Selmer Newspaper Clippings for 1924

JANUARY 4, 1924

JAMES WARREN

In the last issue, we gave to our readers a brief history of Gen. John H. Meeks, one of the county's strong men in the long ago. We take great pleasure in giving in the first issue of the New Year, some of the history in connection with the life of another of the county distinguished characters. He was a contemporary of Gen. Meeks and in many respects possessed a somewhat similar character. Certainly they were very much alike in their early surroundings. We refer to James Warren, who was born four years before Gen. Meeks, was in the year 1810. He too was a native of Tennessee, having been born in Claiborne county, East Tennessee.

Mr. Warren was left an orphan at the age of three years, and was a bound boy, from that time until he reached man's estate. He lost his father when he was three years old, leaving his mother and eight children. At the age of seven years he was bound to one Henry Lebo, in Claiborne county. He was rebound, but his new master faithfully until he was 21 years of age. When but a lad, about 16 years of age, he came with his master to McNairy county, and from that time was a resident of the county, and identified in many ways with its history and growth. He, like other boys and young men of that day, had but few educational advantages, and was permitted to go to school for only a short time, but during all of this time he was energetic, patient and kept thoroughly posted on the current events.

He started life as a framer, and kept that occupation for all the succeeding years, being one of the largest land owners in the county. In 1836, he married the daughter of John and Ann Raines, and they reared a large family of children, among the number being Hugh A. and John T. both prominent in the business life of the county, and also Stanford Warren, a son who distinguished himself as a lawyer, all three of whom are now dead. Also Mrs. Nancy Gooch, the mother of S. W. and J. R. Gooch of Selmer, Mrs. K. Prather, and Mrs. Mattie Jeans, the latter the only one living.

His first vote for president was cast for Hugh L. White, and he was a strong Whig in politics, when that party was one of the dominant ones in the nation. He was a strong Union man, and identified himself with the Republican party. But in the campaign of 1880, he aligned himself with the members of what was known as the Greenback party. He in early life showed an inclination for politics, and held several officers. At one time he was elected representative then, and again in 1880, and was a candidate for Congress at one time.

He was a loyal member of the Missionary Baptist church, and was a Mason, becoming one in 1845. His contributions to the church were many, and he promoted the educational interests of the county in various ways. About the beginning of the Civil War Mr. Warren moved from his home near Purdy to the home in the sixth district, the place now owned by F. O. Hamilton. There he died in 1894. Hundreds of acres in Crooked Creek bottom and in the hills surrounding composed his landed interests. The old county farm was once a part of these lands.

Mr. Warren lived in the county in its earlier days, and was a part of its history for a long, long time. He came here about the year 1826, the year after the town of Purdy was established. Henry Wilson was then sheriff, Joseph Barnett was county court clerk, Maclin Cross circuit clerk, A. V. Murry register, and Benjamin Wright the county surveyor. There were no churches established in the county then. The population was widely scattered, and very few settlements had been formed. It was at a time five years before the first courthouse was built, at Purdy, and about twenty - five years before the building of the old brick jail, just on the east edge of the old town. It was twenty years before the old Purdy Masonic lodge was organized, and thirty - five years before the Civil War. Veterans of the American Revolution War were in the county at the time. James Madison was President when he came in this county.

"Uncle Jimmie" Warren, as he was called in later years, was a benefactor. He was of that number of the old and rugged generation in the history of the county that contributed so much to its growth and development. He and they were the pioneers, who toiled and struggled, surrounded by dangers and difficulties that were strangers to the younger generations. They possessed to a sublime degree patriotism and encourage and old fashioned faith in God. They lived in the days of the log rolling and house raising, and corn shucking and quilting. The needy and unfortunate were always cared for. Words were bonds with them. They were neighbors and friends. There was no strife, for there were no tale bearers.

He was a contemporary of the late Gen. John H. Meeks, and some of those living near him were the Bakers, the Browders, Raines, Basingers, Alex Erwin, McKenzies, Jopling, Hockaday, Brooks, Redding, Ray, Carter, McCullars, Burtons, Pharr, Rimmer.

He started life a poor, "bound out boy ". He overcame obstacles, and won in the great battle of life.

In the old graveyard in his old community, near the ruins of the old Ashbank Church, there stands a modest monument that marks the grave. of this old pioneer. He sleeps beside the graves of his beloved companion and his children and his old friends. And we revere his memory.

JANUARY 4, 1924

TRAGIC DEATH

Sambo Wardlow, of son Mit Wardlow, and who was reared in the North end of the 9th district, near McLeods, met a most tragic death, when on Dec. 27th, 1923 he was threw from a mule and sustained injuries from which he died soon there after in a Memphis hospital. The injury occurred in Arkansas, a short distance from Memphis. An approaching automobile frightened the animal, and it fell on young Wardlow being crushed by the fall. He was a most likeable young fellow, and leaves his father and mother, and many other relatives to mourn his untimely death. He was buried in the old family burying grounds.

RAMER

Mrs. L. A. Smith, of Wenasoga, was visiting her brother, J. H. and H. N. Hill Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. F. M. Cocker had as her guest the first part of the week her sister, Mrs. Stanfield, and little daughter and brother, Clyde Morrow, and wife of Chewalls.

Dr. and Mrs. Baird, of Henderson, were guests of Mrs. Baird's grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Wardlow, one day last week.

Mrs. J. M. Reeder and children visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Leatherwood, at Wenasoga last week.

After a visit with his parents, W. H. Hamm left Tuesday to resume his duties as superintendents of the Huntsville, AL. grammar school.

W. M. Ballard, of Springfield, ILL. arrived Saturday to spend a few weeks in the home of his uncle, S. K. Fowlkes. Mr. Ballard brought his dogs and guns along and will enjoy hunting during his stay.

GRAVELHILL

After spending the holidays with relatives and friends here. Roy and Clyde Huggins have returned to their work in Memphis.

Arthur Huggins of Memphis and Edgar Huggins of Corinth, visited relatives and friends here Christmas day.

Laurence Hewitt spent the holidays with his father here, returning to Memphis Sunday.

Mrs. Temmie Smith of Corinth spent the week - end with her mother, Mrs. J. C. Springer, of this place.

Mrs. Floyd McBride of Dyer county is visiting her mother and other relatives here.

Mrs. Sterling Duke of Selmer is visiting her mother, Mrs. Henry Jones, who has been confined to her bed for some time with paralysis, but little, if any improvement in her condition at this writing.

PERSONAL MENTION

Marvin Hamilton of Hornbeak visited his parents here last week.

Mrs. Addie Browder spent Christmas with relatives in Memphis.

R. O. Smith of Memphis visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Smith last week.

Mrs. Lou Anderson is visiting her sister, Mrs. Moselle Hamilton on Pharr Avenue.

Bob Hamilton, of Vanderbilt Law School, spent Christmas with his parents.

Leonard J. Kerr and wife spent a few days of Christmas with the latter's parents, H. P. and Mrs. Wood.

Frank Carman of Reelfoot Lake was the guest of Henry Carman and wife at Falcon Christmas week.

Mrs. Arthur Harris of Jackson spent a part of last week with her parents, Esq. and Mrs. W. H. Stone.

Mr. and Mrs. Noah Basham of Nashville were the guest of relatives in Selmer during the holiday.

Miss Clara Mae Prather, a teacher in the Memphis school, spent the holiday with her parents in Selmer.

Misses Mary and Estelle Gilespie, who are teachers in Chester county, spent Christmas with their parents in Selmer.

G. A. Maxedon and family of Alamo were the guest of relatives in Selmer during the holidays. Grover is principal of the Alamo high school and editor of the Alamo Guide, and is a son of Rev. J. B. Maxedon.

W. J. Darby, foreman for the Sheffield street railway, was visiting his daughter, Mrs. Terry Abernathy, during the holidays.

Miss Jessie Steadman of Paris spent the holidays with her parents in Selmer. Miss Jessie is a pharmacists and has a splendid position with a large drug store at Paris.

Miss Ida McAlpin, who is a stenographer in the office of the government engineering department at Memphis, visited relatives and friends in Selmer last week.

Prof. W. G. Hamm, teacher in the city school of Huntsville, AL. spent the holidays with his parents, J. H. Hamm and wife, of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood. He is another of the young men of McNairy county who is making good in his profession.

J. B. Steadman spent a part of the holidays with homefolk in Selmer. He has a position as bookkeeper for Lee Wilson at Armorel, AR. Mr. Wilson is one of the wealthiest men in the South and owns thousands of acres of fine timber and farm lands, stores, gin, mills, and various enterprises.

JANUARY 11,1924

William S. Wisdom

One of the most familiar figures names in the early history of the county was William Sergant Wisdom. There is no name appearing upon the early records of the county as many times as does that of W. S. Wisdom. He was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina. In July 1796, seven years after Washington was first inaugurated President, and the year that Tennessee was admitted into the Federal Union as the 16th state. He came with his father at an early age to Anderson county, Tennessee, and then to Overton county. He came then to West Tennessee, settling with his father, at what is now Henderson, and then called Henderson Station. About 1820 he came to McNairy county. He remained a citizen of the county until his death, which occurred in 1871.

In the early part of his career he was a school teacher, but he soon turned his attention to merchandising and real estate. By strict attention to business he soon amassed a fortune, and his holdings were the most extensive of any man living in this section of the state. He never had any of the advantages of school, such as come to the boys or young men of this day what little debts he incurred and to aid his father in a financial way.

As a young man he was exceedingly popular, and for a short time was an office holder. At first he was a deputy in one of the offices at Purdy, and was elected county court clerk. He never cared anything for public office. And yet, the people trusted him, and placed all confidence in his ability and integrity.

He married the first time in 1883, his wife being Jane Anderson, a daughter of Thomas Anderson. W. T. Anderson was a son of Thomas Anderson, and the father of Hon. H. C. Anderson, once a prominent lawyer and banker of Jackson, Tennessee. Before the removal of the subject of this sketch to Purdy, he lived with his father in the settlement of Tar Creek, in the old W. B. Malone neighborhood. His sister married W. T. Anderson, her name being Mahain Wisdom. In the early days, W. S. Wisdom and his brother - in - law, W. T. Anderson. W. T. Anderson died in Jackson, Tenn., on the 8th day of April 1870, he being then 66 years of age. To this union with Jane Anderson, were born several children, among the number being Col. Dew M. Wisdom, who died a long time ago in Muscogee, OKLA. Another son, John L. Wisdom, now survives and has been a leading citizen of Jackson for nearly fifty years. He is a retired capitalist. He had four daughters, one marrying a Mr. Allen, another J. H. Duke, and the other to a Mr. Tapp, and another to Tab Shull.

