1884 "Menardville Murmurings" published in San Angelo Standard Newspaper

In my search for early information on Menard County, I've been looking at the San Angelo (Tom Green County) Texas newspaper microfilm for columns called "Menardville Murmurings". The microfilm is BADLY MARKED and FADED. It has been EXTREMELY HARD to read some of the columns but I will transcribe what I can and note what is questionable or unreadable.

May 17, 1884 (4-4)
***Commissioners court meets; juries appointed to lay out county roads.

May 31, 1884 (4-4)
***H. Buckley, sheepman of Menardville, to bring back bride from Detroit.

June 21, 1884 (1-7)
***New telegraph offices at Fort McKavett and Walthal

June 21, 1884 (4-2)
***F. Mayer to move to McKavett

June 21, 1884 (4-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: ?

Arthur G. Nason contemplates opening a general land agency business in Menardville, Menard County, Texas.

July 15, 1884 (4-1)
***R. B. Thomas to open business in Menard

July 12, 1884 (4-5)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.

H. Buckley, a sheepman of Menard County, wishes us to state that the report about his going to Detroit to get married which was published in a previous number of the Standard, is without foundation.

July 19, 1884 (4-4)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: July 14, 1884

J. F. Yoho, a prominent sheepman of the county; has just returned from a business trip to Austin and other points.

Every day brings in visitors and prospectors, looking at the country, and they all seem well pleased with the appearance of things.

Grass is fine and stock of all kinds look well.

The woolgrowers of this section are becoming disgusted with the railroads on account of their unfair discrimination in freight rates, and mean to have a meeting soon to give expression to their dissatisfaction.

This country is most certainly looking up, and you will hear from it again.

July 26, 1884 (4-8)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: ?

Robert Beddow, county clerk of Menard County, died in Menardville, Wednesday and was buried yesterday. (Alicia's Note: This issue is dated Sat., July 26, 1884. I’m assuming that Robert Beddow died on Wed., July 23, 1884. Robert Pulliam Beddow was born March 15, 1851 and is buried in Pioneer Rest Cemetery in Menard, Texas)

(4-2) Menardville can now boast of a telegraph office.

J. D. Hill, a prominent lawyer of Menardville, is on his death bed. The physicians have given up on him.

August 9, 1884 (4-3)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: ?

Editor Standard-Since your correspondent last wrote, Menardville has lost two of its well-known and popular citizens, Mr. R. P. Beddow, for a number of years clerk of the courts, and Mr. J. D. Hill, who has been in the practice of law in this place for the last seven or eight years. These two gentlemen, who had been firm friends during their whole stay here, passed away within six days of each other.

The county commissioners met last week and appointed Col. Thomas A. Gay clerk of the county court to fill the unexpired term caused by the death of Mr. Beddow.

Messrs. Williamson and Saunders, late of Williamson county, have their new store house almost completed and expect soon to open out with a large stock of goods.

Some other houses are to be put up very soon, and our town seems to be assuming a new and lively appearance.

There was a pleasant dance here Monday night, which was largely attended.

Mr. John E. Pride, of Missouri has been spending the past few days here looking at his lands throughout the county.

It is very hot, dry and dusty and no rain within the last six weeks.

August 23, 1884 (4-3)
***W. J. Adams buys Denny cattle at McKavett

August 23, 1884 (4-5)
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: August 16, 1884

Messrs. E. V D. Stucken, Enoch Ballou and J. D. Scruggs were elected school trustees for this precinct recently.

Col. W. L. N. Norton proprietor of the Burnet and San Angelo stage line, spent two or three days of last week in our city and left yesterday for San Angelo.

Still very dry and hot.

September 6, 1884 (4-3)
***Personal item

September 6, 1884 (4-5)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on September 1, 1884

Editor Standard-A suit for damages against the manager of the irrigation ditch came before the Justice's court on Monday last, but was not decided because of a disagreement of the jury. It came up again on Thursday and was decided in favor of the defendants. Mr. Rudolph Runge, an attorney from Mason, was retained as counsel for the defense in this suit, and has been spending the past few days here.

The Stockman's Association of Menard county held a meeting here on Friday. Ed. Seiker presided and Major Jones was made secretary pro tem. It was decided to have Fall round-ups-that in the western part of the county to commence on the 4th of September at the twelve-mile water hole. Campbell and Blevirs were elected bosses for this district. The round-up for the eastern part of the county to commence on the 1st of October at Camp San Saba, and M.D. Chastain and John L. Leary were elected bosses. No other business was transacted. Before the meeting was called to order, Mr.

