|
Sued
for Divorce. Harry A. Williams, Jr., real estate broker of Norfolk,
Va., by Mrs. Marthena Harrison Williams, who was born in the White
House during the incumbency of her grandfather, the late President
Benjamin Harrison. Time Magazine, Monday, Jun 25, 1923 Transcribed and submitted by: Kim Torp
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
March 19 1823 - Page 3
Died on the 12th ultimo, in Albemarle county, Va., Capt. William Smith, in the 96th year of his age. Mr. Smith served against the Indians as a captain in a campaign under the command of colonel George Washington, sometime before Braddock’s defeat. He was also in several battles during our revolutionary struggle, and was distinguished for his bravery and devotion to the cause of his county. For many years past, he has been a great lover of his bible, and could read with ease without spectacles. Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
June 11 1823 - Page 3
Richmond, May 29
Carroll, Dougherty and Kelly, charged with an attempt to rob the United States Mail between this city and the town of Petersburg, some time ago, were put upon their trials on Friday last, before the United States’ Circuit Court now sitting, and found guilty. The Court passed sentence upon them yesterday. Dougherty and Kelly are to be committed in the Penitentiary two years. Carroll, owing to representations made to the Court very favorable to his general character, one year. Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
The Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, PA)
20 Aug 1823 - Page 3
Destructive Fire
Richmond, Va., Aug. 9
We stop the press to announce the complete destruction of our state penitentiary by fire!
A few minutes before twelve last night, the alarm of fire was sounded; and a broad glare of light to the west indicated the fire to be in that direction. Our prophetic fears were realized; and the extensive range of buildings constituting the state penitentiary rapidly exhibited a tremendous sheet of flames. The efforts to save the buildings were idle.
The fire engines were hurried to the spot, and a crowd of citizens were collected; but their exertions were confined to save the convicts, some of the Public property in the front centre building, and a few wagons, and ploughs under the shed without. Few of the goods in the centre building, comparatively, were saved.
As far as we have ascertained, all the convicts were saved. The turnkeys, who slept under the buildings, were able to unlock the upper rooms and those who slept in them rushed through the front gatee. A few of the tower cells had not been unlocked; and by the most laudable and vigorous exertions on the part of our fellow citizens, through the outer wall, or by cutting the grating out of the windows, four wretched beings were dragged as it were from the tomb into life.
Captain Bolling’s company of the public guard repaired with alacrity to the spot; and assisted by the citizens grouped the convicts together, to prevent their escape. They were marched off to the capitol, and confined in its ample portico under a guard. Not one of them seems to have made any attempt to escape; and throughout the whole scene they behaved remarkably well.
The whole of the buildings were consumed. No part of the brick work fell. The penitentiary was in the form of a semicircle, the two ends of the semicircle connected by a range of wall with a large house for the keeper, in the line of the range. In the interior, was a large central building for workshops, next to the east side of the semicircular building.
It is suspected that the fire commenced in the shoemaker’s shop, where sometimes 20 to 25 worked at once. A strong suspicion is entertained that
The fire was the effect of design; and that possibly some of the workmen may have contrived to smother up some fire. According to this supposition, it must have been more than three hours before it burst out; but all conjecture is baffled for the present.
The loss to the commonwealth is severe; scarcely less at a very rough guess than 200,000 dollars.
There were 247 convicts in the building; of these, 11 or 12 were women. We have this moment learned that 245 have been counted; 2 sick supposed to be in the vicinity of the prison; no one of them missing!
The sight was awful and grand beyond description. No words can do justice to the feelings which the whole scene produced. The penitentiary was to the west of the city; and isolated some distance from any other building. The fire, therefore, communicated to no other. The wind was light. It is long time since we sustained any serious alarm or loss by fire; but this blow compensates for our exemptions. How many interesting events have been crowded into the short space of three hours! Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
The Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, PA)
5 Nov 1823 - Page 2
Clarksburg, Va. Oct. 18
Law Intelligence
At the Superior Court of Law held for this county last week, came on for trial the case of Mary Patton against Eskridge Hall for Slander; the witnesses were examinted and the case submitted to the jury without argument, who, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of five thousand dollars damages.
This verdict should be an awful warning to the Slanderer, who from motives of revenge may, by the use of his tongue in falsehood and defamation be brought to ruin and disgrace. Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 4 1822 - Page 2
Richmond, Nov. 19
We are sorry to learn, concerning Mr. Jefferson, that on this day week, on putting his foot upon one of the steps in his house, the step gave way, he fell, and one of the bones of his left arm was broken. As late as Thursday night, he was doing well – and was likely to sustain no material inconvenience.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 25 1822 - Page 2
Extract of a letter to the Postmaster General.
