The Rockdale Messenger seems to think that temperance societies and fires do not work in concert. It relates that John Redding of that town joined the temperance society at 9 P.M., at 2 A.M. a fire broke out and John fell from grace. He again joined and on the occasion of the next fire again succumbed. A third time he buckled on the temperance armor, again a fire occurred and again John became a backslider. He was cured, he still has confidence in temperance societies, but can't be induced to join another -- he is afraid of fires. Brenham Weekly Banner, May 14, 1880
John A. Shapard, formerly of Washington county, now a printer in the Rockdale Messenger office, was married in that town on the 5th inst. to Miss Nannie Beall. Brenham Weekly Banner, April 13, 1882
In the town of Rockdale a war has been opened on dogs and a many a one has bit the dust. Brenham Weekly Banner, February 20, 1880
Rockdale has had quite a number of accessions to her population; they are all from Barbour county, Alabama. Brenham Weekly Banner, February 13, 1880
A man at Rockdale has shipped a barrel of horns to Clarksville, Tennessee. Hands working in the tobacco patches in that neighborhood will be called to dinner by the blowing of a Texas horn. Brenham Weekly Banner, February 10, 1881
The Rockdale Messenger man has been so unfortunate as to lose his horse. It is a lucky newspaper man who is able to own a horse to lose. Brenham Weekly Banner, January 20, 1881
At Cameron on Wednesday night, a dispute arose in a barroom between Robert Boykin, jr., a boy of 19 and William Broadnax, an inoffensive gentleman. Boykin called him a liar and other offensive epithets, Broadnax threw a tumbler at him, when he drew his revolver and shot Broadnax, killing him instantly. The boy made his escape. . . . Boykin, the boy who murdered W.H. Broadnax at Cameron, on the 24th inst. has been arrested and is now in jail at Cameron. A reward of $500 offered by private citizens secured Boykin's arrest. Brenham Weekly Banner, December 2, 1880
