Many thanks go to Debbie Hanson who transcribed most of the Dallas Morning News articles on this page.Weimar Mercury For some time the hearts of Mr. Henry Hale of Bee county and Miss Deida Goode of our city, daughter of Mr. W. O. Goode, have beat in unison, but parental objections interosed and it was thought that the affair had blown over. While the parents of the young lady were thus resting in fancied security the young people were planning. Monday Mr. Hale went to laGrange and procured a license. That night about half past nine o'clock the lovers quietly stole away to the residence of Mr. J. H. Card, where Judge Hopkins performed the ceremony making the young couple man and wife. The next morning the bride's father hunted up the runaways and brought them back home, where a reconciliation took place.—Flatonia Argus. La Grange Journal To The PublicOn August 17th 1889, Mr. George Mauer turned over to me ten dollars, from sale of old bridge lumber, and took my receipt for same. I failed to give the county the proper credit, and Mr. Mauer is being held responsible for the omission. The error was wholly my own, and Mr. M. is in no manner responsible for same. R. T. Bradshaw, T.F.C. Referring to the above THE JOURNAL would state that Mr. George Huebner who took up the lumber referred to and replaced it with new, informed THE JOURNAL some time ago that there was between ten thousand and twelve thousand feet of said lumber, and that Mr. Mauer asked him in the presence of Henry Nollkamper, who afterwards purchased it, how much he considered it worth; that he told him he considered it worth at least fifty dollars; that they separated and shortly thereafter the lumber disappeared from where he had piled it, and he afterward learned that Nollkamper bought it for $10; that he had left under the impression that the lumber would be advertised and sold at public auction to the highest bidder. If there was as much lumber as Mr. Huebner says there was, THE JOURNAL thinks it was worth more than $10 for kindling wood. Contributed by Rob BrownColorado Citizen Flatonia Argus: According to the official figures, Fayette county has a population of 31,481, ranking fourteenth in point of numbers. The entire population of Texas is 2,235,230. Colorado Citizen NOTICE is given that arrangements have been made with the railway company to put a special coach on local freight train to LaGrange on the morning of April 9th to return in the evening, for the accommodations of all parties desiring to attend the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the Fayette county new courthouse on that date. Members of Caledonia lodge desiring to attend are requested to hand in their names to P. J. Oakes, secretary, at earliest convenience. J. J. MANSFIELD, Colorado Citizen LaGrange Journal: Colonel Alfred Henderson of Schulenburg was here the day the [courthouse] cornerstone was laid and took his place in the Masonic procession. Being 93 years of age, his participation in the ceremonies was noted and commented upon. Few, if any, of his brethren will reach the age he has. His name and age were written on a sheet of paper and deposited with the other articles in the stone. Dallas Morning News Texas PatentsPatents granted to citizens of Texas for the week ending April 21, reported through the office of J. F. Beale, solicitor of patents, Washington, D.C.; Wm. L. Black, Fort McKavitt, combinating pump spring. John S. Dickey, Blanket; churn power L. S. Flatau, Tarrant County, whiffletree. C.F. Hall and F.R. Farrow, Liberty Hill; device for cooling milk and butter. Thomas Kennedy, Luffalo; wire stretcher. H.G. Flockman, La Grange; bailing press. Wm. E. Lindsey, Louisa; derrick C.R. Wood, Wills Point; washing machine. Dallas Morning News Sheriff’s Department.Fayette CountyLa Grange, Tex., April 26 Strayed from H. Sneider living five miles below Ellinger, was last seen about four miles below La Grange, one light bay horse about 15 hands high, star in face, white hind feet, branded 9 on left thigh/ two more mules, one black, branded J H on left thigh; had on a bell. One yellow looking, about 14 hands high, both young, branded on left front shoulder, split in ear, ears very large. The owner will pay $25 reward for return of said stock to him. Stolen from L. G. Russeck one black bald face horse, split in left ear, branded RUT connected on right hip. Stolen by a white man about 24 years old. Will pay a liberal reward for the capture of the thief delivered to me. B. L. Zapp sheriff. Thursday, November 12, 1891 Schulenburg SpecialsThe Schulenburg public school under the management of Prof. Eilers as principal and Misses Willrich and Welhausen as teachers of the primary grade and German, has a daily attendance of more than one hundred students. Your correspondent was in the school a short while Monday afternoon. The students acquitted themselves well and seemed to be advancing in their studies very rapidly.Contributed by Rob Brown La Grange Journal |
Dallas Morning News Sheriff’s DepartmentFayette CountyLa Grange, Tex., Feb. 26 Arrest Judus Brandt, a German, about 5 feet 3 inches high, weight 140 pounds, large mouth, large head, wore large brim black hat, blue striped jeans pants, blue striped coat and vest. Wanted for theft of a mare, about 16 hands high, 8 years old, blaze face; also sorrel mare branded R S on left shoulder, common saddle. I hold warrant for his arrest. The owner, R. Schmidt, will pay $ 10 for the mare delivered at Haw Creek, Fayette County, and I will pay $10 for the man delivered to me. B. L. Zapp, sheriff, Fayette County. Dallas Morning News Convictions at LaGrangeLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., June 6—The criminal docket of the district court was taken up on Monday and the following cases have been disposed of up to date: Sr. Dravels, assault to murder, two years in the penitentiary; Santiago Roscoe, burglary and theft, seven years; C. Mendez, burglary and theft, four years; Leon Selanes, burglary and theft, four years; Ralph Thompson, burglary and theft, four years; Walter Webb, theft, two years: Henry Henderson, theft, two years; Henry Harrison, theft, two years: Mit Allen, kidnapping, fined $150. The M. M. church, south, building, which was almost demolished in a storm about two months ago, has been repaired and repainted and will be occupied next Sunday. Two small negro boys were engaged in a row this evening which resulted in one being seriously stabbed in the back. Weimar Mercury Flatonia cor. LaGrange Journal: On Wednesday night the photograph gallery of Mr. Robertson, which had been but a short time opened, burned down. By strenuous efforts of the citizens the meat market of Mr. R. Ling and the sotre of Mr. Jno. Sloma were saved from combustion. Dallas Morning News Hall RespitedLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Sept. 1—The negro Albert Hall will be hanged here on next Wednesday, as the governor has telegraphed them he will not commute the sentence. Capt. Ledbetter and Wright Moore have gone to Austin to try the governor once more. Later- The governor has granted the negro Hall a respite until Sept. 26.
