Subject: NEWS.HarrisonCountyCourier22Jun-13Jul1889 From a microfilm owned by Charles Feix, Cynthiana, KY 2002-3 Loaned to Col. Doug Harper, Biloxi, MS, for extraction of data of interest to him. Finished in Aug 2003 Guide to contents: Frequency: Weekly Published: Saturday Master Neg. # S/99-151 July: 21, 28 August: 4, 11, 18, 25 September: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October: 4, 13, 20, 27 November: 3, 17 December:22 Issues starting with October 13, has date and issue numbers out of sequence, with no issues number 4 & 5 Issue not published November 24 Issues missing: Nov 10, Dec 1, 8, 15. Subscription price $1.00 per annum Office on North Main Street Harrison County Courier Saturday 22 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 43 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 3 & 4 Walks and Talks (First of a series of articles about people, business, schools, churches and other interests. This first one is about the National Bank of Cynthiana and its Cashier, Jas. S. Withers. Full column. DH) Mr. Withers was born September 4th, 1830, in the town of Cynthiana, KY where he has spent his whole career with the exception of the years of his college life. He completed his educational course at the University of Missouri. In June 1857 at the age of 27 he was elected cashier of the Deposit Bank of Cynthiana. (Article continued in next column to highlight Licking Valley Mills operated by Riggs, Garnett & Co. and copartners, B. T. Riggs, Lark Garnett and S. J. Ashbrook; Horner Brothers a mercantile house; R. H. Wills livery stable; V. H. Pate & Co. a carriage manufactory; H. F. Crowmell blacksmith shop. Harrison County Courier Saturday 22 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 43 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 4 Licking Valley Mills Were the Courier intending a history instead of a descriptive sketch of Cynthiana and Harrison County, it would find much interesting data concerning the structure nowknown as the Licking Valley Mills. Originally built as a cotton factory as long ago as 1809 by the Cynthiana Manufacturing Company, it was subsequently converted into a whiskey warehouse and as such occupied for some time by Asbury Broadwell. Some fifteen or eighteen years ago another transformation was wrought - this time the structure was fitted up as a flouring mill by Peck, Potts & Co. and has remained a flouring mill ever since. Originally it used the old fashioned buhr stone process, but in the summer of 1884 the full roller system was introduced at an expense of between six and seven thousand dollars. The mills are now equipped with six double sets of rolls - The Stevens' System - together with other needed and modern machinery, and the capacity of production may be placed at ninety barrels of flour per day. The brands of flour manufactured are Crown Jewel, Blue Ribbon and Family. The grain used comes from this section and the market for the flour may be called a home one, i.e. it embraces Harrison and adjutant counties, and in such favor is the product held here at home that but few shipments are made to distant points. The "exchange" business held is a very important item, coming, as it does from the radius of fifteen to twenty miles and aggregating 25,000 or more bushels of wheat per year. It affords us pleasure to add that every department of trade of the mill is in excellent shape thus far this year, and the prospects are that its output of flour will be considerably greater than for 1888. Licking Valley Mills are operated by the firm of Riggs, Garnett & Co., the co-partners being B. T. Riggs, Lark Garnett and S. J. Ashbrook. Mr. Garnett is Sheriff of the county, and we shall have occasion to hereafter refer to him in connections with the county officials; Mr. Ashbrook is a distiller and Mayor of Cynthiana, and will elsewhere be alluded to. Captain Riggs, upon whom the active, every-day management of the business rests, is a native of Falmouth, bur for the past fifteen years Cynthiana has been his home. He was but little more than 20 years of age when the late war occurred, and enlisting as a private soldier in the 18th KY (federal) infantry he passed by stages of promotion to the rank of Captain. After the war had closed he received the appointment of U. S. Gauger, which he held for twelve years, and since January 1882, he has been identified with milling. The book keeper is Mr. L. N. Monson, who for two years has officiated in that capacity; C. F. Eichorn is the head miller, and Harry Norris is in charge of the cooperage department and John Yager is the engineer. As is sometimes said of jurymen, "all are good men and true." Mr. Riggs, when questioned as to the condition of trade, briefly remarked that it was "good." There