Milledgeville-Baldwin County, Ga.
In The News 1880's
1880

January 1, 1880
Augusta Chronicle
  The brick factory in Milledgeville, five stories high, with all the machinery, was burned down Tuesday night. Insurance $21,000.
  Milledgeville, while searching around the ashes of her recent fire stumbled upon the idea of buying a steam fire engine. Many bright ideas can be ciphered from the glowing coals.

February 6, 1880
The Macon Telegraph and Messenger
   Milledgeville Recorder: On Tuesday last, at 2 p.m., Mrs. Mary V. Stewart, eldest daughter of the late Dr. Sam G. White, was married in this city to Mr. Baker Stewart, of Stewart county, by Rev. H. H. Parks. The affair was kept so quiet that even near relatives knew nothing of the mater until it was over. Mr. Stewart is a most excellent young man, and the State, if picked over, could not afford a more lovable womana that his good wife. We wish them as much joy as the world can give, and a long live with prosperity. They left on the evening's train for their home in Stewart county.

March 10, 1880
The Post
Milledgeville Union and Recorder: We visited the remains of the old penitentiary last Friday, for the first time in many months. We were surpassed to see the progress of disintegration. The entire outer wall four or five hundred yards in length, by twenty feet in height, has disappeared. Many of the buildings have also vanished from sight, and the work of tearing down and removing the old cell building is progressing. The three upper stories, built of brick, have been leveled, and the three lower stories built of the best granite in Georgia, 100 feet long by 30 feet wide, will soon take the same direction. This is a memorable structure. For full forty years four or five hundred white men slept in its narrow cells, night after night and year after year. If the rough walls could speak what a thrilling history would they unfold! Through every fire, it has stood. Well, do remember the fire that happened while General Nelson of North Georgia was principal keeper. It was a night. A few prisoners had laid the train before going into their cells. In a few hours afterwards, every structure but the cell building was on fire. Such howlings and moanings was filled that building that night, we had never heard before. General Nelson would not unbar the cells and let the convicts out though implored to do so, as the military company of the city and a guard were present to prevent escapes. Said the general: " You set it afire, damn you, an I intend to burn the last one of you to a  crackling." And he kept his word, until Governor Crawford came down from the mansion and ordered him to open the cells and release the prisoners.

March 12, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. Fred W. Morse and Miss Mary Drake were married in Milledgeville last week.
  The Baptist of Milledgeivlle will not build a new church but will repair their present building.

May 7, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  Milledgeville Recorder: Mr. Thos. Turk died at the residence of his son, Mr. T. W. Turk, in this county, on Tuesday, April 27th, 1880. Mr. Turk was eighty-seven years old in November. At the time of his last illness he was one of the oldest citizens of the county. He was highly respected, and in earlier life a very successful farmer. Two years ago Mr. Turk united with the Baptist church in this city, and was baptized in the Oconee river, just opposite this city.

May 22, 1880
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, May 20 - Mr. A. M. Edwards, a prosperous grocery merchant of this city, died yesterday and was buried today by the Baldwin Blues, with which corps he went to the war in 1860.
  The Milledgeville manufacturing company's property was put up at auction to-day and bid off by the company's attorney at $8,000.
  The weather is fine for killing grass, and the farmers are very busy.
 Labor is hard to get and commands extravagant wages.

June 27, 1880
Daily Constitution
Milledgeville, June 25. Still dry, dusty and hot. Corn presents a sickly appearance; cotton looking well, but needed rain.
     The nomination of Hancock and English is enthusiastically received.
  Colquitt and Brown stock is improving.
    Benevolent lodge No. 3, F. A. . M., whose charter is signed by DeWitt Clinton, grand master of U.S., celebrated St. Johns day, yesterday, with a coalition, and the bill of fare was much more comprehensive than the old saint's daily meat of  "locusts and wild honey." Many of the number spent the day with Daniel lodge No. 85, at Island creek. Colonel Miller Grieve, of this city, made a speech there, which, for historical research, chastens of diction, vindication of the purposes and designs of the order and forcible delivery, is seldom equaled and more rarely surpassed. A bounteous dinner, which none know better how to prepare that the Island creekers, was partaken of by 600 or 800 guests. Baldwin, Hancock, Jones, Putnam and Washington counties were represent. At a late hour the acres of buggies and other vehicles bore their live freight homeward, with "three cheers and one cheer more" for Colonel Grieve, the good matrons and lovely daughters of Island creek, and the worthy brothers of Daniel lodge No. 85.

July 1, 1880
The Macon Weekly Telegraph
DIED. At the residence of her brother, Dr. Charles W. Snead, near Milledgeville, Ga., in the fifthy-fourth year of her age, Miss Mary E. Snead, daughter of the late Rev. Tilman Snead.

July 16, 1880
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Milledgeville Recorder: Among other cases of longevity in our healthy city, Col. R. L. Hunter, enumerator of the census, recorded on his mortality schedule the death of Fanny Sanford, aged 106 years. The documentary evidence presented to the enumerator showed that she was born in Berkley county, Virginia, in the year 1774.

The Union-Recorder
1880
To All Whom It May Concern
Georgia, Baldwin County
Court of Ordinary, August Term
   Whereas, George T. Chambers,  executor of the estate of Eliza Chambers, late of said county, deceased, has filed his petition in said court for letters of dismission from said trust as such executor.
    Those are therefore to cite and admonish said parties interested, whether kindred or creditors, to show cause on or by the November term, next, of said court, to be held on the first Monday in November, 1880, why letters of dismission from his trust as such executor should not be granted to said petition as prayed for.
    Witness my hand and official signature this August the 20, 1880.
 Daniel B. Sanford, Ordinary
 

Adminstratrix' Sale
Agreeable to an order of the Court of Ordinary of Bibb county, will be sold in front of the Masonic Hall door in the city of Milledgeville, on the first Tuesday in October, 1880, between the usual hours of sale, the following property to-wit:
  Three hundred and seventy-five acres of land, more or less, known as "Smith's Mount", bounded by lands of of Judge I. L. Harris, Walker Duncan, Wm. Harper, and Mrs. Ann DuBignon. Also, nine acres more or less, bounded by lands of Wm. Harper, Mrs. Ann DuBignon, and Mrs. S. K. Talmadge, lying in the village of Midway. Also, sixty acres of land and improvements - dwelling house of six rooms and necessary outhouses, immediately opposite old Oglethorpe College building. Sold as the property oR. C. Smith, deceased. Terms of sale cash.
Julia E. Smith, Adm'ex
Sept. 7th 1880

Baldwin Sheriff's Sale
Georgia, Baldwin County,
Will be sold before the Masonic Hall door in the city of Milledgeville on the first Tuesday in November, next, 1880 between the legal hours of sale, the following property to-wit:
  Part of lot of land No. 347, containing 154 acres, more or less, lying in Baldwin County, being part of the share of land of Mrs. Elizabeth Belvin, in the Rose place, adjoining land of Dr. Hall, H. M. Rose,  Jewell and others. Levied on and sold to satisfy one fi fa issued from the county court of Houston county against the said Elizabeth Belvin - since assigned to the county of Putnam. Property pointed out by plaintiff's attorney, this September 30, 1880.
J.B. Wall, Deputy Sheriff

Baldwin Sheriff's Sale
Georgia, Baldwin County,
Will be sold before the Masonic Hall, in the city of Milledgeville, in said state and county, to the highest bidder, between the usual hours of sheriff's sales, on the first Tuesday in November the following property to-wit:
  All that tract of land lying and being on the South East common of the city of Milledgeville and said state and county, containing four acres, bounded on the South and North East by land of said city, levied as the property of John B. Fair to satisfy one Superior Court fi fa in favor of E. G. Lewis, property pointed out by plaintiff's attorney.
John B. Wall, Deputy Sheriff
October 4th, 1880

To All Whom It May Concern
Georgia, Baldwin County
Court of Ordinary
Sept. Term 1880
Whereas W. O. Finney and Mary E. Finney, Administrator and Adminstratrix upon the estate of T. J. Finney, late of said county, deceased, have filed their petition in said court for letters of dismission from their trust as said administrators.
These are therefore to site and admonish all parties interested, whether kindred or or creditors, to show cause on or by the December term of next said court , to be held on the first Monday in December, 1880, why said W. O. Finney and Mary E. Finney, should not be discharged from their trust as aforesaid as prayed for.
  Witness my hand and official signature this September the 6th, 1880.
Daniel H. Sanford, Ordinary.

To All Whom It May Concern
Georgia, Baldwin County
Court of Ordinary
Sept. Term 1880
Whereas J. F. Rogers and R. W. Hall, Administrator and Adminstratrix upon the estate of Hezekaih Rogers, late of said county, deceased, have filed their petition in said court for letters of dismission from their trust as such administrators.
These are therefore to site and admonish all parties interested, whether kindred or or creditors, to show cause on or by the December term of next said court , to be held on the first Monday in December, 1880, why letters of dismission from their trust as administrators as aforesaid should not be granted to said petitioners as prayed for.
Witness my hand and official signature this September the 6th, 1880.
Daniel H. Sanford, Ordinary

Notice To Debtors and Creditors
Georgia, Baldwin County
All persons indebted to the estate of Mrs. Mary A. Daniel, late of Baldwin County, deceased, are requested to make payment, to the undersigned, and all persons having demands against said estate are requested to render them in terms of the law. S. W. Davis, Adm'r. Sept. 29th, 1880

December 8, 1880
The Dublin Post
 We got the following item from the Recorder:
 The saddest affair that has lately taken place in this community, occurred last week, about three miles from this place. A little bright eyed boy, about five years of age, the son of our friend Mr. James W. Davis, while playing and running around the yard with a sharp pointed stick in his mouth accidentally stumbled and fell upon his face. The stick pierced his throat and inflicted an ugly and severe wound, from the effect of which tetanus was produced, and death soon came to the relief of the little sufferer. The grief stricken parents have our heartfelt condolence in their sad affliction.
(Note: this would be Edward Davis, son of James and Rachel Davis per 1880 census)



1881
January 30, 1881
Daily Constitution
MILLEDGEVILLE, January 29 - Mr. Magill, whose illness I mentioned in my last, was buried yesterday.
There died yesterday in our city a most remarkable woman, Mrs. Peter Fair, aged 73. She has been an invalid 50 years; has not been out of the room in which she died in 45 years. She has raised a large family, having now living six grown sons and one daughter. For years she has sat propped in her bed or at a front window and spent her time sewing and knitting. She knitted last year 100 pairs of socks. Her husband, Judge Peter fair, died about two years since.
  Mr. John Scoggin and Miss Eula Webb were married last night.
   Pneumonia prevails to an alarming extent.

March 11, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Milledgeville Recorder: Mr. Luke Robinson, an aged citizen of this county, living near Carr's station, Hancock county, was killed on Thursday last by an accident. The steers he was driving ran away, and the old man was thrown out of the wagon and killed.

June 3, 1881
Daily Constitution
Milledgeville, June 1. - Miss Annie Ennis, of the county, and Mr. Tyler, of Barnesville, were to-day married at the residence of Mr. L. N. Callaway, in this city. Rev. A. J Beck, of the Baptist church officiating. The happy couple left by the afternoon Central train for the groom's home in Barnesville.
  As I write Dr. Shinholster, a good man and rising physician, is dying. A number of relatives, among them Andrew Miller and family, of Wilkinson county, are at his bedside.
   I see C. J. Harris, of Macon, on the street, having been called here by the extreme illness of his mother, Mrs. Iverson L. Harris.
   Dr. Garner Edwards and P.T. Taylor of the city are quite sick.
   We have had fine rains the last few days, and as I write there is a heavy shower in sight.
   The wheat harvest has commenced, a small acreage, but is fine.

June 25, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
We quote as follows from the last issue of the Milledgeville Union and Recorder:
  Mr. A. J. Wilkinson, of the county, residing near Scottsboro, died last week suddenly. He had been working, and while much heated drank freely of cold water. .He was about 75 years of age.

October 5, 1881
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
The Milledgeville Union and Recorder of yesterday says:
  Married, in Midway, at the residence of Mr. R. N. Lamar, on Wednesday, September 28th, by Rev. Donald McQueen, Mr. Frank Rogers, of Macon, and Miss Alice Lamar, of Mobile, Ala.
  The groom is well known as the youngest member of the popular firm of G. T. Rogers' Sons, of Macon, and the bride is the youngest daughter of the late Dr. T. B. Lamar. The happy couple left the same day on the afternoon train for Macon. We wish them a happy and prosperous life.

