January 14, 1890
The Macon Telegraph
Sparta, Jan. 13 - (Special) Dr. R. C. Wiley returned on Saturday last with his bride. He married Miss Davidson of Virginia.

January 14, 1890
The Macon Telegraph
A Negro Academy Burned.
  Sparta, Jan 18 (Special) The Bass Academy for the negroes, between Sparta and the suburban village of Dixie, was burned last night about 2 o'clock. It is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.

February 2, 1890
Atlanta Constitution
THE SHERIFF WAS SHY BECAUSE HE COULDN'T GET A PREACHER TO MARRY HIM. Macon County's Deputy Sheriff Picks Up a Rural Maiden in Hancock County and Takers Her to Milledgeville.
 Milledgeville, Ga, February 14 (special) The parlor of the Milledgeville hotel, last night, was the scene of a very romantic marriage, sensational in the manner with which the groom won his wife and pleasing in the manner with with the ceremony was brought about. Mr. John N. Gilmore, the groom, states that he is the deputy sheriff of Macon County. Miss Minnie Turner is a pretty brunette, who has been the chief support of an aged mother in Hancock county. Mr. Gilmore and Miss Turner met a few days ago, and an attachment sprung up between them that alarmed the old mother, who stoutly refused to give her consent to the nuptials of her daughter with Gilmore. But the passion that creeps into every house and is no respector of persons, has gotten full possession of her and the old lady was given to understand that the marriage was fixed for immediate culmination.
THE AGREEMENT REACHED
   The only course the mother could take was to permit the ceremony, which she agreed to, provided she was carried to it. This was agreed upon yesterday and the three set out for t a justice of the peace. Unable to get a license, on account of the distance from Sparta, they came to Milledgeville and took quarters at the Milledgeville hotel.
  About 9 o'clock last night a number of gentlemen were seated in the hotel office, among whom was Gilmore. He appeared restless and had nothing to say, until he opened with a long sig:
"I wish I was married."
"Why don't you marry"" quizzed a man on the left.
"Aint got anybody to perform the ceremony."
"Have you got the girl?"
"Yep."
"And license?"
"Yep."
THE MINISTER BROUGHT IN.
   Your correspondent, who takes pleasure in nurturing a small plant until it becomes a full fledged item, assured Gilmore that the services of a minister would be gotten, and in a moment he was spinning toward the Methodist parsonage for Reverend White. Just after arrival on the scene Reverend White interviewed the couple, and when assured that there was no reason why they should not be joined in holy estate, a crowd of boarders were invited into the parlor and in a few minutes they were man and wife. As soon as the ceremony was over, those present went forward to congratulate the smiling couple, while the twinkling stars peeped between the flitting clouds and smiled at love's triumph, the band over the way played, "Dixie" and your correspondent got happy too.

February 13, 1890
The Macon Telegraph
HUNT - MONTFORD. Hon. T. M. Hunt of Sparta Weds Miss Claudia Montford of Butler.
  Butler, Feb. 12 (Special) Hon. Thos. M. Hunt of Sparta and Miss Claudia I. Montford of this plae were married at "Floral Square" the beautiful home of the bride's father, this morning at 7:00 o'clock. Rev. J. B. McGehee of Talbotton, presiding elder of the Columbus district, performed the ceremony in a most beautiful and impressive manner.
  There is not a more handsome or a more popular couple in the state than Mr. and Mrs. Hunt. They left immediately after the ceremony for their home in Sparta. There were no cards, and consequently there were only present the near relatives of the bride, a few of her most intimate friends and Dr. Avery of Sparta, Col. Hunt's best friend.

May 3, 1890
Macon Telegraph
Sparta, May 2 - Yesterday afternoon Miss Nell S. Gardiner, one of the most popular young ladies of our county, and Mr. John L. Turner, formerly of Hancock but now a rising young business man of Macon, were married in the Presbyterian church of this place. Mr. C. S. Cary acted as best man to the bridegroom, but all the other attendants were young ladies, namely Misses Sallie Gardiner, Lila and Annie Turner, Josie Stafford, Carina Foster, Kittie Smith and Gay Clinch. The ceremony was performed by Revs. Williams and Britt. The young couple left immediately for Macon.

May 29, 1890
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Dr. Durham is Dead.
Sparta, May 28 - Special- Dr. A. F. Durham died at his home here yesterday morning at an advanced age. He was one of the most talented physicians of Georgia.

September 20, 1890
Atlanta Constitution
Sparta, Ga., September 19 (Special) Captain Elbert T. Moore, one of Hancock's most prosperous and progressive farmers, entertained a large party of friends from various portions of the county at dinner yesterday. The party consisted of Rev. A. W. Williams, Hon. Ivy W. Duggan, Dr. Miller, John T. Pinkston, R. B. Harley, Esq., I. W. Roberts, Hugh Dougherty and Charley Doughtery, M. H. Gill, Judge and Mrs. John Turner, Mr. and MRs. S. D. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Ree Binton, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Pinkston, Mr.and Mrs. Rawson Jackson, Judge and Mrs. F. L. Little. The dinner was a superb spread, for which Mrs. Moore deserves all the good things said about it. The day passed in pleasant conversation, interspersed with visits to the captain's spring house and beautiful fish pond in the immediate neighborhood of his lovely country home. Captain Moore moved to Hancock county from South Carolina some six or seven years ago. He conducts a model farm, and makes it pay, but never grows so busy on it as to omit the "beautiful geniality's" of life. The day was a most enjoyable one throughout.

December 12, 1890
Atlanta Constitution
DEATH OF A VENERABLE LADY
One Whose Life Was Full of Notable Incidents
Sparta, Ga. December 11 (Special)
The death of Mrs. Hawley on Sunday night at the residence of her son, Hon. James A. Hawley, removes from this community one whose life was long an honor to it. She was in her seventy-second year; was the wife of the late Rev. W.I. Hawley; the daughter of Reuben T. Battle, a long time-honored citizen, who lived and died in the neighborhood of Powelton, in Hancock county, when that village was in every respect among the best communities in the south. Her mother was an Alexander, and from a family of equal repute with the Battles. Governor Rabun was her cousin and her father's neighbor. She was baptized in her girlhood by Rev. Jesse Mercer, whose munificence founded Mercer  university.
  Her education was conducted by Dr. Preston, an eminent educator, who taught a celebrated school at Powelton, when that was a center of education for the state. She was a lady of rare intellectual gifts and excellent culture; a member of the Baptist church for more that fifty years, and a Christian who was in all respects a model in life, character and example Her funeral services were conducted at the grave by her kinsman, Rev. A. J. Beck, of Eatonton, assisted by Rev. J.M. Britt, of Sparta. The former made some very touching and appropriate remarks about her long an useful life and exalted character. Then she was laid to rest in the presence of her kindred and many sympathizing friends.

