Reunions of Yesteryear

From the files of The Crittenden Press we can read about the gathering of families in our past history. They were a much look forward to event of the year.

August 26, 1921 - Tucker's of Shady Grove

Tuesday, August 16th, at the beautiful country home of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Tucker of Shady Grove, being the sixty second birthday of Mr. Tucker, the children and grandchildren all gave them a great surprise by going in with baskets full of everything good to eat. The tables were loaded with eatibles of all kinds such as cakes, pies, chickens, hams, pickles, jams, jellies and other things too numerous to mention. It was the first time the children had all been present in their old home together in eleven years.

Those present were Bertie Tucker wife and children, Eugene and Arthur Dale; Mrs. Effie Guess and son, Herbert and wife of Marion; Mr. K. Tucker, wife and children of Providence; Mrs. Winnie Drennan and children, Dorothy Lee and Donald of Charleston Mo.; Mrs. Stella McConnell and children, Leo Charles and Mary Thelma of Clovis, New Mexico.

Also some few friends and neighbors, Mrs. R. R. Tudor and Mrs. Henry Tudor came in the afternoon and presented them with a very beautiful bunch of cut flowers. Mrs. Murray McDowell spent the afternoon with them.

All had a nice time and enjoyed being with father and mother once more at home together.

The photographer of Shady Grove was called and the family group was taken.

Woodall family near Crayne

The family of J. R. Woodall met at his residence near Crayne, Sunday, August 21. A very enjoyable day was spent.

Those present were: Oscar Woodall, Newt Brookshire and children, Alice Perry and Mildred; Mr. and Mrs. J. Terry and children, Ruby and Opal; Mr. and Mrs. Lesley Woodall; Mr. and Mrs. Presley Woodall and son; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Woodall and children; Mr. and Mrs. Spurlin Wood and children; and Mr. and Mrs. John Farris.

The visitors were: Thomas Jones and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Haynes; Mildred Haynes, Mr. Jess McCaslin, Mr. Will Ordway, Cozette Holoman and Ollie Hobby.

September 21, 1923 - An Accidental Reunion

A family reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Williams near Repton, on Sunday, August 26th. A rather unusual feature of the occasion was that the gathering was purely accidental. Not one of the guests knew that the other guests were to be there. They all were on their way to Hurricane and each thought he would stop and take dinner with Mr. Williams and family.

The assembled guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Williams and children of Repton; Mr. and Mrs. Pinkney Rankin and children of Fords Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Williams and children of Carterville, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Goebel Williams and children; Mr. and Mrs. James Daughtrey and children; Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Rankin and children of Fords Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. Ira Robinson and children of Weston; Mrs. Jerrie Rankin of Bowling Green; Capt. W. B. Wilborn of Fords Ferry.

List of Election Officers from Sept. 1907

From the archives of The Crittenden Press comes the following list of election officers. Maybe you will see a familiar name that connects to your family.

Sept. 19, 1907 - The following is a list of the officers of the 1907 election.