Dallas Morning News, 18 Sep 1894 SONS OF HERMANNGrand Celebration at Schulenburg – Six Bands of MusicSchulenburg, Fayette Co., Tex., Sept 17— The Sons of Hermann had favorable weather yesterday for their anniversary celebration. The crowd was very large. Over 200 people came in on the special train from La Grange. The members of the order met at Turner Hall where they formed a line and with six bands of Music marched through the principal streets to Cedar Park. After the crowd hae eaten dinner Judge A. J. Rosenthal delivered an address in German upon the merits of the order which was received with great applause. Everybody was in good humor and even the candidates present received a cordial welcome. Hon. Miles Crowley arrived at noon. Very few in the crowd had ever met him. County Attorney Walters took charge of him, however, and before the day closed nearly every voter present had been introduced to the democratic nominee for congress and many of them expressed themselves as well pleased with him. A dance, which lasted nearly all night, ended the festivities.
Transcribed by Judy E. Matejowsky Dallas Morning News Arrested on a TelegramTemple, Bell Co., Tex., Sept. 20—A son of A. J. Rosenthal of LaGrange is in custody of Marshal Taylor, held on a telegram from his father, who will take him home today. The young man had left Taylor with an opera company and was acting as doorkeeper for the troupe while here. Dallas Morning News He Will Not HangAlbert Hall’s Death Sentence Commuted by the Governor of Life ImprisonmentLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Sept. 25—Albert Hall, the negro, will not hang tomorrow. The governor has commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. He received the message with great rejoicing, although he was prepared to die, having made peace with the Lord. The negro had received the sympathy of the whole community for his good behavior during the trial and incarceration, and the people are glad that Fayette county will be spared a hanging. The crime for which Albert Hall was to have been hanged was the murder of Grant Banks. Hall is a young negro, probably 23 years of age, of modest and unassuming manners and about as intelligent as the average country darkey. He came from Washington county, and at the time he killed Banks had only been in this county about three months. On the night of Oct. 26, 1893, Albert Hall, John Hart and several boys were shooting craps for pecans at a house near Winchester in this county. A dispute arose over the game among the boys, resulting in a fight between Johnny Hart and Albert Hall. The parties were separated by bystanders, Grant Banks holding Hall. It was charged that Banks held him while Hart beat him with a flat iron. This was denied by the Harts, at whose house the fight took place. However, it resulted in hard words between Hall and Banks. The parties soon parted, each going home. Hall claimed, and other witnesses verified his statement, while others denied it, that Banks threatened to kill him and told him (Hall) to go fix himself and meet him on the morrow. Hall that night went to the house of a friend and asked for a pistol, telling him that Banks had threatened to kill him and he (Hall) was afraid of him. He failed to get a gun that night. The next morning he went to the house of Cas Hall and got a Winchester gun for the ostensible purpose of shooting crow. He took the gun, rode about a mile to a field where Banks worked, and finding him seated on a load of corn in a wagon hailed him with “Hello, Grant Banks, how are you fixed?” “Fixed all right,” came Banks’ answer. Then without another word of warning the Winchester in the hands of Hall commenced it’s deadly work. The first shot struck Johnny Hart, slightly wounding him in the side. County Attorney Wolters informs The News correspondent that the shooting of Hart was treated as an accident by the prosecution. After the first shot Banks jumped from the wagon and ran through a fence, Hall following him and shooting him. He pumped two balls into his fleeing victim’s back, when the latter fell. Hall walked up to him and found Banks not yet dead, but begging him not to shoot any more. Not heeding the prayers of the dying man he shot him again by putting the muzzle of the gun against Banks’ back. When this shot did not immediately end the life he was seeking he beat the dying man with the gun, breaking his neck and fracturing his skull. He beat him until the barrel of the Winchester bent. This was about 10 o’clock in the morning in the presence of at least six witnesses. After the killing he remounted his horse and rode to Winchester, where he surrendered to Justice of the Peace A. Ramsey. He talked as if he had only performed a duty which must be performed. In 1891 Grant Banks killed “his man,” another negro, in Bastrop county, for which he was tried and acquitted. Many of the negroes were afraid of Grant Banks. Sheriff Zapp told The News correspondent that he had no better behaved prisoner in the jail than Hall. When seen by The News reporter yesterday he stated that he still hoped for commutation. He looked serious and spoke of his crime with regret, adding, however, “I had to do it or he would have killed me.” He spoke freely of his coming fate and felt sure that he would go to heaven. Dallas Morning News Saloon StabbingLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Oct. 8—Paul Goldammer, a contractor, stabbed an Irishman named Clark several times in the back in a row in a saloon. The wounds are serious, but not necessarily fatal. The difficulty occurred over some money that the Irishman claimed Goldammer owed him for labor performed on the public roads of the county. Goldammer was bound over in the sum of $500 to await the action of the grand jury. Dallas Morning News Catoosa KillingLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Feb. 11—Sunday’s News contained a telegram outlining the killing of Jim French and Bill McWilliams at Catoosa, L T., by Shirley Wilkins and Sam Irvin. As stated, Mr. Wilkins is a citizen of LaGrange. He is staying on a ranch near Catoosa and on the night of the fight was stopping with his friend Irvin, intending to go to the ranch the next day. He has spent the holidays at home and left here only last Tuesday. In a letter to his mother he states that the desperadoes tried to rob the store when a fight followed and his friend was mortally wounded and the desperadoes killed. Wilkins was born and raised in Fayette county. He is 27 years old and his courage has never been questioned. Weimar Mercury Schulenburg Sticker: Dallas Morning News Crocker MurderLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., May 26—Gus Colburn was arrested here yesterday evening by the sheriff, charged with complicity in the Crocker murder, in Wharton county. The sheriff acted upon a telegram from the sheriff of Wharton county. Colburn was visiting relatives near LaGrange when arrested. He is a young man. When seen by a News reporter in jail he stoutly