December 16, 1890
Union Recorder
Mrs. M. L. Mosley and Major Edwin Wingfield, old and beloved citizens of Sparta, died last week.

December 19, 1890
Atlanta Constitution
SPARTA, Ga. December 18  - (Special)- The marriage last night of Miss Zella Moore to Mr. Marshall H. Guill was an interesting social event in the county. The bride is the daughter of Captain Elbert T. Moore, the groom a successful young farmer and foreman of The Ishmaelite office. Rev. A. W. Williams, of Thomson, Ga., officiated in making the happy couple one. The ceremony was performed at 7:30 o'clock p.m., at Granite farm, the residence of Captain Moore, in the presence of a large assembly of friends, and the evening culminated in a splendid wedding supper, given in honor of the occasion. The many friends of the young couple throughout Hancock county and this section of the state will follow them with best wishes for prosperity and happiness.

February 18, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Mr. Littles Funeral - The Rev. J. W. Burke and Messrs. R. P. McEvoy, Johnston King and Charles C. Martin returned yesterday from Sparta, where they went to attend the funeral of Mr. Sasnett Little. Sparta was the birthplace of the lamented young man and every store in the city was closed during the funeral in honor of his memory. The services were conducted in the Methodist church by the pastor, the Rev. Ellison R. Cook, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Britt of the Presbyterian church and the Rev. J. W. Burke of Macon.

April 30, 1891
The Columbus Enquirer-Sun
MARRIED YESTERDAY - At the residence of Mrs. Fannie Ford, on Fourth avenue, at 6:30 o'clock yesterday evening, Mr. Earnest A. Brown, of Sparta, Ga., and Miss Marie Whittlesey, of this city, were happily united in marriage in the presence of many friends, Rev. R. H. Harris officiating. The happy couple left on the 7:50 train last night for their future home in Sparta.

April 4, 1891
Atlanta Constitution
LIFE IN SPARTA
Signs of Progress to be Met With on All Sides
Sparta, Ga, April 3 (Special) Sparta is certainly on the move. We have more signs of life, more progress in buildings now being erected or projected, that at any time in the past thirty years. Two beautiful cottages, near the depot, one for Mr. John P. Culver, and the other for Mr. John T. Allen, are nearly ready for occupancy. Mr. Lindsay Baker has bought the old "Long building." and will tear it down and erect in its stead a large brick store. Mr. E.A. Rozier will very soon commence building two commodious brick stores on Broad street, and John Carr expects to build one of same dimensions just by them. O.A. Binion is having the material put on the ground preparatory to starting a beautiful six room residence near Colonel Jordan's.Colonel D.P. Furguson has purchased the Lovick Pierce mansion, and will have it thoroughly renovated, within and without, and add a fifty foot verandah and an iron fence in front. At the same time he is finishing a nice four-room cottages at the rear of his lot, for rent.
  As soon as bonds can be issued upon a vote of the town of Sparta, handsome academies will be put up to accommodate the 550 pupils now attending the public schools here. Three more residences are to be started soon, if parties can purchase suitable lots, and one of them will be a $5,000 residence. So Sparta maintains her place in the procession.

April 20, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Sparta Ishmaelite: One day last week, in the western part of the county, died a negro woman known as"Aunt Mima" Amoss. She came to Georgia from Virginia and was owned by Mr. John Amos' grandfather. Her age, at the time of her death, was 106 years.
Sparta Ishmaelite: Col. William R. Snipes, we learn, has just fallen heir to a fortune of $275,000.  A bachelor uncle, living in Raleigh, N.C., recently died and left this large estate to his relatives in Georgia. Col. Snipes will son leave for the old North state to receive part of the estate.

June 21, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph.
Buried at Sparta. Sparta, June 20 (Special) On Wednesday last the body of Mr. Carlos Roberson, who died in Warrenton on the previous day, was brought here and interred in the cemetery.

July 18, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph.
Sparta, July 18 (Special) Major Henry D. Beman died at his residence, "The Villa," near Mt. Zion in this county, yesterday afternoon, after a long and lingering illness, and will be buried tomorrow morning in the Mt. Zion cemetery.

July 28, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph.
Shot Himself While Hunting. A Very Sad accident to a Promising Youth. Sparta, July 21 (Special) Yesterday afternoon the dead body of John Wyatt Harper, son of Mr. B. I. Harper, was found in the woods near his father's house, about ten miles from this place, circumstances all showed that, while out hunting, he had accidentally shot himself. The load entered the lower part of his right side, passed through his body and came out at his left shoulder. He was a fine, promising youth of 16, and the pride of his parents, upon whom this calamity falls very heavily.

September 8, 1891
Union Recorder
  On Wednesday morning, at 10 o'clock, Miss Neppie McCook, of Sparta, was married to Mr. W. T. Macken, of Conyers, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. E. R. Cook. The happy young people left on the morning train for Conyers, their future home.

October 15, 1891
The Macon Telegraph
A WEDDING AT SPARTA. Miss Gabrielle Clinch Married to Mr. Tate.
Sparta, Oct. 14 (Special) At the residence of the bride's father, at 10 o'clock a.m., Miss Garbrielle Clinch was united in marriage to Mr. Sterrett Tate of Pensacola, Fla. After a sumptuous luncheon the bridal party took affectionate leave of the assembled friends for an extensive tour to Northern and Eastern cities. They will make Pensacola their home, where they carry the love and hope of the community.
    Mr. Tate is a gentleman of fine qualities of mind and heart, and has extensive interests in Florida.
   The bride is the only daughter of Col. H. A. Clinch of this place and granddaughter of the late distinguished Gen. Duncan Clinch, U.S. A., and of Dr. Louis Ford of Augusta. She is a lady of fine person and a distinguished beauty.

