130-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from August 1886

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of manager Q. Salter, published four editions 130 years ago during the month of August 1886. Those issues, which were dated Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those four editions. Enjoy.

AUG. 6, 1886

The magnificent new boat, the Nettie, built at Wheeling, West Virginia, for John Quill is expected to make her first trip up today (Friday).

A negro woman was found dead in a hollow log near Belleville, Conecuh County, last week.

Mr. Sam Yarborough is engaged, completing his handsome new suburban residence. When it is completed, Sam will have one of the handsomest, as well as one of the most comfortable, residences in the place.

Sheriff Burns is on a visit to his family at Pineville this week.

A difficulty occurred in town Monday between Mr. Eligah Broughton and Mr. A.J. Curlee about a misunderstanding regarding some private affair, in which Mr. Broughton received several slight wounds from a pocket knife in the hands of Mr. Curlee. The knife was fortunately dull and we are pleased to know that Mr. Broughton has suffered no serious inconvenience from its too close proximity.

Monroeville polled 223 votes Monday – the largest vote of any box in the county.

Mr. S.P. Gaillard, a rising young lawyer of the Mobile bar, who is visiting his father, Dr. S.S. Gaillard of Perdue Hill, was in town Wednesday.

Turnbull – Capt. T. Riley contemplates a visit to Selma this week.

AUG. 13, 1886

There are only two prisoners in the county jail, both imprisoned for capital offenses.

The Commissioners court convened Monday, commissioners Herrington, Locklin and Green in.

There was a larger number of people from all parts of the county attending commissioners court this week than usual.

Prof. George will open his school at the Academy Sept. 1. We learn that very near the requisite number of scholars have already been subscribed.

Sheriff Burns had a very sick horse Wednesday night.

The young gentlemen of Hunters Mill introduced lawn tennis, a game decidedly more laborious than recreative, to the young gentlemen of Monroeville.

Lawn tennis is said to be quite an improvement on baseball. This is quite probable, but as we know but little about either, we shall not venture an opinion.

Mr. Warren Broughton brought us a well-matured boll of open cotton last week. He says he discovered it about July the 24^th. He has plenty more just like it and complains of a good corn crop. Mr. Broughton in a very successful young farmer.

Col. H.H. Hybart of Bell’s Landing is in Monroeville.

AUG. 20, 1886

The thermometer registered 100 in the shade Monday.

It is with regret that we read in the last issue of The Greenville Advocate of the death of Judge John K. Henry, which occurred at his home in Greenville a few days since. Judge Henry was born in Hancock County, Ga., March 23^rd, 1814, and was at one time a resident of Claiborne, this county, and afterwards lived near Bell’s Landing.

The Monroeville Post Office was authorized last Monday to issue Postal Notes and Money Orders.

Sheriff Burns had the misfortune to lose his horse. This is a serious loss to the Captain.

Monroeville Academy – The annual session of the Monroeville Academy will open Mon., Sept. 6, 1886, under the excellent tutorship of Prof. W.A. George, a teacher of long and successful experience and acknowledged ability, with a competent and well qualified assistant.

MASONIC NOTICE: The Masonic fraternity is invited to attend the funeral of Bro. Wm. F. Andress on the second Sunday in September at 10 o’clock a.m. from the Ridge Church. – A.M. Leslie, Secretary.

A very refreshing shower of rain fell Tuesday which was gladly welcomed by all.

A “Rain Bow” party was given at the residence of Mrs. Emma Seymours Monday night.

A heavy wind and rain storm blew from the southwest yesterday (Thursday) evening.

AUG. 27, 1886

A special term of the Commissioners court convened last Tuesday of last week.

Cotton is opening very rapidly during the warm, dry weather.

Monroeville has not received her first bale of new cotton up to this writing.

Sheriff Armstrong of Macon County, who was killed by Mr. B.C. Thompson at Tuskegee last week, was a brother of Hon. Henry Clay Armstrong, U.S. Minister to the Brazilian Empire.

We notice some improvements being made on Mr. F. Metts store on East Side.

Rev. E.E. Cowan filled his regular appointment at the Methodist church last Sunday.

The Russell and Hudson steam mill is being overhauled, put in order for the fall ginning season.

Several young gentlemen and ladies of Monroeville attended the Dramatic Entertainment at Perdue Hill last week. All express themselves as being highly pleased with the two charming plays presented. Success to the Perdue Hill Dramatic Club.

Died – At the residence of Mr. John W. Rumbly, near Monroeville on Monday night, Aug. 23^rd, 1886, Mrs. – Faulk, aged about 72 years.

Hon. J.W. Leslie left Tuesday morning for Brewton to attend the Annual District Sunday School Convention, which convened at that place this week.