denied any knowledge of the crime, further than what the officers had told him since his arrest. Leroy and Jim Martin, who, according to The News dispatches from Wharton, are under arrest for complicity in this affair, also are former residents here. Weimar Mercury MME. ST. AUGUSTINE.Weimar, Tex., June 4. — To the News: In The News of Sunday, June 2, appears a most worthy article in reference to Mme. St. Pierre who was mother superior at the Ursuline convent in the early '60s, and who was a most worthy and noble Christian woman. There is still another who is living and who was a companion of Mme. St. Pierre and is at present a devoted nun of said convent. This notable woman is Mme. St. Augustine, who was known to the world as Miss Mary De Lassanex [de Lassaulx], was raised near Rutersville, Tex., and is the aunt of Mrs. Dr. J. R. Allcorn of Weimar, from whom The News correspondent gets his information. Mme. St. Augustine has been mother superior several times. She entered the [Ursuline] convent only a few months after Mme. St. Pierre's arrival at Galveston and was also one of the sisters who attended the sick, dying and wounded after the ever to be remembered battle at Galveston. She was in the convent then. It was thought that the convent would be bombarded by the federals, who at that time thought that it was only a confederate rendezvous and no federal soldiers inside, Mme. St. Augustine assisted in hunting for a white flag, and as no white domestic could be found in the convent at the time she was present a nun's white skirt was arranged and hoisted over the building in the way of a flag of truce. Mme. St. Augustine entered the convent when quite a young girl and is now one of the oldest sisters now doing the great deeds of charity in the Ursuline convent at the present time. Should the eye witness tax his memory, he, too, may remember the noble sister who was one of the principal actors during the sad scenes before and after that New Year's morn of 1863. W. A. BAA[?] Weimar Mercury Simon P. Ford, one of the survivors of the battle of San Jacinto, is said to be in poverty and rags at Muldoon, Fayette county, and must go to the poor farm. The flatonia Argus makes an appeal for aid for the poor patriot. Mr. Ford is 83 years of age. Weimar Mercury The saloon and grocery of Seydler Bros. at Holman was destroyed by fire yesterday morning between 2 and 3 o'clock. The fire was unquestionably of incendiary origin. The scoundrel who did the work either crawled under the building and started the fire near the center, or broke into the building and accomplished his hellish work. The entire building was in flames when discovered. Nothing was saved. The insurance was $1500. Sron suspicions are entertained as to the identity of the guilty party, but no arrest has as yet been made. Weimar Mercury, 11 Apr 1896, page 1 News Special: LaGrange, Tex., March 29.—A sensation was created here to-day by the announcement that Rev. John E. Green, pastor of the Methodist church, would hold a meeting in the court house yard this afternoon. He kept his word, and at 4 o'clock began his services. He scored the saloon men and declared he would have the Sunday law enforced if he had to invoke the aid of Governor Culberson. The action of the minister in coming on the square and his denunciation of the saloon men and agitating the Sunday law created a great deal of favorable and unfavorable criticism. The Sunday law never was enforced in Fayette county. Dallas Morning News Parr Gets Five YearsLaGrange, Tex., June 9—The jury in the case of Jim Henry Parr, a prominent white man living at Winchester, this county, charged with the murder of Wes Gradington, a negro, returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the second degree and assessed his punishment at five years in the penitentiary.
Dallas Morning News The Normal at FlatoniaSpecial to The NewsFlatonia, July 12—The normal school opened today with Prof. G. P. Kinnard, of Huntsville, president; R. P. Kirk, of LaGrange, vice president; M. Menger, of Flatonia, secretary. Thirty-four teachers were enrolled and as many more are expected during the week.
Dallas Morning News Surrendered to OfficersLaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Sept 8—Sheriff Loessin today brought in Will Null, charged with the killing of Stagner at Primm’s Switch yesterday. After the killing Null rode over to Deputy Sheriff Rankin’s and gave up, where Sheriff Loessin found him. His examining trial will be held at this place next Friday. Weimar Mercury Schulenburg Sticker: Fayette county has the least delinquent tax list of any county in the state with a population of 40,000. Weimar Mercury La Grange, Texas, November 22.—News reached here yesterday that Mrs. Natt Sawyers, living about four miles from West Point, had been shot. It seems that two parties rode up to their house and asked for some corn, and being refused, they asked for something to eat, which was also refused them, and on riding away they fired several shots into the house, one of which struck Mrs. Sawyers. The wound, however, is not necessarily fatal. Sheriff Loessin was notified, but up to the present time has made no arrests. same newspaper, page 5It is expected that Weimar, Columbus, LaGrange and Schulenburg will have direct connection with Houston and other points in the state, via the Southwestern long-distance telephone line, within the next day or two. The line is now within a mile or two or Columbus. Weimar Mercury Hurrah for our Jakey! The following is clipped from the Austin Evening news: "Representative Jake Wolters of Fayette county is the orator of the house. All of the members haave talked more or less of the Fayette county boy, and his wonderful gift in the art of oratory. He makes a nice talk and is, without doubt, the Thomas of the twenty-fifth legislature. elsewhere on same pageLaGrange, Texas, January 21. Messrs. Killough & Taylor have received their new machinery for the electric light and water house and have put same in. They run the lights all night now, instead of until 1 o'clock, as formerly. This is quite an improvement, as the new lights are a great deal brighter and give much more light, while the plant is capable of furnishing arc lights, and it is rumored that the town will have arc lights put in on the square. This is one thing much needed, as the present lights give an entirely too small space of light. Weimar Mercury, 24 Jul 1897, page 7 LaGrange, Tex., July 20.—Lee Dobbins, an industrious colored farmer, brought to market the first bale of cotton. It netted the owner over 20 cents per pound and was purchased by H. C. Heilig & Co. and sold to H. W. Gurrow & Co. La Grange Journal, 10 August 1897 Dr. Clifton is in town with his medicine show and is holding forth to large crowds every night. --- Work on hte new "Katy" depot has commenced, and LaGrange can soon boast of another depot. --- The "Froesche," LaGrange's justly popular singing club, entertained their friends on the Bluff Sunday afternoon.
