November 14, 1872 A Strange Accident---The Moore County Pioneer of Nov. 8 says: "An old gray-haired gentleman, Mr. John Hopely, living near town, had his leg broken on Tuesday last. A dog ran against him, and Mr. Hopely was thrown to the ground, and his leg, just below the knee, was ascertained to be broken. We do sympathize with our friend in his misfortune, and hope he may soon be restored." A Negro Murders A Citizen of Maury County---We take the following from the Columbia Herald of Nov. 8: "A Negro man, Willis Webster, stabbed Mr. William Reese near Cross Bridges, last Wednesday morning. It seems that the day before in Mr. Reese's absence, some member of his family had a misunderstanding with Webster's wife. The next morning, Mr. Reese asked Webster some questions about the difficulty, when the latter called him a "damn liar," whereupon Mr. Reese slapped him in the face. Webster then cut Mr. Reese several times with a knife, once in the abdomen, inflicting a wound from which he died. Our excellent sheriff being busy attending to the election returns, sent R.M. McBride, and others, after the culprit, who succeeded in arresting him and placing him in jail. Mr. Reese was a good citizen, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He was a member of the 1st Tennessee Cavalry. A Relic of Fort Donelson---At the battle of Fort Donelson, James Coggins, of Robertson County, was shot through the arm with a musket ball, the bullet afterwards passing through his cartridge box and lodged in his breast. At the time of receiving the wound, he picked the ball out with little difficulty. For some time past, the same wound has been troubling him considerably, and he could not account for it until a few days ago, when upon examination, he extracted from the same place exactly a mini ball, which he intends to keep as a recollection of the days when he was a soldier boy. Whether the mini and the musket ball were from the same musket or not, is a question which will probably never be settled. Thursday, April 17, 1873 We are sorry to learn that Mr. Hugh Goddard, one of our oldest patrons, and a citizen of this county has been confined to his bed for some time past suffering with consumption. Hon. Joseph Powell died at Greenville, Tenn., lately, after an eventful life. He served in the Souch Carolina Legislature, and was the only man who voted "No" at a public meeting that passed the nulification resolutions. A gold-headed cane was presented to him inscribed, "The Immortal No." During the war he served in Burnside's army, and was imprisoned at Richmond. Friday, April 7, 1876 Attempted Outrage and Lynching---On Monday, March 27th, a Negro named Jim Smith went to the house of Mr. Carper, in Hamilton County, and attempted a rape upon the person of Carper's wife. The lady fled the premises and made her way to a neighbor's. It is not certain that she was not overtaken on the way by the black fiend and outraged. Tuesday evening Smith was arrested in James County, and while on his way to Chattanooga, was overtaken by a force of fifteen men, who overpowered the guards and took the prisoner from them. He was afterwards found beside the road with seven bullet holes in his head. Taken In---Isham Cody, a gentleman of ebony hue, was committed to jail at this place on Wednesday of last week simply for having engaged in the dissemination of the Scriptures. It may be necessary, however, to explain that the offense consisted in his having taken a Bible from the Fork Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church and trying to sell it. That Big Tree---A tree was recently cut on the place of Mr. Ham Russell, in this county, which, when worked up, made 2,400 three ft boards, 3,453 two ft boards, 286 ten ft rails, 172 six ft rails, 6 cords of wood, and required 28 days to work it up. The profit on this tree is calculated to be about $19.00. We think Mr. Russell is entitled to the palm for the largest tree. Death In Meigs---Thomas J. Rothwell died at the residence of his father, in Meigs County, March 20th, 1876, age 27 years. His disease was consumption. He was an excellent young man and departed in peace. Death of Col. Samuel M. Johnston---Col. Samuel M. Johnston died suddenly last Saturday morning, at the residence of his son-in-law, J.F. Magill, Esq., on Dancing Branch, Monroe County, where he had been making his home for some time. Col. Johnston was in his 83rd year. His death will be lamented by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The remains were interred on Monday in the family burying ground on Fork Creek. Death of Wesley J. Hicks---Wesley J. Hicks died at Knoxville on the morning of the 31st ult. We had no personal acquaintance with the deceased, but learn from those who knew him well that he was one of the best of men, and a natural born lawyer. He had attained a marked distinction among members of the Bar throughout the State, and his work on "Chancery Practice" are said now to be a hand-book to the professors. Mr. Hicks was a native of Monroe County, and has many relatives in this county who mourn his death. He was a member of the M.E. Church South, and died in full triumph of the Christian faith. Coco Creek, March 28---On the 25th inst., Golman Tate, living in the 19th District of this county, was shot through the leg just above the