was room for improvement in collections but he wasn't disposed to grumble. Well, the business of the mill ought to be good. For none other in the State can better flour be obtained, and the Courier hopes to record its prosperity for many years to come. Harrison County Courier Saturday 22 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 43 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 4 Died The Lexington Observer says: Remus N. Offutt, of this city, died on Thursday morning, after a lingering illness of consumption. Mr. Offutt was one of the best and most favorably known business men in this city. He came here in '68 from Cynthiana, where he had long been engaged with the leading dry goods house of that city. He was born in Harrison County in 1843, served gallantly in the Confederate army nearly four years and was as brave a man and true gentleman as Kentucky ever produced. Harrison County Courier Saturday 22 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 43 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col. 3 Mr. Wm. Skinner, Sr. died at his home near Ruddell's Mills, Thursday night, aged seventy-six years. He was for many years one of the most prosperous stock traders of this community, and for several years past had devoted his attention to farming. Mr. Skinner was a brother of Mrs. Miller, of this city. Harrison County Courier Saturday 24 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 49 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 1 Born to wife of H. Huerkamp, a daughter. Thos. O'Brien, who murdered Betty Shea, has been sentenced to be hung on Saturday August 24th. Pat Hunt, the Paris murderer will not be hung today. The case has been taken to the Court of Appeals and can not be decided before the latter part of September. Dates of Fairs Ashland, July 3, Lexington, Aug 27, Harrodsburg, July 30, Paris, Sept 3, Danville, Aug 6 Cynthiana, Sept 10 Sharpsburg, Aug 6 Eminence, Sept 17 Maysville, Aug 20 Died On Friday last of Bright's disease, D. B. Conway, aged about 60 years. He leaves a wife and three children. Mrs. Mary Kinman, sister of W. L. Northcutt, of this city, died at Drewsbury, Indiana, Tuesday. Harrison County Courier Saturday 24 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 49 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 2 Matrimonial June 27, by Rev. Dr. Keady, James E. Horton to Miss Annie E. Filer, both of Harrison Co. Mr. Gus Rogers, son of Rev. John I. Rogers of Danville, and Miss Ada A Wardroper of Maysville, were married Sunday. An exchange asked if a man of 35 married a girl of 5, he is 7 times older than his wife. They live together for five years, his is forty and she is 10: he is now four times older. The live together another 20 years, he is then 60 and she is 30: he is now twice as old as his wife. How long must they live together till both are the same age? Harrison County Courier Saturday 24 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 49 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 3, 4 & 5 Walks and Talks (Second in the series.) R. L. Jameson, saddles and harness; J. A. Remington, Grocer; J. W. Dodge & Co., General contracting painting and wall papering; A. E. Colesgrove, stove, tin and house furnishings; W. S. Dale, carriage factory; Givens & Shawhan, clothiers; J. L. Shawhan, boot and shoe store; T. Y. Cooper, D.D.S. , dentist; Samuel Williams, undertaker; Dr. J. B. Addams, dental surgeon; Farmers National Bank. Harrison County Courier Saturday 24 Jun 1889 Vol. 2 No. 49 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col.2 Neighborhood News Straight Elm Elsie, the nine year old daughter of Thomas Kenton, died at Shady Nook, on the 21st. Ruddell's Mills Geo. A. Harper of Winchester, was in our midst a few days last week. Tricum Miss Myrtie Hicks closed her school a few days since. The following were placed on the roll of honor: Pearl Lafferty, 96; Stella Lemons, 96; Addie Barnes, 96; Ada Barnes, 96; Meddie Lafferty, 98; Mary Martin, 96; Mollie Berry, 98; Colvin Martin, 99; Iva Martin, 98; Georgia Lemons, 98; Emma Pixley, 95; Case Martin, 94; and Katie Berry, 94. Will Probated The will of the late Gen. Withers, of Fairlawn, has been filed for probate. It is eminently a just disposition of his large estate. He leaves the interests of his daughters entirely to their own use. He wishes Fairlawn kept up under the management of his son, W. T. Withers, Jr. Someone who knows about his estate estimates it to be worth $750,000. He provides for the education of five or more, if the income of designated property justifies, young men to go into the ministry of the Christian Church. Harrison County Courier Saturday 6 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 45 