Carter County News Articles

Compiled by Glen Haney

Preface by Glen Haney

"It is quite likely that no one outside of Carter County has ever heard of 
the town of Enterprise Kentucky. In fact, I would venture that there are 
plenty of people in Carter County that are unaware of its existence. Like 
many towns, Enterprise got its start as a railway station. As a stop on the 
C&O railroad it flourished for a dozen years or so, and then faded away."

"Francis M. Griffith with his wife Fannie (Bush) relocated to Enterprise 
from Portsmouth, Ohio about 1890. Born in Greenup County, Kentucky to a 
modest family, he was largely self educated and widely traveled before 
relocating at Enterprise. It is unclear why Griffith, in his middle 30's, 
chose Enterprise to settle down, although from his writings it is 
evident  that he thought the location held great potential for an 
up-and-comer such as himself. He found work first at Conley & Sons general 
store and thereafter struggled to support his family in a variety of other 
commercial positions. All the while, he was local correspondent to the 
Portsmouth Times writing of the comings and goings, births, deaths and 
other passings of this typical rural village. In mid 1895 the Times 
articles ended and I am sorry to say that I know nothing of Francis Griffith's 
fate. He ceased to be post master in January 1896. Sensing the 
end of the line for the town of Enterprise he must have departed for 
greener pastures. He did leave one thing in Enterprise. A cherished baby 
boy, who died after living only two months and is buried in the Tackett 
Cemetery."

"In 2004, on my annual pilgrimage to Carter County I drove to Enterprise 
hoping to see something of the place, perhaps, a ghost town of crumbling 
buildings with creaking doors.  Instead, I found a smooth black top road 
dotted every half mile or so with modern homes. No old train station, no 
hotel, no crumbling buildings...nothing. I drove up and down the road a few 
times to see if there was something that I missed however, unless the side 
roads yield clues, nothing remains of the Enterprise presented here. By the 
way, I don't take many side roads anymore ever since a farmer with a 
shotgun came at me a few years ago, suspecting that I was stealing parts 
from his tractor."

"What follows are chronological excerpts of Griffins Portsmouth times articles."

"As time allows I will add new articles, every week or so.  I encourage 
anyone who can expound on any of the information or people relating to 
these articles to contact me, Glen Haney, or John Grace, who graciously 
devotes his time as Carter County site Coordinator."

"Just one more thing. For those of you not familiar with the archaic word 
gripp or grippe that occurs often here, we now know it as the flu."

"I will start with a large piece that is of chronological order because it 
sets the tone of the balance of the articles. The writer F.W. Griffin 
titled it "Enterprise, Her Past and future". Griffin is, no doubt, troubled 
by the downward direction that the town has taken and is looking for a 
course that will swing things back the other way, towards "the good old 
flush times".



                ENTERPRISE, KENTUCKY

8/25/1894

Nestled among the rugged, but fertile hills of old Carter, about two and 
one-half miles from the Rowan County line, lies Enterprise. It is a narrow 
straggling village with one principle street running through its center. 
Its entire length being nearly one mile. The town was laid out in 1882 and 
W.H. Griffey built the first house just after the depot was built. William 
Cooper built a large store house here, the first year of the railroads 
life. He also built a mammoth hotel, and for the years Mr. Cooper was the 
king bee of Enterprise and commanded the largest general merchandising 
trade between Mt. Sterling and Ashland. It is said in those days, that $100 
per day was considered an average business, though some days $250 would 
find its way from the pockets of the people to the coffers of Mr. Cooper. 
Though the business done then was immense, I have yet to hear anyone say 
that they never got value received from Bill Cooper as he was familiarly 
known. Mr. Cooper is now in business in Morehead. Many that remember him 
say that he will never be a millionaire, because of his wonderful 
generosity. Bill Cooper has given to the poor enough to keep himself and 
his family the rest of his days.

