NASHVILLE DAILY AMERICAN, 1876, A GENEALOGICAL SCRAPBOOK
Researched and Compiled by Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 2003

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NASHVILLE DAILY AMERICAN

 

May 2, 1876

Mrs. A. C. Hendershott, wife of G. W. Hendershott, died at home, Nashville, May 1, 1876 in the 47th year of her age. [In the May 11, 1876 issue, page 3, appeared an article regarding her husband:

$5,000 REWARD!
FOR A SURER REMEDY

NEAR CROCKER'S CROSS ROADS, Robertson County, April 12, 1875 -
Dr. Hendershott, Nashville, Tenn:
        I write this, without solicitation from anybody, but in gratitude to you for your energy and enterprise in presenting such a medicine at you Liver and Blood Purifier, and to Dr. Thornton for his energy and skill in preparing the same. I am in my 74th year, and have been fighting consumption for the last twenty years. About Christmas I was attacked with a violent and distressing cough. I tried the usual remedies, but without any relief, and was sinking rapidly; the cough was incessant, day and night. I could not sleep; no appetite; liver almost entirely torpid; bowels tied up, and must have died in ten days if I had not gotten relief. I happened to see ex-Gov. Brown's and Judge East's certificates in the Cumberland Almanac; their cases just covered mine. I was fortunate in finding the medicine at Link's, at Cross Plains. I commenced taking the medicine immediately, and in two days, or as soon as it had time to take effect upon the system, my cough ceased, and I could expectorate freely without the distressing cough. I have now taken two bottles and a half, my liver all right, bowels and stomach all right, have a good appetite and sleep well, and altogether as well as I ever can expect to be, and believe if I had had the benefit of this medicine fifteen years ago that I would now be a healthy and vigorous old man. I intend never to be without this medicine as long as I can get it, and live. I have no doubt but that it will cure, or eradicate consumption in its early stages.
Yours respectfully, W. C. Richmond

Dr. G. W. Hendersthott, Nashville:
        Having used two bottles of Dr. Thorton's English Liver and Blood Medicine, at your request, I state, without hesitation, that I have found it valuable and effective in my case - I am sure I have been materially benefited by it. Taken in small doses, it gives no inconvenience to the patient. I am not doctor enough to give scientific reasons for the faith that is in me, but say to all similarly afflicted, "Go thou and do likewise." My affliction was disordered liver and an impure state of the blood, accompanied with a distress and dangerous cough.

Neill S. Brown, Sr.,
Hon. Edward H. East,
Rev. Dr. Hunter

Nashville, Oct. 25, 1873

G. W. HENDERSHOTT
Wholesale Agent for the United States
Nashville, Tenn.

Sold by all Druggists.

Also Wake Robin Pills, All-Healing Salve, Worm Syrup, and World's Wonder Liniment, Kidney Medicine.

 

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Sallie Lee Carney, daughter of Daniel Carney and wife, died at Hunter's Point, Miss., May 1, 1876 aged 14 years.

Teodore Clark Caskin, Memphis, and Lida, oldest daughter of Joseph G. (dec.)and Lucy Howard Pickett, married in Nashville, April 28, 1876.

 

May 3, 1876

Edward N. Cullom died in Overton Co., Tenn., April 27, 1876 aged about 81 years; brother of Gen. William Cullom and Judge Alvin Cullom; he and his wife had nineteen children.

James Peak died in Overton Co., Tenn., April 23, 1876 aged 83 years; "a deadly enemy of Ed. N. Cullom."

 

May 4, 1876

The funeral of James John O'Sullivan held in Nashville today and his remains were afterwards to be taken for burial to Lebanon, Kentucky. He died in his residence in Nashville, May 3, 1876 in the 34th year of his age.

Mrs. Ann T. Elliston, aged 88 years, died in residence of her granddaughter, Mrs. Capt. Hunter, Nashville, May 3, 1876; funeral today.

Page 4:

TREASURES OF THE PAST
Some Relics of Peculiar Historic Interest

Gen. Robertson's Hand-saw - Used in Building the First House in Nashville - A Battle-axe that Saw Valiant Service - Davy Crockett's Favorite Rifle "Betsy"

