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Jersey County Page Newspapers List
Jersey County Democrat, 1876 – 1877Typed excerpts from the Jersey County Democrat. There will be typos.
1876
February 10, 1876
Married. Jerseyville, Feb. 8th, Mr. John SABO to Miss Mary HUTCHISON, both of Jerseyville. [Note: later issue, license issued in February, John SABO to Mary HUTCHINSON]
March 30, 1876
It cost James H. YARNELL, a lawyer of Hillsboro, $1,000 to settle a little matter of breach of promise and seduction with Addie CARTER.
The Jerseyville Literary and Scientific Society will meet at the court house on Saturday evening next. Dr. A. A. SHOBE and W. M. JACKSON are the essayists.
Our fellow townsman, W. H. CALLENDER, has opened a writing school over Ames’ store. He now has a class of seventeen or eighteen pupils who are making rapid improvement under his skillful teaching.
HARRISON and wife, who were arrested some three months ago and imprisoned for cruelly beating a child, have been released from custody, the grand jury ignoring the bill.
The heaviest snowstorm that has visited this section for a number of years fell on Monday morning with a continuous rain; about eight p.m. the rain ceased and the snow began to descend in large flakes, soon covering the ground, nor did it cease until near three p.m. on Tuesday. Its depth is variously estimated from -?- to 20 inches on the level. A strong wind was blowing from the north east forming drifts in many places that covered the fences and hedges. I number of evergreens were broken by the weight of snow on their branches. We may reasonable expect all the streams to overflow should it turn warm. The oldest inhabitants are again heard from. The storm of Monday night and Tuesday was the greatest within their recollection.
The Otterville school has a vacation of two weeks on account of the extremely bad weather.
Hog cholera continues to prevail, and before the summer is over we will probably have to pay 20 cents per lb for sugan cured hams.
William and Hardin McDOW, formerly of Newbern, have located in Susanville, Lassen county, California, where they purpose to go into business, and will, during the coming summer, erect a mill.
Thomas ANDERSON, of Otterville, has exchanged his real estate in Jersey county to Samuel ELLIS and A. M. SLATEN, for lands in Texas, and will remove to his possessions this spring.
Miss V. A. HUTCHINSON and Charles SMITH were united in marriage at the residence of Mrs. R. HUTCHINSON in this city, on Thursday evening, March 30th, by Rev. LATHROP, pastor of the Baptist Church. We wish them a happy and prosperous voyage through live, and trust their pathway may ever be lighted by the sunshine of peace.
Frank ZEISER, who returned from the insane asylum at Jacksonville a few days since, attempted to kill his brother-in-law on Wednesday last, by striking him on the head with his little hatchet. After being knocked down by Sheriff BARRET, he was conveyed to jail. He will doubtless pay the city of churches another visit at an early day.
April 13, 1876
An accident occured on Monday last on the railroad between Kane and the Macoupin Creek, by which a man by the name of John Daniels lost an arm. It apperars that Daniels had been in Kane and became somewhat intoxicated, started for home on foot up the railroad. But before he had gone far he became tired and sat down on the end of a tie to rest; there being a curve in the road at this point. While setting there, he became drowsey and fell asleep. About one o’clock a train came along but did not discover the man in time to stop. The cow catcher struck him on the head, cutting a fearful gash, while the wheels passed over his arm mashing it so that it was necessary to amputate it.
April 20, 1876
We learn that there will probably be music in the air at Kane for the man that sold John daniels liquor. Before he died he told where he got his whiskey; and now the citizens and railroad company proposed to prosecute the man who sold it.
September 7, 1876
Dr. R. N. HUTCHINSON and wife have gone to Indiana for a visit.
Mrs. Harriett JARBO [Jarboe] recovered from her illness, is considerd out of danger.
November 9, 1876
Lloyd W. SUNDERLAND departs for the Centennial. [returned ca. Dec. 1st]
December 21, 1876
Al BRINTON (?), of Grafton, was in town on Monday.
Wm. BAUM of Fieldon, was in town on Wednesday.
Kane can now boast of a Dramatic Troup composed of home talent.
Miss ROBBINS third door south of the Centennial Hotel, offers canarys for sale at $3.00
James C. ROSS has opened an oyster saloon on Main street, next door north of Wiley’s.
Spelling schools are beingheld in many portions of Macoupin and Montgomery counties.
Robt. NEWTON is now running his machine shop on the eight hour principal. The whistle blows at 7:30 a.m. and at 4:30 p.m.
