news1800

The Southern Illinois Fire Insurance Co. was organized yesterday by the election of the following named gentlemen as directors: C. R. Woodward, J. Hurd, Chas. Gallager, W. C. Rankin, P. Reiley, W. A. Hacker, W. H. Green, J. W. Trover, J. H. Reardon, I. N. Haynie, H. K. O'Melveney, J. S. Homans, and W. A. Redman. A meeting of the directors is called for this morning at 10 o'clock at the office of the 1st National Bank.

CHARLES D. ARTER ASSASSINATED BY JOHN HOGAN

Cairo Daily Bulletin, Thursday, July 31, 1879

Contributed by Sue Mullins

No event of the year has caused a more profound sensation in this city than that of yesterday evening, which resulted in the death of Charles D. Arter, late Marshal of Cairo.
To picture the bloody deed in all its enormity, we need but give the evidence brought out by the Coroner's inquiry. This we shall do, without indulging in comments of our own. It is said that Hogan was moved to the bloody deed by jealousy. Having no positive information on this point. we pass it. For the sake of our kind, it is to be hoped that he has better reasons for the commission of his most terrible crime than appears upon the surface.
Coroner Fitzgerald not being in the city, and the case being of an urgent character, Sqre Comings was called upon to hold the inquest. The jury, (names given below) being impaneled and sworn, the evidence of the several witnesses was heard, and was, in substance, as follows:
Charley Fank, the barkeeper of Gates' saloon, in the front door of which Arter was assassinated, testified substantially as follows: That at about quarter to 6 o'clock in the evening of July 30th, John Hogan and Patsy Mahoney entered the saloon together. Arter was sitting in the recess of the front door, with his face toward the street, watching the workmen laying down the sidewalk. Hogan walked to the rear of the saloon, when he turned and walked toward the front door. When he reached a point within an arm's length of Arter, he drew his revolver from his hip pocket, and, without a word placed it against Arter's back and fired. Arter immediately ran or fell from the door, followed by Hogan; and I went up stairs, and saw nothing that occurred afterwards.
Dr. I. C. Fisher, after an examination of the body of deceased, testified that a bullet had entered the body of deceased below the right scapula, and was extracted below the sternum--the ball passing through the right lung and liver, and was sufficient to cause death.
Peter Saup testified that he was standing in front of Gates' saloon; turned round and looked into saloon and saw John Hogan with arm extended towards deceased's back; heard report of a pistol and saw a flash. Deceased sprang out of chair in which he was sitting reading newspaper, saying, "'don't shoot me, or "don't Kill me," and started for side door of saloon, into which he got. Hogan following him up, __ the act of cocking his pistol which he had presented at Arter as he lay in the hall way; the door was then closed by someone inside; then took hold of Hogan who made considerable resistance, trying to retain possession of revolver, he said to witness "let me alone and get away from here."
J. C. LaHue city marshal, then came in, and Hogan gave himself up to him. With others, witness then went through saloon, up rear steps, and down front steps to front side door, where deceased was found lying on floor with shoulders against, just alive, and gasping. Deceased was then brought to where he is now lying. The time of shooting was 5:40 p.m. J. C. LaHue, city marshal, testified that he was at Police headquarters, heard the report of a pistol and saw a crowd gathering in front of Gates' saloon; saw John Hogan after some one, and seemed to be trying to get at some one inside the door of the saloon. There seemed to be some inside of the door trying to close the same, who finally succeeded in keeping Hogan out. Saup and McNulty were trying to take the pistol from Hogan, who was much excited. Witness took ld [hold] of Hogan and took him over to Justice John Robinson's office, where he gave me his revolver. He said to me, after I asked him what was the trouble, that he had killed Charley Arter.
Col. G. W. McKeaig was passing Gates' saloon and saw deceased sitting in front door reading; heard report of a pistol, and saw deceased spring out of chair, and witness and deceased got into hall door and closed same. Witness asked deceased who is firing at you, Charley? and he replied, "Hogan," I said, "are you hurt?"and he replied, "I am killed."He got to his feet, and fell and I repeated, "Charley, are you badly hurt, and replied again, "I am killed." Deceased again got up and fell the third time. I saw he was dying, and went for assistance. Witness did not see Hogan.
The jury rendered the following verdict. viz: "We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to enquire into the death of Charles D. Arter, on oath, do find that he came to his death by a pistol shot, fired by the hand of John Hogan." R.W. Miller, foreman; James S. Rearden, M. P. Fulton, George S. Fisher, John A. Poor, Fred. Baker, Wm. Oliver, Robert Hinkle, Chas. Gillhofer, Wm. Alba, H. Hassenjager and O. Haythorn.