November 2, 1881
Augusta Chronicle
Union and Recorder
Milledgeville, November 1. The third annual Conference for the Promotion of Holiness convened in the Methodist Church in this city last Thursday. The conference met last year at Augusta. Rev. Mr. Parks, Messrs. Russell, Miller and Bondarant of Augusta attended. Milledgeville is one of the few cities or towns of Georgia where cows are permitted to perambulate the streets, unmolested, at all hours.  The machinery for making the brick at the Lunatic Asylum passed through the city last Saturday morning. -The "Bridge Gang" on the Georgia Railroad are doing some good work on the Macon and Augusta Road between this city and Macon. -  Rev. Sam Jones accomplished some good in Augusta last week. He wore himself out by his arduous labors and has had to take a rest. -Before the congregation was dismissed Mr. Russell of Augusta arose and delivered an earnest exhortation to the congregation to seek a higher and holier life - complete salvation.

November 23, 1881
Augusta Chronicle
Milledgeville, November 22. -  Our usually quiet city was startled early Tuesday morning by a report that a negro man had been shot at the city bridge, five times, and was dead. The rumor proved to be correct, Warren Owens, a young white farmer, who lives across the Oconee, did the shooting, and Steve Young. a colored man employed by the bridge-keeper, Mr. W. B. Echols, was the man who lost his life. The new Asylum building will now go rapidly up, weather permitting. We learn that the bid of Mr. B.F. McGinty, of Athens, was accepted. There was quite a number of proposals. The number of bushels of cotton seed shipped from Milledgeville up to this time, the present season, has reached such high figures, that it will interest the public to get at even an approximation of the correct amount. - We learn that Rev. C. W. Lane, D.D., of Athens, will be in the city on Thursday next, in attendance upon a meeting of the Trustees of Talmage School, and his many friends here would be pleased to have him preach a Thanksgiving sermon on that occasion.

December 23, 1881
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. Uriah King, of Linton, Ga., widely known in this county and a very worthy man, died at his home on Tuesday last. He had many friends and relatives in this city (Milledgeville) and county.



1882
January 3, 1882
The Union-Recorder
Mr. Jesse Moran & Miss Emma Babb married last Thursday at Linton.

Feburary 2, 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Union and Recorder
Milledgeville, January 31 - The "Independants" so called are bidding for aspiring young men. If any are entrapped it will be those of big ambition and little judgment. Young men go slow. -Sheriff Ennis arrested three negroes last week and put them in jail. They stole corn from him and sold it to Mr. Henry Temples. Sol Bell, one of the party, turned State's evidence and gave away his accomplices. - The survivors of the Pulaski Volunteers of Pulaski County, one of the companies that belonging to the famous Eight Georgia Regiment, met in Hawkinsville on Thursday, January 19 and expressed their feelings in regard to the death of their former Captain W.W. Williamson, Esq. of Milledgeville. -Myrick Darnell left for Augusta last Saturday morning  greatly benefited in health by a visit to his home. - Rev. D. McQueen was unable to fill his pulpit last Sunday on account of a well developed case of vaccination.

March 7, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
THE LIGHTNING'S ANTICS.
The Freaks Played by the Electric Fluid in a Midway House.
Milledgeville Herald
MIDWAY, GA. March 2 - On the night of February 28th, at about twelve o'clock, lightning struck the chimney on the east end of my house, knocking the top off, tearing off part of the gable end, and running down the studding next the chimney, tearing up part of the hearth and scattering the brickbats, timber, mortar, etc. over the room, breaking out the glass of the windows and scattering it all over the room.  Mr. M.B. McGinty and T. A. Chapman were sitting at the table writing, about six feet from the fireplace, and were both thrown back from the table and badly shocked. Chapman received a slight wound on his face from some of the timbers. Mr. McGinty was also shocked and received a cut on the back of the head, but neither were seriously hurt. Mr. N.S. Eaves was lying  on a bed in the corner of the room with his head within four feet of the scantling that was entirely torn out by the lightning, and was considerably shelled by brick-bats and mortar; but his head being protected by the head-board of the bedstead was hurt very little. J. M. Cook and A.L Eaves were lying on a bed in the room, where  they were covered up by splinters and dust. Splinters were also stuck in the ceiling of the room all about. John Colvin Hillburn was sitting on the bed in the opposite corner from Mr. Eaves, and when he came to himself he was on the floor. R.P. Eaves was on the bed with Hillburn, but received no injury at all. The lamp on the table between McGinty and Chapman was put out and a hole made through the lamp chimney. There were twelve in the other part of the house. I can but feel grateful to a merciful Providence that no one was killed, or severely hurt, which under the circumstances is remarkable.

March 9, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
  A very serious mishap, and one which might have been fatal, befell our fellow townsman, Mr. M.B. McGinty, last Tuesday night. He was at Midway, where he had gone to attend to the construction of the new lunatic asylum. With a friend he was sitting near a fireplace, conversing. His companion was an old arm comrade, and their reunion was so pleasant that they continued talking till near midnight. It will be remember that a heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, fell that night. The lightning struck the chimney near which the gentlemen were sitting and tore it all to pieces. The electric current struck the chair on which Mr. McGinty was sitting, tore it to pieces, knocked him several feet, and stunned him. A physician was summoned, and Mr. M. soon recovered consciousness. His right ear was burned, and the back part of his head was cut so that it bled profusely. Besides this, he only hurt was a bruised feeling about the right side. His escape from death was narrow. Several other persons were in the room, but Mr. McGinty was the only one hurt. A hen was killed on her nest under the house immediately underneath where he was sitting. He had been talking with his old comrade about being wounded by a shell during the war; and when he began to recover, his first thought was that he had been struck by another shell.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT
  Another account in the Milledgeville Herald says:
  A few hundred yards to the rear of the asylum is the residence of Mr. J.T. Farrell.  During the storm of Tuesday night, the lightning struck the chimney of the rom occupied by Messrs Eaves and McGinty, contractors on the new building. Mr. Eaves had just retied to bed, leaving Mr. McGinty writing at a small table near the middle of the room. Five other persons occupied beds in the room. The bolt struck the chimney, demolishing the top of it, passing down the woodwork next to the chimney, "tearing it to splinters, shattering the glass in the sash, upsetting Mr. McGinty and putting out the lamp. The bolt passed within four feet of Mr. Eaves' head, who was sleeping with his head towards the window. The glass and splinters were showered on him like hail, and his first impression on gaining consciousness was that he had been bombarded and the house certainly presents that appearance now. Mr. McGinty was very severely shocked. The others escaped. It was certainly a narrow escape on the part of Messrs., Eaves and McGinty and they have cause to congratulate themselves that they are still in the land of the living.

March 30, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
GEORGIA'S GALE
The Wind's Work in the Past Two Days
From the Macon Telegraph
Gordon, Ga, March 29 - Your correspondent has just returned from the scene of destruction along the line of the cyclone. It passed eight miles north of this place, about 11 o'clock yesterday morning. The first he could learn of its ravages was that done on the plantation of Mr.Levi Kinslow, of Jones county. His place was demolished, there not being a house left. Mr. Kinslow and one of his children sustained some injuries, but Dr. Hardeman thinks they are serious. The storm passed southeast, and struck the premises of Judge Peyton Pitts, blowing down several out-houses there. It next struck the plantation of Thomas Ethridge, unroofing his dwelling, and destroying out-houses generally. It struck a skirt of timber, after passing his house, and destroyed it.
  The plantation of Mr. J. Richard Barfield was next in order, and here it did some of its saddest work. Mr. James W. Barfield had been visiting a neighbor some half mile, and hearing the roar of the storm tried, with his little son, to reach home before it came. But it was too late, and as he was endeavoring to cross the branch a pine tree fell on him and killed him instantly. The boy escaped unhurt. The ravage of the cyclone along here beggars description. A dense forest is left without a whole tree! The width of the cyclone here is about six hundred yards. A house on this place, occupied by Mr. J. R. Roberts, was lifted from the floor and slid down the hill. There was some one in the house at the time, and their escape was almost miraculous. Mrs. Lester's smoke house and corn crib were blown down and timber and fences demolished.
  Mr. Ira Wheeler's  place was almost demolished. Crossing Big Commissioner it passed through the plantation of Mr. Charles Mathis, destroying houses, fences and timber, thence to the plantation of Mr. Robert Adams (Baldwin Co.) wounding him perhaps fatally, and destroying houses and timber. A child of Mr. Berry Stevens (Baldwin Co.) was hurt, and his place made a perfect wreck. The cyclone passed out and across the Gordon and Eatonton road this side of Stevens's pottery, killing a negro and destroying property. It is two terrible to describe.

June 6, 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Milledgeville Union and Recorder
Mr. J. B. Pounds acre of prize oats turned out 93 bushels and six pounds. - Frank Bell, colored, made 81 bushes of oats on three fourths of an acre of land. Mr. Chauncey Wright's ten acres of wheat were thrashed on Saturday, and turned out about 200 bushels, 100 below his calculation. Many farmers in the county have already plowed their fields lately sowed in grain. Some are planting corn and peas, and a few putting the land in cotton. -Hon. J.H. Blount, in reply to a letter from a friend in this city, states that he is not candidate for Governor, but desires to represent the Sixth District in Congress.

June 20, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
MILLEDGEVILLE MATTERS.. Special Correspondence of The Constitution
Milledgeville, June 19. Mr. W. H. Barnes, of California, is visiting his father's family at Scottsboro, four and a half miles from our city.
.
July 4, 1882
Atlanta Constitution
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
Special Correspondence of The Constitution
Milledgeville, July 2 - We have had copious rains throughout the entire county, accompanied by heavy winds, in some instances doing considerable damage, blowing down trees and fences and unroofing occasionally a cabin. In one of these storms, Saturday, lightning struck Captain T. H. Latimer's dwelling at Midway, doing considerable damage but injuring no one of the family, most of whom were absent, attending the Baptist Sunday-school picnic , some miles in the country. On the same day an aged German, a worthy, inoffensive man, Jacob Dutenhofer, died. Yesterday Mrs. Dr. Mark Johnson, was stricken with paralysis. Dr. Hall was called promptly to her relief, and this morning she is reported decidedly better and probably out of danger.

 August 9, 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Col. Oscar Graves, of Rome, Ga. died at the Lunatic Asylum, last Friday and was buried in the Milledgeville Cemetery on Saturday. He was a brother of General Graves of Rome, Ga. who is now railroading in Mississippi.

October 15, 1882
The Telegraph and Messenger
Evening News: Mr. Robert H. Cornwall, of Savannah, and Miss Lila Fleming and Dr. John H. Calloway, of Milledgeville, and Miss Bessie Fleming were married in Athens on Wedneday at the residence of Mr. Thomas Fleming, of that city. The ceremony of this double wedding was performed by Rev. George T. Goetchius, of Augusta. The marriage was quiet on account of recent affliction in the family, but hosts of friends all over the State offer congratulations and best wishes to the young couple. The bridal party went from Athens to Savannah.

October 18 , 1882
Augusta Chronicle
Milledgeville, October 17 - On Thursday last, the Trustees of the Asylum elected officers of that institution for the insuing year. Dr. Jones, of Wilkinson County, was elected 4th assistant physician, to begin service when the new building is ready for occupation. Mr. L. J. Lamar was elected assistant steward, (a most excellent appointment- a better man for position could not be found in the state). Mr. J. A. Orme was elected assistant store keeper and supervisory of the culinary department. The other offices remain as before.



