January 28, 1870
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. Jan. 18th 1870, in Sparta, Ga., by the Rev. M. P. Pledger, Mr. Milton Bass to Miss Margaret M. Sterling.

February 4, 1870
 The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. In Sparta, Ga., on the morning of the 20th inst., by Rev. Dr. Curtis of South Carolina, George F. Pierce, Jr., to
Harrie Hayes, eldest daughter of Rev. W. J. Harley. Issue of February 4, 1870

March 1, 1870
Federal Union
MARRIED, On the 10th of February, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Dr. Beman, Mr. R. M. GRIMES of Hancock county, to Miss L. N. JOURNEGAN,  daughter of Dr. Journegan of Greene Co.

March 11, 1870
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. On 14th Dec. 1869, by Rev. Lovick Pierce, D. D., Dr. E. D. Allfriend, of Sparta, to Miss Mary S. Pierce.

March 15, 1870
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Miss Annie Pierce, daughter of Bishop Geo. F. Pierce, was married, last week to Mr. Jas. A. Harley of Sparta.

April 29, 1870
The Southern Christian Advocate
 Married. On April 20, in Trinity Church, Charleston, by Rev. W. P. Mouzon, Dr. P. T. Pendleton, of Sparta, Ga., and
Miss Mattie A. Nelson, daughter of Samuel A. Nelson, of that city.

May 8, 1870
Sun and Times
~excerpt
    And, by the by, speaking of juries, we have in our possession an extract from an old newspaper in regard in a Grand Jury once impaneled in Hancock county, Ga, which we will here publish as an evidence of the justice of our views on the subject of obesity, as well as a curiosity for the benefit of those who have never before heard of the matter. The extract was furnished us by an estimable lady of this county, who is a descendant of one of the jurors, so celebrated for their weight, intelligence and integrity.
  A FAT JURY. The average weight of twenty two gentlemen who composed the Grand Jury at the late term of Hancock Superior Court was 200½ pounds. ONE OF THE JURY April 25th, 1825
  The names of the jurors were: John Abercrombie, Thos. Lancaster, Jos. Roberts, John Lucas, Hartwell Gary, Thos. Hudson, E. B. Brooking, Isaac Battle, Larkin Bass, Jas. Clarborn, John Daniel, Wm. Shivers, Jr., Jacob P. Norton, Jas. Hall, Chas. Wedlock, James W. Fannin, Jas. L. Daniel, Rich'd Hardwick, John Veasey, Philip Turner, Migs Sledge, Charles Abercrombie, and John Mann. Six of these were very small men.

June 21, 1870
Macon Telegraph
  Mr. Frederick Butts died in Hancock county, last week, aged 91.

June 23, 1870
The Daily Sun
FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER - A case of unusual interest was tried last week at the adjourned term of Wilkes Superior Court, before Judge Andrews. It was that of David Pound, indicted for the murder of John D. Harrison, in February, 1876 (1867). There had been mistrials in Hancock Superior Court, from whence, by consent order, the case was removed to Wilkes. The trial commenced on Tuesday morning and continued for three days, Jude (sic) Andrews concluding his charge to the jury about 10 o'clock Thursday night, who at Friday noon returned a verdict pronuncing the prisoner "guilty of murder." Th ecommunity we are advised, pronounce it a most righteous verdict. Messrs, Little and Jordan, of Hancock, and Judge Hook of this city, appeared for the prosecution, and Hon. Robert Toombs appearing for Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, counsel for the defense, and Judge Linton Stephens for the defendant. The counsel for the defense, we are advised, have moved for a new trial, solely upon the rulings of the Court. For these points were are indebted to a private letter from Washington yesterday. - Constitutionalist

June 24, 1870
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. By Rev. Thos. P. Pierce, in Washington, June 7, Mr. W. W. Simpson of Sparta, to Mrs. Lucy A. DuBose, of Wilkes co., Ga.

July 21, 1870
Atlanta Constitution
Austin W. Berry, a leading citizen of Sparta, died on the 15th instant.

July 26, 1870
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Mrs. Rice P. Knowles died in Hancock county, July 9th, aged 95 years. She leaves a husband to whom she had been married seventy years.
   A man named John Tinnon has been distinguishing himself as a polygamist in Sparta. He married a girl there, leaving two or three other wives, elsewhere.

August 17, 1870
Columbus Enquirer
  Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock, formerly of the United States Army, and during the war Federal Commissioner for the exchange of prisoners, died near Sparta, Hancock county, on the 8th inst.

August 23, 1870
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
   Mr. Lovett Saunders, one of the oldest citizens of Hancock county, died last week.

September 14, 1870
Atlanta Constitution
Rewards
Governor Bullock offers the following rewards, viz:
     Five thousand dollars for the arrest with evidence to convict, of any one of the twelve murderers of Will Calver, killed in Hancock county, and $1,000 for each additional arrest; $500 each for the arrest and delivery to the sheriff, of Isaac Johnson and Robert Dudley, for the murder of Jerry Long in Hancock county; $1,000 for the arrest and delivery to the sheriff of Milton county, with evidence to convict, of David A. Morrow, for the murder of George Wheeler; $500 for the arrest, etc., of  John Smith, for the murder of James B. Crane, of Chatham.

September 25, 1870
Atlanta Constitution
     The Bullock Ku-Klux are committing great depredations in Hancock county. A few nights ago they burned the barn of Mr. David Dickson, the celebrated cotton man, who lives near Sparta.

September 27, 1870
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
NEGRO OUTRAGE IN HANCOCK COUNTY. The Sparta Times and Planter, of Saturday says:
  It appears that some time ago a negro, said to be well behaved and inoffensive, was through mistake shot for another negro, of bad character, by some unknown parties in disguise. The parties accused by the negroes of the shooting, were Messrs. Robt. Dudley and
I. F. Johnson; the only evidence being, that one negro testified that he knew Mr. Johnson in the dark by his gait. On Saturday night, the 10th inst., a party of disguised negroes well armed went near the residence of Mr. Dudley - about six miles from Sparta - and lay in ambush on the road-side; and a Mr. Logue passing on horse-back, they fired on him and killed his horse, he making his escape. They then proceeded to the house of Mr. Dudley, and not finding him at home. they pulled up and destroyed about an acres of cotton, an then burned the gin house. After this, they proceeded to Mr. Johnson's and not finding him, they commenced a general plundering of the premises, killing a horse, mortally wounding a mule, and mortally scaring some other quadrupeds. After these valiant exploits, they retired in good order to their respective homes. Mr. Johnson, being of course enraged at such a procedure, began to investigate with references to discovering the perpetrators of this outrage; and finding some tracks, he measured them, whence the report was circulated among the negroes that he had sworn to shoot every negro in the county whose foot fitted those tracks. They being alarmed, reported the case to our garrison, who went to Mr. J's residence a few days since and arrested him. Now mark the injustice of this procedure. As soon as he was charged with the murder he came voluntarily and gave himself up to the civil authorities for a fair trial. This he did three successive times, and the authorities not considering the evidence sufficient for a trial dismissed him. Now here, a month afterward, he must need be arrested by the military, for no just cause whatever, guarded with bayonets and loaded rifles, even chained down like a criminal
  One of the negroes who shot Mr. Logue's horse has been arrested and committed to jail for trial in October. He refused to turn State's evidence for fear of being killed by his accomplices.

