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Marion Co AR   Newspaper Abstract
Marion County, Arkansas - Mountain Echo Newspaper
December 1887


Submitted by: Gladys Horn Brown
Email: fernbrown@Prodigy.net

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Gladys Horn Brown
For all to freely enjoy, I gladly share these, and future issues,
in memory of my grandmother, Ora Noe Wootton (1877-1951), the 
daughter of Andrew Jackson Noe and Emeline Patterson, Yellville,
Marion County, Arkansas.  <see Copyright Notice Above>
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Mtn. Echo, December 2, 1887

BRIEF MENTION
	We are informed that the post office in Wiley's Cove 
has been changed to Leslie, in honor of Samuel Leslie, Jr., 
deceased.  That town will hereafter be known as Leslie.  
Marshall Dollar Times.
	
James Creek Items
	John Akin is happy.  He is father of a bouncing baby 
girl.
	Dr. Wm. Noe, of Yellville, passed through this 
township on Friday last en route to Oakland.  The doctor 
has many warm friends in this section.
	We have no deaths or marriages to report; but judging 
from the smile which adorns Eulam McCracken's face a few 
days ago, we think he is contemplating matrimony.
	We were awaken from our slumber a few nights ago by a 
dreadful racket in the direction of "Goatville," which we 
did not understand; but when we attended church in said 
town the following Sunday, observed Judge Flippin walking 
with a stately step in the direction of the church, with 
his amiable bride by his side, the "racket" was no longer a 
mystery.


Lead Hill Items [Herald, Nov. 26]
	A smokehouse, belonging to Joe Chadwick, two miles 
south of town was consumed by fire last night.  It is 
supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.
	
George's Creek
	The George's creek boys welcomed the arrival of J. H. 
Coffee and wife by the firing of guns, ringing of bells, 
blowing of horns, and plenty of good music, such as banjo 
and violin music.
	Our young friend, Ben Clark, whose arm was torn off 
by a cotton gin, is convalescent.  The doctors say he will 
be able to enter school in January.
	Our people seem to be preparing to go into winter 
quarters, for Capt. J. Dobbs has built a new smokehouse; 
Louis Perry is having a dwelling erected, and L. & T. 
Davenport are at work on their houses, and S. J. H. has 
finished his stove flue.  

Valley Springs
	Last week we were called on to mourn the death of Mr. 
B. F. Alexander.  He died at his home near Rally Hill.  He 
was one of the most advanced students of Valley Springs 
Academy.  Within one hour after the announcement of his 
death, the academy was draped in mourning, and each teacher 
and student was wearing a badge in token of bereavement.
	Mr. J. T. Fullerton has been employed as an 
assistant.  He is a good instructor.  Our school is on a 
perpetual boon; 170 names enrolled.  Seven counties 
represented.
	
Rally Hill
	Our basket supper passed off pleasantly.  Mr. Brown, 
our genial auctioneer is a "good one," as the boys have it.  
Although the night was rather rainy, there was a good crowd 
out.  The occasion was made more pleasant by being 
interspersed with music by Misses Jobe, Curr, and Query.
	Miss Una Jobe, who has been at home for a couple of 
weeks, will assume charge of her class next week.
	
