Lauderdale County, Alabama

Florence Times, 12 October 1895

STABBED TO DEATH
Lazarus Burks with a Knife takes the life of Jim Thompson
 - a Tragedy with three Characters in One Act.
The officers brought down Lazarus Burks Tuesday and placed him in Jail. Yesterday when a TIMES reported visited the jail to interview Burks he failed to draw but a meager account of the fracas from the prisoner.
    

It appears that the difficulty took place on Monday night; that a daughter of Burks is responsible for the trouble.
    

Some previous trouble had been created between Thompson and Burks, and, if the TIMES is correctly informed, when Thompson visited the home of Burks – about four miles northwest of Rogersville, on Monday the daughter of Burks either by persuasion or of her own free will followed Thompson off. This, when discovered by the young woman’s father, enraged him to such an extent that the pursuit was close on to the couple and resulted in the death of Thompson in a way above mentioned.
    

We have not been able to get the verdict of the coroner’s jury.
     Burks is securely awaiting a trial; and whether he will be found guilt of murder will be known later. The preliminary trial will take place at the court house today, Saturday.

Obituary
     Mrs. Ellen Green, wife of Leonard P. Green, was born June 20, 1819, and died Sept 1, 1895 at her home in Lauderdale county, Al. She was for 55 years a member of the Methodist church, to which she gave her life. She was a true follower of the Lord; patient, faithful and obedient to the impress of the Holy Spirit; and during her sickness she would thank God, that she was ready to go, then passed away her pure spirit to the land of the blessed. In the death of “Aunt Ellen,” Green’s Chapel has lost one of the brightest stars which has so long illuminated the pathway of others; the community has lost a true and faithful friend; the children an affectionate mother and the husband a devoted companion. And while we mourn with her relatives and friends, yet we rejoice that some sweet day, we shall see her again. Let us be ready for the summons.

Florence Times, 19 October 1895

Obituary
     At the residence of Elder T. W. Young, of Hope community, Mrs. Cinthia P. Young, wife of Elder T. W. Young, breathed her last about 2 o’clock Sunday morning, October 13, 1895. She had been a sufferer for many years, but was apparently better for the past few months until about a week before her deaths he was taken with a chill followed by a fever and other diseases, which proved fatal.
    

Mrs. Young was about sixty years of age, having been a member of the Christian church for about twenty years. She was truly a Christian woman and a model for us all – ever letting her deeds and kindness and works of love and comfort open the way to many sad hearts.
    

Yes, we can truly say she was a good wife, a kind daughter and a humble Christian. She leaves a husband, a mother, a brother, a sister and many friends to follow on.
    

While we sympathize with them in their bereavement we sorrow not as those who have no hope, for we can say of her, “she has passed from death unto life.” She now res from her labors while her works do follow. Let us all imitate her example and be prepared to meet her in the “sweet bye and bye.” LU

Dr. Benjamin F Gross, a native of Lauderdale but for many years a citizen of Decatur, died in that city on Wednesday last aged 61 years.

SELF DEFENSE
Burks Acquitted of the Murder of Thompson
     The trial of Lazarus Burks on the charge of killing James Thompson, near Whitehead, last Sunday, account of which THE TIMES gave last week, was held by Judge Hendry D. Smith last Saturday and resulted in the discharge of Burks.
    

The facts of the case are about as follows: Thompson on Sunday, the 6th, went to Burk’s home, under the influence of liquor, and told the former he had come for a row. Burks came outside his yard and was badly beaten by Thompson. He retreated into his yard and was again attacked by Thompson, who had him on the ground beating him. Burks’ wife and daughter came to his rescue and the latter knocked Thompson off her father with a stick. Burks and his wife and daughter then started to go to Thompson’s brother’s house to get the latter to take his brother away. Thompson followed them and again made an attack, when Burks cut him in a number of places in the breast, abdomen and arm. Thompson died in a few hours. The case attracted much attention and a number of East Lauderdale people were on hand at the trial. Col Jno D Weeden appeared as attorney for Burks and Paul Hodges, Esq for the State. On hearing the evidence Esq Smith promptly discharged. Burks.