Dallas Morning News, 31 Aug 1897 Child Badly BurnedCaldwell, Tex., Aug. 30—Friday evening Mrs. Joseph Tolas of LaGrange came to visit her parents, three miles from here, and while supper was being put upon the table her little 5 year old son ran against a bowl of boiling hot gravy, which was emptied in his face, badly burning him from his eyes down to the middle of his body. The little fellow has suffered intensely, but will recover. Dallas Morning News LaGrange MattersLaGrange, Tex., Oct. 9—There is hardly any cotton coming to town now, only seven bales yesterday. Up to date 3979 bales have been weighed by County Weigher J. E. Moore. The compress has repressed 13,960 bales. The spacious and elegant residence of Mr. B. Otto is nearing completion. F. Presun is about ready to begin the operation of his new bottling works. A. F. Loessin is a new applicant for the postmastership at this place. His petition has been signed by a large number of citizens. The theatrical season will be opened on the 13th instant with the play, “The Heart of Chicago.” The weather continues hot and exceedingly dry. The frequented streets are in a continuous cloud of dust. It is now a certainty that this year’s cotton crop in Fayette county will be largely behind that of last year.
Dallas Morning News, 24 November, 1897 LaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Nov. 23—A son of Tom Mikulenka, aged 16, was shot in the leg with a shotgun by this brother this evening near West Point. Dr. Cleary and Dr. Lund amputated his leg.
Dallas Morning News, 29 November, 1897 LaGrange, Fayette Co., Tex., Nov. 28—The jury in the Tom Adair case, after being out eighteen hours, rendered a verdict finding Adair guilty of manslaughter, assessing his punishment at two years in the penitentiary. Dallas Morning News Accidental ShootingLaGrange, Tex., Dec.8—On Tuesday afternoon Booty Shikers, 8 years old, accidentally shot his cousin, Rosa Beheins, daughter of Henry Beheins, a farmer, residing at Mullins Prairie, this county. The gun was loaded with bird shot. The charge took effect in her wrist, lacerating the flesh, but, breaking no bones. Weimar Mercury LaGrange, Tex., Dec. 17.—Quite a romantic marriage took place at the court house. Mr. H. T. Meyer and Mrs. Veronika Meyer were the principals, Judge Jos. Ehlinger officiating. Four years ago they were divorced and now they are reunited. While the judge performed the ceremony their two children stood by them on either side of their parents as witnesses. . . . . Smithville Times: Tuesday night a fire occurred at Winchester destroying the Roensch Bros' property of a warehouse, drugstore and general merchandise store to the neighborhood of $13,000, $7,500 insurance. At the time a company was playing in the opera house and the company and audience had a narrow escape. The fire is supposed to have been started by a dog locked up in a room upsetting a lighted lamp. . . . . LaGrange, Texas. Dec. 25.—Little Nellie Mann, the 5-year-old daughter of A. S. Mann, met with a serious accident last evening about 5 oc'clock. While in the room with her sister, a year older than herself, and a small colored girl, playing around the fire her clothes caught fire and her mother hearing the screams rushed into the room and taking a foot mat which was lying in front of the door wrapped it around her and extinguished the flames. Her whole back was burned raw and part of her hair was burned to the scalp. She is now suffering agonizing pains. All that medical aid can do is being done for her. It is thought that her injuries will not prove fatal. Weimar Mercury Post Special: LaGrange, Texas, January 2.—Frank Carter of the firm of Lane & Carter, doing a livery business here, has sold one-half interest in the business to John White and the business will be continued under the name of Lane & White. . . . . Schulenburg, Tex., Dec. 25—Lawrence Kreschel, colored, while preparing to retire last night, was shot with a pistol, fired though a window. He was seriously wounded. A warrant was issued for a negro, who has not yet been arrested. . . . LaGrange, Texas., Dec. 30.—Sheriff Loessin went down on the morning train to Fayetteville, returning at noon with John Fields, father of Jasper Fields, who was killed yesterday. Eddy and Sam Fields, two of the sons, are charged with resisting offixcers. Eddy Fields is also chaged with carrying a pistol. Deputy Sheriff Randolph Sladek, who shot and killed Jasper Fields yesterday, had his examining trial today before Justice Bertzer and was placed under a $500 bond, which he readily gave. . . . West Point, Texas, December 30.—Walice[sp?] Winkfield and Ernest Hardwick attacked Thomas Sims this morning at the ferry on the Colorado river, between this place and Winchester. Winkfield and Hardwick used baseball bats and Sims got out his knife, cutting Winkfield several times. Dr. Verdra dressed Winkfield's wounds, which the doctor pronounces fatal. Deputy Sheriff Frank Moore carried Sims to LaGrange to await developments. All parties negroes. . . . . Muldoon cur. Record: Mrs. Coeth of Schulenburg came to town yesterday evening, and returned today with a baby girl she has taken to raise. . . . . LaGrange, Texas, December 30. A lignite mine has been opened and is being operated by Walter P. Calloway of the firm of Calloway & Gorman of Houston, about four miles west of this place on the farm belonging to Mrs. Manton. Mr. Calloway states that out of thirteen mines which he has operated in this state this is the best he has seen. They have leased a part of the Manton farm for a term of tweny years and will probably work 300 or more men, a large number being at work already. The mines are only a short distance from the Katy road and application has already been made to that company to lay track from the main line to the mines, which will probably be done in the near future. Large orders for the coal have already been received and shipments will be made just as soon as the facilities are at hand. They are burning the coal in the courthouse here now. Weimar Mercury LaGrange, Tex., Jan. 4.—Mr. Anton Legler, a merchant of Bridge Valley, who was in town yesterday, while on his way home met with a serious accident. The road being rough, he was thrown out of the buggy, breaking his collar bone and injuring his shoulder. He was picked up in the road by a stranger and carried to his home. Weimar Mercury Dr. John F. Thornton of Plum, Tex., came down last Sunday to see the old folks, as well as the young. He assisted Dr. Jas. Byars in surgical operations Monday, returning Tuesday, taking his brother, Dr. L. G. Thornton with him to help him hold the boards of "do nothing" down until some accident happens to lighten the spell. He says the Plum country is very healthy at present—or, in his own words, distressingly so. . . . . Muldoon, Texas, January 14.—Crockett Green, a farmer living about four miles west of Muldoon, was poisoned yesterday evening by drinking whisky with strychnine in it. As quickly as he found out that he was poisoned he rushed to his house, swallowed a lot of grease, got on his horse and came to Muldoon in haste. On his arrival here he told Dr. Mitchell what had happened and the doctor began giving him emetics to couteract the poison. Later in the evening Dr. Tutwiler of Flatonia was called to assist Dr. Mitchell. They worked with him all night, and at this time the doctors think he is out of danger. Dallas Morning News Recent ConvictionsLaGrange, Tex., Jan 8—Sheriff Loessin turned over to State Penitentiary Agent Carmichael the following prisoners who were convicted at the last term of court: Robert Russell, criminal assault, seven years; Francis Herrera, robbery, five years; Abe Paine, colored, horse theft, two years; Oliver Walker, colored, corn stealing, four years; Will Brown, burglary, two years; Wootan Ramsey, colored, disposing of mortgaged property, two years.
