Billy Williams is pushing forward the undertaking set on foot by his deceased uncle, and will soon furnish Cairo with a first class Bourbon distillery.  We shall avail ourselves of an early opportunity to notice this establishment in detail.  --The Cairo Evening Bulletin, Jan 16, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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    The editor of the Missouri Democracy, Cape Girardeau, was recently visited by General N. W. Watkins, the half-brother of Henry Clay, and received from him the following genealogical tree of the Clay family.  Henry Watkins, another half-brother of the great “commoner,” lived in very humble circumstances, at the mouth of Cache River, in this county, running a sawmill there during the years 1851, ‘2 and ‘3.  He was a very plain, hard-working man, performing, generally, the labor of two men at the work of driving oxen, chopping slabs, and handling lumber.  Thomas H. Clay was a frequent visitor at the mill, and, upon one occasion, stayed there all summer.
    The Democracy says:
    When Elizabeth swayed the scepter of England, and Sir Walter Raleigh had set the spirit of adventure ablaze in the hearts of the young English cavaliers by his voyages to the Virginia colonies, three sons of Sir John Clay, a prosperous and worthy Welsh baronet, caught the contagion for adventure and emigration, and sought and obtained permission to accompany Sir Walter on one of his voyages.  They were named respectively Charles, Thomas, and Henry.  Their father supplied them with 2,000 pounds each—a large fortune in that day—and they settled on the James River, in the character of planters.  Of these brothers, two, Charles and Thomas, married and reared families—Henry dying childless.  The great statesman was descended from Thomas Clay, and the family represented by Cassius M. Clay, the present Minister of St. Petersburg, are descended from Charles.  The immediate father of “Harry of the West” was a Baptist clergyman, pious and earnest and enthusiastic in his work.  He died comparatively a young man, leaving a widow and seven children, four sons and three daughters, who all died childless, except Henry and Porter, the latter a distinguished Baptist clergyman.  The widow Clay married a gentleman named Watkins, and by him had a family of six children, two of whom, the General, whose visit to us called to mind these recollections, and his brother, Frank, settled in this State (Missouri).  Henry Clay married a Miss Lucretia Hart, an aunt of the distinguished Kentucky sculptor, Joel G. Hart, and by her had eleven children—six daughters and five sons.  Of these, all are dead except three brothers, Hon. Thomas Hart Clay, of Fayette County, John Clay, of Lexington, Ky., a distinguished stock breeder and turfman, and Theodore, a confirmed lunatic, who has been an inmate of the lunatic asylum at Lexington, Ky., for nearly forty years.  Young Henry Clay, who was killed at the Battle of Buena Vista, February 23, 1847, was the most promising of the great statesman’s children.  He inherited his father’s genius and noble form and features, and gave abundant promise, had life been spared him, of reaching a position of proud eminence.  
--Cairo Bulletin, Mar 10, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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    We referred, the other day, to a white woman, the mother of two little boys, who is living with, and acknowledging a coarse, beastly-looking Negro man as her husband.  This woman was the wife of a man named King who was killed in battle during the war.  Coming to Cairo two or three years ago, she married a man by the name of Bullock, who ran off and left her.  Subsequently she took up with a man, whose name we do not recall, and lived with him several months on a flat boat, on the Kentucky side of the river opposite Cairo.  The second man leaving her, she came over to Cairo, and for a long while was supported, in part, by the county until she commenced drawing her children’s pension.  A few weeks ago she became acquainted with the Negro referred to, Simon Humphreys, and in due time accepted him to her bed and board as a husband.  Humphreys has a black wife and two children living in the lower part of town, and is, therefore, in the full practice of the Mormon faith.  The last pension money received from the government, or a portion of it, was used by Simon in the purchase of a horse; and the little boys to whom it belonged are compelled as a consequence, to go almost barefoot and wear clothing that scarcely conceals their nakedness.  To this is added the aggravating fact that the mother has beaten the little fellows with cruel ferocity because they refuse to call the black beast “father” and obey him as such.
    These facts becoming known an effort has been made to punish the outrage upon society, to bring the guilty parties to a realization of their shameful and revolting conduct, and to rescue, if possible, the little boys, from hands so utterly unfit to raise them.  In pursuance of this purpose a warrant was issued by Esquire Bross, Saturday evening, upon which the woman and hers sooty paramour were arrested and confined in the calaboose.
    The trial came on this morning at ten o’clock, the Negro man’s wife appearing in court and testifying that he had married her seven years before in Bolivar, Tennessee, and that two children were the fruits of the marriage.  She further stated that about three weeks ago, he made an occasion for a quarrel, and left her immediately taking up with the white woman, Mrs. Bullock.  The trial developed several other facts showing the gross criminality of the accused, which we have not space to detail.  The Squire held both of them to bail, each in the sum of $150, to appear before the next circuit court to answer, failing to furnish which they were sent to jail.
