NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: LIBERTY COUNTY ITEMS: 1868-1885

  

August 13, 1868: Democratic Ratification Meeting in Liberty County
A large and enthusiastic meeting of the Democracy of "Old Liberty" was held in Hinesville on the 4th, for the purpose of ratifying the nominations of Seymour and Blair, and organizing Democratic Clubs in the county, as suggested by the Atlanta Convention.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 13, 1868, Page 4
January 1, 1869: Dr. William C. Daniel Death
Dr. William C. Daniel, a widely known and distinguished citizen of this state, died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Le Heard, in Walthourville, Liberty County, on Sunday night last, of pneumonia.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, January 1, 1869, Page 1
May 22, 1870: Fifteenth Amendment Celebration
The Slander Mill Organ, contains an account of the ratification celebration of the Fifteenth Amendment, in Liberty County, by the Radicals there. The following paragraph will do to show the spirit of the affair: They marched opposite the house of Hon. William A. Golding, where a flag was presented by the honorable representative, who made a short but pointed speech. One hundred more guns were then fired under the command of Justice W.H. Artsen, in honor of the flag which represented every State but Georgia, under which was printed in large letters "Thou Art Wicked, O Georgia, But We Love Thee Still." The thing needs no comment. The love that traduces and injures will find the appreciation it deserves.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, May 22, 1870, Page 2
August 30,1870: Local Bill Introduced About Liberty County Records
By communication from the Hon. John W. O'Neal, of the House of Representatives of Georgia, I am informed that he, Mr. O'Neal, has never introduced any local bill in reference to Liberty County. I therefore take pleasure in communicating the same to the public. The citizens of Liberty county, from published proceedings of the Georgia Legislature, believed that it was Mr. O'Neal who introduced the bill to authorized the Ordinary of Liberty county to keep his office at his house, and attributed the same tohim in the proceedings of a public meeting held in Hinesville on the 16th. instant. J.A. Girardeau, Secretary late Citizens' Meeting, Hinesville, Ga., August 24, 1870
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 30, 1870, Page 2
October 2, 1879: Colonel Jones' Sheep Ranch
The Hinesville Gazette says it is currently reported thta Colonel John Jones, the late treasurer, is making arrangements to establish a sheep ranche in Liberty county. Colonel Jones, we are informed, owns a tract of land containing 5,000 acres of land, on Beard's creek in that county.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, October 2, 1879, Page 7
March 4, 1880: John M. Darsey's Rice Crop
The Hinesville Gazette says that Mr. John M. Darsey three years ago planted two grains of rice which attracted his attention by their unusual size. He saved all the rice produced from them and planted the third year, and the third crop yielded thirty-five bushels. Mr. Darsey besides planting all this crop of rice this season from that sold, has sold the remainder at $1.73 per bushel. It is said to be a very superior article of upland rice.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, March 4, 1880, Page 3
May 27, 1880: Rev. Edward Q. Andrews Obituary
Hinesville, Gazette: Rev. Edward Q. Andrews, an aged and highly respected citizen of this county, died at his residence, five miles from this place last Wednesday morning. Mr. Andrews had reached the ripe age of eighty, having been born in 1800. He more than once represented this county in the legislature, and held other positions of trust in the gift of the people. For over half a century he has been a prominent local preacher in the Methodist church.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, May 27, 1880, Page 2
January 26, 1883: Liberty Indepdent Troop
The Hinesville Gazette announces the probability of the attendance at the sesqui-centennial of the Liberty Independent Troop, and says, "It is to be hoped that this veteran organization, which dates back to the colonial days of Georgia, will participate in the coming celebration. No plea of business or want of time for preparation should be entertained by any of the members for one moment, but every man who belongs to the Liberty Independent Troop should feel that upon his shoulders rests the responsibility of illustrating the fact that there is life in the old land yet. Let not the opportunity to fasten the link which connects the olden time with the progressive present pass unimproved."
