STATE GAZETTE
DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE
FORTY-SECOND YEAR NO. 1
JANUARY 3, 1907

MINISTER MURDERED; UNION CITY, TENN. , DEC. 29. -- As a result of the Coroner's inguest on the death of Rev. B. L. HOLDER at Troy, Lee HOLDER, the 18-year-old son of the dead man, has been arrested, charged with murder. To-day HOLDER's shot gun was found under his barn, broken in pieces. Rev. B. L. HOLDER was a prominent minister and was found dead in a field about a mile from Troy, near the Troy and Dresden road, about 6 o'clock Friday morning. He lived a little more than a mile out of Troy and left his home at 6:30 Thursday night to attend a lodge meeting at Troy. Later, a negro found the horse and buggy loose in the road and reported it to Arch LANCASTER, a neighbor of HOLDER's. Mr. LANCASTER had heard cries of murder earlier in the evening, but paid no attention, thinking it was someone drunk. A searching party was organized at midnight and after hunting all night, Mr. HOLDER's body was found at the hour named in a wheat field about 100 yards from the road. His head was beaten to a jelly and he had been shot twice in the stomach with a shotgun. Afew weeks ago all the family except the boy, Lee, were poisoned by drinking milk containing arsenic. At the inquest it was proven that Lee HOLDER had bought a box of Rough on Rats at a local drug store the day previous to the poisoning. Young HOLDER is said to have threatened his father's life. He is in jail here. Intense excitment prevails at Troy and only the fact that the gun was not found till after the officers left for Union City with the prisoner prevented violence.

RAN INTO A TRAP GUN. TRENTON, TENN. , DEC. 30. -- A tragedy caused much sensation here occurred last evening at the house of U. H. CONNER, two miles west of town, resulting in the killing of Frank DICKSON, a young man, near Halls. Reports are conflicting, but it appears Mr. CONNER, out of fear of being molested at night, had set trap guns guarding every entrance to his house. Mr. DICKSON was spending awhile with his uncle, Jim WALKER, a tenant on the CONNER farm. DICKSON had done some work for CONNER, and went over in the evening to get a pair of shoes and some money to send his mother at Halls. When entering the yard, he ran into one of the wires, discharging the gun and shooting him in the abdomen, from which death resulted at midnight. Sheriff DICKSON went out this afternoon, but so far no arrest has been made. DICKSON was a young man, 23 years of age. He expected to return in a few days to his parents, who were this afternoon telephoned the news of his death.

MAIDEN RESIGNS:LEAVES BENCH TO PRACTICE LAW IN MEMPHIS -- It was with surprise and regret that the public learned that Hon. R. E. MAIDEN had resigned as judge of the circuit court of this (the 14th district). As a man Mr. MAIDEN is very popular in this section, and as a judge his course has met with the approval of the entire people. He has been circuit judge of this district for five years. Gov. COX has appointed Hon. Joe E. JONES, of Dresden to fill out the term which ends in August, 1908.

CREMATED IN STORE:TIPTONVILLE, TENN. , DEC. 28. -- Walter LEMONDS, a clerk, was cremated when the store of L. L. ROBERTS was burned to the ground at Farris, Lake County. Indications are that young LEMONDS must have been murdered by theives, who fired the store to hide their crime, as his body was found between the springs of the bed where he slept. This is the third fire Mr. ROBERTS has had within the past year. About one year ago his store-house was burned and about sixty days ago, he lost his residence.

INSOLVANT NOTICE -- Having suggested the insolvency of the estate of Andy NASH, deceased, to the Clerk of the County Court of Dyer County, Tennessee. All claims to be filed on or before the 26th day of February 1907. This November 26th, 1906. Fannie NASH, Administrator of Andy NASH, deceased. W. W. WARD & D. L. ANDERSON, Attorneys.

INSOLVENT NOTICE -- M. D. L. PATE's estate. Claims to be filed by 19th February 1907, T. BELL Administrator. (page torn)

INSOLVANT NOTICE -- Having suggested the insolvency of the estate of Henry HALL, colored, deceased, to the Clerk of the County Court of Dyer County, Tenn. , claims to be filed by the 20th day of March 1907 or forever be barred. A. E. TURNER, Administrator. December 13th, 1906.

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE -- In County Court of Dyer County; Elisha STILLWELL et al vs W. T. HARRIS et al. The CROSS defendant not a resident of the State of Tennessee. To appear before 1st Monday of February 1907, or allegations of bill against her will be taken as confessed and the cause set for hearing ex parte. This December 12, 1906. J. R. MENZIES, Clerk. W. S. COOVER, Sol.