        JACKSON, Tenn., Feb. 10, 1876. - To the President of the State Historical Society of Tennessee, at Nashville, Tenn. - Honored Sir: I have the pleasure of forwarding to you a hand-saw that was brought to the French Lick in 1780 by Gen. James Robertson, and was used in building the first house in the settlement at that place, now known as the city of Nashville. The French Lick was so called from the fact of its having been first discovered by Timothy Demumbrune, a French Canadian, and was first colonized by Gen. James Robertson in the year 1780. A brief history of this relic of Gen. Robertson will not be out of place, as it establishes it authenticity and connects it with the first settlers of Nashville. Several years after it was brought to the French Lick where the city of Nashville now stands, it fell into the hands of David Hood, who was one of the first settlers, and subsequently of James Martin, who settled near Nashville in 1790. At his death his son, William Martin, who was born in 1793, on the north side of the Cumberland, near the French Lick, became the owner of this saw. William Martin was married in 1820 to Miss Sally Pearce, and in 1822, with his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Pearce, decided to emigrate to the West. Descending the Cumberland river in a keel boat, after a tedious and perilous journey, they finally settled in a wilderness near the banks of the Mississippi, in a section of country now known as Dyer county, he brought with him this saw and used it in building the first settlement of Dyer county. It has remained in the possession of his family until the present time, the last owner being Mrs. Elizabeth C. Cribbs, the eldest daughter of William Martin now living, who, a few weeks since, kindly volunteered to present it, through me, to the State Historical Society. From its history, which I have obtained from her, connected and associated as it was with the first settlements of Davidson and Dyer counties of this State, and with those who blazed the way in the then wilderness, it is justly entitled to the name of the pioneer saw, and entitled to a place in the Historical Society among the relics of the past age.
        I also send you a battle-axe, which is presented by Mrs. Martha Green, the youngest daughter of William Martin. Its history is as follows: When the Creek war broke out in 1813, William Martin volunteered and took an active part in the campaign and continued in the service until the battle or New Orleans was fought in 1815, in which he was engaged. Before leaving for the Creek war, he had this battle-ax or tomahawk made at Nashville, together with a belt and scabbard in which it was carried. The latter have either been lost or succumbed to ravages of time, but the ax has been preserved as an heirloom in the family until the present. It was his faithful companion during the Creek campaign,

 

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and was also carried with him to New Orleans, and subsequently when he emigrated to what is now Dyer county. Here it was his constant companion, and proved very serviceable in his conflicts with the wild beasts of the forest. His nearest neighbor was his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Pearce, who resided near him, and their next neighbor was eight miles distant. Both were good hunters, and Martin became famous for his single combat with a bear, which he dispatched with his ballet-ax. His dogs had attacked the bear and were worsted in the fight, his gun had failed to fire, the powder being wet, when he rushed forward with ax in hand and engaged the now infuriated monster in single combat. With well-aimed blows he succeeded in vanquishing his foe, with as much ease, he said, as David slew Goliah.
        William Martin, as he was one of the first settlers, became also one of first Justices of the new county of Dyer. He was the first County Trustee elected, which office he held for a number of years - in fact, as long as he would have it. He became an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and officiated as such for a number of years. He was highly respected and beloved by all who knew him, and lived to see the section of country he settled in changed from a wilderness to a thrifty and populous county. He raised ten children, fours sons and six daughters, three of whom are now living, two daughters, and a son living in Missouri. William Martin died in Dyer county, April 18, 1857, eight miles south-east of Dyersburg, where he then resided. His daughters, Mrs. Cribbs (widow of Rev. Cullen Cribbs, a Presbyterian minister) and Mrs. Green, still reside in Dyer county, and have kindly furnished me with this sketch and these mementoes of the past.
        I have some prospect of securing the veritable hunting gun of Col. David Crockett, which was almost as famous as the Colonel himself; for who that has heard of David Crockett that did not also hear of "Old Betsy." If I succeed in getting it, I will take great pleasure in forwarding it to your Society.
        My address is Jackson, Tenn. I would be pleased to hear from you.

Respectfully,
E. B. MASON

 

[Ezekial Brownlee Mason, 1802-1888, was one of the most alert local historians in west Tennessee. For more about him, see EZEKIAL BROWNLEE MASON, HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO EARLY MADISON COUNTY, TENNESSEE HISTORY, by Jonathan K. T. Smith, Jackson, 1993.]

 

May 5, 1876

Ben French and wife were taken by a mob from the Warsaw, Kentucky jail and hanged about two miles from town. They were convicted of murdering a wealthy black man named Jacob Jones by means of arsenic in tea.

Tom Shelby, black man aged about 28 years old, a worker on the steamboat "Eddyville" fell overboard and drowned, in Cumberland River, Nashville, May 4, 1876.

 

May 6, 1876

Dr. J. G. M. Ramsey's Tennessee ANNALS are justly appreciated; his history of the state of Tennessee to the administration of J. K. Polk was destroyed when his residence, four miles from KnoxvilIe, was wantonly destroyed during the Civil War. [James Gettys McGready Ramsey's THE ANNALS OF TENNESSEE, to the end of the eighteenth century, 1853, has always enjoyed the respect of persons knowledgeable of Tennessee's early history.]

