January 1, 1880
Dublin Post
   An investigating court was held on last Thursday at the Griffin Dist. Court House in Wilkinson county, in the case of the State vs. Frank Goodman charged with murder - the killing of Miss Mary Payne on Christmas day. The state introduced several witnesses the defense relied solely on the statement of Mr. Goodman. The court composed of five justices. They refused to commit him, deciding it was a case of accident. Capt. Stanley prosecutor and Col. Bower defendant.

January 9, 1880
Atlanta Constitution
-Irwinton (Wilkinson county) Southerner and Appeal: Near Sandy church, in the southern  part of this county, Mr.  Mitchell Payne and his two single sisters reside. Not far off a young man, Mr. I. Frank Goodman resides with his widowed mother and single sister. None of these possess wealth, but are very clever people. It seems that between Mr. Goodman and Miss  Mary Payne very strong attachment existed. To the Payne dwelling he was a frequent and welcome visitor. On Christmas morning Mr. Goodman started to go to Stephensville, and on his way called in at Mr. Payne's. He found no one in the house but Miss Mary. After remaining awhile, he walked to the bucket for a drink of water. Discovering a pistol (a No. 2 Smith & Wesson) on a table in the room, he picked it up and seated himself in front of Miss Payne. He asked if the pistol belonged to her brother Mitchell, and if he was about home, stating that he wished to borrow it for the morrow. He had taken out the cylinder of the pistol and examined it. He saw two cartridge shells, both of which had the impression of the hammer on then, indicating that they had been shot. off. He then glanced at the other end, but saw no ball. Replacing the cylinder, he pulled back the hammer with his thumb, while revolving the cylinder his thumb slipped off and the pistol fired, and the young lady passed into eternity, without a word and without rising from her seat. The ball entered the extreme end of the nose and ranged up through the brain, killing her instantly. The horrified young man rushed out of the house and, frantic with grief, alarmed the neighbors with his loud and rapid calling. The neighbors gathered in and found the lifeless body still sitting in the chair, her head leaning on her left shoulder, her left hand hanging toward the floor, and her right hand lying in her lap with her knitting, the thread around her finger as if in the act of knitting. No bruises or other signs of violence were found on the deceased.

Excerpts from the Southerner Appeal
Wednesday, January 14, 1880
Volume V, Number ? (Page torn off)
Page 2
It is with much regret that we chronicle the death of Mr. Leo L. Hall, of this county.  Though comparatively a young man, he was an excellent farmer and one of the most prominent citizens of the county.  About Christmas he went to Laurens County on a visit to relatives of his wife, and while there contracted pneumonia, from which he died.  He was not yet forty years old, and leaves a widow and several children  to mourn his loss, besides other relatives, and hosts of friends in every section of the county.  By his death an honest and worth citizen has been lost to our country and we tender our heartfelt sympathies to
those near and dear to him who will most feel his loss.
Submitted by: Joy McCook

January 20, 1880
Georgia  Weekly Telegraph
 The Irwinton Southerner and Appeal hastens to rise and apologize to Mr. L. L. Hall for publishing his obituary, while that gentleman is in the enjoyment of perfect health. It is too long after New Year's day for such an error to be excusable.

January 30, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Distressing Casualty at Gordon
Yesterday, about 12:30 o'clock, Mr. Jackson Daniel, a young man about twenty-four years, while returning from hunting met with a fatal accident. It seems that he was shifting his gun from one hand to the other and the hammer, striking his left knee, the contents of the gun were discharged into his neck, severing the jugular vein and carotid artery, the charge passing out behind his right ear. He died instantly.
  He has been married a year and two days, and leaves a wife and infant. Mr. Daniels was an excellent young man, well liked by all, and the suddenness of his death has profoundly impressed the community.

January 27, 1880
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
DEAD ON THE TRACK
Strong Suspicions of a Foul Murder.
   Sunday morning last, as the down passenger train was nearing the 17½ mile post, rounding a sharp curve, the engineer, Mr. L. N. Arden, and his fireman, discovered the body of a man lying on the road bed. The distance was so short that the train could not be stopped until it had passed over the body. When the conductor and fireman came back to the body they found it shockingly mutilated, the clothing torn entirely from it, even the shoes and socks, and life extinct. Leaving the body in charge of some of the section hands and the pay train, the train proceeded to Gordon, when Mr. William Stevens, Roadmaster of the Central Railroad, was notified, and he dispatched a crank car to the scene of the accident. Arriving there the body was identified as Mr. J. C. Patterson, a resident of Gordon. A messenger was sent for the Coroner, and the body placed on a car and taken to Gordon.
  Upon inquiry it was ascertained that Mr. Patterson had gone to No. 17½, Central Railroad, where a shooting match was to be held Saturday, and there began drinking. He was known to have had on his person Saturday afternoon over $100. When found, nothing was on his person but a little day-book and a pack of cards. Absence of the money aroused grave suspicions of murder.
   The report gained rapid circulation that the unfortunate man had been foully dealt with.
    Last evening in a interview with Mr. P.N. Elkins, the fireman on the engine of the down day passenger which ran over the body, gave the following account of  the occurrence:
  We were going along at a lively rate and when about a hundred and fifty yards from the body, Mr. Arden and myself discovered something on the track. When in about fifty yards of it, I saw it was a man. We were too near it when we first saw it, to stop the train, although every  effort was made to do so. We were on a heavy down grade of about fifty-two feet to the mile. We ran over the body about seven or eight cars' lengths when we stopped. We had five cars-four coaches and  a stock car. We stopped and Conductor Charlton and myself went back. (GRAPHIC DETAILS LEFT OUT) Soon after we stopped, two men came up from in front of the engine, inquiring who the dead man was, and we left them there when we went on. A bullet hole was found in the face of the dead man below the eye. Mr. Arden, the engineer, and myself, were before the Coroner's jury. Dr. Jones, of Gordon, who also appeared, testified that the hold was made by a bullet, and that nothing about the engine could have produced it. There was but very little blood on the cross ties where the body was dragged, and the wounds on his person were not bleeding.
   From all appearances it would seem that the unfortunate man was murdered and place in the track. Suspicion points strongly to two men who were seen with deceased (sic) on the evening before, and are reported to be the same who came up to the body just after the train stopped.
  The Central railroad furnished a coffin, and yesterday afternoon the remains were interred in Gordon.

January 30, 1880
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
The Killing on the Central Railroad
  The recent killing of Mr. C. Patterson on the Central railroad, near No. 17½, still continues to excite a good deal of interest in Gordon, and opinion seems to differ as to whether his death was caused by the cars or by foul play. Many incline to the latter opinion. It will be remember that the verdict of the coroner's jury was that death was caused by the train which passed over the body. One of the witnesses who testified before the jury gave in as his evidence that but a short time before the train came down, he saw Patterson and two other men sitting on the track. One of them went away and the witness walked off toward his home. In a few minutes he heard two pistol shots in the direction of the men on the track, and in fifteen minutes after heard the whistle of the engine.
  The killing took place in sight of a store. Four freight trains and the up passenger had passed the place.
  The engineer on the last train saw no one near the store but a negro man as his train passed. If he was in such a condition as to be liable to fall asleep at any moment, the men who were with him, if they intended to do right, should have taken care of him. The hole in the face, conceded to have been made by a bullet, the absence of the money he had with him, which has not been satisfactorily explained, the fact that the two men who came by just after the body was run over were the same who were with him the day before, all point to the conclusion that the unfortunate man was murdered and placed on the track.

February 13, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  We understand that suit will be brought by the family of Mr. J. C. Patterson, who was recently killed at Gordon, against the Central railroad for damages. The suit will be based on the verdict of the coroner's jury which decided that Mr. Patterson was killed by the passenger train. There is considerable  doubt in the minds of many as to the cause of his death, many believing that he was first murdered and placed on the track. The case will be an interesting one if it comes to trial and may develop some additional facts which will make the whole transaction appear in a clearer light.

February 20, 1880
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Miss Neppie Jordan and Mr. John T. Wall, of Twiggs county, were married in Irwinton on Wednesday.

February 4, 1880
Dublin Post
Mr. Johnny Harville who recently went from this county to take charge of a school in Wilkinson County was on a visit to his old home last Saturday and Sunday.

February 13, 1880
Atlanta Constitution
The Irwinton Southern and Appeal learns that Mr. W. C. Adams of Wilkinson county, recently killed a hog which netted him 269 pounds of meat. When killed the hog was but seven months and twenty-one days old. The hog was one of a litter of seven pigs, the other six being born dead and this one was fly-blown when found. He was fed with a spoon for more than three weeks, and received no sustenance at any time from his months.
     The Gordon correspondent of the Southerner and Appeal says that Mr. James B. Stevens rode a railroad velocipede from Macon to that place Tuesday. The little machine is quite a curiosity, and at the same time very simple. It has two wheels on one side, and all of the propelling apparatus with one little wheel on the other  side, to keep from turning over. The railroad company are now giving them a trial to see whether or not they will do for the supervisors to travel over the road on.

March 17, 1880
Dublin Post
One day last week Mr. Seaborn Taylor of Wilkinson County, son of Mr. John Taylor of this county, got his collar bone broken by a fall from a runaway ox team.
 

March 31, 1880
Dublin Post
        "Irwinton Appeal: On last Monday morning, Mr. Micajah Thompson, a farmer about seventy-four years old, died very suddenly while plowing in a field near his home about two miles from Irwinton. He ate a hearty breakfast, before going to work that morning and not only seemed in perfect health, then, but had not been sick for a single day for years. He was plowing in  a field alone. During the morning one of his sons passed through the field with a wagon load of wood and he gave him some direction concerning his work. At noon he was sent for, and his son who went for him, found the mule standing hitched to the plow and Mr. Thompson lying dead on the ground. The boy gave the alarm, and Mr. Tom Thompson, son of the deceased, who was in town at the time, was sent for and one or two of the citizens of the town went out and rendered all the assistance necessary. It is supposed that Mr. Thompson died of apoplexy."

April 7, 1880
Dublin Post
Mr. Wiley Fordham of Wilkinson County, was in Dublin Monday.
Misses Holliman and Hall, of Wilkinson County were on a visit to Dublin last week.
Mr. Strubing made his last trip to Dublin last Saturday. He will remove from Toombsboro next Thursday  to Millen to take charge of the hotel in that place. Success attend him.

April 9, 1880
Macon Weekly Telegraph
The Irwinton Appeal says that in Gordon, last week some little sensation was created at the residence of Mrs. Lingo. A little dog belonging to Sammy Goode showed signs of being mad, and several of the boards began to feel uneasy when he came into the house. He commenced to bite everything he came in contact with, and he was promptly dispatched with a bullet. Several days since, Mr. Steele, a gentleman boarding at Mrs. Lingo's, was bit on the hand while playing with this same dog, and we learn since he left that his sufferings have been intense.

April 16, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: Rev. R. L. Honiker, of Gordon, has bought a horse, and will not now, as heretofore, have to walk seven and nine miles to the different churches to preach.

Cochran Enterprise: Mr. James H. Bloodworth, of Bloodworth district, Wilkinson county, has an old ewe sheep which since 1870 has raised 161 lambs. Mr. Bloodworth is one of the most successful farmers of Wilkinson county, and is in favor of imposing a heavy tax on dogs.

May 26, 1880
Dublin Post
COME TO SEE ME AT THE POST OFFICE
When you come to Toombsboro call and smoke some of my elegant CIGARS And let me convince you that it is the best place in tow to buy Oysters, Crackers, Candies, Peanuts, Pickles, Sardines, Confectioneries Of all sorts. Also a big stock of TOBACCO, SNUFF, STATIONERY, ETC. ETC. Respectfully, J. W. HOLLAND. Toomsboro, Ga. May 25, 1880

July 9, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: Mrs. Rebecca, wife of John Morgan, was found dead in her bed on last Thursday morning. She had but lately been sick with the measles, and was still weak from its effects. We have been unable to gather full particulars, but learn that her death was from consumption. She leaves a husband and three children to mourn her loss.

July 21, 1880
Dublin Post
Killed by Lightening
Hard to read,  brief article mentions "seven year old daughter ofWm. Rodgers of Wilkinson County was killed by lightening during a thunderstorm." "Considerable damage was done to the house."

