Sunday, May 21, 2017

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

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, likely published four editions 125 years ago during the month of May 1892. Three of those issues, which were dated May 5, May 12 and May 19, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those editions. Enjoy.

MAY 5, 1892

Cora Andrews, colored, charged with burning Mr. W.H. Betts’ residence at Burnt Corn, was discharge last Saturday, the grand jury having found no bill against her.

Capt. Thos. S. Wiggins, Mr. J.F. Fore and Capt. T.A. Rumbley are off on a fishing and hunting expedition down in South Monroe.

Capt. W.B. Kemp, Monroe’s nominee for state senate, has received the endorsement of Escambia County for the position. While the expression of choice of a nominee by Monroe practically settled the question, the concurrence of Escambia is none the less gratifying to Capt. Kemp and his friends.

From the Clarke County Democrat we learn that the Republican district convention held at Jackson last week nominated Toney Davison of Monroe for congress and Wesley Bettis of Clarke for presidential elector. P.D. Barker of Mobile and Wm. Mathews of Marengo are delegates to the national convention.

We are gratified to learn that our esteemed friend and former townsman, Thomas L. Sowell of Jasper, has been nominated for the legislature in Walker County. Mr. Sowell is an able and successful lawyer and will make a most creditable record in the next house. He selection for this position speaks well for the wisdom and intelligence of the people among whom he has cast his lot.

The success of the Ladies’ Bazaar last week was highly creditable to those who conducted it and gratifying to the friends of the object in view. About $85 were realized.

MAY 12, 1892

The county commissioners have ordered a large new fireproof safe for the Treasurer’s office.

Commissioners court was in session Monday and Tuesday, there being a full attendance of the board.

Messrs. Wiggins, Fore and Rumbley returned from their hunting and fishing expedition Saturday. They were not overloaded with game, but reported an enjoyable time.

MASONIC – Monroe Chapter No. 4 will hold a convocation in Masonic Hall at Perdue Hill on the first Thursday in June. – W.J. McCants, Secretary.

A fine rain visited this section Monday evening and was gratefully welcomed by farmers, affording them an opportunity for the transplanting of sweet potatoes.

BUENA VISTA: Memorial Day, with its exercises and pleasures, is past but not forgotten. After cleaning off the cemetery grounds, the graves were beautifully decorated with evergreens and flowers. An appropriate address was delivered by our pastor, Rev. W.N. Huckabee, after which a delightful dinner was made ready on the grounds and much enjoyed by all.
Our school, under the efficient management of Prof. Claude Hardy and his accomplished assistant, Miss Dovie Finklea, is larger for the time of year than any previous session. The session will close the first of June with examinations during the day and concert at night.

MAY 19, 1892

Prof. McWilliams’ school at the Academy will close Friday, the 20th.

Monday was military day and there was a very good attendance of the soldier boys.

Our physicians report considerable sickness prevailing in the vicinity of Monroeville.

Mr. Jno. I. Watson is having his hotel repainted and otherwise improved.

Dr. W.W. McMillan and daughter, Miss Beth, are occupying apartments at the Watson House.

Messrs. Hatter & Son have finished repairing the recent break at their mill and it is again in operation.

Mr. E.D. Conover is preparing to erect a handsome residence at the Thompson place a few miles southeast of town.

Capt. Thos. S. Wiggins returned Tuesday from a visit to Garland, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Kittie, who recently closed a prosperous school at that place.

Messrs. W.W. McConnico and Richard Jones of Wilcox, representing the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. of Newark, N.J., were in Monroeville this week.

Bishop Jackson preached here Thursday and at night confirmed five applicants into the Episcopal Church.


Miss Hattie Hines is visiting her grandfather at Walker Springs.

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