boot top, by two men who were concealed in the bushes. They fired two shots at Tate, the other of which passed just under the right arm, going through the sleeve and scorching the flesh. After the shooting the men fled, when their victim fired two shots at them, but without effect. This occurred about one mile from Tate's house. He says he knows them. We have had a fine 8 inch snow and the boys have had their fun. On the second day of the snow we killed twelve deer in the 19th. ----James Tilley. The Monroe Democrat Thursday, September 26, 1878 The residence of Dr. R.F. Scruggs was entered by someone Tuesday night, who went into his bedroom and took from his pant's pocket about $85.00. The house was entered through a back window, the bedroom entered and the clothing taken into the kitchen where they were found next morning. The doctor had collected the money Monday and Tuesday, but there is no one who could have known he had it in his pocket. Dan Heiskell, a Negro boy about 15 years old, was suspected of the theft and taken up yesterday morning and questioned about the matter and made acknowledgement---such as describing where the pants were lying in the room, the paper that the money was wrapped up in, the kind of bills, etc. That certainly established his guilt, but he refuses to give any clue as to what he did with the money. The boy is well acquainted with Dr. Scruggs' premises, having lived with him, and once before stole Mrs. Scruggs' gold watch, and at another time stole money from Major Hight. He was placed in the calaboose last night, and further investigation will be made into the matter today. It is to be hoped the money will be recovered and if the boy is guilty, which he certainly is, he should be dealt with as the law directs, and put a stop to his depradations for awhile. Thursday, September 26, 1879 120 Years Old---Another one of those old colored women have gone. This time Anna Duncan, of Jefferson County, aged 120 years. The Newport Reporter learns that she carried the flowers for her young mistress to decorate the bridge at Georgetown, which George Washington marched over with his army during the Revolutionary War. The old lady's husband is yet living and has made a full hand in the corn field this summer. Anthony Blair, colored, will be executed tomorrow, (Friday 26th inst.) at Morristown. His crime is that of killing his step-daughter because she would not go live with him. He confesses, and says his punishment is just. He has no dread of death and is fully prepared to meet it. Twenty-One Years in a Hog Pen---Twenty one years ago a man by the name of McCommick, who lives two and a half miles northeast of Saltillo, Hardin County, became insane, and instead of sending him to an asylum, his family built a pen 8X10 feet and imprisoned the man in it. The pen is situated about thirty feet from the dwelling house and has neither door, window or floor. His provisions are pushed through the cracks in the logs. His bed consists of four or five logs extending across the pen at the back end, and the bed clothing consists of one quilt. From the appearance of the inside of the pen anyone would come to the conclusion that the chickens roosted over the old man's head. He has been living in this manner twenty-one years, and we are of the opinion that it has been that period since he has washed himself, and his toe nails are about one inch and a half long. The old gentleman has property enough to support him in some respectable asylum, but other parties are reaping the benefits of the same, and he is imprisoned in an old hog pen. ---Henderson News. Nashville, September 23---James Cartwright, a bad character, living near Smyrna, fatally stabbed his father through the heart today and fled. Mr. G.W. [or C.W.] Wester, brother-in-law of our fellow citizen, J.W. Robertson, came in last week from Barry, Mo. Sickness and death invaded Mr. Wester's home the past summer and carried away his wife and two of his children. He brought two other children with him and will leave them here for the present. Mr. Wester has the sympathy of friends in his sad affliction Joe Mullins, the deaf and dumb man who was knocked from the railroad by the train last week, is doing well and will soon be out. Mrs. Josephine Stone died last Saturday, after a lingering illness. She was a consistent member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Stone and her sister, Miss Jennie Vineyard, lived together and her death leaves Miss Jennie very lonely. She has the sympathies of the community in the loss of her sister. The funeral took place at their residence Sunday afternoon, Rev. W.C. Grace officiating, after which her remains were interred in Sweetwater Cemetery. Thursday, October 9, 1879 Article concerning the death of Maj. T.T. Thornburgh of Jefferson County, Tennessee in Colorado. Died at the residence of her son-in-law, Donald Forkner, on Fork Creek, on Friday night, the 3rd inst., Mrs. Elizabeth Nichols, in the 68th year of her age. She had been a professor of religion for 30 years and was a consistent member of the Baptist church. The deceased was the mother of Mrs. Irby Orr of our place. A Negro named Henry Yearwood was killed at Mouse Creek Sunday night by jumping off of the passenger train. He had been to Athens attending the colored conference. The