The Mountain Echo published February 14 1888: "Our community was dreadfully shocked on the night of the 8th instant by the death of Mrs. Belle MCCRACKEN, wife of E.H. MCCRACKEN. she gave birth to a child about two weeks ago and had almost recovered, when she took cold and relapsed. Physicians and friends offered every assistance to bring relief, but "Death claimed her and the Great Reaper cared nothing for the elapsed hands of entreaty nor the scalding tears of agony." If tears, entreaties, or prayers could have bribed the Destroyer, or turned away his unerring aim, then she would have been spared; but he laid his icy fingers on those lips and chilled that warm heart into death, and turned coldly away from the ruin he had wrought. But even Death has limits beyond which he cannot go. Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, that linger for a moment on the tree tops and then follow his retiring glory as he goes down behind the western hills, she past away, with a heavenly radiance lingering upon her features, that it may truly be said of her, "She fell to sleep in Jesus." She professed faith in Christ and united with the Christian Church several years ago, and lived the life of a devoted Christian up to the time of her death. On Friday, the 10th, the people of this community assembled en mass, at the Parker School house, and with falling tears and kind hands laid her to rest beside her sleeping babes. She leaves a husband, five children,father, mother,several brothers , one sister, and a host of friends to mourn her untimely death. One more victim to the fell destroyer! So lovely, she passed from earth to instant; and while her family stagger under their dread weight of grief, a whole community bear them up in their prayers." Signed Nighthawk.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 10, 1888 issue: Mr. and Mrs. William COWDREY'S little boy, Virgil, died on Wednesday night, after an illness of several weeks. We extend our heart-felt sympathy to the bereaved family.
Mt.Echo Newspaper, Feb 10, 1888 issue: Mr. John COKER, of Bruno, was in town yesterday and informed us of the death of Miss Mary KEETER, daughter of Mr. "Buck" KEETER, of Hampton township. She died on Tuesday, aged about 17 or 18 years.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 17, 1888 Issue: Grapevile Telegraph, Mt. Home News: Sunday night a shocking accident occurred ten miles east of town. Zack SMITH, a sixteen year old boy, shot and killed his brother's mother-in-law, while fooling with a Winchester rifle. He thought all the cartridges had been ejected, and playfully pointed his gun at her, pulling the trigger, when it fired, killing her instantly. The lady's name was Mrs. HAMMONS. It is to be regretted that the gun never goes off backward on such occasions. -- Shanks.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 17, 1888 Issue: We gather the following items of news from Mr. J. H. STONECIPHER of Blythe township, who was a pleasant caller at this office Tuesday: Wesley MUNSON, son of R. S. MUNSON, of Prairie township, died on the 8th inst. He was 18 or 19 years of age.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 17, 1888 issue, Flippin Facts: William BAKER died at his home in White River township one day last week. His remains were carried to Gassville for interment.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 24, 1888 issue: An 11-year old daughter of R. C. JARRETT, a farmer living six miles from Evening Shade, died recently from drinking too much whiskey from a jug in the house.
Mt.Echo Newspaper, Feb 24, 1888 issue: Mrs. Huldah PATTERSON, wife of R. F. PATTERSON, of Prairie township, died one day this week. We did not learn the exact date of her death. Mr. PATTERSON is still quite unwell.
Mt. Echo Newspaper, Feb 24, 1888 issue: Mrs. Maggie MCENTYRE, wife of Mr. James MCENTYRE, of Hampton township, died on last Saturday at two o'clock p.m., of typhoid fever. She was the daughter of Mr. H. C. ("Buck") KEETER, and is the third daughter he has lost by death within the past six weeks. She was about 20 years of age and leaves a husband, two small children, and many other relatives to mourn her untimely death.
Marion County, AR - Obituaries