November 22, 1870
Federal Union
DIED, Suddenly, in Hancock county, on the first day of November, Miss Alsey Mullins, aged 79 years, 7 months and 11 days.

November 22, 1870
The Georgia Weekly Telegraph and Journal & Messenger
  The Sparta Times and Planter comes this week with ten column to the page. It presents a stunning appearance, really. We clip these items from it:
  A Mr. George Jenkins was thrown from a wagon and instantly killed on Thursday last.
  The deceased resided in this county near Devereux Station. Unfortunately he was under the influence of liquor, when the horses were frightened and ran away causing his death.
  A little negro was burned to death on the plantation of Col. Lane, a few days ago. This is the second occurrence of the kind which has happened at his place this year.
  One Allen Yancy a negro. has been appointed by Bullock, Magistrate of the 114th District, in place of Js. McCray, who resigned sometime ago.
  The man arrested in Baldwin county last week as a Ku-Klux has been set at liberty.

December 6, 1870
The Macon Weekly Telegraph and Messenger and Journal
OLD HANCOCK - The Sparta Times and Planter rejoices in the improving fortunes of that good old town. It has more brick stores than any town of its size in the State, and the most prosperous cotton factory in Georgia. Moreover, it supports the biggest four-page paper in Georgia. [But the ambition, friend Times and Planter, to cover square inches is the poorest you can aim at. Per contra, save every inch of your paper your business will permit, and fill the smallest sheet you can print chock full with lively local news and paying advertisements. That's the way to do it.] The Times and Planter says he printed eleven thousand circulars and eight thousand pamphle's (sic) last week in aid of home inventions. Well, it does us good to see old Hancock rising to glory. The Times and Planter says:
  It is reported that a free excursion train will go from Macon to Charleston about the first of December when the regular schedule on the new road will be commenced.
  The Knights of Jericho mustered an indomitable phalanx in Sparta on the 23d, under the lead of Dr. E. M. Pendlenton. "Charge, Chester, charge!" and and as you have but a tipsey (sic) antagonist, you ought to unhorse him in the first encounter.
  The Rads. in Hancock nominated last Saturday Harrison and Barnes (colored) for the Legislature; James Rogers, for Sheriff;
J. B. Johnson, Clerk of Court; John Gonder, (colored) Tax Receiver: Simon Slade, Tax Collector; W. L. Wilson, County Surveyor. Messrs. Rogers, Johnson and Wilson, are not understood as compromising their Democratic principles. No colored men were able to give bond, and the above mentioned gentlemen were nominated as the dernier resort.

December 20, 1870
Southern Recorder
  Married on the 15th inst. at the residence of the brides brother, Mr. J. M. Jones of Hancock County, by the Rev. N. B. Binion,
Z. T. Binion to Miss A. J. Jones of the same county. Being in attendance as special groomsman, we are induced to tender, not hearty, but double hearty thanks for the kind compliment bestowd. Would we were a Jones, or a Smith, so that time would show forth our appreication of this noted family.
  The young ladies present no matter how envious, we would advise to change their names, as the Smith family are noted for beauty. Butt(s) the other girls need not despair. Aurevoir.

February 9, 1871
Atlanta Constitution
Mr. Fox, a citizen of South Carolina, but who recently moved to Hancock, died at his residence, a few miles from Sparta, of cerebrospinal meningitis, on the morning of the 2d last.

March 7, 1871
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  A negro named Daniel Carr, while loading a waggon with guano on Wednesday, at the Sparta depot, fell to the ground and died instantly.
  The last Sparta Times and Planter has the following items:
  THOSE TRESTLES. Our readers will be gratified to learn that the work of fitting up the trestles on the M. & A. Railroad is progressing encouragingly. That over Ivey branch, one of the longest and tallest on the road, is over half completed, and by the aid of the "Steam Shovel" which the Supervisor has in operation, not only this but all other trestles on the road will soon be finished up.
  INCENDIARIES are again at work in Hancock. During the past week the gin-houe of Mr. William B. Hunt has been burned, a house containing about ten bags cotton on David Dickson's plantation, and the country residence of Mr. Lafayette Powell.
 

April 7, 1871
Daily Enquirer
  We learn that Mr. David Dickson, the well known Georgia planter, has determined to found a city in Hancock county, to be called Dickson City. The grounds of the place have already been laid out, and hey afford ample scope for farms, manufactories, and other interests.  The water power in the vicinity of the embryo metropolis is said to be the finest in the world, and two lines of railway will pass through the proposed site. Reservations have been made in the plan for churches, schools, public buildings, markets, etc. - We are informed that Mr. Dickson is now appointed agents to solicit immigration from the North, South, East and West, and it is expected that by next spring Dickson City will boast of a population of ten thousand. If Mr. Dickson is as successful in raising a city as he is in raising corn and cotton, we may look out for something marvelous. --Savannah News.

May 31, 1871
The Southern Christian Advocate
 Married. In Sparta, Ga., May 2d, by Rev. A. J. Jarrell, Dr. Charles S. Strother, of Barnesville, to MissLula Lamar, of Sparta.

August 1, 1871
The Georgia Weekly Telegraph and Journal & Messenger
  During last week George Matthews was killed in Hancock county by his son-in-law, Charles Dubose, and Jordan Dennis killed Geo. Williams, in Washington county.
 

October 25, 1871
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. In Sparta, Ga., Oct. 3d, 1871 by W. P. Pledger, David Dickson, Esq., of Hancock co., Ga., to MissClara C. Harris, daughter of Col. Benjamin T. Harris, of the former place.

November 15, 1871
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. On 7th Nov., in Sparta, Ga., by Bishop Pierce, Mr. R. Henry Thomas, of California, to Miss Susie W. Turner of Sparta, Ga.

November 28, 1871
Macon Weekly Telegraph
  ~excertp~ second issue of the Hancock Sentinel, a newspaper just established at Sparta,....we copy these items:
On Friday the 10th inst., Mr. Thomas Hobby killed a young man named Ben. Roberts, both citizens of this county. We understand that the difficulty arose from an old grudge on the part of Roberts. The affair happened in the public road. The body of Roberts was taken about five miles from the place of the killing, where an inquest was held. The verdict of the Coroner's jury, we hear, is justifiable homicide.

December 20, 1871
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. In Sparta, Ga., on the 14th of Dec., by Rev. W. P. Pledger, Mr. Jno. G. Daniel to Miss M. Emma Sasnett, daughter of the late Dr. Wm. J. Sasnett.

December 26, 1871
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  Mr.James H. Burnett, of Sparta, died last Thursday, age 83 years.

