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MT ECHO NEWSPAPER
ITEMS OF LOCAL INTEREST

Mt. Echo Newspaper
February 1888 Issues
Abstracted & Copyrighted
by Gladys Horn Brown

Dividing Line

February 3, 1888 Issue

BRIEF MENTION

Mrs. Eliza Garfield, mother of the late President Garfield, died at her home in Mentor, Ohio, on the 21st of January, aged 86 years. Her last words were, "I want to see Jimmie."

Cora Lee, who has been on trial for the past few weeks at Springfield, Mo., charged as an accessory to the murder of Mrs. Graham, was acquitted last Saturday. The jury was out only about seven minutes.

LOCAL ECHOINGS

All the witnesses in the Hudspeth case have returned home.

James I. Thompson, who has been clerking for W. Q. Seawel this past year, will try farming this year. He will move to the Cowan Barrens next week.

The two Misses Davenport and Miss Mary Hudspeth, of George's Creek, and Miss Coffee, of Bellfonte, who is visiting the Misses Davenport, were callers at The Echo office on Wednesday.

A young man from White River came to town last week after a marriage license, but forgot the name of his intended and had to make two trips to the clerk's office before getting the necessary papers.

It is not yet known whether or not an appeal will be taken in the Hudspeth case. At last accounts the court had not past a sentence, and it is not known when the execution will take place. The execution will be at Harrison, and will not be public.

The Tibbetts brothers, of Carroll county, have been sent to prison at Fort Smith to be held for the action of the Federal grand jury, in default of a $1000 bond each. They are charged with robbery of the mail hack between Carrollton and Eureka Springs on the 6th of last December. -- Boone Banner.

GUILTY - So Says the Jury - Andy Hudspeth to Hang for the Brutal Murder of Geo. Watkins.
       The celebrated Hudspeth case - State of Arkansas vs. Andy Hudspeth, for the murder of George Watkins - which was taken from this county to Boone county on a change of venue, ended on last Saturday, the jury bringing in a verdict of murder in the first degree.
       Nearly a week was consumed in the trial, and the defendant had a fair and impartial hearing. He had able counsel, who used every effort, as was their duty to do so, to clear their client. Twelve citizens of Boone county, good and lawful jurors, unprejudiced, and swore to render a verdict in accordance with the law and evidence in the case, patiently heard the testimony of the witnesses and the able argument of the attorneys on both sides, and have pronounced Andy Hudspeth guilty as charged in the indictment. This verdict is accepted as just and right by all, or most, of our citizens.
       The jurors were: Charles Robinson, Jerry Jennings, John Coffman, Monk Robinson, Thomas Byron, N. S. Jones, J. G. Williford, Jesse Richison, S. R. Abell, Wm. Byron, M. V. Davis and H. A. Overby.
       Prosecuting Attorney Bailey was assisted in the prosecution by Hudgins & Story, of Harrison. Vol. Walker, prosecuting attorney of the Fourth circuit, also rendered assistance, but did not address the jury. J. C. Floyd and J. W. Harris, of Yellville, and Pace & Murphy, of Harrison, were the attorneys for the defendant.
       Our readers were acquainted with the history of the crime, the details of which appeared in these columns a little over a year ago. The crime was committed on the night of December 9th, 1886.
       Rebecca Watkins, the faithless wife of the murdered man and the paramour of Hudspeth, was made a witness for the State. It will be remembered that several months ago she was held to answer the charge of being accessory to the murder of her husband. It will also be remembered that several bright and shining legal lights (although not licensed to practice) gave it out cold that this proceeding would ruin the State's case. But you see these great lights are only mortal, and sometimes err. The woman was held on this charge, and no one doubts her guilt, to keep her from being run out of the country, and also in order to suffer her just penalty, should time reveal evidence on which both could be convicted. If she is indicted by the grand jury, it is said the prosecuting attorney will Nol. Pros. the case. She has been released from jail. Her boy has been taken in charge by his father's relatives, who live in Kansas.

