Excerpts from the Mountain Echo Laurel County's first newspaper 1897

                                                Reprinted with permission of the Laurel County Historical Society

JANUARY 8, 1897 OAKLEY

Messrs, Dave Parsley and Jarvis Jackson, of London, are spending the holidays at this place.

Mr. Geo. C. More the "boy poet of the mountains," paid us a short visit at this place on his return from London last Saturday.

Miss Fannie Scoville of Raccoon, began a winter term of school at this place last Monday.

An election of Sunday school officers and teachers ------ ------? held at Mt. Carmel on Sunday, Dec. 27. The following were chosen: Jas, M. Bailey, superintendent; Archie McIlquaham, assistant superintendent; Jas. O. Gaines, secretary and treasurer; R.F. Campbell, choister; and S.H. Jackson, -exton. Teachers; A.D. Campbell, Mary Gaines, Addie Jackson, Eva Baugh. The society is in a prosperous condition.

Married-At the Methodist church at East Bernstadt, on Thursday, December 24, Mr. John Bailey of this place, to Miss Mary Caudill, of Altamont. The happy pair thus made one have our heartiest congratulations.

Mr. Moses Mullins, Sr., and Mrs. Lucy Ann Kethers were baptized(?) at their respective homes a few nights ago by some young ministers (?) who endorsed "dashing" instead of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. The water was not boiling hot and Mose was not heavily clad. It is reported that he used some words that do not look nice in print, but we can not vouch for it.

Miss Eva Baugh, of Mershon, with her usual thoughtfulness for the pleagure of her friends, gave a New Year's dinner to the following young people; Misses Sarah and Mary Gaines, Lizzie and Chloris Paris and Addie Jackson; Messrs. C.N. Jones, John M. Gaines, J.R. Andes and Nathaniel Sewell, Jr., Oh, who would not appreciate such benevolence?

The following boys from this county left for the Jeffersonville Industrial school last Sunday: G.W.A. and Robert Jones, Oakley, Lee Griffin and James Feltner, Green Mount; J.W. Moberly, Geo. McCracken and J.C. Watkins, Raccoon; J.R. Andes, Mershon. Here's wishing the boys unlimited success.

Miss Emeline King and Messrs. Jas King and Anderson Cornelius, of peoples, left here for the Mt. Vernon Institute last Sunday, to take a course in normal instruction.

Mrs. L.W. McDaniel is very low with la grippe.

BOREING

Miss Fronia Brown spent Xmas at the home of H. Woodward.

Misses Sarah Morgan and ______ Cox and Messrs. John and James Morgan of Williamsburg, spent Christmas in our town.

D.S. Woodward, of Lily, was in town Sunday.

Messrs. Brown and Vincent are running their mill at this place on full time.

Mr. E.E. Wilder is building a nice residence near his father's.

JohnWoodward spent Christmas in London.

Mr. J.J. Ponder is very sick with la grip.

Joshua Edwards is very low with typhoid fever.

Miss Martha Wilder, of this place, is visiting friends in Williamsburg.

Mr. Matt Trosper was in London during the holidays.

Miss Cattle Blair, who has been teaching school at Fariston, returned home Saturday.

Mr. Jas. Trosper, of North Jellico, spent Christmas at home.

Mr. J.M. Jones is preparing to build on his farm in the suburbs of our town.

Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Wyatt, of London, have been visiting friends in our town during the week.

Th'e past two weeks was certainly the most beautiful December weather we ever experienced.

Miss Martha Wilder returned from Williamsburg Friday, where she had gone on an extended visit to relatives.

Postmaster Brown's son, Cy, who has been critically ill of dropsy for over a month, is considerably better.

Miss Catherine Blair and Mr. J.M. Trosper, two of our teachers who have been away teaching the past school year are with us again.

Mr. Sam Brown and sister, Miss May, of Level Green, visited friends and relatives here the past week.

Miss Sue McHargue, of the State College, Lexington, came home to spend her Christmas vacation.

Mr. Chas. Brown of Crab Orchard, is here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Brown.