• Marion No. 1. Judges - J. M. Freeman, M. H. Weldon; Clerk - Harry A. Haynes; Sheriff - Frank Adams.
• Marion No. 2. Judges - F. M. Davidson, J. G. Gilbert; Clerk - Lewis Clifton; Sheriff - Herman Koltinsky.
• Marion No. 3. Judges - P. C. Stephens, J. A. Farmer; Clerk - J. K. Smith; Sheriff - Eb Guess.
• Marion No. 4. Judges - R. F. Wheeler, Geo. Williams; Clerk - R. I. Nunn; Sheriff, A. J. Baker.
• Marion No. 5. Judges - Geo. W. Cruce, Will Woodall, Clerk - B. L. Wilborn; Sheriff - J. B. Kevil.
• Frances - Judges - W. F. Oliver, Ed Asbridge; Clerk - W. O. Wicker; Sheriff - M. B. Rushing.
• Dycusburg - Judges - J. A. Graves, Nathan Linsey; Clerk - George Steele; Sheriff - J. R. Glass.
• Union - Judges - W. C. Tyner, J. L. Settles; Clerk - J. B. Carter; Sheriff - Wes Grimes.
• Tolu - Judges - Kit Shepherd, Taylor Guess; Clerk - G. B. Crawford; Sheriff - Eugene Clark.
• Sheridan - Judges - Charles Donakey, W. B. Sullenger; Clerk - A. J. Bebout, Sheriff - Charles Staton.
• Fords Ferry - Judges - Roe Williams, J. H. Robertson; Clerk - T. N. Wofford, Sheriff - T.N. Bracey.
• Bells Mines - Judges - Eli Nunn, M. A. Wilson; Clerk - E. J. Travis; Sheriff, J. D. Asher.
• Rosebud - Judges - Alvah Newcom, Henry Metz; Clerk - J. R. Summerville, Sheriff - D. J. Travis.
• Piney - Judges - Hugh McKee, J. M. Walker; Clerk - Ed Dean; Sheriff - R. S. Edwards
• Shady Grove - Judges - Sam Snow, W. E. Todd; Clerk - W. M. Babb; Sheriff - Marion Ford.

Interesting School Notes

The old Weston School house in it's later years. In the year 1914 it was a vital part of the Weston community and the scene of many fun activities.

From The Crittenden Press, Nov. 26, 1914, a reporter for one of the schools shares with the readers what is going on with the county schools.

At Green Chapel is Miss Edith Davis, acting as chief promoter of knowledge. At Dempsey we find Miss Nellie Nunn telling the children how to get an education and setting a good example of pure, upright, honest and industry before her pupils.

At Baker school we find J. P. Samuels as an instructor of sufficient ability. At Applegate Miss Mae Drury is doing leading act in the educational line. At Gladstone is Prof. Fred McDowell, doing good work for the community.

At Moores, Prof. A. A. Fritts is holding the fort and doing the work of a veteran. While at Oakland T. F. Newcom is to be found imparting his great knowledge to the young with untiring energy. At Post Oak Miss Ina Vaughn is succeeding in impressing both parent and pupils as to her ability to overcome the hardest of educational problems.

At Seminary we find C. C. Newcom doing whatever he can for the upbuilding of the educational cause. While at Heath we find the invincible Miss Wanda Marvel doing a work, of which, all in her district should be proud.

At Going springs Miss Addie Maynard is to be found drilling the young in the way which they should go and at Weston we behold Miss Bertha Rankin doing a work that will stand as did "the house built on the rock."The Teachers Association at Seminary Springs was a grand success, while the Field-Day at Post Oak was something that is not beaten every week, but others should write these meetings up and not leave it to visitors to do that work.

Division number three at Weston school, taught by Miss Bertha Rankin, gave a box supper and also gave a delightful program consisting of songs, monologues and dialogues by the children and excellent music was provided by the Fords Ferry String Band. The house would not hold the people although it is a large one, it was crowded to the limit and the old saying "there's always room for one more," was for once not true.

The boxes were sold by J. B. Hughes, who proved himself to be an excellent auctioneer. The result of this sale was $13.40, but to the surprise of all, the sale was not to end here, for the energetic little teacher had determined to spring a surprise upon the audience. This she did, by announcing that there was an enormous, fine cake to go to the most beautiful girl. To determine who this was, was indeed quite a task. The people were to cast votes which would cost them who voted one cent a vote.

The candidates were Misses Mamye Garrett of Weston; Anna Brewer, of Fords; and Miss Scott, of Cave-In-Rock. The contest was lively and interesting. The battle for the "Maid Beauty" waged for one hour and fifteen minutes between Miss Garrett and Miss Scott, both candidates having many friends, who admired them and worked for their success.

"Old Kentucky" has long been noted for beautiful women, but for once lost her reputation and the prize went to Miss Scott, for Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. The total sum of the profits, $59.05 all go for the benefit of the school at Weston.