--Cairo Bulletin, March 15, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

    The two little boys in whom so many of our citizens have become interested—the same who were flogged for refusing to call their mother's black paramour "father," are now comfortably provided for in the orphan's asylum.  They will be provided with comfortable clothing and sent to school.  In the meantime steps will be taken to establish the mother’s unfitness and incapacity to raise them, so they will be secure in their present home.  --Cairo Bulletin, March 17, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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Miss Mary Safford, of this city, graduated at New York Medical College for females, on the 23d instant, delivering the valedictory address of the graduating class.  In a few months she will leave this country for France where she will spend a years in the hospitals in Paris.
It seems to be the ruling purpose of Miss Safford's life to minister to the sick and the afflicted, and that she may do this more efficiently than before, we doubt not, is the motive for her present course.  Hundreds and thousands of the sick and wounded soldiers of the Mississippi valley who filled the hospitals at Cairo, Memphis, Vicksburg, Nashville, Mound City, and other points, will recall her kind visits and ministrations and those who watched her outgoings and incomings knew her, during the first years of the war, to be tireless and unceasing in her works of mercy.  In her present designs her countless friends wish her Godspeed.  
--Cairo Bulletin, March 27, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

Miss Mary Stafford, who arrived in this city Saturday, will, after a short stay in her brother’s family, take her departure for France, where, in the hospitals of Paris, she will avail herself of a course of lectures.  It will be recollected that Miss S. recently graduated in a female medical college in New York, at the head of her class, the distinguished honor of pronouncing the valedictory address being conferred upon her.
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, May 3, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

Miss Mary Stafford takes her departure today, we believe, for the Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the benefit of her health.  We are apprehensive that this lady owes her physical prostration to an overworked brain.  Of a nervous temperament anyhow, she has imposed mental labors upon herself, which very few indeed would have the energy and self-reliance to undertake.
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, May 7, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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    There was a disgraceful rumpus kicked up in the free-will colored Baptist church last night, by a fight between two colored women.  The house was crowded, so much so that parties arriving at a late hour found it difficult to obtain seats.  A slam-banging, irritable sister being among the late arrivals, approached another sister and ordered her to "scrouge over and gub her a seat."  Sister number two then and there peremptorily refused to comply, whereupon sister number one, greatly incensed, smacked her chops.  Like an angered tigress, number two sprang upon her assailant, who, nothing loth for the encounter, entered spiritedly into the contest.  Waterfalls were snatched awry, collars and gew-gaws were crunched and torn, squall on squeal arose, and for the time confusion reigned supreme.  The belligerents were, finally, ejected from the house, considerably the worse for wear, to the sidewalk, where, attempting to talk their conflict over, the battle was renewed.  It was not fought to a conclusion, however, on account of outside interference.  Bleeding, scratched and exasperated, the combatants were taken to their respective homes, each avowing a solemn purpose to wallop the other "again," the moment she "clapt her eyes upon here."  The fight thus concluded, the preaching went on.
  --Cairo Bulletin, April 5, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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Mr. Green Massey is now in the city, and expects to close, during his stay, a contract for the working of the recently discovered coal veins at Santa Fe, twenty miles above Cairo, on the Mississippi.  The parties with whom he has negotiations pending have, in person, surveyed the locality, examined the specimens of coal discovered, and agree to pay a very considerable royalty for the exclusive privilege.  They entertain no doubt whatever about the presence of coal there in unlimited abundance, and of a quality corresponding with the DuQuoin coal.  Immediately after closing a contract, they will proceed to the erection of the needful machinery for active operations.  It is expected, therefore, that work will be so prosecuted that within two months from this date, Santa Fe coal can be, and probably will be, for sale in the Cairo market.  --Cairo Evening Bulletin, April 5, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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The finding of a new-born babe on the steps of the residence of one of our leading citizens, last week, and the subsequent developments in connection therewith, having created considerable talk and some excitement, we feel called upon to give the facts involved as elicited from the mother of the child, this morning.  Her name is Mary Cummings, an orphan girl, about sixteen years of age.  The name of the child’s father is Mr. George Barringer, a resident of Jonesboro.  Miss Cummings charges Mr. B. with no bad faith, and seems now to have the utmost confidence in his honesty and integrity.
She informed us that when, about six weeks ago, it became apparent that scandal could no longer be suppressed, she desired to leave Jonesboro, and accepted the offices of a Mr. Jones, through whom arrangements had been made for her accommodation in Cairo.  Arriving at Cairo, Mr. J. met her at the cars and escorted her to her quarters, near the corner of Second Street and Commercial Avenue.  At this place, Mr. Albright visited her, at her request, as often as two or three times a week, and on one occasion paid the woman with whom she stopped some money, that had been sent to him by Barringer.