October 26, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Sparta Ismaelite: It is not generally known that the first scuppernong vine ever bought to Georgia is still living and thriving in Sparta on the Pardee lot now owned by D. Silver. The vine was brought from North Carolina by Mrs. Springer, whose husband then owned the lot, and was planted in the garden, where it now may be seen. Capt. Pardee came to Sparta in 1821 and a few years later bought the Springer place. Even at that time the vine, he says, seems to have been an old ne. The vine, then, on the most reasonable of estimates, must be more than 70 years old. The scuppernong is a native of North Carolina, north of which state it declines to be fruitful.

November 6, 1891
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Sparta Items. Sparta, Nov. 5 (Special) Cards are out for the marriage of Miss Mary S. Little of our town to Mr. Robert P. McEvoy of Macon. The ceremony is to take place at 10 o'clock a.m., November 11 at the Methodist church here.
  Governor Northen is spending a few days in Sparta.
  The cotton crop of this county is out off about half.

June 1, 1892
Atlanta Constitution
Death of Mrs. Lane.
Macon, Ga., May 31. (Special) Mrs. Frances B. Lane, widow of A. J. Lane, died at Sparta this evening. She will be buried in Macon tomorrow afternoon.

June 4, 1892
The Macon Telegraph
DEATHS IN HANCOCK. Three People Whom the Whole County Loved.
Sparta, June 3 (Special) On Sunday last a large number of relatives and friends of the deceased assembled in Horeb Baptist church in this county to attend the funeral of Mr. Claud Whaley, who died on Friday night previous. He was a young man about 19 years old, a fine character, clever, honorable and good, manly in all of his conduct and behavior, highly admired and beloved, and very popular with the large number of young ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, with whom he associated.
   The body of Mrs. Sarah H. Sasnett, who died in Jackson evening before last, was buried here this morning. She died in her 68th year, the widow of the late Dr. W. J. Sasnett, who was once professor in Emory College, at another time president of the college at Auburn, Ala. Mrs. Sasnett was a beautiful Christian character and a lifelong, devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church. She won many friends while she lived in Hancock, and these, together with her large number relatives, mourn her loss and revere her memory.
  This afternoon the body of Mr. Russell Whaley was interred here. He died yesterday at his home in the upper part of this county, in his 85th year. "Uncle Russell," as the younger generation of his many acquaintances was always proud to call him, had lived a long and useful lifeof honest toll and fidelity to his political party, his fellow-man individually, his church and the Christian faith, and left behind a name for honesty, uprightness and integrity which the youth of Hancock will do well to follow.

November 19, 1892
Atlanta  Constitution
THE DEATH RECORD,
Two of Sparta's Prominent Citizens Pass Away-Other Sad Events
Sparta, Ga., November 17 (Special) Captain Samuel A. Pardee, the oldest resident, of Sparta, died here yesterday of congestion, in his ninety-first year. He was a native of Connecticut, emigrated south when about eighteen years old, settled in Sparta in his early manhood and has lived here ever since. He was a man of earnest convictions, decided opinions and it is said that he cast seventy ballots for the democratic party; The last of which was for Grover Cleveland on the 9th instant when scarcely able to reach the polls. Before and during the war he was a prominent manufacturer in Sparta. Here he reared a family of children who are prominent and useful citizens of the sate. There were no braver men in the confederate army than the sons of Captain Pardee and his heart was with them throughout the whole war. As our oldest citizen, long identified with Sparta and her interests he will be greatly missed from the community.
     Mr. J. Floyd Jones, one of our prominent merchants, died here yesterday after a long and painful illness. He removed into our town from Sandersville about four years ago and was building  up  a good business as one of our enterprising and active merchants. His body will be carried to his old home for interment among the number of his family already deceased.

November 29, 1892
Union Recorder
Miss Betsy Sanford died at her home in Hancock county last Saturday. She was an aged maiden lady.

December 14, 1892
Macon Telegraph
 Sparta, Dec. 13 (Special) The coroner's jury impaneled to hold an inquest over the deceased body of Dr. W. R. Gilmore, who was killed here yesterday, was composed of the best men in Hancock county.
   After a thorough and careful investigation of all the facts in the case and after a deliberation that lasted over twelve hours they brought in the following verdict:
   "We, the jury, find that the deceased W. D. Gilmore came to his death from a pistol wound from a pistol in the hands of Reid Gilmore.
(Signed) "John Turner, Foreman."  "James H. Rogers, J.P,, Acting Coroner."
His Eldest Son.
     Reid Gilmore is the eldest son of the deceased and it is thought that in his effort to shoot Julian West, who was clinched in a struggle with his father, he misaimed and killed his father.
   The remains of Dr. Gilmore were conveyed last night to the home of his son-in-law, George Hutchins, in the lower part of this county.
   The doctor, for the past year, has been living in Warren county, near the line of Glasscock, but at the time of his terrible taking off was removing back to Hancock.
   His sons, Jessie and Reid, were released from jail last night, no warrants having been sworn out against them.
  The grand jury will investigate the whole matter and is now in session.
  The wounded men are doing well.
Further Particulars.
  It was almost impossible yesterday, owing to the intense excitement consequent on the terrible tragedy enacted on the streets of Sparta to get an accurate account of what happened.
  The correct version, however, was secured by the Telegraph correspondent today:
   At about 1 o'clock Hon. Julian West met Dr. Gilmore on the street in front of the store kept by E. H. Berry. He immediately asked Dr. Gilmore if he wrote the circular signed "Zollus." On his admitting it, Dr. West struck the first blow knocking the doctor down. Gilmore at one rose and fired twice at West. One ball glazed his leg and the other severed an artery in his arm.
  Just as Dr. Gilmore shot at West Mr. Thomas L. Reese fired at Gilmore.
   The doctor's two sons, Reid and Jesse, were standing just behind their father when Reese shot, they opened fire on bout Reese and West. One of the Gilmore boys shot four and the other three times.
   Policeman Ed. B. Brown jumped in to part the combatants and was wounded on the finger by a ball from one of the Gilmore boys' pistols. One ball struck Reese but did not wound him.
An Accidental Shot.
  While the fight was going on Mr. Burt Amos came from Berry's store and was accidentally shot in the lower part of the stomach. He had nothing whatever to do with the fight.
   As the firing ceased Dr. Gilmore sand to the ground and died instantly. The Gilmore boys were arrested and locked up. As the officer carried them off one of them said: "He shot my father and I tried to kill him."
  No other arrests were made and the two boys were released last night.
   Dr. Gilmore was found to have received three wounds. One in the back, another in the right breast, this from Reese's pistol, the third and fatal bullet passed through his left arm, entered the left side and passed directly through the heart.
   The coroner's jury arrived at verdict owing to the fact that Reid Gilmore was the only one of the combatants who stood in the position from which the fatal shot must have been fired.

