painful duty to record the death of the esteemed citizen, whose name stands at the head of this column. He expired at his residence at 9 o’clock Tuesday night. This sad news will be received by an extended circle of relatives and friends, as wide in its reach as the boundaries of the Mississippi valley itself. Mr. Priest was one of our most active, enterprising and valued citizens, and his death is a public loss. Liberal, frank, honorable and warm-hearted were the secrets of his great success in life. We could not intrude upon the sacred sorrow of his bereaved family, save to secure them that in their general affliction they have the sincere condolence of a circle of friends extending from St. Louis to New Orleans and from New Orleans to Pittsburg. Capt. Priest, at the time of his demise, was 39 years of age. His remains will be buried at Villa Ridge today. Religious services will be held at his late residence at 10 a.m. His friends and acquaintances are invited to attend. At a special meeting of the Egyptian Base Ball Club, held Wednesday evening, to take proper action in relation to the death of the President of the club, William G. Priest, Esq. Vice President O’Connell was called to the chair, who stated the object of the meeting. On motion a committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. Messrs. H. Watson Webb, J. H. Gossman, E. P. Smith, J. B. Greer and S. A. Silver were appointed such committee. The committee reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we learn with feelings of profound and heart-felt sorrow of the death of our President, William G. Priest, Esq., a noble-hearted, high-minded gentleman—our benevolent and respected chief. Resolved, That in the death of Capt. Priest, our city has lost one of its brightest ornaments and our club and the fraternity of baseball players, one of their most earnest and cordial supporters. Resolved, That feeling as we do, our irreparable loss, we recognize in his death the hand of an All Wise Ruler, who acts as Umpire of all mankind, and we bow with meekness to his decision. Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved family our most heart-felt sympathies in their deep affliction. Resolved, That we attend the funeral of the deceased in a body, and that our hall be draped in mourning for thirty days. The resolutions were unanimously adopted and the club will meet at the Arab Engine House at 10 o’clock this a.m., with the Cairo Cornet Band, to attend the funeral, and the members of the Independent and Magenta Base Ball Clubs are requested to be present. Adjourned. John O’Connell, Vice President M. V. Young, Secretary, pro tem
FUNERAL EXCURSION.—The remains of Mr. William Neninger will be buried today at the Mound City Cemetery. The friends of the deceased are invited to the funeral. His Odd Fellow brethren are more especially requested to appear in full regalia. The steamer Gen. Anderson will convey all to Mound City and back; leaves the wharf at 10 a.m., precisely.
MOUND CITY
ITEMS.—The steamer Gen.
Anderson conveyed a large number of our German
fellow-citizens and their wives to Mound City on Sunday to
attend the funeral obsequies of the late Mr. Nenninger,
an old and respected citizen of that place. The funeral was
largely attended, and the impressive funeral rites of the I. O.
O. F. were read at the grave. He was interred in the Mound City
cemetery.
MURDER AT TIPTON.—On Friday night inst., a young man, who a short time since resided in the placed named, William Harlan, was shot through the heart and instantly killed by a young man named Clark, residing in the vicinity of Tipton. A difficulty sprung over a game of cards, which resulted as above stated. The murderer, Clark, is now in jail in this place.—California Missourian.
DEAD LITTLE STRANGER.—Amid the many horrors attending the recent destruction of the steamer David White we have come in the possession of the following facts. Mr. and Mrs. Kline, who reside about six miles below New Madrid, were with their son and only child, a bright and interesting little boy, passengers on the ill-starred steamer. Mr. and Mrs. Kline were saved, but the boy was lost. They were put on board the steamer Emerald, the mother insensible and the father almost distracted. They received every possible attention from the officers and passengers of the Emerald, and the second day they were taken on board, they were somewhat diverted from their great bereavement by the birth of another child—a girl—and when they arrived here yesterday, mother and child were doing well. The little sunbeam was named Emerald Katie Kline, and may she live and grow up a joy to bind up the wounded hearts of the parents.
CARD OF THANKS. Editor of Mound City Journal: The undersigned,
in behalf of the family of his deceased brother, William
Nenninger, desires to return the most heartfelt thanks for
the kind attention and assistance, as well as marks of respect,
extended to the bereaved since visited by their great
affliction. The kindness of all has placed the relatives of the
deceased under a lasting debt of gratitude, but in an especial
manner do they feel grateful to the Order of Odd Fellows, the
members of which have been unceasing in their proffers of
assistance, and to the friends at Cairo who not only kindly
aided in a moment of need, but took much pains to exhibit their
regard for the deceased by being present when the last respects
were being paid to his remains.
TERRIBLE EXPLOSION.—On yesterday about 10 o'clock a.m., the tubular boiler of the steam saw mill belonging to Messrs. Fraum, Hileman & Co., three miles south of Jonesboro, in Union County, exploded, severely scalding several persons, and instantly killing the chief engineer, Mr. Kent. Cause of explosion unknown. DIED.—We regret to learn of the decease of Mr. William A. Whitmore, the senior proprietor of the Memphis Ledger, who died of pneumonia a few days ago.
DIED, Col. William Neer, at one time Attorney-General of the Territory of Kansas, and a well-known Democratic politician of the State—a bosom friend of Senator Douglas—died at Wyandotte, Kansas, some days ago. The deceased was about fifty years of age. During the war he commanded the Tenth Kansas Regiment, and for a time was in command at Alton, Illinois, to which place his remains were taken for interment.
$500 REWARD! The above reward will be paid for the recovery of the Body of Jesse Halabird, who was lost on the 1st inst., off a steamer at Carthage, on the Cumberland river. Deceased was about 35 years of age, fully six feet tall, sandy ebiu (?) whiskers. Had on only under clothes, a plain gold watch and seal ring. Any information left with Thomas Brown Jr., at First National Bank in this City, will be promptly attended to, or address R. H. Brown, Cincinnati, O. Thomas Brown, Jr., Cairo, Ill. A SAD
ACCIDENT.—Last Sunday
while the steamer Graham was lying at our wharf, a flat
with several persons on board was passing down. By some
unaccountable means the flat ran against the Graham and
was capsized. In a moment the following persons were struggling
for life: John Patterson, J. M. Leftwich, a one
legged man, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and their child, and
a negro. Leftwich passed under the boat and then emerged
and floated over a half mile, when he was rescued by Mr. Poag,
second mate of the Graham. Mr. Wilson and wife
were saved by Thomas Hill, first mate. In the fearful
struggle for life, Mrs. Wilson lost her child—It being
washed from her arms in the panic and in an instant
disappeared. A moment before talking baby talk with arms
enfolded around a mother's neck—'tis sad to think of. All the
rest were saved. There was also a mule on board which was
rescued by J. W. Haley. The parties were moving from
Missouri to Napoleon, Ark..—Columbus (Ky.) Chronicle. The following proceedings were had in St. Louis in memory of Capt. Ash. Hopkins: MEETING OF THE CAPTAIN'S ASSOCIATION.—The St. Louis Marine and Charitable Association held a meeting at their rooms yesterday morning, with reference to the death of their lamented brother and boatman, Captain Ashley C. Hopkins. Capt. Anson Phillips was called to the chair, and Captains J. P. Fitzgerald, John W. Carroll and D. R. Powell were appointed a committee to draft resolutions. They reported as follows: WHEREAS, We have learned with feelings of deep sorrow, of the untimely death of our fellow member and associate, Capt. Ashley C. Hopkins, therefore be it Resolved, That in the death of Ashley C. Hopkins, this association has lost a valuable, and highly esteemed member, and one who had the love, respect and esteem of every member in it. Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his afflicted relatives in this their sad bereavement, and that the members of this association attend the funeral in a body. Resolved, That the Secretary of this association send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and that they be published in the daily papers.
The contemplated
meeting of the City Council last night was deferred until next
Wednesday night in consequence of the Aldermen being absent
attending the funeral of Hon. W. A. Hacker, deceased. Died at his residence in this city, on Saturday night, the 9th inst., Hon. William A. Hacker, of inflammation of the lungs. Another one of the earliest citizens of Cairo has passed to. “The undiscovered country from whose bourne, No traveler returns”
One who leaves a void in the social
circles of our city, which not soon or easily be filled,
In 1855 he moved to Jonesboro and
engaged in the practice of his profession. In the political campaign of 1858 Mr. Hacker took an active part and was a member of the Legislature in 1859. In the session of 1861 he was again an influential member of the Legislature and took part in the proceedings of the memorable extra session of 1861. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1862, and received the high compliment of being elected President of that body, which was composed of many of the ablest men in the State. His accurate and comprehensive knowledge of parliamentary usage, coupled with his dignified bearing, as a presiding officer won for him the respect and esteem of every member of the convention; and at its adjournment he was presented with a lasting memorial of their regard. In all the relations of life—as a kind and affectionate husband and father—as a dignified and courteous gentleman and genial companion—as a lawyer and as a citizen—and as an earnest, devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity—he was highly esteemed and will be deeply mourned. He had been in feeble health for several months past, though his sickness was not deemed of a dangerous character. On Saturday night the powers of life began to fail, and at 10 o'clock without a struggle, he ceased to breathe. Quietly he passed away. “Like she who wraps the drapery of his couch, About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” After an impressive funeral service by the Rev. Mr. Bryson, the body, in charge of the brothers of the mystic tie, was taken to Jonesboro, to be interred in the family burying ground. Requiescat in pace. BLOODY AND FATAL RENCONTRE. Two Brothers Butcher Each Other! Full Particulars of the Shocking Affair. A gentleman just from Sarcoxie, Missouri, brings us the full particulars of one of the most unnatural and terrible rencontres that it has ever been our duty to record, which occurred on Tuesday the 5th inst., at the little town of Sarcoxie, Missouri. It appears that about three months ago James Q. Barnack, one of the oldest, wealthiest and most respectable men of that section died, leaving as his sole and exclusive heirs his two sons, Jacob and Johnson, and these two young men, aged respectively about twenty-four and twenty-six years, and so far as known, they were the only living survivors of any branch of the family.
The family was surrounded with every
comfort, if not luxury, and the two young men had been liberally
educated, having attended school together at Elder Ridge's
Academy, Pennsylvania, and afterwards were some years at Amherst
College. After the completion of their education they returned
to their home and had there lived up to the time of their
father's death, under the paternal rooftree. The two boys having grown up together, and being sent off among strangers to go to school, at a young age, had become remarkable for their love and devotion toward each other, which existed up to the time of Jacob's marriage, when all at once the eldest seemed to entirely change in his feelings toward his younger brother. But little is known to the world of the slow, but sure, kindling of the fatal flame of deadly passion from its first to its final and fatal termination; but it is known that the death of the father seemed to give a new and powerful incentive to the gathering passions, and it appeared from this time on the younger brother seemed to resent with interest and intensity his brother’s animosity, until finally it resulted in an attack upon the younger brother by the elder about the 1st instant, on the occasion of his visiting the residence of the elder brother. It appears the younger brother was terribly maltreated, being cut and badly bruised. The younger brother, it seems, then sent the elder word to arm himself; that he intended to kill him on sight. The neighbors and friends of the two men then interfered and used every possible effort to stop the feud and reconcile them, but it was to no purpose. The two men went heavily armed on all occasions, and finally they met on the highway near the residence of the elder, on the day named above, and immediately commenced firing at each other, and at the same time approaching. They emptied two revolvers each, and then clinched and beat each other in a horrible manner with the butts of their pistols, and continued in this horrible work until they fell apart from sheer exhaustion.
When found by some men who happened
along the road, the elder brother was stiff and dead, and the
younger horribly wounded and trying to drag himself away from
the bloody and fatal spot where his brother lay. The survivor
was at once attended to, and when our informant left he was
still alive with no hopes of his recovery, as he was terribly
wounded in five places, and continued to rave like a maniac.
SUPPOSED
INFANTICIDE.—At a
notorious and infamous shebang, on Commercial Avenue, one of the
abandoned inmates was recently delivered of a child. The little
stranger was kindly received into this world by some of the
other fallen women, but it is said the proprietor was much
outraged at its appearance and did not at all attempt to conceal
his wrath, but would curse, abuse and kick the women when they
desired to attend to the infant's wants. The circumstance was
kept as quiet as possible, and on last Saturday night the child
is said to have died, and was secretly taken from the house and
buried after night.
In Memoriam. At a special meeting of Cairo Lodge No. 237, A.F. & A.M. held at Masonic Hall, Cairo, Illinois, on Monday evening, March 11th, 1867, A. L. 5867, the following resolutions were adopted, viz: WHEREAS, It has pleased the All wise Ruler of the Universe to take from us by death, suddenly, in the vigor of manhood, our worthy and beloved brother, William A. Hacker, and WHEREAS, Although removed from our midst his memory is cherished, his kind and generous qualities respected, and his devotion to our venerated Institution remembered by us; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of Brother Hacker, Masonry has lost a bright ornament and ardent supporter, society an honest man, and his family a tender and affectionate father. Resolved, That the members of this Lodge tender to the family of our deceased Brother this heartfelt sympathy, in this their deep affliction at this sad bereavement—trusting that their loss is his gain. Resolved, That as a testimony of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, the officers and members of this Lodge adopt the usual symbol of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That the Secretary furnish a copy of these resolutions to the family of our deceased brother, and cause publication thereof in the Cairo Democrat and Jonesboro Gazette. W. B. Kerney C. Winston Louis Houck, Committee
Tuesday, 19 Mar 1867: DIED,
At the residence of Martin Riley, Ohio Levee, near the
Round House, in this city, Thomas Tabin, nephew of
Patrick Mockler, Esq., aged 21 years. Funeral at the
Catholic Church at 10 o'clock this (Tuesday) morning, and the
remains taken to Villa Ridge on the noon train. The friends of
the family are invited. The circumstances as related to us are as follows: Some of the negroes working for the railroad had been visited by three desperadoes and robbers, and their money taken from them by force. The negroes knew the white men and reported them to their employer. The section boss (we regret our informant could not give us his name) denounced the men who did the act in no measured terms. It appears the robbers heard of the denunciations, and visited him, and demanded to know if he used such language; he said “yes.” They then told him he must take it all back, or they would kill him. He flatly refused, when the robbers commenced to draw their pistols. The section boss saw the motion, and drew his pistol and fired, hitting one of the men in the head and killing him instantly. Another one of the robbers fired and killed the railroad man, and after he had fallen, and was dead, they took the butts of their guns and literally beat his head to jelly, scattering his brains in every direction. The railroad man leaves a wife and four children. When our informant left, the murderers and robbers had not been arrested. It is hoped they may be overtaken, and shot down, wherever found, like dogs.
DEATH OF AN UNKNOWN NEGRO.—On Monday, the coroner was called to hold an inquest on the body of an unknown colored man. It appears from the evidence taken at the inquest, that the deceased came to a negro boarding house, at the barracks, some days ago. He slept there several nights, but did not take his meals in the house. On Thursday the proprietor found him in bed, and in a very weak and prostrated condition. He had no money but was supplied with food by the proprietor; and on Monday morning he was found dead. The jury returned a verdict of death from pneumonia, such having been demonstrated by the post mortem examination. The deceased was about 34 years of age. His name could not be ascertained, as it appears he was a stranger in this city.
DEATH FROM SCALDING.—The remains of a little child, four years of age, the son of Mr. Henry Husher, of this city, was interred at Paducah yesterday. The little unfortunate came to his death from scalding on Tuesday evening last. A pot of coffee was setting on the table before the family had set down to supper, and when no one was noticing him, the child pulled it off, throwing the boiling contents in his face and down his back. A physician was immediately called in and nothing spared to relieve his suffering, but death shortly followed.
Thomas A. Williamson, convicted of murder at the February term of the Tazewell Circuit Court and sentenced to be hanged at Pekin on the 22d inst., has been respited until June 21st next.
DANGEROUS
NAP.—A man named
Russell, watchman on the Levee, near the stone depot, sat
down, it is supposed, late Saturday night or rather early Sunday
morning, on the railroad track and went to sleep. The morning
passenger train which comes in about 4 o'clock a.m. struck him,
knocking him off the track and into the little fire he had built
to keep himself warm, where he was terribly burned in addition
to the severe wounds he had received from the engine. At a late
hour last evening he was not expected to live.
MURDER.—By a private letter from Elizabethtown, Ill., dated 25th inst., we learn that Capt. Gibson shot and killed Hughes Belt, on the day named above. Our correspondent merely gives us the facts without any of the details, except that the “cause of the shooting was whisky and politics, and that Capt. Gibson acted entirely in self defense.” Belt was shot just above the heart and died in ten minutes thereafter. A coroner's inquest was held upon the body and a verdict was returned in accordance with the above facts. No legal examination had been had when our correspondent wrote.
CHILD DROWNED—A son of Capt. H. C. Bartlett, of Mound City, was drowned near his home in that city Monday evening, by falling from a float upon which he was riding. He was a promising boy of eight years, and his death so sudden and appalling, wears heavily upon the feelings of the parents. The body of the child, in charge of the father, passed through this city yesterday, for Burlington, Iowa, where it will be buried.
REMOVING THE SOLDIER DEAD.—William Burke, Esq., contractor for the removal of the soldier-dead in the vicinity, to the Government cemetery at Mound City, has commenced work in earnest. Up to yesterday he had exhumed over one hundred bodies, buried during the war in the upper part of this city; and will, if the weather permits, finish his job here during the next week or ten days. If anyone will gaze upon the growing corruption or the white bones and poor dust, brought to the light of day in the progress of this work, the soul-harrowing enormity of the war will force itself upon him with overpowering effects. To this end brother struggled against brother and friend against friend. These—this dust, this revolting corruption, these bleaching bones and bare sinews, are war's dreadful fruits. And for what were they ripened?
THE DEAD SOLDIERS.—The work of disinterring the bodies of soldiers buried inside our levee is progressing favorably. Over two hundred have been exhumed and placed on a barge moored at a point about three miles up the Mississippi. Most of the coffins need no renewal; but now and then one falls to pieces, revealing sights we have no disposition to present a description of.