LOCAL ECHOINGS
	There is considerable sickness still in the county.
	Charlie Wilson says its awful nice to be sandwiched 
between two pretty girls.
	Neal Dodd returned from Little Rock last Sunday in 
time to attend the wedding.
	When we get 1,000 subscribers we will double the size 
of The Echo.  Let every friend of the paper go to work for 
it.
	Revs. J. M. Cantrell and J. H. Watts are in town a 
day or two this week, handshaking with old friends and 
acquaintances.
	The bachelor ranks are being thinned.  Only about 
three of the bachelor brotherhood who used to meet around 
the festal board at Weast's hotel are left.  
	We have J. H. Bradford, the new pastor of the 
Yellville circuit, is expected to arrive with his family 
from Mtn. Home this week.  They will occupy the parsonage.
	Mr. J. C. Garrett, of Washington county, who is 
visiting old friends and relatives in Prairie township, 
called at The Echo office on Monday in company with his 
brother, R. B. Garrett.
	Dr. Noe informs us that he will as soon as he can get 
the lumber, have the post office building enlarged and 
generally improved.  He will use the front for his drugs 
and the P.O. will kept in the rear.
	It is unlawful to kill deer and prairie chickens 
between the 1st of February and the 1st of September; 
turkeys between the 1st of May and 1st of September; quails 
between the 1st of March and the 1st of October.
	Rev. O. H. Tucker and family started to Quitman on 
last Wednesday.  Mr. Tucker was appointed president of 
Quitman College and pastor of the church at that place by 
the recent conference.  During their stay of three years at 
this place, Mr. Tucker and family made many friends who 
will join The Echo in wishing them success.
	Fount King and wife, and Miss Una Jobe, of Eros, were 
visiting friends in town this week.
	Deputy U. S. Marshall B. Flippin was in town 
yesterday.  He had just returned from an official trip to 
Newton county.
	Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Floyd have moved to their cozy 
little home, where we hope happiness will reign as long as 
they both live.
	Misses Lou Routh and Lou Ward, in company with Dr. 
Andrews and Mr. Wm. Mitchell, of Harrison, attended the 
wedding on Sunday night.
	
Married - At the residence of Mr. J. S. Cowdrey on Thursday 
evening, December 1st, 1887, Mr. Wm. Rowan to Mrs. Vinia 
Galliher, J. B. Rowden, J.P., officiating.
	Mr. Jeptha Potette of Springfield, Mo., is in town.  
He is collecting for Mr. Alex. Scott.  We learn from him 
that Alex. has another heir at his house, the first arrival 
in eight years.
	Sam Lawson was all smiles the other day when he 
entered our den and proudly announced the arrival of a new 
boy at his house.  Jim Cowdrey wore no less a smile but he 
said his boy was a girl.
	Mr. T. H. Fee will open the subscription school at 
Peel on next Monday.  He will no doubt, have a full school, 
as he is well known and well liked by the people up there.  
The Echo wishes him success.
	The distillery out on Water creek township has 
suspended work, and Mr. F. M. Wolf, the gauger, left on 
Tuesday for his home at Franklin, Izard county.  Mr. Wolf 
is an affable gentlemen and he made many friends during his 
stay here.  
	Misses Lexa Clifford and Nellie Smith, two charming 
young ladies of Harrison, visited Yellville the latter part 
of last week, returning home on Sunday.  The Echo office 
was honored by a visit from the said young ladies and Miss 
Mary Berry, on Saturday evening.
	Drs. C. F. and W. B. Greene, of Lead Hill, were in 
town last Friday.  The latter came to be examined before 
the Medical Board, but none of the members were in town.  
The departure of Dr. Lindley, the secretary, leaves a 
vacancy in the board.  Drs. Pierce and Small are the other 
members.
	Mrs. J. F. Wilson and her little daughter, Don(sic), 
came down from Harrison last Saturday and will probably 
remain all winter.  Col. Wilson is now at Prescott, 
Arizona, where he is building up a fine law practice, but 
owing to the extreme cold climate, his family will not go 
out there until spring.
	
