120-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from Oct. 1896

Dr. Samuel S. Gaillard

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 120 years ago during the month of October 1896. Those issues, which were dated Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those five editions. Enjoy.

OCT. 1, 1896

Deputy Sheriff G.A. Watson of Burnt Corn spent Monday in the city.

The Bear Creek Mill Co. is rapidly extending its timber road in the direction of Monroeville. Grading has reached a point about two and one-half miles from town and track laying is only a short distance behind. A large force of hands and teams are kept constantly employed on the work. From this, it would seem that it will not be long ere the voice of the iron horse will be heard within the precincts of our village.

Pineville: Prof. J.T. Adam has a fine school here with 28 scholars in number with the prospects of having a great deal more later on.

The Monroeville Academy continues to grow and flourish as a green bay tree. Three more matriculates enrolled on Monday, viz: Julia and Lizzie Wiggins and Marvin Jones.

The next 10 days will witness the final windup of the work of picking the cotton crop of 1896 in this section. The shortage will be at least 50 percent of a full crop.

Wilcox New Era: Mr. J.C. Hart brought to our office Monday an ear of corn which was popped in his field by the sun. All who are thoroughly satisfied that the above statement is a newspaper yarn are invited to call and examine the corn.

Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Zimmerman of Manistee were in the city on Wednesday.

Messrs. H.A. Lockwood and A.T. Sowell of Manistee spent last Sabbath in Monroeville.

OCT. 8, 1896

Mr. H.Y. Brooke, formerly of the Mobile News, has assumed control of the Luverne Journal and is doing valiant service for democracy.

Wed., Sept. 29, was a gala day at Mount Pleasant, the occasion being a grand barbecue and political speaking by Governor-elect Joseph F. Johnston, Hon. George W. Taylor, Democratic nominee for congress from the first district, and others.

The speaking took place from a stand erected in the beautiful grove which surrounds the Masonic hall. Hon. Charles L. Scott was elected president and in an eloquent and happy speech introduced the distinguished gentlemen and in behalf of the community extended to them a cordial welcome.

Mr. E.L. Jay is teaching at the Grimes schoolhouse.

Died, at his home at Perdue Hill, on Oct. 1, Dr. Samuel S. Gaillard, after an illness of several weeks, aged about 74 years. In the death of this estimable gentleman, Monroe loses one of her most public spirited and useful citizens and the medical profession one of its brightest lights.

Manistee: Miss Martha Stabler, one of Lower Peachtree’s most popular young ladies, is teaching school at Manistee.

Circuit Clerk Emmons informs us that the condition of the Circuit Court docket promises a busy term, there being 52 civil and about 70 criminal cases; four of the latter are for murder, viz: Andy Stabler, M. Nettles, Robert Williams and --- Corley.

OCT. 15, 1896

The Tinsie’s Banner Load: The Alabama River steamer Tinsie Moore arrived in port yesterday morning about eight o’clock from a trip up the Alabama River, having been enabled by a rise of about two feet to reach Selma. She was the first boat to reach that city in six weeks and there was a crowd on the wharf to greet her. She came down with two barges and brought 1,804 bales of river cotton, that is, uncompressed cotton. This is said to be the largest cargo of uncompressed cotton that has been brought to this city in a number of years. There has been a larger number of bales brought but the greater part of such cargoes has been compressed. – Mobile Register.

Mr. Walter Sowell left Thursday for Mobile to enter the Alabama Medical College.

Mr. J.J. Kimbrel, the accommodating postmaster at Tinsie, was in town Tuesday and gave The Journal a pleasant call.

Mr. Alfred Boulware, after four years residence in Texas, arrived at Monroeville on Saturday. He will remain for a time with relatives and friends in Monroe.

The Spelling Bee at the Academy last Friday afternoon afforded a half hour of very pleasant entertainment to a goodly number of patrons and friends of the school. The contest resulted in a draw.

Dr. McDaniel of Milton, Fla. arrived here Tuesday to attend upon his son, Dr. J.M. McDaniel, who is confined to his bed at the City Hotel.

Mr. John McDaniel and Mrs. Spiver of Wilcox County, are attending at the bedside of their brother, Dr. McDaniel.

OCT. 22, 1896

Death of Dr. J.M. McDaniel: Died, at the City Hotel, at 11:15 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 17, 1896, Dr. James M. McDaniel, aged 27 years.

Little more than a year ago, Dr. McDaniel came among us and began the practice of his profession. Although a stranger to most of us, by his gentlemanly and courteous bearing, his kindly and sympathetic nature and his superior medical skill, he rapidly won his way into the hearts and confidence of the people.

Dr. McDaniel was born at Camden, Ala., Sept. 13, 1869, and was the youngest son of Dr. E.D. McDaniel, formerly of Camden, now of Milton, Fla. He was graduated with distinction from the Alabama Medical College, session of 1893-94, and completed a post-graduate course at the same institution, session of 1894-95. He located in Monroeville in May 1895, building up an extensive practice in which he was quite successful and enjoyed the highest esteem of his brother physicians.

His remains were conveyed to the home of his boyhood and interred in the Camden cemetery beside the mother who preceded him to the Spirit-land.

Messrs. W.G. McCorvey, D.M. Gordon, C.G. Wiggins and T.L. Roberts attended the funeral of Dr. J.M. McDaniel at Camden on Sunday last.

The long drought of nearly two months duration and which has parched and dried all vegetation was broken yesterday afternoon by a light but most refreshing shower.

OCT. 29, 1896

C.C. Yarbrough – Manufacturer and dealer in PINE: LUMBER, Mill near Monroeville, Having recently put in a planing machine, is prepared to furnish lumber dressed and notched at short notice and at reasonable prices. A quantity of lumber of A grades kept constantly on the yard. Patronage solicited.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: Next session begins, Oct. 7, 1896: The University embraces Classical, Scientific, Literary, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Law Course, tuition in all courses except Law is free to students who are bona fide residents of Alabama. College charges for a cadet for the entire session are $172. Tuition fee in law course is $50. For catalogue, address RICHARD C. JONES, Pres., University P.O., Ala.