YESTERYEARS: 104 years ago
104 YEARS AGO
March 4, 1898
M.S. Miller sold his stock of merchandise last week to out of town parties and he boxed up the goods and shipped them away Monday. Mr. Miller began merchandising in Florence in 1876 and followed the business continuously since until he consumated the sale last week. We believe he held the record for the longest continuous business career in Florence. T.P. Alexander has been in business longer, but he took a four years respite to serve as County Treasurer. Mr. Miller has been decidedly successful. Coming here with limited means, he has prospered until now he is one of the solid men of the county. His agriculture and livestock interests have grown to such proportions that he feels it is his duty to give his undivided attention to those interests; besides, having followed merchandising so long, he finds more pleasure in looking after the outdoor work. Thus one of the town's pioneer merchants steps aside for someone else.
An ex-bootlegger of Florence says his health is too poor to peddle booze and he wants to start a gambling joint. If he attempts it he will get mixed up with the buzz saw of the law.