January 26, 1872
Augusta Chronicle
Preparing for Death - The Atlanta Sun says that "John Bonner, an old citizen of Hancock county, well-known throughout the State, died in Sparta a few days ago, after a protracted illness. He was nearly seventy years of age at the time of his death. He was an oddity in his way. It is said he had his coffin made years ago, and has kept it on hand ever since, and that at the time it was made, he put a number of bottles of brandy of his own make in it, to be kept till his death, and drank by his friends at the funeral. We have not heard whether the brandy was appropriated as designed or not. It was old enough to be good."

February 6, 1872
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Mr. Albert Birdsong was married last Tuesday night, at Sparta, to Miss Clifford Pardee.

February 20, 1872
The Georgia Weekly Telegraph and Journal & Messenger
  A negro named Andrew Worthen, was shot and killed by a white man named J. O. Dickson, last Saturday, near Sparta. Dickson was arrested and bailed in $1,000 to appear at the next term of Hancock Superior Court.

February 22, 1872
Federal Union
  Mr.Lorenzo S. Stewart, of Sparta, died on the 6th inst., aged 68.
  The Hancock Sentinel of Saturday says: Col. John Bonner, died last Thursday evening at 8 o'clock. He had been sick for some time, and as his death was momentally expected, it will be no surprise to our readers. More than once the papers had chronicled his death, since his present sickness, once, we learn the announcement was made publicly in the Church. His coffin, which he  has had prepared some twenty years, was brought in from his place on Wednesday before his death.
Parham Allen, of Hancock county, died on the 4th inst., aged 71.

February 29, 1872
Augusta Chronicle
~excerpt
Death of Col. B. T. Harris Sparta, GA. February 25, 1872. Editors Atlanta Sun,
Colonel B. T. Harris, died here this morning at 8 o'clock, after a lingering illness of five or six weeks. He was in his 59th year. For the last forty years he has been a prominent man in the county. Few men have ever been more closely identified with the interests of the community than he. Few men have done more for it.
  His burial occurs on Wednesday, at 10 o'clock. He will be buried with masonic honors. His loss to the community cannot be estimated..

March 5, 1872
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
   The Hancock Sentinel, of Saturday, says the dead body of a negro named Ben. Miller was found in a fence corner near the village of Linton, in that county, on the 18th inst. A bullet through  the brain had done the work. No clue whatever could be found to the perpetrator of the deed. It seems that the negro had two wives, one at Linton and the other at Devereaux, and about two weeks previously had set out from the former place to carry something to one of his children at the latter, intending to be gone some ten or twelve days. The next heard from him was as above recorded. Traces of blood were found on the upper rails of the fence, in the corner of which he was lying, from which it is inferred that the person who did the shooting must have carried the body to the place and thrown it ovr the fence.

March 19, 1872
Georgia Weekly Telegraph.
SUICIDE IN HANCOCK- The following letter was received in Sparta last evening: To the coroner of Hancock County: - W.C. Smith shot and killed himself this morning, on his plantation on Oconee River, in the extreme western end of the county. He has been threatening to kill himself for some time, and committed the act this morning about nine o'clock. Friday, March 8, 1872. Geo G. Smith.

April 12, 1872
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. Wm. Askew, an old citizen of Hancock county, after confinement to his bed for many years by incurable illness, died last week, aged 65 years.

June 5, 1872
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married
On May 7th, 1872, by Rev. W. T. Caldwell, Mr. Benjamin C. Culver to Miss Sallie T. Davis, both of Hancock county, Ga.
On May 23d, 1872, by Rev. W. T. Caldwell, Mr. N. H. Coleman to Miss A. L. Cody, both of Hancock county, Ga.
June 5, 1872

June 12, 1872
Atlanta Constitution
De Mortuis
    The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Lovick Pierce, Jr., died in Sparta, June 5th.

June 15, 1872
Augusta Chronicle
The Hancock Troop Cavalry Company has been organized. Captain L.L. Lamar; First Lieutenant, R. B. Baxter; Second Lieutenant, H.H. Culver; Third Lieutenant, E.P. Barnett. We raise the name of James M. Smith to the head of our columns for re-election. -Sparta Times and Planter.

July 16, 1872
Southern Recorder
Death of Hon. Linton Stephens
 Will shock our whole people, whom he has served ably and faithfully, in the past. About 5 o'clock P.M., on Sunday last, he died of congestion of the Lungs, at his home, in Sparta. Georgia has lots in him, one of her ablest lawyers and most potential leaders. In our next we will furnish a biographical sketch of the distinguished dead. 

September 17, 1872
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Mr. E. Johnson, an old citizen of Hancock county, died near Sparta on Friday, aged 79 years.

December 25, 1872
Atlanta Constitution
 De Mortuis. Died, in Sparta, on the 18th instant, Edgard B. Fears.

January 15, 1873
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married.  Jan. 5th 1873, at the residence of Mr. Sam. Lary, by Rev. A. C. Thomas, Mr. John Lary to MissRebecca Warren, all of Hancock county, Ga.

January 23, 1873
Union and Recorder
  Married at the residence of the bride's father in Hancock county, Jan. 18th by Rev. G. H. Patillo, Mr. Z. Butler Brown and Miss Rebecca Pearson.

February 28, 1873
The Daily Sun
  The Savannah papers gave the particulars of two sad cases of suicide, in that city on Tuesday lst. The first is that of Mr. Torence Nugent, proprietor of the Bull's Head Saloon, and a man of family, and the second that of Mr. Charles W. Burnett, both of whom shot themselves during fits of despondency. The latter gentleman was a native of Sparta, Hancock county, Ga., son of Mr. W. H. Burnett, of that place, and was aged twenty-three years. He had been for some time past in the employ of his uncle, Mr. Soullard, as book-keeper, and was regarded as a very competent young man.

February 19, 1873
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. At the residence of Rev. J. W. Burke, in Macon, Ga., by Rev. J. S. Key, D. D., at the same time and by the same ceremony, N. E. Harris, Esq., of Sparta, Ga., to Miss Fannie T. Burke, and Rev. B. H. Sasnett, of the North Georgia Conference, to MissMamie B. Burke.

April 1, 1873
Macon Telegraph
   PAINFUL ACCIDENT- One of the most painful accidents occurred at Linton, Ga., on the 17th inst., it has ever been our duty to record. Little Alba, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Trawick, while playing with her little sister, fell over the rocker of a chair, striking her head against the floor, and died in a few minutes. She was about fifteen months old.

May 7, 1873
Union and Recorder
Hon. Joseph B. Gonder died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. C. W. Gause, in this city, on the morning of the 4th inst. Judge Gonder was born and raised in Hancock county, Ga., has been a member of the legislature and filled many important offices during his life was always highly respected by those who knew him. By his death, society has lot a useful citizen. He was buried with Masonic honors, of which ancient and honorable society he was long a member.

   We have recived a neat card informing us that our friend Miller DuBose of Sparta has married. Amidst the storm of indignation that this announcement wll arouse among Georgia's maidens, we have barely temerity enought that the ladies' name is Miss Mary A. Simonton. Luck, beloved, and prosperity.

May 20, 1873
Macon Telegraph
     Epathroditidis McCray, who was born in Hancock county in 1789, died in that county last week. He was a soldier in the war of 1812.