conductor had promised to stop for him, but the train was behind and did not stop at the depot. He jumped off near the East switch, breaking his left leg and mashing his skull. It is supposed he was killed instantly. Tuesday last Mr. Frank A. Ramsay and family, his father-in-law, Mr. A.C. Kaylor and wife and the family of Mr. Charley Kaylor left for Osborne, Mo. Mr. Charley Kaylor left several weeks ago by wagon and arrived at Osborne some days ago, where he will meet his people. The Messrs. Kaylor were among the best and most influential citizens of Pond Creek, and Mr. Ramsay has been one of our best businessmen and an influential citizen. He is a generous, kind and noble-hearted man and was liked by all. We regretted to see Frank leave. He carries the best wishes of everybody for success. Died---In Madisonville, Tenn., Oct. 5, 1879, Robert E.L.D. Ervin, aged 19. It was the privilege of the writer of this notice to have formed the acquaintance of this lovely young man the last two months of his life, during which time he was in the relation of pupil. It was a privilege and a pleasure rarely enjoyed by a teacher to instruct one so amiable, so teachable, so obedient, so fixed in high and elevated principle as "Bobby" Ervin. He made a profession of religion in his ninth year at Eleazar Church in the county of Monroe, joined the church at that place, and has ever since lived the life of a devoted Christian. His chief delight was in attending upon the services of the Sanctuary, especially in singing. While upon the bed of sickness, he was frequently heard to sing the familiar hymns of church service, and a few hours before his death he sung audibly several verses of his favorite hymn: "There is a land of pure delight," etc. A sorrow-stricken family and large circle of young friends are left to mourn his loss, but they mourn not without the hope that "their loss is his gain." Thursday, April 15, 1880 Mr. J.M. Moore died in the 1st civil district of Polk County, on the 2nd instant, aged about 80 years. He formerly lived in Monroe County, was a soldier in the Florida War, and a strict member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Biography of William Browder, age 89. Archy Farmer charged with the murder of Collins near Tate Springs was arrested in Knoxville and carried to Grainger County. Arch Farmer, alias Palmer, the Grainger County boy, who has been detained by us, attempted to elude the grasp of the law by leaping from the train near Mossy Creek the other day, was arrested last night in the car shed at this place by Chief of Police Harper and Officer Gleason. He is charged with the murder of William Collins, a bar-keeper in Grainger or Claiborne County, and had finally succeeded in escaping from the officers in that county. He is now in clutches where he will be safe. Some hogs were seen acting strangely near Maryville, and on investigation it was found they were devouring the remains of an infant. A Negro woman is suspected of having thus destroyed her child. A drop from the Democrat office thawed sufficiently Monday afternoon to fall on Athens. Circuit Court was convened that morning, Judge D.C. Trewhitt presiding. The murder case of the State vs. Parker of Loudon County, was set for Tuesday morning. Parker killed George Rayston about a year since near Athens. Another murder case is also on the docket, that of Frank Paine of this county, for the killing of Taylor, just after the war. Mrs. Elizabeth Blair died near Loudon on the 11th. The Maryville Democrat charges that Joseph Rankin left the college because he did not wish to graduate with Franklin, a Negro. Thursday, September 22, 1881 E.C. Henderson, formerly of Loudon, died in Knoxville Tuesday. Blount County will hold a Fair at the farm of W.M. Watkins on the 2,3, and 4th of November. Andrew Todd died in the 2nd civil district of Meigs County on the 6th instant, in the 86th year of his age. Thursday, June 1, 1882 Letter from Victoria Mahoney Smith of Virginia. Mount Vernon, May 27, 1882---There has been some sickness in our settlement and a few deaths. James Cook, an old class leader of Eleazar class, has passed away and gone to reap his reward which we think will be a happy one. Robert J. Anderson, a prominent citizen of New Market, died on the 28th ult. Mrs. McClure, a large fleshy woman, fell out of a canoe in the Clinch River near Scarborough and was drowned in three feet of water. Oh, yes, young man, come to Maryville, if you want a wife. Our girls don't propose, but they do insinuate awfully sometimes. George Brooks of Jefferson County, was killed by a log rolling on him. John Keebler, aged 94 years, died near Cleveland on the 30th. Rev. William Hicks died near Union Depot on the 29th, aged 71. Mrs. Lucy Jane Johnston, consort of Robert A. Johnston, departed this life on the 19th of May, in Cleveland, aged 46 years, 7 months and 4 days. Mrs. Amanda Kizer, F.H. Fulton and James Walker, old citizens of Blount County, have died within the week. Henry Goddard was tried before J.R. Love, J.P., last Saturday for malicious assault upon John Starratt. J.W. Robertson, Esq., represented the prosecution and S.E. Young, Esq., the defendant. The court adjourned to the sick room of John Starratt, who was unable to be present in court, to place him under examination. The final result of