REMOVAL OF THE SOLDIER DEADIt has been announced in these columns that the contractors to whom was awarded the removal of the bodies of soldiers buried in this vicinity, commenced work some days since. Due energy seems to be exercised to complete the job in this vicinity before the approach of hot weather. But we are apprehensive that this precaution will not save the city from disease and contagion. The contractors allege (what is doubtless true) that the contract under which they are operating makes no provision for refilling the graves, or for the removal of the putrid flesh and liquid corruption that may ooze through or become attached to the debris of the old coffins. Under no obligations to perform this additional and disagreeable labor, they peremptorily refuse to perform it. Parties who have visited the graveyard where the contractors are now operating, describe the scene as most loathsome, sickening and horrible. Many of the coffins fall to pieces while being raised out of the graves, and their putrid contents become, necessarily, scattered. Sloughed flesh, hair, fragments of clothing and masses of stinking putridity fall here and there, and are suffered to remain. The graves are left yawning some of them containing portions of rotten coffins; and the whole scene is too horrible for description. A soldier who has viewed many battle fields, and seen the ground strewn with bloated, bleeding and torn bodies informs us that he never saw a more revolting spectacle than that now presented in this soldier’s graveyard. We call attention to this fact that, first, the agents of the Government may see to it that those graves are refilled, and all probable causes of sickness removed; secondly, that in the event the representatives of the Government here fail to give the matter the needful attention promptly, that our Board of Health take the matter in hand. There should be no delay as a single day may breed ills of the most fearful nature.
Saturday, 13 Apr 1867: DEAD BODIES IN TRANSIT.—A barge load of coffins, containing the bodies of the deceased soldiers exhumed in this vicinity, passed up to Mound City yesterday.
SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr. A. Botts, the proprietor of the Mayflower saloon, on Levee Street, died on Friday evening last from an overdose of medicine. We understand that he lived but a few hours after taking it. The body will be buried today in the Villa Ridge Cemetery. (His name is spelled Botto elsewhere in the newspaper.)
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1867: GRAVES REFILLED.—We alluded to the fact the other day that the contractor prosecuting the work of exhuming the bodies of soldiers buried in this vicinity, left the graves unfilled, and containing much offensive corruption from which disease might be generated. Col. Schenck informs us that the graves under his direction have been promptly refilled, and all the revolting and objectionable features complained of entirely removed. We are glad to be able to record this. The Corpse of a Mulatto Girl Found Four Miles from Cairo THE SKULL CRUSHED The Supposed Murderer Arrested. At about half-past four o’clock yesterday afternoon, a negro man called upon Sheriff Morgan, and informed him that a mulatto woman had been murdered, near his residence, four miles from this city, between the Mound City road and the Illinois Central Railroad. The Sheriff and his Deputy L. H. Myers, immediately repaired to the scene of the tragedy, and found the corpse of the murdered woman lying about eighty feet from the negro’s house. The deceased, at the time of her death, was eighteen years old, and was possessed of more than ordinary beauty. No marks of violence were found upon her person, except upon her head, which had, evidently, been struck by a heavy weapon with tremendous force, the skull being crushed into a jelly. The barrel of a gun, the property of the Negro who gave information of the murder, was found a few feet from the body of the murdered woman, but no evidences of a struggle could be seen. Before the late flood the deceased lived with her husband near the Mound City road, but the water drove them from their habitation and they were received into the house of the Negro informer. For a time harmony reigned between the two families; but a quarrel finally ensued between the deceased and the wife of the Negro in whose house they were living. Angry words were bandied, and it is said blows were given and received by both the termagant females. The cause of the quarrel, whether jealousy or envy, has not transpired. On the day of the murder, yesterday, the Negro who owned the house was in Cairo, and the husband of the deceased was absent on business. An old man, who lives near the scene of the tragedy, says he heard loud and angry words passing between the women, but paid little attention to the quarrel, and knows nothing of the struggle which resulted so fatally. When the Sheriff arrived at the house of the woman suspected of the crime, she began to assert her innocence. She then told Mr. Myers that four robbers had visited the house and had fired at her four shots, and killed the deceased by striking her on the head. To the Sheriff she told a different story, saying that three shots had been fired by the robbers, one of them at her. The old man spoken of above, says that although he heard the women quarreling, he did not hear any pistol shots, and he is sure none were fired in that vicinity yesterday. After the murder was committed, the suspected murderess, who is now in the County Jail, left her home and started for Cairo, but meeting her husband, returned home with him, where she remained until the Sheriff arrested her. The accused protests that she is innocent of the crime charged against her, and is confident that a trial will not result in conviction.
Saturday, 20 Apr 1867: The Late Tragedy Arrest and Confession of the Guilty Party The killing of a Negro woman on the outskirts of Cairo, was announced in these columns Wednesday morning last. A Negro woman named Sally Hester was promptly arrested on suspicion and confined in the County Jail to await examination. Left to solitude and her own terrible reflections, she made up her mind, yesterday morning, to unburden her conscience by making a full and free confession, which she did in the presence of Mr. Richard Fitzgerald, the jailor. It seems that the woman Hester, and the deceased, whose name is given as Rosa Meder, quarreled about an egg, and that high words soon brought them to blows. After a brief scuffle, Hester seized a bludgeon and dealt Rosa a furious blow upon the head, crushing down her skull and at once knocking her senseless. Alarmed at what she had one, Hester essayed to repair the injury by the liberal use of coal oil, but this proved unavailing. Rosa soon died. Hester then repaired to the river, took possession of a skiff and came to Cairo, where, meeting her husband, she told him that her neighborhood had been visited by robbers, and that they had killed Rosa Meder by knocking her on the head. The facts which led to the guilty woman’s arrest have been already detailed by us.
Sunday, 21 Apr 1867: THE LATE HOMICIDE.—The negro woman Hester, who killed Rosa Meder, is now fully realizing the dreadful extent of her crime. It is believed now from vague hints thrown out, that the quarrel was the offspring of jealousy.
OBITUARY—DEATH OF A. M. CARVERMr. A. M. Carver, ex-President of the National Typographical Union, died at his home, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, last week. His remains were removed to Chicago, where they were deposited by the Typographical Union, in the printer’s burying ground. The deceased was a gentleman who possessed many peculiar and marked traits of character. Years ago, before disease had soured his temper, he was one of the most companionable of men, and, at the social board “All his vast heart, sherris-warmed, He flashed his random speeches,” And was the soul of every convivial occasion when he was present. He was well-read; and could recite, in a manner that would do no discredit to either of our best actors and elocutionists, passages from any of the English and American poets. Shakespeare’s plays were to him a literary garden, in which he was never weary of walking about to admire the beauties, which it contains. He knew many of the plays by heart, and could begin with the first word in “Hamlet” and repeat the tragedy to the last word, without hesitation or making a mistake. We can never forget, how in April and May of 1861, in Memphis, when the fury of secession was at its height, a number of Unionists—printers—of whom the writer was one, would meet every night and talk over the political situation for awhile, and the listened to Carver read-sometimes the poets, but more frequently patriotic literature, which, at that time, was at a discount “away down South in Dixie.” “Stolen waters are sweet,” and these secret meetings were pleasurable occasions, which will not soon be forgotten by those who participated in them. At the earnest solicitation of Mr. Titus and his Vigilance Committee, Carver and the writer of this article, left the Bluff City— “In the moonlight, of the midnight, Of the middle of the May.’ We separated in Centralia. Carver, soon after, was attacked by the disease that killed him. We do not imitate those who speak well of the dead because they are dead, when we say, that Mr. Carver was a good man, honest and upright. If health had been vouchsafed to him, he would have been a very useful member of society, and by his example, as well as his correct precepts, would have accomplished much good in the world. His wild oats were all sown,—the flush of youthful passion had passed from his heart—the love of the convivial board, at which light songs, merry jests and sparkling wit resounded, had been overcome—he was in short, just beginning life in earnest when disease robbed him of energy and made him almost helpless. For years he suffered, and now death has released his spirit from the wrecked body. Good friend, rest in peace!
DEAD.—The mother of Gen. Add. H. Sanders, died recently in Richmond, Indiana, at the advanced age of 80 years. Gen. Sanders, now postmaster of Davenport, Iowa, is the oldest Cairo editor living, having edited the Cairo Delta here nearly twenty years ago.
DEATH OF MISS WOODHon. Fernando Wood has met a most painful affliction in the death of his eldest daughter. Miss Wood was an amiable and highly accomplished young lady, and her death is a severe blow to her father, who was bound to her by the strongest and most tender attachment. He took her South last fall, in the hope that a change of climate would restore her health, but the malady that had settled upon her could not be checked. She died in her twenty-first year, leaving a sad void in the social circle, which she had graced for several years.
Friday, 3 May 1867: DEATH OF HON. S. S. MARSHALL. We announce the death of Hon. S. S. Marshall with intense sorrow. The mournful event happened, we are informed, at his home in McLeansboro, a few days ago. While at Washington, performing his duty as Representative from the Nineteenth Congressional District of this State, he was attacked by bilious colic, a disease which was then, and is, still epidemic at the National capital. His life was despaired of, but, after suffering intense pain, he recovered strength enough to enable him to return to his home. Here he was again attacked with the disease, and finally died, lamented by his friends, who loved him for his many good qualities of head and heart, and even by his enemies, who were compelled to acknowledge that he possessed traits of character that entitled him to the respect of all men who love honesty and manly bearing. When the arrow of the insatiate archer, Death, struck the deceased, it hit a shining mark. Mr. Marshall was a gentleman of superior abilities, and as a citizen and public officer, enacted a prominent part in the drama of life. He served one term as Judge of the Shawneetown Judicial Circuit; and, while discharging the duties of this responsible position, with honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the bar and the public, was elected to the Lower House of Congress, in 1854. In 1856 he was re-elected. When his term of office had expired, he resumed the practice of the law; and, in 1861, was chosen judge by the electors of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. In 1864 he was again elected to Congress, and in 1866 was re-elected. While in Congress Mr. Marshall won a National reputation, and the Democratic party, the principles of which he advocated with enthusiasm, was proud to acknowledge him to be one of the ablest opponents of Radicalism in the Union.
A MISTAKE. The Cairo Democrat of yesterday, 3d inst., announces the death and writes a very pretty obituary of Hon S. S. Marshall, member of Congress from the 11th District in this State. The Democrat states that Mr. Marshall died at his home in McLeansboro, Illinois. This is an error. The Democrat has been misinformed, as Mr. Marshall is now in Washington, and is recovering from his last illness.—State Register. We obtained our information from the Shawneetown Mercury. Friends of Mr. Marshall with whom we conversed, believed the report, and we therefore gave it publicity. After it was published, information received by the papers led us to believe Mr. Marshall was still in the land of the living, and we have been anxiously expecting to receive a contradiction of the Mercury’s canard. We don’t take back any of the complimentary words we wrote about the “so-called” deceased, and we rejoice that Marshall still lives to accomplish good work in the battle against Radicalism. By the way, what a liar that Shawneetown Mercury is!
HE STILL LIVES.—We are shown a letter yesterday, over the signature of Hon. S. S. Marshall, bearing date 4th inst., covering a remittance of a gentleman of this city, of $500. Mr. Marshall had not, up to that period, heard of his own death, which has been generally commented upon by the papers. If he is dead there is something about this remittance worthy of the attention of our mediums.
DIED.—Yesterday, at the hour of 3 o'clock p.m., Sarah Ellen, daughter of Arthur and Margaret Boyle, aged 3 years. The remains will be conveyed to Villa Ridge for burial by 11:15 a.m. passenger train. Friends of the family are requested to attend.
At a meeting of the St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, held on Saturday afternoon, the 18th inst. (in consequence of the death of Bernard Quinn), the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, God, in His divine wisdom
has suddenly called from amongst us, our beloved brother,
Bernard Quinn, in a horrible manner, while humbly bowing
in submission to God's holy mandate, we cannot but express our
unfeigned sorrow when appraised of his sudden and terrible
death. We have no heart for the details of the terrible accident that occurred about 12 m. yesterday, on the outskirts of the city. As the noon passenger train was starting north, Mr. Barney Quinn stepped on board, and with four or five other gentlemen remained standing on the platform of the forward car, when the train passed out of the city. Near the second curve, about two miles from the staring point, the conductor came around for the fare. Mr. Quinn handed him a two dollar bill and received the necessary change, which fell from his hand. In an effort to recover it he lost his balance, and with a hope of saving himself, sprang from the platform, but alighting upon a ridge of dirt skirting either side of the track at that point, he was thrown back, and, in an instant was caught under the wheels. Three passenger coaches passed over him, grinding his legs and arms into a shapeless mass of crushed bones and bloody, quivering flesh, bruising his head and tearing a portion of the entrails from his body. We never looked upon a more horrible spectacle than that presented by his body. The train was stopped, and Judge Corcoran being at hand, an inquest was then and there held over the torn and mutilated remains, which, even when first approached, exhibited no signs of life whatever. The verdict of the jury was, of course, accidental death. Mr. Cody, section master, and a friend of the deceased, brought the remains back to the city and conveyed them to the home of the grief-stricken wife, and now, fatherless children. Here the body received the respectful attention of friends, and was soon prepared for its last resting place.
The death of Mr. Quinn is
lamented universally. He was generally known; and in his
intercourse with his fellow citizens he betrayed an honesty of
purpose, a geniality of disposition, a frankness, a cordiality
of friendship and a charity for all the needy of God's
creatures, that marked him as a true and a noble hearted man.
Hundreds and even thousands of friends, in this city, will think
of, speak of, and admire his good-heartedness and many virtues
long after his poor remains shall have returned to their
original dust. At the time of his death he was city jailor, and
a member of St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, which organization
will, we understand, illustrate one of its beauties by paying to
the deceased a fitting tribute of respect. A SCANDALOUS
AFFAIR. It is no longer a secret that a prominent lawyer of a neighboring county, one who filled a position in the army, has for some time past been holding illicit intercourse with a comparatively young woman, known here and elsewhere as a school mistress. The couple is now abroad, traveling as man and wife. At one time the young woman taught school in this city, bringing hither the written recommendation of many of the leading citizens and school officers of the locality where she resided. She suddenly left her situation, however, and now the reason is apparent. A divorce was granted to the lawyer's wife, we understand, some time ago, on account of the adultery of these same parties. (The article refers to Col. J. W. Neely of Massac County. See the Tuesday, 21 May 1867, issue.)
At a meeting of the Arab Fire Company, of Cairo, Ill., held May 20th, 1867, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted by the company: WHEREAS, we have
heard with sorrow of the death of William R. Henderson,
late a member in good standing of the Arab Fire Company;
therefore
D. J. Baker, Jr.
Our citizens will readily recall the murder of James Price, a colored man, who last fall, kept a saloon and dance house near the corner of Tenth street and Commercial Avenue. Suspicion immediately fastened itself on a negro man by the name of Butler, who was promptly arrested and held to answer. Since that time the accused has been confined in the county jail. During the term of the Circuit Court just closed, the case of the People against Butler was called, but for want of evidence was continued until the next term. Butler, exasperated at the failure of the witnesses to appear and “swear him out,” and not relishing another six months' close confinement in the county jail, thought he might secure ample revenge and at the same time hasten his trial by a full and open confession. This confession has been made, and implicates Jesse Brooks and Charles Shelton, both colored men, who it seems, were the witnesses who so grievously disappointed him. The few facts that have come to our knowledge in this connection are substantially as follows: The three parties named being frequenters of Price's house, and having formed a conclusion that Price was a man of means, and usually carried considerable money about his person—contrived a plan for murdering him. A night was fixed on, and all the preliminaries arranged, even to the division of the spoils. The fatal night arrived. Price, at about the hour of 11 o'clock ventured upon the street; three colored men approached him; he instantly received a blow that laid him prostrate at their feet; the blow was followed by another and another until all evidence of life were extinct. A hammer, afterwards found, was used that the work might be well and quietly executed. Price, being to all appearances dead, his assassins searched his body and found thereon one hundred and seventy five dollars, a gold watch and chain worth perhaps one hundred and fifty dollars more. The murderers then sought a place of security and divided their bloody gain. Butler, because he was the leader, or the shrewdest manager, fell heir to the watch and chain and twenty-five dollars of the money; the balance of the money was equally divided between Brooks and Shelton. Upon the receipt of this information our wide-awake Deputy Sheriff put himself upon the alert, and in less than three hours arrested Brooks, who had not left the city, and had by a telegraphic dispatch, caused the arrest of Shelton in Evansville, who, it seems has been running on one of the Evansville and Cairo packets. Thus the mystery enshrouding this bloody affair has been cleared away, and the wretched sections in it in a fair way to be brought to the punishment their awful crime so richly merits.
Price,
it will be recollected, did not die outright, but lingered
several days after receiving his injuries.
It is by no means a certainty that
Brooks and Shelton will be connected with the affair
as accomplices. Butler's evidence, if allowed, will form
the burden of the proof. The remains found on the field of Belmont presented nothing more than skeletons or frames, the flesh and ligaments having entirely decayed. In some instances the skeletons were found enveloped in waterproof india-rubber coats and overalls, which were in a good state of preservation.
Messrs. Burke and Booth
have prosecuted their work with commendable diligence, and will,
no doubt, before warm weather approaches, complete their
contracts.
