130-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from March 1886

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of publisher Q. Salter, published four editions 130 years ago during the month of March 1886. Those issues, which were dated March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those four editions. Enjoy.

MARCH 5, 1886

Dr. W.A. Patrick, recently graduated from the dental department of the Vanderbilt University, has returned home.

Insane – Travis Harrison, a young man living near Hatter’s Mill on Limestone, who has been insane for several weeks, a monomaniac on the subject of religion, came to town last Monday and while suffering from an attack of the disorder, he became very boisterous and disagreeable, if not dangerous, to the citizens. It was deemed best by his friends to confine him in jail until the necessary arrangements could be made to send him to the asylum, and it was only by force that he was at last taken to prison.

Simpkinsville – Particulars of a shocking affair, in which a little girl was burned to death and an old lady probably fatally injured, come to us from Simpkinsville, Monroe County, eight miles south of Pineapple. Mrs. Mary Byrd and her 12-year-old granddaughter, Jessie, a daughter of Mr. Allen Byrd, were burning brush, when by some means the child’s clothing caught fire. Mrs. Byrd attempted to extinguish the flames and her own clothing caught. The little girl broke loose, ran a short distance and crouched down, where her father, who had been attracted by the screams, found her with her clothing burned off and her flesh literally baked. She lingered in untold agony until nine o’clock that night (Friday, 19^th) when death released her from her horrible sufferings. Mrs. Byrd is terribly burned about the body and arms and her fingernails scorched off. There is a possibility, however, of her recovering, though she will be permanently crippled – Pineapple Gazette

MARCH 12, 1886

E.J. CLOUD, Attorney At Law and Solicitor In Chancery, Russell Corner, Monroeville, Ala. Will practice in Monroe and surrounding counties. All business attended to with promptness.

W.T. NETTLES, County Surveyor, Kempville, Ala.

GEORGE W. SALTER, Justice of the Peace, Monroe County Precinct No. 3, Regular term of court; second Monday in each month.

J.M. LOWERY & BRO., Watchmakers & Jewelers, Perdue Hill, Ala. We are prepared to repair watches and jewelry of every description. Promptness and satisfaction guaranteed. Orders left at The Journal office will receive prompt attention.

WHITE HOUSE, W.B. Jones, Proprietor, Monroeville, Ala.

PHOTOGRAPHIC, BARNE’S GALLERY, 85 Dauphin St., Cor. St. Emanuel St., MOBILE, ALA., The place to get Fine Work. Mr. P.P. Paul is in full charge and takes great pride in his profession and always has been up in the Art. He has had longer experience than any other operator in the South. He will give you pictures in ANY STYLE DESIRED. Reproductions a specialty.

JAS. T. PACKER, M.D., Monroeville, Ala. Offers has professional services to the people of Monroeville and vicinity. Calls solicited and prompt attention given. Charges moderate and to suit the stringency of the times and impoverished condition of our people.

MARCH 19, 1886

The spring term of the Circuit Court will convene April 19^th.

The Hibbard place has been bought by the Methodist Church at this place and will be repaired and converted into a parsonage.

Sheriff Burns, accompanied by Mr. Ernest Ricou, left for Tuscaloosa Wednesday morning, in charge of Travis Harrison, who has been insane for several weeks, it having been found necessary to confine him in the asylum.

Riley – Died at the home of her father, of the 4^th of March, 1886, Miss Hattie, daughter of W.H. and Gennett Stacy, in the 29^th year of her age.

After a protracted illness of more than three weeks, she quietly breathed her last. She was a member of the Baptist Church at Midway, Monroe County, Ala., a devoted and obedient daughter and a Christian.

The handsome new dining room adjoining the dwelling of Mrs. J.H. Frye is about completed. It adds much to the appearance as well as to the convenience of the place.

A number of young gentlemen and ladies of Monroeville recently called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a temperance society. They succeeding in obtaining a sufficient number of names and after adopting a constitution, a petition was filed in the probate court authorizing them to proceed with the work reformation.

MARCH 26, 1886

The work of repairing the Methodist parsonage has been commenced.

Judge Sowell has had quite an extensive new ground cleared just outside of town on the Evergreen road.

Some dogs chased three fine deer into the corporate limits Tuesday morning, and had it not been so near to the court house, it is probable that they might not have escaped to tell of their adventure.

Carlisle – Is the name of a new post office just established about eight miles west of Kempville. It has long been needed and will be a great convenience to the people of that neighborhood.

Sheriff Burns is visiting his family at Newtown Academy.

Rev. E.E. Cowan will preach at the Methodist church Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Rev. B.F. Riley of Livingston, a brother of Capt. T.M. Riley of Turnbull, this county, was in Monroeville Wednesday.

Notice to Teachers of Public Schools – The Board of Education of Monroe County meets in Monroeville the first Saturday in each month. Office hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Capt. W.B. Kemp of Kempville was in town Monday.

Mr. T.R. Pullen of Evergreen was in town Monday.