There was absolutely no local news to be found in the Dec. 29, 1892 issue of the paper. It is my belief that the editor took the occassion of the Xmas holidays to take some time off. So we start a new year. The Schley County News Thursday, January 5, 1893 No. 1 Miss Eva Cheney is visiting relatives in Dawson. Miss Nell Davis of Americus is visiting her sister, Mrs. Eugene Dixon. Miss Kate Williams left Saturday for Albany. She will teach near that city this year. Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Edwards, of Louisville, Ky., spent the holidays here with Mrs. Edwards' parents. Col. V.B. Hudson, of Bryan, Texas, spent the holidays with his parents and many friends in this county. A sociable last Friday night at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Strange was highly enjoyed by the young folks. Stewart's third party side show made a big display as it came in town Wednesday morning, but it did not pan out very many votes. Mr. J.E. Stewart gave an exhibition of his rope walking proclivities Friday evening Dec. 23d. The performance was very good. Misses Annie Lizzie Bagley, of Cusseta, and Lila Chapman, of Columbus, have been visiting Mrs. J.B.Williamson during the holidays. Miss Florence Tison came home to spend the holiday vacation and returned Monday to Cuthbert. She will be one of the graduating class next June. Dr. and Mrs. C.H. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Edwards are in Florida taking in the sights at Jacksonville, St. Augustine and New Smyrna and enjoying the salubrious climate. As a result of the efforts of four or five young ladies, the Rev. Mr. Phillips and family, when they arrived last Friday evening, found the parsonage pantry well filled with vegetables. Capt. C.H. Lewis, of Atlanta, is the guest of Dr. J.N. Cheney. The Captain is a jolly fellow, a devoted hunter and is enjoying a few days rest from the cares of business life in the city in every sense of the word. Mr. E.H. Cordel dined a few of his friends, Wednesday, the 28th ult., among whom the editor was fortunate in being numbered. All the good things of the season were spread and the day was one of much enjoyment for those present. A certain third party negro, whose name is withheld, voted in one of the country precincts, came to town and voted again, and was about to put the third one in when it was suggested he had better not be so lavish. With about a hundred more voters like him, the third party could make a pretty decent showing come election day. Mr. R.W. Wilkinson, an aged citizen of this county, died on the morning of the 24th, ult., at the home of his son, Mr. T.H. Wilkinson. He had many warm friends here who join the News in heart felt sympathies to the sorrowing relatives. Those who accepted an invitation from Miss Eva Walls to spend the day as her guests, last Sunday, at her mother's charming country residence, are under lasting obligations for one of the most pleasant days and the most captivating dinner that it has been our good fortune to enjoy in many a New Year's day. For Sale or Rent--The Spivey place, containing 150 acres, Lot No. 208 in the 30th district of Schley County, Ga., situated six miles from Ellaville. Only $200 cash down wanted; balance may remain. Will be sold at a bargain, or will rent to a reliable man. This is a good chance to obtain a nice farm on easy terms. Address, O.A. Coleman, Americus, Ga. The Ellaville depot, like all other buildings of it's kind, is infested with rats of every imaginable family. Last Monday night Agent Pearson baited a trap with three or four peanuts and left it in the freight room when he started to supper. Returning an hour later, the trap was found to be full and when drowned and counted out there were twenty three of them and no doubt would have been as many more had there been room in the trap. It was baited again and a short while afterward thirteen more captured. Next morning thirteen more were found ensnared in the same trap and it had not been a good night for rats either. Monday the 26th ult., a large crowd of our sportsmen gathered at Mr. H.H. Threlkeld's and proceeded to make war on the rabbits, birds and everything else that came in sight. Many were the carcasses that fell under the deadly (?) aim of the redoubtable sports. At noon, in response to an invitation we all returned to the house where a Christmas dinner with all that custon and name implies had been prepared. A detailed account of the many viands (?) would be next to impossible if time and space would permit. Suffice it to say, that Mr. Threldkeld and his excellent lady will long be remembered by all those present as a most hospitable host and hostess. Mrs. Julia A. Murray, one of the oldest and most respected ladies in this county, died on the night of the 23rd, ult., at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Elbert Hill. Although her death had been expected for several weeks, it was none the less sad and lamentable. She had passed far beyond the average period of life, having reached the ripe old age of seventy-seven and leaves a host of relatives and friends who deeply mourn her taking away. The remains were taken to Bethel, in Taylor County, for