Eight Travis Brothers Meet

From The Crittenden Press, April 14, 1922

It was not a prearranged "Travis reunion" but just a chance meeting here on the streets of Marion on County Court day. They just ran up on each other by chance.

The eight brothers who met were Deputy Sheriff Joe Hunter Travis, Lorenzo Dow Travis, Orlando Sylvester Travis, John R. Travis, Dan J. Travis, Ervin Travis, Albert H. Travis and Herman B. Travis.

These brother are the sons of the late James Harvey Travis, are all splendid citizens and all Republicans except Joe Hunter, who is a Democrat.

They all live in this county expect Lorenzo D. of Eldorado, Illinois and Ervin and O. S. who lives in Blackford, Webster County. Their sister, Florence who is Mrs. John Cullen resides in this county.

Four brother and two sisters have passed away.

On The Road

This is an interesting article that was written in Oct. 9, 1913 by Rev. J. B. McNeely. He was a Press scribe that rode all over the county selling subscriptions to The Crittenden Press. From time to time he would submit a colorful article to the Press telling of one of his adventurous trips.

In this article he visits the thriving villages of Tribune, Iron Hill And Shady Grove. In my perambulations last Saturday, I made three stops, attended a great revival, and did eight hours work for the Record-Press.

My first stop was at Tribune. Here Miss Ruby Towery holds the keys to Uncle Sam's mail department. Willis Towery is in charge of a stock of general merchandise. In church circles the place is known as Hill's Dale. It is five miles east of Marion.

We made our next call at Iron Hill, ten miles east of Marion. J. N. Dean is doing a fine business here in the way of general merchandise. After getting all the news and doing some business in a substantial way, we passed on to the blacksmith shop of M. V. Sutton's. Mr. Sutton is the village smith for all t hat section. He is known for miles around as the expert horse-shoer. Then he grinds your corn while you wait. If you need anything in his line call on him.

A little farther on we come to Shady Grove. There is a big sign and in black letters it says "Shady Grove Rolling Mills." There are four general merchandise stores. G. H. Towery deals in dry goods, groceries and soft drinks. You should call on Garret for staple goods, and in the same building Thos. C. Land stands ready to give you a shave or a haircut, tell the news or to discuss the weather. Be sure and go to see him.

Then you will find Mayes & Company selling all kinds of goods, and on the same street is Willie Tudor, handling a fine line of goods. He is also post master, and is very kind and polite. He has plenty of bargains for you.

Just across the street is Collin McConnell drug store, and a more obliging doctor could not be found. Away down the street is Fred Lemon, who has an immense stock of dry goods, and he is selling them.

The last business call we made was at Mrs. B. C. Birchfield, the milliner of the town and the country around. Ladies, when you need a new hat, give her a call.

There are two churches in the town, the Methodist and the Baptist. We attended services at the Baptist Church Saturday night. The house was filled to overflowing, and the close of the sermon ten or twelve penitents came forward for prayer. Three conversions during the service. It was a great meeting. Rev. T. C. Carter did the preaching.

On our way back we stopped and enjoyed Mr. James Pickens great watering place. It is located not too far from the Tribune Store. Here stock can quench their thirst, and with the cup, man can drink his fill. Thanks, Mr. Pickens, is the thought of every weary traveler and their faithful steed.

Community Visits in 1917

Through the community news items in The Crittenden Press, let's see what was going on in the community of Copperas Spring, Levias and Glendale.

Nov. 1, 1917 - Copperas Springs New Items

• Miss Lottie Herron, who has been quit ill, is now convalescent.
• Miss Mary Deboe of Fredonia, visited Miss Willie Pickens last week-end and attended Church at Sugar Grove.
• Gordon Brown is visiting his cousin, Lewis Gass and family.
• L. C. Horning and family left Friday for Harrisburg, Ill. where they will make their future home.
• Roy Boister, of Crayne, was the guest of Willis Dollins Saturday and Sunday.
• Billie Lowry and Miss Ula Gass attended the School Fair at Seminary.
• Worth Boister of Crayne, spent the weekend as the guest of George M. Travis and Family.
• Miss Hattie Crider, of Bellmont, visited her sister, Mrs. Ed Hunt, one day last week.
• John Hillard wnt to Louisville Thursday to visit his son, Walter, who is now in the training camp there.

