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.

those near and dear to him who will most feel his loss.

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 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
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

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 13, 1880
Savannah Morning News
Irwinton Southerner and Appeal: "Mr. James Smith, who was reported in the last issue of this paper as supposed to be drowned in an attempt to across the Oconee river at Thompson's ferry, on the 29th of February, was found on the 2d inst. about two hundred yards below the ferry. He was found by the boat hands on Monday evening, the 9th day ater he was drowned It is said by those who saw him he was a horrid spectacle to behold, his features being so distorted. Some money and tobaccy was found on his person, which relieves all suspicion of his having been foully death with. It is supposed that he attemped to pull himself across the river in an old, leaky bateau by the flat rope. He could not swim, and was nearly  seventy years old."

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 2, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton Appeal: We learn that on Friday last while Mr. Kilby Jones was passing over that portion of long bridge at Storey's, which crosses the slough, the bridge gave way and precipitated Mr. J. and his horse into the stream below. Neither was hurt, however, though getting out proved somewhat difficult. The bridge had been undermined by the recent heavy rains, and was floating when Mr. Jones went upon it. The bridge has not yet been repaired, and neither wagons or carts can cross in it present condition.

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 9, 1880
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  The Irwinton Appeal says that Fred Lark, a prisoner in Wilkinson county jail, made his escape by knocking Sheriff Wright down while in the act of entering his cell. After a lively chase he was recaptured and put back in close quarters. Hodges think that Lark is a bad man.
  JOHN H. HODGES retires from the editorial charge of the Irwinton Appeal, havig purchased the Perry Home Journal. His brother, C. B. Hodges, remains with the Appeal. We wish all parties every anticipated success.

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 13, 1880
Union and Recorder
Gordon, Ga., July 8th, 1880. Mr. Thomas Parker died on the 1st, after a short attack of typhoid fever. Mr. J. F. Merkinson, came near losing his life by taking (accidentally) an over dose of morphine.

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 1,1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  The Irwinton Appeal has the two following items from Gordon:
  Mr. William M. Stevens will move his family from here to Macon about the last of this week. There is no man in our midst that would be more missed, and numbers of people regret to see him leave.
  Mr. W. S. Smith has resigned the position of baggage master on the Milledgeville and Eatonton railroad and has accepted the position of conductor on the Central railroad. While we regret to lose Mr. Smith from our midst, we are proud to see him promoted to a position he so justly deserves.

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.

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 26, 1880
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
IRWINTON Appeal: Died, at his residence, on the 11th instant, Mr. Peton Clay, an old and respected citizen, in the 81st year of his age. He was an honest man and a worthy citizen.

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.

January 18, 1881
Union and Recorder
OUR NEIGHBORS. IRWINTON
  We gather from the Irwinton Southerner, of the 12th, the following:
   Mr. Charles Hodges,formerly of the Southerner, has moved to Dallas, Texas.
   Mr. Turner Ivey, one of the oldest and best citizens of Wilkinson county, died near Gordon, on the 5th of January.
  The following are the county offices, recently elected in Wilkinson:
  T. N. Beall, Ordinary; Jno. T. Hughes, Clerk Superior Court; I. J. Fountain, Sheriff; W. C. D. Carlisle, Tax Collector;
A. H. Rice, Tax Receiver; E. J. Peacock, Surveyor; L. L. Peacock, Coroner, and M. M. Bloodworth, H. A. Hall, J. R. Rawls, J. R. Barfield, J. A. Mason, County Commissioners.
  Mr. N. C. Hughs was quite ill of pneumonia, Also his daughter, Miss Ida.
  The church in Irwinton has a new stove, but don't put it up. The Southerner thinks that by keeping the stove out, it gives people a good excuse for not going to meeting.
  Jas. Stevens, Sr., has been elected mayor of the city of Gordon.
  Every store-room and office in Irwinton is occupied.

January 21, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Nat C. Hughes, of Wilkinson county is dead. He was 65 years old, and excellent citizen and a good man.

February 22, 1881
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner. Mr. Iverson H. Jones, aged 34 years, is death.

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.

March 8, 1881
Union and Recorder
Irwinton. From the Southener. Mr Josiah Whitehurst died recently, aged 75 years.

March 15, 1881
Union and Recorder
Irwinton. Southerner and Appeal.  The Southerner informs us that Mrs. Frank Callaway recently died at Gordon.
  Judge James Lord was recently married to Mrs. Leah Ivey, of Baldwin county.

March 16, 1881
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Gordon, March 14. - Farmers of this community are all at work - some have commenced planting orm.
  Prof. A. R. Rozar has succeeded in building up a fine school here. He is a good teacher and all the patrons like him.
  Miss Fannie Flemister returned home this morning spending a week or so with her friends in Brunswick.
  A few days since while Mrs. Russell was returning to her home in Irwinton, after spending some time with the family of Dr. Fitzgerald, she accidentally fell across the railing while boarding the cars at the Macon depot and broke her arm. The pain was so severe by the time she arrived at this place she was compelled to stop over, and is now at the Gibson Hotel. She is improving slowly, but not yet able to get home.

March 22, 1881
Union and Recorder
Irwinton, (Southerner and Appeal)
   Mrs. Eliza E. Whipple, widow of S. B. Whipple, is dead; aged 74. years.
   A Gordon merchant retails turnip greens, and he says they sell well.
    A negro man, his wife and on daughter, living in he hotel yard at Gordon, weight unitedly 790 pounds. His wife is the heaviest, weighing 320 pounds.
    Some dry cow-hides  caused a Gordon mule to run against a post and lose his valuable life.
    Mr. James R. Patterson and Miss Collins were married in Wilkinson county, on Sunday, 13th inst.

March 29, 1881
Union and Recorder
Irwinton (Southerner and Appeal) Abram Deese, colored, was recently drowned in the Oconee river.

April 12, 1881
Union and Recorder
 Wilkinson (Southerner and Appeal)  We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. John McNeal, which occurred at her home in this county on Sunday night last. she leaves a husband and four small children, one an infant only five or six weeks.

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

May 6, 1881
Macon Telegraph
  The same paper reports the recent death in Wilkinson county of Mr. Robert T. D. Fordham, Mrs. Elsy Payne andMrs. Dora Dorminy, all well known in that county.

May 17, 1881
Union and  Recorder
   DIED, at his residence, 7 miles south of Milledgeville, Ga., on he 3rd inst., Mr. JAMES M. HALL, in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
    Mr. Hall had spent almost his entire life in Wilkinson county, whee he stood well, and was loved and highly respected, by all who knew him. Preferring a quiet private life with his beloved family, he declined the honor of representing his county when it was indeed an honor to be a Legislator. Mr. Hall joined the Presbyterian church years ago and died a faithful member. He leaves many friends who mourn his loss and tender their sympathies to the bereaved family: Peace to his ashes in the cold grave. Where he sleeps the sleep of a christian brave, While his spirit has flown beyound a cloudless sky. So rests in peace with his God on high. A FRIEND.

June 7, 1881
Union and Recorder
DEATH OF DR. SHINHOLSER.
  It is with feelings of real sorrow that we record the death of this excellent man and physician, which sad event occurred on Wednesday evening last. The Doctor had been in declining health for a year, and it puzzled himself as well as our local physicians to find out what was the exact nature of his disease. With the view of getting at the truth of it, he visited New York several months ago, and consulted the most eminent physicians and surgeons of that city. They told him the disease was incurable, and. we believe, pronounced it cancer of the stomach. He came home, not despairing, but continued the practice of his profession as far as his health would permit. But the insidious disease grew upon him, and, as a candle flickers and dies, so gradually did his noble spirit leave its earthly tabernacle. He was greatly beloved by his relatives and friends and highly esteemed by the entire community. He came here from Wilkinson county several years ago, a stranger comparatively, but in a short time built up a fine practice and cemented many strong friendships. His wife died a few years ago, and three little children are orphaned.
  Dr. James N. Shinholser was a member of the Presbyterian church and by his daily walk illustrated the virtues of a christian gentleman. He was also a Mason. He was about 40 years of age. On Wednesday night a post mortem examination was made by several of our physicians, which revealed the nature of his disease and cause of his death. We understand the disease was of a cancerous character. The funeral services were held Thursday at the late residence of the deceased. The remains were taken to the family burying ground in Wilkinson county for interment.

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 12, 1881
Union Recorder
  We learn that Mrs. Wheelden, a sister of Mrs. Warren Edwards, and daughter of Andrew Miller, of Wilkinson county, died very suddenly one day last week, near Toombsboro.

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.

November 29, 1881
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson [From the Southerner.]
  Rev. John Dupree has returned to this county from Louisiana.
  Mr. Joe Jones and Mrs. H. H. Watkins, of Toomsboro, are dead.
  Wilkinson county votes on the "Fence" question, Dec. 8th
  In Irwinton there is a lady who will not read a word about the Exposition, at Atlanta, because Gen. Sherman was a visitor. (She has a feeling recollection.)
  And another lady, in the same town, has been wearing a shawl since 1849, bought of Mr. A. Baum. She called to buy another of the same endurance, recently.
  Two of the best citizens of Stephensville had a fist fight a few days ago.

December 2, 1881
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  We learn from the Jeffersonville mail carrier that on Saturday night two negroes became involved in a drunken brawl at John Burke's store in New Providence, Twiggs county, which ended in the fatal stabbing of John Lowe, one of the men. The sheriff of Wilkinson county put the murderer under arrest, lodging him in jail at Irwinton.

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 4, 1881
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Georgia Bibb County, By virtue of the power of sale vested in us by deed of Mrs. Ellen H. Carswell, made on the 9th day of 1861, the undersigned will expose for sale at public outcry, before the court house door in the town of Irwinton, Wilkinson county, Georgia, on Tuesday, the 20th day of December, 1881, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m., and 4 o'clock p.m., to the highest bidder for cash, the following property to-wit: Lot of land No. 134, in the fourth district of Wilkinson county, also lot of land No. 157, and part of lots Nos. 135 and 131, in the fourth district of said county of Wilkinson, said two lots Nos. 134 and 157, containing each 202½ acres, more or less, and the part of lot No 135 containing 132½ acres more or less, and the part of lot No. 157 containing 182½ acres more or less, the whole aggregating 720 acres more or less. The proceeds of the sale of said land to be applied as expressed in said deed. Good titles in fee simple, made to the purchaser on the day of sale. Terms cash. C. D. Anderson & Son. nov 22

December 6, 1881
Union and Recorder
  Wilkinson (From the Southerner)
   On Saturday Nov. 26th, Hamon Carswell colored, killed Seaborn Miller, colored with a knife. Carswell was arrested and jailed.
Mrs. Green, a sister of Rev. John and Thomas Dupree, died on Sunday, Nov. 27th.
Mrs. A. B. Vaughn, formerly of Wilkinson, died a few days ago at Marietta, Ga.

December 9, 1881
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  We find the following in the same paper (Jeffersonville Express):
  One Negro Kills Another In Wilkinson County - About two o'clock on Saturday evening a homicide occurred in the road near the residence of Mr. Dave Rutland, just a little beyond the Twiggs line in Wilkinson county.  The actors in the tragedy were Seaborn Miller and Harmon Carswell, both negroes. The difficulty seems to have had its origin about a gallon of whisky which Harmon had bought some time previous, and which he accused Seaborn of stealing. After considerable quarreling along the road the matter was brought to a crisis by Seaborn knocking Harmon down with his fist. As the latter arose the only witness present discovered a knife in his hand, and in a moment thereafter it had been plunged into the bowels of Seaborn, causing his death in a few minutes. After the killing it seems that Harmon attempted to get off, but he was apprehended by some negroes about 5:30 o'clock the same evening and by them kept in custody until the arrival of Constable Davidson, who took charge of the prisoner, and next morning carried him to Irwinton, where he is now in jail. The verdict of the coroner's jury was willful murder, but from a gentleman who heard the evidence we learn that it was of such a nature as will probably acquit the prisoner before a Superior Court jury.

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.

December 22, 1881
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  In reference toDr. Fluker's assassination the Irwinton Appeal says: On Sunday morning last Dr. Fluker located a tooth, which apparently was loose, and giving him trouble and annoyance, and he asked Dr. Wood to extract the same. When the attempt was made it was found that the jaw bone was broken, and from the slightest traction gave way and excessive hemorrhage began, which caused great alarm to Dr. Fluker and attendants;  but by rapid applications of styptics the hemorrhage was arrested. A consultation was then held by Drs. Wood and Taylor, who decided best to telegraph for Drs. Mathis and Rawlings, of Sandersville. They arrived on Monday, and after consultation it was thought best to remove the bone, which was done, which takes with it six teeth on left side of the superior maxillary. The Doctor stood the operation finely, and his attending physicians are now confident he will recover.

December 27, 1881
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson (From the Southerner.)
  Mr. Shorter Griffin, who was cut in Macon, and died of his wounds, was buried near Gordon. Mr. J. P. Porter was married on the 15th to Miss Fannie Brown of Americus.
  Mr. G. W. Oathout, whose leg was amputated a few days ago, died after the operation,
  Dr. E. I. Massey, on of the best citizens of Gordon died on the 16th inst. He was 60 years of age, and greatly beloved.

January 17, 1882
Union and Recorder
  Mrs. Eliza Davis, an aged lady, died on the 9th inst.
  Mrs. Eliza Jones, formerly of Wilkinson. died in Pulaski county, Dec. 26th, 1881.

February 7, 1882
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson (From the Southerner)   Married: On the 25th ult., Mr. Jack Taylor and Miss Emma Holder. On the 26th ult., Mr. James B. Freeman and Miss
Susie Kemp.
  Mr. James Pittman died Jan. 31st.

February 21, 1882
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson (From the Southerner) Wiley Holland, aged 77, is the father of nineteen children, all boys. He is a model farmer, and has only purchased one hundred pounds of meat, eighty bushels of corn, and no syrup in twenty years.

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 7, 1882
Union and Recorder
WILKINSON. (From the Southerner.)
  The Gordon hotel came near being destroyed by fire on the 24th ult.
Tommie Stevens, oldest son of Mr. Jack Stevens, died on the 25th ult. (note - Thomas E. Stevens)
   Thieves are trying to break into the warehouse of the Central railroad.
   Miss Dicey NeeSmith who got a cocklebur in her throat and had it extracted, is nearly well.
   Mr. Hamilton McCook, Jr. lost his foot by accident on the railroad.

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 these 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 4, 1882
Union and Recorder
THE CYCLONE. The storm of th 27th ult., struck Baldwin at Mr. Adams's place, near the Pottery. (Damage elsewhere reported.) Mr. A. is in a critical condition from his injuries. Miss Anderson's school house was next stuck, and blown into ribbons, but neither teachers nor scholars were seriously hurt. L. B. Stevens' place was next struck. All the buildings were blown down, but no one was injured. Georgia Sanford's, colored, was next visited-buildings not blown down, but fencing and timber injured badly. Mr. Billie Adams had his cribs and stables unroofed, and fodder, &c., blown away. Mr. Hill lost much valuable timber, also Mr. Hall. Mr. Bone had several houses blown down on his place. Stevens' Bros. had a few houses blown down. A colored man was killed in that vicinity. Dr. Gillmore, over the Wilkinson line, suffered some loss. The following damages are reported from Wilkinson county. Mr. Jos. Etheridge had his residence injured and several outhouses blown down. Jos. Nolan lost timber and fencing. Orin Martin lost all the buildings on his place. Wiley Vinson lost some buildings, and his residence was injured. J. S. Pierce lost every building on his place. Mrs. Pierce was severely hurt. Iverson Smith lost heavily in fencing and timber. A. Grenade the same. M. Byington and A. McMillan lost heavily in timber and fencing. T. A. Caraker, of this city, lost five buildings, all the fencing on his place and much timber, and corn, fodder and hay, blown away. B. Bales, lost fencing and timber. Jos. Bales, heavily in fencing and timber. D. L. Wheeler, lost houses, fencing and timber. Turner Smith lost kitchen and stables, and his dwelling was unroofed-also, fencing and timber. Billie Johns' house was unroofed and lost timber and fencing. Geo. Smith, timber and fencing. Dr. Crawford, timber and fencing. Mrs. Council lost all her buildings, one horse, timber and fencing.

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 11, 1882
Macon Telegraph
Toombsboro, Apr 1. Fishing season has fairly set in, and those who have time to indulge in this pleasant pastime are amply repaid for it. Messrs. Lingo, Mason and McCarty went fishing this morning, and by noon had seventy fine perch. Cotton planting is the order of the day. The bulk of the cotton crop in this section will be planted this week. From present appearances the wheat and oak crop will be much injured by the rust. Blackbirds are destroying the corn. Hogs are dying of cholera in the section of the county. Prospects for a good fruit crop were never better.Mr. Stevens (John F.) will be buried this evening. This is the fourth death in this family of typhoid fever within the past four weeks. J. G. K.
 

April 14, 1882
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon, Ga., April 7 - The sufferers by the late storm desire to express through The Telegraph and Messenger their heartfelt thanks for the kindness rendered them by outsiders in clearing away the debris and putting up their fences.
  Gardens are fine. Irish potatoes and spring vegetable generally are coming to the tables now.
  Rev. B. H. Ivey has had to suspend his school this week on account of sickness. He is now convalescent.

Gordon, Ga., April 8 - Court has been in session during the week in Irwinton, and quite a number of our citizens have been in attendance. Nothing of a special character on hand. Most of the cases on docket were negroes who had been fighting or stealing. The negroe who killed Seaborn Miller (colored) was sentenced to the penitentiary for life.
  The new millinery store of Mrs. M. E. Flemister is crowded to-day.