1883
February 4, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
    OLD MEN IN BALDWIN
A Talk With a Man Who Escaped from the Flood - Milledgeville of Old.
From the Milledgeville, Ga., Union
   Meeting Mr. Butts, we said, "We have been interviewing old men and asking their recollections of old times. You are probably the oldest man in town?
Mr. Butts - I am eighty-five years old. I know of no older man in the place.
Reporter. - Where were you born and when did you come to Milledgeville?
Mr. B. - I was born in Southampton county Va. My father moved to Hancock county when I was four of five years of age, and I came to Milledgeville in 1840. I was, at that time, in my 43d year.
Reporter - Tell us something of the town and people of that time?
Mr. B. - When I first came here I boarded with Mrs. Godwin at the Washington hall and afterwards at LaFayette hall. At that time there were six or seven good hotels in the city. There was no railroad. All travel was by stage or private conveyance. All the hotels had large stables attached, for they had as many horses to take care of as men. The members of the legislature came here in gigs, and usually engaged board for their horses for the session. In those days I saw many more pleasure vehicles on the streets than I see now. In fact Milledgeville was a much gayer town then than now. A great many changes have taken place since I came here. Fires have swept out of existence the business portion of the city, two or three times - the old Washing hall, Masonic hall and McComb's hotel alone remaining. Dr. Blake occupied the part of the building front on Wayne street with a little vine-clad piazza. Across Wayne street the O'Briens the kept brilliant drinking saloons, in low wooden buildings on the site now occupied by Newt. Callaway and west of him. Those buildings became dilapidated in the course of time, and the fire that swept them away in 1865, was considered a god-send to the town. Dr. Blake was an educated Scotchman, and came to this country, owing, it was said, to domestic infelicity, caused by marrying a rich wife. He was physician, preacher, poet and wit; also a great hunter and fisherman.
Note. Mr. Butts is Arthur  I. Butts

February 15, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Of a well known resort in Milledgeville, in the old days, a writer in the Union and Recorder gives the following reminiscences: The "Big Indian" bar was so called from the form of a huge Indian chief, carved out of wood, that stood in the vestibule of Gus. Randolph's famous liquor saloon. In one hand he held a scalping knife - a ferocious dagger and tomahawk graced his belt. Upon one arm was suspended a gourd five feet long, and about his neck was wrapped a stuffed skin of  a huge rattlesnake. This "bar" was the resort of the "bloods", the "sports", and the honorables of the legislature. Drinks were ten cents, plain or fancy. At every other bar in town only five cents was asked. Gus  Randolph never got rich, while many of his rivals, at the small figures, grow to wealth, and prominence in the county. An anecdote of Captain Randolph will serve to taper off this sketch. His bar was just opposite the Presbyterian church, and directly in the path of many who attended religious services during the week. It was an eyesore to the preachers from abroad, and one of them, Rev. Mr. Talley, was bold enough to attack the "Big Indian", from the sacred desk. It was during a revival, and a fit occasion to attack the vices of the town. He arraigned Mr. Randolph, who was a short, stout, red-faced man, in the following languare-we quote him correctly. 'Speaking of the "Big Indian", Mr. Talley said" "Just a few steps, hardly a stone's throw, from these sacred doors, is hell's palace, with an Indian chief as a god of worship, Look in-what do you see? A painted Indian, decorated with all the devices that ingenuity and the devil could devise-snares to entrap the unsuspecting youth and land him in the remorseless vortex of ruin. Pass on the the rear room, and what do you see? Flashing lights, gorgeous tapestry, brilliant mirrors, lascivious paintings, rosy-colored bottles and decanters filled with the beverage of hell's own, and behind the counter stands a short, pot-bellied, red-faced man, calling out damnation by the glassful." Captain Randolph, to his dying day, could never forgive the minister for this "personal".

March 31, 1883
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
George Perdue, an old citizen of Baldwin county, died on the 19th inst. Mr. Perdue was near eighty years of age.

May 3, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
   Milledgeville Union:George Adolphus, a negro boy about 17 years old, was killed on Tuesday afternoon on Mr. Joe Stiles plantation. He started to the field to plow after dinner, and was found a short time afterward dead. The mule threw him, as is supposed, and dragged him some distance, his foot having caught in the trace, as the print of the chain was on the sole and heal of his shoe. An inquest was held by Coroner Scott, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the above.
    The Milledgeville Union says that in a recent letter to his father, Lieutenant Frank Carringon reports that he is moving with General Crook's command against the Chiricahus Indians, one of the Apache tribes. He is quartermaster and commissary of the command. They have a force of about 250 regular soldiers and 200 friendly Apaches.
    Arthur I. Butts of Milledgeville, who was a citizen of Meriwether in 1828, fifty-four years ago, built the first house that was erected at Rocky Mount, which stood in the northeast corner of the ?? made by the Flat Shoals and Denoia roads. Bears were then found in the creek swamps and smaller game was abundant.

June 12, 1883
The Telegraph and Messenger
Milledgeville
June 11 - Mrs. Henry Stevens, of Steven's Pottery, died last night at 8 o'clock. Mrs. Stevens has been in ill health for some time. Hopes of her recovery were entertained by her many friends and relatives, but at the above hour she expired, leaving a large family to mourn her loss. She was about fifty or fifty-five years of age.

June 17, 1883
Telegraph and Messenger
Milledgeville, June 16
Mrs. Sarah Lester, aged sixty years, died yesterday at 10 o'clock. Her remains will be interred to-day at the burial grounds of Mr. Thomas Pugh.

June 22, 1883
Augusta Chronicle
IN MEMORIAM
     Departed this life Thursday, June 14, at her residence in Macon, Ga., Mrs. Martha Low Fort, nee Fannin, after a lingering illness, in the 80th year of her age.
     The subject of this sketch, long a resident of Macon, was a remarkable woman and true type of Southern character and manners, in the olden times and palmy days of the republic.
    From an interesting family record, which might indeed be considered an autobiography of the deceased, the writer has permitted to gather the following incidents to the life and career of this excellent lady.
     Mrs. Fort, was born on the 8th of January, 1804, in Putnam county, Georgia, about fifteen miles from Eatonton, the county site.
     It is a curious fact that her father, Joseph D. Fannin, one of the earliest settlers of Putnam, imported the first mule ever brought to the county, and also introduced the now famous Bermuda grass from a few roots obtained in Augusta and transported in his saddle bags.
     On October 28, 1824, Miss Fannin was united in marriage with Dr. Tomlinsom Fort, at Madison, Ga., and resided forty years with her husband at Milledgeville.
     The house they occupied is still standing and is now used as a parsonage by the Methodists. It is located on the corner of Greene and Liberty streets.
    Dr. Fort was for many years a prominent figure in Georgia politics, and as the energetic editor of the Federal Union newspaper, the received organ of the Democratic party, was a power in the State.
    Two years after their marriage, in 1826, her husband having been elected to the Congress of the United States, Mrs. Fort accompanied him to Washington. They traveled in their own carriage as railroads and steamboats were then fast locked in the womb of time.
     At the national Capital Mrs. Fort at once took rank among the leaders of society, and became the familiar acquaintance and associate of the illustrious personages of the time.
     Among her visiting friends were Edward Everett and wife, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster. Her description of the brilliant eves and the noble bearing of the great Carolina Senator is worthy of mention
     The subject of this sketch graphically describes the inauguration of President Andrew Jackson and his grand appearance on horseback in the long procession which marched up Pennsylvania avenue.
     Returning from Washington to Georgia after the adjournment of Congress, again was the journey accomplished by private conveyance and slow stages, with necessary intervals of rest. Six weeks were used upon the road ere they beheld the turrets of the old capital and were again domiciled in their Milledgeville home.
     When Georgia succeeded and the whole country was ablaze with enthusiasm, true to the memory of her loved husband who had deceased in 1859, and was ever known as the consistent enemy of "nullification" and a staunch friend of the Union, she refused to illuminate her dwelling, forecasting the deluge of blood in the future, and the inevitable catastrophe which had its consummation at Appomattox Court House.
     Like the lamented Stephens, however, and many other patriots, when the die was cast and the State severed by its own act from the Federal union, she threw her whole soul into the Confederate struggle, and diligently wrought with her own hands for the illy provided soldiers of the "Lost cause".
     Mrs. Fort sent three of her sons (all who were able to bear arms) to the Southern camps, and right gallantly did they ever demean themselves in the "thickest of the fray". She, herself was the president of the Baldwin County "Relief Association", one of the first institutions of the kind in the South, and labored with tireless energy for the support and comfort of our suffering braves.
     It is related that no less than 100 pairs of socks were knitted by her own hands for the barefooted warriors of the Confederacy.
    In 1863, by the death of her daughter, Mrs. Julia Huguenin, of Macon, her children, five in number and of tender years, were bequeathed to her, together with the stately mansion on Jefferson Street, then occupied by the deceased. Mrs. Fort cheerfully accepted the trust, and removing immediately to this city, entered at once upon the grave responsibilities devolved upon her. How faithfully she performed her duty to the stricken orphans-in her old age virtually rearing another young family-they can grateful answer for themselves. Never was a woman more honored and beloved by her descendants to the third generation. At the funeral, which was conducted in Milledgeville by her pastor, Rev. Joseph Key, D.D., a goodly number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present. Gently and bedewed with tears did they consign the remains of their honored ancestor to its kindred dust, by the side of the husband who had shared with here the largest portion of the joys and vicissitudes of a long and eventful existence. Ever happy and harmonious in life, their union is now eternal.
     Mrs. Fort was the devoted mother of thirteen children, four of who died in infancy.  Three passed away in mature years, viz.: Miss Susan E. Fort, aged twenty-three; George W. Fort, aged forty, and Mrs. Julia E. Huguenin, relict of Colonel E.D. Huguenin, who died at the age of thirty-eight.
     The survivors, six in number, occupy useful positions in society and their names are as follows:
Mrs. Judge R. J. Morgan, of Memphis, Tenn.
Mrs. Julius L. Brown, of Atlanta, Ga.
Mrs. H. O. Milton, of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Miss Kate H. Fort, of Macon, Ga.
Tomlinson Fort, Esq., of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Captain John P. Fort of this city.
      The children of Mrs. Julia E. Huguenin, who were reared by their grandmother, are also well known in this community. Their names are Edward D. Huguenin, Esq.. Mrs J. Marsh Johnston, Miss J. Dora Huguenin and Mrs. B.M. Tarver.
     The venerable lady of who we write was possessed of many sterling and salient traits of character. Prominent among these was her unswerving integrity in all the relations of life.
     The open-handed hospitality of Mrs. Fort was proverbial. Of her, too, it has been said that no beggar was ever turned away from her door. Thus did her years pass away to extreme old age in the midst of a numerous family circle, of which she was the central figure, beloved and revered by every member.
     At length the "silver cord" was "loosed, the "pitcher broken at the fountain" and all  that was mortal of this noble woman lay cold in death. But the immortal spirit has winged its flight to that "better land" where the righteous receive their reward and the weary are at rest.
     Mrs. Fort was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and her funeral obsequies were appropriately celebrated in Milledgeville, where she now sleeps the "sleep that knows no waking" by the side of her beloved husband.

June 22, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, June 21. - During the past ten days there has been an unusual number of deaths and burials in our community. Professor Cone, of the college, lost an infant, and Mrs. Horton, perhaps the oldest citizen of the place, was buried last weeek. She has been gradually failing for some time. Her life has been exemplary throughout, and she died a faithful Christian. The remains of Mrs. Dr. Tomlinson Fort, of Macon, were brought here for burial Saturday morning. The Fort family burying ground is in our cemetery, Milledgeville having been the former home of Dr. Fort. Here the doctor, a man who was once famous as a physician and politician, lived the greater part of his busy life. His popularity gained him a seat in congress from this district once. Requiescat in pace.

August 16, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville Union: Mr. E. L. Moran says that the house of his father, the late James Moran, now occupied by his sister, was covered in 1833 or '34 with pine shingles, and has never had a shingle put on since, and the house leaks very little. His sister has a jar that has been in use since 1821, and a coffee canister taken to her home by her mother, when she was a bride, in 1826, and has been in daily use to hold parched coffee ever since. The small pot that old uncle Sam Johnson had in camp in Savannah in 1812, is now in daily use in this county.

REVIVING VEGETATION
Special to The Constitution
Milledgeville, August 15, Excepting one shower, we had no rain from the 18th of June to the 1st of August, during which time the weather was very hot, with a dry, scorching wind from the northwest. you can doubtless imagine how badly our crops suffered Forward corn was ruined and cotton very badly damaged. Since the 1st instant we have had copious rains and all vegetation seems to be greatly revived and improved.
   Mr. H. E. Hendrix, a large grocery and supply merchant of our town, has just returned from his cotton farm of some two or three hundred acres, near town, and says the rust and caterpillars both have appeared in his cotton, and he is very despondent at the outlook. May farms through the county also report the appearance of rust and caterpillars.
   The health of our town and county is very good at present.

September 19, 1883
Augusta Chronicle
FARISH C. FURMAN
Death of One of Georgia's Most Brilliant and Useful Men Yesterday in Milledgeville.
  Saturday morning Farish C. Furman died at his home near Milledgeville, Ga., of typhoid fever. He had been ill two weeks, and the best of medical attention had been assisted by the presence of his father, Dr. Furman, of South Carolina. His strong constitution and full physical frame had led his friends to believe that he would survive the attack, but on Friday he became much worse, and yesterday morning breather his last. Two months ago Judge Furman was in Augusta, the picture of health and energy. He was beading ever effort of his active life and nervous temperament to work up an agricultural __ of marked excellence, and his future seemed to open up to him with brilliant promise.
  Farish Furman was a remarkable man. He represented Baldwin county in the State Legislature and the 20th District in the Senate. He served as Judge of his county Court, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention. He was much interested in the Old Capitol, and boldly expressed the claims of Milledgeville on the stump throughout the State. He was well versed in the law; was a fearless and convincing speaker, and was possessed of a well ordered mind and powerful imagination. His system of intensive farming, which had attracted so much attention, and in which he took so much interest, seemed to be broadening into a well digested agricultural scheme, for the success of which he had recently been actively working. He aspired to be a useful, practical man of affairs, and the bent of his mind being that of a statesman, he fondly hoped to live to be of service to his State and to his country. And he would haven been. Georgia loses an able and divested son in the death of Farish Furman. His life and efforts had already won much success, and his example is a bright  one for the young men of his native State.

