Salisbury Advertiser June 20, 1891
"Miss Lillie Ruark is visiting her sister, Mrs. Thomas Smith."
"Miss Agnes Reigart of Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pa., returned home Thursday to spend the summer vacation with her parents."
Cadet Albert Laws of the U. S. Military Academy, West Point, is visiting his father at Wango, having been granted a two months furlough."
"The steamer Chowan ran ashore at Lewis' wharf, on the Nanticoke River, last Sunday morning. A dense fog is responsible for the mishap."
"Mr. Alex Seth has left the head offices of the B. & E. S. railroad at Salisbury and accepted the position with the same company of purser on the transfer steamer between Claiborne and Bay Ridge."
"Mrs. Moore, mother of Post-master Rollie Moore, returned to Salisbury last week from Florida where she had been with her daughter Mrs. John Tilghman, whose death recently occurred in the South. Mrs. Moore brought with her the infant child of her dead daughter which she well endeavor to rear in this city. Some Florida peaches which Mrs. Moore had in her possession attracted much attention here. In beauty and exquisiteness of flavor they hardly compared with the Eastern Shore product."
"The call for the democratic primaries appears at the head of our editorial columns. Saturday, July 11th, has been fixed as the day to hold them. The county convention will be held in Salisbury on the following Tuesday."
"Pittsville Notes
"The strawberry season is over, and the crop has yielded entirely satisfactory results to the growers. The money thus put into the hands of our people has had a perceptible effect upon trade, and the merchants are reaping their harvest.
Mr. E. H. Hamblin is erecting a picture gallery on the lot adjoining Mr. L. T. Dennis's residence.
Mrs. A. A. Gillis and Mrs. R. Frank Williams, of Salisbury, accompanied by their children, were guests of Mrs. L. T. Dennis this week.
Mr. Ray Fooks has been appointed operator at this station, Mr. E. B. S. Myers, formerly in charge of the office, having left here."
"Death of a Prominent Citizen Dr. Albert B. Slemons of Delmar, Suddenly Expires While Conversing on the Street.
The friends and acquaintances of Dr. Albert B. Slemons were saddened by the intelligence of his sudden death on the street in Delmar, in which town he had lived and practiced for several years, last Monday evening.
The doctor was apparently in his usual good health that afternoon when he started for a few miles ride into the country to see a patient. On his return home at the supper time, he sat with the family at the table and ate heartily, meanwhile conversing with his wife and daughters. The only complaint he was heard to make was that his head felt strangely; this, however, he ascribed to the intense heat of the day and the fierce glare of the sun. After the evening meal he parted cheerfully with the ladies of the household and sauntered down the street. At the store of Mr. W. L. Sirman he stopped, and seating himself on a pump bench in front of the door, he began to converse quietly with some acquaintances. Suddenly he gasped and fell forward. In fifteen minutes he was dead, never having uttered a word after the attack of apoplexy, of which he died. Friends tenderly lifted the lifeless form and bore it back to the house from which Dr. Slemons, a brief half hour before, had walked forth a hale and vigorous man. There it was prepared for burial. The grief stricken family had distant relatives and friends informed of the unexpected and sad occurrence, and soon messages of condolence came over the wires to those who sorrowed.
The interment was made Wednesday morning in the cemetery at Delmar, after funeral rites in the Baptist church by Rev. S. W. Reigart, of Salisbury Presbyterian church.....
Dr. Slemons was a son of Col. John B. Slemons, late of this county, and a brother of Dr. F. Marion Slemons, clerk of the Wicomico county Circuit Court. He was born at the old Slemons homestead, on the Wicomico river, on June 22, 1832 - nearly fifty-nine years ago. After getting a fair common school education at home, he entered the Maryland University and graduated in medicine from there in 1855. He practiced his profession at Quantico one year and then migrated to Kentucky. Returning to the Eastern shore of Maryland after two years, he entered the drug store of Dr. S. P. Dennis & Co., in Salisbury. Subsequently he was appointed auditor of the Wicomico Circuit Court, which position he held till 1869, when he went to Delmar and there built up a good practice, which he enjoyed at the time of his death. He married Miss Ker, daughter of Dr. Samuel Ker, of White Haven, in 1859, who, with five grown children, survive him. Dr. Slemons was an elder in the Presbyterian church and he always lived a pure and spotless Christian life. In his death the county loses one of its best citizens."