Florence Times 26 October 1895

Excerpt from News of Our Neighbors Across the River
     …A horrible accident occurred at McWilliams’ gin-mill near Tuscumbia on Monday of last week. Mr. Y. B. Hicks, aged about 26 years, was caught between the bar and the line shaft and hurled around at a terrible speed. His head was thrown against the floor with every revolution and was horribly mangled. His head knocked a hole in the floor, which was made of seasoned pine lumber. Hicks was well respected by all who new him and was a young man of good habits.

Excerpt from History of the Town and County Briefly Told
     …John Pettus, a worthy and well known colored man living on the headwaters of Sweetwater, died on Saturday last…

Death of Mr. J. W. Brooks
     Mr. Jesse W. Brooks, of Centre Star, one of the most universally esteemed citizens of our county, peacefully passed away on Sunday evening last, after an illness of many weeks. His health began to fail in the early spring and gradually declined until the time mentioned, when surrounded by his family and friends, the venerable and beloved patriarch, in the full faith of his fathers, committed his soul to God. A good man has gone – a man whose long life constitutes a heritage of uprightness and honor sacred to those whom he has left behind. Mr. Brooks was 67 years old, and was for many years a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was conscious up to the hour of dissolution, and met death calmly and triumphantly. His wife and seven children, two daughters and five sons, survive him.
     His remains were interred in the city cemetery, the services being conducted by Rev. J. T. Fulks of Rogersville. The pall-bearers, selected as old personal friend were Messrs. R. L. Bliss, A. C. Chisholm, R. T. Simpson, A. D. Coffee, Jas. R. Price, B. B. Shane, J. C. Conner and R. N. Coffee.

Florence Times, 9 Nov 1895

From History of the Town and County briefly told….
     Jack Richardson, a young man about 20 years of age, who lived in the St. Florian neighborhood, was on Tuesday last adjudged a lunatic after examination by Dr. W. M. Price. The unfortunate man had been married only a few weeks. He was sent to the State asylum….

Smothered to Death
     A few days ago, the three year old child, a little girl, of Mr. and Mrs. William Pruitt, who lived near Pruitton, was smothered to death in cotton. The children were playing in a pile of seed cotton and had made a hole in it. The older children then left, when the unfortunate child fell into the hold head foremost and the cotton closed in around her. The parents were both away temporarily. When found the child was dead.

Two Old Citizens Dead
     Two citizens well known throughout the Western portion of Lauderdale passed away on Monday last – Dr. John White and Mr. Robert Ransom, both of Second Creek, north of Waterloo and near the State line.
    

Dr. White, who was about 60 years old, had lived in that community all his life and was regarded as a very useful citizen. He leaves no near relatives, his wife having preceded him to the grave. He had a wide acquaintance and will be much missed.
    

Mr. Ransom was a native of Franklin county, but had lived in Lauderdale about 10 years. He was about 75 years of age at the time of his death and leaves a wife and several grown children, among whom are James , Bell and Lindsey Ransom, well known citizens of that section. His remains were taken to Franklin county for interment.

Florence Times, 16 Nov 1895

Excerpt from In Memory of J. W. Brooks
“Death comes to young men but old men go to death.” 
     On Sunday night, Oct 28th 1895 at 20 minutes past 8 o’clock, it pleased God to summon J. W. Brooks of centre Star, Ala, to “come up higher.” In early manhood he became a Christian and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was a firm, devoted Christian, served as ruling elder and clerk of session in Centre Star congregation for a great number of years. He never shrank from duty, but always did cheerfully what the Master bid him do. As a church member, Sabbath school superintendent, leader of prayer meetings, honorary member of Missionary Society, he was true and trustworthy. As a friend and neighbor, kind and generous. No man in the community stood higher in regard to integrity than he; so quiet and unassuming; yet under his reserved demeanor there flowed a current of strong and trusting faith in God. He was devoted to his wife, loving and gentle to his children and faithful to his church. Oh, he was so mild, so good; making sunshine wherever he went with loving words for all; and down deep in his heart was that Christ-like sympathy that prompted him to render aid to the suffering and needy. It is sad to give up a good man; but he is still here, living and acting through his influence – an influence that shall last until angels declare that “time shall be no more.” ……

