Reign of Outlaws

 This interesting article is from an old book titled "The Ohio River" printed in 1906 by G.P. Puttnam's Sons, New York.  The Reign of Outlaw and Rowdy.  I love these early printings, for I feel the earlier they were printed the more truthful they are, as the stories haven't been recopied and added to during the years of being reprinted.

 The Reign of River Outlaws and the Early Pioneers on Shore

The pioneers who entered the Ohio Valley after its conquest from the aborigines found it to be a beautiful gem very much in the rough. Savage conditions did not prevail, it is true, so far as scalping and burning at the stake were typical of them, but it was many ears before life and property were safe from outlaws, and more before rowdies and rowdyism ceased to menace liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

 

Drifting about from place to place setting up claims for land that rightfully belonged to others, now and then, if the exigency of the case demanded, committing brutal murder, and at all ties brawling in grog-shops and pilfering along the rivers, the outlaws of the "Ohio Country" gained a national reputation. But it will be readily admitted that in this matter there has been a vast deal of exaggeration; there was but one Micajah Harpe, and but one Harpe's head raised on a pole; yet to read some pages one would believe there was a Harpes head on every tree in the West, and an uncouth murdered behind every bush that grew along the wild Ohio's bank of flowers. 

 

Every new county must needs suffer, it seems, from the pens of travelers who portray exceptional incidents so vividly as to make the exception seem the commonplace. And it is also true that local historians have been guilty of exaggeration of events in their own localities; many small affairs have assumed great proportions under the gentle breath of legend.

 

The lower Ohio River was very sparsely settled until a comparatively late date and in pioneer days this portion of the river was for a time a noted resort for bands of pirates from whose hands the descending flat-boatman did well to steer clear. 

Cave-in-Rock, on the Illinois shore near the present hamlet of that name, was a notorious rendezvous for a number of years. This is a cavern measuring about two hundred feet long and eighty feet wide; at its mouth it is eighty feet wide and twenty-five feet high. The floor was very smooth throughout and the walls arose in grades like seats in a theater. 

 

Strange hieroglyphics dating far back into prehistoric days covered the gloomy walls. The mystery of the place was enhanced by another room-like apartment over the cavern; the passage-way to this second cavern was like a huge chimney some fourteen feet long. Since about the time of the war of 1812, if not before, this grotto has born the name Cave-in-Rock; about it towers a rocky eminence into which the grueling hands of the floods have torn this aperture.

 

Early in the century a man named Wilson brought his family to this river stronghold and made it his home. More than that, he threw the home open to the passing public and mounted his hospitable sing, "Wilson's Liquor Vault and House of Entertainments," where not the passerby reads "St. Jacob's Oil"' if the proprietor's liquids were not a balm it was not because there were not broken heads to mend. 

 

For the idea gained for its originator all the returns that his ingenuity deserved; flatboats were continually passing down the river to Mississippi ports and a grog-shop (an alcoholic liquor, esp. run diluted with water) at the water's edge was a feature that at that day and that place could not fail to attract both the curious and the thirsty. 

 

As evil never fails to carry in it the seeds of its own undoing, so here the House of Entertainment soon gathered a plotting band of guerillas headed by none other than Wilson, the proprietor, which began a murderous confidence game that take rank in the West with the worst of outrages. 

 

The gang made its headquarters on nearby Hurricane Island and the plan of operations was fiendishly simple; richly laden, were inveigled to the cave, where in short order a crew from the island took charge of the boar and floated it to New Orleans; here the cargo and boat were sold and upon returning to Cave -in-Rock the proceeds were divided. Many circumstances combined to make this conspiracy safe and the conspirators wholly free from suspicion. 

 

The danger of the river travel on the Ohio and Mississippi was great, and so many boats were wrecked that the owners of any one of the captured boats could easily account for their loss of the score of dangerous navigation.

 

Then too, there were the dangers of the return overland trip from New Orleans in case the boat did reach its destination in safely; this journey through Tennessee and Kentucky, as will be shown, was perilous in the the extreme for those carrying money. Thus the desperadoes at Hurricane Island were not suspected for some time and it was longer still before the scattered population of the region took the matter into ins hands.

 

Wilson's band numbered nearly fifty; many of these escaped before the storm broke; a few were taken prisoners. A large price was set on Wilson's head and to obtain it, one of is own murderous gang killed him. "Not long after," writes so good as authority as Collins, "In the upper room of his mysterious cavern were found about sixty skeletons, which confirmed the take of systematic confidence, betrayal, and murder.

 

The reign of outlaw-ism in the area was of prolonged duration, attracting wide attention and gaining for the area a reputation as unique as it was unsavory. The river was the highway of travel and consequently social conditions here came under the eye of hosts of travelers, whose accounts had, after, a wide circulation. Frequently these accounts were told with literal truthfulness and yet, as they stand, are misrepresentations. 

 

The outlaw-ism was a natural product of the era of disputes over land and of grubbing (clearing of the land). It was a hard time to live or let live; the good old days are written and spoken of lightly but they must not be made to cover the first two generations of pioneer life. 

 

The life was exhausting; the forests were to be feled, the great logs rolled together and burned, and families reared and provided for, and usually the land to be paid for – with markets many miles away. All this had to be done under the most difficult climatic conditions, the fevers attacking the men at their work in the wet forests, especially along the river, with regularity and often with fatal effect.

 

When this home-building and land-clearing was accomplished, if one had a picture, it would reveal not only the changes that had been wrought, but a host of prematurely broken down men and women, besides and undue proportion resting peacefully in a family grave yard nearby. 

 

If one could attempt truly to chronicle merely the hardship ad suffering of a day when dentist and rubber boots were unknown, the result would be too painful to be interesting reading.

Crittenden County Fair - September 27, 1940

Fair Weather Forecast For Two Day Event - Boxing Bouts And Riding Show 

Crittenden Fair opens this morning with a parade.  Formation is scheduled at Fohs Hall with all entries asked to assemble no later than 8:30.  The Fair continues thru Saturday concluding with a horse and riding show at the football field Saturday night.  Saturday afternoon a series of boxing bouts are to be staged at the field. 

