Category: NewsArticle

DECKER, Chas. – Smallest Living Man (1866)

Chas. DECKER is believed to be the smallest man living.  He was born in Mississippi, and moved to Memphis when ten years of age, and has been engaged there for the past ten years selling periodicals.  He is now twenty years old, and thirty-six inches in height, and is well known in Memphis for his smartness and intelligence.

Pulaski citizen. (Pulaski, Tenn.), 02 Feb. 1866. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85033964/1866-02-02/ed-1/seq-1/>

 

DAVIS, Jefferson – Appointed Life Insurance President (1869)

Memphis, Nov. 20 – Jefferson DAVIS has been elected President of the Carolina Life Insurance Company of this city, and will reside here.

Source: The Sweetwater enterprise. (Sweetwater, Tenn.), 25 Nov. 1869. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn89058302/1869-11-25/ed-1/seq-2/>

McLAIN, W.T. – Becomes Attorney-General

Vanderbilt Alumnus Magazine
October 1924

W.T. McLAIN Promoted

W.T. McLain (B.S. ’07, LL.B., ’09) recently was named Attorney-General for the Fifteenth district, Shelby county, Tenn., by Gov. Austin PEAY, succeeding Gen. Sam O. BATES, resigned.  Mr. McLAIN was a member of the football team in 1906, 1907, and 1908.  He is a former member of the Tennessee General Assembly, was at once time Vice-Mayor and Police Commissioner of Memphis, and served for a year as Assistant Attorney-General.  He resigned the latter position in 1920 to become County Attorney of Shelby County, which post he relinquished to assume his new duties.

CHURCH, Robert R. – Contributes $1,000 for Confederate Veterans Reunion Entertaiment (1901)

The announcement comes from Memphis, Tenn., that Robert R. CHURCH, believed to be one of the wealthiest colored men in the South, has contributed over $1,000 for the entertainment of the Confederate Veterans at their annual reunion in that city in May next.  CHURCH was born a slave in Mississippi and spent his early days on a Mississippi steamboat , of which his master was the owner and captain,. (pg. 1)

Source: Roanoke Beacon newspaper of Plymouth, NC.  February 15, 1901.  pg. 1

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CROWLEY, Annie – Complains of Insult (1870)

Miss Annie CROWLY complained before ‘Squire NORTON yesterday that Andrew BROWN, a negro, had grossly insulted her.  ‘Squire NORTON, after hearing the case, committed BROWN to the County Jail to await trial. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 12 Jan 1870, pg. 4.  Available via ChroniclingAmerica.loc.gov.

CANALLES, A. – Building Catches Fire (1870)

Flames were discovered in the second story of the building occupied by A. CANNALLES, No. 280 Front row, about half past nine o’clock last night.  The alarm was promptly given, and the engines were soon on the spot.  At writing, the fire is quite subdued, but it is impossible to form any estimate of the damage done by fire and water.  Mr. CANNALLES values his stock at $7000, but probably not the half of it is injured [sic]. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 9 Jan 1870, pg. 4.  Available via ChroniclingAmerica.loc.gov.

 

O’DONNELL, Tim – Arrested on Warrant (1870)

Tim O’DONNELL, driver of hack No. 40, after driving a man named HUNT all around town, asked him for his fare, and in response was told by HUNT that he had no money.  HUNT, however, volunteered to leave an overcoat with him as collateral.  Tim took him at his offer, but HUNT, after leaving the coat, went to the stationhouse and complained that Tim had assaulted him and taken his coat away.  Tim was arrested on a warrant, but when the case came up for a hearing before ‘Squire FOLEY yesteray, HUNT did not appear against him.  Witnesses say that the charge was purely malicious and false. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 9 Jan 1870, pg. 4.  Available via ChroniclingAmerica.loc.gov.

KELLER, Mrs. Geo – Receives Beautiful Christmas Present (1870)

One of them most beautiful Christmas gifts, of the presentation of which we have heard, was one given to Mrs. Geo. KELLER by her husband.  It is a square grand piano, made by Knabe, of Baltimore, and is a most magnificent instrument, not only in finish but in tone and power.  This is a most appropriate gift to a lady whose musical talent, the high order of which is too well known in this city to need commendation, has never been wanting when charity called upon her to assist in the benevolent musical entertainments for which our city is famous.  Long may she enjoy the possession of a talent that is the charm of the home circle and the delight of her friends and the public. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 2 Jan 1870, pg. 4.  Available via ChroniclingAmerica.loc.gov.

THOMAS, James – Charged with Murder (1870)

A negro man named James THOMAS was arrested yesterday on information given to the police, charged with having murdered another negro named Green MILLER, at Balding’s Landing, in Arkansas, in November last.  At first he denied his identity, even when confronted by a gentleman who thoroughly identified him, but after being rather sharply cross-questioned by Mr. PEARNE, and a reporter, he confessed not only to having been party to the murder of MILLER, but also to having killed Joe ALLEN, another negro, shortly afterward.  He was locked up to await a requisition from Gov. CLAYTON. 

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 1 Jan 1870, pg. 4. Available via ChroniclingAmerica.gov