May 18, 1893
The Macon Telegraph
KILLED THE WRONG MAN. George Clark Shot by Constable Ennis, Who Went to Arrest Ben Temple. ACCUSED OF A TERRIBLE CRIME. Supposed to Be the Murderer of Mrs. S. C. Leonard, Who Was Slain in Her House in Baldwin County Over a Year Ago.
   Milledgeville, May 27 (Special) Last Wednesday evening a report reached this city from Hancock county that a negro by the name of George Clark had been shot and killed by Mr. Sam Ennis. The nature of the report was such that it could not be relied upon at the time, and no notice was taken of it. Later news, however, substantiate the first rumor and at the same time revive one of the most mysterious tragedies that ever occurred in Baldwin county,
  Many of the Telegraph's readers will remember the brutal murder of Mrs. S. C. Leonard which occurred at her home in this county on the 22 of March, 1892.
   Her husband on returning home after an absence of a few hours, found his wife weltering in her blood and her head cloven by a blow from an ax.
  Who could have committed the atrocious crime was the question which puzzled every one. The neighbors rose up in arms and searching parties scoured the country for miles around-suspicious characters were arrested but nothing could be proven against them. After several weeks of unrewarded efforts by the neighbors and officers of the law, to ferret out the murderer, interest in the crime abated somewhat and the hope of ever catching the guilty party was abandoned.
    A short time ago Mr. Ennis, who is a nephew of the murdered lady, heard that a negro by the name of Ben. Temple had acknowledged committing the crime. Mr. Ennis at once resolved to arrest him and bring him to justice. Locating his man on the Lary place in Hancock county, he proceeded there in company with others whose names I have not learned. Arriving at his destination, it seems that he mistook George Clark for Ben. Temple and arrested him. On being asked his name, Clark told two or three different stories about it, and acted in a very suspicious manner. Watching his opportunity he broke away from his captors and was abut to make his escape when Mr. Ennis fired  on him. The ball passed entirely through his body, producing a mortal wound.
  It is thought that Temple will be arrested soon, but what will be proven on him remains to be seen.

June 27, 1893
Union Recorder
  Mrs. J. B. Kennedy died at her home near Devereaux Station, in Hancock county, last Friday morning. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Jessie Carr. She leaves a husband and two small children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her death.

August 26, 1893
The Macon Telegraph
NEWS AT SPARTA
Death of Mrs. Thomas - Married in Forty Seconds.
Sparta, Aug. 25 (Special) Evening before last Mrs. Thomas, the wife of the Methodist minister who has charge of the Culverton circuit, this county, died after much suffering.
  Yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock Mr. Robert Chapman of this place and Miss Sallie Claire Moon of Culverton, this county, were united in marriage at the home of Capt. J. W. Moon, the father of the bride. The ceremony was performed by Rev. B. H. Ivey, pastor of the Sparta Baptist church. The ceremony was appropriate and striking in many respects, especially as to lenght, for it occupied only forty seconds. After the marriage and congratulations the bridal couple went up to Powellton, in the northern part of this county, on a short visit to the bridegroom's parents. Both Miss Moon and Mr. Chapman belong to the very best families in this community and they themselves have hosts of friends and admirers who wish for them a long and happy life.
  Mrs. Barnes Harris has just arrived here from Brunswick, which place she left on account of the yellow fever. She was a sister-in-law of Mr. S. P. Harris who died there Wednesday.

November 5, 1893
The Macon Telegraph
THOMAS-SIMMONS. Miss Effie L. Simmons of Sparta, Marries Mr. E. L. Thomas of Valdosta.
  Sparta, Nov. 3 (Special) The elite of our town formed a great audience at the Presbyterian church this morning to witness the marriage of Miss Effie L. Simmons, one of the fairest, sweetest and most attractive of Sparta's maidens, to Mr. E. L. Thomas, a highly popular, attractive and worthy young gentleman from Valdosta. The ceremony was beautiful indeed, and in the highest degree tasteful and appropriate, and was very gracefully performed by Rev. M. C. Britt. The decorations, besides festoons and other ornaments, represented a beautiful tropical garden, in which the bridal couple, with their attendants, stood during the ceremony.
  The attendants were: Mr. S. W. Varnedore and Miss Maggie Pardee, both of Valdosta; acting as best man and bridesmaid. Mr. Will Thomas of Valdosta and Miss S. P. Alfriend of Sparta, Mr. C. S. Carey and Miss Ella Powell of Sparta, Mr. M. W. Berry and Miss Mary Tredwell of Sparta, Mr. Frank Thomas of Valdosta, brother of the bridegroom, and Miss Leola Birdsong of Sparta, cousin to the bride.
   Messers. G. L. and Waldren Middlebrooks and J. D. Walker and W. H. Boswell, performed their parts as ushers most gracefully and gallantly and to the admiration of all the young ladies in the audience.
  The wedding march was skillfully played by Mr. Eilerson Cook. The bridegroom was accompanied by the hymeneal altar by his young gentleman friends, and the bride was preceded to that spot by her young lady friends, all bearing flowers. Then the bride joined them, where she was conducted by her father, Mr. S. B. Simmonds, one of Sparta's most prosperous merchants. After the ceremony the bridal party poured out of the church in the order, above mentioned.
  Miss Effie will be greatly missed in Sparta, for she was deservedly loved and admired by all, and the best wishes of our entire community go with her to her new home.