ARTER MURDER

More articles in the "About town" section on the following dates:

The Daily Cairo Bulletin, Friday, Aug 1, Saturday, Aug. 2 and Tues., Aug 5, 1879.

----Charley Arter, who came to such a tragic end Wednesday evening, held a life policy for five thousand dollars, in one of the solvent companies represented by Mr. Wells. The money will be paid to the family as soon as the proper proofs are made. This was certainly an exercise of prudent forethought, neglected by too many of us.

----The funeral services over the remains of C. D. Arter, will be conducted by the Rev. B. Y. George, at deceased's residence at half past 1 o'clock p.m. The special train will leave the foot of Twentieth street at half past 2, for the cemetery at Villa Ridge, where the body will be buried according to the forms of the Masonic fraternity. Friends of the family are respectfully invited to be present.

----We have repeatedly importuned to denounce the killing of Charles D. Arter, as the atrocious crime that the law and public opinion hold it to be. Were our whole mind and soul given up to feelings of hate and a desire for vengeance, we could scarcely wish to add a word to the testimony already before the public. It tells in plain and unmistakable terms that Hogan was not smarting under the sense of any fresh wrong. Had this been so, he would have killed his victim, when on entering the saloon, he met him face to face. It further tells that he had deliberately determined to give Arter no chance for explanation, no chance to defend himself, no chance for his life. To carry out this purpose, the evidence shows that he waited in the saloon until the only man who was likely to stay his arm, had passed to the street; that then he quietly approached Arter from behind, and sped the deadly missile upon its murderous work before his victim even became conscious of his presence. That cowardice suggested assassination as the means of ridding the world of Charley Arter, is not true. The imputation of cowardice will not lie against John Hogan. He has shown coolness and courage in too many desperate straits to be subjected to the accusation of cowardice now. He had simply predetermined to take Arter's life, to give him no chance for escape or defence. How faithfully that determination was carried out the public has been informed.

----As, under the new law, a Justice of the Peace cannot act as ex-officio coroner, if the coroner himself be in the county, it was thought advisable, yesterday morning, to hold another inquest over the body of Charley Arter. Accordingly, after summonsing a jury, Coroner Fitzgerald and the jury repaired to Arter's home, examined the body, and returned to the court house, where several witnesses were examined touching the cause of deceased's death. The evidence was almost identical with that drawn out before Squire Comings during the original inquiry. Coroner Fitzgerald (after the jury had agreed upon a verdict) issued his mittimus, committing Mr. Hogan to the county jail, without bail. It is perhaps due to Squire Comings to say that be_______________ (this line unreadable) the preceding would have the legal (?) effect as the Coroner had not gone beyond the limits of the county. The friends of the deceased being anxious, however, that the body should be examined before removal, rather insisted upon the inquest being held, holding that defects could be cured by future action; and with that understanding the Squire proceeded to the inquiry.

----On Wednesday evening, last, Miss Hogan was standing in or near Mr. Haythorn's store, and saw her brother fire the murderous shot that took Charlie Arter's life. The shock to her nervous system was so great she fell into a swoon.

----Lawyer Linegar has not been retained for Hogan. He declines to accept a retainer on either side. The prosecution proposes to secure the assistance of Judge Allen.