On Wednesday morning last, a strange man (said to be a Mr. Barry) came to the young mother’s quarters, and informed her that Mr. Jones had sent him for the baby; that it was his purpose to convey it to Jonesboro and take care of it.  She was unwilling to surrender her child to this strange man until Mr. Albright, who came in a few minutes afterwards, assured her that he believed it would be taken to Jonesboro, and be well provided for.  She then consented to the removal of the child, and the strange man left, carrying it with him, Mr. Albright leaving in company with him.  In this connection we may state that Mr. A. protests that he accompanied the strange individual as far as the corner of Levee and Fourth Street, where he left him, fully assured that the chills would be taken on the train, which would soon start to Jonesboro, as Mr. J. informed him it would be; and that he knew nothing to the contrary until his attention was called to the affair by the Evening Bulletin.  The young mother informed us that she would not have parted with the child had there been any cause for a suspicion that it would be left in Cairo.  Mr. Albright subsequently advised her that she had better not take the child back, but should let its father provide for it, that she was young, inexperienced, and would find it difficult to obtain a home while encumbered with it.  This advice, harmonizing with her own views, and feeling herself somewhat weaned from the child already, she preferred not to take it back, provided it was comfortable cared for, where she could occasionally visit it.  Before parting with the child no one told her she could prosecute her seducer and compel him to take care of her and she does not think she would have commenced proceedings against him had she been so advised.  She says she has been kindly treated throughout, and denies with emphasis that anyone, either in Cairo or Jonesboro, ever advised her to poison either herself or her child.  She furthermore says that from the time of taking up lodgings in Cairo until after the child was born (Saturday a week ago) she never left her room; and that all reports to the effect that she had made trips to Columbus or anywhere else, are wholly groundless.  She gives Mr. A. credit for scaring Mr. B. into her support, and says that she has known nothing but kindness at Mr. A.’s hands since she arrived in Cairo.
This we believe to be a fair statement of the case as presented by Miss Cummings.  Mr. Albright was not present at the interview, and no undue influences were brought to bear upon her in anyway.  She is young, unsophisticated and scarcely ingenious enough to practice deceit, and were the appearance of a truthful girl throughout.  She promises to live a virtuous penitent life hereafter, and if surrounded by proper influences will no doubt do so.
(Researcher's Note:  George Barringer married Belle Byrd on 21 Nov 1877, in Union Co., Ill.  He married 2nd on 11 Sep 1892, Mary E. Chase.)
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, Apr 19, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

At the request of Mr. Albright we publish the annexed affidavit of one of the parties in the late illegitimate child scandal.  So far as this matter is concerned, it has no public importance, except that it is a dainty bit of scandal, which the mongers of that article seem to very much enjoy.  So far as the seducer is concerned, we are free to say he has acted the part of a cruel and heartless wretch, at whom the finger of condemnation should be steadfastly pointed.  Having ruined his victim, he coolly abandons the offspring to the tender mercies of a cold and even cruel world, and pursues the even tenor of his way with the nonchalance of a shameless man.  The connection of Messrs. Jones and Albright with this affair, is to say the least of it, unfortunate, and they no doubt regret and deplore it.  If they simply desired to hide the shame of the girl, and to cover the shortcomings of their personal friend, the betrayer, and did this, as they say they did, at the request of both the principal parties in the scandal, and with the intention of having the child cared for by its father, they may palliate their conduct; and no talk would have grown out of the affair had not the infant been shamefully abandoned and left upon the steps of a wealthy gentleman, whose kindness of heart and great liberality have become proverbial in this community, apparently for the purpose of working upon his sympathy, so that he might be induced to take in the little waif and care for it.  This abandonment was a crying shame—and outrage; and, in the absence of affirmative proof to the contrary, we are compelled to accept Mr. A.’s protestation that he, as well as the mother of the child, was deceived by the other parties in the questionable transaction.  To refuse to accept these protestations as truth is to place Mr. A. in an embarrassing position.  In order, therefore, that the facts of the transaction may be ascertained, we are willing to publish the statements of interested parties, and lay before our readers the affidavit which follows:
Jane Smith being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that she was present at the house on Second Street and Commercial Avenue when Miss Mary Cummings was brought there by Mr. Jones, of Jonesboro, and was engaged by him to wait upon hr; that she heard Miss Cummings request Mr. Jones to tell Mr. Albright that she wanted to see him—that Mr. A. visited there at her request several times during her illness; that nothing whatever was ever said concerning poisoning either the mother or the child, but that both of them received the kindest possible treatment ever since Miss Cummings first came to Cairo; that the young lady never went to Columbus or any other place; nor did she leave her room from the time she first came there, until after the birth of the child one week ago last Saturday.  She further states that a stranger to her (whom she has since learned was a Mr. Berry, of Union County) came to the house on last Tuesday evening, and stated that he had been sent by Mr. Jones to take the child to Jonesboro; that Miss Cummings, not knowing him, refused to give the child up, that afterwards Mr. Albright was sent for, and shoed her a letter which Berry had brought him from Mr. Jones.  Witness states that she does not know what the letter contained, but that after Miss Cummings saw it she expressed herself satisfied to let Mr. Berry take the child.  She further states that she heard Mr. Berry ask Mr. Albright to accompany him part of the way to the train, (which was about starting); that nothing was ever said about leaving the child in Cairo, but that it was understood that it was to be taken to Jonesboro.  That Mr. Albright stated that morning that Mr. Jones had written him a letter assuring him that arrangements had been made by which a gentleman and his wife in Union County would take the child, and that it would be kindly cared for.  And furthermore saith not.