August 11, 1880
Dublin Post
OBITUARY
Mrs. Lathia S. Linder
      "Yesterday the sad intelligence of  the death of this estimable lady reached me. I was greatly shocked, and felt it next to a personal bereavement. At it was not my sad privilege to see her in her last illness, or to participate, I ask to be allowed as one coming last - but not loving least to pay this tribute of loving friendship to the peaceful sleeper in this beautiful graveyard at the Rawl's house.
     She was the only daughter of my lamented friend, O. H. P. Rawls of Wilkinson County who proceeded her to the world above a few years ago. Being the only daughter of loving parents, and the only sister of six loving brothers, she was the idol of home - loved but not worshiped.  She was a considerate child and an affectionate sister. Blessed as she was with everything to make life comfortable, she did not yield to needless self-indulgence but was generally helpful.
     I have known but little of her when she was a pupil at Shady Grove Academy in 1871. She was just then verging noble womanhood - blithe and happy. She was not frail - but rather inclined to corpulency, no indication in form or feature that she was to be the after-victim of consumption. Resembling her mother in personal appearance, yet inheriting her father's peculiar nervous temperament, too refined and tensely wrought to brook the aspirations of practical life. At school, as at home - she was the loved one - teachers and schoolmates all loved Lathia. As the sad words 'Lathia is dead,' are being told from one to another, many hearts that were then joyous will be made sorrowful. Dollie and Lathia were both friends then, they are both gone now. Their pure spirits are re-united ere to renew friendships that will know no parting.
     As wife and mother I cannot speak of her. She doubtless was all those relations imply. To the mothers and brothers I offer unfeigned sympathy; to the bereaved husband I tender heartfelt condolence; to God in humble prayer I commend the little motherless ones. George M. Prescott June 17, 1880

August 11, 1880
Dublin Post
A party of dove hunters in Wilkinson County, killed, one day last week over seven hundred birds, and, had their ammunition not become exhausted, it is confidently believed one thousand would have fallen victims to their marksmanship.

August 27, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: We regret to announce the death on the 11th instant, of Mrs. Susan Wheeler. Mrs. Wheeler was probably the oldest lady in this county, being ninety-eight years old at the time of her death. She recollected distinctly when the Indians had possession of this country, and during her life had seen many of them. She was married in this county, and died in it-in Bloodworth district. Mrs. J. M. Langford is her granddaughter. Our sympathies are extended to this family and friends.

September 25, 1880
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, Ga. Sept. 24, 1880
Editors Telegraph and Messenger: I send you this item: Little Ira, a son of Mr. Ira King, to-day fell into a well, a distance of seventy feet, and was instantly killed. He was a bright little boy of six or seven years. Gordon

September 29, 1880
Dublin Post
Dr. Fluker is running as an independent candidate for the  legislature in Wilkinson County.

October 5, 1880
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
A Few Dots From Wilkinson
Gordon, October 4 - Dick Kelly, a respectable colored citizen, was thrown from his mule on Saturday night and sustained injuries from which he died in about two hours. Al large crowd of colored people attended the camp meeting here Sunday night accommodation train. A colored woman jumped off the cars and broke her leg.
  Mr.G. W. Smith, a prominent citizen of this (Ramah) district, died last night from congestion of the brain
  Mr. B. F. Bridger, one of our most successful business men, is now quite sick. Gordon has been unusually sickly this summer.
  Mr. W. M. Stevens has moved his family to Macon. We lose a most excellent man by his removal. GORDON.

October 12, 1880
Dublin Post
Dr. Fluker was defeated by Mr. Fordham, in Wilkinson County, for the legislature.

Excerpts from The Southerner Appeal
Inrwinton, GA
Wednesday, October 20, 1880
Volume VI, No. 38, page 2

DEAD.
It is with feelings of the deepest regret that we announce the death of Mr. Miles M. Bloodworth, which occurred at his residence in this county on last Friday evening, the 15th inst.  At the time of his death, Mr. Bloodworth was over seventy years old and though bending under the weight of years, the call of duty ever found him ready.  Almost his last act was one of public service.  Though exempt, by reason of age, Mr. Bloodworth served on the grand jury which was discharged just one week ago last Saturday - six days before his death.  That body made him foreman, and in their general presentments complimented him highly upon his devotion to duty, and commended his example to the growing generation.  His death will be severely felt by the county, and more particularly by the community in which he lived.  He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.  To them we tender our sympathy.
Submitted by: Joy McCook

October 22, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: Mr. Faulk, of Houston county, who for some time has been at the residence of Dr. Massey under treatment for dropsy, died Sunday night and his remains were taken to his home for interment. Everything was done to prolong if possible his life, but all to no purpose.

October 29, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Wash Reagin, a negro confined in jail on the charge of stealing an umbrella, in Irwinton, died on last Saturday night.

November 26, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: Rev. A. B. Vaughan, Jr., the pastor of Irwinton Baptist church for this year, was in Macon on Monday last and received a call to preach there next year, filling the pulpit now occupied by Rev. B. H. Ivey. We consider Mr. Vaughan an able and rising minister, and regret that this community must lose his services. We most heartily commend him to the people of a community so fortunate as to secure his services.

November 27, 1880
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Mr. B. F. Bridger and Miss Virginia M. Flemister, of Gordon, were married on the 18th instant. Both parties are well known in Macon.

December 8, 1880
Dublin Post
      "Irwinton Appeal:  As indicated by the card of Mr. O. Bower in our last issue, this gentleman, with his family left this place last Monday morning, for Texas, where he expects to make his future home. Mr. Bower has left many warm friends behind him, and we sincerely hope that the change may be as pleasant and profitable as he expects. Mr. Bower, as a lawyer, has built up a good practice, and gave him clients his best powers and was noted for his faithfulness and perseverance in representing their interests. We feel confident  that by his courteous and polite-bearing that he will make many friends for himself in his new home. Our best wishes accompany him for future success and prosperity."

December 17 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Atlanta Constitution: On the 27th of April, 1878, Wash McDaniel, a white man, was tried in the Wilkinson county Superior Court upon the charge of murder and sentenced to the penitentiary, and since that time has been devoting his energies to the State. Not long since an indictment was found against him charging him with another murder of a more outrageous character, and on yesterday, in compliance with the demand of the State officials, McDaniel was surrendered to their charge to be taken back home to stand a trial on the second indictment. It is thought hanging will be his lot when the case is disposed of. He will leave Atlanta this morning in charge of an officer, who will take him back to this county for trial.

December 31, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Louisville Courier: James B. Newton, of Scriven county, was sentenced last Monday to be hanged on Friday the 4th of February, for murder in the second degree of Nathan Cornwell, at Batow, the 27th of February, 1877. The evidence proves that Wash McDaniel confessed to Detective Montmullen that he (McDaniel) killed Cornwell with a hatchet. Obediah Ross confessed to Dr. Curry that he was with McDaniel in Cornwell's store when the murder was committed. The confessions to other parties are corroborated by other evidence. Judge Carswell sentenced Mr. Newton with appropriate remarks, which were received with unusual calmness. The Judge refused an application for a new trial for the reason that the defendant had been fairly tried and condemned. Court adjourned till the regular term in May, when the other defendants viz.: John Sykes, McDaniel, Ross and John Newton.

February 25, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, Ga., February 17. - Gardening in our midst is beginning in real earnest. Some of the farmers are busy making preparations for planting corn, while others are busy hauling fertilizers from our market. All of our best planter seem to think that 1881 will be a successful crop year. Our town was somewhat suprized this morning at the announcement of the sudden death of Mrs. Jane Frasuer, wife of Mr. Eli Frasuer. Few knew of her illness. The doctor gave as the cause congestion of the brain. Mrs. Frasuer is well know among us as a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Our community will miss her. Burial services at 11 o'clock a.m. to-morrow, at the Methodist Church.

March 2 1881
Dublin Post
Mr. Green Murchinson, celebrated Wilkinson county wing shot, was in town last week and gave the boys a few lessons in gunning.

March 4, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, February 25. Mrs. Josiah Whitehurst, mother of the late Judge W M. Whitehurst, died near this place Wednesday evening, in the 76th year of her age. She has been a devoted member of the Methodist church at this place for quiet a number of years. She will be greatly missed in her community. Rev. J G. Harrison preached her funeral this morning at 10 o'clock. "B."

March 5, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Mrs. Frank Callaway died near this place yesterday, at 7 o'clock, p.m. She has been sick for several months. She leaves a husband and four children, and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Rev. J. G. Harrison will preach her funeral at her mother's, to-morrow at ten o'clock, a.m.

April 13,1881
Dublin Post
Lightwood-Knot Free
The following note explains itself
Irwinton, April 5, 1881
Mr. Editor: The Commissioner's Court of Wilkinson County on the recommendation of the Grand Jury have just passed  an order making Lightwood Knot bridge a free bridge.
G. W. Bishop

June 24, 1881
Georgia Weekly
Gordon, Ga., June 20 - Bessie, the little infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Whitaker, died yesterday evening with congestion of the brain.

July 17, 1881
Macon Telegraph
Gordon, Ga., July 15, 1881. Mrs.Elizabeth Daniels, daughter of Gen. S. P. Myrick, died here last night at 9 o'clock. She was a noble lady and well loved by all who knew her. The remains will leave here at 6 o'clock in the morning for Americus, Ga.

July 14, 1881
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, July 12. - Mr. Benjamin Ward, a young man living about five miles from this place, while leaving his work yesterday, was killed by lightning. He was riding just in advance of his brother, when his brother saw his mule fall, but thinking the mule had stumbled and fallen and nothing serious had happened, ran to where they were both lying and turning his brother over, saw that he was dying. The mule was killed also. B.

August 4, 1881
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Mr. Gabriel Jones, one of the oldest citizens of Wilkinson county, is dead, aged 81 years.

September 20, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
 Gordon, Ga, September 27. Mrs. Jane Solomon, widow of Mr. David Solomon, and one of the oldest citizens of this place, died last night at 11:20. She has been suffering for years with a cancer, and it has at last terminated her life. "Grandma" Solomon - as we all called her - was a woman of noble Christian character, and the announcement of her death will bring sorrow to the many who have been blessed by her hospitality. She was ready and waiting the Master's call. Her remains will be buried from the Methodist church at 4 o'clock this afternoon, Rev. C. W. Smith, D. D., officiating.

October 7, 1881
Columbus Daily Enquirer-Sun
 -Milledgeville Herald: We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Nancy Parker, two sisters, both estimable ladies, and well known to our people. They were both on a visit to their sister, Mrs. Daniel McCook, in Wilkinson county, when they were taken away by the angel of death.

October 18, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, October 14. - Miss Florence Brannan, a young lady who is well-known among us, and who has been lingering for weeks with typhoid fever, died at her father's residence, below here on the Central, at 7 o'clock yesterday evening. Her remains will be buried from the Methodist church to-morrow morning.

October 20, 1881
The Macon Telegraph & Messenger
  Miss J. E. Rawlins and Mr. C. J. Hogan, of Toombsboro, met in Macon yesterday morning and enlisted the services of Judge McManus, the ordinary, and Rev. Jos. Key. These gentlemen soon made the couple legally "one," and they took apartments at the Lanier House. Mr. Hogan and wife are just nineteen years old each, it is said.

October 21, 1881
Weekly Telegraph & Journal & Messenger
The Irwinton Southerner reports the following sad occurrence:
  On Wednesday, September 21st, Mrs. Jinsy Watson, aged seventy, left her home in Hancock county to visit her sister, Mrs. McCook, in this county. Mrs. Nancy Parker, another sister, on learning that Mrs. Watson had come over to Mrs. McCook's, determined to go there and see her, and for this purpose left her home on Saturday. Immediately on their arrival at Mrs. McCook's, the two visiting sister were stricken suddenly down with some fatal disease, which resulted in the death of both in a few hours of each other. Mrs. Watson died on Monday the 20th, and Mrs. Parker on the day following-not being able to speak to each other after meeting thus. Both were buried in the same graveyard and at the same time.

