Washington County Tidbits 1870-79

Tidbits are newspaper articles, etc. which mention names, places, and other information useful to the researcher.
They will be posted as received, with the newest listed first.


E-mail your Washington County, MO Tidbit to Larry Flesher,


Submitted by Christine Lembeck

Mountain Democrat, Placerville, California, September 30, 1876
DEATH:

At Silver City, Nevada, September 20, 1876, of pneumonia, C. L. Roussin, a native of Washington County, Missouri, aged 36 years.

The Weekly Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 19, 1879

St. Louis – July 17
Gov. Phelps today granted a reprieve of three weeks to Joseph DeGonia who was to have been hanged at Potosi tomorrow for the murder of Jules Polite in 1877.

Submitted by Christine Lembeck

Sedalia Daily Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, February 16, 1874

Mineral Point, Missouri, February 14
A quarrel occurred at Iron Mountain Missouri this morning, between a German man and his wife, caused by jealousy, he accusing her of being untrue to him. It ended in a fight, the husband getting the worst of it. He took a double barrel shotgun and went to the door, placing the muzzle to his forehead and blew his brains out. Name not learned yet.

Submitted by Christine Lembeck

Titusville Morning Herald, February 20, 1873

Grading for the double track of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad is being rapidly pushed ahead. At least 100 men are daily employed on the line between Cadet and Mineral Point.

The Hamilton Iron Company will erect a blast furnace in Blanton Settlement, in the northwestern part of Washington County, Missouri, to be in blast next July or August. The company has a capital of $150,000.00

Submitted by Christine Lembeck

Sedalia Daily Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, December 18, 1874

The Potosi Independent says:
Haince and his partner, who are mining on the lands of M. Flynn at Richwoods, are doing remarkably well. They have reached a depth of seventy feet and have a body of mineral stilt "going down". In sinking this depth they have taken out between forty and fifty thousand pounds of ore. Two hands can raise from 1100 to 1500 pounds per day, worth $36 to $50.

Daily Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, December 9, 1872

The Washington County Journal, Maj. Geo. B. Clarke, Auditor of State elect was burned on the evening of the 5th at Potosi, Missouri. The presses, type, fixtures, books, etc. were entirely consumed. No insurance.

We extend to Bro. Clarke our liveliest sympathy in his loss. A considerable portion of the town of Potosi was destroyed at the same time, but the extent of the loss we have not learned.

Sedalia Daily Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, May 19, 1878

Bismarck – May 17
Irondale is a beautiful little place, located on the Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad five miles above here. It has a world wide reputation as being the location of the E. Harrison & Co., iron works, and for some time past has been very quiet, by reason of the stopping of the furnaces. The Murphy movement took hold on the town a few weeks since, and last night the regular meeting of the Reform Club was held. Among those in attendance was a young man named McVeigh and a man named Woods, both sober and industrious residents of the community. Upon leaving the club and starting for home they were followed by a crowd, of which a chap named Wallen was leader. At the Iron Company's store McVeigh and Woods were opened fire on, and McVeigh was found dead, a pistol ball having pierced his breast. Woods escaped unhurt. It appears that a number of these parties were arrested a year or so ago, and McVeigh then turned state's evidence against some of them, and the old feud resulted in last night's tragedy. Woods accosted Wallen today in town and after accusing him of doing the deed last night, fired at him. He was soon arrested and is now in custody. The sheriff who was absent in St. Louis, was telegraphed to at once, and he and Deputy Hill are now in Irondale working up the case.

Submitted by Sharon Hartzell Smith

November 27, 1873

Mike McCoole
The case of the State vs Mike McCoole in the St. Louis court of criminal corrections is progressing slowly. Our readers will remember he is charged with having killed Patsey Manly. The evidence places Mike in a rather tight place.

Mr. John Emelaur having completed Mr. Palmer's Furnace at Webster has returned to town. We learn it is his intention to give a grand ball to his friends, at an early age, in honor of the event.

Burglars
On last Sunday night the store of Mr. Noah Williams at Mineral Point was broken into and a number of articles of clothing and a few bills taken. Mr. W. being sick does not know the extent of his loss.

The School House was also visited and the desks forced open but as might be expected nothing of much value was secured at this place.

We may expect owning to the great stringency of money matters and the consequent destitution in the large cities to hear of frequent burglaries along the lines of the railroads, so many persons being idle and out of money many will take to the country in quest of plunder. Our merchants should use precautions to prevent their premises from being raided.

Supreme Court
On Monday last the Supreme Court filed fifty-seven decisions. Amongst the cases decided were Coop vs Northutt, affirmed. Caldwell vs Fea, et al, reversed and remanded.

