LOCAL MATTERS--The sale of personal property of the late Samuel DUNAWAY at Bainbridge on Monday last, was largely attended and property brought its full value. -Henry ACHELTREE the negro who was accused of stealing two hogs from GRAY, was bound over to the next term of the country court, but failing to give proper security, now languisheth in the county bastile.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS.--Mr. D. D. SIMPSON has been suffering severely with neuralgia the past week. --Mr. Geo. H. ROBERTS, of Corinth, is in the city under medical treatment for sore eyes. --Miss Hariet HARTWELL has an attack of scarlet rash at the residence of C.A. FURLONG, near where she has been teaching school. --Mr. D.V. SAUNDERS has recovered from his sickness, and is again permitted to appear on the streets, however, in a very weak manner. --We are pleased to know that Mr. E.A. PHILLIPS is convalescing from his severe attack of typhoid and pneumonia which he has been called upon to pass through during the past three weeks. --Mr. Bradley GROGAN and Miss Mary GIBBS, all of this city, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony last Sunday evening at 6 o’clock P.M., the Rev. John A. RODMAN officiating. --Dr. J. FLY of Pulley’s Mill was in the city last Thursday. He informs us that the affliction in his family, an account of which was published in the Monitor some weeks ago, is not so severe, and that Mrs. FLY is convalescent. --As a journalist it is our sad duty to chronicle the death of Mr. John WASHBURN, son of Hon. J.W. WASHBURN, of Carterville, which occurred at Ewing, Franklin county, Saturday night, January 27. His body was brought home and buried in the Hurricane cemetery, near his father’s residence, last Tuesday. His father was on his way to see him, and met the corpse in the street of Benton on the way to its final resting place. His disease was pneumonia, and his sickness was of short duration. The deceased was a bright and promising young man, and was attending Ewing college at the time of his death. Cut down in the flower of his youth, he leaves a large circle of friends, especially among the young people of Marion, where he was highly esteemed for his manly and estimable qualities, who will sincerely mourn his untimely death. To the large number of relatives and friends we extend our heart felt sympathy in this ---- ----- --------
CIRCUIT COURT.
People vs. Swan SKELTON was taken up and proceeded with. SKELTON was accused of murderous assault on his brother-in-law, HEWITT. It was adduced in evidence that SKELTON fired a gun at HEWITT, evidently intending to kill him. The jury found him guilty, and he was given twelve months in the penitentiary. James KELLY, under indictment for assault with intent to kill, was given a hearing on Tuesday. The case was an aggravated one, the man assaulted, James LIPSEY, dying some tow months afterward. The trial occupied the main portion of the day, and was giving to the jury in the evening and a verdict of guilty was rendered. He goes to Joliet for seven years.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Jan. 26-Isaac MOAK to Margaret E. RALLS. Joseph BALLARD to
Cindarella M. CRAIN.
Jan. 28-A.B. GROGAN to Mary E. GIBBS.
Jan. 31-John TRAVELSTEAD to Lovina MCCOMB.
A STARTLING CONSPIRACY!--Robbery and Murder Planned. THE PLOT FRUSTRATED BY ONE OF THE GANG “SQUEALING.”--Four of the Band Behind Bars. About noon Sunday last, the usual quiet of Sabbath morning was broken and the citizens thrown into a fever of excitement by startling rumors flying hither and thither, produced by the arrival, under custody of officers, of two prisoners named JACKSON and MOSS, captured in Saline County, and charged with being members of a gang of thieves having their headquarters in this and Franklin county. JACKSON, who says he joined the gang for the purpose of “giving them away,” tells the following story: Some six or seven years ago he was approached by members of the order and asked to become one of the gang, but refused. However, a short time ago, after considerable solicitation he joined them, he avers, for the purpose of unearthing their crimes and bring them to justice. The operations of the gang have been confined to petty thefts until last week when they determined to take wider field of robbery and commit at least one murder. On last Friday morning JACKSON went to Blairville and informed Mr. NEWALL that his store would be robbed soon. Saturday morning he also went to Mr. D.R. HARRISON of Herrin’s Prairie, and told him that a plot was on foot to rob his house and then murder him; also informing him of other contemplated raids on citizens of saline county, naming Mr. MAYHEW as one of the victims. Mr. HARRISON at first paid but little attention to JACKSON’S story, but subsequently Messrs. J.W. BLAIR, Jas. HERRIN and E.S. HERRIN took the matter in hand, and followed and arrested JACKSON and MOSS at the residence of Sampson BELL of Saline County and brought them to Marion Sunday morning. Two more of the band were arrested Monday, giving the names of J.E. PALMER and John GOSSETT.
