Excerpts from the Mountain Echo Laurel County's first newspaper 1896

                                                Reprinted with permission of the Laurel County Historical Society

November 4, 1896
OAKLEY:
Miss Katherine FOUDREN of London has been visiting relatives near this place.

Mr. Geo. P. PHILLIPS has been quite sick for several days. Hon. John Robert TANKERSLEY has been conducting his school at Wildcat this week.

Mr. James McCORMICK, who has been in Tennessee since last summer, has returned to "old Laurel."

November 13, 1896
OAKLEY:
Mr. H.C. PENNINGTON and sister, Miss Bettie, are quite ill with intermittent fever. Other cases are reported in this vicinity. No new cases of typhoid have been reported.

Miss Carrie BAUGH, who has been visiting relatives at Mershon for some time, has returned to London.

MARRIED-On Saturday, Nov. 7, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Wiley MOORE, of East Bernstadt, to Miss Cu. LUCAS, of this place. A jolly serenade was given them. We hope that they will go on their way rejoicing. Let more of the good work go on.

Miss Addie OVERSTREET, who is teaching Pittsburg, is at home this week. John REID is conducting the school in which they have both been teaching.

Weddings are again in order. A young gentleman, 17 years old, of this place, was married a few days ago to a widowed lady of Rockcastle county, who is 35 years old and has a family of ten children.

What might have been a serious accident, occurred at the new college building Saturday, when a scaffold, upon which were several workmen, including Rev. J.J. DICKEY, gave way and fell to the ground, a distance of about 15 feet, taking the men, mortar and brick with it, all except Bro. Dickey, who fastened onto a projection of the building, like a "possum" to a bunch of persimmons, and left him dangling between heaven and earth.

Those who fell with the scaffold landed "right side up with care" without a bruise or scratch - in fact, they rather enjoyed the trip but after counting noses they discovered that a man was missing. With blanched faces they began to look around for pieces of Mr. Dickey. Some one suggested that he was under the scaffold and probably mashed flat as an oyster, and they proceeded to turn it over, but were stopped by METZ, who said they should be deliberate in such matters, and at once sat down on it, telling the boys he would pay them for the lost time.

Just then a wail came from above, and on looking up they saw Mr. Dickey doing the trapeze act in the dizzy atmosphere, his long whiskers being gracefully fanned by the gentle zephyrs. The boys at once began operations to release him from his perilous perch; still, after the hand of rescue reached for him, he seemed reluctant to let go, thinking, perhaps, that it was the only good grip he ever had on the institution and wanted to stay with it.

Seriously speaking, however, Mr. Dickey did have a very narrow escape from an ugly fall; and as it was, he felt the effects of the severe strain for several day.

November 13, 1896
HAZEL PATCH:
Mr. C.W. CARTER, of Middlesboro, is here grading timber for Brooks and Owens.

J.M. CHAMBERLAIN, of London, was in town this week.

Mr. Caleb JONES was in Hazel Patch last Sunday.

LOCAL ITEMS: Miss Mattie LOVELACE, who has been in Jasper, Ind., for several weeks, returned home last Friday.

Mr. George W. NELSON, who has been running a butcher shop here for several weeks, has sold out to Mr. Chas. GUMBERT. Mr. NELSON has left for Carroll county, where he contemplates making his future home. He carries with him our best wishes for his success.

BADLY BURNED-While celebrating the great political victory at McWhorter last Saturday evening, the powder, about two or three pounds of it, the boys were using and had in a box, caught fire and exploded, and Jackson MORRIS and Tom FARIS were badly burned about the face. The burns are not considered fatal.

Dr. WEAVER, of Louisville, will begin a protracted meeting at the Baptist church Monday night.

Thanksgiving dinner at the John PEARL store by the ladies of the M.E. church. Everybody should go there and get their dinner.

BURNED TO DEATH-The little three year old daughter of Mr. Reuben BARNES, living near Faris station, met death in a horrible manner about 10 o'clock last Friday morning. She was playing with some paper over a fire when it became ignited and from which her clothes caught fire and she was so frightfully burned before assistance could reach her that she died that evening about 8 o'clock. The bereaved parents have our deepest sympathy in this their sad bereavement.

November 13, 1896
BOREING, KY, OCT. 25, 1896
DIED-At her home, last Sunday morning, at 10 o'clock, Mrs. M.A. BROWN. She leaves a husband and eight children, besides a host of relatives and friends to mourn her death. She had been ill for some time with lung trouble, her suffering being very great. She belonged to the Methodist church at this place. She also leaves the testimony behind that she is going home to rest forever, free from pain, sickness and sorrow, and to be with Jesus, who died for her.

TYNER-MARRIED-Mr. James McDOWELL to Mrs. Attlea RADER. May their future life be one of happiness and contentment.