T. L. Mann addressed the crowd and announced that he was a candidate and told what he would do if elected.

The Woolgrowers Association meets today, September 1st.

Prof. Hunter recently of Mason has arrived and will open his school today. He has flattering prospects for a fine school and comes here highly recommended.

September 20, 1884 (4-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on September 16, 1884

Editor Standard-Our town is beginning to change its languid summer air for the livelier, active gait of a cooler season. Yesterday the streets presented quite a busy, bustling appearance.

Several large wagon loads of merchandise have arrived for Williamson & Saunders, and more are on the road. These gentlemen have just completed a large new store house, and are now opening out a well assorted stock of goods.

It is said that Los Moras Ranch Company, whose headquarters are situated about six miles south of this place, will begin to enclose a pasture about 15 miles square at an early day.

Levering & Buck who came here a short while since from Ohio with a flock of the Merino rams, have sold them all out, and are so well pleased with our country as to talk of settling here and engaging in the wool-growing industry.

Hon. Joseph D. Sayers, candidate for Congress, will speak here on the 26th inst.? There is little or no interest taken in politics here outside of local issues, though there are swarms of candidates for most of the offices.

Frank W. Maddox and brother of Austin, spent two or three days here last week, looking at their lands in this county.

Enoch Ballou has just returned from a business trip to the city of San Angelo.

Notwithstanding our extreme vigilance, ??? has fallen upon us, but we trust it will not become an epidemic.

October 11, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on October 2, 1884

Editor Standard-This place was enlivened last Friday by the appearance and speeches of Major Sayers and Judge Rector, the opposing candidates for Congress in this district. The Major made a good and telling speech showing in plain colors the Judge's past political record, and his present vain effort to run as an "Independent" while affiliating with the Republican party. The Judge made no denial of his republican principals, but discussed protection in the house of getting the votes of the disaffiliated sheepmen. Altogether, we think the crowd was with the Major, who hodged Judge Rector at every turn. There were some other speeches by candidates for District Attorney, but they only amounted to announcements.

There was a very pleasant affair at the residence of Mrs. Ellis, near here, last Tuesday evening. Her daughter, Miss Ida, in almost a twinkling was changed to Mrs. Doc. Maddox. Many friends had collected to witness the interesting ceremony and to wish all manner of good things for the happy couple. After refreshments had been served; dancing commenced and lasted until a late hour; the guests being slow to leave such an agreeable entertainment.

The citizens of Menardville have recently subscribed very liberally towards building an addition to the school house, which is at present entirely too small for the number of pupils in attendance. A few more dollars are needed still.

Messrs. Ellis and Small?, have bought some town of ?? and expect to build a few houses at an early day to supply the increasing demand for places to rent.

Mr. M. C. Ragsdale (Alicia's note: I can't really read his name.....this may not be correct), a photographer came in yesterday from San Angelo and is now erecting his tent.

October 25, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on October 15, 1884

Editor Standard--The only excitement here worth noting is among the candidates for county offices; the political firmament having changed very materially the past ten days. Several candidates have thrown up the sponge, but others have stepped into the ring and the fun goes on. The most notable change is the withdrawal of J. D Scruggs from the race for County and District Clerk, and the announcement of Col. Thomas A. Gay, the present incumbent, for the same office. Col. Gay is a most estimable gentleman and one well suited for the position as his work in the office for the past few months will attest. He is well known and liked in the county and the other candidates will have to exert themselves if they wish to pass him in the race.

Messrs. Hull & Shannon?, architects and contractors, from Burnet, are here prospecting, and are making an effort to get the contract for the proposed Courthouse and Jail. They will examine the character of the stone to be used and all other particulars so as to be able to make an estimate for a bid. They are of the opinion that the County Commissioners will have to appropriate at least 17,000, if not $20,000 if Menard county is to have respectable office buildings. We need great buildings here, and it would be false ? to commence ? that might in a year or two prove inadequate.

A. Cleveland and Hendricks.....(can’t read)

Mr. F. W. Maddox, of Austin, has been spending a few days here.

Mr. Wm. Johnston contemplates erecting a handsome ......(can’t read)

The addition to the schoolhouse will soon be built.

The young people expect to have a dance in the new house of Mr. Saunders, on Friday evening, next.

November 1, 1884 (3-5)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on October 29, 1884

Editor Standard---It has been raining and the weather is cold, the streets are muddy, and consequently, there is very little to write about. The sun has come out bright and warm this morning, and if the temperature will only keep at the present notch for a month, the cattle and sheepmen will be happy. But a frost now would ruin all prospects for winter grass.

The families of Messrs. Williamson and Saunders arrived Sunday afternoon, and will move right away into their new dwelling.