Bailey-McDowell
	On last Sunday night, the ME Church South of this 
place was well filled for the double purpose of hearing O. 
H. Tucker preach his last sermon at this place and to 
witness the marriage of Mr. DeRoos Bailey and Miss Lillie 
McDowell.
	At the conclusion of the sermon (7:30) Dr. J. A. 
Andrews and Miss Lou Routh, and Mr. Wm. Mitchell and Miss 
Lou Ward, all of Harrison, entered the church in advance of 
the bridal party and as Miss Routh played the wedding march 
on the organ, the groom and bride preceded by their 
attendants, marched up the aisle and took their places in 
front of the altar, where Rev. O. H. Tucker pronounced the 
short but beautifully and impressive ceremony that united 
them in Holy bonds of wedlock.  
	The Echo always chronicles with pleasure the fruition 
of fond hopes and blending of loving hearts, and especially 
when, as in the present case, the principal actors are such 
worthy and promising young people, and whom we so highly 
regard on account of their worth.  Mr. Bailey is one of the 
rising young lawyers of Arkansas and at present is the able 
and very efficient prosecuting attorney of this judicial 
circuit.  He is now a citizen of Marshall, Searcy county, 
but his residence here for several years, which was 
transferred to Marshall only about a year ago, causes us to 
regard him as one of our own young men, for while here, he 
won the esteem and confidence of all our people.  Miss 
Lillie was admired by all who knew her.  Possessing rare 
personal beauty, but best of all, a sunny, cheerful and 
kind disposition, she made everyone her friend.  We think 
both have made a wise choice, for we believe two hearts are 
well mated, two lives well joined.  The attendants were Mr. 
Ralph Bailey and Miss Ora Allen, of Harrison, and Mr. Neal 
Dodd and Miss Hattie McDowell, of Yellville.  The bride and 
bridesmaids were very becomingly attired in white, but we 
are not sufficiently versed in frills and flounce to give a 
description of their toilets.  The groom and his attendants 
wore the regulation black suits.
	After the ceremony, the congregation dispersed, and 
quite a large number of invited guests repaired to the 
residence of the bride's father, Mr. G. W. McDowell, where 
a reception was held.  After the usual congratulations, the 
guests were invited to supper and a feast of good things 
was served.  The tables were elegantly and tastily(sic) 
decorated and laden with all the delicacies and 
substantials, cooked in a manner to tempt the most 
fastidious epicure.
	The happy couple were the recipients of many nice and 
useful presents, but we are unable to publish a list of 
them. 
	On Monday morning, the newly married couple went to 
Harrison, and thence to Marshall, where they will reside.  
The well wishes of their host of friends follow them.
	May they have when the fitful fray 
	and storms of life are o're,
	A peaceful, bright, and cloudless way, 
	to Heaven's happy shore.

Mtn. Echo, December 9, 1887

BRIEF MENTION
	Eleven convicted Bald Knobbers have been released by 
Judge Thayer of the United States Court at Jefferson City, 
Mo., on bonds of $2,000 each.
	Miss Lura Brown is now the editor of Arkansas Life.  
Mr. R. J. Brown, the owner of the Life, has been employed 
as reporter on the Little Rock Democrat.

Mail Robbery
	Knight, the driver of the mail hack between Harrison 
and Eureka Springs, says that on Monday night, about a mile 
beyond Carrollton, a man called to him to halt, and fired 
at him to enforce the demand, upon which he halted.  The 
man made him throw out the mail pouches, and then proceeded 
to cut them open, taking out the registered packages.  
There were 15 of those and it is supposed the robber knew 
of the unusual amount.  There were but two passengers in 
the hack - both ladies.  The robber searched them, but 
finding they had but a dollar or two, returned their money.  
We are becoming civilized. - Boone Banner, 8th inst.

Lead Hill Items [Herald 3rd inst.]
	A telephone line between here and Harrison is non 
communicative.
	J. C. Penix moved from Marion county to the Cantrell 
farm west of this place last week.

