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| Grave of Samuel Lafayette Ellis. |
The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the
direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published four editions 130 years
ago during the month of January 1887. Those issues, which were dated Jan. 6,
Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27, 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.
JAN. 6, 1887
Fatal Affray at Repton: The announcement of the death of Mr.
S.L. Ellis of Repton was a great shock to our entire community. He was killed
at Repton by a man named John Posey Christmas day, and it is thought that the
killing was intentional. It seems that Posey went to Repton Christmas day and
got drunk. About dinner time, as Mr. Jackson was closing his store, Posey went
in and called for a drink of whiskey. Mr. Jackson refused to sell it to him,
stating that he could only sell it by the quart. This made Posey mad and he
began cursing Mr. Jackson, at the same time drawing his knife. Mr. J told him,
if he attempted to cut him, what he would do. Posey walked a few steps backward
to where Mr. Ellis was standing. When he came in range of his victim, he aimed
a blow with the knife at his head, blade entering one of his eyes, inflicting a
wound from which he died in a few moments. Posey then mounted his horse and
fled.
Recognizing the impossibility of making his escape, he gave
himself to the custody of the authorities of the law, fearing a worse
punishment than would be meted out by its avenging arm. He had a preliminary examination
before a magistrate at Belleville and was sent to prison without bail, to await
the action of the grand jury at its next meeting.
Mr. Ellis was one of the most prominent and influential
citizens of his native county.
The hearts of many were made merry and glad by the advent of
Christmas, but to the hearts of his four motherless children, ranging in years
from five to 15, it brought sadness and sorrow. At noon of the day that had
dawned with such joyful anticipations they were left orphans to mourn the
tragic death of a good and indulgent father.
JAN. 13, 1887
The weather of the past few days has been clear, sunny and
cold. Snow fell to the depth of three inches in about as many hours.
Mr. Horace R. Hood of the Montgomery Daily Dispatch was in
Monroeville last week on business.
Mr. J.L. Sowell, son of Hon. W.C. Sowell, was the only
applicant for cadetship at West Point before the Board of Examiners at its
recent meeting in Mobile. He passed a very creditable examination and the
report of the board was a most favorable one.
Capt. F.J. Jones, our popular tax assessor, began his first
round for the purpose of assessing Monroe’s taxes on the seventh.
Just as we go to press we are informed that Mr. Wm. Capps,
who lives about one mile south of town, had his dwelling house blown down and
badly wrecked by the terrific windstorm which visited this section early this
morning. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Cadet B.F. Wiggins of Howard College is at home on a visit.
Mr. Geo. Elg, the most industrious man in town, has moved
his shoe and boot-making establishment from The Journal building to a more
comfortable and convenient room on the opposite side of the square, where he
will be pleased to have his friends and customers call on him.
JAN. 20, 1887
ANNOUNCEMENT: I have
this day sold The Journal newspaper, its type and material, goodwill and
subscription books, accounts, etc. to Mr. Q. Salter, who assumes all
liabilities and will collect all debts due the paper for advertising and
subscriptions. – Horace Hood, Jan. 8, 1887.
Demopolis News: The steamer, D.L. Tally, while going up the
river Monday evening struck on a snag at Haunted Point, 10 miles above and sunk
in 10 feet of water. Her rear guards were under the water but the front are
not. As there was no freight in hull, the only damage was to the boat, the snag
tearing a hole 30 (feet in) length. Efforts are being made to raiser her, but
it is thought the case is hopeless.
A special in today’s Advertiser announces the appointment of
Mr. James L. Sowell of Monroe County to the cadetship at the military academy
at West Point. Mr. Sowell is a promising young son of Judge W.C. Sowell of
Monroe County, where the honored judge and his deserving son have hosts of
friends to extend congratulations to both. – Montgomery Advertiser.
Two negroes became involved in a difficulty near Robers’
Mill last week in which one was seriously stabbed.
Mr. Robison Morrisett, formerly of Wilcox, but who has
recently become a resident of this county, was in town Monday.
Dr. F.S. Daily, Kempville’s popular physician, gave us a
call last week.
JAN. 27, 1887
Mr. James L. Sowell, who was recently appointed to the
cadetship in the Military Academy at West Point left Wednesday for Highhead
Falls, N.Y., where he will attend the preparatory school at that place until
his final examination and entry into the Academy next June.
Dr. Robert Frazier has tendered his resignation as President
of the Judson Institute at Marion.
Mr. George E. Buruett has retired from the editorial staff
of the LaFayette Sun, having sold his interest in that paper to his former
partner, Mr. S.M. Richards.
Escaped Convict – I will pay to anyone the sum of $25 for
the capture of a convict who left my place last week. William or Bill McWilliams,
also defray any expense they may have in getting. He is black, 21 years old,
five and one-half feet high, large features, wears a small black hat, dark
jeans overshirt piped into red, buttons on each shoulder, No. 9 shoe, brown
pants and carried with him a pair of No. 8 Sunday shoes and vest of common
checked material, face is bumpy. – John McDuffie, River Ridge, Ala.
Mr. W.B. Green of Burnt Corn was in town last week.
Mr. J.F. Betts of Burnt Corn gave us a pleasant call last
Saturday. Mr. Betts will shortly engage extensively in the drug business at
Evergreen, in which enterprise we wish him much success.
Dr. R.I. Draughon of Perdue Hill was in Monroeville
Saturday.
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