November 24, 1893
The Macon Telegraph
MARRIAGE IN SPARTA
Sparta, Ga., Nov. 23 (Special) Yesterday at 2:30 p.m., Mr. J. D. Walker and Miss Christine Berry were married in the Methodist church in our town, in the presence of a large company of relatives and friends. The ceremony was beautifully performed by Rev. Ellerson Cook. Immediately after the marriage the bridal couple left for a tour to Florida. They will return about December 1 and visit the Augusta exposition on their way back. Mr. Walker is cashier in the bank of R. A. Graves and is reckoned among the finest of our young business men, while his bride is not excelled by any in feminine grace and loveliness.
 

December 27, 1893
Atlanta Constitution
Malcolm H. Johnston is Dead
Milledgeville, Ga., December 26 (Special) Malcolm H. Johnston, son of Colonel Richard Malcolm Johnston, of Baltimore, died this morning after a short illness at the residence of his cousin, Dr. Mark Johnston. Mr. Johnston was a term or two a member of the house of delegates for Maryland, from the county of Baltimore. He will be buried in Sparta at the old Johnston burial ground on Thursday morning. Mr. Johnston was recognized as one of the most thorough scholars of the country.

October 18, 1894
Columbus Daily Enquirer
Death of Mrs. Holt - At 7 o'clock yesterday morning Mrs. Sarah A. C. Holt died at her home in Wynnton, after a short illness.
   The deceased was seventy-four years of age, and has resided in this city since her eighth year, when her family moved her from Hancock county. She was the wife of Colonel Hines Holt, a member of the first constitutional covention of Georgia, held at Milledgeville just after the war, and died, at that place, while the convention was still in session.
  Mrs. Holt was a member of St. Luke's church, and a most highly esteemed lady, and came of a very prominent family. Five children survive her - Misses Mattie E., Helen O. and Nina F., Mrs. William Redd, Jr. and Mr. Hines Holt all of this city.
  The funeral will take place at 3 o'clock this afternoon from the home in Wynnton and the following gentlemen will act as pall bearers:
  Messrs. Thomas Gilbert, W. H. Blankenship, James L. Willis, Albert Shepherd, C. B. Grimes, Soule Redd, S. M. Dixon and Charles K. Redd.

November 6, 1894
Union Recorder
~excerpt~ DIED, near Island Creek, Hancock county, ARTHUR, son of Mr. J. R. and Mrs. Hattie West was born September 27th, 1886, and died Sept. 17, 1894

February 5, 1895
Union Recorder
MARRIED: Mr. Rob't Collins and Miss Nancy Stanley were married at Beulah church, Hancock county, Sunday, Jan. 27th, Rev. Adolphus Robison officiating.

February 16, 1895
The Savannah Tribune
  Miss Henrietta Habersham of this city and Dr. Joseph B. Dickson of Sparta, Ga., were united in holy wedlock on Wednesday evening last, at the residence of Mr. Ceasar Brinson, 266 Waldburg street. They were married by Rev. Alex. Ellis, D. D. Dr. Dickson is a recent graduate of Meharry College and resides at Thomasville, Ga.

February 28, 1895
Columbus Daily Enquirer
   There died rather suddenly in Sparta Sunday an old school Southerner, Colonel Henry A. Clinch, a son of General Duncan L. Clinch. Colonel Clinch married Miss Frances Gabrelia Ford, of Augusta, the daughter of the late Dr. Lewis D. Ford. Before the war Colonel Clinch was an eminent and eloquent lawyer of New Orleans, and during the war was an enthusiastic and a gallant officer, especially distinquishing himself during the seige of Vicksburg. Like many others, after the war, he could not reconcile himself to the exigencies of reconstruction times, and retired to his farm life in Sparta, Ga., and lived a quiet and contented life.

March 13, 1895
Columbus Enquirer-Sun
~excerpt
death at his home in Sparta,  Col. John T. Jordan.

August 7, 1895
Columbus Daily Enquirer
DEATH OF GENERAL M. A. STOVALL.
Augusta, Ga., August 6. General M. A. Stovall died today after an illness of several months, at the age of 77 years. He was a native of Hancock county, Ga, but has lived the greater part of his life in Augusta. He graduated at West Point, but never entered the regular army. He enlisted in the Confederate army with the rank of colonel. He was for the greater part of the war connected with the Army of Tennessee, and for his bravery and skill was made Major General. He moved to Augusta immediately after the war. He held postions of public and private trust in his community, and to the day of his death commanded the highest respect and esteem.

August 9, 1895
Atlanta Constitution
DIED
THOMAS- Mrs. Francis A. Thomas died on Thursday, August 8, 1895, at the residence of her son, Mr. Lewis W. Thomas, No. 500 Courtland street. She was seventy-one years old. Funeral and burial will take place in Sparta on Sunday August 11, 1895.

A Sad Death
    Last night at 11:30 o'clock Mrs. Francis A. Thomas, the wife of Dr. Francis A. Thomas, of Sparta, Ga, died at the residence of her son, Mr. Lewis Thomas. Mrs. Thomas was the daughter of Colonel Lewis Wimberly, of Centerville, Talbott county. She died on the anniversary of her birth and was seventy-one years old. Mrs. Thomas, who had been quiet feeble for a long time, was on a visit to her son. Though her death was expected she died very much sooner than her loved ones thought. A few days ago she was able to sit up and talk to her friends. Her children are Solicitor Lewis Thomas, of Atlanta; Dr. Joseph M. Thomas, of Atlanta, Mr. Walter P. Thomas, of Elberton; Mr Frank G. Thomas, of Sparta; Mr. Henry Thomas, of Sparta, Ga., and Mrs A J. Perryman, of Talbotton, Ga. The body will be taken to Sparta and the funeral and burial will take place on Sunday.

November 19, 1895
Union Recorder
  Mr. J. B. Kennedy, a prosperous farmer of Hancock county, and Miss Minnie B. Collins, the charming daughter of Mr. Samuel Collins of this county, were happily married at the residence of the bride's father on last Tuesday evening at 3 o'clock the Rev. J. M. White officiating. A very large crowd were present to offer congratulations and bid them God speed in their new life.