the trial was the re-issuing of a warrant for assault with intent to kill, and the defendant was bound over, under a bond of $1,000 to appear at the Circuit Court. Death of Edgar Kelley---The death of S. Edgar Kelley, at the home of his uncle, George M. McKnight, in this place last Sunday morning at 1 o'clock, although not unexpected, cast a gloom over the community. For several years Mr. Kelley was in charge of the railroad offices in Athens, where he won the esteem of all by his uprightness and strict moral principles. He gave promise of a useful mature manhood, but the wasting disease consumption laid its touch upon him at the age of 23 years. During his sickness every attention possible was shown by his friends in this community, and especially his lady friends, who denied themselves rest and comfort to minister unto him. The remains were conveyed to Charleston, Tenn., for interment, and were accompanied by W.L. and G.M. McKnight, Rev. W.C. Grace, Jesse Williams, and Misses Ida Clark and Alice Cannon. Andrew Evans stabbed and killed John Walker near House Mountain in Knox County last week. A family fuss, involving the virtue of a female of one of the families, was the cause. The deceased was stabbed with a knife, the blade of which was 2 ½ inches long. The father of young Walker was on the Lusby jury, and he desired to attend the funeral of his son. The State objected to his going alone, so the other members of the jury in charge of an officer, attended the funeral with him. Rev. W.C. McCoy of Birmingham, Ala., arrived Monday and will deliver the annual address before Victoria today. This is the first visit Mr. McCoy has made to this country since 1865; now 17 years ago. During that year he was sent as a prisoner of war from Elmira, New York, to Knoxville, and at that point the Federal authorities refused further transportation to the prisoners and turned them loose. Mr. McCoy did not dare to return to his home in Missouri, and he knew not where to go. Finally he concluded that as the Yankees had started him in a southern direction he would keep on. He struck out on foot down the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad, and walked to Jackson County, Ala. Here he fell into kind hands, and his worn shoes were patched and his tattered prison suit laid aside for another and better. Soon afterward he joined the Methodist church and entered the ministry. He has risen to be Presiding Elder of the Birmingham District, and has won a warm place in the hearts of his people who honor his piety and eloquence. Wednesday, October 2, 1889 Clever Detective Work---A clever piece of detective work has just been done by Officer Barney Irwin of the Knoxville force. He got wind a murderer wanted for killing a policeman at Gadsden, Ala., last November, and located his man at Tellico, where he was a workman on the Knoxville Southern Railroad. Irwin went to Tellico and entered the service of the railroad as a grader. He got into a game of cards with the man, whose name was Charles Johnson, with numerous aliases, and found him the man he wanted. He placed him under arrest, brought him to Knoxville last week and landed him in jail. Extradition papers have been applied for and Johnson will be returned to Alabama in a day or so. Johnson is a notorious crook and is an escaped convict from the Georgia penitentiary, where he was sent for burglary. Biography of R.M. Cleveland, Mayor of Sweetwater. In Memoriam---Died on the 20th inst., of consumption of the bowels, W.E. Clark, aged sixty-three years, two months and eighteen days. He had made his home for the two years past with his brother, C.B. Clark, of Sherman Heights; who, with his family, gave the deceased kind attention during his severe and almost helpless sickness of the last three months of his life. The deceased had given much serious thought to the subject of death, though, for some time, he could not realize that his demise would be speedy. To the various friends who spoke to him concerning the future life he expressed a hope of his salvation. He said: "If it is the Lord's will for me to die, I am ready and willing." He met death calmly and quietly, as he desired to do, and breathed his last as if going into a peaceful slumber. Divine services were held at the grave by Rev. W.R. Long. Let us hope that death was robbed of its sting and the grave of its victory. Death, viewed in any form in which it comes to humanity, makes us sad and is a warning to us to prepare for the end of life, which is inevitable. The vacant chair and empty couch throw a gloom over our hearts and remind us that such will someday be left by us. The chains of our lives, however strongly joined by loving links welded by ties of love undying, are breaking every day, and the links one at a time drop out here and there forever. The only safe way is to seek peace now and pursue it ever. "Prepare to meet thy God." ---A Friend. Sherman Heights, Sept. 28, 1889. Fork Creek, October 1, 1889---A very serious accident occurred last Wednesday at Gaines' School House. The school children were playing ball and one of the boys striking at the ball let the bat fly out of his hands. The bat hit Miss Lucy Snead who was sitting about ten feet from the striker. We are glad that the hurt is no worse, but sorry that it is even as bad as it is. Her