Mr. John Morgan, of Williamsburg, and his sister, Miss Sarah, paid Mr. W.W. Wilder a visit Christmas.

Mr. and Mrs. John Pinkleton and John Vinsant, of Tennessee, returned home Saturday after a delightful visit to friends and relatives.

Mr. J.F. Woodward is making preparations to erect him a handsome residence just east of his father's but he does not intend to lead a bachelor's life there,

Mr. E.E. Wilder, of this place, was guest of Mr. C.H. Brown Sunday evening. He is building him a handsome home and says it will be ready to occupy soon.

Cy Tuttle left Monday morning for Rockcastle county on a visit.

Sam Parsley and several other men killed a wild hog last Saturday on Piny branch, weighing four or five hundred pounds, and had tusks measuring nine inches.

Rev. John Blair is holding a protracted meeting at Slate Ridge.

Misses Julia and Minnie Blair, Susie and Mary Brown, Messrs. Elmer Blair and Jas. H. Brown went to church at Slate Ridge Sunday.

FARISTON

Quite an interesting series of meetings has been in progress at Slate Hill, conducted by Revs. Jones and Brayl while another very able minister has been aiding for the past few days by the Name of Anguin, of Williamsburg.

Mr. Jacob Jones has left Fariston where he has made his home for some years. He has located near Old Union. The dwelling vacated by him is occupied by Mr. Cy Adams.

We were all glad, indeed, last week, when Miss Anna Melvin, one of Fariston's most charming young ladies returned home from Lebanon, where she had been for several months.

Miss Anna Watkins spent Christmas with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs, John Chesnut, near London. She reports a nice time.

We are very sorry to hear that Mr. and Mrs. James Russell are to leave us in the near future and make London their home. They will be missed by us all.

In a Christmas fight, six miles north of Mt. Vernon, Rockcastle county, Armp Rowland, Jacks Rigsby and Greeley Liar were seriously wounded.

LOCAL ITEMS

A leap year and watch party was given the young folks of London by Mrs. H.C. Thompson on New Year's eve.

Mr. D.C. Payne, the confectioner, has purchased of Judge Boyd a residence on college Hill, and is now a citizen of London.

Mr. Moses PARSLEY has sold the London Pharmacy to Mr. Adolph KUNZ.

Messrs. J.E. & D.W. WHITE and Mr. W.H. CARRIER of Manchester was in London during the holidays.

MARRIED-At the residence of the bride on the evening of Dec. 27 by Eld. R.L. EWELL, A.R. DYCHE to Mrs. M.E. JACKSON, widow of the late John C. JACKSON.

Dr. Drummond WELBURN of Louisville, and a distinguished member of the M.E. church, South who visited London last fall, died at Nashville a few days ago.

DIED-At her residence five miles south of London last Monday, Mrs. Rebecca JACKSON, widow of the late Judge Levi JACKSON. Mrs. JACKSON lived to a ripe old age, and her death is mourned by a host of relatives and other friends.

EXPRESS WAGON-Mr. Emil HAUSER will, in a few days, put on an express and dray wagon between the town and depot, and will be prepared to deliver all freight or express immediately upon its arrival. The support of all is solicited.

Mr. Carl HANSER, is in Louisvllle on business.

Mrs. H.C. HAZLEGOOD is visiting in Berea.

The opera house managers are glad to announce to their patrons that they have secured the Farmer Hopkins show for an early date.

Dr. D. STEVENSON, for many years President of Union College, at Barbourville and several years pastor of the M.E. Church at this place, died at his home in Barbourville last Saturday evening and was buried Monday at Lexington.

Dr. G.W. YOUNG and Miss Belle BENNETT, of Richmond, were in London and participated in the opening exercises of the Sue Bennett Memorial School Tuesday. Dr. YOUNG also preached at the M.E. church South, Tuesday evening.

OAKLEY

Nathaniel SEWELL, Jr., former correspondent of Oakley, left Monday for the Sue Bennett Memorial School. We wish him rapid progress. There seems to be a great educational interest manifested in this locality.