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE -- To Samuel A. BRASFIELD; Don BRASFIELD and Mrs. M. V. CLAIRBORNE. Tom CLARK et al vs Samuel A. BRASFIELD et al; In Chancery Court of Dyer County, Tenn. , Rule Docket #1917. In this cause it appearing from the bill which is sworn to, that the drfendants are non-residents of the State of Tennessee. To appear in Chancery Court on or before the 1st Monday in January to make defense against then in said cause by Tom CLARK and S. J. HICKS. This November 19th, 1906. J. A. ATKINS, Clerk & Master.

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE -- Chas. PATE et als vs Lizzie PATE et als. In the County Court of Dyer County, Tenn. , To Mrs. Sarah McALISTER; In this cause it appearing from the bill that the defendant, Mrs. Sarah McALISTER is a non-resident of this State;she is therefore required to appear on or before the 1st Monday of January 1907, next, before O. J. RADFORD, Chairman of the County Court of Dyer County to make defense, etc. , This November 26th, 1906. J. R. MENZIES, Clerk. W. H. REYNOLDS, Att'y for Complts.

BISHOP A. COKE SMITH -- of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, is dead at Ashville. Bishop TIGERT preceeded him to that brighter world only a few weeks ago and Bishop GALLOWAY of the same church is in failing health.

CHRISTMAS EVE TRAGEDY -- Will LILLARD, a negro, shot and mortally wounded Dave BRANCH, another negro, Christmas Eve, on the public road about a mile and a half south of Dyersburg. BRANCH was regarded as a bad man and had killed his man. While under the influence of liquor he met Will LILLARD and companions in the road and charged that LILLARD had assaulted him in the morning, which LILLARD denied. Thereupon BRANCH rushed upon him with open knife, but was shot by LILLARD before he could inflict any wounds upon him. LILLARD has skipped to parts unknown.

AT REST -- On Thursday, December 20th, at about high noon, the sweet spirit of Mrs. Rosa King HARRELL winged its way to "mansons not built with hands-eternal and in the Heavens. " The announcement of the death of Mrs. HARRELL brought grief to the hearts of this community. (very lenthly praise). She was married in her early teens to Mr. James Elton HARRELL. No clouds or sorrow came to darken their pathway, save the death of her sister, Mrs. Eva King WALLIS, some twelve years ago, and her father, Mr. Tom KING, some years later. Two children came to the happy home, Frances, now Mrs. Allen MEADOWS of Nashville and James Elton, a lad of ten years or more. She is survived by her husband;these two children;her mother, Mrs. Laura KING;and two brothers, Mr. Ed KING of Dyersburg and Mr. Theo. KING of Chattanooga. Funeral services were at the HARRELL residence Saturday, burial in the City Cemetery.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS -- R. S. BEAM to E. T. BEDWELL land, $100. W. T. JONES to B. B. DUNSTAN land in 2nd dist, $500. Sarah T. JONES to B. B. DUNSTAN, land in 6th dist, $500. M. H. REAMS to J. L. WATSON, land in 2nd dist, $700. O. B. SPRADLEY to Geo. WALKER, land in 5th dist, $151. 75. Chas. & Bob PATTERSON to George WALKER, land in 5th dist, $137. 15. C. H. PATTERSON et al to G. W. WALKER, land in 5th dist, $1, 550. J. C. LAMB to C. V. MALONE, land in 13th dist, $500. G. E. SCOTT et al to J. P. WHITE, land in 12th dist, $200. Joe MILLS to W. T. SLAYTON, land in 17th dist, $700. H. L. BRADEN to J. D. VIA, land, $125. J. M. BRACKIN to W. E. GARDNER, land in 2nd dist, $2, 600.

ANOTHER ROMAN CANDLE ACCIDENT -- Mary Julia, the 2-year-old daughter of E. E. RUCKER had one of her hands badly burned and lacerated with a roman candle Christmas Eve. Mr. RUCKER was firing some large roman candles for the amusement of the little girl and he let her hold one of them when it was being discharged, while in the child's hand the candle exploded. The thumb was almost severed from the injured hand, but physicians say the hand can be saved.

JENKINS & CONNER -- A wedding that surprised the many friends of the contracting parties was that of Mr. Jessie JENKINS and Miss Lula May CONNER Sunday, December 23rd. Mr. JENKINS is mail carrier of Route #1. Mrs. JENKINS is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. M. A. CONNER of this city, formerly of Newbern. The bride was born and reared in this community.

ORR & McCLANNAHAN -- Mr. Thomas ORR, of Waxahatchie, TX and Miss Nell McCLANNAHAN were quietly married at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. & Mrs. S. B. McCLANNAHAN last Tuesday, Rev. O. L. MARTIN officiating. The couple left for the groom's home followed by the best wishes of friends in Dyer County.