 Parade Formation

C. W. Haynes yesterday released formation of the parade:  J. Ray Daughtrey and W. W. Runyan, Parade Marshalls; Marion School Band; Farm Bureau; Riding Section; Team of Oxen; Farm Machinery; Car Section; School Section; and Fire Dept.

Athletics

Athletic contests are to feature the Friday afternoon hours and bring together foremost athletes of the county.  Features are three legged and sack races for school pupils.

Stock Show

Stock exhibits are more and better than in former years.  This includes both prize stock, farm stock, and that entered by 4-H clubs.

Boxing

Boxing Saturday afternoon headlined by Stanley (Blackhawk) Oliver meeting Harry Mudd, Princeton, in the 114 class in a grudge battle.  Two preliminaries open the card.  Others scheduled are Charley Cook against Bill Oliver, of Princeton, both making 145 weight; Junior Foster, 130, is pitted against another Princeton scrapper, Elbert Sharkey, in the same weight division.   Six bouts appear on the main card. 

Immigrants Come To Bells Mines For Work

Immigrants Part of Our Past History

Part of our almost forgotten history lies in the northern part of county in the area known as Bells Mines. We know that John Bell, politician from Nashville, Tenn., came to Crittenden County, back while it was still Livingston county in the 1830s. He purchased a lot of land around the Tradewater river to start his coal mining company. 

 

I’ve always wondered how did a politician from Tennessee find his way to far western Kentucky to purchase land and start a coal mine operation. As we all know back in the early 1800s Andrew Jackson, another politician from Tennessee, was here exploring for silver and created a couple of our old iron furnaces. My thoughts are John Bell knew Andrew Jackson from their political careers in Nashville, and perhaps Andrew Jackson told John Bell about the this area and it’s minerals.

***

Immigrants Come To America

By the early 1850’s and 60’s, European immigrants had learned of the need for mine laborers and they began to arrive at Bells mine seeking employment.

 

The American coal industry, relied heavily on immigrant labor during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Immigrants were recruited to the coal mines in various ways. I have always wondered how the immigrants knew about the Bells Mine Coal company. How did they know to travel through the unknown and come to this area. Maybe this will give some insight on how they knew to come here. Some were attracted by labor agents stationed in major ports of entry who often recruited new arrivals by painting a rosy picture of the living and working conditions in the mines. Other followed friends and relatives in a search for employment and a steady income to support their family. 

 

In the decade from 1845 to 1855, large numbers of immigrants fled to the United States to escape the results of crop failure and starvation, civil and religious unrest, sever unemployment or almost inconceivable hardships at home. They also sought to escape the political unrest caused by riots. A lot came to the United States because all young men would be automatically drafted into the military. This is the reason the Hina family came to America and then to Bells Mines. The father wanted his sons to come here to escape being drafted and have a better life, but what their reasons were, they came to work and make a better life.

 

Many early immigrants were primarily natives of coal mining regions of Great Britain, Ireland and Wales, with large number of eastern and southern European immigrants flooding in during the late 19^th century. Many of these were skilled miners.

***

Immigrants Arrive at Bells Mines

In the 1850 Crittenden County census an unbelievable number of immigrants already lived here, all located in the area of Bells Mines. From Germany there were families and individuals totaling 74, from England 42, France 5, Prussia 6, Wales 1, Scotland 1. From Prussia and Germany came craftsmen in the trade of Shoemakers and Blacksmiths. 

 

In the 1860 Census more immigrants had come from England, Ireland, Denmark, France Baveria, Wales and from Switzerland and made the population ever more. 

 

Besides this large number of immigrants, there were also living here a large number of people from the states of Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Indiana. Most all of the heads of these families were listed as miners.

***

Naturalization Application for Immigrants

These immigrants that came to America would need to fill out an "application for naturalization" and file his intent in either the county or circuit court. He could also file his intent in one state and, if he met all the requirements, became a citizen while living in another state. 

 

The first statute dealing with naturalization was labeled the Naturalization Act of 1790 and allowed any white person, alien, of good character who have been in the United States for two years to become a citizen. Not included were slaves, indentured servants and most women. The applicant also had to renounce all allegiance and fidelity to every "foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty " and promise to support the Constitution of the United States. 

 

After his period of time was up he would return to court and finalize the process and become a citizen. There are many of these applications located in the Crittenden County Clerk’s office in the old County Court record books. Here are a couple that I abstracted.

***

Order Book 2, June 14, 1858, page 2

This day Joseph Hina appeared in Court and on his solemn oath declared that he came from Baden on or about the ___ day of ___ while a minor under the age of 21 years that he hath resided in the United States for the span of 3 years previous that it was Bonafide his intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce forever all allegiance to any foreign Prince Potentate State or Sovereignty particularly Electorate of Baden whereof he is a citizen and subject and having adduced satisfactory proof to the court that he hath resided in the United States for 3 years past that for the first three years of that period he was a minor and under age and the said Joseph Hina is declared to be and is hereby admitted a citizen of the United States which is ordered to be certified. (The Hina family stayed in the community and has descendants living here today.)

***

Book 2, July 9, 1860, Page 426

Christopher Barnaby personally appeared in Court and produced a certificate duly authenticated showing that he has on the 12^th day of April 1858 in the county court of Crittenden County in Kentucky and made the necessary declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States and having declared an oath that he will support the Constitution of the United States that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiances and fidelity to any foreign Prince Potentate State and Sovereigenty whatever and particularly Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland of whereof he was before a citizen or subject and having produced to the court satisfactory evidence of his having resided in the United State five years at least and in this state one year at least and that during that time he has behaved as a man of good moral character attached to the principals of the Constitution of the United States and will disposed to the good order and happenings of the save whereupon the said Christopher Barnaby is hereby admitted and declared a citizen of the United States.

(Christopher Barnaby stayed in Crittenden County and lived all his life in the Bells Mines community and had a small coal mine of his own, known as Barnaby’s Mine.)

***

Times were hard

In the 1860’s during the Civil War, times were extremely hard on the community of Bells Mines. There would be many days they weren’t able to work the mines and the Union army confiscated their coal barges and what coal they had mined, and took it for their own use, this left the mines unable to move what coal they had to other locations to sell for funds to pay the miners. 