October 25, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, October 22 - Charlie Blow, a young man universally beloved among us, died of a congestive chill this morning at 5 o'clock. His illness was short and known only to a few, hence his death is a surprise to our little town. It has cast a shadow which all the pleasure of the association cannot remove. He leaves  a widowed mother to sorrow over the loss of a son who promised to comfort and support her in her old age. She has the deep sympathy of the community. His remains will be buried in the cemetery in Gordon to-morrow afternoon.

December 3, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Administrator's Sale
  Under and order of the Court of Ordinary Putnam county, will be sold at public outcry, before the court house door in Eatonton, Georgia, within the legal hours of sale, on the first Tuesday in December next, the following property, vis:
   One tract or parcel of land lying in Wilkinson county, Georgia containing seventy acres, more or less, adjoining the lands of Charles Ivey, D. Smith, and George M. McCook.
  Also, one tract of land lying in Wilkinson county, Ga. containing two hundred two and a half acres - more or less, adjoining the lands of R. Stevens, Daniel Brewer and E. Sanders.
  Also, one tract or parcel of land lying in Wilkinson county, Ga. on the railroad, containing five acres, more or less, adjoining on all sides the lands of Charles Ivey. On the tract is a valuable grist mill and steam cotton gin and fixtures, and other improvements, which go with the land.
  Terms: One-half cash and one half twelve months ... with 8 per cent interest, purchaser taking bonds for titles. Sold as the property of the estate of Charles R. Whiting, late of Putnam county, deceased, for distribution among heirs at law.
Wm. F. Jenkins,
Adm's Charles R. Whiting.

December 18, 1881
Atlanta Constitution
 Messrs. George E. McCook, James Fontain (Fountain)  and Veera McCook, of Wilkinson County are attending the exposition and are the guests of I B Pilgrim, 268 Jones St.

December 20, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Dr. Massey's Funeral. Gordon, December 19. - At the hour appointed last Sunday morning a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered at the residence of the lamented Dr. E. I. Massey, to pay the last tribute of love to his remains. People from the adjoining counties - who had come for miles - were present to do honor to this Christian gentleman. Everyone seemed to feel that he had lost a friend. After the reading of the burial service of the Methodist church, the singing of an appropriate hymn and a short discourse as the character of Dr. Massey as a man and Christian, his body was borne to the grave and buried amid the solemn pomp of Masonic honors. It was truly an impressive occasion. may the God of "the fatherless and widow" comfort the sorrowing hearts of his wife and children.

December 21, 1881
Dublin Post
page 2
Attempt To Murder Dr. Fluker
Irwinton Appeal
       "On Monday night last, between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock, some party or parties, intent on murder most foul, and cowardly, entered the sleeping room of Dr. Fluker and then and there assaulted the doctor in a most brutal manner with an axe. He was aroused from slumbers by the presence of someone in his room. He called out 'Who's there?' and received
in return a murderous blow with an axe. He jumped from his couch and grappled with his would-be slayer. It was a fight for life and death, and although Dr. F. was at a disadvantage, having had the most of his teeth knocked out, and his jaw injured from the first blow, his better physical manhood enabled him to manage his antagonist as to prevent further blows, from long range which were still being applied in a furious, deadly manner.  During the scuffle the weapon fell to the floor. The would-be murdered after being dispossessed of his arms ran from the rooms into the streets, and made his escape, leaving Dr. F. in a almost dying condition. Bleeding, butchered almost to death, he made his way to the hospitable home of Mr. Baum, where he was received and medical attention given him. The extent of his injuries consist of four painful flesh wounds, besides the fifth which he received in the mouth breaking out the most of his teeth and injuring  the jaw bone. The four flesh wounds are two on his arm and two on his back, one very serious. In fact it was a mystery that the doctor was not killed outright, considering the destructive powers of the terrible instrument used upon him. However, we are glad to say, he still lives, and is, at this writing, resting  as easy as could be expected. It is hoped that the cowardly assassin is apprehended and receive what he deserves."

December 21, 1881
Dublin Post, page 3
     "Dr. David Fluker of Irwinton, died on the night of the 10th inst., from the wounds of the brutal assault made on him while asleep, full details of which we print elsewhere from the columns of the Wilkinson Appeal.  Dr. F. was a noble young man and had many friends in this county."
Note: Dr. David R. Fluker died in Toomsboro in 1887

February 22, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, February 24. Tommie, the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Stevens, is dying of pneumonia. A good boy, and obedient son, and one on whom his crippled father leaned for help in the support of his family. There is a universal feeling of sadness, for all loved Tommie.
     The little boy who was so dangerously hooked by a cow on Sunday last, is recovering.
  Mr. Engle, our merchant, says he did not intend to bring off that napkin. He voted a dry ticket. H.

March 2, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
   Mr. Neal McQuaig, and old and respected citizen of this, Ware, county, died at his residence near Glenmore last Saturday, and was buried at Kettle Creek with Masonic honors on Monday last. Mr. McQuaig was a native of Wilkerson county but removed here about thirty years ago with other members of his family. He became a useful and respected citizen of Ware and thoroughly identified with its interests. He was a brother of our fellow townsman Mr. Joe McQuaig. He was about 59 years of age.

March 3, 1882
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, March 1 - Dr. H. W. Bridger, who has been attending lectures at the Atlanta medical college, has returned to us a full-fledged physician.
  The sad news came yesterday that Hamilton McCook, Jr., a railroad employee, whose family resides near here, had the misfortune to get his foot crushed by the train. The kind-hearted superintendent, Mr. Rogers, sent a ticket up, with the request that Hamilton's mother come immediately. Sickness prevented, and his father left for Savannah last night. At last accounts the injured foot had been amputated and the young man was speechless.

March 24, 1882
The Macon Weekly Telegraph
Southerner and Appeal: Turkeys are on the down grade in Wilkinson county. At one time it was thought that Sheriff Fountain was the boss turkey snatcher in t hese parts, but a new character has come to the front in the person of Mr. David Phillips, of near Toomsboro, who robs Sheriff F. of all his achievements, at least so far as the single shot is concerned. For instance, the other day Mr. Phillips, with a single barrel shot gun, fired at a drove of turkeys, killing five of the number outright, and wounding the sixth one. At this rate Mr. Phillips wouldn't be long in reducing the turkey ranks to that condition, where a ten year old gobbler couldn't yelp up a quorum in a three hundred acre swamp.

March 26, 1882
The Macon Weekly Telegraph
In Irwinton, on Sunday morning last, Mr. W. C. D. Carlisle and Miss Sallie Gillmore were married by Rev. E. J. Coates.

April 8, 1882
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Southerner and Appeal: On last Sunday about eight miles from here near the waters of Big Sandy, Mr. Sanders, with his children, were out taking a stroll in the woods. After wandering around for some time, one of the little girls approached near the stream to pluck some honeysuckle blooms which grew on the bank, and was instantly attacked by a huge alligator. Mr. S., who was not far away, ran to the rescue of his child, and snatched here, as it were, out of the jaws of  death. By this time the entire little party were in a wild state of excitement. After Mr. S., had removed them from danger, he at once set to work to slay his 'gatorship, in the accomplishment of which he was forced to solicit the aid of several of his neighbors-in fact, there was a good-size company called out, and, after a heated contest, the alligator was forced to hand in his checks. After he  was thought to be dead he was measured and round to be seven and a half feet long. Ah! there's no telling what is roaming in and around Big Sandy swamp, and children should be careful how they approach it.

April 25 1882
New York Times
Macon, Ga., April 21. - A fearful cyclone struck the lower edge of Bibb County at 8 o'clock Saturday night, and passed into Twiggs, Jones, and Wilkinson Counties, plowing a track 800 yards wide and mowing down fences, farm buildings, &c.
Samuel Gove, father of the Hon. Samuel F. Gove, Republican ex-member of Congress, living one mile from Griswold's and a Miss Lockhart, living near Gordon, were killed.

April 28, 1882
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  During the late tornado a Wilkinson county man tied his wife to a stump with a rope to keep her from being blown away. The wind died out and she came near being drowned by the rain before he could recollect where he had tied her.

May 5, 1882
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Milledgeville. Beautifully gotton-up invitations to the marriage of Mr. A. D. Nisbet, of the city and Miss Hallie Waddell, of Wilkinson county, which will take place at the residence of Mr. Andrew Miller next Thursday evening, have been sent out to their friends. Several from here will accompany the groom on his last bachelor jaunt. May their cup of bliss be just full enough-not too full.
(Note: she died May 18, 1883 and is buried in Memory Hill Cemetery in Milledgeville)

May 12, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, May 10  - Our community was saddened yesterday by the announcement of the death of Mrs. Eliza Stevens, which took place at her home below No. 16, Central railroad, at 8 o'clock. She was in her fifty-fourth year and had suffered a long time with rheumatism. When it became evident that she was dying her children were sent for, and when she had seen them she said it was enough, and department in peace. She was the mother of Supervisor James B. Stevens, of our town, and deep sympathy is felt for his family in their affliction.
    Messers. Barclay, Denard, Frasuer and Merkison returned from Toombsboro yesterday evening after a day and night at Cannon's pond with a fine lot of trout, bream and perch. They caught one hundred pounds.
    A large rattle-snake was killed in Mrs. Scott's apple orchard near Gordon from which Mr. Pettis, who killed it, got thirteen rattles and two fangs three-quarters of an inch in length. H.

May 17, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, May 16. From the number of cradles being put in order around here, we have reason to believe that wheat harves is near. Our hearts will be cheerful again by the ring of the scythe and the songs of the reapers as in days gone by. Some are cutting oats already.
  Rev. Wm. Griffin happened to the misfortune to lose his best horse a few days aog.
  The second quarterly conference of the Gordon circuit will convene at Matilda chapel next Saturday. Morning and evening services Saturday and Sunday.
  Bridger & Barfield is the name of our new drug firm. They are solid men and will do a good business. They occupy the sote of the late B. F. Bridger, and the last vacant house in town.
  Mr. C. E. Frasuer has leased the saw mill belinging to the estate of Dr. E. T. Massey, deceased, and work has begun in good earnest.

May 19, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Irwinton, May 11 - I've learned from Mr. John T. Lingo, who lives near here, that his place was struck by a very severe wind yesterday afternoon. It came with sufficient force to break down quite a quantity of timbner, leveled all his fences and blew down large quantities of oats. It does not appear to have been a general storm, but rather a sudden gust that confined itself to a few farms. Tornadoes, cyclones and lightning strokes have become so frequent of late that the pople here never see a dark cloud without feelings of apprehension. Mr. Lingo says that yesterday afternoon when the wind came up his hands, thinking another cyclone was at hand, fell down where they were standing and made no effort to avoid the heavy rain.

May 23 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Twiggs.
May 21. I learned from Mr. J. C. Solomon the particulars of a pleasant little society event which units Twiggs and Wilkinson in still closer bonds. On Tuesday last, at the residence of the bridges mother Mrs. Butler, Mr. B. F. Fitzpatrick was married to Miss Fleeta Butler. The attendants were Mr. R. Butler and Miss Annie Baum, Mr. J. N. Burke and Miss Lucia Carswell, all of Wilkinson county. The ceremony was performed by Rev. P. W. Edge, in the presence of a large number of friends, who had assembled to witness the consummation of the happy event. After the ceremony the guests were invited to partake of a dinner, which my informant says was just too gorgeous to be described. After lingering long over the table, the crowd dispersed and the happy couple started for their new home. There they found an elegant supper awaiting them, and Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatirick, with an ease and dignity that would have done credit to an older couple, received their friends till 12 o'clock. Then the guests, with best wishes for the future of the bridge and groom, retired, and the festivities were over.

May 27, 1882
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon. Today has been one of more interest with us. The Methodist and Baptist Sunday schools, after their disappointment by the railroad authorities, turned their attention to the nearest grove in  the neighborhood and celebrated the May day at Solomon's mill. The schools assembled at the pond at 10 o'clock and spent a pleasant time-some boating, some courting. A bountiful dinner was spread at twelve, and the afternoon was taken up for the most part by "Many, Many Stars."
  The sinking of a boat this afternoon caused considerable excitement. Fortunately for four boys (who could not swim) the water happened to be too shallow to drown them.
 

