November 28, 1856
Accident At Clarksville---The Jeffersonian of the 12 says: On Saturday
night last as some of our young men were firing the cannon over the great
democratic victory just received, a premature explosion occurred, by which
five or six persons were injured, three of them severely. Anselmo Lynes
had his hands and face badly burnt. He will lose one of his eyes and
probably both. Jack Jinkins was similarly burnt and will doubtless lose an
eye. John Mills was also burnt in the face very badly. One or two others
were injured but not seriously.
Horrible Murder---One of the most horrible murders that was ever
committed in Wilson County was perpetrated upon the body of Mr. Holden
Smith, about 7 miles south-west of Lebanon, on last Monday night. His
head was nearly severed from his shoulders with an axe, his brains knocked
out, and his body otherwise mutilated. His wife, an old lady about
sixty-five years of age, is supposed to be guilty of the dark deed. After he
was killed he was dragged to a shed near the house, where he lay for two
or three days before any person, save his wife knew anything about it. Mrs.
Smith, we understand, denies doing the deed, but says her husband was
murdered by some negroes. Suspicion rested so strongly upon her,
however, that she was taken before a magistrate, and the circumstantial
evidence being so overwhelming against her she was confined to jail to
await her trial.
Mr. Smith was a very old man, and, when not under the influence of
liquor, was peaceable and orderly. We learn that both he and his wife were
intoxicated on the night of the murder. Lebanon Herald.
Another murder was committed in this county one night last week,
about 7 miles west of Lebanon. The victim was a Mrs. Baker, and her
murderer was Frank Baker, her own husband, who shot her through the
head with a pistol. Mrs. Baker we understand died but a short time after
receiving the shot. Baker was taken before a magistrate and committed to
jail. He has been partially deranged for several years past. He was said to
have been under the influence of liquor at the time he committed the act.
Notice---All persons indebted to the under-signed either by note or
book account, are requested to make settlement on or before the 24th of
December, or collection will be made by an officer. George W. Teffeteller.
July 17, 1857
Married---On the 3rd inst., by Rev. John S. Craig, Mr. Robert T.
Phillips of this county to Miss. Clementine T. Hood of Monroe.
August 14, 1857
Miles Darden---Some weeks ago we gave a few extracts in regard to
the weight and dimensions of this extraordinary man, and promising our
readers, through the courtesy of a friend in Henderson County, further
items of interest. The friend we referred to was Rev. John Brooks, whose
veracity we believe has never been questioned by anyone. He writes as
follows:
"Mr. Darden was born in North Carolina in the year 1798 and departed
this life, at his residence in Henderson County, Tenn., on the 23rd day of
January 1857--in the fifty-ninth year of his age.
He joined the Baptist Church in early life, and shortly after emigrated
to Tennessee, where he connected himself with what is called the Christian
Church, but had not been a member of any church for years past, but was
moral and fond of conversing on religious subjects. He was a kind and
obliging neighbor, and fond of company. About fifteen years ago he joined
the masons. He was married twice. His children are very large, but
probably none of them will ever be more than half the weight of their
father. He was quite active and lively, and labored until about 4 years ago,
when he became so fleshy that he was compelled to stay at home or be
hauled about in a two horse wagon.
In 1849 he made a contract with a tailor to furnish him with a suit of
clothes for fifty dollars, the cloth was to cost five dollars per yard. Upon
measurement it took twelve yards of cloth. So the tailor lost ten dollars,
and the making. The tailor states that three men, each weighing over 200
lbs, put the coat on, buttoned it up around them and walked across the
square at Lexington.
In 1850, it took 13 1-2 yards of flax cloth, yard wide, to make him a
coat. It took 16 yards of cambric for his shroud, 24 yards of black velvet to
cover the sides and lid of his coffin, 125 feet of plank to make his coffin.
His coffin was 8 feet long; across the breast 32 inches, across the head 18
inches, across the foot 15 inches. Its depth was 35 inches. He weighed in
1845, 871 pounds. His height was 7 feet, six inches. His weight when he
died, as nearly as could be ascertained was a fraction over one thousand
pounds. West Tennessee Whig.
March 26, 1858
$50 Reward---The undersigned will give, in addition to the reward
already offered by G. Dickerson Fifty Dollars for the apprehension and
delivery of that infamous horse thief Allen Reese to the jailer at this place.
Said Reese is about 35 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, dark
hair, dark complexion, and bad countenance, has a scar on his forehead and
nose, another on his cheek and another on his left wrist. He has lost two of
his upper jaw teeth, which may be discovered when he laughs, one of his
front teeth plugged. Said Reese has been in the employ of a stove
manufacturing company of Jonesboro, Tenn. John M. Allen,
Rutherfordton, N.C., Feb. 16, 1858.
