Marion Co AR Newspaper Abstract Marion County, Arkansas - Mountain Echo Newspaper October 1887 Submitted by: Gladys Horn Brown Email: fernbrown@Prodigy.net ------------------------------------------------------------- The USGenWeb Project Copyright Notice http://www.usgenweb.org) In keeping with The USGenWeb Project's Policy of providing free genealogical information on the Inter-Net, this data may be used for your personal research as long as This Copyright Notice stays on all copied material. It may NOT be reproduced, in any format whatsoever, for any commercial or "for profit" purpose or any presentation by any individual or organization It may not be copied and placed on any internet or web site. Permission to use this data must be secured from the contributor. If for any reason the contributor cannot be contacted by e-mail the person desiring to use this material must contact the USGenWeb State Manager at the USGenWeb AR web site If this material is found on any site, other than the Marion Co, AR USGenWeb site please notify the AR USGenWeb State manager at the USGenWeb Project's URL above. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------- Gladys Horn Brown For all to freely enjoy, I gladly share these, and future issues, in memory of my grandmother, Ora Noe Wootton (1877-1951), the daughter of Andrew Jackson Noe and Emeline Patterson, Yellville, Marion County, Arkansas. <see Copyright Notice Above> ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mtn. Echo, October 7, 1887 BRIEF MENTION A Kansas man says of the Woman Suffrage experiment tried there, that the doubtful and objectionable class of women vote every time, while hardly a tenth of the better class vote at all. It is both asserted and denied that Mrs. Cleveland snubbed Gov. Foraker, of Ohio, but if she failed to do so she missed the opportunity of her life to snub the smallest specimen of his race in this country. The New Orleans Times Democrat says: "A colored blacksmith, who works everyday at his forge and who is 100 years old, is a resident of Ozan, Ark. His name is Perkins. He was sold on the block in New Orleans and taken to Arkansas in 1840." MURDER IN STONE COUNTY Sam Branchomb waylaid and shot a man by the name of Hardcastle in Stone county, near Calico Rock, on the 17th inst., the ball penetrating his breast near the right nipple, from which he died next day. Trouble seems to have grown out of a refusal on the part of Hardcastle, who was a blacksmith, to fix Branchomb's gun, some angry words having been passed on Saturday before the shooting was done on Sunday. Hardcastle had started to leave the country with his family and was driving along the public road, when he was shot by the cold bloodied assassin with a Winchester rifle, from a place where he had been prepared to do the awful deed, by cutting the brush out of the way. The gun used is the same one with which little Jack Wolf was killed. Branchomb was immediately arrested and acknowledged to the killing. He was taken to Mtn. View and chained down in jail and guards placed around the jail. Court being then in session, we learn from Mr. L. D. Horton, who left there last week, that he was to be tried at this term of court, which will no doubt result in his conviction of murder in the first degree, and he be required to pay the just penalty of his desperate and cowardly deed. -- Baxter County Citizen Bro. Newman, of the Harrison Times, rejoices over the arrival of a bouncing baby boy at his house. The editor is said to be doing as well as could be expected under such circumstances. EXECUTED FIFTY-TWO MEN Hangman Malidon Relates Some Experiences of His Line of Business. Ft. Smith, Sept. 27th - There is probably but one man in the world who has been the chief actor in the execution of fifty- two men, and that is George B. Malidon, of this city, who has prepared the ropes and attended to the preliminary arrangements for the haning of the numerous criminals who have met their fate here, fifty-two in all. "The first man I ever had anything to do with," said he, "was John Childers, who was executed August 13, 1873. A singular incident of this execution was that when Childers was taken from the jail to the gallows, the sun was shining beautifully. While the ceremonies on the gallows were being held, a storm came up, and just as the trap was sprung, the keenest flash of lightening I ever saw rent the air, accompanied by a tremendous clap of thunder. By the time the body was cut down the storm had spent its fury, and the sun was again shining brightly. Chatting on his general experience he exclaimed: "Indians are less trouble than whites, and seldom give their keepers any annoyance. They walk out to the gallows without a murmur, seldom make any talk, and the job is soon over. John Billy, a full blooded