June 7, 1873
Augusta Chronicle
   HONOR TO THE DEAD. The Remains of Lieutenant J. L.  Evans Escorted to the Depot by the Richmond Hussars - A Detail Accompanied Him to Sparta.
    It was our sad duty yesterday morning to note the death of Mr. Julian L. Evans, Junior Second Lieutenant of the Richmond Hussars, one of the most promising and esteemed young gentlemen in the city. Mr. Evans was the last of his immediate family, his father and mother having died some years since of the same disease-typhoid fever-which carried him off. His only remaining realtive is an uncle living near Sparta.
    Yesterday morning, at eleven o'clock, the Hussars assembled in full uniform; for the purpse of escorting the remains of their beloved comrade and honored officer to the depot, whence they were to be taken to Sparta by the 12:15 Macon and Augusta Railroad train, for interment. The company,after assembling, marched to the front ot Clara Hall; om which the body was lying in state. The Hall was draped in mourning, while the coffin, in which reposed the dead, was covered with wreaths and crosses of Cape jessamins and magnolias. Capt. Daniel and Lieuts. Fleming, Carwile, and Miller, of the Oglethorpe Infantry; Capt. O'Connor and Lieut. May, of the Irish Volunteers, and Capt. Holt and Lieuts. Ford, Dlelane, and Anderson, of the Clinch Rifles, acted as pall bearers, and conveyed the coffin to the hearse in front of the Hall. A host of friends of the departed silently uncovered their heads as the pall bearers emerged from the door with their burden, while the Hussars presented sabres. The coffin placed in the hearse, the cortege moved off, the Hussars marching by platoons, with sabres reversed, in front, the hearse and pall bearers next, then the horse of the deceased, saddled and bridled and led by a groom, and lastly, a long line of carriages, containing friends of Lieut. Evans.
   The procession moved down Broad to Jackson street, through Jackson to Greene, up Greene to Campbell, and through Campbell to the depot, where the body was placed on the train.
     It was accompanied to Sparta - where it was interred yesterday afternoon-by a detachment of fifteen men from the Hussars, under command of Lieut. J. W. Clark.       

July  10, 1873
Atlanta Constitution
   Mr. S. W. Alexander, former tenant of David Dickson, Sr., committed suicide last week, on the place known as the "Hood place" about nine miles from town. For some time he had been very much depressed on account of domestic troubles, and had frequently threatened to kill himself on other occasions. On Wednesday he suddenly disappeared from the house, and not returning at night, his friends became alarmed for his safety, and immediately made search for him. He was not found, however till last Thursday evening. It appeared that he had gone into the woods, near his house, armed with a bottle of laudanum and a razor. After drinking the laudanum, he had deliberately taken the razor and cut his throat from ear to ear. Failing to reach the carotids and anxious to make sure work he then made desperate efforts to reach the arteries in his arms, inflicting horrible gashes on both. He was still breathing when discovered, though evidently strongly under the influence of the opium. Medical aid was immediately summoned, nut it was soon found that the system was too far gone to allow a reaction. He died  on Friday succeeding. - William Speights, an old citizen of this county, was run over and instantly killed by a freight train, on last Saturday, at Devereaux Station. He had gone to the station to meet his little daughter and  from sickness, or some other cause, fell upon the track just in front of the train. Times and Planter.

July 23, 1873
Union and Recorder
Married.  On the afternoon of the 14th of July, in the First Baptist Church Atlanta, by the Rev. Wm. H. Cooper, Mr. Wm. M. Allen, of Hancock county, and Miss Lizzie Reynolds, of Atlanta.

Died in Hancock county on the 25 ult., of typhoid fever, Mrs. Susan Snipes, wife of John A. Snipes, aged 25 year. She died after a brief but severe illness of twelve days, which she bore with Christian resignation. she leave a husband and four little children to mourn her early departure.

August 6, 1873
Atlanta Constitution
 Mr. Charles Eubanks, died on last Thursday morning at this place, aged 35. The Rev. Lovic Pierce, D. D. , is now in Sparta, and has sufficiently recovered his health to be out on the street again. A series of prayer meetings has been conducted by the Rev. J. H. Lowery at the Methodist church in Sparta, every morning during the past week Much interest is being manifested. Times and Planter

October 1, 1873
Atlanta Constitution
SPARTA.
   There is considerable sickness in Sparta and the surrounding country at the present time. The warm days and cool nights are supposed to be the cause -
A great deal of cotton is coming in from the new crop-
A negro man known as Jim Chala, Jr., was killed on Sunday evening, by another negro named Larkin Davis. The murderer has escaped. Times and Planter

October 10, 1873
Atlanta Constitution
  Miss Johanna Caro, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. J. Caro, died at the residence of her parents, in Sparta, on Saturday, the 20th of November, of heart disease. She was aged 18 years, 9 months and 21 days.,

October 21, 1873
Macon Telegraph
    The Sparta Times and Planter announces the death of Mr. Fitzhugh Berry one of the staunchest citizens of Hancock county.

December 3, 1873
Macon Telegraph
MR. JOHN G. GREEN, of Sparta, died suddenly of apoplexy last Tuesday.

February 25, 1874
The Southern Christian Advocate
On the 17th February, 1874, by Rev. Thos. J. Adams, Mr. Henry B. Jones to Miss Elizabeth C. McKinley, the former of Taliaferro, and the latter of Hancock county, Ga. .

June 3, 1874
Union and Recorder
~excerpt~ DIED, Near Island Creek, Hancock County, March 10th, 1874, HARVEY MULLINS, in the 86th year of his age.

August 25, 1874
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
The Sparta Times and Planter announces the death of Mr. John F. Adams and Miss Olivia Smith, last week; also that the negroes of that county have five organized companies and are drilling almost every night.

September 29, 1874
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Dr. Jeremiah McMullen, an old citizen of Hancock county, died, suddenly of apoplexy at Culverton last week.

November 10, 1874
Macon Telegraph
~excerpt~ Death of Oliver Danforth, Esq. The community was astonished yesterday morning on hearing of the said announcement of the sudden death of that good man, Mr. Oliver Danforth, which took place at his residence on Walnut street Sunday evening at twenty minutes past eight o'clock, in the fifty-fifth year of his age.
   He was a son of that eminently pious instructor, the late Oliver Danforth, who had the honor awarded to him of establishing the first secular school in Georgia cast of the Ogeechee river, and also of being the first instructor of a male school in this county.
   The deceased, of whom we write, was born in Hancock county, Ga., August 23, 1820. At the early age of fifteen years entered business there; several years afterwards he returned to Columbus, Ga., and soon engaged in the drug business. At an early age he became a member of the Methodist Church, and at a later period was made an officer in St. Luke's Church. In 1850 he was married to Miss Emma A. Nagle, of Columbia, S. C., the fruits of which marriage were eight children-three of whom died and were buried in Columbus. About the same year of his marriage he established the firm of Danforth & Nagle, druggists and apothecaries, which prospered for several years. After living in Columbus over twenty years he removed to Macon where he had been employed until the day of his death in his old profession as an apothecary .....