Our Business Directory--- The following list comprises the names &
post office addresses, of such of our patrons in Blount County as are
engaged in professional, mercantile, mechanical and manufacturing
pursuits; to which, we will cheerfully add the names of all others of the
same classes, who may hereafter become subscribers of this paper.
At MARYVILLE: S. Stansberry, Patentee & Manufacturer, of the
Improved Bee Hive; William C. Wallace, Merchant; James M. Toole,
Merchant; S.J. McReynolds & Co., Merchant; M.A. Huffstetler & Bro.,
Merchant; Hood & Rice, Merchant Tailors; Fagg & Miller; Druggists;
Lawson & Carnes; Confectioners; Isaac Taylor, Physician; James H.
Gillespie, Physician; Prid & Cates, Physicians; John E. Toole, Attorney;
Jesse G. Wallace, Attorney; Stephen J. McReynolds, Attorney; Sam T.
Bicknell, Attorney; J.A. Houston, Attorney; Jo. L. Carson, Attorney; A.C.
Montgomery, Wool Card & Spin.; William P. Lawrence, Tanner &
Saddler; William Payne, Tanner; R.L. Cates, Saddler; William Toole Sr.,
Saddler; D.N. Broyles, Saddler; Eli Nun, Saddler; Leonidas Thompson,
Saddler; B.M. Irwin, Carpenter; William H. Clemens, Carpenter; John
Davis, Carpenter; Joseph L. Curtis, Carpenter; John Curtis, Carpenter; J.B.
Wells, Silver-Smith; J.S.W. Carnes, Wagon Maker; William Wohlford,
Wagon Maker; John Harper, Wagon Maker; A.W. Emmett, Blacksmith;
Alex. Cummings, Blacksmith; John Wohlford, Cabinet Maker; E.E. Carnes,
Brickmason; J.C. McCoy, County Court Clerk; William A. Walker, Circuit
Court Clerk; Samuel Pride, Chancery Court Clerk; C. Gillespie, Sheriff;
J.C.M. Bogle, County Surveyor; A. Cook, Merchant Mill; A. Kennedy,
Merchant Mill; L.P. Ray, Miller. GAMBLE'S STORE: S. Henry & Sons,
Merchants. CLOVER HILL: McKamy & Harle, Merchants; J.L.Hackney,
Merchant Mill; Kerr & Malcom, Merchant Mill; Robert Bogle, Tanner;
James K. Duncan, Blacksmith; Levi Gibbs, Carpenter. ELLEJOY: A.
Kirkpatrick, Merchant Mill. CHILHOWEE: G.J. Ward, M.D., Dentist;
James Barnes, Brickmason. CLOYD'S CREEK: Daniel Taylor, Dept.
Sheriff; Andrew Ferguson, Wagon Maker. UNITIA: J.H. Donaldson,
Merchant. MORGANTON: David Vaught, Wagon Maker; Robert
McTeer, Blacksmith; Coulson & Jones, Merchants; J.M. Heiskell,
Merchant Mill; Edmund Wayman, Carriage Maker. ROCKFORD: William
S. McNabb, Carpenter; William S. Porter, Physician; William Moss,
Cooper; Rockford Company, Factory & Merchant Mill; F.M. Lanter,
Brickmason; Andrew McBath, Merchant Mill; Alexander N. McNabb,
Painter. LOUISVILLE: Henry & Finly, Merchants; Saffell Bro. & Co.,
Com. Merchants; J.F. Cox, Physician; William T. Johnson, Tanner &
Saddler; Abram Hartsill, Mill-Wright; A.C. Kennedy, Merchant Mill; J.W.
Stone, Painter; Hiram Hartsill, Dept. Sheriff. RIVERSIDE: Thomas
Sanderson, Merchant. CADES COVE: Calvin Post, M.D., Nurseryman.
MONTVALE SPRINGS: Watt & Lanier, Proprietors; John Glass, Potter.
July 2, 1858
Thieves Arrested---Our readers will remember of seeing a paragraph in
our paper some weeks since, stating that two men had hired of Mr. Ben. T.
Johnson, of this city, a couple of horses which they were to return in a day
or two. Failing to return the property, they put Mr. Johnson to the trouble
of traveling several hundred miles in search of them. He returned home
yesterday, bringing two horses and one of the thieves. One of these thieves
is named Richard W. Nichol, alias Bill White, and the other William
Walker. Mr. Johnson caught Nichol in Hamilton County, Tenn., and his
confederate, Walker, in Meigs County, Tenn., and found one of the horses
at Knoxville, and the other at Rome, Ga. He left Nichol at Cleveland,
Tenn., where he has been imprisoned to await his trial for counterfeiting, an
indictment existing there against him for that crime. Walker was yesterday
imprisoned to await the next sitting of the Criminal Court. The thieves
acknowledged their guilt. Nashville Gazette.