Choctaw, who was hung, I think, the same year that John Childers was, displayed more feeling than any Indian I ever saw, and was so troublesome that it became necessary to chain him to a post in a room over the courthouse. He would beg me to shoot him every time I went about him. He died game though, and was defiant and stoical. Two other Indians were hung at the same time Billy was. Six was the largest number I ever hanged at one time, and they were, with one exception, fine looking young men -- Wm. Moore, Dan Evans, Sam Fooy, Wm. Willington, whites; Sunaker Mankiller, Cherokee, and Ed Campbell, a Negro boy. Moore, was the first man I ever saw go off mad. He glanced over the immense crowd surrounding the gallows defiantly, and when asked if he had anything to say, remarked that there were worse men than he standing around looking on. A striking contrast to Moore; however, was Sam Fooy, whose mother, wife and children, were near at hand, and who was well acquainted with many who had come to see him hanged. During the ceremonies on the gallows he stood facing the crowd with a pleasant smile on his face, nodding his head frequently as his eye caught that of some friend. When asked if he desired to say anything, he glanced around and said in a pleasant tone of voice: "I am as anxious to have this thing over with as those who have assembled to see it and therefore will not delay matters. Farewell to all." There would have been seven to be hanged this time, but Ed. Buttler, a Negro, attempted to escape after receiving sentence, and was killed by a guard. There have been five hung at one time on two different occasions since this execution. "The nicest man I ever pulled a black cap over was Dr. Henry Stewart, who was hung in 1879, I think for the murder of Dr. Jones at Caddo, Choctaw Nation. He was a polished gentleman in appearance, and well educated. He displayed extraordinary nerve all the way through, asked no special favors and complained at nothing. On the gallows he had little to say and was much less nervous than those who surrounded him. Bill Elliott, known as 'Colorado Bill,' was hung with him and also displayed great courage, saying he had killed his man in self defense, and if it was to do over again he would do the same thing. As I was adjusting the ropes, Elliott said: "for God's sake, boys, break our necks -- don't punish us." LOCAL ECHOINGS Mr. J. H. Berry is putting up an ice house. Misses. Kate and "Dick" Coye, late of Texas, have gone over to Mtn. Home to visit friends. Miss Lillie McDowell went up to Harrison last Saturday and will remain until after the grand Fair. Mr. Z. M. Horton, the handsome attorney of Mtn. Home, was attending county court this week. Mr. B. F. Thompson, one of Marion's best young men, has been granted a certificate to teach school by the County Examiner. The first quarter of Prof. Jones' school having expired last Friday, he gave vacation this week. School will commence again next Monday morning. Mr. J. J. Morrow, of this county, has gone to Little Rock to attend the medical school. He is one of Marion county's promising young men and we wish him much success. Mrs. Fannie Young and baby started on Monday morning to Memphis, Tenn., where she will join her husband, who is engaged in the sewing machine business in that city. Constable L. S. Glenn, of Prairie township, was in town Monday. He said his business was to turn over some fines to the county treasurer for some of the "boys" in his township. Newt. Matthews, of James Creek, was in town Monday. He had been appointed deputy assessor to take up the delinquents of his township and came in to turn over the list he had taken up. A Carroll county couple have entered for the matrimonial premium offered by the Harrison Fair Association. They are to be married on the grounds Friday. The premium is a cook stove, set of table ware and five dollars in gold, and a few other household articles. For some reason, a "crib" was left out of the list. Prof. Jones has gone to housekeeping and is occupying the Charlie Noe house. He moved in this week. Mr. J. J. Covington, of Baxter county, spent several days in town last week with his sons, John "Dutch" and Charlie. He was trying to sell an animal with long ears, but the county was already well supplied. The Rebecca Watkins' case will not be disposed of until The Echo goes to press, Wednesday evening. It is understood she will be released from jail, and will be immediately arrested on a charge of being accessory to the murder of George Watkins. The Echo is put to press one day ahead of time this week so that the editor can attend the Harrison Fair. An editor must have a little recreation as well as other animals, and considering the fact that we have hardly taken a holiday since we started The Echo, we think our patrons