It’s time, once again, to look back to Baldwin County’s Victorian era and review the Baldwin Times of yesteryear.

With several examples in the four-page publication, this week in 1896 indicates that politics was heating up in Baldwin County. For example, announcements of residents tossing in their hat to be considered for public office continue. They include William Yuille for Baldwin County sheriff and Walter L. Thompson for county treasurer.

Baldwin’s heated political scene of the day also extended to the subject of taxes, as a letter by Baldwin County Superintendent D.C. Byrne states that, contrary to previous reports in The Times, no exemption from poll taxes exists in Baldwin County. He explained that a local law that includes several other counties, does allow exemption for trustees, but Baldwin isn’t included.

In a letter, S.S. White, tax assessor in Daphne, explains the debacle.

“Permit me to say I have no reason or motive for assessing any person with a cent which the law does not make my duty to assess him with,” he states, explaining that several trued to claim exemption due to a law passed during the previous legislative session. “I was unable to find  such a law but wishing to be sure I was sure, I referred the whole matter to the state auditor.”

Continuing the subject of economics, Baldwin County bimetal supporter George H. Hoyle issues a challenge to debate the issue anytime at the courthouse.

In a letter, State Auditor John Purifoy agrees that exemption does not exist for Baldwin trustees in the Gilded Age.

In other political news, the weathered publication announced its upcoming state Democratic Party convention in April, to which county delegates would be sent.

On the national political front, announcements report the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on July 7, 1896, the Republican National Convention would be on June 16 in St. Louis, which would also be the spot for the People’s Party National Convention on July 22.

Not all news in the Times, which sold for a $1 yearly subscription, is political in this issue. For instance,an article reports that Bay Minette resident Van Stapleton was accidentally shot while removing his gun from a wagon.

“His wound, though painful, is not considered dangerous,” the article states.

In lighter area news, an article reports that Gateswood School in Ray presented a musical program the previous week.

“The schoolroom was beautifully decorated with evergreens and brilliantly lighted,” the article states, “and at 7 o’clock, a large crowd having assembled, the exercises began, and an interesting program carried out.”

Another article indicates that the 19th century school year was much different from today’s, with the report that the school in Muscogee was to close on Feb. 7, ending teacher Annie Holman’s term.

“We all wish her much success in her efforts to teach,” the article states, “and hope she will return to teach the next term.”

It seems the area had no shortage of workers, as an article reports that in Muscogee, when “sawyer” Edward Bowman retired from the sawmill, Charlie Seals filled the vacancy

Another report announces that discount tickets on the Mobile & St. Louis line to West Point, Miss., would be available throughout February for those wishing to attend the trials of the Field Trials Club.

Check back next week for another look at news from The Baldwin Times of yesteryear.