Died---The Rev. Thomas Stringfield departed this life at his residence,
in Strawberry Plains, on the 12th of June, after a short illness.
July 16, 1858
Married---On the 16th ult., by J.A. Houston, Esq., Mr. Russell R. Pass,
and Miss. Margary M. Taylor, all of this county.
On the-----inst., Mr. James M. Saffell, of Monroe County and Miss.
Elizabeth A. Johnson, of this county.
On the 9th inst., Mr. John L. Harris and Miss. Hester Davis, all of this
county.
On the 15th ult., Mr. Andrew J. Smith, and Mrs. Mary Blankenship, all
of this county.
In the city of Atlanta, Ga., on the 7th of June at the residence of J.
Norcross, Esq., by Rev. C.W. Kay, Mr. John P. Dean of that place, and
Miss. Mary A. M. McTeer, eldest daughter of the Senior Editor of this
paper.
THE INDEPENDENT
Wednesday, January 26, 1876
A good deal of excitement was raised on last Monday in our town
caused by an altercation between James McKenzie and Sandy McGhee,
several shots were fired, on the street, but fortunately no one hurt. The
difficulty was an old grudge, occasioned by some talk about a girl. The
parties were taken before Esqs, Rowan and Garner and fined $10 apiece
and bound over on a bond of $1,000 each to keep the peace.
We hear some dissatisfaction as to the fine. In the absence of any law
knowledge on the subject we give it as our deliberate judgement that such
mischievous use of firearms should be severely punished. We cannot afford
to have the lives of our citizens endangered by shooting publicly on the
streets upon the slightest provocation.
Mr. C.T. Cates showed us a specimen of ore, dug not far from
Maryville, containing considerable lead, mixed with silver.
Elijah Hall, Andrew Grindstaff and James Hall were arrested last week
for cutting up a side-saddle, belonging to Isaac Russell. The mischief was
done at the Piney Grove Church, in the 8th Civil District. The parties were
brought before Esq. Garner when they submitted and were fined $15
apiece and cost. Failing to pay the fine or give security a mittimus was
given the constable, George Russell, who instead of taking the defendants
to the Sheriff, took them to the country, where they seem to have been
turned loose. Whereupon Esquire Garner issued a writ to take the
constable and bring him before him to be tried for contempt. At this writing
he has not been tried.
Shooting of Tom Davis---We learn the following particulars of the
shooting of Tom Davis, in Cocke County by Dick DeArmond. He was sent
to arrest Davis, after reading the warrant and Davis consenting to go;
DeArmond was requested to read the warrant the second time, and during
its reading, Davis pulled out his revolver and cocked it in the face of the
officer. The only chance left was to shoot without delay and he did so.
Dick is a fearless officer and will do his duty, when called upon.
Wednesday, May 17, 1876
Double Centennarian---We were shown the other day by Maj. A.M.
Gamble, an heirloom in the family of his father, which has been handed
down from generation to generation until the date when it came into the
family is not known. It is a silver coin, on one side there is a crown resting
on a shield which is surrounded by ornamental work, around which and
near the edge of the coin, are the following letters: ARCHID. AVOT.
DOX. BORG. O. FLAN.
On the other side there is a smaller crown above a pair of cross
scepters and the following letters around near the edge of the coin:
CARAL. M. D. G. HISPAN. ET. INDIAR. REX. In the open space to the
left of the cross scepters are the figures 16 and on the right 67. The
committee on relics for the Forth of July ought to be after that piece of
money.
James Hurst, a colored man residing on Jail Street, died last Saturday
morning after a long and lingering illness.
There is an insane colored woman, Rachel Wear, who lives near the jail
and gets up an excitement occasionally. Last Thursday night as a crowd of
boys were going to give John Holland the benefit of all the noise they could
make, the main crowd having passed, this woman caught one of the boys
who was behind and endeavored to put him in the creek. Small boys have
quit traveling in that neighborhood on nights since that time. There ought
to be some arrangements made for caring for such unfortunate persons.
Mr. John Holland it has been thought for some time, had a peculiar
hankering for a certain residence on High Street, and several of our young
men have kept a shirt "in the bile" all the time for weeks, hoping to be
invited to a wedding. But last Thursday evening, John went over and took
Miss. 'Phronia Bradley, the beautiful young lady who was the idol of his
heart, up to the residence of Rev. S.Z. Sharp, and there in the quiet of Prof.