September 25, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Sumter Republican:General Geo. W. Bivins died at his residence near this city, at 6 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was born in Baldwin county, Georgia, and served in the Seminole and Creek wars, with distinction. He was a good, peaceable citizen, a member of the Methodist church, and an honest, upright man. For the last few years of his life he has been afflicted with blindness; but now his eyes so long useless to him here, are gazing upon glories never to this world given, where sorrow nor affliction are never known. May his joy be endless, and triumph in the kingdom he has entered. His remains were buried in Oak grove cemetery at 4 o'clock.

September 30, 1883
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
Milledgeville, September 29 - I will give you as much as I can learn them the particulars of the killing of Mr. James Aids, of this county, a well-to-do and respectable farmer. On the 26th of the present month Mr. Aids, Mr. Mansfield Hubbard, Jr., 19 years old, and Mr. George Whitaker met at Cooper's grocery, near Stevens's Pottery. Mr. Aids, from an old grudge existing between him and Mr. Hubbard, received some abuse from Mr. Hubbard, who was his brother-in-law, urged on by George Whitaker. Aids, thinking of avoiding a difficulty, left for home in an ox-cart. He had not gone far when overtaken by Hubbard and Whitaker, when Hubbard begin cursing him, and as Aids turned around, was shot by Hubbard in the abdomen, the ball penetrating two inches above the navel on the right side. He was shot with a derringer. As soon as shot Hubbard and Whitaker ran off. Aids managed to get to Mr. Newt Allen's house, one-quarter of a mile distant, where he was attended by Dr. E. T. Gilmore, who did all in his power to save him, but to no avail. He died the the 27th at 9:30 p.m. The coroner's inquest decided it to be willful murder on the part of Hubbard and Whitaker accessory. Hubbard was quite a boy, only nineteen years. Up to this date the sheriff has been unable to get on track of them. Aids leaves a wife and two children. M.

October 5, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
A NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER DIES
Milledgeville, Ga. October 3. William Barnes, aged 78 years, a prominent citizen and one of the publishers of the Recorder, committed sucicide this morning by taking strychnine. The act was brought about by intense physical suffering.

October 24, 1883
The Telegraph and Messenger
  The sad news reached this city Saturday of the death of Rev. John A. Shivers, formerly editor of the Warrenton Clipper, and his estimable wife (Mary Pamela Smith Shivers), both on the same day. Mr. Shivers and his wife had for a long time been suffering with consumption, and he had but recently sold out his paper to other parties. Some days ago they were both removed to the residence of Mrs. Shivers' mother in Baldwin county, where on Thursday at 11 o'clock Mr. Shivers died, and at 1 o'clock, two hours later, his wife breathed her last. This is indeed, a sad announcement. Mr. Shivers was well and favorably known in Warren and adjacent counties where, in addition to his editorial labors, he had charge of several Baptist churches. He also had many friends in Augusta who will lament his death. Four little children are left to the cold charities of the world.
(Note: buried in Leonidas Smith/Smith-Mead Cemetery, Baldwin County)

October 30, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville
A SUDDEN AND MYSTERIOUS DEATH
October 29 - A very singular and as unaccountable death occurred at Mr. Fenn's, in this county, last Saturday, the circumstances, as I learn them, below as follows. At Camp Creek Church, on the same day, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Bateman after service went to Mr. Fenn's to dine about 2 or 3 o'clock. Before dinner, while dinner was going on, Mrs. Bateman complained greatly of the numbness of her limbs,  suffering so terribly that she laid on a bed, and immediately fell into a sound sleep, from which she never awoke.
  Some of her physicians attribute it to apoplexy. She was buried at the church on Sunday following.
M.
 

November 14, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
     The Macon Telegraph gives the following account of the Baldwin county homicide: On Saturday afternoon last John Tollison, a quiet, peaceful and temperate citizen, was killed at Double Branches, on the southern suburbs of the city, by Alexander McMillen and his two sons, John and Dan, John West Lingold and Aus Wilson in such a manner as to make all good citizens fear that a foul murder was perpetrated in our midst. The deceased is a young man with a wife and five children, without means, and lived in Scottsboro district. Alexander McMillen and sons are white tenants on the land of the late Farish C. Furman. They had been drinking at Kreutz's bar, where the difficulty first started, but were on their way home when the killing occurred. The body of the deceased was fearfully cut - one large wound made with a knife in his back, one in his abdomen, and the one that killed him in the neck severed the carotid artery and jugular vein, killing him instantly. All parties, except John West Lingold, who is still at large, were arrested on the spot. Coronor Scott immediately summoned a jury, with Oscar Cone as foreman, but in consequence of the lateness of the hour, adjourned over until 9 o'clock next morning, and had the body conveyed to the court room. William Tollison, brother of the deceased, when sworn said he, with the deceased, was in Kreutz's bar late Saturday afternoon, and played a game for a drink with Alex McMillen. After winning twice he remarked to McMillen,  "I have won." when McMillen called him a d--n lie. Brother John then said,  "Stop, boys; I'll give 50 cents rather than have a fuss, " and asked me to go home. As we were leaving Alex McMillen said" "We will settle this on the road," Brother John and I then left for home and got to Chancy Wright's house, when I asked them to go back and get a drink, but, as he never drank, he refused. We then started home, and got to Fishing creek bridge, when John McMillen caught up with us.Harrison Barnes sworn, said:  "When I got to the north end of the Fishing creek bridge on my way home Saturday evening, I noticed a difficulty at the other end of the bridge. I saw John McMillen jump from his mule and strike William Tollison and did something, from the distance I couldn't hear nor tell what, and instantly heard a pistol shot and saw John McMillen advancing on John Tollison, when the latter shot again, running behind his mule trying to get out of his way. McMillen first had his hand in his pocket; then his knife in his hand. I could not hear a word. There were with Tollison the old man Tollison, John and William, and I think Mr. Allen was not far off. After the shots, the Tollisons ran, and I saw coming down the road Alex McMillen, Dan McMillen, John West Lingold, and ten steps behind Aus. Wilson, well  - a-well - his hat in his hand hollering, "Where are they?" In passing me John West Lingold dropped his bundle and I picked it up. The Tollisons ran, shooting from the pursing party going on all the time - some twelve or fifteen shots. Finally they caught him about 150 yards in the brach. I heard Alex McMillen, say "By God, we have him; kill him!" The other evidence was substantially the same. After all was quiet, it was found that Josh Dubois was cut in the shoulder, now nobody knows yet. The verdict of the jury has not been made public, as one of the parties has not yet been arrested.
(see trial below)

November 23, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Special to The Constitution
Stone Mountain, November 22. - Night before last Mr. Warren Mosely, of Milledgeville and Miss Fannie Summey, of Stone Mountain, were united in marriage. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride's parents by Rev. J.F. McClelland.

December 19, 1883
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, December 18. - Dr. Mark Johnson is up and about again, after a sudden attack of sickness. Henry Fraley, who has been at death's door for many days, is better.
  The college will give a week's vacation, allowing many of the students who are not residents of this place to go home for Christmas.
  St. Stephens Episcopal church is undergoing repairs and renovation. Mrs. Farish C. Furman donated the necessary amount and soon the church will look pretty and attractive.
  Christmas will be celebrated at the asylum as usual. It is the custom to feed the patients high, to provide concerts, dancing and other amusements, and at night to give a display of fire-works during Christmas.
  it is thought that Fannie Freeman, whose leg was broken in the smash-up on the Central railroad last week will lose the leg.
     Sheriff Ennis, of Baldwin county, arrested Tom Ennis, colored, charged with assault and attempt to murder the person of Frank Dezern.



1884

January 26, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, Georgia
Milledgeville, January 25 - The juries in the cases of Alex McMillan and his son, John McMillan, indicted for murder, brought in verdicts of guilty, recommending that the prisoners be sent to the penitentiary for life. Another son, Daniel, is undergoing trial now, being indicated for murder in second degree, and in all probability will be found guilty. The cases of J. W. Lingold and Austin Wilson will follow for the same offense.
  The circumstances of this case briefly, are as follows: On November 10th, last, William Tollison and his brother John, became involved in a difficulty in H. E. Kreutz bar-room, with the above named parties, in which John Tollison became peacemaker and tried to settle the trouble. The Tollisons departed for home in a short while followed by the McMillans. The latter overtook the former at the Fishing creek bridge, and began the difficulty by one of the McMillans attacking one of the Tollisons. From that the fight ended in the murder of John Tollison. All through the trouble it appears that the Tollisons were trying to escape and the McMillans were on the aggressive. The cases have been ably prosecuted by Solicitor General Whitfield and Judge F. G. DuBignon and likewise stubbornly defended by Messrs. Sanford, Crawford, Grieve and Mathews. There are quiet a number of distinguished lawyers attending court. Among them are J. W. Preston, W. A. Lofton, Colonel Jordon, of Sparta, a and others.
  Colonel W. A. Lofton will be counsel in the case of Aus. Wilson who, it seems is as much guilty of being in bad company as anything else. He was in the McMillian crowd, but did not actually take a hand in the murder. Court will hardly more that get through with these murder cases this week.

In the McMillan murder case, Dan McMillian, J. W. Lingould and Aust Wilson plead guilty to manslaughter, by consent, of counsel, and were sentenced to one year in the penitentiary.
(note:  Alexander McMillan  was pardoned by the governor in 1890)

January 31, 1884
Columbus Daily Enquirer-Sun
   The Milledgeville Recorder says: It was a singular coincidence, that Mrs. Tollison, widow of the man killed by the McMillians, should have died on the day the trial began in the superior court of this county. Her death leaves six orphaned children to the cold charity of the world, the eldest 13 years old, the youngest an infant only a few hours old.

April 1, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
One of the negroes who was shot by Captain Ennis, of Baldwin county, in an attempt to arrest the colored incendiary Clark, has since died.

The Executive Mansion
From the Milledgeville Chronicle
   We strolled up the street and called in at the governor's mansion upon the hill, snugly resting against the beautiful green grass, just now taking on its spring dress.  The plat with its surrounding, though somewhat dilapidated, presents a pleasant view to the eye, but upon entering the old mansion, built over 45 years ago, we notice the hinges of doors and windows are growing rust; the dust has heavily settled upon all the facings and walls, and the cob webs spin out their lengths across the different rooms, filth and trash have accumulated in the cellars and closets, and everything within present sights "unsightly," taking hold of that human nature which will almost irresistibly imagine hobgoblins and ghosts, ready to jump from every corner and jam. We all alone sauntered around into every room, peeping here and there with thoughts of the stories read in younger years of the dismal halls of nunneries and monasteries, with feelings apprehending the spirits of the great and just men made perfect who helped to make the good state of Georgia illustrious, but who have long gone to that "bourne from whence no traveller returns".  Passing we discovered a small door, and ejaculated to ourself, what's this, another closet" We opened it and saw a little stairway with short windings, beginning almost at the open door. We glanced upward, the eye, and saw the passage was narrow and that the head must stoop to clim the winding, but upon a reflection we thought notwithstanding our corporceity, if such men as Cobb and Jenkins, with their corporeal existence could get through we could too. We went up and up to the observatory and looked for a moment over the old capital, and the red hills surrounding it. But enough of all this. The executive mansion is located upon a pleasant spot, and desirable portion of the city, but it is now exposed to abuse and depredations. We made our entrance through a back door which was not fastened. The home should be better protected, and the state could do nothing which would preserve the property as well as to have it repaired and fitted up for a school of technology.

    Had A Good Effect
From the Milledgeville, Ga., Chronicle.
    There is a good story told of the Stevens pottery neighborhood When the cyclone passed through there in 1875 there was no church in the neigborhood. Some of the people thought it was sent as a judgment for their evil deeds. They immediately started a subscription and built one, and now there are none more pious than the people of that vicinity.

