The funeral services of Thomas JONES (colored), who died June 25th, at the residence of his son J.W. JONES, in this town, took place at the colored Methodist church on Sunday, August 25th. Rev. H.H. WHEDBEE, of Edenton officiating. The deceased was aged 72 years and was one of the most highly respected colored citizens of this place.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 30 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Justice Thos. S. ARMISTEAD informs us that a reply has been received to his letter written to the authorities of the colored Insane Asylum, in which they say they cannot take “Crazy Mariah,” so she will have to remain in jail here until there is room for her at the asylum.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 23 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
A colored woman named Hanah AYERS age 96 years died at the home of Allen WATERS near this town on Saturday last. She had been confined to the house for fifteen years.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 23 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Charlie McDONALD, a son of George McDONALD, one of our highly respected colored citizens, died at his home in this town on Wednesday morning.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 23 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Complaint was made before Mayor LATHAM on Wednesday, against “Crazy Mariah,” as a nuisance to the town. His honor at once ordered her arrest and confinement which was, after some trouble, executed by officer Truett.
The affidavit was issued by Justice Thos. S. ARMISTEAD and signed by Mr. J.W. BRYAN, druggist.
This woman is undoubtedly insane as Dr. W.H. WARD testified after examination and her confinement is a relief to the town.
Justice ARMISTEAD has written to the president of the colored Insane Asylum at Goldsboro to know if there is room for her in that institution. If a favorable reply is received she will be taken at once to the Asylum where she will be cared for.
This woman’s real name is Mariah ARMISTEAD. She has, at various times, been subject to spells of insanity for years. She was taken to the Asylum some time ago, where she only remained a few months, as her mind was restored for the time, she was released and sent home. This time she should be kept there, for when these spells are on her she is a great trouble to the town.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 16 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Excerpted from the “City News” column:
Rev. J.T. DAVENPORT (colored) states there will be services at the Baptist Church by the Rev. S.P. KNIGHT every second Sunday.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 16 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Clinton FLEMINGS, colored, who was committed to jail at this place for burglary on the 1st inst., broke out on Monday night at 12 o’clock and left for parts unknown, adding another to the list of criminals who have broke this house used as a jail.
What is the use of having Courts to convict men of crime if we have no place of confinement? It is necessary that the county build a reliable jail so that when a prisoner is once within there is no chance for escape.
The old jail was but little service and when it was burned, about a year ago, instead of having a new and safe one built, the county only had the old walls repaired, making it but little better than none. There is only one room in it that is any good and it is not safe.
We say if the county is in debt and not able to build, put up the tax and get the money to build a decent and safe jail, do not let such a trap be used any longer.
We are informed by the Deputy Sheriff that only one brick had to be removed before FLEMING was a free man. Is such a prison fit to confine desperate men in, who are convicted of crime and placed there for punishment? – the answer must be no.
We ask the Commissioners to see to this at once, as it is important that we should have a safe jail. Such a thing as we now have is a disgrace to the county.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 9 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
On Sunday last Jas. WALKER and Asa BOWEN (colored), became involved in a fight near town. BOWEN struck WALKER with a stick, stunding him, and making an ugly and painful wound. Said b at once come to town and had a warrant issues for the arrest of said BOWEN which was served by Deputy Sheriff TRUITT on Monday. WALKER not being able to attend trial said BOWEN was required to give bond but failing to do so, was placed in jail until Wednesday at 10 o’clock when the case was again called. The plaintiff still not being able to appear the case was dismissed by Justice ARMISTEAD, whereupon the attorney for plaintiff took an appeal to the Superior Court.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 26 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
The Tarboro Banner of July 19, says: Tom WILLFORD, a negro about 22 years old, was arrested here yesterday morning by acting Chief of Police C.G. BRADLEY, upon information of his having stabbed another negro Sunday night in Enfield. Police officer WINBORN, after an examination before Mayor Fountain, escorted WILLFORD to jail to wait advice from the authorities at Enfield.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 26 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Wm. WEDDINGTON (col.) was hanged in Charlotte on the 11th inst., for the murder of policeman Jno. PIERCE, of Monroe, Union county, May 5th 1888.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 26 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.