125-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from July 1892

Lilly Blackwell grave at Manistee.

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor Q. Salter, published four editions 125 years ago during the month of July 1892. Three of those four issues, which were dated July 7, July 14 and July 21, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. The July 28 edition is missing from the microfilm archives at the library. What follows are a few news highlights from the three editions that can be found on microfilm. Enjoy.

JULY 7, 1892

The Glorious Fourth was passed very quietly in Monroeville. The old time custom of noisy celebration is falling into disuse.

A delightful picnic was given at the Bear Creek Mills on the Fourth. There was a large attendance, a splendid dinner and the occasion a most enjoyable one.

We learn that a Mr. Martin was killed by a Mr. Crawford just over the Conecuh line near Ireland, this county, last Saturday. No particulars have been learned further than that the killing was in self-defense.

During the rain storm last Monday evening, the colored Baptist church in the Clausell Quarter, about two miles northwest of town, was struck by lightning, damaging the building severely.

The Monroe County Corps, with 25 men, left for Mobile Sunday to attend the encampment of the First Regiment. The Monroe Corps is one of the largest companies in the regiment, but urgent business kept many members at home.

At the last communication of Monroeville Masonic Lodge, No. 153, the following officers were elected for the ensuing Masonic year: Samuel H. Dailey, worshipful master; George W. Salter, senior warden; Arthur T. Sowell, junior warden; John DeLoach, treasurer; James E. Cogburn, secretary; William G. McCorvey, senior deacon; Q. Salter, junior deacon; John W. Broughton, chaplain; Simeon F. Daniel, Tyler; William F. Garrett and Samuel W. Yarbrough, stewards; John W. Rumbley, marshal.

JULY 14, 1892

A special term of Commissioners Court was held Monday for the purpose of examining the Assessor’s books and fixing the county tax rate. No change was made in the tax rate.

Sheriff Harrengton returned from Texas Monday having in custody Mose Horn who broke jail here several months ago and made his escape with four other prisoners. Mr. Harrengton has succeeded in recapturing all but one of the prisoners who escaped at that time.

“Prof.” Dorrity will give a vocal concert, consisting of Scotch and Irish songs, at the courthouse Thursday night, 21^st inst. Admission 25 cents, children free.

The members of the Monroeville section of the Monroe County Corps have returned from encampment at Mobile. They report a very pleasant occasion, the weather excepted. The boys anticipate holding the next encampment at Chicago.

BUENA VISTA – The following were elected officers at Bells Landing Lodge No. 373, F&AM, for the ensuing Masonic year: William M. Hestle, worshipful master; Samuel M.C. Middleton, senior warden; J. Godfrey Lambrecht, junior warden; George W. Riley, treasurer; George W. Lyon, secretary; Robert McCants, senior deacon; William R. Black, junior deacon; A.P. Majors, chaplain; George C. Nettles, tyler.

PERDUE HILL: The Monroe Corps and Wilcox Rifles chartered the steamer Minnie Lee and came home Sunday. The Corps reports the encampment quite a success in spite of the incessant rains, and anticipates its next camp at Chicago.

JULY 21, 1892

Mr. Hunter of Wetumpka has accepted a position as clerk with Capt. W.S. Wiggins.

The Perdue Hill Dramatic Club will given an entertainment Friday night, the 29^th inst., for the benefit of the Union church, at the Masonic hall.

News has been received here of the drowning of Miss Lillie Blackwell in Bear Creek on last Sunday night. We learn that she and her mother attended services at Poll Bridge church, and were detained in the afternoon by a heavy rain. The creek was much swollen, and on attempting to cross, the vehicle was overturned, throwing the two into the midst of the stream. Mrs. Blackwell’s life was saved by catching to a mass of vines which hung over the creek, where she remained until rescued the next morning. The body of the unfortunate young lady was recovered and buried Monday.

TEKOA, ALA. – Mr. Geo. Stacey and Miss Mary Blackman was married on last fourth Sabbath by Rev. J.W. Jones and on the first Sabbath, Mr. James Green and Miss Mary Sawyer, by the same preacher.

We would be glad to have of our friends who are accustomed to “follow the hounds” come into our community (Tekoa) and exterminate the wild cats, panthers or catamounts, four of which have been seen during the past month.

JONES MILL, July 18: We learn that Mrs. Blackwell and one of her daughters, while trying to cross Bear Creek, their buggy was overturned, the creek being swollen, and both thrown into the water, which carried them some distance and lodged them in some vines where they remained all night.