Abe Schulz to Mind Store (1889)

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Taneya

Mr. Louis SCHULTZ is at E. City this week. In his absence, his brother, Mr. Abe SCHULTZ of that town is in charge of the store here.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 16 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Mrs. A. Manning Visits Sister (1889)

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Taneya

Excerpted from the “City News” column.

Mrs. A. MANNING is tending to ill sister Mrs. J.N. ROBERTSON in Williamston.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 16 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Watson, B. Franklin – (d. 1889)

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Taneya

Excerpted from “Our Creswell Letter”

A most horrible death occurred about 2 1/2 miles from town, last Saturday morning. One B. Franklin WATSON and one Joseph SMITH was cutting timber for Messrs. L.H. Creesy & Bro., and in felling a large pine it struck an adjacent tree which knocked a large limb out of the falling tree and struck said WATSON on the back of his head crushing it in and breaking his neck, and of course killed him instantly. Said SMITH also was struck by the same limb on his leg, carrying away a large part of his pants but received no serious damage further than a severe fright.

What a sad and terrible blow it was for WATSON’s young wife (whom he had left but an hour or two before in perfect health) to hear that her husband was dead, and to realize that she and her infant babe was thrown upon the cold charities of the world, with no strong arm to lean upon.

WATSON’s death should serve as a warning to all of us, to prepare for death, for “in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.”

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 16 August 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Another Prisoner Escapes (1889)

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Taneya

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.