ROLL OF HONOR AT THE YELLVILLE SCHOOL - FOURTH WEEK

Maggie Noe
Dollie Noe
Robert Hurst
James Hurst
Flora Layton
Nellie Wilson
Virgil Weast
Walter Seawel
Robert Berry
Hattie Bradford
Mary Berry
Tennie Thompson
John Noe
Virgie Layton
Albert Estes
John Hurst
Thos. Bradford
Jarrett Hudson
Nannie Wiggins
Elbert Noe
Rames Higgs
Mollie Estes
Mary Pierce
C. L. Thompson
Joseph White
Teacher, W. R. Jones

ECHOS FROM EROS

No deaths nor marriages to report.

Joe Foster, of Searcy, was through here last week buying calves.

Mr. G. A. Glenn killed a hog last week that weight 420-1/4 pounds.

J. Y. Phillips will soon be ready to move into his new frame residence.

M. W. Phillips and I made a trip to Bruno a few days ago. There was a good deal of sickness on Hampton. W. O. Elam, of Bruno, who has been attending school at Rally Hill, has returned home to recuperate. He and a great many others in school have had measles, but most of them are about well again. While there, Jas. C. Keeter requested me to have The Echo sent to Bruno for him. On my way home, Fount King requested me to have The Echo and Arkansas Traveler sent to him at Eros. Fount is a firm believer in business and fun. --- Timothy Tugmutton.

JAMES CREEK RACKET - January 30, 1888

Mr. G. W. Batman, who has been in very delicate health for several months, we are happy to say is convalescent.

Mr. Thos. Music is erecting a neat frame residence on his farm at the mouth of James Creek. Mr. Music is a handsome young man, and "falling straw show which way the wind blows."

Messrs. Fee and Hudson, the sewing machine kings of this township, are supplying the demand pretty well for machines. Their handsome looks, pleasant smiles, and flattering tongues have a wonderful effect upon the fair sex.

On last Sunday at ten o'clock at the residence of Mr. Robert King, Mr. Elam McCracken and Miss Cassie King were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. May bright flowers ever be strewn along their pathway and no cloud of discontent roll across the horizon of their happiness, is the wish of their many friends.

GEORGE'S CREEK, February 2, 1888

One of Mr. Perry's boys has pneumonia, but we learn that he is better.

Tom Hudspeth is very low at present with pneumonia. His father is also sick.

 

February 10, 1888 Issue (Top)

BRIEF MENTION

Hugh M. Brooks, the murderer of his friend and benefactor, C. Arthur Preller, has written a letter asking the people of America to temper justice with mercy and save his cowardly neck. It is probably, though, that his neck will be stretched.

LOCAL ECHOINGS

Mr. J. N. Griffin, of Oakland, is attending probate court this week.

Sheriff Keeter has been on the sick list several days, but is now able to be up and stirring.

H. M. Harrison was sent up to the penitentiary for two years at the last term of the Boone circuit court for forgery.

Mr. L. L. Seawel returned Monday evening from Fayette, Mo., where he had been attending school. His mother is still quite sick and he came to see her.

Cam Berry, Elbert Noe, and The Echo Man, enjoyed the hospitality of Albert Cravens and Wesley Lewallen, of White River, last Saturday night and Sunday.

Prosecuting Attorney Bailey came down from Harrison last Saturday and mingled with his many friends here a few days. He and his wife left for Marshall Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. William Cowdrey's little boy, Virgil, died on Wednesday night, after an illness of several weeks. We extend our heart-felt sympathy to the bereaved family.

Mr. John Coker, of Bruno, was in town yesterday and informed us of the death of Miss Mary Keeter, daughter of Mr. "Buck" Keeter, of Hampton township. She died on Tuesday, aged about 17 or 18 years.

Our White river friend, B. Flippin, has received his commission as Deputy U. S. Marshall of the Western District of Arkansas, which is good until B. is "bounced," or words to that effect. And as B. makes a good deputy, it is safe to bet on him holding the office for quite a long period.