Mr. F. M. Jackson, has withdrawn from the canvas for County and District Clerk, and the race is now between Col. Gay and W. S. Stradler?, with the chanced decided in favor of the former.

Mr. J. M. Alexander has determined to follow his brother’s example and move into town so as to send his children to school. He will most likely build.

The lumber is now on the ground for another new building--that of Mr. W. Saunders, who expects to open up a fine bar and billiard room as soon as the house is completed.

J. W. Boledon?, the photographer, has folded up his tent and moved away towards Mason, where he will ? forth in the future.

Harry Buckley expects to leave in a few days for Chicago with a draye of muttons, and will most likely spend the holidays at his old home in Detroit.

November 8, 1884 (3-7)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on November 6, 1884

Editor Standard---The election day passed off quietly enough throughout the county. There was not a great deal of interest manifested and a light vote was polled. There were, about 250 votes cast in the county, all but 30 or 35 of the number straight Democratic. Hon. A. B. Wyatt was re-elected County Judge by a majority of 28 votes. J. W. Mears will be our next Sheriff, and Col. Thos. A. Gay is County and District Clerk by a very handsome majority. W. W. Lewis elected Treasurer, and G. W. Dexter, County Surveyor; James Callan, Assessor, and Wm. Kingston Hide and Animal Inspector. E.V.D. Stucken was made County Commissioner from this precinct, and R. B. Thomas, Justice of the Peace, without opposition. Ellis was elected Constable.
Altogether the result of days battle gives general satisfaction. It means that Menard Co. has walked up from its lethargy and will henceforward be progressive, and will work to improve its many natural advantages. The people by their ballots have placed their interests in the hands of responsible and trustworthy citizens who will work for the greatest good to the greatest number.

We are soon to be treated to an entertainment by the “Burnt Cork Artists” of Menardville. It will be an amusing exhibition of minstrelsy by home talent to raise enough money to make the needed improvements in our schoolhouse. It will, we are satisfied, be highly successful.

The festive organ grinder enlivened this place with his music for a few days, but has moved off towards your city. We are having fine weather now. The days being bright and bracing, and the nights just right for rest.

November 15, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on November 12, 1884

Editor Standard--On Monday last the Commissioners’ Court met to ascertain the vote of Menard county, and below are the official figures:
For President---Cleveland, 201; Blaine, 43.
For Congress, 10th Dist.--Sayers 174; Rector, 71
For Governor---Ireland, 184; Jones, 65
For Representative, 80th Dist.--Robinson, 89; Murphy, 48; Bailey, 32
For District Attorney--McGinnis, 150; Moursund, 69; Wilks 6.
The list of county and precinct officers is the same as published in the last issue of the STANDARD.
The news of Cleveland’s election to the Presidency, and the return of the Democrats to power seems to give unbounded satisfaction to the most of our citizens. We now look forward confidently to a change for the better in the administration of national affairs, a wise and economical government, the return of confidence to business circles, and continued and increased prosperity throughout the length and breadth of these United States. In fact, we are enthusiastically happy at the result.

There has been little going on here the past week, owing to the excitement and anxiety over the election.

A Teamster by the name of Hansen, was severely kicked by a mule, last Saturday night, about 10 miles west of here. He was brought into town, Sunday, and upon examination the Doctor found his skull was fractured badly, but the patient is now doing well.

We had a heavy rain Monday night and Tuesday morning.

November 22, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on November 20, 1884

Editor Standard.---Your correspondent has been out of town several days this week, and consequently will be unable to send you a complete abstract of items this time.

The entertainment given by the “Ole Plantation Minstrels,” an amateur company of Menardville artists, on last Friday evening was highly successful. The performance was given for the purpose of raising funds sufficient to make needed improvements on the school house, and the sum of forty dollars was realized. It was under the management of Prof. Hunter, our efficient and popular teacher who has already built up a large school here by his enterprise and ability. He says that this first entertainment has been successful enough to warrant his making an effort to give some more during the winter.

Mr. G. Y. Gay has sold his place about two miles east of here to Col. Thos. A. Gay, and Mr. Waller.

Mr. R. A. Wirr and Mr. J. W. Alexander, stockmen, living in the lower end of the county, expect to come into town in a short while in order to send their children to school. There are several others who wish to do the same thing and would if they could get houses.

There is a spirit of improvement developing here which only needs a little encouragement to become full grown. Already the town has changed appearance quite considerably in the last four or five months, and we think that another year will make it a new place.

Our merchants say that trade is brisk, and even better then would be expected during such hard times.

Jack Frost has been with us in full force the past few mornings.