 

May 7, 1876

W. A. Hagar was divorced from his wife. Missouri Hagar, May 6, 1876, on grounds of adultery; they were married September 24, 1874.

The Board of Managers of the Sunday School Union of black folk met May 5, 1876, at Second Christian Church, Nashville, to plan its picnic to be held May 27, 1876. J. H. Burruss was elected chief marshal of the occasion; Florence Hays, queen and Robert Knowles, king.

 

May 8, 1876

Missing issue

 

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May 9, 1876

Rabbi A. Rosenspatz was chosen as pastor of the Jewish temple in Nashville, May 7, 1876.

 

May 10, 1876

"H. R. Buchanan of this county [Davidson] owns thirteen acres of bottom land which he planted in timothy in 1843. Every year since that date he has cut from one-half to two tons per acre, realizing from it annually about $400."

Page 2:

THE COUNTY CANVAS
A List of Sub-Committees in Wards and Districts,
Appointed by the Democratic Executive Committee of Davidson County.

WARDS.

1st - W. B. Bryan, Jr., W. H. Perry, Jo. VanLeer, John Laugham, W. W. Berry, Jr.
2d - D. C. Kinney, Geo. Wells, J. H. Wilson, A. H. Fricke, Walter Bransford.
3d - L. H. Lanier, Jr., John W. Hill, Wm. Stockell, H. D. Martin, J. C. Bradford.
4th - Polk Brown, Wm. Stone, W. H. Haslam, Robt. Swann, Andrew Creighton.
5th - W. E. Eastman, Wm. Wharton, Thos. Callender, M. B. Pilcher, John Barrow.
6th - B. G. Wood, Wm. Litterer, Richard Turner, James Millen, J. A. Fisher.
7th - S. A. Davidson, A. Hite, Jas. Chilton, Jno. Sperry, T. J. Winfrey.
8th - James Wyatt, W. C. Cotton, Benj. Tanksley, Theo. Willard, J. H. McMurray.
9th - Casper Kuhn, Chas. Rich, A. Klooz, Dr. N. G. Tucker, Henry Hale.
10th - W. H. McAlister, Jr., Wm. Moore, Charles Dabney, T. O. Morris, Mike Smith.

DISTRICTS.

2d - G. S. Stanfield, F. E. Buchanan, Saml. Frazier, Dr. Fuqua, D. H. McGavock.
3d - M. I. Couch, Isaac Whitworth, C. Cone, Jno. Wright, Jr., Ms. S. Cotton.
4th - J. T. Gleaves, David Dismukes, S. S. Wright, W. J. Wade, Tim Dodson, Jr.
5th - J. W. Bigley, Jas. Harwood, Jno. Denizen, E. G. Rowe, A. H. Sharp.
6th - James Holloway, Jno. Griggs, Wyatt Mitchel, James Jones, Wm. Moore.
7th - Anderson Peebles, D. R. Turberville, James Steele, Frank Jones, Andrew Baker, Jr.
8th - Jno. Overton, G. W. Spain, George Hogan, Jackson Travis, R. H. Hill.
9th - Alf. Douglas, Mike Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, Jn. Thompson, Wm. Watkins.
10th - Jas. Elliston, Y. B. Jones, D. A. McGready, Wm. Longworth, W. Matt Brown, Sr.
11th - Thos. Herrin, Willis Sawyers, W. H. T. Morgan, W. H. O'Neal, Frank Nichol.
12th - J. S. C. Davidson, Mark Cockerill, Willis Sullivan, Jr., Alex McQueen, W. D. Stringfellow
13th - Jasper Taylor, Chas. Warner, Wm. Hagey, Jas. Johnston, Richard Glennon
14th - Jos. M. Newsom, C. O'Brien, J. N. Forehand, W. W. Fulgham, Geo Hardin.
15th - R. A. Campbell, L. Freeman, B. F. Woodard, Danl. Allen, Jno. Rundle.
16th - J. E. Wright, Samuel Steele, W. J. Chandler, H. B. Old, Ben Castleman.
17th - Jno. Hanley, Duncan Brown, John Morrow, Jr., Wm. Millen, S. M. Wene.
18th - Irby Morgan, Isaac Litton, Dr. Wm. Williams, H. F. Banks, W. S. Newsom.
19th - J. E. Sloan, Geo. Nelson, Ike Hudson, Frank McIntosh, J. C. Hamlin.
20th - Hunter Galbreath, Wm. Cartwright, Mac Shivers, Jno. W. B. Baker, Capt. J. W. Roscoe.
21st - W. D. Robertson, T. A. Harris, Wm. Saunders. Geo. Vaughn, W. W. T. Crocket.
22d - Ab. Shaw, Sanford Crocker, Wm. Smith, Ben Hicks, J. W. Campbell.
23d - F. A. Treppard, Wm. Simpkins, B. F. Manlove, Wellington Hyde, J. M. Shute.
24th - G. M. Reasoner, W. I. Lanier, Wm. Wintes, Dr. Bainbridge, W. S. Whiteman, Jr.
25th - Dr. J. W. Hamptom, J. M. Simpkins, Fred. Stump, Henry Abernathy, W. S. Craig.