A man by the name of SIEDEL was relieved of fifty dollars by a couple of foot-pads, a few nights since, over in Bunker Hill.
On Friday morning last, about 3 o’clock, Mr. James Sunderland was awakened by a strong light shining directly upon his bed room window; rising hastily, he looked out, and discovered his barn to be on fire. His first thought was to release the horses; without stopping to dress, he ran out and found that one of the horses had broken loose and was out, while the heat and smoke being so great he was unable to release the other; he then returned to the house and dressed himself. Upon coming out again several persons had arrived, but all their efforts to subdue the flames were in vain. After the building had burned down, and the men were standing around the ruins, some one discovered something in the ashes that sent forth smoke of a different color from any of the rest; taking a long pole and removing the ashes, they discovered the remains of a human form, blackened and burned to a crisp. With the aid of a rake they dragged the body out. Further search revealed another body, which was dragged out and laid by the first. A more horrible and sickening sight was never presented to this city. Ther bodies were soon identified as Wm. FENISEY and James MORTON. Fenisy was well known in this county, having resided here for a number of years, leading for the last few, a drunken vagabond life; sleeping here and there in hay lofts and out buildings. Morton, although a new commer, seems to have followed the same kind of life. The general opinion as to the origin of the fire is, that these two men, in company with another, went into the mow to sleep; that the third one came down, and to find his way out struck a match, which he by accident dropped into the straw, and either did not discover it, or could not put it out in time to save the lives of his comrades. It does not seem probably that any one set fire to the building intentionally. Mr. Sunderland lost a valuable horse, besides a quantity of hay and corn.
On Thursday night last while John DAVIS and a young lady were riding out in a buggy, the team became frightened and ran away, throwing Mr. Davis and the lady out, injuring them severely.
1877
April 5, 1877
We had the pleasure a few days ago of examining an old barometer used by the ancestors of the DEMPSEY family in Grafton. This barometer was made over a century and a half ago, and is a curious instrument about three feet long and beautifully inlaid with pearl. It has an index face like a clock, and hands that indicated fair weather and foul. It is a curiosity, showing the handicraft of ancient workmen. In the same family is an ancient grammer, nearly two centuries old, wherein the parts of speech are analytically arranged, an all “ye nouns and pronouns and ye verbs” are made to do duty as at present.
The Jerseyville Dramatic Club and the Otterville Dramatic Club have made arrangements to have an exchange of entertainments. The Jerseyville Club will give their drama, entitled “Fashion,” in Otterville Friday, April 13th, and the Otterville Club is to give a return entertainment in Jerseyville on the Friday following. “Rip Van Winkle” and “Out in the Streets” will be the plays in Jerseyville. A pleasant time is anticipated, as the members of both clubs are well known citizens. The proceeds of the play at Otterville will be donated to charitable purposes.
It was a mistake about the convalescence of Mrs. J. H. ONETTO. She is still quite sick, with no immediate prospect of improvement. Elsah.
School Exhibition. Your correspondent had the pleasure of attending an exhibition at what is known as the White Rose school house, situated about three miles north of town, last Thursday evening, given by the young folks of that vicinity. Although we arrived at an early hour, we found the house well filled, and long before it wa time to commence the house was crowded, and a number unable to gain admittance, were obliged to content themselves with what could be seen and heard through the windows. The entertainment was under the management of Mr. Lott PENNINGTON and was conducted in a manner reflecting much credit on Mr. P., but little of that bustle and confusion behind the scenes, usually attendant on a school exhibiton, being apparent to the audience. The stage, arranged across the west end of the building, wa tastefully decorated with evergreens and artificial flowers. The selection of pieces was good, and profiting by the experiences of the schoolroom, the assignment of the parts happily made. We cannot in the article attempt to particularize – suffice it to say that all rendered their parts well and acquitted themselves in a manner highly satisfactory to the large crowd in attendance. A collection was taken up during the evening for the benefit of the Sunday School library. R. E. PORTER
April 12, 1877
A new school house is to be built at the mouth of “Dabbs Hollow” in the western part of the county. It replaces the old log school house.
May 8, 1877
Phill’s Creek
The residence of H. G. (?) TALLEY, one mile east of Piasa, was burned to the ground last Saturday morning. The fire was first seen about 9 o’clock, bursting through the roof of the house, by Mr. Talley and his son, who were out working in the orchard. Up to this time the family in the house had not discovered the fire. The neighbors and the citizens of Piasa saw the flames, and shortly about one hundred persons had gathered at the fire and succeeded in saving most of the furniture. Mr. Talley had a policy in the Rockford Insurance Col for $900 on the house and $300 on the furniture, which will cover most of his loss.