Several weeks ago it was reported over the county that Dave Hampton, who was sent to the penitentiary from this county at the fall term of court, was dead. Mr. A. F. Keeter, who returned from Little Rock Wednesday, says he visited the "pen" while at the capitol and saw David, who said he was getting along as well as a fellow could in the penitentiary.

We learn from Prosecuting Attorney Bailey that Hon. Vol. Walker did not assist in the prosecution of Andy Hudspeth. The Echo was misinformed in this matter last week. Mr. Bailey would have been glad to have the able assistance of Mr. Walker and the latter would have volunteered his assistance had he arrived at Harrison in time to take part in the case.

Burt. Raymond, one of the jolliest and most popular commercial pilgrims on the road, was in town several days this week. He represents the clothing house of Rindskopf, Stern, Lauer & Co., of Cincinnati. In this issue of The Echo will be found Mr. Raymond's card. He and his house are too well known in this country to need any introduction from us. Both are reliable.

Jonathan Knight, of near Doddsville, was sent to the insane asylum at Little Rock last week. Messrs. A. F. Keeter and James Frasier, who went with the unfortunate man, returned Wednesday. They experienced but little trouble with their charge. Mr. Keeter informed us that the officials at the asylum that Knight was not sufficiently clothed and he had to pay them $5 with which to pay for clothing before they would receive him. The law is plain on this point, and the county judge should have seen that this man was supplied with clothing before sending him to the asylum.

SENTENCE PASSED
       On last Friday Judge Powell sentenced Andy Hudspeth to be hanged on the 19th of April next. The 19th will be on Thursday. It is thought an appeal will be taken to the supreme court, but nothing definite is known in regard to an appeal.

ROLL OF HONOR YELLVILLE SCHOOL - Fifth Week
Nettie Bradford
Gus Seawel
Benny Ward
Walter Seawel
John Music
Robert Berry
Hatty Bradford
John Noe
Joseph White
Albert Estes
John Hurst
Thomas Bradford
Nannie Wiggins
Mollie Estes
Mary Pierce
C. L. Thompson
John Pierce
Daisy McCabe
Degie Wilson
Jack Wadkins
Thos. Wadkins
Dollie Noe
Mamie Noe
Lon Lawson
Barbara Thompson
       John Pierce, Hiram Fee, Earnest McBee and Cora McBee should have been on the Roll of Honor last week but their names were left out by mistake. W. R. Jones, Teacher

 

February 17, 1888 Issue (Top)

BRIEF MENTION

Hon. W. M. Fishback, of Sebastian County, has announced himself as a candidate for governor.

Seven men have been sentenced to be hung at Fort Smith April 27th, for murders committed in the Indian Territory.

Dr. R. P. Wright, ex city editor of the Little Rock Democrat, charged with bigamy, has been captured and will have a trial. He says he can prove he is persecuted and will come out all right.

At Lexington, Miss., the men have no chance with the women. Miss Dixie Cole is the express agent, Miss Emily Wright is the post mistress, and Miss Mollie Hoskins has charge of the telegraph office.

LOCAL ECHOINGS

Bud McVey has the measles.

J. C. Floyd, Esquire, is attending circuit court at Marshall this week.

Isam Cantrell is the proud papa of a new baby girl. The price of shaving has not been increased.

Mrs. Bailey did not accompany her husband to Marshall. She is visiting her father's family here.

Dr. Pierce, who was in town last Saturday, says he has been riding constantly for the past few weeks.

Four Raymond brothers, all "Knights of the Sample Case," were in town last week at the same time.

Deputy Sheriff Lee Nanny is summoning the justices and witnesses getting ready for court which convenes here Monday week.

James White, having sold his interest in the say mill on Rush Creek to George Hall, this week moved with his family to Missouri.

Go to Uncle Bob Tatum and get your clock, watch and sewing machine repairing done. Work guaranteed. West side public square.

A little daughter of Mr. J. G. Dillahunty, who lives six miles southwest of town, fell from a porch on last Monday evening and broke her right arm. Dr. Wilson is attending the little sufferer.

There has been more fatal sickness in Marion county the last six months than has ever been known before in the county. Pneumonia, typhoid fever and typho-malaria have been the principal diseases.