 

May 11, 1876

Theodora Knight, youngest daughter of L. C. Knight and wife, Nashville, died May 10, 1876, aged 14 months and 16 days; funeral today.

John Molloy died in Nashville, May 10, 1876 in the 30th year of his age; funeral today.

Mrs. Minerva Willard died at home in Nashville, May 10, 1876 in the 58th year of her age; funeral today.

 

May 12, 1876

Mrs. Minervia Currin died in Nashville, May 11, 1876 in the 64th year of her age.

F. O. Beazley, son of A. J. and Mary Beazley, died [ostensibly May 11, 1876], aged 5 years, 1 month and 4 days; funeral today.

 

May 13, 1876

Mrs. Margaret Graham died at home in Nashville, May 12, 1876 aged 58 years; funeral today.

Lizzie Carter, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Carter, died at home in Nashville, May 11, 1876, aged 6 years; funeral today.

 

May 14, 1876

Jo. McCluer was shot and killed by Mr. Winfrey, within three miles of Temperance Hall, DeKalb Co., Tenn., May 12, 1876; the murdered man had tried to court his assailant's daughter with the tragic result.

Fannie Donohue, daughter of D. and S. A. Donohue, Nashville, died May 13, 1876 aged 11 months, 2 days [June 11, 1875]; funeral today.

 

May 15, 1876

Missing issue

 

May 16, 1876

William Clarence Nelson, son of W. C. and Mary Lou Nelson, died May 14, 1876 aged 13 months and 1 week old. Nashville.

Amelia Amanda Hess, daughter of John and Mary Hess, died May 15, 1876; funeral today.

 

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J. W. Bush, member of the Davidson County court died May 15, 1876. [Resolutions of respect in his memory, by his fellow magistrates on the court, dated May 16, 1876, noted that Bush had been a magistrate for nearly twelve years; had lived on the Lebanon Pike, about two miles from Nashville; buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Nashville.]

 

May 17, 1876

Page 2:

OLD TIME GOSSIP
Nashville Social Circles Fifty Years Ago

        The following extracts from a number of old letters may prove interesting to old citizens of Nashville and their descendants.
        They are addressed to Mr. Ben Wrigglesworth, and were written by his sisters and his brother-in-law, W. O. Hunt, first editor of the Republican Banner:

I.

JANUARY, 1825 - Mr. Hunt has been to Franklin to form a Chapter in the Lodge and install the officers. They made a great display of their fine robes and ornaments. Mr. Hunt delivered an oration on the occasion. The day being fine of course the meeting-house was crowded, a circumstance always gratifying to a speaker. He will have to perform the same ceremony in Clarksville on the 22d of next month. Yesterday the President of the College was inaugurated in the Presbyterian Church. The procession was not handsome and would have been quite shabby but for the Masons, who had no business there, but as they were invited they did not like to refuse. Dr. Lindsley's address was much admired. Perhaps you had better come to visit us at the time La Fayette will be here, which is expected in April. His reception together with Jackson's election will take the little sense that is in the town away.

Mrs. HUNT.

II.

MAY 10th, 1825 - Since my return from Lexington, courts have been constantly in session, which with the bustle of the visit of La Fayette, has kept me very busy. I herewith send you a copy of an oration which I delivered in the Grand Lodge on the occasion. It was originally intended to have been delivered in the church, but haste and confusion, in consequence of the great hurry of the general and his short stay, defeated that plan, and it was delivered the first night in the Masonic Hall. There were upwards of three hundred Masons present. Everything connected with the reception of La Fayette in this place seems to have given general satisfaction.

W. G. HUNT.

III.

