The Hon. Doc Brown's Courtship

1902

The "Hon. Doc" Brown, of Morgansfield, Kentucky, who represents his district in the State Legislature, is one of Kentucky's unique characters. To illustrate a point in a recent speech, he gave the following account of his courtship:

"Take my advice and never give a woman anything she can't eat, and never make love to her out of an ink bottle. Why, when I courted my wife, I just grabbed hold of her and said, 'Sally, you are the sweetest thing on earth, and your beauty baffles the skill of man and subdues his ferocious nature,' and I got her." - New Orleans Times-Democrat.

Had Corner in Graves

1905

The Melbourne Women's hospital discovered lately that a local undertakers' ring had bought up nearly all the vacant plots in the general cemetery, and, having put up its prices for funerals at another cemetery, which has only been opened a short time. In order to divert trade to its own ground, it was retailing its corner in graves at a handsome profit.


A Grimly Suggestive Group

The minister and the doctor were riding down town in a Lexington avenue car, and had arrived at Madison square when their friend the undertaker joined them.

After riding with him two blocks the minister and doctor put the undertaker off the car, saying their appearance in trio looked too suggestive and would cause talk among their friends.


Dachshund Found His Mistress

Three years ago Mrs. A. M. McKee of Plainfield, N. J., made a visit at Glens Falls, N. Y., and on her return left her dog, a dachshund, with her Glens Falls friends. The other day the dog appeared at the old home in Plainfield and finding that his mistress had moved, searched the city until he located her present residence.


Freak of Nature in Kentucky

A peculiar freak of nature has shown up in the bluegrass. Wells that have been dry for weeks, springs that have long since ceased to flow, have burst forth, and some of the small creeks that were dry as a powder keg are now living, running streams — all this without rain. — Grayson Bugle-Herald.

Fine Home-Made Violin

1905

Kentuckian's Instrument He Wouldn't Trade for a "Strad"

H. H. C. Q. James of Bullitt county, who is an expert performer on the violin, finished making a new violin last Monday, and played on it Tuesday and thinks it has got the best tone of any that he ever heard. The lightest touch of the bow will produce a clear, even and well-sustained sound.

He made the top of cedar and the back and ribs of maple. Two years ago he cut a cedar tree that was known to be seventy-five years old, and sawed from the first cut the piece with which he made the top of the violin, and at the same time he cut the maple, and after thoroughly seasoning he has, with a specially-shaped knife, and a file, made what he considers one of the finest-toned violins he ever heard.

All of his friends are congratulating him on his success and as the violin ages Mr. James expects it to improve in tone. — Salt River (Ky.) Tiger.

Memorial to Henry Clay Twice Struck by Lightning

1910

At Lexington, Kentucky, Shattered by Electric Bolts

Lexington, Ky. — It is a singular coincidence that lightning twice in succession has destroyed the statue erected in the cemetery here to the memory of Henry Clay. Years ago the people of Kentucky, proud of the greatness of Henry Clay and his distinguished public services, erected a handsome memorial to him in the cemetery where his ashes repose. In 1903 lightning shattered the statue crowning this memorial and steps were soon taken to repair the statue. A new one was placed in position the past summer. Before it could be dedicated lightning again destroyed it.

This elemental action seems typical of the life of Clay himself. He was one of the commanding figures of his time, distinguished as a statesman, orator and diplomat and greatly admired by millions of Americans. His one great ambition was to be president of the United States, but his prospects, even when most promising, were always shattered, just like the statue on the top of the imposing shaft, which a grateful state has erected in his memory.


Boastful Men

Men are inclined to boast, yet, according to statistics, three out of four are buried at somebody else's expense.


Heroes

Hero worship cannot be eradicated from humanity. It is well that it is so. It is a splendid thing to have heroes in history as definable ideals. It is a great thing to have also some living heroes as great ideals of our dally lives. But, above all, it is supremely important for us to keep before our minds the divine Master as a perpetual ideal. Looking up to him we grow toward God. — Rev. Oliver Huckel, Congregationalist, Baltimore.

Flashed Wife's Pass for Girl Companion

1920

Brakeman and "Other Woman" Fined $300 for Fraud

DES MOINES, Iowa — C. G. Graham, special inspector for the Rock Island road, returned from Ottumwa, where he ran down a pair using a railroad pass fraudulently. He has prosecuted several of these cases and has many others to investigate.