MOSS it seems is leader of the gang, and when soliciting JACKSON to join them, showed him a spear or knife and told him that if he would become one of them he need work no more; that he (MOSS) did not work, and that the spear was his capital and that he intended it should furnish him a living. They had grips and passwords and were regularly organized. JACKSON was supplied with a “trick watch” and would go into a crowd to attract their attention by showing it while MOSS picked pockets. The above is the substance of JACKSON’s story, but other points developed go to show that if the main facts are true, there is more behind:They seemed to have a special spite against Mr. HARRISON, intending to fire residence, barns and saw mill and take his life. This is accounted for from the fact that in 1869 MOSS presented an order to Mr. HARRISON for payment that had been “raised” to a higher amount than the original, and was detected and has been under indictment for the offense since, and as Mr. H. is the principal witness, the chance to put him out of the way could not be resisted. They are undergoing examination by the Grand Jury now is session, and will probably be bound over to the April term of the Circuit court. It was rumored on the street that the two men who assaulted Mrs. KERN, in this city some weeks ago, were a part of this gang, but JACKSON and the others deny all knowledge of that transaction. We do not vouch for the correctness of the foregoing, but give the whole story as near as we can get at the facts. There has been no robbery committed by the band that can be fixed directly upon them, and many are of the opinion that JACKSON’s tale is a “put up job.” The matter will be sifted to the bottom by the Grand Jury, and our readers will get the straight of it next week.
LOCAL MATTERS--Alfred T. JACKSON, the man spoken of in connection with the conspiracy sensations as insane, was liberated last Monday, friends going ball for his appearance at the April term of Court. --Mrs. Laura WILEY, wife of W. E. WILEY, of this city, died very suddenly last Sunday morning. She was apparently in good health Saturday night, but Sunday morning found her a corpse. Her husband was away from home, and knew nothing of his misfortune until notified of her death, by telegraph. She was buried at Carbondale Tuesday. --Mr. John M. YOUNG died in Marion February 6th, 1877, at 4 o’clock P.M., aged 41 years, 10 months and 5 days. He was interred by the Masonic Fraternity in the Marion Cemetery, Wednesday February 6th. Mr. YOUNG has been widely and favorably known in this community, and leaves a wife and family and a large circle of friends to mourn his death. He has been marked as a victim of consumption for some time past, but his death was hastened by a severe attack of pneumonia.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS.--Mrs. UHLS is seriously ill with pneumonia. --Wm. BARHAM is lying at the point of death, at this writing. (Wednesday)--Mrs. B. GALLAGHER has an attack of pneumonia. --Mr. E. A. PHILIPS appeared on the streets last Monday for the first time since his serious sickness. --Mr. J.H. REYNOLDS, who has been seriously ill for some time past, is slowly recovering. --Hartwell HENDRICKSON has been suffering severely since Saturday last, with the disease of the throat. He has great difficulty in swallowing food or water.--Died, of congestive chill, Tuesday morning January 30, 1877, at the residence of Frank BENSON in Johnson County, Ill. Mrs. Mary J. BALLENGER, wife of Dr. I.A. BALLENGER, of Marion, Williamson Co., Ill. Mrs. BALLENGER’s death was very sudden and unexpected, she being sick but a very short time previous to her demise. Her husband was absent at the time of attack of the fatal sickness, and arrived only in time to see her expire. She was born in Alabama but moved with her friends in early childhood to Pocahontas, Ark., where she grew to maturity. She was married to Dr. BALLENGER some 6 years ago, and after a short time removed to Illinois for her health. She was 42 years of age at the time of her death. Cut off in the noon day of a bright and happy life, her departure, although to a brighter and happier home on high, leaves a void in her earthly home that nothing can ever fill. We extend out sympathies to the stricken relatives and friends, but words of condolence in such an hour are cold and meaningless.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Feb. 1-Everett STATON, aged 65, to Mrs. Martha BARNETT, aged