He married a second time, his wife being Celia Sherman Shull. She was reared at a small place on Mobil Bay, being born in 1804. She was the mother of Calvin (Tab) Shull and Margaret Shull, she before her marriage to Mr. Wisdom being the widow of Peter Shull, whom she married in 1826. Her daughter married John Gilbert Combs in 1847. Peter Shull was for a time the partner of W. S. Wisdom, in old Purdy.

When Purdy was laid off and established W. S. Wisdom was one of the leading figures. He owned some of the property, and bought lots on the day of the sale in 1825. He was identified in many ways with the growth of the town of Purdy and with that of the county. He was a public spirited citizen, but it is said that his activities in opposition to the building of the Mobile and Ohio railroad kept that road from going through the old town of Purdy. He was wealthy and influential and what he had to say on and above question in the day carried great weight.

His home in Purdy was a magnificent one of brick and stone on the north side of the old stage road, and on the bluff stretching along the western border of the old town. It was close by the old Kinkade tavern. This was just across the street opposite the old Prince brick, the last store on the left as you went from Purdy to Bethel Springs. Some of the old buildings belonging to this palatial home are still standing on the old lot. This tavern was on the stage road and also on the old Purdy and Lexington road, in the corner. It was a famous hostelry in the olden times. It is related that in the bar room of this tavern about 1852, Major Benjamin Wright met Gen. Sam Houston. They were both great military men. The former had just returned only a short time before from the Mexican campaign, and Gen. Sam Houston was on his way to his Texas home from a trip to Washington, traveling by stage. And they had known each other intimately during the war of Texas against Mexico, and in the war of the United States against Mexico. It is said that when these old Warriors met there in the old hotel, that the whole of the population of the town of Purdy gathered to see them, and to do honor to both.

Mr. Wisdom was well known throughout the county, and was a most highly esteemed citizen. When he passed away at his home in Purdy a great gathering of host town people, relatives, neighbors and friends assembled in the old courthouse to pay suitable tribute to his memory. This was on the 20th day of November 1871. This meeting was called to order by A. B. Person, and Attorney Jas. F. Meeks, was made the secretary, A. B. Purviance and John M. Harris were selected as a committee on resolution. While this committee was preparing the resolutions, the meeting was addressed by Attorney I. F. Huddleton, and Rev. R. M. Thompson. J. W. Purviance, of the committee, reported the resolutions which were:

Where as, in order of nature, it has pleased the Creator of all things to remove from us our much esteemed fellow citizen, W. S. Wisdom, that we felling the great loss to the community by his death, do in meeting assembled, hereby express our deep sense of his worth, by resolving.

1; That his loss is universally felt by all the people of the community.

2; That we highly appreciate his many virtues, and deeply deplore the loss of one who was ever a constant and dear friend to the poor, and an honor and ornament to society.

3; That the business of the community loses a man who was always in advance of any project that would promote the welfare of the county; always true to his promote the welfare of the county; always true to his promise, and honorable in all business transactions.

4; That in his death, his much loved wife has lost one of the noblest husband, his children an indulgent and loving father, and that our deepest sympathies are extended them in their affliction.

5; That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the wife and each of the children of the deceased, and also a copy of the same, with request that they publish, to the Jackson Whig and Tribune, and the Bolivar Bulletin.

A. B. Person

J. F. McKinney

J. W. Purviance

Geo. E. Meeks, Secretary.

Nov. 20, 1871

The remains of this pioneer citizen were laid to rest in the old cemetery west of Purdy, within which repose the ashes of Major Benjamin Wright, and others of the early settlers of the county.

82d BIRTHDAY

Capt. J. R. Adams, McNairy county's pioneer banker, and one of its foremost citizens for a half century and more, celebrated his 82d birthday at the home on Cypress Avenue January 4, 1924. He is yet vigorous for one of his age, and makes his daily visits to the McNairy County Bank, giving his personal attention to the business. Beside he attends church and Sunday school regularly, and is very much interested in the happenings of the times. He has lost none of his love for the chase, nor for the fox hounds. He is just now the owner of four six weeks' old male puppies, and they receives his personal attention also.

We wish him many, many returns of the day, and happiness for the year 1924.

MARRIED

Biedsoe (Boots) Wilson and Miss Algie Hester, both popular young people of the New Salem neighborhood, were married Saturday at the courthouse, by Hon. W. R. Nickles, Chairman of the county court. Mr. Wilson is one of the popular young farmers of his section and the bride is the daughter of Francis Hester, one of the best citizens of the county. We wish them much happiness.

GRAVELHILL

Jim Hamm, well known over this county and who has a host of relatives here, died at Corinth, Monday after ten days confinement to his bed, at the age of 75 years. His remains were laid to rest beside his wife who preceded him 3 or 4 years ago. Rev. Hardwick , pastor of the church to which he belonged, conducted the funeral services. His children, two girls and two boys, were with him when the end came. We extend to them condolence in their bereavement.

JANUARY 18, 1924

YEARS AGO AT FALCON

One of the first towns to be established after the Mobile and Ohio Railroad was built in 1858 and 1859, was Falcon. It was then the first railroad stop after leaving Bethel Springs, being situated about seven miles south of the station. In the county forty and more years ago, were railroad stations at McNairy, Bethel Springs, Falcon and Ramer. What is now Selmer was then an old field, and between what is now Selmer and Falcon was an old water mill. The road leading from the east went to that old mill under a long trestle that has long since been filled, and that old road abandoned. Nothing but old ruins marks the place where once the scattered citizenship went to mill, and watched "their turn".

The town of Falcon was originally laid off in lots, there being about 54 in number. The business houses fronted the railroad, and there was a wide space or streets between these business houses, and the railroad property. Beautiful mulberry trees grew along this front, and these furnished ample shade in the summer time, and adorned the street as well. There was not much business done there until about the year 1871, when Rev. Bob Young removed his store from where he had operated it some two miles east. This old store stood on the north side of the lane just west of where J. C. Gilbert now lives. The old oak tree that stood near the store has long since fallen down, and there is nothing to indicate that any house ever stood on the spot.

When Uncle Bob Young began the mercantile business at Falcon in 1871, there was nothing of what afterwards was a beautiful little village. But soon C. M. Jeans opened up a store, and then came, D. Horn & Co., Jeans & Prather, J. L. Smith, W. E. Tedford, H. C. Gooch, H. A. Hunter, J. B. Maxedon, Prather and Simpson, J. M. Nelson, F. P. Browder, R. H. Freeman, W. E. Atkins, Phil Holcombe and others.

The early doctors were Drs. C. Prather, Jones, W. E. Atkins, J. L. Smith. The drug store was operated for nearly fifty years by Polk Browder, who died a short time ago. Some of the early teachers of the old town were Prof. H. O. Norman, Fronabarger, Kirkpatrick and M. R. Abernathy. The latter taught school there in 1800 and 2881. Among the life of the old students, those attending school in the latter years were Henry Horn, D. A. Coleman, J. L. Swain, Pink Harris, Pierce Winningham, John Basinger, David Surratt, John R. Thrasher, James M. Jones, Steve Dickey and sister, Andrew Lavton, Samuel and Josie Hostetter, Lee and Frank Nethery, Minnie Nelson, Clint and Ed Stone, C. C. Taylor, B. T. Baker, Ben Basinger, Mary and Rosa Hostetter, Moxie Pahles, Frank Locke, John Rosson and sister, Mose and Davy Holcombe, Oliver Gooch, Charlie McCullam, Ed and Callie Smith, Tonie, Eulah, Due and Ed McAfee, Dave and Willy , Mitchell, Bettie Brooks, Frank Higginbottom, Fayette Fisher, Mattie Warren, Emma and Etta Jones, Jim and Lucinda Dunaway, Rachel Roten, Will and Ben and Annie Boatman, and many others whom a hazy recollection now fails to call to memory.

The old blacksmith were M. L. Carman and Aaron Gage, and Josh Mitchell and Dan Callicut, the latter two being colored ones. At one time in the remote past, a Jew, by the name of Mendall, who came from Corinth, operated a saloon.

The old schoolhouse stood on the hill about where the new one now stands, and the only church, one erected by the Methodists, was just across the branch on the south side of the town, on the right of the road as you went out toward the Si Jeans place. All denominations used it. With in its wall, long since fallen, Rev. R. P. Meeks, T. G. Pettigrew and Robert Lee Harris, preached strong and forceful sermons.

About 1884 the county seat was removed there from Purdy, and Courts were held there for some time before the removal question was settled by a Supreme Court decision. The lawyers there were J. W. Pace, A. W. Stovall, D. A. McDougal, J. D. Christopher, and T. J. Barden. This election that took the county seat to Falcon was held on the 23d day of August, 1884. There was cast 1921 votes for removal and 560 against it. On the 6th day of October, 1884, the county court met and canvassed the votes, and declared that the constitutional two - thirds majority had voted for removal. Dr. J. L. Smith, W. H. Stone and others, living then at Falcon, were elected a committee to transfer the books and records to the new county seat. Very soon there after, those opposing the removal obtained an injunction. Chancellor Nixon, a venerable jurist, heard the case after the taking of 500 depositions. His decision was in favor of Purdy and no removal. The case went to the Supreme Courts, where action of the lower courts was affirmed. The lawyers in that important litigation were Pitts and Hayes for Purdy, and A. W. Campbell and W. M. Inge for Falcon. The Circuit Judge who presided over, the courts at Falcon was T. B. Bateman, and the Attorney General was M.H.Meeks. T. F. Dalbey was then the Circuit Court Clerk, J. R. Adams, the County Court Clerk, J. H. Curry, Register, W. D. Jopling, Sheriff, J. L. Littlefield, Trustee, J. T. Barnhill, County representative, R. E. Mc Kinney, Clerk and Master, Jo Williams, the railroad agent.

The first newspaper ever published in the town was the Falcon Worker, by M. R. Abernathy. After that W. E. Grimes and C.C. Lewter published papers in the town. The old Holcombe Hotel was situated on the south end of the row of buildings, just south of the printing office. Mrs. E. E. Warren later ran a good hotel on the hill overlooking the town.

The old graveyard on the east, about one mile out, was laid off nearly fifty years ago, and the first grave in the old cemetery was that of an infant of Dr. and Mrs. J. L. Smith, its name being Lelia.

W. R. Carman, a resident of Falcon since 1876, is the only one of the number left of those living there then. The old Moss Nelson store yet stands. On the front of the old store is written in pencil " First bale of cotton brought in by Charlie Hill and sold to J. M. Nelson Sep. 23, 1886, at 9 cents". The Charlie Hill referred to was the father of J. H. Hill, and the grandfather of Mrs. O. S.Abernathy.

But time has changed all these things and only a few of the many now remains. The old town, once populated with a prosperous and contented citizenship, is no more. And verily:

"Few are left to greet us, Tom
And few are left to know
Who played with us upon the green
Some forty years ago".