J.R. ANDERS, R. and G.W.A. JONES left Sunday for Jeffersonville, where they expect to spend six months in school. Success to you, boys.

A watch meeting was conducted at Mt. Carmel Thursday night, the 31st ult., which proved to be a successful one.

Mr. Geo. C. MOORE was in Oakley last week.

The work on the M.E. church, at this place is progressing nicely.

Mr. and Mrs. A.P. SETTLE, of Berea, who have been visiting their daughter, Mrs. H.C. HAZLEWOOD, have returned home.

Joseph ADKINS, who was on trial at Barbourville for the murder of Judge COMBS, at the time of our last issue, was sentenced to the penitentiary for life. He will take an appeal. The case against Jesse FIELDS, charged with the same offense, was continued until the August term of the Knox circuit court.

OBITUARY James E. JACKSON was born April 3, 1834, and died at his home in Owsley county, Ky., October 31, 1896, at 6 o'clock a.m. He was married to his now bereaved wife Sept 6, 1860. He united with the Methodist church when a boy, and during all the years of his connection with the church he was faithful and true as it is possible for a man in this imperfect state to live. In his death his wife has lost a good husband; his children a kind and loving father; his aged father a dutiful son; his brothers and sisters a loving brother; the church a good and true member and the county a good citizen. His death was sudden and unexpected, but when it came it found him ready.

OBITUARY

The most dreaded enemy of man has visited our home and taken away a beloved brother. Dr. Robert ASHER, of Red Bird, Clay county, passed silently to his reward, December 7, 1896. He was born Sept, 22, 1849, at the place where he died and had lived all his life. Re had belonged to the Baptist church for twenty years and was an active and consistent member.

WELCHBURG-Mr. Neal MOORE, Jr. was shot by his brother-in-law, James FARNER the 6th inst, at the house of the former on the Laurel Fork two and a half miles north of here. The ball took effect in the right thigh, ranging down- ward, lodging near the knee. FARMER went to MOORE's house and cursed him, MOORE then ordered him out of his house, FARMER called him out of his house and continued to curse him, MOORE stooped down to get a stone to throw at him when FARMER drew his pistol and fired. MOORE is convalescing. FARMER has not yet been captured.

JANUARY 15, 1897

OAKLEY

A.D. CAMPBELL's infant child has been very ill with throat trouble, but is improving.

Master Joseph BAUGH, who is attending school at Richmond, spent the holidays at his home at Mershon's.

S.H. JACKSON, one of the board of supervisors of this county, was in London last week.

There is a great deal of sickness in this community. Among the sick are Mrs. America WATKINS and children, Mrs. L.W. McDANIEL and Mrs. PETERS.

Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln CORNELIUS, who have been in Indiana for several years, have returned to Laurel county where they will make their future home.

Miss Lena PETIGO began a subscription school at McCormick church last Monday.

Messrs J.M. FELTNER, J. William MOBERLY, Leander GRIFFIN and George McCRACKEN, who left a few days ago for the industrial school at Jeffersonville, are back to stay.

J.M. GAINES, who has been suffering for some time with a wound in his leg, received by falling upon a sharp limb, is improving.

OBITUARY

Died-At her residence in the suburbs of Vox, Ky., at 12 o'clock on Sunday, December 27, 1896, of that dreaded disease, consumption, Mrs. Sarah PARKER, wife of John S. PARKER and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John R. SUTHERLAND. She joined the M.E. church at the age of 14 and lived a true Christian, and a few years ago she joined the Baptist church, to be with her husband. Her remains were carried to her own selection at old Union cemetery.

On the morning of the 4th of January, 1897, our dear and honored sister, Mrs. Rebecca JACKSON, having "fought the good fight and kept the faith," was called by her dear Lord to come up higher and receive her crown of righteousness. She dearly loved her sister, Mrs. Virginia PATTERSON, who has also just gone to her reward. Their home coming was so near together, how sweet their reunion must have been.