35. Jesse SHRIVER to Jane GRENISTAFF.
Feb. 3-Thos. KIRKHAM to Martha E. TIBBS. Charles ARNOLD to Mary
BARKER.
Jefferson MATSINGER to Mrs. Mary A. ALLEN. Wm. CUNDIFF to Louisa
J. GUTHRIE.
Feb. 6-Lewis GARNER to Barbara E. GRAVES.
Feb. 7-John PULLEM to Sophia DAVIS.
CIRCUIT COURT.
People vs. Jud ASKEW the jury declared him not guilty, and
JUDSON was set at liberty.
People vs. Geo. WILSON, charged with stealing a horse from Warren
D. MOSS last fall, was continued on affidavit of defendant.
People vs. James CALVERT, burglary, nollied, and defendant set at
liberty.
People vs. Henry OCLETREE, larceny. The jury found that Henry
loved pork, and to gratify his taste for the juicy steak and
luscious sausage, had helped himself to two shoats worth $14. He
was sentenced to sixty days imprisonment in the county jail, and
about the time Henry again appears in public to work out the $10
fine and costs of suit, the blue birds will be sweetly singing,
and the festive groundhog lured from his winter fastness by the
balmy breezes of spring will furnish meat for him and keep him
from again falling into evil ways.
People vs. David MOSS, forgery; tried by jury, verdict of guilty
and sentenced to eight years in the Penitentiary.
People vs. David MOSS, John E. PALMER, Alfred T. JACKSON and John
GOSSET, conspiracy, continued.
THAT STARTLING CONSPIRACY. TURNS OUT TO BE A “STARTLING” HOAX. JACKSON, The Author of It, Insane. No Robberies, No murders, No Klan. “Give a dog a bad name and every one will kick him,” was never more clearly exemplified that in the case of Williamson County. The CRAIN-BULLINER feud gave the county a bad name not only throughout the state, but the whole country over, and it seems that everybody is inclined to kick us on the slightest provocation. Instance which, the many renderings of the sensational conspiracy story telegraphed from here all over the country from one end to the other with embellishments emenating in the fertile brains of correspondents. From a reading of the daily press people around about us must believe that Williamson County is the favored home of the robber, the paradise of the murderer, and a place of retreat for hardened desperadoes of every description; yet the facts in the matter show an entirely different state of affairs. Last week we gave a detailed account of the alleged conspiracy to rob and murder citizens of the County, as told by JACKSON, but did not believe in its entire authenticity and so stated at the time, and further information elicited goes to prove our unbelief well founded and that the story of an organized band or Klan of robbers and murders had no foundation in fact, and was but the wild imagining of a crazy brain. While the men captured, JACKSON, MOSS, PALMER and GOSSETT, contemplated some deviltry is clearly shown by the Grand Jury finding bills against them, there is not the slightest evidence showing that they were a part of a Klan organized for systematic pillage and murder.
Had JACKSON, who has since proved to have been insane, told his story in any other Country in the State it would have been laughed at, or at least would never have gone beyond the local borders. But being told of Williamson county it at once became of national note, and is giving the county a reputation for lawlessness that is calculated to do us irreparable injury, discourage emigration, and seriously retard the growth and development of our community. And yet today you may travel Illinois, or any other State you please, from border to border, and there cannot be found a more peaceable and law abiding people; a place where swifter and harder punishment is meted out to criminals of all classes; where the officers are more on the alert to ferret out and bring a speedy justice the perpetrators of crime, or where the majesty of the laws is more firmly upheld by the whole people than in Williamson county.
