Stories of Interest from the Hickman Courier from January 25, 1873 A city election was held in Hickman on January 25th to choose between one- or two-year terms for city officials. The “whole country is suffering with colds” and fevers. Smallpox patients in Columbus and Hickman are reported convalescing. Citizen concerned over the number of “idle, thriftless” individuals in Hickman encouraged city leaders to consider enacting the “vagrant law.” The low price of corn is “falling ruinously on our farmers” and many have decided to grow cotton this upcoming season. The “bottom” farmers anticipate an overflow like last year. A considerable amount…

Stories of Interest from the Hickman Courier from January 18, 1873 A severe storm hit the region on January 15th which lasted for several hours. Temperatures dropped to near zero and some declared it the “severest winter” for many years. The Mississippi River was still locked with ice and all navigation entirely suspended. A man believed to be deceased floated by Hickman on a raft the week prior. People on shore called to the man but received no response. The same man arrived in town on January 12th where he stated he was in a stupor at the time but luckily drifted…