Death of Mrs. Howell
     Mrs. Bessie Howell, wife of Mr. Teb Howell and sister of Dr. A. H and Mr. B. F. Powers, died at her home on Court Street at 4 o’clock on Thursday morning, after a brief illness. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon from the First Methodist Church, Rev W. F. Andrews conducting the service, after which the remains were laid to rest in our city cemetery. The death of this good woman has brought sorrow to many hearts. Though unostentatious and unassuming in manner, she nobly performed all the duties of life, frequently making sacrifices in the discharge of her duties to the churches. To her immediate family the blow is indeed severe; to all who knew her intelligence her death will be received with sincere sorrow. Her husband and three children survive her.

Florence Times, 23 Nov 1895

From History of the Town and County Briefly Told…
     …Mr. Dock Cannady, a worthy citizen of East Lauderdale, died at his home on Cowpen Creek on the 10th instant of consumption, age about 70 years. His wife preceeded him to the grave a year ago….

     …The Florence friends of Mrs. M. L. Frierson and family will extend to them heart-felt sympathy and condolences in their deep afflictions through which they have recently passed in the death of Miss Louise and sickness in the family, an account of which we print elsewhere in our paper today…

At Rest
     On Thursday night between the hours of 8 and 9 o’clock, Mrs. Sarah C. Sloss, widow of the late Capt. Thos. M. Sloss, and a daughter of Gen and Mrs. S. D. Weakley, after a long illness of consumption, passed peacefully to eternal rest at the home of her parents in this city. The announcement of her death will carry sorrow to many sympathetic hearts. A noble, Christian lady has gone from among us, and the sad event will recall to many of our people the admirable traits of character that distinguished her life. A devoted and faithful member of the Catholic church, a dutiful daughter, wife and mother; a ministering spirit in the sick room, modest and unassuming in manner, she fulfilled in the highest degree the exalted sphere of womanly character; and the memory of her pure and unselfish life will linger as a cherished heritage with those who knew and loved her. Her husband and three children have preceded her to the grave and one son survives her.
     A noble woman has gone to her reward. May her spirit rest in peace.

Died in Texas
     Died, at his residence in Whitewright, Texas, E. Irwin Roach, on November 4th, 1895, of typhoid fever,. Mr. Roach was a son of Edmond and Margaret Roach and a brother of W. G. Roach; was born and reared in Lauderdale county; married Miss Lizzie Austin, daughter of Mr. F. M. Austin of Threet, Ala., and in January 1894 moved with his family to Texas where he resided until the time of his death. Mr. Roach was a consistent member of the Baptist church and tried to live up to the duty of a noble Christian man. May the blessings of friends rest upon his wife and two little children, as well as the aged mother and other relatives.

Thos. Peden Dead
     Mr. Thomas H Peden, one of the most widely known citizens of East Lauderdale, died at his home near Lock 6 on Monday last, of pneumonia, after an illness of one week. It had only been a short time before that Mr. Peden was in our city looking unusually well, and the announcement of his death was therefore a great surprise to his friends.

An Aged Citizen Gone.
     Mr. John McMurtry, one of Lauderdale’s oldest citizens, died at the home of his son, on Cowpen Creek, on Tuesday night last at the advanced age of 83 years. He had been sick some weeks, but up to his attack he was in robust health for hone of his years. He had been a resident of the community in which he died for a period of 60 years and always maintained the respect and esteem of the people. He was an upright citizen and a good man.

Florence Times, November 30 1895

Three Deaths! Distressing Fate of a Lauderdale Family in Texas
     Last week The Times announced the death of Mr. E. I. Roach which occurred at Whitewright, Texas, of typhoid fever, on the 4th instant. Since then his widow and oldest child, a son three years old, have died, both passing away on the same day from the same disease that killed the father. One member only of the family survives, a babe of eight months. Mr. and Mrs. Roach were both natives of Lauderdale, having left here for Texas only two or three years ago. Their many friends in their old home will be shocked to hear of the sad fate that has befallen them.