We deprecate the fact of our odorous reputation, and may cry “out damned spot,” but like Banquo’s ghost it will not “down” at our bidding. It may be that once within the history of out municipal government we to some extent deserved the bad odor in which we are held, but at present we do not. And the only way we can see to get rid of the stigma is to so continue to administer the laws as to compel criminals in our midst and those who may come amongst us by reason of our past history, to stop not upon the order of their going but to go at once. From our brethern of the press, we ask a fair hearing and the same promptness in refuting false accusations set afloat but sensation mongers that they showed in publishing the original rumors, and by their aid, and the aid of time which at last sets all things right, Williamson county may yet take her rightful position in the State as a law abiding and peaceful community.
GONE TO JOLIET. --Last Monday evening Deputy Sheriff took to the State prison of Joliet, the three prisoners convicted of crime at the called sessions of the Circuit Court. The following statements of the lives and residence of the convicted men were obtained in an interview with them the morning before their departure. A perusal of the facts elicited will show that Williamson county is not responsible for the birth or education of either of them, and their arrest and conviction demonstrates that the people of the county are determined to mete out to imported desperadoes swift punishment for crimes committed within her border.
David MOSS-convicted of forgery, and “sent upt” for eight years tell this: “Was born in Tennessee, but moved with my father’s family when quite small to Kentucky where I remained until 1868’ from there emigrated to this state and settled in Williamson county, remaining about 3 years, then went to Chicago where I have been until my return to this county last month. My age is 28 next April.”
John KELLY-found guilty of assault with murderous intent, and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment, says: “ I was born in Virginia, April 5, 1855, and am 22 years old; came to this State in October 1875, and commenced work in coal mines at Carterville where I resided until my arrest some six months ago. Occupation miner, rolling mill or brakesman on railroad.”
Swan SKELTON-sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in the Penitentiary for murderous assault, was born in Elbert County, Georgia, April 8th, 18--, -2 years of age; moved to Illinois in May 1876 and had been a resident ---------- but a few month when ---------- he wa- -----------.
LOCAL MATTERS--Luther MCCOWAN, the lad sent from here to the Reform School at the Pontlac, August 10, 1875, for attempting to rape, dodged his keepers and was at home in the west part of this county Sunday and Monday last. --The County Clerk has been notified by the authorities of the Southern Ills. Hospital for the Insane that they will receive JACKSON, the insane conspirator, on the 28th inst. He is in jail under guard of his friends. --Died, in this city, on Monday night, Feb. 12, 1877, Mr. Wm. R. TINKER, aged 54 years. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon, Elder BOLES preaching the discourse. The body was accompanied to the cemetery by the United Friends of temperance. --Henry CULBRETH, the lad who was fined and imprisoned at the last session of the County Court for stealing a pair of boots, was set at liberty Saturday last. Go, Henry, and sin no more. --Died, near Corinth, on the night of the 7th inst., May Marla, daughter of Alfred M. and Mary E. MOULTON, aged 6 months 4 days. “The cup of life unto her lips she pressed, Found the taste bitter, and declined the rest; The turning gently from the face of ---, She calmly sighed her little soul away.”--BEN WAGGONER came into town last week with his face in a sling. Ben stated that a younger brother and one GRIMES had assaulted him the night before at church in the Ogden settlement, and he wanted State Attorney HARTWELL to help prosecute them. His assailants were arrested and dealt with for disturbing public worship. --A son of Benjamin ODEL of Williams Prairie, was thrown from a horse one day last week and almost instantly killed. He had been sent to carry dinner to some men who were working in the woods, and it is supposed that the horse which he was riding became frightened at the rattling of the dishes, and threw the boy against a tree, bursting his skull. He was alive when discovered, but died in a few moments.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPS.--Mr. and Mrs. Festus HOLLAND are both down sick, Mrs. HOLLAND being seriously ill. --Mrs. GALLAGHER, Mrs. UHLS, Mr. REYNOLDS and Hartwell HENDRICKSON, reported sick in our last issue, are all convalescent at this time. Wm. BARHM is also much better.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Feb. 8-S.F. PEEBLES to Jane VIRGIA?. Wm. M. FULCHER to Margaret
NORBERRY.