We are in the possession of the particulars of a bloody affair that occurred on Monday last near a small town called Bertrand, four miles from Charleston, Mo., which complete a story of sufficient horror to entitle it to a place in the annals of Missouri during the war. It appears that a quiet, unoffending, well-to-do farmer, by the name of Monroe Barnes, who resides in Long Prairie township, was on his way to a protracted meeting being held at Bertrand. He was riding in a wagon, and was accompanied by his wife, and at a time when he was utterly unconscious of any danger, he was set upon by four desperadoes, who it seems had been lying in wait for his arrival. They discharged their firearms at him, the charge of one of their pieces taking effect in his right side, and a portion of it lodging in his left lung. The assassins thinking they had dispatched their victim incontinently fled, but not before they had been recognized by Mrs. Barnes and her wounded husband. The matter was reported in Charleston on Monday evening, and created among the citizens a high state of excitement. Mr. Barnes was well known there and highly respected. With a commendable promptness Mr. L. W. Danforth, Deputy Sheriff summoned a posse and stared in pursuit. Not returning that night, the Sheriff, Mr. Jacob Shelby, secured another posse and started out Tuesday morning, determined that if the desperadoes were anywhere in Southeast Missouri they should be brought to justice. By Tuesday noon, however, deputy Danforth returned, having in charge all four of the villains, whose names are furnished to us as follows: Franz Clayton, Jeb Clayton, Reub. White, and Frank Hester. Mr. Barnes was still alive on Tuesday evening, but there is no chance for his recovery. He is doubtless dead before this time.
The assassins were all recognized by
both Barnes and his wife. They are all securely housed
now in the jail at Charleston. The following details of a dastardly outrage upon the person of a little girl, by a brutal negro, came to us through a source entitled to the fullest confidence. Seven miles north of Blandville, Ky., reside a family by the name of Miller, consisting of a widowed mother, two boys, one eight and the other ten years of age, and a little girl, of the age of twelve. On Saturday evening last the little girl was directed to hunt up and drive in the cow, which had wandered to the woods. While in the performance of this duty she was accosted by a negro man who had lately arrived in the neighborhood from Clarksville, Tennessee, and went by the name of Jim. The negro, after making improper overtures to the little girl, which she did not understand, informed her that he had seen the cow in the cane about half a mile distant, and, as he had nothing to do, would go along and help her search. When they had advanced about a quarter of a mile and reached a point out of sight of the child's home, the negro attempted to persuade her and even offered her money to yield her person to him, but failing in this he seized hold of her, threw her upon the ground and choked her until she became insensible. While in this condition the black fiend accomplished his foul and hellish purpose, and left her. The continued absence of the child alarmed the mother, and she immediately dispatched the two boys to search for her. In the course of an hour or two they found her; but she was unable to walk or rise to her feet without assistance. In due time she was conveyed to the house, and a physician sent for, who, after examination, gave it as his opinion that the child could not recover.
The occurrence caused general and
extreme excitement in the neighborhood, and search was at once
instituted for the negro, but up to Monday evening last he had
not been arrested.
Died of Congestive fever, on the 29th ultimo, at the Perry House, in this city, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Posey, aged 57 years. The character of the deceased and her long residence in southern Illinois merit more than a passing notice.
Mrs. Posey was the daughter of
Col. Campbell, who served in the army during the Black
Hawk war, and from her early childhood, until the close of the
late war, a period of nearly fifty years, she resided in
Shawneetown. She married Capt. S. A. G. Posey, son of
Maj. Gen. Posey, of Revolutionary memory. In the year of
1843 her husband died, since which time she has lived with her
daughter Mrs. Col. George W. McKeaig, to whom and to
whose children she was most devotedly and lovingly attached.
She was known as a faithful, affectionate and pious mother,
forgetting self in her earnest zeal to make others happy.
During a period of 25 years, she was a consistent member of the
Presbyterian Church of Shawneetown, in which her husband was the
first elder. Of late years, Mrs. Posey had sensible
premonitions of death, but when the fell destroyer came she was
ready and willing to obey the summons. Wrapt in the folds of a
firm Christian faith, she peacefully and calmly fell asleep.
The most inexcusable murder committed in this country for many years was that of a farmer by the name of Shepard, living three miles west of DeSoto, by two brothers named Elisha and James Stacy. A sister of the Stacy's was on a visit at Shepard's and the old gentleman being hard run for the necessaries of life looked with concern upon her protracted stay and finally told her she had better go home. The girl's feelings were very naturally outraged by the language, and while under the heat of excitement informed her brothers that Shepard had grossly insulted her. The young men immediately armed themselves and started for Shepard's house, and seeing the old man standing in the door, one of them leveled his rifle and fired. The old man instantly fell forward on his face. The other brother, now ran up, and drawing his revolver, fired two more balls into the prostrate form of the victim, killing him on the spot. The murderers then left the country, and although pursued by a number of the residents of the locality, have not, as yet, been heard from.
The trifling value attached to human
life in these days of moral reform, Radical rule, and universal
liberty, is truly appalling. In the street, in the office, at
home, in bed, no man can say, in these degenerate days, that
violence will spare him to see the light of another morning. Several days ago we made mention of a bloody affair in Clear Creek precinct, in this county, in which a resident of that locality was instantly killed. The full details may never be known, as the parties to the desperate deed, Vandemon Randall and Stephen Phelps, decided the deadly contest in the depth of the woods, observed only by the Eye over watching all things. Whether the meeting was arranged, or accidental, we have not learned; but as both parties were armed, Randall with a shotgun and Phelps with a revolver, it is conjectured that the meeting was prearranged.
When they met, Randall was on
foot and Phelps on horseback. What passed between the
two except the leader messenger of death is also unknown. Three
shots were fired and Phelps fell from his horse a corpse,
having been shot through the temple. Two barrels of Phelps'
pistol were empty, which authorized the conclusion that two
shots were fired by him and that Randall's first shot was
fatally sure and unerring.
(Vardiman Randol married on 17
Jul 1862, in Alexander County, Illinois, Elizabeth Minton.)
(L. Westerfield
Barber married on 20 Sep 1866, in Alexander Co., Ill.,
Adeline Phillips.) Died at the residence of her son-in-law, P. L. Ward, Esq., near Cobden, Ill., on the 2d inst., Mrs. Catherine Ensminger, aged 82 years, relict of Emanuel Ensminger. And thus has passed away another of the earliest settlers of Southern Illinois. The subject of this sketch came to Illinois when only seven years of age, and all her recollections to maturest womanhood, were of the dreary wilderness, whose solitude was only broken by the whoop of the savage, or the howl of the hungry wild beasts, that contended in deadly conflict with the slow but fatal approach of the white man. In the year 1808, she was married to Mr. Emanuel Ensminger, at the little fort now known as Shawneetown, and at that time the nearest point at which a marriage license could be procured was at Vincennes, where also a minister had to be procured and taken to Shawneetown to perform the ceremony. But the difficulties that surrounded the marriage preliminaries were eventually more than atoned for by a long and prosperous and happy life, six grown sons and four grown daughters blessing the decline of their lives by their dutiful and upright walks in life.
For forty years of her life Mrs. E.
was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, and when the
divine and welcome call came for her to join her beloved in
another and better world, it found her ready and anxious to
depart, in the sweet and consoling faith in his promises, which
alone can lighten up with a heavenly joy the dark valley and
shadow of death.
(Mariah Ann Ensminger married
on 17 Sep 1838, in Gallatin Co., Ill., Pleasant L. Ward.)
We received a few details, yesterday in connection with a deliberate murder committed last Sunday, near Unity, in this, Alexander County.
A negro man and woman, domiciled in
that locality, realized no share of the “wedded bliss” so highly
extolled by poet and novelist, and so dreamily anticipated by
the young man in love with tantalizing calico. This couple, in
truth, quarreled-compatibility of temper was what ailed them.
Matters grew bad and promised worse; so the wife bundled up and
returned to her father. The husband thought it was not well be
alone, and sought a return of the wife by a personal application
in this wise: He found her in bed, seized her by the wool,
dragged her to the yard and kept on dragging her until compelled
to desist by two or three other masculine darkies, who happened
to be present. He remained incensed, however, and told the
wife's father that that woman should return to his bed and
board, or he, the father, should pay the penalty of her
continued absence with his life. The father thereupon remarked
that if such were his son-in-law's determination he would get a
gun and defend himself. With this the two parted. The next day
the son-in-law returned armed with a gun, in which he had placed
a number of pieces of slugs of lead. He leveled his piece at
the father, but two little boys intervening he did not fire. He
retired, concealed himself in the neighborhood, and kept a
vigilant lookout. During the day the old man passed within easy
range, when his son-in-law shot him—the deadly charge taking
effect in his abdomen. The old man lived thereafter but a few
hours, the injuries inflicted upon him being of the most ghastly
and terrible character. The murderer was arrested, is now in
jail, and confesses, we understand, that he did the killing for
the no reason herein above stated.
Thursday, 11
Jul 1867: The case of William C. O. Randall and Smith Minton, charged with murdering Stephen M. Phelps was taken up. A motion was made by Col. Dougherty attorney of Smith Minton, for a separate trial, an affidavit in support of same was read. Motion overruled by Court. The attorneys then announced themselves ready for the jury. The Court ruled that the prosecution were entitled to one half the number of preemptory challenges accorded to the defense. The prisoners who have been for a short time confined in jail look a little pale, but otherwise appear to be in good health. William C. O. Randall, who is accused of shooting and killing Phelps with a shotgun, in Clear Creek Precinct, in the upper part of this county, on account of an unlawful intimacy between Phelps and Randall's wife, is a man below medium size, being about 5 feet 6 inches high; he has black hair, and wears black whiskers on his chin and upper lip; he has large grey eyes, low forehead, high cheek bones, sharp pointed nose and chin, and will weigh about 125 pounds. His countenance has nothing very repulsive in it. His wife, about whom the difficulty which resulted so tragically occurred, was present at Court, accompanied by a girl 11 years of age and a smaller one about four years old. The wife is about medium size; rather fair complexion, somewhat bronzed by exposure to sun; full head of yellowish hair, which hangs loose and reaches nearly to the shoulders. Her eyes which are sadly crossed, and ungainly, are of a bluish grey, and the face and features decidedly homely. The father of Randall, (the accused) and of the murdered man, are present. A strong and bitter feeling exists between the friends of the prisoner and the deceased, and the case promises to be the most interesting one tried in this part of the State for several years. The prosecution is conducted chiefly by Judge O'Melveny, assisted by B. M. Munn, Louis Houck, and Prosecuting Attorney McCartney; defense by Allen, Mulkey, Dougherty, D. W. Munn, Webb, and Pope. Six jurymen were selected from the regular panel summoned for this term of Court, names: Charles Hughes, Ward L. Smith, Smith Wellman, James Axley, James Ryan, and Phillip Plunkett, most of them good and intelligent men. The judge ordered 48 additional jurymen to be summoned to appear at the Court House tomorrow morning, at half past 8 o'clock, to which time Court adjourned. This case will occupy the remainder of this week.
Friday, 12
Jul 1867: [Webmaster’s Note: The full trial proceedings are not published on line, but may be consulted in the microfilm edition of the newspaper. The 18 July acquittal of William C. V. Randall and Smith Minton was reported on 19 July, as published below.]
Our reporter has, by a piece of
thoughtlessness, rendered us unhappy by creating anger against
the Democrat in the heart of our esteemed fellow citizen,
M. B. Munn, Esq. The reporter stated in our issue of
Wednesday, that Mr. Munn was assisting Judge O'Melveny
in the prosecution of Randall and Minton, charged
with murder; and on yesterday morning Mr. Munn took
occasion, in his opening speech to the jury, to denounce the
Democrat. Hearing of this, we visited the Court to
ascertain whether our reporter had really made an incorrect
statement. We satisfied ourself that he had done so; and so we
do not wish to forfeit the esteem and friendship of Mr. Munn,
we take this opportunity to retract the words of our reporter,
and inform the public that Mr. Munn is not rendering
Judge O'Melveny any assistance whatever. Tuesday, 16
Jul 1867: Van Ransallear Hall, well known in Cairo, and a young man named Theodore Manion, both living in the neighborhood of Goose Island, in this county, were, last Saturday, the parties to a bloody affair, which will result in the death of the latter. There was a “grudge” existing between the parties, but on what account we could not learn. The particulars of the recontre, indeed, have been given to us in so many different shapes, that we speak of the matter with great misgiving as to our ability to give the true version. The most plausible story is as follows: Hall and Manion met, when the latter threw out a challenge for a personal combat. Hall neither accepted or declined at the moment, awaiting, perhaps, some aggressive movement upon the part of the challenger. This he regarded as made when his antagonist, after asking an acquaintance for the loan of a knife, made at him. He instantly drew his pistol, therefore, and as Manion approached remarked, “That's a game at which two can play,” and fired. The ball took effect in Manion's abdomen, to the left, passing though the intestines and inflicting a mortal wound. Hall came into Cairo the same evening and surrendered himself into the hands of our authorities, and is now in the county jail awaiting the action of the court. The wounded man was alive yesterday morning, but there is not even a probability of his recovery. He is about twenty-three years of age and unmarried. Hall is a married man and the father of two or three children. (Vanransler Hall married on 26 Jul 1855, in McLean Co., Ill., Margaret A. Adcock.)
A serious tragedy occurred in the upper suburbs of this city on Saturday night last, 13th inst. A squad consisting of two sailors and two marines, belonging to the naval station at this place, were out on liberty, and being a little reckless from the influence of liquor, they started for a “lark” to visit a locality of the town principally inhabited by negroes and prostitutes. When near the upper levee they met a number of colored people just returning from church. The sailors and marines stopped a woman of the party and attempted to take improper liberties with her, which aroused the ire of the colored man present, and a fight ensued; but no serious damage was done to anyone at this time. The sailors and marines then proceeded further up town, and entered the house of a negro woman, who was lying sick, and performed in such a manner that the woman became frightened, and she raised an alarm, which brought to the house a party consisting of about a dozen negro men, armed with clubs and pistols. They immediately attacked the sailors and marines, who were unarmed, drove them from the premises and followed them up. One marine, after being struck with a club, fell and pretended to be dead. The negroes turned him over two or three times, and concluding that he was dead, went off and left him; after which the marine got up and came down town. The other marine managed to escape without being seriously injured, and concealed himself until Sunday morning, when he made his appearance at the marine barracks. The two sailors were chased to the river, where they partly divested themselves of their clothing and started to swim for the island, about twenty yards from the shore. They had not proceeded far when the negroes reached the water's edge and began to fire at them. After four or five shots had been fired one of the sailors named Frank Russell, threw up his hands and exclaimed, “Oh! my God!” and sank to rise no more. The other sailor, named William Hargrove, though badly wounded in the head by a blow from a stave, succeeded in reaching the island; but not deeming himself safe there, he ventured on the bold project to swim to the Kentucky shore. He had not proceeded far, however, before a log floating down the river came in his way. He seized hold on this, climbed upon it, and floated down the river until he arrived opposite the Receiving Ship Grampus, lying at the Navy Yard when he gave a signal of distress, which attracted the attention of the watch officer of the Grampus, who had a boat lowered away and sent to the relief of the distressed sailor. Hargrove now lies quite low from the effect of his injuries, but he will probably recover. Both the sailors belonged aboard the Grampus. Frank Russell was one of the finest looking, and generally one of the best behaved, of the sailors on duty at this station. He was a stoutly built man, of medium height and was about twenty-two years of age. His shipmates were dragging for his body the great portion of Sunday, but as yet it has not been recovered. The city marshal, Mr. William Fitzgerald, has used every effort to ferret out the truth relative to this tragical affair, and has met with good success. He has succeeded in finding out and arresting six of the negroes who were participants in the assault, and in identifying the man who shot Russell.
The evidence points clearly to Sol.
Bussey, the colored blacksmith, who has a shop back of
O'Neill & Johnson's drug store, as the man who shot
Russell. He is one of the number confined in the
calaboose, all of whom will receive an examination before
Esquire Osborne this (Monday) morning. Three years ago no man in Cairo, doing a business on a small capital, seemed to be more prosperous than Louis Devoto. He kept, at the corner of Sixth and Levee streets, a fruit and confectionary establishment that required the constant attention of himself and sometimes two other salesmen. He was, in short, making money rapidly, and supporting his family in good style.
The filling of Sixth street rendered
his place of business (it being a basement) inaccessible; and,
business having a drooping tendency, he closed out and left the
city. About a year ago he returned, penniless and given to the
inordinate use of intoxicating liquors. He made, now and then,
a spasmodic effort to regain the pecuniary footing he had lost;
but the difficulties he encountered appeared to master his
will. He believed every man's hand against him, and for months
past drowned his sorrows in the cup. He worked at miscellaneous
employment sufficiently to supply his absolute necessities, but
it was readily perceived by all who knew him that he was a lost
man. The same convictions, no doubt, taking hold of his own
mind, on Tuesday night, at Mound City, he put an end to his
existence. Thus, by his own hand, miserably perished Louis
Devoto, at one time a man of fair standing and credit in
this community. The recent death of young Manion (who was shot by Van R. Hall) has re-awakened inquiry after the details of the affair, and, having come into possession of some facts not yet published, we see no good reason for withholding them. If we are correctly informed, Hall and Manion were seated in their wagons when they met, the latter coming from Cairo. Manion was accompanied by a small boy. The wagons were lapped so as to place the parties within six or seven feet of each other, when the teams were stopped. Manion challenged Hall, substantially as follows: “I can whip any man who talks about my mother as you do!” Hall replied: “Your mother had better keep her door steps clean, before she fusses about her neighbors'.” At this junction Manion asked the little boy for his knife. Before the knife was taken from the boy's pocket, Hall drew his pistol, and with the remark, “That's your game it is?” fired, the ball taking effect in the young man's abdomen passing through and badly lacerating his intestines, striking the spinal column and finally lodging in the left hip. The young man was promptly taken home, and a messenger dispatched to Cairo for a physician. Hall returned home to the same neighborhood, made inquiries concerning the condition of young Manion, and then started for Cairo, for the avowed purpose of delivering himself up. The physician called made an examination of the wound and decided that it was mortal, and, on his return to Cairo, directed an officer to arrest Hall on the charge of murder. The arrest was made, and the accused lodged in jail to await the action of the courts.