 

As the hard times for the coal company continued, many of these families once again packed their belongings and moved on to other places, some moved over the county line into Union County to work in their mines, (one of these families was Piper), many moved on to Southern Illinois, and I found several families moved to West Virginia, Texas and even out west. By the 1870s and 1880s most all of the original immigrant families that came to Bells Mines had moved to other parts of the country taking their history and family names with them. But without them in the beginning, Bells Mines Coal Company might not ever have been.

 

The Bells Mines community of 1860 shows some of the families that are living there.  As you can see their occupation was "miner"

Honoring a Pioneer Mother

Aunt Rachael, A Mother’s Day Tribute

 In honor of Mother's Day this past Sunday lets visit again with our special pioneer lady, Rachael Travis and see what she did when two of her children got lost. We know Mother's are special and will do what it takes to love and protect their children. But first a little early history on this special mother.

I don't find much written history on the female's of our county, but this little lady must have made quite an impression on a lot of folks, for there are several stories about her. I would love to have a picture of her to share, but through all the years of my research, I have not found anyone that has a picture, but through the words written, you can picture her in your mind. (Rachael Travis is my 3-great grandmother.)

***

Our Aunt Rachael

Her name is Rachael Travis, people called her "Aunt Rachael." She was the daughter of John and Mary Blakeley, born Nov. 5, 1788 in York County, South Carolina. She was thirteen years old the day they crossed the top of the Cumberland Mountains coming to Kentucky. They traveled through an unbroken forest where not a single white person did they behold save those of their own party. The only thing to break the solitude of the journey was the continual change of scenery, the songs of birds, the scream of wild beast and an occasional meeting with the Indians. and she carried a rifle gun on her shoulder most of the way. Already a brave and strong person.

Rachael married James Travis Dec. 1, 1805 and they made their home on the Copperas Spring road (at the cross roads of Blackburn Church Rd. and Copperas Springs rd, where the Mike James home is today. The house is actually built around the old log home.) They were the parents of seven children, and they have many, descendants in Crittenden County today.

In 1820 Rachael commenced the practice of a Midwife and followed this profession nearly sixty years. No doubt she attended more births than anyone else in her day in Western Kentucky. When she was called she went hot or cold, rain or sunshine.

Aunt Rachael, as everyone called her, was a person with remarkable constitution. She had very little sickness during all her life. Her health was so vigorous that, a short time before her death, she could walk anywhere in the neighborhood. Her memory was so noted that she could remember all the incidents of her life, and tell them with an interest that would engage the attention of all that heard her talk. At the age of 91, on March 26^th, 1880 she was perfectly resigned to the will of her Master, and expressed her willingness to go to her eternal home and be at peace. She was laid to rest beside her husband, James in the Piney Fork Cemetery, close to where she began her life in Crittenden County.

***

Unfamiliar Surroundings

In 1821 James and Rachael Travis, a young married couple of sturdy pioneer stock, moved from their farm in the Copperas Spring community of Crittenden County to another farm near Caseyville, in Union County. They lived in Union County for only one year, and then moved back to Crittenden County, but it was there our story happened. This new territory was unfamiliar to the young children.

The country in 1821 was quite different from what it is today. There were no paved highways, only paths and wagon trails. Most of the country was in forest, with only an occasional field fenced with split rails. There were no stock laws, and what horses, cows and hogs the farmers owned were allowed to 'run out' and graze where they might.

It was a custom every morning to turn the milk cows out of the lot as soon as milking was finished and drive them a short ways from the homestead. Then after half an hour or such a matter, the calves were driven in the opposite direction and in that way cows and calves were kept separated during the day.

On this particular day, the cows and calves had been separated as usual and the family had gone to church. The preacher preached longer than usual, he always preached long, and it was past midday when the Travis family reached home.

The calves that had been driven away in the morning had not stayed away as long as usual and were on a hilltop near the barn when the family arrived.

So while Mrs. Travis prepared dinner, Tressie, age 9, and her brother James Harvey, age 5, were sent to drive the calves farther away. They drove them farther than they intended and before they realized it they were lost in the dense woods.

They kept walking and walking and just before dark came to an abandoned cabin. James Harvey wanted to go in and spend the night, but Tressie had heard stories of escaped Negro slaves that had run away from their masters in the South and were roaming through the forest on their way to Illinois and Indiana, and she was afraid to go in the cabin. So the two children kept walking until they were so tired they could walk no more. Tressie made a pillow of twigs and leaves and they lay down at the foot of a large poplar tree, Tressie with her head on the twigs and James Harvey with his head in Tressie's lap.

The noises of the night kept the sandman away. The owls were hooting and the wolves barking. Once Tressie thought she heard a panther, though she was not sure.

About two o'clock in the morning they heard something walking through the leaves, coming closer and closer, but they did not run. When it came into sight, they saw it was their father's old deer hound, Tray. He had found them.

Tressie thought that if they stayed there until morning Tray would lead them home and as soon as day began to break, they started. But Tray was not ready to go home, he was too busy hunting deer.

The two children followed him over miles and miles of woods until finally they came to a path. Someone was coming on horseback, but Tressie was afraid to call, it might be an escaped slave. The rider was looking to one side of the path and the other and as he neared the young sister and brother they saw that it was Brother Wallace, the minister of their church. Then they yelled to him.

Tressie was helped up behind the preacher and James Harvey put in front and they started for home. Brother Wallace told them that all the country side had been out looking for them, so he fired his gun to let the other searchers know that the lost were found.

***

Mother Rachael Was Watching

The three jogged on toward the Travis home and when within a few miles of it they began to hear a trumpet sound, it never ceased until they were within sight of the house. The trumpet sound was made by their father's fox horn, which is made from a cow's horn.

The trumpeter of this horn, was their mother, Rachael, and she was sitting on the comb of the roof of the house. Mrs. Rachael Travis, was a very unusual woman, with exceptional courage and stamina. All night and all day she had sat on the housetop blowing her trumpet and watching for her children.

No one had eaten since breakfast of the previous day, no one had been hungry until now. But now there was great rejoicing and feasting.

***

History of Tressie and James Harvey

Theressa Barnett Travis, called Tressie by her family, grew up and married first David Crider. He died in 1850, her second marriage was to John Price. Tressie died March 11, 1904, at the age of 92, and is buried in the James Wheeler Cemetery on Just-A-Mere Road. The Rev. James F. Price, the well-known minister and a historian of Crittenden County was John and Tressie's son.

