Sunday, May 28, 2017

130-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from May 1887

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of publisher Q. Salter, published four editions 130 years ago during the month of May 1887. Those issues, which were dated May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those editions. Enjoy.

MAY 5, 1887

Editor J.W. Davison of the Evergreen Star and traveling agent for the Montgomery Advertiser was in town last week in the interests of the latter paper.

Circuit court adjourned last Saturday at noon.

Photographer Smith has folded his tent and departed.

Judge Clarke and Solicitor Taylor left immediately after the adjournment of court Saturday for Mobile via Claiborne to hold Baldwin County court.

Rev. Mr. Sturgeon filled his regular appointment at the Presbyterian church last Sunday. His congregations are large and attentive and his sermons highly edifying.

We are glad to learn that the Methodist church at this place is soon to have an organ.

We learn that the work of repairing and beautifying the graveyards at this place will be commenced at an early day.

County court convened Monday. His honor Judge W.C. Sowell presiding.

There will be a basket picnic at Fore’s bridge on Limestone Creek on Thursday the 19th inst. Those desiring to spend a pleasant day should not fail to attend.

Mr. W.B. Lucas, the Tombstone man of Starkville, Miss., is in town.

MAY 12, 1887

Dr. J.T. Packer left Tuesday for Brewton with the view of making that place his future home. During his residence here, Dr. Packer has succeeded in gaining to a flattering degree, the respect, confidence and esteem of this community. He was attentive and kind towards his patients and successful as a physician while his genial manner, candor and honesty had endeared him to many friends socially.

Dr. McMillan has purchased Dr. Packer’s stock of drugs and has also taken charge of his large and lucrative practice.

Died – Mr. John Holly, who has been for more than 70 years a citizen of this county, died at his home near River Ridge recently, aged about 80 years.

Died – In Brewton, on Sunday, May 1, 1887, Dr. R.W. Farish in his 50th year. Dr. Farish came to our little town in 1882 from Monroe County, during his short stay here, many became warmly attached to him, he had built up a lucrative practice and was held in his esteem by his professional associates, he was an honorable, high-toned, conscientious gentleman – had never attached himself to any church, but he held in high regard as a conscientious Christian and had profound respect for religion. Brewton has lost a good citizen and the medical fraternity a consistent member, his wife a devoted husband, his children a kind, affectionate and indulgent father. – Brewton Times.

Perdue Hill Items – Perdue Hill’s having a boom in a debating Society and literary club, meeting every Friday night at the Academy.

MAY 19, 1887

A very fine organ has been purchased for the Methodist Sunday school at this place.

A.M. Leslie, Esq., left Tuesday for Washington, D.C., via Mobile, to attend the National drill. He will visit New York and other places of interest at the North during his absence.

Editor Jno. W. Davison of the Star and Mr. Charlie Savage of Evergreen gave us a call Wednesday. Mr. Davison was in town in the interest of his paper and Mr. Savage was en route to visit his father, Col. H.J. Savage at Perdue Hill.

Tax collector Stevens has gone to Montgomery to make his annual settlement with the State.

The first picnic of the season was given at Fore’s Bridge on Limestone yesterday (Wednesday). It was largely attended by young and old, and a most pleasant time is reported.

Perdue Hill – The closing exercises of the Perdue Hill High School will take place at Perdue Hill Friday, the 27th inst. A grand public entertainment will be given in honor of the event, commencing at eight o’clock p.m. Those desiring to spend a pleasant time should not fail to attend.

Died – At Flomaton, Escambia County, Ala., on the afternoon of May the 9, 1887, Mr. Henry Oguynn, aged 44 years.
The deceased was for many years a resident of Monroe County, Ala., where he has many friends and acquaintances. Death was the result of cancer of the abdomen.

MAY 26, 1887

A bold but unsuccessful attempt at jail delivery was made here last Sunday while Mr. Pack Burns, the deputy sheriff and keeper of the jail, was at Sunday school. He locked the room in which the jail keys were kept, and left a little negro boy in charge of the place. The boy says that about 11 o’clock, while he was down in the cellar, he heard someone trying to open the door, and ran up to see who it was. He found two men, who he did not know, endeavoring to effect an entrance. He asked them what they wanted, and they replied that they saw Mr. Burns at church who told them to go and get the keys. The boy refused to give them up. They said they were determined to have them and began pounding upon the door with an axe. The boy pointed a cocked pistol out the window at them and threatened to shoot them if they did not leave, whereupon they took to their heels and fled. It is not known who the parties were or who they intended to liberate.

We acknowledge the receipt of an invitation to attend the closing exercises of Prof. Thos. Williams’ school at Pineville, June 10. A grand barbecue will be given on the occasion – just such a one as the people of Pineville only know how to give. Jno. Y. Kilpatrick and D.T. McMillan of Camden and B.F. Elmore of Clarke County are expected to deliver addresses before the school. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Master Hugh Jones, one of the compositors on The Journal, is confined to his bed with dysentery, which is prevailing in this community to an alarming extent.


Dr. J.T. Packer of Brewton was in town Wednesday.

No comments:

Post a Comment