Adjourned over till Monday.

August 28, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper


Mr. Joseph Walker, who left our town about two months ago, in company with the Hornsey boys, for Texas, returned last evening fully satisfied with that country. The Hornsey boys will return in a few days.

Mr. James Wallace of Red Fork, Arkansas was in town during the past week on a visit to his friends and relations. Jim looks hale and hearty and reports business good in his section.

THE KNIFE
On last Friday night Pat. Flood gave a ball at his residence on Brushy Run, about two miles from town. Quite a crowd had assembled to enjoy the pleasures, of the "light fantastic." Among others present was Joseph DeGonia and his brother Frank who had been to Potosi in the afternoon and had no doubt visited Happy Hollow, and of course felt as happy a "Big Sunflower." They had not been on the ground long before a slight unpleasantness arose between them and some other parties present, which it seems culminated in a regular free fight, in which Joe, was placed hors du combat from receiving a severe stab in the back, when in the act of retreating in good order and in rather quick time. The wound is in the lower dorsal region a little to the right of the spine column, and although a severe and painful one is not considered by the Doctor as of a very serious character. After receiving the wound he attempted to make his way to his father's who lived but a short distance, but becoming exhausted from loss of blood, he probably fainted and lay in the woods all night but succeeded in reaching his father's early next morning. It is said that Frank Parks did the cutting, Frank is non est.

WANTED: A good wagon, Ironer, and horseshoer. Apply to F. P. Marrow,Caledonia, Mo.

Oct. 2, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

Prof. Waring will on Friday Evening if the weather will permit make a grandBalloon ascension from in front of his drug store on High Street. He hasshown us the Balloon and has all his preparations completed and assured usthat this will be no Graphic failure. The public are cordially invited to attend.

MARRIED:
COLMAN-COLE-By the Rev. W. O. Short, on Sept. 17th, at the residence of the Bride's father, Mr. Rufas Colman to Miss Susan Cole, youngest daughter of Mr. Watson Cole.

Wm. Murphy met with a painful though not serious accident on last Saturday night. Whilst on his road home he fell from the upper bridge. His left thigh and side were considerably bruised and a watch in his pocket was so completely smashed as to render it worthless.

August 28, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

On last Thursday, Bud Pucket was taken before Judge Harrison on the charge of having assaulted one Rubideau and fined $10.95.

Oct 9, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

DIED
Georg L. Simms, at his residence on Flat River, St. Francois Co., aged 33 years, leaves a wife, & 5 children to mourn his loss.

On Friday, the 24th of Sept. Mr. M. Flynn of Richwoods, met with quite aserious accident. In attempting to head a ram in a narrow passage the animal endeavored to jump over him and struck him in the breast with his horns, knocking Mr. F. insensible for a few minutes. Mr. F. was brought to his sisters near the place and is now we are pleased to see able to be in attendance on court.

(Newspaper acually put Mr. F. The newspaper abbreviates a lot)

Sept. 18, 1873; Potosi Weekly Newspaper

The election for School Directors for the Town of Potosi resulted as follows:

For one year:

G.P. Holland -- 19 votes
G.I. Van Alen -- 25 votes
Patrick Dallen -- 1 vote
Benj. Davidson -- 4 votes

For two years:

Perry Patterson -- 22 votes
Wm. A. Ryan -- 24 votes
Firmin Desloge -- 58 votes
Benj. Davidson -- 61 votes
John Teasdale -- 1 vote
John M. Anthony -- 1 vote
G.I. Van Alen -- 2 votes

For three years:

John M. Anthony -- 59 votes
Patrick Dallen -- 56 votes
John Teasdale -- 1 vote

Messrs Davidson and Desloge were elected for two years and Anthony and Dallen for three years. There was no vacancy for the one year term. Messrs Hall and Long holding over. This gives us a good Board and we expect the schools of the town will exhibit a marked improvement during the coming year.

FRESH OYSTERS! FRESH OYSTERS!
Mrs. J. W. Nedwideck who is always alive to the wants of the people of this place has determined to keep constantly on hand a supply of fresh oysters which she proposes to serve in every style and at all hours. These she will also sell by the keg, can or dozen.

Mr. Wm. H. Blaine who has brought home from Annapolis, seriously ill withfever, has we are pleased to learn almost entirely recovered under the skilful treatment of Dr. O'Mara.

We understand the Hamilton Iron Works are approaching completion and that in a few weeks they will commence the operation of manufacturing pig iron.

DIED
CASEY: At Shibboleth in this county on the 13th inst. Rose Teresa, daughterof George W. and Mary Casey, aged one year and seven months.