Nov. 1, 1917 - Levias Community New Items

• Mrs. Fannie Settles and grandson, Herschel Love, were visitors at the home of Mrs. Charles LaRue .
• Gloyd Gilliess spent the week-end with his sister, Uda Jones,near Paducah.
• Mrs. Mary J. Franklin is the guest of her son, John, at Tolu.
• Mrs. Mat LaRue visited her daughter, Irene Conyer, near here Saturday.
• Mesdames J. L. Settle and daughter, Maude Love, spent Friday with Mrs. Martha Barnes and daughter, Pearl Carter.
• Alpha and Curtis Allison, of Dodge, North Dakota, are here visiting relatives.
• J. L. Settles and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Wheeler.
• Nora Threlkeld and children, of Repton, Spent several days here last week with relatives.

January 25, 1917 - Glendale Community

• The relatives and many friends of A. W. Thomas of Leitchfield, were shocked and hearts made sad when the news came that he died Jan. 16th, 1917, after an illness of less than an hour of acute indigestion. His remains were brought to the home of his brother, R. H. Thomas, Thursday night and buried at Hurricane Friday. Although he was ill such a short time he told his wife to tell all of his friends and especially his dear old mother that he was going to glory.
• Mr. and Mrs. Lanham, of the Oak Grove neighborhood, attended the burial of A. W. Thomas, her uncle, at Hurricane Friday.
• Boy Edmond Turley has been ill of a bad cold, but is better now.
• Miss Mary Hurley was unable to teach school last week.
• Wilma Cline is threatened with pneumonia.
• J. J. Thomas and wife of Missouri attended the burial of his brother at Hurricane Friday. Also Rev. A. F. Thomas of Illinois. l He spent a few days with his brother, R. H. Thomas, and mother, Mrs. Mary Thomas, who is grief stricken over the death of her son.

More Mt. Zion Church History

This picture is of the second Mt. Zion Church building, the first being blown down in the cyclone of March 1890.

This article appeared in The Crittenden Press, July 19, 1906. It was written by George Ann Simpson Travis and William Joel Hill.

The church at Mount Zion was organized in the year of our Lord 1838 by the Presiding Elder Cain. The log house was built near that date.

The charter members were Rylan Heath and wife, William Hill, wife and son, Dr. Bristow and wife, William Hughes, Ezekiel Porter, James Broadfoot and wife and Ingram Lucas. Patsy Hughes, J. B. Hill, James T. Taylor and wife came in later on.

The writer is under the impression that old brother Ira Nunn and wife were also charter members, as services were held at his house and also at Dr. Bristow's before the church was built.

When the log house was built Uncle Highly Gilbert helped to cut down the first tree that was put in the building. He was just a boy at that time and died a member of the church.

Mount Zion can well be called the mother of Methodism in this county. On January 25, 1859, a deed was made to the Church and Masonic Fraternity by William Williams and wife for the sum of five dollars and was recorded in 1864 by Berry S. Young.

Brother Big Truitt was one of the pillars of the Church. He went out from this Church to preach the gospel He did not live long but he lived a true Christian life, and many will rise up in that Day to call him blessed.

On March 27, 1890 the church was blown down by a cyclone, this being the second church. Then more land was secured and deed made by Robert Heath in 1901, L. R. Hughes, J. W. Cook and G. P. Wilson, trustees. Then a new house was built and was dedicated by Rev. J. W. Bigham.

Brother Thrasher was preacher in charge at the time and the church has been wonderfully blessed since. And now dear brethren and sisters as man's chief end is to glorify God, if we have anything good let us pass it along, perhaps it may help others and let us continue to pray.

Yours in Christ, G. A. Travis and William Joel Hill