"Mrs. Emma Lowe, wife of Mr. James E. Lowe of Salisbury, died last Monday morning of bilious dysentery. The funeral services were held in Asbury Methodist Episcopal church Wednesday afternoon by Rev. W. B. Walton. The interment was made in Parsons' cemetery. Mrs. Lowe had been a faithful communicant at the M. E. church for some years. She is mourned by many friends."
"Mrs. Maria Henry, consort of the late Hosea Henry, died last Monday morning at her home near Spring Hill Church, aged 84 years. Elder A. B. Francis officiated at the funeral Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Her remains were interred in the family burial ground beside the dust of her husband."
"Old Stock Ale on draught at A. F. Parsons & Co."
"A Somerset Man's Will
The will of Robert J. Waller, deceased, was filed in the register's office on Tuesday last. The deceased, by his last will and testament, leaves to his son Robert all of his real estate, wheresoever situated, with the improvements thereon; also all of his farming stock, implements, household and kitchen furniture, crops on hand and growing crops.
Item 2 provides that all the residue of the testator's estate shall be divided into three equal parts. One part is given to his son Robert, absolutely; one part to his daughter, Annie, absolutely; and the other part is given to Robert in trust for the testator's son Sydney. Robert is to hold and invest Sydney's part and pay over to him the annually accruing income only. If however, Sydney should reform, the will provides that his part of the property - held in trust by Robert - shall be handed over to him. Should Sydney die without issue, his part is to be divided equally between Robert and Annie; but if he should have heirs, it goes to them at his death. Robert is named as executor in the will.
Besides the real estate, farming stock, implements, household and kitchen furniture, and crops, all of which go to Robert Waller, private securities have been found aggregating $30,000. - Somerset Herald"
"Wanted - Five hundred old Pigones, Will pay 30 cts per pair, C. R. Hayman, Rockawalking, Md."
"A few years ago a lady or gentleman wanting a nice shoe had either to go or send to some city. It is not so today, you have only to visit the fine shoe Store on Main St., kept by Jesse D. Price."
"Notice - I have left the restaurant in the Byrd Building at the foot of Pivot bridge and am now on E. Camden street near the Camden bridge. My friends will find me there always ready to serve them to the best of my ability with all the good things to eat. - Jas. Parker"
"Married at the Methodist Protestant parsonage in this city by Rev. C. S. Arnett, Mr. Robt. A. Lowe and Miss Mary E. Wilson, both of Delmar."
"The steamer Chowan, which was grounded in the Nanticoke river two weeks ago near Lewis' Wharf during a fog, was set afloat Friday of last week, when she resumed her trips between Seaford and Baltimore."
"Mr. R. K. Truitt of this city was attacked a few days ago with heart trouble. His case was considered serious at first and Dr. Geo. W. Truitt, his son residing in Baltimore, was summoned home. Mr. Truitt is now much better and his family think he will soon be out again."
"Marriages at the home of the bride June 16th, by Rev. J. W. Gray, Mr. David J. Kelly and Miss Hannah Wainright, both of this county. At the M. E. Parsonage, Fruitland and June 17th, Mr. Alonzo T. Ingersoll, on Miss Mary V. Smullen, both of Somerset county. Also same date and at same place Mr. Washington R. Livingston and Miss Annie M. Brown of Worcester county."
"Death of a Former Citizen
Mr. Ebenezer Manson Waller, a former citizen of this county, well known to all our people, died at his home, in Laurel, Del., last Friday afternoon, aged sixty-seven years. He had been bed ridden many months previous to his death. Mr. Waller was a brother of the late William Waller of this city, and he was until a few years ago a prosperous farmer of Spring Hill neighborhood. Reverses in business compelled him to yield his splendid property to creditors and he then moved with his family to another part of the county. Later he went to Laurel, Del., and with his sons engaged in mercantile pursuits. There the family has prospered.