ROBINSON: September 13th, John T., infant son of John T. and Effie E. Robbinson aged 13 months.

November 6, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

DIED
Maddock, at Des Arc, Mo. of inflammatory croup, on Oct. 29, 1873. John Lawrence, son of Patrick M. and Martha E. Maddock, aged 3 years and 7weeks.

MARRIED
McGrain-Crane--At the residence of the bride's parents on Thursday, Oct. 30th by Rev. Father Conness. Mr. Wm M. McGrain of Jefferson City to Miss Agnes Crane, of this place.

October 30, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

Lot E. Doty, whilst on a spree at Richwoods a few days since, bantering a friend for a wrestling match, having been accepted, resulted in Doty's having a leg broken. He is now lying at the residence of Mr. M. Flynn.

November 27, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

We are in receipt of the Tribune, a neat 40 column paper published at DeSoto by Messrs. Jos. J. and Saml B. Brady , late of the Farmington Argus. The paper is independent in politics and devoted to the development of the interests of DeSoto. We welcome it to our list of exchanges and wish its publishers success.

We learn from Mr. Relfe that an ejectment suit of Latty Kennett vs Gabriel Barron taken on change of venue from this to St. Francois Co., was decided on last Saturday in favor of plaintiff.

STERN PARENTS AGAIN
Fred. Bruce (or Brune), a gentlemen of the quiet little town of Farmington being of lawful age and of sound mind and body, concluded to take unto himself a partner in the great business of life, and accordingly selected a Miss Laura Williams, who had also reached her majority, and who was a daughter of Dr. Billy Williams, of the aforesaid town, as a person who would suit him. Fred. was willing and she was willing, but the parents couldn't exactly give their consent. But the bright hopes and many anticipations of pleasure were not to be ___ blasted. The couple quietly stole away from the stubborn father and came to Fredericktown, stopped at the residence of Mr. S-----, secured the services of "a man of God," and in less time than it takes to tell it the two were made one, and are now enjoying all of that rest (if it be rest) promised to those who throw off the single yoke of oppression and hitch themselves for all time to come in a set of double harness.

Parents, you had better say yes!---Bee

(The paper had a crease in it before blasted and it actually says Mr. ---- who performed the ceremony)

Severe Accident
We learn from a correspondent at Bourbon, that a lady named Mrs. Mary Hogan, aged eighty-four years, and the mother of Dr. S. Horine, of Bourbon, met with a severe accident, a short time since. While taking a walk in the grounds adjoining her son's residence she slipped and fell, injuring her hip severly. It was first thought to be dislocated, but Dr. Ekstedt being called, he pronounced it a partial fracture. At last accounts the lady was entirely helpless and suffering intensely, sleep only being obtained by means of opiates.---Mirror.

Fred B. Phillips, of this county, (formerly of New Madrid) has received from Hon. R. A. Hatcher the appointment to the Military Academy at West Point, in the place vacated by Mr. Edgar, of Ironton. Fred is the boy for the position and we feel confident he will stand the examination and be an honor of this part of the state.--Bee.

We are informed that the American Plate Glass Co., of Crystal City have suspended work at that place for the winter. Their experience of last winter convinced them, that they could not do justice to themselves by continuing work through the winter. They calculate resuming again in the spring, and will probably complete all buildings and machinery ready for making glass before the summer is over.---Jefferson Co. Democrat.

November 20, 1873, Potosi Weekly Local News

W. S. Relfe Esq., is attending the St. Francois Circuit Court.

From Prof. Sheppard we learn that Messrs Coffman and Blacklege have sold the Avon mines in Ste. Genevieve county to a Chicago company for the sum of $25,000.

On last Saturday night, Mr. John H. Cooley was struck on the elbow with a stone and severely hurt. He has since then been confined to his bed, but is rapidly improving.

Several of the hunting party returned on last Saturday and report having met with great success. On Monday we noticed quite a quantity of provisions being sent to the camp.

Mr. Jas McDermott's new house is rapidly approaching completion.

On a recent visit to Mineral Point, we noticed quite a # of small buildings were being erected.

On last Saturday night our town was the scene of wild disorder. Several parties got on a drunk and happening in Murphy's saloon in Happy Hollow were soon engaged in fighting. Being ejected from that place they made things lively on the street for a time, by throwing rocks at every person who showed himself or herself and by uttering the most disgusting obscenities. A lady whilst passing on the street was stoned and several persons whilst quietly standing on the street were compelled to seek shelter in neighboring buildings from the stones hurled at them. We understand these disgraceful scenes were kept up from early in the evening until a late hour at night and yet no officer made his appearance to put a stop to them or to arrest those engaged in them. We have in our midst a sheriff and his deputy, a constable, and a town marshall and his deputy and yet not one of these was on hand when needed and Squire Malony was compelled to deputize a private citizen to execute a warrant against Thomas Higgins, charged with having assaulted Dick Ashburn. We have no charges to make against sheriff Anthony who is our town marshal. We regard him as a conscientious, good officer who never shrinks from doing his duty yet as his business so frequently calls him from town, we think he would do himself and the community a favor by handing in his resignation as town marshal and thus give the trustee a chance to appoint some man to that position who will be on hand to promptly arrest all peace breakers.