JANUARY 18, 1924

RAMER

Vernice Kirk has gone to teach the McCullough school near Action. He was accompanied by his father, E. G. Kirk, who returned Monday afternoon.

J. A. Houston left Saturday night for Washington to take up his duties as secretary to Congressman Browning.

J. F. McLaughlin, L. H. Morrow and L. D. King, and families, of the Hurley neighborhood, are leaving for Dyer and Union counties to make their home.

PROMINENT MAN DEAD

As we go to press, the sad news comes to us of the sudden death of C. C. Plunk, one of the foremost citizens of the county. He was about 60 years of age, and is survived by his wife and two children, Otis and Miss Ethel. He had gone to Jackson on Tuesday and was taken suddenly ill at McNairy on his return, and unable to reach his home. He died at the home of Newt Owens at McNairy Thursday.

In his death the county loses one of it most progressive, useful and influential citizens.

A LONG TIME AGO

Lexington, Tenn.

JAN. 14, 1924

McNairy County Independent;

Ever since I went to Purdy on the morning of the 9th of last October, to celebrate the Centennial of McNairy County and Horry Hodges, and as I entered the site of the town where I discovered America on the 27th of March, 1858, and saw the old Fielding Hurst home standing, I have been tempted to write to "The Abernathy Boys" a pernicious which the site of the old Hurst home brought to my mind. I have been afraid that some parts of my story might be offensive, but as everybody who knows me at all, knows that I have nothing but love in my heart for the whole human family (with a few exceptions, for the late Judge Frank Wilson of the Court of civil Appeals told me that he never saw a rule in his life that was worth a d_m without several exceptions ) I have decided to risk it; so if the Independent does not see fit to publish my reminiscence, it can return my manuscript postage collect --- but I have provided for even that by the use of a sheet of carbon paper.

Well, while the late Fielding Hurst was personal friend of my father, the late Dr. Daniel Barry, and on that account refrained from burning our home in Purdy (on back street next door north of the Dr. W. C. Kindel home and diagonally across the street and the alley that ran from the Gulledge place, which I can remember seeing the soldiers burn) he is admitted by many to have been a bad man and his name is yet held in execration by some people who lived in and have branched out from Purdy and McNairy County. Colonel Hurst died and left living in the Hurst home on the north of the public square, his widow, "Aunt Locky", who had some peculiarities, but still was a woman of many splendid qualities - but it was only incidentally that Aunt Locky was to come into this story, the "leading man " in which is intended to be one Charlie Chamness, unless indeed, I might give Anderson Jones, a small size, very black Negro barber and fiddler of the town, the leading role. Well, it is needless for me to state that Charley Chamness was not popular, for he was not with whites or blacks, either the Southern people or those of the whites who countenanced the Brownlow Niger militia, " who ran amuck one memorable day in Purdy and killed Bill Lewis, the sheriff of the county. Now, I come to the part played in my story by Charlie Chamness, which and finally died. From time to time, some one would come up from the east side and report on the condition of Chamness, until finally the statement was made in the presence of Anderson Jones that Chamness had just died. Anderson Jones, with all the solemnity one could imagine, made the remark, "I wish Aunt Locky Hurst had known Charlie Chamness was going to die today". He was asked "Why? " by a bystander. Anderson calmly replied " That was the best chance to send a letter to hell since I have lived in Purdy".

Anderson Jones died long since and it was a wonder somebody did not kill him, for he proved he would hit any white man who accused him of stealing.

Most of the other I can recall as being in Purdy at that time are dead, and here I am only going on sixty - six - but as I am "down in my back", I had better quit - with apologies to all who do not like to have those days recalled.

However, if the Independent publishes this, I will be tempted to write another reminiscence about Esq. Jon. W. Stumph sending Wylie Baucum home in a hurry one First Monday night about 11 O'clock after the Squire had sent Wylie's nephew to jail without trial.

W. V. Barry

(We've published this - send in the other reminiscence - we'll also publish it. - The Independent.)

ROSEHILL

Joe Gage and wife of California have been called to the bedside of the former's mother here.

Mrs. Annie Kerby was recently called from the bedside of her mother, Mrs. J. T. Gage, to attend her little daughter, Irene, who was sick.

GRAVELHILL

Mrs. Henry Jones who was stricken with paralysis, some time ago, died at her home here Saturday night at the age of 80. Her remains were laid to rest in the Gravelhill cemetery Sunday afternoon, Rev. Hammons conducting a short and impressive funeral service. She leaves an aged husband and three daughters to mourn her loss, and to whom we extend our condolence in these sad hours of bereavement.

PERSONAL MENTION

Jo Draper, an old and respected colored man, of the 8th district fell in the fire at his home one day last week and was so severely burned that he died in a short time. He was afflicted with epilepsy and it is presumed that one of these spells seized him, and he fell into the fire place.

Sheriff Walter Johnson, of Jonesboro, AR. was in Selmer Monday. He took back with him a man by the name of Hill who has been living in the west part of the county for two years. Hill was arrested Saturday by McNairy county officers for an alleged murder committed in jail to await the arrival of an officer to take him to Jonesboro for trial.

DEATH OF C. C. Plunk

In our last issue we made brief mention of the death of C. C. Plunk, the news of his untimely taking away, coming to us just as we were ready to go to press. His death has cast a gloom over the section of the county in which he lived, for he was one of the most widely and favorably known of any of the citizens there.

He was born in McNairy county, and in the neighborhood where he spent his life, being at the time of his death about 63 years of age. He attended the neighborhood school and was one of the pupils of the late M. R. Abernathy, at old Purdy. He obtained a good education, and was well informed. His life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he was one of the most progressive farmers of the county. Much of his time and means were given to promote the education interests of the county, and in all of the progressive movements in the county, C. C. Plunk was always found in the forefront. He was only recently chosen the Presidents of the County Farm Bureau. Because of his interest in the welfare of the farmers of the county, he made visits to others section, and became familiar with the various problems that confront the farmer. It was on one of these visits that he become so desperately sick that he was unable to reach his home, dying at the home of Newton Owens, in McNairy, on the morning of Jan. 17, 1924. He had gone to Jackson, Tenn. to attend an agricultural meeting on the 14th, and only left home that morning.

Mr. Plunk was married in 1888 and his wife, and two children, Otis, a prominent young farmer, and Miss Ethel, one of the public school teachers of the county, survive him.

His remains were laid to rest in the old burying grounds at Liberty on the afternoon of the 18th. Mr. Deaton and Etheridge had charge of the funeral arrangements. Rev. Ralston and Canaday, conducted the funeral services at the church, J. R. Swain having charge of music, W. T. McKell, W. K. and Terry Abernathy, and Charlie Lipford spoke briefly on the life and character of the deceased, paying deserved tribute to him as a citizen, neighbor and friends.

The deceased was a member of one of the oldest families in the county. His paternal ancestors settling in the neighborhood where he spent his life, in the early thirties.

For many years he was a justice of the peace, a member of the county board of education, and in the positions which he filled, he had the confidence, of the people. His judgement was sound, and he was firm and resolute, but always ready to hear the facts before making up his mind on any proposition.

He was a kind hearted man, a devoted husband, and a most indulgent father. The county will feel the loss of such a man, and we join the many in expression of sorrow over his death, and of sympathy to the loved ones behind.

JANUARY 25, 1924

BENJAMIN WRIGHT

One of the earlier settlers in the county was Major Benjamin Wright, the father of Marcus J. and John V. Wright He was born in Georgia, in 1784, and his father was Captain of a company in the Revolutionary War. He was a great military man in his day, being appointed by President Madison a lieutenant in the United State Army, and was afterward attached to the 39th Regiment of Infantry, stationed at Knoxville. The regiment was commanded by Col. Williams. He did valiant service in the War of 1812. He was with General Jackson in the Indian campaigns, and was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend. Gen Sam Houston was in that campaign and in that battle. The bravery won the admiration of Gen. Jackson and Houston.

Major Wright, as he was later, volunteered for service in the war of Texas for independence, and was with Gen. Sam Houston he went all the way to Texas in 1845, answering the call of President Polk for volunteers in the Mexican War. He fought valiantly in the war, and after its close came back to his old home in Purdy. He contracted disease in that memorable struggle from which he never fully recovered. He died in Purdy, January 30, 1860.

For its historical value, and for the beauty of expression we reproduce extracts from a tribute of Col. Dew M. Wisdom, to the memory of this grand old man of McNairy county. It was written in Jackson in November, 1881.

They are:

"one incident in Col. Wright's life stands out vividly on the canvass of memory. In his old age, long after the noon of his life had passed, he heard once more the call of his county, and volunteered as a private in the war with Mexico. He served under Scott along the very route the dauntless Spaniard had gone centuries before, and bore the privations of that campaign with characteristic fortitude. I saw him on his return home, welcome by the outpouring of every man, woman and child in Purdy and vicinage. It was an ovation more heart - felt than ever greeted the exultant entry of kings. The speech of welcome was made by Jas. F. McKinney, Esq. and it was an eloquent tribute to the brave man, who despite his age, and the exemption that belong to it, had set the young men of the county a noble example, and had followed the flag in perilous ridges of battle beneath a foreign sky.

"Broken in the service of his country, the people elected him again and again to the office of Register, and he discharged its duties with punctilious fidelity. No man ever kept a neater set of books. They are mute, yet eloquent memorials of his patient industry, his methodical precision and undisputed accuracy. Every page bespeaks the cool collected brain that guided aright the obedient pen".

" Col. Wright was a good man by nature. His generosity was not the outgrowth of the firmness of school or creeds. Little children sought his society, and played in trusting fondness at his feet, or climbed his knee the envied kiss to share".

When the storm came they gathered around his commanding form for protection, as do the beasts of the field, need the sheltering oak when havoc and destruction. Women, too, were his ardent admirers, because they knew him to be gallant, truthful, and the soul of honor. No impure word ever soiled his lips, or impure thought ever darkened his conscious. He was a Chesterfield in manners, and belonged to that old school of gentlemen that sprang up immediately subsequent to the Revolutionary period, and of whom it may be truly said, "we shall not look upon their like again". Their devotion to the gentler sex was perhaps unsurpassed. Jackson and Clay were types of such men, and notable examples will be found in every county, even down as late as the outbreak of our Civil War, and "within the memory of men now living".

"Col. Wright was the embodiment of what the poet calls "social eloquence", and in his conversation there sparkles ever the blaze of wit and flash of intelligence. To young men he was especially kind, and they were always his warmest friends and most ardent sympathy with all classes. And both his right and his left hands were devoted to characteristic.

"He lived beyond the period allotted by the Psalmists frail humanity, and at the very threshold of octogenarian manhood", death touched his tired heart. "In the old graveyard" the polished shaft placed there by filial hands, mark the spot where his remains repose, and coming with their original elements and on its base, in the chiseled tracery of the sculptor's art, is written in fadeless letters the story of his life. That shaft rises in full view of the small village always to him like Sweet Auburn, the loveliest of the plain - " the native hearth to his wandering feet, and it overlooks the little stream whose sunny waves were never brighter than his golden traits of character.

