Menard County Texas

1886 "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.

February 13, 1886 (3-3)***Kennedy & Roberts, big sheepmen of Menard Co, visit San Angelo

February 20, 1886 (2-3)***Menardville Murmurings

April 10, 1886 (3-1)***Menard County roundup to begin April 15 at Camp San Saba

July 31, 1886 (3-6)***Menard County Stockmen join to protect range

October 9, 1886
Submitted: October 7, 1886

Special to the Standard-Fort McKavett, October 7---At 4 p.m. today, J. W. Vaden was shot and killed by Ben Daniels, a deputy sheriff.
It seems Vaden began drinking this morning and went into Mayers’ saloon, where Ben Daniels was keeping bar, and, it is said, used some rather hard language to Daniels and threw a billiard ball and beer glass at him, while others contradict it. Vaden then went out of the saloon and Daniels closed it up. V. came down to Wallick’s store and got a pole with a hook in the end, used for hanging things around the store, and began sticking it in the pants of those about the streets and annoying everyone generally, and came over the street to where Daniels was and tried to trip him up, when Daniels told him to stop, and Vaden attempted to repeat it. Daniels drew his six-shooter and shot him five times, each one taking effect. Vaden, walked about 20 yards and fell dead. Just as he fell, it is said he said, “Daniels, I would not have done you this way for anything.” Daniels mounted a horse and rode off. The verdict of the jury at the inquest was: “Came to his death by shots from a pistol in the hand of one, Ben Daniels.”

October 23, 1886
Menardville Murmurings
Menardville, Menard Co.
Submitted: October 17, 1886
Ed. Standard--we have had pleasant weather for the last week or so, thus giving our farmers a chance to save their roughness and if it continues this way long, the grass will be cured enought so that there will not be any danger of it being destroyed by the frost.

I have not been able to see any one who saw the killing of John Vaden by B. F. Daniels, and do not care to give the readers of the STANDARD hearsay testimony. Mr. Daniels waived examination and gave a bond of $2,ooo to await the action of the grand jury. From this it would seem that he was justified in what he did.

Our new mail line will start Monday from here to Ballinger, 6 times a week, thus giving us more direct communication with San Angelo and other northern points.

All the talk now is candidates and election. All I have to say is that when the good old boat goes up Salt river after the election, she must not pass us by, for she can get many a passenger here. “The woods are full of candidates.” Ex.

(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.

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Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:00 AM