LOCAL ECHOINGS
	Mr. C. E. Garrett, the clever book man, is in town.
	"Uncle Jack" Noe is having a foot bridge built across 
the town branch.
	Sheriff Keeter has received his commission as 
collector and announces, by posters, that he will commence 
collecting taxes on the 6th of January in Hampton township.
	Felix Huddleston, of Bruno, who was in town the first 
of the week, reports a good deal of sickness and several 
deaths in his part of the county.  He says there has been a 
good deal of mad dog excitement recently at his village.
	We learn that George Wickersham has rented his 
blacksmith shop to Chas. Campbell, and at about the first 
of the new year, George will associate himself with F. G. 
Huddleston in the general merchandise business at Bruno.
	On Thursday of last week, a dog belonging to J. D. 
Faulkinbury, who lives south of town, left home with 
hydrophobia and bit a daughter of Smith Matlock, and old 
Uncle Tommy Barnes.  Nearly every dog in the neighborhood 
was bitten by the same dog.
	Mr. S. L. Wiggins and his little daughter are both 
dangerously sick.  Mr. Wiggins was brought home sick last 
week from the mines, and has been growing worse ever since.  
He has typho-pneumonia.  His little girl has been sick 
about two weeks.  
	Dr. J. M. Coker and family have moved to town and now 
occupy the house where Ben Weast has resided for the past 
year, opposite Wilson's Hotel.  We extend a cordial 
greeting to the doctor and his good family.  Ben Weast has 
removed to his old residence, on which he has made some 
improvements.
	The marriage of Mr. DeRoos Bailey, our able 
prosecuting attorney, and Miss Hattie McDowell, of 
Yellville, took place at Yellville last Saturday - Baxter 
Citizen.  This will be news to our friend Bailey, for we 
are satisfied that he was under the impression at the time 
that it was Miss Hattie's sister, Miss Lillie, he married.
	Messrs. George and Oscar Layton, of Oakland, and Mrs. 
Hart, of Baxter county, failed to arrive in time to see 
their mother, Mrs. Ellen Layton, before she died.  Word was 
sent to them of the serious illness of their mother, and 
they made all haste to get here, but alas, they were too 
late.  Our sincerest sympathy is with them all.
	On Tuesday evening last, Mr. I. G. Fletcher, who 
lived in the Fielding house above town, died of pneumonia.  
He was about 60 years old, and was a hard working old man.  
He leaves a wife with a young babe, and several other small 
children, who are, we learn in destitute circumstances and 
are left on the cold charities of the world.  They should 
not be neglected.
	The Boone Banner of the 1st Inst. says: "Old man 
Kendall, who lived near Bear Creek Springs, was killed by 
his son, R. H. Kendall, last Thursday night.  The old man 
had been crazy, and that night grew violent, so it is said, 
and threw a stick of wood at his son, whereupon the son 
threw a stone at his father, which struck him on the head 
and killed him.  A neighboring J.P., instead of sending for 
the coroner, held an inquest, and the jury rendered the 
verdict that Kendall came to his death as stated.  The 
young man has not been arrested.

DIED. 
	On Sunday Morning the sad news of the death of Mrs. 
Ellen S. Layton was whispered from one to another. "Grandma 
Layton is dead."  These words carried sadness and sorrow 
with them and many eyes were dimmed by the tears by the sad 
intelligence they bore.  She died at the residence of her 
son, Mr. A. S. Layton, ten minutes before 8 o'clock on 
Saturday night, December 3rd, 1887, in her 72nd year.  She 
had been sick with pneumonia about two weeks.
	Mrs. Layton was a true Christian woman and a kind and 
loving mother.  She had lived here many years and was loved 
by all who knew her.
	On Monday morning her remains were followed by the 
grief stricken relatives and a large concourse of friends 
to the Tutt Graveyard, and after burial service by Rev. J. 
H. Bradford, all that was mortal of Grandma Layton was 
tenderly and sorrowfully laid to rest beside the grave of 
her husband who had preceded her.
	She leaves six children, a number of grandchildren, 
many other relatives and a host of friends to mourn her 
loss.  None but those who have sustained the loss of a 
mother - the best and truest friend on earth - can realize 
the deep sorrow and bare anguish now realized by the 
bereaved family.  
	Sure, the love of a mother can never be told, 
	for it lasts till her heart is silent and cold.  

	An appropriate obituary will appear next week.
	
GEORGE'S CREEK
	L. Davenport's dog went mad and bit some stock, but 
he has since been killed.  
	Wm. Perry is very low with the pneumonia fever.
	On last Monday night the people were aroused from 
their slumbers by the same old sound - the firing of guns, 
ringing of bells, etc., in the direction of A. B. Hampton's.  The cause of such is occurring very frequent. - 
Wildcat -

VALLEY SPRINGS [Dec. 6th, 1887]
	Mr. Curt Bedwell, died today about 12 o'clock.  He 
had been sick for some time.
	There are several cases of sickness in this 
neighborhood.
	Mr. James Johnson, a student of our school, is very 
low with fever.  He is not expected to live.
	Married on last Sunday, Mr. Joe Barger of this place 
to Miss Bincy Rose, of Western Grove.  We wish them a 
pleasant and happy journey through life.
	