***

James Harvey Travis, known as Harvey, grew up to be a grand old gentleman and the ancestor of many Crittenden County families of today. He first married Mary Brantley, they had nine children, and second married Elizabeth Crowell Ford, a widow, and they had nine children. He died February 28, 1908, at the age of 92, and is buried at the Crowell Cemetery, on Nunn Switch Road.

Rachael's tombstone is located in the old part of Piney Fork Cemetery.

 She and her husband James, were charter members of the Piney Fork, CP Church.

Taylor's Department Store - 1905

After the big fire in Marion in 1905 the local businessmen didn't seem to let it discourage them. Many started rebuilding their places of business back as soon as they could. On the corner of Main Street and Bellville soon after the fire, a Dry Goods store was established by Mr. Gus Taylor on the bottom floor of the Masonic Temple. It was known as the Taylor Store. Let's follow through the years and see what other changes are in the future for this store.

From the files of The Crittenden Press.

December 8, 1905 –

In the beautiful and commodious store rooms of the Masonic temple, on the corner of Main and Bellville Streets Taylor & Cannan have occupied their new quarters. These are not only large and roomy, but excellently located.

The show windows are among the largest and prettiest in town and are now handsomely dressed, one displaying a line of shoes and the other a line of carpets, rugs, both Brussels and Ingrain. On each side as one entree are two long floor cases, one containing a rare line of purses and pocketbooks and men's ready-made shirts. The other shows all kinds of collars, turnovers, combs and handkerchiefs for ladies.

The right side from counter to ceiling is devoted entirely to the shoes department. The high shelving calls for roller ladders, which have been ordered and will be installed at once. The other side contains dress goods, ribbons and hosiery of every and all descriptions.

The entire ready-made department is on the second floor. Their line of men's and boys' clothing, hats and caps and ladies' wraps is full and complete. They also carry a large line of trunks and valises. Their entire stock in new, clean and up-to-date and of the very best quality. They are not fully equipped and organized and would appreciate the inspection of the public.

Jan. 4, 1924 –

With the ending of the old year, and the ushering in of the new year of 1924, a number of Marion's well-known business firms have undergone some changes in membership and style of firms.

The firm of Taylor and Taylor, Dry Goods, composed of Gus Taylor and Creed A. Taylor has undergone reorganization. Messrs. C. W. Lamb and J. D. Vaughn have purchased the interest of Mr. C. A. Taylor and the firm will continue business under the firm name of Taylor and Co. This business house was established about twenty-two years ago under the firm name of Gus Taylor.

A year later W. D. Cannan purchased a half interest and a thriving business was done by Taylor and Cannan for seventeen years when Mr. Cannan sold his interest to Mr. C. A. Taylor. After a business career of three years the firm again undergoes the changes above referred to.

The Press bespeaks for the new firm of Taylor and Co. the same prosperity as the old firm merited in the past.

Nov. 13, 1931

In the Masonic building, on the corner of Main and Belleville Streets, is located one of this county's best-known dry goods stores. All three members of the firm, Gus Taylor, C. W. Lamb and J. Doyle Vaughn are Masons. Mr. Taylor is a Kiwanian and Mr. Vaughn, a member of the American Legion. All three take an active part in community activities.

Mr. Taylor, the senior member of the firm has been in the dry goods business in Marion for the past thirty years and was in business by himself at the beginning. His store has always been located in the same block and since the construction of the present Masonic temple after the destructive fire of 1905, the Taylor store has occupied the same building.

For seventeen years Mr. Taylor had for his partner, W. D. Cannan. In 1918 after Mr. Cannan disposed of his interest, Creed A. Taylor, became a member of the firm and the business was operated as Taylor and Taylor.

In 1924 the present firm was organized. All three devote their full time to the business. Miss Louise Love is employed as clerk.

The store enjoys an unusually good patronage, not only in Marion, but also from people throughout the county. Years of fair dealing with the public have built up for the owners a large, list of satisfied customers. Well-known makes of standard merchandise are sold. The store prides itself on the high quality of material sold, and the steady growth of the store speaks well for the management.

Dry Goods, shoes, ladies ready-to-wear and men's furnishings are sold.

*****************

From 1947 when the Hunt's bought this store until December 2004, we all knew Taylor and Cannan's Store as Hunt's Department Store. From Allison Evan's story in the February 10^th, 2005 Crittenden Press we learn of the Hunt's move to their new location. One more piece of Hunt's Department Store history, as a youngster growing up and buying shoes in the Hunt's Department Store, I remember the roller ladder they used to reach the boxes of shoes on the higher shelves. I asked the Hamilton's what ever happened to this ladder. They told me it took up so much space that they had it removed, and it found a new home at Louise Hamilton's, Uncle Homer Guess's farm, as a ladder to the hay loft.

 

1896 Sunday School Convention

Seems like today Sunday School doesn't mean as much as it did many years ago.

July 16, 1896

Crittenden County Sunday School Convention.

The Crittenden County Sunday School Convention convened at Piney Fork July 9, 1896, and was called to order by the county president, J. B. McNeely.

Song service lead by George M. Travis.

Bible reading by W. A. Jacobs.

Prayer by W. B. Crider.

Piney Fork sang Fall Into Line, followed by Piney Creek, Keep your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, followed by Crayneville, Bells Mines and Greens Chapel Classes.

The Bible a Standard, by Rev. H. B. Fox. The speaker made many good points and opened the way for a good days work.

Music by Chapel Hill, Oak Grove and Dunn Springs classes.

Next in order was a text, House to House by Bro. J. C. Lewis. Perhaps as true of the early disciples when they went from house to house breaking bread.

Every man should have an interest for his neighborhood. He urged the importance of every school making house to house visitations and taking up the Sunday school work to those we come in contact with.

Music by Bells Mines.

The following committees were appointed:

On Nomination – H. P. Jacobs, J. C. Lewis, Rev. J. F. Price, John W. Skelton, A. L. Cruce.

On Resolutions – G. M. Travis, W. A. Woodall, J. P. Pierce, E. J. Travis, R. M. Franks.