December 9, 1874
The Southern Christian Advocate
In Hancock county, Ga., by Rev. H. J. Ellis, Rev. J. W. Stipe, of the North Georgia Conference, to Miss Kittie Evans.

March 24, 1875
Daily Constitution
IN HANCOCK COUNTY
     The details of the calamity on Mr. S. D. Massey's place, near Sparta, are most pitiful.
     There were sixteen houses on Mr. Massey's place, and of all of them there is not one piece of timber left upon another. His residence was built of hewn logs, weatherboarded outside and ceiled on the inside. Some of these logs were blown to a distance of a mile and a half, and shingles from the roof were blown to the distance of several miles.
     When he saw the storm coming Mr. Massey made a frantic effort to save his wife and child. He ran into the house and seizing them attempted to get them out of doors; but before he reached the door the walls were crushed in. He thrust them toward the door and was himself caught in the timbers. When the storm had passed he discovered his wife lying near him with her brains crushed out. His child, an only one, about two years old, he found in the garden with a fearful hole torn it its side. It was dead. Miss Sallie Berry had been blown into the top of a pine tree, which had fallen near by. Her legs were broken in seven places and she was otherwise awfully mangled. She lived four hours. A negro man on the place ran to the nearest house for help, and when neighbours arrived they found Mr. Massey, who was badly hurt, sitting beside his dead wife, with his dead child in his arms and the dying girl lying near him. No words can describe the horror of the spectacle. A negro woman, on this place had her knee broken and her right arm is so badly hurt that amputation will be necessary.
     A field in which the wheat was six inches high, and a broom sedge field, were cleaned bare as if they had been burned and the ashes swept off. A covey of partridges were found dead near the house, two dead rabbits were found in the yard, and all the chickens, rats and cats on the place were also killed. The skirts of Mr. Massey's coat were blown off, and his shoes and socks were blown from his feet and have not yet been found. The injuries to his person are very severe. A considerable amount of money which he had in the house was blown away, so was all his silver, in fact everything, even down to his clothing. He had to borrow clothing from his neighbours.
    The places of Mr. Thomas Little and Mr. Carpenter were sadly torn to pieces, and a number of negroes wounded.
    The following houses and plantations were wrecked in Hancock county: John T. Massey's. His wife and child and a Miss Singleton were killed. The houses of Jessie Reynold's, Carter P. Whaley, G.T. Rhodes including two fine orchards, were totally destroyed.

April 7, 1875
The Southern Christian Advocate
In the Baptist Church, at Jewell's Mills, Hancock county, Ga., March 25th, 1875, by Rev. T. J. Veasy, Mr. Thaddeus Walker to MissMary Willie Enlow, all of Hancock county, Ga.

April 7, 1875
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married
In the Baptist Church, at Jewell's Mills, Hancock county, Ga., March 25th, 1875, by Rev. T. J. Veasy,
Mr. Thaddeus Walker to MissMary Willie Enlow, all of Hancock county, Ga.

April 14, 1875
Georgia Weekly Gazette
  Dr. Thos. C. Watkins, an old Georgia, writes as follows from Austin Texas to the Atlanta Constitution:
  Of course there are few, if any living, who can recollect the destructive storm of wind which passed through your State about the year 1802 or 1804. Many now survive who have, years afterwards, seen its effects. What I wish to call your attention to, is that the two tornadoes should have swept over nearly the same portions of Georgia. While I was a student at Mount Zion Academy I frequently passed across the track of the one last mentioned, and could plainly perceive its ravages, though it had been twelve and fifteen years after the occurrence. It passed just below Sparta, between that place and the celebrated time honored Methodist camp-meeting ground. Not a tree was left standing. I have seen its ravages in Columbia county, also. I never heard of any lives being lost by the violence of the storm.

May 4, 1875
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
SUICIDE IN SPARTA. Sparta, April 29. Willie E. Burnett, a lad of seventeen, committed suicide at his father's house here last night at twelve o'clock. He went home shortly before twelve, and being intoxicated, was followed into his room by his parents, and after talking and threatening to commit the act, suddenly drew a derringer, placed it over his heart and fired, the ball entering the heart and producing almost instantaneous death. He was a son of Mr. W. H. Burnett, one of our best citizens, and the said event has cast a shadow of gloom over out community. An elder son of the same gentleman, it will be remembered, suicided at Savannah a few years ago.

June 15, 1875
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
   The Sparta Times and Planter announces the death in that county, last Wednesday, of Mrs. Jane Birdsong, in the 86th year of her age. Her husband was lieutenant colonel of Few's regiment of Georgia volunteers in the war of 1812. She fell from the top to the bottom of a flight of stairs, and was instantly killed.
   The same paper says on last Thursday Mr. Martin Johnson, who lives about ten miles from Sparta, was gumming a saw on an emery wheel, when some one turned more speed on the wheel and it exploded, with a noise similar to the report of a gun, the fragments striking him on the head, stomach and bowels, not penetrating in either place, but causing such injuries internally, that he suffered intensely until Sunday morning about 3 o'clock, when he died.

August 10, 1875
Daily Constitution
SPARTA
-Old Aunt Rhoda, formerly belonging to Mrs. Sasnett, of this place, returned from Liberia a day or two since, the happiest darkey you ever saw. In three years she got enough of that country. (Times and Planter)

August 24, 1875
Southern Recorder
  We learn that a negro  was shot at  Palmer's Store in Hancock county on yesterday by Joe Bland.  A difficulty occurred between a Mr. Arnold and the negro, whose name is Joe Simmons, in which Bland   became involved and shot the negro who is believed to be mortally wounded.

September 7, 1875
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
Cutting Affray at Sparta
Special to the Telegraph and Messenger.
Sparta, Ga., August 31 - Last night, about 11 o'clock, a fight occurred between John Bruce and Anderson Winn, negroes, in which Winn fatally stabbed Bruce, who was trying to quiet a quarrel in which Winn was engaged. Winn has escaped. D.

October 29, 1875
Augusta Chronicle.
MARRIED, In Sparta, Ga., at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Mr. Mullalby, Ocober 27th, THOS. F. FLEMING, of Augusta, to Miss JULIA BAKER. No cards.

November 30, 1875
Daily Constitution
SPARTA. Anderson Winn (col) has been granted a new trial.
Elim church which was destroyed by the tornado on the 20th of March, has been rebuilt - Times and Planter

December 15, 1875
Augusta Chronicle
~excerpt~ Died, at his residence at Mount Zion, Hancock county, Rev. Carlyle P. Beman, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.

January 5, 1876
The Southern Christian Advocate
Married. By Rev. G. H. Pattillo, in the Methodist Church, Sparta, Ga., December 21st, 1875, Mr. Thomas R. Lamar to
Miss J. Bettie Larson.
By Rev. G. H. Pattillo, in the Methodist Church, Sparta, Ga., December 21st, 1875, Mr. Henry Harris to Miss
S. Amelia Williams.