Dr. C. E. and Rev. John Cantrell, of Wiley's Cover, Searcy county, were visiting their relatives and host of friends in this county several days last week. The doctor gave us an agreeable visit on Thursday and we were indeed glad to learn that he is prospering in his profession.

Uncle Mike Wolf, our worthy county treasurer, has been a subscriber to The Echo ever since it was established, but last week's paper is the first he has had the pleasure of reading. His eyesight is defective and he has not been able to read print for several years. Last week he bought him a pair of [this is at the bottom of the page and cut off.]

We gather the following items of news from Mr. J. H. Stonecipher of Blythe township, who was a pleasant caller at this office Tuesday: Old man Willis Wright died near Rally Hill on last Friday. He sold out his property in this county several weeks ago and was on his way to Washington Territory, when he was taken with pneumonia at Rally Hill. J. H. Tabor and Miss Elen(sic) Melton were married last Sunday, Squire Gooch officiating. Wesley Munson, son of R. S. Munson, of Prairie township, died on the 8th inst. He was 18 or 19 years of age.

SOME REFLECTIONS - Doddsville, Arkansas, February 15, 1888
       EDITOR MTN. ECHO: Dear Sir: In your last week's issue I noticed some reflections on Judge Horn for not furnishing Jonathan Night, who was adjudged insane, with proper clothing, which I think does our kind-hearted judge injustice. In looking over the books of Dodd & Stillwell, I see charged to the county, for use of Mr. Night: one coat, $6; two woolen shirts, $2.50; Two pr. drawers, $1; one cap, $1.25; one pr. woolen mittens, $.60. Beside that, his wife brought him a nearly new pair pants, all of which I consider good, warm and comfortable, therefore no censure whatever can attach to Judge Horn. Respectfully, H.

       The Echo stated a fact, and mentions the judge's duty in the matter. If this was a "reflection" it was a truthful one, and that is what we are here for. Judging from Dodd & Stillwell's bill, we should think Mr. Night was very comfortably clothed, with the exception of shoes, but the superintendent of the asylum said not. The Echo only stated what the asylum officials said about the man's clothes. And if this statement was not true, why not the judge, instead of his friend, H., make the correction?

GRAPEVINE TELEGRAPH - Mtn. Home, February 14, 1888

Mr. J. P. Covington, of Yellville, was in town Thursday.

Prof. J. S. Howard has sold out, with the intention of moving to California sometime in the future.

Sunday night a shocking accident occurred ten miles east of town. Zack Smith, a sixteen year old boy, shot and killed his brother's mother-in-law, while fooling with a Winchester rifle. He thought all the cartridges had been ejected, and playfully pointed his gun at her, pulling the trigger, when it fired, killing her instantly. The lady's name was Mrs. Hammons. It is to be regretted that the gun never goes off backward on such occasions. -- Shanks.

FLIPPIN FACTS - February 15, 1888

Judge Flippin and his amiable wife are visiting Double Springs this week.

William Baker died at his home in White River township one day last week. His remains were carried to Gassville for interment.

James Jackson and Tom Flippin have just returned from Lead Hill with a wagon load of machinery. Uncle Jim says when he gets his mill overhauled this time it will be a (??), and no mistake about it.

We have had some real estate transactions here of late. Henry Lynch and James Flippin have bought out Irvin Williams. It is said that Irvin is going to move out towards sunset, in search of a more salubrious clime, in the near future.

JAMES CREEK CHRONICLES - February 14, 1888

We regret to know that Isaac Pangle's child is very dangerously ill with erysipelas.

Robert Long has sold his river farm to G. W. Batman. We are not informed as to what the consideration was.