About the year 1880, James Hollan succeeded Mr. Cooper as proprietor of the 
Star Hotel and the owner of the large store and business. Mr. Hollan did an 
immense business for several years, and built a mammoth saw and flouring 
mill. The last venture proved disastrous from some cause, and today the old 
mill building and the historic Star hotel sands vacated as monuments to of 
the greatness of our town or relics of its ill spent fortunes. Hollan was 
sold out by law in 1892 and left here in a short time to Iowa where he now 
lives. About the year 1892 the Post Office was established here and named 
Jamison in honor of William Jamison the president of the Jamison Fire Clay 
mining Company. Wm. Jamison was appointed the first post master. Jamison 
was succeeded by James Hollan , who in turn gave way to Mary D. McBrayer. 
F.M. Griffin the present master was sworn in May 9th, 1892.

Adams Express company established an office here early in the history of 
the town, which has had the following agents; B.S. McComas, Wm. Cooper, 
C.S. Conner, W.H. Tyree, M.B. Mark, M.E. Callihan, W.A. Weaver, W.J. 
Vaughan, W.E. Watkins, J.L. Robbins, and O.L.Shay.

The C & O railroad company has had the following agents; Wm. Jamison, C.S. 
Conner, J.E. Cowgill, A.O. Fields, W.A. Weaver, W.J. Vaughan, W.F. Watkins, 
J.L. Robins, W.G. Patton, W.H. Turee, R.L. Scott, G. H. Crooks, M.E. 
Callihan, F.J. Guin, A.E. Ford, O.L. Shay.

Fire clay has been an important article of commerce ever since 1883 though 
thousands of cars of staves, cross ties, shingle, tan bark, lumber and hoop 
poles, have been shipped to the worlds markets. At present, little else but 
fire clay is shipped, the Shay Bros. being the principle dealers in that 
article.

The past of enterprise is said to be like a dream to many that remember the 
good old flush times of the 80's.

The present and future of Enterprise is what interests us most. We want to 
see the town blossom as a rose and expect to see a partial return of her 
former greatness in the future. But the future outcome of our town lies not 
in the stave, tan bark, or lumber tree.  Tobacco will most certainly be 
king, and why shouldn't it be? Our lands are the best in the world to 
produce the weed, and it can be purchased very cheap. In 1894 there will be 
ten thousand pounds raised, where five years ago there wasn't one pound 
raised. In less than ten years from now every foot of tillable land in this 
end of the county will be cleaned up, and the future will eclipse the past 
as far as the good old times excelled the day when it was fifteen miles to 
the nearest post office.

Enterprise today is composed of about 100 citizens, all told, men, women 
and children. There are two general stores operated by Conley & Son. And 
L.D. O'Roark

The firm of Conley & Son does an immense business. They sell hundreds of 
dollars worth of caps, boots, dry goods, groceries, etc. In fact you can 
buy anything from them from a thimble to a wagon. They have a large trade 
in Elliot and Lewis Counties a large many coming 20 and 25 miles just to 
trade with Conleys on account of the merits of their goods and their low 
prices. The senior member is Isaac Conley. Mr. Conley is about 47 years of 
age and began life as a common laborer. By thrift he has succeeded in 
accumulating quite a fortune. Uncle Ike is as honest as they day is long, 
and everybody likes him. He is a Free Mason and a Golden Eagle, being a 
charter member of No. 21, of this place. Stanton Conley, the son of the 
firm is 25 and one of the shred business men in eastern Kentucky. He is not 
married but lightly hinted that this can not be said of him ere the dawn of 
1895. He is a prominent I.O.O.F. and K.G.E. man, and well thought of and 
destined to make his mark on the world of finance.

L.D. O'Roark is a firm within himself and is present operating the old Geo. 
Cooper stand. He does not carry a very large stock of merchandise but keeps 
a variety equal to any other store in the country. Lan is a hustling 
bustling kind of man about 37 years of age and a man of good business 
qualities. In short a scholar and a gentleman, Republican in politics, 
and in religion an ardent Methodist of the Episcopal persuasion.

  The health of our community is looked after by two physicians. Dr. W.D. 
Williams came here a few years ago from Harrison County and has built up a 
wonderful practice. The doctor is an accomplished gentleman and popular. In 
politics he is a democrat and is considered a party leader.

