The information used here was taken from the Izard County, Arkansas newspapers available on film bought from the Arkansas History Commission. Over the years the newspapers had different names. A lot of years are missing and several issues of one year may be missing. Some of the issues were either to light or to dark to read and in places there were holes in the middle of an article, making it hard to tell just what was written. In some cases I added information I found on the person mentioned in the obituary. I tried to copy the articles word for word. In some places some small word might have been miss spelled and was corrected. I apologize for all mistakes, Vera Reeves The Clipper Apr 19, 1877 - Marriage license issued for the week E. M. Hodges to Mary Walker R. A. Hager to Nannie Staggs Apr 26, 1877 - Marriage license issued for the week A. Lingo to Mrs. Sarah Bigham Apr 28, 1877 - Married: At the residence of James Thompson of Izard County on Wednesday the 25th inst., by J. B. Freeman, Esqr., Mr. Alex A. Lingo to Mrs. Sarah E. Bigham, all of Izard County, AR “Life is but an empty dream, Care destroys the zest of it. Swift it glideth down the stream, See, you make the best of it.” But--- “Tell me not in idle jingle, Life is but an empty dream, For the boy is dead that’s single And things are not what they seem.” May 5, 1877 Marriage licenses issued for the week May 3, 1877 W. G. Brooks to Lydia Pugh Funeral Notice The friends and acquaintances of Judge R. H. Powell are respectfully invited to attend services, in memory of his late wife, to be held at Philadelphia church, 11 A. M. on the 2nd Sunday in May, Rev. E. A. Garrison, officiating. (Added note: Jane T. Powell is buried in the Old Philadelphia Cemetery. b. 18 Jan 1830 d. 5 Jul 1870.) (Note added in cemetery book shows, husband as Richard H. Powell and parents D. T. and Mary Temple) Died: in Izard County, on May 1st, 1877 Charles, infant son of Judge R. H. Powell, aged 7 months. Died: Mr. Thomas Elkin, an old and respected citizen of this county died, the first of this week, of cancer. May 12, 1877 Marriage licenses issued for the week ending May 10th. W. Forester to Miss. Louisa T. Murry Dr. Culp informs us that Mat Vail was made happy on the 7th last by a present of a son. On the 9th, Pet Tucker went into the ecstasies; his happiness was also a boy – a 12 pounder. May 19, 1877 Dr. Culp informs us that his kinsman, Chas. Benbrook on White River, is happier than anybody---- twins. Jun 2, 1877 Applicants for marriage license: James E. Brown to Margaret Jane Hill. Funeral Notice - The funeral sermon of Mrs. Mary E. Bishop, deceased, will be preached at Philadelphia on the 2nd Sabbath in June. Rev. B. F. Hall, officiating. Jun 9, 1877 Mrs. Mary Martin, wife of Judge Martin of Stone County, died at Mountain View on Sunday the 3rd inst. June 23, 1877-----Obituary Notice Died at her residence, near La Crosse, Ark., on the 13th of May 1877, Mrs. Elizabeth Burns, after a painful illness which she bore with patience and resignation. Sister Burns was the daughter of James Tiller and was born May 23rd, 1816. In 1824 she professed religion and joined the church, and in 1840 she was united in matrimony with John F. Burns, with whom she lived a happy and useful life until his death, which accrued in 1850. At the death of her husband, the care of training and providing for six children, revolved entirely on sister Burns, which arduous duty she discharged with the energy and patience which Christian mothers alone can summon. Eleven years before her death she was stricken with blindness, yet she bore this, the saddest of bodily afflictions with Christian fortitude and patience, always exhibiting in an eminent degree, that meekness and resignation which are characteristic of deep ____ of heart. Sister Burns became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at La Crosse, at the organization of that congregation, in the communion of which she lived, discharging her Christian duties as well as her affliction would admit, until her death. Sister burns died at the age of 61 years and 43 years of her life were spent in the service of God. It is no exaggeration to say that she was truly pious—an earnest, consecrated Christian—her life proved her such. She never shrunk from the discharge of any known duty, but always had a word of encouragement for the desponding and tears of sympathy for the suffering. She was ever ready to throw the mantle of charity over the