Category Archives: Roanoke Beacon

Beacon Flashes (February 28, 1890)

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The following items are excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

  • Mrs. Claud SPRUILL, of Creswell, was the guest of her sister, Mrs. H. PEAL, during the week.
  • Mr. W.D. BOWEN, of Long Acre, has accepted a position in the drugstore of Dr. H.P. MURRAY.
  • Miss Matie LUDFORD, of Creswell, is the guest of her uncle, Mr. E. LUDFORD, on Washington St.
  • In the absence of Chief Police AYERS, caused by illness, that office is being filled by Mr. C.V.W. AUSBON.
  • Miss Cora DUNSTON, of Creswell, has been honoring our town with her angelic presence for a few days, as the guest of Miss Adelia SKITTLETHARPE. She will return home today.
  • Mr. M.E. ELLIOTT, formerly clerk of the Bay View House, of Edenton, but now representing John B. SULLIVAN. Commission merchant of Philadelphia, gave us a call on Wednesday last.
  • Mr. W. Cotten DOWNING and other gentlemen of Pennsylvania, are in North Carolina, looking out for a site with a view to establish a sheep ranch.  Mr. DOWNING is also representing the Dispatch, of Pettsburg.  The party will visit Plymouth before their return.
  • Our popular young townsman, Mr. L.T. HOUSTON, formerly of Salsbury, Md., but recently with the R.R.R. & L. Company of this place, has purchased from Mr. G.E. STEVENSON the Feed and Grocery Store on the corner of Water and Jefferson streets.  A feed store is one of the necessities of our town and we trust that our people will give this young man their support. Mr. HOUSTON is an active business man and he says that he proposes to make that branch of merchantile business a success. May prosperity crown your efforts friend “Todd” is the wish of the BEACON.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

L.I. Fagan Candidacy (1890)

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Mr. L.I. FAGAN, one of our most enterprising citizens and at present Dep’t Sheriff of this township, which office he fills with credit, is a candidate for the Stewardship of the North Carolina Insane Asylum, he has a petition signed by almost every prominent citizen of this county also by a number of the business men throughout the State, he also holds letters of recommendations from a number of public men.  We are satisfied the appointment of Mr. FAGAN to that position would never be regreted [sic], his honest straightforward manner could but give satisfaction.

As a soldier Mr. FAGAN was brave and fearless, ever found where duty called him face to the foe, and was known in the dark days of ’64 and ’65, both North and South, as the “Big Seargem from North Carolina,” as a citizen he is quiet, energetic always looking to the interests of his country, as an officer he is firm, every carrying out the law to its fullest extent.  But, above all the noble traits of this man was the greatest is his his christian character.  In war, in peace, as a private citizen or as an officer he ever respects and loves the christian religion, and while he would regret to have him leave us, yet we heartily endorse him as a man worthy, not only the Stewardship of the Asylum, but any other position of trust that is within the power of our people to give.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Jail Escape Attempt (1890)

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At Wadesboro, NC, Milton WATSON, a young man who attends the feeding of the prisoners in the county jail, opened the door to take them their supper.  When he opened the door three prisoners were standing in the hallway near it and one jumped at WATSON with the intention of overpowering him, but quick as a flash the young man jerked out his pistol and fired twice. WISDOM SMITH was seriously wounded.  None of the prisoners escaped and WATSON was not hurt.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Two Brothers Died (1890)

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Two singular deaths occurred at Garner, NC, presenting a most striking coincidence.  Two brothers, James and David CROCKER, died of pneumonia.  They were between the ages of thirty-five and forty, and one died at 12 M, the other at 3.  Both married sisters, and each leaves a wife and six children.  Both were born on the 12th of the month, married on the 13th, and died on the 12th.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Eye Damage (1890)

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While a young man, a son of Mr. Thos. CULLOM, living near Gaston, NC, was cutting wood, a chip or stick flew up and struck him in the eye, with such force as to knock him down.  Dr. A.R. ZOLLICOFFER being called in, relieved the man of the intense pain he was suffering, but found the eyesight permanently ruined.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

John P. Davis To Be Hanged (1890)

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John P. DAVIS, a white man who was convicted at Pittsboro, NC, of murder, last November, of John A. HORTON, his employer and roommate, was sentenced to be hanged on Friday, March 28th, at Pittsboro.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

David Cable is Father (1890)

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David CABLE, of Stanley county, N.C., is the father of 32 children, of whom 25 are now living; 14 boys and 11 girls.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

THOMAS, W.G. – (d. 1890)

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Dr. W.G. THOMAS, a prominent North Carolina physician, aged seventy-two years, died of diphtheria in Wilmington, NC.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 28 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

W.A. Alexander Almost Loses Life (1890)

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Excerpted from the Creswell Letter column and dated February 14, 1890:

Editor Beacon:  Mr. W.A. ALEXANDER, whom we mentioned in a previous letter as losing a barn in 1883, and one also in 1889, by fire, came very near losing his life on Friday last, while taking down an old barn, which he had purchased of Mr. C.L. PETTIGREW.  The wind at the time, was blowing hard, and as the props had all been knocked from the rafters, they were blown down, falling on Jacob BASNIGHT, (who was assisting) killing him almost instantly; and Mr. ALEXANDER, in getting out of their way, fell on a joist, seriously injuring himself.  Two doctors are attending him daily, and when last heard from he was improving slightly, although he is badly hurt, and will no doubt be confined for a long time.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 21 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.

Letter of Thanks (1890)

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Mr. Editor – Dear Sir: – I beg you hereby to extend my thanks to the young men of Plymouth and especially to Mr. H.S. OWENS and the Deputy Sheriff, Mr. L.I. FAGAN, for their kindness and courticies they have shown me in hours of trouble. – Very respectfully, P.C. HAND.

Source: Roanoke Beacon, 21 February 1890. Available online at digitalnc.org.