"Such graves as his are Pilgrims' shrines,
Shines to no code or creed confined;
The Delphian vale; the Palestine,
The Meccas of the mind".

Mrs. J. T. Gage, is in feeble health, and Rude Gage of Detroit and Joe Gage of Los Angels are with their mother during her illness.

FEBRUARY 1, 1924

ADAMSVILLE

The town of Adamsville was founded about 1835, by G. G. Adams, from whom it took its name, and who was one of the first merchants, and Justices of the Peace. It is located on the eastern boundary line of McNairy county, and near the western border of Hardin county. It is one of the best inland towns, if not the very best, in the State. It has a population of about seven hundred inhabitants, with a rich and fertile country around it, and with a citizenship equal to any place on earth. For social and religious people it is unexcelled.

Its first merchants were G. G. Adams, W. G. Rogers, John Bowman, and George Cox, brother of Mrs. Rachel Abernathy. The town was first started just east of where J. E. Dollar now lives, and west of where the town is now situated. Soon afterward,the town was moved between where it is today located, and near where the baptist Church now stands. It was settled by Anderson Cox, father of Mrs. Rachel Abernathy, on the west, and from North Carolina, and James Scott, on the north by H. F. Newell, the father of J. B. Newell, who became one of the Charlie Carroll from North Carolina, and James Scott, on the north by H. F. Newell, the father of J. B. Newell, who became one of the leading merchants prior to, and just after the Civil War period, Dr. Walker, J. M. Jones, Keedle T. Wynn, Jesse Jones, Albert Scott, owning and framing the lands where the town is now located, on the south by Robert McWhirter, William Rogers, and John L. Grover, on the east by Maury, James Scott ,who settled and lived there a life time. He amassed a great deal of wealth in real estate, and raised a large family of children, who made the country valuable citizens, helping to develop the town and country. Still north, and outside of the town, lived William Holman, who was a soldier and merchant in the Jackson war of 1812. He had a large land grant where the Tidwell Brothers now own. He became the needed blacksmith of the new country, and in this family the blacksmith work and tailoring of the country was done until years after the Civil War.

The McWhirters tanned all leathers for the people, William Rogers manufactured the whiskeys, John Helbert, living west of the town, manufactured all kinds of furniture, then used by the country at large. The Stanleys did the wool carding, from which all the clothing for winter wear was manufactured, also the hosiery, and such like, making the wool carders in that day indispensable. The Wilson families were early settlers west of Adamsville, as were the Kerrs, John Lindsay, William Cleary, Carroll Haily, Jesse Merrill, the Surratts, Findley Gorrell, and Thomas Combs.

The first land warrant was laid for Revolutionary service embodying a large tract of land east of Adamsville, from which the base survey of the town is formed even yet. George Brasfield's lands reached over into Hardin county, and is know as Entry No 6764, in many deeds of records in hardin county.

The first school teacher were Green and Thomas Hanks, Prof. Andrew Yancy, Authalius Atar, Mrs. Rosetta Jones (afterward's) Mrs. Rosetta Surratt, oldest sister of Mrs.Rachel Abernathy at the time there were no school house or church building inside the city limits, but these schools were taught at a Baptist church, called Pleasant Ridge, which was about two miles out, northwest of the town. Mrs. Rosetta Surratt was a daughter of Anderson Cox, who settled the place where the Baptist church is now located and now owned by the J. E. Hamilton heirs. The first school building was built just after the Civil War on Main Street running north, where J. A. Stanton now resides. The first church building was a Methodist church, where the Methodist Episcopal Church South, now stands. The next was the Christian church, built mainly by G. W. Sipes, then the Baptist church built mainly by J. T. Warren, then Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built mainly by Alphonso and Luther Fariss.

The first man who practiced as physicians until they each died, then came Drs. T. F. and Jasper Jones, Drs. W. M. and James L. Sanders, Dr. Freeling, Dr. A. A. Jones, all of whom are dead except Dr. T. F. Jones, who new resides and practices medicine at Albany, LA.

The teachers of notes since the Civil War period are T. F. Sanders, and M. R. Abernathy, but M. R. Abernathy stayed longer and did more to built up an education interest, and bestir the young men and woman to cultivate and educate themselves, than any other on man. Prof. Abernathy became a great leader in the school work of the county, he being recognized as a foremost teacher. From his efforts many young men became useful and worth - while citizens of this and other states.

Adamsville is the birth place and early home of many useful men, namely, Shelly Wolventon, W. K. and Terry Abernathy, Dr. A. J. Wolverton, who always claimed he was prompted and started out by Prof. M. R. Abernathy, W. S. Wolverton is getting far advanced in age, but is still a leading citizen of Ardmore, OKLA. where he is leading in church building work, and is called the father of Methodism, at his home city. T. Wash Scott was reared here, and became minster from this Government to Mexico, just after the Civil War times being appointed by President Andrew Johnson. R. F. Scott was made the first major of Adamsville, and was acting in 1870, when he was accidently killed by a steam mill explosion.

John Hooker and Neddy Willet lived out north of town in the early setting of the county, as did Captain James Morrow, who helped to cut the first thoroughfare leading from east to west, and called the Stage Road.

J. P. Prince and Surratt built a store house here before the Civil War, and this is today standing next to the Stock Store, a two - story wooden building. Then this two - story building was considered a very large mercantile building, and was the talk of the entire county, like some of the sky scarper building in cities are today.

Unfortunately Adamsville had saloons prior to the war which were gathering places for a few sorts, who annoyed law - abiding men, and forbade women from attending the town on Saturday, as drunkness was prevalent. It was not safe for a lady to be at Adamsville on such days, least she be insulted by profanity which filled the air at the time, hindering the progress and up building of the town for many years.

Mrs. Gilbert Combs was the first postmistress of Adamsville and served for years, when the postage was paid, when the letter was called for, as its destination. Then later J. Monroe Wolverton was for years postmaster, after the stamp was placed upon each letter when it was started on its mission to the addressed.

Miss Matilda Ann Holman made all men's clothing, until the War period, when she became old, and her health gave away. Then followed Miss Sallie Holman, now Mrs. Sallie Wolverton, who took charge of this line of work, and while she is above 80 years, still does her bit, in this line. All fine broadcloth goods were manufactured by these ladies, when ready - to - wear clothing was never brought here by merchants, as they practiced economy in the strictest sense of the word. In the early days of Adamsville, all plows, hoes, axes, hammers, and all farm tools were manufactured here by the Holmans. The wool was cared by the Stanley's, the furniture by J. H. Helbert, the leather for shoes tanned by the McWhirters, the whiskeys made by William Rogers, and all shoes worn were manufactured by home manufacturers, who lived in the communities. Hence, only a small portion of what was used in those days was shipped in from other places. The farmers brought each year, one barrel of sugar, one barrel of Louisiana syrup, and a bag of about 150 pounds of green coffee, and this was their yearly supply.

Rev. A. B. Jones was the local Methodist preacher, who filled appointments, when the pastor failed to get around on the circuit, and also solemnized the rites of matrimony, when any couple wanted to get married. Uncle Jesse Jones entertained at his home all Circuit riding Methodist preachers, as they generally wanted to live at a distance, so they could put up and stay with him.

Adamsville has been the home place of several of the county officers since the Civil War, among those were Hon. J. B. Jones, Dr. Jobe Bell, and Dr. G. H. Bulter, who represented McNairy county in the General Assembly of the State, Jas. L. Littlefield, J. H. Scott and F. O. Hamilton as county Trustees, and W. H. Hamilton, Register of Deeds and Public Documents.

There are many person and things associated with Adamsville in the early history of the town, and personal mention of men, that would be interesting, but space forbids further mention.

Jas. L. Littlefield.

ROSEHILL

Mrs. Mary Hubanks spent a part of last week with her sister Mrs. W. C. Holland.

Joe Gage and wife have returned to their home in California, after a visit of almost two weeks to the former's parents.

A NOTED MAN

Uncle Ben Darby a citizen of Gravelhill, is the most noted man, I know of this county. He is 93 years old, and is still very active. He was born in 1831. He is able to harness his horse, hitch him to his buggy and drive anywhere he wishes to go.

Uncle Ben is a man of fine character, very liberal and always ready to help those who needs help. He is a fine citizen, takes great interest in good roads and schools and churches. He is also a first - class veterinarian and is a good speaker, and has delivered many interesting speeches in the neighborhood in which he now lives. We fell that his speeches have been a benefit to both old and young. Despite his age, he goes to church and hears all denominations.

Uncle Ben has a remarkable memory. He fought through the civil war of the sixties and can tell many interesting incidents that occurred during the war. The writer spent a few hours with him a few days past which were enjoyed so much.

Uncle Ben says he is going to live to be 100 years old. I hope he may live many years yet, as such a man would be great missed.

I could write much more concerning this noble man, but as this is my first time, I will not write any more. With my best wishes I am.

Very Respectfully,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF OLD McNAIRIANS

We present in this article short biographical sketches of some of the old people who settled and lived in McNairy county more than a half century ago. Some of this information we get from ago, and some we obtain from descendants of these old people.

THE MILSTEADS

Away back in the early history of the county they settled in the southwest part of McNairy county a sturdy citizen, one whose descendants made valuable contributions to the up building of the communities in which they lived. Before the Civil War, Uncle Jo Milstead, originally from Virginia, but more recently from Middle Tennessee, came to McNairy county, and settled the place that we know now as the Al Fortune place, in the first district of this county being on the road leading then from old Purdy to Pocahontas.

He married Peggie Witt, born in Ireland, and to this union they were born the following children: Tom, Hugh, George, and Zeal,twins, and Jo Milstead, and Eliza, who married an Evans and another daughter, Katherine. His son George Milstead, settled the place now occupied by Dug Fortune, until a short time ago, the home of J. C. Milstead. George Milstead married Emiline Russell, and they had the following children; W. T. Milstead, J. C. Milstead, Mary Eliza, G. F. and S. A. Milstead.

In the community or settlement as it was know before the war, neighbors of Uncle Jo Milstead, and his son, George Milstead, were John G. Gooch, Frank Fortune, Carr Brown, Jimmie Nethery, father of Sam Nethery, Jerry King, Nathan Moore, Bob Locke, Jo Thorton, the Knights, Wiley B. T. Gooch, J. L. W Boatman, Rafe Steadman, H. A. Hunter, Cab Coleman, Billie Wallace, and Ben and Jo Wallace.

The old church was a primitive Baptist one, near the old John G. Gooch place. The early preachers were John Teaguem, G. Benthall, John Moore, and Frankie Beard. The old millers were Nathan Moore, John G. Gooch, Jack Strickland and Sammie Jones. A school was taught at different times at the same place.