April 14, 1882
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Toomsboro, April 10. Fishing season has fairly set in, and those who have time  to indulge in this pleasant pastime are amply repaid for it. Messres Lingo, Mason and McCarty went fishing this morning, and by noon had seventy fine perch. Cotton planting is the order of the day. The bulk of the cotton crop in this section will be planted this week. From present appearances the wheat and oat crop will be much injured by the rust. Blackbirds are destroying the corn. Hogs are dying of cholera in this section of the county. Prospects for a good fruit crop were never better. Mr. Steven Lord will be buried this evening. This is the fourth death in this family of typhoid fever within the past four weeks. J. G. H.

April 14, 1882
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon April 11 - Capt. James W. Denton, the new conductor on the Gordon and Eatonton  train, will make this place his home hereafter. His family arrived here from Savannah the latter part of this week. They are welcome accessions to our community.
  Mr. G. W. Bowers, of Cowan, Tenn., has been spending some time among us in the interests of the Florida Mutual Fire Insurance Association.
  There has been a man in our town lately, trying to lend money.
  Mr. D. M. Laffitte, the genial cotton buyer who spent the fall among us, passed through Gordon yesterday on his way to the mountains of Tennessee. He will be with us again in September.
  Mr. Osborne, a farmer living on the Milledgeville road, about a mile from Gordon happened to the misfortune to lose his mule yesterday. The death of a horse or mule at this season of the year is a great calamity to a poor man.
  Our worthy townsman, Captain William Smith, who is conductor on one of the lumber trains on the Central, has been suffering of late from a throat affection, which the drs call choking quinsy. His engineer, Maj. Ray, has it, and has been at his home in Macon several days, unable to work. Mr. Smith thinks it contagious. Several of his train hands have had it. The disease made its first appearance while the train was at Waynesboro a few days since.

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 aMiss 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 2, 1882
Union and Recorder
The Effects of the Cyclone. Gordon, Ga., April 24, 1882.
Editors Union & Recorder: Our part of the country has been devastated by another awful cyclone. The wind had been blowing, and the weather showery  during Saturday evening. Some time after 8 o'clock  the roar of the storm was in our ears, and we were made to realize the "destruction that cometh as a whirlwind." As the bright rays of the Sabbath sun came out it brought us face to face with this work of the "prince of the power of air." It was rather difficult to get out, but we have become used to rambling in the track of cyclones and can get over logs with little trouble. To begin: The storm passed a few miles south of Macon, and followed a north-easterly course to the plantation of Mr. Sam Gove. It tore up and broke down things as it came. Mr. Watt's premises were in the track and were demolished. The widow Nancy Kitchens house was next, and it, with adjoining negro houses fell before the wind. It came across orchards and fields to the Sam Gove place and left nothing standing. Old man Sam Gove was not in the main building, but in an outhouse. A piece of timber six by eight inches in size fell on him and killed him instantly. As the old man lay out in the sun his skull could be seen through the terrible gash in his forehead. Hs son, Mr. Jerry Gove, and wife were in the dwelling, and were injured seriously. It is thought Mrs. Gove may die to-night. The premises of Mr. Brown, just to the right, and on the edge of the storm, with the exception of the dwelling, net with the same fate. Mr. Henry Stone's house was next, and went down and several of the family had to be dug out of the rubbish. The storm passed a little to the right of Griswoldville, tearing down the fences and blowing down some trees as well as destroying the colored Methodist church in the place. Mr. Wm. Reynold's plantation was visited next. Mr. Reynolds heard the roar of the storm in time to get into a culvert on the Central road. Here he could look on without fear of death. His dwelling was not disturbed, but the barn under which he kept his stock was blown down and two fine mules killed. The storm seemed to take a slight turn to the right just beyond this place and passed to the plantation of Mrs. Ruth Bryant. Her dwelling was not injured but several outhouses were blown down and fences scattered. Capt. Irby Howard, with his train hands, has been out all day at work. The cyclone passed just to the right of Griffin chapel, the new Methodist church, on the road to Griswoldville. The pillars in the plazza were blown loose and the church careened to one side. The main part of the storm passed back of Mr. James Baker's fields, tearing up negro houses and fences generally. Mr. Leonard Sketoe's fences were also blown down, but no hard done to his houses. Mr. Frank Balkcom's place lay right in its track, and the cyclone tore things all to pieces here. Mrs. Balkcom and her mother, Mrs. Hughes, were badly bruised. They were taken to Dr. Gibson's on Sunday. Several houses of the Doctor's, occupied by tenants, were destroyed, and he says $1,500 would not cover this loss. one of his tenants, Mr. Wesley Stevens, had everything blown away, and it was with some difficulty that his wife and children scrambled from under the logs. Mr. Robert Thompson had gone from home and his wife and child were alone when the cyclone reached the house. The mother put her infant in a goods box and swung to it till everything else was carried off. Mr. Wm. Witt's outhouses and fences were blown down, and the dwelling partly unroofed. Mr. Joshua Ryle's place was blown away next, and Mr. Samuel Gee's place soon after. Mr. and Mrs. Gee were seriously wounded, and their mule killed. Thomas Cobb, John Nichols, and Mrs. Lydia Witt suffered about the same fate.
  The cyclone crossed the Central railroad in the slash about three miles above Gordon. From thence it passed up the hill to __ The plantation of Mr. Lowe Hardie was swept of fences and timber, but little damage done to his dwelling. Mr. Charles Lyles new residence was torn to flinders. His wife's youngest sister, Viola, a bright little girl of eight years, was killed. Mr. and Mrs. Lyles are helpless, and it is thought Mrs. Lyles cannot survive. Her father's place, Mr. James Lockhart's, is covered with logs, and fences carried away. The storm passed between Mr. Daniel Brewer's and his daughter's, Mrs. Branan's. Mr. Mitchell Fountain and Mr. James McCook had their places considerably damaged. The residence of the widow Gilmore is badly wrecked. Here it will be remembered, the other cyclone passed, only a few weeks ago. Mr. James Ethridge was almost in the heart of the other storm. The one of Saturday night finished the work of destruction. Further than that we have no reliable information.
  The storm narrative may seem monotonous to those who know nothing of what the people suffered during the remaining portion of Saturday night and what they have suffered since. But to those who have stood over the grave of the dead and the beds of the dying it will be quiet different. H.

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 16, 1882
Union and Recorder
  Mr. George W. Stapleton died at the residence of Mr. Vinson Jeans, in Wilkinson county,  last Saturday night. The cause of his death was a wound received at the battle of Baker's Creek, 19 years ago. He was a member of Captain J. N. Shinholser's company, fifty-seventh Georgia Regiment. He had been a great sufferer and was in a helpless condition from the time he received the wound till the day of his death. He was a good soldier, and received the wound till the day of his death. He was a good soldier, and received the sympathy and respect of the community in which he lived during the long years of his suffering.

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 harvest 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 ago.
  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 store of the late B. F. Bridger, and the last vacant house in town.
  Mr. C. E. Frasuer has leased the saw mill belonging 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 timber, 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 people 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. Fitzpatrick, 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.

May 31, 1882
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Gordon. May 29. Mrs. Lingo, wife of Captain John T. Lingo, who has been so critically ill for several days is recovering.
    Rev. B. H. Ivey, pastor of the Baptist church, has been confined to his bed nearly a week from having been bitten by a spider. last night was the first time since Thursday night in which he slept without morphine. Dr. Jones has been attending him daily.
  The first peaches of the season were shipped from her yesterday. The peach crop will be tolerably fair, but the apple crop will be almost a failure.
    Mr. L. W. Smith, the energetic representative of the fruit firm of J. T. Mott & Son of Macon, was in town yesterday, engaging in fruit for the season.
  A Gordon merchant, who was stung on the jaw while robbing his bees the other night, applied to one of our young physicians, and learned that the had a first-class case of mumps. The doctors don't know everything.

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 4, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
Gordon. July 3 - Lucretia Lewis, a girl of twelve years, living a few miles north of Gordon, died a few days since from the effects of drinking too much cold water. She had been out in the field at work, and returning to the house quite warm, drank water freely, was thrown into spasms and died in a few hours.
Note: From the Union Recorder July 4, 1882, pg 4. "Little Lucy Lewis died on the 20th, from drinking too much cold water, when she was heated."

July 4, 1882
Union Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner. Pinkney Holland, the crazy man who hung himself in the jail, erected his own gallows and was his own executioner.

July 16, 1882
Union and Recorder
DIED, at the residence of her brother, Mr. Eli Harrell, in Wilkinson, on Thursday last, Mrs. BEDE HANNAH, in the 67th year of her age. She left this city a few weeks ago to visit her brother, and was stricken with a apoplexy on Tuesday, lingering two days. Her remains were brought to this city, and her funeral took place from the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. W. H. Roberts - Rev. J. C. Davidson, officiating. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church for many years, and those who loved her are comforted with the hope that "all is well" with her.

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 8, 1882
Union and Recorder
[From the Southerner]   We have two brave girls, Miss Emma Lyster and niece, Miss Gincey Batchellor. On passing the railroad to Gordon they were attacked by some hounds owned by Bateman & Sons. They killed one of the hounds and knocked down two or three, then made rapid time for home, 2 1/2 miles.

August 23, 1882
The Atanta Constitution
Lum Lavender's Find. From the Irwinton, Ga., Southerner.
  Mr. Lum Lavender, so says rumor, found in the road near here on Saturday evening last a good sum of money wrapped up in a piece of newspaper. Some place the amount at from one to three thousand dollars, but Mr. Lavender said to a reporter that he had found a good sum of money and that the owner could have the same by proving property. Now the question is who is it that has so much money now as to be able to lose it and make no noise about it?

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.

September 26, 1882
Union Recorder
  Miss Idella Solomon died at Gordon on the 8th inst.

October 18, 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Milledgeville, October 17 - On Thursday last, the Trustees of the Asylum elected officers of that institution for the insuring 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 14, 1882
Union and Recorder
  Mr. George Wood of Gordon was recently married to Miss Minnie C. Hardison of Americus.

November 21, 1882
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson (From the Southerner) Mr. John Etheridge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Etheridge died on Sunday 12th inst.

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 12, 1882
Union and Recorder
  Mr. H. H. Watkins of Toombsboro. and Miss Julia Rutland of Irwinton, are dead of malarial fever.

December 12, 1882
Union and Recorder
  Mr. Wm. Watson of Wilkinson county died at his home near Toombsboro on last Saturday night. He was only ill only about 36 hours. He held a paid of policy of $5,000 in the American Legion of Honor, of which lodge Mr. T. T. Windsor, of this city, is agent. He leaves a wife and several children.

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..

January 9, 1883
Union and Recorder
MARRIED, at the State Lunatic Asylum, on the 3rd instant, by Rev. E. W. Bigham, Dr. J. R. Duggan of Toombsboro, and Mrs. Sallie C. Brown, for many years the Matron of the Asylum. The bridal presents were numerous and valuable. After partaking of refreshments furnished by the officers of the institution, Dr. and Mrs. Duggan left on the 4 P.M. Central train for their home in Wilkinson county.
 

January 26, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
GEORGIA, WILKINSON COUNTY. By virture of the power given the undersigned by S. L. Patterson, of said county, in a mortgage dated the 20th day of February, 1882, recorded in book E, page 721, in the record of deeds and mortgages of said county, on the 4th January, 1883 on certain lands in said county hereinafter described, to the said A. B. Small to secure a debt due him on the said S. L. patterson, dated the 20th day of February, 1883 to become due the 20th of October, 1883, for four hundred and twenty four dollars principal debt, with interest at 8 per cent per annum and attorneys' fees, not to exceed 10 per cent on said amount of note, I will sell for cash before the courthouse door in the town of Irwinton, in Wilkinson county, on the 6th day of February next, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., 75 acres of land, more or less, lying and being in the fifth district of Wilkinson county, State of Georgia, bounded by J. T. Kenington on the south and  east, Mrs. Hathorn on the west and A. J. Hardy on the north, known as the Bryant McAdams place, as the property of S. L. Patterson, or a sufficiency thereof to make the sum of $424 principal debt, $9.89 interest at 8 per cent per annum on said sum to the 6th February 1882, $48.85 as attorneys' fees, and all cost and expenses incurred in making this sale, or such sum as may then be due on said note and  mortgage as per the conditions contained therein. A. N. Small, January 4, 1883.

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 6, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  March 5. - Mr. W. J. Bridger died about nine o'clock this morning from dropsy. Mr. Bridger once did own a large mercantile business here. His aged parents and many relatives mourn his loss. He leaves a wife and several children.
  Prof. A. R. Rozar, of Sunny Side, and Mr. A. H. Rice and wife of Macon, an Mr. R. V. Stafford, of Tennille, were among our visitiors yesterday.
  Farmers are improving these shining hours. L. H. W.

March 13, 1883
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner. An aged and decrepit colored man, named Lewis Mape, living at the Poor House, fell into the fire last week and was burned to death.

March 20, 1883
Union and Recorder
From the Southerner.
  Mr. Wm. E. Harville is dead.

March 30, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
  Death from a broken heart has taken place in Irwin county (Irwinton, Wilkinson County). MissLillie 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 8, 1883
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner. Mr. Henry Breazel, aged 78 years, is dead.

May 8, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
GUILTY CONSCIENCE. A Brutal Murder in Wilkinson.
  From Mr. D. M. Hughes, of Twiggs county, we learn the details of a horrible murder committed near Cool Springs, in Wilkinson county. On the 6th of April a negro named Ambrose Lingo was hired by Mr. Thomas Kitchens to do some plowing for him. It was known that he plowed until nearly dark, after which time he was seen on his way home. Next day his wife, Miranda Lingo, reported to the neighbor that Ambrose's horse had come home the night before, but that he was not with him. He did not turn up during the day, and a party was made up and the woods hunted. His horse was tracked from the field to the house, and nowhere on the road was there any appearance of any attempted violence. Lingo, it seems, was a pretty wild negro, and the impression was created that he had run away from the country. After a week or so all interest in his disappearance died out.
  On last Friday his wife said to a woman who was working with her that she knew where Ambrose was, and told her that he was lying under a heap of  rails in front of the house, about twenty steps off. The woman repeated this remark in the presence of some white people, and a party was at one made up to investigate the matter on digging about twelve inches the body was discovered and was easily identified.
  Miranda confessed the murder, and on being questioned said that Ambrose came home that night, quarreled with her and finally gave her a fearful beating. Before going to bed she slipped out into the yard and brought in an axe, laying it by the bedside. As soon as Lingo went to sleep she got up and struck him one blow, which killed him almost instantly.
   At the inquest Dr. Dupree stated that deceased had received a blow on the temple, which had fractured the skull, and was sufficient to cause death. A warrant was issued and Miranda carried to Irwinton and jailed.
  Mr. Hughes says that indignation among the negroes ran high, and but for assurances from the white people, that she should certainly receive justice, violence would have been attempted.
  The woman lived in the house entirely alone, for a month, within twenty steps of the body. She was haunted by the remembrance of the murder until she could keep her secret no longer, and but for this the mystery of Lingo's disappearance would never have been solved.

See Oct. 23, 1883
 

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.

May 22, 1883
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner
  The following are recent marriages in this county: Mr. Geo. S. Riley to Miss Hatchie E. Hughs - Minister, Rev. B. Ivey. Mr. John D. Robinson, of Baldwin, to Miss Lena Russell-Rev. W. F. Rogers officiating. Mr. J. T. Tindell to Miss Mattie G. Gardner-Justice Dennard, officiating
  Peaches are now being shipped from Gordon station. A correspondent from Toomsboro relates the following horrid crime: Gus Brown, a negro about fifteen years old that belongs to the migratory class of the race, committed a rape upon the little child of Mr. J. F. Vaughn, who lives near this place,  on Tuesday the 8th inst. The negro Guss was in the employ of Mr. Vaughn, and was planting cotton with a planter and the little child was in the field for the purpose of filling the planter with seed, so as to advance the planting, when he perpetrated the hellish crime.

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

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.

July 24, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
  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.

July 24, 1883
Union Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner.
  Davy Smith, aged ninety years, oldest man in the county, died July 12th.

July 29, 1883
The Atlanta Constitution
  MR. A. C. HOOKS - Late of Wilkinson county, Ga., died at his home in the city on the 22d of July 1883, of tubercular consumption. He was a member of good standing and full fellowship of the Missionary Baptist church. He leaves a devoted wife and three love children, two boys and a girl to mourn his loss. He was a first-class business man, a good citizen, a fond father and a devoted husband. The funeral services were led by Rev. Dr. Gwin. The undertaker, Mr. Patterson, was unremitting in his kindness, as were the many friends who ministered to his wants during his illness. He was attended by Colonely Fry, Mayor White, Mr. Frieson, Captain Matthews, Mr. Malone and Mr. W. S. Bell as pall bearers, who llaid him to rest in Oakland. May his rest be sweet.

August 7, 1883
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. From the Southerner.Mrs. T. J. Pierce is dead of typhoid fever.

August 10, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
A PROCLAMATION
GEORGIA: BY HENRY D. MCDANIEL, Governor of said State
WHEREAS, official information has been received at this department that a murder was committed on the Fourth day of July, 1882, in Twiggs county, upon the bodies of Joseph Johnson and T. J. Wood by John Monroe Benford, and that said Benford has fled from justice.
  I have thought proper, therefore, to issue this my proclamation, hereby offering a reward of one hundred dollars for the apprehension and delivery of said Benford to the sheriff of said county and State.
  And I do moreover charge and require all officers in this State, civil and military, to be vigilant in endeavoring to apprehend the said Benford in order that he may be brought to trial for the offense with which he stands charged.
  Given under my hand and the great seal of the State, at the capitol, in Atlanta, this the eighth day of  August, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty-three and of the Independence of the United States of American the One Hundred and eight. HENRY D. MCDANIEL, Governor. By the Governor: N. C. Barnett, Secretary of State.
See September 2, 1886

August 28, 1883
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson, From the Southerner.
Mrs. Elizabeth Youngblood, who died last month at the ageof 83 years, was the wife of Joel Youngblood who died thirty-seven years ago in Baldwin county.