Sharp's family they were married and the town boys disappeared.
Suicide---A sad affair occurred in the lower end of this county last
Wednesday. George D. Hutton who has for some time past been deranged,
got hold of a double barreled shot gun and getting into the woods alone,
committed suicide. When found he was lying dead on one side of a fallen
tree and the gun was lying with one barrel empty on the other side. The
contents had been discharged and taken effect below the chest about the
point of ribs ranging to the left shoulder while the shirt across his breast
was burnt. There was mud on both triggers from which it appears that he
had placed the muzzle to his body and with his toes forced the gun either
aiming to fire both barrels, and one failed, or that he had attempted to fire
one barrel and it failing had placed his toe on the other trigger discharging
that barrel. Coroner H.O. Wilson was called and summoning a jury, held
the inquest over the body required by law, the jury returning a verdict that
the deceased "came to his death by a shot gun wound from a double
barreled shot gun in his own hands on the 10th day of May, 1876."
The deceased was a brother of Mr. J.C. Hutton, our county Register.
A Pleasant Affair---Last Wednesday a large circle of friends assembled
at the mansion of Mr. I.N. Yearout, three miles below town, to witness the
celebration of the rites of marriage between Mr. Alex Hall and Miss. Hassie
Yearout, and it was indeed such an enjoyable occasion as the fortunate
seldom, and many never have the pleasure to witness. The ceremony was
pronounced by the Editor of The Independent at 6 o'clock, P.M. The
groom is a citizen of Knox County, a young man of high moral and mental
attainments, in short an unusually promising young man; while the bride is
the most beautiful young lady within the acquaintance of the writer of this
article.
After the ceremonies the company was invited to the dining hall, where
they found one of the most tastefully arranged tables, spread with the
richest viands, and was soon adorned on one side by the most beautiful
ladies that it has ever been our pleasure to see combined, and it seemed to
be universally enjoyed to the greatest degree. The Misses Yearout certainly
deserve much credit for taste in decorating their residence for the happy
occasion.
The bridal pair have our warmest congratulations and best wishes for a
happy and prosperous sail on the sea of life, and may the gentle breezes
waft them unto the harbor of eternal peace when they shall have drawn to
the other shore.
Wednesday, June 21, 1876
Mr. L. Wright in Long Hollow, Blount County has a good lot of
wheat. He sent us a bunch of heads that are very fine indeed. Mr. Wright is
one of our good farmers, and if anybody has good wheat in his
neighborhood, he has.
A burgler broke into L.L. Ferrary's smoke house on Saturday night last,
stealing a middling of meat and six jars of lard. An attempt was made the
same night to break into Tedford & Currier's Drug Store. It would be well
enough to keep an eye out for the scoundrel.
BLOUNT COUNTY STANDAR
Tuesday, December 25, 1877
Rape---We learn from parties from Louisville, this county, that a most
outrageous courage was committed at that place on Sunday last, by a
negro boy 16 years of age, called Jim Summers, upon the person of a little
girl only six years of age, the daughter of Mr. Marchman, formerly of
Georgia, but at present of Louisville. Mr. Marchman is running the
Louisville mills, and is a good and estimable citizen. We understand the
father brought this negro boy, Summers, from Georgia. Mr. Marchman, the
father of the little girl, came upon the dirty fiend while in the very act, the
helpless child struggling to extricate herself from his embrace and crying
for help. He had the boy arrested and lodged in jail at this place on Sunday
evening, to await a hearing. If it had been many a man he would not have
come to jail with that boy. If this thing had happened in some pious and
law-abiding community further north, the perpetrator would scarcely have
had an opportunity of selecting a jury to try his case, but as it is here, we
trust and know that he will have all the benefits of the law extended him.
The Rope To Hang Harness---Sheriff Gibbs of Anderson County was
in Knoxville last Thursday and purchased the rope with which to make the
hang-man's knot for the hanging of Jacob Harness at Clinton on Saturday
next. It was the intention to use the same rope which was used for John
Webb, at Knoxville in 1875, and also for Jack Hunt at Madisonville last
Tuesday, and the same was sent to Sheriff Gibbs, but he preferred to have a
new one for fear the other might be weakened or rendered incompetent by
some means. This will be Sheriff Gibbs' first experience in this line.
We regret to learn that one day last week, Mr. Wesley Norwood met
with a serious accident by being thrown from a wagon loaded with wood.