Dr. G.R. Logan came here in the earlier days of the town's history. He has 
a large and reliable practice and is one of the best dentists in the state. 
He is a native of Nicholas County and is said to be a distant relative of 
Gen. John A. Logan of war fame.

The only place of entertainment is kept by Mrs. J.C. Shay. Her table is 
supplied by the best the land affords and the jolly drummer is always glad 
when he strikes Enterprise because he knows the inner man will be well 
cared for.

Among the leading citizens and pioneer farmers are W.H. Griffey and A. 
Underwood. They have lived here for years and considered honest, upright 
and straight forward men.

Our community also boasts of one "drummer and his grip". W.L. Hodgins has 
married and settled here. He believes in the future greatness of his 
adopted home and has purchased two houses and a lot. He is a salesman for 
the great Mark and Stix the great wholesale boot and shoe company of 
Cincinnati.

We have no lawyer but have considerable lawing. Squire F.M. Bailey's court 
is in session once a month to settle all differences.

We boast of good school privileges and although our school house is not a 
good one by any means, I think are citizens are awakening to the needs of a 
good house, and I think they will build one in the near future. Since the 
writer has been here such teachers as J. Milton Fraley, Miss Minta McGlone, 
and C.S.Gilkerson have taught the young ideas how to shoot.

Preachers, yes we have one local preacher, Rev. Joel N. Fitch. Rev Fitch is 
a Methodist Episcopal though we often have sermons from the various other 
denominations.

This completes the past and present of Enterprise. I hope ere another 
decade to see at least 1000 people here and must say I have great faith in 
her future greatness. Long may the upward banner move.





1/2/1892

James M. Reed died at his home on Christmas day after an illness of about 
two weeks. Mr. Reed was a quiet hard worker and honest with his dealings 
with his fellow man. He was about 50 years old and leaves a huge family of 
small children.

John Davis another one of Carter Counties best citizens and a pioneer 
passed from among us to the great beyond a few days ago.



1/9/1892

The grip is prevailing to such an extent to be alarming. Whole families are 
prostrated and our doctors are going night and day to relive the stricken 
community.

William Carroll died Saturday night making the third victim of the dreadful 
disease in this community. He contacted the disease while waiting on his 
father who died at Grayson a few days ago. A wife and two children mourn 
his loss. How uncertain is  human life and how absolute certain is death. 
Let us live as becomes children of god and when death does come we cane 
have assurance of meeting our loved ones where death never enters and 
parting is no more.



1/23/1892

The Lawton correspondent of the Carter County Bugle twits on account of 
their prospect of getting the P.F.B Company's branch railroad. We have 
never yet claimed the road, but believe when the company takes everything 
into consideration our chances of getting the brickyard will come out first 
best. The advantages we offer come off better than any other and the 
company cant help but seeing them.  We still have faith in the future of 
Enterprise. However, what is good for the goose is good for the gander and 
if in the judgment of the P.F.B. Company Lawton is the place to build, we 
will all be materially benefited thereby. Who knows how soon both villages 
will be joined together, under one incorporation, the first city in the 
county.



2/20/1892

Ira Proctor a bright and promising young man died Friday morning from 
Typhoid fever. His father Eber Proctor is very low with the same disease

Did the groundhog see his shadow ? We are inclined to believe that his 
hogship is not much of a prophet anymore. We had some of the severest 
weather of the season last week.

Pension day and payday on the railroad came together last week. Lots of 
money being circulated now.

The trial of John Hayes for cutting Henry Smith on Christmas day has been 
postponed until March 10th.

David Tipton and Jefferson Davis killed a large mad dog last week. 
Considerable excitement now prevails in this section.



2/27/1892

W.S. Gibson and family are moving to Leon where he is renting a tobacco 
farm. They are good people and we recommend them highly.

Mrs. Will Carroll and children have returned from an extended visit to her 
father, John Duly and family.

At 4:oclock Sunday morning a beautiful baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Melvin Conn. At 10 oclock the same morning the home of Mr. and Mrs. James 
Roberts was made happy by the birth of a baby girl.