June 8, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon. June 7 - The news came to town last night that a two months old infant of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Lingo had been killed. It seems that Mrs. Lingo had been out in the yard at work, when her little four-year-old boy told her that the baby had fallen off the bed. He stated that he "put it back on the bed." The mother, supposing that he had been playing with the babe and dropped it, reproved him but went on with her work. In less than an hour she went into the house and found it dead. Its skull was broken.

July 23, 1882
Georgia Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, July 23  - Mrs. Fannie Bush, wife of John Bush, died to-day at 1 o'clock and will be buried to-morrow afternoon.  The infant of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Whitaker died last night, and was buried this morning.

July 28, 1882
The Constitution
A Wise Dog
From the Irwinton, Ga. Southerner
    A small black dog appeared in town yesterday apparently lost; Dr. Jones invited him into Harrison & Martin's store. Gus Martin showed him Lorillard's map of Georgia, and when he came out he took a small circle around a few houses, like a bee does when he starts after a load of honey, and started up the Macon road at the rate of 13-15 miles per minute, and he didn't have a tin pan attached either.

August 24, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon. August 21 - Mr. John Bush, whose wife died a few weeks ago, will be buried tomorrow afternoon in the Gordon cemetery. They leave four orphan children.

September 20, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon
  Miss Laura Brooks was buried in the Gordon cemetery to-day.

October 18, 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Milledgeville, October 17 - On Thursday last, the Trustees of the Asylum elected officers of that institution for the insuing year. Dr. Jones, of Wilkinson County, was elected 4th assistant physician, to begin service when the new building is ready for occupation. Mr. L. J. Lamar was elected assistant steward, (a most excellent appointment- a better man for position could not be found in the state). Mr. J. A. Orme was elected assistant store keeper and supervisory of the culinary department. The other offices remain as before.

October 18, 1882
The Telegraph and Messenger
 Gordon. Riley, oldest son of Mr. F. C. Branan was buried here last Saturday. He died of a  congestive chill.
  Mr. David Waller, of Cochran, brother of Mrs. W. S. Smith, was buried in the Gordon cemetery to-day.
  News has just been received that Miss Rachael Swint died at the residence of Dr. Gibson, at twelve o'clock. She had suffered for weeks of typhoid fever, and had just ben carried to the Doctor's that she might more speedily recover. L.H.W.

November 22, 1882
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
-Yesterday morning a bridal party from Wilkinson county, consisting of Mr. John T. Roach and bride, nee Miss Lizzie McCombs, and Mr. L. J. Roach and sister, were in the city, and, after seeing all that we have that's pretty, left by private conveyance for their homes.

December 19, 1882
The Telegraph and Messenger
    We learn that on yesterday afternoon Mr.J. I. Deese, a merchant of Toombsboro, and former partner of Judge W. F. Cannon, died very suddenly at that place. Judge Cannon accompanied a coffin to Toombsboro last night.

December 22, 1882
The Telegraph and Messenger
$50 REWARD
The above reward will be paid for John Anglin, who left Twiggs county December 20th, 1882. He is 5 feet 10 inches high, very dark complexion, very coarse, stubby, black whiskers, wears No. 6 shoe, and had on when he left a long black coat and a light brown hat. His right foot has been broken at the instep, and there is a lump on the top of his foot from it, but he does not limp. He is charged with stealing a dark horse mule with white nose, about 15 hands high, from Mrs. Elo. Love, in Twiggs county. Address the undersigned at Gordon, Ga. W. B. EDMUNDSON, JOHN LOVE..

February 7, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
Irwinton Southerner: "Late yesterday evening, while our young friend Thomas Freeman, was returning home from Toombsboro, he was horrified to discover lying in the road just out of town the dead body of some being. Dismounting he approached the body which he found so mutilate as to almost destroy identification. However, peering down through the thin almost darkness, he was horrified to see that the deceased was AMOS KETER, a character who had been on the town of Toombsboro for several days, past, and who had wandered out there, as it were, to die by his own hand, or perhaps that of the assassin. Little was known of Keter beyound that of his name. He appeared in Toomsboro, only a few days previous to his terrible end, and from whence he came or where he was journeying no one knew or put themselves to any trouble to find out. He was, it appears, an empty bubble on life's stormy sea, wandering hither and thither uncaring and uncared for. About four o'clock in the afternoon on the day his body was found by Mr. F., he was seen at Gordon & Brown's restaurant, from there he went over to the depot; this was the last seen of him in life.

February 9, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
Judge Cannon's splendid mill at Toombsboro was seriously damaged last night, $1,500.

March 30, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
  Death from a broken heart has taken place in Irwin county (Irwinton, Wilkinson County). Miss Lillie Wall was dangerously ill for several days, and the doctors quietly informed her father, Mr. Jasper Wall, that his daughter could not possibly live. Going to her bedside, and viewing her sadly, the father said: "My darling child, you are obliged to die, but I only hope that I may die first." Shortly after he went into convulsions, and was soon dead, followed three hours later by the death of his daughter.
     Irwinton Appeal: Quite a serious conflagration occurred on the premises of Mr. William Carswell, who resides about twelve miles from town, on Friday night last. It seems that the fire originated in a house on the premises, occupied by Mr. John Carswell, son of Mr. William Carswell. Although it was at an early hour of the night when the fire was discovered, the flames had gained such headway that, owing to the few people present, it was not only impossible to save the burning building, but most of its contents were also consumed. Three other houses, consisting of a smokehouse, negro house and wood house being in close proximity, were also totally destroyed. In the smokehouse was stormed between five and six thousand pounds of meat and several hundred gallons of syrup; only about seven hundred pounds of meat was saved. The woodhouse was filled with rich lightwood; when the fire reached this the heat and flame became doubly powerful, and the large dwelling of Mr. Carswell for a while was in imminent danger of being fired. Luckily a row of mammoth cedar trees stood between the woodhouse and dwelling, which protected the latter and saved it from destruction. As before stated, the fire was caused from a lighted candle which Mr. John Carswell had been using, and when supper was announced he left to attend, leaving the candle burning on a table near his bed and it is supposed fell over and fired the bed.

April 13, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Southerner and Appeal:Sheriff I. J. Fountain received an unexpectedly warm reception at the jail Saturday. He carried dinner down to the inmates, and just as he had unlocked and partially opened the second or inside door, he was unexpectedly and unceremoniously struck on the head with such force as to almost blind him. The blow came from inside the building, and was tendered by Alfred Butler, who was sentenced at our last court to five years in the "veritable gang" for breaking open a store at Gordon. After Mr. Fountain had recovered sufficiently to understand the significance of the thing, he had Beasty Butler pinioned to the jail floor, and right on the "waste way" of his pants he emphasized about one hundred and fifty of the "old-fashioned," with the same board that Butler had used on the gallant Jack. For this little fun Butler languishes in the dungeon, and now eats "standing up."

May 11, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
   Mr. George Riley, formerly with P. Fitzgerald, was married yesterday afternoon in Irwinton to Miss Eula Hughes.

May 17, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
A Deserted Bride
From the Fort Valley, Ga. Mirror
     On the 14th of March last, just at night fall there arrived at the residence of Mr. E.M. Smith, one of the best and most substantial farmers of Crawford county, a young couple who claimed to be man and wife. They applied for a night's lodging, and were kindly taken in. From them it was learned that they had been married only a few days before by a justice of the peace in Wilkinson county; and, it having been a run-away match, and the bridegroom being with means they had walked the entire distance and we find then, on the night above mentioned, without bag or baggage, the quests of farmer Smith, of Crawford county.  On the following morning the young man arranged for himself and wife to work with Mr. Smith for the balance of this year. He stated that his name was Tibbs, and his wife, a beautiful young woman, not over twenty, was a Miss Jones of Wilkinson county. Mr. Tibbs remained and worked on the Smith farm until the 16th of April, when he came to Fort Valley, accompanied by Mr. Smith's son, after a load of guano, and on that day made his disappearance, and has not been heard of since. His bride of only a few weeks is well nigh heart-broken over being thus cruelly deserted; but Mr. Smith and his family are kind and good people, and have given her a home and protection. While coming to Fort Valley after the guano, Tibbs told young Smith that he had "a wife and baby elsewhere, and intended to go to them." The young lady has a father and brother at her home in Wilkinson county but fears to return to them.

June 9, 1883
Augusta  Chronicle
  Billy Fletcher, of Irwinton, has sheared 135 sheep in one day and claims that he can clip 150.

June 24, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
OBITUARY.
  Died at his residence, 173 Crew street, this city, July 23d, at 7 o'clock p.m.,A. C. Hooks, late of Wilkinson county, Georgia.

June 29, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
   Irwinton Appeal - Little Idus Chambers, the eight year old son of Mr. Ira Chambers, of Gordon, has for the past several weeks been visiting relatives in our town. Saturday afternoon last, while playing around the lot with Judge Chambers little boys, quite a serious mishap befell little Idus. It seems that the youngsters were using the fence to amuse themselves by walking and climbing on it, when Idus lost his equilibrium and fell, striking the back of his head on a large sill, where he lay bleeding and unconscious, until assistance could reach him, when the unfortunate child was removed to the home of Judge Chambers, where he received medical attention. His injuries are severe, but at this time he is as well as could be expected from the terrible fall he received.

October 10, 1883
The Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon.
Marriage
  October 5 - Yesterday evening, at Stevens's Pottery, about 4 'clock, Mr. J. D. Brannan was married to MissSusie Wilkerson, Rev. B. H. Ivey officiating. Mr. C. H. Brannan, the groom's father, gave a magnificent dinner to-day, and Mr. G. L. Boatright will give a ball to-night in honor of the occasion.
  Mrs. Mary Perkins has recently moved to our town from Milledgeville.

September 1, 1883
The Telegraph and Messenger
Death of Mrs. Adams
    Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, mother of Captain O. F. Adams, died yesterday morning at 3 o'clock, at the residence of her son, Mr. George B. Adams, in Fort Valley.
   Mrs. Adams was born in Wilkinson county, and was in her seventy-sixth year. In 1848 she moved to Houston county, where she lived the life of a Christian up to the hour of her death. She will be buried today in Fort Valley, and a large number of her relatives in Macon will attend the funeral.

September 1, 1883
THE TALES THEY TELL
The Atlanta Constitution
From the Irwinton Appeal
     We took a six miles ride in the "very" heat of the day for the especial purpose of seeing and talking with Mr. Pete Youngblood, and we are at liberty to say that we were full repaid for the sweat we squandered in the transit. We found Uncle Pete at home quietly reading his bible. He had just the day before buried his best friend, "mother!" This sad event we were not cognizant of previous to our visit; nevertheless Uncle Pete received us with the most emphatic hospitality. After resting a while under the shade of his cozy home, he carried us aft to show us a three months pig which tips the beam at 73 pounds. He is certainly the most perfect specimen of hog flesh we ever saw. He is nothing but a little common plantation pig which was reared and petted in the yard and brought to his present high standard of fattiness and beauty by Mrs. Youngblood, Uncle Pete's wife. We then visited Mr. Youngblood's storm cave which we found in a state of decomposition. He will build a more "elegant" and secure one in the fall. Resuming our perambulations we brought up to the orchard and melon patch where a halt was made, and it is useless to go into any extended detail of what occurred at this point. Mr. Y. has some good corn and cotton in spite of the drought that visited him. He is a clever man, a jolly companion, and we always feel better after having heard him talk awhile. He is fluent, very! his facial expressions abundant and amusing, and his descriptive powers in the extreme.

September 22, 1883
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
  The Appeal announces the death of Mr. Hansford Davis, one of the oldest citizens of Wilkinson county.

September 30, 1883
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Milledgeville, September 29 - I will give you as much as I can learn them the particulars of the killing of Mr. James Aids, of this county, a well-to-do and respectable farmer. On the 26th of the present month Mr. Aids, Mr. Mansfield Hubbard, Jr., 19 years old, and Mr. George Whitaker met at Cooper's grocery, near Stevens's Pottery. Mr. Aids, from an old grudge existing between him and Mr. Hubbard, received some abuse from Mr. Hubbard, who was his brother-in-law, urged on by George Whitaker. Aids, thinking of avoiding a difficulty, left for home in an ox-cart. He had not gone far when overtaken by Hubbard and Whitaker, when Hubbard begin cursing him, and as Aids turned around, was shot by Hubbard in the abdomen, the ball penetrating two inches above the navel on the right side. He was shot with a derringer. As soon as shot Hubbard and Whitaker ran off. Aids managed to get to Mr. Newt Allen's house, one-quarter of a mile distant, where he was attended by Dr. E. T. Gilmore, who did all in his power to save him, but to no avail. He died the the 27th at 9:30 p.m. The coroner's inquest decided it to be willful murder on the part of Hubbard and Whitaker accessary. Hubbard was quite a boy, only nineteen years. Up to this date the sheriff has been unable to get on track of them. Aids leaves a wife and two children. M.