Florence Times, 7 Dec 1895

From History of the Town and County Briefly Told….
     …Mr. Cash Riley was killed on Cowpen Creek on Friday last by a tree falling upon him. His son and Mr. Wm Richardson cut the tree down and its fall was unobserved by the unfortunate man who was engaged in gathering up the brush…

Death
     Miss Dora E Armstrong, daughter of Mrs. Alice Armstrong, who lives in the residence on the southwest corner of Court and Tuscaloosa streets, died on Saturday evening last and her remains were interred in the city cemetery on Monday afternoon, Rev J.H. Lacy conducting the funeral from the Presbyterian church. The cause of death was fever. Mrs. Armstrong came South from Illinois a short time ago for the benefit of the health of her children, who are delicate. She has the sympathy of our people in her sad bereavement.

Florence Times, 14 Dec 1895

Death of Mr. W. H. Key
     On last Saturday evening, Mr. William H. Key, one of the oldest citizens of our county, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. James Murdock, of South Florence.

     Mr. Key was born in Sussex County, Virginia in December 1819, but removed when very young, perhaps 70 years ago, with his parents to Alabama. For many years before the war, he was one of our largest and most successful planters. Since the close of the struggle between the states, which brought to him, in common with all our people, terrible financial loss, he has worked manfully, diversifying his crops and using improved implements, and leaves a place in capital condition. Though always taking an active interest in politics and public affairs, he never sought nor accepted any public position.

     Mr. Key was a man of fine mind, excellent business qualifications, great energy and force of character, warm hearted, generous and social in disposition, courtly in manners, a typical gentleman of the old Southern school.
    

At a comparatively young age, he married Miss Susan Boddie, one of Lauderdale’s noblest daughters, who was, until her lamented death a few years ago, to him indeed a helpmeet and counselor. He leaves four daughters, Mrs. Dr. Conner, Mrs. Dr. Watson and Mrs. Bettie Stewart of this city, and Mrs. Murdock of Colbert; and one son Mr. W. H. Key Jr., of St. Louis. Several winters ago he had a severe attack of la grippe, from which he never fully rallied, and lately has sunk rapidly.

     On Sunday evening his remains were interred in our cemetery after appropriate services at the Presbyterian church, by Re. J. H. Lacy.

     One by one, our old landmarks are passing away.

Death of Miss America Burtwell
     The many friends of Miss America Burtwell will be pained to hear of her death, which sad event occurred at Nashville on Thursday of last week, of consumption. Miss Burtwell was the daughter of the late Col John T. Burtwell of this city and niece of our townsman Mr. James Burtwell. She was a lady of most amiable and lovely character, whose untimely death will be deeply deplored by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Death Near Waterloo
     Mrs. Melton, widow of the late Tine Melton, died at her home near Waterloo on Monday last, of typhoid pneumonia; aged about 50 years. Seven children survive her.

Florence Times, December 21, 1895

Sad Accident – a child burned to death
     On Thursday of last week, a lovely child, the five-year-old daughter of Mr. Richard Gibbs, near Haddock in West Lauderdale, was burned to death. At the time, both parents were away, the mother being gone to the spring near by and the father at work, and before they could respond to her cries, she was so badly burned as to be past human relief. After suffering great agony death came to her relief the succeeding day.

Death of Mrs. Mary Garner
     Mrs. Mary Garner, mother of our townsman Mr. Bayless B Garner, died at the home of her daughter Mrs. E.H. Hanna at Oxana, Ala on Friday morning of last week the 13th of pneumonia after all illness of about two weeks. On Saturday afternoon her remains were brought to Florence, and on Sunday morning after services in the Methodist church, conducted by Ref. W.F. Andrews, were laid to rest in our city cemetery.

     Thus having passed away after a long life of usefulness, one of the best of women. In all the relations of life she exemplified in the highest degree the noblest traits of her sex. At her funeral were present her five sons, all grown to manhood, and worthy sons of worthy parents, filling well responsible positions in life.

