It’s time, once again, to delve into 19th century news by looking back at The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

This week in 1896 continues to reflect a focus on politics as an article announces the gubernatorial candidacy of Capt. Joseph F. Johnston.

On the local political scene, the following announced candidacy for Baldwin County offices: N.B. Stapleton and D.P. English, both for tax assessor and W.B. Thomley of Perdido for county commissioner.

“The hottest fight in this election will be that for tax collector between Mr. T.J. Holman as the Democratic nominee, and Mr. D.C. Fox, who will represent the independents,” a commentary states. “Both men are old complices and have good staying qualities and will be a pretty fight.”

Coverage of the County Democratic Executive Committee reported that the committed voted to allow one delegate for every 200 white members of the population, while one delegate would also represent precincts containing less more than 100 residents.

The article also gave a report that might be apt timing for Black History Month.

“It was decided to admit colored voters into the primaries, but this was left to the discretion of the committed-men of each beat,” the article states.

Other local news is not so plesant, as an article reported that an “unknown tramp” was run over and killed by trains on the L. & N. tressel 2 miles from Bay Minette.

In another piece, County Health Officer Dr. W.M. Lovelady published a reported of 1895 statistics. They included 260 births, 94 of which were white males and 74 were white females. Forty-six of the births were black males and 45  were black females. One male Mulatto rounded out that statistic.

Lovelady reported 82 deaths for the previous year. The breakdown came to: 23 under 2 years old, 29 were 2 to 50 years old, 22 were ages 50 to 80; and four were over 80.

A report of a financial nature, as a publication of the county treasurer’s reports indicated that $6 was paid to L.N. Stewart “for a coffin for Tom Ridley.”

Tax Collector H.W. Slaughter issued an announcement that he was compiling his own report — one containing a list of delinquent taxpayers for the year 1895 that would be delivered to the probate judge on March 1.

“So those interested will please call and settle and save costs,” he urged in his announcement.

On the international scene, an article reported that the German Navy had an electric-operated battleship that’s 13-by-23.4 feet in size and contains a siren, searchlight and revolving guns “capable of firing 26 shots in succession.”

A real-estate advertisement hawked a 160-acre lot containing a house and more than 100 fruit trees, situated 18 miles from Daphne, for $350 cash.

Check back next week for another perusal of The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.