Dallas Morning News Struck by a TrainLaGrange, Tex., Jan. 14—Sydney Demus, colored, a section hand on the Katy, while working on the track about five miles east of here, was struck by the noon passenger train and brought here. Attending physicians say he is very much bruised, but think not fatally. Dallas Morning News A Thousand Dollar BondLaGrange, Tex., Jan 17—Dan Ray, charged with administering poison in whiskey to Crockett Green, waived examination today and was placed under $1000 bond. Weimar Mercury, 29 Jan 1898, page 8 LaGrange, Tex., Jan. 25.—Married today, Mr. Abraham John to Miss Zeche Nemer, both Greek, at the Catholic church, by Rev. Theoclitos (Archimandrite of the orthodox church), Galveston, Tex. A very large crowd attended the ceremonies, which were somewhat of a novelty, no such ceremonies having ever been performed here. Dallas Morning News The city authorities have a quarantine against the city of Columbus on account of smallpox raging in that town. Guards have been placed on the Southern Pacific in order to protect this city against the epidemic.
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Weimar Mercury, 19 Mar 1898, page 6 LaGrange Journal: On last Thursday an old timer, Mr. William Eastland, visited LaGrange. He was born way back in the thirties at the old Eastland home, near where Mr. Nat Holman's elegant home is situated. Scarce a vestige of the old frontier home is left, a sink in the ground, where once there was a well, being about the only thing that remains to mark the spot. Mr. Eastland said the only thing he could recognize in LaGrange, was the old live oak in front of Schuhmacher's bank. Everything else, including the people, had so changed, that the old timer would not believe it to be the same place. The Eastlands were prominent men in the early days, Captain William Eastland being one of the Mier prisoners who drew the black beans at Salado Mexico. The monument in the court house yard bears his name. Dallas Morning News Given Five Years in the PenLaGrange, Tex., May 19—Dan Ray, who was charged with attempted poisoning, was convicted in the district court today and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary. Weimar Mercury News Special: Flatonia, Tex., Aug. 2.— Married, at the Methodist Epicopal church, this city, at 2:20 p.m., Mr. Ed A. Arnim and Mrs. Paula Robbins. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Jas. Marburger of Cistern and one of the most popular ladies in the county. Mr. Arnim is in business here. Weimar Mercury Schulenburg Sticker: John Koenig of Dubina neighborhood, while in town last Saturday, called around and had his figures moved up. He also informed us that a little stranger arrived at his home on the 16th inst., which completed his first dozen, and that he celebrated his 45th birthday on the 21st. Weimar Mercury Weimar Mercury Wednesday morning, Mr. Percy Faison and Miss Juliet Ellis were united in matrimony at the home of the bride's parents on San Antonio street in this city. Rev. J. J. Cramer officiated. Mr. Faison is county attorney of Fayette county, and Miss Juliet is one of our most popular young ladies, daughter of Judge Ellis. The party left at once on the Katy train for La Grange, their future home. The Register extends congratulations to them.—Lockhart Register. Weimar Mercury Married, at the Baptist church at Schulenburg Tuesday, Dec. 27, Prof. John Stierling and Miss Stella McKinnon, Rev. T. E. Muse officiating. The MERCURY extends best wishes to the happy young couple. Schulenburg Sticker: . . . At 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the residence of the bride's parents, near St. John, Rev. T. W. Glass officiating, Mr. J. E. Smith and Miss Edith Frazier were united in the holy bonds of wedlock. Weimar Mercury Master Henry, son of Mr. Herman Loessin of Blackjack, got his hand badly hurt Christmas night by the explosion of a cannon cracker.— LaGrange News. . . . . Mr. Herman (Dick) Loessin and Miss Maude Sledge were married last Thursday at the residence of the bride's parents near Muldoon. The News wishes them long life and happiness. —LaGrange News. Weimar Mercury The big hill between Weimar and Holman, near the Hubbard farm, will be cut down soon by the Fayette county authorities. This hill is a long one, and provokingly steep, and it has always been a source of annoyance and cuss-words to those having to traverse same, especially with heavily loaded wagons, and its eradication will be a source of delight and convenience to the traveling public. Major George WillrichThe following is from the Houston Post and refers to a well known former resident here: “Major George Willrich of the First Texas, who was recently promoted to his present position from that of captain of company H. was, before entering the volunteer service, a well known lawyer at La Grange. He was elected captain of the La Grange Light Guards upon its organization on September 16, 1897. He was educated at St. Mary’s academy, Galveston, where he received a thorough military training, and after leaving college he organized and commanded the Flatonia Grays, and, later, the noted Fayette Light Guard, which was at one time one of the crack companies of the state. At one of the state drills he was awarded a handsome sword as being the most efficient captain present. He is possessed of many pleasing traits of character which make him a favorite with all who know him, and the news of his promotion was received with gratification in all parts of the regiment.” Contributed by Rob BrownWeimar Mercury Last Sunday was the first time in the history of Texas, known to any one living in this county, that a man crossed the Colorado river at LaGrange on the ice. Messrs. C. L. Van Nostrand and A. J. Day accomplished this feat Monday afternoon. The undertaking was quite hazardous, for the ice was only an inch or three-fourths of an inch thick.—LaGrange News. Dallas Morning News Fayette CountyLaGrange, Tex., April 12—The house of Fritz Kuehn was burglarized and the following articles stolen: One gold filled watch, engine turn case, Elgin movement: one solid gold ring with initials F.K. and M.W. in it; one pair of pointed toe shoes, No. 8. The owner will pay a liberal reward for the return of the articles and I will pay a liberal reward for thief upon conviction. August Loessin, sheriff Fayette county.