Mrs. JACKSON was born in Laurel county, Ky., May 31, 1818, the daughter of John FREEMAN of Culpepper county, Virginia. She was the wife of Judge Levi JACKSON, of Kentucky, who preceded her some fifteen years. Since her loyal heart has walked desolate and alone; yet not alone for she place her hand in that of the Savior, and was led by Him.

She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive her all born in the same room where she had been born, and also married, the house being still in the family. Her children were all consecrated to the Master in their youth and as they became older they did not depart from her sweet training by precept and example, but are today faithful, earnest, zealous Christian men and women, desiring to know the will of the Father that they might walk therein.

JANUARY 15, 1897

NEWS NOTES

The dwelling house and barn of Mr. John McHargue, of Rockcastle were burned, with all their contents, including 3,000 pounds of bacon.

Ben Harber was given one year in the penitentiary at Pineville, a few days ago, for shooting James Parker at Middlesboro, a short time ago.

Last Wednesday, at Pineville, both being under the influence of whisky, E.S. Pitman shot and killed Henry Wilson. Reports make it a pretty clear case of murder.

Robert Laughlin was hung last Friday morning at Brookville, Ky., for the murder of his wife and niece. After murdering them he fired the house and burned their bodies.

Ben Gilbert stabbed and mortally wounded Dack Daniels on Yocum's creek, in Harlan county, Monday,

Moses Helton, of Bell county, while handling his pistol a few days ago, accidentally discharged it, the ball taking effect in a young daughter, inflicting what may prove to be a mortal wound.

LOCAL ITEMS

La grippe and measles have been quite prevalent in our town during the past month.

Mr. Ance Bowling, the biggest man in Jackson county, was in London last Monday.

J.M. Chamberlain who has been confined to his room for the past two weeks, with la grippe, has fully recovered.

Rev. Jas. P. Faulkner will preach at the First M.E. church next Sunday morning and evening. All are cordially invited.

LOCAL ITEMS

Mr. P.W. Catching, who has been making his home for several years in Arkansas has returned to old Laurel and will probably make his future home here.

Mrs. M.E. Smith has been very sick during the past two weeks, but we are glad to say that she is improving and it is hoped she will soon fully recover,

Mr. J.S. Jackson of Lampasas, Tx., was called to his old home in this county during the week, on account of the death of his mother Mrs. Rebecca Jackson.

After several weeks of the prettiest winter weather we ever saw, we woke up Wednesday morning to witness one of the most disagreeable mornings we ever experienced. Old mother earth a sheet of ice.

JANUARY 15 1897

Our Mershon correspondent asks us for the exact number of candidates for jailer in this county. Our answer to this is like the boy's answer as to the number of pigs a certain old sow had. He said he counted twelve and that there was another one that kept running around so that he could not count it. We only know of seventeen, those announced in the ECHO. There are probably two or three others running around so that we can not count them. Gentlemen, if you want to be counted a candidate for any office announce your candidacy in the ECHO; it will cost you only $2.50.

The Harkelroad Bros. have sold the Jackson livery stable to Mr. James D. Reams, whose advertisement appears in these columns. When needing anything in the livery line give Mr. Reams a call and you will never go away empty handed,

DIED-At her home, near Oakley, Ky., on Jan. 1lth, of typhoid fever, Miss---ma Watkins. This is the second death in Mr. Watkins family during the past two weeks. The deceased leaves a mother and brother almost at the point of death. She leaves many other relatives.

WANTED-A home for a bright little girl between two and three years old. Any one wishing to furnish the little one with a home will please call on W.L. BROWN, Judge L.C.C.

This community is greatly excited over the disappearance of Miss Polly Feltner, a young lady living about two miles from this place across the mountain. January 2d she left home telling her parents she was coming to town to spend the week with the family of Mr.J.W. Johnson and would return last Saturday evening, but she did not return and Sunday her father came to town to see why she had failed to return home, when to his surprise he found that she had not been to Mr. Johnson's at any time during last week.

Her father then became alarmed and began a search. Her hat and dress were found in the mountain pass between her home and this place, and her underclothing was found still further away from the road and nearer the mountain top, her clothing was torn as if they had been torn off her. The general supposition is that she has been murdered and the body hid.