MARCH, 1828 - I believe we have had but one wedding since you left, and that was the eldest miss D---- to one of her cousins in Franklin. They were married at Mr. T. M----'s in consequence of opposition from both families; however, they are all reconciled by this time I suppose, as Mr. W----told me he was invited to a frolic there today (Sunday, nonwithstanding). Janet W---- has returned, and is to be married next month to Mr. C----, of Florence. They are making great preparations. Pat W---- has given up Miss L---- altogether, and is as devoted to Miss B---- as ever. I was at the most delightful little party at Mrs. B----'s last week. Ann H---- starts for the Eastward in a day or two; she expects to conquer the world in this trip. Mr. B---- still carries a high hand among the widows and old maids. Mrs. K---- is the favorite now. I have not seen Martha N---- more than once or twice since you left, but Mr. S---- can tell you all about her, as he has "lived but in her presence" since he arrived. There is to be a grand Masonic procession on Tuesday in honor of Gen. Clinton. Mr. Hunt is to deliver a eulogy at the Pres. Church, and he anticipates great pleasure from the display. We have a new neighbor, Mr. D. C---- and Miss R. Adams, as she lives with them. I spent a most delightful evening at T. P----'s, and the same night I had a most delightful serenade. There was no one in company but Pat H---and W---. The last two played on the harp and guitar, and it was certainly the sweetest music I ever heard in Nashville. They came at twelve o'clock and as Mr. Hunt was still up, and the night cold, he thought a glass of wine would be acceptable, so he stepped softly to the door and when they had finished the tune he opened it so suddenly that they had no time to escape, so in they came and stayed some time. All your acquaintance desire to be remembered to you, particularly Miss Harriet B---, who has returned with as many airs and graces as I could have acquired in twelve months.

Miss Sarah Wrigglesworth

IV

APRIL, 1828 - Janet is to be married on Thursday evening. They will have all the young people in town, but no married ladies except the connection. James W---- gives a dance the next evening, and of course all the world will be there. They will leave here on Saturday or Sunday morning. Martha Ann N---- and myself are to accompany them the first ten miles. By the way, we had a terrible fright about Martha, two week since. As we were all sitting at our work one night at Mrs. W----'s Martha began to spit blood very profusely indeed, and continued to do so until the doctor

 

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arrival and bled her. He ate a great quantity of salt and lay in bed for a day or two, and has had no turn of the complaint. There was to have been great doings at the Catholic Church today, but it has rained so hard that I have not heard how they got on. All the musical part of the town was invited to attend, and met two evenings last week at Mr. T----'s room to practice. I did not, of course, join in, although I was there. I never was more delighted with anything in my life than I was with Mrs. D---'s singing.

Miss L---- has a new beau, Mr. W----, the young gentleman we saw at Captain K----'s. They appear mutually pleased, and I think it possible it may be a match.

Miss S. W.

V

APRIL 1828 - I suppose Sarah has given you a particular account and description of the D--- family. I am quite anxious to hear Mrs. D--- sing. They will be the means of establishing the Catholic Church here, and as they will generally have good music, I fear they will take some of the Episcopalians away, and we have none to spare.

Dr. Jennings has arrived to take charge of the Presbyterian Church. He has two daughters and one son grown, all highly interesting. The son took tea with us in company of a Mr. B--- from Pittsburg. Mrs. J. B. W--- died of consumption a few days ago.

Mrs. Hunt

VI

MAY 4th, 1828 - Dr. Jennings and family, consisting of two lovely daughters, an interesting son, a handsome wife and several small children, have arrived, and will prove a great acquisition to our society. Young Dr. J. has been practicing medicine in Cincinnati, but has now settled here. We have also a son of Judge B---, of Pittsburg, a lawyer, who has come here to try his fortune. He is said to be a young man of great promise; he certainly is the most gentlemanly and agreeable person I have met with for some time. Miss R--- paid me the compliment to address a letter of introduction by him to me, and as she speaks very highly of him and requests me to introduce him to my circle, I shall spare no pains to make myself and friends as agreeable to him as possible. I have become acquainted with the McC--- family, and Miss T--- (now Mrs. D---). They are all agreeable girls, and we have become more sociable in consequence of a walking party we have formed, consisting of all the girls in and around this neighborhood - Cherry street - which you know to be the pick and choice of the town. We generally walk one of two miles every morning, and I already feel the benefit of it. We celebrated the first of May by a ball at Vauxhall. Mrs. N--- was so kind as to give me the use of her carriage for the evening, but I sent it home before dark, supposing it would be delightful to walk home by moonlight, but, unfortunately, it rained hard all the evening and destroyed one half the pleasure, as we were to have had fire-works and a supper in the garden. I was introduced to a cousin of Mary B---'s, Mr. P---; he has the same name, and is said to be quite as handsome. He spent last evening with me. He is just seven months from Ireland, is going to Shelbyville to learn to do business in this country, and is to inherit a large estate in Ireland when he is of age, which will be in a year. He thinks his cousin has not given up Mary yet, but I think they will make a match themselves. Poor William G--- has gone at last; he is to be buried this morning.
        Little Jacky H--- is still here. He has been rejected by S. McN---. Mr. W--- has also got his walking papers from S. L---. Hugh I--- was so much distressed at Maria T---'s marriage that he could not attend the wedding or any of the parties. H. M--- is still hankering after Martha, and will continue to do so until she marries some one else.

