'Earthquake' felt in Monroeville tops 130-year-old headlines from Sept. 1886

Benjamin Franklin Cheatham

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of publisher Q. Salter, published four editions 130 years ago during the month of September 1886. Those issues, which were dated Sept. 3, Sept. 10, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24, 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.

SEPT. 3, 1886

A slight shock of earthquake was felt here Tuesday night about nine o’clock, lasting probably 25 to 30 seconds.

W.H. Herrington, a member of the firm of Cooper & Herrington of Evergreen, which recently failed for a large amount, has absconded, taking with him $4,000 of county funds that had been deposited with him by Treasurer Watts.

A special term of the commissioners court convened Tuesday of last week.

The Russell and Hudson steam mill is being overhauled and put in order for the fall gathering season.

Cotton is opening very rapidly during the warm, dry weather.

Monroeville has not received her first bale of new cotton up to this writing.

We notice some improvements being made on Mr. F. Metts’ store on East Side.

Our people are loud in their praise of the convenience of the P.O. Money Order system of the Monroeville post office.

Several young gentlemen and ladies of Monroeville attended the Dramatic Entertainment at Perdue Hill last week. All express themselves as being highly pleased with the two charming plays presented. Success to the Perdue Hill Dramatic Club.

Died – At the residence of Mr. John W. Rumbly, near Monroeville, on Monday night, August the 23^rd, Mrs. --- Faulk, aged about 72 years.

SEPT. 10, 1886

The earthquake shock felt here last week was felt pretty generally all over the county.

The regular session of the Monroeville Academy opened Monday with a good scholarship.

The first bale of new cotton sold in Monroeville was bought by the enterprising firm of Sowell & Son for eight cents per pound last week.

The regular term of county court was in session last Monday.

  

Postmaster Seymour informs us that he anticipates a visit from his brother, Dr. D.E. Seymour of Oslais, Mo. this fall.

The contract for carrying the mail from Monroeville to Repton was sublet to Mr. Sam Yarbrough last week.

Gen. B.F. Cheatham, a famous Confederate leader, died in his home at Nashville, Tenn. Sat., the fourth. Gen. Cheatham was at the time of his death the postmaster at Nashville, having been appointed to that position soon after the inauguration of President Cleveland.

Almost the entire population of Monroeville attended the Baptist Association at Salem last Sunday.

The town presented quite a deserted and lonely appearance last Sunday, as every one who could procure a conveyance went to the Baptist Association at Salem.

SEPT. 17, 1886

Mobile recently sent $1,700 to the Mayor of Charleston for the benefit of the earthquake sufferers.

The aggregate of the donations made for the Charleston sufferers is over $500,000.

Queen Victoria sent a dispatch to President Cleveland expressing her warmest sympathy for the Charleston sufferers.

The post office building at Charleston, S.C. was so badly wrecked by the earthquake that it is beyond repair as were many other public buildings.

Editor Cochran has rented the Camden Home Ruler to Mr. C.W. Hare, a gentleman of high literary attainment and acknowledged ability. Under the new management, the Home Ruler promises to be a better paper than it has ever been.

There are only three prisoners confined in the county jail.

There are 24 scholars attending the Monroeville Academy. That number will be materially augmented as the season advances.

A large number of visitors were in attendance at the Masonic Funeral of Mr. W.F. Andress at the Ridge last Saturday.

Died – Near Monroeville, Sept. 11, after an illness of several days, little Jimmie, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Salter, and brother of the publisher.

SEPT. 24, 1886

The unfortunate people of Charleston are returning to their despoiled homes.

Montgomery has generously responded to the cry for aid from unfortunate Charleston. She has contributed over $15,000 for the sufferers.

Proctor, a learned scientist, says that earthquakes are an evidence that the earth will not be destroyed for several thousand years to come.

Prof. George’s school is still flourishing.

A very heavy rain, accompanied by wind visited this section Tuesday.

Tax collector Stevens will start on his first round for collecting the tax for the year 1886 on Oct. 11.

Postmaster Seymour has recently had the post office recovered.

Editor John W. Davison of The Star called on us last week.

John Williams, a man living on the Ridge, had one of his legs broken while driving a gin Wednesday.

Mr. E.D. Conover is selling out his stock of goods preparatory to leaving with his family for Nebraska where he intends making his future home.

The days are growing shorter.