Jane Smith (her mark)
Subscribed and sworn to before me April 20th, 1869.
F. Bross, P. M.
 
    Mr. Editor:  Trespassing upon your kindness, I will avail myself of the columns of the Bulletin to say a few words about my connection with the unfortunate affair which has furnished Cairo with its nine days’ wonder, the scandal-mongers with food upon which to surfeit their vitiated appetites, and to that class of my enemies, who, in their attacks upon my character, heretofore, sought the safety of quiet retreat and still hours, a license to indulge to their satisfaction in my open defamation.
    My better judgment has, up to this time, guarded me from running headlong into a defense, while poisoned-tongued rumor held sway over the minds of all; while my conduct was judged by falsehood and not fact; while my enemies, open and secret, and they are not few, allowed no chance to slip by, where fuel could be added to the flames, while every dog of them,
    “Tray, Blanche, Sweetheart, and all.”
were yelping “Albright” in every store and office, and upon every street corner in the town.  Looking at this condition of affairs, my better judgment, as I have said, taught me that then was not the time for defense, and that this miniature tempest would soon, in the nature of things, expend its fury.  Events, which have since transpired, convince me of the wisdom of that judgment.
    Now, that the statement of the mother, made in my absence, and in the presence of Messrs. M. B. Harrell and A. B. Safford, and the deposition of the negress, Jane Smith, who nursed the mother from the time of her arrival here until a short time after the birth of the child, have been published, it is a duty which I owe alike to the public and myself to submit a statement of those facts connected with the matter of which I am cognizant:
STATEMENT
    While at Jonesboro, some time since, the mother of the child, Miss Cummings, applied to me for advice, and spoke of beginning legal proceedings against Mr. Barringer, but expressed her belief that he (Mr. B.) would care for her, without resorting to measures which would necessarily lead to publicity.  I advised a compromise, if such could be made, and accordingly saw Mr. B. and stated the proposition, which Miss C. has made to me; he expressed himself perfectly willing to do everything necessary to the well-being of Miss C.; that even the suspicion of scandal might be prevented.  I heard nothing further of the case until I was informed that Miss Cummings was in Cairo and desired to see me.  I called upon her at the corner of Second Street and Commercial Avenue, in compliance with her desire, and the request of Mr. Barringer, the latter stating that he wanted me to see that she was made comfortable, and that she was well cared for.  After the birth of the child, I received a letter from Mr. Jones, stating that on the subsequent evening he would send some one for the child; that arrangements had been made in Union County through which it would be properly cared for.  The following evening, (Tuesday) a young man who face looked familiar, but whose name I did not known, called at my office and presented a letter from Mr. Jones, stating that the bearer had come to take the child to Jonesboro, and requested me to see that the police officers did not prevent him from conveying the infant to the cars.  This I told the young man I would do; and was accordingly waked at three o’clock, Wednesday morning, and repaired to the house, where I found the infant, neatly and comfortable arranged in a large basket.  The young man took the basket containing the infant, and I accompanied him up Commercial Avenue as far as Fourth Street, where he was joined by another person, a stranger to me, whom the young man, carrying the basket, said was the baggage man, with whom he had arrangements made to convey the infant to Jonesboro.  When the baggage man met him, I was told that the infant would be immediately placed o the train and that my services were no longer necessary.  I then left them and immediately went to my office.  This was the lat I knew of the matter, supposing, as did the mother of the child, that it was taken to Jonesboro, until I was accosted by Mr. Safford, the gentleman upon whose steps it had been left, and by whom I was accused of being engaged in leaving the child at his door.  This I denied; but frankly told him all I knew about it, and telegraphed immediately for Mr. Jones. Three hours later Mr. Jones arrived.  He stated that the name of the young man whom he sent for the child was Berry; that he formerly lived some two or three years in Cairo, and believes he was engaged while living here in driving a dray; that Berry was selected because he was acquainted here, and was paid to take the child to Jonesboro, and from there eight miles west in the country, where arrangements had been made for a Mr. Bostin and his wife to raise it.  Mr. Jones I know to be an upright, fair-minded gentleman, and no one who knows him will impugn the motives he was actuated by, throughout the whole affair.  Had Berry acted in accordance with the instructions of Mr. Jones, the unfortunate affair would have never assumed its present aspect.