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col.1 Telephone connection will soon be had with Georgetown. Harrison County Courier Saturday 6 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 45 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 2 MURDER Mrs. Jos. North Murdered in a Brutal Manner Her husband Joseph North arrested for the unnatural crime of oxorcide Interview with the suspected man Ten miles west of Cynthiana is a littel hamlet of Leesburg; all its surroundings are pastoral, the community is a peaceful one, given up to agricultural pursuits, and in or near it one would scarce expect to find located the scene of diabolical crime. On Friday evening the 28th of June, Squire T. B. Arnett , of Leesburg , was notified that his services were needed - that Mrs. Beckey North was dead, and that her death had doubtless resulted from a fit. The coroner at once visited the North residence - a primitive affair, containing only two rooms. It is located on Jas. L. Logan's place near Leesburg, and the house or cabin stands some distance back in the field - perhaps half a mile from Leesburg pike. The coroner discovered the dead woman upon the floor in the kitchen, about eight feet from the fire place. She was lying upon the left side, one hand under her body and the other crossed upon her breast; her face was bloody, her clothing burned to her waist and blotches of fire marks on her face, neck and breast. MEDICAL EXAMINATION A messenger was dispatched for Dr. F. L. Powell; in the course of his examination of the dead woman he discovered numerous cuts and bruises upon the face, and in one place at least the skull was broken. At first the accepted theory was that the woman, who is reported to have been subject to fits had fallen into the fire from an attack of that nature. But soon a suspicion of murder was aroused, and that suspicion was directed against the husband. A score of criminating incidents were revealed. Suspicion became conviction in the minds of the neighbors; he was on Saturday, arrested by Squire Arnett, and the same evening was placed in jail here. AN UNFEELING WRETCH When asked as to the disposition of the body of his wife North exhibited no special interest in the matter. He expressed complete indifference as to attending her funeral, and it was with apparent reluctance that he was induced to take a final gaze at the mangled corpse of here whom he had at the alter promised to love, cherish and protect. Doubtless ghastly images were crowded upon his mental vision - and what fearful images they must have been. On Monday of this week the Court House was thronged by hundreds who wished to catch a glimpse of the prisoner or to listen to the details of his crime as they should be unfolded from the witness stand. The examination, however, was postponed until Wednesday morning, when at 9 o'clock court was opened, Judge W. T. Lafferty, presiding. The commonwealth was represented by Prosecuting Attorney M. C. Swinford; the counsel for the accused were W. S. Hardin and L. Benton. THE TESTIMONY The first witness called for the prosecution was Jas. M. Anderson. He testified to hearing North's cries for help when he discovered (?) the body of his wife. He explained the position of the body, said the fire place gave evidence of a struggle, found a sad iron encrusted with blood, evidence of a garment having been burned, and described the general appearance of the room and its dead occupant. Never knew of North and his wife quarreling. J. L. Paul testified: But slightly acquainted with the defendant, was at work in an adjoining field, heard North making a great outcry, verified Anderson's testimony as to the appearance of the body. Jas. Green - Identified wearing apparel of the prisoner. Dave Hawkins, colored, immaterial testimony. Halan Green, immaterial except to identification of wearing apparel. Dr. Powell described wounds some penetrating the bones of the head, base of the skull fractured, numerous burns. Hair partially burned off; found print of head in ashes of fireplace; blood on hearth; wounds appeared to have been made by both a sharp and blunt instruments; identified sad iron; it "nicely" fitted the wounds; death was caused by wounds described; death had probably occurred about 4 o'clock p.m.; found pools of blood - blood had run through the floor by the save and other points. Jas. Logan, detailed conversation held with North after the crime; North showed where his missing boots were to be found; other testimony immaterial Mrs. George North - admitted North was inclined to jealousy; had never heard him threaten his wife's life. Jas. VanHook, testimony but a repetition of what had preceded. Squire Arnett detailed his connection with the affair in quite a dramatic manner, and the large audience