Pocahontas was the nearest town, and the place where the community trading was done. Its merchants were John M. Nelson an uncle of Moss Nelson ,the old Falcon merchant, Elisha Reagan, Ed Duke, and others. At that time there was a store and saloon operated on the north side of the Southern railroad, and west of the Big Hill crossing. Jim Northcross was one of the merchants there, and so was Capt. Crocker. Nath Moore operated a distillery about where the old G. W. Bartley mill was later located.

Uncle Jo Milstead lived to the ripe old age of ninety - seven years, and was buried in the old Mt. Pleasant graveyard. George Milstead, his son, died and was buried in the old Nethery graveyard.

When this settlement was made in that part of the first district, they were no towns. There was not a railroad then, and not for a long time afterwards. The people who came were of a determined kind and the dangers and hardship that attended the life of each of them, only served to strengthen their courage and faith. They felled the forests, and began the primitive cultivation of the soil. They made a place for worship, and provided a rude habitation for the children, that they might get the benefits of some sort of education. They employed the old field teacher and in a plain, simple way, but in a though and effective way, the boys and girls were trained in the fundamentals of life.

Francis Beard (Uncle Frankie)

Francis Beard, once known in many sections of the county as Uncle Frankie Beard, was a South Carolinan by birth, being born there in the middle of the last decade of the 18th century in 1827, two years after Purdy was established. He married to Miss. Margaret Brown, and to this union were born several children, among the number being, John A. Beard, once a familiar figure in the history of old Purdy.

He was a Primitive Baptist preacher, and established the first church near where Rosehill is now. In his day he traveled over the greater part of the county, preaching at different places. He was well known in the old Gravelhill community, old Pleasant and Winding Ridge, Chapel Hill and what is now the Liberty and Rosehill, communities. He continued actively in the work of the ministry until about the year 1850, when he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. For this continued to preach, however, large congregations assembling wherever he went. He was one of the early justices of the peace, serving as such for nearly twenty years.

In his neighborhood were many early settlers of the county. Daniel Hill, who came from Jefferson county, Tenn. settled in that neighborhood, in the Rosehill and liberty settlement now. He had eight sons and their Families with him, and also his two sons - in - law, Isaiah Coffman and Thomas Griffin, and their families. And then there was Benjamin Walker, William Beaty, Samuel Houston, Wilson, Bell, Plunk, and others.

The subject of this sketch died in 1867, honored and beloved by the people with whom he had been so long associated, and sleeps in the old Beaty graveyard, where so many of the early settlers were laid to rest.

Finger Happenings

Miss Loraine Houston of Selmer spent the week - end with her grandparents, W. H. Harris and wife.

Odus Kerby left Sunday for his home in Amarillo, Texas.

Miss Tommie Ellis, who works at Corinth, spent the week - end with homefolk near Finger.

Mrs. Reed Weaver of Jackson spent Sunday with Relatives here.

Miss Emma Clayton left Monday to accept a position at Corinth.

FEBRUARY 8, 1924

GRAVELHILL

Claude and Cleveland Springer visited their sister, Mrs. W. O. Latts, at Michie Saturday.

RAMER

W. M. Ballard has returned Saturday from a visit with his sister, Mrs. Buck'ey, at Enterprise, Miss.

Mrs. J. R. Hamm and daughter, Olivia returned Tuesday night, from a few days visit with her sister, Mrs. A. E. Lawson, at Bells Mr. and Mrs. Lawson are receiving congratulation upon the arrival of a fine son in their home.

Mrs. Boatman, aged mother of Mrs. H. G. Gooch, died Sunday after a long illness. She was a consistent member of the Christian church. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon by Rev. J. A. Houston, with interment in Ramer cemetery.

A MIGHTY FINE MAN

Marietta, Ga.

Jan. 26, 1924

McNairy County Independent;

I want to give you a sketch of the history of your county citizen, James Haynes.

Mr. Haynes was my friend and comrade during the 60's, and a better comrade could not be had for a better soldier never shouldered a gun to my knowing. He was always ready and willing to obey his superior officers. He never shirked a duty either in battle or behind the lines.

Jim went through the campaigns of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. He was also courier for Hampton and Stuart.

Jim was blessed with health as well as bravery, for he was never sick or wound bad enough to interfere with his duties.

Jim left here during 1865 for your county and has resided there ever since. I know if he has made as good citizen as he did a solider, you have profited by having him with you. I understand he has reared four fine boys and four excellent girls, and I thank this is pretty good for an ex - Confederate.

Up until Christmas, 1922, I had not seen him, since he left for your county, and you may be sure that I was glad to see him and to know that he had made a success in life.

Fifty - seven years is a long time to be parted from as good a friend as Jim Haynes and I had been.

Sincerely,

John Tate

Box 128

( We are glad to publish the above letter. Mr. Haynes has lived for years in the Chewalla section of this county where he has the confidence of the people. We may say to the writer if he made as good a soldier as he has a citizen, he was some soldier.)

PERSONAL MENTION

Mrs. H. C. Perkins has returned from an extended visit to her parents in Arkansas, and resumed her position, as stenographer in the law office of Judge H. P. Wood.

J. N. Hamm, Mrs. Elsie Farris, Esq. J. B. Huggins and Wylie Randolph of Gravelhill and G. C. Springer and wife of Miami, Texas, who are visiting relatives in the gravelhill section, were in Selmer Monday.

FEBRUARY 22, 1924

ANOTHER VETERAN GONE

Capt. W. T. Powers, so well and favorably known here and in Hardin county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hattie Spears, in Clifton, on the 8th of February, 1924. The deceased was born in Hardin county, on the 10th day of March 1837 and was therefore about 87 years of age. On July 4, 1865, he married Sarah Reeder, a sister of John Reeder, one of the pioneer citizens of the county. His wife died many years ago, and he is survived by the following children; Oscar Powers and Mrs. B. F. Johnson and Mrs. Hattie Spears, of Clifton, Mrs. S. P. Weller, and Mrs. C. V. Weller, and Miss. Sallie Powers of Savannah.

Capt. Powers was of the old school a perfect type of the old Southern gentleman. He was universally liked. He organized a company of soldiers at Savannah in the early part of the Civil War, Company B. 45th Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, and was its Captain. He was in the battle of Shiloh and his record as a soldier was without a blemish and in the year that followed he was a most exemplary citizen.

He became a Mason in the old Savannah Lodge No. 102, about the beginning of the Civil War, and was a member of the Methodist church there from its organization to the date of his death.

The remains of this old soldier and citizen sleeps in the cemetery at Savannah, where they were laid on the 9th day of February, 1924. So one by one go these old people and the ranks grow thinner day by day.

Mrs. Cora Springer, aged 67 years, the widow of J. C. Springer, died at her home near Gravelhill on the morning of February 19, 1924. She was the sister of Esq. J. B.Huggins, and the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Huggins, 89 years of age. The deceased is survived by the following children; Cleveland, Clarence, Claud, Carl and Mesdames Emmons, Latta McBride and Smith and Miss Dora Springer.

The remains were laid to rest beside her husband in the old burning grounds of the family, Rev. Hammond preacher the funeral, and R. B. Gooch was the undertaker in charge.

Miss Leila Penn had a week - end guest her sister, Miss Elizabeth Penn.

Mrs. L. R. Hamm, of Mobile, arrived Friday for a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Mitchell.

Mrs. Warren McCoy, of Selmer, was the guest of relatives here Sunday and Monday. She was accompanied home by her little daughter who had spent a week with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Teague.

J. W. Carothers Dead

John William Carothers, 62, died at 2:30 yesterday morning at the Baptist Memorial Hospital following an operation. He had been in bad health for several months.

Mr. Carothers was born in Adamsville, Tenn., in 1862, but had been a resident of Memphis for 18 years. He was the father of J. A. and John W. Carothers JR. and Mrs. Minnie Oliver, of this city, and E. Carothers of Silerton, Tenn., a brother of Mrs. Delia Massengill of Leapwood, Tenn. Mrs. Fannie Barnes of Finger, Tenn., and Jas. H. Carothers of Adamsville, Tenn.

Funeral service will be held from the residence, 700 Court Avenue, 1 o'clock this afternoon, conducted by Rev. George Carman,. Friends are invited, Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

( The above appeared in the Commercial Appeal of Sunday, Febuary 17, 1924. The deceased was well known here, having lived for some time in Selmer. He was reared in the 11th district, and belongs to one of the oldest families in the county.)

LOCAL NEWS

Eldridge Stewart of Charleston, S. C. is visiting his brother, Brown Stewart, of this community.

Miss Alphan Hurst, teacher of school, spent the week - end with Misses Greens at Guys.

Floyd Mitchell of Corinth was visiting his sister, Mrs. Walter Haynes, recently.

Walter Haynes has been visiting his parents at Wenesago this week.

FINGER NEWS

Defoy McKenzie, who is teaching in Trezavant high school, visited friends here last week - end.

Mrs. Barnhart of Jackson visited her sister, Mrs. G. F. Dickey, last Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Naylor of Jackson visited homefolk in Finger Saturday and Sunday.

Several Memphis people attended the funeral of Mrs. J. W. Stancel, who was laid to rest in Oak Grove cemetery Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. T. B. May have returned to their home in Memphis.

J. W. Stancel is visiting his daughter in Memphis.

GUYS

J. E. Meeks and wife of Corinth, spent Sunday with the former's parents here.

Mrs. Houston Meeks and baby were here several days last week visiting relatives before joining Houston who has a position with the National Fire Insurance Co., at Dyersburg.

FEBRUARY 22, 1924

BITS OF HISTORY - OLD PURDY

E. A. McCann, attorney of Henderson, on a recent visit, gave to us an old book by his grandfather, when he was in business in old Purdy in 1852 - 53. The items charged in the book, and all the entries in same are in pen, and the writing is wonderfully well preserved. The business mentioned was a saloon and grocery store, and was conducted in a building on the south side of the square. The names of the old customers, as they appear in this old book, will kindle the fires of memory among the older - ones who now lives in the county, and who knew old Purdy in her hey day - when it was one of the most prominent towns in this section of the State, and at a time when its people were like - wise prominent in the affairs of the county and State.

In a spirit of reminiscence, in retrospection, imagine that you were in Purdy on Christmas Eve, and that you were in the business house of one Jo McCann. The time is nine years before the Civil War, and about the time of the return of Gen. Sam Houston from Washington, when he met Major Benjamin Wright in the bar room of the Kinkead tavern. It is soon after the election of Franklin Pierce as President, and W. B. Campbell was Governor of the State. The county officials then were, Andrew McKee, Sheriff, A. A. Sanders, Circuit Court Clerk, Benjamin Wright, Register, and John H. Meeks, member of the Legislature.