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, January 26, 1883, Page 2
March 2, 1883: An Elopement from Hinesville
Savannah, March 1. -- An elopement from Hinesville, Liberty county, was the sensation to-day. The brave lochinvar was D.N. Cameron of North Carolina, and the bride a charming young lady, Miss Lula P. Smith, of Hinesville. The parents had selected as their son-in-law Joseph Morrison. They made arrangements for a wedding. The trousseau was purchased, and a grand party was given at the paternal mansion on Tuesday night, when her elopement was planned. After the party Cameron returned to the house, and Miss Smith pitched her valise and band-box from the window, jumped into the arms of her lover, and the pair drove in a buggy to Savannah. Last evening when Mr. Morris, the bridesmaids and the guests met at the paternal residence, the bride was missing. About the same time she was united in marriage in Savannah, and this afternoon left with her North Carolina groom for Florida.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, March 2, 1883, Page 2
April 5, 1883: Sickness in the Zoucks Family
From the Hinesville, Ga. Gazette: Mr. S.H. Zoucks has had mumps, measles and chickenpox in his family, all at the same time. Some of the children were quite sick, but we are glad to say that they are not improving.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, April 5, 1883, Page 2
May 9, 1883: Clifton-Coursey Marriage
Hon. John H. Clifton, ex-senator from second district, has been married to Miss Amanda Coursey, daughter of Hon. Thomas Coursey of Montgomery. The Hinesville Gazette says that the newly married couple reached home at sunset, and "were joined by about three hundred guests. The feast began,a nd then fun and frolic ruled the hour. The old homestead of the Cliftons never before rang with such merriment and everybody -- as well as the groom and his charming bride of sweet sixteen -- appeared happy. It was onlyw hen the grey streaks of dawn were visible in the east, that the vast crowd dispersed."
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, May 9, 1883, Page 2
July 22, 1883: Trouble Getting Married
From the Hinesville Gazette: A colored youth of this town concluded that "it was not good for man to be alone," so he decided to get him a "better half," and after the usual amount of wooing he persuaded his girl to utter that word which always fills the love-sick swain's heart with joy, "yes." The license was procured, and the couple started in pursuit of a minister to perform the ceremony. They went to No. 3, S.F. & W. railroad to get the Rev. Mr. Gamble but before they reached his house they heard that he was not at home. The couple was in a dilemma. They finally decided to try Judge Sheppard, but, alas! he was gone. The groom began to think that he would lose the money that he had paid for the license, and his girl too, and he said: "If I didn't done git de license I wouldn't bodder wid um." His friends told him not to give it up, but to come up to Hinesville and he could find a preacher. He consented after much persuasion. Rev. H.S. Andrews was awakened from his midnight slumbers and requested to marry the couple. He arose, dressed himself, and in a short time the twain were made one, and they went on their way rejoicing.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, July 22, 1883, Page 4
August 2, 1883: Moses Walker: Father of 46 Children
Moses Walker, a reliable colored man who lives in the 16th district in Liberty county has a history that is the most remarkable we have ever heard. He is the father of forty six living children...He is now living with his fourth wife who he married when she was just fourteen. Walker first married when he was fifteen years old. He is now sixty-four years of age, but does not look very patriarchal, as he is just turning gray. His youngest child is two months old.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 2, 1883, Page 2
August 10, 1883: Mrs. Flowers
Mrs. Flowers, a half crazed woman, was brought to Hinesville from Jesup last Friday by the marshal of that town. She was taken care of by relatives in Liberty.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 10, 1883, Page 2
August 12, 1883: In a Stiff Breeze
From the Hinesville Gazette: A party of six, in which were two of our worthy county officials, visited St. Catherine's island last week. When the sailboat entered the sound, it began to blow a stiff breeze, and one of the aforesaid county officials who had never before been on the briny deep sat silently contemplating unvoluntary exile to the shores of Africa, and just as he was about to give utterance to his thoughts, the sailor succeeded in making a tack and the boat entered the mouth of the creek. As soon as the boat struck land, that county official did not wait for the sails to be lowered, but gave a leap and planted his feet on terra firma with a very audible grunt of deep satisfaction. The party had, however, a splendid time fishing, and returned after a three days stay enthusiastic over their trip. They all want to go again.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 12, 1883, Page 1