November 11, 1883
The Telegraph and Messenger
Marriage in Gordon To-Night.
    To-night at Gordon, Mr. James R. Van Buren, of Griswoldville, will be married to Miss Laura Massey. The ceremony is to be performed at 11 o'clock, and they will then take the Savannah bound train for Florida, where they will spend the bridal tour.
  There are in Macon many good friends of this young couple, who wish them all the happiness and prosperity attainable.

December 11, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Macon, Georgia
Dead. Special to The Constitution
Macon, December 10 - Mr. S. J. Underwood, of Rochester, New York, died yesterday morning at 9:45 in room 21, Wylie's National hotel. About a year ago this young man came to Macon from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and by a gentlemanly bearing made an impression. He seemed to have plenty of money and spent it lavishly. This went on for some time. he became dissipated after awhile, and his companions were not or a class to have elevated him. In the meantime he received checks from home only to have it taken in hand by them. He became despondent, and meeting Mr. W. J. Underwood, a quiet farmer of Wilkerson (sic) county, in the city he arranged to accompany him to his farm, where he has spent this year. Mr. Underwood has two daughters, Mary and Ella, who live in true rural simplicity in this modest little farm, and who never knew such thing as the flattery of a man. He succeeded in manner to win the affections of these girls by giving them presents and money. The father became involved in money transactions, and this young man, who was saving his receipts from home made advances, taking mortgages on the farm for security. He became infatuated with Ella and proposed. She was willing and they resolved to marry. The old people would not hear to the idea, and a plan was concocted to have her visit relatives in the city and he was to meet her clandestinely  and marry her. The arrangements were nearly consummated when he began to dissipate very much. In the meantime she waited, but he did not go for her. On Wednesday he came to the hotel and told Mr. Wylie that he wanted a room. It was accorded him, and nothing more was thought of his being in the house. On Saturday morning it was discovered that he was quite ill, and Dr. Harrison was summoned. When he looked at the man he decided that he must die. Every attention was shown him but nothing would avail and he passed away. He called Mr. Wylie in just before he died and asked him to telegraph L. P. Ross 147 state street, Rochester, New York, to send $75. A telegram was sent but before answer came he died. Another was sent announcing death. A telegram was received from Mr. Ross later in the evening instructing him to have body sent to Rochester. It was embalmed by J. J. Clay and forwarded this morning via Cincinnati.

January 8, 1884
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
January 7 - Maj. J. F. Burney died suddenly yesterday evening of heart disease at the residence of Mrs. M. E. Flemister where he was boarding. Major Burney was sixty-one years old. For three years past he has been a resident of Gordon, where he was favorably know. In his death our little town has lost one of its most enterprising citizens. To-day the shock is still felt. Universal sympathy has been extended to his bereaved wife and children, some of whom reside in Macon.
      Weather very  cold, alternating with snow and sleet. Judge J. R. Barfield who is about to remove his family to Texas, has called a halt until a sunny day. Four other families are detained with him. We regret that Mr. Barfield should be discommoded, but are glad that his stay among us will be protracted. Too cold for reporters to stir.

February 2, 1884
The Atlanta Constitution
GOLDEN NUPTIALS IN WILKINSON
From the Hawkinsville, Ga, Dispatch
   Rev. Thomas W. Dupree and wife, of Wilkinson county, celebrated their "golden wedding" or fiftieth anniversary of their marriage at their homestead, in that county, on the 29th December last. The occasion brought together their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - there being fifty-eight in al-raly (?)only one grandchild, and one great grand child absent. This aged couple were the parents of eight sons and daughters, all of whom attained the ages of manhood and womanhood. Seven of the number are now living and were present with their respective families at the reunion  about the parental hearthstone. In addition to the fifty-eight offspring present, there were about one hundred and twenty other relatives and friends assembled to participate in the joys of the day.
(Note - Thomas Dupree & Olive Fordham were married Dec. 27, 1833 in Wilkinson County, Ga.)

March 21, 1884
The Atlanta Constitution
A Huge Wildcat
From the Irwinton, Ga., Appeal
 The biggest cat of the season invaded our office on Monday evening. he was powerless to do harm, however, having been run down and killed the morning before by Mr. W. C. D. Carlisle, with his pack of fleet hounds a few miles from town, in the short  time of fifteen minutes. The cat was of immense size, weighting 24½ pounds. Quiet a crowd viewed the remains while lying in state on our office floor, and all conceded that it was the largest cat they ever saw. Judging from his unlimited proportions and "ear-marks" generally, he was decided to be no "kitten" but an old timer, who had been on the road lot these many years.

April 4, 1884
The  Constitution
Gordon, April 3- Tremendous gale northeast since early morning. In some localities fire has broken out with great destruction to property. Very destructive fire situated in the southeast portion of Jones county, and northwest portion of Wilkinson running in a northeasterly direction did great damage; several houses burned, greatest loss from burning of fences. Fires still raging and beyond control. Estimated loss so far as heard, $600. Rumours of other loses, but unreliable.

April 5, 1884
The Atlanta Constitution
Irwinton, April 4 - Wind and fire in Wilkinson. Houses and fencing burnt to the amount of several thousand dollars, twelve to fifteen fires in different portions of the county. On the 2d instant the wind blew a gale from 9 a.m. till night. Among the sufferers are Jerry Dixon house and all its contents. G. H. Hatfield, corn crib and contents, stables, etc.  E Hodal (?), John Gardner, W. G. Lewis, Candy (?) Butler, John and Joel McArthur, J. C. Hicks, Jacob Gainey, J. R. McNeal, S. McConnell, L. McConnell, J. H. Halliman (Holliman), J F Lindsy (Lindsey) and others.

May 27, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
IRWINTON - BIG FIRE- SUPPOSED TO BE THE WORK OF AN INCENDIARY
May 25, - Our citizens were aroused by cries of "Fire" about 3:30 a.m., and found the store house of Messrs. T. and A. Beall in flames. Being separated from other buildings by streets, with plenty of water and willing hands to use it, no other houses were consumed. It is believed by all partied with whom I have conversed that it was the work of thieves, who robbed the grocery room, of the building before firing it, as the door to this room was fund open. Estimated loss, about $2,000; no insurance. Their safe was fire-proof, and books and papers of the firm are preserved.
     Not withstanding our county boasts of fine safes for the preservation of county records, the senior partner, who is our ordinary, left his record of administrators and executors returns on his counter the previous evening and it was burned.
  The junior partner, who is clerk of the county board of commissioners left his in like condition, and it was reduced to ashes also.

June 4, 1884
Dublin Post
Mr. George O. A. Daughtry, of Cool Springs,  one of the most successful and enterprising men in Georgia, who owns a very fine cane swamp of one hundred and fifty acres, has opened a "blooded" stock farm. He has now some very fine stock and will about October 1st., add ten very fine brood-mares with a greater number of  fine cattle and hogs to his farm. The time will soon come when the majority of stock raisers will see the advantage there is in raising improved stock.

June 7, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
    Companies F, and I, of the third Georgia veterans will have a picnic in Toombsboro on the fourth of July. They have
    Resolved, That every confederate soldier residing in the county of Wilkinson and the surrounding counties, are invited to attend said picnic as our special guests; and the citizens at large are invited to assist in making the entertainment a success, to which all are invited. And the good ladies to bring their baskets well filled with their good things of life.

June 17, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
  On Sunday, in Wilkinson county, Mr. Joe W. Knowles, of Macon, was married to Miss Eliza J. Underwood, of that county. The young people will make Macon their future home. They have our best wishes.

Excerpts from THE SOUTHERNER AND APPEAL
June 25, 1884  Vol. IX
Irwinton, GA Page 2
DEATH OF MRS. B. P. BLOODWORTH
This lady, after a protracted and painful illness with typhoid fever, died at her home three and a half miles from this place on the 20th ___.  The circumstances surrounding the untimely demise of this excellent Christian lady are extremely sad.  She married at an early age, and up to the time of her  death was a woman full of health, energy, and devotion to her husband and children.  Her generous heart went out to all, ant to "forgive and forget" was a characteristic of her Christian spirit which virtue she sustained through life. Four children - all little boys - the oldest only seven years of age, are left destitute of a mother's tender care and influence.  A devoted, heart-broken husband, too, who can just now hardly realize the true state of his surroundings and the bitterness the death of his young wife has wrought.  It is a solace for him to know, however, that she is now in a better world than this, and when he looks upon those little boys - "Keepsakes she has left behind" may it be a gentle reminder of the dear departed and sustain and encourage him to execute this part of her unfinished mission on earth as near as possible like her has she been spared.
Submitted by: Joy McCook

July 1, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
Death of Mrs. Stephens(Stevens)
We regret to learn of the death oat 10 o'clock last night of Mrs. Stephens, the estimable wife of Mr. Wm. Stephens (Stevens), roadmaster of the Central railroad. Mrs. Stephens had been sick only a few days.
  The remains will be taken to Gordon tomorrow morning for burial, leaving the house, corner Second and Oak, at 8 o'clock and leaving on the 8:25 train. The funeral will take place from the church in Gordon
(Buried Gordon Cemetery)

July 3, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
Funeral of Mrs. Stephens
  The remains of Mrs. William M. Stephens, who died in this city on Monday night, were taken to Gordon yesterday for interment. They were accompanied by quite a number of citizens from Macon.
    The funeral services took place at 10 o'clock in the Methodist church, and were conducted by Rev. C. W. Smith and Rev. John W. Burke.
  The following were the pall-bearers: Messrs., A. C. Knapp, B. F. Hudson, James Boon, D. M. Gugel, John G. Deltz, W. A. Wylie and James Miscally.
     Mrs. Stephens was a Miss Martha M. Gay, and was born in Putnam county. In 1868, she, with her husband, moved to Gordon, where they lived up to three years ago, when the family moved to Macon. She had been a faithful member of her church since she was fourteen years of age, and died, as she had lived, a Christian.

August 15, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
SEVENTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD
Family Reunion of the House of Caswell Branan
From the Irwinton Appeal
  It was our good fortune on last Sunday to attend the 77th birthday celebration of Mr. Caswell Branan, who resides seven miles north of this place. These occasions, in honor of this good old father in Israel, were conceived and put in effect the year 1876 by the children of this venerable sire, and regularly every year since then this custom has been strictly observed. This last occasion was a pleasant and successful one. The number present was variously estimated at from 90 to 100 people - big, little, old and young. The writer and his family had seats behind two fine mules, carefully driven by the polite and attentive boy, Anderson, and the whole chaperoned by Mr. Jim Lingo, one of the cleverest and jolliest men in the country.
  The dinner, of course, was excellent in every particular, couldn't be otherwise, when gotten up and superintended by such superior housewives as the daughters and daughters-in-law of our host, Mr. B. Before and after dinner, ice cold lemonade was made by the tubfuls and served under the shade of the oaks in the yard, between which and the grape arbor the young people plied themselves most vigorously. In the afternoon the girls and boys organized a singing-school and for a time made the welkin ring with their gay and happy voices. It was in toto a delightful  occasion. Aside from the immediate family, there were several invited guests from Baldwin county, Gordon, Macon and Irwinton. We hope Mr. Branan will live long to witness many more just such happy occasions.

September 10, 1884
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
     The ginning season is upon us and the whistle of Mr. Thos. W. Dupree's engine is again as the breeze. Mr. D. says his fireman has learned to blow the whistle and we think he has.
     We are pleased to learn that Mr. Wiley Fordham, who was taken seriously ill, a few days since is improving .
     Mrs. Mollie Rawls, of Indian Springs, is visiting her mother, Mrs. Cumming near here.
     Mrs. Eliza Griffin, of Morgan, Calhoun County, is visiting the home of her childhood and relatives here. She is the guest of Mrs. Fannie Ogburn.
     Mr. F. Chambers of 16 C.R R. was on our streets today.
     The bridge across Big Sandy at Stephensville was let to-day to the lowest bidder. Mr. Wash Smith bid it in at ninty-five cents per foot.