Feb. 12-John F. TURNER to Margaret ELYRANT. Thomas T. SUMMERS to
Louisa SOUTHERLAND.
Feb. 14-James V. HEARN to Amanda PULLEY. Jackson HENSHAW to Jane
WEBB. Wm. T. TARPLY to Francis ENSMINGER.
LOCAL MATTERS--A.T. WHITE and others declare that on or about March 1st they will pull out for the Black Hills. --C.H. JONES and family removed to Benton this week. The Monitor drops in on them like an old friend each week. --Last week in mentioning the difficulty at the FERGES school house, between the REID cousins, Henry and John, we got the right name on the wrong man. Instead of Henry striking John as published, John struck Henry, and then struck out for Texas or some other place. Henry is spoken of by his neighbors as quiet, peaceable and worthy young man, and we are sorry if the mistake, wholly unintentional on our part, has caused him any annoyance. --One J. Thomas HENRY and Miss Jennie MCCOY, in the east end of the county, caused a sensation in their neighborhood last week by eloping. Mr. HENRY applied at the County Clerk’s office in this city for license to marry, but the young lady being under age, his application was refused. When next heard from they were enroute to an unknown county. Miss Jennie is a daughter of Chesley MCCOY who recently returned to this county after a 23 year’s tour in the glittering gold field of California. --One of the saddest and most heartrending accidents that we have had to record for many a day happened last Tuesday noon near this city, resulting in the death of Logan NORMAN, a lad 12 years of age, a son of F.M. NORMAN of this city. Mr. NORMAN was removing to his farm in the country and Morgan was driving a team, and when on top of a small hill near the residence of Henry GRAY the horses started to run throwing the boy from the wagon. the accident occurred about 12 o’clock and the boy lay unconscious until 6:30 in the evening, when death released him. The deceased was buried in the Bethlehem cemetery yesterday. Thus was called from time to eternity one who was just fasting life, full of glowing hopes of a bright future, and his sad death should remind us that as soon as we begin to live we begin to die.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS.--Mrs. EWAN has been quite sick for a few days past. --Miss Leona WHITE was distressingly sick last week including Thursday and Friday. --Rev. LAUGHLIN, minister in charge of the Corinth circuit, we understand is confined to his bed with fever. --The mayor of this city, Mr. George W. GODDARD, was received into the Christian church last Sunday by baptism. --J.W. HARTWELL was seized with a very severe attack of smothering Sunday last and came very near dying. He is now in a fair way to regain his usual state of health. --O.H. WILEY is very low, not much hopes for his recovery. --J.B. EDRINGTON and Mrs. Sarah ALSBROOK were married at the M.E. Church last night. --Geo. POWELL and Amanda SPILLER were united in matrimony at Frankfort last Sunday, ‘Squire Thomas WHITE officiating.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Feb. 14-John W. ARNOLD to Larilda L. TURNER. G.W. CORMAN to Janey
BENEDICT.
Feb. 20-Geo. THEDFORD to Delvina ROBERTS. J.B. EDRINGTON to Sarah
ALSBROOK,
DIED.--Stephen T. HEARN, son of J.T. and M.A. HEARN, died Feb. 16th, 1877, of scarlet fever, aged 16 years, 3 months, and 2 days. He professed religion some four months ago, and joined the M.E. church. He lived a pious Christian, and died the same. Young ladies and gentlemen I want you to take warning from this that the young die as well as the old, and I ask you all in God’s name to be prepared, as Stephen was, to meet your God in peace. J.T.H. Union Grove, Feb. 16, 1877.