A middle-aged man by the name of William Green, residing at
Lebanon, Tenn., committed suicide at that place the other day by taking
laudanum. He was out of work, and seeing no chance of relieving the
necessities of a wife and family, took his own life.
Died---In Maryville on Thursday morning last, Willis Conner, (col.) of
dropsy.
Saturday, January 5, 1878
On the morning of Dec. 31st a man by the name of Wehunt living in
Wear's Cove, Sevier County was splitting wood, when, it being yet dark,
his little child came toward him, stumbled and fell, and the lick which was
intended to split the wood, struck the child's head, splitting it open, killing
the child instantly.
Circuit Court---This court convened here on Wednesday of last week,
His Honor E.T. Hall, presiding. The case of the State vs. Spencer
Donaldson, for the murder of a negro girl in this county some eighteen
months ago, was called the first day, and after a jury was secured, the
examination of witnesses commenced, and kept up till Thursday morning
last when the arguments in the case were opened. The State was
represented by States Attorney W.L. Welcker, and Gen. R.N. Hood, of this
place, and the defense by McConnell & Gregory, and C.T. Cate, of the
local bar. Gen. Hood opened the argument in a three hour and thirty-six
minute speech, and was followed by the other counsel in regular turn.
Attorney General Welcker closed the argument Thursday night in a lengthy
speech, after which Judge Hall gave the case to the jury after a brief but
pointed charge, when they retired, and at this writing (Friday evening) have
not agreed on a verdict.
Died---In this county, December 21, 1877, Mrs. Rosana M. Wallace,
wife of Jesse Wallace, deceased, aged 66 years.
The Rape Case--- The case of the State against James Summers,
(colored) for an attempt to outrage the person of a little daughter of Mr.
Marchman, of Louisville, this county, was tried on yesterday morning. The
accused submitted to an attempt, and the jury decided that he should pay
ten dollars and go to the work house for two months.
Saturday, January 12, 1878
Moses Melton, an old man, living near Kingston, Tenn., hung himself
the other day while in a fit of aberation.
Last Sunday night John Mangus, at Tracy City, committed suicide by
jumping into a coke oven.
At Malvern, Ark., Jan. 4th, James Cooper shot and killed a desperado
named H. Giles. The act is considered justifiable.
A negro was shot and killed the other day at Elizabethton, Carter
County, Tenn., by a man named Markland. Whisky the cause.
William Smith was thrown from a wagon near Cleveland, Tenn., the
other day, while hauling wood, and instantly killed, by his neck being
broke.
James Fry, son of the late Col. Fry, who figured conspicuously in East
Tennessee during the war, was shot and killed at Morristown, the other
day, by Nannie Simpson, his stepdaughter.
On last Saturday, the 5th inst., in the lower end of Sevier County, 10th
District, John Garner was stabbed to the heart by A.C. DeLozier. Garner
was a man of 50 years of age. Whisky was the cause.
On the 1st day of January, near Hartsville, Trousdale County, Tenn., a
negro by the name of George Miller was shot and killed by R.P. Hall and
P.B. Clay. The coroner's verdict was that the killing was done "willfully,
deliberately, premeditatively, and of malice aforethought." Whisky was the
cause.
Married---On Thursday morning last at the residence of the bride's
father, by Rev. C.E. Tedford, Mr. S.A. Patton, of Rockwood, Tenn., and
Miss. Mattie Norwood, of Maryville. They left on the 8:30 A.M. train for
Rockwood.
In Maryville at the residence of Mrs. S.J. Tedford on New Year's day
1878, by Rev. C.E. Tedford, Rev. M.A. Mathes and Miss. Nannie Tedford.
Died---On Sunday the 6th inst., on Nail's Creek, in this county, Miss.
Jane McGill of consumption, aged 18 years.
The Donaldson Case---The case of the State against Spencer
Donaldson was brought to a close in the Circuit Court at this place on
Saturday last. In this case, the defendant, Donaldson, was charged with the
murder of Priscilla Gregory, a colored girl about 17 years of age. The
murder was committed some 18 months ago, and notwithstanding the
testimony was all circumstantial, yet the chain of proof was so strong and
so well linked together that at the December term of the Circuit Court at
this place one year ago, he was found guilty of murder in the first degree,
and sentenced to be hung. He appealed from this decision to the Supreme
Court at Knoxville, which Court reversed the judgement of the Circuit
Court, and ordered a new trial in the case. The last trial which closed on
Saturday last, occupied the time of the Court from the 26th of December to
a late hour on the night of January 3rd when it was given to the jury.