In the Ottumwa case a brakeman at Eldon named Vandevere and a girl from Fairfield named Linn were fined $300 each by Judge Wade for using the pass of the wife of Vandevere for Miss Linn.

The girl was introduced to conductors as his wife by Vandevere, who is a former service man and has a wife and child at Eldon.

Vandevere denied entertaining more than friendship for the girl, and she testified she was living on the savings she had made when employed in a store. The judge gave them permission to pay the fine $50 a month.


Masked Gang Raids Liquor Warehouse

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Seven men, masked with handkerchiefs, raided the old Tarr distillery warehouse here and, at the point of revolvers, forced two guards to unlock the warehouse. The gang stole ninety-four cases of whisky seized last January at Versailles, Kentucky.

Squirrels Raid An Attic

1915

Confiscate Winter Supply of Black Walnuts, But Family Capitulates

Huntington, Indiana — A squadron of flyers has laid siege to and captured one stronghold in the heart of the residence district of Huntington. The besiegers have appropriated a winter's stock of supplies and those assailed have capitulated.

The squadron comprises a number of flying squirrels. A winter's supply of walnuts was scented in the attic at the home of Clinton Butler, an Erie engineer. An opening into the attic was discovered and possession taken by the squirrels. The scamperings of the squirrels were heard by the Butler family during the day and their chatter disturbed the sleep of the family at night. Investigation resulted in solving the disappearance of the nuts.

In an effort to win the friendship of the little animals food is set out for them.


Flower Stems Saved Her Life

Newport, Kentucky — Mrs. Ida Muth owes her escape from death by drowning to a large bunch of withered canna stalks and flowers she intended throwing away. She stepped upon the cover of an abandoned cistern, which gave way and she plunged into 12 feet of water. The canna stalks proved buoyant and for many minutes they kept her head above water. Her screams brought help.

Big Blue Grass Family

1893

Old Joe Morrison and Giant Wife, Sons and Daughters

"As a specimen of what Kentucky can do in the way of producing stalwart sons and daughters," said a proud native of the blue grass country, "I might mention the old Joe Morrison family of Bourbon county. Anybody of the present generation who ever lived in Kentucky will remember old Joe Morrison's family. The family consisted of Joe and his wife and six sons and three daughters. Joe stood 6 feet 4 in his stockings and weighed 210 pounds. His wife was the same height exactly, but she weighed 266 pounds. The oldest son, Tom, was also 6 feet 4, and he weighed 286 pounds. Jim topped his brother Tom by two inches in height, but he wasn't as heavy by 70 pounds. Their sister Sarah was a slim girl, weighing only 165 pounds, but she was taller than either Tom or Jim, for she stood 6 feet 6½ inches.

"But John was the big boy of the family. He only lacked an inch of being 7 feet high, and he weighed 300 pounds. Sister Mary was a midget of 6 feet 2 and only weighed 149 pounds. Elijah wasn't very tall either, being the same height as his sister Mary, but he was of pretty fair heft, tipping the scales at 212. Matthew was 6 feet 2 also and weighed 220, while Eli, standing 6 feet 4, weighed less than 200. The youngest girl, Martha, was 6 feet 3 and 160 pounds in weight. She undoubtedly would have been the giant of the family, for that was her height and weight at the age of 14, a few weeks before she died.

"When these measurements were taken, a few years ago, the family were all together, but since then old Joe and his wife have died, and the boys and girls are married and scattered about the state. I don't know what their progeny have done to keep up the family reputation as to size, but I'll bet on 'em to keep up the record." — Chicago Post.

Moonshine in New York

1906

"Don't talk to me about moonshine in Kentucky," said the internal revenue agent. "There's more moonshining going on all the time in little old New York than could be done in ten Kentuckys. In the crowded sections of the East and West Sides stills spring up right along and for a while conduct a flourishing business in the low grade whisky they manufacture. You see, it doesn't take much trouble to equip a still with corn and yeast and start in to make the mash which is finally turned out as a pretty poor sort of whisky. The great difficulty is in getting rid of the peculiar smoke and odor from stills without exciting suspicion. This is usually attempted by running the still in connection with a dye shop or some other chemical enterprise as a blind. We keep watch on all such establishments and have the town well covered by sharp eyed and sharp nosed agents besides. We are constantly arresting these small moonshiners and sending them to jail. But enough spring up in their places for you to say with safety that, as I say, there's more moonshining going on in New York City right along than there could be in ten Kentuckys."