Miss S. W.

 

May 18,1876

William Edward "Billy" Manning, born Piqua,Ohio, May 1,1838; died in Chicago, Ill., May 15, 1876; he was a famed minstrel. As a youth he visited a camp of black folk near Piqua where he learned their dialect; at nearly 14 years of age he left home and joined a minstrel band which led to a very successful career as an entertaining minstrel. Burial in Piqua.

 

May 19,1876

The steamboat "Pat Cleburne" exploded its boilers late on the night of May 18,1876, six miles below Shawneetown; was landing along side another boat, the "Arkansas Belle", on the Ohio River when the explosion occurred. The "Cleburne" floated downstream a mile and burned. Persons killed were Captain Dick Fowler; Richard Partridge, express manager; Charles Cotton, second mate; A. Mattison of Paducah, Ky.; Walter McElkenny, engineer; an unknown man with short black hair, high forehead with a mustache and chin whiskers. [For lengthy account of this tragic event, from the May 20,1876 issue, page 3, see page 42, this publication.]

William Taylor Henderson died in Nashville, May 18, 1876 in the 31st year of his age; funeral today.

H. H. Cason and Maggie Hawes were married in Edgefield, Tenn., May 18,1876.

F. M. Davis and Julia Clavarissa were married in Nashville, May 18,1876; may they "ride on the wings of faith, hope and love until it shall please kind heaven to call them home."

(Page 42)

Article from May 20, 1876 issue, page 3:

THE SHAWNEETOWN HORROR
Further Particulars of the Loss of the Pat Cleburne
A Thrilling Statement by One of the Survivors
Evansville Journal of Yesterday

        The cause of this explosion must forever remain one of the unexplained mysteries. The first engineer, Walter F. McIlhinney, who was on duty at the time of the accident, was one of the best, most careful and thoroughly reliable engineers in the profession. He came to Evansville with Captain Dexter on the Charley Bowen in November, 1858, and learned his profession under the immediate care and supervision of his cousin, Mr. B. W. McReynolds, the present engineer of the Idlewild. He had been almost constantly employed as engineer on the various packets since 1858. Last summer he quit the Arkansas Belle, on which boat he had been engineer for mort that fours years, and engaged in the grocery business in Independence. Last March he again went on the Cleburne at the earnest solicitation of Captain Grammer, who selected him to fill what was regarded as a difficult position, on account of his well know exemplary habits. Everything goes to prove there was sufficient water in the boilers and low steam at the time of the accident. An evidence of the sufficiency of water is the great number of scalded persons, and the great quantity of water that was thrown on the Bell.
        Mr. McIlhinny was about thirty-seven years of age, and leaves a wife and three children. He owns his present home in Independence, and was possessed of a life policy of $3,000, also a member of the Knights of Pythias. In conversation with Capt. Grammer just before the boat started, everything was in perfect order, and working like a charm.

JAS. LARUE'S EXPERIENCE

        Probably the most thrilling experience of the dreadful disaster was that of James LaRue, the first mate of the Cleburne. He had gone to bed in his stateroom in the texas, immediately in the rear of Capt. Fowler's room. He says he did not hear the explosion, and when he awoke was falling through the timber and everything crashing around him. He felt the fire against his feet, and drawing them up found that he was tightly wedged in between the timbers. He than tried to loosen the planks, but unfortunately could not find a hole through which he could even get his head. Giving up all for lost, he turned over and resolved to inhale the flames and perish at once, rather than die by degrees and be roasted in the flames, which were fast and furiously crackling roaring around him. Just then he heard the voice of his gallant but helpless Captain calling out: "LaRue pull me out - I am burning to death!" With almost superhuman strength he broke down the partition and caught Capt. Fowler by his clothes, but found it impossible to get him through. By this time the mattress on which Mr. LaRue lay had caught fire, and placing his left hand beneath him found that he was lying on top of the heater. Another desperate struggle for freedom and the planks gave way and he crawled out through the darkness and debris. By this time Capt. Fowler's piteous voice had ceased and perhaps his spirit had taken its flight forever. As he was scrambling up through the dark, LaRue came upon Alex. Porter, the second clerk, sitting just above the steam drum, his feet literally cooked. Seizing him with his disabled hand, with his other he worked his way upward, and finally reached the hurricane roof and carried Porter aft and down the stairway to the yawl. As he passed down the aft stairway he heard the screams of the lady passengers, and rushing back to a state-room he seized a quilt and wrapped it about his body, and gathering the women in his strong, brawny, heroic arms, helped five of them - three lady passengers and the two chambermaids - down the nursery into the yawl.