January 3, 1896
The Macon Telegraph
BURIAL OF DR. POWELL. The People of Sparta Paid Respect to Their Departed Friend.
Sparta, Jan. 2 (Special) Dr. T. S. Powell, president of the Southern Medical College and one of the foremost physicians of Atlanta, was buried here this afternoon at 4 o'clock. The remains arrived on a special train and were accompanied by numbres of sorrowing relatives and friends.
  Sparta is the home of his young manhood-the place where the foundation of his usefulness was laid. The recollection of his gentleness and goodness was made manifest by the crowds that were in attendance to pay a last tribute to it. There has never been a funeral service in the twon which the people have so generally attended or at which such general sorrow and regret was felt.
  It was fitting that in the home of his youth so many of his friends there could mingle their grief with those of his later sphere of usefulness had gained for him. We are glad to have his living influence in our midst and feel that our town is hallowed in his internal repose among us.
  The pall bearers were Dr. William Perrin Nicholson, Dr. G. G. Roy, Dr. J. McI. Gaston, Dr. C. S. Webb, Dr. W. S. Elkin, Henry J. Harris, Dr. W. F. McRae, Dr. L. M. Crichton, Dr. Dubar Roy, Dr. N. O. Harris, all of Atlanta - men with whom he was every day associated and by whom his worth was appreciated.
  The floral offerings were the most beautiful, elaborate and tasteful ever seen here, consisting in part of tributes from teh A. A. S. M. C. and the Southern Medical College.
  The funeral cortege from Atlanta, numbering about two hundred, left for that place immediately after the services were read. The serices were conducted by Dr. Walker Lewis, his former pastor, and Dr. G. B. Strickler.

January 7, 1896
Union Recorder
  On Wedneday last, at the residence of Mr. J. W. Allen in Hancock county, Miss Georgia Duggan was married to Mr. Jesse Trawick, by Rev. B. H. Ivey

February 17, 1896
The Macon Telegraph
LEAP YEAR PARTIES. The Young Ladies of Sparta Take Advantage of the Season.
  Sparta, Feb. 16 (Special) One of the most swell leap year parties was given by the misses of this town Friday evening at the residence of Mr. James Smith, while the charming Miss Annie performed her part most gracefully as hostess and lady of ceremonies. The refreshments served were very choice and of great variety, but the young gentlemen chiefly enjoyed the "taffy" and numerous proposals of marriage received from the young ladies. When the latter were offered they always blushed with becoming modesty and invariably gave a shy "yes" in reply. Among those present were Miss May Turner with Mr. H. B. Fleming, Miss Ella Harley with Mr. deLamar Turner, Miss Sarah Gardiner with Mr. W. Harley Pierce, Miss May DuBose with Mr. Carl Fleming, Miss Marilu Lamar with Mr. Clarence Thomas, Miss Susie Yarborough with Mr. George F. Pierce, Miss Mattie L. Yarborough with Mr. Foster Hardy, Miss Susie Turner and Mr. Albert Vardeman, Miss Emmie Graves with Mr. Richard Wiley, Miss Leola Birdsong with Mr. Lafayette Berry, Miss Annie Smith with Mr. Allen Little, Miss Ruth Burwell with Mr. Harris Gardner, Miss Annie Bass with Mr. Flournoy Middlebrooks, Miss Lilly Vardeman with Mr. George Berry, Miss Stella Smith with Mr. C. Dougherty.
AT MR. T. R. LAMAR'S
 The leap year party tendered the young men of Sparta by their young lady friends at the elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Lamar, on Elry street, was the society event of the season. The rendezvous was at the beautiful home of Mr. R. H. Thomas, on Broad street, when the young men assembled at 7:30 o'clock p.m. and were escorted from there to Mr. Lamar's by the young ladies. Besides having the pleasure of being entertained by the Sparta ladies, the young men had he additional pleasure of having with them Miss Maud Perry from Monticello and Miss Pollie Snow from Monroe.
  At 11:30 the gentlemen were escorted by the young ladies into the beautifully decorated dining hall, where they were treated to the finest delicacies that the season afforded. A Valentine pie afforded much amusement to the assembled guests. When the hour for departure arrived the young people bade their host and hostess good-night. The evening was delightfully spent and the young gentlemen lost their hearts and declare the girls are the sweetest and best in all the Southland, and that Mr. and Mrs. Lamar cannot be excelled as royal entertainers.

February 17, 1896
Atlanta Constitution
A Wonderful Relic
Editor Constitution - We were shown a venereal relic yesterday. It is a well-preserved hand saw which has been in use one hundred and eighty-five years. The date when it was made -1711 - is yet distinctly visible, notwithstanding its use for nearly two centuries. It was a gift from William Beverly Amoss, a Seminole war veteran who died in Hancock county last January, to Mr. J. Richard Sasnett, of Hapeville, Ga., and was being transmitted to the latter. Its history is as follows: It was brought to Hancock county about 1790 by Mr. Philip Turner, who emigrated here from Maryland about that time. He kept it and used it until his death more than fifty years ago. At the sale of his effects Mr. Amoss became the purchaser, about the year 1844. Mr. Sasnett, the present owner, is a great grandson of Philip Turner and lived in Hancock until three years ago and was a personal friend of Mr. Amoss. He will greatly appreciate a relic with so many sacred associations.
Frank L. Little. Sparta, Ga., February 14, 1896

February 24, 1896
The Macon Telegraph
  Sparta, Feb. 23.
Mrs. Collins, the aged mother of our worthy tax receiver, Mr. W. C. Collins, died at the home of her son Friday and was buried yesterday, followed to the grave by many relatives and friends, who mourn the loss of one who was much beloved and respected while in life.

March 15, 1896
The Macon Telegraph
SHOOTING SCRAPE IN SPARTA. Dr. Durban and McGreggor McCook Blazed Away at Each Other.
  Sparta, March 14 (Special) A shooting scrape occurred here yesterday afternoon between Dr. Durban and McGreggor McCook.
  The latter became angered toward the former and threatened to kill him. He went home, got his gun, loaded with buckshot, and returned to find the doctor.
  Dr. Durban was standing in the doorway of Silver's bar, where McCook discovered him and began to approach the place. The doctor prepared for the attack, having a pistol in readiness. Both men fired simultaneously with effect on either party.
  A stray buckshot struck John Cheelie, who was standing near the doctor. The shot entered his head, but the doctors have failed to extract it. The wound may prove to be serious.
  McCook left town and has not yet been arrested.