TATUM & HOLLAND -- Hon. S. B. TATUM has become a benedict. The event happened last Sunday evening. Mrs. TATUM was Miss Stella HOLLAND of the Rohobeth neighborhood, and is one of Dyer County's efficiant teachers.

LOCALS -- Miss Alice SINCLAIR will return about the 10th, after spending the holidays with friends in Chicago and Elfhart, Ind. Mrs. Champ SIMPSON delightfully entertained Friday, Whist Party. Miss Gerster NEAL won ladies prize and Dr. MILLER of Halls won gentlemen's. Mrs. Joe THOMAS entertained a number of guests with a six o'clock dinner Saturday evening in honor of Dr. & Mrs. H. B. NUNN, of Halls. Vernon THOMAS, of Halls, spent some of the holidays in Dyersburg and attended the Xmas & New Year's dance.

GEO. W. KING PASSES AWAY -- Geo. W. KING, age 68, died one day this week down at his home near Lane, in Dyer County. Another one of that gallant band of heroes, that far famed Avalanche Company, that was mustered in here at Troy at the beginning of the Civil War, has heard the "taps" of eternity. There was no braver or more devoted soldier, or a more faithful one in the entire army than G. W. KING. Mr. KING was a consistant member of the Methodist Church and of the Zion lodge F. & A. M. , under whose auspices, rites and management his funeral at Zion cemetery took place. Troy News Banner.

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE -- Annie TAYLOR vs Gus TAYLOR. Pending in the Circuit Court of Dyer County, Tenn. To Gus TAYLOR, In this cause it appearing that the defendant Gus TAYLOR is a non-resident of the State of Tennessee and is a resident of the State of Kentucky, He is required to appear the First Monday in February 1907 before the Hon. Circuit Court and make defense. This December 17, 1906. Robert L. BEAVER, clerk. W. B. COOVER, Sol.

NON-RESIDENT NOTICE -- A. E. TURNER, Admr. vs Bettie HALL et al, in the County Court of Dyer County. The defendany, Willie JONES, colored, is non-resident of the State of Tennessee and is a resident of the State of Illinois, and any other children of Rebecca JONES, deceased of Illinois, and any other heirs of Henry HALL, deceased, not mentioned in petition are required to appear by or on the First Monday of February 1907 (page torn)

LOCAL AND PERSONAL NEWS OF THE WEEK -- Christmas Day, while attempting to explode a cannon cracker, Larry, the 11-year-old son of Mr. Marion ZIMMERMAN, thinking the fuse had failed to burn, picked it up, when it went off, tearing the flesh off his left hand, but injuring no bone. He will be carrying his arm in a sling for some time. Miss Pat NICHOLS entertained eighteen young ladies Saturday at her suburban home in honor of Miss Ethel DOGGETT, of Chicago, with a progressive course luncheon. E. D. SAWYER, a properous farmer living near Ro-Ellen, killed a year old hog Christmas week and its right forefoot had five hoofs. His hogship weighed 199 pounds and had the distinction of being the only five hooved hog ever raised in Dyer County. Miss Janie SUMMERS, who has been attending school at Cleveland, is now attending Ward's Seminary at Nashville. Miss Fannie May STONE will also attend Ward's. EarlJOHNSON has resigned his position as Treasurer of the local office of the Cumberland Telephone Company and accepts a position in the County Trustee's office. Hart JOHNSON succedds him as Treasurer. Mrs. J. D. C. COBB, wife of Rev. J. D. C. COBB, of Jonesboro, Ark. , died at her home last week, aged 78 years. Mr. & Mrs. COBB were residents of this county when they married and lived here sixteen years till their removal to Arkansas. Billy GOELZER, of Keo, Ark. , and George GOELZER and family, of England, Ark. , were guests of Mr. & Mrs. J. W. CARR during the holidays. John A. HARWOOD, of Birmingham and J. Harvey HARWOOD, of Covington, spent Christmas here with their mother, Mrs. Eannie HARWOOD and their brother, Dr. R. N. HARWOOD. Miss Lena DEAN, who is teaching school at Halls spent the past week with her mother, Mrs. Mollie DEAN, at Bonicord. Jack BUCHANAN, of Fort Smith, Ark. , and Pope SMITH, of Memphis, came home to eat Christmas dinner with "Granda Ma" May FIELDS. Miss Ella FORD, of Vienna, Ill. , is visiting her sister, Mrs. J. W. CURRY. Prof. W. E. JOHNSTON, of McKenzie, visited his brother, D. B. JOHNSTON Sunday & Monday. Dr. W. P. MENZIES and family left Tuesday for their new home in San Angelo, Texas.