shortcomings of her fellow Christians. She was an affectionate wife, a tender and loving mother, and an ornament to the church and society, and loved by all who knew her. She died as she lived in the strong assurance of a living faith and in the hope of the blessed immortality. Three of her children preceded her to the “better land” while three are left behind. To these we would say, follow in the footsteps of your now sainted mother. “Weep not as those who have no hope,” for “While your silent steps are straying lonely through night’s deepening shade, Glory’s brightest beams are playing ‘round thy happy mother’s head.” D. G. Griffith Jun 30, 1877 - Married At the residence of Squire Buercklin the bride’s father, in Melbourne, on the 24th inst., by Squire G. B. Moon, Mr. Allen Franks to Miss. Lizzy Ann Buercklin, all of Izard County. The Clipper office was honored with an elegant cake on that occasion, for which we return our thanks. We tender the young folks our congratulations and best wishes. May their united life be a happy one with many joys and few sorrows. Also at the residence of Joseph S. Robinson, near Melbourne on the 28th inst., by Squire J. B. Freeman, Wm. N. Warlick to Miss. Mary N. Martin all of Izard. Marriage Licenses granted Wm. N. Warlick to Martha Ann Martin (one above has Mary not Martha ?) Allen Franks to Lizzy Ann Buercklin Jun 30, 1877 - School Picnic: The picnic given at La Crosse, in connection with the closing exercises of the school on last Friday, by the Trustees and friends of La Crosse Academy was successful in every particular. Ample preparation was made, and of the best possible variety and all enjoyed the occasion in the fullest sense. The attendance was large,--something near fifteen hundred persons present. Capt. R. C. Mathews, was Marshal of the day and discharged the duties of the position with entire satisfaction to all. Teachers, pupils and visitors were formed into procession and marched to the tables, in the best of order, where all were feasted to satiety. The addresses were timely and in good taste. The exercises in the evening are said to have been of the finest order, characterized with a degree of ability not usually manifested on such occasions, and all bearing the impress of the masterly hand that guides that institution. Every pupil came up to the full expectation of teachers and patrons. Prizes were awarded as follows: James Watkins in Declamation, Gertie Hall in Reading, John Watkins in Penmanship. For highest standing in spelling: 1st class Miss Annie Lindley--Principal contestant, Miss Ida Fortenberry. 2nd class Miss Athie Reese--Principal contestant, Miss Belle Montelle. 3rd class Miss Mary Stroud—Principal contestant Miss Alice Raney. Jul 14, 1877 Died - On the 8th inst., at Melbourne, Arkansas, Claudia J., infant daughter of Frank A. and Hattie E. Mason aged 1 year, 7 months and 22 days. And thus little flower has faded on earth, to bloom in the Paradise of God. Yes the darling loved one has fallen asleep to awake to immortality on the shining shore of the river of life,--has plumed her wings and gone up to the Eternal City, and after a while father, and mother, and little brother, if faithful will meet the darling little one on the glorified plains of immortality, to part no more forever. J. Jul 14, 1877 - Marriage Licenses issued James G. Stafford to Mrs. Sallie Browning L. L. Bailey to Charlotte Benbrook Samuel Yates to Martha Blair Aug 4, 1877 Died—at his residence in Fulton County, Richard Sanders on the 30th day of Jul 1877 Aug 11, 1877 - Marriage License Granted W. D. Ragsdale to Rena Ruby Sep 15, 1877 - Licenses Issued: Zack R. Bishop to Angeline Byrd J. M. Stroud to S. F. Sears John C. Calhoun Goodwin to Mary Elizabeth Ann Harvel Aug 7, 1877 – Deaths in Izard County Rufus son of Joseph and Sarah Durham aged 1 year and 7 months. Aug 12, 1877 - Deaths in Izard County Emma Jane, daughter of A. S. and Sarah Culp aged 2 years lacking 5 days. There is a world above, where parting is unknown A long eternal love, found for the good alone And faith beholds the dying here, transplanted to the glorious sphere. On the 6th inst., Johnny Brook (or Brock) stepson of Henry Ingle, aged about eight years. NOTICE Is hereby given, that my wife, Sarah J. Blankenship, has left me, without a just cause and that I will not be responsible for any debt contract or promise she may make from this date, henceforth, this September 13th, 1877. Signed Elijah Blankenship. End of 1877