October 8, 1884
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
Last Wednesday this community was enveloped in sorrow by the death of Mrs. Nannie J. Lord, wife of our esteemed citizen Mr. Iverson Lord. Deceased leaves a loving husband and six children, one of them an infant three weeks old, to mourn her irreparable life. We tender our earnest sympathy to this truly grief stricken household.
  On the evening of the 25th, inst., Toney Stanley was bitten on the instep by a very large rattlesnake. Dr. J. H. Duggan, was immediately sent for and on reaching there found the negro in great pain and his tongue swollen to a fearful extent but under the skillful treatment the soon got relief, and at the present writing is doing well.
   Again we have to chronicle the death of one of our citizens. Mrs.Fannie Mathis died this 28th inst., at four o'clock a.m. Deceased had for some time been a victim of dropsy but on the night of the 27th was apparently no worse than usual and spoke a few words after the family had arisen and on going to her bed in a few minutes found that her spirit had fled. Her remains will be interred at the church yard here to-morrow. We offer our sympathy to the bereaved family.

November 1, 1884
The Atlanta Constitution
     A Toomsboro correspondent writes that William J. Evans was found dead late this morning down on the railroad near the bridge. He was away from home from Saturday noon. The watchman at the bridge saw him in the afternoon going in the direction the body was found. It is supposed that he was knocked from the track by a passing train, as two of his ribs were broken and he was otherwise bruised. He has only been out of the state lunatic asylum a short while, where he had been for the treatment, the trouble with him was epilepsy. He has been a sufferer many years.
    In Wilkinson county,  Mr. George W.Thompson made on less than an acre of land six barrels of choice syrup beside saving a plenty of seed for planting the next crop. Mr. Josh Boone made ten barrels on an acre of land and saved one-seventh of the crop for seed.

November 12, 1884
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
   Mr. Joseph Mathis died of consumption on the evening of the 6th inst., at the residence of Mrs. Dicy Brack. Only a few hours before his death he spoke of his approaching death with composure and christian faith; he said before the sun would sit he would be free from all suffering here and hereafter; that he was going to his mother who had only preceded him a few weeks.

November 19, 1884
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
We are having some delightful Spring weather if it was only a little damp.
Mrs. Olive Dupree is on a visit to her son, John T. Dupree, above Irwinton.
Mr. Jno. E. Lord, has purchased land on Rocky Creek in Laurens county, where he will remove this winter. We regret losing a good solid citizen like Mr. Lord, but feel gratified to know he will find friends wherever his lot is cast.

Last Wednesday night without any previous notice a road cart belonging to one of our prominent young men decided to enter a dissolution, as one of its wheels was found the following morning resting sublimely in the branches of a large oak on the public square. Beware boys, such sport as this sometimes proves disastrous.

Dr. J. H.  Duggan and W. C. Bishop took in the Macon jubilee and report a blazing time.

The candy-pulling at the residence of Mr. W. T. Dupree on Thursday night was largely attended and muchly enjoyed. Among the guests from a distance were Mr. Willie Beall and Misses Lille Beall and Ola Baker, of Irwinton, Miss Ophelia Branan of Glenella, and Miss Ella Maddox of Dublin. The party was going in honor of Miss Mary Beall who left on Friday to visit relatives in Irwinton.

  Messrs. W. T. Dupree, A. C. Adams, and J. F. Billue went to the mouth of Big Sandy on a semi-hunting and fishing expedition Wednesday. They report sixty squirrels killed and fish in abundance.

Drs. J. H. Duggan and B. J.  Smith made a flying trip to Irwinton Friday evening and we are of the opinion that Cupid flitted along the dust road and sent some of his ornel shafts to the mark.

Miss Ophelia Branan, Glenella's reigning belle, was in town Saturday, the guest of Miss G. Smith

Mr. W. G. Murchison, of Heard Ga., is in our midst looking after his farming interest in this vicinity.

Mr. Joel A. Smith, our clever and efficient tax collector made his final visit to this place Saturday for the purpose of gathering tax and there was a large crowd in town as very few paid on his first and second round.

Mr. W. T. Dupree and James L. Avant have bought the land interest of Mr. Jno. Lord near here. We are pleased to learn as soon as the latter can settle his business in Washington he will remove to his new purchase and become a permanent citizen. We extend our cordial welcome to Mr. A., who is a genial energetic young farmer.

 The hawks that have been hovering over this community and proving such a great annoyance to the good dances of our town have become some thinner in ranks., Masters Arthur and Jimmy Stanley having captured three very large ones recently with a steel trap.
BREVITY.
Nickleville, Nov. 17, 1884

December 17, 1884
Dublin Post
The Irwinton Southern and Appeal has changed hands - Mr. C. M. Brannan retiring and Mr. C.H. Morris of Baldwin County, assuming the responsibilities of editor and proprietor. Here's luck to the outgoing and incoming editor.

December 25, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
  A small sized cyclone passed over the upper edge of Wilkinson county a day or two since, demolishing the barn of Mr. Green Lee and doing other damage to fences, buildings, etc. Hail as big as a guinea egg was seen to fall.

January 24, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
   Sunday afternoon as the Sunday school bell had just ceased telling in Irwinton, the fine residence of Hon. John W. Lindsey was discovered to be on fire. The fire must have originated from a stove in the kitchen. Colonel Lindsey and his entire family, with the exception of his wife, were absent from the premises at the time. Mrs. Lindsey was sitting quietly at her writing desk when the fire alarm was given, and knew nothing of the close proximity of the consuming monster, until aroused by the cry of some of the neighbors. Nearly all of the bedding, wearing apparel and furniture were destroyed. The papers of value were saved, and his library was saved in a badly damaged condition. Colonel Lindsey had just laid in provisions enough to last him nearly through the year, and they were lost. The entire loss will probably amount to $3,000. The building was insurance for $1,000 and the library for $300. Mrs. Hailey and daughter, who were stopping at Colonel Lindsey's, had their trunks and wearing apparel destroyed, but saved their money and jewelry.

February 16, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
  The following notice appears in the Eastman Times, signed by George Fordham, of Wilkinson county:
LOST GIRL. My daughter, Caroline Fordham, having left ne, I will thank any one who knows of her whereabouts to take charge of her, and notify me at once. I will pay all expenses incurred and will greatly appreciate the favor.

April 4, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
Irwinton Appeal:  Speaking of people not being able to make a living in this country, we have an item that shows how it is sometimes done by people who know what they are about. We were standing in Mr. R. L. Cason's store in Toomsboro yesterday, when a negro girl entered with a large basket of eggs. When she had sold them, Mr. Cason remarked to us that the girl was the servant of a lady living near Toomsboro who had been sending him eggs, and that he had received from this lady and her two sisters on that day and the day before, one hundred and twelve dozen eggs, in the aggregate. These three ladies have no more advantages for raising chickens than is possessed by any ordinary farmer's wife, but they give the matter their attention, and that is the secret.
     W.C. Horn has returned to Toomsboro, after an absence of twenty-four years. He enlisted in the Carswell Guards about the beginning of the late war, and served in the confederate states army for a time, when from some misunderstanding with his superior officers he crossed the lines and sought protection in the federal army. He remained out in the Indian territory until after the close of the war, corresponding with his family at long intervals. His wife is yet living. She long since thought he was dead. He has only one child, the wife of J.S. Brady
(Note: Horne, William Curtis- private August 21, 1861. Captured, Culpeper County, Va. December 13, 1863. Took oath of allegiance to U. S. Govt. and furnished transportation to Philadelphia, Pa. March 15, 1864.)

April 15, 1885
Dublin Post
Nickelsville Items
     The Misses Neil of Baldwin County brightened our village Saturday and Sunday last with their presence, the guest of the Misses Cannon.
     It is with regret that I chronicle the death of Mr.Robert Lee Stuckey, a young man of much promise, who died at the residence of his father, Mr. Alex Stuckey, on the night of the 7th instant.
Nickleville April 10, 1885

May 8, 1885
Weekly Telegraph and Messenger
Bitten by a Mad Cat
The little two-year-old son of Mr. Nat Hughes was bitten by a cat on last Saturday, and some fears are entertained in consequence. The cat had been having fits for two or three days, and on being fondled by the child, bit it on the hand- Irwinton Southerner.

May 11, 1885
Atlanta Constitution
From the Irwinton, Ga., Appeal
 Mr. W. B. Ethridge, one of Wilkinson's substantial farmers, says that he has never bought but fifty pounds of flour since he moved to Wilkinson County, seventeen years ago. He raises everything he uses on the farm, and he prospers accordingly.

May 22, 1885
Weekly Telegraph and Messenger
Fight at a Log-Rolling in Which Three Men are Hurt-One Fatally
(Special Telegram)
Toomsboro, Ga., May 15 - A very serious and blood affray occurred some ten miles from here last night at 11 o'clock. From the best information I can gain, the following are the facts: An old-time log-rolling, to which all the neighbors were invited, occurred at Dave Criswell's, and as is usual at such places, the crowd got jolly over some Macon bust-head. One William Cherry and wife were present, and at dinner one Jack Martin was conversing with Cherry's wife pleasantly, when, from some old grudge between Cherry and Martin, Cherry told Martin not to talk to his wife or him either. Then all parties returned to the log-rolling, and after tea, when in the field, Cherry came with a gun where all the crowd were carrying on a sacrilegious prayer-meeting, and punched old man Peter Youngblood in the ribs with the gun, from some old grudge also, when one Lum Smith, a nephew of Youngblood, caught the gun, and in the scuffle the gun fired off accidentally, and shot a by-stander named Lavender in the neck. The wound is not serious. Cherry, after losing the gun, opened his knife and went to cutting Smith, who, holding Cherry at arm's length, ran his hand in his pocket, opened his knife with his teeth, and went to cutting Cherry. Smith's wounds are serious and Cherry's considered fatal.

June 24, 1885
Dublin Post
Mrs. Benjamin Fordham, an old and respected lady, of Wilkinson County and well-known to our citizens, died on the 18th instant.

July 22, 1885
Dublin Post
Hon. W. C. Adams, ex-representative of Wilkinson County, died at his home one day last week.
Mr. Robert Rozier living in the lower part of this or the upper part of Wilkinson County died last week.

August 12 1885
Dublin Post
   We are sorry to learn of the serious illness of the brighttwo-year-old daughter of Mr. J. R. Rawls, of Stephensville. But little hope is entertained for her recovery.

  Obituary of Little Jimmy Stanley.
   The sweet and promising little boy of Ira B. Stanley, of Stephensville, died July 22nd aged ten months and five days.
  The coffin that enclosed the lovely remains, was of spotless white. At the grave the lid was partially raised, and all eyes present beheld the lifeless form of the tender babe; holding in his left hand the emblem of purity, and above the snowy coffin rested a beautiful cross, fashioned by some loving hand, from the branches of the Tree of Life, in token of that hope inspired by the Cross of our blessed Saviour
  At eleven o'clock a.m. the following day the dear little one was lowered to his final resting place near the sacred ashes of his fraternal grandfather, for whom he was named, and who died when his father was but a child.
  Those of us, who have experienced the loss of a dear, sweet child, alone can fully realize the mother's anguish in this parting with the tender flower, around which her affections twined.
No more we'll see his dear sweet face,
No more the delicate form embrace,
This gentle sprit lives above,
Around the pure white throne of love.
A short while previous to his death, and beneath the same hospitable roof, his grandmother passed through the dark valley into the Elysium beyond; and me thinks I see her now with outstretched arms welcoming little Jimmie to the realms of eternal bliss.
  Oh! tis not the tear this moment shed,
That gives the anguished heart relief;
Time hoary and with a wearied tread,
Alone can heal the wound of grief.
BROTHER

August 26 1885
Dublin Post
Rev. Thomas Dupree, a very aged and very much respected gentleman, died at his home in the lower part of Wilkinson County on the 24th inst.

