CLAY COUNTY INDIANA
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Dec. 30. 1898.
Brazil, IN. Mrs. Lucinda Reese filed suit in the Circuit Court today asking for divorce with $10,000 alimony, custody of their 7 minor children, and $500 a year from their father’s income to help support them. The Reese’s have lived together over 30 yrs and have 14 children living. The defendant resides in the south part of the county and is very wealthy. Mrs. Reese alleges that her husband strikes her and treats her in an in human manner; that he will not allow her to go to church or visit her neighbors. The case has created a sensation on account of the prominence of the family, as their neighbors and friends knew nothing of the domestic troubles of the family.
Brazil, IN.
Sept. 1, 1899. Dr. A.M. Kirk charged with gaining his license by Fraud, was today bound over to court in a $500 bond, which he gave. The prosecution was brought by the State medical Board, which alleges that Kirk secured Dr. Shepherd’s certificate, erased that name and inserted his won, on which the license was granted. Kirk is now practicing at Parr, this State and is a prominent druggist there.
Brazil, IN.
Aug. 31, 1899. three hundred miners employed by the Keeler Coal Company went out on strike today because the boss at the mine refused to allow them to use powder purchased at a store that did not belong to the coal company. The miners say they bought the powder 50 cents cheaper on the keg that that sold by the company.
Brazil, IN.
Sept 2,1899. The annual meeting of the old settlers of Owen, Clay & Vigo counties was held at Bowling Green today. Several thousand people were present, being the largest crowd seen at the old county seat for many years. Speeches were delivered by R.L.Keith, president of the Old Settlers’ Association, Major Brant of Bloomington and E.S. Holliday of this city.
Brazil, IN.
Feb.24,1898. the district meeting of Knight’s of Pythias, composing Parke, Vermillion, Vigo, Putnam, and Clay counties, met at the opera house today and was largely attended. James L. Wilson, of this city, delivered the address of welcome, and Hon. Union B. Hunt, of Winchester, grand chancellor, responded. A street parade was given at 10 o’clock, and was headed by the Brazil Cornet Band. The merchants had their building elaborately decorated for the occasion. The session closed with work in the 3rd degree by the Brazil team and a banquet at night.
Brazil, IN. Feb.25,1898.
John McLenhart, treasurer of the harmony Odd Fellows’ Lodge, was arrested at harmony today. McLenhart notified Chief of Police Lauderbock today that burglars had entered his house last night and robbed him of $410, belonging to the order of Odd Fellows. Officers were immediately placed at work on the case, and it was learned from the trustees of the order that McLenhart had been instructed to deposit the lodge money in Zeller & Riddell’s Bank, of this city, but instead of doing so he kept it at his house. The officers were unwilling to believe that McLenhart had been robbed, and placed him in jail until further investigation can be made. The books of the order are being audited to determine the shortage, if any, in the treasurer’s account. Mr. McLenhart is a prosperous citizen of Harmony, and has always borne a good name, and his friends are unwilling to believe him guilty of appropriating the money to his own use.
Brazil, IN. Feb.13,1896.
For the past few weeks the mines though-out the county have been rapidly closing down, throwing hundreds of miners out of employment. At present not one-half of the Clay county shafts are in operation, and those that are running are so crowded that miners cannot make good work.
No 3, of the Brazil Block Coal Company, located near Harmony, and the American Beauty, owned by The Zeller Coal Company closed down yesterday, throwing over 200 men out. No reason is given by the operators for closing, except that the demand for coal is dull. This is partly caused by the mild weather of the past month, and from the fact that numerous large manufacturing establishments through-out the county are closing down as a result of a general depression in business.
Brazil, IN. Oct 31, 1898
Charles Bachelor, while cleaning his shotgun today, accidentally discharged it and the contents lodged in his 10 yr old brother’s right side and thigh, wounding him so badly that he will die.