CUPID'S DOINGS -- This is one of his latest pranks: On December 2, 1906, Mr. Oscar EVANS and Miss Ethel DUNEVANT were secretly married by Squire E. H. BAKER in the presence of County Clerk John MENZIES. The secret was not revealed for more than four weeks. On Christmas day, Mr. EVANS brought his wife to his father's home where a large crowd of friends and relatives had gathered and there they told the story.

MARRIAGE LICENSES -- Thos STONE to Julia McGUIRE. D. L. GILMER to Laura McDONALD. Oscar HATCH to Mary STARKS. Chas. DUNEVANT to Ben Etta YATES. Mose JONES to Emma WHITSETTE. Robt. BRUCE to Willie WHITE. M. S. CURRY to Minnie DUNSTON. Will D. BOYD to Gladys FULGHIM. Jessie JENKINS to Lula May CONNAR. N. A. BRADLEY to Nellie STRAUGHN. Mina SANDERS to Pearl KOONCE. Murray SANDERS to Bertha EYESINGLER. W. H. WALKER to Maggie HEARD. S. B. TATUM to Stella HOWARD. Millard CHAMBERS to Beatrice BURKE. Leonard FITZHUGH to Hattie BEARD. J. R. ENOCHS to May JONES. C. BECKENHEIMER to Lula NICHOLS. Paul CALAHAN to Ella CHITWOOD. W. B. COOPER to Nona BAKER. J. T. ORR to Nellie McCLANNAHAN. Tobe EDWARDS to Addie TUTON. C. N. BOYETT to Lillian TOWNS. Dave EVANS to Mamie WEBB. V. L. BURTON to Elly STORY. Clay DAVIS to Lizzie LAX. Hugh CLARK to Maud GRAHAM. L. W. WOODS to Emma ROBERSON. Harry BALDREE to Nettie WALKER. C. C. HARRISON to C. C. TUCKER. G. W. CRIPPEN to Mrs. J. ROBERSON. Dick NICHOLS to Ollie May HOUSE. Irving POOR to Dennie RAINEY.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: HELOISE -- There was very little drinking during the holidays and everything went off quietly except some trouble which came up between Jno. MOORE and Charley WRIGHT. There were several gathered at the home of Mike HAMILTON Xmas day among whom were MOORE and WRIGHT, and they got into a scrap, the result of which, Jno. MOORE knocked WRIGHT down twice with a shotgun, and then MOORE tried to leave the earth running. WRIGHT is badly disabled, his head badly cut and bruised, also one shoulder. Jno MOORE and wife spent Xmas night away from home and during the night his house caught fire and burned down. Many think it was set on fire, it has left MOORE's family in serious condition. Arch CAPELL is spending Xmas in Memphis with his brother, Horace.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: ROUTE NO. 4 -- W. A. CRAIG and family, of Ripley, spent the holidays with friends and relatives here. Miss Lyde CHILDRESS will take up third teaching at Finley High School. Miss Vannie FINLEY, of Cottonwoof, Mo. , visited Finley last week. Miss Florence DURHAM visited Mr. & Mrs. Sam RAWLS last week. Misses Nell AVERY and Mabel SWINDER spent Xmas with homefolks at Newbern.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: MAXEY -- Irving POOR, of near Maxey and Miss Dennie RAINEY, of Newbern, were married Thursday evening. They will live with Mr. MOORE's father. Lewis SHOW moved from this neighborhood to Newbern. Robert MOORE and family will move into our neighborhood next week. Frank MONTGOMERY and family went to Middle Tennessee to be present at a brother's marriage during the holidays. Miss Ben Iva MEADOWS spent the holidays in Newbern, returning home Saturday. The school will open Monday morning. The patrons are pleased with Mr. SCOTT and Miss DUNLAP as teachers. Mr. & Mrs. Elmer WILLIAMS are visiting Mrs. Helen ENOCHS. Jno. P. ENOCH and Miss Mary JONES surprised their friends by getting married Sunday by Rev. BARRIER. C. FULGHIM & Miss Sabra ENOCHS attended them.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: LENOX -- Mr. BECKENHOMER and Miss Lula NICHOLS were married last Sunday at the bride's home. Capt. FLEISCHHAUER is going to build a 2-story barn at him home near Lenox. Mr. Leonard FITZHUGH and Miss Hattie BEARD was married here last Thursday night. Mrs. Ola PALMER and Mrs. Della THREADFORD visited their parents, Mr. & Mrs. Bill TANSIL during the holidays. Mr. & Mrs. RICHARD, of Price's Mill, visited Mrs. T. A. BOATWRIGHT during Xmas. Richard NICHOLS and Miss Ollie May HOUSE were married Tuesday at the bride's home. Miss Mary LOVELESS is still laying at the point of death. Miss Rozelle GILLIS has returned home from a short visit to her aunt, Mrs. Sallie JAMES at Dyersburg. T. A. BOATWRIGHT's store was destroyed by fire at 2 a. m. Sunday morning. Miss Clara TANIST has gone home with her sister, Mrs. Ola PALMER, to spend a few days. Mr. & Mrs. Lath PATE, of Heloise, spent Sunday with Joe MILLS and family.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: FINLEY -- Miss Florence DURHAM, of Durhamville, was the guest of Mrs. Sam RAWLS during the holidays. Bob HOLT and family and Miss Vannie FINLEY, of Cottonwood Point, visited here last week. Messers. Charlie RAINEY of Louisiana, and Scott RAINEY and wife of Cairo, Ill. , spent part of the holidays with their brother, W. T. RAINEY of this place. Drs. Paul McDAVID and Will SUMNERS spent part of last week at the home of Dr. Luther EDWARDS. W. E. HICKS of Hayti, is visiting his parents this week. Miss Neola McDAVID, after spending holidays at home has returned to school in Martin. Jim HICKS left Sunday for Martin, where he attends school, accompanied by his mother. Miss Maude GRAHAM and Peter CLARK of this place were married Christmas day. Mr. & Mrs. W. W. EDWARDS were the happy recepients of a beautiful Christmas present, a fine girl. Miss Julia PRICHARD visited in Halls Christmas week and was accompanied home by Grover HARTMAN of Gates, Tenn.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: STOKES -- E. P. BEDWELL has moved his family to his new house in South Stokes. Mrs. Elsie KING and little children of Rives, spent the holidays with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. A. KELLOW. Will McGEE, of Johnson's Grove, is staying at J. S. EASON's. Jay HAY, of Eaton and Miss Ludie BUCHANAN of this place were married on Sunday of last week and left at once for Waverly. Cas GREEN has sold his interest in the store here to his brother, Charlie and is preparing to move his family to Chestnut Bluff. Horace CAPELLE, of Memphis, visited his sister, Mrs. J. W. GENTRY here recently. Mrs. J. S. EASON received two nice cakes for Christmas from her daughter-in-law, Mrs. J. T. EASON of Grand Lake, Ark. M. M. WARREN has been suffering for several days with a dislocated ankle. John BEAVER, colored, was pretty badly shot one night during Christmas with a shot gun by William ARNOLD, also colored, while attending a party in Crockett county, wounds thought to be fatal.

