Ralph GRAVES, professor of mathematics at the State University, attempted to commit suicide at Raleigh, NC, at the house of his brother-in-law, Spier WHITAKER, by cutting his throat with a penknife. He had been in bad health for months and had at time shown symptoms of derangement. He resigned his work at the University last February. His wounds are not believed to be fatal.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 19 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Nathan FOX, a highly respected farmer of Person County, N.C. committed suicide by taking a dose of “Rough on Rats,” He was just recovering from a protracted spree, and it is thought the act was committed in a fit of despondency. He was about sixty years of age.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 19 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
The following marriage licenses were issued by Register J.P. HILLIARD, during the month of June:
White
Colored
Mr. Joe S. LEGGETT formerly of this town but now of Edenton, and Mr. LEVY, of Edenton, became involved in a fight on Sunday last, and but for a cane which Mr. LEGGETT happened to have he would have been seriously injured. It seems that Mr. LEVY’s son insulted Mr. LEGGETT and he not caring to take the insult slapped the boy, who went to his father. Mr. LEVY at once approached Mr. LEGGETT and without any warning began to cut him, the boy also used a knife. Mr. LEGGETT struck LEVY with the cane and stunned him, after which LEVY was arrested and gave bond. The trial was held this week, but we have not yet heard the result. Mr. LEGGETT had his coat cut all to pieces, but only two flesh wounds were inflicted.
Joe is a quiet boy, but has too much Plymouth “Grit” about him to be imposed upon by any man.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
On Monday, the 1st inst., one of the boilers of the Beaufort county Lumber Co.’s mills, about 35 miles from this place, and near Yatesville, exploded and, with great force dislocating the three large boilers, demolishing the boiler house and killing one colored man, Robt. BLOGMAN, out right and scalding six others, one of which, Mr. R.D. SASNETT, died the next day, and one other man is seriously damaged.
It seems that some days previous to this that the head cap of this boiler broke and was mended by placing an iron band around it, and that this band had become loose, that the water had gotten very low in the boiler, when a supply of cold water was turned on, which resulted in the explosion. One of the boilers was thrown about one hundred and fifty yards which struck a log in the log pound and split it in a number of pieces and dislocated the other boilers.
This was a sad occurrence, which is greatly regretted. Mr. SASNETT was tried for his life last year for the murder of Mr. Samuel SATCHWELL and acquitted. We learn that the loss of property will amount to between $3,000 and $5,000.
Mr. M.N. OVERTON, a former citizen of this town, is the book keeper for the firm at that place. He says he heard nothing of the explosion only the shower of bricks on his office.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Mr. C.W. TOMS, of Herford, N.C., who has been in our city for the past two or three days, with a view of securing the Academy for next sessions teaching, has, we are glad to learn, perfected his arrangements and will open the Fall Session about the first Monday in Sept. prox. Mr. TOMS is an honored graduate of our University, and comes to Plymouth highly recommended. He is deserving a first-class school. Plymouth is well able to support it, and we trust he will be most heartily encouraged by our entire people by a full school on opening day.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Another soul has entered the Gate that stands ajar. This time it is is little Loulie, the daughter of Mrs. E. AYERS, age 4 years, who died Sunday night the 6th inst. Grieve not fond parent for it is Gods work. He says: “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” The burial services were held at the Baptist burial grounds on Tuesday by Rev. C.W. ROBINSON, of the M.E. Church.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Items excerpted from the City News column
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
Excerpt from the “Creswell Letter” column
We learn that Mr. Wm. AUSLEY and Miss Mary E. PHELPS were married yesterday near here.
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.
A North Carolina Woman Who has Five Husbands Living
Charlotte, NC, July 3 – Today Samuel NICKSON appeared before Register COBB and requested a marriage license for himself to Isabelle DAVIS. License was promptly issued, but before it had been used it was discovered that the woman who was already married and that her husband was yet living. Further investigation revealed the fact that she was a bigamist, and consequently a warrant for her arrest was put in the hands of an officer. She was before a justice of the peace this evening. The evidence was fast accumulated against her and soon it was proven that she now has living five husbands, four of whom live in this State and one in South Carolina.
The woman is now only about thirty-two years old. Her son, a lad about sixteen years old, testified against her in court. She married the first time at the age of fifteen and has lived with no one husband eighteen months. She was married first in 1872 to Amos JOHNSTON, and separated from him the following year. In 1875 she married S.B. McCANE, and lived with him till Christmas of 1876. Again in 1878 she married Rev. Abram McELMORE, and left him in 1879. In 1885 she married Paul R. HALTON, and left him the same year, but only lived with him a few weeks. She married William R. FURGERSON last year but only lived with him a few weeks. All are now living. Paul R. HALTON after being separated from her married Jane ALEXANDER, and he, too, is to answere the charge of bigamy. All the parties have been bound over to the Criminal Court. — Richmond Dispatch
Source: Roanoke Beacon, 12 July 1889. Available online at digitalnc.org.