davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
REMARKABLE SUCCESS.
The Widow of John T. Benton Secures q
Pension After Years of Search
For Evidence.
Troy Messenger.

Troy Messenger. ar
In the war of 1872 soldier by the
name of John L. Benton served in Capt
Reedyes company from one of the Caro-
linas After the war he married and
he and his family after so long time,
moved to this state, where he died leaving
his wife and children. Among those chill
dren was a son, C. C. Benton, who de-
cided that under the law, his mother
was entitled to a pension. He saw the
chances for establishing all the neees-
sary proof was vague and would be q
great undertaking to accomplish, but that
he would give the task a trial. He be-
gan by getting the necessary papers and
appointing power of attorney in WASH
ington who began the necessary investi-
cation only to meet failure and abandon
the work. Mr.. Benton secured another
attorney and taking advantage of the
progress already made, started afresh on
other lines. This attorney soon saw the
fruitlessness of the undertaking and
quit Mr.. Benton, undaunted, and still
determined, began looking for another
friend to help him to reach the desired
end, and secured the services of our
friend Thomas M. Murphree, the path
finder" in such matters, though not a
lawyer and not allowed to practice in
the pension business nor accept fees
LOT his SeTNlCeS, DtCdIne eIlllSltI III
Benton's cause. He went to work on ev-
cry item of evidence that could be had,
no matter where the parties lived, what
the distance to be travelled, the condi-
ton of the roads, or the weather, this
evidence had to be procured. He rode
nearly all over Coffee and Geneva coun-
ties looking up this evidence and selling
his tombstones. He travelled over old
roads, through swamps, by day and by
night in the interest of the soldiers
widow. After meeting failure after fail
ure, he finally succeeded in finding the
missing link; the evidence was complete,
the papers were sent up and examined.
There was no hearing from them for
sometime In July, on the goth day, 1896,
a gentleman appeared in Troy who SEEM
ed to know his business and keep his own
counsel, he went when he got ready and
returned when it pleased him, and who
afterwards proved to be Special Pension
Agent Pope, of Mobile, who had examin-
ed all the evidence sent in by Lum Ben
ton and Thos Murphree. He found the
chain of evidence complete, reaching
back to 1872 and so reported. The pen
sion was granted and the warrant for
warded and Mrs. Annie l.. Benton, the
soldiers widow after paying all the fees
has deposited to her credit at the F. &
NJ. bank in this city $2275 as back pay
and will draw $12 per month the balance
of her life. Lum Benton's remarkable
perseverance and tenacity has brought
it's reward, and Thos. NJ. Murphree is
happy in the thought that he has helped
another soldiers widow in a substantial
way. Remarkable success.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
BIRMINGHAM
Selected as the Place for Holding the
Annual Convention of the Clerks
Benevolent and Protective AS
ISOLATION.

Birmingham, long since the recognized
convention city of the state, has reached
out for the national conventions of sew
eral organizations.
The local clubs association which is
not only beneficial to its members, but a
pride to the citizens at large made an
earnest effort to secure the 81 convention
of their national organization for this
city at the last meeting, but Galveston,
Tex, after holly contested battle Of
ballots, secured the prize. 1t later de-
veloped that that city would be unable
to entertain the delegates and several
other cities made application to the ma
tional president to be substituted, among
them this city. Although the application
OF birmingham was afterwards with
drawn, National President H. j. Conway
telegraphed Tuesday night to Secretary
w. H. Walker, of the local association
that he had selected this city for the hold
ing of the convention in June next. The
date will be announced when decided
upon. This means that many delegates
will assemble in the Magic City to par
take of it's proverbial hospitality and the
local clerks say they shall not be in the
least disappointed
1t is, of course, too early for any ar
rangements to be made, but II Is very
probable that the clerks will hold the
first convention within the walls of the
auditorium.
A meeting Of the local organization will
be held next Friday night and prelimin-
airy steps taken toward the entertainment
of the visiting delegations.
The national convention will be held the
second Tuesday in july and some $50
delegates are expected from all the prn-
cipal cities in the United States. The
convention hall has not, as yet, been Sc
lected, but several places are under con-
sideration. Already suggestions as to
the entertainment of the delegates are be-
ing considered and Birmingham's reputa-
ton for hospitality will not be impaired.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
FRIDAY SALE.
5 cents a yard, IS pieces i'm
ported White Dimities. at
Caheen's.