will not complain. George P. Lawson on Monday filed his resignation with the county court as deputy sheriff. George has made a faithful and fearless officer, and resigns on account of ill health, brought about by the arduous work and exposure incident of the office. We have not learned who will be made his successor. The following named Yellvillites are attending the fair at Harrison: Mr. A. S. Layton and children, Mrs. John S. Cowdrey and children, Miss Mary Berry, Dr. Lindley, Messrs: J. C. Floyd, Cam Berry, Charlie Wilson, John Covington and Will Weast. Marion will be well represented from other sections of the county. CONSUMED BY FIRE The residence of J. M. Knox, a farmer living near Short Mountain in Marion county, was totally destroyed by fire last Sunday afternoon. The family was absent and origin of fire is unknown. When first discovered, the house was in flames and the roof falling in. Nothing was saved. Mr. Knox came into town Tuesday to purchase food and clothing for his family, they being dressed only in light summer clothing. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. -- Lead Hill Herald 1st. WARNING ORDER In Justice Court of Union Township - Before A. J. Noe, J. P. -- J. H. Berry & Son Plaintiff, against Robert Newton, defendant. The defendant, Robert Newton, is warned to appear in this court within thirty days and answer the complaint of the plaintiffs J. H. Berry & Sons. This 4th day of October, 1887, 22 st. A. J. Noe, J. P. Mtn. Echo, October 14, 1887 BRIEF MENTION The Arkansas School for the Blind opened on the 15th inst., with thirty-three scholars in attendance. LOCAL ECHOINGS We learn from Dr. Coker that his mother, who has been quite sick, is slowly mending. Mr. B. F. Thompson, brother to our young townsman, J. I. Thompson, is quite sick at his father's residence near town. The Rebecca Watkins' case, which again came up before Judge Horn on Wednesday of last week, was continued to the 15th. On last Thursday we passed Davis and Milum's store and found Frank Davis as happy as a lark. Dr. Pierce, who was present, explained that Mr. Davis was rejoicing over the arrival of a bran new baby. Ben Weast, the butcher, killed a pig the other day that weighed over 300 pounds. He was raised by Mr. Robt. Hurst, one of our most enterprising farmers. Dr. J. B. Sims has just finished another model of the car- coupler, which he will patent. It is a very ingenious contrivance and looks like it would work like a charm. It is a self-coupler, but it is uncoupled by a cord or chain from the top of the car at either side. A very fatal disease -- a kind of fever -- has been raging in the country, a few miles just south of town, for the last few weeks. Two brothers, George and Alvin Smith, and Mrs. Andy Callahan have died of the disease, and others are now prostrated with the dread fever. It babbles the skill of the doctors. There were ten babies entered for the premium at the baby show at the Harrison and North Arkansas Fair. The first prize was captured by Elsie Josephine Gladden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Gladden, of Boone county. The second prize was awarded the baby boy of Bro. G. L. Hailey, of the Carroll Progress. Mr. Joe Burlison, who lives about one mile west of George's Creek post office, was in town Monday, and in conversation with The Echo man gave his views on the county seat removal question. He was not in favor of the removal, notwithstanding the fact that George's Creek is within one mile of his residence, while Yellville is six miles distant. He says he believes in doing as you would be done by, and that it is better for him to live six miles from the county seat than for a large number of others to have to be forced to travel twenty or thirty miles to get to their county seat. Mr. Burlison is one of our best citizens, and owns two good farms near George's Creek. There are numbers of others in the same locality of the same opinion as Mr. Burlison, and they are substantial citizens, too, -- men who own property. A special dispatch from Little Rock to the Louisville Courier-Journal mixes up the Hudspeth-Watkins case in a fine shape. It speaks of "George Hudspeth charged with the murder of John Watkins" and says, Mrs. Watkins is very prepossessing; a brunette, with a fine figure, endowed with more than ordinary intelligence. She is also courageous to an extraordinary degree." Of Hudspeth, or Hedgepeth, as the correspondent has it, is said: "he is a man of some intelligence. His manner, though rough, is not without attraction." If the correspondent knew anything about the parties referred to he deserves to be pounded with a stuffed club, if not, he should have posted himself, or not have burdened the wires with such a story. The crime was committed nearly a year ago and the facts, as far as are known, were long since made public. NORMAL SCHOOL A Normal class will be organized at Yellville the first Monday in October. Everything taught in the teacher's course, in any of the normal schools in the East; will be taught here. This will be the only chance to attend a normal school this side of the State University. Any books you may have will answer the purpose. Good board can be obtained at reasonable rates. Tuition $2 per month in advance. For further information call on our address. W. R. Jones, Principal. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION Land Office at Harrison, Arkansas, October 8, 1887. Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before county judge of Marion county at Yellville, Ark., on November 19, 1887, viz.: Roza E. Burnes and Mary M. Bogle, heirs of Mary Kyle, deceased, H. E. No. 6514 for the west half northwest quarter southeast quarter northwest southwest northwest section seven, township 17 north, range 18 west. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, said land, viz.: Samuel Wilshire, Josephine Wilshire, William Barass, John Ellis, all of Yellville, Arkansas. 336t. H. C. Tipton, Register. WARNING ORDER In Marion County Court Charles P. Burr and Emma B. Ewing plaintiffs vs. A. G. Byler, as administrator of the estate of Jesse Mooney, deceased, and Olivia A. Mooney, G. C. Mooney; Thos. Hamilton and Janie Hamilton; Rosella Mooney, Alberta Mooney, and Alice Mooney; Laura B. Mooney, Emma F. Mooney, Eugene Mooney, Milton L. Mooney, Lorena O. Mooney, and Alma I. Mooney, and Olivia A. Mooney, their guardian; Greenwood Mooney, Jesse Mooney, John Williams and Martha Williams, Robert Farmer and Mary Farmer, Lizzie Mooney, George Mooney, William Mooney, Nellie Mooney and ______ Mooney, whose name is to the plaintiff unknown, defendants. The defendants in the above case to wit: Greenwood Mooney, Jesse Mooney, John Williams and Martha Williams, Robert Farmer and Mary Farmer, and Lizzie Mooney, George Mooney, William Mooney, Nellie Mooney, and ______ Mooney, whose name is to the plaintiff unknown, were warned to appear in this court within thirty days and answer the complaint filed against them by the plaintiffs, Charles P. Burr and Emma B. Ewing. Oct. 4, 1887, Neal Dodd, Clerk. Mtn. Echo, October 21, 1887 BRIEF MENTION Middleton, who was convicted of the murder of a man named Snapp, in Taney County, Missouri, was sentenced to forty years in the penitentiary but Judge Hubbard has since reduced the punishment to fifteen years. Frank James, the noted Missourian, was reported dying last week at Dallas, Texas. The Brotherhood of Free and Accepted Train Robbers who now have their headquarters in Texas, should erect a monument, dedicated to the empty pocket books and old watches, to the memory of the founder of the great and growing order of train wreckers and robbers. LOCAL ECHOINGS Miss Dora Rea, of Onset, visited friends in town this week. Miss Oza Allen, of Harrison, is visiting Miss Lillie McDowell. A mad calf, belonging to Mr. Jas. H. Berry, was killed on last Monday morning. Misses Virgie and Mary Berry and Lillie McDowell returned from Harrison last Friday. Mr. A. B. Davis, of Clear Creek, invites all owing him to come forward and make settlement on or before November 1st. Kenneth Hudson has just received a bran new sewing machine wagon and is now ready for business. He is agent for the celebrated "Union" machine. R. T. Croy, who lives a few miles west of town, brought in the mammoth sweet potato last week. It measured 20-1/2 inches in circumference and weighed six pounds. Dr. J. S. Lindley has decided to attend medical lectures this winter and invites all owing him to come forward and make settlement. Read his notice elsewhere in these columns. Prof. Jones, having gone to housekeeping, Mrs. Jones has left the school room to attend to her household duties, and Miss Barbara Thompson has been employed as assistant teacher in the public school. She will have charge of the primary department. A card from Rev. O. H. Tucker to the editor announces the safe arrival of himself and family at Monticello, Mo., their old home. They are all well and having a pleasant time. Judge W. B. Flippin, of White River, was in town yesterday. He recently returned from a tour through several of the eastern counties and says the crops are very poor, especially the cotton crop. We learn that a vest, supposed to have been worn by George Watkins the last time he was seen, was found on Greasy Creek, in Hampton township, the other day. A patch on the vest is said to correspond with a dress belonging to Rebecca Watkins. A search for Watkins' body will be made in the locality where the vest was found. We learn that Robert Jefferson who was tried at Gainesville, Mo. last week for robbing a cattle drover at