The death of the young man fell with
a crushing weight upon the mother. Indeed it was feared that
the terrible spasms the shock occasioned her, would result
fatally; but she is now, in a great measure, recovered.
The jurors in the case of the People
vs. William C. V. Randall and Smith Minton,
charged with murder of Stephen M. Phelps, were after a
setting of 7 days, discharged yesterday morning. They acquitted
the prisoners. From different sources, yesterday, none of them the most direct, we obtained the details of another bloody affair in Mound City, which occurred the night before and may properly be regarded as the sequel to the tragedy of the Saturday previous. On the last named day, or rather the night of that day, it will be recollected that a party of two sailors and two marines became involved in a fight with about two dozen negro men who were armed with bludgeons and revolvers. The marines escaped with slight injuries; the sailors plunged into the river and swam off vigorously toward the Kentucky shore. The blacks followed them to the water's edge and fired upon them. One of them named Frank Russell, instantly threw up his hands and with the exclamation, “Oh! My God,” sank beneath the water a corpse. His companion, seriously wounded, finally reached a receiving ship lying in the river, where he detailed the terrible occurrences of the night, and where he is still lying in a precarious condition from injuries on the head. On Wednesday a number of the negroes were tried by the Mound City authorities, when the negro charged with the killing of Russell was acquitted. Over his acquittal, we are informed, the sailors and marines became terribly incensed; believing as they did that he was guilty despite the acquittal by the authorities. As time passed their indignation gained intensity until finally it led to a determination among them to avenge the death of their comrade, (a man who enjoyed the esteem and friendship of all) by dealing with the negro according to their own notions of justice. The result of this determination may be told in a sentence. They sought out the negro, placed a rope about his neck, and disposed of him summarily. This they did, we learn, in spite of the determined intervention of their officers, who, it appears, received intimation of their intentions before they consummated them.
When full particular are received,
which we shall look for in the Mound City paper today, we shall
place them before our readers—hoping in the meantime, that, if
the report is not as whole, a canard, the facts may rob it of
some of its enormities.
The report current in our city on Thursday, that the sailors and marines at Mound City had summarily disposed of the negro charged with the killing of their comrade, Russell, turns out to be unauthorized. The negro in question was tried and acquitted, as stated, and the feeling among the sailors and marines indicated a “taking off” like that detailed in our paper; but nothing of the kind was attempted. We are glad to make this correction, because, although the hanging or shooting of a white Democrat don't amount to anything, the disposal of a negro in that way is an enormity that our valiant Congress always avenges; and, had this negro been hanged as stated, a “commission” from Congress to inquire, that punishment might follow, would have convened in Mound City in less than twenty days.
The negro in question, although
acquitted because of the absence of proof against him, is
nevertheless, believed to be guilty. He will therefore act the
part of wisdom by leaving Mound City, for more congenial
quarters—at least until this breeze blows over.
A Lodge of Sorrow will be convened at
Cairo Lodge No. 237, A. F. and A. M. at 1 o'clock this (Sunday)
afternoon, for the purpose of attending the funeral of our
lamented brother, J. W. Hayward. The St. Louis Democrat of the 18th inst. contains the following communication: Editors of Missouri Democrat: An incident recently occurred in my practice which forcibly illustrates the practical advantages of life insurance. The facts are briefly these: In January 1866, Mr. Walter C. Dent, a resident of Shelbina, Missouri, while in good health took out a policy on his life in the St. Louis Mutual Life Insurance Company, for two thousand dollars. In consequence of the disturbances growing out of the late war his business was broken up, and he was compelled to move from place to place in quest of employment, on account of which he was exposed to the weather, and contracted a violent cold. A few weeks ago I was called to see Mr. Dent professionally. I found him occupying two rooms in an alley, in an obscure part of the city, with a wife and two children, with none of the comforts of life about him, and not a dollar in the world with which to buy medicine or food, and he himself lying in the last stage of consumption. Seeing his condition and ascertaining the fact that he had a policy on his life in the above substantial home company, I at once applied to the Secretary, Mr. William T. Selby—laid the facts of the case before him, and stated to him that the company would certainly have to pay the amount of his insurance very soon, and that it would be an act of kindness and charity if he would advance as much of it as would be necessary to relieve his present urgent wants. To this he readily and cheerfully acceded, and, after submitting the matter to his committee, at once placed in my hand the sum amply sufficient to meet all his wants, and to furnish him with such necessaries and comforts as he stood so much in need of. When I informed the dying man and his heart-broken wife of the result of my application, they both shed tears of gratitude, and with full hearts thanked God for his goodness in thus sending them such timely relief in the hours of their utter destitution. A few days ago my anticipations were realized by the death of Mr. Dent, but almost with his last breath he expressed to me his gratitude to the St. Louis Mutual Life Insurance Company for their great kindness to him, and with heartfelt emotions dilated on the blessings of life insurance. This simple statement of facts needs no comment. It furnishes an additional and powerful argument in favor of life insurance, if indeed such were needed. It still further most strikingly illustrates, not merely how a helpless family may be provided for, but also how a life policy may be made available to the insured himself in the hour of his greatest need. W. M. McPheeters, M.D. During the three years immediately previous to the war Mr. Dent was a citizen of Cairo, and at one time our city attorney. The article above, therefore, possesses a local interest that warrants its publication: but the chief object we have in view is to illustrate the importance of life insurance. The St. Louis Mutual Life Insurance Company that so magnanimously came to the relief of Mr. Dent, and doubtless rescued his family from the poor house or the stings of hunger, is represented in this city by Mr. Anthony Sweeney, who is the special agent for Southern Illinois. The action of the company in this case may be taken as an indication of the liberality characterizing all its dealing with its policy holders. It is a western organization, known to be reliable and to be conducted in an honest manner by honest men. In this city our leading lawyers, physicians, merchants and mechanics are its patrons; and all of them are willing to testify to its worth. The office of the Company in Cairo is in No. 10 Winter’s Block, where the agent is ready to issue policies upon terms fully as advantageous (if no more so) than are offered by any Eastern organizations of a kindred character, of which, necessarily, less is known.
The old locomotive, used at times, by Messrs. Fox, Howard & Co., on the street filling train, exploded yesterday morning as the train was in the act of leaving the dirt pit, beyond the Mississippi Levee. Mr. Hayward, the chief engineer, was on the engine temporarily to ascertain, if possible, the defects in order to remedy them. Immediately after letting on a full head of steam the explosion took place, killing Mr. Hayward, and throwing Mr. John Wilson, the fireman, a distance of fifty feet or more, and inflicting upon him such injuries as render his recovery exceedingly doubtful. Indeed it is believed by many that his wounds are mortal and that he cannot live over the day. He, as well as Mr. Hayward, was shockingly scalded, his clothes being blown from his person, and his flesh fairly cooked. Hayward was a man of family, Wilson was unmarried. The explosion is attributed to defects in the boiler.
[Webmaster’s Note: The newspaper published an In Memoriam tribute to J. W. Hayward by Cairo Chapter No. 71 R. A. Masons, signed by Companions T. A. Brown, T. H. Phillips and L. Jourgenson on the following day.]
The inevitable Wabash furnishes us the following item:
John D. Bonty, a man of fine
education, rather advanced in years, came to Hale's
Point, Mo., some two months ago sick and in a destitute
condition. Messrs. Burton & Pierce took him in,
and by kind treatment in a few days restored him to health. On
the night of the 19th he loaded a double-barreled shotgun and
about midnight entered the room of Mr. Pierce, obtained
the safe key, with the view of robbing the safe in the office of
the warehouse of Messrs. B & P. He could not,
however, effect an entrance. Repairing to the river bank he
rolled four barrels of salt and a barrel of coal oil into the
river, returned to the residence of Mr. Pierce, where he
fired off the shotgun with the expectation that the report would
bring the clerk out of the office so the he might enter and rob
the safe. The ruse failed. The noise, however, brought several
persons to the street. Pointing to the river and exclaiming,
“There they go in a skiff with stolen goods,” he attracted
attention to himself. His replies to interrogatories being
unsatisfactory, he was taken into custody. Before the
authorities arrived, however, he escaped the surveillance of his
custodians, reached the river, plunged in and drowned. From the
silver medals found upon his person after rescuing his body it
was judged that he had held high position as surgeon in the
British service. He was a native of Canada.
Thursday, 25 Jul 1867: Capt. Elijah
Wood, a steamboatman well known in this city, died at his
residence in Paducah, Tuesday morning. He was well respected
wherever known as an honest man and faithful friend. The last
boat under his command was the M. S. Mepham.
This morning at 8 o’clock, the
members of the Eclipse B. B. Club, together with the friends of
William Pollock, who lost his life at the fire yesterday
morning, will meet at the Presbyterian church, after which his
remains will be conveyed to Blandville, Ky., for interment.
After the fire was extinguished
workmen set about clearing away the rubbish at a point of the
ruins which is directly under the place where young Pollock’s
room was situated. Their labors were rewarded by the discovery
of the remains of the unfortunate man. Bones were found, and
shapeless flesh, in which was imbedded the heart almost in
perfect shape. It is thought by some, that Pollock was
murdered by burglars, who destroyed the house to hide the
evidence of the bloody deed, but the fact that the safe key was
found with the remains goes to discredit this theory. When the
safe shall have been resurrected from the mass of rubbish which
now covers it, we will be able to express an opinion about this
theory. There seems to be no reason why Pollock should
have failed to escape from the building, if the safe has been
filed there will remain little doubt that the young man was
murdered by the incendiaries. At a meeting of the Rough and Ready Fire Company, No. 3, held at the engine rooms, July 29, 1867, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted. WHEREAS, God in His inscrutable wisdom has seen fit by death to remove from among us our brother, Adam Neff. Resolved, That in his death our Company has lost a valuable and member and our city a worthy citizen. Resolved, That we extend to his bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy and condolence in their sore affliction, and pray that God who doeth all things well will be a father of the fatherless and a husband to the widow.
Resolved,
That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Company
and published in the Cairo papers and copy be sent to the
family.
Wednesday, 31 Jul 1867: CRIME NEAR HICKMAN. Robbery, Murder, Rape, and the Code of Judge Lynch. A Desperate Character Burns a Barn and Murders a Citizen. Is Pursued and Captured. An Old Lady Sixty-five Years Old Raped by a Negro HE IS PURSUED BY WHITES AND BLACKS Is Captured and Lynched. His Head Cut Off and Placed Upon a Pole. Crime is rampant near Hickman, Kentucky. From a gentleman just returned from that city we have obtained a chapter of horrible incidents, which we give below. A few days ago, while a farmer, living near Hickman, Ky., was standing at his front door, a man rode up to him and in a quiet tone of voice demanded $60. The farmer replied, “Why should I give you money; I owe you nothing.” “If you don't give me what I ask,” said the horseman, “I will burn your barn.” The farmer laughed, and walked into his house. The horseman coolly passed on to the barn and set it on fire, remaining long enough to see the flames well under way. On last Thursday, another farmer, named Everets, living near the scene of the above related act of arson, was plowing in his field, when a man, riding a horse, resembling the one rode by the barn-burner, approached the fence, took sure aim and shot him through the head; after which he tied his horse, coolly examined the body, and finding some life remaining in it, cut the throat from ear to ear. He then rifled the pockets, mounted his horse, and trotted off to Hickman, passed through the town and down the river. As soon as the citizens in the neighborhood heard of the murder, they turned out en masse in pursuit of the murderer. Obtaining information of the direction in which he was traveling, they followed his trail, and came up with him in the vicinity of the head of Island No. 10. One of the pursuing party, being a little in advance of his companions, hailed the culprit and presented a double barrel shot gun at his head. He drew his pistol; but seeing his pursuers were numerous and all armed with guns, he cried out: “I surrender,” and gave up his weapons. Having secured their prisoner, the party waited on the river bank until the Mary Swan came up, when they hailed her, and carried their prisoner on board, where he was kept closely guarded until the boat reached Hickman, at which place he was taken ashore. Whether the code of Judge Lynch was invoked, we have not been informed. Two or three days previous to the day on which the above murder was committed, close by Hickman, a negro ravished an old lady of sixty-five years of age. The news of this outrage electrified the neighborhood, and a large party, composed of white men and negroes started in pursuit of the black fiend. Coming up with him they captured and hung him on the most convenient tree. So incensed were the negroes of the pursuing party, by the conduct of the ravisher, that they were not satisfied with his punishment, and in spite of the opposition of the whites, deliberately severed the dead man's head from his body. They then placed it upon a pole and erected it near the railroad track, where it was seen by passengers hours afterwards grinning in a ghastly manner at the passersby.
SUICIDE. A Victim of Whisky, Spiritualism, Insanity and Prussic Acid. Self-destruction of William J. Tyner, Late a Clerk in the Cairo Post Office. The telegraph informs us that “a young man named William J. Tyner, who came to Chicago about two weeks ago, was found dead in his room on the morning of the 29th inst. A post mortem examination showed that he came to his death by taking prussic acid.” Our citizens will remember the gray-haired young man, who, during the past four or five years, was a clerk in the post office in this city; and they will regret to learn that he is the suicide mentioned above. Tyner was a prematurely old man. Although by about thirty-two years of age, his hair was gray. Of a sociable disposition, he admired the society of friends, and was a boon companion at the festive board where he always paid the utmost deference to the flowing bowl. It is probable that inebriety weakened his mind, a conclusion rendered almost certain by the fact that he became a Spiritualist, and began to attract the attention of his companions by the strangeness of his conversations. He talked of spirits revisiting the earth, not like vulgar ghosts to trouble joy but to hover with guardian care over the loved ones, whose kindness made the life they used to wear like an uncomfortable cloak, less intolerable than it otherwise would have been. Frequently, he discussed the best manner of committing suicide. He believed a pistol shot entering the head at the ear would destroy life; hanging, in his opinion, would be a disagreeable way to shuffle off the mortal coil; cutting the throat was not to be thought of. When his time came—and he said he had lived long enough—he would go by the river or by poison. Poison was his first choice; and only about two weeks ago, he told a friend in the post office that he had prussic acid in his trunk; and, said he, “You need not be surprised if you hear that I take some of it and die. I don't care about living longer; and if I get into a tight place, I will use it.” The time when he got into a “tight place” came. Discharged from the post office, he became mail route agent on the Mobile and Ohio road, but soon lost his position because of his intemperate habits. After this, he lived in Cairo until about two weeks ago, when he left for Chicago, where he has friends. Discouraged, and unwilling to quietly endure the fate of a man, who suffers “Trouble on trouble, pain on pain, Long labor until aged death;” weary of life, weighed upon by heaviness, he swallowed the poison he had prepared for that use, and, unseen by mortal eye, passed to death, dark death, and soon will be a handful of white dust.
Thursday, 1 Aug 1867: SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—Day before yesterday a serious accident happened at the saw mill above Ellis & Meredith's foundry. James Runnels, a boy about fourteen years old, was employed in the mill, and while at work was caught in the machinery and seriously hurt. His left leg was broken near the hip, and he was otherwise injured. The wounds are serious, but not mortal. (His name is recorded as Jimmy Runner in an article in the 3 Aug 1867, issue.)
THE REMAINS OF WILLIAM POLLOCK. The charred remains—pieces of blackened bones and roasted flesh—of the unfortunate young man, William Pollock, who perished in the flames of the conflagration of last Tuesday morning, were yesterday carried by a party of his young friends to Blandville, Kentucky,--his former home—where they will be buried.
FUNERAL SERMON.—The funeral sermon of the late William Pollock will be preached on the evening of next Sunday, by the Rev. Mr. Foote, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Young Pollock attended Mr. Foote's church last Sunday evening, and listened to a sermon in which the preacher used arguments to convince and appeal to persuade young men that in the springtime of life they should begin to walk in the path, which is called the Narrow Path, leading to the Better Land. The preacher's lesson was the one taught by Rabbi Eleiser when he said, “Repent one day before death.” “But if we should die suddenly, how could we know when our death would happen so as to repent the day before?” enquired the young men who listened to him. And the Rabbi answered: “So much the more is it important that you repent today, lest you should die tomorrow.” A few hours after listening to this sermon, young Pollock was a lifeless mass of human flesh.
DEATH OF JNO. W. GAYLE.—John W. Gayle, a gentleman who was well known and highly respected in this community, a member of the firm of Horrell, Gayle, & Co., New Orleans, died, after a lingering illness, at Bladen Springs, Alabama, on the 24th of July, aged 53 years. His loss will be much lamented, not only by his own family and relations, but by the large circle of friends and acquaintances which he has made during an active business life of over thirty years. A private letter from Horrell, Gayle & Co. to Stratton & Miller of this city, says: “This sad event will make no change in the style of our firm or business, at present.”
Saturday, 3 Aug 1867: DIED.—Lillie, infant daughter of John and Kate Gockel, at one o'clock a.m., yesterday morning, at the residence of her parents, on Sixth street, between Commercial and Washington Avenue. The remains will be taken to Villa Ridge for interment on the noon train today.