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.

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.

October 16, 1883
Union and Recorder
MARRIED in Wilkinson county on Sunday afternoon, October 14th, by Rev. J. M. Hall, Mr. A. D. NISBET, of Milledgeville, and Miss LENA, daughter of Mr. A. J. Miller, of Wilkinson county.

October 23, 1883
Union and Recorder
  From the Southerner. Mirandy, the negro woman who was sentenced in our last court for murdering her husband was escorted to Old Town Camp, Jefferson county, last Saturday, where she will do duty for the term of twenty years.

October 23, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
WILKINSON AND WASHINGTON. A Bloody Affair Involving Two Counties. (Special to the Telegraph and Messenger)
Oconee, October 22 - A blood affray occurred in the county near here, the details of which have been slow in coming to the surface. A negro from Wilkinson, discovered a negro named J. E. Holder, butchering a hog, belonging to a white man named Clay. He promptly reported the case to Mr. Clay, who, taking a double barrelled shot gun, started off with the negro and two white men pusuit of the hog thief. On arriving at his house they found that he had skipped. Clay questioned his wife as to his whereabouts, but received only insolent answers, and in a fit of anger knocked her down with a stalk of sugar cane that he happened to have in his hand. Clay and his party then started for the swamp.
  After they had left the woman called in her two sons, an ex-convict named Dick Cooper and another negro. They armed themselves with double-barreled shot-guns and started in pursuit of Clay's party. On overtaking them they fired into the party, killing the informer instantly. Clay's party returned the fire, killing Dick Cooper and wounding the other two negroes.

October 24, 1883
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Toomsboro. CORONER'S INQUEST OVER THE MEN KILLED IN THE FIGHT.
October 23 - A coroner's inquest found that Joe Holder came to his death by gunshot wounds at the hands of either Seth Wells or Boss Wells, or both, and that the same was murder.
  The inquest over the remains of Dick Cooper found that he came to his death from pistol or gun-shot wounds at the hands of either J. W. Vaughn, Henry Clay or Benjamin H. Jackson, and that the same was justifiable homicide.
  The matter is greatly deplored by our people, but we feel that our boys did only ther duty under the circumstances, and the only regret we have is that the two wounded negroes were not killed.

November 13, 1883
Union Recorder
Wilkinson. From The Southerner
Mrs. Caroline Deason died last night, was buried at the Poplar Spring grave yard today; she had been suffering for a long while with dropsy.

November 20, 1883
The Macon 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.

November 22, 1883
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
A Marriage in the Country
Editors Telegraph and Messenger: A most delightful affair took place in Wilkinson county last night, which a friend describes as follows: At 7 p.m. a party of friends left Macon for the elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. Quackenbosh, at Griswoldville. Here they joined a party and proceeded to the residence of he late Dr. E. I. Massey, near Gordon, to attend the marriage ceremony which united the destiny of Captain James R. Van Buren and MissLaura W. Massey. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. W. Burke, and then followed a splendid supper served up in the best style. There were only a few friends and relatives preent. The ceremony was performed at 10 o'clock p.m., and at 1 o'clock the bridal party left for Gordon, where they boarded the Savannah train for a tour to Florida. The Macon party, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Powell and the officiating parson, returned by carriage to Griswoldville, and after a brief rest took the 6:30 o'clock feight and arrived at Macon safely at 7:30.
  We wish the happy couple much joy and a safe return to their delightful home at Griswoldville.

December 4, 1883
Union and  Recorder
MARRIED - At the residence of the bride's father in this county, on Wednesday the 14th inst., by Rev. Thomas Gibson, Dr. Wesley King of Wilkinson County and Miss Maria A., daughter of Mr. J. W. Vinson.

December 4, 1883
Union and  Recorder
  From the Southener. Mr. Mitchell Fountain of Gordon is dead. Also, Dr. J. F. Hudson.

A youngester living on McIntyre street, asked this question the other morning at the breakfast table: "Pa, how is it a jury can convict a man of man-slaughter, when he killed a woman?" Pa - bolting his breakfast. "Ask your ma; she knows more about man-slaughter that I do."
 

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.

December 12, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
A Giant Oak. From the Dublin, Ga., Gazette.
   There is growing on Mr. Eason Green's plantation in Wilkinson county, just across the line of Laurens county, the "giant oak" of the foret. Its branches cover a space ninety feet in diameter, and the trunk is fifteen feet in circumference. The tree was planted when Mr. Green was a boy. The story goes, that Dr. Green, of Dublin, who is the son of Mr. Eason Green, received a severe thrashing once for chopping with his little hatchet this giant tree, when he was a small boy playing beneath its branches.

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.

January 16, 1884
Union and Recorder
    A possum recently invaded the hen house of Dr. Wood, of Irwinton, and assulted a hen. She gave the alarm and parties came to the rescue. The carpet-bagger was caught, killed, baked and devoured. This should be a warning to all prowlers.
   Mr. J. E. Barfield and family, Fernando Mason and wife, John Aycock and family, James Tindal and family, Green L. Boatright and family, W. P. Nichols and Chas. Smallwood, of Gordon Ga., in all 25, passed through the city yesterday for Morris county, Texas. - Constitution 13th.

January 29, 1884
Union and Recorder
WILKINSON. From the Southerner. Mr.F. M. Freeman and Miss Mildred Bishop were married on the 16th inst.

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.)

February 12, 1884
Union and Recorder
From the Southerner.  Mr. Jas. L. Avant of Washington county, and Miss Mattie O. Beall of Irwinton, wre married on Tuesday last.

February 16, 1884
Sunny South
MARRIED, In Irwinton, Ga. Feb 7, Burwill Lysle to Miss Vivian Belmont.

March 18, 1884
Union and Recorder
  The Irwinton Appeal says that Judge J. R. Barfield, late of Irwinton, but now of Texas, has in his possession a powder horn founded in 1761. It bears the hieroglyphic inscriptions indicating that it ever did service in the revolutionary war, but the probability is that it did. The horn in question was, as far back as traceable, the property of Judge Barfield's grandfather, William Barfield, a former citizen of this county, and very old at the time of his death, when it went into the keeping of judge Barfield's father, and at the latter's death it reverted to its present owner, who prizes it no little.

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.

April 22, 1884
Union and Recorder
WILKINSON. From the Southerner.
  Master Jimmie Byington, we regret to learn, was bitten by a rabid dog Saturday last. The wound is not very angry in appearance and we hope he will recover. He and his father, Mr. M. L. Byington, passed here Sunday en route for Mr. Hamilton McCook's, for the purpose of applying a mad-stone, of which Mr. M. is the happy owner.
  Losses on watermelons last year doesn't seem to have embarassed the growers in the least. The patches within a half mile of this place are as follows: C. H. Branan thirty acres; D. N. Smith, twenty acres; D. Bateman, fifteen arces; W. F. Ivey, twenty-five acres. Patches from two to three acres too numerous to mention.
  This place received its first car load of corn this week. It is well enough to state it was bought for cash by that sterling lumber firm Messrs. Turk & Byington.
  The Toomsboro correspondent writes:
  Messrs. Robison & Height, of Savannah shipped from this place Tueday nigh twenty-seven head of hogs, twenth-three head of sheep and twenty-nice head of cattle in one car. This is the third shipment from this place in the last fifteen days, a car load at each shipment.

May 13, 1885
Union-Recorder
Mr. James Nesbitt, an old citizen is dead.

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 10, 1884
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson, From the Southerner
Wiley Holland, an old citizen of Toombsboro is dead. He was over eight years old. he was hoeing cotton the day he was taken sick.
  Mr. David Bateman, near Ivey's, is dead. He was a good man, a good farmer, and universally respected.

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.

June 19, 1884
Macon Weekly Telegraph.
Milledgeville, The Record of A Sad Death.
June 17. I am called upon to record one of the saddest deaths that has occurred in our community for some time. It was that of Mrs. Dr. Duggan, of Toombsboro, formerly of Milledgeville, which occurred at the Oconee House, at 10 o'clock last night. There has not been an occasion in which more genuine grief and sorrow has been shown than on this. Mrs. Duggan was a daughter of Mr. Robert Trippe, deceased, of Eatonton, Ga. At the age of 20 she was married to Mr. E. D. Brown, in which there never pulsated a warmer and more generous heart. Mr. Brown for a number of years discharged the duties of steward and treasurer of the State Lunatic Asylum. Immediately after the war he took an active part in developing the railroad interests of Georgia and was a big contractor. It was after his railroad career that, his health becoming impaired, that he was appointed steward of the asylum. Soon after his death, which occurred while he was in the State service, Mrs. Duggan, then Mrs. Brown, became matron and served in that capacity for four or five years, and so well and faithfully did she discharge the responsible duties devolved upon her that the trustees were loth to accept her resignation. To known her was to love her. After her official duties as matron had ended, she was married to Dr. Duggan, of Toombsboro. At the time of her marriage, scarcely one year ago, she was the perfect picture of health, and now we are called upon to chronicle one of the saddest deaths that has occurred in Milledgeville for many years. Mrs. Duggan was about forty-six years old, and leaves a husband and two sons, Dr. Rush Brown, of Macon, and Mr. Trippe Brown of Alabama. Her remains will be buried from the Methodist Church this afternoon at 4 o'clock. She leaves a host of friends to mourn her death. To the bereaved family the community extend their heartfelt commiseration.
Note:Sallie C. Brown was married to James B. Duggan Jan. 3, 1883 in Milledgeville. She is buried in Memory Hill Cemetery, Milledgeville, GA. next to her husband E. D. Brown.

June 24, 1884
Union and Recorder
  Mr. T. J. Lingo, the efficient mail clerk and express agent of the Milledgeville and Eatonton railroad, was married on yesterday to Mrs. McDade, formerly of Eatonton, but now of Gordon. Our heart congratulations are extended to the happy pair. - Telegraph & Mess'r 22d.

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.

July 29, 1884
Union and Recorder
  Mr. A. W. Merkison died near Toombsboro on the 16th.

August 5, 1884
Union and Recorder
  DEATH - Mr. Wiley G. Allen, keeper of the Poor House, in this county, an old citizen, died from cancer, on Saturday, and was buried on Sunday last at Holder's burying ground, in Wilkinson county, with Masonic rites, as per his request, he being a member of the Fraternity. Quite a number of Masons from this city went down to the funeral where they were joined by Masons in the neighborhood in paying respect to the deceased. The burial service was conducted in an impressive manner by Adolph Joseph, Worshipful Master of Benevolent Lodge. Mr. Allen was about 55 years of age.

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.

September 16, 1884
Union and Recorder
  Mr. J. F. Ethridge, of Toombsboro, and Miss Northington, of Washington county, were married last Sunday, at the home of the latter, by Rev. W. S. Baker, of Irwinton.

September 30, 1884
Union and Recorder
Mrs. Aurora Snow, who has suffered so long with typhoid fever, died at her home in Gordon last Wednesday morning. She was sick about eight weeks.

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.

October 28, 1884
Union and Recorder
  Wilkinson. From the Southerner. Will Whipple, colored, aged one hundred and eight years, died last week, on the plantation of Mr. Joel T. Coney, near this place.

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 18, 1884
Union and Recorder
Mrs. Henry Temples, an aged and much esteemed lady of this city, died on Thursday, after a long illness. She was widely known for her skill in the treatment of chronic diseases. Her remains were carried to Wilkinson County for interment.

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 16, 1884
Union Recorder
  Mr. J. T. Bloodworth and Miss Lula Byington of Wilkinson county, were married on the 10thy inst. May happiness be their lot.

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 20, 1885
Union and Recorder
  Mr. B. O'Banon of Toombsboro died on the 3rd inst, aged 80 years.

January 20, 1885
Union and Recorder
Mr. Masters who was recently hurt by a freight train near Gordon, died at the hotel there last Tuesday night.
   Mr. M. M. Bloodworth, living in the Bloodworth district, received a severe kick from a mule while on his way home from Irwinton, a few days ago.
  Little Scott Hatcher while chopping wood cut his foot badly, and a little child of Mr. C. M. Branan while punching the fire with a stick fell into the fire and had his hand badly burned.
 

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.

January 27, 1885
Union and Recorder
Our Neighbors. Wilkinson. From the Southerner
  The fine residence of Col. John W. Lindsey was destroyed by fire on Sunday 18th inst. Loss $3,000, insurance $1,500. There was no one at home when the fire broke out,
  Mr. R. Waters died last week, aged 93 years, the oldest citizen of the county,
  We send a good word to the Milledgeville folks for Messrs. Kinney & Whelan.
  Mr. W. F. Bragg of Houston county and Miss Ellen Branon were married Jan. 8th, at the residence of the bride's fater, Rev. Jos. Langston, officiating.

January 27, 1885
Union and Recorder
  Early Tuesday morning last, Miss Annie Teeling of this city and Mr. Chas. Whelan of Toombsboro, were united in matrimony at the Catholic church in this city. The church was beautifully decorated, and the attendance, considering the early hours, 7 a.m., was large. The ceremony was performed by the regular father of the church, in regular Catholic order. After the ceremony the party repaired to the residence of the bride's father where they were handsomely entertained. After breakfast the happy couple boarded the 9:15 train, M. and A., for Atlantic City, New Jersey, where they will visit relatives for a few weeks, after which they will return to Milledgeville, and make it their  home. We extend our best wishes for their success and happiness in life.

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.

February 17, 1885
Union and Recorder
  MARRIED - Mr. Wm. Vaughn and Miss Emma Lockhart were married in Wilkinson county, last Thursday. Mr. Vaughn is an employee of the Lunatic Asylum - a clever and deserving young man. We extend to the young couple our best wishes for their prosperity and happiness.

February 17, 1885
Union and Recorder
  The following is reported from Bloodworth's.
  Mr. G. W. Kinney died at home very suddenly on the 3d of February. After eating a hearty dinner on the 2d ins., by 3 o'clock p.m. on the day following he was a corpse. His remains were interred at the cemetery at Mt. Nebo church.
  Mr. Henry Temples, of Milledgeville, died on the same day after a long illness. His remains were deposited at his brother's Thomas Temples, of this county.

March 7, 1885
Union and Recorder
  The cards are out for the wedding of Adolph Baum, of Irwinton, and Miss Henore Dewald, of Atlanta, to take place on the 28th.

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 7, 1885
Union and Recorder
Wilkinson. (Southerner).
   W. C. Horn, who enlisted in the Carswell Guards, has returnd home after an absence of 24 years.
  The business street of Irwinton is built upon a narrow ridge, and upon either side of this is a gully gradually eating its wasy towards each other. Already they are within 100 yards of meeting, and sooner or latr will engulf a portion of the town. The court house is midway betwen thse to enormous ravines, and it is only a question of time as to its fate.
Mrs. Jerry Walker agd 74 years, and James Chambers 20 years of age, died on Sunday, 29th ult.

April 11 1885
The Telegraph and Messenger
AT IRWINTON. The Court in Session - The Lawyers, Personal and Other Items.
  Irwinton, Ga., April 10, 1885 - The attraction at Irwinton this week is the session of the Supreme Court His Honor, Thomas G. Lawson, presiding. The charge to the grand jury was worthy of the skilled and courteous Judge, and deserved special commendation for the forcible references to the recent alleged election frauds in this county. The necessity of a through, rigid examination was faithfully urged and explained, and, it is thought, with good effect upon the jury, who seem to have been busy all the week without a proportionate result. Their report has not yet (Friday) been rendered. The most interesting civil case was a suit by Mrs. Emily E. McCallum against W. E. Carswell, for the recovery of part of the proceeds of an insurance policy taken out by plaintiff's husband. A non-suit was granted, but the arguments of Colonels Best, Biliups and Ockington were entertaining of their respective sides. The case is to be appealed. The interest of the State in the hands of Solicitor General Whitfield do not suffer. His faithfulness is shown notable here this week by his securing the hardest of all verdicts - that of guilty of violating the prohibition law.
  The cases of Sim Thomas, assault with intent to murder, and W. A. Deason and Iverson Davis, obstructing legal process, attracted some attention. Verdict, guilty in both cases.
   The Macon bar is represented here in the person of Cols E. F. Best and W. A. Lofton, Milledgeville sends Judge D. B. Danford, Greensboro offers Col. J. A. Billups, from Montezuma, C. M. Dupree; from Milner, Col. J. G. Ockington; from Dublin, Cols, R. A. Stanley and Phil Howard.
  The artesian well project is delayed on account of the continual sickness of the contractor, but it is hoped that efforts in this direction will not cease, as the drought last fall proved its necessity.
  The farmers say that the backward spring has retarded their work so little, rendering especial efforts necessary during the present good weather, which, doubtless, they are making.
  Macon's handsome young dentist, Dr. George Ford, is here this week, in pursuit of his profession.
  Captain Charles J. Williamson, looking after the interest of the Home Guardian, is spending a few days here.
  Hon J. H. Blount was welcome here today by his many friends.
  The mail hour is anxiously looked forward to by all when in a county town. This fact was fittingly illustrated this week by the avidity which the great and good Telegraph has been devoured here by the attorneys. The delight of Cols. Lofton, Ockington and Stanley over the baseball news was peculiarly noticeable.
  Strangers are entertained here by the family of Mr. A. Baum, which, to any one who has ever experienced their kind attention, is tantamount to saying they are "royally fed.
  The ubiquitous Burney has been looking after the interest of your paper here, but he tarried not long, which is accounted for by the fact that your patrons are so many and so widely scattered he must needs be swift to interview them all.
   Since writing the above the grand jury have finished their labors and court has been adjourned.