listened attentively: I was notified of the death of Mrs. North, reached the house between six and seven o'clock in the evening; from parties present summoned a coroner's jury. He then described the appearance of the body in its semi-nude state, supposed that the woman had fallen into the fire while suffering from a fit. Investigations Friday night revealed nothing beyond what had already been testified to. Saturday morning found jeans pants with damp mud adhering to them, and shirt also damp, with one sleeve torn off; North said he had worn the garments for months and accounted for the moisture by saying "I reckon the water blew in on 'em." I determined to watch North's movements, apprehensive he would attempt escaping. Finally I placed him under arrest; he resisted arrest, not by action but by words and threatened to kill any one interfering with him or his liberty; finally submitted. I searched him but found only a pocket knife. Turned the prisoner over to Chas. Lail. John Groves, cousin, testified; North had trouble with his wife two months ago, she left him; he threatened her with a gun; afterwards heard him tell his wife he didn't mean what he said. Here the prosecution rested the case. The defense introduced no witnesses, and all argument was waived. Judge Lafferty in substance said: From the testimony of Dr. Powell it appears the woman was killed. I don't want to say a thing that might be construed as prejudicing the prisoner's case, but the testimony is such that I feel it my duty to remand him to the criminal court without bail. No surprise was expressed by anyone in the audience, which quietly dispersed, and soon after North was returned to his quarters in the jail. He showed no emotion during the examination. AN INTERVIEW WITH NORTH The Courier interviewed North at the jail. He was very communicative at times; at times reticent, and once or twice was startled into somewhat unguarded expressions. Here in substance, is his story: "I had been working in my tobacco patch and was going home, about 4 o'clock, when my little girl (6 years old), who had gone on ahead of me, came running back and cried out, 'Mamma is burned up.' I went to the house and door of the room, and my wife was lying there." Being questioned he admitted that he did not approach the body; that his wife lay, and yet he took no means to ascertain whether she was living or dead, but rushed off towards a neighbor's for assistance. Questioned as to what he thought caused his wife's death, he said "one of her spells, she fell in the firs." He protested his affections for her and for his children. When the courier told him his little boy has prattled the astounding statement: "PAPA HIT MAMMA with an iron," he quickly entered a protest, saying the little baby could be induced to say anything, but he was really curious to know if such testimony would be allowed. He protested his innocence and in the same breath declared his willingness to meet whatever fate should overtake him. He argued that it wasn't reasonable, if he had wanted to kill his wife, that he should have sone so at such a time and in such a manner, declaring that there were too many other safer methods. THE PRISONER is an illiterate man, apparently about thirty years of age. He can neither read nor write. Eleven years ago he married Rebecca Ann Wolfe, at Claysville, the bride being less than thirteen years of age. Four children, two of who are living, were the fruits of the marriage. So far as can be learned North and his wife lived together without any noisy dissension, and the surmises are many as to what tempted him to commit the awful crime with which he stands charged. Before North was apprehended it was noticed that he was not wearing the same boots as on the day before. He was asked where those boots were. He replied "somewhere about the house," but when told they could not be found he piloted the searching party to a little pond where they them fished out of the water and mud; with the boots were also discovered a child's dress and a suspender buckle. What part these articles played in the fearful tragedy can only be conjectured as yet. Harrison County Courier Saturday 6 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 45 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 4 & 5 Walks and Talks (Third in a series) F. M. Cosby, clothing store. The C. B. Cook Company, distilling and milling. S. J. Louis, tailor. Kehoe Bros., harness and saddlery. Chas. Rieckel, jeweler. W. Tom Burns, groceries and hardware, wool buyer. Harrison County Courier Saturday 6 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 45 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col. 1 Died Yesterday morning, of acute rheumatism, Eddie, fourteen year old son of