March 31 1884
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, March 20 - The continued services at the Presbyterian church, which the pastor, Rev. Donald McQueen, assisted by Rev. Kaff  Smith and Dr. Adams with others, have been conducting for the past two or three weeks, were ended last night. More than a dozen have joined the Presbyterian and other churches as a result of this meeting.
  We have a Clay Pigeon club, which has among its members several first-rate bird hunters, but who can not make anything like a clear record, shooting at clay pigeons. It is much more difficult to hit them than to kill a bird.
  Milledgeville seems to have a painting boom. The spring many whose houses show the need of two coats of paint are making arrangements to paint and whitewash their premises.
  Candidates for the next legislature are beginning to make themselves know. Dr. Mark Johnson has not decided yet where to make the race. The friends of Hon. Samuel Walker want him to take the field.

May 30 1884
Atlanta Constitution
Death of R. H. Harper
Milledgeville, May 29 (Special)
R. H. Harper, a prominent citizen of our county, about sixty years old, died last night at nine o'clock.
  Dr. W. H. Hall and Mrs. G. T. Whilden are very sick.
  Mrs. H. Treanor is also very ill.
 

August 6, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
The Baldwin county grand jury has recommended that the old executive mansion be turned into a courthouse.
The colored people of Milledgeville have three churches.

Says the Baldwin county grand jury:
It having come to the knowledge of the grand jury that in the suburb, known as Harrisburg, there is, and has been for months, a degree of turbulent and riotous conduct in which the colored school children have been engaged; we recommend to the county school commissioner withdraw the fund to the colored school in that community unless these disturbances be promptly stopped.

Milledgeville Chronicle: There is an old colored woman in this city who is very old, and a few days ago took up a collection among her grandchildren to raise money to visit her sister in Sparta, and only having money enough to carry her to Sparta, she took the train and was soon there, and upon inquiry she found that her sister had been dead ever since before the war. She took a dirt route and walked back to Milledgeville. She said she felt much improved in health after taking her trip.

Scared to Death
Milledgeville, August 5 (Special) Last night Miss Sarah Rockwell, being frightened at the wind storm which passed over this place about eight o'clock, died suddenly. She was a very stout lady and her death was caused by her endeavoring to quickly reach the house of a neighbor during the storm
 

August 7, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
Friday morning Mrs. Cline, wife of Mr. Peter J. Cline, died in Milledgeville.

August 13, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
Burned to Death
From the Milledgeville, Ga., Record.
Penny Clay, a colored woman living on what is known as the Nathan Hawkins place in this county, went to church Wednesday night last, leaving five of her children in her house; one of whom was studying her lesson. The house caught fire during her absence and the result was, three of the children made their escape and two were burned. They doubtless all fell asleep, for it is stated that as the elder children got to the door dragging one of the younger ones with them, the roof fell in, knocking it back in the house and it, with one other, perished in the flames.

September 17, 1884
New York Times
THREE FAMILIES POISONED
    Milledgeville, Ga,  September 16. An attempt has been made by Ellen Maybe to poison the families of Mr. J. F. Calloway, Mr. J.A. Ray, and Mr. Mills, all living close together on the line of Hancock and Baldwin Counties. It was by the disappearance of rat poison that Mrs. Ray's suspicions were aroused. An investigation showed that the girl had been putting it in the food of these families in small doses, hoping thereby to kill them without suspicion. Several persons are now dangerously sick.

November 27, 1884
The Telegraph and Messenger
Union and Recorder: "Our sheriff, Captain C. W. Ennis, returned from Texas last Wednesday night. Having received information of the whereabouts of Warren Owens, who killed a negro in this county a few years ago and fled, a requisition was obtained and he proceeded to Palesinte, Texas. It was thought best that Captain Ennis should not be seen, and the local sheriff went to the residence of Owens, some distance in the country, and arrested him. When about to leave the house the prisoner, with the assistance of his family, effected his escape and getting his gun resisted re-arrest. The sheriff went off to get help and when he returned Owens could not be found; hence Captain Ennis had to return home without him.
 

November 30, 1884
Atlanta Constitution
A GEORGIA KILLED
A Former Resident of Milledgeville, Himself the Slayer of His Father, Killed
Shreveport, La.  November 29 (Special) Charles A Devereaux was shot and killed last night by John O'Neal at Boughten Bossier Parish. The cause of the tragedy is not known. Devereaux was a man of extraordinary courage, and had served many years as deputy sheriff. He came from near Milledgeville, Ga, where he killed his step-father and had to leave the state.

December 17, 1884
The Dublin Post
The Irwinton Southern and Appeal has changed hands - Mr. C. M. Brannan retiring and Mr. C.H. Morris of Baldwin County, assuming the responsibilities of editor and proprietor. Here's luck to the outgoing and incoming editor.



1885
January 5, 1885
Atlanta Constitution
   The Milledgeville Chronicle says that there was a negro who stole a mule from Mr. Babb on the east side of the river and rode him over to the western part of Baldwin county, swapped with Mr. Goddard, and then rode the horse back to the city the next night. The next morning he rode out to the country again to repeat the swapping game. In the meantime his criminal acts became known, and on his return to the city in the evening he was arrested by Mr. Posey and turned over to sheriff Ennis.
  The following were the officers elected by the Milledgeville council No. 375, Royal Arcanum for the coming term: H. Adler, regent; A. J. Ellison, vice-regent; C. N. Haygood, orator; G. W. Caraker, secretary; T. J. Fairfield, collector; Y. Joel, treasurer; M. Hines, chaplain; A.J. Wall, guide; W. A. Massey, warden; J. B. Fair, sentry.
  At the residence of Mrs. General Doles in Milledgeville, her great aunt, Mrs. Tomlinson, who has been an invalid and the object of the kindly care and attention of Mrs. Doles, for a number of years past, died on the 20th of December.

February 17, 1885
Telegraph and Messenger
 Milledgeville. Feb. 15-  A fire occurred this morning in Midway, consuming the house of Dr. Lockhart, originally known as the Dow Brown place, opposite the Daniel Tucker residence. Was supposed to have been set on fire. Insured for $1,000, with the Continental Insurance Company of Atlanta.

April 1, 1885
Augusta Chronicle
Efforts are being made to induce Miss Lula Hurst and Mrs. Dixie Haygood to give a joint exhibition of their curious powers in Macon.

April 14, 1885
Atlanta Constitution
Some Old Coins
from the Milledgeville, Ga., Recorder
Mr. E. H. W. Hall, farming on the Samuel Johnson place, in this county, showed us some Spanish coin one of his hands plowed up in the field. There were two dollars and five cents They bore date 1799, and were in a tin cup.

April 15, 1885
The Dublin Post
Nickelsville Items
The Misses Neil of Baldwin County brightened our village Saturday and Sunday last with their presence, the guest of the Misses Cannon.

April 14, 1885
Chronicle and Constitutionalist
(Milledgeville Union and Recorder)
  It is no infrequent occurrence to see a party of ladies and gentlemen meandering towards the placid "Oconee" to tackle the nimble cat. - Mr. Henry Newton from the neighborhood of Stevens' Pottery brought us on Saturday a cotton stalk a foot high, that had several forms on it.- There has never been seen, since Georgia was a Sate, so many fine agricultural implements for harvesting grain, sold to out people. Baldwin county certainly never had so many, or so fine ones, and, judging by the reports of county papers, the same, is true of all the other counties.

April 17, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
 excerpt from the trial of Doc Jackson
Alexander McMillan, a white convict, apparently fifty-five years old, said that soon after Faulkner entered the Lockett camp he proposed to him to make an escape. Witness told Faulkner he didn't want anything to with such projects. On his cross examination witness said he was  sentenced for life for murder alleged to have been committed in Baldwin county. He was made a trusty nine months after he went into the camp, as he thought, for his good behavior. Will Lockett knocked his shackles off. It was not done after the killing of Faulkner, or because he had promised Lockett to testity favorable to Jackson. When he came to the penitentiary he brought a recommendation to Lockett signed by some of the best people of Baldwin county, asking that he be treated kindly. He believes Lockett knew he was an innocent man, and therefore treated him well.

May 28, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
A HUSBAND'S WRATH,
A THRIFTY FARMER PROBABLY FATALLY WOUNDED
Henry Lane, of Baldwin County, Fires Twenty-two Buckshot at William Whiddon for the Latter's Outrageous Conduct Towards His Wife- Personal and General Notes
Macon, GA, May 27. - (Special) - This morning near Brown's crossing, Baldwin county, occurred a tragedy tht will result in the death of William Whiddon, a well to do farmer. Henry lane shot him with twenty two buckshot for an attempted rape on his wife. Lane went to Haddock's station yesterday morning to make some purchases, and in passing Whiddon's house he hailed the latter, and asked if there was anything he could do for him at Haddocks, thus giving Whiddon the information that Lane would be away from home.
  Whiddon then went to Lane's house and hailed Mrs. Lane, who, not being out of bed, came to the window, and asked what was wanted. Whiddon, seeing his opportunity, went into Mrs Lane's room and attacked her. Mrs. Lane screamed for help, which soon came from some negroes in the yard. Whiddon then took to his heels and early this morning Mr. Lane, having returned home, took a shot gun loaded with twenty-two buckshot, and finding Whiddon at his home, fired into him and wounded him seriously. Whiddon is not dead at last accounts. Whiddon fired at Lane with a pistol but failed to hit him. Lane surrendered to the sheriff immediately but was not held in custody.

May 29, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
Whitten Probably Fatally Wounded
LANE'S BULLETS ALL OVER HIS BODY - THE PRISONER NOT IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT
Macon, May 28 (Special) W. M. Whitten was shot by S. H. Lane yesterday, near Haddock station for insulting the latter's wife, was not expected to live late this afternoon. Lane's bullets entered Whitten's body just below the heart, inflicting wounds all the way down to his feet. The wounded man's two brothers and his sister went to his bedside to-day.
  It is report here that, while Lane is in the custody of the sheriff of Baldwin county, he is not in close confinement.

June 2 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
The Milledgeville Chronicle gives the following version the the Lane-Whitten homicide.
  A shocking occurrence, bringing sore troubles between two families, besides a number of their friends, living in the western part of this city near Brown's crossing on Wednesday morning last. It was the shooting of Mr. William M. Whidden with a double barrel shotgun, loaded with buckshot, by Mr. S. H. Lane. Mr. Lane came to Milledgeville and surrender to an officer, and while here made the following statement. On Monday last he told Whitten he was going to Macon the next day by the morning train and at Whitten's request took charge of five dollars to pay a bill for him in Macon. He went to Macon, and on his return home Wednesday his wife told him he had left home but a short time when Whitten came to her door before she got up from her bed and said he wanted to borrow a saw. She told him she would let him have it as soon as she could get up and dress herself. Accordingly, having clothed herself and left her room, she got the saw and handed it to him, when he declined to take it, and in some conversation which occurred he grossly insulted her. She ordered him off and he returned and tried to apologize, but she refused to accept his apology and ordered him off again. He returned a second and a third time, and each time she refused to hear his apology and ordered him to leave. The two parties live within a quarter mile of each other, and the next morning (Wednesday) Lane took his double barreled gun, loaded with buckshot, went to a field near where Whitten was plowing and calling to him to stop, shot both loads into him at a distance probably of twenty steps. Whitten fell, but when Lane started to walk off, he partially rose up and shot a t Lane three times with a revolver, without hitting him. Lane then sent for Sheriff Ennis for the purpose of surrendering himself, but before Ennis arrived, he came on to Milledgeville by the cars and surrendered to Mr. Charlie Caraker, deputy sheriff. Such in brief are the particulars of this said tragedy as related by one of the parties. We say tragedy, for we learn that the charge of shot took effect in Whitten's side and abdomen and it would seem in the highest degree improbably that the would should fail to prove mortal. It is perhaps proper to state that Whitten denies that he used any insulting language to Mrs. lane. Since the above was put in type we learn that Whitten died duirng Thursday night.

June 3, 1885
The Dublin Post
Fatally Shot Near Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga. May 27
A shooting affray occurred about seven miles from this place between Henry Lane and WilliamWhitney (Whitten/Whitton/Whiddon), resulting in the latter being mortally wounded.  The parties are white. Lane is under arrest.

June 15, 1885
The Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville Union and Recorder: G. T. Dismukes showed us yesterday a tin cup he captured at the battle of Sharpsburg. It bears the inscription "G.T.D. , Twelfth Georgia regiment." He presented it to his wife as a bridal present  twenty years ago, and she has been using it ever since for a flour cup. He brought it to town to have a new bottom put in, and says he would not give it for a horse.

July 7, 1885
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Death of a Milledgeville Lady.
Milledgeville, July 6 - Mrs. A. F. Pound, of Atlanta, nee Miss Skinner, of this city, died in Atlanta Saturday night and was buried in the cemetery here this morning.