The proof in the case showed that Donaldson and the deceased had
been on intimate terms; that she had been working for him, (hoeing
potatoes) just a few days before her death, that he (Donaldson) had been at
the house of the girl's father on the day previous to her death, and had
insisted on her mother sending Priscilla over after her hoe; that she went to
his house on the day of her death, got her hoe, started home with it; that
Donaldson saw her while there; that he left home while the girl was there;
that the girl was murdered within a few hundred yards of his house with the
hoe she carried; that horses tracks, composing with the feet of Donaldson's
horse are found leading from Donaldson's stable to where the body of the
girl was found; that Donaldson gives no account of his whereabouts from
about the time the girl left his house which was about 3 o'clock P.M. till 5
P.M. that he gave different accounts, to different parties as to his
whereabouts on that evening; that when hunting for the girl two days after
her death, he tried to mislead those who were going in the direction of the
body; that at the inquest over the body after it was found, and when he was
being examined as a witness, his actions were such as to cause suspicion by
some of the jurors; that at the burial of the body of the murdered girl,
Donaldson tried to evade the company of others, was tremerlous, and
showed signs of uneasiness. Even the man who had shod Donaldson's
horse testified to the kind of shoes he had shod it with, all old ones, one of
them being welded in the middle, and the tracks leading from Donaldson's
stable to where the girl was murdered compared exactly with those worn
by Donaldson's horse even to the welded shoe, it making an impression in
the ground at the place where welded.
In fact, every particle of proof pointed to Donaldson as the guilty party.
Donaldson has had two trials in the Circuit Court. Twenty-four men have
sat upon two juries which have tried him, and 23 out of that 24 men have
said he was guilty of murder in the first degree. In the last trial, as we
understand the thing, eleven of the jurors were for finding a verdict of
"guilty of murder in the first degree," while one was opposed. This one, we
learn is opposed to capital punishment, and in order to get at a verdict at
all, the eleven had to agree to render a verdict of guilty of murder in the
first degree, with mitigating circumstances, and recommended the
defendant to the elemency of the Judge. This was done, and with the
understanding that no appeal would be taken from his judgement; his
Honor Judge Hall sentenced him to "imprisonment in the State Penitentiary
for the remainder of his life." Before passing sentence, Judge Hall asked the
prisoner if he had anything to say, and was told by the Judge that if he had
anything to say he now had an opportunity of doing so. Donaldson
answered through his counsel "that he had nothing to say." It was expected
by some that as Donaldson claimed to be innocent, he would at least make
some sort of statement, but not so; his lips appeared to be sealed, and will
probably remain so with regard to this matter until the secrets of all hearts
shall be made known.
Notwithstanding the fact that Donaldson goes to prison for life, yet he
certainly feels good under the circumstances. His was a narrow escape
from the jaws of death. In this instance one man saved his life, against
eleven.
MARYVILLE DEMOCRAT
May 25, 1878
Died, in this place, last Tuesday, infant son of John and Sallie
McKenzie.
June 1, 1878
Billy Stallions, who paraded our streets a few days ago, has been
pronounced insane and is now confined in the jail at this place. Billy says he
can't account for his confinement unless it is because of his religious
enthusiasm.
June 26, 1878
It weighs 12 pounds and she calls it Milford Branson.
Our population doth still increase. Its a 12 pound gal and Jim Greer has
it to feed.
A little child of James and Laura Schoolcraft, of this place, died on the
22nd inst.
Tonie Faulkner---Died, in Maryville, on the 22nd inst., Tonie Faulkner,
aged 18 years and three months.
Just blooming into womanhood, with all the surroundings promising a
long and happy life, Tonie was summoned to leave, father, mother, sister,
and many friends, and cross the icy jordon of death. Yet she was not alone.
The way seems dark to us, but Jesus, in whom she had long trusted, lit up
the pathway and Tonie was borne on wings of love to the paradise of God,
where today she is singing sweet anthems of redeeming love.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of the whole community.
MARYVILLE INDEX
Saturday, March 2, 1878
On Friday night last, the house of Rev. J.V. Iddins, a Baptist minister,
living near Montvale, was burned, together with nearly all his household
goods. Mr. Iddins is left in almost a suffering condition, but we learn that
contributions are being raised very liberally to relieve his wants.
Friday, March 15, 1878
The Rogersville Spectator gives the following account of a murder at
Blair's Gap, Hawkins County:
"It appears that one Samuel Crawford was keeping a drinking saloon at
the place mentioned, and on Tuesday preceding the fatal day, Amos
Mullins, who lived in the neighborhood, came to the saloon and soon
thereafter a difficulty arose between himself and one Moody, when
Crawford interfered as Moody's friend. The quarrel was continued until
Thursday, when Mullins and Crawford engaged in a hand to hand conflict,
during which Mullins stabbed Crawford twice in the left shoulder and once
in the neck, the last one proving fatal. Crawford was a young man, having
been married but a short time."