R. M. Hedges. The following was read at the funeral of Mrs. Mary Kinnan, sister of W. L. Northcutt, at Drewersburg, IN: Mary E. Northcutt was born at Rutland, Harrison Co. KY May 29, 1834. Before she reached the age of twelve her mother died leaving the entire care of the household devolving upon her. Her situation now will be better understood by saying that she had three brothers older than herself and six children younger, including an infant brother but eight days old. If her hands were young and puny, her heart was willing and strong, and she did her duty as she only could have done. On February 9th 1853 she united in marriage with Henry Kinnan of her own county and state. As a result of this union five children were born, two of whom - daughter and son - survive her, as does her husband. Be it said to her credit that in the same year of her marriage she cast her lot with the people of God. The Methodist was the church of her choice, and she was a quiet, conscientious and devoted members of the church until three years since, when removing to her late home, being quite a distance from her church and seeing with joyful heart her husband seeking for a better and holier life, and as a matter of duty, unity and convenience, handed her letter to the Presbyterian church and they became one in a Godly as well as private life. But Methodist or Presbyterian she was the same tender, loving Mary as true to her friends, her home, her God as the magnetic needle to the pole. Her two years of wasting, suffering sickness, terminating in her death Wednesday morning June 25th, 1889, at the age of 55 years and 27 days, was one of continuous example of undefiled Christianity. Never a child, but always a woman, both mother and sister to brothers and sister, a loving companion, tender mother and staunch friend; none knew her but to love her. A friend and sister gone, a mother and wife departed. Her vacant place can never be filled. Friends sad, brothers and sister sorrowful, children desolate and husband heart broken, all take comfort in knowing that what is our losses is her gain, and our distress her eternal joy. She did what she could; angels can do no more. Harrison County Courier Saturday 6 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 45 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col.3 Neighborhood News Connersville Born - to the wives of James Renaker and Wm. McLowery, a girl each. Harrison County Courier Saturday 13 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 46 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 2 NORTH INSANE But before he loses reason he makes a confession of his horrible crime Joseph North, the wife murderer has lost his mind, is a raving maniac. NO false attempt at insanity is he making, but reason has been dethroned by a conscience overburdened by horrible visions, and hideous presentiments. But before he lost his mind North had, by the advice of friends and his attorney, confessed the details of his crime entire. Since his imprisonment North has partaken of but little food and nourishment; and only found consolation when at times he would forget his surroundings while in the presence of his child, who was allowed to visit him. He has, owing to loss of sleep and a troubled mind, been morose and sullen, and passing his heavy hours iin conceiving some mode of self-destruction. ON Monday he requested a son of Jailer Lail to secure him some arsenic to wash his child's head. His request was not being granted from that source he applied to a fellow prisoner to procure him a box of "Rough on Rats." Failing in this he subsequently tore his bed comfort into strips, tied them together, making a very convenient rope, but is seems that his courage failed, as he went no further in his attempt. >From Monday morning until Wednesday evening North refused absolutely to eat anything, and gave abundant indications of insanity. On the latter day he was approached by Jailer Lail who inquired if he wanted anything to eat. North answered no, that his head hurt too bad. Lail asked him what caused it and he replied: "I have no friends. My children have no one to care for them; my crops are beyoind my power to attend to them and are going to waste, and I am in prison." "Isn't there something else that causes you more trouble than that?" inquired Jailer Lail. "Mr. Lail my wife was d____m mean woman. That evening when I first went home, as I approached the house I saw some man sneaking along the fence on the far side of the house. When I went in I asked my wife concerning the matter. She professed to know nothing of him. I again urged the matter, she said that if the man had been there it was none of my business. This brought on words, when she hit me in the head with an iron, and