August 28, 1885
Weekly Telegraph and Messenger
WROTE HIS OWN OBITURY. While His Fingers Were Cole with Approaching Death.
  Mr. Frank Smith, who recently died in Irwinton, wrote the notice of his own death. In the Irwinton Southernor his cousin has the following:
   Just two hours previous to his death he called for pencil and paper, and with fingers chilled by approaching death, he wrote the enclosed lines, which he desired you to publish:
   "We regret very much to have to chronicle the severe illness of Mr. Frank Smith, better known as the irrepressible Benjamin F. We hate to announce this sad occurrence. He is at the residence of the Rev. Thomas Dupree, near the line of Wilkinson and Laurens counties. Franklin is well known all over the State, and pretty well known in Florida. He is a printer by trade, of which all the readers of the S. and A. are aware. He commenced the trade with the late Mr. Carnes, who started a paper and called it the Southerner. He was not a member of the church, but his desires were very much with the Christian church, and would have joined if he - he is very low at this writing, and recovery is impossible-we will state his condition in our next paper, as we are much interested in Frank. Frank was very popular with the girls wherever he went, and we are sorry he is stricken with dea-t-h-"
  Here the sands of life were swiftly ebbing and the icy hand dropped lifeless by his side, leaving his article incomplete as his soul went upward to the God who gave it.
  The Southerner says he was buried at night, which recalled a remark He once made that all he feared about death was his first night in the grave.

September 4, 1885
Atlanta Constitution
Deaths in Georgia.
Irwinton, Ga. September 2 (Special) Mr. A. Baum, the oldest merchant of this place, died in Atlanta of cancer of the stomach. His remains will be carried to Savannah for interment. He was a good citizen, and had lived in this town for thirty-five years, and had accumulated a handsome property.

September 17, 1885
The Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, September 16. - Little Bessie, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Crawford, was buried in Gordon cemetery yesterday.
Mrs. W. A. Hall, Sr., and Mr. Samuel Rutherford, two of our highly esteemed citizens, in the lower section of the county died a few days ago.

September 23, 1885
Dublin Post
Mr. W. A. Ogburn, of Wilkinson, spent Saturday in the city.
Mrs. Goodman, a very aged lady, living just across the Wilkinson line died on the 19th inst.

October 6, 1885
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, October 15 - Little Una, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Owen, was interred in Gordon cemetery on Wednesday evening last.

October 18, 1885
The Macon Telegraph
Byron, October 17 Mr. Frank Allen, of Wilkinson county, and Miss Ellen Williams of this place, were married on the night of the 15th inst.

November 4, 1885
Dublin Post
Mr. J. F. Butler, of Wilkinson County, was in town last week prospecting. He will probably make Dublin his future home.

November 11, 1885
Dublin Post
Miss Maggie Cumming, of Wilkinson County, is spending a week or two with her relatives and friends in the city. A pleasant time is wished for her.

November 18, 1885
Dublin Post
Mr. W.R. Harville, of Irwinton, who has just closed his school in the lower part of this county in addition to the usual amount of charity tuition incumbent upon every teacher, fed several of his pupils while in attendance in his school - gratis. He is a noble young man and he will long be kindly remembered in the community he has just left.

Wrightsville has  had a fire. The Hicks building occupied by two of her merchants, Mr. E.E. Dukes, recently of Jefferson County and Mr. Vanlandingham, formerly of Wilkinson County, with both stocks of goods, were consumed by fire on Sunday   night last. The building which belonged to Capt. Hicks, and the goods were a total loss, there not being any insurance on them. We have been unable to learn the origin of it.

November 30, 1885
Atlanta Constitution
Macon, November 29 (Special) MasterFrank Burke, the fourteen-year-old son of Mr. J F. Burke, of Wilkinson county, was accidentally shot on his father's plantation on Friday last, while out hunting with one of the negro hands on the place. While the negro was loading his gun it was accidentally discharged and the load entered young Burke's stomach. He lingered until yesterday afternoon, when he died. Last night parties came to the city and procured a coffin from Messrs. Wood & Bond. The negro deeply regrets the occurrence, and as soon as the shooting occurred he took the young man in his arms and bare him to the house.

December 2, 1885
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
A rumor reaches us that a little son of Mr. John Burke, a merchant doing business in the upper part of the county, was fatally shot by a little negro a day or two ___.It is another one of the many cases of accidental shootings. They were playing with a breech-loading shot gun, not knowing there was a loaded shell in the gun, when it was discharged, completely disemboweling the unfortunate child. The fond father is nearly frantic with grief.
Mr. W. T. Dupree, Nickleville's __ and enterprising merchant, was in attendance at Dublin court this week.
Mr. B. H. Rawls, a prosperous young merchant of Flovilla, was shaking hands with his many friends ___ today.
Dr. J. H. Duggan is having a new barn and stables erected and the sound of the saw and hammer inspires us with the thought that Nickleville is on a boom
Mr. Sam Dennard, our tax collector, was here yesterday on his last round. We learned that many failed to meet him and get their receipts. However he will not close his books until the first Tuesday in December, and will wait longer if permitted to do so.
Mr. W. E. Murchinson of Tennille, is on a visit to his old home. He took in the social last night and was as merry and pleasant as usual.

December 16, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
Swallowed a Tin Whistle.
Macon, December 15 (Special) John McCullough, of WiIlkinson county, came to this city yesterday to get medical relief for his little three year old girl, who had swallowed a tin whistle. The little one was suffering terribly. Dr. M. Hatton was called, and the whistle was fund to be lodged in the little one's throat. He decided not to do anything until today. Mr. Wilkinson (McCullough) returned to his home last night.

December 16, 1885
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
    Some of our young men attends the social at the residence of Mr. John T. Hatfield, on the night of the 8th, and report a pleasant time. They say Editor Morris of the S & A has a fine voice for singing "Marching round the Cuel"
   Mrs. Napier and son, of Henry county, Ala., are visiting in the community. They are the guests of Mrs. Dicy Brack, mother of the former.
    Mr. Charlie Donaldson, of McIntyre, paid our town a brief visit on the evening of the 9th.
    Master Gus Baker of Irwinton, is visiting his sister, Mrs. Stanley Chappell.
    Our sister village, Stephensville, is on a building boom. We notice several new buildings nearing completion within her borders.
    It is exceedingly strange to see how, many stout, able-bodies men it takes to stand around and offer instructions to one lank specimen of humanity, who is trying to shape and axe handle.
    Hogs are dying in the section of cholera. The farmer has poor encouragement to try to raise his meat at home, for after feeding them more that their value in coren,t hey often sicken and die, and he is left without either corn or meat.
    It is rumored that the Nicklesville cornet band, that suspended through the summer, will revive at an early day. Can one of  the ladies get them up a Christmas entertainment of some kind? It would be very nice, and I am sure the boys would appreciate it.
    Thursday was again bailiff's sale day here. When will the grinders cease?
    The social at the residence of Mr. Alfred Smith, Thursday night, is pronounced the best of the season.
    Miss Fanny Knight, a charming brunette from High Hill is visiting the Misses Cannon near here.
    It is strange that an editor should have a romantic adventure with a charming lady and make no mention of it in his columns.
   Mr. W. C. Bishop's horse ran away Friday morning tearing his buggy to pieces, but fortunately Mr. B. who never let go the reins, escaped uninjured.
   Mr. J. W. Peacock will please accept our thanks for an appreciated kindness.
    If there is anything wrong in the make up of our items this week, we trust you will bear with us and attach erros to the advent of a seven pound boy at our house, they will command attentions.
BREVITY
Nicklesville, Dec. 14, 1885

December 19, 1885
Augusta Chronicle
Irwinton Appeal: Mrs. Mary Fountain, widow of the late Mr. Mitchell Fountain, of Gordon, is the brag farmeress of Georgia. She has on a two-horse farm, and with no other labor except her own and five or six small children, raised 700 bushels of corn, 12 bales of cotton, 200 bushels of potatoes, and 75 gallons of syrup, and will fatten 2,000 pounds of pork.

December 23, 1885
Dublin Post
Dr. Duggan and Mr. Coney Bishop, of Nickleville,  were in the city  Sunday.
Mr. W. G. Weaver's "three-hundred dollar horse" Rowdy, broke loose from a rack at Miss Cumming's Wilkinson County  and went to Irwinton, a distance of nine miles with the buggy hitched to him, without injuring anything except Griff's feelings. The horse, it is said, ran several miles taking in Big Sandy bridge. It is remarkable that the turnout was not totally demolished.

Mr. Cannon, of Wilkinson County, was driving on the streets Monday last when his mule became frightened and made a break for liberty. He made things pretty lively for a second until the buggy struck a wagon and turned over spilling Mr. C. and another gentleman on the ground. The mule was finally stopped after having accomplished but little damage, except to the buggy which was slightly demolished.

January 15, 1886
Macon Telegraph
Death of Mrs. W. B. Etheredge
Mrs. W. B. Etheredge of Wilkinson county, is dead. She was the victim of consumption.

February 3, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville News
At the residence of Mr. B. H. Dominy, on the afternoon of the 27th inst., Mr. A. J. Pierce was married to Miss Fannie Outlaw, J.N. Fordham, N. P. officiating. We extend our congratulations to the happy pair.
Miss Belle Neal, a charming young lady of Baldwin County, is in our midst, the guest of Mr. G. W. Cannon and sisters.

February 10, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
    Farmers busy repairing in a measure, damages done by the recent freeze, resowing oats, etc. Some are clearing new grounds, repairing fences and putting up domestic fertilizers, while others are busy hauling the commercial brands in spite of the many disasters they have had to endure. The most of them are a little hopeful.
   Another cold wave struck us Wednesday night, but was not so severe nor lengthy as its predecessor.
    There is a terrible mania existing among the sable youths of our land to flew the fraternal roof, of the homes of their employers. It has grown to such an extent that every week or two you can hear of young bucks in their teens leaving in pairs, to seek their fortunes in the unlimited pine forests along the line of some new railroad. We think the best remedy for this malady is to bring them back, treat them to a good dose of leather strapping each morning for a week and put them to work in earnest.
      The Stephensville social club gave a magnificent ball in the new and commodious storehouse of Mr. E. W. Smith last Wednesday night. The dancers lingered and twirled the fantastic till ten o'clock Thursday.
     Miss Ada Ogburn, of whom we made mention last week, although her injuries were very painful, we are pleased to learn is rapidly improving.
    Our long and genial friend, John Burke, Jr., and several others from High Hill, were in attendance at church to-day.
Nickleville, Feb. 7, 1886.

March 5, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. W. C. Parker, of Wilkinson County, is in his eightieth year and is quite a sprightly old gentleman for that age. He was born in 1806, and has lived in that county ever since he was four years old.
  The Irwinton Debating Society met last Friday night and had quiet and animated debate upon the question. as to whether guano was beneficial to the agriculture of the south. It was decided in the negative.

March 10, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
Married at the residence of Mrs. Mary Murchinson near here on Sunday the 28th ult.  Mr. Charley Hilliard of Laurens was married to Miss.Julia Murchinson.  J. B. Perry, J.P., officiating.
At the residence of Mrs. Cynthia Roach, of Laurens County, on Tuesday the 2nd inst., Mr. J. J. Green was married to Miss Rachel Roach. Mr. W.A. Wood, J.P. officiating.
Prof. F. A. Cannon, who is conducting a prosperous school at Cool Springs, Twiggs County, paid his home a brief visit today.

March 20, 1886
Macon Telegraph
Rafting on the Oconee.  Messrs. Freeman, Underwood, Parrott, and Watkins have been rafting timbers down the Oconee river to Darien. They carried two rafts down of forty pieces each, twenty pieces of which brought $1,200, and the balance several hundred dollars more. - Irwinton Appeal.

March 20, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
TWO BOYS DIE FROM POISON
Irwinton, Ga., March 19, On the Thursday evening the 5-year-old son of Mr. Milton Beall (Bell) was at the house of Mr. Cumming (s) Lindsey to play with his two children, aged respectively 6 and 7 years. The three went into the lot and finding a wild jessamine vine, they started eating the buds. Before they started in the house they felt very sick. Mrs. Lindsey ran and picked up her son, kissing him on the lips, and in 20 minutes she too was sick. She called to her husband in the field, but before he could get in one of the boys was dead, and a few minutes later a second died. The third boy and Mrs. Lindsey are still in a critical condition.