A POOR FAMILY. “Defend the Poor and Fatherless, Do Justice to the Afflicted and Needy.” An Appeal for Charity. On Twelfth Street, between Washington and Commercial avenues, in the upper rooms of a brown frame house, lives a family named Runner. Two years ago they reached Cairo, en route for Missouri, but were detained for sometime by the illness of their son-in-law. Receiving unfavorable intelligence from their friends in that State, they concluded to stop here. The health of the son-in-law continuing to decline, he returned to the home of his father, leaving his wife with her parents, who two months after his departure became a mother, and is still with her family. One year ago, the father Mr. Runner, died of cholera, leaving a wife and six children. Shortly after his death his wife gave birth to her seventh child, which died when two months old. Dr. Holden was at that time overseer of the poor, and for several months afforded the relief, which the family so much needed. Affliction and sorrow have had a blighting influence upon the mother; the married daughter, with her little charge, has remained to assist her; the eldest son, now in his seventeenth year, is the victim, of consumption, and is rapidly going down to the grave, whilst Jimmy, a boy of thirteen years, the support of the family for the last seven months, lies upon his back with a broken thigh bone, an example of patience and fortitude. The second daughter, a child of ten years, is living out, and also the third son, a boy of eleven years, Jimmy (as his is familiarly called) by his obliging disposition and industrious habits, has secured the confidence and esteem of those by whom he was employed in the saw mill, where he worked for $1 per day; and where, whilst in the discharge of some duty, he met with the accident which has disabled him, and so greatly embarrassed his family. We trust that a humane public will remember them, substantially, and thereby secure the blessing of Him who hath said, “A Cup of cold water given in My name, shall not lose its reward.” Pure religion before God, the Father is this, “Go visit the fatherless and widow, in their affliction, and to keep thyself unspotted from the world.” Is it not a shameful fact that, while Cairo, with a liberal hand, gives bread to the poor of the South, she neglects her own poor? What kind of a poor system have we? Who knows any thing about it?
Sunday, 4 Aug 1867: CHOLERA.—Reuben Story, second engineer of the Gen. Foster, died of cholera, on Friday night, when the boat was a few miles above this city, on the Ohio.
FUNERAL SERMON.—The Rev. Mr. Foote, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, will preach the funeral sermon of William Pollock, the unfortunate young man who perished in the flames of the late conflagration, this evening, at his church.
THAT POOR FAMILY. A Communication from the Overseer of the Poor. Mr. Howley Throws some Light on our Pauper System. Mr. Editor: I saw in yesterday's Democrat, the distressing account of the condition of the Runner family, which, no doubt, is substantially true. Mrs. Runner applied to me last week for relief. I, at once, wrote a line to Esquire Shannessy, who is contractor for providing for the poor, stating to him her claims, having heard her story of woe. On Wednesday morning, last, Dr. Taggart called upon me, telling me hurriedly the condition of Mrs. Runner's family, including the misfortune of the breaking of the boy Jimmy's leg, whom he has just visited. I remarked that I had but a few days before directed Contractor Shannessy to help her. The doctor replied, that she had received no help; and furthermore, that Mr. Shannessy told Mrs. Runner she must not employ or get Dr. Taggart any more, as he, Mr. Shannessy, had a physician of his own. I immediately visited Mrs. Runner, and ascertaining she had received nothing, I saw Mr. Shannessy whom I invited to visit with me the desolate home of the afflicted family, upon doing which, he promised to furnish her a month's provisions, stating in her presence, that, only a very few days before, he had given her four dollars in cash, which she admitted. Sir, Cairo, has always with a lavish hand, given to the distressed, and particularly to her own poor; as a proof of this, our pauper expenses during 1865 were, in round numbers, twelve thousand dollars, and in 1866 about thirteen thousand dollars. Tax payers, feeling that they, as well as paupers, had rights, became clamorous about the enormousness of the pauper-tax, and asked, repeatedly if the county court could not devise some means to lessen this terrible draw on the pockets of the people, asserting that it was equivalent to offering a premium on idleness and improvidence. After considerable deliberation, having received legal advice in the matter, the County Court concluded to let the keeping of the poor to the lowest and best bidder for the year 1867; and, with that view bids were invited through the columns of the Cairo Democrat, in December last. That of Mr. Shannessy being the lowest and the best, was accepted, he entering into a contract with the County Court, and giving bonds in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with good and approved security, for the faithful performance of his obligations to the county as such contract. The County Court, deeming it prudent to place a check on the contractor, appointed, in March last, your humble servant Overseer of the Poor, since which period I have tried to render satisfaction. The contractor—who receives only seven thousand five hundred dollars—having in one of two instances, refused worthy applicants, I relieved them myself, debiting him with the same. I have more than once been applied to for relief by parties who insisted upon getting it because a neighbor of theirs, at some time, had received similar aid. I must say my sympathies are not with those who will beg because a poorer neighbor must. Respectfully, John Howley, Overseer of the Poor. August 4th, 1867
Tuesday, 6 Aug 1867: NOT DEAD.—Reuben Story, second engineer of the Gen. Foster, did not die of cholera a few days ago, as stated in the Democrat of Sunday last. It was Abraham Lappen, second engineer of the Gen. J. G. Totten, who was the victim of the cholera.
Saturday, 10 Aug 1867: SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr. John Linehan, an old citizen of Cairo, and for a long time City Jailor, died suddenly yesterday, of congestive chills.
Resolution on the Death of Mr. John Linehan. Cairo, Ill., Aug. 9, 1867. At a special meeting of the Hibernian Fire Company No. 4, held at their Engine House this evening, for the purpose of expressing their feelings on the death of their worthy brother, John Linehan, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: WHEREAS, Almighty God, in his supreme wisdom, has taken from amongst us our worthy friend and brother. Be it resolved, That while bowing in humble submission to the will of the All Powerful, we cannot but regret his sudden departure. Resolved, That in him society has lost a good citizen, our Fire Company a good, zealous, active member, and his bereaved family a kind, good husband and father. Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the family of the deceased, and we tender them our heartfelt regrets, hoping that “time” will alleviate their sorrow, insomuch as to look forward to a happy reunion in the land of the blessed. Resolved, That the members of the Hibernian Fire Company, No. 4, be requested to meet in uniform at their engine house, on Twentieth street, on Saturday morning at 9 1/2 o'clock, to attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That a cordial invitation is hereby extended to the different fire companies and societies of the city to attend the funeral of the deceased from his residence on Nineteenth street, between Poplar and Washington. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be tendered to the family of deceased, also a copy inserted in the Cairo Democrat. Patrick Mockler, Patrick Burke, William Bambrick, Committee on Resolution. On motion adjourned to Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. M. A. Mahany, Sec'y
OBITUARY.—Mrs. Lucinda, consort of Wareham M. Woodward, died yesterday evening at 3 o'clock, at the residence of C. R. Woodward, of inflammation of the bowels. Mrs. Woodward was a resident of Lockport, New York, and came South three or four months ago for the benefit of her health. She was aged forty-nine years and six months. The friends and acquaintances of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral at Mr. Woodward's residence, this morning at 10 o'clock. The remains will be taken to the cemetery at Villa Ridge on the 12 o'clock train.
Sunday, 11 Aug 1867: A LARGE concourse of citizens accompanied the remains of our late fellow-citizen, John Linehan, to their last resting place at Villa Ridge. This Hibernian Fire Company, of which Mr. Linehan was a member, were out in full uniform.
Tuesday, 13 Aug 1867: SUDDEN DEATH.—A gentleman residing in the vicinity of the Convent died very suddenly on Saturday night last. We did not learn his name. His death is supposed to have been caused by holding a piece of ice in his hand, while over-heated, until he was chilled.
THE RUSSELL TRAGEDY.—We learn from the Mound City Journal that M. Jackson, S. Busey, York Steele, Alex. Carter, William Brown, John Simonds, and Robert Vincent, all colored, were arrested last week for the murder of Francis Russell, the sailor who was killed in that city on the night of the 13th ult. In the preliminary examination, all the prisoners, except Vincent, were held to bail in the sum of $500 each to answer the charge of manslaughter.
GONE HOME.—Mrs. Paist, the widow of Isaac Paist, well known in Cairo, passed through a day or two ago, on her way to her home in Ohio. A painful circumstance, in connection with he death of Col. Paist, was that twelve years ago he took out some policies of insurance on his life, their aggregate amount being $30,000. He paid up the policies for years, but having neglected to do so during the last year, they have all been forfeited.
Wednesday 14 Aug 1867: THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.—In yesterday morning's Democrat we gave the particulars of the attempt of a love sick girl to commit suicide. The girl recovered from the effects of her first dose, and it was supposed that she was satisfied to live a little longer. Last evening she visited the drug store of Barclay Bros. and purchased some laudanum, the clerk not knowing her. After she had left the store, a colored woman rushed in and informed the clerk who she was, and that she intended to make another attempt to take her own life. She was immediately followed and the laudanum taken from her. That cook who waded into her affections so deeply, had better take care how he trifles with her for “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” But, perhaps, he thinks like one of our celebrated Police Court “folks:” “Oh! Oh! you women, Your's so deservin, Sets us fellers grevvin, And then you to leevin.”
Saturday, 17 Aug 1867: MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A LOTTERY AGENT. He is Supposed to Have Been Murdered. Considerable excitement has been occasioned in the city by the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Beale, an agent of the Kentucky State Lottery at this point. On Wednesday last, Mr. Beale made out his regular monthly report, and deposited in the express office the sum of $1,300. He was seen the same evening in different parts of the city, the last time at about 12 o’clock, in front of the Winter Block. Since that time nothing has been heard of him. The police officers have used every means in their power to find some clue to his disappearance, but, so far, without success. The general supposition seems to be that he was murdered by some party of parties who expected to find the $1,300, which he had deposited in the afternoon, upon his person.
Sunday, 18 Aug 1867: FATAL CASUALTY. Man Run Over By Cars. A man named Rodney Rodgers was found upon the tracks of the Illinois Central R. R. near Yellow Warehouse, yesterday morning in a dying condition. He is supposed to have laid down by the side of the road and after having fallen asleep, rolled on the track and was run over by the 4:45 out freight. He died about 7 o'clock yesterday morning.
THE RUSSELL MURDER.—The habeas corpus case at Mound City, in which the negroes, Steel, Carter and Brown were charged with the murder of Russell, resulted in their discharge by Judge Olney, on the ground that they were only guilty of justifiable homicide. The Mound City Journal says: One feature of Judge Olney's examination, was, however without parallel, we think, that was the admission of the testimony of Marshall Jackson, a man who gave bail for his appearance at the Circuit Court to answer to the same charge made against Steel, Carter and Brown. Probably the Judge had some motive in taking Jackson's testimony not generally understood, however, and allowed it to have but little weight.
DIED.—On Saturday, August 18 (17?), 1867, at 11 o'clock a.m. Johanna Blankenburg, wife of Frederick Blankenburg, at her residence on Washington avenue corner of Fourteenth street. The funeral service will be held at their dwelling at one o'clock this day, and the remains taken to Villa Ridge, by extra train. Friends are invited to attend.
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.—Willis Casey, nephew of Dr. Casey, of Mound City, accidentally shot and killed himself at Gardner, Ill., on Tuesday last. He was twenty-six years of age, and was a young man of much promise.
Tuesday, 20 Aug 1867: CARD OF THANKS. Cairo, Ill. August 17, 1867 Mr. Editor: Allow me through the columns of your paper, to return my sincere thanks to my many friends for their sympathy and assistance during my recent bereavement. Fred. Blankenburg
Thursday, 22 Aug 1867: CHOLERA. This Fatal Disease in Gallatin County. Thirty Cases and Twenty Deaths. Gallatin Co., Ill., Aug. 19, '67 Editor Cairo Democrat: Dear Sir: Our county has been visited with the cholera, and out of some thirty cases twenty have proved fatal. Physicians pronounce it Asiatic cholera in its worst form. Those who have died from it did not live over six to eight hours after the first symptoms. The disease thus far has been confined to the northwestern portion of the county from which the people are fleeing rapidly, and it is to be hoped that the disease will be confined to that locality. No new cases since Friday last. L.
CHARLES, infant son of Charles Rixleben, of this city, died at Jonesboro, yesterday evening, at 9 o'clock.
A printer named O'Hara, formerly a resident of Cairo, died suddenly in St. Louis, on Monday last.
Friday, 23 Aug 1867: DEATH Of A STEAMBOATMAN. A Marine Hospital at Cairo a Necessity. Sometime ago Robert Kitson, of Wheeling, West Virginia, an employee on the steamboat Goos, was attacked by sickness, and when the boat arrived at our wharf, was compelled to come ashore. There being no Marine Hospital in the city, and being entirely destitute of money, he was compelled to ask for charity among our citizens. He found friends at Carter's Steamboat Bakery, and during his sickness received from them kind treatment and considerate care. On last Tuesday night he died, a stranger in a strange land. This event—(others like it are of frequent occurrence)—suggest the necessity of the establishment at this point of a Marine Hospital. Hospitals of this kind have been established at Napoleon, Arkansas, Paducah, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana; but strange thought it may appear, it is nevertheless a fact, that there has never been any attempt made to have a hospital for river men at Cairo, where one is needed more imperatively than at either of the points mentioned. A greater number of boats land at Cairo during any given period of time than at any other city on the rivers that flow by our levees. All the boats en route for St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati and Louisville, to cities below here on the Mississippi and all the boats passing from the Mississippi to the Ohio and from the Ohio to the Mississippi, and all the boats from the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, land at our wharf. Here the sick among the deck hands and officers of boats are frequently put ashore, and become a charge upon our citizens who are already sorely pressed by financial burdens. If we had a Marine Hospital these unfortunate men would be cared for properly, and many a valuable life would be saved. We call this subject to the attention of our Representative in Congress, Gen. Raum, and ask him to use his influence to have this absolutely necessary hospital established. If he succeeds, he will receive the praise of all men who sympathize with distress.
Tuesday, 27 Aug 1867: The Late Mollie Jones, was the lady to whom Terry Axley, the celebrated “Dongola Preacher” was so much attached.
BODIES FOUND.—Yesterday afternoon the watchman at the Stone Depot discovered the bodies of the two women who were drowned Saturday night, they having risen to the surface. They were found clasped in each other's arms. The funeral will take place this morning.
FUNERAL NOTICE.—The funeral sermon over the remains of the late Mrs. Mollie Jones and Miss Alice Forche will take place this morning, at 11 o'clock, at the house of Frank Douglas, on Fifth Street, after which the bodies will be taken to Villa Ridge for interment. The friends of the deceased are invited to attend.
A BATHING PARTY AND THE RESULT At a late hour on Saturday night, Frank Douglas, proprietress of the notorious house of ill fame known as the “Flat Top,” situated on Fifth Street between Washington and Commercial avenues, named Fanny Williams, Mollie Jones and Alice Forche, accompanied by four men, started for the Kentucky shore in a small skiff for the alleged purpose of bathing. The part made the trip in safety, reached the other shore, and remained there for perhaps two hours. At about 1 o’clock, they started back to the city, and report has it that either the bath or something else had an exhilarating effect on the party for they are reported as being rather noisy and careless in the management of the skiff. The boat was a small leaky concern, unfit for carrying over four or five persons, but the party of eight were crowded in, and before they had got far from the Kentucky shore, commenced leaking badly, perhaps on account of the reckless manner in which they acted, rocking the boat from one side to the other. To add to the trouble, the bailing dish had either been lost or thrown overboard and the boat was soon in a swamping condition. When they reached a point opposite the stone depot, the boat filled with water to the seats, went under, leaving the party scrambling in the water. Their screams attracted the attention of Mr. Robinson, mate of the steamer Ipha, who immediately went to the relief in a skiff. On reaching the party, he ordered the men away from the boat and threatened to strike with the oar the first one who attempted to get in, until he rescued the females. He succeeded in picking up Frank Douglas and Fannie Williams, and the four men. Mollie Jones and Alice Forche were drowned. Mollie Jones has resided in Cairo since 1862. She was a married woman about thirty years old, and her husband, a contemptible wretch, forced her to enter on a life of prostitution, so that he might live a life of ease. The other unfortunate, Alice Forche, has been in Cairo about six months. She is reported as being of a decidedly prepossessing appearance, intelligent, and of good family. She was sixteen years old and came from Paducah to this palace. It is said that she was seduced by a well-known and “highly respectable” Paducahan who sent her here to get rid of marrying her. One of the men, when the boat went under, and he found himself in the water, attempted to remove his pantaloons in the pocket of which was his pocket book containing a considerable amount to money and a fine gold watch. He had partly succeeded in doing so when one of the drowning females caught him and in the endeavor to save himself lost his pantaloons, watch and money.
Wednesday, 28 Aug 1867: THE UNMENTIONED NAMES In our notice of the deplorable accident of last Saturday night, which resulted in the death of two women who were altogether unprepared to face the mysteries of eternity, we did not give the names of the men, who, yielding to the impulses of a depraved and lascivious taste, so far forgot their manhood as to consort with base women in the vulgar manner and with none of the innocence, of rude barbarians—nude Africans, or debauched Hottentots. This sin of omission on our part, is a nut which all the fault finders of the city are endeavoring to crack. Small men, round men, triangular men, square men—men who are pure and men who are not better than they should be; and even women who own pretty faces and women who wear short hair, cork screw curls and talk about politics and “rights”—in short all kinds of fault-finding male and female humanity are busy denouncing the Democrat. Words of condemnation fall from their large, small, thick and thin lips like shot from a tower and the sounds of their complaining voices mingle in a confusion which suggests the commingled noises that made Babel famous. “Why,” they ask, “did you name the frail women and refuse to give the names of the bad men?’ Why; oh, why! The frail women cared nothing for exposure. Notoriety is the food upon which they thrive, and their feelings do not prompt them to shrink back from the distinction of infamy. If, ashamed of their sins, they had requested us to cover over their names, we would not have refused. The man or woman who shrinks ashamed from the public, when, yielding to temptation, he or she has committed an offense against decency, is not hopelessly lost, and unless frenzied by the pointing finger of scorn, may turn from the paths of lascivious pleasure and walk in those of virtue. Of all the faultfinders who say that the names of the companions of the frail women should have been published only a few are prepared to cast a stone at shame. We know several, now safely harbored in the bosom of the church, who are reputed to have been of those who in youth, are friends of the “strange woman.” If, during the heyday of their impure pleasures, editors had named them in connection with all the disgraceful scenes of debauchery in which they were the chief actors, they would have become hardened sinners. Instead of being ornaments, they would be pests of society. We are all, God knows. “As helpless as the devil can wish, And not a whit more difficult to damn Than it is to bring to land a late-hooked fish.” We can meet any man halfway in denunciation of the men who jeopardized their own and the lives of the bad women who accompanied them on the midnight adventure of last Saturday night. But we cannot understand what good would have been gained by the publication of their names. In the first place, their insignificance protected them. If they had been men who were reputed virtuous—men who, in high positions of trust or honor, had been imposing upon the public credibility with a show of virtue—we would have felt under some obligations to publish their names; but we would not have done so even then if we had been convinced that the publication would have done more harm than good. We do not know either of the men, who forgetting decency, in their shocking orgies sacrificed the lives of two women, and sent sin-stained and unshriven souls into the awful presence of the Judge who was not permitted to be their Savior; but we know that two of them are not hopelessly bad men, and were led into evil company by the fascinating devil of the wine cup. Each of them has a wife and children, (now absent from the city,) and these depend upon their natural protector for the means whereby to live. They deserve condemnation, weak-minded scamps that they are, but a publication of their names would have led to their discharge from the labor of which they earn their bread, would have broken up their households, would have turned their family circles household dissentions, unhappiness and probably ruin. Therefore, we maintain that by excluding the names of the weak men who were actors in the tragedy of Saturday night, we did right, and we hope our forbearance will induce the men who own the dishonored named to hereafter to wipe out the stain that is upon them. And so, the not altogether pure faultfinders may talk; and the lecherous hypocrites who eulogize virtue but put it away from them in life, may continue to cast stones at men who are no more guilty than they.