April 14, 1885
Union and Recorder
WILKINSON (Southerner) Mrs. J. R. Barfield, formerly of this county, died at her home near Hughes Spring, Texas, on the 15th of March. She has many relatives and friends in this section of Georgia, who mourn her death.

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.

Update- William Cherry did not die from his wounds. He and his wife had two children when this event happened. They moved to Macon, Ga where they lived until William died in 1900. His wife, Delila with now her five children moved to Atlanta, where she lived until her death in 1949. (William was son of William & Permelia Cherry and brother to Renia Cherry Criswell) submitted by Faye Kerstetter

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.

June 23, 1885
Union Recorder
Miss Lou Lockhart, an attendant at the Asylum died last Tuesday. she was from Wilkinson county, and was unwell when she entered upon her duties in the Institution about six weeks ago. She received the best medical attention and kind nursing. This is the first death of an attendant in the Asylum for several years.

July 21, 1885
Union Recorder
Levi Jeans, son of Mr. Vincent Jeans, aged about 21 years, died at his father's home in Bloodworth District, Sunday night last, of bilious fever. He was a young man of exceptionally fine characteristics, and was much beloved by everybody who knew him. His last moments were spent in singing songs of "religious worship" and he died with the words of "Angel Band" almost lingering on his lips. The bereaved family have the sympathy of all. Irwinton Southerner.

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 7, 1885
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Homicide in Wilkinson County.
The particulars of the killing of Zack Edwards by Lucius Hart in Wilkinson county Friday morning, reached the city yesterday. Brief mention of the fact was printed in the news column of the Telegraph yesterday.
  Edwards and Hart were both tenants on the place of Mr. R. V. Balkcom, in Wilkinson county, about three miles south of Gordon. Both have borne a reputation for honesty and faithfulness, and have been good workers. Edwards' only fault was a disposition to quarrel, and he frequently engaged in angry disputes with other hands on the plantation. Beyond this he had but few faults and was a reliable and intelligent negro. Hart was a workman equally as faithful, and was employed as a servant in the house of Mr. Balkcom.
  Some time ago Edwards and Hart had a quarrel about a trivial matter. After words, it is said Edwards threatened Hart's life, and sent him word that he would kill him the next time he saw him.
  Friday morning Edwards approached Mr. Balkcom and asked him where Hart was. He was told that he was in the yard working. Edwards went to seek him, and shortly afterwards Mr. Balkcom heard him quarreling. He hastened to the scene and saw Edwards with a drawn knife advancing upon Hart, who was retreating with a gun in his hand. Mr. Balkcom heard Hart tell Edwards not to come on, as he did not want to kill him. Edwards continued to advance, when Hart raised the gun and fired both barrels at his antagonist. Edwards fell, the most of his body torn to pieces by the shot. He lingered three hours and died. He did not speak after he was shot.
  Hart made no effort to escape, as he considered the act justifiable. No inquest was held, as it was thought by those acquainted with the facts that the killing was done in self defense.

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 25, 1885
Union Recorder
  Mr. J. I. Deese of Wilkinson county, died in Atlanta, a few days ago. He was attending the Commercial College.

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 Cold 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 8, 1885
Union Recorder
DEAD. Mr. William M. Sawyer died last Friday night, after a protracted illness, his disease being softening of the brain. He was about forty-four years of age and unmarried. He was a native of Wilkinson county, and previous to settling in this city, about ten years ago, was an employe of the Central railroad. He was successful in business here and made many friends in the city of his adoption. His half-brother, Mr. James Dupriest, was with hime in his last sickness. His burial took place Saturday afternoon, Rev. A. J. Beck officiating and the following gentlemen acting as pallbearers: Messrs. Henry Vinson, Wm. Bethune, Wm. Williford, L. N. Callaway, P. W. Brown and Walter Paine.

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 9, 1885
The Atlanta Consitiution
Irwinton. The marriage of Miss Evelyn Carswell, daughter of the late Colonel N. C. Carswell and Mr. W. F. Swift, was consummated at the home of the bride in Irwinton, Wednesday evening, October 28th. Rev. W. S. Baker officiating. The bride looked lovely in cream nun's veiling and satin, and the groom handsome in a suit of black. Relative and friends composed the wedding guests. And after partaking of rich viands of tropical fruits and luscious cakes, adieu was bid, and all with one accord pronounced the evening enjoyable. Many very handsome presents were received.

November 10, 1885
Union and Recorder
MARRIED - At the residence of the bride's father, in this county on Wednesday 4th, inst., Mr. G. A. Bentley of Wilkinson county, and Miss Bettie, eldest daughter of Mr. Cornelius Youngblood. Rev. C. B. Anderson officiating.

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 15, 1885
Union and Recorder
  Mr. J. P. Bloodworth, of Bloodworth district, was married to Miss Alice Whitehurst, on last Thursday evening at the residence of the bride's father, T. C. Whitehurst, near Gordon. The bride is one of the most lovely young ladies of this county, while the groom is a young, promising farmer of very fine character and intellect. We cast the proverbial old shoe after the happy young couple. -Irwinton Southerner.

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.

December 29, 1885
Union and Recorder
  MARRIED - At the residence of Dr. J. H. Sims in this city on the evening of the 23rd inst., by Rev. A. J. Beck, Dr. J. H. Hall and Miss Minnie L. Sims. Dr. Hall is a rising young physician from Wilkinson county recently located here, and Miss Sims is a beautiful young lady, possessing all the accomplishments and charms required to make a happy home. Long life and happiness to them.

January 5, 1886
Union and Recorder
  Married in Wilkinson County, on the 31st ult. at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. James T. Robinson, by Mr. W. R. Fenn, Mr. Lewis M. Etheredge and MissEmma L. Robinson, both of Wilkinson County.

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.

January 21, 1886
The Columbus Enquirer
  Quite a number of families have removed recently to Bulloch from Wilkinson county and report many more desirous to follow them.

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.

February 19, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
AS FREAK OF FORTUNE. Sixty Million of Dollars Inherited by a Wilkinson County Family.
  A few days ago Colonel N. Murphy of this county received a communication from a lawyer in Covington, Ga., asking for information concerning the heirs of oneWilliam Potts, who, be stated, had been declared by the court of England to be the rightful heir of sixty million of dollars. The attorney states that investigation has shown by attempts to procure the money, by two parties already, bearing the names of Potts, one William Potts, and by W. F. Potts of Atlanta, that the only surviving heir had been traced to Wilkinson county.
  This heir is said to be Wm. Potts, who left England in his youth and after living in Kentucky awhile, finally drifted to this county, where he lived until his death which occurred abut twenty years ago. He had a brother who was drowned in the Ohio river. This Wm. Potts married here, and Mrs. Colson, of this county, is and offspring of that marriage. To her will revert this enormous fortune, if secured. This Wm. Potts is the only man bearing that name who has ever lived in this county and he was known to have had wealthy relatives in England. Mrs. Colson and her family are poor but worthy people, and this freak of fortune is romantically strange. We trust there may be no trouble in her identifying themselves as the heirs, and obtaining this property. Irwinton Appeal

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. andMrs. 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, 1886
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 uponEarnest, 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.

-Health of the community is good save that of Uncle Hamilton McCook who is very feeble.  ---Ringo

August 1, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Austin Curtis, a colored minister living near Irwinton, was walking through a field the other day and passed near a stump, when a snake of the coachwhip variety, which was in a hole, jumped at him and caught him by one of his fingers. Curtis pulled back and pulled the snake about half way out of the hole, the snake holding onuntil its fangs cut through the skin to the end of the finger. He tied a string round the finger above the bite, dug the snake out of the hole and killed it. He then went to town to see a doctor, who put some spirits of turpentine on the bite. He is all right now, and suffered but little inconvenience from it.

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.
See September 7, 1886

September 5, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
The Shake at Irwinton
Irwinton, September 4 - There were three perceptible shooks of earthquake felt, one at 10 o'clock, one at 10:20, one at 11. No damage done except from fright. Mrs. Walden became so frightened that a physcian had to be sent for.

September 7, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
THE BENFORD CASE. His Attorney Has Something to Say About the Recently Published Account.Jeffersonville, September 4. - Editor Telegraph: In your issue of September 3d I find an interview with Sheriff Fountain, of Wilkinson county, and Sheriff Pettis, of Twiggs county, relative to the double murder, so called, as committed by J.M. Benford upon the bodies of T. S. Wood and Joe Johnson. These sheriffs know nothing personally of the killing of the two men. They are gentlemen who would not misrepresent facts if they knew then, but in this interview they have given a complete misrepresentation (unintentionally, I know, for I know both sheriffs to be gentlemen.
   Benford and another gentleman were at the bar taking a drink, when suddenly Wood came up and ran in between the two men and shoved them apart and took possession of the county. Benford then invited Wood to drink, but Wood refused, and urged a difficulty with Benford, which he did everything to evade, taking much abuse. Finally Wood abused Benford until "forbearance ceased to be a virtue," and they went into a few blows.  Wood, who was a very quarrelsome man and a bully, backed Benford into and on the corner of the counter, when Joe Johnson, who had, together with Wood, before that day threatened to whip Benford, ran up with his knife and plunged it at Benford under the front of the counter, and stuck his knife into the counter. From this Wood and Johnson, in conspiracy, too tedious to explain, pressed Benford with their knives and ran him twice from one end of the store tot he other. Mr. William Reynolds and Mr. Henry Pettis, brother of Sheriff Pettis, did all they could to stop the would-be murderers. I ran into the store as I saw numbers of men running out, and i caught Woods's arm as he made a plunge at Benford's back with a knife, As the men followed in quick order after Benford, they god him down, when, I think, Mr. Martin pulled one of them off, and Benford ran and came out of the door by me, and as the two men were immediately behind him, running after him, with drawn knives uplifted in their hands, I urged them to desist. Wood, who always listed to me before, heard me tell him he was about to get himself into a serious trouble with the law, stopped for a moment, and so did Johnson. Benford ran out one door and back into another, about four yards apart, and by that time both Wood and Johnson were again enraged. Benford shot one of them on the steps and the other just in front of me.
      I caught Johnson as he was falling and laid him gently down. I called for a physician. None appearing at once, and I opened my knife at once and either cut off his clothing or go another man to do so, so that physician might be read to act as soon as he could get there.
    Benford surrendered himself and I, as his attorney, demanded a trial. Judge Chambers, of the Irwinton bar, prosecuted the prisoner and I defended him. After closing both sides, I asked Judge Chambers to give me his points, and he stated to the court (two magistrates) that they were bound to commit without further effort by way of argument. I insisted that the court should hear my views, and which they died, and released the prisoner. Afterwards he insisted upon remaining in Twiggs, but some of his friends advised him that the prosecution might proceed, and it would cost much money to defend himself. He came to get my views, and I told him I thought he was in no danger and to do as he liked, but he might be prosecuted and would have to pay out much money to defend himself. He went to Carroll county, and has been there ever since.
   About a year ago, so I learn, he again insisted upon coming back, but I told his father to write him as he was doing well in Carroll to stay there. Your reporter talks of his stubborn appearance and refusal to communicate. No man is compelled to make every man his confidant. I requested Mr. Shannon a law student in my office, a few days since, having received a letter from John M. Benford, to write to him to "close his mouth" was all the advice I could give him. Knowing how of the reporters and others would misconstrue, I thought that the best.
     This __Col. Adamson, in Carollton, told that he read the letter Shannon wrote to Benford, who had so advised him  At best testimony from Mr. Pettis Webb _____, and  that his brother would swear that Benford was justified in the killing, and that about all the witnesses would also so swear, I cannot help believing that Mr. Pettis's statement were not understood by the reporter, for Pettis is a gentleman incapable of such when he knew different. if the evidence does not turn out as I say at the hearing I shall relieve Judge Kibbe from strictly following my opinions as positive law in the future. I will further state, injustice to the other side, that I am counsel for Benford, and I expect to fight the case upon the grounds of justificational. as the Atlanta Constitution published a severe tirade int he premises against Benford, I trust it will have this copy. Both Wood and Johnson were considered quarrelsome and dangerous men. In haste, J. D Jones

September 10, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
A negro woman, namedMary 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.)

October 5, 1886
Union Recorder
DIED, at Toombsboro, on the 23d of last month, Mrs. G. W. Wright, formerly Mrs. Bryant, who was well known several years since as an attendant of the Lunatic Asylum. She leaves many friends and relatives in the county who will grieve at this intelligence.

October 18, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
The Acquittal of Benford
  The Telegraph's readers will remember an account of the placing in jail at this place of John Benford, of Twiggs county, who was brought down from near Carrollton by Sheriff Pettis. He was charged with the murder of two men four years ago in Twiggs county and brough here for safe keeping. At the trial, which took place in Jeffersonville, and was was concluded Saturday, Benford was acquitted.

November 2, 1886
Union Recorder
   We are pained to chronicle the death of Mr. G. W. Wright of Toombsboro. He died Friday evening the 22d. His wife, two children and himself have died within six weeks with malarial fever. Southerner and Appeal.

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 MissGussie 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.

November 26, 1886
Macon Weekly Telegraph
IRWINTON. Reception toMr. and Mrs. W. B. Stubb(s) - Ladies and Gentlemen Present
Irwinton, November 25 - A reception given at the residence of Mr. Pitman in honor of the newly-married pair, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Stubb, was a most enjoyable affair, and will long be remembered by those who were present. Refreshments of the most tempting kinds were served, after which the crowd dispersed, wishing for the happy couple a bright, a beautiful future. Those present wer Miss Fannie Butler, Toombsboro; Miss Jessie Simmons, Thomasville; Mrs. C. C. Balkcom, Macon; Mrs. E. J. Lester, Macon; Misses Dasie Pitman, Mamie Wood, Rebecca Gilbert, Ida Hughs, Gertrude Lindsay, Gertrude Walden, Eula Walden, Ola Baker, Carrie Baum, Ida Fountain, Effi Chambers, Mattie Williams, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Hughs, Mr. R. L. Stubb, Toombsboro; Mr. J. T. Miller, Irwinton; Messrs J. R. Lindsay, J. H. Lingo, R. E. Stubbs, Wm. Butler, O. W. Donelson, Y. G. Freeman, Tommie Methvin, H. J. Gilbert, G. R. Butler, D. B. Baum, Hugh Chambers, A. B. Simmons, and last, but not least, your reporter.

December 7, 1886
Union Recorder
  Married, on the 5th inst. at the residence of Mr. R. M. Benford, in Baldwin county, by W. R. Fenn, Esq., Mr. Jasper N. Parker of Wilkinson county to Miss Nancy Crumbly, of Baldwin county.

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 children and the entire community to mourn her loss.

December 14, 1886
Union Recorder
  DIED - Of pneumonia at her home in this county, on Monday of last week, Mrs. Esther Pennington. On Sunday before, her daughter, Miss Alice, died, it is thought of the same disease. The remains of the two were interred in the cemetery at Poplar Springs church. - Irwinton Southerner.

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 gone and his family was dead, he was afflicted with blindness and was in danger of being put into the county poorhouse. "They must not do that with old master," said Joe Downing. Joe and his brother Peter were the slaves of Col. Downing before the war and always went under his name. While there old master was going down in the world these two colored men were hard at work and saving money. They purchased 150 acres of rich land, built a comfortable house, accumulated live stock and farming implements, and had good credit at the bank here. To this home they took their old master, installed him in the best rooms and compelled all the people around to treat him with utmost respect. Lately Col. Downing has been fearing that his death was approaching, and seeming to be fearful that he might be buried as a pauper. To ease his mind on this matter the brothers have just deposited in bank here $100 to be held until the old man's death with which to pay all funeral expenses.

Note: This appears to be Asa Downing who was listed at age 74 in the 1880 Federal Census. He is living in the Bloodworth District next door to Joe and Peter Downing.

January 17, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
Scenes In Wilkinson. From the Wrightsville, Ga. Recorder.
We learn through Elder W. D. Oliver that measles and pneumonia are raging in Toombsboro, Wilkinson County. Mrs. J. M. Boone, of the place, and three of her children broke out with measles on one and the same day. The little three year old daughter of Mr. Cason is paralyzed - unable to move hand or foot. Mrs. Merideth of the same locality, has already lost three splendid boys in a short space of time, the oldest about nineteen of age.

January 18, 1887
Union Recorder
MARRIED - At the residence of the bride's father, on the 16 th of December last, by Rev. B. H. Ivey, Mr. Charles Finney, of Baldwin and MissMattie Brewer of Wilkinson county. The marriage took place at 8 o'clock, p.m. After a lunch of cake, etc. enjoyed with a few friends, the happy couple repaired to the residence of the father of the groom, where an elegant supper and many friends greeted them. The Union-Recorder extends congratulations and good wishes to all concerned.