    I submit this, in all candor and sincerity, to the just-minded of the people of Cairo.  The news of the disposition of the infant surprised no one more than myself.  The trouble and annoyance, to which it subjected Mr. Safford, though I protest through no instrumentality of mine, cannot be regretted more by that gentleman than by myself.  To destroy, or to attempt to destroy, the happiness of any man’s household, be he who he may, by the remotest act of mine, is not within the domain of my thoughts; that the infant should be left at his door, because he being wealthy, it would be more likely to be cared for, is absurd, when it is a fact known that Mr. and Mrs. Boston, living outside of Jonesboro, in Union County, had been paid, ere the removal of the infant, for its care and nursing; and where, also, the mother so soon as her physical condition would permit, might satisfy her natural desire of being near the child.  My friendly offices in the premises were outraged and my confidence grossly abused.
    However much I may have erred, and however grievously, to having any connection with the matter at all, I have, nevertheless, within myself the wholesome satisfaction of knowing that no one let them look at it from whatever standpoint they will, can attribute to me sordid or selfish motives.  It was an error not of the head but the heart.  If I have erred, and suffered it was because on the one hand I endeavored to save a friend, just commencing on the journey of real life, from the misery of that shame and social ostracism which would have ever pursued him in his own land; it was because I contemplated with a just fear the consequences of the exposure of an affair where passion assumes so great a part—mind so little; on the other hand, to rescue an innocent and helpless girl from the abyss of moral degradation and ruin, which stands, ever eager and agape, for its victims; and to insist that the innocent cause of all this trouble should find in its father a father and no less a relation.  My offending hath this extent and no more.
    A word or two to a few of the many rumors in circulation.  While giving ample credit to my enemies for a willing and sever ready disposition to abuse me, I still had within me enough of the milk of human kindness to suppose that the worst and most inhuman of them would hesitate before originating and spreading many of the falsehoods to which this affair has given rise.
    I care little however, for the assertions of the vindictive and for the present let them pass.  I shall endeavor to make my future life prove, as I trust my past has proven, my vindication; and I shall seek justification before the tribunal of public opinion when I strike back with effect at those who now so venomously and maliciously pursuer me.
    F. E. Albright
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, Wednesday, 21 Apr 1869; Transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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A crowd of two or three hundred persons, white and black were drawn to the court house, yesterday afternoon, by the announcement that the convicts would be started for the Joliet penitentiary.  About three o’clock the omnibus arrived on the ground, and soon after, Dick Fitzgerald brought forth his penitentiary brigade, securely chained and ironed, and hustled them on board. There were considerable weeping, moaning and wiling among the friends and relatives of the prisoner, and some of the prisoners themselves gave way their feelings and cried outright.
The following list gives the names of the convicts, the offenses of which they were convicted, and the terms of their imprisonment, viz:
Dan Webster, larceny, seven years; James Dinan, robbery, one year; J. Holoahan, robbery, five years; William Williams, robbery, five years; J. Brady, robbery, five years; J. Boggs, buggery, two years and a half; William Payton (col’d) burglary, three years; Louis Robinson, (col’d) burglary, three years; Al. Covington (col’d) burglary, three years; J. Robbins (col’d) incest, eight years; Henry Gay (col’d) manslaughter, five years; Lee Humphreys, (col’d) adultery, one year; Eliza King, (white) adultery, one year; Mary Randolph, (col’d) larceny, two years and a half; Florence Middleton (col’d) larceny two years and three quarters.
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, Apr 19, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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Louis Houck, Esq., formerly of this city, but now of St. Louis, is about to take up his residence in Cape Girardeau.  Shouldn’t be much surprised if Houck were to find his way back to Cairo, sooner or later.  
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, Apr 24, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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We have been requested to say that from 500 to 1,000 strawberry pickers can procure employment at Cobden from May 20th to June 10th.  Such prices will be paid as to enable pickers to make good wages.  It would be advisable for the planters there to advertise their wants in this regard, adding some assurance as to the price of board, etc.
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, May 1, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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It is said that Mr. Holcomb of Dongola has over three thousand tulips, of every conceivable shade of color, now in full boom.
 --Cairo Evening Bulletin, May 8, 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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A negro Bird, who has at frequent intervals, played the orator among the colored people of Cairo, and who, once upon a time, addressed that class from the same stand occupied by Olney and Linegar, and made the best speech of the occasion, is devoting himself to the study of law.  He is studying under a Cairo attorney.
    (Researcher's notes:  John J. Bird was born about 1842 in Ohio.  He is in the 1870 census of Cairo, Alexander Co., Ill., as a “railroad man.”  His wife was Anna Venerable Bird, born about 1842 in Pennsylvania.  Their children were John William Bird, 4; and Egbert Bird, 2, were born in Canada.)