November 29, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on November 26, 1884

Editor Standard--We have been treated the past week to more than the ordinary number of those pleasant, local happenings that break into the monotony of country life.

On Thursday last, Miss Maggie Johnston attained the ripe age of 8 years, and in honor of the event gave a dance to the little folks. They were present in numbers and seemed to be perfectly happy as they kept time to the music and went through the mazes of the dance.

On the following evening the school children gave an exhibition which was numerously attended and highly complimented. The program consisted of music, songs, recitations and dialogues. After the curtain dripped it was discovered that the patrons of the school had provided a bountiful supper which, it is needless to remark, was also heartily enjoyed.

The Commissioners’ Court met in special session on Monday last, and approved the following bonds of newly elected officers: W. W. Lewis, Treasurer; J. W. Mears, Sheriff and Collector of Taxes; A. B. Wyatt, Judge; James Callan, Assessor; R. B. Thomas, J. P. and ex officio Notary Public.
The Commissioners elected on the 4th inst., also qualified as follows: E. V. D. Stucken, Com. Precinct No. 1; O. Striegler, Precinct No. 2; C. G. Burbank, Precinct No. 3, and Dr. S. F. Wood, Precinct No. 4.

Mr. Hart, of San Saba, was in town a few days since and proposes to open a saddlery and harness shop here before a great while.

Mr. F. M. Gay, a banker, from Niles, Mich., is here visiting his brother, and prospecting with a view to invest, perhaps in Menard county lands.

Baseball is being introduced here, and a lively serub game was played Sunday afternoon. A match game between the Rosebuds and Gray Sox is set for next Sunday. Menardville is surely keeping abreast of the times.

December 13, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on December 4, 1884

Editor Standard--The Menard County Woolgrowers’ Association had a regular meeting here last Monday, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: C. G. Burbank, President; T. W. Hickey and W. J. Wilkinson, Vice Presidents; Sam Wallick, Treasurer, and A. G. Nason, Secretary. F. C. White will be recommended by the Association for the position of Scab Inspector to be appointed by the Commissioner’s Court. Several new members were elected, and petitions on the subjects of scalps and double deck cars were presented, and it was determined to lay them before the Legislature at its next session.

The Commissioners’ Court met the same day and approved the bonds of such county officers as had not previously been acted on.

On Tuesday the property belonging to the estate of J. D. Hill, deceased, and known here as the Feed Yard, was sold at public auction by the Sheriff. Williamson and Saunders were the purchasers at $925.

There was quite a pleasant dance at the new “Drug Store” last Monday evening. The floor was good, the music better, but best of all was the presence of so many fair ones, who seemed to enjoy themselves to the fullest extent.

Our town has been painted red with circus posters, and the great show will be here December 13th.

The match game of baseball between the Rosebuds and the Gray Sox resulted in a victory for the former; the score being 13 to 10 in their favor.

December 20, 1884 (3-6)
Menardville Murmurings
Submitted on December 17, 1884

Editor Standard---The gloomy weather of late has kept your correspondent indoors, and consequently he has found little to gossip about.

Mr. William Kingston, lately elected Hide and Animal Inspector, was married at McKavett a few days ago.

News has reached us that Mr. Burrell, who was accidentally shot near McKavett, last week, has since died.

Our genial Postmaster, Herr Stucken, has just returned from a business trip to Austin and San Antonio.
Mr. G. Y. Gay left this morning for Austin. He will probably visit New Orleans and Chicago before returning.

Mr. J. F. Yoho has sold his who ranch to Maddox Bros. & Anderson, of Austin, who are now enclosing a large body of land in the north-eastern part of the county. Mr. Yoho expects to return to Ohio.

Yesterday the town turned out to see a quarter race, which was quite exciting for the few moments it lasted. We expect to have a good race here on Christmas.

From present prospects we shall surely have snow before tomorrow.

December 27, 1884 (3-1)
***Arthur Nason, Menardville, ships wethers to Chicago

(Alicia's Note: *** means I don't have the complete article at this time)

NOTE:  While I strive for accuracy in all transcriptions, please be advised that typing errors may be present.  I would suggest you always verify my online information with a copy of the actual record.

All contents of this web site are the property of Alicia Brown unless otherwise noted. You are free to copy or print out pieces of information for your personal genealogical research, but nothing on this site may be used in other ways without my permission.

Have a Question or Comment About My Web Site?

Due to the increasing amount of "spam" I'm receiving from email "harvesters", I only publish my email link in jpg form. I am sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you...but I'm really tired of the "advertising trash" that is filling up my email box..

This Page Was Last Updated On:

Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:00 AM

© Alicia Brown 1999-present