[There is an obituary in this issue where the beginning is cut off at the bottom of the page, and the name of the deceased is not given elsewhere. All that can be read is transcribed as follows in hopes it would be meaningful to someone.]
(Linda - this is the obit for Isabel C "Belle" Osborn McCracken, wife of Eli Henry McCracken who died 8 Feb 1888. Here's the beginning of the obit taken from a family clipping ...)
       Our community was dreadfully shocked on the night of the 8th instant by the death of Mrs. Belle McCracken, wife of E.H. McCracken. she gave birth to a child about two weeks ago and had almost recovered, when she took cold and relapsed. Physicians and friends offered every assistance to bring relief, but "Death claimed her and the Great Reaper cared nothing for the elapsed hands of entreaty nor the scalding tears of agony." If tears, entreaties, or prayers could have bribed the Destroyer, or turned away his unerring aim, then she would have been spared; but he laid his icy fingers on those lips and chilled that warm heart into death, ...
        (transcription from paper)... and turn coldly away from the ruin he had wrought. But even death has limits beyond which he cannot go. Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, that linger for a moment on the tree tops and then follow his retiring glory as he goes down behind the western hills, she passed away so quietly, with a heavenly radiance lingering upon her features, that it may truly be said of her, "she fell asleep in Jesus."
       She professed faith in Christ and united with the Christian Church several years ago, and lived the life of a devoted Christian up to the time of her death.
       On Friday the 10th, the people of this community assembled en masse at the Parker school house, and with falling tears and kind hands laid her to rest beside her sleeping babes.
       She leaves a husband, five children, father, mother, several brothers, one sister, and a host of friends to mourn her untimely death. One more victim to the fell destroyer! So lovely, so pure, so good, so beloved, she passed from earth in an instant; and while her family stagger under their dread weight of grief, a whole community bear them up in their prayers. ... Nighthawk

STRINGTOWN, February 15, 1888

Measles in every corner.

Orn Hancock says it's a girl and he doesn't care who knows it.

Unluckily, a part of the roof burned off our school house last Friday.

Charlie Winfield is preparing for the measles by preparing his stubble for corn.

John Harve Tabor agrees with the Bible where it says it is not well for man to be alone.

We can't endorse the dog law, but will let you hear from us in the future on that subject.

 

February 24, 1888 Issue (Top)

BRIEF MENTION

A young man, charged with the murder of his stepfather, was tried at Eureka Springs last week, and fined $50 and given one day in jail.

President and Mrs. Cleveland made a flying trip to Florida this week. They left Washington Last Tuesday and expect to return tomorrow.

The city of Mt. Vernon, Ill., was struck by a cyclone last Sunday and left in ruins. Over twenty people were known to have been killed and many were injured.

Hon. Jno. M. Hewitt, late Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, is reported as slowly dying at his home in Marianna, Lee county.

An 11-year old daughter of R. C. Jarrett, a farmer living six miles from Evening Shade, died recently from drinking too much whiskey from a jug in the house.

LOCAL ECHOINGS

The Echo completes its second volume with this issue, and next week will begin its third year.

Henry McCabe has mended the jail doors and everything is again ready for the reception of county boarders.

Deputy Sheriff, J. M. Keeter, Jr., is the happy father of another heir - a girl - which made its arrival quite recently.

Mr. J. P. Covington has moved to the house recently vacated by J. I. Thompson. Mr. T. has moved to the country.

Felix Huddleston, of the bustling little village of Bruno, was in town this week. He reports business lively at his village.

Prof. Jones dismissed his school on Monday morning on account of the appearance of measles in town. See his card in another column. [This notice was not transcribed due to part of it being cut off.]

We regret to learn of the serious illness of Mr. T. R. Wheeler. He is quite sick at the residence of Capt. J. Dobbs, of George's Creek.

Mrs. Huldah Patterson, wife of R. F. Patterson, of Prairie township, died one day this week. We did not learn the exact date of her death. Mr. Patterson is still quite unwell.

Someone entered Dr. Wilson's drug store one night recently and appropriated some alcohol. Snake time is nearly at hand, and it is supposed the thief wasted the alcohol for snake bites.

Charlie Pierce, of George's Creek, while running last Sunday, "stumped" his toe against a root and feel, breaking the bone in his right leg above the knee. He is a son of Mr. L. R. Pierce.

Prof. Blankenship, of the Rally Hill Academy, was fined for punishing a student of his school. Quite a large number of the patrons of the school and endorsed the professor in a card published in the Harrison Times last week.