nose was badly mashed and a gash was cut in her forehead. "The little soldier is recovering from her wounds." Wednesday, November 6, 1889 Fork Creek, November 5, 1889---Joe Mills, who skinned Bill Rogers' head some weeks ago, has removed himself and family from the creek to more "inviting places." New Hope, November 2, 1889---Married, Sept. 29 at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. John Cook, Miss Lizzie Cook to Mr. Jacob Shields. Squire J. McFerrin Cole officiating. The bride is 19 years of age, the groom only 50. J.H. Billingsley who has been sick with pneumonia for several weeks, died this morning. A few days ago he was thought to be improving and would likely recover. This was only of short duration and he began to grow worse and breathed his last this morning. He leaves a wife and three children. The Democrat News Thursday, December 1, 1892 Jake Fisher, aged 80 years, and Mrs. Bettie St. John, aged 73 years, citizens of Bedford County, were happily married last week. Elmer Henderson, the 8 year old son of J.M. Henderson in the Tenth District of Madison County, was thrown from his horse a few days ago and killed. Tom Gallaher died Sunday morning with consumption. His funeral was preached that afternoon by Mr. B.F. Price. The burial took place Monday morning in West View Cemetery. Thomas Cannon, convicted of the killing of Alex Hammontree some two years ago, has been pardoned by the Governor. Cannon killed Hammontree in a passion, and extennating circumstances connected with the matter caused many to sign a petition for his release. ---Loudon Record. Burned To Death---Little Bessie Barbre, aged three years, a daughter of Allen Barbre, deceased, was standing near a grate in which there was a glowing fire, at the home of her mother in this city, on Friday last, when her clothing was ignited and before the flames could be quenched, she was so frightfully burned that death resulted in a few hours thereafter. Her body was taken to Tate Springs on Sunday for interment. ----Morristown Gazette. Thursday, April 20, 1893 Prominent Man Assassinated---Jackson, Tenn., April 12---Joseph Chapman, a highly respected citizen, was assassinated Saturday night, being shot from ambush by some party so far unknown. Mrs. Berlin, of Pulaski, Tenn., was instantly killed by her 15 year old son, who had a revolver which he thought was not loaded. The body of French Sharp, colored, of Athens, who disappeared some time ago, has been found, and his wife, Armstrong and another are under arrest charged with murder. Charles R. Toms, son of Capt. Charles Toms, of the East Tennesee Railroad, died of dropsy at Baltimore last Saturday. Mason Long, of Chattanooga, a brakeman on the C.S. Railroad, fell between the cars at Boyce Monday and was decapitated. We regret to learn that D.A. Smith, brother of W.H. Smith, of our community, died at Cleveland last Tuesday. Henry Womack, a drunken Negro, was fatally cut by an employee of the Dayton Coal & Iron Company at Dayton, whom he had attacked. Elisha Barton, his son George, Hugh, Fox and Tom Ratledge were tried before Justice R.M. Cleveland Wednesday morning on the charge of stealing 15 pieces of meat from Joe Roberts and Adolphus Plemons. They were sent to jail in default of bond. The meat was found hidden under the litter in a stable. The arrest was made in McMinn County, but the meat was stolen from Browder's Mill in this county. Rural Vale, April 13---Died, near this place, April 9, 1893, and was interred in Shady Grove Cemetery, Sarah Jane, wife of Jack Hawkins, after a protracted illness. The deceased had just attained the meridian of life, and was a faithful member of the Baptist church until death summoned her pure spirit to the church triumphant in Heaven. No purer light ever went out. A thousand charms of heart and mind contributed to make her a model woman in every department of life. She died honored and esteemed by the community in which she lived. Funeral services were held by Rev. W.L. Atkins. The family have our sympathy. Rural Vale, April 13---Old Aunt Polly Graves was found dead in her bed one morning this week. Poisoned---Ours is a quiet, law-abiding community, whose annals usually record only the every-day happenings of life, with little that is sensational or tragic; so, when first the rumors of a terrible crime committed within a few miles of town reached us, but little credence was given the news, which has proved since to be only too true. David M. Burton, a respectable farmer of the 3rd district, of a family long and favorably known in this locality, had met death from poison administered by the hands of his wife, Alice Burton, daughter of Philip Moser, a prominent citizen of the same community. It seems that some six years ago Mrs. Burton attempted her husband's life by the same means and almost succeeded in her effort. Last Wednesday morning she put "Rough On Rats" in the bread prepared for his breakfast and again in turnip greens cooked for his dinner, and soon the deadly dose began its work, and in spite of the physician's efforts the man expired Thursday night. It is said the physician urged her to tell him the poison used that he might work more effectively for the man's life, but she persistently refused. A post mortem examination was held by Drs. Browder, of Sweetwater, and