ANHEUSER- BUSCH BREWING AS
ISOLATION.
recommends the use of the greatest of
all tonics alt-Nutrine," and guaran-
tees the merits claimed for it. For sale
by all druggists.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
DEATH S RECORD.
JAMES M'MANUS.

The following from the Montgomery
Advertiser will be read with regret by
the many friends of deceased and his
estimable family:
Mr.. James McManus died yesterday
afternoon at the residence of his broth
err, Mr.. Felix McManus, on Adams street.
after a very short illness. He has lived
in this city the most of his life and has
a large acquaintance, all of whom are
his friends. Mr. McManus was engaged
in the shoe business in this city for many
years on his own account and he after
wards clerked for Mr.. ]. R. Warren.
He was about 55 years of age, and leaves
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
THE COLISEUM.

Work on the coliseum is progressing
rapidly and large crowds gather there
constantly to witness operations. A
large and competent force is busily en-
gagged on the work and in a week the
structure will be ready for services
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
Undelivered kilograms.

Undelivered kilograms at the Western
Union Telegraph Office:
r. E. Lutz, ]. d. Dickson.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
w T RRyAN,s BOOK

"The First Battle" by w. J. Bryan. is
out The publish RS are W. B. Conkey COM
pany, 341 Dearborn street, Chicago. 1t
will contain 900 pages and thirty-two full
page illustrations. Half the royalty goes
to furthering the cause of bimetallism.
On receipt of $3.50 the State Herald will
send it to any address postage prepaid.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
THE MODERN WAY

Commends itself to the well-informed. to
DO pleasantly and effectually what was
formerly done in the crudest manner and
d1sagreeably as well. To cleanse the sys-
tenn and break up colds, headaches. and
feVers without unpleasant after effects
use the delightful liquid laxative remedy
syrup of Figs. Manufactured by Cali
fornia Fig Syrup company.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11
ECZEMA ON HANDS
Completely Covered, and Be-
tween the Fingers Skin
Perfectly Raw.
Husband Had to Dress and
UndreSS Her Like Baby.
Physicians Medicines Drove
Her Almost Crazy.
Hears of CUTICURA. Husband
Goes Twenty Miles for 1t.
First Application Gives Perfect
Ease in Five Minutes, and
a Nights Sound Sleep.

My hands were completely covered with
Eczema, and between my. fingers the skin was
perfectly raw. / had to sit with both hands
held up, and away from the fire. My husband
had to dress and undress me like baby. 1
tried the best physicians, but their medicines
gave me no relief, and drove me almost crazy.
was advised to try CUrIoURA REMEDIES,
and did SO, although my husband had to go
twenty miles to get them. As soon as he got
back, 1 used the CUTICURAs (ointment}, and
fee minutes after the first application + fros
pcrfectly easy, and slept soandiy all that might.
Before commenced using CUTlcURA RENE
DIES could get no case night or day. could
not bear to get warm, it would put me in a
rage of itching. l always keep CUTIcURA
REMEDIES In my house now, and recommend
them to everybody, because of their wonder
full effect. Yours gratefully
AGNES N. HARRIS, Push, Mecklcnburg Co. Va
sIGrRIao Huapas = Warm haihs With CuricuRA Soar,
gentle applications Of Curicesxs (eintmen the great
skin cure, and mild doses OF CrrscurA RzsoLrExr,
greatest of blood purifiers apd humor cures.
This treatment instanf.y alIays eaing burning aud
hsala permits net and sleep. In speedy curs
Sold ughsut the world Forrxx D. a c. coxp. Sole
Props, Bosicn. ca" How to Cure Every Humor. free
EVERY Ruk0R From F'Hss|sS; 4 sfHa's'. cured
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-02-11

a wife and one son Several years ago
he went TO Birmingham and lived all
through the boom in that city. He re-
turned to this city about sixs months
ago and since his return has not been in
any active business. The funeral will
take place today, notice of which will be
found elsewhere s--Hs
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
FOR JUSTICE.
Officer 0'Brien Appeals
to Appellate Court.
Claims He Was Wr0ngfuily
Dismissed From Force.
Asks Writ OF Cerliorari Against
dayor, Aldermen and Clerk.

