Thur May 10, 1900

Dee Reid, a well known citizen and saw mill man of Hickman dropped dead Wed of last week just after eating breakfast and while going to his store. He leaves a wife and five children. His life was insured for $5000

Floater found. The body of a man was found Monday morning last in the river just at the end of the rocks, below Judge Howards coroner Richards and Dr. Williams examined it and finding no marks of violence did not deem it necessary to hold an inquest and the body was buried in the Denhart graveyard by Mr. Richards. .. It is thought by some that the body may be that of John S. Proudfoot, watchman on the quarter boat of the government fleet, who was drowned her on the night of Dec 24 last.

The following census enumerators have been appointed for this county by Hon. Ben T. Walker , superintendent for the 12th dist. LeSieur Twp, Sam A Phillips; Portage and LaFont Twps., J. M. Dockery; Big Prairie and East Twps, J. N. Mills New Madrid twp, Richard Mott; city of New Madrid, R. J. Waters; Como and West twp and st john two, two enumerators have not been filled yet, but applications are in.

The wife of Wesley LaPlant who lives in No. 8, died Monday morning last. Mr. LaPlant came to town for a coffin and before leaving a messenger brought the sad news that his baby, a week old had died also. Undertaker Richards prepared a coffin large enough to contain the babe and its mother an both will occupy it in their last resting place, in the graveyard on Sugar Tree Ridge. Mrs. LaPlant was only 18 years of age.

Miss Flora Stevens, daughter of T. V. Stevens who lives about three miles east of Fredericktown, committed suicide by taking strychnine. It is supposed that she became separate from dred of consumption which was in her family. She was 22 years old

Last Tuesday May 1, Mrs. Hall presented to her husband H. C. Hall, a fine girl baby. Henderson says it has hair and eyes exactly like his and says papa already. (Caruthersville press)

Squire William Runnolds shot and instantly killed J. . Jones at Bell City, 16 miles north of Dexter, May 1. The shooting was precipitated by Jones who went to Runnolds office and opened fire on him with a pistol. Squire Runnolds seized a shot gun and emptied both barrels into Jones body. Jones was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. He held a grudge against Runnolds. Runnolds surrendered himself.

Pharris Ridge Scandal. Pharris Ridge, a settlement eight miles southwest of this city was the scene of great excitement and scandal last week A man named Gideon Harwell of Hardin County, Illinois, lifted the mask under which Joseph A. and Mary Cook had lived in that community for the past 14 years. The couple mentioned are brother and sister and 14 years ago ran away from home and came to Pharris Ridge and passed themselves and man and wife, under the name of Thorn. They rented a farm of the Sith brothers and have always been respected citizens and neighbors.

Gideon Harwell, an uncle of the pair, has been trying to trace them through correspondence ever since the elopement. Last February he started to make a personal search for the runaways and after a months fruitless endeavor, he heard they were in this vicinity.

He came her in a covered wagon looking for work, which he secured from Harvey Hall who lives near the Thorn residence. Harwell described the twain very accurately although many years had passed since he had seen them. And then went to their house to identify them. He found Mary Cook, alias Mrs. Thorn sick in bed and spoke to her, but she did not answer, and turned her face to the wall. Seeing he could not identify them without witnesses, e left the house but returned Saturday with Harvey Hall and Josh Keith as the necessary witnesses.

Harwell walked boldly in and said Hello Joe and turning to the woman remarked, well Mary, In see you are both here, the woman answered yes Harwell then informed the community fo the existing state of affairs and left for Illinois to inform the family who are prominent citizens of Hardin Co. of his discovery; telling prominent farmers of Pharris Ridge to write to the mother of the brother and sister for further particulars. Thorn left a wife and two children in Illinois, and a girl was born to him and his sister about five years ago at Pharris Ridge.

On learning of this enormous crime the citizens of the community wanted to mob Thorn, but James Gibson who had written to Mrs. Cook, persuaded them not to take any rash steps until he received a reply from his letter.

Thorn came to town Monday and sold everything except his household goods to Smith Bros. And left for parts unknown, between suns. His sister and their little girl accompanied him..

There is no doubt by what they are guilty. Sikeston Clarion.

Whereas it has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to remove from our midst our friend and brother Sovereign Albert LaFont, who departed this life April 9, 1900. Therefore be it resolved by the members of Pt. Pleasant Camp. No. 347, W. O. W. that in the death we his brother Sovereigns, have suffered a great personal loss that his wife and children have been deprived of a loving and kind husband and father; that the country has lost a good citizen and we, his brethren, hereby extend to his grief stricken family our sympathy and affections and that our hearts are touched and grieved for them. Be it further Resolved that these resolutions be speared on the records of our Camp also a copy furnished the bereaved wife and family and also copies furnished the county papers for publication. E. L. Panabaker, Steve F. Swilley, Percy Mott, Committee.