Dallas Morning News Head Badly BeatenLaGrange, Tex., April 26—John Long, section foreman on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas at West Point, ten miles above here, had his head badly beaten up by a negro this morning, who used a rock to knock him down and them stamped him on the face. The negro escaped, but a deputy sheriff is in pursuit. The wounds are not thought to be fatal. Dallas Morning News Court at LaGrangeLaGrange, Tex., May 19—The case of the state vs. Anton Stavanohoa, charged with the murder of a negro at Engle, in this county, consumed the day in the district court yesterday. The case was given to the jury at 6 o’clock, and after being out ten minutes they brought in a verdict of not guilty. The case against Jim Stokes, a negro from Flatonia, charged with the murder of another negro, at that place, was taken up this morning and the evidence is all in, but argument is postponed until tomorrow morning, when the case will be given to the jury.
Dallas Morning News Verdict of Not GuiltyLaGrange, Tex., May 24—The case of the state vs. Joe Copeles, charged with the murder of A. T. Reeves at Schulenburg in the fall of 1897, consumed Monday and Tuesday in the district court. The case was given to the jury last night at 8 o’clock and they returned a verdict of not guilty at 2 o’clock this morning.
Dallas Morning News Adair Readily AcquittedLaGrange, Tex., May 25—The case of the state vs. Tom Adair was taken up in the district court this morning. The state failed to make a case and Judge Teichmueller instructed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty. Adair was charged with the murder of Paul Williams near Flatonia about two years ago. At the last spring term of court he was convicted of man-slaughter and given two years in the penitentiary, but on error a new trial was granted.
Dallas Morning News Verdict of Not GuiltyLaGrange, Tex., May 26—In the trial of Frank Vyvjala, charged with the murder of Dr. Taborick at Praha on Dec. 14, last year, the state failing to make out a case, the judge instructed a verdict of not guilty.
Dallas Morning News Death Sentence PassedLaGrange, Tex., May 27—Today Judge Teichmueller passed the death sentence on Clay Foard, who was convicted at the fall term last year of the murder of an old negro woman named Matilda Winston. The day for the execution was set for Thursday July 20.
Dallas Morning News Verdict Against the CountyLaGrange, Tex., May 29—In Justice Ledbetter’s court this morning Drs. Lunn & Lunn recovered a judgment against Fayette County for the sum of $40, the amount prayed for, and the costs of suit. In the early part of 1898 Dr. Lunn was summoned by Justice Ledbetter to hold and autopsy over the body of a negro named Chas. Allen. The commissioners refused to pay the bill and finally on May 17 rejected it in toto, which resulted in the suit. Justice Ledbetter disqualified himself and J. F. Wolters sat as special judge in the case. Dallas Morning News Shooting in LaGrangeLaGrange, Tex., June 3—Last night at 9 o’clock there was a shooting affray at a saloon, in which Tom Ratigan, with a shotgun, and A. N. Langston, with a pistol, were the principals. Langston was placed under a $500 bond, charged with assault to murder. Several shots were fired. Langston was shot in the left arm, but the wound is not serious.
Weimar Mercury The old Colorado river is on a big rampage, and an overflow of all the lowlands is momentarily expected. This (Friday) morning, with the waters going up rapidly, there is an 18-foot rise at Columbus, a 25-foot rise at LaGrange and Smithville and 29-foot at Bastrop. The water was running over the dam at Austin to the depth of 7 1/2 feet, with a 25-foot rise expected at Austin Thursday night. The partially completed new bridge at Smithville, also the ferry boat, were swept away. A Bohemian farmer near LaGrnage, while trying to lasso the ferry boat, with the rope tied around his waist, was dragged into the river and drowned. other big rises are reported coming down. La Grange, Texas, June 7.—An assasination upon Rev. A. Cole, a colored Baptist preacher, was attempted near this city in what is known as the Bethsaida settlement, while he was on his way home from church after the night services. The attacking parties hid themselves in a cluster of bushes and when the parson came by riddled the gig in which he was riding with a perfect shower of bullets, though he escaped unhurt. The officers have been diligent in trying to apprehend the guilty parties, but no clue as yet exists. The parson is unable to explain the cause of the attack. Dallas Morning News Clay Ford Duly ExecutedThe First Legal Hanging in Fayette County for Twenty Years Was a SuccessLaGrange, Tex., July 20—Although Sheriff Loessin had announced that the execution of Clay Ford, the negro condemned to death for the murder of the colored octogenearian, Matilda Winston, would be private, thousands came from all portions of Fayette County to witness the first legal execution in twenty years and the second that ever took place in the history of the county. Ford bade his aged mother and his wife good bye last night at 11 o’clock and then slept soundly until daylight this morning. He breakfasted and was then shaved and dressed in a suit of black. At 9 o’clock he asked for pencil and paper, and he wrote a statement, which he gave to his spiritual adviser, Rev. G. W. Townsend. In the statement Ford declared his innocence. It is in effect the same as his speech which he delivered later. At 10 o’clock Rev. Townsend read to the condemned man from the Bible and sang a hymn. The aged father of Ford, his pastor, Dr. Lindsly, a colored physician, and a few officers spent the morning with him. Ford’s pastor asked him to pray. On his knees in his cell the negro sent up his last prayer to God. He prayed in earnest and good language, and it was not the prayer of an excited man nor of an enthusiast. He called upon God to witness his innocence and closed with, “Oh Lord, you know I am innocent. Poor old Matilda, who was a good woman on earth, is with you now, and she knows I did not kill her. When I leave this sinful earth today, take my soul in a chariot of fire to the throne and let me sit by the side of old Matilda.” His prayer concluded, Dr. Lindsly at 10:35 felt his pulse and found it at 80. Rev. Townsend then assured the condemned man that if he wished to go to heaven he must tell the truth. Ford’s only answer was a claim of innocence. Sheriff August Loessin informed Ford that there were many people present in town who had come to see him hanged; that only a few could witness his execution. He asked to be permitted to speak to the crowd. He was taken from the cell to the jail door and then addressed the crowd as