Mr. Samuel RICH, of Fidelity, found one of his valuable horses dead in his pasture a few days since. A wound in the breast led Mr. R. to believe thehorse had been shot, either by accident or otherwise. Who the perpetrator of the crime is has not come to light yet and probably will not soon.
July 12, 1877
The following officers were installed for the ensuing term of Jerseyville Encampment I.O.O.F., on last Tuesday evening: Geo. C. COCKRELL, C.P.; Jos. S. CARR, H.P.; H. Z. GILL, S.W.; C. W. PARENT, J.W.; H. W. FISHER, Scribe; Geo. S. MILES, Treas.
The following persons were installed officers of Jerseyville lodge, I.O.O.F., last Thursday evening: G. W. HERDMAN, N.G; E. C. LEIGH, V.G.; H. Z. GILL, secretary; H. W. FISHER, Treas.
Mrs. Elizabeth McGILL, one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church of this city, is the only surviving one of the original members of the Carrollton Presbyterian Church.
John BROWN and Tom THARP will shoot for the possession of the badge belonging to the colored shooters on Friday next. The match is ten birds each from plunge traps.
W. H. PALMER, well known in this city, has given up the lightning rod business and will shortly turn his attention to the “Carriage Gate” – not the hymenial yoke. He will make a tour through this state and Iowa, working up the gate subject among all.
July 19, 1877
New law. Doctors must have a diploma from a medical college or be examined before a board. They must have a certificate from a board of examiners to practice medicine.
August 9, 1877
John LYNCH is the champion fisherman of Jersey county.
R. C. GLEDHILL has returned from his sojourn in Pike county.
Billy MEICENHEIMER has renter the ‘bus of Jim FINCH and will run it hereafter.
Uncle John TERRILL is about again, feeling better than he has for several years.
Frank Schattgen leaves today for St. Paul, Minn., where he will remain a few weeks for his health.
Choice bacon and larad for sale at 12 1/2 cents per pound at the meat market of F. X. SCHATTGEN.
The family of Rev. D. W. PHILLIPS have gone to Washington county to spend the remainder of the summer.
John PHILEY, living near Medora, had a valuable horse killed by being run over by a freight train one day last week.
Maj. SANFORD doesn’t like muskmelons on ice. He tried two of them last Sunday, and had to send after the doctor.
E. A. PINERO is expected home from the Hot Springs this week. His health has been very much improved by a course of baths.
The finest quality of whisy in the city at P. HEGARTY’S.
Arbra HOWLETT and Willis BROWN, successors to George BURROWS, will conduct the business of barbering in all its branches. Eleven shaves for one dollar. Shop under Bowman & Ware’s bank.
Mr. John HOSELTON has bought out Mr. DODSON, of Newbern, and will hereafter be the sole proprietor of a country store at that place.
On Monday last G. GOEKE, who is living upon the farm of Geo. H. JACKSON two miles south of this place, brought and placed on exhibition in from of J. S. DANIEL’S store a sample of corn now growing on the farm. There are 33 acres of which Mr. G. claims that the sample brought is but a fair specimen.
August 30, 1877
Geo. W. ELY, while driving to Alton last Tuesday, was thrown from his buggy by his horse shying and upsetting the vehicle. He was considerably bruised, though not seriously injured.
On Tuesday last Michael CAIN, a saloon keeper near the depot, was arrested and tried before Esa. Beaty upon a charge of violating the city ordinance forbiding the keeping open of saloons on Sunday. After hearing the evidence, his Honor cut him off a chunk of justice worth $36.
Ford LEWIS, J. E. SANFORD, Jos. and Wm. DUNCAN, W. S. and C. E. BOWMAN, James BURKE, Wm. DAVIS and Walter CORY left on Wednesday last for Tecumseh, Neb. W. S. BOWMAN intends remining there, while the others will view the country.
Ed KNAPP had Henry WEST arrested for stealing one of his horses. The trial came off before Esq. Cockrell, who, upon hearing the testimony, discharged the prisoner. Wm. M. JACKSON had charge of the case for the people, while Brack ENGLISH defended the prisoner. This was Brack’s maiden suit.