----The family of Charley Arter desire us to extend an expression of their thanks for the evidences of sympathy and good will shown on the occasion of the funeral and burial services, yesterday afternoon. That so large a number should take such a long walk or drive in oppressive heat of a noon-day sun, and a scarcely less fatiguing railroad ride of thirty miles to the cemetery and return, is certainly indicative of a kindly sympathy and friends that can be but illy [only?] repaid by a tender of thanks. It was especially gratifying to the bereaved family, and will be held by them in grateful remembrance.

----The services over the remains of C. D. Arter, deceased, at the residence, were conducted by the Rev B. Y. George, the house being inadequate to the accommodation of the large number present. The body was buried according to the beautiful and impressive forms of the A. F A. Masonic Fraternity.

----Mr. J. H. Mulcahey of Commercial Point was in the city yesterday, and was numbered among the Masons who escorted Charley Arter's remains to Villa Ridge.

----Mrs. C. D. Arter is anxious to recover her husband's glasses. As he was reading a newspaper at the time or immediately before he was shot, it is likely that the glasses were dropped by him on the sidewalk, while he was seeking the shelter of the neighboring entrance.

FLOODING AT CAIRO

The Duluth Tribune, Feb. 23, 1883

Water at Cairo, Ill., is higher now than during the remarkable flood of last year. Cairo is in a bad fix. Bottom lands on both sides of the river below Cairo are flooded.

OLD GRUDGE SETTLED AT ELCO

Argus and Patriot, Dec. 12, 1888

Leon Houston and Joseph Hazlewood settled an old grudge on the steps of the Methodist house at Elco, Ill. The trouble originated with the divorced wife of Houston. Each fired several shots. Houston was shot twice in the breast, once in one shoulder and twice in the right leg, while Hazlewood was shot in the right side, which penetrated the lung, and twice in one leg. A panic took place, the services being dispensed with, and the congregation escaped through the side doors and windows. Both men were fatally hurt.

RAILROAD WRECK

The Topeka Weekly Capital, April 24, 1890

Cairo, Ill., April 22--The north-bound passenger train on the St. Louis, Cairo & Texas railroad, was ditched here yesterday morning, at Hibbard, eighteen miles below here, and six of the twenty-three passengers were injured, but none fatally. An unlocked switch was the cause. Mrs. J. M. Hubbard, of Ballard, Mo., was slightly bruised, and her little three year old daughter narrowly escaped drowning, being rescued by Miss Kate Parks, who dashed into the water and rescued the child.

OFFICER DUNKER SHOT

KILLED BY A KENTUCKIAN WHOM HE ATTEMPTED TO ARREST

The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, Sept 22, 1892

The Murderer Arrested and Taken to Vienna for Safe Keeping

   Policeman Henry Dunker was shot in the neck Saturday evening on Thirteenth street by a drunken man whom he attempted to arrest. Harvey Fox and Harvey Ramage, two young men from across the river in Kentucky, came to Cairo to indulge in a spree. They finally landed in a house of ill-fame on Thirteenth street, and, boisterous, the mistress of the house summoned an officer. Henry Dunker answered the call, and attempted to arrest Ramage, who was the cause of the trouble. Ramage pulled out a 38 caliber revolver and shot Dunker in the neck, and the officer fell to the ground. He was taken to headquarters and later to his residence on Twenty-fourth street, where he died Sunday noon.
     Ramage, after firing the shot, ran off toward the Illinois Central yards. His companion Fox, was immediately placed under arrest. Search was made for the fugitive and he was finally found on top of a box car, where he was attempting to play the part of conductor of the train. Chief Mahoney brought him down and he was soon behind the bars of our county bastile. But mutterings of lynching caused those in charge of him to be uneasy, and they took him up to Johnson county for safe keeping.
     Henry Dunker was one of the best men on the force. He was 64 years of age and for twelve years had served faithfully in the same capacity. His funeral occurred Tuesday morning, attended by his comrades on the force, the Alexander Lodge I. O. O. F. and the American Legion of honor. Three coaches only sufficed to hold the friends who followed the remains to their last resting place at Villa Ridge. --Henry Dunker is buried at the Cairo City Cem. at Villa Ridge, IL. --Contributed by Anna Shelton.