THE FUNERAL SERVICES YESTERDAY, An Impressive Scene. At the appointed hour, the house of Frank Douglas, on Fifth Street was filled with friends and companions of the deceased and a number of charitably-disposed ladies and gentlemen. The Rev. Mr. Foote delivered an eloquent and telling sermon, which was listened to with profound attention, and brought tears to the eyes of many. The bodies were taken to Villa Ridge on the noon train, and were accompanied by a large number of the class to which the deceased belonged. The Rev. S. E. Willing, of the Methodist Church, conducted the services at the grave and exhorted his hearers to abandon their wicked ways and return to the path of virtue. The companions of the late Mollie Jones and Alice Forche did everything in their power to give their remains decent burial, and in this they were assisted by officers Reynolds, who was detailed by the Mayor for the purpose.
Friday, 30 Aug 1867: Death of Colonel Loren Kent. The many friends of Colonel Loren Kent, of the 29th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, will learn with regret his untimely death, of yellow fever, on the night of the 27th inst., at Galveston, Texas. Colonel Kent enlisted in the 9th Regiment Illinois Volunteers for the three months service in the spring of 1862 (1861?). He was mustered out at the end of his term, and engaged as a clerk with Colonel Rutherford, then Acting Quartermaster for this District. In November, 1861, he was commissioned Adjutant, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant, in the 29th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, then commanded by Colonel J. S. Rearden, of this city. He served with ability and distinction in the regiment of his choice until the end of the war, being promoted for meritorious services, first to Lieutenant Colonel, then to Colonel Commanding, and during the service filled various positions of high trust. At one time he was Provost Marshal General of the Army of the Tennessee, then commander of the fortifications of Natchez, Miss., then commander of a Brigade, and was finally brevetted a Brigadier General of Volunteers. After he was mustered out with this regiment, he was appointed Receiver of Customs at the Port of Galveston, Texas, where he resided in the discharge of his duties until the time of his death. An orphan boy, with but few relatives or influential friends, he has attained to positions of honor and trust that but few men accomplish in a lifetime. His gentlemanly deportment, strict business habits and undoubted integrity gained for him that honor which is accredited to whom it is due. Col. Kent passed through this city last spring, on a visit to his friends at Alton and Chicago, looking the very picture of good health. It is a sad duty to have to record the untimely taking off of one so young and in the midst of his usefulness.
Saturday, 31 Aug 1867: CRIME IN PULASKI COUNTY. A Man Brutally Murdered! Pulaski, in Pulaski County, was the scene of a brutal and unprovoked murder on Tuesday last. The parties to the affair were residents of the place, and near neighbors, and named Farley and George Gay. The facts as we have learned them are as follows: Farley, who is represented as a peaceably inclined citizen, found one of this hogs cut with an axe, and being satisfied that Gay was the perpetrator of the act, went to him and expostulated with him on his conduct. Gay became angry and seizing a loaded gun, fired at him, the ball striking Farrell (Farley?) in the thigh, glancing upwards, and lodging in the abdomen. He lived about ten hours after being shot. Gay was arrested and is now lodged in the Pulaski County jail, with forty pounds of iron attached to his person, the jail being insecure. Farley leaves a wife and five children, in destitute circumstances. All the evidences goes to show that it was one of the most brutal and unprovoked murders ever committed in the county. P. S.—Since above has been in type, we have received the following, which throws more light on the matter: Pulaski, Ill., Aug. 30, 1867. Editor Cairo Democrat:—Sir: Supposing that you have not heard , or at least have not published any account of the cold blooded murder that was perpetrated at this place, on Monday, 26th inst., the following is a brief account of the affair: Two of our citizens by the names of Gay and Farley had a slight quarrel about 5 o'clock p.m. After a few words Gay went to his house and was engaged in eating his supper, when Farley went to the fence in front of his house, and called to him saying: “We are neighbors and ought to settle this difficulty without hard feelings.” After some other conversation, not in an angry manner, Gay took down his gun and shot Farley though the thigh from which wound Farley died in about thirty hours. A coroner's jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts, stating that Farley came to his death from the effects of a gun shot wound inflicted be one James M. Gay, in cold blood, and without sufficient provocation. Gay, after a preliminary trial, was sent to jail to await his trial at the next term of court. The feelings of the citizens were considerably aroused, but they manifested a disposition to let justice have its course. Farley's death leaves a wife and four helpless children in destitute circumstances, to be supported by the charity of the people or by the county. A CITIZEN OF PULASKI
Tuesday, 3 Sep 1867: G. A. R.—A Post of Sorrow will convene this morning, at 9 o’clock, at the hall, for the purpose of attending the funeral of comrade S. L. Wood. The remains will be taken to Caledonia. It is specially requested that all the comrades will be present. By order of the Post Commander.
OBITUARY, DIED—At his residence in Dyersburg, Tenn., on Thursday, August 21, 1867, Joseph W. Echols, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Echols was born near the city of Augusta, Ga., on the 18th December, 1809. He settled in this place in the year 1844, and by his untiring industry, energy, prudence and fine business habits, he succeeded in realizing a handsome competency. Few men have displayed the same amount of energy and business tact. No man was ever more conscientious in his business transactions. Col. Echols was known most intimately by the writer, and he has had the fortune to meet with few men of the liberal views and kindly feelings for the welfare of others. In his social life he was genial and frank—for his friends he would make any sacrifice. Mr. Echols connected himself with no church, but his whole life was one of perfect uprightness and the purest morality. During his last days, he conversed frequently with the writer and others, speaking calmly of death and his fortune. Said he: “I am not afraid to die, or to meet my God. I believe that God is love.” During a long intimacy with Mr. Echols, I never heard him speak profanely or use the name of the Lord in vain. It can truly be said of him that he never turned a deaf ear to the cry of distress. Sympathizing with the South in her late troubles, he has been most active and liberal in seeking to relieve the wants and sufferings of the widows and orphans of the South, and on all occasions has he been most prompt in seeking to aid the destitute and disabled soldiers of the South. CITIZEN, Dyersburg, Tenn.
Wednesday, 4 Sep 1867: DIED.—In St. Louis, on the morning of the 29th, Mary Josephine, infant daughter of John P. and Theresa M. Hughes, aged 14 months and 8 days.
Resolutions of Respect. At a special meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 223, held September 3d, 1867, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, In the order of Divine Providence our comrade L. Legrand Wood, has been removed from our midst, thereby depriving us of his friendly presence, and WHEREAS, We as members of this Post earnestly desirous of placing on record the high estimation in which they have held their late associate, would respectfully report the following: Resolved, That in the death of L. Legrand Wood, this Post has lost a kind and affable companion and a zealous comrade. Resolved, That we, as members of the Grand Army of the Republic, feel that it is not only due to the memory of our late comrade, but also to ourselves that we should in this public manner bear witness to his many virtues. He was an able and industrious soldier, though early in the war he was so severely wounded as to render him powerless on the field or in the camp,. Yet true to the principles, which caused him to enlist in the cause of his country, he devoted his time, talent and energies to another position equally as prominent and important as the one he had held. He was always cautious and dignified in his intercourse with the Post, affable, pleasing and gentle with his comrades in arms. He was distinguished no less for his bravery as a soldier than for his entire uprightness and honesty as a man. Revolved, That we lament his death with the deepest emotion and offer our sympathies to his wife and numerous relatives and friends. Resolved, That we shroud our hall in mourning the thirty days, as a token of respect and love for our deceased comrade; that a record of these proceedings be entered on the books of the post; that a copy be sent to his widow, and that they be published in the Cairo Democrat. J. P. Taggart B. M. Munn J. M. Graham H. H. Candee J. C. McKeig, Committee
Thursday, 5 Sep 1867: DEATH OF JOHN B. IRVIN.—The friends of Col. John B. Irvin (and they are numerous in the West) will receive with poignant sorrow, the news of his death, which occurred at Jonesboro, Illinois, at 8:30 o'clock on the evening of the 2d of September, his disease being paralysis. Col. Irvin was born in Lebanon County, Penn., and although cut down long before reaching his three score and ten years of life, comprehended within that span a sphere of usefulness that gave him a character and prominence that shall endure beyond the shaft or slab that shall mark his final resting place. He was a pioneer in pushing forward the internal improvements of Illinois, and of the first who extended those works to our own city. Nearly his whole mature life was devoted to this end, and the development of the country's resources. On the first organization of the State, he became a member of the Kansas Legislature, where by his clear comprehension of the wants of the people, his exhibition of practical sense, and his unflinching fidelity to what he esteemed the right, he made a record of constant keeping with his general upright and honest life. In. Col. Irvin we knew a genial, intelligent man, of firm and ardent friendships, and full of all those generous impulses that rendered him a blessing in the community where he moved. He leaves a family, well to do in the world, a member of which is our present City Clerk, Mr. Alexander H. Irvin. With these is the sympathy of ten thousand earnest hearts, who would, if they could, assuage the deep grief that has come with crushing weight upon them. But his course, useful to its end, has been run, and we can now only say, with those who drop a tear in his coffin—”Noble soul, hail and farewell!”
Sunday, 8 Sep 1867: TO BE INQUIRED INTO.—Our readers will remember the lengthy newspaper discussion some time ago in which the Commerce Dispatch charged Burke & Co., of Mound City, Government contractors, with mutilating the bodies of Federal soldiers interred at Commerce, Mo. We had supposed the matter settled, but the following, which we take from a late number of the Dispatch, goes to show that there was some truth in the charge: “George O. Fulsom, Quartermaster’s Agent, St. Louis, Mo., was in our town, on Tuesday and Wednesday taking depositions of the manner in which Burke & Co., exhumed the dead solders in the cemetery of this place. The Government has taken the matter in hand and the issue will be U. S. Government vs. William Burke. The further the matter is examined into the more outrageous it seems. At least ten dead soldiers remain in our cemetery.”
Saturday, 14 Sep 1867: Death of Mr. Jefferson Martin. After a protracted illness, Mr. Jefferson Martin, a very old citizen of Alexander County, died at his residence on Twentieth street, on Wednesday at the hour of half past 8 p.m. Mr. Martin, at the time of his death, was sixty-eight years of age, half or more, of his long life having been spent in this county. He was an honest, truthful, inoffensive man, charitable and kind hearted, and a consistent member of a Christian church. He was apprized of his approaching dissolution several days in advance, and felt himself, unmistakenable premonitions of it, but such a conviction had no terrors for him—on the contrary he looked to the coming charge for that relief from afflictions, and that rest for his worn and weary body, which he had not realized for years. He went to sleep quietly—he died without a groan. His remains were taken to Villa Ridge, yesterday, for interment.
Wednesday, 18 Sep 1867: DEATH OF MRS. KING.—Mrs. Ann S. King, wife of Alexander S. King, died at her residence in this city on Monday night, after a protracted illness. She leaves four small children to the care of her bereaved husband one of which is an infant. Mr. King has the heartfelt sympathies of many friends in this, the sorest affliction of his life. The remains of Mrs. K. were taken yesterday to Villa Ridge for interment.
Friday, 20 Sep 1867: A DRUNKEN MAN DROWNED.—A deck hand who is said to have left the Mohawk at this city several days ago, was drowned in the Ohio yesterday morning, at a point about two miles below the mouth of Cache. A gentleman crossing the river in a skiff saw him fall into the water, but was unable to reach him in time to prevent the fatal termination. His body, although searched for, has not been recovered. He had left a shanty, a half-mile below, only an hour to two before meeting his death.
Card of Thanks—A. S. King. Mr. A. S. King desires to return to his fellow citizens, an expression of his thanks, not only for their attention and unselfish kindness extended in the hour of his sore domestic affliction, but for pecuniary aid generally extended to him when sorely needed to meet the expenses attending the last sad respects to his deceased wife. For these favors, freely extended to him, he can only offer the gratitude of a sincere heart, and the assurance that he will cherish a lively memory of them to the end of his life.
Wednesday,
25 Sep 1867:
Thursday, 26 Sep 1867: A STORY OF MAN'S PERFIDY AND WOMAN'S SHAME. The Destroyer Destroyed—The Atonement Unavailing The Sad Story of an Abandoned Woman Eighteen years ago Olive Harris moved in the best circles of society, and was a bright, glad-hearted being whom everybody loved and many envied. Her home, near Lawrenceburg, Indiana, was a happy one, surrounded by the thousand comforts and attractions a busy and knowing hand can readily provide; and of this home she was the “bright particular star,” and the one upon which the fond parents build high hopes for the future. Of more than ordinary personal attractions, with a well-cultivated mind, no one in all that country was better known or loved than Olive Harris. Her praises were on every tongue, and in more than one manly heart was her image cherished with a sacred and unremitting affection. Many sought her hand in marriage, but resolving to fit her mind for the combat with the rougher realities of the world that time would surely develop, she remained at school until her nineteenth years, when she graduated, thorough in the practical and useful part of her education and accomplished in the ornamental. Could she when she left school have read the dark villainy, the devilish designs of the man who followed her—the man to whom, during her school days her young, guileless heart had gone out in feelings stronger than friendship—she would have been saved! But she could see only the published gentleman—the man who had protested an affection for her that could end only with his life—and she welcomed him to her home with unreserved cordiality, and welcoming him was lost! Only two months elapsed until the insidious villain was master of her heart, and the destroyer of her honor. Believing him a man, and confiding in his life oft repeated promises of marriage, she followed him to Cincinnati to consummate that great absorbing hope of her life. There on bended knee, she plead for the restitution that villain only could make—begged that he would save her and her family from the deep shame and awful ruin impending—but the heartless answer came—”he had used her and not abused her—that his end had been gained and they would part now for ever.” From that dread moment Olive Harris was a changed woman. She did not swoon, or pine in the hopelessness of despair, but rising to her feet and casting upon her destroyer a look in which all the feelings of hate and revenge of which she was capable, seem concentrated, she left him with the single remark: “As I have loved you, I now hate you; the end is not yet and while we both live, never shall be.” How this blow fell upon the parents, how they sought the erring one’s return to their home and hearts need not be detailed. The first great false step had been taken, and could not be retraced. Into the vortex of shame and prostitution the young girl plunged, deaf to the prayer and pleadings of those who yet loved and sought to save her from the worse than living death upon which she had determined. For a period of more than two years all the energies of her nature, the power of her womanly beauty—all the agencies she could control, were subject to her raging desire for revenge. She did not seek here destroyer’s life, but his degradation. When she could spurn him as shorn of character, as an outcast and drunkard, her victory would be complete and the measure of her resentment full. With this view the wiles and intrigues of women were employed, gamblers were put upon his track, the allurements of the wine cup were used, but for nearly two years they all were powerless. But her hour of triumph came—the fascinations of the game proved irresistible, and the man’s victims now became the victimizer of the man. At the end of two years he was without place or character—a dissipated loafer, treading rapidly and surely by the high road to destruction. A few months later a miserable man, ragged and penniless, died in a lumberyard near Millcreek, in the horrible agonies of delirium tremens. A painted creature, decked in silks and satins—presenting a strange contrast with the rags of filth of the dying man—looked in upon the bloated corpse, gave the owner of the premises twenty dollars to rescue it from a pauper’s burial—and thus the hate and resentment of Olive Harris were satisfied! A
few days ago, under the assumed name of Olivia Kinsley,
this wretched woman was in Cairo. She is now in her
thirty-seventh year, bearing traces of her former self that are
scarcely discernable among the deep marks and terrible inroad of
time and dissipation. Haggard, broken and spiritless, a
friendless wreck of woman kind, she has no higher aim than to
eke out a wretched existence among the scum of society, until a
period, which, to the hopeless creature cannot come too soon, is
put to her life of miserable debauchery. She left, on Tuesday
evening for Memphis, where, in some low den of infamy, her
career will not doubt speedily terminate.