The misfortunes and tribulations of
citizens and public officials of Pawtuollet
arc again TO be aired in the appellate
court, for Attorney Hugh j Carroll in
behalf Of former police officer John
O'Brien today applied for writ OF ccr-
tiortri against Mayor Davis, the board of
aldermen and City Clerk Roberts of that
city. Ihe request as made that the city
clerk certify the records of tho board of
aldermen 10 the court la order that sub
stantlal justice may be done To Mr.
O'Brien
Citation was ordered issued and the
whole story in regard To the suspension
OF @ 'Brien will have To be retold. lt is
an involved story and the hearing before
the board of aldermen was AN interesting
one but not nearly SO interesting as the
scene at the executive session of the
board mt which it was agreed To dismiss
the officer.
The hearing was had on last Tuesday
evening before the mayor ana board of
aldermen and O. Brien was arraigned on
charges of having entered licensed
liquor saloon while on duty and without
having any business therein and also with
having drunk intoxicating liquors in said
saloon.
The petition presented today recites
that Notwithstanding the objections of
lIe peblllOnef = COUNSEL certain HcdfShy
testimony was allowed TO be introduced
at the hearing. This testimony consisted
of conversations between the men prefer
ing the complaint and "A clerk in the
liquor store. O'Brien is accused of enter
ing and drinking and in these conver-
sations witness swore that the clerk of
the saloon told them that O'Brien had
asked him to deny that the officer had
drunk any liquor in the saloon.
Attention is called To the fact that the
clerk testified that the petitioner refused
20 drink any liquor. The claim is also
made by the petitioner that substantial
justice he did not receive, but alleges
that the complaint was brought to pref
udice libel suit brought by him against
David o. Black now pending in the COM
mon pleas division of the supreme Court.
The petition for the writ askes in order
that so much Of the record as may be
illegal may be quashed all the records in
the case be produced in court.
David q. Black, a Pawtucket newspaper
publisher and Charles NJ. Read pre-
sented complaints in writing against
Officer O'Brien for entering and drinking
in the saloon of j. III. Brannigan on
March II, 1897.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
HAD NO QUORUM.
The House of Representa-
tiYeS Did Not Meet.
Senate Held a Short But Not
An important Session.
A $4,000 Appropriation Asked for
Newport County Jail.

There was no quorum In the house of
representatives today. but 30 membors
answering to the roll call. In the senate
the session was brief, and but one matter
OF Importance was brought up.
Senator Read presented the report of
the commission appointed to inquire
into tho condition Of the Newport county
jail, which has beon in use since l112.
The report stated that the old jail Is in
aeplUrable condition, without facilities
ara without any sanitary arrangements
A new building was recommended by the
commission.
senator BurdiclS then presented reso-
luton 60 appropriate SO, 900 for a new Jail
for the county of Newport, ana 10 was re-
ferrcu TO tho finance committee.
Tomorrow the house judiciary commit
tee will report back with recommendation
of passage bill for an act To prevent
pollution of the sources Of the water supply
of the city of Woonsocket.
The gist Of the proposed act is in the
firts section which is as follows:
No person shall discharge or suffer TO
be discharged into any stream, pond or
reservoir used as "A source of water supply
by the city of WoOnsocket any sewage,
drainage or refuse, or polluting matter of
such nature as will corrupt or impair the
qualities of the waters of said stream,
pond on reservoir, or render the same in
furious 20 health Any person violating
the provisions Of this section shall be fined
twenty dollars for each oifense and be i'm
prisoned ten days
The enforcement of the law is left with
the state board of health and the appellate
division Of the Supreme Court, upon the
application of the mayor of the city of
Woonsocket may issue an injunction TO
enforce the orders of the state board of
health, provided for in this chapter.
The house judiciary committee will also
recommend for passage tomorrow the bill
for an act authorizing the city Of Provi-
dence to hire the sum Of three hundred
and twenty thousand dollars for the pur-
pose of building bridge at the location
of the present Wey bosset bridge and for
the rebuilding of the river walls from
Market square to Crawford street.
Both of these bills win go on the calen.
dar tomorrow under the rules and then
come up for final action ON the part Of the
house next Tuesday.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
Trial Jury Awards Mrs.
Sarah HOughtOn $1,000.
Sued COrlisS Steam Engine
Co. for Death of Husband.
Tbs Decision Was Reached in One
Hour and Twenty Minutes.