--Cairo Evening Bulletin, 27 May 1869; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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Jonesboro Gazette, July 15, 1871

Submitted by Darrel Dexter

Dr. Sidney S. Condon wrote of the Hartline robbery in the July 15, 1871, Jonesboro Gazette:
“Isaac Hartline, another son of George, was in many respects a remarkable man.  He was not so large and stout as some of his brothers, but had a wonderfully strong constitution.  He was a pushing, energetic man, of great endurance, so much so that his neighbors gave him the name "Leather Ike."  He also settled about three miles north of Jonesboro and south of Cobden about two miles, where he opened out a good farm with a large house, barn, stables, horse mill, etc. thereon.  No man was possessed of more energy, and few if any of our farmers were better financiers.  Had he been endowed with a good education, he would have been immensely wealthy; as it was, he left a heavy estate at his death to be divided among his brothers and sisters.  He never married and consequently had no immediate heirs of his own.  He came near losing his life in 1866, in consequent of his reputed wealth and cupidity of some fiendish scoundrels.  They came to his house in the dead of night after he had retired, and whilst two stood guard outside, three found an easy entrance, as the door was unlocked, according to a custom among the farmers.  A pistol was presented to his head, and the robbers then tied the old man and a decrepit sister who lived with him (Elizabeth Hartline), as well as a nephew (Elijah Hartline).  They then began diligent search about the drawers and every place where money was likely to be found.  They obtained a large amount in greenbacks and gold belonging to Elijah Hartline.  Being satisfied that they could get no more, they then proceeded to set fire to the house in two or more places, and started to make their escape, leaving the parties tied to the bed post, to be burned with the house, thus obliterating every vestige of their hellish crime.  But they were not so careful as they might have been in tying the woman.  Soon after their departure she freed her own hands from the cords and was not long in liberating Isaac Hartline and his nephew, who by strenuous exertions were soon able to extinguish the flames and thus save the house and themselves.  This diabolical outrage produced great consternation among the people.  The tracks of a buggy leading from the house were found and traced a considerable distance.  Parties strongly suspected, and to whom circumstantial evidence pointed as probably the guilty ones, were apprehended, tried and acquitted.  So that they who committed this dark crime, whosoever they were, went unwhipped of justice.  Isaac survived this about five years.  His death was brought about at last by accident.  Being engaged in chopping in the woods, his axe glanced and cut his self; the wound soon degenerated into an ugly gangrene sore and death ensued in a few days.  This occurred in the year 1870, at the age about 65. 
(Actually, Isaac Hartline was born in 1800 and died 29 Nov 1867, and was buried in Casper Cemetery.  His father, George Hartline, was a brother, of my ancestor, Mary Hartline Lentz.—Darrel Dexter)  (See also Union County Outrage on this page and County History--Circuit Court-1866.)

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Information is wanted as to the whereabouts of Mr. Richard Burns. Mr. Burns has been and may still be in Cairo. Was when last heard from by the enquirer, a gentleman of St. Louis, engaged in draying in Cairo. Information may be left at the office of The Bulletin.  (Source:  Cairo Daily Bulletin, Tuesday, 14 Jan 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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The calls on the practical sympathy of the people of Cairo are many and constant, but our citizens are always quick to hear them and seldom tire of the practice of charity when given to deserving objects. Mr. Benjamin Day with his wife and three children are now at the Gibson House in this city, entirely without means and friends. The man has a broken leg, is wholly helpless, and his wife is kept a prisoner in his room by the attention which her husband and children require at her hands. This needy family are at the Gibson House, corner of Fourth Street and Commercial Avenue. The good samaritans of the city will not pass by on the other side.
  (Source:  Cairo Daily Bulletin, Thursday, 16 Jan 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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Timothy Hogan is a river man by avocation. Some few weeks ago he left his wife and three children in perfectly destitute circumstances in this city. Sickness and starvation combined soon made them helpless. Yesterday, the wife and children were sent to St. Mary’s Infirmary by the county authorities. The husband and father deserves the reprobation of the community for deserting them in this manner.
  (Source:  Cairo Daily Bulletin, Tuesday, 21 Jan 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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A very painful occurrence took place at the Eams Hub Factory yesterday afternoon. A young man, whose name we failed to learn, has been employed in the factory here for a short time to attend to a circle saw. Yesterday afternoon he accidentally slipped and falling on the saw one arm was cut off entirely and the saw entered his side, injuring him severely and possibly fatally. The young man’s home is in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  (Cairo Daily Bulletin, Tuesday, 28 Jan 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

The accident at the Eams Hub Factory recorded in The Bulletin a day or two ago, was not as serious as first supposed.  The young man, whose name is Ganahl, was only slightly hurt, his arm being cut in such a manner as not to disable him for any length of time.  (Cairo Daily Bulletin, Thursday, 30 Jan 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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The person in Cairo who rejoices in the largest name, is Nicholas William Adrian Calz Smallenburg.  He is commonly called John, for short.
(Cairo Daily Bulletin, Sunday, 9 Feb 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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The case of the United States vs. William Bagsly was called up in the afternoon, and a jury called.  This case is brought under the enforcement act of May 1870.  Bagsly is indicted for preventing George Burgess, a colored man, for voting, by threats, intimidation and force at an election held in Pulaski County for school purposes, in the year 1871.  The testimony has all been heard and this morning the case will be argued.  (Cairo Daily Bulletin, Thursday, 6 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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Francis Kinnan, who has been employed by the express company for five years past as night watchman, and who for some time past has evinced signs of a deranged mind, yesterday gave unmistakenable evidence of insanity, and on medical examination, he was ordered to the asylum at Jacksonville.  Mr. Irvin starts with the unfortunate man for that place today.