     Mrs. Mary Garner, born in Lauderdale county, November 9th 1822 and died Friday morning, December 13, 1895 in the 72nd year of her age. Her maiden name was Miss Mary Martin. She was married to Mr. Peter R. Garner Dec 8, 1845, just 50 years ago, and is the mother of ten children, all of whom survive her, save two, who died in infancy. Mrs. Garner professed faith in Christ in her twelfth year and connected herself with the Southern Methodist church, of which she was a consistent member for nearly 60 years, at the time of her death. As she grew older, she grew more Christlike and died trusting in the Lord.

Florence Times 28 Dec 1895

Death of Wm Lambert
     Mr. William Lambert, one of our citizens whom all our native Florentines knew well, died at his home in the northern portion of the city on Christmas morning, after a brief illness of consumption. His sudden death will be a sad surprise to his friends, who only a few days before saw him on our streets, strong and well. He leaves a wife to mourn his premature death.

Death of Miss Annie Milner
     Miss Annie Milner, second daughter of Mrs. Joseph Milner, died at the home of her mother in this city on Saturday last at noon, after a long and painful illness of consumption. On Sunday, after services in the Presbyterian church, conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. H. Lacy, the remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery. Thus has passed away one of the noblest and best-loved ladies; a true Christian, firm in her faith, amiable and lovely in character, and abundant in good work. Until disease restricted her labors there was no service of her church or in the pure and better walks of society that she did not cheerfully perform, and her sad, untimely death has left many hearts to mourn. In their service bereavement the family have the sincere sympathy of all our community.

Florence Times, 11 January 1896

Death
     Mrs. McBee, mother of Mrs. J. W. Sommer, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sommer, on Poplar Street, this (Friday) morning, at 4 o’clock, after a brief illness of less than two days, of congestion. Mrs. McBee has four sons living in distant states and those that could be reached by wire have been informed of the sad event. The funeral will take place at the residence tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock.

From Short local Items – History of the Town and County Briefly told.
     … Miss Bobbie, the young daughter of Mr. H Belew, near Lexington, died on the 27th of December after an illness extending over some months. She was a bright and intelligent child and her death was a severe blow to a large circle of relatives and friends. She was 12 years of age.

Florence Times, 25 Jan 1896

From SHORT LOCAL ITEMS…
     … Mrs. Martha Williams of Centre Star, after an illness extending over many months, departed this life on the 30th of December last, aged about 65 years. She was the mother of Messrs J. W., W. C. and J. N. Williams of that neighborhood….
     …The infant son of Dr. J.M. Peerson, one moth old, died on Thursday last.
     …Old aunt Patsey Leach one of our most worthy colored women, living in the western part of the city, died Thursday morning, aged about 78 years.

Florence Times, 1 Feb 1896

Death of Mrs. J. P. Graham
     Mrs. Graham, wife of Capt J. P. Graham, conductor on the Florence branch of the M&C Railroad, died suddenly at the home of her husband on Cherry street, in this city, on Sunday morning last. Mrs. Graham had been in delicate health a long time but the immediate cause of death was shock from a fall on Friday night previously. After a brief prayer service at the home on Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. W.F. Andrews, the remains on Sunday night were carried to Huntsville and after funeral services by Rev. Messers Andrews and Branscomb were laid to eternal rest. The cortege was accompanied to Huntsville by Rev. Mr. Andrews, Miss Berta Kendrick, Mr and Mrs W.J. Bosley. Capt Graham and his son have the sympathy of many friends in their sadness.

Obituary
     The home of Dr. J. M. Pearson was visited by the death angel last Thursday afternoon. Their infant Son, James Darby, was born Dec 17th 1895, and died Jan 23, 1896. He just budded on earth to bloom in heaven. The Lord just lent him to them for one month and six days and then took back his own. The hearts of a home are saddened over a wilted flower, but the angels of heaven rejoice to receive another sweet, living flower into the garden of God. A little mound of resh dirt on the hill above the house makes the last resting place of the sweet babe, while its spirit basks in the sunlight of God. – J.W. Cowan.