November 20, 1896
TUTTLE
DIED-Oct. 21, 1896, Sister Lucy aged 28 years and five months. She suffered with consumption seven long months, when she was called home. She is greatly missed by her relatives and friends. She always had a kind word and a pleasant smile for everyone, and in the hour of death she looked heavenward, and although she could not speak we knew she was viewing her heavenly home. She lived a faithful member of the church eleven years and has now gone home for her reward. PIETY WAGGONER

Charles BOLTON went out squirrel hunting Saturday morning, the 7th inst, telling the family he would be back by noon, but he failed to return. He had been working at North Jellico and was home on a visit, and when he did not appear at noon as he had promised, the family supposed he had gone back to the coal works. But a few days later, learning he was not there they grew alarmed and begain [sic] to search the woods for him, and on last Saturday morning, one week from the day he disappeared, they found his dead body on the hill about 200 yards from the house, by buzzards being attracted to the spot. He was lying by a log that had been peeled for tan bark, with his gun and a dead bird by his side. It is supposed he was trying to walk the slippery log when he lost his footing and fell, the gun was discharged the contents lodging in his neck and head. He was a nice young man, and the family have the sympathy of the community. The strangest part of the whole affair is that nobody seemed uneasy about him, but when he was brought home dead and almost decayed they were inconsolable. The remains were buried at the Robinson Creek church yard.

Joseph JONES, of this place, died on the 7th, inst after a short illness.

Dr. W.R. WILLIAMS is on the sick list. He went to London Tuesday night to learn the election news and then came home and went to the pinacle and spent most of the night with the boys shooting anvils. The excitement and exposure got the best of the doctor and he had to go to bed for repairs. He is out again however with his old time smile.

BORN-To the wife of W. SMITH, a daughter.

TOPTON
November 20, 1896

Thos. HENSLEY, who left this county two years ago, has returned.

Mrs. Susan ARNOLD, who has been sick with pneumonia for several days, is convalescent.

B.C. SUTTON who has been very low for some months with fever and lung trouble, we are glad to say is able to be about again.

Jackson CAMPBELL the other day forcibly took his child away from Mike ROARK, who had raised the child up to about ten years of age.

LOCAL ITEMS
Mr. Doak DENHAM left last Tuesday night for Indianapolis.

Mrs. S.H. SAWYER is now occupying her new residence, next door to this office.

Mrs. TAYLOR, of Perry county, came to London during the week, on account of the serious illness of her sister, Miss Katie FARIS.

Mr. M.G. HARBIN is now at the J.T. BROWN blacksmith shop, ready and well prepared to do all kinds of blacksmithing, especially horseshoeing. Give him a call.

TOPTON
November 20, 1896

Dr. WEAVER, of Louisville, is conducting a very interesting protracted meeting at the Baptist church. He is a very forcible speaker, an earnest Christian and is having a wonderfully good meeting.

MARRIED-At the residence of Mr. Ed MELVIN in this city, on Thursday evening of last week, Mr. Wm. GODSEY to Miss Mary MOORE. May the joys of these lives made one be many and their sorrows few, is the earnest desire of the ECHO.

Mr. Thomas HAMMOCK, who has been a citizen of this county for several years, and family, including his son, Charles B. FARIS, left last Monday for Owsley county, where they will make their future home. As Mr. HAMMACK passed through town he played "roundance" on John WHITMORE. It was over the silver question.

Judge W.P. BAKER left last night on an extended visit to Knoxville, Tenn.

The Thanksgiving dinner will be given at the brick store of Mr. J.T. BROWN instead of the John PEARL store.

LOST-A lady's gold watch, between Henry BROWN blacksmith shop, ready and well prepared to do all kinds of blacksmithing, especially horseshoeing. Give him a call.Will pay a liberal reward for its return.s and the Scales school house. Will pay a liberal reward for its return.

Sallie Harkleroad
 

November 20, 1896

The sick of our town are doing well. Miss Nannie PARKER, who has been very low is now rapidly recovering. Miss Katie FARIS, who has also been dangerously ill, is also slowly but surely recovering.

Gold continues to increase in circulation as the days go by since the election. Last Saturday our School Superintendent paid off the teachers in gold, all the coal operators paid their employes [sic] in gold and the railroad is paying off this month in gold.

DON'T WANT THE TRUTH
LONDON, KY., NOV. 17.

(To the) EDITOR ECHO:-As I do not wish to have anything around to interfere with my desire to live a christian life, and especially anything that may provoke profanity, so you will please stop sending your paper to me. If you wish, you may send it until subscription expires to Simon Bolivar BUCKNER or Grover CLEVELAND, and oblige, THOS. KIRBY

(Response from the editor) It is not a lie that hurts a fellow, it is the truth; but it is the fewest fellows like Mr. KIRBY who will admit it. The sound money argument of THE ECHO has the same effect upon a free silverite that the gospel has upon a sinner, so here goes to honest old Simon Bolivar BUCKNER.

OAKLEY

Miss Vina ALLEN of East Bernstadt is visiting relatives and friends at this place.

A Methodist church of nineteen members was organized at Mt. Carmel last week.

Mr. Lafayette CORNELIUS, who was teaching the public school at Mershon has gone to Knoxville, Tenn., to enter a school of dentistry, one month of his term remains untaught.