Kennedy, of Brakebill, and a jury of inquest before Justice A.H. Gallaher. Mrs. Burton also made a confession of the crime to her two brothers, Isham and Joe Moser. From her confession and the investigation it was developed that the poison was procured for her by one Noah Trout, of the same neighborhood, who had induced her to commit the deed and directed her how to use the poison, telling her to "kill Dave and all the rest of the Burton family." It was also brought out at the trial that she had asked for "Rough On Rats" at a store at Brakebill, saying she wanted to kill her husband, that she had wanted some for several weeks. The picture, dark as it is, is somewhat relieved by the fact that the woman is of unsound mind and was a tool of a villain, as the evidence tended to show, and as the jury so decided. For her, doubtless the insane asylum awaits, but if the charges against Trout can be proven, a place in the penitentiary is the lightest for which he could hope. Mrs. Burton was tried before Esq. Montgomery and committed to jail. Trout was to have a preliminary trial Tuesday, the result of which, at this writing, we have not learned. Mrs. Burton is the mother of four children. Trout is a widower and has a family of children. The verdict as rendered by the jury of inquest was as follows: (1.) That the name of the deceased was David M. Burton. (2.) That he came to his death on the 13th of April, 1893. (3.) That he died at his residence in the 3rd civil district of Monroe County, Tenn. (4.) That his death was caused by being poisoned. (5.) That the poison is believed from the testimony to have been given him secretly and purposely by his wife, Alice T. Burton. (6.) Therefore, that the death of David M. Burton happened through unlawful means; and that the said Alice M. Burton is responsible therefore. (7.) That we as a jury, from listening, conclude that the said Alice T. Burton is partially demented, and therefore not fully responsible for said crime. Jury of inquest: R.A. McCallie, Mr. Blanton, Elijah Pressley, Jerry Black, G.W. Stephens, J.E. Scott, A.H. Gallaher, J.P. Thursday, July 13, 1893 Disaster At A Picnic---Sunday Chief of Police D.F. Mitchell, ex-Alderman John Crimmins and several other Chattanooga people, went to Chickamauga on a picnic excursion. A heavy storm came up and Mitchell and Crimmins took refuge under a tree. The storm tore the tree down, crushing Crimmins to death and seriously injuring Chief Mitchell, who died Tuesday morning. Thomas S. Calloway died at Concord Saturday morning at 1 o'clock. He had been ill for many months with lung trouble, and his death was not altogether unexpected. The funeral was held at Concord, at the residence of his brother, Sunday morning at 10:30. Rural Vale, July 7---Aunt Betsy McDaniel, an aged and respected lady of this place, died Tuesday last, after a protracted illness. She has been a consistent member of the Baptist church for many years, and was loved by everyone in the community in which she lived. Her remains were interred at Tellico Plains. Services were held at the grave by Rev. Lum Lee. The bereaved ones have our sympathy. Philadelphia, July 11---Reports have reached town of a shooting scrape between Robert Woods and C.L.V. Stockton yesterday, near the residence of Jasper Carter, in the Pond Creek Valley. No Particulars. In Fond Memory---Sacred in memory to me is one that I notice in your paper has passed away. I notice the death of Mrs. Vincent, near Glenloch. Mrs. Vincent was a good and loving mother, a gentle, loving and obedient wife. She was one that loved the Lord and wanted her family saved from sin. May the Lord of Heaven comfort the hearts of the father and children in this sad hour of trouble, is the prayer of one who knew her. ---H.A.T. Thursday, July 20, 1893 Centenarian---On the 14th of July, "Aunt" Ibbie McKeehan will be one hundred years old if she lives to that date. Her home is one mile from Milligan, in Carter County, and she is now enjoying good health, considering her age. She goes down a flight of stairs three times a day to her meals unattended and converses as freely as a much younger person. Her eyesight is failing, but her other senses are intact. ---Johnson City Comet. Oliver Goodwin, of Monroe County, who has wandered over the earth for thirty years, passed through here last Sunday on his way back home. He has not seen or heard of any of his people since the surrender. He was raised by Aunt Annie Lotspiech. ---Hiwassee News. Lenoir City, July 15---Gerard Fowke, of Washington, D.C., representative of the Smithsonian Institute, has been here for the past ten days in search of relics for that institution. Several years ago, before this property changed hands, they sent a man here who opened up several of the immense mounds at this point and in the near vicinity. These mounds were rich in rare and curious relics, and Mr. Fowke is here searching for mounds that have not been opened. He no doubt will meet with success, for there are several that have not been touched since the age of mound builders. Loudon, July 15---W.A. Griffitts, one of the best known and most respected citizens of Loudon County, died at his home in Unitia Sunday, July 8. While out driving some days ago Mr. Griffitts' team became frightened and in jumping from the buggy Mr. Griffitts broke