November 13, 1873, Potosi Weekly Newspaper

HUNTING PARTIES
Judge F.K. Boyd, J.W. Clarke, Capt. Hunter, W.J. Casey, J.W. Nedwideck, John R. Higgins and Walter Reynolds left town for the Wilderness where they intend to have a grand hunt for several weeks.

Capt. Robinson, John B. Deane, and Al. Rexford have gone to Webster where they expect to be joined by Don Mc. N. Palmer, Henry Wyman and others after exploring some Caves in that vicinity to take an extended hunt.

We predict an advance in the price of provisions of all kinds in the neighborhood in which the hunters camp.

Potosi Weekly Newspaper, August 28, 1873

In February 1872, at Kingston, in this county, one Willis Deering, assaulted Frank Farnsworth with a knife and gave him some severe stabs. Deering was subsequently indicted by our grand jury but until a day or two since he was succeeded in eluding our officers. Sheriff Anthony learning of his being in Monroe County, Illinois, obtained a requisition from Gov. Woodson and arrested Deering. He brought him to town last night and lodged him in jail. He was this morning released on $1,000 bail. Judge Thos. B. Higginbotham and Henry E. Cheatam going on his bond. Judge Dinning approved the bond. We again repeat that Sheriff Anthony deserves the thanks of this community for the energy and promptness he displays in hunting up criminals and securing their arrests.

Hon. John Evens during the present week sold to Mr. James Wallace of Mineral Point 240 acres of land lying near the above named town and adjoining the mines of Mr. V. B. Mesplay. Mr. W. bought the land for the purpose of developing it for minerals. Being one of our most enterprising business men Mr. W. will not fail to give it a fair and thorough trial. We wish him success.

Mr. Jos. H. Walton who has just returned from Salem reports that town as a lively business place. He says its presents as busy an appearance on evenings as Fourth Street in St. Louis. What gives it its life, activity and bustle are the iron mines in its immediate vicinity.

ST. LOUIS, AUG. 21, 1873

Frank Harris, Esq.
Secy. Washington Co. A & M Ass'n

Dear Sir:--Your favor of 20th, inst is received. We will sell tickets to persons attending your fair from Kimmswick, Fredericktown and Ironton on the Arkansas Branch and the intermediate stations at one and one fifth (1 1-5)fare for the round trip.

If any exhibitors or others from St. Louis desire to visit the fair they can procure tickets at the reduced rate by applying at our general ticket office. All stock and merchandise will be returned, to original point of shipment free, on presentation of certificate of the Secretary of Association stating that they have been on exhibition.

Yours Respectfully,
T. McKissock, Gen'l Supt.

Note: "inst." means "last" or "the most recent" - Ed.

Potosi Weekly Newspaper, July 17, 1873

DIED
KENNETT. - Near Pevely, on Monday, July 14th, Rebecca B., beloved wife of Press G. Kennett, aged 20 years and 7 months.

BORN
HAEFNER. - At Des Arc, Mo., on Saturday, July 12th, 1873, to John V. Haefner and wife, a black-haired girl.

A SAD AFFAIR
On last Saturday, John Purtum shot and killed James F. Scott. The murder was committed on the military road, just south of the Martin farm on Little Black, about fifteen miles from this place. We have learned but little of this sad affair, but from what we have gathered it grew out of an old feud. Our informent tells us, that they met in the road late in the evening when afew words was passed on the subject, when Purtum drew his pistol and commenced to fire on Scott. Four shots were fired when Scott fell from his horse and expired in a few moments: there was but one shot that took effect,it entering near the spine in the region of the small of the back, ranging forward and upward, passing near or through the heart and lodging against the breast bone. Thus ended one of the worse deeds ever commited in our country.

Mr. Scott was one of the best young men in our country, in other words he was a perfect gentlemen. He was but a few days home from Columbia, where he had been attending the State University for the last year.

Mr. Scott leaves a host of friends behind him to mourn his untimely death. We offer our warmest sympathies to his parents and friends. Up to the present writing Purtum has not been arrested. Notwithstanding the efforts of Sheriff Tubb, Purtum has dodged every effort for his capture. -- Black River News.