On State Paper – Rev. James F. Price, Mrs. Thos. Cochran, Mrs. Sue Phillips.

Music by Hurricane and Piney Fork.

Mrs. A. H. Cardin read an excellent paper on The Sunday School as an evangelizing agency.

Music by Piney Creek and Chapel Hill.

Reports of district presidents were as follows:

1^st. H. S. Wheeler. No written report.

2^nd. M. F. Pogue. Written report sent to president stating that blanks were in the hands of superintendents and a request that they be sent to the county secretary.

4^th. G. M. Travis reports 4 evergreen schools, 12 schools in district. Bro. Travis had a splendid report from his district.

In report of Executive Committee by the Skelton he commended the county president and secretary for their untiring efforts.

Dycusburg, Baptist, Green Chapel, Sugar Grove, and Piney Creek made brief reports of their schools.

Music by Crayneville class.

Afternoon

Services opened with a song by Oak Grove, followed by Dunn Springs, Wilsons Chapel and infant class of CPSS of Marion.

Rev. W. H. Miley Sunday School organization, it's aims methods and results. Primary aim, salvation of the children every one in Sunday school studying God's special Word. Organize a Sunday school in every community, methods, systems of conventions, for the work's convention to precinct conventions international lessons, the home class department for those who can not attend Sunday Schools, the house to house visitation enlists the indifferent, this international work breaks down prejudice, it blesses our own souls, it makes a better men and better women, it measures happiness and saves the children.

Music by Piney Fork and Greens Chapel

Paper by Miss Lizzie Woodall. Efficient primary teach, was read by the president. It is an excellent composition on the modern primary methods.

Music by Wilson's Chapel

Report of committee on resolutions was read by R. M. Franks and after remarks by Rev. J. F. Price.

The report of committee on nomination was as follows.

County President – J. B. McNeely

County Secretary – Miss Nellie Walker

1^st District – R. B. Gass

2^nd District – Rev. H. B. Fox

3^rd District – R. M. Franks

4^th District – G. M. Travis, W. T. Oakley and Bro. Wilson

A few minutes talk by the President.

Benediction by Rev. Jas. F. Price and the convention adjourned.

J. B. McNeely, President

Memories of the March 1937 Flood

 

Here is an interesting first hand experience of remembering the flood in 1937, shared with us by our local Crittenden Countian, Helen Carter Springs.   Helen passed away several years ago, but her story is still remembered.  The Tom Carter family home was located on the Hebron Church Road, where Tommy and Evelyn Carter lived for many years and who still own the farm. The Ohio River was located directly behind their home.  Helen wrote these memories in April of 2011, when another historic flood and hit Crittenden County and surrounding counties as well.

 

Helen as a young girl and later in life when she shared these memories.

MEMORIES OF THE 1937 FLOOD, by Helen Carter Springs.

The new year of 1937 came in at a very rainy time in January. I had received a work-study scholarship to Murray State beginning the second semester. Before time for me to go to Murray State it began raining, and rained for days, so much so that the rivers and creeks all overflowed and the routes to Murray were closed. 

 

The radio stations were playing the newly released song, “Pennies from Heaven,” People were calling in to the stations to “please stop playing that song.”

 

While I was at home with my parents, Tom and Ruth Carter near Fords Ferry, waiting to be able to go to Murray, I watched the river get higher and higher. Our house was on a hill, but all of the barns were not. It rained so much the water got up to the barn loft floor. Dad loaded bales of hay from the loft onto his boat and then rowed it to the hills. He also carried bags of corn from the cribs that way.

 

He put some bags of corn in the screened porch on our house but the cows, who were on the hills, sensed it was there and searched for it. One cow even came in the kitchen after the bags of corn that Dad had dragged in to get out of their reach. It was a scary sound to be awakened to the sounds of a cow's hoofs in the kitchen.

 

My brother Jimmy and I would stand at the waters edge, about half way up the hill, and try to hit the rats and mice who were flooded out of their homes. They were swimming toward us and we would strike at them with rocks and boards. We never killed one. Our house became their refuge. All night we could hear them running between the walls and upper floor. We never got used to it.

 

The radio kept saying how fast the water was rising, but Dad under estimated its speed and we went to church thinking it would alright. When we returned the cows were standing on high peaks in the bottom fields all surrounded with water. Dad got on his horse to try to herd them off and to shore. His horse was swimming and his foot became tangled in the unseen covered fence and stumbled, Dad fell off in the icy waters. He tried to grab the horses tail but couldn't. He kicked off his heavy water filled boots and swam toward shore. His strength gave out on him and he let go thinking this is it, but as luck was on his side his feet landed on the soft warm mud underneath. That warmth gave him strength to continue to way to higher ground. 

 

Our Mom was at the waters edge urging him on and when he got to where she could reach him she practically dragged him to the house where she put his feet in a tub of water and wrapped him in blankets.

 

We would watch buildings float past our house. We saw a pretty yellow house with white trim go by. Jim and Jake Darnell would go out in the boat and try to catch them with ropes but the current was too swift. They were only able to catch a small shed and drag it to shore.

 

The Crooked Creek came up across one end the road and we could not get out that road., (this section of the road lead to the Dam 50 road), Grandpa Cook's ponds were full and across the other road toward Hebron and Hwy. 91 N, thus Hebron Church Road was closed. The only way anyone could get out was by a canoe. They stationed the boat on one side of the water, so we could row across and tie the boat until time to come back. Then this process was repeated in reverse. Neighbors would sometimes plan on times to come and go.

 

It finally stopped raining and the flood waters subsided enough for Greyhound Buses to roll again. I was on one going to Murray to begin my college career. As we passed though Paducah I could see the houses were all muddy from the high water of the muddy Ohio – even up to the second floors.

 

Now the 1937 flood, seems so long ago, but it lingers only as a memory.

Old Sayings I Remember Growing Up and Weather Lore

 

When some of us older generation get together, it's not long until we start to reminiscing  and comparing things that we remember from our childhood days, school memories, games we played, even old sayings that we remember that were used by our parents and grandparents.  And many are stilled used today.  I know I use some of them most every day.