Mtn. Echo, December 16, 1887

BRIEF MENTION
	Gold has been discovered in Lawrence county.
	The women of Wisconsin, by a recent decision of the 
United States Circuit Court, have a right to vote in all 
municipal elections.
	A peculiar disease has broken out near Monark, Ark., 
which is having a very deadly effect.  It is termed by the 
physicians as black diphtheria, and the death average of 
those afflicted is seven out of ten.
	A horrible death from hydrophobia is reported from 
Hot Springs.  A lady was bitten by a mad dog nine weeks 
previous to her death while defending her children from the 
attack of the dog.  A mad stone was applied and adhered to 
the wound, and other antidotes were administered, but to no 
avail. [transcriber note: this lady is named in another 
issue.]
	Two Mormon elders were given orders to leave 
Washington county last week by indignant citizens, and they 
stood not upon the order of their going, but left at once, 
wearing an undershirt of tar and feathers.  They succeeded, 
however, before leaving, in making several converts to the 
Mormon faith, who were sent to Utah.  Among the "converts" 
was the wife of a well to do farmer, and her husband is 
pursuing with blood in his eye.

LOCAL ECHOINGS
	Mr. Wm. Cowdrey's son, Claude, is reported as being 
quite low with pneumonia.
	Mr. L. Davenport started to old Alabama last 
Wednesday to visit old friends and relatives.
	Our friend, Wm. M. Noe, Jr., killed a fatted calf the 
other day in honor of the arrival of a new boy at his 
house.  He now resides at the doctor's old place.
	Wesley Lewallen was in town Saturday for the first 
time in a long while. He is teaching the public school at 
the Ervin school house in White River township.
	Rev. J. H. Bradford will preach here four times each 
month, viz.: on the second Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 
p.m.; third Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and fourth Sunday at 6:30 
p.m.
	We make our politest bow to Misses Venia Twiggs and 
Ida Cox for a kind invitation to attend a "party" at 
Gassville on last Wednesday night, and regret that we could 
not attend.
	Mr. C. J. Swafford, of Valley Springs, commenced 
teaching a writing school at the public school house on 
last Monday night.  He has a very good class and is giving 
satisfaction.
	The meanest man we know of is the on who will read a 
newspaper for over six months and then order it 
discontinued without offering to pay for it.  He is mean 
enough to graze a goat on his grandmother's grave.
	The parsonage came very near being destroyed by fire 
on Monday night.  Between 10 and 11 o'clock, Dora Reed, 
noticed the fire and gave the alarm.  By prompt action and 
hard work the flames were extinguished.  The fire caught 
from a stove pipe in a small bedroom.  Mr. Bradford was out 
in the country, but Mrs. B. and children were at home.
	Mr. A. C. Briggs has bought Geo. Wickersham's 
blacksmith shop and tools, and Briggs & Campbell will run 
the shop hereafter.  The Echo wishes them success.
	Drs. Bryan and Coker attended the District Medical 
Society which met at Gassville on last Wednesday.  They 
report a very interesting meeting, although attendance was 
small.
	Married - At the residence of the bride's father, Mr. 
Wm. A. Sims, on Thursday, December 15, 1887, Mr. Robert 
Doshier to Miss Martha A. Sims, Rev. J. H. Bradford 
officiating.
	We learn that the Gassville party was a failure owing 
to the stern Professor who has charge of the school at that 
place.  He prohibited his students attending thus breaking 
up the frolic.  Cam Berry and Dr. Bryan, who went over 
expecting a splendid time with the girls, have our 
sincerest sympathy.
	The many friends of Wallie Berry will be glad to 
learn of the appointment as private secretary to Senator 
Berry.  Wallie is well qualified for the position and we 
bespeak for him greater honors in the future.  He has 
already entered upon his duties, and that he will perform 
them faithfully and efficiently we have no doubt.  The 
Senator could not have made a better selection.
	Mr. S. L. Wiggins dead.  Mr. Sebran L. Wiggins died 
at his residence on last Saturday, December 10, 1887, at 
about 12:30 p.m. and was buried on Sunday evening at the 
Tutt graveyard.  He was at work at the zinc mine when he 
was first taken sick, and was brought home.  His sickness, 
it is supposed, was caused by exposure while at the mines.  
Dr. Wilson, who attended him, pronounced his disease 
typhoid-pneumonia.  Mr. Wiggins was about 58 years of age.  
He came from Georgia to this state many years ago and was 
well known all over the county.  He was of a lively social 
disposition and made many friends who will regret to learn 
of his death.  He leaves a widow and several children to 
mourn his death.
	