(Note:  His name is recorded as Francis Keernan in the 16 Mar 1873 issue (see below).—Darrel Dexter)  
--Cairo Daily Bulletin, Saturday 8 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

Francis Keernan, who was last week adjudged insane will be taken to Jacksonville today.  Mr. George Weldon will take him here.  Mr. W. will upon his return bring with him Mrs. Burke and another person now inmates of the asylum.  Whether the persons to be brought back have recovered or note, we could not learn.  
--Cairo Daily Bulletin, Sunday, 16 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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About one year ago a Mr. J. H. Newman and lady came to this city with the intention of making it their home.  Mr. Newman “followed the river,” in the capacity of a steamboat pilot, while his wife opened a dress-making establishment on Seventh Street, between Washington Avenue and Walnut Street.  They passed as man and wife, and to all appearances they lived happily, and no one mistrusted that they were not what they seemed.  But, as Shakespeare says, “the course of true love never did run smooth;” and so it has come to pass with this couple.  A few days ago Sheriff Irvin received a capias from the clerk of the circuit court of Gallatin County, which Shawneetown is the county seat, for the arrest of Mr. J. H. Newman on the charge of bigamy.  Mr. Irvin went about his work, quietly, and succeeded in capturing Mr. Newman, and has him now in custody.  A preliminary hearing was had, and the bail of the accused fixed at $1,000, which up to last evening he had been unable to procure.
Mr. Newman refused to give any explanation or make any statements concerning the matter; but it is reasonable to infer from all circumstances of the case, that he is the possessor of just one more wife than the law of the land allows him.
--Cairo Daily Bulletin, Saturday, 15 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.

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At about 4 o’clock yesterday morning, the house on Fourth Street, between Washington and Commercial Avenue, occupied by W. T. Scott as a saloon, billiard hall and dance hall, was discovered to be on fire.  During all of Wednesday night and Thursday morning, and especially the time of the fire, a fierce wind was blowing, which, together with the extreme dryness of everything combustible, made it almost impossible, once the fire had gained headway, to check it.  The fire companies were all promptly on the ground, and worked with untiring energy.  But notwithstanding this fact it was found impossible to do more than to confine the fire to the building in which it originated.  For a time it was feared all the building adjacent must meet the fate of the one occupied by Scott; and had it not been as above stated, for the united efforts of the fireman and the individual exertions of several gentlemen who mounted the roofs of the surrounding houses, such must have been the result.
The house occupied by Scott was entirely destroyed, every particle of wood used in the construction of the building being consumed; nothing but the burnt and blackened walls were left standing, and they were yesterday morning, under the direction of Chief Myers, pulled down.
The building was owned by Dr. William Wood, and was valued at about $3,000.  There was no insurance on it, and of course the doctor loses the whole amount.  Neither had Scott any insurance, and his loss is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000.
This makes the second time Scott has been “burned out” within the last five months; and we have every reason to believe that the fires were the work of incendiaries.  It is a well known fact that Scott is the object of the most intense hatred by many of the negroes who frequent such dens as the one kept by him.  Knowing this to be true, and believing he had struck the right track and that he could bring the guilty parties of justice, Scott yesterday morning swore out warrants for the arrest of three colored men named Thompson, Mitchell, and Thomas Freeman, the latter proprietor of a negro dance house on Walnut Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets.  The warrant was placed in the hands of an officer, and the accused parties taken into custody.
A preliminary examination of the accused parties took place yesterday afternoon before Judge Bross and Justice McHale, when the following testimony was elicited:
D. T. Linegar appeared for the prisoners, and P. H. Pope for the prosecution.
The first witness called was ________, who testified:  Thompson came to my room about 3 or 4 o’clock yesterday morning, and asked if “Andrew” was there; told Thompson Andrew was not there: Thompson spilled something out of his pocket; said he would like to see Andrew; that he had a heavy thing on hand for tonight, if he could only see Andrew; Thompson went out and I shut the door and locked it; a few minutes after leaving the house, about 25 or 30 minutes after Thompson left, the fire broke out; I got up and went out of the house; seen Thompson in the street while the house was on fire; he was talking to someone.
Cross examined by Mr. Linegar:  I lived in the house burned; first saw the fire through the front hall windows; Thompson wanted to see Andrews; told him to see if he was not in the next room and he went away, down the steps and out of the house; I went to bed; a few minutes after Thompson left, the house was on fire; did not see where he went.