We learn that James Lane, who got badly crippled by a falling tree a
few weeks ago, is recovering. Mr. Will Sterling has taken a relapse of the
measles, and is confined to his bed; from the latest accounts he is
improving.
William O. Hall, who was engaged in the useful occupation of
macadamizing out High Street last Tuesday concluded that eight months
was too much for only assaulting a colored preacher, and as the guard had
placed one of Hall's relatives in his place for a short time, William thought
that it was a good opportunity for him to leave. He therefore took to his
heels and was seen no more.
We regret to learn that Edward, son of James M. Greer, aged 7 years,
died this morning of measles.
Henry Hamill, Esq., died at his residence below town, at 6 o'clock
Tuesday morning last. Esq. Hamill was for a long time a member of our
County Court, was a ruling elder of the United Presbyterian Church and
strongly attached to his church. By industry and economy he accumulated
considerable of this world's goods during his lifetime.
He was born December 25th, 1800, and consequently was in his 78th
year, and spent his whole life on the farm on which he died. His disease
was pneumonia, and he lived only six days after he was taken. He was
buried on the premises on Wednesday in the presence of a large number of
sympathizing friends and neighbors.
We regret to learn that his estimable widow was taken Tuesday night
violently with the same disease and her friends are in great anxiety in her
behalf.
Died, at the residence of William B. Scott, Sr., Maryville, Tenn., on the
12th day of March, 1878, of consumption, Jordan H. Carter, in the 25th
year of his age.
The deceased was born in Giles County, Middle Tennessee, where his
parents yet reside. In 1870 he came to Maryville, where he has since lived
until death took him to his eternal home in that better land.
He was a true friend, honorable and liberal in his dealings with others,
and although fearless and outspoken in the expression of his cherished
opinions yet he was courteous and affable in his demeanor. He was an
earnest advocate of the social and educational advancement of his race,
nobly doing his duty regardless of personal sacrifices or the unjust
criticisms of an unappreciative public. His place will be hard to fill, and his
loss keenly felt and sincerely mourned.
The deceased was a member of the Friends' Church of Maryville.
During the last days of his long and painful sickness, he frequently
expressed himself as resigned to die, firmly believing that his soul's
salvation was secure--a belief fully shared by his intimate Christian friends.
On the evening of the 13th inst., the deceased was interred in the
Methodist graveyard, the Union Aid Society (a colored benevolent
association, of which he was a faithful and honored member) burying him
with deservedly appropriate and imposing honors, the members of the
Society in regalia, the pupils of the Freedmen's Normal Institute, and the
colored citizens of Maryville and vicinity following the remains to their last
resting place and freely attesting their true appreciation of the deceased as
a worthy and useful citizen and dear friend. Long may his memory be
cherished by the colored people of Maryville as the earnest desire of one
who knew him long and well, and who is proud to subscribe himself as---A
Friend.
Wednesday, March 20, 1878
Cleveland Herald: Abagail McMyrtory, colored, one of the oldest
persons in the state, died in this county Feb. 24th, at the age of 114 years.
She was the mother of 16 children and the youngest is now 42 years of
age. Her former owner, James McMyrtory, was a captain in the
Revolution. She talked of it very often.
Tom Sartin, one of the distinguished citizens of Blount, we understand
is a candidate for the Register's office. He made a very interesting speech
the other day at the Court House, and was loudly applauded by an admiring
audience.
J.M. Currier, left Maryville for Missouri last Monday. He expects, after
making a short stay in that state, to take up his abode in Oregon. Mr.
Currier is a driving energetic man young man, and we wish him much
success.
A raid was made on the whisky men in the mountains awhile back, and
a boy was pressed into service by the company. The boy did not want to go
however it seems, and the father had the raiders up before Justice Garner
for assault and battery. Seven were indicted and appeared before his honor,
but as two were not identified they were discharged, and the others, J.L.
Lewis and H.B. Walker, were bound over to the next Circuit Court.
Wednesday, March 27, 1878
Joseph and George Braswell are to be hung at Nashville on the 27th.
Gov. Porter refuses to interfere.
John. M. Larkins, a prominent merchant of Columbia, Tenn.,
committed suicide on the 19th by shooting himself through the head.
A man named Cook was killed at Lead-Mine Bent, Union County, by
the giving way of a bank. A block of stone weighing 2,000 pounds fell on
him, crushing and mangling his body horribly.