then beat me with a shovel. I wrenched the shovel from her and hit her with it, she fell down, and I stamped on her. I did it in self-defense." North then ceased talking, and Mr. Lail questioned him further. The particulars as given by North are not corroborated by the circumstantial evidence produced. The shove he claims to have hit her with, is a very small and doesn't look strong enough to crush a skull. Besides the wound gives no indication as being caused by such an instrument. As for the adulterous habits that he charges against his wife, this matter has been current rumor ever since the tragedy, and it has been authentically stated that North has been cognizant that such relations have been existing for several years, and it proves his cowardly nature conclusively, by living in such knowledge. Since Wednesday North has been insane, and a close watch is necessary to be kept on him. Lead Mines to be Worked Dr. T. B. Smith, the well-known manufacturer of Smith's Liniment, has succeeded in organizing a company, with capital of $8,000, to work the lead mines discovered on Thos. Hinkson's farm, near Lairs, adjoining the Kentucky Central. Several years ago evidences of rich bearing ore were found on this farm, but our people were too dilatory and refused to furnish sufficient means to develop matters, thought abundant evidence was given of success. Dr. Smith, with a strong faith in the outcome, has induced foreign capital to test the results of a practical investigation, and as several members of his company have been here to look at the mine and all were pleased with the prospects, work will be begun at once and we dare say the investors will realize handsomely on their investments; at least we hope they will. As an evidence of the great quantity of ore here, Mr. Hinkson says it is no uncommon thing for his employees, when plowing, to turn up great lumps of lead, frequently weighing as much as a hundred pounds. Harrison County Courier Saturday 13 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 46 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 1 Col. 4 Walks and Talks (Fourth of a series) The C. B. Cook Company, distilling and milling. (Previously printed in third of the series) V. H. Pate & Co., carriage manufacturer and sales. Gano Ammerman, mercantile house devoted to groceries and hardware. Geo. H. Givens, tin stoves manufacture and sales. L. C. Maffett, clothing, boot, shoe, hat and furnishing goods house. A. Berman, dry goods, notions, clothing, boots, shoes, hats and caps. "Cynthiana Cheap Store." Electric light and a company formed to work the Harrison county lead mines, all in one week! Look out for the railroad, we are going to have it, sure! Harrison County Courier Saturday 13 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 46 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col. 1 On last county court day, a man by the name of Barlow, from Lexington, traded a colt to George Brannock, who lives near Havilandsville. It was discovered in a few days that the colt belonged to Mr. Tilton, of Nicholas County, and had been stolen on the Saturday night before the trade was made here. As soon as it was known that the colt had been stolen Mr. J. H. Shields, a local dealer in horses, in company with Brannock started out to find the thief. He was caught in Lexington and returned here and placed in jail. - Falmouth Democrat Harrison County Courier Saturday 13 Jul 1889 Vol. 2 No. 46 Evans D. Veach, Publisher Pg. 4 Col. 2 Neighborhood News Ruddell's Mills Dr. Keller will leave in a few days to locate at Hot Springs, Ark. (Wonder what happened to the great plans to run Oklahoma towns. DH) Uncle Willis Collins is 80 yeas old and has never used tobacco. Nathan Goodman has returned from Oklahoma. He is delighted with the country, but will not return there on account of not getting to hold his claim. He is now confined to his bed with a fever. Leesburg Born - To wife of Wm. Carrick, nee Sallie Ward, a daughter. The above parties live at Oxford. Jas. North, who was arraigned for the murder of his wife, was held over without bail. The feeling is greatly against him here, and Judge Lynch would have done his work had some things been developed that is now known. At the examination for common school graduates, held at Cynthiana on Friday, June 28th, $60 was given out in prizes - thirty dollars to first, twenty dollars to second and ten to third. Miss Emma E. Anderson, of this place, received first prize, and Johnnie Hehr, of Browdwell, received second prize. This, we think, is quite a compliment to Miss Emma, and her friends are quite proud of it, but none more than Miss Mary Barkley, her teacher, who has taught her all she knows. Hehr was also a pupil of Miss Barkley for eighteen months.