Alhambra Newspaper Clippings
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PRAIRIE FIRE NEAR ALHAMBRA
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1851
A correspondent at Alhambra, in the northeastern part of this
county, informs us that the large prairie in that vicinity has been
on fire for some days past, with a south wind blowing all the time,
destroying a large amount of property consisting of hay and corn.
Among the heaviest sufferers the names of Curtiss Blakeman, Esq.,
and Messrs. Donderman, A. C. Barth, and Alfred Keown are mentioned.
It is reported that the fire extended northwardly into Montgomery
County, causing great destruction there. In consequence of this
calamity, the farmers in that region will be compelled to commence
feeding their stock now, as every vestige of grass was destroyed.
The perpetrator of this deed will be severely punished if
discovered.
PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ALHAMBRA
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 16, 1853
The reader will please take notice and bear in mind that in the
northeast part of Madison County, there is a town called Alhambra on
the state road from Alton to Vandalia. It is one of the healthiest,
most beautiful and desirable locations for a town that the eastern
part of the county affords, and the country adjoining is not
surpassed for farming, and is settling up very fast; consequently,
those wishing to locate either in the country or town will do well
to make an early investment while property is cheap; tradesmen and
mechanics will find it a desirable location. Any or all property
will be sold on terms that can but be satisfactory to the purchaser,
if application be made soon, and the sooner the better bargain.
Texas gold fever the cause. For further particulars, call on or
address (postpaid) the undersigned, at Alhambra, Madison County,
Illinois. Larkin C. Keown.
ALHAMBRA BOYS SAVE LIVES ON TRAIN
Source: The New York Times, New York, NY, July 19, 1903
Two boys averted a terrible wreck with the probable loss of dozens
of lives by flagging the early morning express on the Illinois
Central before it ran on the bridge across Silver Creek, which had
been partially burned away, three miles north of here yesterday. The
boys John and William Bilf, twelve and fourteen years old,
respectively, who live on a farm near the creek, were on their way
to a neighbor's when they saw smoke issuing from the bridge some
little distance from them. About middle way out they discovered that
forty feet of the structure had been burned away and the bridge was
still in flames. They knew that the fast express would be along in a
few minutes, and if it were allowed to run on the bridge it would
surely go down in midstream, with great loss of life. It must be
stopped, they both knew it, and they set about their important task.
They had no flag, but that trifle was soon mended. John tore up his
shirt and tied it to a staff. Then together they ran to the track to
meet the train. About half a mile from the bridge they heard the
oncoming train, so, taking their position in the middle of the track
they began to wave the flag as the train came in view. The engineer
was quick to perceive the signal and threw on the brakes stopping
the train within a few yards of the bridge. The engineer, conductor,
and many of the passengers thanked the boys for their heroism. The
two boys are members of a family of thirteen children. It is
supposed that the fire was caused by coals from the firepan of a
passing engine.
ALHAMBRA FARMER STABS NEIGHBOR
Source: Ogdensburg, New York News, September 13, 1907
September 12, 1907 - Charles W. Hosto, a farmer living near
Alhambra, walked into the office of Sheriff Jones here and
surrendered himself, saying he had killed Charles Hesi, who lived on
a farm adjoining his. Hosto's story was not believed at first, but
was found to be true. Hosto was arrested on the charge of
manslaughter and released on bond pending his preliminary hearing.
The two men quarreled Monday. Hosto declared he cut Hesi with a
pocket knife in self-defense. He put the man in a wagon and drove
him home. Hesi died that night.
ALHAMBRA FARMER ACQUITTED
Source: Troy Weekly Call, October 19, 1907
Charles Hosto, the Alhambra township farmer charged with killing
Charles Hesi, a neighbor, in a quarrel some weeks ago, was given a
preliminary hearing before Justice Joseph Edmonds at Edwardsville
last Saturday, and was acquitted of the charge. The dispute arose
over a boundary line, and Hosto claimed he acted in self-defense.
The attorneys for the defense asked that the charge be dismissed,
which was done with the consent of States Attorney Gillham.
TWO TRAGEDIES AT ALHAMBRA
Source: Troy Weekly Call, September 14, 1907
Alhambra had two tragedies during the past week - a suicide and a
murder. William Homan, a young farmer, crazed by drink, attempted to
murder his wife and four children by standing them in a row and
leveling a shotgun at them, but suddenly changed his mind and fired
in the air, and shortly afterwards hung himself in his barn. The
second tragedy was the killing of Charles Hesi by Charles Hosto in
an altercation in which the former was stabbed. The men were
neighbors and had been bitter enemies for a year over the drainage
of a piece of land. Hosto gave himself up at Edwardsville and was
released on a bond of $5,000, signed by T. E. Rinkle and Thomas Koch
of Edwardsville.