Northern people tease us about the words “you all”, and insist that we use it in the singular way, applying to just the one person to whom you are talking. They refuse to believe we use it in a plural form, meaning “you and all your family come.” Can anyone find a more hospitable word? I do not think we should ever forget to use it.

It is fun to think of all the phrases and beliefs that we grew up with, and no doubt, to people not from here, are strange sounding and make no sense at all. But they are a part of our heritage. Some examples include:

• A coon's age - meaning a long time

• Limp as a rag - weak feeling
  

• Plum tuckered out - tired
  

• Bone warry - tired
  

• Down in the dumps - discouraged or depressed

• Rant and raving - discussing something emotionally or angry

• Smell a mouse - suspicious about something or someone

• Its just a whoop and a holler - a short distance to some place

• Don't give a hoot - not interested.

• Very poorly - not feeling well

• Fast - meaning an immoral or flirtatious person

• If it'd been a snake it would have bit you - it was right in front of you

• Rode hard and put up wet - someone or something that looks pretty rough

• Slower than molasses - meaning someone that never gets in a hurry

• Waited on hand and food - taking care of sick or lazy people

• It's just a whoop and a holler - short distance to someplace

• You let the cat out of the bag - told the secret
  

Weather Lore and Superstitions. Since the beginning of time man has found various ways to predict the weather.  From this have come superstitions, old wives tales, and cultural stories passed from one family member to the next in each generation.  It is a way of controlling the environment by knowing what to expect from the coming season.  It is impossible according to scientists, - and reliable according to those who know how to read the signs they have learned.  

There are a lot of predictions for rain. 

• Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.

• Owls will hoot more at night if rain is on the way. 

• Cobwebs in the grass mean rain. 

• Pink clouds in the west at evening time means rain.  

• If Easter comes in late March, that is a sign there will be an early spring.

  We all know the moon has a certain control over the ocean tides.  But according to weather lore it also predicts weather patterns and how plants will grow.  Many people believe in planting according to the moon, they watch it for the next rainfall, harvest fields by it and predict major storms coming their way just by watching for shape, season, color and location. 

 

Native American belief is if the moon looks like it is tipped on its back, it is holding water that will not spill. If it is tipped forward the water will spill from it in the form of rain. 

 

Animals seem to have a built in weather system and can predict hard winters more easily than any human will ever be able to.  When their fur comes in thicker than normal during the fall it means there is going to be a hard, cold winter.  But this applies to animals that live in the outdoors all the time, not your well pampered house pets. Horses, goats and other barnyard animals that need extra protection from the season are provided for by nature with an extra layer of hair or fur.

 

Beavers are a great predictor of the winter season to come.  They build their homes to protect them from the cold and weight of snow.  If a beaver dam is built thick and heavy, blocking a larger portions of water mass than in years past, you can be sure the winter will be a hard one.   

 

Other predictors of a hard, cold winter are when nuts and berries hang on the branches after the last of the leaves have fallen.  When the oak tree still wears his leaves in October, it will be cold, hard winter. 

***

True enough, the only sure way to predict the weather is to wait for it to arrive and then look out the window.  Some of the superstitions and lore seem to be right on, while others serve as entertainment to the world.  But if you want to find out the truth keep your own weather journal to create a new generation of predictors and family stories.   I've kept a weather journals for more than 30 years, they are very interesting to look back on and compare the weather through the years.

March Woman's History Month #2

 Second lady for Women's History month is Mrs. Cleo Croft, Teacher

Mrs. Cleo Croft Retires in 1973

A face familiar to most of the students who have attending Crittenden County High School during the past 23 years is leaving the Crittenden County High School faculty this year. Mrs. Cleo Croft is retiring from school teaching after 37 years in the teaching profession.

 

She had taught is no many and so varied school she has difficulty remembering them all. For Mrs. Croft, school really began at Lola. After graduating from Lola High School and receiving her bachelor of science degree in English and geography at Murray State University, she returned to Lola to begin teachings.

 

She has taught in one-room schools and two-teacher schools as well as high schools. Among schools she has taught at are Lola Elementary, Sisco’s Chapel, Pleasant Grove, Shady Grove Elementary and Tolu Elementary and High School. Mrs. Croft was principal of the Tolu school during World War II. 

 

Concerning her tenure at Crittenden County High. "I started with the new building in 1950, she said. While at CCHS, she has taught both English and Geography.

 

Of course, a lot of things can happen in 37 years, especially in the teaching profession, and Mrs. Croft has her share of tall tales to tell.

 

She says that in the old days in the smaller schools, teachers did double duty as janitor. She remembers building fires in those old potbellied stoves on many cold mornings. 

 

And one of the incidents from her teaching career that still stands out in her mind concerns one of those stoves. While she was teaching at Tolu, the stove needed new pipes. A student agreed to replace the stove pipes over the weekend but failed to do so, and, when the class arrived the following Monday morning the room was quite cold. Although adept at building fires in the stoves, Mrs. Croft says she wasn’t able to replace the pipes. Finally some boys in the class did install the pipes for the stove.

 

Another of her memories concerns the time she was principal at Tolu. During that time she served as basketball coach. She says, I wasn’t really the coach. There was usually some boy form town who would guide the team. We didn’t win many games while I was supposedly the coach, but win or lose in her capacity as principal and coach, Mrs. Croft did travel with the team to all ballgames, both home and away.

 

Mrs. Croft is currently faculty sponsor for the Future Teachers of America club and the Rockette, school yearbook. She has been yearbook sponsor for the past eight years. She has also been sponsor for numerous class plays and fun raising campaigns. 

 

Students as well as teachers change in 37 years, and Mrs. Croft feels that a lack of respect for property and authority that some students have today has been the greatest change she has noticed in the years she has been teaching. She attributes this to a change in home life.

 

Since she’s not going to be coming to school anymore after this year, Mrs. Croft says, I’m going to do as I please and quite punching a clock. I’m going to quit sitting up late grading papers, and I’m going to sleep late. She adds that she would like to find the time to travel a little after retirement.

 

When asked what she felt Kentucky teachers today need most, she listed, adequate salaries, good buildings, adequate supplies, smaller classes and a better understanding between parents and teachers.

