March 12, 1886
Mrs. James Johnson died at her home, on Lee's mountain, three miles north of this place, on Wednesday, the 10^th of March 1886. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.
A farewell party was given Mr. G. W. Layton, at the palatial residence of his brother, Mr. A. S. Layton, on last Friday night. Those who attended pronounced it a most enjoyable occasion. Owing to a previous engagement with an Arkansaw chill, the Echo reporter failed to attend.
Mrs. Maggie McDowell, wife of Mr. G. W. McDowell, died at her home in Yellville on Tuesday morning, the 9^th last, after a lingering illness of several months. The remains were consigned to their last resting place on Wednesday afternoon. Rev. O.H. Tucker, of the M. E. Church, South, officiating at the grave.
March 16, 1886
Mrs. Rachel S. McDowell, wife of George W. McDowell died at her home in Yellville, Arkansas, March 9, 1886. She was born in North Carolina, February 18, 1843. Her maiden name was Wilson. She was most happily married to Geo. W. McDowell, formerly of Memphis, MO, at Yellville, this State, February 12, 1861. She professed religion and joined the M.E. Church, South, with her husband, under the ministry of Rev. J. A. Walden, August 24, 1873. The Sunday school found in her in earnest and faithful worker. In the Teacher's meetings and the study of the Bible she took great interest. She enjoyed much the presence and power of God in the woman's prayer meetings and often praised Him aloud. Her home was a happy one and in blessing to all who knew her. She bore her lingering affliction with all the patience of a true Christian woman. Anxious to live but ready to die. It was my privilege to visit her often, and always found her cheerful. She loved the old songs. "Home of the Soul" was to her as bread form heaven. In answer to the question, "Do you want anything?" She said, "I want to go and be out of my suffering." To her husband she, "I am ready to go." O.H. Tucker. Pastor.
Mr. F. N. Matthews and Miss Dora Baldwin, both well known at this place, were married at Huntsville, Madison County, on the 8^th of March 1886. Their many friends here wish them a tall measure of matrimonial felicity.
Luke Matlock, the clever barber, now wears a broad smile. He says there is a young lady arrived at his house and although it will take an extra barrel of flour for the family this year, the price of tobacco, cigars and shaving remains steady.
Births - A son born to Mr. And Mrs. J. A. Young on the 8 March 1886.
A son born to Rev. and Mrs. O. H. Tucker on the 9th of March 1886.
Died - of apoplexy, on the night of the 22^nd of March 1886 after an illness of but a few hours, James A. Wilson of Yellville, He was born in Yancy County, North Carolina in 1821, removed to Marion County Arkansas in 1846 and was once a Representative of that county in the Legislature.
Accident - Mr. R. P. Carson, living six miles south of town, while hauling wood on Tuesday, met with a very painful accident. While going down the hill the load of wood slid down on the horses, causing them to run. Mr. Carson was thrown from the wagon and ran over by the wheels, breaking his arm near the shoulder. Dr. Lindley is attending him and say Mr. C. is getting along fine.
Obit - Rev. George Wade aged about 30 years died at his residence at Desoto Springs this county, on Thursday night, August 5th 1886, of consumption. Mr. Wade was reared in this county and had a large circle of friends, who deplore his untimely death. He leaves a wife and several small children.

After much searching the editorial staff decided this would be a great time to reprint some of the notable gossip and other rambling form the old copies of the Mountain Echo. The originals are available on microfilm but takes a long to fret out the information. We hope in the coming issues that we can bring you just a sample of the old words.
The Marion County Historical Genealogical Society is in the process of making changes. We hope that each member will bear with us while we struggle thru these changes.
Since the last time I have written to you, the Society has seen the retirement of our wonderful secretary Mary Birrer. Mary has hung up her shorthand to work on other projects. We miss her already but realize each of us has to make decisions in our lives that work to our own benefit. Good retirement Mary.
We welcome a new secretary into our midst, Sherry Berthot. We have given her a big job to do and we know she will come thru.
We are definitely glad to see our county settle some and know each of you feel the same. May God Bless!
Vicki Roberts, Editor