July 24, 1885
The Telegraph and Messenger
Gen. Myrick's  Death
Milledgeville, Ga, June 23 - Gen. S. P. Myrick died at his residence in Midway last Saturday night, and was buried from the Methodist church in this city on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock. Gen. Myrick was 70 years of age and looked, a few weeks before his death, as strong and hearty as many men of 40 or 50. He has been a large and sucessful planter in this county for many years-particularly before the war.
 

July 7, 1885
The Union-Recorder
Married on July 3, by W.H. Stembridge, Esq. N.P., at the residence of the bride’s sister, Mrs. John Ethridge, Mr. Charles Babb to Miss Jane Phillips, all of this county.

August 18 1885
The Union-Recorder
Mrs. Missouri Babb, widow of Mr. Brinkley Babb died at her home in this county, last Friday. She was about 65 years of age. She was laid to rest in the family burial ground last Saturday afternoon.



1886
January 19, 1886
The Daily Constitution
FIRED BY AN INCENDIARY
The Ancient Hostelrie of Hon. N. C. Barnett Visited by the Flames
Milledgeville, January 18 - [Special] Old Washington hall, a building that is to some extent famous in Georgia, being formerly a hotel, kept by Hon. N. C. Barnett, present secretary of state when Milledgeville was the capital, was found to be on fire this morning about half-past 1 o'clock. For a while it looked as if a terrible conflagration was in store, on account of adjacent valuable property, but by the heroic efforts of both white and colored citizens, the burning was confined to the Washington hall. West of this building is the store and residence of H. E. Hendrix and east the buildings of Brake, Mrs. A.A. Orme, Hendrix, Joseph and others. Messrs. Massey & Ennis, J. Staley & Stewart moved a large part of their goods into the street, and lost some property by breakage.
  This fire is supposed to have been incendiary, as no one lived in the part of the building where the fire originated. The lot occupied by this old wooden building will not remain long unoccupied. It is a good property and will probably be soon built up with better buildings.

February 3, 1886
The Dublin Post
Nickelsville Items
Miss Belle Neal, a charming young lady of Baldwin County, is in our midst, the guest of Mr. G. W. Cannon and sisters.

February 24, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
GOING TO BE MARRIED - Mr. E.B. Collier will leave Atlanta tomorrow for Milledgeville, where he will marry one of the old capital's most charming daughters. On Thursday night he will wed Miss Addie Wall, and will reach Atlanta Friday. That evening he and his bride will be given a reception at this father, Dr. T.C. Collier's residence, 29 Moore street. Mr. Collier is well known and highly esteemed in Atlanta. He is one of the most trusted employees at Draper, Moore & Co's,. the shoe men.

March 4 1886
The Augusta Chronicle
Stevens Pottery, near Macon, is to have an artesian well.

March 4, 1886
The Augusta Chronicle
Baldwin County will vote on the prohibition question on Monday the 22 inst.

March 4, 1886
The Augusta Chronicle
The Memphis papers announce the death of Mrs. Martha F. Morgan. This lady Richmond knew well. She was a native Georgia, a daughter of Doctor Tomlinson Fort of Milledgeville, and a sister of Mrs. Julius S. Brown of Atlanta. She was a noble specimen of womanhood, a dutiful daughter, a good wife, a devoted Mother, and a genuine Christian.

March 4, 1886
The Daily Constitution
THE BALDWIN TRAGEDY
THE KILLING OF HAYGOOD DECLARED TO BE MURDER
The Alleged Effect of the Speech of Rev. Sam Jones in Milledgeville-Further Street Speaking Prohibited-The Election of Haygood's Successor-Fleming DuBignon to Speak
Milledgeville, Ga., March 3. [Special.] The verdict of the coroner's jury in the case of Sam Ennis for killing Deputy Marshal C.M. Haygood, was murder.
THE COMMITMENT TRIAL
Yesterday the commitment trial took place before County Judge Ramsey and occupied almost the entire day. Hon. Seab Reese, of Sparta, Judge D.B. Sanford and John Allen of this place, defended Ennis. Colonel W. A. Lofton and Sam Jemison of Macon, were engaged to prosecute. Solicitor-General Robert Whitfield is absent attending court in another county. Judge Ramsey delivered his decision this morning. He bound the prisoner over for trial at the next session of the superior court, and fixed his bond at $2,500.
THE DRIFT OF OPINION
   The substance of popular opinion in this unfortunate affair seems to be about this" that Ennis felt much aggrieved at the criticism of his brother's speech by Haygood and that Haygood, in attempting to explain to Ennis afterwards, perhaps made the matter worse, one word after another leading to the sad catastrophe.
  THE SAM JONES ADDRESS
   Much has been said about the address of Rev. Sam Jones, delivered in Amusement hall here about ten days ago. It has been laid at his door that his utterances gave ? to much of the high feeling existing here over the prohibition campaign. There is no doubt that he made a telling address. The prohibitionists were thoroughly aroused. Some of his words may have been, under the circumstances, considered bu some of the audience as more reckless than prudent-but if Mr. Jones were to come back here he would probably say as much again, as he is know to use plain words and to go at his adversary tooth and toe-nail.
   IT WAS A PERSONAL AFFAIR
  The killing of Haygood cannot be fairly regarded as the result of the prohibition agitation. It was a personal difficulty, such as may have occurred under any other circumstances.
  Haygood left a wife and three children and was insured for three thousand dollars.
STREET SPEAKING PROHIBITED
  Last night the city council elected Augustus Dunn to be deputy marshal in Haygood's place. They also passed an ordinance forbidding any more street speaking.
  Hon. F. G. duBignon, of Savannah will deliver and address for prohibition in Amusement hall next Saturday.

April 18, 1886
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, April 17 - Mr.  I. W. Hoover and Miss Rebecca E. Youngblood of Wilkinson county were married in the Ordianary's office to-day by County Judge E. C. Ramsey.

April 21, 1886
The Dublin Post
Mrs. DuBignon, a wealthy lady of Baldwin county, served the cause of prohibition and her country, most effectively by ordered all her tenants who favored the whiskey traffic to leave her premises without delay.

September 2, 1886
Macon Telegraph
A Sad Night for Milledgeville
Milledgeville, September 1. Last night at 9 o'clock Milledgeville was visited by one of the most terrific earthquake shocks. Six distinct shocks were felt, the first occurring about 9 o'clock. The sound seemed to come from south and southwest. It caused houses to sway and rock like a cradle and chimneys to topple and fall. Among the buildings that were damaged was the old Darien Bank. Cracks were made in the wall as wide as a foot. The old McComb Hotel was almost the same. Chimneys fell and everybody was panic stricken. In every part of the town screams of women and children were heard. All abandoned their houses and took resort to the public squares and streets. At the McComb Hotel Miss Thomas, who was sick almost unto death, was moved.
  At the asylum considerable damage was done, but no estimation as yet has been obtained. The large, heavy building rocked so that the "wing became slightly detached from the main building. The plastering fell and all who could get out fled in terror and some of the physicians slept in the front yard all night. Miss Hattie Powell fainted. It was a sad night in the city to see ladies in the street crying and praying.

September 2, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
THE PEOPLE GO TO PRAYING.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., September 1. (Special)- The "quake" last night stirred the old capital, both men and beast, from center to circumference. Altogether this is the most remarkable phenomenon ever experienced here. The oldest inhabitant can't recollect anything like it in the way of a quake. The damage done consists mostly of broken chimneys in different parts of town and fallen plastering. The Oconee house, which is now undergoing thorough repairs, had plastering shaken down in several rooms. Some pictures and bric-a-brac were demolished in almost every house. The people were greatly alarmed, and as many had retired when the shake occurred, and lost no time in getting out of their houses, some ludicrous scenes happened all over the city. As well as can be agreed on, the rumbling motion came from a northwesterly direction. In the northwest suburbs of this place is a large negro settlement. This morning it is reported that consternation reigned supreme among them and that shrieks, prayers, etc., were heard on all sides. They thought Gabriel was riding in a chariot toward Milledgeville and that the next thing they would hear, would be the toot of his trumpet.
(Note: this is the Great Charleston Earthquake of 1886)
 

September 10, 1886
The Daily Constitution
The Progress of Milledgeville
Milledgeville, GA, September 9 {Special.}- At least forty houses have been built since Christmas and a dozen are now being constructed. New families are moving into the city constantly, and new enterprises are rapidly organized. The territory of the place is expanding, and the wholesale merchants send drummers more than 100 miles from home.
    There is not a good house in town for rent. Six stores have opened here lately, and a marble yard and several stores will be opened within a month.

November 16, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
Macon, Ga., November 13 (Special)
Mercer university closed its doors for the day out of respect to one of its ministerial students, Rev. J. H. Hall, who died Saturday night and was sent to Black Springs, near Milledgeville, to be buried today. Mr. Hall leaves a wife and two children to mourn the loss of a good husband and father.

December 23, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
LAID TO REST
The Burial of the Late Colonel Samuel H. Jemison in Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga., December 23. (Special) This morning the remains of Colonel  Sam H. Jemison arrived in the city, accompanied by Mrs. Jemison, R. W. Jemison and other relatives. An escort from the Macon bar, consisting of Hon. J.L. Hardeman, M.G. Bayne, C.L. Bartlett, J.G. Blount, R. W. Patterson and S.A. Reid, his late partner, acted as pallbearers. Quite a long procession followed the hearse to the cemetery, where Rev. Donald McQueen read the Presbyterian burial service, and the body was laid to rest beside his father and two elder brothers. Mrs. Jemison appeared deeply affected during the services. Colonel Jemison spent part of his school days here, and there were many old friends of the family present.

December 27, 1886
Atlanta Constitution
MILLEDGEVILLE
ITS LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS AND MEMORIES OF GOLDEN DAYS.
A Stroll Among the Tombs-The Ancient Cemetery and Some of Its Landmarks-Pictures of AnteBellum Days-Its Noble Modern Institutions-Other News Briefly Told
Milledgeville, Ga., December 25 - (Special Correspondence) Today I enjoyed a rare good time. Among the hills of Middle Georgia, and along the broad streets of quaint old Milledgeville, I wandered around in a delicious dallying, gazing on the ancient landmarks of forgotten days.
    The weather was perfect. It was the balminess of June spending its golden glamour over mid-winter scenes. The bare branches of the elms, and the velvety green of the cedars and pines, were brought out in vivid contrast, clothing the rolling hills, glowing with the crimson blush of sunset. I think they are the reddest hills I ever saw.
  With a party of friends I rode down one of the principal streets, and many were the historic mansions pointed out by our genial guide. One of the most noticeable of these is the old Jarett home, a lordly structure, built in the old southern style, with a wonderful grove of cedars and evergreens in the ample grounds in front. Clumps of shrubbery, grass plots and cozy nooks abound, and a long avenue used to lead down to the street toward the old executive mansion. It is somewhat changed now. The modern idea of progress and improvement was usurped, the place of the old-time dignity, and a smart new dwelling is going up in the front portion of the grounds, hiding from view the hoarty homestead, old and gray, that sits back like some typical aristocrat of the old regime, preferring the solace of secluding to the undignified rush of the modern sort.
      Many are the mansions of the same sort, observable at every turning. Each old dwelling has a history of its own. The very spirit of legendary lore hovers about those lichen-covered pillars that are ranged along the broad piazzas, and the worn doorsteps that have echoed to the manly tread of Georgia's noblest men, and the vaulted halls that have rung with the silver-toned voices of her fairest women. The old chimneys rear their tall heads high above the buildings, and the grary plastering reminds one of the solidity of a stone wall. Looked at from the outside they also suggest huge fireplaces where oaken logs smoldered and crackled while these fine old gentlemen and their queenly dames gathered around the hearth at evening, and the starry light of tall candles were reflected in the bright andirons and the brass handled shovel and tongs that stood in the corner.
   Brickbats, rubbish and debris of a miscellaneous character mark the line of the old penitentiary walls, and the breeze that creeps through the one remaining building still echoes the moans of remorseful souls, and the groans of those whom passion, folly, vice and wickedness consigned to a hopeless doom. Here the poor wretch who won his lease of life from the stern demands of justice, only to delve out his worthless days within those frowning walls. The subject is too painful to contemplate.
   Down by the bridge across the Central railroad, and across, and our guide, with a flourish of his hand, pointed out to us the northern limit of Milledgeville. It extends far beyound the city and kisses the horizon line that rests upon the undulating hills to the north, and away down to the dashing Oconee river. Its land is partly settled, partly tilled and partly desolate. The city owns this magnificent domain of several thousand acres, and to those who agree to settle on it, land are sold to the amount of twenty acres in a body. The grounds of the old penitentiary and the state house are rented out, and the revenue goes the the support of that grand institution of learning, the Milledgeville branch of the State university, located in the old state house. This school has been a magnificent thing for the city. There are over four hundred pupils, male and female, in attendance, and settlers are constantly being added to the city's population, and wealth is rolling steadily in on account of the advantages this school offers.