The case Of Sarah douf hon, aolninisira-
trix, against the Ccrliss Steam Engine
Company was given TO the jury at the
conclusion OF Judge Rogers charge this
morning. It!took the jury about an hour
and twenty minutes to reach verdict in
favor of thu plaintiff and for $1,000, Mrs.
Houghton sued TO recover s25 600 for the
death Of hor husband, William hqughton.
who was killed IN February, 1896, while
ut work at a crane in the Corliss work 5
In the North End Of the city.
The plaintiff claimed that the defend
ant company was very careless in provid.
ing proper safeguards for the protection
of its employees who were compelled tn
use machines operated by electricity, ard
that tho accident which resulted in Mr.
Houghton's death could have been pre-.
vented. The defendant company claimed
that the accident was caused by the cross
ing OF two wires at an unknown point
outside the company's works
Less than an hour before the accident
that resulted in the death of Mr.. Hough-
ton some men were badly shocked. and
one at least of them badly injured There
was n severe rain storm prevailing at the
time tho men were injured.
G. III. Page, Sr., and George A. Little
field were attorneys for the plaintiff.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
PLUMBERS FIND.
Revolver, Skeleton Keys and Jew
clry Taken From Soil Pipe.
Had Been Thus Disposed of by Brooks
Locked Up at City Hall.

II Is generally supposed that when sus-
picious persons arc taken 20 the city hall
they are thoroughly searched before thoy
are locked mp IN the cells under the big
steps. Evidently the detectives do not
always find everything as the following
viii demonstrate.
A few days ago plumber was called 70
overhaul the water closets IN these cells
and after working on them for number
of hours found that Whatever the trouble
was it was not in sight. u gang Of men
vert into tho cellar and Ding down to the
tap and there fhc trouble was discovered.
The men iished ont a <2-calibcr revolver
with every chamber loaded, hinge
POCKET 6nife. number of skeleton keys
and q tcw pieces of jewelry. These
1r,iclcs v-orc taken by ths detectives ssbut
they 1Juld find 20 clue" 10 those who
deposited them there.
Iiit revolver was soaked in Kerosene Tor
fonr days to see If 1t could not DC re-
stored 80 usefulness. but the experiment
was a failure; 50 it went IN the dump"
with the ashes from the city bail.
Tom Roach, an employe of the city, cuts
his tobacco with tho knife that WAS
found. and tine feys are Knocking about
The fire room ui The nalI. The reviewer
had been in the pipo for some time but
tho other articles were put out Ct tho way
recently.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
MAINE VETERANS.
First Day of the Annual Encamp-
nent Of the G. A. r.
Reports Presented-Candida for the
once of Commander.

Lewiston, Me-, April 15.-The first day
of the Maine q. A. II. encampment
opened with an April rain storm. At
o'clock the sky was overcast and rain soon
began falling. But il takes more than u
rain storm TO dampen the ardor of tho
Grand Army Veterans. The encampment
is being held in the spacious city hall.
Many comrades came To town Wednes-
day, having got the impression that it
was the opening day of the oncamp-
ment. An adjourned meeting of the
council of administration was held this
morning. The headquarters Of the can
didates for the office of commander,
Messrs. Carleton and Southland, were
thronged with friends most of Wednesday
night and all of this forenoon, Candidate
Southaro having left the meetings of the
Methodist conference at Portland in order
TO look after his campaign.
When the encampmcnt was formally
opened at city hall this afternoon printed
reports of several of the officers were cir
culated among the veterans.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
THE ALDERMEN.
Matters That Will BE Considered at
T0day's Session.

At the afternoon session of the board of
aldermen the council resolution TO ask for
legislative authority TO borrow 500, 600
for highways will be taken from the table
for final action.
Alderman McGann will make a stiff
fight for the passage in concurrence and
will submit list OF over GO streets already
received but not built. Thcy have i'm all
333 miles and will cost To bUild half a
million. IL Is desired TO get the 500, 600
to make n beginning.
In all probability the board will com
promise with the common council on the
amendment to an amendment by which it
is resolved to ask 20 borrow 500, coo for
school purposes.
Alderman Winsor will devote all his
efforts this afternoon 20 securing concur
rent action on the council resolution Co
ask for the privilege Of hiring so, 600 for
the establishment Of the central Office fire
alarm system.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15