April 7, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
   Today, (the 28th) we made one of a party of sixty, that assembled at the residence of Mrs. Dicy Brack (Didemma Cannon Mason Brack) near here for the purpose of celebrating her eighty-first birthday. She has been twice married-her first husband being the name of (Theopolius) Mason-the fruits of this marriage was two (ten) children-among whom, is Captain Jim Mason and his brother Emmett-both, prominent and prosperous citizens of this county. Forty eight years ago the days of her widowhood, she moved to the place whereupon she now resides. Soon after this she consummated a marriage with Geo. Brack which resulted in seven more children. Toward the close of the war her second husband died, and with all the tact and energy of a man she has since, then managed all the affairs, pertaining to her farm. She has on this plantation reared, seventeen  of her own children and four of her grandchildren, and at present  has three of her grandchildren with her, making a grand total of twenty-four children that have and are being raised by this marvel of female industry and endurance. We arrived there at 10 a.m. and found many of the guests already assembled. Still, they kept coming, till the house and yard was full. At eleven o'clock dinner was announced, and we filed into an old fashioned kitchen where a table was spread the full length of that commanding building bearing everything the way of substantial from the fat and lucious  gobbler down to the juicy home raised ham, while on either side were tables bearing a great variety of desserts, which was generally urged upon the guests by the fair hands comprising  the  household, assisted by two stalwart grandsons of our hostess. Owing to distance, and sickness,  four of her children and many of her grand and great grandchildren were not present, had all of her descendants down there, they would have doubtless numbered two hundred. It was altogether, a most enjoyable affair, and may she live for many more such occasions. Brevity. Nickeville, March 28, 1886.

April 13, 1886
The Weekly Telegraph
Drowned in the Oconee. Irwinton, April 5. Henry Hoover, a white man living near the Oconee river in this county, took a boat last Thursday, presumably for the purpose of getting out of the swamp an ox that  had been caught there by the rising of the water. Before leaving home he stated that he expected to drown himself. Failing to return, a search was instituted and the boat was found Sunday, it contained Hoover's coat and other articles. The ox had been roped and tied to the boat, and when found was dead, having been drowned. A hundred men or more dragged the river for Hoover's body, which was found a few yards from the boat.

April 16, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
Deaths in Wilkinson. Mr. W. H. Green, Mr.John Burke, Sr. and Mrs. Thomas Holleman, all highly esteemed citizens of Wilkinson, have died in that county within the past three days.

April 16, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
THE MOUND BUILDERS
Some Relics Recently Unearthed in Wilkinson County.
  On exhibition in this place last week were three earthenware pots, in a splendid state of preservation, which were plowed up a short time since by a young man in this county. The field in which they were found held several large mounds, and no doubt these pots are relics of the race of aborigines known as the Mound Builders. When found they were systematically place one above the other, the mouth of the pots turned downward. There were four found, though one was badly shattered by the plowshare striking it. Two of them resembled in shape the common dinner pot, bulging outward in the middle, then curving inward toward the top, but flaring outward at the rim. The bottoms of two were round instead of flat. The third resembled a bowl, gracefully shaped, with flat bottom, and artistically ornamented around the rim. The completeness of the job is surprizing, and the design on the bow shows no little artistic taste. They will hold about one-half gallon. By them were found the decomposed bones of a skeleton. Many curious objects have been dug out of the mounds, near where the pots were unearthed. In one, a complete skeleton of a human frame of enormous size was found, which indicated that :there were giants in those days." Irwinton Southerner

April 18, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, April 17 - Mr.  I. W. Hoover and Miss Rebecca E. Youngblood of Wilkinson county were married in the Ordinary's office to-day by County Judge E. C. Ramsey.

April 21, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
Miss. Eliza Stokes, a former resident of this place but now of Flovilla, is visiting the scenes of her childhood.
Miss Ola Baker, a charming young lady of Irwinton, after a two weeks visit in our midst,  returned to her home to-day, accompanied by Mr. B. I. Smith.
The exercises of the school at this place conducted by Mr.Willie S. Beall was concluded yesterday. The fullness of his school demonstrated the appreciation of the patrons. Mr. Beall leaves to-day for his home in Irwinton, to enjoy a brief period of rest in anticipation of a  trip to the Indian Territory at a early-day.
While a small party of ladies and gentleman were fishing at Chappell's Mill yesterday, they were visited by a small thundercloud. Dr. J. H. Duggan's horses were haltered to a tree near by, and became frightened  as a blinding flash of lightening tore loose and ran away making a total wreck of his buggy. Nickeleville April 17, 1886

April 28, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Accident in a Sawmill. Irwinton, April 27 - Mr. Gordon Howard was severly wounded at his sawmill, a few miles from this place, yesterday afternoon. He was sawing, and by the carless manipulation of a piece of timber by a negro, it was caught by the saw and thrown aginst Mr Howard with such force as to break his arm and two ribs. His physician say he is doing as well as circumstances will admit.

May 19, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
    The cornet band, have resumed operations and an effort will be made to secure the services of  Prof. Ware for awhile. It is also rumored that they will engage in another one of their grand picnic festivities in the near future.

    Yesterday afternoon, our unusually quiet little village, was for a few moments a scene of wild excitement. At 20 minutes past 5 o'clock over the distant tree tops in the west, the upper line of a dark red cloud, soon a rushing, roaring sound was plainly audible, increasing in velocity and distinctness each second until a cyclone in all its maddening fury burst upon us. So fast was its approach that from the first appearance of the funnel shaped cloud it was impossible for hands plowing in a field not 200 yards distance to unloose them and get with them to the barnyard. Some of the hands turned their mules loose in the fields, and fled in dismay before the scene of terror, others less excited sought a piece clear of houses and timbered, crouched low to the earth held with their bridles while fence rails were hurled all around. The dust and sand was so thick for a moment that it was impossible to see a horse 3 paces distance. It did not exceed a half mile in width and traveled in an easterly direction uprooting trees, demolishing fences and striking terror in the hearts of the people. In its mad career, horses of visitors that were tethered to the racks around the store, at the first out-break, tore loose and stood around in terrified groups until the wind subsided. Every avenue leading to our village was more or less obstructed by fallen timber or scattered fence rails. We are pleased to report no personal injuries or damage to stock or buildings, but the growing crops on fresh ground are considerably damaged by the fallen timber and many of us have more logs on the ground that we had in the spring.
Nickleville, May 10, 1886

 May 26, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
Mr. John T. Dupree of Glenella, made our town a brief visit yesterday.
Dr. E. M. Kennedy is conducting a prosperous school at Shady Grove Academy.
Mr. Ira Smith is visiting Irwinton today. Cupid is putting in some heavy strokes.
We regret very much to learn of the illness of Mr. W. T. Dupree, and trust we may soon see his pleasant face in it's accustomed place.
There was quite a crowd at attendance at court yesterday. The legal fraternity was represented by Cols. Lindsey, Chambers, and Carswell of Irwinton, and Cols. Howard and Norman, of Dublin. If our quiet and secluded village is never awakened by the shrill whistle of the locomotive, it can boasts some booming justice courts.
May 23, 1886

June 12, 1888
The Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, June 4. - Death has again invaded our community, this time casting his dark mantle over the family of Mr. Frank Whitaker by laying his cold hand upon Earnest, an only son, who was eight and one-half years old on Sunday, the day of his death.
  The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family.

June 16, 1886
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
Mr. Paul F. Duggan, returned from Indian Springs yesterday where he has been spending his vacation.
Mr. W. M. Harrison, a prominent gentleman of Butler, Ala., returns to his home tomorrow, after spending two weeks in our midst visiting relatives and searching for the graves of his ancestors. Mr. H., with his father, removed from this county 58 years ago. He was then a five year old boy, and this is his first visit since his removal. He is an interested talker and related and anecdotes of his early pioneer life with such vivid distinctness as to instantly impress the mind of the hearer with by the hardships endured by the few inhabitants of the then frontier. Though uneducated, he has the most wonderful rentative memory,  remembering with scrupulous exactness the dates and incidents of all his business transactions from 40 years previous to his present time. He has amassed a _____ and retired living and elegant style upon his income. He has perfected arrangements for a handsome tombstone and iron railing to adorn the grave of his maternal grandfather who lies in a neglected burying ground in  a field now owned by Mrs. Dicy Brack.
June 12, 1886

June 30, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Captain E. J. Gilbert, one of the oldest citizens of Irwinton, died Sunday morning.

July 26, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
A Death at McIntyre. Mr. N. B. Baum came up on the Central railroad yesterday and obtained from Wood & Bond, undertakers, a casket for Mrs. W. C. D. Carlisle, who died at No. 16 early yesterday morning..

July 28, 1886
Dublin Post
Miss Ida Outlaw of Wilkinson County, has been visiting friends in this city for the last week.

Excerpt from The Southerner Appeal
Irwinton, GA on July 28, 1886 (Vol XI No. 29), page 1.
Ivey Dots. -Mr. G. E. McCook has the best corn crop he ever had, and George always makes plenty and to spare.
-Health of the community is good save that of Uncle Hamilton McCook who is very feeble.  ---Ringo
Submitted by: Joy McCook

September 2, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
GUILTY OF THREE MURDERS
A Desperate Criminal Brought Back From Alabama
Irwinton, GA. September 1- (Special)- On July fourth 1882, in the town of Jeffersonville, Twiggs county, John M. Benford, of Wilkinson county, killed T. J. Wood and Joseph Johnson, and defied the officers and made his escape. Prior to that time three warrants had been issued for his arrest from this county, one for wife whipping. His wife died soon after the whipping, and man of the citizens believe her death was due to his inhumane treatment. Soon after he made his escape, the facts were made to Governor Stephens, who offered a reward of one hundred dollars for his arrest.
THE MURDER CAUGHT.
   Our vigilant sheriff has been quietly working the  case up, and succeeded in locating him just across the Georgia line, in Alabama. He notified the proper authorities of this fact, and last night received a telegram from the sheriff of Carroll county, notifying him of Benford's arrest and asking instructions, to which he replied" "Hold the prisoner. Will leave on next train." Benford is a desperate character, and the sheriff will probably leave him in Macon jail.

September 10, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
A negro woman, named Mary Parker, living on W. C. Parker's plantation, in Wilkinson county, died on Thursday last, from fright caused by the earthquake. (Note - This was the famous Charleston earthquake which occurred August 31, 1886.)

November 10, 1886
Dublin Post
"MARRIED - on the evening of the 7th instant, at the residence of the bride's mother, in Wilkinson County, by J.B. Perry, J.P., Mr. Lewis Lavender of this county was married to Miss Martha Jane Fordham. Much happiness to the wedded pair."

November 10, 1886
Dublin Post
"MARRIED-  on the night of the  7th instant, at the residence of the bride's mother, in Wilkinson County,  Mr. Charlie Davis of Riddleville and Miss Gussie Cumming were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Rev. B.H. Ivey officiating. The groom is a moral and energetic farmer and the bride is a charming young lady of easy and pleasant manners, and has many friends in and around Dublin who wish her every desirable pleasure."

November 16, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
  By diligent inquiry, it was learned yesterday by the railroad authorities that the man who jumped from the train near Smithville last Saturday night was D. F. Mathis, and that he lived at Cool Springs, near Toomsboro. He left there a few days ago for the purpose of going to Alabama. The remains will be sent to Toomsboro this morning.

December 19, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, December 18. Mrs. B. H. Ivey, wife of Rev. K. H. Ivey, of this place, died very suddenly last night at 11 o'clock. The presumption is that she died of heart disease. She leaves a husband and five chldren and the entire community to mourn her loss.

January 10, 1887
The New York Times
OLD MASTER WELL CARED FOR
The Fidelity of Two Former Georgia Slaves.
Milledgeville, Ga. Jan. 9. - A rare instance of the fidelity of two colored men to their former master has just come to public attention in Wilkinson County. Before the war one of the proudest slaveowners in that section was Col. Downing. He was the owner of large tracts of land, as well as of a number of slaves. When the troubles of 1860 came on he was the rankest secessionist in the county. The struggle left him land poor. Acre by acre he sold it off, being unable to square himself with the new order of things. At last, when all his land was go