Find Grave of Grandfather of Abe Lincoln

1922

Located in a Church Yard Near Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville, Ky.,—The grave of Abraham Lincoln, grandfather of the martyred president, has been found in a churchyard near here, in the belief of several Louisvillians who recently have completed an extensive investigation.

The investigators found two stones — their inscriptions blotted away by long exposure to the elements — which they believe mark the grave of the emancipator's grandfather who was killed by Indians in 1786 within sight of his cabin and before the eyes of his three sons.

According to R. C. Ballard Thruston, who made a preliminary investigation of deeds in the Jefferson county courthouse, the examination warrants the belief the land composing the churchyard is part of the Lincoln property, which included 400 acres.

Additional details of the death of the emancipator's grandfather have been revealed by the investigation, it was stated.

When their father fell mortally wounded Mordecai ran to the house and procured a rifle while Josiah darted for a nearby fort to obtain aid. Thomas, then a boy of 9 years, remained with his father.

According to the findings, an Indian seized Thomas and was about to scalp him when Mordecai returned and shot the savage to death. Thomas was released and later became the father of the martyred President.

—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, April 14, 1922, page 14.

Noted Feudist is Shot and Killed

1910--

NOTED FEUDIST IS SHOT AND KILLED

Effort Being Made to Trace Assassins in Kentucky Feud With Bloodhounds.

JACKSON, K.Y., Aug. 28.—John Abner, noted feudist, who took part in the Hargis, Callahan, Dealon and Smith factional quarrels, was shot and killed by unknown persons near the river bridge in Jackson last night. Abner was shot several times. Bloodhounds have been called from Lexington and an effort will be made to trace the assassins.

Abner had been accused of being one of the men employed by Judge James Hargis and others to assassinate Dr. B. D. Cox, James Cockrell and James B. Marcum during the reign of feud seven years ago. The charges were not pressed.

--The Billings Gazette, Billings, Montana, August 26, 1910, page 2.

A School For Dogs, To Prance With Their Mistresses

1902
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A school for dogs has been established in Paris with the object of teaching politeness. The schoolroom is furnished with chairs, tables and rags to give the necessary "local color" to the surroundings. The dog pupils are trained to welcome visitors by jumping up, wagging the tail and giving a low bark. When the visitor leaves the dog accompanies him to the door and bows his farewell by bending his head to the floor. He is trained likewise to pick up a handkerchief, glove, or fan that has dropped and to return it to the owner. He is taught, further, to walk with "proud and prancing steps" when out with his mistress.

People of refinement in Evansville, Illinois, do not like the use of the word "hello" as a telephone salutation. They say that it savors of brusqueness, and that it would not be employed as a greeting under any other circumstance by persons familiar with the usages of good society. "Good morning" is the substitute they prefer. But like other reformers they are finding difficulties in the way.

In the tenth district of Kentucky Mary Burkhardt says that she's running for congress. She lives in Lone Wolf county -- a mountain county. She is a prohibitionist in her politics. She is making her canvass on horseback. She is described as young, unmarried, with $100,000 in her own right, and good-looking. "If I get a majority of the votes I'll enter congress all right," she says, "and there's no law to prevent me."

--Naugatuck Daily News, Naugatuck, Connecticut, April 11, 1902, page 2.

Charles Chaplin

The Funniest Man in the World Coming.

People in Middlesboro little realize the drawing power in the larger cities of Charles Chaplin, "the funniest man in the world." He formerly played with the well known Keystone Company, and since we very seldom used that brand of service, it has been impossible in the past for us to offer our patrons photo plays containing his inimitable antics. If you have been in some of the larger cities in the past six month and have noticed a lobby display advertising CHARLES CHAPLIN, we'll wager what we have in our pocket to what is in yours that you had to stand up, if you got in at all.

Chaplin recently left the Keystone Company and entered the ranks of the Essonay Company, the last named concern having made a higher bid for his services. It is stated on good authority that he is now receiving a salary of $50,000 per year, and after you see a sample of his work, you will not wonder why.