Mr. George W. Layton and Lady, of Oakland, were visiting their numerous friends and relatives in town, and Mrs. L's. Parents near town the latter part of last week, returning home Monday. We were glad to learn from Mr. Layton that the firm of Layton & Co., of Oakland, are doing a good business with bright prospects for an immense trade during this year.

Mrs. Maggie McEntyre, wife of Mr. James McEntyre, of Hampton township, died on last Saturday at two o'clock p.m., of typhoid fever. She was the daughter of Mr. H. C. ("Buck") Keeter, and is the third daughter he has lost by death within the past six weeks. She was about 20 years of age and leaves a husband, two small children, and many other relatives to mourn her untimely death.

Mr. W. T. Davenport, who now lives in Searcy county, just across the Marion county line, was in town last Friday. He says the correspondent of the Harrison Times was in error in regard to the discoverer of DeSoto Springs. He says Mr. Linn Adams was the first man to discover the peculiar efficacy of the water while on a camp hunt with Mr. Davenport and Mr. Hudspeth a number of years ago.

On Thursday night of last week, Mr. H. H. Barnett, of White River township, was assaulted on his premises and brutally beaten with a club. Mr. Barnett attended church Thursday night at Hurst's school house and had returned home when his assailant made the attack. Irvin Williams is charged with the crime, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, and a reward of $50 has been offered for his capture. There has been trouble for some time between the Barnett family and Williams. Williams being charged with the seduction of Mr. Barnett's daughter. He recently sold his property in this county, and on last Friday started for the Indian Territory, traveling in a wagon and accompanied by his four children. Williams is a widower.

IMMIGRATION MEETING
       Pursuant to a call, a meeting was held at this office of The Mountain Echo on last Saturday, the 18th inst., for the purpose of organizing a "County Bureau of Immigration."
       J. H. Thompson, Sr., was chosen chairman, W. R. Jones secretary, H. B. Dallam assistant secretary and A. S. Layton treasurer.
       W. A. Lawson, H. Fee, J. C. Berry and J. J. Keeter were appointed a committee to solicit funds, membership, etc.
       The following resolution was then adopted:
       Resolved, That each citizen of Marion county be invited, and is respectfully urged, to join the County Bureau of Immigration and aid in its work.
       The following then were enrolled as members of the bureau: J. H. Thompson, Sr., W. A. Lawson, H. Fee, A. S. Layton, J. H. Cowdrey, J. J. Keeter, J. C. Berry, H. L. Dallam and W. R. Jones.
       On motion the meeting adjourned to meet at Masonic Hall on Monday, February 27, 1888, at ten o'clock a.m. J. H. Thompson, Sr., Chairman. W. R. Jones, Secretary.

FLIPPIN FACTS - February 15, 1888

Mrs. Sallie Ann Harvil, died last week down on Crooked Creek.

It is said that Tom Flippin is going to move up to Sugar Loaf township the first of next week. Tom says he will show us how to farm, but we opine he will go into the coaling business with Sam Dodd.

Mrs. C. C. Pointer has moved back to her hold home near Flippin, and C. C. is having his dwelling overhauled and painted up. When he gets it completed, it will be a commodious residence.

Mr. G. Butler and Miss Fannie Wood were joined in wedlock on last Thursday night at the residence of the bride's father (Mr. Jo Wood). We doff our hat to the young couple and wish them all the joys incident to a happy married life.

On last Thursday night, Mr. H. H. Barnett returned from church, and on going to his stables to put up his horse, he was attacked by Irvin Williams, armed with a club, who it seems had called to settle up old scores that had existed between them for sometime past. Williams let in on the old man with his club, and the old man ran to the house, Williams chasing him to the door, and making a lick at the old man as he went in at the door that would have proved fatal had not the door caught the blow. The old man is not dangerously hurt, but somewhat resembles the closing out part of a retail butcher shop. Williams went on his way out west rejoicing with none to molest or make him afraid. ...W. B. F., Jr.

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