Post Office, Petersburg, Va., 14th Dec. 1822
An attempt to rob the northern mail was made last night. It happened about seven miles from town; logs were placed in the road so as to stop the stage. Three men made their appearance; one distinctly seen to be a white man, presented a double barrel gun at the driver, calling upon him to deliver the mail; the driver replied that he would do so, if he would spare his life; a second went to the door of the stage, and a third took his station behind. At this crisis the driver, with great presence of mind, caught the gun, and as the robber struggled to draw the gun back, struck him over his face with a whip; this gave him time to apply the whip to his horses, and by going in full speed about two miles, he saved the mail. Before the driver caught the gun, the robber snapt t him, which saved his life. Two passengers were in the stage at the time, but unarmed.
From the light reflected by the lamps, the driver was enabled to see the face of the robber, who is known to him. It is hoped he will be apprehended, and rewards are offered as inducements to take him. Nat. Intell.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler, (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Wednesday, January 9, 1823 - Page 3
The three persons who attempted to rob the mail near Petersburg, Va. Some days ago have all been apprehended. Two of them were taken immediately after the attempt, and on Thursday last the third was brought to Petersburg having been apprehended in Orange county. The mail driver instantly recognized the fellow as the one that snapped the gun at him. The three have been examined by a magistrate, who was so fully convinced of their guilt, that the directed them to be given into the custody of the Marshal of Virginia to take their final trial. Balt. Amer.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
March 5 1823 Page 3
Wheeling, Feb. 22
Fire- On Monday morning, the 17th inst. About two o’clock, the citizens were aroused by the appalling cry of fire. It was soon discovered to proceed from the building occupied by Mr. Wm. Clark, in Main street , which together with the three adjoining houses were entierely consumed. Mr. Clark lost nearly the whole of his furniture. Mr. J. Bowman’s was pulled down in order to arrest the progress of the fire. What adds to this distressing calamity, the most severe which has happened to Wheeling , in many years, is the death of Mr. Reuben Spencer, lately from Baltimore, who was highly esteemed, and followed the business of Lash-making. He fell a victim to the flames in endeavoring to save his property. He, together with several others made their escape to the door, but recollecting that his trunk was in his room, he returned, and immediately after, fell through on the lower floor. The heart-piercing shrieks and groans of this ill-fated young man, announced to the sympathizing citizens, his sudden and awful death, and transition to another world. He was distinctly heard several minutes, in his last agonies, but such was the fury of the flames, that no aid could be afforded him, and the citizens were obliged to witness this heart-rending scene in silent agony.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) 1806 May 21 Page 2
We believe (says the Norfolk Gazette of the 5th inst.) the oldest inhabitant does not remember so long a drought; the consequences of which, it is feared, will be ruinous to the agriculture, which is now greatly injured for want of rain. The Great Dismal Swamp has been fro some weeks on fire, which has extended for many miles. We have conversed with some gentlemen of information from that quarter, who assure us that the damage already done is moderately estimated at one hundred thousand dollars. Two millions of three feet shingles, ready for market, are consumed; a number of buildings, bridges, and an immense quantity of timber are also consumed; and the fire was yesterday raging in every direction with the greatest violence. Without rain, there in no hope of its stopping, short of the entire destruction of all the timber in this great tract of country. The rapidity with which our informants state the flames to spread exceeds any thing that can be described.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania ) January 28, 1824 Page 1
The Comet
Richmond, Jan. 15
A large and splendid Meteor was seen in this city about eleven o’clock on Tuesday night. It emitted a great light through all the streets. According to the fancies of different observers, it exhibited aspects and degress of light. One person represents its light in a room to be as bright as that of twelve candles. Some persons of vivid imaginations even compared its light to the brightness of the day. It exploded with a rumbling sort of noise. Many who did not see its mistook it for thunder and lightning. Its track and elevation are differently represented. Some say it was not higher above the earth than the highest house; others, that it flew at least 400 yards above the earth; its elevation was probably much greater. These meteors are common phenomena in certain states of the atmosphere. In all probability, the warm weather we have experienced for several days has principally contributed to its formation.