January 11, 1876
The Atlanta Constitution
HORRIBLE FRATRICIDE. A Maniac Kills His Brother - A Midnight Death Struggle With a Madman
Sparta Times and Planter.
    Our pen recoils from the duty of recording the particulars, as far as known, of one of the most horrible affairs that has occurred in our county for many a year.
  On the morning of Tuesday the 28th of December, there was a general lull in the din and noise of the Christmas festivities of Sparta, caused by the announcement that "Jim Dickson has killed his brother Dave.
  Upon inquiry we found the terrible story true, and repaired to the
SCENE OF THE TRAGEDY
which was the back room of the store house on Mr. Alex Guill's place, some half a mile from the corporate limits of Sparta. On entering the room, our eyes rested upon a scene well calculated to send a thrill of horror through the stoutest heart.
    The dead body ofDavid Dickson lay in the centre of the rom, the head being in a terribly mangled condition. The bed and the floor of the room were covered with blood. There was a long two inch auger in the room, which on being compared with some of the wounds, plainly showed that it was the instrument with which the deed was committed-it having blood and hair upon it. Eight heavy licks had been received by the deceased on the head-three or four of them fracturing the skull. The outer main bone in the right fore-arm was also broken, which was the only injury discovered except upon the head.,
   James T. Dickson, the brother and room mate of the dead man was gone, but his shoes, hat and coat were left in the room.
  BEFORE THE TRAGEDY
  According to the testimony of Dr. A. F. Durham, the deceased sent for him about 12 o'clock on the night of the killing, and on arriving he fund Mr. James Dickson in a condition clearly indicating delirium tremens. After prescribing the needed medicine he went home-the deceased going with him to get the medicine. Mr. A. Guill also testifies as follows upon the inquest held by Coroner Lary.
  "Mr. David Dickson came to my house between one and two o'clock, and told me to come over to the store and help him quiet his brother Jim-that he was raving mad. Going over soon after, I found James Dickson apparently crazy, and trying to strike Davy with a large auger; I told him to give me the auger, which he did; and I soon got him somewhat quiet. After remaining nearly an hour the brothers both said, I might go back home-they thought all would go right till morning. I went back home, Dave locking the door after me. Came back to the store this morning and found Dave on the floor dead, with blood on the floor and bed; the auger on a chair by the door, with hair and blood on it, and James Dickson gone.
  Dr. E. D. Alfriend's testimony as to condition of the body when he first reached it, corresponds with the statement above made.
  In the afternoon of the same day, Jas. Dickson was found in a little swamp within a few hundred yards of the store, bare-headed, bare-footed and only partially clothed. He was brought to town and placed in jail. His mind seems completely deranged; and he has given no evidence of rationality since the discovery. He doubtless knows nothing of the scenes of the terrible night and the minute details of the killing will probably remain___?
  The young gentleman was well know in this county, he managed a good farm _______many advantages, and but for the _____abuse the greatest curse of our age-might have enjoyed _____ a high position in society.

January 21, 1876
The Atlanta Constitution
Married in Georgia
M. W. Harris of Hancock county to MissLiz H. Gardener of Augusta
W.A. Buccaneer to Miss Liz T. Little of Sparta

January 25, 1876
Augusta Chronicle
  Sparta, January 18 - James Ransom, colored, while at a negro frolic last Saturday night, near Island creek, in this county, was stabbed in his left side near the heart by Nathan Ingram, colored. James died last night. Nathan was put in jail this evening to await trial.

March 3 1876
Atlanta Constitution
Died in Georgia. Mrs Miles G. Harris of Hancock county

May 30, 1876
Union and Recorder
DIED. Mrs. Mary A. Palmer, for many years a resident of this county, where she has a large number of relatives and friends, died at the residence of her son, Mr. J. I. Palmer, in Augusta, on the 28th inst. We learned she was buried at or near Island Creek.

August 29, 1876
Macon Telegraph
  The Sparta Times and Planter has the following: Mr. J. M. Coleman was shot and killed by John Ray, six miles west of Linton, in this county, on last Saturday. It seems that Messrs. Ray and Coleman had been hunting and fishing together in a friendly manner during the day, until last in the afternoon, Ray got into a difficulty with Mr. Levi Veal. It seems that Ray had Veal down when Coleman interfered, and in the melee cut Ray with a knife. Ray then retreated several hundred yard, Coleman following him with the knife. On reaching a farm house, Ray ran into it, telling some parties passing to "stop that man-don't let him come in here, or I'll have to hurt him, and I don't want to," and also repeating something like this to his pursuer. By this time he had procured a shot gun, when he found in the house, and Coleman continuing to advance, he fired on him when he was within a few yards of the house. The gun was loaded with bird shot, and the whole charge (wads and all,) entered Mr. Coleman's body in the region of the liver, producing a ghastly and fatal wound. The wounded man lingered till about six o'clock in the morning, when death relieved him of his sufferings.

November 14, 1876
Augusta Chronicle
  Mr. John T. Morton, and old and respected citizen of Sparta, is dead..

November 21, 1876
Union and Recorder
   MARRIED. In this city, on Wednesday morning, 15th inst., at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. H. J. Adams, MR. WHITTEN BASS, of Hancock county, and MISS ELEANOR M., daughter of Mr. James A. Jarratt.

November 21, 1876
Union and Recorder
   MARRIED. In Sparta, Ga., November 15th, 1876, by the Rev. G. H. Pattillo, Dr. IVERSON L. HARRIS, of Milledgeville, Ga., to Miss IDA F., daughter of William H. Burnett, Esq., of the former place.

December 26, 1876
Union and Recorder
Married, at the residence of the bride's mother Mrs. E. R. Amoss, on the 14th inst., by Rev. T. J. Adams, Mr. Julien West, and Miss Tallulah Amoss, all of Hancock.

December 26, 1876
Union and Recorder
Married, At the residence of the bride's father, on the 19th inst., by Rev. G. H. Pattillo, Mr. W. M. Berry and Miss Ella Pearson, all of Hancock county.

  Married at the residence of the bride's father in Hancock county, Jan. 18th by Rev. G. H. Patillo, Mr. Z. Butler Brown and Miss Rebecca Pearson.

February 20, 1877
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
   Death of Captain Lavisseir L. Lamar.  The many friends of this worthy gentleman, in this city, where he was reared, will be pained to learn of his death, which took place at his residence, in Sparta, on the 2nd instant. the deceased was the son of the late Dr. Thomas R. Lamar, a distinguished physician in this place. The following is a copy of the notice of the death of Captain Lamar, from the Sparta Times and Planter:
    Last week we barely had time for the announcement that this well-known and much loved citizen of our county had died rather suddenly on our day of publication. His loss is mourned by our entire county. A large part of his life had been spent in Sparta, and he had filled offices of trust in the county-always with the utmost fiedlity. Captain Lamar was, in the strictest sense, an honest man - nature's grandest work. He was generous to a fault: his open handed liberality was proverbial. A true man to his friends never lived. A more loyal man to his native Sunny South never walked beneath her sun.
   Captain Lamar was among the first from our county to buckle on his sword, and go forth in the defense of truth and right, and in the army, as elsewhere, he could always be relied upon at the post of duty.
   He was elected sheriff at the last January election.
   His  remains were interred in the town cemetery on Saturday afternoon, with Masonic honors, and not withstanding the bad weather, a large concourse of people followed them to their last resting-place-thus attesting the hight esteem in which he was held by all classes.
   A befitting tribute to hs memory will doubtless be furnished us for publication ere long. "Green be the turf above his grave."  