3/5/1892

Henry Fielding the popular section foreman at Lawton with his wife and 
babies were guests of Dr. and Mrs. W.D. Williams last Sunday.

Charles H. McAllister has returned from Bozeman, Montana and has concluded 
to locate at Olive Hill and will go into the drug business.



3/12/1892

John Fultz, a respectable working man died Friday with the Grippe. Aged 
about 37 years.  Funeral services Sunday.

Mrs. Lulu Hooper the popular teacher at Upper Tygart visited friends in 
town last week.

Mrs. Rosa Hudgins is visiting her sister Mrs. Hector Fitch of Kilgore.



3/26/1892

David Wilson a young man of about 20 years of age, met with a very serious 
accident Sunday morning. He discovered where a mink had caught a rabbit in 
the snow and tracked it to its din and while he was waiting for it to come 
out his revolver accidentally went off shooting entirely through his left 
hand. He will be seriously crippled for life if he does not lose his hand.

Mrs. Libbie Brown left Wednesday for David City, Neb. visiting relatives.

Business continues to improve. Conley & Sons have placed two new large and 
handsome show cases in the store.

Stores are springing up all around.  C.W. Gee, L.D. ORoark and Johnson 
Offill have signaled their intent of going into business.

Emerson Vest Post Master of Soldier is reported ill. Hopp Ruley is acting P.M.

Wm. Adkins and C.W. Carter have rented the Jerry Richard farm and have 
moved thereto.



4/9/1892

T.B. Tippett & Sons of Morehead shipped a carload of forty four inch staves 
from this place to Liverpool England last week.

George Shay, William Fitzpatrick and W. Joseph Vaughn attended singing at 
Soldier last Friday and Saturday nights.

Calvin Young and his wife will leave for Iowa in a few days where Calvin 
will work at the carpenter trade. They are excellent people and we hate to 
see them go so far away.

Stanton Conley of this place and John Conley of Soldier have been 
subpoenaed to Grayson Next week in a case against the Logan boys.



5/21/1892

E.H.D. Whitt, of New York City arrived here one day last week on his way 
home to Elliot County. Mr. Whitt left home six years ago possessed of 
ambition as his only stock and store, to seek his fortune in the wide 
world. By his good sense and close application to business he has reached 
almost to the top of the ladder of success and today ranks high in the 
worlds vast army of commercial travelers. He is engaged with the New York 
Hardware Company and will spend six months visiting friends and relatives.

Dr. W. D. Williams lost his valuable saddle mare "Bird" to water founder 
one night last week.



7/2/1892

The C&O are painting their depotswater tanks and tool houses the 
regulation yellow.



G.W. McAllister had his pension increased from four to eight dollars a 
month. Uncle Mac was a good soldier and desires all the pension he can get.



Little Leroy White has been seriously ill for some time with a disease 
resembling the flux. Thanks to Dr. Williams he is much improved.



7/16/1892

Miss Kate Underwood was thrown from her horse a seriously injured a few 
days ago returning from The Carter Caves.

Rev. H.B. Easterling of Willard, who was selling fruit trees last spring, 
has quit the business and  is now taking pictures. He is in Soldier now 
where you can "git your picture tuk" at short notice.



7/28/892

A freight train killed a fine cow for David Tipton and a fine work steer 
for W.H. Mockabee one day last week.



Berries are ripening and coming into market in large quantities. 
Blackberries are scarcer than last year but still bring the same price, ten 
cents per gallon.



Mrs. Amelia Underwood is seriously ill at the home of her son Alexander. 
She is in her 88th year.



L.S. Vincent has returned from Seattle Washington where he has been 
visiting his children who have been making their home wit Rev. R. E. 
Dunlop. He is well please with the country and expects to make his home 
there if he can dispose of his residence here.



8/6/1892

C.B. McCall the genial book keeper of the W.F.B. Company has purchased a 
fine bicycle. Charles informs us that he will be able to go try a round on 
the track with any of them by the time of the next fair.

The new M.E. Church on Main Street is beginning to take shape. We 
understand that Colonel E. Hicks will do the plastering. The pulpit will be 
at the end near the street and the floor has a gradual rise from the pulpit 
back.