ELCO NEWS

THE CAIRO WEEKLY CITIZEN, Thursday Dec. 15, 1892

Donated by Anna Shelton

Mrs. Simpkins is teaching an excellent school at the Palmer Schoolhouse.
Mr. S. M. Campbell is teaching the Elco School. He has a large attendance. He is also one of our best teachers in Sunday school.
Mrs. Bankston, wife of Geo. C. Bankston of Mill Creek has been quite ill, but was improving when last heard from. Mr. Bankston was a good soldier in the Union Army and if Cleveland is as good as his word he will retain him in the post office at Mill Creek. Cleveland said in his letter of acceptance that the American people are grateful and will care for and remember the Union soldier.
Cannon and Samms say that trade has been extremely dull since the election.
Miss Ida McLean is very favorably mentioned for the Elco post office. She would without doubt give satisfaction to the public. In fact, we believe that at present she is in the lead as a candidate.

WHEATLAND NEWS

The Cairo Weekly Citizen, Thursday, January 5, 1893

     Mrs. Caroline V. McClure, left last night for St. Louis, where she expects to spend a few weeks with her daughter, Mrs. Throckmorton. After that she intends to visit her daughter, Mrs. Finley, in Lima, Ohio. She will probably be absent from Wheatland six or seven weeks.
     F. M. Culley is now station agent at McClure's station.
     Mrs. E. J. McRaven is visiting her son, J. S. McRaven, at Creal Springs.
     S. M. P. McClure is at work building a levee around his farm. He hopes to save his crop in case of another overflow. It is a big job however.
     After a long and severe illness Mrs. Lovel, formerly wife of Vardy Randall, died some three weeks ago.
     Mr. A. J. Bunch, one of the old reliable farmers of Wheatland, is enjoying unusually good health this winter. He lives a quiet life, reads newspapers of all stripes, and of late years votes the democratic ticket. Mr. Bunch formerly belonged to the party of patriotism and loyalty. To a republican his change looks like a clear case of falling from grace. But notwithstanding this bad break we are compelled to number him among the best citizens of Alexander county. We hope that he will live to be a hundred years old and come back into the republican fold.
     Mr. Thos. J. Anderson is teaching the young ideas how to shoot at the Wheatland school house. He took two shots at a pigeon on a roof at a distance of one hundred yards last week with a small bore Winchester rifle. At the first shot the pigeon made a little jump and walked along without concern upon the roof. At the second shot the bird tumbled over, slid down the roof and fell to the ground. If Mr. Anderson is as successful in teaching as he is with his Winchester the people of Wheatland are very fortunate and we believe they are. He is said to be a most excellent teacher.
     The Wheatland post office occupies considerable attention just now. It is not so much a question, "Who shall be postmaster? as where shall the office be located." It is now located at the mouth of Clear Creek about one mile from the R. R. station. The people living near the station are determined that the office shall be removed to some building near the station. The store of J. K. Walton is considered a suitable place for it. It is generally admitted that a majority of the patrons of the office would be better accommodated by a change to the station. We presume that Mr. J. K. Walton could be persuaded (unreadable) and Mr. B. B. Garaghty would probably accept it if tendered him. --Contributed by Anna Shelton. (Note: Wheatland is now McClure)

