125-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from Feb. 1892

Robert Newton Ford.

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published four editions 125 years ago during the month of February 1892. Those issues, which were dated Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 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.

FEB. 4, 1892

DIED – Mr. W.H. Abeney died at his home at Pineville, this county, on the 29^th ult., aged 74 years.

Judge Toulmin, in the U.S. district court, yesterday sentenced Jno. W. Davison, colored, to pay a fine of $591.71 and costs and to be imprisoned two years in the Ohio state penitentiary at Columbus.

Davison, who was postmaster at Lovan, Monroe County, was detected by a special agent of the post office department, in issuing postal notes for his own benefit. He was arrested Sept. 20, ’91 and waiving examination, was sent to jail in default of bail. On Jan. 22, he was tried and found guilty, and the sentenced passed yesterday. – Mobile Register.

Capt. Thos. S. Wiggins has his office and residence connected by telephone. Capt. Wiggins says he finds it a great convenience. The line was put in operation by Mr. E.D. Conover, who is agent at this place. A number of other short lines will probably be established in the near future.

Commissioners Court will convene in quarterly session next Monday. In addition to the ordinary business of the term, two applications for the establishment of stock districts – one in Beat Four and another in Beat 10 – will come up for consideration.

The Journal would like to secure a regular correspondent at every post office in the county, to send us the local news of their neighborhood. We will bear all expenses of postage, etc.

FEB. 11, 1892

DIED – At his home near Monroeville, on Fri., Feb. 5, 1892, Mr. Jasper J. Frye, in the 45^th year of his age.

At the early age of 16 years, he bore arms in defense of the “Lost Cause” during the last years of the late war, and at its close returned home to assume the duties and responsibilities of the comfort and support of his mother and sisters, which by reason of the death of his father devolved upon his youthful shoulders, to whom he was ever devoted and faithful.

His mortal remains were attended to the place of interment at the Methodist churchyard by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives.

Mr. N.C. Thames’ steam saw mill and ginning establishment, located about midway between Monroeville and Perdue Hill, was destroyed by fire on last Monday night, together with a large quantity of lumber and other material. The fire broke out while the operatives were at supper, and it is believed to be of incendiary origin. When discovered, the fire had gained such headway that every effort to save the building and machinery proved unavailing.

The commissioners appointed under order of the probate court granting the right of way to the Bear Creek Mill Co. for constructing a ditch through the lands of Messrs. Slaughter & Slaughter met in Monroeville Tuesday and assessed the damages against the Bear Creek Mill Co. at $300.

MASONIC – Monroe Chapter No. 4 will hold its regular Convocation the first Thursday in March in Masonic Hall at Perdue Hill, Ala. Every Companion will please attend, as there is business of importance to be attended to them. – Wm. J. McCants, Sec’y, River Ridge, Ala., Feb. 8.

FEB. 18, 1892

We are informed by W.G. McCorvey, Esq., one of the attorneys retained by the defense in the suit of the Bear Creek Mill Co. vs. Slaughter & Slaughter, for right of way to cut a ditch through lands of defendants, that the matter has been amicably arranged and the appeal heretofore taken withdrawn. The Mill Company will proceed with the ditch.

We learn that an unfortunate affray occurred near Burnt Corn one night last week, resulting in serious injuries to one of the participants. It seems that a number of young men were out fox hunting when a difficulty arose between the Messrs. Shirley and Tommy Ryland and in the affray Ryland was stabbed in the right breast. The wound is severe though not necessarily fatal.

Mr. R.F. Lowrey, one of Perdue Hill’s enterprising merchants, was in Monroeville Monday. Mr. Lowrey was one of the passengers on the Tinsie Moore on the occasion of her recent unfortunate mishap. Mr. Lowrey said that when about 120 miles above Mobile, the boat encountered a dense fog, rendering it necessary to tie up, and in searching for a tree to make fast to, the boat suddenly found itself aground out in a plantation, with the water falling rapidly. Every effort was made to loose the boat but without avail, and it then became necessary to discharge the cargo into the river. The loss was quite heavy, approximating some five or six thousand dollars.

A new Primitive Baptist church is soon to be built at Shiloh, 35x45 feet. Mr. J.O. Snider has contract and Messrs. Jones Bros. are to furnish the lumber.

FEB. 25, 1892

Robert Ford, who acquired wide notoriety for killing Jesse James, the Missouri outlaw in 1882, was shot and killed in a barroom row in Denver, Col. on the 17^th.

Mr. W.H. Betts of Burnt Corn was in town Saturday. Mr. Betts informed us that he thought seriously of closing up his business at Burnt Corn and removing to Texas. Mr. B is one of Monroe’s best citizens and we should regret to lose him.

A little six-year-old child of Mr. W.C. Brantley, living about eight miles southeast of Monroeville, was painfully burned a few days ago. The child was standing near the fire when its clothing became ignited and was literally burned from its body. Dr. Wiggins is attending and reports the child doing reasonably well.

Capt. Thos. S. Wiggins visited Belleville last week on professional business.

Fruit trees are clothed in bloom, and prospects are good for a heavy crop, barring a cold snap.

The first Quarterly Conference of Monroeville circuit for the year 1892 will be held at Monroeville Methodist church Sat., 27^th inst., and embracing the Sunday following.

A Leap Year entertainment will be given by the young people Friday night at the Academy. The young ladies will escort the young gentlemen out under engagements previously made, and dancing will be indulged in, after which refreshments will be served.