This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Grafton Sentinel
Location
Grafton, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1908
Page
1
A chaotic report describes a massive earthquake causing extensive casualties with estimates ranging from thousands to possibly hundreds of thousands dead. News reflects hopeful but uncertain surmises about missing people and ongoing rescue efforts across affected regions.
The disaster sweeps Messina and surrounding towns, with dead estimated from 100,000 to 600,000. Cities like Messina, Reggio, Palmi, Baquara, Scyla and Villa San Giovanni are wrecked. the Aeolian Islands reportedly submerged. Queen and King in Messina aid rescue as consular death confirmed. refugees flee, fires rage, and relief crews rush food and clothing to survivors.
John W. Walker, assistant to the Baltimore and Ohio's third vice president, is named general superintendent of transportation to replace Arthur Hale who resigned December 1. Walker takes effect January 1 as part of broader B&O system changes following Thomas Fitzgerald’s resignation and Hale’s departure.
The Sentinel notes Bluemont cemetery had zero funerals in 1908, down from about four weekly in 1907, with the Bluemont sexton Charles M. Roach citing an excellent year for the community. Catholic cemetery reportedly also shows a reduced funeral count, reinforcing the health record.
San Francisco report states Abraham Ruef, long time political boss, was convicted of offering a $4000 bribe to secure a street railway franchise vote. He received a 14 year term at San Quentin penitentiary, faced the court calmly, and an appeal was entered with a stay of execution granted.
The Sentinel in the Tygart Valley promotes a January 16 close for its subscription contest with grand prizes a $400 Hullington piano second prize a solitaire diamond ring and third and fourth gold watches. A cash prize of $10 awaits the top new subscriber producer by January 2. multiple local residents listed with varying vote counts show strong interest.
Clarksburg December 31 Hood Thorn released by Squire Gordon after evidence shows the felonious assault occurred in self defense. Thorn faced a warrant sworn by George Eaton for an attack on Raton who provoked the fight and was injured by a brick. Bond was set at $500.
The West Virginia Bar Association closed its annual session in Huntington with Webster Springs chosen for next year’s meeting. Officers were elected including C. M. Campbell as president and a board of five district vice presidents. A unanimous resolution urged removing judges from politics, and another proposed a national legislative commission. Debate also touched on establishing an additional circuit judgeship.
Charleston wire reports that the Kanawha Coal Operators' Association will send a delegation, led by President Ben Davis, to defend his signing of the special Paint Creek agreement before the United Mine Workers national executive board in January. Outside Paint Creek, mines operate under the old contract, while Paint Creek itself has a separate agreement. Davis praises readiness to appear and defend his action, with operations continuing districtwide as the national committee meeting approaches.
Grace Beatrice Lake wed M. Channing Owens in a West Side home ceremony at 8:20 PM officiated by Rev. A W Morrison. Attendants included Gertrude Lake and S A Walter. A piano Mendelssohn Wedding March and soprano Flo Hamilton accompanied the reception. Guests from Fairmont Clarksburg Keyser and others attended before the couple departed for Parkersburg then plans to reside in Clarksburg.
William L Mathues former Pennsylvania state treasurer died at 46 in Media Pennsylvania. Doctors cited pneumonia but illness believed to be aggravated by capitol graft cases and a two year penitentiary sentence. Mathues long stood as a Delaware County political power before a Capitol fraud exposure led to conviction of conspiracy in a state furniture contract.
Report states Mr. W. E. Pifer of Walnut Street remains not better today and now faces a threatened pneumonia risk as his condition is monitored after illness.
Notice from Grafton Union No 594 listing member barber shops J B Guth J J Remlinger D C Pracht Roy Bolyard Harry Johnson J K Murphy Pred Curry signed by secretary J W Wilmoth in Grafton. 251-61
Refugees fleeing Messina tell of utter destruction and starvation as the steamer Therapie carries hundreds to Naples. They recount collapsing buildings, shattered streets, a ruined harbor, and chaos in rescue efforts. A Russian vessel was tossed by the tidal wave, and some fugitives died at sea.
Charleston December 31 In his final biennial report Tax Commissioner A B White defends the office against charges calling them false and outlines revenue measures. He notes $200000 has been paid into the state treasury from license taxes in two years and proposes licensure and assessment reforms plus higher taxes on certain deeds counterfoils and a boosted retail liquor license to $1000.
The piece reflects on December 31 1909 approaching 1910 and the Italy Sicily earthquake’s toll. It urges timely New Year resolutions, noting many fail them by day’s end and urging steadfast, sensible goals for the year ahead.
Big Rink management announces special band music for New Years afternoon and night with prizes for children and all skaters. Coupons with lucky numbers, a graceful skater prize, and a Block Skate offer chances at prizes. A special roller coaster will operate all evening. Admission remains the same for both sessions.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.