May 19, 1896
Union Recorder
Colton, the eighteen-months-ld son of Professor and Mrs. C. W. Moran, died at their home in Linton last Tueday morning, the 12th inst., after an illness of eighteen days. He was a bright child, and the idol of fond and loving parents, who have the sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends in this city and county, who sympathize with them in their sad affliction.

September 29, 1896
Union Recorder
ASSASSINATED. Dave Silver, of Sparta, Riddled With Bullets.
  Mr.Dave Silver of Sparta was assassinated by an unknown person while on his way home to supper last Saturday night shortly after 6 o'clock.
  Mr. Silver was on his way home from his store to supper, in company with his brother, Mr. Wolff Silver. They were only a half block away from the store on one of the most prominent streets in Sparta when the assassin sprang from a dark alley and shot at him five times from behind. Each bullet took effect and Mr. Silver sank to the ground a corpse. Mr. Wolff Silver pursued the assassin some distance, but could not capture him. He is supposed to be related to the negro who shot Mr. Silver some time ago and who is now in jail for the crime.
   When it became known that Mr. Silver had been assassinated the citizens of Sparta became aroused and determined to capture the assassin if such a thing was possible. The sheriff organized a posse and every effort was made to capture the guilty scoundrel.
  Mr. Silver was perhaps the wealthiest man in Sparta and among the wealthiest in the state. He did a large merchandising business in Sparta.
See Sept. 6, 1899

September 29, 1896
Union Recorder
NEGRO KILLED.
   Shortly after the assassination of Mr. Dave Silver, in Sparta, Harrison Boone, a negro barber, who was on a drunken spree, began to raise a disturbance on the street. When he was ordered by Policeman Bowen to be quiet or leave the street, he told the policeman he was not afraid of any ____ white man, and walked of down the street, shooting his pistol. Bowen summoned ome of his friends, as a posse, and went to the negro's house to arret him.
  When they arrived the negro opened the door and commenced shooting into the crowd. One pistol ball struck Policeman Bowen, wounding him slightly. The friends of Mr. Bowen shot the negro down in his own door, killing him instantly. The killing is regarded as justifiable. Boone, when sober, was a quiet, orderly begro, but when drunk was a dangerous and quarrelsome character.

October 5, 1897
The Macon Telegraph
DUSKY RHODA RETURNS. THE OLD FAMILY SERVANT OF THE SASSNETTS.  She Has Just Reached Home After a Terrible Experience in Liberia - She Stole Her Way Back - What Happened in Gotham.
"Bless God; oh, my God! Bless God! De projeckin' daughter have returned! Oh, bless God!"
  The family rushed out ot the back door to see what caused all the racket.
  Old Rhoda, who had been reared as a house girl in the home of the Sassnetts in Hancock county, was jumping up and down and screaming at the top of her voice. She had a genuine fit of hysterics, and was laughing and crying at the same time. It was dangerous for a small person to get within reach of her, becuase she could not resist the temptation to hug like a bear everything around which her arms could lock.
  This was a sequel to a short but interesting story. A few years ago old Rhoda became dissatisfied with her social condition in this country, and determined to join the immigration party who were soon to sail from Savannah for Libertia. She had heard of the great things in store for negroes who would go to Africa, and she went.
  It was not long, however, before she learned her mistake, but it was too late. Her money was all gone, and she had no friends to help her get back to America. Day after day she watched for a vessel, hoping to find an opportunity to steal aboard. At last her faithful watch was rewarded. She saw a big ship pulling into port. Then she had to devise some plan to hide away. Every day she would take little trifles in her basket and go down to the vessel and pretend to be trying to sell them to the sailors. Just before the ship set sail she found that nobody was watching her, and she secreted herself among the huge piles of freight, and was not discovered until after the vessel was out a day from her land. Of course a fuss was raised when it was found that she could not pay her way, but she agreed to do any kind of work. She toiled faithfully and was, in due time, land in New York.
  She had never before seen such a place. It was a great wilderness of houses, and she couldn't tell which way to turn. But her head was set for good old Georgia, in her desperation she began to yell at the top of her voice:
  "Work! Work! I want work!"
  People looked at her and rushed on, but she continued to cry out in her distress. A policeman walked up to her and demanded that she hush.
  "I ainter qwinter hush till I gits work. Work, work is what I wants and I'm qwinter git it, too. " she persistently yelled.
   The officer was so amused that he engaged her in conversation, and found that she could "do any kind of work any other n__ could do," and he agreed to take her to his own home, and give her a trial.
  She worked for the policeman four months and saved enough money to buy a ticket to Georgia. She lost no time in coming.
  The next heard of her, she was in the backyard of the old plantation home, shouting for joy, and declaring that the "projeckin" daughter had returned" never to go away again.

October 26, 1897
Union Recorder
Alec Brooking, probably the oldest man in Hancock county, died on the place of S. C. Shivers, about a mile south of Sparta, Monday morning. He was born in 1794, and was 103 years old.

December 14, 1897
Union Recorder
STANTON-FOX - At 7:30 o'clock, on the evening of the 9th inst., in Reynolds Chapel, Miss Carrie S. Stanton, of Devereaux, was married to Mr. Eugene R. Fox, of Milledgeville, by Rev. W. A> Pariss. The Chapel was beautifully decorated, and the interesting ceremony was witnessed by  a large number of the relatives and friends of the contracting parties. The bride is a lovely girl, and the groom is prosperous and manly young farmer. May their union be the pledge of happiness to them for all the years to come.

December 14, 1897
Union Recorder
  On Wednesday morning, at 10:30 o'clock, at the residence of the bride's father, in Hancock county, Miss Myra Thomas was married to Mr. W. O. Shivers, by Rev. W. R. Brahham.  A large number of the relatives and friends of the bride and groom were prsent. After the marriage the happy couple took the train
for Washington City.