THE DEAD AND MISSING

        So far as could be ascertained the killed and missing number fourteen, and the history of their death may be told as follows:
        Capt. Dixon Given Fowler, commander of the Pat Cleburne. He had been feeling quite unwell in the early part of the evening, and retired to his stateroom in the texas, leaving the boat in command of Chas. Cotton, the Second Mate, it being his regular watch. He was asleep when the explosion occurred, and went down the with timbers, "through the hot, black breath of the burning boat." His body was not recovered, and is supposed to have been consumed in the flames.
        Richard Partridge, Express Agent on this line for fourteen years, was also in his stateroom just above the boilers. He was never found, and must have been killed instantly. His pantaloons, containing his safe keys, were found in the texas of the Belle after the explosion.
        Walter McElhinney, the first engineer of the Cleburne, was on duty at the time. He was badly scalded and burned, and blown into the water, from which he was rescued by a farmer who was rowing about the wreck in a skiff. He was taken to a neighboring farm-house, and afterwards removed to Shawneetown, where, after several hours of intense suffering from internal injuries, he died about noon yesterday.
        Wm. Mann, Jr. of the firm of Wm. Mann, Jr., & Co., of Lewiston, Pa., celebrated hardware merchants and manufacturers was among the lost. Mr. Mann was well known and highly esteemed in Evansville, and had just completed a business visit to this city. He will be recognized by many as the manufacturer of the celebrated "Red Warrior Axe." His body was found on the hurricane roof of the Belle, dressed only in his night clothing, and with the sheet of his bed wrapped around him, at once the winding sheet of sleep and death - the sleep that knows no waking.

 

(Page 43)

        Charley Cotton, the second mate of the Cleburne, was on watch at the time of the accident, superintending the boat's landing. He was blown into the river and drowned.
        Mr. Mattison, an old gentleman of Paducah, was making the round trip. His body was not recovered.
        Conrad Wambach, musician, was probably burned to death, and his body was not found. He lived in Evansville, and leaves a wife and four children. He was brother-in-law to Peter Schulz, 310 Second avenue.
        Louis Scott, colored, second pantryman, was blown overboard, scalded and drowned.
        The second barber, colored, name not ascertained, was also lost.
        Four colored roustabouts were lost, names as follows: Aaron Jones, Gave Price, Taylor Green, and Alex ---- (surname unknown). They were all from Evansville.
        Marshall Webster, colored, deck passenger to Cairo, was also lost.

Career of the Boat and Her Commander
Cincinnati Commercial of Yesterday

        The Pat Cleburne was completed at Cincinnati in June, 1870, by the Arkansas River Packet Company, under the superintendence of Capt. John Woodburn. She was 1921/2 feet long, 331/2 feet beam, 321/2 feet floor, with 6 feet hold, and had capacity of 600 tons. She had a full cabin, and the engines out of Capt. Frank Y. Oakes' Peerless, exploded, burned and sunk on the wreck of the United States steamer Black Hawk, near Mound City, Illinois. She had four new boilers, 38 inches in diameter, 24 feet long, containing two flues each, and two lever engines, 20 inches in diameter, with 7 feet stroke, two bilge pumps and three fire engine and one steam fire pipe, and two siphon pumps. She has been valued at $45,000, and classed A No. 2. The Pat Cleburne, at the time of the disaster, was engaged as a tri-weekly packet between Evansville and Paducah, and owned by the Evansville and Cairo Packet Company, and valued at $25,000. There is no insurance on the boat in Cincinnati. About forty-eight years ago, Capt. D. G. Fowler was born in Smith county, Tenn. Twenty-five years ago he started the first boat store in Cairo, the firm being D. G. Fowler & Co. He completed his commercial education in Cincinnati, and purchased the Dunbar, Dexter and Silver Star at Pittsburg, and clerked and commanded these, with other steamers, between Evansville and Cairo, previous to the war. The Silver Star exploded and burned below Evansville. The Dunbar was built up the Monogahela, and Captain d. G. Fowler, on the approach of the United States gunboats, ran her up Tennessee river, out of the reach of her pursuers. He was a devoted friend of the south, taking an active part in the rebellion. He captured and afterwards released Capt. W. H. Dorsey and the Altamont at Paducah, assisted in the construction of the rebel ram Tennessee, which figured so conspicuously in Mobile Bay, with Farragut's fleet. Captain Fowler was captured and paroled in Alabama, and for a while carried on the cotton business in Cincinnati, the firm being Fowler & Shearer. He afterward returned to his old home at Paducah, and resumed boating, losing his life while standing on watch on the ill-fated Pat Cleburne. Capt. Dick was brave and generous, commanding the respect and esteem of all who knew him for his many manly qualities and warm heart. During the war he was alike esteemed by the Union and Confederate, being on the square in all transactions. He leaves three children, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely loss. The deceased commanded the Robt. Mitchell one season in the Evansville and New Orleans trade.
        The ill-fated Pat Cleburne and the Arkansas Belle both belonged to the Evansville and Cairo Mail Line. The former was bound down and the latter up for Evansville. The Cleburne was crowded with a large excursion party on the trip previous to the disaster.