 

In summing up her career, she said, I guess one reason I’ve continued teaching all these 37 years is at the end of the year, I seldom remember the bad things that happen, but I try to remember the good things and hope I’ve been a good teacher to each of my students. (This article appeared in The Crittenden Press, May 24, 1973)

 

Cleo V. Foster Croft was born Sept. 27, 1912 in Lola, Livingston Co., Ky. She was the daughter of Russell and Nora Thompson Foster. She died May 27, 1995 and is buried in the Lola Pentecostal Cemetery in Lola.

March is National Women's History Month

 

March is National Women’s History Month. I always enjoy sharing some past articles and history about some of the fine ladies that contributed to the history and lives of Crittenden County. At the time they were just trying to do their best at their jobs and doing something worthwhile for the town and county, but in doing this, they helped shape the minds and futures of all generations.

***

Founder of the Crittenden County Public Library

Jessie Croft Ellis, the founder of the Crittenden County Library, was born near Salem on September 10, 1891. She was the middle daughter of George Croft and Margaret Ellen Cox Croft. She was raised by her mother following the death of her father when she was six.

 

 

Jessie, a graduate of Marion High School, was sent to finishing school at Sayre College in Lexingston, Kentucky. There she married Cecil B. Ellis, who was on the football team.

 

By 1924 both her mother and her husband had passed away, and Jessie was faced with the task of earning a living and raising her son alone.

 

The family farms were no longer profitable at that time, so Jessie took the big step of moving up North to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and enrolling in the University of Michigan to get a teacher’s license. Upon getting the license she got a job in the high school at Alma, Michigan, teaching American History. 

 

But Jessie found she didn’t like teaching. So she talked her way into a job in the library of the University of Michigan and began taking classes for a Master’s degree in Library Science. She had carefully chosen her new job to be in a university town, where her son Cecil, Jr. could go to college at home. 

 

Jessie Ellis stayed at the University Library in Ann Arbor for many years until her retirement, but she always knew that she was a daughter of Marion, Kentucky, and when she retired she instantly returned home.

 

She bought a house on the Bellville Road out of town, with money from the family fluorspar mines which had now become profitable, but she didn’t sit at home to knit.

 

Jessie Ellis had to do something for the people of Marion. What she knew best was library work, so she went to all the leading people of Marion and badgered them continually for money and space to start a library for the town. 

 

Finally the state appropriated $2,900 for the organization of a library in Marion, which was matched with $300 by the fiscal court. Many plans were made and April 6, 1953 was the date set for the opening of the new library. She worked very hard to select and catalog books to be ready for the opening. The first library was housed in a small office space on a first floor in the heart of downtown Marion. In less than a year, it had outgrown the building and it was necessary to find a new location.

 

In March 1954, the library, with approximately one thousand volumes, moved to a new location on North Main Street (located where Johnson’s Furniture warehouse is today). The library’s next move was to a building on W. Bellville St. across from the courthouse.

 

The library kept growing and needing more room, after the old jail was torn down, the present library was built on that location where it stands today. We can give thanks to this determined lady, Jessie Croft Ellis, from years ago, that Crittenden County was able to have its first library.

 

But Mrs. Ellis finally wore herself down, and the last fifteen years of her life were spent in hospitals and a nursing home near Salem. She died in June 3, 1975 and is buried in Mapleview Cemetery with her family.

 

 There is a plaque in the library that says "Honoring Mrs. Jessie Croft Ellis, Librarian and Founder.

***

Doing Our Part for World War II

 Marion and Crittenden County doing their part to help with the shortage of items during World War II.  Thankful we have the old Crittenden Presses on mirco-film to learn of these past historic events that took place in our town and county, or they would be lost forever.  I hope there are still a few of us that appreciate these old history items.

May 14, 1943

Salvage Drive For Fats And Hosiery Opens

Mrs. C. A. Hollowell, county director of fats and hosiery, is to open a campaign to collect the needed materials today. County community heads will be announced soon with the block plan of collection to be used in Marion.

Stores in Marion receiving fats and grease are Aubrey Grady and Co., C. W. Grady & Son, Krogers, Red Front, Easley, Small, W. T. King and Hillis Hunt. County stores to receive the same will be announced in a short time.

Mrs. Hollowell said that four cents a pound will be paid by the stores for the grease or fats which are to be used in manufacture of explosives by the nation. Either sweet or rancid fats are acceptable as are tallows. Place in tin cans and do not use glass containers.

Mrs. Hollowell said that housewives had been asked to discontinue making of soap at home in order that the fats and greases required may be used for extraction of glycerine content. Fats taken from cooking of cabbage or greens is an excellent source of salvage. Strain before taking to stores and save an average of one teaspoonful daily.

Mrs. Hollowell said that the state director had indicated that unless more fats were saved present allotments of lard, shortening and other greases may be reduced for retail purchases.

Hosiery

Silk and nylon hosiery are also included in the campaign with boxes for collection purposes being established at Taylor & Co., Kentucky Theater and H. V. Stone in Marion, and McDaniels & Co. Salem. The cast-off hose are to be used for purposes of making waterproof powder bags.

 

May 14, 1943

Soldiers Smokes Campaign By YBM Club Here

Each cigarette package to bear name of sponsoring organization and city – Milk Bottle Campaign in Stores to collect funds.

Young Business Men’s club is to open a drive today to secure funds for purchasing of cigarettes for men in foreign service of armed forces. J. H. Jones, director, said yesterday that representative of Camel cigarettes had met with the organization and plans were perfected for having the "smokes" mailed promptly to all foreign fronts. The contract with Camels calls for reduction in rate for the purchase.

Milk bottles properly designated will be placed in each store in Marion for purpose of collecting funds by popular contribution in addition to that of the sponsoring club.

Orville Grady said that containers for coins would appear tomorrow in Marion and later in other portions of the county if necessary.

No amount has been set as goal but all moneys so collected will used for purpose of buying the cigarettes. Jones said that each package would bear tag of Marion, KY., in order that the recipient may know, as to whom the donor might be.

 

SOME HISTORY THROUGH ADS

They tell us a lot.

CRITTENDEN ACADEMY - 1849

The Crittenden Academy, is a part of Crittenden's lost history.  One lone flyer found back in March 1922 told of the Academy and what it offered to the would be students. 

Crittenden Academy.

At Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky.

Mr. James W. Primmer, Principal of the Male Department.