SANDUSKY-NEAR NEIGHBORS

The Cairo Weekly Citizen, January 12, 1893

There has been and unusual amount of fatal sickness in Sandusky precinct this winter. The family of Mr. William Childers has been specially afflicted. His smaller children were first attacked, then his older sons Walter and Charley were taken extremely ill and seemed for a long time to hover between life and death. Finally at one o'clock a.m. Jan. 4th, Charley died. The burial took place at the Hargis cemetery Jan. 5th.
During the services at the cemetery, the report came that William McDaniel, a son of the late Geo. McDaniel had been killed while cutting a tree. His step-father Sidney Clapp and others hurried to the scene as rapidly as possible. The report proved to be only too true. He was killed instantly. Willie was thirteen years of age and had a great many friends. Willie and his brothers were cutting wood and while chopping down a tree his attention was attracted to his dog as the wind was blowing and the dog was apparently in danger of being crushed by the tree. When the tree began to fall he was somewhat embarrassed in his endeavors to save his dog. The tree fell toward him instead of from him as he expected. A limb struck him first, then the tree came down upon him. His funeral occurred the next day, Jan. 6th at the Hargis Cemetery.
On January 7th, little Stella Sides, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Sides died and the remains were interred in the Hulen Cemetery. Rev. W. A. Hargis officiated at all the funerals. At this writing, James Dunning, Jerry Dunning, Dan Lovett, and Mrs. Francis Brown are all quite ill. --Donated by Anna Shelton.

ELEVEN SOULS PERISH

The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, May 28, 1896

Severe Wind Storm Wrecks the Ferryboat KATHERINE

Most Terrible Disaster in the Annals of Cairo Occurred Tuesday Morning

Violent Storm of Wind and Rain Spread Ruin and Disaster

Wood Rittenhouse and Charles Gilhofer, Two old Residents, Among the Victims

Contributed by Robin Rittenhouse

The most terrible disaster in the history of Cairo occurred shortly after eight o'clock Tuesday morning, when the ferryboat KATHERINE was wrecked in a severe wind storm and eleven human lives were lost. The victims were: Wood Rittenhouse, Sr., Charles Gilhofer, Mrs. William Shannon, of Bird's Point, Mo., Miss Bertha Stanley, Miss May Jones, Richard L. Thurman, Infant child of Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Lou Massey, colord, of Villa Ridge, Louis Hall, colord, fireman, Asbury Alexander, colord, deck hand, and George Davis, colord, laborer.
The KATHERINE left her wharf at 8 o'clock A. M., and had proceeded about a mile down the river, on her trip to Bird's Point, Mo., and Wickliffe, Ky., when the storm struck her. The wind sprang up very suddenly at 8:30 and in a few seconds was blowing at a terrific rate. The boat was thrown over on her side and the water rushed in and she sank. Her chimneys were carried away, her boilers went overboard and her cabin was crushed like an egg shell.
In the cabin were David Orr, of Bird's Point, his daughter, Mrs. Shannon and child, his step daughter Miss Bertha Stanley, and her friend Miss May Jones, Mr. Rittenhouse and perhaps the colord woman. Mr. Orr alone escaped of this entire company. He commenced struggling to get out when the boat went over and was severely bruised by falling timbers. He finally reached an opening and was pulled out by Capt. Hacker and Engineer Magee. He says when he got his head above water the wind was blowing so strong it fairly took his breath away.
Capt. Hacker and Clerk Rankin Posey were in the pilot house at the time of the accident. They sprang out after the boat had settled they climbed upon the wreckage. George Magee also got out and they helped Joseph Curry and David Orr to a place of security. Posey says the wind was blowing so violently the rain drops struck their faces with the force of bullets and he got a tub and covered his face. After what seemed to them to be hours, Hacker, Curry and Posey swam to the Illinois shore, about a hundred yards distant, which they perched safely although suffering from cold and exhaustion. They secured a skiff and went back for Magee who remained with Orr because the latter could not swim. The survivors were then brought to town.
The news of the disaster spread like wildfire over the city. The wrecked vessel could be seen from the levee and soon crowds of terrified spectators gathered to watch for the result. A wrecking party was soon organized and went to the wreck to search for the victims. When they arrived the bodies of Miss Bertha Stanley and George Davis, the colord man, had already been recovered. The body of Richard Thurman was next secured and in the afternoon May Jones and Mrs. Shannon's remains were found. These were all conveyed to the city where their heart broken friends were waiting in dreadful suspense.
After the disaster the boat drifted down stream until she reached a point opposite Cairo point and about a hundred yards from the Illinois shore where she now rests. A small portion of her bow alone is above the surface. She lies in about sixty feet of water.
Tuesday afternoon a derrick boat was taken to the wreck and the top of the cabin cleared away. A thorough search failed to reveal any more bodies, and the services of a diver was unavailing. Tuesday night twenty-five shots of dynamite were fired but they brought no results. Yesterday the river was dragged and still nothing was accomplished. It is thought the bodies were blown from the wreck by the storm and were carried down stream by the current.
Yesterday Capt. J. L. Shalleross, of Louisville, representing several eastern insurance companies, visited the wreck. He is arranging to have the hull raised. The boat is insured for $7,000.
During the storm Barrett's fleet broke loose and sunk a new barge belonging to the Huntington and St. Louis Towboat Company and was valued at $2,500. The transfer boat W. H. OSBORN was blown loose and drifted down the river striking the wharfboat. She sustained damage to amount of $300.