As you remained in that old store, these were some of the customers who came in during that evening, as shown from the fourth page in this old day book.

The tall and knightly County Register, Benjamin Wright, the lately returned warrior from old Mexico, sauntered in and ordered a glass of whiskey, which no doubt was served him, and the jovial storekeeper, made a note of it by charging the distinguished gentleman with the price of it, five cents.

Then came into the store and the old and familiar character, know and beloved by many, Dr. W. C. Kindle. He brought 32 pounds of candles, and these were charged to him, the price being $ 1.32 Not long thereafter came the old tavern keeper, A. J. Kinkead, and not satisfied with the effects and results of a five purchase of whiskey, he ordered a whole quart, and that was charged to him, the price being the sum of fifteen cents. Wm. G. Purdy, wanted to enliven the Christmas proceedings and so he brought thirty cents against him. With him came P. H. Braden, the father of all of the older set of Bradens in Purdy, and he would not be content with any thing less than a gallon of the fiery liquid for Christmas purposes and he bought a gallon, and the price was sixty cents. Another old settler from the Mt. Peter neighborhood strolled in, and just before time to go home, Jack Kirby brought a glass of whiskey for consumption that he would need a little more to finish the celebration, and he ordered five pints in flasks being entered on the book at 60 cents. Uncle Daniel Hill wanted as much as a quart, and he got it for he so charged on the books with that much at fifteen cents.

Christmas times had caught some of the old settlers without sufficient funds with which to carry on during the holidays, and soon H. Walker borrow $ 12.00 and that event is of record on the old book. Wm. Hendrix had more than he needed at time and so he paid the accommodating storekeeper frothy cents on account. A. S. Walker wanted about $1.25, and so he got that accommodation, and he was entered on the book. B. Walker wanted a whiskey barrel, no doubt having the required amount on his premises, with which to fill it, and he got the barrel. Mr. McCann promptly entered a charge of sixty cent against him. About this time the old rattling stage coach, whose approach had been heralded by the blast from the driver's horn, drove in from Bolivar, and Nathan McAfee, the old and reliable driver of the stage, while waiting for a change of horses and for his passengers to partake of a meal at the old tavern, dropped in and bought some candy. For that he was charged ten cents.

The old Register was not satisfied with his first purchase of five cent's worth of whiskey, came back, and brought a quart. He was charged fifteen cents for this second visit. No doth, desiring to walk in the footsteps of his father, and to emulate his virtues, in walked John V. Wright, and it is presumed that as it was Christmas Eve, he was not alone. He brought five drinks, and a quart. The charge against him was twenty - five cents and then fifteen cents. E. Kirkpatrick, felt the tightness of the money situation, and so the old storekeeper relieved him by loaning him a quarter. This is charged, James Wornbuckle, wanted to take something home with him to remind everybody who saw him, and who heard him that he knew when Christmas came, and so he brought a half gallon and two ginger cakes. The charge for it was forty cents. Uncle Nat Shull took a quart with him, and left a fifteen cent charge on the old day book. Stanford Sanders would not be satisfied with a drink, nor even with a quart, so he got a gallon, and was charged sixty cents for that. Tobe Branden did not want a Christmas to pass by without a big racket, and so he brought some gun powder. He was charged a quarter for it. Shep Holman wanted to satisfy the craving of an appetite, for he had been shoeing horses all morning. He got fifteen cent's worth of " cheese " and ginger cakes. That purchase is on record on the book. R. W. P. Pool wanted some of the substantial with which to begin the Christmas and so he got a half bushel of meal, and he charged twenty cents for it. Wm. Hendrix must have come with him, for he got the same thing, and paid the same price, or that is he was charged on the book the same price.

John Beaty wanted to go out the road with Jack Kirby, and so he had himself charged with a half gallon at forty cents a gallon. Abraham Hill had sent his son in for some of the intoxicating stuff, and he no doth got it, for there is a charge against him of forty cents. Charley B. Atkins was a little different from the usual run, and so he was satisfied if he could get a half pound of " raisins ". He got it, for he was charged fifteen cents for this. Green Gullet had a craving for something different, and he ordered a pint of goobers. He obtained the quantity, and was charged ten cents for that. Benjamin Walker wanted to remind the storekeeper that he had not forgotten his account, and so he made a deposit of sixty cents on account. Wm. Runnels wanted something substantial with which or within a " Decanter ". Mr. McCann found time to charge him a dollar and a quarter for that. Old man McGraw walked in, and brought some " cheese and crackers ", and three pints of wine. That all cost him sixty - five cents. J. C.. Huddleston wanted to charge the general run a little, and he bought a " twist" of Tobacco. He was charged ten cents. John Bell sent Frank after some brandy, he got it and then he had to pay an account of fifteen cents.

And so on through the page, and the pages of the book. There are recorded many of the names of the county's oldest and most respected citizens. They all were a part of the day and time, and what they did, either in the buying and the drinking of intoxicating liquors, and selling of the same, did not subject them to criticism. We only mention these names and the purchase to call attention to order people, and to other manners and customs. Times have changed. Sentiment has changed. What was once permissible is not now tolerated. Little did they dream that within a quarters of a century, there would be legislation against the sale of intoxicating liquors. It came with the four miles law. What did they dream of the future Nation - wide prohibition, and the adoption of the 18th amendment to the Federal Constitution, and not a legalized saloon within the boundaries, or on the possessions of the United State, have as part of this modern civilization.

But these were good old days, and they were good people. They played their part upon the stage of the world. They have all crossed the river. Their records are closed as is the old account book of Uncle Jo McCann. Many Christmas Eves have come since that one in 1852. many have recorded during these seventy - two intervening years. That and succeeding generations have passed away. A great civil war has been fought, and nations have been settled since that day in old Purdy.

We are approaching the day when the birth of the Nazarene will be celebrated with appropriate services and ceremonies, when Universal Peace, for which he prayed will be the religion of the earth; when individuals and nations will forget war, and when all the people everywhere will " sacrifice unceasingly " upon the alter of Peace.

GRAVELHILL

Mrs. C. C. Springer, widow of J. G. Springer, who died five years ago, died at her home Tuesday after ten days, illness with paralysis. She leaves a broken - hearted mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Huggins, who is nearing her 89th birthday, two sisters, three brothers, and ten children, five sons and five daughter, to mourn her loss. Her children were all present when the end came except the oldest boy who lives in Oregon, and who was prevented from being on account of sickness in his home. Her remains were laid to rest beside her husband in the family cemetery Wednesday afternoon, Rev. T. R. Hammons, her pastor conducting the funeral services.

M. D. Huggins and Mrs. R. T. Hammons of Henry Grove, Texas were summoned to the bedside of Mrs. C. C. Springer last week, she being a sister of the former and mother of the latter.

Mrs. P. J. Huggins of Corinth is visiting her daughter, Mrs. A. M. Hamm, here this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Ran Smith of Corinth spent the week - end in the home of his brother, J. Will Smith.

Tommie Robinson of Jackson, Tennessee, and Miss Vassie Barnes, the 14 year old daughter of Edgar Barnes, Main Street Merchants, were married on the 9th of Febuary, 1924, at the residence of Esq. J. H. Hill, od Ramer, he performing the ceremony. The bride is a grand - daughter of Mrs. G. W. Garnes.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, 1924, Emery Horner and Miss Minnie Murry were married at Purdy, Rev. C. N. Ralston performing the ceremony. The groom is the driver for the Standard Oil Co. and the bride the attractive daughter of J. R. Murry and wife.

FEBRUARY 29,1924

BUENA VISTA

Ritta Laughlin is visiting her sister, Mrs. Oscar Whitten, this week.

Little Blondell Johnson has been visiting her grandfather, Jno. Harris for several days.

Charlie Hand of Florence visiting his brother, Newt Hand, here this week.

RAMER

Mrs. Grover Robertson and son, of Guys were guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Reeder, Saturday night and Sunday.

Lieu. Dixon left a few days ago for Yorksville where he will be joined by his family to make their home.

Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Huggins are receiving congratulations upon the arrival of twins, a boy and a girl, in their home on the 22nd, to whom they have given the names George and Martha.

Miss Ota Mae Meeks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Meeks, and a bride of a Mr. Wilson, of Freeport, ILL, were married Tuesday of last week and left for northern home. Their courtship grew out of a correspondence, they not having met until the groom's arrival here the day before the marriage.

GRAVELHILL

M. D. Huggins and Mrs. R. T. Emmons left Saturday for their home in Texas, John and Dora Springer went with them and will make their home with their sister, Mrs. Emmons.

Cleveland Springer and wife left Monday for their home in Texas.

ROSEHILL

Mrs. Mary Hubanks is attending the bedside of her sister, Mrs. Jennie Holland, who is very sick.

Mrs. W. W. Kirby spent Monday at the bedside of the sister - in - law Mrs. Frank Beard, who is very sick.

Miss Robert Hipps of Bethel Springs spent Saturday and Sunday with her grandfather, T. A. Hipps who is sick at the time of this writing.

Montie Beard and wife, of Birmingham, ALA., have arrived here to attend the bedside of the former's mother.

PERSONAL MENTION

Mrs. W. H. Stone left this week to visit her daughter, Mrs. Joe Alexander at Pocahontas.

?rsen Harrington, after visiting with his mother, Mrs. John Williams, has returned to his home in Toledo, Ohio.

D. L. Dixon was in Selmer Saturday on his way to Gibson county where he was moved his family. He lived for a long time between Ramer and Chewalla.

MARCH 14, 1924

THE GRAHAM FAMILY

Mention was made in an interesting article recently, giving the history of the Houston family, of the fact that one of the family, Archibald Houston, lived about where J. B. Graham now lives. This is just beyond the college building from the town of Selmer. At that time nearly or more than eighty years ago, one of his near neighbors was John Graham. He lived just beyond where the residence of Daniel Tull is situated, and one of the rooms the old house now stands is an old - fashioned one of log, "chink and daub". This old home was on the east side of the old Purdy and Bolivar road, and it was also known as the stage road.

The father of John Graham was Daniel Graham, and they were natives of South Carolina coming to this county about, in 1836. They settled somewhere near the place now occupied by old "Aunt Nam" Lipford, moving later to the place above referred to. This old Graham place was settled by John Graham. He married Margarett McKee, cousin of Andrew McKee, one of the old sheriff of the county, and also a cousin of Aaron Sanders. These old people reared a large family. Their children being Amanda, who married Jim Simpson, Clemintine, who married Somers Moore; John D. who died in the Federal Army at Bolivar; Elisa, who married Lanson Woods; Randolph, who died in the Federal Army at Memphis; C. G. Graham; C. C. Graham; Rebecca, who married Tom Simpson, A. T. Graham; W. K. Graham John Graham died in 1872, and his wife in 1878, both of them being the first ones to be buried in the old cemetery, just east and south of Oak Hill cemetery.