Council met last Monday and among other business an ordinance was drafted 
making it an office, punishable by fine, for the removable of buckets and 
ladders that have lately been constructed for the use of a fire brigade. 
The ladders will be kept hung up on the outside of the mayor's office and 
the buckets kept in the rear in a convenient place.



8/27/1892

Mrs. George Stamper was bitten by a copperhead while picking beans. She 
walked two miles before she could summons help. Dr. Williams soon arrived 
and administered relief. She is now in a fair way to recovery.



9/3/1892

The "Mail Pouch" tobacco men where here last week decorating the stores and 
window shutters with their signs.

Prof. Frank R. Abbott was taken to Grayson a few days ago and tried as to 
the condition of his mind.  He was judged insane by the county judge and 
taken to the asylum. He has a wife and small child.



10/15/1892

Wedding bells have made merry hearts since our last letter. Jerry Underwood 
and the beautiful Erilda Erwin were united at the residence of the bride's 
parents on Upper Tygart.



12/10/1892

Sad news reached here from Ashland. Leroy, the one year old child of Mr.& 
Mrs. C.L. White, formerly of this place, died Saturday night. Roy, as he 
was familiarly called, was a favorite when he with his parents left here 
three weeks ago to move to the above city and the announcement that his 
dear little spirit had flown to the realms above made many an eye fill with 
tears.

    God needed one more angel boy,

         Among his shining band,

    So he bent with a loving smile,

         And clasped little Leroy's hand,



    Farewell, but not forever,

        For we will meet again,

   When we have crossed the river,

        We will greet thee hand and hand.



1/7/1893

George Bailey and Cassie Johnson were married on New Years day at the 
residence of her parents in on Tygart.

Morehead seems to be a bad place for newspaper ventures. The Morehead Times 
only made one issue when the editor ran away with another mans wife.



2/11/1893

William Hardy, a brakeman on the C&O railroad has moved into C.L. White's 
property.



George Shay has a yellow dog that has taken up with the local railroad 
crews. When "56" pulls in of morning "Ginger" boards the caboose, and if he 
is not discovered he rides to Aden where O.L. Shay is agent. There he will 
board "35" and come back and go over to Rockville and stay in a day or two. 
Two-thirds of "Ginger's" time is spent on trains.



2/4/1893

There is strong talk of voting on a Whiskey License here in the near 
future. We desire to inform all concerned that we vote no on the issue. I 
am told that whiskey was sold here at one time and Bedlam was a paradise 
compared to this as a place to live. We say vote NO.



2/25/1893

The Hollan Mill building was sold at the court house door a few days ago. 
Jailer John Johnson bid it in at $100.


Pension week has come and gone. Considerable pension money comes through 
here to partially pay the boys in blue who risked their lives for our 
glorious union.



3/4/1893

Newt Jones writes from Oakdale, Jackson County, Ky. that it is a mistake 
about him getting killed. He is making staves a clearing $1.25 a day.


John Mullins severely cut George Bailey on the arm a few days ago in a 
personal affair.


This is the last time we will greet you under the Republican 
administration. Our predictions, lately, have been so lucky that we can 
make the bold prediction that Benjamin Harrison will be the last Republican 
President this country will ever have. 


3/11/1893

George Shay is attending court in Grayson as grand juror and France Proctor 
as a petit juror. A lively session is anticipated as there are eighty one 
appearances, and ten of them divorces.



3/25/1893

Mrs. Ellen Procter, wife of Jerry Proctor, died Saturday morning and was 
buried in the family burying grounds.



4/1/1893

The vote on saloon license in Olive Hill resulted in an 18 to 18 tie. There 
didn't seem to be much effort made on either side.



4/15/1893

Forest Fires have been raging here and the damage done is incalculable. 
Thousand of fence rails have been consumed and Elijah Wallace lost his 
residence with entire contents. Mrs. Nancy Wilson, a widow, last nearly 
every panel of fencing on her farm while James A. Thomas, J. P. Richards 
and S.T. Mannin and others are great losers. The wind blew a furious gale, 
rending fighting the flames ineffectual. It is said the flames traveled 
faster than a horse could run. A light rain fell Saturday night or else the 
whole country would have burned up.