Miss Harriet M. Cary, Principal of the Female Department

The first Session of this Institution commences on Monday the 5^th day of November, 1849, and will continue 20 weeks. The Teachers are recently from New York, and have in their possession the most satisfactory evidences of their experience and accomplishments, as teachers, and of their perfect success in their profession, which they will gladly exhibit to any person who may favor them with their patronage.

 

The school will be conducted in the most prompt and efficient manner, and no diligence will be omitted, necessary to make the Crittenden Academy fully equal to any Eastern Academic School.

 

Particular attention will be paid to the morals, manners and habits of the pupils.

THE TERMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• For Common English Branches, including Reading, Writing, Antithetic, Grammar, History, Geography, Philosophy, &c. $6.00 per session

• For Higher English Branches, including Botany, Rhetoric, Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, &c. $8.00 per session

• For Latin, French, German, Greek, &c., extra $5.00 per session

• For lessons on the Piano Forte, $15.00 per session

• For use of the Piano and Music Books, $5.00 per session

• For lessons on the Melodian, with use of instrument, $15.00 per session

• For Drawing, Painting, Embroidery, &c. $3.00 per session

This School is arranged in two departments, Male and Female, each Teaching taking charge of their respective department; the academy building being constructed with a view to such an arrangement.

 

The location of this academy is in the most healthy portion of the Green River country, and from its close proximity to the Ohio and Cumberland rivers, (ten miles) possesses all the advantages of a river town, and at the same time is free from all the objections – such as epidemics, diseases, and a continuous changing population, &c., necessarily common to all river towns.

 

The Teachers of this school, from their intimate acquaintance with the system of instruction pursued in the New Your State Normal School, are peculiarly fitted to give instruction to those who may design themselves for teaching; and they would give assurance that particular attention will be given those who may desire instruction in this science.

 

Food board, in excellent private families, can be obtained for, from one dollar twenty-five, to one dollar fifty cents per week, including washing, lights, &c.

 

The second session of this Institution will commence on the second Monday in April next.

 

All communications respecting this Academy, addressed to James W. Primmer, Marion, Crittenden County, Ky., will receive prompt attention.

Marion, Oct. 30, 1849

**********************

Although the flyer gave a sketchy location, it never was known where it was located.  In March 1922 after the flyer was found, the Crittenden Press put an article in the paper asking for any information about the school and it's location.    No one ever came forward with any information.  Even in 1922 it had been 73 years since the academy's flyer had been published.  We have no way of knowing if it ever became a reality or just someone hopeful plans for a wonderful school.

But it is another part of our forgotten passages of time. 

Here is copy of that flyer.

 

Weston In The Saddle

Lets take a ride with the Press agent, John A. Caldwell, on one of his trips in the county to sell the subscriptions for The Crittenden Press. This time his destination is the busy bustling river town of Weston. We learn of the people, times and happenings along the way over 140 years ago.

 Imagine if you will, saddling up on a cold winter day in February from your office in Marion, and riding your horse to Weston.

Feb. 23, 1881

I took the road, if road it can be called, for there is no rougher one in the county, to Weston in company with Cal Elder, who was visiting tobacco growers in the interest of his firm. I saw a five-mule team badly stuck in the mud and only one hhd of tobacco and assisted the teamster to unload and get out of that snap and the need of good roads again impressed me. 

Next we came to M. G. Gilbert's the boss tobacco farmer. Uncle Mike is getting old but he is a determined farmer and was busy at work. Then on to John Gilbert's another one of our good farmers, who raises tobacco with the many other crops, such as grasses, corn and wheat.

 

 

We soon arrived at the town of Weston, we were the guests of the Weston Hotel, kept by J. L. Hughes, and no one knows better how to care for the wants of the weary and hungry, his table is supplied with the very best of eatables, his rooms comfortable and neat, and beds with snowy linen and elder down. You at once feel that you are at home. Connected with this well kept Hotel is a good table, a grocery store where staple and fancy groceries, as well as the choicest wines and liquors, cigars and tobacco are kept.

Weston is a very unpretending little place, but is surprising at the amount of goods sold there, all lines of goods are very well represented and no complaint of dullness in trade, all the merchants assuring us that trade was very good. Our your friends the Haynes Bros. are going to increase their business by adding groceries to their neat drug store.

 

Otho Nunn and Son intend building a storehouse soon to accommodate their growing trade. They carry an assorted stock of general merchandise. Lambeth Bros. are doing a thriving business. Billy is going to Cincinnati soon and if you will read the Press when he gets back you will see what he has for sale.

John Nunn and Co., has a nice lot of hardware, saddlery, furniture, plow, and field seed for sale. They keep the best line of cooking stoves I have ever seen in the county, and they sell for prices to suit the times. The store is presided over by the junior member, Bob, that enterprising, modest and gentlemanly young man, will charm you and you will be pleased and sure to go again.

Our Marionites will be surprised to find the trade leaving their town, but low prices and good stock, with liberal advertising will win, and our Weston merchants understand this.

Here we met old friends we knew in Marion years ago, Dr. Cain and Charley Higginbotham. The Doctor gets a good practice and is the same kind, worthy, noble hearted friend of old.

Charley keeps a hotel and it is useless to tell you that he knows his business, he entertains and supplies his table with the best the markets affords.

Weston is one busy river port town; steamers and placket boats keep the port busy with their dockings. 

All kinds of merchandise for Marion are brought to the Weston dock to be picked up and hauled to their destination in Marion. Here, also, are local goods loaded and sent to other destinations. T. R. Johnston is loading a boat with potatoes to send down south. G. R. Jenkins & Co., have shipped a large load of lumber to St. Louis.

The H. T. Dexter steamer passed up this morning plying her way for Evansville. Several folks boarded the steamer, Joseph Williams, on their way to Pittsburgh. R. C. Hill, W. E. Lambett, and Ed Hubbard, all went to Evansville on the Josh V. Throop.

Captain Walt Cook arrived during the day on the job boat Oil City bringing a barge loaded with tobacco.

The Pittsburgh from St. Louis laid up at the Weston port nearly all day and put off Cave-In-Rock- freight.

After visiting with friends and watching the river traffic, we struck out for the Bells Mine country.