When the place was settled Purdy was the nearest town, and it was only a few years old. Nath McAfee, George Clark, and Bill Allen were the drivers of the old stage coaches. The nearest school house was called Possum Trot, and it was situated just west of the Simpson branch, on the old Purdy and Pocahontas road. The old teachers then were Josiah Hipps, father of T. A. Hipps and Leander Seacrease, of North Carolina, and John Coleman, and uncle of J. D. A. Coleman. The old preachers then were Revs. Henry Cook, Presbyterian, Jim Lane, Bill Richards and Aaron Sanders. Services were held at Possum Trot School house and at New Bethel. The old mills were the Pharr, Dickens and McCullar water mills.

The neighbors were few and scattered when John Graham lived where Jo Pratt now lives. There was Arch Houston, who lived near the collage, Wm. Reynolds, father of J. T. Reynolds, who lived at the old Simpson place. W. H. Simpson, who lived where C. A. Morphis now lives, Solomon Stiles, who lived where C. C. Graham now lives, and Bill Reid and the McCullars, living across Cypress.

In those days there was nothing where now stands the town of Selmer except weeds, and maybe an occasional opening where some thirty settlers had cleared a place to pitch a little crop. There was no railroad then, and not for many years after that, the first one being the old Memphis and Charleston a few years before the war, and later the Mobile & Ohio, immediately before the war.

About the time of the settlement of this place by John Graham, Uncle Jimmie Warren was deputy sheriff in this district, later becoming the sheriff of the county, and as such was the tax collector for the county. In the neighborhood during the day of the early settlement of this place Mr. Graham had as neighbors the McCullar family. The father and mother of this large and interesting family were natives of Ireland. During the American Revolution, Alexander McCullar, SR. was a soldier. He had five sons, John who married Katherine McGee, David, who married Eliza Haden, Alexander, who married Hannah Cox, Isaac, who married Sophia Lewis, and William, who married Sarah Lewis. His daughters were Peggy who married Alexander McCullar, her cousin, Polly who married Mathew Marshal, and Jennie, who married John Woods.

Not very far from the home of this old settler lived the Ferguson family in the second district. These people were substantial citizens, and descended from the Col. Ferguson, of King's Mountain,of the Revolution. The oldest of this family was Joshua Ferguson, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend, and at New Orleans during the battle of the eight of January 1815, but not in the battle. This old settlers died in the second district, and was about eighty - five years of age. His death was about 1872, the time of the death of John Graham. He was buried in the old Sulphur Springs burying ground. Around the life of this old man is woven the ever interesting and romantic history of the Indian, with whom he once lived, and with whose life he was familiar.

That we may gather an idea of the sweep of years, we are reminded that the youngest in that large family of John Graham is now what we call old. Few of the children survive, but the decedents of this pioneer family are numerous. Some of them, among the number being Columbus Graham, and his brother, A. L. Graham, who live in this county, while others reside in different sections of the county.

As you travel the road from Selmer to Bethel Springs, you can see the old house, and as you observe it, situated as it is to the left and south of the Mississippi Valley Highway, and on a slight elevation, you are reminded that it, and the many others like it, that have withstood the ravages of time, are mute reminders of another day and another people.

MARCH 14, 1924

MORE ABOUT PURDY OF OLDEN TIMES

Lexington, Tenn.

March 8, 1924

McNairy County Independent;

Reading one of your "Bits of History" - that installment covering the matter of the old McCann account book, put me to recalling how many of the characters mentioned I could myself remember, with these results:

Gen. John H. Meeks, who was referred to as then a member of the Legislature, I remember very well - and at one time in my recollection he was said to be the one strongest man, politically, in Mcnairy county. Of his sons an old survive except Henry, who lives in Nashville, as all Mcnairians know.

Dr. W. C. Kindel was a brother - in - law of my father, the late Dr. Daniel Barry, and the last time I ever saw him was in 1876, when I went after him from Flatwoods, Wayne county, to Purdy, to get him to go to see my mother who was on her death bed. He was ill himself and so I left Purdy without him and rode up to Flatwood when my mother was being buried. We children called him 'grandpap', and regarded him as a great man - which he was.

Uncle John Beard is referred to - and how many readers of the Independent have ever heard the story of Uncle John making his only speech at Bethel Springs as a candidate for tax collector? Well, Ruling Elder Jim Purviance will remember that when Uncle John got a pair of new shoes, he always went to Taylor Sutton's saddle shop and got him to sew on a buckle and strap, which Uncle John fully intended to fasten of using strings - but never did. " So, when Uncle John arose before the crowd at Bethel there was a deathly silence, and he began and ended his speech by screaming, "Fellow Citizens, I am a candidate for tax collector of McNairy county, and my name is John A. Beard - by Gosh! I am a son of old Franky Beard, who preached to you for forty years and never give him a darn cent. Now, fellow citizens, you can vote for me or kiss my foot, as you darn please"

The story might have been over - drawn, but Uncle John was independent.

I just can remember old man Pat Braden, and I have laughed at a story I heard my daddy tell about Mr. Braden chasing a fellow across the public square at Purdy, with a mowing blade or wheat scythe, one first Monday. Mr. Braden and some fellow seemed to be having a settlement in a store at the old John Harris store site,where the Savannah road went out east from the public square. Daddy said every time old man Braden would accumulate a little speed and make a swipe at the fellow he was chasing, that fellow's stomach, would toot out in front, his back would bend like a bow and old Braden would fall behind.

Jack Kirby was a great farmer, hairy as a dog on arms and breast, exposed from April till October of each year, and he was a Republican. When dad moved to Memphis in the 1860's Uncle Jack and old Tom Lane used to come down to Federal court and on occasions stayed at our home on Alabama street. Uncle Jack wanted Dr. Kindle to stay at his home one night and Kindle objected, until Uncle Jack said he would give him a quarter of mutton next morning and ten dollars additional next fall. "Grandpap " stayed, and Uncle Jack had some fine girls - Sam Ingram married one.

I remember Dan Hill, he was a good - looking man - very different from Maje, who took breakfast at our house one morning when he came after dad to see his wife, and when Maje finally consented to get down and eat a snack while waiting for the doctor, ate every darn bite on the table, so that my step - mother had to cook a new breakfast out and out for the children, who had not gotten up.

Seeing the name Hendrix makes me remember "Uncle Roddy " who lived to be past 90. There never was a finer man than "Uncle Roddy ", and I yet recommend the family as one of the best in the world, as I did when our Miss Lucile Scott taught in the Bethel Springs school and lived in the home of a Hendrix.

I remember Nath McAfee - how he was a constable and always carried a pair of saddlebags over his shoulder. One day Nath asked Bruce Turner, in the latter's store at Bethel, for a chew of tobacco, and would not give a d-m for the difference so go buy yourself a chew with the dime: - but it seems to me that it was Jim instead of Nath McAfee.

The main Walker that I can remember was Joe, who had run a grocery, sold whiskey, and I remember that my father said he was coming home to Purdy one day and some three miles out east met old John Chamness at a church meeting. Old John asked him if he was coming to town, and upon father answering in the affirmative, Chamness said, "All Right, I will go along with you," but when father said, "Get your horse," old John replied that he was afoot, but would bet the liquor to the crowd at Joe Walker's grocery that he could beat the doctor to town. Father took him up and Mr. Chamness walked away. Directly the doctor started, turned a bend in the road, but saw no man ahead. He then made but saw no man ahead. He then made Frank, his famous saddle - horse, pace, then, gallop, and then he got to the hill on the east side of Purdy, the old Adams place, from where he could see the entrance to the public square between the store stands of Bob Pool and John Harris, he saw old John, hat in hand, enter the public square. When the doctor got to town, there was a crowd a plenty in front of Joe Walker's grocery.

Seeing the name of R. W. P. Pool, reminds me of the John V. Wright housewarming party, when Judge Wright married Miss Wommack, of Alabama, built that $10,000 home on Front Street and gave the housewarming party, to which everybody was invited - regardless of social distinctions. The long and the short of that party was that Judge Wright was drunk and in bed by 9 o'clock, and missed his own party, and all the rest of the Purdy men who were present, were carried home drunk, by their wives. My daddy and Bob Pool stuck the champagne in a room filled with all sort of spirituous liquors - and what happened to them the next morning is another story. The last time I ever saw Judge John V. Wright he was in my home in Decaturville in 1882, when he canvassed the state on what was called the Fussell ticket, I believe.

I wonder if the old man McCraw referred to in your article was the same old man McCraw who ran an eating house in the "Exchange" building, just as the Front street left the public square, or was it some of the people of John B. McCraw, who was a violent Republican in Henderson, Tenn, but moved out to Honey Grove, Texas, and was at once a Democrat.

Was the J. C. Huddleton, "Buck" who lived at the old Hammond place, not far from the public square where Back Street leads out south ? Bud, a son of "Buck" Huddleton, threw a rock at my brother, Charlie, in a leather sling, and made me blind for life in one eye. Later I put out the other eye myself, but the sight of it came back after many months.

John Bell, a brother of Mrs. Sallie, wife of Ike Nash, I remember - also Frank, son of John and there was a Bell who ran a water mill south of Purdy. Ike Nash used to send Clay Sutton with his wagon to get meal at the Bell Mill.

As usual, when I write of the things that I remember about Purdy and McNairy county, the main thought is that but few of those recalled in mind are living - yet, I will be only 66 on March 27th more than 15 years younger than Col. Jeems Purviance the "Tall Sycamore" of Cypress creek, the pole of which was brought from a northern clime.

With love to everybody living black and white, in old "Snake" county, who remembers me, I am.

Truly,

W. V. Barry.

MARCH 14, 1924

GRAVELHILL

Mrs. Jim Smith,who lived on the W. B. Burns, place, died last Wednesday after a short duration of sickness. Her remains were laid to rest in the Gravelhill cemetery Thursday, Rev. Brown of Selmer conducting the funeral services.

Carl Springer and family left Sunday for West Texas where they will make their future home.

PERSONAL MENTION

Mrs. Lizzie Lockman is very sick at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Gooch on Court Avenue.

H. C. Wardlow was in Selmer a short time Saturday, being accompanied by Henry Wardlow, his father.

Jim Hamm and wife, long residents of Oklahoma, and old citizens of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, are visiting relatives in the county this week.

Will Wolfe, son of Nick Wolfe, a farmer and good citizen living on upper Crooked Creek, has the sympathy of his many friends in the recent death of his beloved wife.