1887

January 22, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
HAULED IN A WAGON
The Railroad Refuses to Carry Miss Booth's Body.
Macon, Ga, January 21 (Special) The body of Miss Booth, the sixteen year old daughter of the afflicted Booth family, was sent to Milledgeville for burial today by Wood & Bond, undertakers. On  account of the complication of infectious diseases of which she died, the railroad authorities refused to carry her remains, and the coffin was placed in a wagon and carried through the country to the old burying ground. The balance of the family are getting along better since the charitable people have found out their sad plight.
(Note: She died of measles;  checking the 1880 census records the is probably Jensey Booth who was living in Baldwin County in 1880)

April 15, 1887
The Augusta Chronicle
Tuesday last Miss Sallie Babb daughter of Ranse (Ransom) Babb, who lives in Baldwin County, near Morris Mill, sustained very serious accidental (s) injuries. She is about 18 years old, and was engaged burning trash in a field when her dress caught fire. Finding she could not extinguish it, she, like most women in like circumstances, ran off. Her sister, Julia, who was a year or two younger, ran after her, and having caught up with her, threw her into a branch and put out the fire, after her clothing had burned up to her waist. Though her injuries are of a fearful character, it is hoped she may recover.

April  23, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
Roundabout in Georgia
-Milledgeville wants a library
-Milledgeville is earning the title of the city of glens.
-Col. William McKinley of Milledgeville, is again ill.
-There were seventeen car loads of corn sold in Milledgeville in one day last week.
-Thomas F. Houston is memorial day orator in Milledgeville, and Col. Miller Grieve, marshal.

March 12, 1887
The Atlanta Constitution
A TRAGEDY IN BALDWIN COUNTY
C. J. Robinson Kills Abe Youngblood, In Coopersville
Milledgeville, Ga, March 11 - (Special) The following note was received at 12 o'clock today by Coroner Scott:
  Dear Sir: I have shot and killed Abe Youngblood, of Washington county. come down and hold an inquest. Tell Sheriff Ennis to come. I am here subject to the order of the law. Yours, etc.
C. J. Robinson
  The cause of the tragedy is about as follows:
  One year ago Robinson loaned Youngblood five dollars. A few days ago Robinson reminded Youngblood of the debt and asked for a remittance. Youngblood at once board the car at his home (Davisboro,) and came up to Cooperville, where Robinson clerked. Robinson was absent and Youngblood notified Cooper, Robinson's father-in-law, that he intended killing Robinson.
  Robinson was made acquainted with Youngblood's threat and when he went to the store this morning carried his pistol with him. About 9 o'clock, Youngblood came up and began cursing Robinson, and with his hand in his pistol pocket applied to Robinson a foul epithet and threatened his life. Robinson saw that he was in a dangerous position and drawing his pistol shot Youngblood in his breast, near his heart and blew his brains out, killing him instantly. Robinson is a quiet, peaceable man while Youngblood has a reputation of an overbearing bully. The coroner's jury justified Robinson in protecting himself. Both parties are married . When the coroner reached the  scene he found Youngblood with his hands in his pocket on his pistol.

June 30, 1887
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, June 29 - This morning at 10 o'clock Rev. Mr. King united in marriage Mrs. Rebecca Hutchings, aged 61, to Mr. A. I. Butts, aged 79. The wedding was very quiet, only a few friends to witness the happy reunon.

July 19, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
The Coopersville Tragedy.
Milledgeville, Ga. July 19 (Special) The grand jury here today found a true bill against Chas. O. Robinson for the murder of Abe Youngblood, at Coopersville, in this county, on March 11, of this year. A full report of the tragedy then appeared in The Constitution. The coroner's jury investigation resulted in a verdict of justifiable homicide. It is claimed that some additional evidence has been obtained and the case will be watcher with interest. Robinson was placed under a fifteen hundred dollar bond and will be tried during this term of court.

July 31, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
  Charles J. Robinson has been acquitted by Baldwin superior court. On the 9th of march, 1887, Abe Youngblood, received an insulting letter from Charles J. Robinson about a debt he owed that party. The following day he left his home in Washington county, on the branch of the Central road, to have, as he said, a settlement with Robinson. Robinson appeared soon after Youngblood's arrival, when the latter approached him and said he would like to see Robinson, who replied he would see him in the presence of those present, adding that he was too much of a gentleman to associate with a Youngblood. Youngblood cursed Robinson and asked him to repeat the language used in his letter, whereupon he said he did repeat it. Youngblood repeated his curses following Robinson (who continued to retreat) and threw open his short, pointed to his heart and said: "Here it is; shoot, G_d d-n you." Robinson said he was unarmed, but soon turned on his enemy and fired, the first shot taking effect in the left arm, the second attempt missed fire and the third effort sent a ball through the back of Youngblood's head, he having begun to retreat from the shots. The wounded man walked a feet feet and fell face forward, with his right hand under him and the left extended. Some time after, the body was turned over and a pistol found under it.

August 1, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
     Milledgeville, February 22. Mrs Ringland,  long a resident of this place, mother of Mrs. Howell Rose, was buried yesterday morning. Several weeks ago she had a fall and dislocated a hip joint, and has been an sufferer from the injury until death came to her relief.
   In the afternoon the body of June Bell was laid away in the cemetery, followed by a large concourse of friends, who turned out, notwithstanding a heavy rain. The short illness of Mr. Bell made his death all the more distressing to his family and friends. He was a bright, popular young man, but recently having entered the legal profession.
  Sol Barret's new houses are nearly completed and will in a few days be ready for occupancy, who have already engaged them.
  Alderman G. T. Whilden is hard at work, pushing his residence to completion. His good taste will find development in the plan and decoration of his house, which will front on Jefferson street.
  Henry Fraley has bought the old Nisbet homestead and will this summer put it in thorough repair for occupancy.

 August 2, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
SUFFERING FOR PROVISIONS
A Feature of the Isolation of Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga., August 1. An easier feeling prevailed here today. There have been no hard rains, although the clouds have been sleeting across the sky. The river has fallen five feet since Saturday, but is is still above any previous high water mark on record. The backed water was five feet deep on North Wayne street yesterday, and families were compelled to abandon their homes. If the Ocmulgee  bridge at Macon succumbed to the waters, this city will be entirely cut off by railroad from all points and a deplorable state of affairs will exist.
  It is stated that provisions at the asylum are scarce, and the Milledgeville has not enough to supply the tremendous scope of  country dependent on her. The Central railway bridge at Oconee, on the mail line is gone. Today is the first day since Saturday that telegraph wires would work at all, and then only to Savannah.
  The loss in this county is estimated at two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but it is impossible to give the losses, as so many people have fallen victims to the floods.
  Reports from Hancock, Wilkinson and Putnam counties report tremendous losses of bridges, mills, crops, etc.

August 23, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
    Died, at her home near Milledgeville last Thursday, after several weeks' illness,Mrs. Will R. Tyler, formerly of Barnesville. She leaves a bright little boy four years old. Her husband, Captain Tyler, is a prominent citizen of Baldwin County. The loss of such an estimable lady is felt throughout the community.

November 3, 1887
The Augusta Chronicle
     The Rev. J. D. Chapman, the deservedly popular and successful pastor of the Baptist Church, will return tomorrow from Albany with his bride neeAnnie Weston.
     The newly organized candy manufactory of W.T Conn & Co. will be in full blast in a few days. It is intended to supply the trade of W. T. Conn & Co. and it will have a capacity of from 500 to 1,000 pounds daily.
      A quiet wedding took place yesterday morning at the residence of the bride -  Miss Janie M. only daughter of Capt. S.R. Weston of Albany, to Rev. J.D. Chapman, a talented young Baptist minister of Milledgeville. Rev. J.W. Weston performed the ceremony.
Death at Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga. Nov. 2Mr. M.C. Butts, one of the oldest citizens of Baldwin County, died on yesterday and was buried with Masonic honors today. Had he lived to April he would have reached the ripe old age of 90 years.

December 2, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
HEART AND HAND
A Notable Wedding Takes Place in Jeffersonville.
Jeffersonville, Ga. December 1 (Special) The most brilliant social event that was ever witnessed in this section was the marriage this morning at 10 o'clock of Dr. Mark H. O'Daniel, of Milledgeville, to Miss Pearl Napier, near this place, at the home of Mrs. W. T. Carswell, grandmother of the bride. Dr. E. W. Warren, of Macon, officiated. The attendants were C. O. Smith, of Hawkinsville with Miss Bessie Napier, of this place; Mr. E. T. Napier, of Macon, with Miss Mattie O'Daniel of Bullards; Mr. J. H. Napier, of this place  with Miss Helen Prescot, of Atlanta;  Dr. W. A. O'Daniel, of Bullards, with Miss Maud Napier, of Forsyth; W. D. Carswell, of Montezuma, with Miss Hallie Wimberly, of Twiggs county; Hon. Tom. M. Hunt, of Sparta with Miss Minnie Carswell, of this place; Dr. Harris Hall, of Milledgeville, with Miss Laura Carswell.
  The attendants were entertained in a most elegant manner last night at the home of the bride. The occasion was a most enjoyable one. This morning at ten o'clock the bridal party filed into the spacious parlors of the elegant home, while Mendelssohn's Wedding March was beautifully rendered by Mrs. Captain W. E. Carswell, when Dr. Warren, in a most impressive manner, pronounced the marriage ceremony, after which a sumptuous breakfast was served, and at 2 o'clock, accompanied by a few friends, the bridal party left for their new home in Milledgeville.
  Dr. O'Daniel, the bridegroom, is a physician of high attainments in his profession, and is one of the physicians at the insane asylum there. The bride is a charming and accomplished young lady, and is noted for her beauty and loveliness, and is the daughter of Mrs. E. C. Napier, who was the hostess on the occasion, and with queenly elegance rendered the occasion one of the most pleasant and enjoyable ones that was ever witnessed in this section. Many were the expressions of her kind entertainment by all present. There were no cards, and only a few of the immediate friends of the two families were present, except the attendants.
  The presents were numerous and elegant, and evinced the popularity of the happy couple. An amusing incident of the evening was cutting an elegant cake for the ring and dime. Mr. Tris Napier, amid cheering applause, got the former, and Hon. Tom Hunt the latter.

December 19, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
ACCIDENTALLY SHOT
A Lad Near Steven's Pottery Badly Hurt Saturday
Macon, Ga, December 18 (Special) On Saturday last Ben Finney, aged about nineteen, who lives near Steven's pottery, accidentally shot himself. It appears that he had a shotgun, which he was handling in a wagon in which he was riding. In some manner the hammer of the gun struck the railing as the boy was in the act of leaping out, and the gun fired, lodging the charge in his left thigh. The limb will probably have to be amputated.



1888

January 1, 1888
The Constitution
JOHN ROSS
An Old and Esteemed Negro Man Passes Away.
John Ross, and old and highly esteemed negro man, died at his home on Wheat street, yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. he was born and raised in Milledgeville. He came to Atlanta about fourteen years ago. He was a faithful member of Wheat Street Baptist church. His funeral will take place Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. W H. Tilman will preach the sermon and Professor L. H. Cargile will act as funeral director.

January 31, 1888
The Augusta Chronicle
W. R. Morris and Company, Milledgeville have failed.
Milledgeville has her Lula Hurst. Mrs. Dixie Haygood has developed into a medium of great force.

Febuary 22, 1888
The New York Times
DEATH FROM HYDROPHOBIA
Milledgeville, Ga, Feb. 21. -Last Friday nigh at a sociable in this place Bethune Jones, a popular young man, was seized by hydrophobia. He had been bitten by a mad dog four months ago, but as no ill effects followed, had forgotten all about it.  Last night he died in horrible convulsions.

April 13, 1888
The Constitution
  No man in Baldwin county has more valuable and interesting stories that Dr. C. W. Snead. He has a beautiful gourd, perfect in preservation and polished as beautifully as any mahogany, that his grandfather used when a boy, eighty years ago, to carry his power in. Among other rare relics was a roster most elegantly executed in penmanship and perfect in its every part, of an infantry company, U.S.A., commanded by Captain W. R. Boote, of Colonel Thomas Butler's regiment, stationed at Fort Wilkinson, on the banks of the Oconee, January 31, 1805. This company was on duty when the famous Aaron Burr was arrested and a political prisoner, and spent the night at Fort Wilkinson on his way to the national capital to his trial for the crime of treason; also a well preserved old book on Anatomy, printed in quaint old English type, at Edinburg, Scotland, in the year 1747; also a passport given to his great grandfather to pass from North Carolina into South Carolina during the revolutionary war, clearly written and well preserved, also a letter from Jesse Benton, father of the famous United States Senator Hon. Thomas H. Benton, written from Hartford, Conn., October 14th, 1785. Mr. Snead's grandfather and Jesse Benton married sisters.
 