Death Near St. Florian
     Mrs. Saletha Smotherman, a well known lady living near St. Florian, died suddenly of heart failure on the 22nd instant, age 56 years. Mrs. Smotherman was a daughter of the late Col Jo Huff and a sister of Mrs. J. S. Tate of St. Florian.

Florence Times 8 Feb 1896

Deaths
     Miss Sallie Garrett, daughter of Mr. Lafayette Garrett, died at the home of her father, three miles east of the city, on Sunday morning last, aged 18 years.
     The infant daughter of Mr. Gaines Swinnea died in East Florence last Sunday morning, of pneumonia, aged four months.
     Mrs. Nellie Harmon, of Sheffield, who has many relatives and acquaintance in this city, was crushed to death by the cards in that city on Friday morning last. She was crossing the tracks near the furnaces when an engine run over her, producing instant death. Her remains were interred in the Florence cemetery on Friday last.

Death of Mrs. D. C. Wesson
     Mrs. D. C. Wesson, wife of a well-known citizen of East Florence, died on Wednesday night at 1 o’clock after a painful sickness of several weeks. Mrs. Wesson was a daughter of Mr. Love Blackburn and was a most worthy lady. In his sad loss, Mr. Wesson has the sympathy of many friends.

Florence Times, 15 Feb 1896

In Memoriam
     Threet, Al Feb 4 1896 Editor Times: On the 23 ultimo, the death angel visited the house of Mr. and Mrs. Wm Hall Koonce and snatched from their fond embrace little Stella Myrtle, who had been their household idol for about 10 months, she having been born on March 7th 1895. Little Stella was a sweet, pretty blue eyed little creature, admired by all who knew her, and babe fair to develop into a fine beautiful girl, but alas, the bud was never permitted to bloom into a rose while in this world of sin; but was transplanted in another clime, where God will transform her into angelic form. The providence of God to short-sighted mankind is very mysterious and man is soon lost in his own thoughts when he begins to study it but He is alwise and his purpose in all He does is for the best. But as long as man is mortal it will be natural for parents to grieve for their loved ones and sympathy and condolence at such times seem almost like mockery. But we lall acknowledge the wisdom of God and feel it our duty to bow to His decrees. Little Stella, sweet and fair, gone where sickness is no more.
     May it be our happy lot to meet her on that happy golden shore. – A friend.

Florence Times, 15 Feb 1896

From Short local Items…
     …The measles prevails extensively in the Centre Star neighborhood, and in some cases in violent form. In the family of Mr. W.P Butler eight persons (all the family except Mr. Butler) were down in bed the early part of the week. One of Mr. Butler’s children, four years old, died of the disease during the week….

Last of a Large Family
     We are sorry to learn that Mr. Robt H Thompson is lying seriously ill at his home at Mars Hill and is given up as hopeless by his physician. His disease is consumption from which both his parents and seven brothers and sisters have died. He is the last of a large family, destroyed by this fell disease, against which science has found no remedy.
     --- Since the above was put in type intelligence has been received of the death of Mr. Thompson, which occurred on Wednesday night. He leaves a wife and four small children, who in their distressing loss have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends.

Dead
     Willie Steen, son of Mr. John F Steen, of Centre Star, died on Thursday of last week, aged 12 years. Willie was stricken with paralysis early last year, from which he never recovered. His parents have the sympathy of many friends in their sad lost.

Florence Times, 22 Feb 1896

Mrs. B. A. Lawton Dead
     Mrs. B.A. Lawton, who several weeks ago was taken to New York for special medical treatment, died in that city on Tuesday night of last week. Her husband had been summoned to her beside and left here on the night of her death to join her. When Mrs. Lawton left for New York, in charge of Dr. P.S. Boyd, the doctors held out but little hope that she would recover. Her friends here have received the intelligence of her death with sincere sorrow.