Large numbers of men are in the mountains now hunting for the body, She has been missing nine days. Excitement is at fever heat over the matter.

JANUARY 22, 1897

News comes from Clay county that a few days ago Jesse Powell snapped what he supposed to be an empty pistol at Thomas Roberts, but it turned out to be loaded and the result is Roberts is a corpse and Powell was held to answer in the circuit court in a bond of $1000.

TUTTLE About one half mile below the residence of Rev. J.M. Donaldson Mr. Joseph Wells is erecting a new dwelling which he will occupy soon.

Mr. John Mabe is building a new blacksmith shop near the residence of Dr. J.K. Burnett. He will also put up his dwelling near by.

Mr. W.H. Burnett, having just returned from Cincinnati, is moving north of Tuttle Mrs. Burnett having recently been very ill (while at Cincinnati) is improving slowly.

A lot of the boys of Tuttle are talking of going to Washington to see McKinley inauguarated.

Measles are very prevalent in this vicinity.

The house just vacated by Mr. John Chesnut is now occupied by his father and family.

Mr. Dixon Humfleet has removed to his old home on "Billie's Branch."

Mr. B. Hopper, one of our associates, with his friend, Mr. James Gilbert, left on Wednesday last for the purpose of joining the army.

OAKLEY

The people of this community are almost afraid to cut a tree for fear of killing a candidate the woods are full of them.

Work on the new Methodist church house at this place is nearing completion. It is a grand building and speaks well for the people of this vicinity.

BORN-To the wife of Joseph Inman, a fine girl.

FARISTON The property owned by Mr. A. Jones has been purchased by Mr. A.T. Watkins, which, after some improvements, he will make his future home.

Mr. J.R. Hardin has just returned home from Louisville.

Mr. J.M. Russell was at home a few days last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Abram Jones contemplates making London their home. May their future ever be bright and their pathway ever strewn with sweet flowers.

JANUARY 22 1897 Some correspondent made a mistake about a Baptist church being organized at this place, it being an Apostolic church.

Miss Fannie Scales is visiting her sister, Mrs. Mattie Russell, at this place.

MAPLESVILLE

Married-At the residence of the bride's mother, Sunday, Jan. 10th, Mr.Wm. R. George to Miss Nora Lusk. The bride is 16 while the groom is but 17.

Born-To the wife of George Johnson, a girl.

Wm. Jones returned Sunday from a business trip to Richmond.

Born-To the wife of Joe Williams, a fine boy.

Hiram Jones has been quite ill with pneumonia, but is improving.

Leslie Blakely and wife, of East Bernstadt, visited Maplesville Sunday.

A series of meetings convened here Jan. 10th, conducted by Revs. Hopkins, Smith, Flair and Robinson. The brethren are all filled with the holy ghost, and we expect much good done here this week.

Your correspondent is glad to learn that "Cousin" Nathaniel Sewell, Jr. has become editor of The Young Folks, a monthly magazine for young people, which has hither to been edited C.W. Kellogg, of London, Ky. With such a brilliant and able editor as young Mr. Sewell we bespeak for the paper a grand success.

Hyden, KY. Jan. 18. The mystery of the disappearance of Miss Polly Feltner has been cleared up. She was found on the head of a creek called Leatherwood in Perry county, forty miles from here.

She became angry at her parents because they refused to send her to Charlie Mutzenburg's writing school, and resolved to leave home and friends, and on Saturday, January 2d she left home going to the top of the mountain, where she had previously prepared a suit of male attire, and in which she clothed herself, then by following a torturous and unused mountain path she avoided discovery until she had left the immediate neighborhood. Stopping at a country store several miles from home, she purchased a hat, pants and suspenders and other things necessary to complete her masculine attire, then going to the above named vicinity she found employment under the name of Ray Feltner.

When found by the searching party she was busily engaged in clearing ground and splitting rails. She positively refused to return under any circumstances, preferring to cast her lot among strangers and pass her days acting the man.