4/22/1893

James Underwood left last week for Sangamon County, Ill. Jim says when a 
man lives in the west awhile he never wants to stay here anymore very long 
at a time.



6/17/1893

Wedding bells rang out loud and clear Saturday evening, the happy couple 
being Albert Proctor and Lue White. Squire F. M. Bailey tied the 
nuptial knot.



6/24/1893

Jack Elliot was shot by constable Boggs in the head. The ball glanced 
around the frontal bone afflicting a serious but not fatal injury.


Dr. C.A. Abbott has returned from Louisville where he attended the Kentucky 
School of Medicine. He brought his sheep skinand is ready to branch out. 
He has not decided where to locate.



7/29/1893

The opening of The Second National Bank of Ashland has inspired our 
merchants with new hope and life. Business prospects in this neck of the 
woods are considerably brighter.


Nearly everyone talks of going to High Bridge Sunday on the excursion 
train. Rev. Sam Jones is advertised to be there.


David and Moses Wilson are getting out a lot of hickory spokes for the 
Hartzell Manufacturing Company of Huntington.



8/12/1893

Thomas Erwin age about 29, died at the residence of his father on Friday 
morning August 1, 1893. His illness was brief but his suffering intense.


Robert Stegall and Milda Skaggs were married Wednesday evening. Rev. Ruben 
Tipton tied the nuptial knot.



8/19/1893

Last Saturday was to have been a road working day but somehow or other the 
boys concluded to fight instead of work. The results were fines for both 
the Shays and Underwoods.

Boys, working the roads may be harder than fighting but it don't cost 
so much.



9/23/1893

Stella Young. A few mornings ago, all that was mortal of Stella Young was 
placed in a burial casket and laid to rest in the O'Roark Cemetery. She 
was a very beautiful and sweet child and for eight or nine years had been 
the light of earth and the pride and joy of her parents. She was the only 
child of Calvin and Emma Young and for a fortnight had suffered untold 
misery with typhoid fever. Everything possible was done for her relief but 
unavailing. Little Stella was a universal favorite and her death has cast a 
gloom over this entire neighborhood and sorrow over her death is sincere.


Dr. W. B. Williams is visiting his parents near Cynthiana. The doctor feels 
the loss of his wife very deeply and is undecided what to do in the future. 
We sincerely hope he will not conclude to leave this place altogether for 
we could not afford to lose him. 



11/11/1893

At a called meeting of the Knights of the Golden Eagle Saturday night the 
following officers were appointed. F.M. Griffin, Stanton Conley, W.H. 
Livingston, J. Russell Wheeler, W.D. Williams, Stephen Hooper, O.L. Shay, 
I.S. Conicy, W.L. Hudgins,  Thomas Moreland, J.S. ORoark, Amada Shay, 
William Kidwell, David Tipton, I.W. Hargett, Lennie Evans,  and J.D. More.


11/18/1893

Mrs. J.R. Evans died Saturday at 11:A.M. She was buried Monday in the Bowen 
Cemetery.


12/2/1893

Mrs. Harriet Yates of North Newberg, Maine and Mrs. Martha Dickerson of 
Dayton, Ohio are guest of their father John R. Evans. Their mother was 
buried a few days before their arrival.


Conley and Sons shipped a large coop of turkeys to the Cincinnati markets 
Monday.



12/16/1893

Mrs. America Patrick has returned home from West Virginia where she spent 
several weeks visiting her sons. She was robbed of some 30 dollars in the 
waiting room at Kenova.


Walker and family, who left here several years ago, and have been living in 
Texas for some time, are returning to this country. They are coming 
overland and when last heard were somewhere in Arkansas



12/23/1893

The C&O Railroad has stopped the local freight trains from carrying 
passengers, which makes travel very inconvenient, especially for the 
drummer and his grip.


There is still an opening for a blacksmith shop here. A good smith could 
make it pay by locating here.