their curiosity or hear something that
would throw additional light on the
murder, "a warrant was sworn out charg-
ing Martin Mowry with the murder of
the three persons named. At & o'clock
the prisoner was taken from the little
vile smelling stone and mortar lookup
near the railroad station at Harrisville,
TO the little wooden town hall ON the
hill, where the villagers for miles around
had omblCd TO see the condition of the
man they knew so well. He went to the
place OF arraignment in charge of Deputy
Sheriff Oliver lnman who has beon
deputy sheriff i'm this section OF the state
for 80 years The prisoner was hand
cutfed and when he entered the hall
where he was 20 plead To the most HORT
ble OF crimes, hc gazcd nto the faces OF
the tOwnspCOple as il 10 read his doom
I'm their features. IL be could have in
torpruted their feelings he would have
known that pity tempered every man
present. They looked into his vacant
face and knew that even the limited
amount OF reason the man possessed i'm
his normal condition had been over
thrown. There was no question but that
Martin was daft. lie was not violent I'm
the slightest degree, he seemed TO be
simply mentally irresponsible.
"I'm Here 10 Tell the TRUTH"
Tho prisoner said as he settled down
in chair behind the rail, 81 am here to
tell the truth" His countcnance was n
blank Not the slightest evidence of feol-
ing Of any sort was manifested. Tho only
variation from his fixed expression was
noticed when the prisoner saw Mrs. Rcy-
nolds' brother, the murdered girls own
father. lie twitchcd ncryously and seemed
a trifle III nt oasc.
The prisoner was accompanied by Lawyer
+. f. Loyoioy OF the firm Of Stone q Love
joy, who had been engaged 10 defend him.
job :. Stccrc. associate Justice OF the
Eighth district court arrived at G2O
O'Clock and the warrant charging Martin
Mowry with the murder Of the three vic.
tins was read. Previous TO this the
prisoner again said:
y want to tell the truth and show my
innocence.
Murderer Taken 10 Jail.
After being cautioned Co keep quiet Mr..
JOycjOy said TO the court. "The de
Continued on Page Z.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
MORE NOMINATIONS.
Henninghauscn Named as ImmIgra-
tion Commissioner at Baltimore.

Washington, April l5.--The president
today sent TO the senate number of
nominations OF postmastors and two other
quite important nominations as follows:
Treasury Percy y. Honninghauscn OF
Maryland, commissioner Of immigration
at tho port of BaltimOre Md.
Justice, Greeley w. WhitfOrd. attorney
OF the United states for the district Of
Colorado.
POsimastcrs. Massachusetts, Charles l..
Scranton, 20 Cottage City; Mrs. Elizabeth
Mism ptt, Mcrrimac; Cyrus W. Rnwcll.
Amesbury: Joseph " Hollywood. Brock
ton. Connecticut James W. Hague, Tor
ringtOn.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
REMOVAL.
Manufacturers National Bank Opens
Its Elegant Banking House, 73
Westminster Street

The Manufacturers National Bank. which
or generation and more has occupied mod.
est quarters IN the Jones Building. AZ West.
minister street have removed TO the eligible
and commodious banking rooms, No 73 West
minister street, ground floor The bank
large capital and surplus, conservative and
entcrprising management. with its corps OF
obliging officers, offer excellent facilities for
I'll those who have use for a bank. Inspec-
;ion of the new quarters will suggest financial
strength as well rs convenience FOR business
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15

The murder of Edwin NJ. Reynolds, his
wife Abbie j. Reynolds and their adopted
daughter Sevilla in the small farmhouse
on the brow OF Sweets Hill, little
hamlet midway between the villages of
Oakland and Harrisyillc, early yesterday
is the most terrible crime ever committed
within the borders Of Rhode Island.
Its horror rivals the famous Borden
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-15
IN MARTIN'S DEFENCE.
CALVIN TeStifies About the Plan to
Purchase a Brewery.
Claimed He Was Actuated by Desire
to Help Young Martin.

Boston, April To- John A. Calvin con-
tinued his testimony today at the inyesti-
CATION into the charges against Police
Commissioner Martin. He explained his
connection with the attempt 20 buy the
Watburg brewery and make profit of
Sl5, 600. The witness said Charles A.
Martin was taken into the scheme not,
because lie could assist the enterprise,
but because the witness wanted TO help
him. Calvin felt debt of gratitude to
Martin for trying to get "A license for
him, and while he did not get the IL
ccnsc he knew Martin had dono mis- part
Calvin would have bccn very glad # he
could have put Martin in the way Of get
ting 5000. He would regard this as prac-
tic lly gift TO young Martin.
Miss Caroline Vaughn, popular teacher of
the Thayer street grammar school, has been
confined to her house by illness for a few