Tuesday, 1
Oct 1867:
A
negro man named Jim Winters, died in this city, last
Saturday, from the effects of poison. Jim Winters and his wife lived, for sometime, a few miles in the country. Jim, in the practice of a Mormon faith, which he evidently thought good enough to live by, kept a second Mrs. Winters in town, with whom he divided his affections and upon whom he bestowed what seemed to be very acceptable attentions. The real Mrs. Winters, becoming cognizant of this, remonstrated but in vain. Jim continued to love two well, but not very wisely, thus intensifying the jealousy of his spouse, whom commenced now meditating terrible vengeance. Last Thursday, we believe, she followed her faithless lord into town, and being unable by all the captivating arts she could resort to, or by her anxious entreaties, to center upon her self the whole of Jim’s now divided affections, she became a “woman scorned,” which is pronounced, by a very knowing writer, to be more than a match for the most vindictive fury of hell. She told him plainly that in less than two days he would be a dead man, but he regarding it as the idle threat of an infuriated woman, gave it no heed whatever. The short span of life allotted to him rapidly approached its close but the wife had not been idle. She had made a confidant and an instrument of one Poll McGrew, at whose house Winters periodically took his meals. To his place on Friday last he repaired, with an appetite whetted for a healthy dinner. Cabbage, temptingly cooked, were placed before him, and as Widow Bedott would say, Winters being “a favorite of cabbage” partook of them very freely. In this tempting dish lurked the dreadful poison. Unwarned and ignorant, the doomed man here took down the bait that was to work out with terrible certainty the threat against his life. The story now is short. The poison, slow but sure, did its dreadful work. No antidote arrested its dreadful effect, and the threat of the wronged woman was fulfilled—in less than two days Jim Winters was a corpse! The paramour's grief was uncontrollable. Jim was placed in the cold ground. Poll McGrew and the “widow” incontinently “left these shores” to avoid the consequence of the crime of which they are equally guilty. Poor
Jim! His faithlessness deserved not this fearful reckoning, but
may other “Jims” by his sad end, be warned in season. A
few days ago a negro man named Erbin, attempted the
chastisement of his wife, but for what misdeed we did not
learn. An infant of the pair, only a few weeks old, in the arms
of the wife, received one of the blows on its head. The blow
was a violent one, which, although it did not kill the infant
outright, inflicted upon it mortal injuries. A physician was
called, a few days afterward, who gave it as his opinion that
the child was suffering from water on the brain, occasioned by a
blow or a fall, and that there was no chance for its recovery.
The child died on Tuesday last.
Night before last two women of this character concluded to put a period to their existence by the use of this drug, and had it not been for prompt medical assistance one of them would have succeeded. When the physician arrived he found the woman thoroughly narcotized, totally insensible and to all appearances gasping her last. Proper antidotes were administered and yesterday the patient was alive and doing well.
Yesterday afternoon a third case occurred the result of which we
did not learn. One Maggie Mulligan was the subject—an
inmate of a bawdy house on Commercial Avenue. It is said she
took six grain, avowing her determination at the time to kill
herself. As the dose was a large one, it is highly probable she
succeeded.
Friday, 18
Oct 1867:
The
little boy is dead—the darling of a household—a ray of light
that gladdened hearts, now heavy with grief—weighed down with
sorrow. But that ray of light has returned to the great source
of light—the bud whose gentle unfolding made glad so many
hopeful hearts, has been taken hence to bloom in the bright
gardens of Heaven.
From accounts received yesterday we are satisfied that the disease in Memphis and Vicksburg is on the decline, and that the change of the weather will soon cause its disappearance altogether. The
introduction of the epidemic into Cairo is not at all feared by
any one understanding anything about its nature. Yet to quiet
the apprehensions of the more timid the recently established
quarantine regulations should be so enforced as to prevent
arrivals like that of yesterday.
The case of the People vs. James M. Gay for the murder of Mr. Farley, in Pulaski County, was brought by change of venue to this county. After two and a half days effort, and the examination of over one hundred persons, a jury was impaneled and sworn, on Monday morning last. The evidence, which was concluded on Monday evening, is too voluminous for publication. We content ourselves, therefore with an abstract, or a condensed presentation of the facts elicited. It appears from the evidence that Gay and Farley were residents of the village of Pulaski, in Pulaski County. They are neighbors and men of families. On the 26th day of August last one of Farley's hogs was cut and severely injured by Gay's children. Farley approached Gay on the subject, and pressed a settlement of the damages sustained. Two or more conferences, or altercations, between the parties took place and it was proven that threats were made, and at least an unpleasant state of feeling aroused. The first witness sworn, Mr. John Polk, detailed the circumstances connected with the killing, substantially as follows” “I was at Mr. Gay's house when the difficulty took place between Gay and Farley. Mr. Farley came up to the fence, rested his arms on it and requested Gay to come out and look at the injured hog. Gay said it was too late to look at the wounds of a hog, and he would not go. Something was said about a fuss, but I cannot say what. Gay then got up took the gun, and without bringing it to a position for aim, fired it off. I was sitting at Gay's table. When I arose from the table Farley was sinking down, continuing his hold upon the fence. The gun was a large rifle, running about 32 to the pound and was loaded with powder and ball. The gun was lying on the bed, when Gay got it. He stood in the door when he fired, Farley being at a distance of about twelve or fifteen feet. The tragedy occurred between sundown and dark.” Mr. James Anyan testified that he heard the report of the gun, saw Farley sink down to the ground, rise up again and then start toward his gate, walking part of the way without support. Farley lived about thirty hours after the shooting. From another witness minor details were drawn out, but of no interest to the general reader, were deemed essential in the trial of the case. We append the testimony of some of the physicians examined as to the nature and probable effect of the wound inflicted on the person of Farley. Dr. Matt, of Villa Ridge, that he, at the instance of Dr. Lowe, visited Farley the day before he died. His pulse beat at the right of 160 per minute. His leg (the ball having entered the left thigh) was much swollen. The bandage, which was not removed by me, was tighter than I thought it should have been, as it probably impeded circulation. There was some depression of flesh—probably a quarter of an inch below the bandage. I saw the wounded man again about 1 or 2 o’clock same night when I saw the wound. The ball entered about the middle of the thigh. In probing I thought we struck the femur. The ball passed directly through the thigh. First time I saw him the symptom was that of prostration. The ball striking the muscular branch of the femoral artery would not have much effect upon the nervous system. When I first saw him I thought it possible for him to get well. Drs. Lowe and Taggart testified that they regarded the wound as mortal. Drs. Dunning, Smith, Gordon, Evans, Gerrick, and Wardner, gave it as their opinion, formed from the description of the wound, that Farley’s injuries were not necessarily fatal. The prosecution was represented by McCarthy, State’s Attorney, Dan Munn, and P. H. Pope, Esq. Judge Allen, Hosmer, H. W. Webb, and S. P. Wheeler, appeared for the defense. At 4 o’clock yesterday p.m., Judge Allen was addressing the jury. He was to be followed by D. W. Munn, Esq., who probably consumed the balance of the day. The verdict, should the jury agree, will be announced tomorrow.
Thursday, 24
Oct 1867: On
Monday the 14th inst., a party left this place for what is known
as the “Skillet Fork Hunting Grounds,” for the purpose of
enjoying a season of sporting. The party consisted of C. W.
Patton, J. K. Albright, Joseph L. Bogan, C. D.
Morrison, Theodore Tromly, and one or two others.
Arriving on the hunting ground, they pitched their tent near the
mouth of Haw Creek, in Wayne County. Here they hunted game,
until Thursday morning last, when they concluded to move their
camp some seven miles further up. Before they got ready to
start, however, the dogs started up a fine buck which was
pursued by Mr. Bogan and one or two others of the party.
Bogan got near enough at one time to shoot at the deer,
but failing to bring it down, it ran on, pursued by the hounds,
and it soon become evident the animal was running too far away
to be captured. Therefore all the party, except Bogan,
who was in advance and out of sight and hearing returned to
camp. They waited until noon for his return, but supposing that
he had found other game, determined to start for the new camp,
leaving word with some woodmen for him to follow as soon as he
should return from the chase. They arrived at the new place
late in the evening and soon laid down to sleep. On waking
Friday morning they found that he had not come in, but
conjectured that he, being tired, had stopped at the old camp
during the night. At noon of Friday he had not come in. Still
no alarm was entertained. On Friday evening, he still not
having come in, the party began to think that all was not right,
but it was then considered very reasonably that as the chase was
to end Friday evening, he had started for home, and that they
would meet him at Middleton. So on Saturday they came to that
place, but found he had not been there. They then became
alarmed, and came on to this place to get a crowd to go in
search of him. About twenty persons went out, and on Sunday
morning about nine o'clock, he was found dead, near the place
where he had last been seen. His gun lay near by, both barrels
empty, and the breech broken off. His head was entirely gone
from the body, and his whole person otherwise horribly mutilated
by the hogs, who were at the time of this discovery holding a
carnival over the remains. The circumstances attending his
death are somewhat mysterious, and it is hard to form a correct
opinion as to how he met his death, many believing that his gun
was accidentally discharged into his head blowing it off, (the
party failed to find but a small piece of the skull) while
others think that he was murdered and dragged to that place,
there being no traces of blood anywhere near the spot. The case of the People vs. James M. Gay was given to the jury Tuesday night, and yesterday morning a sealed verdict was handed to the clerk. The prisoner’s counsel, Messrs. Allen, Webb, Wheeler, and Hosmer, made an able and ingenious defense, but the facts established by the evidence were too glaring to be elsewhere overthrown. They fastened upon Gay the crime of deliberate and unprovoked murder, and all the ingenious arguments and pathetic perorations of the able attorneys could not divest it of its appalling enormity. The jury, bound by their oaths, the law and the facts so regarded it, found the accused guilty of murder, and agreed upon imprisonment for life, as the penalty. Gay and Farley were neighbors, and both poor men, each with a family of small children dependent upon their labor for sustenance. The terrible tragedy, as we stated yesterday, was enacted in the town of Pulaski, sixteen miles above Cairo, on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad, on the 26th day of August last. Gay’s little boy and girl cut and severely injured one of Farley’s hogs, and Farley demanded damages, threatening that he would whip the children unless Gay whipped them. The matter excited no particular hostility between the parties, and, it was thought, would be settled without any difficulty. On the evening of the tragedy, Farley repaired to Gay’s residence, where, leaning upon the fence, he requested Gay to come out and look at the wounded hog. Farley was not angry, and threw out no intimations that he had come to provoke a difficulty. Gay replied that it was too late to make the examination, and that he would not come out. After the passage of a few more words, the purport of which was not understood by the witness, Gay stepped to the bed, took there from his rifle, drew back the hammer, set the trigger, and returning to the door, fired. The ball took effect in Farley’s thigh, passing as one of the witnesses testified, entirely through it. The wounded man sank to the ground, but soon recovered his feet and walked part of the way home without support. He lived only thirty hours after receiving the injury. The defense elicited the fact that the gun was fired by Gay before he brought it up to his shoulder, that he took no aim—that his mind had been unsettled by domestic afflictions, and that the wound inflicted was not necessarily mortal. In this behalf it was further shown that the wounded man did not receive intelligent medical attention. This he believe to be a fair presentation, in brief, of the prominent facts placed before the jury. Upon such a showing they came to the only conclusion possible with honest and intelligent men. A part of the jury insisted, for a while, upon the infliction of a capital punishment, believing the enormity of the murder called for such a penalty; but wiser counsels prevailed, and the wretched man will end his days within the walls of the penitentiary. He manifested but little concern or anxiety during the progress of the trial, relying, no doubt, upon the management and abilities of his attorneys for an acquittal he certainly could not have hoped for it otherwise. He laughed at wit, enjoyed the sarcasm, admired the fervor and eloquence of the attorneys, and made himself quite as comfortable generally as if he were relishing a diversified entertainment, instead of passing through a trial for his life, in which the “odds” from the start were largely against him. He will be taken, in a day or two, to Joliet, where his lifetime atonement for his great wrong will at once commence. May
he who tempers the winds to the shorn lamb, guide and guard the
little ones whom his hand has made fatherless, and whom the law,
in its righteous disposition of him, has made worse than
fatherless.
Diligent inquiry is being made, and should these conjectures
prove to be authorized, we shall learn the fact and publish it.
Mr. Simon Altmont, generally known in Cairo business circles, having resided here during the war, has fallen victim to the Freedmen's Bureau. At the time of his death Mr. Altmont was engaged in the mercantile business in Eutaw Springs, Alabama. He became involved in an altercation with one Capt. Henry G. Claus, an agent of the Freedmen's Bureau; and as a dignitary of such an exalted character could not brook even the humblest remonstrance from a common white man. Mr. Altmont was killed on the spot. The testimony of all parties cognizant of the outrage is that Capt. Claus was to blame, that Altmont had given no cause for offense, and that the killing was nothing less than a deliberate murder. The exasperation of the citizens was general, and Capt. Claus thought it prudent to seek safety by flight. He therefore fled incontinently, and has not since been heard from. The
friends of the deceased have offered a reward of $2,000 for the
arrest of the murderer. We sincerely hope that this sum will
cause his arrest and bring him to justice—If justice there be in
States unreconstructed.
A few days ago, we referred to the fact that Martin, a well known peddler of this city, had mysteriously disappeared. A search was instituted for the missing man, and on yesterday his body was found under the bridge over Cache River, in Pulaski County. There is no doubt that he was killed by robbers. About a month ago, he left his horse and goods at America, and started on foot with $600 on his person, with the intention of coming to Cairo to purchase a stock of goods. No money was found upon his person.
Information reached us yesterday that D. W. Baumguard, a resident of Dog Tooth Bend, but well known in Cairo, came to his death the day before by the premature discharge of a gun. Mr. Baumguard was engaged at the time in killing hogs. He had rested his loaded shotgun against the rail pen enclosing the hogs, and climbing within the enclosure he attempted to draw his gun through between the rails, catching hold of it, for that purpose, by the muzzle. The hammer catching exploded the cap, and produced an instant discharge of the gun. The contents carried away Mr. B.'s thumb, a portion of the flesh from his arm below the elbow, and then lodged in his heart. He breathed only a few minutes after receiving his terrible injury. Mr.
Baumguard at the time of his death, was thirty three
years of age. During the past twenty odd years he has been a
resident of Alexander County, living several years of that time
in the city of Cairo. He was the last of the four male
representatives of the Baumguard family that settled in
this county nearly a quarter of a century ago. His mother (an
aged lady), a sister, a young wife, and infant survive him. He
was the owner of a very good farm, and leaves his family, we
believe, in moderately fair circumstances. His widow is a
daughter of our fellow citizen, N. A. Devore, Esq.
Mr.
Toombs had been drinking for three or four days, but
presented no evidence of having died from the effects of
liquor. It was conjectured that his death was caused by a
congestive chill. He was seen Saturday morning at the Louisiana
Hotel. He was comfortably dressed, but had only twenty-five
cents about his person. Nothing whatever was discovered to
create a suspicion of foul play. Mr.
Toombs was a young man and unmarried.
We received late yesterday evening, the details of a bloody recounter in Blandville, Ky., twelve miles from Cairo, between a Mr. Campbell, formerly Sheriff of Ballard County, and Mr. Warden, the present circuit clerk. It occurred on Monday. The affair was the termination of an old grudge, at the bottom of which was a woman, and the particular of which grudge we do not choose to detail. Warden had threatened to shoot Campbell on sight. Campbell hearing of this, and having occasion to visit town, armed himself with a revolver. He had not been in town but a short time before he saw Warden on the street. The recognition was mutual. Warden approached. Campbell admonished him not to force him to extremes, that he had heard of his threats, and was prepared to defend himself. Warden continued to press upon him. Campbell retreated ten or twenty paces, and then fired. The ball took effect in Warden's mouth and lodged in the back of his neck. His condition now is critical. Warden's daughter seeing the difficulty rushed to the spot, snatched a pistol from the prostrate body of her father and drew it on Campbell who turned and fired. He ran about fifty yards, the girl pursuing him. As she approached he warned her to desist, that he did not want to hurt her. She pressed onward, however, and he fired. The ball grazed her ear. He again turned, and the girl still pursuing, he turned and fired a second and third shot at her each time missing her. When he had run about one hundred yards, seeing the desperate women still pursuing him, he turned upon her, took deliberate aim, fired and brought her down. She fell, shot though the bowels, and will die. So
closed the terrible tragedy. Public sentiment is divided as to
who is to blame. Some think the shooting of Warden was
unavoidable, and that the shooting of the daughter was
voidable. We have no well-defined opinion in the matter.
Campbell surrendered himself and will be held to answer.
Miss Warner, the daughter of the Ballard County Circuit Clerk, died of the wound inflicted by a pistol ball fired by one Campbell, last week, in the village of Blandville. An account of the tragedy was given in the Democrat the day after its occurrence, but some of the particulars, being of an indelicate nature, were withheld. Miss W. was wounded in the stomach and death resulted from inflammation. She was a young lady of more than ordinary intelligence and comeliness of person. Campbell, although an uncle by marriage, had seduced her, and it is said that out of this the tragedy sprung. The young lady, it will be recollected, seeing her father shot down by Campbell, hurried to the spot, snatched the pistol from her prostrate parent, and aimed it at Campbell who turned and fled. That he could have escaped, no one pretends to deny, and the fact that he turned upon the girl and took deliberate aim, when at the distance of a hundred feet or more, is strong evidence of a desire on his part to take her life. Campbell is now in jail, and as the young woman undoubtedly died of the injuries inflicted by his hands, will be held to answer for murder. The shooting of Mr. Warren may be justified, as Mr. W. was pursuing Mr. C. after having made threats against his life. For the killing of the girl we are unable to frame any justification.