October 28, 1898
The Lima News
Colonel Richard Malcolm Johnston, the distinguished educator and novelist, who recently closed his earthly career in the Maryland General Hospital at Baltimore, will long leave behind him the reputation of being one of the most skillful painters of negro character in the history of American letters.
     Colonel Johnson was born in Hancock county, Georgia, on March 8, 1822. Through his mother, Catherine Davenport, a native of Virginia, he is descended from the distinguished English family of that name who were among the early settlers of Connecticut. On his father's side Mr. Johnston is descended from Rev. Thomas Johnston, a clergyman of the Church of England who came from Scotland and settled in Virginia. He was the great-grandfather of the novelist. In 1779 William Johnston settled in Georgia and from him the Georgia branch of the family sprung.
     Colonel Johnston's early life was spent in Georgia. There he was prepared for college and he learned his classics from Mercer college, from which he graduated in 1841. He taught for a time, and then became a lawyer. In 1844 he married Miss Frances Mansfield, who was not yet 16 years old. He became the professor of literature at the Georgia State University and afterward opened a school of his own. Next he removed to Maryland and taught until his success as a describer of ante-bellum negro character determined his life work as that of letters. The first stories that were written by Colonel Johnston were not intended for publication but were worked out merely for his own gratification. "Dukesborough Tales" has few equals in its line and no superior in all the wide range of letters devoted to description of the southern negro. He published many of his stories under the pen name of Philemon Perch in the Southern Magazine. For these early efforts he received no pay whatever, but this was made up by the goodly sums his stores brought him afterward. Besides "Dukesborough Tales" he produced "Mr Neelus' Peeler's Conditions," "Studies, Literary and Social," a "History of English Literature" and a "Life of Alexander Stevens."

November 1, 1898
Union Recorder
  Mr. Richard Pound died at his home in Hancock county, Monday afternoon, the 24th ult. We learn that he was gathering corn, when death came upon him without a minute's warning. He was buried Tuesday.
  Mr. Pound is well known in this city, and was here on business Friday or satruday before his death.

November 8, 1898
Union Recorder
Mrs. Harriett Skinner West, wife of Mr. Jno. R. West, died in Hancock county, last Friday night, at 7 o'clock, after a long illness.
  His funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Rev. E. J. Smith officiating. Mr. West and eight children survive her. She was a daughter of Mr. Frank Skinner, and sister of Mr. Arthur Skinner, of this city. She was a member of Island Creek Baptist church, and was an excellent christian woman.
  The bereaved family have the sympathy of many friends in this city.

August 17, 1899
Atlanta Constitution
THE SIXTH GEORGIA REUNION
Veterans Gathering at Sparta from All Parts of the State
Sparta, Ga., Augusta 16 (Special) The surviving veterans of the Sixth Georgia regiment of the confederacy will hold a reunion here tomorrow and already veterans from all over the state are pouring into Sparta on every train. The headquarters of the old soldiers will be in the Dickens building, on Broad street, where refreshments will be served by the Sparta chapter of the Ladies' Memorial Association. The address of welcome will be made tomorrow by Judge F. L.Cole, after which a barbecue will be tendered the veterans in Factory Grove, near town. Tomorrow night an entertainment will be given them at the home of Mrs. H. A. Clinch, president of the Ladies' Memorial Association.

September 6, 1899
Augusta Chronicle
Slayer of Mr. D. Silver, of Sparta, Still at Large
Sparta, Ga., Sept. 5 (Special) Governor Candler has offered a reward of $150 for the arrest and delivery of Harry Butts, the negro who shot and killed Mr. David Silver, one of the most prominent merchants of Sparta, on the 26th of September, 1896. Butts shot Mr. Silver down as he was going from his store to his ome, and has never been apprehended, though parties scoured the county for him for several days after Silver was shot. Mr. Silver's death had been seriously felt in this community, as he was the leadr in every movement that tended to upbuild the town, and he has scores of friends here, who would like to see Butts brought to justice.

October 22, 1899
Macon Telegraph
Their Infant Dead. Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Pattillo, passed through Macon last night on their way to Mayfield, in Hancock county, where the remains of their infant son, who died at Barnesville yesterday morning at 11 o'clock, will be interred today.
  The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Pattillo greatly sympathize with them in their affliction.

November 2, 1899
The Macon Telegraph
DEATH OF MR, TREADWELL.
Hancock Loses One of Its Best Farmers.
Sparta, Ga., Nov 1. Mr.John W. Treadwell, one of Hancock's leading and most progressive farmers died yesterday from a paralytic stroke. The entire community mourns the loss of so estimable a man.

December 7, 1899
The Macon Telegraph
DEATH AT SPARTA. Mrs. Dr. Burt's Mother Passes Away There.
  Sparta, Ga., Dec. 6 - Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, an aged and well beloved citizen of our town, died Monday evening at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. Lindsay Baker. She leaves six daughters, Mrs. Marshall Lane of Atlanta, Mrs. Sidney Mitchell of Washington County, Mrs. A. M. Burt of Macon, Mrs. Elizabeth Jordan, Mrs. Alf Brown, and Mrs. Lindsay Baker of Sparta, and one son, Mr. Sidney Brown of Monroe, La. All except the latter were at her bedside when the final summons came. She was laid to rest Tuesay afternoon heside her husband, the late Dr. Brown, and other loved ones gone before.

December 22, 1899
The Macon Telegraph
DEATH IN THE RIDE. Prominent Hancock Citizen Thrown From His Buggy.
Sparta, Ga., Dec. 21. Monday afternoon about 5 o'clock Mr. Thomas Perdue, a well-to-do and prosperous farmer, living a few miles east of here, was thrown from his buggy headforemost, and his head so badly gashed that he died in a few minutes from concussion of the brain. He was dead before Drs. Hiley and Harrison reached the scene of the accident, but they were in time to administer to the needs of his wife, who also sustained painful but not serious wounds.   The accident was caused by a small dog running across the road and frightening the mule. Mr. Perdue leaves a widow and two children, both young.
  Yesterday afternoon at Culverton, a small town five miles east of here, Mr. George Waller and Miss Hattie Culver were united in marriage by Rev. J. R. Lewis. The church was prettily decorated with hot house plants, and presented a beautiful spectacle. Miss Quinn of Washington presided at the organ, and as the soft, sweet strains of music pealed forth, the attendants came up the aisle as follows: Mr. G. C. Dougherty and Miss Julia Connell, Mr. George Collins and Miss Morcia Culver, Mr. Lester Culver and Miss Maude Culver; Mr. Hill Waller and Miss Nonie Culver, and then the bridal couple. Few handsomer couples than this one ever joined their lives together.
  Mr. DeL Turner, Jr. and wife of Tennille are spending a few days with relatives at Sparta.