Potosi Weekly Newspaper, Aug. 7, 1873

MARRIED
Hornsey - Peebles---On the 4th inst., by Rev. Father Ring, Mr. Wm. W. Hornsey to Miss Emily Peebles, all of Potosi.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION
State of Missouri) In Circuit Court, to October term, 1873 Washington County)

In vacation July 22nd, 1873

Jacob Coleman) Petition for Divorce.

vs.
Rachel Coleman) Order of Publication

W. E McGREADY, Circuit Clerk
J. R. Arnold, Att'y for plaintiff
It lists the petition, but is rather lengthy; no other names are mentioned, only that Rachel was not a resident of Missouri.

Note: "inst." means "last" or "the most recent" - Ed.

Potosi Weekly, June 26, 1873

DIED
BEQUETTE. - In St. Louis, on the 16th inst., Mr. Charles Bequette, age 65.

CONWAY. - At his residence, near Potosi, on the 25th inst., Mr. Archie Conway, in the 70th year of his age.

CLARKE. - In Jefferson City, this morning at 1 o'clock, Cornelia, wife of Major George B. Clarke.

FLETCHER. - In St. Louis on the inst., Mrs. Margaret Fletcher, Mother of Ex-Governor Thomas C. Fletcher. She had been a resident of the state 55 years.

In same newspaper:
Mr. William McGrain, chief clerk in the State Auditor's office was in town the early part of this week. He looks hale and hearty. From him we learn that May, the eldest daughter of Maj. Clark has been confined to her bed for some 90 days. Her disease in Meningitis.

Judge E. B. Ewing, of the Supreme Court, died suddenly of Meningitis at the Iron Mountain, on the 21st inst.

Judge Wm B. Napton, formerly a member of the Court has been appointed by Gov. Woodson to fill the vacancy by the death of Judge Ewing.

NOTICE
All persons indebted to the undersigned either by note or Book account are respectfully requested to call and settle the same without delay, as I expect to close my present business of Merchandising by the 4th of July next; preparatory to making a change in my business.

Prompt attention to the above, may save both cost and trouble.

JOHN EVENS,
Hopewell Furnace, June 10th 1873 t3

Note: "inst." means "last" or "the most recent" - Ed.

Potosi Weekly Newspaper, July 10, 1873

DIED
BRYAN. - At DeSoto, Mo. July 3rd, 1873, Lily Amelia, infant daughter ofCharles and Elisabeth Bryan, aged four months.

MARRIED
At the residence of the bride's father, June 24th, 1873, by Rev. E. R. Jones, Mr. L. Judson to Miss Mary Love, all of Dent County.

NOTICE
The undersigned will pay the highest market price in Cash for mineral on his Diggings or delivered at his Store.

JAMES I WILKINSON
June 12th, 1873, tf

This great Dyspepsia Panacea has the largest sale of any other preparation in the world. Why? Because we say to every one that is afflicted with Dyspepsia Liver Complaint, Costiveness Headache, Heartburn, Waterbrash, SourStomach, Indigestion or any disease depending upon pure blood, healthy Liver and Stomach to call R. P. Waring Drug Store, Potosi or Gust Hamel, DeSoto, Mo. and get one of our sample bottles free of charge. Regular size 75 cents. Try it.

MYERS, BROS., AND CO.
Wholesale Agents, St. Louis, Mo.

Potosi Weekly Newspaper, July 24, 1873

MARRIED
HAMMACK - LEMASTER--In Fredericktown, July 12th, 1873, by Rev. V. T. Settle, Mr. James Hammack and Miss Maggie Lemaster.

FOR RENT
Mr. Jos. C. Bass has the St. Louis House for rent. Those desiring rooms or the entire building, can be accomodated by calling on him.

ACCIDENT
Mr. Dan'l Dunklin of Mineral Point and Sam Jenkins of St. Louis, met with an accident on Friday night, as they came to town from the Point in a hack. Owing to the darkness the driver ran the horses out of the road on a bank and capsized the vehicle and the boys were caught under it. They were considerably bruised but managed to dance a set or two.

We are pleased to state the announcement in our issue of the 10th inst., that Col. Kitchen and his estimable lady had died of Cholera at Poplar Bluff, was untrue. Our information came through Mr. P. M. Robinson of Irondale, a brother of Mrs. K. who had been notified of his sister's death. Col. K. and family are at present at Irondale. They report the Cholera as very bad at the Bluff. The Col. lost four members of his family.
Note: "inst." means "last" or "the most recent" - Ed.

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Larry Flesher, Washington County, MO

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