follows: “Ladies, gentlemen and friends: This morning seems very, very, very beautiful. This is the prettiest morning of my life. This is the last day that I can stand and look you in the face and see the friends I played with and associated with. I am very proud this morning to see you all here; very proud to look at and talk to everybody this morning. I am here, sentenced to be hanged at a certain hour of the day, and the crime that I am accused of is a very brutish crime, very hideous. There was never a thought that run through this body that in my heart I could commit a crime like that. I want all of you to hear that. But today I pay the death penalty on the gallows for it and I am proud of it. I am in no way guilty. I look the whole world in the face and tell them that I am not the guilty man. I am perfectly innocent of the crime, and my soul is going where all crosses, trials and tribulations are over. They will all be over in a few hours. They will all be done with. I will be there where I can hear all. I will be out of the way. I am going to a place this morning where there are no liars, no disputing, no swearing. The days that I used to walk out on the green, I had a very bright life that I could see. I can say this morning with clean heart, clean hands, that I never ended a person’s life, never put to death. I only had fights and scraps, and though I played cards for amusement, I worked hard for a living. They have accused me of killing old lady Winston. I went there and talked with the old lady, and she talked, and I gave her some pecans, and she was telling me what happened through the past week. Now, today, that I am standing before everybody, I confess that I am innocent of this crime, though I was picked up and convicted before the LaGrange courts without a sign of evidence. “The man who committed the crime is out and today I must pay the penalty. I am willing and ready to go, because I know the soul will not be lost. They can cheat me out of the breath, out of this outward man, but this inward man, they can not cheat me out of it. God takes that in hand; God rules that. Today I will be with Old Lady Matilda. Today I am going. Today I will be in her company. I will talk to her. I forgive everybody, and everybody that did anything for me I thank them with the greatest gratitude. Today my lips will be chilled in death. It must be. I have got to go.” ”The angels and the archangels and God himself are waiting at the gates. I will walk bravely like a man; the sooner the better for me. I am glad to know that every man under the sun and every woman has got to pay the same debt. This is a debt that no man can get around. This debt has got to be paid and the day is coming when I will meet everybody—all these people. I will meet them in the great getting up morning, when the heavens will be split, when God shall walk out on the four wings of the wind. I will be there this morning. Feel in no way weak. Do not dread dying. Thank you for your attention.” He spoke in a clear, distinct voice, and not a tremor of voice or movement of muscle betrayed any excitement. He was taken back into the jail, where the death warrant was read to Ford by Sheriff Loessin. The negro listened attentively while the big-hearted sheriff read with ill concealed emotion. The reading over, his pulse was again tested by Dr. Lindsay and found to be 102. He was then handed a pair of white gloves, which he drew on without assistance, remarking as he did so to a friend; “Wallace, tell all the boys to come to my funeral. It takes place at 3 o’clock this afternoon,” and turning to his pastor: “That’s the hour set for services at the church is it not?” He then told all the prisoners in the jail goodbye. He had previously thanked all the officers for kindnesses shown him. He walked unassisted to the scaffold in the rear of the jail and ascended the stairs. His pulse now beat 128. On the scaffold Rev. Townsend conducted religious services after which Ford shook hands with all the officers and newspaper men on the scaffold, calling each by name, kissed his aged father, took the hand of his pastor, and thanked him, and with his hand resting in the preacher’s, his eyes looking straight into the eyes of his pastor, his feet upon the trap, he uttered his last words: “ I am not guilty.” Sheriff Loessin adjusted the black cap, hands and feet were tied, and the rope which first broke the neck of John Shaw at Cleburne was placed around the neck, and quick as a flash, Sheriff Loessin pulled the lever and Clay Ford paid the highest penalty known to the law. The trap was sprung at 11:19. Thirteen minutes later the doctors pronounced Ford dead. When Matilda Winston was murdered her 7 year old grandchild, Oro Winston, was also cruelly beaten and left for dead, but the child lived, and today, with it’s mother, witnessed the execution of the man who the law said committed the heinous crime. This was Sheriff Loessin’s first hanging, and Fayette county’s big sheriff felt it deeply. The execution was carried out without a hitch and the coolest man there appeared to be Clay Ford. The crime for which the negro, Clay Ford, was hanged here today was on of the most heinous which has ever been committed in Fayette County. In the suburbs of town, near the Missouri, Kansas and Texas track, lived Matilda Winston, an old colored woman, about 80 years of age, with her 6 year old grand daughter, Oro Winston. At about 8 o’clock on Monday evening, the 28th day of November, last year, news reached the officers that just a few minutes before some one had entered the cabin and had killed both the old woman and the little girl. Upon investigation it was found that the old woman and little girl had both been struck on the head with some heavy instrument, which rendered both unconscious, and from which injuries the old woman died a few days later. Near the cabin was found a fish plate, bloody and evidently the instrument used by the assassin. Deputy Sheriff Will Loessin set to work at once to find some clue, and learning that Clay Ford, who was then employed picking cotton near Holman, in this county, had been seen loitering near the premises just a few minutes before the crime, and finding that he had ridden through town on a mule just shortly afterward, coming from the direction of the Winston home, he began inquiry and found that Ford had been in town since Saturday evening, that on Sunday and Monday he had attempted to borrow money from various persons, saying that he was broke. It was learned that before leaving town on the night of the crime, Ford stopped at a negro saloon and gambling house for about half an hour, where he displayed money, drinking and gambling considerably. On leaving there he was traced in the