3 June 1898--A FATAL ACCIDENT--Victor Dysart of Near Yates Fatally Shot at that Place Monday Evening--Only Lived a Short While.--One of the saddest and most deplorable accidents that ever occurred in this community, happened at Yates late Monday evening by which Victor, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dysart, of near that place, met death. The young man in company with his uncle, George Newby, had spent the day in Higbee and left in the afternoon in a two horse wagon accompanied by Moses Blansett who was going into that neighborhood to do some carpenter work. Mr. Blansett took an old fashioned rifle along with him with which to kill squirrels at odd times, little dreaming that it was to put out a bright young life in a few short hours. When they reached Yates they stopped for Mr. Blansett to get some nails, and while he was getting out of the wagon, Victor, who was in the rear end of the wagon, took hold of the gun by the muzzle to move it out of the way or to handle it. He pulled the gun towards him when the hammer caught on the bed of the wagon and the gun discharged. The ball struck him in the right side, passing thro' his stomach, ranging down, and lodging just beneath the skin on the left side, where it was cut out. He was at once taken to the residence of his brother-in-law, Dr. Winn, and Dr. G. M. Nichols of this place, telegraphed for. The two doctors did everything in their power for him, but the wound was one beyond the reach of medical science, and he lingered until 4:30 Tuesday morning, when death relieved him from his suffering. He died in the room in which his only sister passed away only a few months ago. The funeral was held from the residence of Dr. Winn in Yates Wednesday after which the remains were laid to rest by loving hands in the family burying ground. To the grief stricken father and mother and two brothers the News extends its sympathy and commends them to Him who doeth all things well. 3 June 1898--Dr. Ben Dysart of Paris, came over Tuesday morning to see his nephew, Victor Dysart, who accidentally shot himself at Yates Monday evening, but did not reach Yates until after the death of the young man. 3 June 1898--Chas. Proctor, colored, aged 19 years, died near Yates Tuesday, of consumption. Death for this disease among the colored people living on Silver Creek appears to be on the increase. Hardly a month passes but what a death occurs among them from consumption. 3 June 1898--Mrs. Thos. Powell of Huntsville, died suddenly at that place Sunday morning. She was as well as usual when she retired but awoke early in the morning very sick. Her husband went at once for the neighbors and then for a doctor, but before help arrived she was dead. 10 June 1898--J. E. Fowlkes and daughter, Mrs. Overstreet, of Blackwater, MO, are visiting his son, J. M. Fowlkes near Rucker. 10 June 1898--Married, in Moberly, on June 6, 1898, Mr. J. E. Davis and Miss Vernon Hines. The bride is a niece of R. L. Hines and Mrs. Thos. Bain of this place. 10 June 1898--Married, in Higbee, June the 9th, 1898, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Botts, Mr. Wm. Allen and Miss Susie Botts, Eld. W. P. Dorsey officiating. A more extended notice will appear next week. 10 June 1898--A Negro boy 7 or 8 years old was shot and killed near Yates last Monday morning by Eff Terrill. Some days ago James Graves ran off with and married Eff Terrill's sister. Terrill went to Graves' home Monday and opened fire on Graves with a revolver. At the first shot Pearl Graves fell mortally wounded. Terrill was arrested, waived examination and was sent to jail to await the action of the grand jury. All parties concerned are colored. 10 June 1898--Died, on June 6th, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Tabor. The remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery Tuesday evening. 10 June 1898--Married, on June 2nd, at the residence of and by Eld. S. B. Naylor, Mr. Oscar Naylor and Miss Nettie Mobley, both of Howard county. The News extends good wishes. 10 June 1898--The little son of W. H. Thompson, living on the Monroe Minor farm northwest of town, got caught under a gate yesterday, breaking one of his legs. 10 June 1898--Samuel Smith, who was stricken with paralysis some time ago, died Saturday, June 4. Deceased was about 50 years of age and leaves a wife and several children to mourn his loss. The remains were laid to rest Sunday evening in the city cemetery. 10 June 1898--M. F. Hudson has arranged to move to Ripley county, Missouri, where he will engage in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Hudson, we learn, has secured a good school in that county and will teach this fall and winter. She leaves today to attend the Ripley county teachers' institute, and Mr. Hudson will join her with the rest of the family about the 20th. Mr. Hudson and wife during their eight years residence here have made a host of friends who regret to see them leave, and whose good wishes will follow them to their new home. 10 June 1898--WE WERE MISINFORMED--Joe Sumpter who shot and killed Eli Hearseman in the north part of Howard county short time ago, has been released on a $5,000 bond. We are not informed upon what grounds he was granted bond--HigbeeNews: This is a mistake. Sumpter was not released. He was held at $5,000 bond to await the grand jury. Being unable to secure bond he was committed to jail--Fayette Advertiser. 10 June 1898--HOBSON'S DARING DEFEAT--Merrimac Was Sunk by Her Own Crew to Block Santiago Harbor--Almost Miraculous Escape of the Eight Men Who Volunteered to Do It.