She is the daughter of Louis Feltner, a well to do and highly respected citizen of this county, and twenty one years of age, consequently Mr. Feltner will not make any effort to get her to return, but let her try the experiment of being a "farmer's boy."

JANUARY 22, 1897
LOCAL ITEMS

Mr. Z. Settles has purchased of John B. Oakley a lot near the college and is building a residence on it.

Mrs J.M. Chamberlain, who has been confined to her room for over a week with la grippe, is improving.

J.M. Chamberlain, who has been operating a sawmill on Hazel Patch for two or three years has moved it down into the western portion of the county.

The enrollment of the Sue Bennett Memorial School now numbers 100. The school is giving perfect satisfaction and the enrollment increases daily.

Mr. J.B. Rogers, who has been a citizen of the southwestern part of the county for a year or two, is now a citizen of the southern suburbs of London, residing near the residence of Hen. Ed Parker.

Mrs. Fannie Hardin and Master William, who have been visiting relatives in Missouri for several months, returned home Saturday evening.

Mr. W.D. Weaver left Sunday night on a business trip to Idaho. He will visit his brother, whom he has not seen for several years, while in that state.

Mr. M.G. Harbin announces in this issue his candidacy for the office of Magistrate from the First district, composed of the two London and Pittsburg precincts. Mr. Harbin is a worthy gentleman, well qualified for the office and should be given a hearty support.

Mr. Nelson Rice, a workman on the college, fell from that building last Monday morning and received some very painful but not necessarily dangerous wounds. He had just finished his work on the building and was preparing to descend when a defective joist gave way with his weight and he was precipitated to the lower floor, a distance of about eighteen feet.

In its appropriate place in this issue will be found the announcement of Mr. James Potter for the office of Jailer. Mr. Potter is a colored man, but a gentleman and an industrious and good citizen worthy and well qualified for the position to which he aspires. He is the candidate of the colored people of the county made so at a mass meeting of the colored people at Altamont nearly two weeks ago. His candidacy should receive that consideration which it so richly merits.

Capt. Jenkins, of the Secret service department for Kentucky, with headquarters at Louisville, is in London, having just returned from Hyden, where he had been to work up a counterfeiting case, which led to the arrest of Luke Blevins of that place.

JANUARY 22, 1897

KILLING-About midnight, Sunday night, the crack of a revolver was heard in the small house in the rear of Capt. F.B. Riley's yard and no sooner had the noise of the report cleared away than it was discovered the light of another life had been snuffed out, and Sam Oliver, of color, who had been making his home at Mr. J.H. Jackson's, was no more. The circumstances of the killing as best we could learn it were these: Tilford Jackson and Sam Oliver, both young colored men, stole into the above mentioned house to indulge in a game of cards, which, as the survivor claimed afterwards, was only in fun. During the game they exercised in what they called "practices," or "playing the Wild West," seeing how near they could come to killing each other without hurt. In the room was a good pistol, loaded all around, and an old worthless and broken-up one and an old pocket knife. After each game of cards the boys would pretend to "fall out" and fight, Oliver using the old knife and Jackson using the old worthless pistol, but of course no one was hurt. This performance was kept up for quite a while, until several games were played and several sham fights had been fought, until finally Jackson, he claims by mistake, got hold of the good pistol with the above result, the ball taking effect in the left breast, penetrating the heart and causing instant death. An examining trial was held before Judge Brown Wednesday and the prisoner held in a bond of $200. The remains of the deceased were buried Monday on Cemetery Hill.

DIED-At the home of J.H. McNeil, near East Bernstadt, on Sunday Jan. 17th, of general debility, Mr. Wm. Sly, aged seventy. Mr. Sly was a carpenter and a well known citizen. His remains were interred in the Landrum graveyard.

Hyden, Ky., Jan. 18.-Luke Blevins, a resident of this place, was, arrested here today by U.S. Deputy Marshals charged with counterfeiting, and was taken to London for trial before the U.S. Commissioner. It seems from reports that he had been manufacturing nickles and dimes and passing them. His arrest was quite a surprise as he was considered a very quiet and nice young man. His father is a hard working blacksmith and is greatly troubled about the matter.