February 10, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
Macon, Ga., February 9 [Special] Monday morning Chief of Police Wiley received a telegram from G. W. Pennington, Toombsboro, asking him to arrest a negro named John Banyan (Bannon), who would arrive at Macon on the night train. A description of the negro was also sent. Officers Yeager and Holmes were detailed to meet the train and take charge of the prisoner. Upon the arrival of the train the arrest was made, and the negro was locked up at the barracks. Chief Wiley, as soon as this was done, wired Pennington to come and get his prisoner. Pennington came up yesterday, and went to the city hall, where he identified the negro as the one he wanted. He then told Stationhouse Keeper Henry that he would call for the prisoner that night, so that he would be able to carry him back to Toomsboro on the 10:30 train. At about 10 o'clock last night Pennington came to the city hall in a hack. He appeared to be somewhat under the influence of liquor. he told Stationhouse Keeper Henry that he hadn't enough money to pay the charges an would have to wait until this morning to carry his prisoner to Toombsboro. The prisoner was brought out and begged Pennington not to keep him locked up, as he wished to see his father, who lived in Vineville. He begged earnestly that Pennington, who was on the town, finally consented to let him off on the condition that he would report at the hall in the morning, and willingly return to Toomsboro with the constable. The confused officer consented to this very unreasonable proposition and the prisoner was turned over to Mr. Pennington by Mr. Henry. The constable then released him and left the hall. The negro then made himself scarce, and at once left for his father's house. As was expected by all but Mr. Pennington, the negro failed to put in his appearance this morning. Mr. Pennington, however was on time and seemed confident that Banyan would show up. After waiting some time, the constable left the hall for the depot, where he took the train for his home, a much sad and wiser man.
  The crime the negro was charged with is stealing property that had been levied on. It seems Banyan has been living in the neighborhood of Toombsboro for a long time. Recently a man came there employing hands to go to Alabama to work on a railroad. Banyan was among those who agreed to. While at the train Pennington levied on Banyan's baggage because he had not paid his poll tax for the preceding year. When the train started Banyan seized his bundle and jumped the train. It was too late for the constable to get him and Colonel Wiley was telegraphed to make the arrest. These facts of the case as told your correspondent by Stationhouse Keeper Henry. and fully exonerates the Macon police from any blame on the entire matter. Mr. Pennington is the constable of the 330th district of Wilkinson county
.
February 17, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Gordon  - Death of Mrs. Pace
Gordon, February 16. Mrs. Nancy Pace died in Gordon last night at 9 o'clock, aged about 80 years. She will be buried this evening at 4 o'clock in this place.

February 22, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
After seven weeks' illness and severe suffering, died last evening at 9:50, at Toomsboro of complications, Mrs. J. M. Boone. She leaves a husband and four children, the youngest nearly two years old. She was a lady largely and favorably known, being at the time of her death proprietress of the Dees house. Her Christian graces and qualifications won for he the love and esteem of all good people. Her demise leaves a blank in the hearts of her loved ones and friends that time alone can heal. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved husband and little ones.

March 1, 1887
Union Recorder
Mrs. Mary Eugenia Garner, nee Hughes, was born in Wilkinson county, Georgia, and died in Irwinton, same county and state on the 15th day of February 1887.
   She joined the Baptist church at Bethel during a protracted meeting in 1872, but did not claim to have been converted. A few years after she united with the church she experienced a change of heart and professed Christ in the pardon of her sins.
  On the second day of December 1876, she was married to Mr. Webster Garner in the state of Alabama, whither she had moved with her parents some years before. Soon after her marriage she changed her church relations and united with the Methodist church. In 1882 her husband died and she returned with her parents to Georgia. Some three years after her return, her health began to fail and it was soon discovered that she was a victim of that terrible malady, consumption. She was sick altogether, about two years, during which time she suffered much, but possessed a degree of patience and Christian fortitude such as we have seldom witnessed. Irwinton Southerner

March 9, 1887
Dublin Post
Information reaches us that Isaac Collins died Monday from a wound received from a piece of timber, in the hands of James Ogburn last Saturday night, near Stephensville. From the meager report that we received, it appears that the two young men, both white, had been to Stephensville and inhibed pretty freely of the blind tiger whiskey, and on their way home a difficulty was raised with the above results.

March 12, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
Irwinton Appeal- On Saturday night as Allen Pierce, J.E. Ogburn and Ike Collins were on their way home from Stephensville, Ogburn and Collins got into a difficulty, when the former struck the latter with a large piece of heart scantling fracturing the skull some three inches or more. Dr. Duggan was summoned, and pronounced the wound fatal. Collins is a poor man and his wife and children depend upon him. Whiskey is said to be the cause of the trouble. Although we live in a prohibition county it don't seem very hard to get a bottle filled in Stephensville. We hope the next grand jury will investigate the matter and see that the law is enforced. Collins died yesterday morning at 5 o'clock. Coroner Ethridge held an inquest over the dead body. Warrants were issued just as soon as Collins died for Pierce and Ogburn both, but Ogburn was not to be found.

March 13, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Gordon, March 12 - Misses Stella Reddy and Annie Powell, two charming young ladies of Macon, are visiting friends here.
  William Warner is a guest of Mr. Nelson.
  The remains of Abe Youngblood, who was shot and killed at Cooper's Station, were sent to Davisboro to-day, where they will be interred.
  An entertainment was given at the Hooks House last evening, complimentary to Misses Reddy and Powell. A numner of couples attended and the occasion was very much enjoyed.
  Mr. King Sanders is erecting a new store. Several buildings are being erected.
  Messrs. Sam Denard and John Stevens are catching some fine trout in their trap at Gordon Mill.
  Mr. J. T. Stevens has moved into his commodious new residence.
  Measles and whooping cough are quiete an epidemic in this community.

April 5, 1887
The Weekly Telegraph
Toomsboro - Death of a Prominent Citizen. Toomsboro, March 29. Mr. N. A. Bruneer, a prominent merchant and successor to the late firm of N. B. Rawls & Co., of Toomsboro, died at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

April 19, 1887
Union Recorder
  Mr. W. W. Lee, one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Wilkinson county, died on the 11th, at the Gordon Hotel in Gordon. He was well-known and few men had more friends.

April 24, 1887
Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel
$250 Reward Offered
The governor today offered a $250 reward for the arrest and delivery to the Sheriff of Wilkinson, with proof to convict, of the unknown parties who in December last burned the gin house of Mr. E. E. Kemp in that county.

May 1, 1887
Macon Telegraph
  Work on the Catholic Church at Gordon is fairly under way. Father Schadewell was delighted with the generous response to his appeal for funds amongst the Catholics of Macon, and to Mr. T. C. Burke especially, does he return thanks. Mr. Burke supplied the material necessary, at considerably less than cost.

May 3, 1887
Union Recorder
Death of Mrs. Rains.  Died at her home in Wilkinson county on the 26th of April, Mrs. Bithella Rains, wife of Mr. Isaac Rains, aged thirty-two years. Besides her husand, she leaves four children who have suffered a loss, which to them, is simply irreparable. The youngest is only eleven days old. She was a good wife and mother as well as a devoted christian and was loved by all who knew her intimately. She was the daughter of the Rev. B. B. Shephard deceased and sister of Mrs. M. J. Martin, Mrs. G. T. Chambers and Mrs. G. W. Underwood; her sisters all being residents of this county. Her remains were buted at the family cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by her Pastor, Rev. J. M. Kelly. SHe had been a member of the Baptist church for a number of years and her death was attributed tosome kind of heart disease. Her sister, Mrs. Chambers of this city, though unable on account of sickness, to reach her before her death, had the melancholy satisifaction of being present at her burial.
  "Although we part, 'tis blest to know, the good will meet above."

May 17, 1887
Union Recorder
Mrs. Mary Shinholser, of Wilkinson county, died on Tuesday, the 10th inst., at the residence of A. J. Miller of that county. Mrs. Shinholser was about 78 years of age and was the mother of Mrs. Dr. W. R. Robison, of this city. She was buried at the family burial ground at Mr. Jas. M. Hall's plantation of this county.

June 1, 1887
Dublin Post
Nickleville Items
    Picnics are certainly growing in popularity, if that be possible, or the picnic fever is of a less intermittent type this season than usual, for we hear of some new outbreak every day.
     On last Saturday, one of the most enjoyable events of the kind occurred at Nickleville, under the auspices of the congregation and Sunday School of Shady Grove Church.
     The grove in front of the church building is a delightful place for anything of the kind, and it is the custom of the church to give a picnic there every year at about the same time.
    In addition to the usual diversions in the way of the customary games, profitable (?) and pleasant conversation, and etc, and etc, there were four croquet sets arranged in convenient and shady parts of the ground, and several interesting and animated games were constantly going on. Quite a number of Irwinton's fair ones graced the occasion with their presence, and the interest of the day centered in game of croquet in which Dublin and Irwinton met in noisy combat. The god of war favored Dublin, however, much to the chagrin of Bro. Lingo, of the Appeal (to whom by the way, we did not allude whom we spoke of "Irwinton's fair ones").
    It was a matter of common  comment, that our efficient and genial Postmaster was unwearying in his attentions to a lovely young lady from Irwinton.
    Judging from the number of couples occupying buggies in various parts of the grove, the usual amount of pleasant nonsense was uttered and given ear to. It was the current opinion that if a certain large white umbrella could be invested with the power of speech, it could doubtless betray some very interesting confidences, etc.
   The most noticeable feature about the picnic (noticeable for its absence) was Mr. S.____'s melodious machination. It is presumed that he will "never smile again," as he allowed many excellent opportunities to pass unimproved.
   An abundance of things good for the inner man and, plenty of lemonade, made glad the hearts (?) of the average small boys to any nothing of half famished knights of the q'will.

June 7, 1887
Union Recorder
DIED-In Wilkinson county on Wednesday last, Mrs. Martha Brewer, wife of Daniel Brewer, Sr., aged about 66 years. She was buried at the old family burial ground on Thursday, Rev. Mr. Lane, officiating. She was a member of the Methodist church and died in the hope of a blessed immortality. She leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.

June 27, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Marriage at the Edwards House of Mr. Wilson and Miss. Miller. Milledgeville, June 26. The morning at 8 o'clock Rev. D. McQueen was sent for to marry a couple at the Edwards House. On arrival he found a few relatives and friends waiting to witness the marriage of Miss Willie Miller, of Wilkerson county, to Mr. Frank Wilson, of this city. Miss Willie is the daughter of Captain A. J. Miller, former Representative of Wilkerson, and a graduate of this college. Mr. Wilson is a popular young merchant, a partner of the well-known hardware store of Whilden & Wilson. After the happy couple were bound by the beautiful and solemn ceremony they left for Atlanta on the 8:30 train to spend their honeymoon. Congratulations are extended them by all.

June 29, 1887
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Death of Senator Smith. The following from Gordon makes the announcement that will be read with regret by many readers of the Telegraph: Gordon, June 28. - Hon. D. N. Smith, State Senator from the twenty-fifth senatorial district, died at his home near Ivey, Ga., this morning at 9 o'clock. He has suffered many days from a severe attack of typhoid fever. Senator Smith was in the prime of life and was one of the most promising young legislators in the State. The grief stricken family have the sympathy of the people throughout the county. (Buried Stubb-Spence Family Cemetery)
 

July 12, 1887
Union Recorder
   MARRIED, on Sunday morning last, at the residence of the bride's father, in Wilkinson county, by Squire Pennington, Mr. T. L. Avant of this city, and Miss Anna Holland. Our congratulations are tendered the happy pair.

July 12, 1887
Union Recorder
Mrs. M. M. Bloodworth of Wilkinson county, died on Wednesday night.

July 23 1887
Macon Weekly Telegraph
~excerpt
Atlanta, July 21. Senator D. N. Smith, of the Twenty-first district, died June 28, 1887, in the 36th year of his age. He was born in the county of Jones, and his father was son of General D. N. Smith, a prominent citizen of Georgia, who several times represented his section in the General Assembly. His mother belonged to the well-known family of Griswolds, of Griswoldville.
   When ten years old his father removed to Wilkinson county, where he resided at his death. When sixteen, Senator Smith lost both parents and resided a number of years with his sister, Mrs. R. U. Hardeman, under whose judicious care and training he completed his education. He returned to Wilkinson county and began the life of a farmer, and was soon recognized as a successful cultivator of the soil and attained a commanding place among his neighbors. He neither sought nor desired political place, and held no office until he was sent to represent his district in this Senate of which he became prominent and useful member.

July 28, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Gordon Items.
Gordon, July 27 - Two of the Salvation Army are preaching twice per day at the Methodist church. They will doubtless get up a big revival before they leave town.
  Mr. J. L. Baker, of Jones county, has bought half interest in the drug and grocery business of Dr. H. W. Bridgen. They are both energetic young men.
  Mr. S. I. Denard, the defaulting tax collector, has made a settlement with his bondsmen. He turned over enough real estate, notes, etc., to cover most of his indebtedness.
     A grand ball and barbecue will be given here on August 11th. It promises to be a pleasant affair.
  Mr. F. S. Barclay's kitchen caught on fire to-day from a spark from the stove. The fire was extinguished before much damage was done.

July 28, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Death of Mr. Carswell.
  The many friends of Mr. W. E. Carswell, an old and highly esteemed citizen, will be pained to hear of his death, which occurred yesterday morning at his home in Wilkinson county. He had never fully recovered from an attack of pneumonia, which prostrated him more that a month ago. He was eighty years old.

July 31, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
From the Washington, Ga. Gazette
(excerpt about General Toombs escape after the surrender. Told by Charles E. Irvin who accompanied  General Toombs as far as New Orleans. " General Toombs and Major Luther Martin had long been warm friends and Martin treated him like a brother and kept him at his house as long as he would stay. Martin had been paroled at the surrender and he gave Toombs his parole, and from that time on Toombs went by the name of Major Martin.)"

 This interfered with the general's plans, and he turned his face southward. Irvin came on to this place with instructions to follow Toombs down to Old Town. Irvin was to inquire of Mr. Guss Bell, Mr. David Dickson, Judge Linton Stephens or Mr. Gonder.  A day or two passed and Irvin arrived at Old Town. Mr Guss Bell knew nothing, and he went then to Sparta to see Judge Stephens Both men took Irvin for a detective and it was with great difficulty that he could make himself know. Judge Stephens knew the Irvin family and asked the names and ages of every member. The Judge had not seen the general. Irvin rode hundreds of miles back and forth over the country. he finally got to David Dickson's and asked about Major Martin who was riding a gray mare. Dickson was suspicious and said he knew nothing of him. Irvin asked for directions to Gonder's, and Dickson told him there was no such man in that part of the country. Irvin was completely non-plussed. Dickson invited him to get down and stay with him. After a while Dickson concluded that Irvin was the right man and he direct him to Mr. Gonder's, tell him that Major Martin was there. Mr. Gonder was absent, and Mrs Gonder was sure Irvin was a detective who was on the track of Toombs. She vehemently protested that Martin had not been there. Irvin dismounted and went in any way. After remaining some time he was able to prove that he was a friend. She then told him that Major Martin and Mr. Gonder were over at Cologne Jack Smith's and there Irvin found Toombs. They remained there several days and all went fishing on the Oconee river.

   Colonel Smith put them across the river, and they went on, hoping to reach the Florida coast and get out of the country that way. The went on and stopped at Mr. Joseph Dee's in Wilkinson county. Mr. Dee told then he was right in Sherman's track and had very little left, but what he had they were welcome to. They went in and took supper, but did not make themselves known, though General Toombs knew them. Then travelling was done that day. That night after all had retired, Miss Dee went to her brother and said: "Joe Dee, are you a fool" That man is General Toombs." She said she had heard him make a speech t Toombsboro seventeen years before,, and had not seen him since.  Very early next morning Mr. Dee came into General Toombs's room and related what his sister had said, and he was overjoyed to know he had the great Georgia in his house. A negro man on the place also recognized him, he having heard him make the speech at Toombsboro.

   Mr. Dee told General Toombs the negro was very trusty and he piloted him and Irvin through the country for a day or two. They went to Mr. Hughes in Twiggs county, where they stayed for some time. Mr. Hughes knew the general and showed him every possible attention.
   Mr. Irvin says that the elegance of the homes at which they stopped and the whole__ hospitality of the people left sweet memories that will never be forgotten.
FOILED AND TURNED BACK
    Leaving Toombs at Mr. Hughes's, Irvin made his way to Macon to see General Gustavus Smith and Colonel DeGraffenried, two distinguished confederate officers. They sent Toombs word that the yankees had men at every ferry on the Ocmulgee river looking for him and it would not do for him to attempt to cross. They urged him to go back up to the mountains by all means and stay there till affairs had quieted down. To the meanwhile, the report was industriously circulated that Toombs had escaped to Cuba. While in Macon, Mr. Irvin encountered Mr. Gabriel Toombs at the Brown house. Mr. Toombs was very greatly surprised to see him, having thought his brother and Irvin were out of the country.
   Irvin went back to Toombs, and , relating what Smith and DeGraffenried said, they concluded to go back to the mountains. While at Colonel Hughes's a wounded confederate soldier came up and said he recognized Toombs as he passed along the road on old Alice, and telling him that had certain doctor had recognized and threatened to betray him. The soldier said he would fix the doctor if Toombs thought he would have any trouble from him, but nothing ever came of  it. A servant remarked to Mrs. Hughes that Major Martin  "was either President Davis or just as great a man.

August 19,1887
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Irwinton, August 18. - Dr. John T. Smith, one of Irwinton's oldest citizens, died this morning at 7 o'clock, age 70.

August 19, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Death of Dr. Smith
  A son of Dr. J. T. Smith, of McIntyre, on the Central railroad, received a telegram last night announcing the death of his father, and requesting that a handsome casket be sent down on the late train. Between the receipt of the telegram and the departure of the train Undertaker Keating had but little time to prepare the casket, but Conductor Young kindly delayed the train ten minutes for the purpose.
  Sr. Smith had a number of friends in Macon who will regret to learn of his death.