In order to make our patrons laugh and see them enjoy themselves when in our theatre, we have arranged, by paying a big extra price, to have a Charles Chaplin comedy every Saturday night beginning Saturday, April 10th. On that date we will offer his first release under the Essanay trademark, "His New Job." Critics say that it is the best comedy ever made. This, as well as most of the others that we will offer every Saturday, is in two parts.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 7.

Successful Raid

Wednesday, March 24, a posse of eight, composed of U. S. Deputy Marshal W. E. Garrett and U. S. Deputy Collector U. G. McFarland, of Middlesboro, Ky., Billy Tucker, of Pennington, Gap, Va., and C. H Redmon, Wilson Lewis, Arnold Hoskins and Mays, of St. Charles, Va., went over the Cumberland main range from St. Charles to Day's Branch of Crank's Creek of Martin's Fork, in Harlan county, Ky., captured Joe Setser, destroyed a copper still of 105 gallons capacity, several hundred gallons of mash and beer.

Setser and Joe Napier were tracking the posse in the snow with guns in their hands and were only discovered by the posse when the location of the still was nearly reached and a distance of about 150 yards separated the parties. Members of the posse hid behind trees and squatted in the snow until Setser and Napier were close at hand when Setser was covered and captured. Napier kept up a running flight, during which about twenty-five shots apiece were fired, and escaped. Two others, Hiram Day and one Duncan, were taken, but later released.

Joe Setser was taken to the Pineville jail and held on $1,000 bail for the next term of the U. S. Court at London, Ky.

U. S. Revenue officers have heretofore kept clear of the locality of this raid on account of the difficulty of getting into it and of the stubborn resistance of the moonshiners.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 1.

Local Laconics

Small Happenings About The City and Vicinity.

David Watkins, 81 years of age, has been in a very critical condition. His daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Hammond, of Akron, Ohio, came here Sunday morning to be with her father during his illness.

WANTED—Chestnut oak Tanbark. Apply to Middlesboro Tannery, Middlesboro, Ky.

Organ, in good condition, for sale cheap. Inquire at this office.

Oscar Liebig went to Louisville last Thursday night to enter Dr. Pope's sanatorium for treatment and will probably be there for five or six weeks.

We have just received a big lot of Pianos and Player Pianos, and can save you from $50 to $100 on your piano.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

J. A. McDermott, of Barbourville, came to Middlesboro on business Monday.

G. B. Perkins, a coal man of Williamsburg, Ky., was in town on business Monday.

We are factory distributors for the largest piano manufacturers in the world, and all our pianos come from the factory to the customer. Can save you big money on you piano.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro Kentucky.

A. B. Johnson, of Corbin, came up to Middlesboro Monday on important business.

John Lutz and John A. Creech, of Harlan, were business visitors Monday.

We handle the best brands Pianos made, such as the famous Everett, the artistic Krell, the celebrated Kimball, the well-known Chase. Write for catalogue and terms.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Mrs. E. J. Sanders, of Jefferson City, Tenn., who is visiting Mesdames T. A. and J. L. Sanders, of Shamrock, was in Middlesboro Saturday with them visiting friends and relatives.

We have 12 different brands of Pianos, worth from $150 to §1,000 We can please you. Call and see our big line.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

H. B. Willmott, of the K. U. Co. returned to his meter reading and repair work at Pineville Monday, after spending the week-end in Middlesboro.

For any pain, burn, scald or bruise apply Dr. Thomas' Eclectic Oil—the household remedy. Two sizes, 25c and 50c at all drug stores.

Mrs. W. H. Gildersleeve left Monday for her home at Johnson City, Tenn., after a visit of a week with Dr. and Mrs. C. K. Brosheer and other friends.

A prudent mother is always on the watch for symptoms of worms in her children. Paleness, lack of interest in play, and peevishness is the signal for WHITE'S CREAM VERMIFUGE. A few doses of this excellent remedy puts an end to the worms and the child soon acts naturally. Price 25c per bottle. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

P. S. Sampson, of La Grange, Ky., who is with a glassware, oils and paints company of Louisville, was in Middlesboro for the week-end for his firm and as the guest of Orin Lee and Harry Leete.

J. W. and C. C. McLin, the Rose Hill, Va., merchants, were in town on business Monday.

For the stomach and bowel disorders of babies McGEE'S BABY ELIXIR is a remedy of genuine merit. It acts quickly, is pure, wholesome and pleasant to take. Price 25c and 50c per bottle. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

E. D. Rymer, formerly manager of the Singer Sewing Machine Co's office here, but now located at Cincinnati as supervisor of the same firm, was in Middlesboro from Saturday until Monday.