E. A. PINERO is still confined to his bed, but expects to be up and able to attend to business in a short time.
Col. EDGAR is unable to leave his room, although his bruised limb is gradually improving. Owing to his age he doesn’t recuperate as rapidly as would a younger man. However, we hope to see him out on crutches in a few days.
Robt. McFEE had a narrow escape from drowning last Tuesday. While walking over a large twelve foot well that adjoins the engine house the planking gave way, letting Mr. McFee down. As he fell he threw out his arms and caught on the plank, but they being rotten soon gave way, when he fell a distance of twelve feet into the well. Prompt assistance was rendered that saved him from a watery grave. In falling he sustained bruises about the side and hands; otherwise he wa uninjured.
On complaint of J. A. BLENNERHASSETT, Mrs. JONES was arrested and taken before Esq. Cockrell on Wednesday last on a charge of keeping a house of ill fame. Although several witnesses testified that the general reputation of the house was bad, Mrs. Jones did not think that htey had proved the case. But his Honor thought otherwise and fined her $50 and costs.
Prof. SNYDER has in course of preparation a musical entertainment, which will be given in this place at no distant date, in which he will be assisted by Prof. BLISH’s orchestra and a number of the best amateur singers in Jerseyville. The program will consist of solos, duets, choruses, &c. The whole to conclude with the beautiful operetta entitled, “Grandpa’s Birthday,” which will be rendered by some of the best juvenile talent in this place.
On Sunday morning last, about three o’clock, a hired hand of J. N. ENGLISH discovered the barn to be on fire. Hastily arousing the family, they by the most strenuous efforts succeeded in releasing the horses, and saving a part of the harness and one buggy. All else that the barn contained was destroyed. There were between eight and nine hundred bushels of corn, five tons of hay, and a large number of farming implements, that were lost. There was an insurance on the barn of $750 and $750 on the stock it contained. Mr. English’s loss will probably reach $1,000.
The citizens of this city have for years boasted of their fine walks and that Jerseyville contains more walks and finer ones than any town of its size in the state. They felt proud of them and loved to hear strangers praise the place. But a stroll through various parts of the town at present reveals the fact that its pride is being neglected. In many places the boasted walks are mere clap-traps to catch some luckless pedestrian. For instance, who is there that can look upon the concern of Pearl street, running on the north side of Lipe & Holmes’ store, and call it beautiful. There are several others quite as bad and need the attention of some one if we wish to keep up the reputation of the place.
November 22, 1877
Prohibition Club. Club met pursuant to notice, president in the chair. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs. CALL, BLENNERHASSETT, POUGE and other pertaining to the importance of prohibitory agitation, and of organizing clubs in the various school districts throughout the county. According to the appointment Mr. M. HAWLEY came on the stand and delivered an essay on the evils of intemperance, which, in clearness of argument and in the terrible power of denouncing the liquor traffic, carried the audience from uproarous applause to the most solemn consideration of the importance of the temperance cause in Jerseyville. On motion, ordered that J. A. BLENNERHASSETT and Johnson NORRIS conduct a meeting at Hickory Log School House Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., for the purpose of organizing a Prohibition club in that district. On motion, ordered that W. H. POGUE and R. PHELPS organize a club at Otterville on the evening of Nov. 27, and at beard School House on the evening of Nov. 18, and club organized by Messrs. Hawley and Biennerhassett. On motion, ordered that J. A. Biennerhassett and W. PHELPS address the club Friday evening, Nov. 23, at Mission Hall, commencing at 7:30 o’clock. Adjourned. W. H. Pogue, Pres’t. J. A. Blennerhassett, Sec’y.
Otterville
F. WEILAND, the shoemaker, is happy. It is a girl; weight unknown.
Samuel FREY has sold his city residence on Mill street to E. D. HOWARD, and proposes to emigrate to Texas soon.
Messrs. F. & H. L. GIERS are still selling lots of goods at the old brick corner.
John COOLEY is still engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of wagons and buggies.
W. W. DABBS, the butcher, is buying all the land in this vicinity. He bought enough in one day to keep the Otterville attorney all day making out deeds, and then he gave the attorney credit on his meat bill for his fees.
Benj. KIRCHNER is turning out a first class article of cider at his press in the northern part of town. Ben knows how to do it.
Several of our prominent citizens contemplate going on a grand fishing and hunting expedition in a few days. They have learned that dog fish are in good demand in the bottom, and they are going to catch a lot for the trade.
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