interment. (Note: Julia Ann Royal was born abt 1815 and died Dec. 23, 1892. She was the wife of John S.C. Murray and mother of William D. Murray who is mentioned in this paper and frequently in the Schley newspapers. She was also the mother of Nancy Catherine Murray, wife to Elbert Hill. She is buried at Sand Bethel cemetery in Taylor Co., near Rupert.) Prominent among the various entertainments during the holidays was the Batchelor Party at the palatial residence of Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Dixon, of LaCrosse. Notwithstanding the fact that the night was freezing cold and the ground coverered with snow, a goodly number turned out and a highly enjoyable evening was spent. Great merriment prevailed among the ladies while serious apprehensions run riot among the boys when lunch was announced ready. Among all those present there was no one willing to act the batchelor for the brief period of one hour, but the lot must fall to somebody! John Cheney of this place finally drew the ill-fated package and performed the subsequent part to perfection. As at all similar entertainments, many ludicrous things occurred during the evening, furnishing meriment galore for the guests. THE OFFICIAL RETURNS The official returns came in this morning from every precinct in the county. They were all made out and signed up in regular form this time and were counted as returned. The consolidation showed the following, to us, a very gratifying result. For Ordinary T.B. Myers received 509 votes while his opponent, E.B. Barrow, received only 329--Myers' majority 180. For Clerk J.M. Murray leads the ticket with 5??, his opponent receiving 275, the smallest number of any candidate on the third party ticket--Murray's majority, 292. For Sheriff William Allen received 542, while his opponent, L.A.Giles succeeded in laughing only 302 into the box--Allen's majority, 240. The campaign laugh seems to have lost it's effect. For Tax Receiver D.W. Rainey received 533 votes, while G.L. Massey, who was sorry he ever belonged to a party as corrupt as the democratic but never did resign the office they elected him to, received the modest number 315--Rainey's majority, 218. For Tax Collector C.H. Wall, the youngest man on the ticket, received 521 against 327 for his opponent, Chas Womack, an old battle scarred veteran whom it seemed almost cruel to defeat, but the people could not swallow his politics--Wall's majority 194. For Treasurer P.F. Dixon was re-elected to the office of county treasurer by a majority running next to the highest on the list. His total number was 560 and that of L.P. Clark, third party, 288--Dixon's majority, 272. For Surveyor E.S. Baldwin holds this office two years longer on a total vote of 533, while Bentley(?) Halstead lacked 231 of getting enough to make a tie. For Coroner G.W. Marshall received 541 votes and is at your service any time within the next two years that you may see fit to suicide, because B.K. Halstead only got 305. For Commissioners W.D. Murray, V.H. Tondee, A.M. Caskey, T.V. Bridges and G.T. Walker, democrats, were elected by majorities ranging from 225 to 240. CITY OFFICERS ELECTED It is gratifying at least to know that there remains to this day a few offices that can be filled without entering into a disgraceful scramble. A stranger entering our town Tuesday without having been appraised of the fact would never have dreamed that an election was in progress. Such was the case, however, and the men selected to look after and administer the city's affairs the ensuing year are as follows: Mayor, W.D. Murray; Aldermen, J.N. Cheney, T.A. Collins, R.M. Murphy, Eugene Dixon and Elbert Hill; Recorder, A.A. Arrington. All of the above gentlemen are re-elected except the last two named. There was no opposition to the ticket, hence very little interest was taken and a (?) vote polled. STATEMENT Of the condition of the Planter's Bank of Ellaville, located at Ellaville, in the State of Georgia, at the close of business on the 31st day of December, 1892. (Note: This is only a portion of this piece. I omitted the resources and liabilities in favor of the following.) Georgia Schley County Before me came J.E. Clark, cashier of the Planters Bank of Ellaville, who, being duly sworn, says that the above statement is a true condition of said bank as shown by the books on file in the said bank, and he further swears that since last return made to the State Bank Examiner, of the condition of said bank, to the affiants knowledge and belief, that the said bank, through it's officers, have not violated or evaded any obligation imposed by law, unless buying commercial paper at a greater rate of interest is so considered. J.E. Clark Cashier, Planters Bank of Ellaville Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of Jan. 1893. A. J. Walters, N.P., Schley Co., Ga. STOCKHOLDERS S.A. Sellars $5,000 H.G. Daniel $5,000 W.D. Murray $4,000 Elbert Hill $2500 J.E. Clark $1800 J.N. Cheney $1050 C.L. Peacock $1000 T.A. Collins $1000 H.R. Johnson $1000 W.W. Tidwell $600 C.L. Battle $500 C.H. Smith $450 Mrs. C.H. Smith $250 Mrs. W.W. Tidwell $250 W.H. McCrory $250 J.H. Pearce $200 J.M. Thorton $100 Total $25,000 end # 1