MURDER AND $3,000 BAIL

The Minneapolis Journal, August 11, 1896

Cairo, Ill., Aug. 11--Green P. Crabtree who killed Dr. J. N. Coffee, president of the state board of pharmacy, was admitted to bail for $3,000.

THE GENERALS AT CAIRO

The Duluth News Tribune, October 8, 1896

Cairo, Ill., Oct 7--The special train carrying General Alger and party reached here at 6:30 p.m. It was met at the depot by over 1,000 people and with a discharge of cannon and fireworks. After dining speeches were made to a crowd of at least 3,000 people. General Stewart made the principal address of the evening. Corporal Tanner spoke briefly. The enthusiasm was great. General Sickles retired soon after arrival, being ill. The party leaves in the morning.

THEBES NEWS

From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, Feb. 24, 1898

Donated by Anna Shelton

     Miss J. J. McKee, our county superintendent, visited our school last week.
     F. M. Durham shipped some stock to St. Louis on the Belle of Calhoun last week.
     J. L. Mansker has secured license to run a ferry skiff between Gray's Point and Gales.
     W. H. Brown, one of our young potters was at Willard last week. Will's attractions down there are very great.
     A quiet wedding occurred in our town Sunday evening. The contracting parties were Mr. Uriah Wilbur and Mrs. Mary Wilson.
     Election for one road commissioner will be held in this road district March 1st. O. G. Ford is the only candidate mentioned so far.
     Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Marchildon returned from St. Louis Saturday. They bought a handsome new upright piano as a wedding present.
     The new mail route between Thebes and Sandusky has been established and bids for carrying the same will be received at the Thebes postoffice on or before March 1st.
     Phil Lenchel took passage on steamer Belle of Calhoun for St. Louis Tuesday and on reaching Cape Girardeau learned of the dance to be given at Thebes and returned to be in attendance.
     A nice little dance was given by the "Social Club" at our new hall Tuesday evening. The music was furnished by the Thebes orchestra. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Rolwing, Misses Mayme Lambert, Estelle Brown, Emma R. Sams, Genevieve Rolwing, Jessie Pekare, Josie Michamp, Lena David, Ettie Clapp, and Messrs Norval Anderson, Jim Lynch, Dr. C. Moore, of Commerce, Mo., and W. H. Brown, Arthur Brown, P. Lenchel, W. Feezel, J. Houston, Alva Jaynes, C. J. Richards and H. C. Marchildon, of this place.

GOOSE ISLAND NEWS

From The Cairo Citizen, Thursday, Feb. 24, 1898

Donated by Anna Shelton

     N. L. Martin is still in Cairo.
     Dr. E. J. Gause, of Unity, was in our vicinity one day last week.
     Charles LaMae is slowly recovering from a serious attack of pneumonia.
     Henry Lipe, Cal Bennett and Dave Lipe were on the sick list last week, but at this writing all are convalescing.
     Sidney B. Miller's house on Beaver Ridge is nearing completion. It will be occupied by Milford Whitaker when finished.
     D. W. Sammons has a supply of new patent wire stretchers for sale. You should try one. They are superior to anything ever invented.
     The box supper and Washington birthday entertainment at Lake Milligan church was quite a success. All present enjoyed the exercises immensely. The selecting of boxes and afterwards discovering the owner afforded the young people much amusement.