VALLEY SPRINGS [Dec. 18, 18877]
	James Johnson, the young man that was very sick with 
pneumonia last week, I am proud to say, is convalescent.  
He will probably be able to enter school again after 
Christmas.
	
LEAD HILL ITEMS
	C. Lawhorn and family have moved to Marion county, 
near Monark.
	T. J. Smith, of Monark, returned last week from 
Memphis, with a fresh stock of general merchandise.
	A report from Elixir by telephone, says that Mr. 
Grigsby, a miner, met with an accident, which may cost him 
his life.  While working at the bottom of a shaft, a large 
rock fell from the top, striking him on the head and 
shoulders.  He was taken out senseless and a physician sent 
for, but he will not recover.
	
HARRISON HASH [Times 10th. Inst.]
	Cul Garrett and Grant Wagoner were the two men killed 
in the Carroll county ruckus last week.

OBITUARY
	Mrs. Ellen S. Layton, our beloved mother, aged 72 
years, passed away peacefully and triumphantly in the faith 
of the Gospel, after a brief, but severe, illness of ten 
days, December 3rd, 1887.
	She was a native of Virginia.  We do not know the 
exact time of her conversion, but she was converted when 
young.  Her experience of the fact was clear and strong.  
Her friendship was strong and true; no sacrifice seemed too 
great for the interest of her friends.  Her faithful 
discharge of duty in every relation of life proclaimed the 
genuineness of her faith and love.  She seemed to live only 
for her little grandchildren, and her aged fingers were 
ever busy fashioning something for them; and it was her 
delight to teach them their Sunday school lessons.
	Though the summons came suddenly, yet she was 
perfectly ready, and sang one verse of the old familiar 
hymn: "Oh! Sing to me of Heaven."  She was deeply concerned 
for her son, who she knew was not converted and prepared to 
meet her in Heaven.  Her life was clouded by many heart 
rending sorrows.  she was indeed a suffering child of 
earth, but in her afflictions she would say, "Whom the Lord 
Loveth, He chasneth," and one moment in Glory will repay me 
for all I suffer here.  We laid her to rest by the side of 
the husband she loved so well, and whose memory she 
cherished so dearly, to await the summons of the Master 
when He commeth to make upon his jewels.  May God direct 
every member of the family to that life and death which 
will reunite them to father and mother in the Father's 
house above, and may we look beyond tears to the tearless 
home of the good, where God shall wipe all tears from our 
eyes. [poem by Sue Layton not transcribed.]