Florence Times, 29 Feb 1896

Memoriam
     How many certainties are there in life? Only one – death. The most important thing about it is uncertain – the time, when, death calls for all ages, but how blessed and peaceful it makes that hour if one is ready.
     These thoughts are suggested by the peaceful, happy and as we would say, untimely death of that bright robust looking young daughter of Mr. D Lafayette Garrett, Miss Sallie S Garrett, only 22 years of age, and the week before the very picture of health, contented and happy in her enjoyment of a bright hope in Jesus, of an everlasting life with him. Nor was this home in any sense a delusion, for it stayed her in every day life and made it a ray of sunshine in her home and to everyone who knew her, but it showed the brightest when put to the crucial test in the hour of dissolution. It was then that her faith and character reflected the image of her Savior like the molten gold does the face of the refiner.
     In her right mind she called her loved ones around her and bade them farewell, with a message for each and talked calmly of the dear ones she was going to meet so very soon in the other shore.
     She first united with the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in August 1890 and was transferred to the Florence church last summer.
     A life and death like this is an irrefutable fact of the reality and genuineness of the Christina religion and the Promises of God. – her pastor.

In Memoriam
     According to the will of our Master, on Thursday morning, the 6th instant about 1 o’clock, Mrs. Annie Wesson, the wife of Mr. Cogar Wesson and daughter of Mr. and Mrs Lovie Blackburn, left this world of sin and sorrow and has gone to that beautiful mansion far beyond the sky. She was 28 years old and joined the Christian church at Mars Hill when she was young and tried to live right. When death struck her she put her arms around her husband’s neck and said she felt that she was prepared and willing to go, and for him to raise the children the best he could. She was loved and esteemed by all who knew her and was always ready to attend to all duties when called upon. Her death left a void in our hearts which never can be filled. We extend to the bereaved family our heart felt sympathy and trust that in time the Master, who doth all things well, will comfort their aching hearts.

Death of Etta Christopher.
     The Lord has plucked one of earth’s most beautiful flowers. Etta, in the early part of her sickness, prayed to go to sleep and never awake again; her prayers were answered Saturday night near 11 o’clock, Feb 15, 1896. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher of Lexington. She was my schoolmate and also my classmate. She was loved by her schoolmates and friends; she would have made a useful woman. She applied for the Union school for this summer. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh; blessed be the name of the Lord.” We extend to the bereaved family our heart-felt sympathy and trust that in time the Master, who doth all things well, will comfort their aching hearts. Schoolmate and friend – Etta Tod Lexington Ala Feb 22 1896

Florence Times, 29 Feb 1896

Instantly Killed
Fatal Accident near Green Hill
     On Monday last at the saw mill of Mr. Pascal Kennedy a few miles from Green Hill, on Cow Pen Creek, a man named Harvey Lifan (LaFan) was instantly killed. Whilst the mill was in motion by some means a piece of timber was thrown violently around, striking Mr. Lifan (LaFan) on the back of the head, and breaking his neck. He died instantly. He was about 30 years of age and unmarried.

From Short Local Items…..
     …Nannie Flakes, wife of John Flakes a worthy colored woman of this city died on Friday of last week…
     … A young daughter of Mrs. Millsburn Robinson, near Wright, died on Monday last, aged about 6 years, of congestion of the brain. This is the second child Mr. Robinson has lost within the past month or two…
     … Miss Jimmie Akers, sister of Mrs. A.J. Smith, died in this city on Saturday afternoon last, after a long illness caused from a fall. She was xxx years old and her premature death is a sad one indeed. After funeral services conducted in the Christian church on Sunday afternoon, her remains were interred in the city cemetery.

Florence Times, 7 March 1896

After Life’s Fitful Fever
     Clarence Johnson, a young man living near the Spathite furnace, after a long illness of consumption, quietly breathed his last on Monday morning. He was alone so far as his kinsmen were concerned; but the good people of the city looked after his wants and thoughtfully cared for him. On Tuesday, after religious service conducted by Rev. W.F. Andrews, (who had been specially interested in his welfare) he was interred in the city cemetery.