March 20, 1877
The Southern Christian Advocate
By Rev. B. H. Sasnett, January 9, 1877, near Sparta, Ga., Mr. J. T. Laveigne Jr., of Beaufort county, S. C., to
MissSarah E. Grant, daughter of Jeff and Winifred Grant of Hancock county, Ga.

April 7, 1877
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
The Sparta Times and Planter announces the death last week of Mr. Wm. Fraley, of that county, in the eighty-second year of his age. He had been a resident of Sparta for sixty years.

May 4, 1877
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
The body of Micheal Anshel, the Sparta merchant who has been missing since the 3rd of April, was found on Thursday of last week near Saw Dust, Columbia county. It was almost entirely decomposed, and there was a hole in the skull evidently caused by a bullet.

May 7, 1877
The Chronicle and Sentinel
-Augusta Chronicle: On Saturday night, the 3d inst. Mr Michael Anschel, a worth an prominent young merchant of Sparta, left that place for a visit to Augusta. He was noticed at Camak, but was not seen afterwards. He has not been heard of since. Mr. Anschel is a nephew of Mr. Solomon Marcus, of this city. He was proprietor of a store in Sparta, being an energetic and popular young man, did a thriving business. During last January he was taken sick and was ill for some time. During his illness he employed a clerk to attend to his business. His attack appeared to have unsettled his mind. He became despondent and low spirited. Saturday he decided to come to Augusta to see his uncle, who thinks a great deal of him. A note was afterwards found in his desk stating that he was tired of life, that he had lots everything he had. His uncle was his only creditor. he left his pocket book containing eighty dollars in his desk. It is feared that in his unsettled state of mind, caused by his illness, he may have wandered to some out of the way place. Any information in regard to his whereabouts will be gratefully received by Mr. Marcus. Mr. Anschel has a host of friends in Sparta, where he was much esteemed for his general good character and sterling business. qualities.

June 9, 1877
Macon Telegraph and Messenger
The Rozier Murder Case.
  The diabolical murder of Mr. Rozier in Sparta was generally reported throughout the State. Messrs. Griggs, Levant and Barnes were the three parties charged with the murder. Griggs was tried and convicted. The trial of Levant (Lovett) was concluded Thursday last. He was ably defended by Hon. B. H. Hill and the Messrs. Dubose. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and recommended him to the mercy of the Court. The trial of Barnes comes next.

June 26, 1877
The Georgia Weekly Telegraph
    We find in the same paper the following strange story in connection with the murder of Mr.H. F. Rozier, the Sparta merchant, on the 10th of February last, for which offense a man named N. Y. Griggs has been tried and sentenced to the penitentiary for life and two other parties are now in jail at August. It says:
  Some time ago a man who gave his name as John Enright, and stated that he was an attaché of Howe's Great London Circus, made a remarkable statement to a merchant of this city. He said that a short time before the Rozier murder two men, one of whom had been attached to Cole's Circus, told him that they had found out where they could get some money, and proposed that he join them in the undertaking. He refused. The two men then left the city and stole a ride in a box car to Sparta. They secreted themselves near that place for  twenty-four hours, and on the night of the 10th of February left their retreat and assaulted Mr. Rozier on the street in Sparta, with a sand bag which they provided especially for the occasion, intending only to stun him. After knocking him down they robbed him and fled.  One of the parties was afterwards arrested in Jacksonville, Fla., on the charge of picking a pocket. Enright declared that the newspaper statement in regard to the pistol and the money was incorrect. He asserted most positively that he had stated facts, and that Griggs, Lovett and Barnes were altogether innocent of the murder of Rozier. the story was so remarkable that the merchant spoke of it to others. A. M. DuBose, Esq. leading counsel for the accused, hearing of the matter came to Augusta and obtained the merchant's affidavit, setting forth the story as told by Enright. This affidavit will be made use of on the motion for a new trail. It has been ascertained that a man named John Enright was attached to Howe's circus,  and foreclosed a laborer's lien against the property at the time it was stopped in Augusta by the creditors. His statement is the more important from the fact that the evidence against Griggs, Lovett and Barnes was purely circumstantial. He can probably be found, and his evidence obtained in person at some future day. It remains to be seen what effect this testimony will have upon the case.
  An eel skin filled with sand is said to be the favorite weapon of New York burglars and robbers. It kills the victim without leaving any external mark or bruise. This, as will be seen from the premises, was the case with Mr. Rozier. Notwithstanding the skull was fractured the skin was not broken, or even marked or bruised.

October 2, 1877
Union and Recorder
  We regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Veazey, wife of Mr. J. R. Veazey of this city who died at the residence of her father, Mr. Geo. G. Smith, in Hancock county, on the 29th ult.
  Mr. Veazey removed to this place and entered into the mercantile business about a year since, and in that short period has gained the respect and regard of our community. The death of his young and estimable wife, will cause sincere regret, not only here, but wherever she was known.

October 23, 1877
Georgia Weekly Telegraph and Georgia Journal and Messenger.
   We find in the Chronicle and Constitutionalist the following explanation of the verdict of acquittal recently had in the case of one of the parties charged with the complicity in the Rozier murder:
  We understand that the jury in the case of Columbus G. Barnes put their verdict of acquittal upon two grounds, first, that there was a doubt whether Barnes, who was on the watch, knew that Grigg and Lovett intended to murder Rozier or only to rob him, and they therefore gave him the benefit of the doubt; and second, that Barnes had been led into the robbery by bad associates; in other words, that Barnes went into an agreement with Griggs and Lovett to rob Rozier, but did not anticipate that they would kill him, and being on the watch, did not participate in the killing.

November 6, 1877
Union and Recorder
ORANGE BLOSSOMS. In Hancock county, on the 30th, Mr. William C. Collins and Miss Alice M. Waller.

November 6, 1877
Union and Recorder
ORANGE BLOSSOMS. In Sparta, on the 18th, A. A. Armstrong and Miss E. E. Cook, both of Washington county, Ga.

January 27, 1878
Union and Recorder
MRS. MARY CULVER died at her son-in-law's in Hancock on the 15th instant. Aged 90 years.

March 14, 1878
George Weekly Telegraph
  Mr. E. P. Long died suddenly of general congestion in Sparta Friday night at the Lamar House.

