HELMS, Robert A. – (d. 1915)

Robert A. HELMS was born near Monroe in Union county, N.C., March 9th, 1848, and died in his home in McAdenville, N.C., Feb. 27, 1915, having almost completed his 66th year. He was married in 1868 to Nancy D. RILEY, of Gaston, who survives him.  To this union were born, three of whom, Joseph, John and Lizzie, are living.

Brother HELMS was converted when a young man, and joined the Baptist church. Later he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and lived a devoted member of the same until his death.  I talked with Brother HELMS quite frequently during his last days, and he asked me many questions about “the heavenly home.”  He suffered intensely in his last days, but I never heard him murmur nor complain. Several times he would almost shout and say he was just waiting to go.

A good friend, an esteemed neighbor, a devoted father, and a thoughtful and loyal husband has fallen.  The funeral was conducted by the writer on Sunday afternoon of the 28th, and he was laid to rest in Ebenezer cemetery.  May great grace abide with the bereaved ones. — Dwight W. BROWN. McAdenville, N.C.


Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

Mike Cullick Gets Foot Caught (1890)

In Gaston county, N.C., Mike CULLICK, an operative in a cotton mill, got his foot caught in some machinery and his leg was torn off near the knee. The wound is a terrible one, and it is feared the young man cannot recover.


Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 March 1890, pg 1. Available online at digitalnc.org.

LINEBERGER, Land – (d. 1889)

Land LINEBURGER, aged 45, was accidentally shot and killed near Lowell, NC, 12 miles from Charlotte, by his friend Frank SIMMONS, while both were out hunting.


Source: Roanoke Beacon, 18 October 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Cotton Stalk on Exhibit (1905)

Gastonia, Oct. 24. – A stalk of Gaston cotton was today placed on exhibition in front of the Craig & Wilson building. The stalk was about 9 feet high and had 150 bolls. It was grown on the farm of U.G. GRIER near Pleasant Ridge.


Source: Kinston Free Press, October 25, 1905

GRIER & SHIPP In Jail (1880)

Gastonia Gazette: Ben GRIER and Jessie SHIPP, colored, were put in jail last week for the supposed poisoning of Ben. FRONERBERGER, colored.  The deceased attended the colored camp meeting at Brevard’s Station, and in company with these darkeys became the victim of a sad death.  His bowels have been sent to the State chemist for analysis.

Source: Raleigh News and Observer. 14 Sep 1880. pg. 3.