EDWARDS-OSBURN WEDDING

Married in Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday, January 6, 1897, Mr. Bert Edwards and Miss Anna Osburn. This wedding was quite a supprise to the numerous friends of both the contracting parties in Erie. Miss Anna, who is the charming daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Drew Osburn of this city, left last Monday night for Louisville, Ky., where Mr. Edwards, who is in the lumber business at London, Ky., met her and they were married. Not even their closest friends were apprised of the marriage but were taken unawares. Mr. Edwards is the son of Lewis Edwards, south of town. Bert is a good boy and a rustler.(?) We wish him and his beautiful bride all the happiness and success which could fall to the lot of any one and hope that when they have made their fortune in Kentucky they will return to Erie and make their home here.-The Erie Kans. Rep. Record.

MERSHON

Mrs. L.W. McDaniel is very sick.

Prof. Wm. Gill is moving to his farm north of here.

La grippe is raging in this vicinity there is scarcely a house in the neighborhood where there is not some one sick.

Miss Dixie French, of Rockcastle county, is visiting in this vicinity.

Uncle David Lucas is making a strong canvass for jailer.

JANUARY 29, 1897

BUSH

We are experiencing the roughest weather for the year.

Messrs. F.R. Brock, Felix Russell and Mrs. Ellen Russell are visiting friends and relatives at Gray.

Esq. T.J. Russell, who has been seriously ill for sometime, is improving.

Mrs. J.M. Russell, and children, of Fariston, have been visiting Squire Russell's family for a few days.

Dr. Brook has the foundation for his new residence almost completed.

Capt. Ed Russell has been spending a few days with his aunt, Mrs. F.R. Brock.

Little Dan Brock, who has been confined so long with rheumatism, we are glad to say is improving.

Mr. Lum Pigg is the boss hunter of the town.

On last Sunday morning, the 24th, inst., we received a special invitation to take dinner with Mr. James M. Brock and wife. So blacking our shoes and donning a clean collar, and in company with Misses Janie Mustard and Mary Russell, we wended our way in the direction of Mr. Brock's. After facing a terrible snow storm for some time we arrived in due season, where we found an immense crowd assembled. Meeting a hearty welcome we were at once ushered into a comfortable room, where we were then informed that this great occasion was to celebrate the wedding of his son Woodson Brock, who married Miss Ellen Jones daughter of Mr. Harrison Jones, a wealthy farmer of Robinson Creek. We were then invited into the dining room where we found the table just groaning under the good things. So with such waiters as Misses Sallie Watkins, Mary Russell and Mrs. Mahala Brock, we will not undertake to tell how long we did eat, nor of the pleasant evening we spent. But Uncle Jim knows just how to make everybody feel at home. So we were sorry when we had to say good bye.

JANUARY 29, 1897
LANGNAU
Died-Jan. 23d, of dropsy, Mr. Alexander Proffit Sr., of Crawford. His remains were interred at Wyatt's Chapel Sunday. Mr. Proffit leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn his death.

Mr. Leander Johnson of this place, is quite ill with typhoid fever.

Miss Malley Hibbard, who has been quite ill with typhoid fever, is convalescent.

Mrs. Aaron and J.B. Johnson visited relatives at Pittsburg this week.

A new church is being rapidly erected near the present sight of Old Salem.

BOREING

The measles are prevalent in this vicinity.

Mrs. G.W. Mullins, who has been quite ill with pneumonia for the past two weeks, is convalescent.

Miss Catharine Blair is teaching school at Somerset, Ky. Miss Catharine is a favorite among us, and her smiling face is greatly missed by her many friends at this place.

Married-Saturday, Jan. 23, at the residence of the bride's parents, (Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Jones, near here) Mr. Woods Brock to Miss Ellen Jones. May their joys be as deep as the ocean and their troubles as light as the foam.

Miss Bertha Vinsant is spending the week with her cousin, Miss Fronia Brown, of this place.