April 17, 1878
Macon Telegraph
    excerpt~   At the Presbyterian church, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Professor John T. Graves, of LaGrange, was married to Miss Mattie G. Simpson, of Hancock county.
  ....The attendants were the accomplished Miss Maria Whitehead of Sparta, and Mr. J. H. Jones of Macon....instrument played by Miss Lucy Burnett...The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Jones, D. D., of Atlanta-the ceremony of the ring being used..
  Taking the down passenger train they reached Macon last evening and left this morning for their future home in  LaGrange.....
    Mr. Graves is the principal of the male academy of LaGrange, Georgia,...graduate of the State University...grand nephew of the great John C. Calhoun...
     The bride is the second daughter of J. R. Simpson, formerly of the firm of Simpson and Gardiner of Augusta....grand daughter of the late Myles Harris, Esq., of Hancock county.....

May 10, 1878
Weekly Sumter Republican
~excerpt~ Obituary. Joseph J. Chappell Was born in Hancock county, Ga., Aug. 7th, 1806 - moved to Twiggs county in boyhood - married Miss Mary Lingo in 1826 - leaving Twiggs in 1832 or '44 he settled in Sumter county, where he lived until 1859 and then moved to Preston, Webster county, where he resided until 1874 when he moved to Terrell county, where at the residence of his son Dr. T. A. Chappell, he died May 4th 1878.
  He was a member of the Baptist Church for about forty yeas and a Deacon of same many years of his life. During about half his life he was a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He filled several civil offices from time to time with credit to himself and general satisfaction to all comcerned.
   His companion, now advanced to a green old age, survives.........

July 9, 1878
Union and Recorder
  Mr. Alpheus Dickerson died at his home near Island Creek, on the 3d inst. - aged 80 years.

August 13, 1878
Union and Recorder
~excerpt~ SAD CALAMITY - Mr. Joe R. Little of Sparta, was drowned last Wednesday afternoon while bathing in Thomas' pond. He was one of the most prominent business men and highly respected citizens of Sparta, and his untimely death cast a gloom over the community. Rev. G. T. Goetchins of this city was telegraphed for and went over and conducted the funeral services on Thursday.
  We copy from the Times and Planter, the following account of the accident.:
  "Mr. Little went to the pond about 5 o'clock accompanied by Col. T. M. Turner, Messrs. Henry Thomas,Alfred Brown and Lovick Pierce, Jr. Soon after entering the water, when Messrs. Thomas and Pierce had reached a point near the centre of the pond, Mr. Brown noticed that Mr. Little was struggling hard, and jumping into a boat, which some little boys were riding in, he rowed towards him, but before reaching the drowning man he saw he was sinking and sprang from the boat with a paddle, reaching it out to him. But Mr. Little seems to have been powerless to grasp it, and was soon lost to sight.
  Joe B. Little was raised here. All knew him-all loved him. He was a kind, considerate, dutiful son, a tender loving husband and father, an affectionate brother, a warn, congenial friend. He was one of the most promising business men we had - prompt, energetic, courteous, obliging. In him our community has sustained a great loss.
   The deceased was the eldest son of Judge Thos. I. Little. He leaves a father, mother, sister, two brothers, a trusting young wife, and two sweet, innocent children to mourn his untimely death."

October 1, 1878
Union and Recorder
  Sparta. Mrs. J. Clarence Simmons, a most estimable lady, died on Wednesday last.

Oct. 13, 1878
Daily Constitution
SPENCER -WHITEHEAD - Married on the evening of the 10th inst., in the Presbyterian church of Sparta, Ga., Mr. Macon R. Spencer, of Atlanta to Miss Maria Whitehead, of Sparta, Rev. John Jones. D.D., officiating. No cards.

October 22, 1878
Union and Recorder
  Mr. T. E. C. Butts died in this county, Thursday night last at 7 o'clock. He was born in Hancock, and was 56 years of age.

November 19, 1878
Macon Weekly Telegraph
We find the following in the Sparta Times and Planter: Distressing Death - On Thursday night of last week a man died at the depot at Deveraux station under distressing circumstances. It seems that he was trying to make his way home on foot, was taken sick, and cared for by people along the way, till he was finally carried to the railroad to be sent to Augusta. When the train passed he was in a dying condition, and of course did not go. The same night he died. We understand he died of heart disease. He had been traveling through the lower part of this county selling a new tanning process. A coroner's jury was summoned by Coroner Hillman the following day, and an inquest held-the verdict of the jury being in keeping with the above facts. We learn that the man's name was William Smith, and that he was on his way to Augusta, where he had relatives.

February 18, 1879
Union and Recorder
    Our young friend and populat Tax Receiver, Mr. J. Hunter McComb, was married in Hancock last week to Miss Lula Skyes. The happy couple have arrived in the city. They have our best wishes for happiness and prosperity.

July 16, 1879
The Post (Dublin)
The Sparta Ishamelite says that a little child of Mr. George Minton spit from his mouth, after a severe spell of coughing, one day last week, a brass top off the handle of a parasol. It had been exactly three years and ten months since the child, as was supposed, swallowed it. During all this time the little fellow had been a constant but patient sufferer, as the brass top, which was something in the shape of a ring, was closely fitted over the windpipe. The child is now perfectly relieved.

August 18, 1879
Georgia Weekly Telegraph
GOOD NEWS FOR THE LAWYERS -
The Americus Recorder learns from Mr. Jas. W. Brady, a lawyer of that town, the following facts:
  Eleven years ago, James N. Hunt, of Hancock county, who had never been married, made a will, duly executed, declaring C. W. Dubose, Esq., executor, and leaving first, a special legacy of $500 each to three of the children, and the residue of his property to his colored mistress, the mother, and her eight children, share and share alike. Robert Miller, a colored barber of Americus having married one of the girls, employed Mr. Brady to go to Sparta and represent his wife's interest. While there, his services were engaged by another heir. The property consists of one plantation in Hancock, one house and lot in Sparta, 86 shares of Georgia railroad stock, 71 shares Central railroad, besides $2,500 in money and solvent debts. it is further said that the deceased was the owner of $1,000 worth of Augusta Factory stock and other property. His brother and relatives will contest the will, it thought. One niece, the wife of T. M. Merritt, Esq., resides in Sumter county.

October 21, 1879
The Atlanta Constitution
THE GEORGIA OUTLAWS
Augusta, Ga. Oct. 19.-A special from Sparta states that accounts of outlaws in the eastern portion of Baldwin county are greatly exaggerated. The trouble is political. The outlaws burned the gin and cotton houses and fodder stock of Mr. Robinson for the purpose of drawing him out of his house to shoot him, killed a negro man for reporting them to the grand-jury, burned the tannery and barns of Luke Robinson, and whipped a colored woman and her daughter in Hancock county. The gang have taken refuge in the swamps of Oconee and Ogechee. The grand-jury of Hancock, now in session, have investigated the outrages and are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. People of Hancock county are indignant at the outrages and determined to protect white and black from further outrage and inflict summary justice on the perpetrators. Judge Pottle, presiding judge, will vindicate the majesty of the law through his circuit.

November 11, 1879
Daily Constitution
Death of Dr. Lovick Pierce
Augusta, Ga., November 10, The Venerable Dr. Lovick Pierce, father of Methodism in Georgia, died at his home in Sparta, this morning, in the 95th year of his age.