his leg, and after suffering for several days with severe pain, blood poison set in, with results as above stated. Philadelphia, July 17---Little Johnny, son of Mr. & Mrs. S.C. Burgess, died last Friday morning, and the remains were interred at Concord at 12 p.m. Saturday, the funeral obsequies being performed by Rev. J.C. Ritter. The following Philadelphians attended the funeral: Mr. & Mrs. H.L. Lenoir, Mr. & Mrs. W.C. Cannon, Mrs. Dr. Penland, Miss Lucy Lenoir, Mrs. W.A. White and George D. Kiser and W.W. Ricketts. Johnny Burgess was a universal favorite---bright, intelligent, winsome---and the grief stricken parents have the tenderest sympathy of this entire community. Philadelphia, July 17---Mr. Frank Cannon left Saturday for the Bromide-Arsenic Springs in Ashe County, North Carolina. For sometime Mr. Cannon has been in failing health, and his numerous friends sincerely hope that his sojourn among the mountains, will speedily result in his complete physical rehabilitation. He was accompanied by Mr. Robert Moore. Letter from Polk County, Oregon by Dr. Bob H. McCallon, formerly of Ten Mile, Tennessee. Tennessee has, in the person of Jacob Strother, a man who is 103 years old and still as vigorous, apparently, as a man of sixty. He recently walked three miles to attend a farmer's meeting. It Looks Like Murder---There has been considerable excitement in the ridge region east of Reagan's Station, the last few days. Saturday, Mrs. Robert Sharp, colored, noticed a dog eating a young chicken, as she thought. On attempting to take it away she discovered the object to be a triangular piece of bone measuring several inches, to which was attached a strand of hair seven or eight inches long. The following story is the theory used to account for it. Some two years ago a man named Barton and his son moved into the community from the vicinity of Rockwood. They lived together and rows were of frequent occurrence. On one occasion the wife of George Barton, the younger one, took refuge with a neighbor. Barton went after her and she returned home with him. Barton was armed with a gun. Fears were expressed that Barton would kill her, but the fears proved groundless, at least on that occasion. A short while ago, Barton started with his wife and child to Sweetwater, where he expected to leave them and they would continue on their way to Loudon and thence to Rockwood. Barton's neighbors have never heard of the woman or child since, except that some man says the woman never got on the train at Sweetwater. Soon after Barton's wife left he commenced to live with a woman, to whom he said he was married. He told some that he had married her in Polk County, to others he said in North Carolina. Making such different statements caused comment and he finally married the woman, Squire John Cate performing the ceremony. Someone asking what would happen if Barton's wife should return, the answer was made that there was no danger of that. Recalling the circumstances, the people believe that Barton did not bring his wife to Sweetwater, but murdered her and the child, and hid the bodies in the dense woods, where the dog found them and brought the piece of bone and the hair to the house. The Bartons have a bad reputation, and are serving a term in the penitentiary for stealing some meat at County Line in the spring. It is said that Barton was an escaped convict when convicted for the meat stealing, having been sent up from Roane County. Deputy Sheriff Howard tells us that he has escaped again and is now at large. It is reported that a searching party on Sunday found the sleeve of a dress which is thought to belong to the child. The whole country within several miles joined in a search Tuesday, but found nothing. Another search will be made next Sunday. It is reported that Jim Lee, who used to live in Sweetwater and was marshal at one time, has been lynched in Texas, for murder. Mr. E.A. Taylor, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, was in to see us Monday and renewed his subscription to the Democrat- News for another year. He informs us that Mr. H.C. McCannon, his son-in-law, died recently at Boulder, Colorado, of cancer. A Cutting Affray---There was a fight in the saloon across the railroad Monday night and Lum Smith was stabbed by Jim McSpadden. At least McSpadden skipped after the fight. Deputy Sheriff Howard telegraphed to Athens and McSpadden was captured by Sheriff Lasater Tuesday morning. Smith's wound is in the left side, just below the heart, and is in a dangerous one. Both participants are colored and are dangerous characters when aroused. McSpadden has served a term in the penitentiary for the killing of John Goodman several years ago. McSpadden was brought back to Sweetwater Tuesday night and tried before Justice R.M. Cleveland Wednesday morning and bound to court in the sum of $1,000. Thursday, November 30, 1893 Death of A Centenarian---William Utley, aged 105 died at his home in the eight civil district of Meigs County, near Euchee, recently. Mr. Utley was a model of human energy and endurance and was usually in good health. He was not an educated man, and for twenty years was blind, but he heard the news of current events read in his hearing and took an interest in all that transpired. Died at the residence, near Sweetwater, of his son-in-law, J.H. Johnston, November 25, 1893, Maj. George W. Gaines, aged 93 years. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Cumberland Church at this place. Rev. J.L. Bachman preaching from 2nd Samuel, 3-38, "Know you not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel." Afterwhich the body was interred in Sweetwater Cemetery. For some years Maj. Gaines was a familiar figure on our streets, having his home then with his son-in-law, the late Dr. F. Bogart. He was well and favorably known in all this section of country and was related to many of the most substantial families in East Tennessee. With his death passes away one of the oldest men of our county. Always temperate and industrious in habits, pure in life and speech with aspirations for the higher things in living his long life is a lesson that commends itself to all. In his earlier years he had been prominently identified with all the best interests of his community, and a pillar of strength to his church. A man upon whole strength of character and loyalty to what he believed right, his friend implicitly relied and whose integrity of purpose all acknowledged. As old age advanced he had gradually laid down the burdens of life he had so valiantly borne, had arranged his business affairs and set his house in order and at last more than half a generation beyond a man's allotted three score and ten years, and in the glow of the sunset that marks the end of a well spent life he patiently awaited the call to "come up higher." Infirmities of age had gradually shut him out from the world, but shut him in with the Lord whom he trusted and his assurances grew brighter and his faith stronger until last Saturday, when God touched him and the weary waiting was ended. Truly as the minister said, "there is a prince and a great man fallen, this day in Israel." Two sons, Messrs. John R. and A.P. Gaines, one daughter, Mrs. J.H. Johnston, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren mourn his death. Tuesday, March 27, 1894 Mrs. J.B. Wert, of Chattanooga, has brought suit against G.N. Henson, the slayer of her husband for $50,000 damages. Miss Lizzie Quick, a missionary at Honolulu, died the first of the month. She the oldest daughter of the late Rev. James Quick, former pastor of the Presbyterian church, at Kingston. Article telling of the marriage of Annie Price to Herbert Bushong. Mrs. James M. Axley died at her home in Madisonville, after a brief illness, March 20, 1894. Mrs. Axley was before her marriage Miss Martha Smith of McMinn County and has many relatives still living there. She leaves several children, all of whom have reached manhood and womanhood; and while they will feel her loss severely, the blow will fall heaviest on her husband who has been in feeble health for some years and is now deprived of her ministrations to his comfort and of her companionship. After the funeral services the body was interred in the cemetery at Madisonville. Friday, July 6, 1894 Stray Mule---There is a stray mule at my place. The owner can get it by proving property and paying for this ad. ---George Cline. William Allison, aged 65 years, died near Blue Springs, Loudon County, Monday night. His wife died about three weeks ago. Nick Browder, colored, was arrested yesterday for throwing a rock into a coach on No. 5 Wednesday evening just as it was leaving Sweetwater. Warren Bright, who lives several miles west of Sweetwater was arrested for stealing Mr. H.R. Hatton's watch. The case was compromised and he was released. Mr. Hatton secured his watch. Tuesday, October 30, 1894 Eve Mills, October 29---Since our last, our little village has been made sad by the death of one of our best and most respected citizens, Mr. James Mayo, who died at his residence on the morning of the 25th. He had been in feeble health for many months, and his death, though deeply deplored, was not unexpected. Mr. Mayo was a member of the C.P. Church, and a faithful, earnest Christian. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Kerr. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their deep sorrow. Tuesday, January 1, 1895 Scalded To Death---Engineer John Ramsey while pulling passenger train No. 4 with a M. & C. engine Saturday night was scalded so badly that he died Sunday. The accident occurred a mile and a half west of Sweetwater about nine o'clock when the arch pipe blew out through the fire box doors, fatally injuring the engineer and slightly scalding Fireman E.L. Killebrew. Road Foreman of Engines Monroe Reams was on the box in the engine and was not hurt. He took Ramsey's place and run the engine to Sweetwater. The engine was running on a trial trip, having been overhauled in the Southern's shops. It was towed into Knoxville Sunday. When Ramsey was scalded he left the engine and made his way around one side of the tender to the mail car, where his cries of agony were heard and he was removed to a sleeper. When the train slowed up for Sweetwater he wanted to know where they were. He was taken into the depot and Dr. R.F. Scruggs, the railway physician, assisted by Dr. Hardin dressed his wounds. He suffered intensely and frequently called upon those standing by to kill him. An engine was brought down from Knoxville and the delayed train left about two o'clock Sunday morning. Ramsey died Sunday about 12 o'clock.