Mr. Waller early in life became a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, to which he remained devotedly faithful to the end. He was a vestryman of Spring Hill parish several years.
A wife, three daughters and five sons survive the deceased gentleman. Mrs. Waller is a daughter of the late Jesse A. D. Bradley of Sussex county, Del."
Salisbury Advertiser July 11, 1891
"Pittsville
"Politics constitute the chief topic of discussion for the last few days, and the air is full of predictions, promises and threats. A great deal is said about certain candidates having selected certain delegates, etc., and the subject was waxed so warm that some of the people have concluded that perhaps they will take a hand in the matter.
The community was startled about 2 o'clock last Tuesday afternoon by the report that Arthur Parsons, son of Wm. P. Parsons, merchant and undertaker, was drowned. A number of people, including both of our physicians, hastened to the old Fooks' mill, where they found the report was too true. The other boys, all of them being quite small and frighted, left the pond, so there was nothing by which to locate the spot where the drowning occurred. This, of course, occasioned some delay, but after perhaps a half hour's work the body was found, and the doctors tried every means to resuscitate the lad, but without avail. Life had been extinct probably three-quarters of an hour. Arthur was a bright and intelligent lad, and his untimely death has cast quite a gloom over the entire community."
"A son of Revell Hayman, Esq., died at his fathers home near Allen last Wednesday."
"Mr. W. T. Wilson of B. C. Springs is said to have one of the finest melon patches in the county."
"Mr. John B. Pryor of Trappe district, died at his home last Saturday morning July 4th, aged 73 years. A wife and three grown children survive him."
"The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. George Hitch of this city, died Wednesday morning. The interment was made in Rockawalking, Rev. Wm. Munford officiating."
"Gangrene arising from a slight accident to the foot, a short time ago, involves the loss of a leg to Mr. John Hobbs, a young man 21 years old, residing near Walston's post-office in this county. Amputation will be necessary. Dr. John S. Fulton of this city, and Dr. George Truitt, will perform the operation in a few days."
"About mid-day last Saturday fire was discovered on the roof of postmaster Rollie Moore's residence on Camden avenue. Fortunately Mr. Moore was at home dining at the time, and, assisted by the neighbors, he succeeded in extinguishing the flames with a few buckets of water. Some boys in the street were celebrating the "Glorious Fourth" and a fire cracker sent up by them alighted on the roof and at once began business. It was a narrow escape for that part of Camden."
"Pittsville Items
Mr. Herman Laws of Wango, and Cadet Albert L. Laws, of West Point Military Academy, were guests of Mr. Jas. Laws on the Fourth.
Miss Nellie Dennis is visiting friends in Snow Hill."
A Card of Thanks
Mr. and Mrs. J. S. C. Allen of Allen, Md., celebrated their "Silver Wedding" last Friday, July 3d. A very large circle of friends paid their compliments to the couple and brought with them lasting tokens of their esteem and friendship. Mr. Allen writes us as follow:
Allen, Md., July 6th, 1891
Editor of Advertiser,
Dear Sir. - Will you insert a short card expressing our thanks for the many kind congratulations and handsome presents received from our friends at the time and since our "Silver Wedding" which we celebrated on the 3rd of July. Our friends have been so very kind that we must express our gratitude and I know of no better way than through your paper.
Yours sincerely, J. S. C. Allen."
"Death of R. K. Truitt
Mr. Rufus K. Truitt of this city died Thursday afternoon at 6 o'clock at his residence on East Church street. He was attacked several days ago with heart trouble and grew steadily worse till his death. He was attended by his two sons, Dr. Geo. W. Truitt of Baltimore and Dr. Charles R. Truitt. Drs. Dennis & Fulton were consulting physicians.