 

May 20, 1876

Mrs. Miranda Clemens, who was found in a destitute condition in the Fourth District, the other day, has nearly recovered. This woman gave birth to a child and lay with it dead at her side for two days before anyone discovered her condition. Her two little children were without food all that time.

 

May 21. 1876

The collector of internal revenue in the District of West Tennessee "broke up" several illegal distilleries in Henry, Carroll and Henderson counties. He arrested an old man named Lowry in Henry County and Mr. Weaks of Henderson County who were imprisoned in the Memphis jail. A large distillery was destroyed in Carroll County but its "proprietors" had escaped arrest.

Mrs. Lydia Jackson, wife of Rev. B. T. Jackson, died near McWhirtersville, Davidson County,

May 20, 1876, at the residence of her father, W. D. Baker; funeral today.

 

May 22, 1876

Missing issue

 

May 23, 1876

John Mulroy, for many years a newspaperman in Nashville and Memphis, Tenn. died in the latter city, May 22, 1876.

 

May 24, 1876

George James Curtis died in Nashville, May 23, 1876 in the 46th year of his age; interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Nashville.

 

(Page 44)

[A mention in the Nashville BANNER, May 24, 1876, that Mrs. Ann Overton Dandridge, Shelby County, Tenn., was married to Robert Ambler Dandridge, May 22, 1816; he was born in Hanover Co., Va., a veteran of the War of 1812 and had died in Hardeman Co., Tenn. in1840. She was in her eighty-second year of age.]

 

May 25, 1876

On Saturday evening, May 27, 1876, Mrs. H. C. Stevens, aged about 41 years, was returning home from the Rolling Mill stores above Eddyville, Ky. when she was accosted by a black man named Dremp Peacher; in the struggle she fell from her horse, stunning her, and he sexually assaulted her. A few days later she identified him as her attacker, he then being in the Eddyville jail. About mid-morning, May 24, 1876 about twenty men rode up to the jail, took Peacher by force and hanged him about a mile east of town.

 

May 26, 1876

A considerable ceremony was planned for tomorrow, May 27, on the Vanderbilt University campus, in commemoration of the school's greatest benefactor and the one for whom it was named, the eighty-second birthday of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. [Chancellor L. C. Garland's rather fawning praise of Vanderbilt was published in the May 28, 1876 issue, page 3.]

 

May 27, 1876

The St. Louis, MO TIMES, May 25, 1876 issue noted, "The funeral of Mr. Hugh Burns, father of Mr. Patrick Burns, president of the Guardian Savings Bank, took place yesterday from St. Ann's Church in Florrissant." Mr. Burns was 68 years old. He had lived in Madison Co., Ill. for twenty years and had lived in Florrissant the past two years. He had five sons, one a resident of Texas, two of Tennessee, one of Illinois and one of St. Louis. All were present at the funeral. The deceased was a brother of Michael Burns, president of the First National Bank of Nashville, Tennessee.

 

May 28, 1876

Major H. M. McAdoo of Waverly, Tenn. was in Nashville. [The June 7, 1876 issue, page 4, carried the notice of this man's marriage to Ellen Gardner Burton, in Edgefield, June 6, 1876.]

 

May 29, 1876

Missing issue

 

May 30, 1876

"Mr. W. C. Rutland, residing in Wilson County, has now in use on his wagon, a tongue band made in the year 1761."

 

May 31, 1876

A large number of celebrants gathered in Lynchburg, the county seat of Moore County, Tennessee, May 27, 1876; in charge of the occasion were the Council of United Friends of Temperance and the Sunday Schools of the area. Speeches and a bountiful dinner were the main features of the day. [This is an even more interesting bit of local news considering that one of the nation's largest and most active distilleries, the Jack Daniel Distillery, was operating in this county.]

The consecration of the fallen soldiers of the Federal Army was held in the National Cemetery, in Nashville, May 30, 1876; 16,500 men lay [lie] buried there.

 

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