Mtn. Echo, December 23, 1887

FROM THE MISSOURI PEN. A young man well known in Marion 
county, sends a warning to others. Jefferson City, 
Missouri, December 15, 1887.
EDITOR ECHO - Thinking a few words from me for the benefit 
of some who may peruse the pages of your excellent little 
paper, would not be entirely unwelcome, I write the 
following, and hope you will allow me space in your columns 
for my letter.
	First, I will speak of my parents and the days of my 
youth.  My parents were strict members of the Presbyterian 
church, and every Sunday morning we prepared ourselves for 
Sunday school and church.  Father and mother would always 
accompany us.  When we returned home we were given a book - 
generally the Bible - which we studied most of the 
remaining part of the day.  I was taught from my earliest 
recollection to shun all appearance of evil; was never 
allowed to loiter around town at any time, nor to lounge 
about the creek bank on Sundays.  
	Seven years ago my father died.  I was 15 years old, 
and at that time I had never swore an oath nor played a 
game of cards.  For sometime after the death of my father I 
remained at home, obeyed my mother, and everything moved on 
as before.  Our father left us a good home, and I often 
think how different things might have been now had I gone 
on and done as I had been taught.  But time passed on, I 
was more that 16 years old, and like most of boys at that 
age, thought I knew entirely too much and was too large - 
too near a man - to obey and adhere to the advice of 
anyone, even a mother.  I would go to town pretty often.  
Sometimes I would stay all day, and perhaps part of the 
night.  I soon began to learn to play cards, and very 
frequently someone of us would have with us "something to 
take," and we would rarely fail, any of us to "take our 
share."
	I remember my first game of cards as if it only had 
been yesterday.  There were four of us on the way to church 
for no good purpose of course, and not more than 50 yards 
from the church house door, someone proposed to "have a 
game."  We were soon all seated and our game began, but as 
I knew nothing about playing, the game soon ended.  From 
this I became anxious to learn, and rarely lost an 
opportunity of gaining some knowledge of the game.  I soon 
began to think I could play a pretty good game; wasn't 
afraid to bet a little that I could beat.  My visits to 
town became more frequent.  I would walk off from home, my 
mother begging me to stay away from town, especially at 
night, warning me that if I continued in this way, the end 
would be my ruin.
	Finally I commenced selling whiskey.  In this I 
violated the law, for I had no license; and knowing that I 
would be indicted, and not being able to pay my fines, I 
left home.  I took as my associates gamblers, whiskey 
dealers and drinkers, bad women, etc., and was soon selling 
liquor again.  One day there was some men come in and got 
on a regular "tare," and getting too "full" to leave, they 
remained at the "grocery" until about 9 o'clock in the 
night.  One of these ladies(?), myself and several others 
were in the "grocery" until they left.  Next morning it was 
reported that one of them had lost his money.  There had 
been a crime committed; by whom, no one knew.  Three or 
four weeks passed.  The girl was arrested, and the next 
news I received was that she had told I was the guilty 
party, and that the sheriff was after me.  I was arrested 
also, and to make a long story sort, I am suffering the 
confinement and disgraces of a prison for committing this 
crime.  To show the reliability of her stories, I will 
state, as brief as possible, one of them.  Shortly after 
she had been before the grand jury and swore that I was 
guilty.  There was one of the grand jurymen who had a 
conversation with her, and in this conversation he asked 
her if what she had told was true, her answer being, "No, 
it was not; it is every word a lie."  This man's name is 
William Holt, of Isabella, Mo., and is one of Ozark 
county's best citizens.  But the fact that I was present 
and had an opportunity to do the mischief, seemed to be 
sufficient proof against me.  There were others, too, who I 
thought to be my friends, who made themselves very 
conspicuous in the affair; pardon me for saying, they had 
the impudence of old "Nick" - could double discount him on 
lying and give him points.  These "friends" were friends 
indeed so long as one has a little cash ahead and is out of 
trouble but can get into trouble, your "stamps" nearly 
exhausted, and see where your "friends" are.  Always the 
first to cry you down.
	In conclusion, I would say to those who may read 
this, who are pursuing this road that leads invariably to 
ruin, Stop! before, like me, you are too late; before you 
are locked inside the walls of a prison.  Stop! before you 
have broken a mother's heart, or, perchance, have caused 
long hours of sorrow to a wife, and by your own folly 
caused shame and disgrace to follow you to your grave.  
Truly hoping someone may profit by my sad fate, I bid you a 
kind adieu.  Respectfully, Robt. Jefferson.

STATE NEWS
	Mrs. John Longbran, of Hot Springs, died at that city 
Sunday night of rabies.  Six weeks ago she was bitten by a 
large mad dog while gravely defending her children which 
the dog had attacked.

LOCAL ECHOINGS
	Mrs. J. B. Wilson is visiting her sister, Mrs. Dr. 
Hart, in Baxter county.
	Mr. DeRoose Bailey and wife arrived from Marshall 
Thursday and will spend the holidays with their Yellville 
friends.
	J. C. Floyd, Esq., returned yesterday from Marshall, 
where he has been for the past week on professional 
business.
	Hiram Hankins, while chopping wood for Dr. Wilson the 
other day, came near cutting off one of his toes.  His 
wound is quite painful.
	The Echo will be issued on the half shell next week, 
for the first time since its establishment.  It is a time 
honored custom for printers to take holiday, and we propose 
to half way take advantage of the custom.  We issue the 
half sheet only for the benefit of the legal advertisements 
which are bound to run, Christmas or no Christmas.
	Mr. and Mrs. Jones and son, late of Searcy where they 
taught music, arrived in town the first of the week and are 
trying to get up a music class here.  Mr. Jones and his 
wife are both blind, and are no doubt very deserving 
people.  On next Monday night, the weather permitting, they 
will give a concert at the school house.  Go out and hear 
them.
	On the front page we published a letter from Robert 
Jefferson, who is now serving out a term in the Missouri 
penitentiary.  Robert Jefferson received good training and 
was well qualified for most any business, but bad company 
got him into bad trouble.  He tells his own story and 
admonishes others, who may be following in his footsteps, 
to call a halt before it is too late.  His letter will be 
found quite interesting to those who know him.