Jane Gerold testified—My name is Jane Gerold; when the fire broke out I got up and went out on the street.  I saw Thompson in my bed, and tried to wake him up; he was in the back part of the bed, behind me; I live on Fourth Street about half a block from Scott’s; Harriet Bundy told me there was a fire; I did not know Thompson was in my bed; I had been at the minstrel performance at Freeman’s; got home about 12 o’clock; don’t know when Thompson came to my house; he was not in bed when I got home; tried to wake him up, but could not; all the back part of Scott’s house was burned when I got awake; don’t know what time it was when the fire broke out; I tried to wake Thompson; he jumped up and asked “whose house is afire?” it was not daylight when I tried to wake him; first I knew of his being in my bed was when I got awake on account of the fire; if I had been awake would have known when he came to bed: I got up and went out on the street, I live three doors from Scott’s house Thompson did not say anything when told him it was Scott’s house; I was not in the house when Thompson got ___; next saw him on the street during the fire; I am sure I do not know when he came to my bed; can’t tell when he got up; I was asleep when came in.
Cross-Examined by Mr. Linegar:  Henry Lewis told me he woke me up; said he called me; I was asleep from about twelve o’clock; live next door to Curran’s house; there are two houses between Scott’s and Curran’s; they are frame houses.
     Henry Lewis testified:  don’t know any of the defendants; came to Cairo yesterday on the Belle Memphis; have seen two of them before; saw Thompson this morning; saw the fire; Thompson came to the door and knocked and asked for Jane Gerold; asked who was there; he got a lamp and went into Jane’s room; told him I was going to bed; I was in Jane’s room before the fire; was in bed twenty minutes before the fire; it was about seventy-five yards from where Jane lives to Scott’s house, in the same block; tried to wake Jane, and told her a man wanted to see her; she asked if it was Thompson; said yes; did not see Thompson any more.
Cross-examined by Linegar:  Helped to take goods out of the house nearby; the little house burned was on the same lot with the brick.
Harriet Bandy testified:  Have seen defendants; know Freeman; seen Thompson several times; live on Fourth Street; saw Thompson after the fire; saw Jane Gerold; she was asleep, and I woke her up; Jane lives in the same house with me; came back and saw someone in the bed; asked who in h-ll is in bed there, and said, “get up, you s-n of a b---h, what are you sleeping here for?”  Did not see Thompson in bed with Jane when I woke her; was light enough to tell a black man from a white one; I was out five or ten minutes when I came back and saw Thompson in bed; the fire had not reached the brick house when I got up; was 4 o’clock when the fire broke out.
Cross-examined by Linegar:  Don’t know where Thompson went; only saw him talking in the streets.
John McNulty testified:  Know Freeman, and the other two only by sight; saw Thompson standing by the fire; he said he thought it was set on fire; said he was connected with Freeman’s minstrels; said he was in Scott’s house and got scared when the alarm was given.
(The balance of this witness’ testimony as to what Thompson said, is not fit for publication.)
Cross-examined by Linegar:  Thompson said he “was in there” when the alarm was given; did not say in Scott’s house; he said Freeman had minstrels and gave free balls, but Scott had all the women; Thompson said he did not think Freeman’s men would set it on fire.
L. H. Meyers testified:  Was at the fire; after Thompson was arrested he said he was in the little brick house beyond Curran’s when the alarm was given.
Several other witnesses were examined but their testimony was of no importance.  At the conclusion of the testimony, the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Pope, entered a nolle prosequi in the case of Freeman and Mitchell, but thought Thompson should be held for trial by the circuit court.  The court, however, thought there was not sufficient evidence against either of the accused to warrant holding them for trial, and they were dismissed.  (Cairo Daily Bulletin, Friday, 21 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

Wednesday, 26 Mar 1873:
    I will pay $50 reward for information that will lead to the detection and conviction of the person who set fire to or caused the burning of my house on the morning of the 10th inst.
William T. Scott

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    That there are three new towns in Alexander County is a fact that few of our city people are aware of.  These towns are all situated in Clear Creek Precinct and named respectively Warrenton, Clear Creek and East Cape Girardeau.
    Warrenton was named for Col. Warren Stewart who served his county in the capacity of colonel in the late unpleasantness.  Clear Creek derives its name from the beautiful stream of that name meandering on the north boundary of the town.  East Cape Girardeau is located just opposite Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and was laid out and platted by R. A. Edmonson.  Warrenton boast 16 lots and 50 inhabitants, Clear Creek 14 lots and 60 inhabitants and East Cape Girardeau 50 lots and 100 inhabitants.  (Cairo Daily Bulletin, Friday, 28 Mar 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.)

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Mr. Editor:—Will you favor us with a small place in The Bulletin, that I may call attention of the citizens to some balls that are in circulation, the purport of which are a grand gift show at Scheel’s hall, April 9th, 10th, and 11th, the last night will conclude with a ball half the proceeds for the benefit of the A. M. E. Church.  Proprietors P. McCalister, N. Bullet.
We have no doubt but what the intention of the gentlemen was good, as to helping the church, but they struck the wrong note, the A. M. E. church don’t encourage balls.  So the statement is incorrect, and I do hope that no one will attach the name of the church of God to anything like that again.
William Jackson
(Cairo Daily Bulletin, Wednesday, 9 Apr 1873; transcribed by Darrel Dexter.