April 24, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
Local Talent in Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga., April 23, (Special)
The beautiful little comedy, entitled "Everybody's Friend," was presented to a splendid house by the Milledgeville Amateur Dramatic club at Amusement Hall last night. The house was crowded to its fullest capacity and the galleries were comfortably filled. The play was presented for the benefit of the Milledgeville Light Infantry who gave a splendid exhibition of drilling just before the curtain rose. In the drill Captain Mathewson, who led the college cadets to the state championship last year, commanded and the drill was certainly creditable to both the young soldiers and their instructor. After the drill the curtain rose and the play commenced. The cast was as follows: Mr. G. C. Smith as Felix Featherly; Mr. Ed Wynne as Frank Icebrook; Colonel Mat Greene as Major Wellington de Beots; Mr. H. W. Compton as Trap; Mr. T. Treanor as Gardner; Miss Fannie Price as Mrs. Featherly; Miss Annie Treanor as Mrs. de Boots; Miss Laura Paine as Mrs. Swandown; Miss Vivin Taylor as cook. Each actor handled the part given them in a creditable manner and the Amateur club presented one of the best performances seen in the city this season. It would be difficult to say whose part was the better personated and but just to the club to say that their state performance is superior to that of a majority of professional troupes. They begin to rehearse another immediately, and with additional members will show what splendid dramatic talent this city possesses.

April 29, 1888
Atlanta Constitution
A very happy marriage occurred in Milledgeville, Ga. on Tuesday the 24th. The contracting parties are well known in Atlanta. They were MissCarrie Hall, of Milledgeville and Mr. C. H. Andrews, of Waycross. Both the young people are great favorites with their friends and the wedding was the society event of the season in the quiet old capital. An elegant cotillion was given by Mrs. Davidson after the wedding, to which all the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were invited.
  The groom is connected with the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia road. he is highly esteemed by the officers of the road for his integrity and upright character. The bride belongs to one of the most illustrious families in Georgia being the granddaughter of Dr. Kenan Hall, during his time a shining star in his profession. Mrs. Andrews is a sweet and amiable lady, and is loved by all who know her. Many friends in Atlanta send regards to the happy party.

May 2, 1888
The Constitution
  A marriage which will prove of interest to many Atlantians, took place in Milledgeville last evening. The contracting couple was Miss Marwood Herty and Mr. R. W. Roberts. The ceremony was performed in the Episcopal church by Rev. Dr. Broadwell. A large concourse of friends were present. The attendants were Miss Olive Herty and Captain Matherson; Miss Ellen Fox and Mr. J. R. Pottle; Miss Ada Wright, of Brunswick, and Mr. John Holmes, of Macon; Miss Minnie Wilcox, of Macon, and Mr. Louis Hall. The bride was beautifully and tastefully dressed in white China silk, en train.
  After the ceremony, the wedding part repaired to the residence of the bride, and partook of a sumptuous repast. mr. and Mrs. Roberts left on the half past eight o'clock train for Jacksonville, where they will stay for a few days, and then return to Milledgeville which will be there future home.
  The bride as Miss Herty, has visited Atlanta frequently, and has many friends in the city. She is charming and amiable, and is quite popular in society.
  Mr. Roberts is one of the brilliant young lawyers of the state. His many good traits of character, have won him hosts of friends. Many congratulations are extended the happy young couple.

May 7, 1888
The Constitution
Joe Tucker, of Baldwin county, unearthed a lot of Indian bones in a field of his that has been in cultivation over fifty years. They had been placed in a pot which was broken to pieces. The bones were much wasted, owing to the long time they had been buried. Among them was a jaw bone, with several teeth in it. There was also in the lot a stone pipe, which was much worn.

August 9, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, August 8 - Mrs. W. H. Lane, who has been long a sufferer from consumption died about 2 o'clock today. Her funeral will take place at the Methodist Church to-morrow morning at 10 a.m. The sympathy of the community goes out for her only son, Johnnie.

September 5, 1888
The Augusta Chronicle
A correspondent from Stephens' Pottery, Ga. says: A large crowd was at Camp Creek church on Sunday to witness the ordinance of "foot washing". It may seem incredulous to people even in Baldwin county, that there are churches in this the 19th century that observe that custom.

September 19, 1888
The Constitution
Fire Near Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga., September 18 (Special) The residence of Mr. Mack Tucker, in Midway, with nearly all of his household furniture, was consumed by fire last night. The large blaze was seen plainly from this city, but the building was so far distant that the fire department did not go out. Mr. Tucker's loss is very large and his insurance policies had expired only a day or so ago. It was an elegant country home, built in ante bellum days, and was a typical home of the farmer of the old south. The loss is about $5,000 or $6,000, which is supplemented by the loss of relics of by-gone days that Mr. Tucker held above valuation.

December 13, 1888
The Macon Telegraph
Milledgeville, Dec. 12 (Special) A double wedding was solemnized at the Methodist church at 3 p.m. today, Rev. J. R. King
officiating. Mr. G. R. Butler of Irwinton was married to Miss Nannie E. Vinson of Milledgeville and Col. Will R. Cochran
of Cochran, Ga. to Miss L. Crawford Vinson, sister of the former. An unusually large crowd of the friends of all parties were
present. Many good wishes were sent after them, if not the traditional handful of rice and old shoes.



1889
January 10, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
THE MILLEDGEVILLE FIRE
The Losses and Insurance Ascertained- Incidents of the Fire.
Milledgeville, Ga.., January 9 (Special) In the conflagration last night, the loses, as near as could be obtained from the losers, are:
Haygood & Caraker, $18,000; insured, $8,000
W. H. Armstrong, $3,000; insured, $1,000
Hauft & Whelan, $1,500. Their insurance was transferred on last Saturday to the Waitsfelder building, to which they were moving, and the question will arise whether or not it will cover the loss in the fire last night, part of their goods being in one store and the remainder in the other
J. M. Bayne, W.A. Walker, C.L. Morris, C.W.. Evans, Y. Joel, L. H. Thomas, E. A. Bayne and T. C. McComb & Company sustained considerable loss from moving, but all is covered by insurance. too much praise cannot be given the heroism with which the negroes worked at the fire. They fought it with the flames beating in their faces and worked zealously for three hours, thereby saving nearly a half block of buildings at least. The burnt district will be rebuilt with better and more modern structures. A strange thing about the fire is, it had spread all over the building that first caught, before any alarm was given, and was first discovered by a party of whist players at the Marshall house.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE LOSSES
 The insurance, as far as could be ascertained, is Haygood & Caraker, stock, $1,500, in the Macon Fire Insurance company; $2,000 in the Hartford company, and $5,000 through a Macon agency that could not be ascertained, as they were in Macon today. The store occupied by them, belonging to the estate of J. Temples, loss $2,000; insured in Phoenix Assurance company, of London, for $1,000. The stocks of W. H. Armstrong and L.H.. Thomas were insured in the Royal for $1,000 each. The stores of Fred Hauft and W. H. Armstrong, owned by G.T. Wiedman, loss $4,000; insured in the Royal for $2,000. The store and stock of J. M. Bayne, damaged by water and removal, insured for $1,000 in the Southern Mutual. The other merchants who have slight losses from removal were fully insured, but the companies could not be ascertained. The origin of the fire is yet a mystery.

January 13, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville's New Start
Milledgeville, Ga., January 12 (Special) Considerable improvement is going on in this city at present. Among the buildings under course of construction is a handsome residence on Wayne street by Mr. W. D. Caraker; in the same locality Mr. Henry Wooten is erecting a beautiful home; Mr. G. T. Whilden is investing $6,000 in three handsome cottages to rent on Jefferson street and is looking for good sites to erect other houses for the same purpose. He said today that it was very difficult to get building lots and that they were held for high prices. W. H. Broughton is building a handsome cottage on Clark street. Mr. W. B. Brooks has purchased a beautiful lot on Wayne street and will erect an elegant home as early as possible. Messrs. F. M. Gobert and C. T. Caraker are putting the finishing touches on their homes, which have just been completed. A cottonseed oil mill company has just been organized here head by Messrs. Howe and Brooks. The amount that will be invested in the mill will be $30,000. Of this amount about $20,000 has been subscribed and the balance will be made up at once. The mill will certainly be built, but the Farmer's alliance have signified a desire to take stock in the enterprise, and the company want to give them an opportunity to do so, as they want the farmers interested. An ice factory will be erected at once and the work on it will begin in about ten days. About $12,000 will be invested in the factory and it will be owned by Mr. J.N. Bell. The stores that were burned on Tuesday night will be rebuilt at once. Gas works have been spoken of, and it is probable that a company will be organized to furnish the city with gas in a short while. A new bank and warehouse are said to be two enterprises of the near future. Milledgeville has certainly taken a new start and is keeping square up with the march of progress.

Milledgeville's New Dummy
Milledgeville, Ga., January 12 (Special) The new dummy engine, "Peter J. Cline" arrived yesterday and made its first trip today. It is the same size and make of the old one and cost the company  $5,500. SInce the dummy line was built, the business has been a great deal more than was expected, and it was impossible for one engine to do near all the work that was given the road. Often during the fall, they were compelled to work well into the night to get through with the hauling. SInce the asylum contract went into effect, and some of the largest merchants, who did their own hauling heretofore, have sold their teams and given their draying to the dummy. The passenger traffic has averaged about thirty dollars per day for the last month, besides the freight. The new passenger coach is expected in about ten days. Dummy stock is regarded the best investment in the city, and is current with any moneyed man here.

January 31, 1889
Atlanta Constitution
THE CAMP CREEK WRECK
CARS WRECKED AND PASSENGERS INJURED
The Rails Spread and the Train Rushes Down Into Disaster-The Number of Casualties Noted.
Milledgeville, Ga. January 30 )Special) The Central railroad train due here at 2:2 0 this afternoon, happened to an accident about five miles below this city, in which several cars, were badly wrecked and several people severely injured. The train was a combination of freight and passenger cars, and was made up of six freight cars, a mail and express, baggage, and smoking car, and a firs-class passenger coach.
THE TRESTLE GIVES WAY
  The train had left Stevens Pottery and was speeding with the wind toward this city. When near the trestle over Camp creek the tracks spread, and three of the freight cars, together with the mail, baggage and passenger coaches, were precipitated down the embankment, the baggage car falling in the creek and the other cars thrown into a confused mass.
  Work was begun at once in rescuing the passengers.
LIST OF THE INJURED
    It was found that the mail agent, Mr. ADAMS, was bruised up considerably and his head badly cut.
    Express Messenger REESE CARAKER was bruised up badly.
    O.E. PACE, a traveling salesman for W. T. Conn & Co. of the city was badly hurt. but not thought dangerous.
    Waggonmaster JACK SHARP, foot mashed.
   Mrs. T. L. AVANT, bruised up, but not serious.
 BROUGHT TO THE CITY.
   The passengers were brought to this city, where medical attention was given the wounded. The scene of the wreck is described as pitiful, indeed. It is a miracle that the entire crew was not killed.

March 29, 1889
Union Recorder
Death of Mrs. TRICE  (Lucinda Amanda Callaway)
Mrs. Trice was on of our eldest and best beloved citizens. Her life was unselfish, kind and gently, exemplifying in a remarkable degree practical christian excellence - she was as sweet in disposition as she was quiet and unpretending. She was the eldest daughter of the late John Callaway, and after her mother's death she was a mother, friend and counselor to a large family of younger brothers and sisters, and reared several of her nephews and nieces. She was devoted to her relatives and friends, and hundreds of persons who received kindness at her hands rise up and bless her memory.
  She was buried at 11 0'clock Sunday morning. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church, the pastor, Rev. J.D. Chapman, officiating. The services were largely attended. The following gentlemen acted as pall-bearers: Messr. Joseph Staley, R.N. Lamar, B.T. Bethune, W.H. Jewell, Adolph Joseph and S. Barrett   (Union Recorder, March 19, 1889)
Obit provided by Scott O. Fraser

June 12, 1889
Macon Telegraph
Colored Odd Fellows at Milledgeville.
    Milledgeville, June 11. (Special), On last Saturday the members of Wadley Colored Lodge No. 2,846, G.W.O. of Odd Fellows assembled in this town. At 3:30 o'clock they formed a line and paraded the streets. J. P. Wilder (colored) acting as marshal of the day. They paraded about an hour, and after paying their respects to the mayor as