direction of Holman, and it was learned that he paid a woman, whom he had met on the road, $4. At 4 o’clock on the morning of the 29th he was arrested near Holman by the deputy sheriff, brought to town and placed in jail. When arrested he had $15 in currency besides some silver money. The jacket he wore had a spot of blood on the front about the size of a 25 cent piece. Before the old woman’s death she became sufficiently conscious to let it be known that she had some money, about $20, wrapped in a rag and concealed between the mattresses of the bed. Clay Ford was the only one who knew where her money was, as he had borrowed $4 on that Saturday afternoon before. District court being in session at the time. Judge Teichmueller, after the death of the old woman, reconvened the grand jury on Dec. 6 to investigate the case, which resulted in the indictment against Ford for the murder of Matilda Winston. The trial of the case began on Saturday, Dec. 10, and the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, assessing the death penalty on the following Monday, Dec. 12. Ford claimed his innocence, but the chain of circumstantial evidence, without a missing link, which was thrown around him made the verdict which was returned inevitable. The bloody jacket was introduced, and the shoes which he wore when arrested were identified under oath by a number of witnesses as those worn by the man who left tracks in the cotton patch as he ran from the direction of the Winston cabin. It was also proven that he had no money late in the afternoon on the day of the crime, and that the $15, a $10 bill and a $5 bill, found on his person when arrested were the denominations of the two bills stolen from the old woman. His nervous actions when told of the crime and many other circumstances pointed him out as the guilty party beyond any reasonable doubt. The case was appealed to the court of criminal appeals and affirmed by that court. Ford was a saddle colored negro, 5 feet 9 inches in height and 24 years old. He was the son of respectable parents, but seemed to have always been wayward, spending most of his time gambling and loafing in company with the lowest types of his race.
Dallas Morning News Capt. Willrich DeclinedLa Grange, Tex., July 31—George Willrich of this city, late major of the First Texas Volunteer Infantry was tendered a First Lieutenancy in the volunteer army now being trained for service in the Philippines, but he refused to accept the appointment. There have been forty three applications for the pensions under the Texas pension law filed with County Judge Joseph Ehlinger.
Dallas Morning News Eaten By An AlligatorThat Is the Probable Fate of an Aged Fayette County NegressLaGrange, Tex., Aug. 16—Charles Bittner, Sr., a prominent farmer of the Holman neighborhood, living about twelve miles from town, relates a strange story, as follows: A negro woman nearly 100 years of age, living on his place, disappeared one day last week, and a search being instituted, her shoes and head rags were found on the bank of Gar Lake, a few hundred yards from her cabin. There were also evidences of something having been dragged into the lake. Her body was afterward taken from the lake, but one limb had been entirely eaten off. It is supposed that she laid down near the lake to take a nap and was dragged into it by a large alligator, as they are known to infest the lake.
Dallas Morning News Deaths from DiphtheriaLaGrange, Tex., Aug. 19—Dr. Clark of Schulenburg telephoned County Judge Ehlinger late this evening that diphtheria had broken out in epidemic form on Middle Creek, five miles from Schulenburg, and that quarantine might be necessary. Twelve cases are reported and four deaths already. County Health Physician McKinney telephoned Dr. Clark to engage a trained nurse and have guards placed around infected houses.
Dallas Morning News Scarlet Fever ExcitementLaGrange, Tex., Sept. 4—On account of the scarlet fever excitement there were no Sunday schools in session here yesterday. It had been decided to postpone the opening of the city schools for a week or so, but as only one case of the fever has been reported, and that one is now convalescent, having no fever today. It is thought that all danger of the disease spreading is over. And the schools will open tomorrow.
Dallas Morning News Scarlet Fever Closes SchoolsLaGrange, Tex., Sept. 6—The city schools today closed indefinitely as a precautionary measure on account of scarlet fever excitement. There are several suspicious cases. There was one death today, the victim being Lite Zapp, aged about 11 years, son of ex-sheriff B. L. Zapp.
Dallas Morning News Shot in His FieldLaGrange, Tex., Sept 20—Sheriff Loessin received a telephone message today stating that Enoch Needham, a one-armed farmer living near Stellar, this county, had been shot by an unknown party while working in his field about 6 o’clock yesterday evening. A load of buckshot took effect in the crippled arm. Deputy Sheriff Loessin left for Stellar before noon. As yet there is no clue to the perpetrator of the deed.
Dallas Morning News Will Declared VoidLaGrange, Tex., Oct. 21—The case of John R. Adams, by his next friend, vs. Livingston et al to set aside the probate of Mrs. Eliza Adams’ will was tried in the county court today. The plaintiff recovered judgement in the cause, setting aside the probate of the will and declaring it null and void. The defendant gave notice of appeal to the district court. The San Antonio Daily Express, 6 Nov 1899, page 5 In Flatonia.The Week in the Swell Circles of the Town.Flatonia, Tex., Nov 3.—Col. A. H. Decherd, the hosiery man, spent a day here last week. Contributed by Cheryl Cookj Singleton.Dallas Morning News Convictions of LaGrangeLaGrange, Tex, Dec. 6—The following convictions were had in the district court today: June Frazier, horse theft, four cases, given two years in each case; Alex Haywood, horse theft, three years; Will Collins, assault to murder, two years. All three are negroes.
Dallas Morning News Continued the CaseLaGrange, Tex., Dec. 8—The case of the state vs. John Riley, in the district court, set for today, was continued by the state on account of material witnesses being absent. The defendant is the city marshal, and is charged with the killing of Tom Ratigan here last August.
Dallas Morning News Court at LaGrangeLaGrange, Tex., Dec 9—In the district court today William Fonzy, colored, was convicted in four cases and given two years in the penitentiary in each case. Judge Teichmueller today granted a new trial to Clarence Emerson, a negro who was convicted Thursday of assault to outrage, on the ground that the evidence did not support the verdict of the jury.
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