Mr. Truitt's remains will be laid away in the O. S. Baptist churchyard, of which church he was a member, Sunday morning after funeral services by Elder Durand, at 10 o'clock.
Mr. Truitt was born in Pittsburg district, and, had he lived till the twenty-seventh of next November, he would have been sixty-nine years old. While a small boy he came to Salisbury and began life for himself as a clerk in a store. He afterward taught school and later established a grocery store. Several years ago he and his sons opened a drug store on main street, which they are yet conducting successfully. Mr. Truitt was three times married; his third wife still lives. He has six children living - three sons and three daughters. Dr. Geo. W. Truitt, member of the present House of Delegates and a resident of Baltimore; Mr. Jas. T. Truitt, a prominent candidate for the clerkship of this county, and Dr. Chas. R. Truitt, are his sons; Mrs. James Ball of this city, Mrs. Collins of New York, and Miss Laura Truitt, are daughters."
Salisbury Advertiser July 18, 1891
"Married by Rev. C. S. Arnett at W. A. Warrington's July 15th., 1891, Mr. Leoland Whayland and Miss Lulu Boston, both of this city."
"Mr. Jas. L. Bennett, formerly of this county, but now a successful merchant at Chance, was last week put on the prohibition ticket of Somerset county as a candidate for the House of Delegates."
"Married; June 20th, at Jones' M. F. church, by Rev. F. J. Chochran, Mr. Herbert J. Willing and Miss Olan Willing; on June 24th , at Trinity M. E. church of Nanticoke, by same, Mr. Luther F. Messick and Miss Carrie R. Robertson, all of this county."
"John Hobbs, the young man of Walstons's Post office, this county, whose gangrened leg Drs. John S. Fulton and L. W. Morris amputated last Friday, died the following day. Scientists state that of every one hundred cases of amputation of the thigh, eighty prove fatal."
"Mary Nutter, a colored girl who went from Nanticoke, this county, to Atlantic City, N. J., recently and found work in a cottage, was found dead in here room last Friday morning. The gas was on. It is supposed that she died of suffocation, due to the ignorance of the danger of escaping gas in her room."
"The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry S. Todd of this city, died last Friday at the residence of Dr. Phelps, Mrs. Todd's father, near Cambridge, Dorchester county. The remains were brought to Salisbury Saturday and interred in the Presbyterian church yard Sunday morning. Rev. S. W. Reighart officiated."
"The real estate of Wm. Ellis, dec'd. will be sold at public auction on Saturday, July 25th, at the Coulborn House, by the administrator. The home farm, about five miles below Seaford, on the north side of the Nanticoke, is beautifully situated and very desirable. It contains 155 acres in a fair state of cultivation."
"Mrs. John A. Caldwell and daughter, Mrs. Wm. H. Rose, of Baltimore, who are well known here where they have many friends, will sail for Europe on the 25th inst. They will take passage on the North German Lloyd steamship Fulda, from New York. While on the other side of the pond they will visit England, Germany and France."
"From Quantico
Agent Gale manifested one hundred and sixty four barrels of potatoes at the Md. Steamboat wharf here on Wednesday.
On Monday evening last, Mr. John Phillips and Miss Lauretta Roberts were met at St Phillips altar by Dr. Clute, who united them with a pretty and impressive marriage ceremony. The brides maid was Miss Carrie Roberts, the bride's cousin; the groomsman was Mr. Woodland Phillips, a brother of the groom. The wedding march was rendered by Miss Rosalie Clute.
"Phillips - Roberts Mr. John T. Phillips and Miss Loretta M. Roberts were married at St. Phillip's church, Quantico, last Monday evening. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Robt. Clute, rector. The happy couple at once drove over to B. C. Springs, were they will reside in the future. Mr. Phillips is a son of the late Wilmer Phillips, of this county, and has been engaged in teaching for the last four years. The bride is a daughter of J. M. Roberts, Esq. of Capitola, this county. The Advertiser bears to the couple congratulations and best wishes."
February 1997, from the collection of George E. Richardson, III Email: georich@gclock.com