COUNTY NEWS ITEMS: ROELLEN -- The wedding bells have been ringing in our vicinity since our last writing. Dave EVANS and Niss Manie WEBB, both of this place, were married last Tuesday at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Coker PURCELL, Bro. PRITCHARD, of Newbern officiating. Mr. BRADLEY and Mrs. Neely STRAUGHN were married last Monday. W. M. COOPER and Miss Ony BAKER were married last Sunday at the bride's parents, Squire DAVIS officiating. Clyde CONLEY is slowly improving from pneumonia. We regret to say Jim BARKER has lost one of his children with scarlet fever and another one is very low. He and his wife have sympathy of the community.

A ROMANTIC MARRIAGE -- On Wednesday, December 23rd, at the home of James RUFFINE, four miles north of Dyersburg, there was a marriage of more than ordinary romatic character. Several months ago, Mrs. Jennie RODRAIN, who was a widow, and is Mr. RUFFINE's sister, advertised in the Commercial Appeal for a husband. Among those who responded was G. W. CRIPPEN, a well known citizen of Madison, Ark. Pictures were exchanged and so on. On the date given, Mr. CRIPPEN appeared in Dyersburg, procured a marriage license, secured the services of a minister and drove out to Mr. RUFFINE's where, in the presence of the family and a few intimate friends, the two were united in marriage by Rev. A. J. MEADORS, of the Methodist Church. The next day, Mr. & Mrs. CRIPPEN left for their home in Madison, Ark.

W. H. OZMENT DIES SUDDENLY -- W. H. OZMENT, a well-known citizen of the Fifth district, died suddenly in our city Christmas Eve. He suffered from a stroke of appoplexy while in the courthouse. He was removed to Dr. WATSON's office, but medical skill could not save him. Mr. OZMENT was 70 years old. His remains were interred Christmas Day at Hurricane Hill.