The results of whisky.  A young man by the name of Billy 
Smith, whose parents live in the Cowan barrens, was found 
dead at the residence of Lafayette Humphries, who lives in 
Buffalo township, on last Tuesday morning about 4 o'clock.  
Young Smith and some companions had been drinking pretty 
freely Monday, and Smith, not being accustomed to drinking, 
became intoxicated.  He laid down on the floor in Mr. 
Humphries' home and went to sleep.  The other inmates of 
the house retired, leaving young Smith undisturbed on the 
floor.  About 4 o'clock next morning it was discovered that 
the young man was dead.  It is supposed that his death was 
caused by the whiskey as he drank quite freely and was 
unused to drinking.
	
GEORGE'S CREEK
	Louis Perry is very anxious to get his house up.  He 
first gave the job to F. A. Horn and his father-in-law, Mr. 
Tidwell, but he thought they were getting along too slow, 
so he gave the job to Capt. Stone, but has since returned 
it to Horn and Tidwell.
	Some of our neighbors are very low with fever, among 
them are Dott Bogle and his wife.  Mollie Brooksher has 
been very sick, but we are glad to know she is 
convalescent.

FLIPPIN FACTS
	Since our last communication, Dr. Gulledge, of the 
Indian Nation, was married to Miss Belle Williams, one of 
the most lovable of women.  Beautiful, happy, joyous, ever 
and singularly kindhearted, she is one of earth's brightest 
jewels and most eminently fitted to be the wife of so noble 
a man as is her husband.  Your correspondent adds his own 
heartfelt good wishes to all that have been showered upon 
the happy pair.  May their clouds of sorrow shed forth upon 
them only the gentle dews of Heavenly blessings, and after 
many, many bright years basking together in life's 
sunshine, may they enter the portals of Glory where eyes 
are never dimmed by death, and where love never grows old.  
W.B.F., Jr.

Mtn. Echo, December 30, 1887 [half issue]

LOCAL ECHOINGS
	Prof. Jones' school will commence next Monday.
	John Weast "took the cake" at the Christmas tree.
	Neal Dodd returned from St. Louis Wednesday evening.
	Sheriff Keeter will commence collecting taxes on 
January 6th.
	Mr. J. J. Covington, of Baxter county, is visiting 
his sons at this place.
	We would like to know what use our friend Ben Weast 
has for a pair of extra long black stockings.
	Don't go "kicking" about this half sheet, for it is 
the first one we have issued, and we hope it is the last.
	F. M. Smith and Miss Charity Warner, both of Bearden 
township, were married yesterday at the residence of Henry 
McCabe of this place by A. J. Noe, J. P.
	The sheriff, assisted by George Lawson, maid a raid 
on "blind tiger" out south of town the first of the week.  
The "tiger" made its escape, but enough liquor to "wet 
their whistles" was captured by the officers.
	Cam Berry and "ye editor" partook of a sumptuous 
Christmas dinner at the residence of Mrs. Winfield, who 
lives on the Harrison Road, about two miles west of Clear 
creek.  We are under many obligations to both the good lady 
who prepared the dinner and to our friend, Alex. Davis, who 
was so thoughtful as to invite us to share the excellent 
meal.
	
FLIPPIN FACTS
	One of the grandest balls of the season was given at 
the residence of J. W. Williams on the night of the 27th 
inst.  Always cheerful and happy, peace and good will went 
hand in hand and pleasure runs riot.
	Dr. Scott left his wife last week and ran away with 
Mrs. Mollie Sutton.  It is hoped that he will go to 
Yubadam, or so far that he will not come back here again, 
as this is the second time that this "masher" has left his 
wife and run off with another woman.  It is said that Mrs. 
Scott is a lady, and by far too good for Scott.  W. B. F., 
Jr.

[THIS ENDS 1887 ISSUES]