--Kingston, Jamaica, June 4--The report which was received here yesterday to the effect that the American steamer Merrimac had been sunk in the Santiago channel was true. She was blown up by an internal torpedo as she was crossing the second line of mines, and her destruction was for a purpose. The Spaniards failed to prevent her crossing the first line of mines, but when the second was reached there was an explosion, and the vessel went to the bottom. The torpedo had done its work. The American fleet had resumed the attack upon the fortifications early in the morning, and, after a heavy fire which lasted three or four hours, the collier Merrimac was sent to attempt to force the entrance. There was no lack of volunteers when men were called for to man the vessel which was to undertake the perilous job, and Lieut. Richard P. Hobson and seven men were selected and the run for the harbor mouth began. The Merrimac steamed into the narrow channel under a terrific fire from the batteries. Cervera's fleet also took part in the attack, and the Merrimac was hit repeatedly by the projectiles. The vessel was then anchored in such a position that she swung around with the tide. When she was directly across the cannel, extending across it, Lieut. Hobson set off an internal torpedo with an electric attachment. There was a tremendous explosion which blew out a large section of the bottom of the Merrimac. The water poured into her with a mighty rush and only a minute or two after the explosion the collier rested upon the bottom of the channel. Hobson and his men in the meantime had put off in a boat, braving the fierce cannonading from ships and forts. Unable to make their way back to the American fleet, they calmly rowed into the harbor and went on board of the Spanish war-ship Almirante Oquendo, where they surrendered. Sampson had some time ago decided to block the entrance to Santiago harbor, as he knew that with Cervera hopelessly entrapped the greater part of the fleet now blockading Cuba could be released to bombard Havana or San Juan, while the remainder kept guard over Santiago. He realized that with this strategical plan adopted, mortar and siege guns can be landed near Santiago and placed on the heights. Admiral Cervera can be shelled at pleasure and his ships either captured or destroyed without any danger to the battleships or the American navy. As the Merrimac is sunk in the channel, it is scarcely probably that Admiral Cervera's squadron will be able to leave the harbor, while at the same time the American warships will be unable to enter. Later in the day Admiral Cervera sent word to Rear Admiral Shampson, under a flag of truce that heroic Hobson and his companions would be exchanged and that they were being well treated. The act of Lieut. Hobson, which is the most daring since that of Cushing, was performed at dawn Friday. The volunteer crew of seven was chosen with the leader from the entire number of seamen attached to Sampson's fleet, every one of whom volunteered to attempt to perform the task. 10 June 1898--ST CLAIR DISTRICT--T. E. St Clair visited his sister, Mrs. W. H. Sword of Boone County, Tuesday. 10 June 1898--ST CLAIR DISTRICT--T. E. St Clair and Miss Lois M. King were united in marriage at the home of Silas Dougherty, Esquire, on Wednesday, June 8. The groom is a young farmer of Bonnfemme township, and the bride is a daughter of W. E. King, one of the most prominent farmers in Howard county. 17 June 1898--Died, near Myres, on June 16, 1898, Mrs. Elijah Palmatary, aged 84 years. 17 June 1898--Mrs. S. T. Hughes returned from Fayette Wednesday, where she had been to attend the funeral of Mrs. B. S. Smith. 17 June 1898--Mrs. Annie Maria Smith, wife of Benjamin Smith, of Fayette, died at that place last Monday, of consumption, aged 38 years. Deceased was the daughter of the late S. T. Hughes of Higbee. 17 June 1898--Born, near Burton, on the 12th, to Uriah Thompson and wife, a son. 17 June 1898--Dr. R. T. Christian, of Renick, died Wednesday morning at the residence of Mrs. Wm. O'Keefe, in Moberly. He leaves a wife and seven sons to mourn his loss. 17 June 1898--ALLEN-BOTTS--Married, in Higbee, on June 9, 1898, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Botts, Prof. W. F. Allen and Miss Susie Botts, Eld. W. P. Dorsey, officiating. This was one of the most notable and pretty weddings of the season, the arrangements being elaborate and extensive. The rooms were gorgeously decorated with smilax and roses and at the appointed time the shades were drawn and lamps were lighted, casting a mellow glow throughout the rooms. Then the officiating minister entered the parlor, followed by little Miss Nannie B. Edmonston, flower girl, attired in a lovely white dress and sash, carrying a large bouquet of lovely hot house pearl roses held together with white satin ribbon, for the bride. Next, came the attendants, Miss Nettie Tindall of Independence and Mr. Homer Allen, brother of the groom. Miss Tindall wore a beautiful costume of white organdy with white satin and lace effects. As the wedding march, executed by Miss Pearl Dougherty, pealed forth, the bride and groom marched into the parlor, halting upon a white rug, while over their heads hung the marriage bell of evergreens, smilax and white roses. The bride was elegantly arrayed in white organdy, with white satin and pearl lace effects, white roses. Then in the following beautiful and solemn words Eld. Dorsey pronounced them man and wife. (the ceremony, more commentary, and gift list omitted because of time limitations. This was a full two columns). 17 June 1898--Married, this eve, at the residence of Squire W. W. Ferguson, Mr. Jos Cross and Mrs. Lydia Morris, both of Clark. 