Thursday, 21
Nov 1867:
In a recent issue of this paper we gave the particulars of a shooting scrape in Blandville, Ky., which resulted in the wounding of Mr. Worden, clerk of the circuit court of that county, and the death of his daughter Bettie. The causes which led to the difficulty were not then disclosed, because of the respectable standing of Mr. W.; but as they have been made known elsewhere, we can see no reason for longer holding them from the readers of the Democrat. Mr. Worden and Mr. Campbell married sisters. Two or three years ago the former was elected circuit clerk and the latter sheriff. Worden's eldest daughter Bettie, was given employment in her father's office as copyist; and thus Campbell, her uncle, was frequently thrown into her society. In due time an intimacy sprung up between the two, which resulted in the girl’s seduction. Afterwards Campbell and Worden formed a copartnership in the mercantile business and the relations existing between the two families seemed entirely friendly and harmonious. Betty Worden boarded in the family of her uncle during the following winter, and as the criminal intimacy was kept up, Mrs. Campbell soon became apprised of it. Very naturally the domestic quiet of the family was destroyed, and Campbell and his wife separated. He sought a divorce and was denied. Finally he left the country, and located in Bloomington, in this State, keeping up, however, a regular correspondence with his niece. In one of his letters he proposed to the young woman that she should accompany her father to Cincinnati, when he next went on after goods, promising to meet and elope with her from that city. This letter fell into the hands of Mr. Worden, and he promptly apprized Mr. Campbell of his villainy, and warned him not to again cross his path. About this time the girl wrote a letter to Campbell informing him of her purpose to marry, but assuring him that she loved him more devotedly than she did her intended husband, or ever could. Shortly afterwards Campbell came to Blandville. Mr. Worden met him, and requested an interview. Campbell angrily refused, told W. that he had not forgotten his threats, and was determined to defend himself. Worden continued to advance, but not it is said, in a menacing manner. Campbell retreated a few paces, drew his pistol, and fired. Bettie Worden then rushed to the spot as heretofore stated, seized her father's pistol, and drew it on Campbell, who turned and fled. The girl pursued and discharged the contents of one barrel of her pistol in the direction of the retreating man, but without effect. Campbell shot three times at his pursuer; the last and fatal shot being fired at a distance of twenty yards or more. From the effects of the wounds inflicted, the girl died the next evening. The letter from the young woman, announcing her determination to marry was found on Campbell's person, when he was committed to prison. The fact that he took deliberate aim at the girl when at a distance from her that almost insured his own safety, taken in connection with the contents of the letter in his pocket, has induced many persons to think that he killed the young woman, not because he thought his own life in danger, but to prevent the consummation of her proposed marriage. His trial for the shooting of Mr. Worden was, we are informed, concluded yesterday. The case against him for the killing of the young woman, is said to be now in progress. The people of Blandville are greatly excited over the matter, public sentiment running strongly against Campbell. Mr.
Worden is a gray-haired cripple, about 50 years of age;
Mr. Campbell is about 42 years of age. The former stands
well in the community; the latter was very unpopular, even
before he rendered himself infamous by the seduction of his
niece.
On the 21st instant we announced the death of Judge Levi L. Lightner, of Thebes, in this county. We sincerely regret that we are not in possession of such facts concerning the character and life of the deceased as would enable us to pay a fitting tribute to memory. Judge Lightner was a schoolmate of James Buchanan, late President of the United States, and came to Alexander County over a quarter of a century ago. Every man and child in the county knew him personally or by reputation, and the work he has left behind will keep alive a remembrance of him as long as the history of the present age of the county is preserved. He filled, creditably and satisfactorily the offices of Associate Justice, County Judge, Circuit Clerk and School Superintendent, his official career, as connected with the affairs of the county terminating in the year 1860, when the county seat was removed from Thebes to Cairo. He was appointed Surveyor of the Port of Cairo under Buchanan, which position he filled until the succession of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency. During the last ten years of his life Judge Lightner was extremely feeble. At a time when he could scarcely move around on his crutches, and seemed trembling on the verge of the grave, a military detachment from the body of troops in Cairo, proceeded under the direction of a tyrant commander to Thebes where they arrested the dying old man and compelled him to take an oath to the Constitution he had always revered and to a Government he had always upheld and defended. He lived and died a sound and sensible Democrat, as free from the disloyal thought or deed as any man that ever breathed the air of Heaven. He was a good old man, full of the milk of human kindness, relieving suffering when within his reach and sympathizing with the sorrows and distresses of all those around him. When
about six months ago, we saw the old man in Cairo, he expressed
a conviction that his days were few and that he, with the leaves
of Autumn, was destined to fall. So it proved. His life was
one of usefulness and when the names of those who pioneered and
struggled to build up this country are gathered, none of them
will stand out more prominently than that of Levi L. Lightner. “We,
the jury, find that the decease, A. F. Hutchinson, came
to his death by being accidentally run over by a locomotive
belonging to the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Joseph
Arnold, Foreman We referred yesterday morning to a terrible casualty, the evening before, by which a stranger in the city was horribly mangled and killed. The name of the individual who come to this sudden and shocking end is given as Alexander F. Hutchinson. He resides in Cave-in-Rock, in this State, was in the city on business connected with his contract to furnish stone for the new customhouse. He arrived here with a load of stone on Saturday last, and contemplated a return home in a day or two. Mr.
Hutchinson, with another person was sitting on the track
of the road at a point known as the burnt district, between
Tenth and Twelfth streets. Why he and his companion selected
such a seat, after nightfall, remains unexplained, as also the
further fact that they did not hear the approach of the engine. Mr.
Hutchinson was a married man, and leaves a wife and four
children. [Note by the Webmaster: Mrs. Hutchinson brought suit against the Illinois Central Railroad and was awarded damages in a jury trial in 1868. Cairo Daily Democrat, 24 April 1868] ]
The recent tragedy in our neighboring village of Blandville, Ky., in which the life of a young lady was taken, has already been referred to in these columns, but our attention is again called to it by a letter recently received from one of the participators in it. Mr. Worden, father of the young lady. In
our last reference to the affair, we published, substantially
the facts furnished to the Evansville Journal and
republished in the New Albany Ledger and other papers
with which we exchange. In this reference to the affair it was
stated that Campbell had seduced the young lady whom he,
as we thought, needlessly shot down. This statement Mr.
Worden pronounced a falsehood, and says that “while I know
Campbell to be as great a rascal as ever lived on earth,
and although myself and family have suffered deep wrongs at his
hands, yet we never suspected him of the crime of seduction.
We know the contrary.”
The
recent death, in our city, of Col. R. B. J. Twyman, by
his own hand, will insure for the following “Plea for the
Suicide” written by him on the 22d ult., a general perusal. The
manuscript in the Colonel's own handwriting, was enclosed in an
envelope, directed in pencil to “John H. Oberly, Esq.”
and was deposited with a leading druggist of our city, with
instructions concerning its publication, after his death. The
manuscript, if desired by his family, can be had on application
to this office. How common it is for the loving world to declare that the “suicide was crazy,” that he or she, who has voluntarily freed their suffering, wearied, immortal spirits from this world of misery, and woe, were laboring under a mental aberration?” The idea therefore, of a sane person committing suicide, is not to be tolerated. I think differently. I believe that a person can be of sound mind, and earnestly desire to go to God--sincerely pray to be transferred from this world of suffering and sorrow to the blissful “spirit land” of endless eternity. The truly good have no fears of death, or of the judgment. God gave us life, and implanted in us an immortal spirit, and when that spirit is pure, it has a constant desire to return to that God of purity and love from whence if came. The selfishness, the deceit, the hypocrisy, the malignity, the hatred, the envies and the corruptions by which we are surrounded in this world, so afflicts the spirits of the pure, in heart, that they long to be freed from the curse of mortality, that they may enjoy the presence and glory of God forever. But according to the doctrines of the so-called orthodox Christians, he who destroys his own life loses his own soul. I do not believe it. We were taught by God himself, through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, to pray for the coming of the Kingdom. What is the Kingdom referred to? Where is that Kingdom? Christ said it is not of this world. It is the Kingdom of Heaven—of eternity—for which we are taught to pray. Is it a crime then for us to go to that Kingdom? There is but one way for us to reach it, and that is through the gates of death—the cold grave—where we lay down mortality and take up immortality. For what does man cling to life? Is there happiness there? No. Can purity be found here? No. Nothing but sin and misery falls to the lot of man, from the cradle to the grave. Who are they that cling to life so tenaciously? Are they those who love God and desire to go to the spirit land, that they may see and enjoy his glory? No. They cling to life because they are afraid the Devil will get them when they die. They who love God truly and sincerely are not afraid of the Devil, and hence are not afraid to die, but welcome death as the real messenger of eternal freedom and peace. To the good, death is the king, not of terrors, but of peace and joy everlasting. Who,
then will dare say that the soul is lost who voluntarily seeks
the bliss of eternity. When the prison house of clay, in which
the immortal spirit is confined, knows nothing but pain and
suffering--when friends desert and scorn you--when you are
surrounded on all sides by swindlers, knaves and scoundrels—when
your future is all gloom and darkness, the very blackness of
despair, with no ray of hope to illuminate your soul—you
voluntarily give back your immortal spirit to the God who gave
it, and your body to the dust from whence it came, and then men
say you were crazy, that you are eternally lost—they are
hypocrites or knaves, and know not of what they speak. “Judge
not” &c. So ends my “plea.” The self destruction of Col. Twyman, night before last, did not take everybody by surprise. He had informed a number of our citizens, ourselves among the rest, that he was tired of life, was growing old and had about served his purposes. He spoke of suicide contingent upon his failure to secure such employment as would afford him a respectable livelihood. When in August last, the Colonel parted with his wife at Rose Claire, in Hardin County, to visit Cairo, he told her that he would make a last effort to secure employment; that he would not relinquish hope until every effort had proved fruitless, and then he would destroy himself. He remarked to her that she might or might not see him again, that their future meeting depended entirely upon the conditions named. A few days afterwards, we met his wife, who is a very intelligent, Christian lady, and she expressed to us her fears that he would make way with himself; that the peculiar earnestness with which he had threatened to do so had deeply impressed her with the idea that he would, under the circumstance named carry his threats into execution. She charged us to keep a watch over him and apprise her of any intimation he might give out of such an extreme. A week or two ago, when the Colonel gave away to the only grievous falling of his nature, we wrote a letter to his son in Paducah, expressing our fears that if his dissipation continued he might attempt self-destruction. The next day the Colonel was perfectly straight, and our letter having fallen into his hands he thanked us for our concern in his behalf, but assured us, as he had done before, that he seriously contemplated the ending of his life in that way, if it continued as it had, hopeless and full of trouble and disappointments. He informed us, however, that he expected shipments of produce down the river and he hoped the sale of that would give him employment and afford him a margin that would support his respectably. A few weeks ago, he placed in the hands of one of our leading citizens the manuscript of an article entitled “A Plea for the Suicide,” asking that it be published after his death. This article we publish this morning. Although a vial containing a few drops of the solution strychnine was found in the Colonel's room, those who are informed as to the effects of that potion do not believe that his death was occasioned by its use. The body was found lying straight in bed, the clothes, properly adjusted about the shoulders, the features of the deceased perfectly composed, and his general appearance indicating a temporary rather than eternal sleep. Had he taken strychnine it is believed that violent spasms would have ensued, and of these there was no evidence whatever. His remains were taken to Paducah yesterday morning by his son-in-law, the Captain and owner of the steamer Fanny Brandeis. We
deeply sympathize with his family, particularly with his aged
wife, who seemed so solicitous for his welfare, and who for
months past has been preparing herself for the terrible blow
that has now descended.
Resolved, That we, the members of the Cairo St. Patrick's Benevolent Society, tender to his bereaved widow and fatherless children our heartfelt sympathy in this the hour of their affliction, and pray that He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, will console them in their hour of need. Resolved, That we the member of the Cairo St. Patrick's Benevolent Society attend the funeral of our brother clothed in the regalia of the Society.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to
his bereaved family, and also a copy be furnished to the
Cairo Democrat for publication.
We are informed by a
gentleman, a passenger on the Illinois Central train yesterday
morning, of the particulars of the accident we are about to
relate. A man came on the train at Centralia, who, from his
actions, was judged to be at least partially insane. Shortly
after leaving the station, when the conductor approached him for
his ticket, he denied having one, and on being asked for his
fare, abused the conductor, and finally drew his revolver and
fired two shots at him, fortunately with such wretched aim as to
injure no one. He was quickly secured, taken into another car,
and placed under the charge of two gentlemen, who undertook to
take care of him until this city would be reached. The
gentlemen entered into conversation with him, and he acted in a
rational manner, answering their questions in such a manner at
to lead them to believe that he had only been laboring under a
temporary fit. He stated that he was from Missouri, on his way
to Cairo; that he purchased a ticket the night before and lost
it. Shortly before reaching Carbondale, the gentlemen, under
whose protection he was placed, stepped to the other end of the
car for some purpose, when their prisoner, taking advantage of
their absence, stepped out on the platform, and before anyone
could interfere, jumped from the rain. The alarm was given, the
train stopped as soon as practicable, and the conductor and
brakeman started back to look for him. On reaching the spot,
they found the unfortunate fellow in a frightful condition.
When he took the fearful jump, the train was moving at full
speed, and he was thrown under the cars, the wheels passing over
and completely severing one leg. His head was also badly
bruised. He was taken on the train and brought to Carbondale.
It was the opinion of those present that he could not live more
than twenty-four hours.
We published yesterday morning what particulars we had received in regard to the accident, or suicide, rather, on the Illinois Central, Thursday morning last. We are indebted to the Anna correspondent of the Jonesboro Gazette for the following additional particulars. A
man named Edward Uhler got into the ladies' car at
Centralia, and taking a position by the stove, with a carpet
sack in one hand and a revolver in the other, glared at the
passengers with insanity and mischief in his wild looking eyes.
His conduct gave evidence of mania-a-potu. The conductor, Mr.
Turner, politely requested him to be seated, when he
attempted to shoot Turner, and would certainly have
succeeded but for the timely interference of Mr. McVay,
of Chicago. After a desperate struggle they succeeded in
disarming and removing the madman from the car. During this,
the pistol was fired, and Mr. McVay slightly wounded.
The maniac was not very wild and excited, and when placed in the
next car, made his escape through the front door and attempted
to jump from the train , which was going at a rate of 25 miles
an hour. The brakemen caught him by the collar and threw him
back upon the steps, but his feet and legs hung down by the
side, and were horribly crushed and broken. As he was a large
man, the brakeman was unable to rescue him, and was forced to
let go of him, and he fell to the ground mangled, and it is
feared fatally injured. The train was halted, and the wounded
man taken up, and the train run back to Dubois, where he was
left for care and surgical treatment. When taken up he
muttered, “That accursed Surratt got me into this
trouble.” He will probably die from his injuries, and is only
one more to take his place in the long column of victims
marching under the banner of tyrant Alcohol.
Sunday, 22
Dec 1867:
Tuesday, 24
Dec 1867: The jury returned the following verdict: Sol. Bussey, not guilty. Jackson and Brown, guilty. Jackson was sentenced to the Penitentiary for life, and Brown for 30 years.
Carter and Henderson, who were released from custody
on a habeas corpus some months since by Judge Olney,
had left the country, consequently they could not be found, and
therefore, did not stand trial.
Hargrove, a sailor, summoned to Caledonia as a witness in
the Russell case, was indicted for committing rape upon
the person of a negro woman, and he is now in jail awaiting his
trial. Last night, about 8 o'clock, a row occurred between some drunken deck hands in a saloon near the stone depot, which resulted in one of the party named Timothy Shea receiving two wounds—one in the right shoulder and the other penetrating the left lung, below the nipple, causing internal bleeding, and proving fatal. He died in about half an hour after receiving the wound. Two of his associates, named Robert Kelley and Mike Clancy, were arrested, and are now in custody on the charge of murder. The instrument used was the long blade of a common pocketknife. A post mortem examination was instituted by Dr. Gericke. Coroner Corcoran held an inquest with the following result: “We the jury, find that the deceased, Timothy Shea, came to his death from wounds inflicted with a knife by Robert Kelly and Mike Clancy.
“James Summerwell, Foreman.” Dear Sir: Quite a mistake occurs in your paper, this morning in respect to the statement of a fight in a saloon near the depot.
The
fight occurred on the landing, near the stone depot, and after
the fight the man ran for shelter. No man keeping a saloon knew
anything of it until the man dropped from his wounds. Further Particulars. In yesterday morning's Democrat we gave a brief notice of the murder of Timothy Shea, on the Ohio Levee, near the stone depot. The following facts were elicited during the examination by the coroner: At about half past eight o'clock Shea staggered into a house adjacent to the stone depot, exclaiming, “My God, I am stabbed,” and sunk to the floor. He lived about twenty minutes after. One of the witnesses, whose name we have forgotten, employed at the stone depot, testified that he was attracted by a noise on the Levee near the depot, and on repairing to the spot, found the party engaged in a quarrel, and saw Mike Clancy hand Robert Kelly a knife and that Kelly made two or three lunges at Shea. He was the only man who testified to having seen the murder committed. Officers Callahan and Dwyer immediately went in pursuit, visited all the steamboats without avail, but finally arrested Kelly and Clancy in Ghio's restaurant, while in the act of taking a lunch. Too much praise cannot be awarded these officers for the diligent manner in which they tracked their men. Doctor Gericke instituted a post mortem examination. One wound was in the right shoulder, and would not prove fatal. The other penetrated the left lung, below the nipple, causing internal bleeding, and proving fatal. The jury through their foreman returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts, and the prisoners were taken to the county jail to await their trial. The
prisoners acted with the utmost indifference during the
examination, standing over the body of the murdered man,
chatting with comrades and jesting as if nothing particular had
happened. They were deck hands on the steamer Nightingale,
and while up town, the boat went off and left them.
Mrs. Rice lived in Cairo during the past ten years, and by her exemplary conduct as a wife and mother won the esteem of the entire community, and the warm friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. She was a member of the Catholic Church, and died in the full assurance of a happy immortality. Twice a wife, she leaves two children to mourn her death, one of whom, the issue of her first matrimonial alliance, is left to the care of the kind father of her second child, who survives to lament the loss of a companion, whose wifely virtues were his support in many a trying hour of distress. Mrs. Rice, whose maiden name was Wagner, and who is survived by both her parents, now residing in this city, was of German descent, and ever cherished a kindly regard for the “Fatherland.” May she rest in peace, and the friends who lament her profit by her example, and learn thereby to walk in the pleasant paths of Christian rectitude and virtue. Funeral services in memory of the deceased, will be had in the Catholic Church, at 10 o'clock this morning, from whence her earthly remains will be taken to their final resting place at Villa Ridge. |