MARRIED. HUNDLEY-ALDEN: At the residence of the bride’s father in Carbondale, Feb. 15, Mr. J.C. HUNDLEY, salesman for Chas. P. KELLOGG & Co., to Muss Myrta, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry ALDEN. Among those present from this place were Miss Gussie HUNDLEY, and Messrs. Joab GOODALL, A.J. BENSON, and L.A. GODDARD. We learn from them that it was indeed a brilliant wedding. The ceremony, which was very beautiful and impressive, was performed by Rev. J.L. HAWKINS, pastor of the Presbyterian church, assisted by Dr. Robert ALLYN, president of the Normal and was witnessed by about one hundred of the elite of Carbondale. After the usual congratulations, a bountiful repast was served which being over dancing was indulged in till a late hour, excellent piano music being furnished by Misses HAYES and CHAPMAN. Among the many beautiful and costly presents were a handsome gold watch and opera chain from the groom, and elegant sliver castor from nine gentlemen friends in Carbondale, silver cake stand from A.J. BENSON, Joab GOODALL and L.A. GODDARD, of this city, pickle salver from a cousin in Chicago, autograph album from Mr. C.A. SHEPPARD and Miss DICKERMAN, in which each person present placed his or her inscription; also several other articles of silverware, etc. Charley was raised in this place, and is still regarded as one of our Marion boys. He has always been high-toned, generous and open-hearted, and when we say that we wish him and his fair young bride all the pleasures this life can afford, and “when the golden chariot of destiny rolls round they may be gathered with the great,” we speak the feeling of the entire population of the city of Marion.
COUNTY COURT-PROBATE TERM.
Aaron ALEXANDER guardian of Anderson ALEXANDER, attachment for contempt of court; cause under advisement. J.W. SAMUELS guardian of HOPPER heirs, citation; continued. W.D. DEWOODY guardian of the heirs of A.M. DILLINGHAM, deceased, citation; continued to next regular term. Calvin HARRIS administrator of the estate of Arson HARRIS citation; filed report and discharged from further answer to citation. W.F. CHITTY guardian of Jefferson and Charles ARNOLD, report filed and approved.
John W. ERWIN administrator of the estate of Archibald CLARIDA, deceased, bond and sale bill filed and approved. Estate of Thomas J. DUKE; appraisement and inventory approved. Estate of Geo. W. NEELY; sale bill approved. Estate of John A. JOHNSON; Administrator’s bond approved. Estate of Louisa MITCHELL Administrator’s bond, appraisement and inventory filed and approved. Estate of John TAYLOR; report filed and filed. Estate of Geoge A. WILLEFORD; sale bill approved and adjustment of claims.
Estate of James W. GODDARD; citation for Administrator, continued to 26th inst. Estate of Manning CAMPBELL; report of Administrator filed approved. Estate of Will TRANBARGER; adjustment and continued to March 12th. Estate of Silas BORUM; report filed and Administrator discharged. Estate of J.J. ALLEN; report on final settlement continued to March 5th. Estate of J.W. BENSON, adjustment of claims. Estate of Clement EVANS; petition to sell real estate, continued for service on minor defendants.
Estate of James SMITH; reports of Executors filed and approved. Estate of James L. RAMSEY; adjustment of claims. Naney N. MOTSINGER, appointed guardian for John T. CARMICHEL. Estate of George RAMSEY; adjustment of claims. Estate of Charles CHENOWETH; petition to sell real estate to pay debts; answer filed by defendants, continued to March 10th. John S. NEELY guardian of minor children of David MOSLEY deceased, report of guardian filed and approved.
Estate of L.S. MOTSINGER, appraisement and inventory; bills filed and approved. Geo. BROWN guardian minor children of Jeremiah MIDGETT: sale bill filed and approved. Estate of Seth BELL, appraisement; bill filed and approved. Estate of James CLARIDA; sale bill filed and approved. Gilbert BLANKENSHIP, guardian of the minor children of John CHAMNESS, deceased; report of guardian filed and approved. Thomas PARKS, guardian of GUNTER heirs; citation ordered for guardian to appear and make report. W.P. GOODALL, guardian minor children of Beverly OWEN, dec’d; report filed and approved. Estate of Morgan CHRISTY, final report approved and administrator discharged. Albert ODELL guardian ODELL heirs; report filed and approved.