September 13, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
PACKED AWAY IN A TRUNK
James Lavender Run Into His Hole and Dragged Out
  Irwinton, Ga., September 12 (Special) At the April term of Wilkinson superior court James Lavender was indicted for shooting at another. Three gentlemen became bondsmen for him. About two months ago it was found he had disappeared. His bondsmen offered a reward for him, and detectives were soon upon his trail, and soon succeeded in settling the fact that he lodge at home, as he was see to enter the house. The bondsmen were notified of this fact, and they secreted themselves near the house, saw him enter, followed close upon him and demanded admittance. After some delay, were admitted, and a thorough search was instituted, but no Lavender could be fund. The was repeated two or three times, when at last on Saturday night last, they again saw him enter the house, and knew he was surely there. They resolved to find him if the ashes had to be sifted. In moving the furniture around, a small trunk was found to be very heavy, and suspicion fell upon this as being the hiding place of the prisoner, but how a man six feet tall could pack himself in so small a trunk was the question. The key was demanded, but Mrs. Lavender said the trunk belong to her sister who lived three miles away. The part decided to send for the key and investigate contents. A messenger was dispatched for the key, and the party sit down to await his return. Something could he heard inside the trunk as a man breathing. In due time the messenger arrived, the trunk was opened and the imping six-foot Lavender was found coiled up in the small trunk. He was brought here yesterday and lodged in jail to await his trial in October.

October 1, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Death of Mr. Jas. W. Branan, of Ivey
-except
Gordon, September 30 - Mr. Jas. W. Branan,  of Ivey, Ga, died this morning, of typhoid fever.

October 6, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
MARRIED. DARBY-BURKE. At the residence of Mrs. H. K. Green, in Vineville, Tuesday morning, Mr. A. N. Burke, of Wilkinson county, was married to Miss Isa Belle Darby, of Augusta, by Rev. W. W. Warren. They left at once for their home in Jeffersonville.

October 7, 1887
Macon Telegraph
A Pleasant Affair in Honor of Fair Visitors from Savannah and Penascola. Irwinton, October 6. There was a most enjoyable dance last evening at the summer residence of Mr. H. F. Willink, given by the young men to the visiting young ladies. Kessler furnished the music, and the evening was passed most enjoyably by all who attended.
  Those in attendance were as follows:   Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Baum, Mrs. M. J. Carswell, Miss Lula Gilmartin, Savannah; Miss Ella Garder, Pensacola, Florida; Miss Jennie Willink, Miss Mamie Willink, Miss Emma Willink, of Savannah; Misses Rebecca and Carrie Baum, Miss Ellen Carswell, Miss Ida Fountain, Misses Daisie and Bessie Willink, Messrs. Harry Willink, Robbie and  Eddie Willink, of Savannah; Col. John W. Robinson, of Macon; Dr. D. B. Fluker, T. B. Frasier, B. J. Brown, D. B. Baum, E.M. Baum, and others.
     Dancing continued to a late hour, when all wended their way home most happy and pleased, and owing almost delightful evening to our kind hostess, Miss Jennie Willink.

October 17, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
-excerpt
Toomsboro, Oct. 16
Lee Etheridge, 12 yr. old son of J. W. Etheridge, died of Malarial fever, Oct. 16.

October 21, 1887
Columbus Enquirer-Sun
W. H. Daniel, a well known citizen of Wilkinson county, who lives near the Oconee river, is now 64 years old, has nineteen full-fledged boys and four daughters. He says he never had a fever in his live, never took a dose of medicine, and can do more hard work than any man in the district. He gets up at 4 o'clock in the morning, never fails to put in ten hours of good, lively work everyday, eats three good square meals a day and does not drink coffee, tea or anything stimulating. He relies upon the laws of nature for good health, and he expects to live to be 100 years old.

October 25, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
-excerpt
Tombsboro, Oct. 21 - Dr. D. R. Fluker, of this place, died to-day at 11 o'clock from the effects of an overdose of morphine.

October 20, 1887
Columbus Enquirer-Sun
 Near Bloodworth, Mr. John G. Smith, while out o'possum hunting, was accompanied by his two little daughters and two neighbor children, daughters of Mr. T. A. Moore. The dogs "treed" an o'possum; he placed the little girls to a place of safety, as he thought, far enough to be out of danger of the falling tree. While the tree was falling there was lodged in the top of it the top of another tree. As the tree fell, this top fell upon his little daughter,Linnie, striking her on the back, mashing her in the ground, killing her instantly.

November 3, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
THE REV. JOHN DUPREE
An Old Baptist Preacher and His Recollection of Uncle Jimmy Williamson
From the Hawkinsville, Ga. Dispatch
    Among others who attended the Houston Baptist association, which was in session in Hawkinsville on Saturday, Sunday and Monday last, was Rev. John Dupree and wife, of Wilkinson county. This old gentleman will be eighty-two years of age in March next, but is well preserved and quite stout for one of his years. He appeared to be very much disappointed in not meeting his old friend and co-worker, Rev. Jimmie Williamson, of Telfair county, who, too, us upward of eighty years of age. Mr. Dupree, in speaking of "Uncle Jimmie," as his friends call him, said"
    " I was in hopes I would meet Jim here, but maybe he will be at Cochran."
     "How long have you know Uncle Jimmie"" we asked.
     " Well, I think it was at Big Sandy church in Wilkinson county, during a session of Ebenezer association-it was about 1834. The announcement was made on Saturday evening that the nine o'clock sermon on Sunday would be preached by Brother Williamson.. Yes. it was about 1834 - just fifty-three years ago.
     "Well." continued Mr.Dupree, " I had seen Williamson walking around, and had heard him talk, and, to tell you the truth, I thought the association had made a mistake in selecting him to preach the Sunday morning sermon. But Saturday evening he and I traveled the same road, and he had an appointment to preach at Price's. So I concluded to stop and see if there was any preach in him. Well, after I heard him I thought he could say more in less time than any man I ever heard. It has been a long time ago, but if my memory is good, Brother Williamson represented Turnpike church."
     "When did the division occur in the Baptist church?" was asked of Mr. Dupree.
     "In 1836. Nine churches withdrew from the Ebenezer association, and in their resolutions declared non fellowship with missionary societies, Sunday schools, temperance organizations, and all other so-called benevolent institutions of the day."
       Rev. Mr. Dupree emigrated with his family to Texas in 1860, and purchased lands in Comanche county. He was defrauded in the titles and lost the entire investment. He then moved to Louisiana and settled in Nachitoches parish, where he lived until two or three years ago, when he returned to Georgia to pass the remainder of his days among his kindred and friends in Wilkinson and Laurens counties.

November 5, 1887
Macon Telegraph
Gordon, November 4. - Mr. F. S. Barclay, of our town, was married yesterday to MissNina Stripling, of Jones county. The happy couple came down on the train last evening and were met at the depot by a concourse of friends, who extended congratulations, wishing them a long and happy life.
  Mr. J. T. Stevens's wagon ran over and considerably bruised Master Earnest Whitaker, yesterday.

November 6, 1887
Macon Telegraph
Died in the Prime of Life. Toomsboro, November 5. Mr. Joe Freeman died near here today of malarial fever. Mr. Freeman was a member of the Baptist Church and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Just in the prime of life, he had a great deal to live for.

November 18, 1887
Macon Telegraph
   Marriages at Gordon. Gordon, November 7. Mr. Charles Smarwood was married yesterday to Miss Annie Wilson.
  Mr. Berry A. Strong was married to Miss Lena Harrold yesterday eve.
  Squire D. F. Sanders officiated in both marriages. We extend to bouth couples congratulations and our best wishes.

November 22, 1887
Union Recorder
   Mr. Seaborn Jackson who was run over by the cars near Gordon, some time ago, and had his leg cut off, died from his injuries a few days ago.

November 23, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
AN OLD MAN GONE. Mr. A. R. Brundeay (Brundage), of Wilkinson County, Breaths His Last.
Macon, Ga. November 22 - (Special) Mr. J.W. Brundeay (Brundage), a son of A. R. Brundeay (Brundage), of No. 16, McIntyre, on the Central railroad, died this morning at 12:05. Mr. J. W. Brundeay  (Brundage) came to Macon for a coffin, which he procured from Undertaker D. A. Keating.
  Mr. Brundeay (Brundage) was in his 79th year, and was one of the most prominent citizens of Wilkinson county.
  Mrs. Brundeay (Brundage), his wife, who is sixty years of age, is hardly expected to live through the night. The family is well-known and highly respected throughout that section of the county. The funeral of Mr. Brundeay (Brundage)  will occur tomorrow at 10 a.m.

November 29, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Church Dedication. On Sunday last Rt. Rev. Thomas A. Becker, bishop of Savannah, assisted by Rev. Father Bazin and Schadewell, dedicated the Catholic church at Glenn Ellen, between Gordon and McIntyre, on which occasion the bishop preached.

December 21, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
The Sad story of Obediah Ross
Particulars of the Crime for Which He Was Sentenced for Life-Proofs of His Innocence - To Be Pardoned Today.
   Governor Gordon today will grant a pardon to Obediah Ross, convicted of the murder ofNathan Cornwall, in Jefferson county, on the 10th of November, 1877, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life.
   The pardon is granted on the recommendation of the last grand jury of Jefferson county, and of Judge H. D. D. Twiggs, solicitor general pro tem, who prosecuted the case. The trial occurred in November, 1881, and Ross has been confined in the penitentiary for six years. His pardon recalls one of the most atrocious crimes ever committed in Jefferson county.
 EVIDENCE ADDUCED ON THE TRAIL
  The trial began in Jefferson superior court on the 14th of November and continued until the close of the 18th of that month. Judge H. D. D. Twiggs, solicitor general pro tem, and Messrs. Cain and Polhill appeared for the state, and Messrs. Singleton and Wade, Edward Huner, Colonel J. D. Ashton, D. J. Alexander and Thomas B. Felder, for the defendant.
  The evidence showed that Mr. Nathan Cornwall had a country store on the line of Washington an Jefferson counties, in which store Judge A. E. Tarver was a partner. Mr. Cornwall had been living with Judge Tarver 29 years, save three years during the war. On the night of November 30, 1877, Mr. Cornwall left Judge Tarver's house about 8 o'clock. Between ten and eleven o'clock the store was discovered on fire. Mr. Cornwall was not in his bed in his room in one part of the store. The building was burned down and Mr. Cornwall's charred remains were found behind the counter. The gold watch in his pocket was melted. Only about $15 worth of melted gold and $5 of melted silver was found in the ruins. The exact amount of money in the store was unknown.
  Those acquainted with the habits of Mr. Cornwall state that he was a very cautious man, and would not open his doors after closing them at night, but preferred handing the articles out through the window. It may be stated here that the evidence in the case was very voluminous, making two large volumes, and was stenographically reported.
Wash McDaniel was suspected of being the guilty party because he exhibited a large roll of money soon afterward. A shoemaker named Aultman, who was carried off to South Carolina and sent to the penitentiary there for a similar murder, was afterwards suspected.
  A Mr. W. R. Driskell testified that in 1878 McDaniel was arrested, and Obediah Ross exhibited a very earnest desire to converse with McDaniel, but was prevented from doing so by   the sheriff. Mr. Driskill, in order to ferret out the crime, spent three months in trying to get the confidence of Ross. He made arrangements that cotton should be stolen, and cotton was stolen and sold to the parties he had made arrangements with to buy it. He and Ross went to Millen together to see if certain keys they had would unlock certain railroad cars.
  On February 12,1879, Driskill told Ross, so he testified, that "the widow Heath (McDaniel's wife, McDaniel sometimes going by the name of Heath) had gone." To this, Ross replied "that he was glad of it, as she had threatened to blow on him.  Driskill inquired, "what did she threatened to tell?" to which Ross replied: "Something me and Heath (McDaniel) did." Driskill says that Ross refused to tell him what it was that Mrs. Heath proposed to tell, but when he (Driskill) said, "I know, it is about that old Cornwall murder," Ross answered: "I should not be surprised." Driskill then asked Ross the direct question: "Did McDaniel kill Cornwall?" and Ross replied" "yes." To the interrogation, "what did McDaniel do with the money?" Ross said, "he buried it." Driskill further stated that Ross said that Jim Newton stood on the right hand of the store door, John Newton on the left hand, and John Sykes on the outside, when the murder was committed.
   Dr. David Curry testified that Ross confessed  to him that McDaniel did the killing and that he was present. Ross said that he and McDaniel rode up to the store on horseback, and hitching their horses, went in. Mr. Cornwall, he said, was behind the counter, and McDaniel inquired for some goods. As Mr. Corwall stooped to get the goods McDaniel hit him on the head with a hatchet and he sank to the floor. McDaniel then secured all the money, and pouring kerosene oil around the body of Cornwall, set it on fire and escaped. Dr. Curry stated that on another occasion Ross had desired to borrow money from him to flee with, as he was fearful of the publication of letters he had written to McDaniel before the murder.
   Upon the testimony Ross was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for life/
 A PARDON ASKED FOR
  Judge H. D. D. Twiggs, solicitor general pro tem at the time, who pressed the conviction with all the ardor of his nature, writes to Governor Gordon:
  "Subsequent evens and developments have satisfied me that this (Ross's) conviction was the result of perjury. The evidence was almost wholly circumstantial, and the case of the  state depended on the evidence of one Dr. Curry, which I  am now satisfied is a issue of fraud and falsehood in toto, and I not only cheerfully and heartily join in the application for the pardon, but am gratified that the opportunity has been afforded  me to discharge what I consider a duty to myself and to this unfortunate man.
   After carefully considering all the circumstances of the case, Governor Gordon felt satisfied from the proof submitted that Ross is innocent of the crime for which he has slaved in the penitentiary for six years. His pardon is the result."

January 24, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Gordon, January 19. - Mrs.Annie Malpass died on the night of the 16th inst., at the Hooks House, and was interred in the cemetery here yesterday evening. She had lived in this place but a short time, but had made numerous friends. She received good attention from the kind ladies of this place, and was treated by Drs. Bridger and Lee, but to no avail. Her brother, Mr.
F. S. Straser, came down and settled all bills, and kindly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Hooks for their attention to his sister.
  Mr. John W. Bateman, a prominent merchant and farmer of Ivey, Georgia was married to Miss Annie Byington, daughter of Captain H. K. Byington. We extend to the happy couple our best wishes.

January 28, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
~excerpt
Dublin, January 27 - Hon. Joel T. Coney, member of the Legislature from Laurens county, died at his home in this county on Tuesday morning last. About two weeks ago he stuck a splinter into the palm of his right hand, and from this wound tetanus, or lock-jaw, ensued, which caused his death. He was buried in the family cemetery, attended by  a large concourse of friends.

February 17, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
A TRACE OF SADNESS
In the Death of Two Young People in Wilkinson county, near the line of Twiggs.
    Mr. Henry Parker, son of Mr. Roxie Parker, living in the Ramah district, a young man universally liked. He had quite a number of friends, and frequently visited Macon, where he traded with Davis & Balkcom. On last Wednesday, the 15th, he died at his home of meningitis. Some time in January, when he was first prostrated by the disease, it was his wish that Miss Della Sanders, to whom he was engaged to be married, should visit him. She complied, and went home to take her bed, having contracted the disease. On the  27th of January, two days after the visit to her lover, she died.
  The young man grew better, and then worse, and finally died, as stated above.
   The good people in the neighborhood, who were familiar with the circumstances, were deeply impressed. It was a sad taking off of two worthy young people, who had just plighted their loves. The young lady was a daughter of Mr. Robert Sanders, a well-known and deserving farmer of Wilkinson county.

February 27, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
An Editor Married.
Irwinton, Ga., February 26 (Special) Our popular young editor of the Irwinton Appeal, Mr. Joseph Lingo, and Miss Ophelia Branan were united in marriage last Thursday at the residence of the bride's parent, Mr. G. I. Branan,Rev. W.S. Baker officiating. After the ceremony a splendid reception was given to the happy pair at the residence of the groom's uncle, Mr. John T. Lingo.

March 23, 1888
Augusta Chronicle
Mr. Freeman Brooks, of Bethel district, Wilkinson county, was mashed to death by a falling tree Monday night. His skull was crushed and several limbs of his body broken.

April 10, 1888
Weekly Telegraph
Harrison, April 2. Mr. John F. Hooks, formerly of Wilkinson county, died Sunday at his home about three miles from Harrison. He was sixty years old.

April 13, 1888
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Death of an Aged Lady.
Irwinton, Wilkinson County, April 12, Mrs. Diadema Brack, mother of Captain James A. Mason, of Irwinton, died on the 8th instant at 3 o'clock, of disease of the brain, aged 83.

May 1, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
MURDER OF MR. SHEFFIELD. He Had no Faith in Banks, and Therefore Met His Death
Irwinton, Ga. April 30 - (Special) Mr.James A. Sheffield, a prominent merchant, was robbed and murdered Saturday night. About 8 o'clock he closed his store and started for his home. He had almost reached his destination when he was met by an assassin who fired a load of buckshot and slugs into his head, killing him, it is supposed, instantly.
  His dead body was discovered about 9 o'clock by two young men who were going to their home. A small satchel, in which he carried money, was found back of the academy cut to pieces.
  It seems that the murdered was frightened away before he accomplished his purpose of robbery, as over forty dollars was still on the person of the dead man.
  The sheriff and Mr. William Poole visited the scene of the crime and after searching for some time, discovered a peculiar track which they followed until it led to the home of a young negro, Will Collins, whom they arrested. They found a gun in the house with one barrel discharged. The wadding found at the place of the murder exactly corresponded with a torn piece of paper in his hunting satchel. His vest and gun had blood on them. There was found $21.45 in small change on his person-just such money as the deceased was known to carry. Soon after he was imprisoned the feeling became so intense that there was grave fears of lynching him. The officers thought it would be unwise to keep him here, and he was taken to Macon. Mr. Sheffield was a peculiar man concerning his money affairs. He had no faith in banks and and always carried his money on his person or deposited it in a safe at his home. It was the general belief of every one in the town that he carried in a little satchel which he always wore across his shoulder, from $500 to $1,000.