John Dalton, who lately recovered from a sickness of many months, is at Gibson Station, Va., in attendance on his 93-year-old mother, who is very ill.

We have just received a big assortment of Malleable and Eternal Range Stoves. They are the best made. Call and see them at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

John Hutcheson started to work Monday in the F. L. Lee Drug Co's No. 1 drug store.

A. M. Cruse, an auditor from the Lexington office of the K. U. Co., is in this district auditing the books at the various plants of his firm.

There will be a special man from the factory, who will demonstrate the Malleable and Eternal Range Stoves for the next ten days at Gibson Bros., Middleshoro, Ky.

W. H. Gildersleeve, division superintendent of the Union Tanning Co., was in Middlesboro last week inspecting the local plant of his firm.

Mr. and Mrs. T. T. Lyttle and daughter, Annie, moved from the Frazee building Monday to the fourth floor of the Coal & Iron Bank building.

During the next ten days there will be given away free to each and every purchaser of a Malleable and Eternal Range Stove a ten-dollar magnificent set of Aluminum ware, at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Walden and daughter, Nancy Elizabeth, of Chenoa, but until very recently honored inhabitants of Middlesboro, came to town Monday, all to remain here for a week or so visiting friends, except Mr. Walden, who returned to his work at Chenoa Tuesday noon.

The Malleable and Eternal Range Stove will last you a lifetime. Call and see them. It pays to buy the best at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

J. D. Marsee, of Tinsley, Ky., was a business visitor early in the week.

Mrs. R. E. Moore, who is boarding at the Atkinson house and whose husband is employed at Wilhoit, Ky., and spends the week-end here, has as her guests her father, Mr. Kay, and his daughter and her sister. Miss Julia Kay, of Sidney, Ohio.

Bad breath, bitter taste, dizziness and a general "no account" feeling is a sure sign of a torpid liver. HERBINE is the medicine needed. It makes the liver active, vitalizes the blood, regulates the bowels and restores a fine feeling of energy and cheerfulness. Price 50c. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

Miss Laura Price, of Pineville, returned to her other home here Tuesday afternoon.

Mrs. C. E. Cooke arrived home on Tuesday morning from a ten-days business trip to Wichita, Kan.

Miss Phronia Evans will return home to-night, accompanied by Miss Alma Carter, one of Norton's most charming and desirable young ladies, who will be here until next Monday morning.

Sweet Potato Slips, 25c per 100; $2.50 per 1000; $4.50 for 2000; in quantities of 3000 or more at $2.00 per 1000. Tomato plants, 10c per doz.; 50c per 100; $3.50 per 1000. Peppers, sweet or hot, 15c per doz.; $1 per 100, Cabbage, 30c per 100; $2.50 per 1000. We have been growing and shipping plants for several years and will have the largest supply that we have ever had. All letters answered promptly. W. D. HURST, Middlesboro, Ky.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Woody, of Fork Ridge, spent first of the week with Mrs. Woody's sister, Mrs. C. Busic.

Miss Rachel Sanford has returned to her home at Tazewell, after two weeks visit with her aunt, Mrs. J. R. Hurst.

Henry Graham, of Harlan, is here on a few days visit with homefolks.

A dog was killed Saturday afternoon and its head shipped to Bowling Green for test and report was received stating that the dog was afflicted with rabies. Mayor Manring issued orders for owners of dogs to keep them on their premises on penalty of having them shot. Eight have in accordance been killed to date.

Harry C. Moss, who is a student at Centre College, Danville, came home to-day for Easter.

T. C. Anderson returned last week from a three-months residence in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Singleton Yeary returned Tuesday from a three-days visit to his cousin and family, Marshall Rowlett, at Rose Hill, Va.

Miss Lizzie May Pearcy, who has been visiting her uncle, John Pearcy, returned to Pennington Gap, Va., this morning.

W. M. Deuel, division superintendent of the Southern Railway at Knoxville, was in town Wednesday.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 8.

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First Boy: - My father's been everywhere.
Second Boy: - Has he been to heaven?
First Boy: - Well, no. But he's been to every place of more than five thousand population. -- Life.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 7.