Chattanooga Times: A most shocking death occurred on the farm of
Mr. Latter, just across the river from the Vulcan Iron & Nail Works.
Master Augustus Flood, a youth of ten years, was going to the field on a
plow mule, when the animal threw him off, the boy's foot getting fast in a
trace chain, dragging him until his body was bruised into a jelly, as it were.
He was dead when found soon afterward.
Mrs. Polly Hamill, widow of the late Henry Hamill, died Friday
morning, March 22, 1878, ten days after the death of her husband, and
about the same time in the morning. This aged couple had lived together
perhaps fifty years on the same farm. She was an exemplary member of the
United Presbyterian Church, was a very worthy woman, and at the time of
her death was lamented by a great number of friends and neighbors. She
was buried beside her husband on the farm.
Frank Asbury, supposed to be above eighty years of age, one of the
oldest colored citizens, died Saturday night, March 16th, 1878. He
originally belonged to a minister of the gospel in Kentucky, who liberated
him, and he came to Maryville perhaps forty years ago. He was perhaps the
oldest colored man in the place.
Wednesday, April 3, 1878
The Jonesboro Herald and Tribune notices the capture, in Somerville,
West Tennessee, of Matt McInturff, charged with the murder of Calvin B.
Shaw, constable of Jonesboro, in 1868.
Henry Smith, colored, who was convicted of the murder of Chaney
Long, a colored girl, on the night of the 11th of September last at
Memphis, has been sentenced to be hanged on the 17th of next May by
Judge Logwood.
The hanging of the Brassell brothers, at Cookeville, Tenn., has created
a great deal of excitement. Their names were George Andrew and Joseph
Lewis Brassell, and were hanged for the murder of Russell and Claude
Allison in the presence of a crowd of people estimated to be 10,000 in
number. George denied being connected with the murder, but Joseph
confessed his guilt.
It is the same old story of bad company, disobedience, Sabbath
breaking, whisky and murder. Joseph made the following farewell address:
"Gentlemen and Ladies: I wish to speak a few words to you if you will
hear me. I am here to die today, and what is it for? Murder, murder! What
is the cause of it? Whisky, bad company and hard seeking after money. I
was a reckless boy. Let me give you some advice, boys--let whisky alone.
Have nothing to do with whisky. Take warning by me. It has brought me
here in this fix, and you are all liable to be put in this condition by following
the same course. Young men, take warning. Be good to your mother, go to
meeting and keep the Sabbath day holy. Farewell to you all. Meet me in
Heaven. Farewell."
Will James, a lad of the 9th district, while returning from a singing at
the Lutheran Church, last Saturday night, received a pistol ball in his leg.
Maryville jail-birds call bacon "Cincinnatti Chicken."
Mrs. M.E. Hood, wife of Gen. R.N. Hood, died suddenly March 29th,
1878, of congestion of the heart and brain. Mr. Hood was the daughter of
R. and Mary McKenzie of this place, was born August 27th, 1844, and was
consequently in the 34th year of her age. She was united in matrimony with
R.N. Hood March 15th, 1866. She leaves three children: Willie, ten;
Mamie, eight years, and baby, a little daughter eleven days old. Little Lina,
her first born, died when but little more than a year old. Although of a
nervous temperament since 1861, when she was prostrated for several
months with a lingering fever, and at times a little sensitive, she was what
the writer would call a most amiable, lovely lady. She was of a retiring,
unobtrusive disposition, but certainly no one ever knew her well but to love
and respect her. She was a loving and affectionate wife, seeking in
everything to promote the pleasure and happiness of her husband, and was,
as might be expected, tenderly devoted to her children.
She never connected herself with any church, but gave abundant
evidence in her conduct and conversation of genuine Christianity. In 1860,
during the first meeting that was ever held in the Methodist Church at this
place, she became deeply concerned about the salvation of her soul, and
was in great distress for several weeks; such was the view she had of the
depravity and sinfulness of her own heart that at times she was almost
persuaded that she had committed the unpardonable sin, and it was this
constant appreciation of the sinfulness of her heart that kept her from
connecting herself with the Church of Christ, for the last sixteen or
seventeen years of her life. She always talked freely on the subject of
religion, and seemed to regard herself as a Christian and to desire others to
so regard her, but thought she was not consistent enough to unite with the
church. And although death came at last with scarcely a moment's warning
we confidently believe that she was ready. At the time of her last
confinement she seemed to have some apprehension that she would die,
and frequently asked her physician and friends if they thought she was
going to die, and insisted that they would be honest in telling her true
condition, saying that if she knew that she would die it would not excite
her.
Reader, "be ye also ready." W.H.H.