May 9, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
A Typical Georgia Country Town.      Irwington is not so large a town as Chicago, but it has no anarchy and everything looks calm and serene. It is one of those old-fashioned towns that are off the railroad, and they don't care it it is, so they have the courthouse and jail and can hear the Sheriff call twice a year. I like such places. I like their "otlum cum dig." though they don't dig alarmingly much. I like the open welcome of their store plazzas where the lawyers, and doctors, and preachers meet to discuss affairs, public and private, and tell anecdotes, and whittle on soft pine, and hold down the chairs that used to have split bottoms, but now have rawhide with all the hair worn off except the suburbs. I like the slow and measured dignity with which these people come and go and move about the town. There is nobody tired when night comes. Nobody stoop-shouldered from overwork. Nobody's shoes worn out at the toes. When the merchant wants to go to dinner he can shut up and go and lose no trade by it, for the kind-hearted customers will wait till he comes back. The lawyers can go fishing and the doctor attend to his farm. the jail door stands open all the year round and the Sheriff has a hungry look for lack of business. -Bill Arp.

May 15, 1888
Union Recorder
From the Asylum. Married, on Tuesday last at 3:30 o'clock at the residence of the groom's mother, Mrs. Cathelene Gilman, Mr. Henry E. Gilman to Mrs. Gillie Patterson, Rev. D. McQueen officiating. After the marriage the happy couple left for the residence of Mr. Silas Patterson in Wilkinson county, who tendered them a big banquet. We extend to them our heartiest congratulations.

May 29, 1888
Union Recorder
   Mr. Charles L. Morris, formerly connected with the Chronicle, but now a merchant in Milledgeville, was married last Thursday morning in Irwinton, Ga., at the residence of the bride's mother, to Mrs. Emma J. Lester, Rev. W. S. Baker officiating. Only the family and a few intimate friends were present to witness the ceremony. Mrs. Lester, for a long time, was matron of the Orphans Home of the South Georgia Conference, and was afterwards President of the Organized Charities in Macon. Both have the good wishes and heartfelt congratulations of their many friends.

June 12, 1888
The Weekly Telegraph
Death at Gordon
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.

July 27, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
KILLED WHILE ASLEEP. Lightning Strikes a House and Kills a Mother and Child.
   About 7 o'clock last night Mr.George W. Sheppard, an operative in the East Macon factory, with his wife and five year old son George, went to bed at their home on Factory Row in East Macon. Shortly after 8 o'clock Mr. Sheppard was awakened by a dull but severe pain in his left leg. On waking he found a piece of timber across his face, his right arm across the breast of his wife at his side, and his right leg across the breast of his little son, who was sleeping at the foot of the bed. He had an indistinct recollection of a flash nd a shock, and supposed he had been struck by lightning. Feeling of his wife he found her dead. Reaching down to the foot of the bed he found that his found that his wife (son) was also dead.
  Rising as quickly as he could, his left leg paining him considerably, be struck a match and lighted a lamp, at the same time calling Mrs. Dickson,  a lady who lived in the other portion of the house. She ran into the room and found the terrible work of the lightning. Other neighbors were called in, but the mother and son had been killed instantly and there was nothing to be done except to extend their sympathy to the unfortunate man.
  The lightning had struck the eastern corner of the house and tore away a portion of the timbers, one piece falling on the bed, which was in the corner, and striking Mr. Sheppard in the face. The footboard of the bed was also splintered.
  The friends of the family gathered around and by 9 o'clock had prepared the mother and child for burial. They were laid out on the same bed on which they had been killed, presenting a sad sight. The lightning had not bruised them in any way, but had scorched the hair of each. The neck of Mrs. Sheppard had broken, but there was apparently none of child's bones broken.
  Mr. Sheppard came to Macon from Wilkinson county about three years ago, and has been working during that time in he factory. His grief last night as he stood at the foot of the bed gazing upon the features of his wife and boy, who were sleeping sweetly with him but an hour or so before, was indescribable.

August 21, 1888
The Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. and Mrs. Will Freeman, of Stephensville, celebrated their marriage anniversary by calling in friends to assist in disposing of an excellent dinner.

August 28, 1888
Macon Weekly Telegraph
 MrsFannie Ogburn and Mr. William Collins, were married at Stephensville Thursday morning, 16th inst. The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Dupree.

September 29, 1888
Macon Telegraph
    Death of a Colored Farmer. Messrs. Davis & Balkcom yesterday received the intelligence through some of their customers that Henry Paulk, a highly esteemed colored farmer of Wilkinson county, in Bethel district, died last Thursday. He was much thought of and respected by both white and blacks, and was also regarded as a man of no small talent.

October 2, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
Hon. Robert Whitfield, of Milledgeville, passed through Macon today en route to attend Wilkinson county superior court. Ge is solicitor general. Mr. Phil Howard, a well known lawyer of Dublin spend yesterday in Macon and left this morning for Irwinton. Messrs. Whitfield and Howard will prosecute the negro, Will Collins, now in Bibb county jail for safe keeping, charged with having waylaid, shot, killed, and robbed Mr. Sheffield, a well known merchant. The case against Collins is circumstantial, but it is aid well corroborated, and the state confidently expects his conviction. The is the most important criminal case to be tried at this court.

October 8, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Death of a Prominent Merchant,
Gordon, Oct. 7, Mr. A. R. Chambers, a very prominent merchant of our town died this morning. His remains will be interred at Irwinton to-morrow at 2 o'clock.

October 8, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
COMMENDED TO MERCY
Will Collins Convicted of the Murder of Sheffield
Irwinton, Ga., October 5, -[Special.] The case of Will Collins, charge with the murder of Sheffield, has been tried. Robert Whitfield, states attorney, and Frank Chambers were prosecutors. L. A. Hall of Eastman represented defendant. The case was called yesterday at 9 o'clock a.m. and 5 o'clock p.m. the jury retired. They remained out until 6 o'clock this morning, when a verdict was recommending mercy.
  Mr. Sheffield was a merchant in the town, and it was generally known that he had accumulated a smug little sum of money. On the 28th of April, while going from the store to his home, he was waylaid, shot down and killed almost instantly. Collins was strongly suspected, arrested and tried, which resulted as above. Collins of course denies the charge. Robbery was the motive for killing.

Gone Up for Life
Macon, GA, October 5. -[Special.] Yesterday at Wilkinson county superior court, held at Irwinton, Judge Jenkins presiding, Will Collins, colored, was found guilty of the murder of Mr. J. A. Sheffield, a once wealthy and prominent merchant of Irwinton. Collins was convicted on circumstantial evidence, well corroborated, however, and he was sentenced to the penitentiary for life. The state was represented by Solicitor-General Robert Whitfield, of Milledgeville, and Mr. Phil Howard. The defendant's counsel was Colonel L. A. Hall of Eastman. Sheffield was waylaid one night several months ago when he was returning home from his store, and he was robbed of a considerable sum of money. Tracks leading from the dead body corresponded perfectly with Collin's. A gun on which blood was found, and one barrel discharged, had been borrowed by Collins. There was other strong evidence against him. Collins is about eighteen years old.

October 8, 1888
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Death of a Prominent Young Merchant
Gordon, Oct. 7 - Mr.  A.(I.) R. Chambers, a very prominent merchant of our town, died this morning. His remains will be interred at Irwinton to-morrow at 2 o'clock..

Death Chronicles:
Mr. Ira Chambers, a prominent citizen and merchant of Gordon, died at four o'clock on Sunday morning last. His remains were brought to this place on Monday morning following, and at 2 o'clock pm, funeral services were held at Union Church, Rev. B. H. Ivey, of Sandersville, conducting the services; after which, joined by a goodly number of sorrowing relatives and friends, he was borne to the cemetery, and by the side of loved ones preceding, he was lowered 'neath the clods, there to rest in peace.

Mrs. Wood, mother of Dr. J. S. Wood, after several weeks of painful dysentery, died on Thursday morning 4th inst.  Her remains were conveyed to Washington County on Friday following the interment.

Married:
On the 9th inst., at the home of the bride's father, Mr. C. C. Stokes, Mr. Chas. O. Butler was united in holy wedlock to Miss Lina Stokes, H. F. Hogan officiating.

October 12, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Death in Wilkinson
   Mr. Baldwin Bridger, a highly respected and prominent citizen of Wilkinson county, died on the 10th inst., at his home near Gordon, with typhoid fever, after being bedridden thirty-three days. His sons, Dr. H. B. Bridger and Linton Bridger, have each been confined several weeks with fever. Verily, affliction hard has been laid heavily on the family.

October 16, 1888
Columbus Enquirer-Sun
An Old Light Beginning to Flicker
  At 1 o'clock this morning Mr. Daniel McArthur, and old and highly respected citizen of Columbus, was reported a the point of death at his residence, Odd Fellow's Hall. It was not expected that he would survive many hours.
   He was born in Wilkinson county, Ga., November 21, 1813, and came to Columbus in the fall fof 1834. Mr. McArthur was at one time a prominent merchant of this city, and subsequently he was a familiar figure around the markets as Suprintendent.
       Long before the war he purchased some slaves. They always remained around the genial old gentleman, even since the war, and this morning Remus Jones and his brother were keeping vigil around the bed of their dying master. At the time mentioned he was speechless, but still recognized his friends.

October 19, 1888
Columbus Enquirer-Sun
Funeral of Mr. Daniel McArthur. The funeral of the late Mr. Daniel McArthur took place frome the residence of Mr. Robert S. Crane, No. 521 First Avenue, at 10:0 yesterday morning. Rv. A. M. Williams, pastor of St. Luke church, conducted the services of the deceased. The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: T. O. Douglas, A. M. Brannon, J. E. Cargill, W. J. Wood, M. M. Hirsch, L. W. Hamilton.

.

October 21, 1888
The Dublin Post
Married.  At the residence of the bride's father, Rev. Mr. Baker, on yesterday at one o'clock p.m., were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Mr. Ira S. Chappell, of this county, and Miss Belle Baker, of Irwinton, Rev. R. W. Warren, of Macon, officiating.
  THE POST congratulates the young bride on having won the affections of such a noble and energetic young man as Mr. Chappell, and he groom on having won the heart and hand of such an estimable young lady and wishes for them both long lives of never ending happiness.
___
   Messrs. W. G. Weaver and J. W. Peacock have just returned from Irwinton, where they went to witness the marriage of their friends, Mr. Ira S. Chappell.

October 25, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
IRWINTON. Marriage of Mr. J. L. Baker of Gordon and Miss Effie H. Chambers.
Irwinton, Oct. 24. - A brilliant wedding occurred in the Baptist church of this place yesterday, the high contracting parties being Mr. James L. Baker, the popular young merchant of Gordon, Ga., and Miss Effie H., the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Judge and Mrs. F. Chambers of Irwinton. The ceremony was performed by Rev. E. J. Coates of Macon. The attendants were Mr. John T. Coates of Macon with Miss Carrie Baum of Irwinton; Mr. Will Jones of Gordon with Miss Jennie Methvin of Irwinton; Mr. E. H. Chambers of Macon with Miss Annie Rutland of Irwinton; Dr. J. Duggan of Stephensville with Miss Annie Bryant of Griswoldville.
    The wedding march was beautifully played by Miss Hattie Mallory of Macon, and the decorations at the church were elaborate and tasty.
  After the usual round of congratulations, the party repaired to the home of the bride, where an elegant luncheon was heartily enjoyed by all. The wedding presents were very numerous and exceedingly beautiful. Mr. and Mrs. Baker left on the 1:40 o'clock train for New York and other northern points of interest. They carry with them the earnest hopes of their friends for a life of sunshine and happiness.

October 28, 1888
Macon Weekly Telegraph
SHOT AND KILLED. Two Colored Men Quarrel About Rent and the Pistol End the Quarrel.
Gordon, Oct. 24 - At Sander's Mill, three miles from this place, Joel Rivers shot and killed John Gladin this morning about 11 o'clock. Both parties are colored.
  Full particulars have not been learned, but it is supposed to have been caused by a dispute about some rent. It is said Rivers mounted a mule and escaped.

November 2, 1888
Macon Week;y Telegraph
   Irwinton, Nov. 1 - A most brilliant Jewish wedding occurred here Tuesday at the home of Mrs. A. Baum of this place. Miss Rebecca, eldest unmarried daughter of Mrs. Baum, an amiable, accomplished and most estimable young lady, was married to Mr. Herman Fenchel, a courteous and worthy gentleman of Orangeburg, S.C., at 5 o'clock p.m. Miss Rebecca and her intended met under the lovely canopy, emblematic of God's care and protection, and in a mist solemn and impressive manner, by the Rev. Mr. Mindes of Savannah, were made man and wife.
  The bride was attired in a beautiful suit of moire silk, trimmed with lovely forget-me-nots. The groom wore a handsome broadcloth Prince Albert suit.
  After the ceremony had been performed and the round of congratulations had been extended, the gay crowd repaired to the spacious dining hall, most beautifully decorated, where a bountiful table most tastefully arranged awaited them. Nothing that possibly could have added to the beauty and elegance of the supper was wanting. For half an hour the champagne stoppers popped almost incessantly, when silence was ordered b Mr. Issacs, the well known _eaterer of Macon, and toasts were offered for the health and prosperity of the bride and groom by the following gentlemen: The Rev. Mr. Mindes, Mr. Henry Cohen, Mr. Louis Kohn, Mr. Theodore Moore, Messrs. N. B. and E. M. Baum, Mrs. Sam Weichaelbaum and Mr. S. Dewald. After supper the happy guests again repaired to the parlors, and all who indulged delighted themselves with dancing until the hours warned them of approaching day. The bridal couple left this morning for Macon and from thence to Orangeburg, their future home.
  The presents were handsome, costly and numerous.

November 13, 1888
Union Recorder
  Died on the 11th of November, in Wilkinson county, Mrs. Mary Phillips, aged 85 years.

November 23, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Marriage in Wilkinson. Gordon, Nov. 22, - On Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock Miss Lizzie I. Dennard and Mr. A. E. Wimberly of Houston county were united in marriage by Rev. B. H. Ivey of Andersonville. The ceremony was witnessed only by the immediate family. After an elegant dinner the happy couple left on the 1 o'clock train to visit relatives of the groom in North Georgia. The bride, a very estimable young lady, is the youngest daughter of J. E. Dennard of the (Wilkinson) county. The groom is a large farmer and also a merchant of Haynesville, Ga., which they expect to make their future home.

November 24, 1888
Macon WeeklyTelegraph
Entertainment at Gordon. Gordon, Nov. 23 - The most enjoyable occasion of the season, was the oyster supper last night at the Academy, given by the young men  to the people of our town. "The supper was excellent," after which the young people engaged, some in conversation and others in talking "taffy" to their "best fellow" and their "best girl." The children had a perfect jubilee, and the old people looked on with eyes of enjoyment at the gleeful little fellows,
  "The attendants, or a part of them, were: J. C. Mason with Miss Theresa Solomon, J. D. Kilpatrick with Miss Lila Kelley, Willie Chambers with Miss Sallie Perkins, J. I. Hatcher of Irwinton with Miss Minnie Saunders;L. E. Bridger with Miss Minnie Smith, Osburn Chambers with Miss Attie Bridges, L. C. Nelson with Miss Lizzie Butts. After 10 o'clock the crowd dispersed to meet again.

November 27, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Marriage at Irwinton.
Irwinton, Nov. 26. At the church in Irwinton on the 25th inst., at 3 o'clock p.m., Mr. J. T. Miller and Miss Jennie Hatfield were united in marriage. The attendants were: Mr. L. B. Simmons and Miss Mamie Wood, Mr. D. P. Miller  and Miss Ola Baker, Mr. D. B. Baum and Miss Ida Fountain, Mr. G. R. Butler and Miss Lizzie Miller. Rev. J. M. Kelley officiated. The bride is one of Irwinton's most estimable young ladies, and the groom is one of Irwinton's young business men.

December 1, 1888
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Death of a Good Citizen
Irwinton, Nov. 30. H. E. Harville, a good and useful citizen of Irwinton, Ga., died at his home very suddenly Nov. 29th.

December 11, 1888
Union Recorder
   Mr. George W. Underwood died in this city last Thursday morning. He came here from Wilkinson county, eight or ten years ago. He was a carpenter and worked at his trade up to about a year ago, when his health failed, and it was soon evident that he was a victim of consumption. He was an industrious man, and while lamenting his failing health, he looked forward to an early recovery of strength sufficent to resume work. He, however, grew more feeble, day and day, and for the past seven or eight months was scarcely ever able to leave his bed. Through all these weary months of suffering, he received tender nursing from a devoted wife and loving mother; but mothing could stay the progress of the disease which pulled him steadily forward to the grave. He was a good man-industrious, hones, intelligent, kind and gentle-a modest, unassuming christian. His funeral too place Friday afternoon from the Baptist church, of which he was a member. In the absence of the pastor the services were conducted by Rev. D. McQueen. At the church his remains were taken in charge by the Masons and escorted to the cemetery where the burial service of the fraternity was read in an impresssive manner by W, W,  Lumpkin, W.M., of Benevolent Lodge.  

December 13, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, Dec. 12 (Special) A double wedding was solemnized at the Methodist church at 3 p.m. today, Rev. J. R. King officiating. Mr. G. R. Butler of Irwinton was married to Miss Nannie E. Vinson of Milledgeville and Col. Will R. Cochran of Cochran, Ga. to Miss L. Crawford Vinson, sister of the former. An unusually large crowd of the friends of all parties were present. Many good wishes were sent after them, if not the traditional handful of rice and old shoes.