TUTTLE

G.J. Humfleet, J.J. Price, Miss Lydia Price, Mr. and Mrs, Joseph Wells, Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Blair were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Donaldson, Sunday.

Miss Melvina J. Humfleet visited her old home at Tuttle Sunday. She has been at Jellico for the past two months.

Mr. R.L. Tuttle, of Bush, will leave with his family soon for the Blue Ridge, in Florida, to seek a fortune.

Mr. Joseph Wells and family will occupy his new home on Knox Fork next week,

Mrs. Isaac Williams, who has been very ill with measles, and was given up by two doctors, is now slowly recovering.

CLAY COUNTY

Bro. Zachariah Smith, a well known citizen of this county, died at his home on Otter creek the 19th inst, aged 76 years. He leaves a wife and one son to mourn his death.

Bro. Office Eversole, aged 62 years, died on Otter creek, within 400 yards of Bro. Smith. After a few days sickness he passed peacefully away on the 20th inst., and leaves a wife and several children to mourn his death. He was a soldier and was buried in honor of the Grand Army. He was a brother- in-law of Bro. Z. Smith and was buried in the family graveyard on the creek.

LOCAL ITEMS

Miss May Boreing has been quite ill during the week.

Rev. and Mrs. R.A. Mahan gave their pupils an entertainment Saturday night.

Mr. W.H. Williams has been very ill during the week with erysiplas, but is slightly improving.

In a difficulty at East Bernstadt, last Saturday, we are informed that Wm. Bullock was shot in the leg.

Mr. Leander Johnson, of Langnau, who has been very ill of typhoid fever for several weeks, is convalescent.

Mr. Mark Hardin, who has been nursing a typhoid patient three miles below Hazel Patch for the past month, is home again, sporting a fine suit of Burnsides.

A few days ago the Peacock store of Pittsburg was broken into and robbed of about $47 in checks. John Chandler, Joe Chandler and Tom Hansford were arrested, tried and held to the circuit court in the sum of $200 each.

The first and only real wintry weather we have experienced this winter has been since our last issue, and it has been real winter weather, too. Last Sunday a "nother" struck us when it began to turn cold at the rate of about two degrees an hour until Monday morning, when the mercury was pressing the bottom in the neighborhood of zero, where it has remained ever since.

Mrs. Emma Smith left Wednesday night for Louisville, where she will receive medical attention. She was accompanied by her daughter, Miss Ollie.

The report that Mr. J.D. Reams had bought the Jackson Livery Stable of Harkleroad Bros. turned out to be false, but instead he left between two suns Saturday night for parts unknown.

Mr. D.H. Williams, of the firm of Williams & Watkins, has sold his interest in said firm to Mr. Mose Parsley, and firm hereafter will be known as Parsley & Watkins.

John Lutteral, of Sonora, Ky., charged with the murder of George Baker of this county, near Corbin, last fall, has been arrested at Bristol, Tenn. Requisition papers have been asked for. Lutteral, while drunk, is reported to have admitted the murder.

John Blevins, the 16 year old boy of John Blevens, of Pittsburg, was held last Wednesday, by Judge Brown, to appear at circuit court to answer the charge of shooting W.C. Webb, several weeks ago. The circumstances were about this; Webb and the boy's father were fighting, when the boy thought Webb was getting the better of his father, ran up behind him and shot him twice, inflicting very slight wounds.

London in all probability has outstripped any of her neighboring towns during the past year in the way of building improvements, yet but little has been said about it. Besides the new college building, there has been erected in London during the past year the M.E. Church, costing about $4,500, and the following residences Mrs. Julia Parker's, Mrs. Sawyer, Mr. McCalla Fitzgerald, Mr.Andrew Jackson, Judge R. Boyd, Mrs. Hatcher, Mr. J.M. Chamberlain, J. B. Oakley, R.E. Ewell and the bank building now occupied by Mr.J.M. Young. A large majority of these buildings are commodious structures and handsome ornaments to the town. In addition to all these there have been various other smaller buildings erected and improvements to many others.