1/6/1894

S.M. Wylie has moved to Grayson and formed a partnership with J.N. Hubbard 
for the practice of law.


Death entered the happy home of Lemmie Evans Saturday morning and took away 
his young beloved wife. The community mourns with him.



3/3/1894

Born to R.M. Griffey and wife on the 23rd, a fine daughter.


Mrs. Dianna Chambers of Franklin County Ohio  has purchased the J.P. Gee 
property and has moved  here.


James K. Morris and wife have dissolved their partnership and will live 
separate hereafter.


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4/28/1894

J.M. McBrayer has moved with his family to Morehead where he will enter 
into the law practice with George Whitt a prominent attorney.



Dr. W.D. Williams and his fair bride have returned from their honeymoon 
trip and are now at home to their friends.



5/26/1894

Charles M Griffey expects to start for Oklahoma next week to grow up in 
this country.



The long haired preachers [Mormons] struck this place a short time ago but 
did not succeed in converting anyone to their curious belief.



6/9/1894

A.M. Shay hurt himself in the mines a few days ago. The Shay brothers have 
had considerable bad luck lately yet they ship immense quantities of 
mountain product. In fact, they are the life of our village.



7/14/1894

The fourth of July has come and gone and everybody blessed with the 
privilege of spending the day in Enterprise returned home well pleased. 
Considering the inconvenience of railroad travel the crowd here was immense 
consisting of over 1000 orderly and well behaved citizens to celebrate the 
grand and glorious day. When train 21 pulled in Wednesday morning it was 
met by the Morehead Cornet band and the crowd was taken to the bent grove, 
the band leading followed by officers and members of Enterprise castle No. 
21. At the grove the audience was treated to speeches by Rev. D.H. Reid and 
Hon. J. B. Wilhoit of Grayson.

Dinner was served on the ground to over 500 people and no one went away 
hungry. There was plenty and plenty to spare. J. Russell Wheeler was grand 
marshal of the day. A.L. Shay presided over the ice cream stand, W.L. 
Hudgins the lemonade, Issac Conley the watermelon and Sam Shay the lunch 
stand. Tom Rose and Hayes Shay ran a dance hall over the depot and kindly 
donated the entire proceeds to the K.C.E. boys.



7/28/1894

A.M. Shay says he ask for his girl one day last week. Her parents must have 
said no because I see no preparations for a weeding.



Hayes Shay and W.D. Razor are prime movers in an effort to organize a base 
ball club.

So far they have not succeeded.



8/4/1894

School teachers in this area; Mary Bowling, Lawton; Emory Evans, Upper 
Tygart; William Durham, Soldier; J.M. Farley, Marvin Ridge; Leah Shay, 
Enterprise and W.T. Cooper, Limestone.



Wirt Newman Griffin the six week old baby of postmaster Griffin is growing 
nicely and is gaining one pound a week. [Postmaster Griffin is the writer. 
The baby would die a few weeks later]]



Dr. Smithfield Keffer, of Leon spent the Sunday in town the guest of Mr. 
and Mrs. Joe. N. Fitch.



Gus Labor was cut on the hip with a knife a few days ago. Strange to say he 
doesn't know who did it.

Base ball fever has struck our town a hard lick. Several of our boys are 
down with it. Olive Hill beat them 50 to 16 a few days ago.



9/22/1894

Great excitement prevailed here a few days ago over the supposed appearance 
of a bear in Proctor's hollow one mile south of town. Issac Shay was out 
squirrel hunting when he heard something sniffing in the bushes. He fired 
one shot in the direction of the noise and fled for home. The whole town 
turned out in alarm, armed with double barrel shotguns, revolvers and axes 
and after a close search the boys returned home without any bear meat or 
any trophies of their hunt. Hayes a killed two squirrels, but he left them 
in the woods. There are a great many conjectures as to what he did see in 
the woods.



12/1/1894

Lincoln Perry died a few days ago at the residence of Ruben Tipton from 
wounds received from a horse falling on him. He was badly crushed.



F.M. Griffin is meeting with good success with the old Star Hotel property.





This concludes the Enterprise articles.



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