The New YorkTimes

The New YorkTimes

New Times, July 31, 1854, pg 3

Article 1 (No Title)

WELL DONE FOR MISSISSIPPI – NOVEL WAY TO KILL FLEAS – A certain academy in Clarke County, Mississippi, had been the resort of a parcel of hogs, under whose structure they took shelter inclement weather. In the course of time the fleas became so numerous, and so annoyed the students as to cause the teachers to call together the trustees, to devise ways and means to get clear of this troublesome vermin.

After consulting upon the matter, the most sure means to rid the place of fleas was to burn them up. Accordingly a large quantity of pine straw was collected and spread under the house, and set on fire. In a short time every flea that there inhibited, it is supposed by those who were there, was consumed in the fire or made their way off so badly scared as never to return to so dreadful a scene. While all this was going on, and such general destruction being made among the fleas, the flames might have seen making their through the roof of the academy, and in less than one-half hour the entire house had fallen a prey to the devouring element, with books and everything else appertaining thereto. If any of our readers are annoyed by fleas, we recommend the above as a sure and effectual means to get clear of them. The above was stated to us as being literally true. - Alabama Standard

Submitted by Clarke County Host Genealogy Trails Reese

New Times, September 25, 1866, pg 1

COLLISION ON THE MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD

Seven Killed and Seventeen Injured

From the Mobile Times, Sept. 20

We regret to chronicle the fact that a collision attended with serious consequences, occurred yesterday morning between DeSoto and Quitman.

The reports are, as yet, very meager, and, from all we can learn seven persons were killed outright, while seventeen were more or less injured.

It would appear that when the up-train reached DeSoto it was discovered that the Chickasawhay Bridge was out of order, and the passengers were left at DeSoto, while the locomotive, with two lumber cars, pushed on to make the necessary repairs. Just this side of the bridge they were met by the down-train, which, having repaired the bridge, had crossed, and was coming at the top of its speed to make up for lost time. Before anything could be done the collision took place, with the above lamentable results.

It was very fortunate that the up-train had no passengers or the disaster might have been much more serious.

Submitted by Clarke County Host Genealogy Trails Reese