December 29, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Cochran, Dec. 28  (Special) Hon. James E. Booth of Pulaski county married MissNimmie Brown of Americus yesterday. The marriage ceremony was celebrated at the residence of Mr. John Porter of Wilkinson county, brother-in-law of the bride.

On Thursday, 3rd inst., Jno. Fletcher, of Americus, was married to Miss Correnna Gilbert, of this place, Rev. W. S. Baker officiating.  We extend to them our best wishes and predict a future of much happiness.

Five years ago, Mr. Joe Knowles married a young lady, while he sent the young lady's brother (who was on hand to prevent them from running away) down town to buy cigars.  Mr. Knowles, who is running on the railroad, was made happy the other day with New Year's present of a bouncing twelve pound baby girl.  Being his first, he is just happy all over.  Our esteemed  fellow citizen, Rev. J. W. Underwood, the happy grandpa, wears a broad smile too.

January 13, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
Burglary in Toomsboro
Irwinton, Ga., January 12 - (Special) Last night a Toombsboro, a house rented by Mrs. Gainer for keeping a hotel, but owned by Mr. Frank Miller, was broken into by on supposed to be Remus Gordon, a white man boarding with Mrs. Gainer. Mr. Frank Miller claims that the rent for several months past had not been paid, and yesterday he had the house closed, containing the furniture of Mrs. Gainer, which he intending holding as security for the rent. Suspicion pointed to Remus Gordon, and Mr. Miller had a warrant sworn out for him this morning, which will be served today.

Excerpts from the Southerner Appeal
Wednesday, January 16, 1889
Volume XIV, No. 1, Page 3
    Mr. Wiley Sheperd, who lived near Liberty Church, this county was married on last Sunday to MissLonnie Farmer, Rev. Mr. Minor, of Mercer University, officiating.
    Rev. Mr. Minor of Mercer filled his regular appointment at Liberty Saturday and Sunday last.  He was as handsome as ever and had a good congregation each day.  On Sunday morning before preaching he was invited to the house of the bride's parents, where he united in the holy bonds of matrimony Miss Lonnie Farmer and Mr. Wyly Shepherd.
    Married Dec. 10, at the house of the bride's parents, Miss Pauline Mason to Mr. Robt I Morgan of Macon, Rev. W. S. Baker officiating.  The bride was beautifully attired and was looking her best.  The groom was handsomely dressed and never looked better.  His personal good looks was only excelled by the elegant and queenlike dignity of his beautiful and
accomplished bride.  After the usual congratulations and many good wishes they departs on the 12:30 train for Macon, their future home.
     Dec. 20th at the home of of the bride's parents Miss Marie Arrington to Mr. Clemon C. Johns, Squire D. M. Eady officiating.  Now this was the marriage of a country boy to a true hearted farmer's daughter.  Never was the ___ more ___ bound, or the vows more keenly spoken that made them man and wife.  The bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Arrington, had made ample preparations for the delightful occasion and they can not be surpassed for hospitality in the county.  The
entertainment was royal and complete.  All are now invited to the dining room where we find the table laden with the best the land affords, at this particular part of the evening's enjoyment  I find myself at the side of a delightful young lady and directly in front of another, quite and embarrassing position for a hungry man.

OBITUARY
   Died in Irwinton, GA October 5th, 1888, sister Frances Wood, consort of Henry Wood, deceased.  She had just entered her eighty-sixth year.
   She was married to brother Henry Wood in Washington County in 1827 and the following year they formed the Methodist Church at Bay Spring of which organization she remained an earnest and honored member until her death.  She was the mother of seven children, six sons and one daughter; all of them became earnest members of the church and useful citizens; one son a minister of the Gospel.  In her later years, sister Wood lost her eyesight and was confined almost constantly to the house but amid all her afflictions was patient, trustful, and true. Just before she passed away she sent for the doctor (her son, with whom she resided) and after telling him how true she felt he had been to her as a son, gave him instructions as to where and how she wished to be buried and also as to her funeral.  Aunt Fannie felt she was ready then and the next day she passed over.  We carried her remains to the old homestead and buried her as instructed.  This good woman made a strong _______ upon the limited circle in which she moved in life, and has gone to her reward, and her works do follow her.  ~W. S. Baker

MARRIED
   At the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Daniel Burke on the 19th ult., Mr. N. P. Metts, of Laurens County, to Miss Fannie Burke.  The bride and groom were both well known to the writer.  The groom was a model young man; the bride one of Wilkinson's fairest's daughters.
   The presents were both numerous and valuable; showing the affections of parents, brothers, sisters, friends, R. C. Hall, J. P. officiating.

January 18,1889
The Macon Telegraph
"Sy Carswell, an old colored man, living on the plantation of Mr. John F. Burke of Wilkinson County, lost one of his hands while at work at a saw mill on last Friday.  He and some other hands were placing a log on the carriage for the purpose of sawing it, when his foot slipped and he fell, his right arm striking the saw, which was in motion."
submitted by R. Elizabeth Brewer

February 1, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
An East Macon Death
After a short illness Mrs. Lucilla Johnson, a lady well known in East Macon died at the resident of her son in East Macon at an early hour. The remains were shipped to Gordon last night, where they will be interred this morning. Mrs. Johnson was the mother of the Pruett boys of East Macon, and her death is much regretted by a wide circle of friends.

February 10, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
PACE-WALDEN AT IRWINTON
Irwinton, Feb. 9 (Special) Last Thursday night Mr. W. N. Pace and Miss Eula Walden of this place were quietly married at the parsonage. The wedding was quite a surprise to the community.

March 28, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
LittleAurelia Brooks Suffers a Terrible Fate
Macon, Ga., March 27 (Special) Mr. John Brooks of Wilkinson county, came to Macon today to purchase a coffin for the cooked body of his pretty little daughter, Aurelia, seven years old, who met a horrible fare yesterday at her father's home. Mr. Brooks was out in the stable lot raking up manure, and some distance off was a fire in the yard. He heard the cries of his child, but paid not attention to then, as he thought his wife was whipping her. Soon her heard the screams of his wife, and rushing to the scene, found his little daughter enveloped inflames. Her clothes had caught from the fire and she ran to her mother for help.
  The child was terribly burned. Her throat was literally cooked. Though the burning occurred in the morning, the child living, conscious, until 7 o'clock last night. The child was a cousin of Mr. George Brooks, of Macon.

March 28, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
Shipped to Gordon
  The Savannah train yesterday morning carried two caskets marked to Gordon, Ga. One contained the remains of Mr.
D. D. Todd of 821 Oglethorpe street, who died Friday evening of old age, while the other held the remains of Peter Roach, aged 23 years, of 920 First street, disease, typhoid fever. Both bodies will be interred in family burying grounds at Gordon.

March 29, 1889
Macon Telegraph
SUICIDE AT GORDON. Mr. Paulk Kills Himself With a Big Dose of Morphine. Gordon, March 28 (Special) Mr. D. W. Paulk, died yesterday at 2 o'clock, caused from the effects of an overdose of morphine. He is supposed to have taken it with suicidal intent. He took the morphine on Tuesday evening about 6 o'clock. Drs. Bridges and Lee, the attending physicians, think that he took twenty-five or thirty grains.
  He was buried in the cemetery here this evening at 2 o'clock.

April 22, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
Sunday Drowning at Gordon
Gordon, April 21 (Special) Anderson Gibson (colored), while bathing in Stevens' millpond this morning, was drowned. He was fished out about an hour later, but all hope of resuscitation was gone. He came here recently from Sandersville. He was about 19 years old.

May 7, 1889
Macon Weekly Telegraph
A Sad Death.  LittleBryan, son of Prof. D. G. Lee of Cartersville, a very bright and promising little fellow, died at that place sunday. His remains were taken to Wilkinson county for interment on the 11:10 Central train last night.

July 10, 1889
Augusta Chronicle
HE WAS TOO LATE
Pardoned to go to His Dying Mother's Bedside.
Atlanta, Ga, July 9 (Special) Mr. J. A. Butler, of Wilkinson county, was sentenced to the chain gang on two indictments for thirteen years.
  He served about twelve years of the sentence. Some time ago Gov. Gordon learned that the convict's mother was at the point of dead, and having received an application for his pardon he concluded to grant it.
  On last Saturday the governor ordered Butler's release by telegraph. He was too late, however; the poor woman was dead and buried a few hours before her son arrived.

July 13, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
AN AGED FAMILY. Which Has a Pleasant Reunion in Wilkinson County.
Irwinton, Ga, July 11 (Special) Mrs. Winnie McCook, of Bloodworth district, recently celebrated her 88th birthday. It is estimated that at least 150 people were present, and of that number nearly all were related to Mrs. McCook. She is a daughter of Mr. James Branan, who had born to him fifteen children, nine of whom are now living, whose names and ages are as follows: Mrs. Vasti Montgomery, Taylor county, age 86; Mr. Caswell Branan, this county, age 82; Mr. Pascal Branan, Alabama, 80; Mrs. Fannie Ethridge, Baldwin county, 74; Mr. John T. Branan, this county, 72; Mrs. Almedie Temples, this county, 68; and Mrs. Elizabeth Ethridge, Bullock county, being the youngest, whose age is 66 years.

July 13, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
  The Irwinton Appeal says that on last Saturday evening while Mr. S. J. Fountain, who lives in Bethel district, was out walking over his plantation, about 200 yards from his house in the woods, he was surprised to find a hen's nest containing four eggs and a male patridge hovering over them. He left the bird unmolested, and the next morning about the hour of 10, joined by a number of friends he returned and the bird had snugly concealed under its wings three chickens, and the fourth egg being thoroughly pipped.  When removed from the nest, the bird made its exit to a branch near by, the three chickens following it. On Monday Mr. Fountain returned for the purpose of carrying the bird and chickens back with him, but when they were found a huge snake, that they had run in contact with, had eaten two fo them, and but for the presence of Mr. F., the third one would have been devoured. Mr. F. killed the snake and caught the remaining chicken, and tried to get the bird, but failed to do so.

Mr. James Smith, an old citizen and a consistent member of the Primitive church, died at his house in this county, last Friday -Hawkinsville News 24th inst. Mr. Smith was one time a resident of this county having moved to Pulaski county several years ago, and he has many friends and relatives here who will regret to learn of his death.
*****
IN MEMORIAM
My dear AuntAmanda Butler was born February 27th 1827 and died of Typhoid fever at her home in Wilkinson County, July 6th 1889.  She was confined to her bed for three weeks, yet she was never heard to murmur and seemed to be willing and waiting for the Master's call to take her soul to rest.  She was truly a good woman.  As a neighbor, kind and obliging, as a mother, affectionate and true.  It was hard indeed to part with one so good, but God doeth all things well and may he comfort and sustain the broken-hearted children left behind.  She was buried at Pleasant Plains Church, July 7th, in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends who had gathered to pay their tribute of respect to the last sad scene.
Dearest loved one we must lay thee,
In the peaceful grave's embrace,
But memory will be cherished
Till we see thy peaceful face.
---Euro Butler
*****

While we dare not murmur or charge God foolishly, the fact may be acknowledged that this providence is inexpressibly sad and hard to read. Bessie had just entered her eleventh year, and several days before she had told her father that she knew she was going to die and when they buried her to sing the twenty-third hymn in Prayer & Praise, and bury her by the side of the little twin sister who had died when quite small.
Sister Vanlandingham joined the Baptist Church in Irwinton when a girl and remained an acceptable member till her death.  She did not transfer her membership when she married and moved into the country.  She was a good woman, a kind and affectionate wife and mother, an obliging neighbor, and a true Christian.  She leaves a husband and three children, with many
relatives and friends, stricken and distressed by these sad events ____ mourn, but not as those who have no hope, for they contentley look for and expect the resurrection to restore those loved ones glorified and saved. The mother and the three little ones have gone over and settled in the better land,  doubtless and this ought to be (and certainly will be) a very strong incentive to the father and the three other children who remain to a faithful, earnest life. May God grant them gladness according to the days wherein they have seen evil.
---W. S. B. (W. S. Baker)

Little Bessie Vanlandingham was buried Sunday, the 21st by the side of her little brother and mother in the cemetery at Poplar Springs.  A large crowd had  assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased.  W. S. Baker conducted the funeral ceremony.

August 14, 1889
Weekly Telegraph
Death in Wilkinson County   The Telegraph learned Friday of the death of Mr. Isaac W. Davis, a prominent citizen of Wilkinson county. Mr. Davis's death was very sudden, and was quite a shock to the people of Bloodworth district, of which he was an honored resident. He died within five minutes after he was attacked. For many years he had been a prominent planter of Wilkinson county, and has been looked upon as a leader among his people, all of whom honored him. He claimed a large acquaintance in this city, and stood high in the confidence and esteem of our business men.

September 9, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
Sad Death at Gordon. Gordon, Ga., Sept. 7 - (Special) The little 9-year-old daughter and only child of Mr. J. G. Pearson died at their home here last night at 9:30, having been confined to her bed only three days.
(Note: Fleeta Pearson, per tombstone)

September 17,1889
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Mrs. Hughes of Irwinton Dead. Irwinton, Sept. 10 (Special) Mrs. Whit Hughes, who has been confined several days, died about7 o'clock Sunday evening.

September 17, 1889
Macon Weekly Telegraph
STABBED TO THE HEART. A Fatal Affray Between Negroes at a Church Near Irwinton
Irwinon, Sept. 16 - (Special) Yesterday the darkies assembled at "Jordan Stream" church, a distance of about nine miles from this place, to hold a "big meeting." Everything passed off quietly till late in the afternoon, when a difficulty arose between Dick Beall and King Smith and Dan Reeves.
  In the fight that followed King Smith was stabbed to the heart and died instanly, and Dick Beall received several dangerouse wounds. The physicians report Beall out of danger. The particulars which led to the untimely death are not known.

October 17, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
STABBED TO THE HEART
One Little Boy Kills Another in Wilkerson County.
Irwinton, Ga., October 16 (Special) Mr. J.E. Jackson, who lives seven or eight miles from here, lost yesterday one of his little boys,Charlie, aged 12 years. Two of his boys, Jimmie and Charlie, aged 10 and 12, were following along behind a wagon as it was coming in from the field, while an older brother was driving. The boys began playing behind the wagon as boys will do, and, it seems were engaged in a tussle, when the younger one, with the little blade of his knife stabbed the other about the heart. Immediately after the latter was cut, he ran to the front of the wagon and cried out that he was cut by his brother, but that he did it while playing. They were only a short distance from the house, but, before it could be reached, the little fellow had fainted twice-evidently from the loss of blood having bled in the inside. In about twenty minutes from the time he was out the boy died. The reports at first circulated were to the effect that the boys were fighting, which resulted in the death of one; but later reports seem to be correct; that they were only playing, and the killing accidental.

October 30. 1889
The Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. William Brady and MissRebecca Gilbert of Wilkinson county were married by Rev. W. S. Ramsay last Tuesay morning. It was a Gretna Green affair.

November 2, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
HE STOLE THE GIRL
A Romance Develops in the Town of Toomsboro
Eastman, Ga., November 1 - [Special] The times says that Mr. Elija Freeman, who runs a grocery store in Laurens county, near the line of Dodge, had fallen in love with a pretty young lady of Toomsboro, in the person of MissEmma Wright, and finding his love was reciprocated, he became engaged and decided to consult the parents of the young lady, but could not obtain a sanction to the union. A correspondent who kept up continually thereafter until last Saturday, when he, being aware of her visit to a  friend in Griswoldville, proceeded to the place and they were married on Sunday. Tuesday last was the day set apart by the parents for the return of their daughter to their paternal roof, but a letter which was not looked for reached then stating that the daughter was now his wife.

November 2, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
FIRES IN GEORGIA
  On Tuesday night of last week, between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock, the ginhouse known as the old Byington mill seat, in Wilkinson county, was destroyed by fire. It was the property of Mr. M. J. Lord, having been leased for five years by Mr. M.O. McMullen two years ago, during which time he had placed thereon a good ginhouse and sawmill, all being under the same roof. The flames were under good headway and the top was falling in before it was known, and the house and everything there in was a total loss. About thirteen bales of cotton that was lying near the house were also burned, together with a number of bushels of cotton seed. The estimate of the loss is placed at about $1,500, and no insurance.

December  1889
Atlanta Constitution
The Boy Soldier of the Confederacy
Addison Harris Day writes from Tombsboro, Ga." "I claim the honor of being the youngest soldier that bore arms in the Confederate army. My father's family record shows that I was born October 6, 1850. I can furnish proof that I was mustered into the Sixty-third Georgia Regiment, company D, in September 1863, and carried a gun and did a man's duty until June 24, 1864, when I was wounded at the foot of Little Kenesaw Mountain. I lay in prison at Camp Chase, Ohio, until May 11, 1865. As to my capture, I was clubbed over the head with a gun and made a prisoner while insensible. My skull was smashed in; some of the bone has come out. It produced instant paralysis, from which I only partly recovered. At the instance of some of my friends, I applied for some of the allowance money the State was giving, but my application was returned marked N.G. because I was not disabled from performing manual labor only a part of the time."

December 24, 1889
The Macon Telegraph
Death of Mrs. Lee. Gordon, Dec. 23 (Special) Mrs. Sarah Lee, a lady of 69 years of age, died at the home of her son, Dr. W. W. Lee of this place on Friday night last. The funeral was preached by Rev. E. J. Coates on yesterday at the Baptist church, from where she was taken to the family burial ground, at the home of her son L. W. Lee, two miles from town. A large concourse of relatives and friends accompanied the remains to their last resting place.

December 25, 1889
The Weekly Telegraph
Mrs. C. T. Peacock, on Third street, mention of whose illness was made the other day died Monday at 12 o'clock. Her remains were carried to the family cemetery in Wilkinson county for interment today.