November 22, 1883: Liberty County News Items
Captain W.A. Fleming, of Liberty, happened to the misfortune last Thursday night of having his sugar furnace and several outbuildings destroyed by fire. Several barrels of new made syrup were also lost. Speaking of the prevailing drouth the Hinesville Gazette says: There is not a single water mill in operation in Liberty county. In some portions of the county the people have to send twenty-five miles to mill. It is no better in the surrounding counties. The colore people in large numbers, met in Hinesville last Wednesday. Several speeches were made in reference to the civil rights bill and the education of the colored race, and Rev. P. Snelson and John McIntosh were elected delegates to attend the state convention in Atlanta.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, November 22, 1883, Page 2
November 29, 1883: Liberty County Fire
From the Hinesville, Ga., Gazette: Mr. H.A. Swindle happened to the misfortune of having his gin and grist mill destroyed by fire.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, November 29, 1883, Page 2
March 27, 1884: Liberty County News
Hinesville, March 26 -- Spring has opened in this section of the state very favorably, except that some are apprehensive of heavy rains, as the weather has that appearance. Black iced cotton will be planted extensively this season. A few mornings ago, a colored boy of this place known as Joe Martin, was handling his gun rather carelessly when it escaped from his grip and in his eforts to catch it before striking the floor, his finger struck the trigger when the gun was discharged, and his mother, who was sitting near, received the contents in her face. She is still alive.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, March 27, 1884, Page 2
March 20, 1885: Constable in Trouble
Hinesville, March 19 -- [Special] - One of our colored constables is in great trouble on account of having shot one of his colored acquaintenances without good cause. He is here on trial to-day. The old man who was shot is alive, and I presume he will recover.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, March 4, 1880, Page 3
August 7, 1885: Jug Breaking in Walthourville
Walthourville, Ga., August 6 -- [Special] -- The citizens of Walthourville, and many visiting friends, met to ascertain how much money had been deposited in the jugs which the children and young ladies had been carrying around for several weeks, and the total amount thus collected was quite large. The money was raised for the benefit of the Walthourville Presbyterian church. The young ladies amused the crowd by a "broom drill," which was executed with remarkable exactness, the participants having been trained by Mrs. Alvis Montgomery, who is a graduate of "Bingham Military academy," North Carolina.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, August 7, 1885, Page 2
December 25, 1885: Mr. Appleton's Cattle
Hinesville Gazette: The improvement of our stock of cattle is a matter of no small moment, and we are glad to note increasing interest in this direction. Some have tried the Guinea, the Jersey, the Durham, the Holland and other breeds with more or less success. These cattle, while the full blood is claimed, soon degenerate when crossed with our common scrub stock. Hon. George L. Appleton, of Bryan, has recently attempted an experiment which promises success. He has received at his place "Cottenham" on Bryan Neck, a herd of red polled cattle, which are really beauties. He has five thoroughbreds from imported series and twenty graded heifers of half blood. These cattle are hornless. They are valuable on account of their milking and beef qualities. They are remarkably hardy and if they suit this climate Mr. Appleton will have done much to advance an important interest in our section. These cattle of Mr. Appleton's came from Topeka, Kas., and if they do well there they ought to do still better in our country where the climate is so much milder. What we need here is a breed of cattle crossed with our ordinary stock that will retain their milking qualities and hardiness, and are not as expensive to keep as race horses.
Source: The Atlanta Constitution, December 25, 1885, page 2

Submitted by Bob Franks

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