     Mr. Harvey Lifan (LeFan), whose violent death at Pruitton was noticed in THE TIMES last week, leaves a wife and two children. It was a sad event truly.

Dreadful Accident
A child Scalded to Death
     On Friday evening last the young son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Matheny of the eastern part of the city, was scalded to death in a horrible manner. On the evening mentioned, while Mrs. Matheny was preparing supper, the child, Omie, drank from the spout of the coffee pot, a quantity of hot coffee. Its death followed about 1 o’clock the same night. The afflicted family have the sympathy of many friends in their sore loss. 

Dropped Dead
     One day last week, Mr. James Asbell, a young man about 21 years of age, while helping to haul logs on the Simpson farm, near Pruitton, injured himself internally by heavy lifting, and dropped dead. He complained that he was hurt and started home near by, and had proceeded not more than forty or fifty yard, when he suddenly fell and expired. He was a step-son of Mr. Jas. P. Pusson of that neighborhood and was a worthy young man.

Thrown from a Wagon and Killed
Tuscumbia, Ala., March 3 1896
Editor Times: As Ben Berry, a thrifty farmer and a good citizen, was returning home from Leighton last Saturday with several boys in the wagon with him, his wagon ran into a ditch and pitched him out head foremost, and the wagon wheel run over him, causing injuries from which he died that night. He leaves a wife and one child. He has friends in your county who will be sorry to hear of his sad death – correspondent.

Florence Times, 14 Mar 1896

Death Roll
The Grim Reaper’s Work in Lauderdale
     On Saturday last the 7th Mr. W.T. Tidwell, son of Mr. Richard Tidwell, died near Atlas of Pneumonia, after an illness of only six days. He was about 16 years of age and was a very worthy young man. His remains were interred on Sunday in the family cemetery on the home place in presence of a large congregation.
     Mrs. Peden, wife of Mr. Haywood Peden, died at her home near Atlas last week.
     Mr. Irvine Ross, an old and well known citizen living in the Atlas neighborhood, who had reached the advanced age of three score and ten, departed this life on Sunday last. He had been a cripple almost from his youth up, though he was twice married. He is survived by a wife and one child.
     Mrs. R. F. Edwards, sister of our townsman Mr. S. P. Rice and wife of the late Rev W. B. Edwards (of the M.E. Church South) died at the home of her brother in this city on the 26th of February in the 74th year of her age. She had been in declining health for a year o more. She had been a member of the Methodist church over 50 years and was a most exemplary Christian lady. She was the last but one of a family of seven children. Her remains were interred in the Walton cemetery near Oakland.
     Mr. George Lovelace, a worthy citizen of the Oakland beat, died a couple of weeks ago. He was a good citizen and his death is lamented by many friends in that locality.
     Col B. F. Chisholm, a native of Lauderdale, died at Chisholm, Texas on last Sunday morning. He grew from boyhood to manhood in the Green Hill settlement, where he spent many years of his life. He moved to the Lone Star State in 1867. He was a good and useful citizen and died at the ripe old age of 76 years. His old Lauderdale friends will hear of his death with sorrow. He was a man of fine character. Peace to his ashes.
     Miss Saide Brittain, daughter of Mr. Wash Brittain died on Thursday morning at her home near the M&C depot, of pneumonia, aged about 40 years. Miss Brittain had been in ill health a long time. She was a worthy lady who had much to contend with in life, and after its fitful fever she had doubtless entered into eternal rest.
     Mr. Wm L Oliver a well known citizen of Rogersville beat, died on Sunday last, aged 76. He was a good man and stood high in the esteem of his neighbors.
     Maj Benjamin Franklin Stine of Tuscumbia died on the 28th of February aged 67 years. He was widely known throughout North Alabama.

Florence Times, 28 March 1896

Died in Texas
     Mr. Jesse Goode, brother of our townsman, Mr. Thomas Goode, and of Messers Joseph and Charles Goode of East Lauderdale, died at Greenville Texas on the 16th instant, of inflammatory rheumatism, aged about 40 years. He leaves a wife and five children. Mr. Goode left Lauderdale about twelve years ago.