Isabella, Mo. last winter was sentenced to the penitentiary for two years. Robert Jefferson is well known here, having been raised in this county, and up to the date of the crime for which he is sent to the penitentiary, bore a good reputation. We deeply sympathize with his family and friends. Judge Horn, after several weeks deliberation, on last Saturday ordered the release of Mrs. Rebecca Watkins. She was immediately rearrested on a warrant charging her as accessory to the murder of her husband, George Watkins. The case came up on Monday before Squire Rowden, of Blythe township, and was continued to Thursday (yesterday) and at the time of going to press we had not heard what was done in the case. Miss Lella(sic) Callahan, daughter of Mr. A. S. Callahan, who lives about 2-1/2 miles south of town, died on last Monday morning of typho malarial fever. This is the fourth death which has occurred from the same disease in the same locality within the past few weeks. Mr. Callahan and a 12 year old son are now prostrated with the dread fever, but are slowly mending. Miss Callahan was about 18 years of age, and was much loved for her many good qualities. Mr. Z. M. Horton and Miss Kate Hicks, both of Mtn. Home, were married on Sunday, the 9th inst. Mr. Horton is an able young lawyer, and his bride is said to be one of Baxter county's fairest and most accomplished young women. The marriage ceremony was performed by Elder H. H. Hilton while the bride and groom sat in their buggy - in other words, it was a marriage on wheels. Zeph's many friends over here send congratulations. MARRIED. Thompson-Morrow. At the residence of the bride's father, six miles southeast of Yellville, at 1 o'clock Wednesday, October 19th, 1887. Mr. James I. Thompson, of Yellville, to Miss Octavia Morrow, Judge W. M. Horn officiating. The marriage was a very quiet affair, only a few near relatives and friends being invited. In the afternoon the happy couple came to town and are at present boarding with Mr. W. I. Lefevers. They expect to do house-keeping soon in the house formerly occupied by K. J. Hudson. Mr. Thompson is one of our most worthy young men and a popular salesman at W. Q. Seawel's establishment, and his bride is a most amiable lady. Many friends of the young couple wish them a long life of happiness and of prosperity........ Mtn. Echo, October 28, 1887 BRIEF MENTION The report that an attempt was made to wreck the Presidential train at Jonesboro, this State, was false. Judge W. W. Mansfield, of Ozark, has been appointed by the Supreme Court as reporter, to fill the place made vacant by the death of Judge B. D. Turner. LOCAL ECHOINGS Mr. J. I. Thompson and lady have gone to housekeeping. The sick in the country are reported better by the doctors. Mr. F. Wolf, of Izard county, is again at the old post as storekeeper and gauger at Carson's distillery. Our jovial friend, John Cheek, of Blythe, was in town Tuesday. He says he is about done picking cotton. "Uncle" Billy Lefevers fell from a load of wood which he was hauling on Wednesday and was considerable bruised about the head. Justice Rowden held Mrs. Rebecca Watkins over to await the action of the grand jury. She is the only occupant of "old stony." Elza Record, of Oakland, was in town last Saturday. He has been appointed storekeeper and gauger of one of the distilleries near Oakland. Mr. W. T. Dobbs and family, old residents of the county, started on their journey to Texas on last Tuesday. Mr. Dobbs was not certain that he would go on to Texas this fall, as he had some idea of stopping in the Nation. We regret very much to lose such good people from our county, but wish they may realize their most sanguine hopes in the far west. Mrs. Mary A. Cravens, wife of Albert G. Cravens, died at her home in White River township, on last Tuesday morning, about 8 o'clock. For several months she had been quite low with consumption, and her death was not unexpected. She was 35 years old the day before her death. She was the daughter of Mr. David S. Fraley, a Mexican veteran, who died at his home in Batesville several months ago. Mrs. Cravens leaves a husband and five children, four sisters and one brother to mourn her untimely death. Her remains were conveyed to Batesville for burial. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to the bereaved family. THEY SAY... That the cotton crop will soon be gathered. There is plenty of work for the equalizers. That there is to be a wedding near town soon. That Marion county takes the cake on mineral. That Frank A. Horn, of George's Creek, is now well supplied with spelling books. That Ben Weast has his eye on a good looking widow, and means business, too. That a George's Creek man offered a White River man $2 and a half a day to "stump" the county in the interest of G. Creek.