The alarm which it produced in some minds for the moment was as unfounded as the wise idea of others, that the Comet now visible in the heavens has been the principal cause of the late spell of warm weather. Both these phenomena are in the natural order of events; not connected with the moral dispensations of things. Neither Comets nor Meteors are the consequences of the moral condition of man, nor the signs of wars, pestilence or famine. These hypotheses might suit the superstitious ages; but they do not now stand in need of any serious refutation.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
March 17, 1824
A fire broke out in the cellar under the store of Mr. Francis Ballais, in Norfolk , Va. , on the 22d ult., and consumed five brick tenements, viz., two owned and occupied by Ballais, one by J. E. Holt, Esq. and two by Capt. James Tucker. Mr. Ballais, in his exertions to preserve the lives of his servants, was considerably burnt and bruised, and now lies very ill. One of his servants also was much injured by jumping from a garret window into the street. The fire it is supposed was the work of an incendiary.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
June 2 1824
An excellent team of horses, four in number, a valuable slave (the driver,) the property of Samuel Miller, were lost on the 7th ult. In crossing the Cowpasture River at Shaw’s Ford, Virginia.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
June 23 1824
Leesburg, Va, June 8
It is with painful feelings we have to notice the untimely death of Mrs. Currie and her sister, (Mrs. Jones,) with their two infant children, which occurred in the vicinity of this town on Thursday last. The catastrophie to which we allude, was occasioned by the sudden descent of an overflowing flood in one of the branches of Tuscarora. The house occupied by the family of Mr. Currie, situate upon the margin of the stream, was instantaneously swept away, together with its unhappy inmates – all of whom perished! The bodies of the deceased were afterwards found, a short distance from the fatal spot. One of the females, as we have been informed, retained within her arms, the faded form of her infant child, fast locked in the cold embrace of death. Their bodies were interred in the Presbyterian burial ground in this place on Saturday last.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Mrs. Jones, a resident of Jefferson county, was on a visit to her sister, and had arrived only the day previous to her decease. Mr. Currie was a few miles from home at the time of the calamity. Singular as it may seem, it is believed that the danger was not indicated by a previous rise of the stream, but that the flood descended in an overwhelming body, occasioned by an exceedingly heavy gust; which had, at the time of the awful event, not yet reached the residence of Mr. Currie. – Genius of Liberty .
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
June 23 1824
Alexandria, June 15
Shocking Murder
A man by the name of Gollyhorn was murdered in Dumtries , Va. On Tuesday last, by a person named Burgess. The circumstances as far as can be collected were as follows:
The parties were engaged in pitching quoits, when a quarrel ensued, during which, Gollyhorn kicked Burgess in the face; after which Burgess procured a butcher’s knife, and returned to the place where he had left Gollyhorn, and found him asleeop on the step of a house, and upon his waking plunged the knife into his body. The deceased walked about twenty steps and dropped dead. Pursuit was immediately made after Burgess, who was apprehended and conducted to Brent’s Ville to await his trial in November.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
Republican Compiler ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
July 28, 1824
On Tuesday 6th inst., a melancholy accident occurred at one of the mills on the James River Canal , near Richmond . The band round one of the stones slipped, while it was in full motion; small pieces of it flew off at first – but the whole mass bulging out by the operation of the centrifugal force, the blocks flew with irresistible impetuosity in all directs. One of the attendants (a black man) was killed on the spot, terribly mangled. Another black man had his thigh broken, and died on the same evening. A third was struck in the face; his upper lip was severely cut – but no serious apprehensions were entertained about his life.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
The Adams Sentinel ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
December 17 1828
Fire at Wheeling
We learn that a very extensive and destructive fire broke out at Wheeling , about ten days since, which destroyed twenty or thirty houses, amond which were seventeen valuable stores. In one stable no less than twenty horse were burnt.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
The Adams Sentinel ( Gettysburg , Pennsylvania )
December 31, 1828
Murder – On Friday morning last, a Coroner’s inquest was held on the body of Mary Schulle, the reputed wife of a vagabond named John Joseph, (a Portuguese), inhabiting a wretched hovel in Bank-street, and occasionally working at the trade of a shoemaker. Verdict, that the deceased came to her death by sundry blows, inflicted on her head with an iron bar, by said John Joseph, who was thereupon committed to jail. This wretched pair exhibited in their manner of life, a most revolting picture of human debasement: it was one perpetual round of beastly intemperance, wrangling and violence. There, indeed, might the fiend have exulted in the full triumph of his diabolical spell – in the complete success of his hell-brewed potion, his man-destroying Whiskey. – Norfolk Herald.
Transcribed and submitted by: Nancy Piper
|