24 June 1898--KILLED BY FALLING DIRT--Craven Digges, a Young Farmer, Loses His Life After Rescuing Two Young Ladies From a Falling Bridge--FAYETTE LEADER--Cravens Digges, a gallant young hero of near Harrisburg, lost his life last Saturday afternoon after he had successfully rescued the Misses Patton from a falling bridge near the home of Joe Cornelius. From Jas. R. Shepherd we learn the following particulars regarding the sad death: The bridge was a 20-foot span across a small creek near Mr. Cornelius' home, and it had been weakened by the high waters. The Misses Patton were horseback and rode on to the bridge, although, (we are informed) that signs had been put up warning parties of danger. One end of the bridge gave way, falling toward the water. The young ladies were naturally greatly frightened and their cries were heard by Cravens Digges and his younger brother, who went to their rescue. The young ladies and the horses were removed to safety, but a parasol was dropped beneath the bridge and Cravens Digges went around and under the bridge to get it. Just as he got beneath the end of the bridge that had given way, the hard dirt on the approach or dump fell with crushing weight on the unfortunate young man, burying him under tons of dirt. He was completely covered except his face. His brothers and others ran to his aid and succeeded in removing the dirt from his body, but he was so badly injured internally that he died shortly afterward. Mr. Digges was constable of Moniteau township. He was a cripple, and his successful efforts at rescuing the young ladies, and his subsequent death, makes him all the more a hero. He was universally liked; was a young man of exemplary habits and was the support of a widowed mother, who and a sister also, is in very feeble health. He was about 24 years of age. 24 June 1898--News reached here Tuesday of the death of Jas. D. Patton, an old Randolph citizen, who died at Santa Ana, California, on Sunday last. The remains will be shipped to Moberly and interred in the Oakland cemetery Friday. 24 June 1898--Death, the grim monster, has again come among us, and claimed his own, this time, Caroline Johnson, wife of H. T. Johnson, of Clark. Wednesday, June 22nd, she passed away from the ravages of that dreaded disease, consumption. While her death was no surprise to us, yet that is no wise relieves the aching hearts of husband, mother, brothers and sisters. She was a kind and loving Christian woman, admired by all who knew her. Being aware of her condition and knowing she must soon die, she never murmured or complained, and expressed a willingness to leave all to Him who wills all things well. Her remains will be laid to rest at Mt. Pisgah cemetery Thursday. Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones. 24 June 1898--James T. Gatewood, Gen. Lee's stenographer, was killed by lightning Sunday at Jacksonville, Fla, when about to go in bathing. 24 June 1898--John James Graham, at one time a prominent merchant of Higbee, died at his home in Joplin, MO, last Sunday morning. Mr. Graham left here early in the seventies and located in Joplin where he has since been engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. While here he made many friends who will be pained to learn of his death. 24 June 1898--We understand that Wisdom Burton has joined the Army. 24 June 1898--F. H. Hackley, one of Armstrong's pioneer citizens, died at his home in that place Wednesday of last week, aged 75 years. 24 June 1898--Mrs. Anna Davis, of Elliott, who has been sick for several months, died at that place Monday evening, aged 68 years. Her remains were interred in the city cemetery here Wednesday. 24 June 1898--Died, at her home in Clark, on June 22, 1898, Mrs. Hiram T. Johnson, of consumption. She had been confined to her room for several months and her death was not unexpected. 24 June 1898--The cases of S. W. Marshall, Wm. Chisham and Thos. Jennings, the two former charged with burglary, and the latter with concealing stolen goods, were before the circuit court at Mexico yesterday. Marshall was sentenced to jail for twelve months, and Chisham for three months. The case of Thos. Jennings was dismissed for want of evidence. 24 June 1898--Our Renick correspondent says that news reached there Tuesday of the death at Santa Ana, California, of James D. Patton formerly of this county, but more recently of Sturgeon and St. Louis, who had gone to California for his health. Mr. Patton was born and raised four miles west of Higbee. In the spring of 49 or 50 he went to California, but not succeeding there returned to Missouri and engaged in business at Old Buena Vista, two miles west of Sturgeon. He was married in 1858 to Miss Duck Martin of near Middle Grove. He was one of the company that laid out the town of Sturgeon, where he afterwards located and continued in business until the breaking out of the civil war when he engaged in furnishing the government with mules. Soon after the close of the war he formed a co-partnership with J. M. Proctor in the mercantile business. This he followed for a few years when he disposed of his interest to Mr. Proctor. He then went to St. Louis and engaged in the sale of horses and mules with great success. He was a great lover of fast horses and has owned some of the best flyers in the United States. He attended closely to business and accumulated wealth rapidly and at the time of his death was estimated to be worth $500,000. Deceased was about 75 years old. The remains will be laid to rest in Oakland cemetery, Moberly, to-day. Kathy Bowlin, Additions, corrections, comments welcome.