November 27, 1896

JACKSON CO.
Moore's Creek-Death has been visiting our neighborhood the past two weeks. First, Berry LITTLE's child was burned to death and next Old Aunt Zina CATRON, an old veteran of the cross, who was as orderly walking a member of the Methodist church as we have ever been acquainted with. We have no doubt she is resting in the Paradise of God that is prepared for the faithful. We deeply sympathize with bereaved friends.

Old Uncle Emanuel ARNOLD died last week after an illness of several months. He was one of Jackson county's oldest and best citizens. He leaves a wife and a host of friends to mourn his death.

Dan MOORE's wife died the 19th inst., leaving a little baby only eight days old with a number of friends to mourn her death.

November 27, 1896
MERSHON

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. BROGAN and Miss Delia GODSEY, of Racoon, visited Mr. John W. BLACK last week.

Messrs. Samuel and Henry BLACK visited Mr. Welcome MULLINS Tuesday and Wednesday.

George and Tilford CORNELIUS are engaged in logging in Jackson county.

Miss Kate DIXON, of Racoon, visited Mt. Olive Sunday.

A protracted meeting commenced at Mt. Pleasant Saturday of last week and continued for one week, which resulted in nine additions to the church. Revs. ESTES and McCRACKEN conducted the meeting.

Miss Lillie BLACK visited Misses Nannie and Eva PATTON, of Racoon Saturday.

Miss Emma HUFF visited Oak Grove Saturday and Sunday.

Misses Judith LEWIS and Flora and Rosella HUFF, of Racoon, visited Mt. Olive Sunday.

L.T. BLACK, Sr., is on the sick list at present.

Felix LEWIS and Wm. BROWNING were in our midst Sunday.

Revs. CLOYD and BLACKBURN preached at Mt. Olive Sunday.

TOPTON

Pleas STEELE is preparing to erect a new residence.

Eld. J.A. KARR preached quite an interesting sermon Sunday at Locust Grove.

M.J. CORN fell from a chimney he was building, receiving some slight bruises.

David and Fred ASHER were in this vicinity during the past week.

Mrs. Mary STORM, of Woodbine, is visiting her mother, Mrs. Mary MARTIN, of this place.

November 27, 1896

Decker PERKENS killed John TUCKER Saturday, down in Pulaski county, with an ax.

Geo. W. FERRIS, the inventor and builder of the great Ferris wheel, so familiar to all who attended the World's Fair, is dead.

W. F. HART was sentenced to the penetentiary at Mayfield, Ky., for bigamy for a period of seven years. He had been married eight times and three of his wives were present at the trial and testified against him.

Mrs. L.J. ROWLAND, the wife of a poor painter at Richmond, Ky., while assisting her father overhaul the room of his mother who died near Versailles last February, discovered concealed in a featherbed a bag containing $ 1,779 in cash and a note directing the finder to divide the money equally between her two granddaughters, one of whom was Mrs. ROWLAND.

November 27, 1896

McWHORTER

Born to the wife of Grant BAILEY, a girl.

Mr. Emmet BAILEY, of Slemp, Lee County, Va., is visiting friends and relatives near here.

Grant HUFF, who has been in Knox county attending a meeting has returned home.

Messrs. Jackson MORRIS and Dave FARIS, the boys who were so badly burned, are recovering. JACKSON will soon begin his school again.

LOCAL ITEMS

Rev. J.A. SAWYER and Miss Sallie LOWERY, of Wilmore, Ky., are visiting in London.

Rev. H.O. MOORE's wife and son, who have been ill of typhoid for quite a while, are convalescent.

James MERET, the hustling editor of the Mt. Vernon Signal, was in London a few hours Monday morning.

Jarvis JACKSON, who has been attending school at Middlesboro for a couple of months, is spending Thanksgiving at home.

Jas. M. CHAMBERLAIN is erecting a handsome little residence on the lot he recently purchased, near the residence of Mr. Ed MELVIN.

The furnace for the M.E. church has been put in and operates to perfection. No more services, we hope, will have to be postponed on account of too much cold and not enough coal.

The cases of the Commonwealth against Sam TUTTLE and Robert TUTTLE and Robert JACKSON, the former sentenced to the penitentiary from this county for three years and the latter for life, have been affirmed by the court of appeals.

Dr. WEAVER's meeting at the Baptist church is still in progress.

Mr. J.A. DYCHE, of Jackson county is visiting relatives in London.

The court of appeals affirmed the judgment of the lower court in the John PACE case from Leslie county.

Jule SPEVEY and Sol TIPTON engaged in a little pleasantry with their fists last Sunday over a few fruit trees.

The Southern Minstrels, all home talent, will give an exhibition at the Jackson Opera Hall on the evening of December 4. It will certainly be a grand affair. Everybody should attend.

STABBED-Last Friday evening a difficulty came up between Austin REED, Jr., and Hop STEELE in which the latter received a slight wound in the right breast, which might have been more dangerous had the knife not struck a rib, which to some extent impeded its progress.