W. B. Hooker recently spent a day in Corinth as the guest of his daughter, Mrs. Dave Pool.

In the death of W. C. Holland last Friday at his home near Liberty, the county loses one of its best citizens. Mr. Holland was 67 years old. He was stricken with pneumonia about a week before his death. Mrs. Holland was buried at the old Mt. Carmel cemetery. She was a sister of Esq. T. H. Sipes of the 3rd district and was the second wife of Mr. Holland, and a splendid woman. Mr. Holland and family resided in Selmer in 1915, when he carried the mail from Selmer to Stantonville. He was liked by everybody, and was an honest, upright man in every sense of the word. The surviving children are D. P. Holland, of Dyer county, E. C. and W. E. Holland and Mrs. J. C. Hawkins of this county, and A. Holland, of Detroit, Mich. All of the children were present during the last hours and death of Mr. and Mrs. Holland, and to these broken hearted children we extend our heartfelt sympathy in these dark hours of bereavement.

Cards of thanks names are,

D. P. Holland, E. C. Holland, Ernest Holland, Arthur Holland, Mrs. Gracie Hawkins.

MARCH 21, 1924

Luther R. Littlefield

The subject of this sketch came to McNairy county in 1850, and while he was not among the very first settlers, yet, he came when the county was still news, and when it was necessary to clear lands, build homes, and help clear the way of the dense forests. He was born in Spartanburg, S. C., December 25, 1826. He was a descendant of William Littlefield, who came to America from England about or near 1700, and settled in Maryland where he married Rebecca Lee. He raised four sons, among that number, William, the second who was the father of this sketch. William the second, coming to South Carolina and marring Rebecca Bryant first, and second to Sarah Turner, who was the mother of L. R. Littlefield. William, the father, raised a son, Phillips Littlefield, who became a prosperous manufacturer, built a factory in South Carolina which was burned. He believing it was done by an incendiary, became discontented, moving to Carroll County, Tennessee, in 1831, with his father, and L. R. Littlefield. But soon after their arrival he lost his mother, and went on to Alabama, where I. R. Littlefield grew up to manhood. William Littlefield, being a professional teacher, and literary gradate, was now an old man and died in Alabama, leaving the subject of this sketch an orphan, ten years of age. So in 1845, he came to Tippah County, Miss., where he married Nancy A. Wolverton, and moved to McNairy county in 1850. He settled in the 15th civil district, where he remained on the same farm during the rest of his life, being reckoned among the foremost farmers of his community, always raising good crop, and having something to spare for those less fortunate. He often told that he never bought as much as one bushel of corn, after he first came.

He raised a large family of five daughters and six sons to manhood, doing his best to educate them and place them on the world self sustainingly. While he did not have the advantages of a first - class education, as did his father before him, yet as a farmer he was a success, offering much advice to his boys along needed lines of life. One particular thing he advised them, was that if it ever became necessary that they should buy farm products from other farmers, they should not stop to advise the other fellow, since it was ill - advise to offer advice to the farmer who had such articles for sale.

He came to the county when there were few schools and church edifices built, and was a leader in his neighborhood. along with such men as W. A. Mills, Hugh and John L. Fariss, Alex Whiteside and other men who lived on Lick Creek at that time. They had to rebuild all over after the Civil War period, and they joined together and worked as one man, built who was known as the Whiteside schoolhouse and hired Prof. M. R. Abernathy, who had drifted into that particular community, to teach their children. He remained there until he came most thoroughly established as one of the best and foremost educators of the county.

When the Civil War came on Mr. Littlefield took the side of the Union, believing that it was best not to dissolve former relatives with the government, which belief he maintained to his death. While he never took active stock in the Civil War, he was allied with the cause of the Union of states. While not very active in politics, he was always active for his church preference, that of a Baptist, as he firmly believed his position tenable and right, hence firm in that belief.

His oldest son, Jas. L. Littlefield, is too well known to make further mention, that the fact, that he was one of the first men ever elected from the 15th civil district, a fact that he felt duly proud of and he held his place for three terms, each time being elected by an increased majority over his former term. He then became one of the leading merchants of Adamsville, where he remained in that line 33d years without missing a day, when he sold out to his sons, who are still conducting the same line of work. He was twice elected to State offices by a joint session of the Tennessee Legislature, once as a member of the first Primary Election Board in 1909, and in 1923, as a member of the State Tax Equalization Board. Each of the above named positions were given him without his solicitations in the slightest, hence making him doubly proud of the compliment.

William P., the next older son, became a merchant at Adamsville many years ago, but finally moved to Shiloh Battlefield, and there in 1909, was a victim of a cyclone, which destroyed all, and where he lost his two oldest sons, they being killed, and all, his belongs blown away. His health was broken, yet he felt that he must educate his remaining children, which he has done admirably.

John, the third son, moved early to Texas, and now resides in Oklahoma, where he has also raised a large family, all of whom are making good.

George W., the fourth son, moved to Mississippi and engaged in the jewelers trade, and has made that line success.

Edward, the fifth son, moved west many years ago, where he became a real success farming and has become a stable character there.

C. A.,the youngest son, was accidently killed in a railroad accident when he was just in the prime of life.

Mrs. L. R. Littlefield is still living having a real resident of McNairy county since 1850, rearing to womanhood and manhood 11 children, of whom 10 are still alive. She is reckoned among the very oldest citizens of the county. While born in Maury County, Tennessee, she has resided here for 74 years, having last August the living children, sixty - nine living grandchildren, 151 great -grand children and 20 great - great - grandchildren, making an unusual showing for the many living descendants. If she lives to August of this year will round out her 95th birthday. She is still healthy and promises to live many more years, to counsel her children, of which her oldest is now 75 years.

AUGUST 26, 1910

C. A. Littlefield, of ADAMSVILLE, MEETS A TRAGIC DEATH TEXAS.

Last Saturday Clarence A. Littlefield, of Adamsville, was run over and killed by a train and his body horribly mangled at or near Stafford, Texas.

His remains were shipped here, arriving Monday night, and were immediately taken to Adamsville, where they were interred Tuesday.

He left his family consisting of his wife and seven children, at Adamsville about two weeks ago, accepting a position on an orange farm in South Texas.

No member of his family or any one here knows how he met his death only that he was killed by a locomotive, as stated in the certificate on the casket box. The inference is that he was stealing a ride.

Clarence was the youngest brother of the Littlefield boys. He had in the past been rather reckless and turbulent when drinking, and had been a source of much sorrow to his kindred. We do not know that any of this contributed to his untimely and tragic death, but probably did to his roving disposition. It is well known that he was a big hearted, industrious man while at his best. All regret his sad and untimely death.

He was about 40 years old, and the family he has left need the advice and assistance of friends.

SEPTEMBER 2, 1910

Correction as the Death of C. A. Littlefield

In the meager account last week of the tragic death of Clarence Littlefield, we were mistaken as the facts as they have to us since. He was crossing in front of a freight engine standing still and escaping steam.

Just as he crossed and stopped on the main engine struck him, and mangled his body.

W. R. Morgan, of Baldwyn, Miss. was with him at the time. He was sober and had been for several months. He had gone to Stafford on business and had started home when he was stricken down. The inference that he might have been stealing a ride was not true, and we regret that we did not have the facts before last issue and published them as they were.

MARCH 24,1924

ROSEHILL

Mrs. Cordie Beard recently returned to her home in Birmingham, ALA., after a short visit to relatives here.

Henry Plunk and wife visited the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Moore, recently.

FINGER

Miss Mary Helen Harris of Jackson spent last week - end with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Harris.

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hodges and son, attended the funeral service of Mrs. Hodges, mother, Mrs. Maxwell, Tuesday.

RAMER

Oda Teague, of Union, spent Saturday and Sunday with his parents here.

Mrs. Alva Derryberry, visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Darby, at Selmer this week.

Mrs. W. W. Wallace and children, Dottie and James, of Selmer, were guest of her sister, Mrs. R. N. Huggins Sunday.

Mrs. J. W. Reeder and children were week - end visitors to her parent, J. V. Leatherwood and wife, of Wenasoga, who accompanied them home for a visit.

After spending three months in the home of A. B. Hamm, his brother, James R. Hamm and wife, have returned to their home in Mountain Veiw, Okla.. They have hosts of relatives and friends in McNairy, who hope they may visit again in the not distant future.

GRAVELHILL

Ace Hewitt, who has been in Memphis for some time, is visiting his father, T. R. Hewitt, and other relatives here.

Sexton McCoy, who has a position with the post - office department at Nashville, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. McCoy, of this place.

John Lattis, of Louisiana, and sister, Mrs. Ella South, of Union City, are visiting relatives and friends in this community.

L. D. and D. R. Latta were summoned to the bedside of their sister, Mrs. T. J. Sharp, of Corinth, Monday. Her condition is reported very serious.

Mrs. Jennie Lockman widow of the late W. H. Lockman, is visiting her sister - in - law, Mrs. Lizzie Lockman, who has been quite sick at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Gooch.

PERSONAL MENTION

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hamm are the happy parents of a baby boy, Christene Philip JR.. They live in Springfield, ILL. the father is the son of T. J. Hamm, and the mother a daughter of Jon. Varnell, deceased of Adamsville.

MARCH 28,1924

Judge Jas. F. McKinney

One of the lawyers of Purdy, and who achieved distinction as such in other counties in West Tennessee, was James F. McKinney.

He was born in Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tenn., in September, 1822. He married and moved to Fayetteville, and there reared a large family four sons and three daughters.

Judge James F. McKinney was educated in the schools in Lincoln county, and read law in the office of Col.James Fulton, for whom he was named. In 1846 he came with his brother, Dr. Wm. D. McKinney, to Purdy, there to engage in the practice of his profession. He married Miss America Adams, a daughter of B. B. Adams, one of the early settlers of McNairy county, and a son of Jeremiah Adams, who was born in Virginia in 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. B. B. Adams was born in 1800, and was a uncle of our townman, J. R. Adams. This marriage was in January, 1884, and took place at the home of the father of the bride, just across the valley east of Purdy. There is nothing there now to mark the place of this old southern home, save the piles of crumbling brick, and the little elevation on which stood the house.

The subject of this sketch soon won distinction in his chosen profession. He was learned in the law, was a safe counsellor, and a close and attentive student, and a most kindly and considerate citizen. He held the position of Judge of the Circuit Court of his district. He loved his family and his home, and the people with whom he lived. On the 21th day of May, 1880, he died at his home in Purdy, just across the street, and to the north from where stood the old brick church.

A fitting tribute was paid the memory of the lamented lawyer and jurist by his friends and neighbor, Hon. M. H. Meeks who in addressing the Court, said:

As nearly as could be said about a mortal ,Judge McKinney lived, moved and had a being in the world for fifty odd years and died without an enemy. He stood on the stormy sea of professional life for a quart of a century, and laid his arm or down, with a character for integrity and honesty, as pure and spotless as on unclouded sky. He was king; as sympathetic, as inoffensive and harmless as a tender hearted woman. He was a man of strong, comprehensive, original and native brain. He was a good judge of law, and when consulted for advice, always told the truth. He was a liberal man in his views, and prescribed no man on account of his belief and convictions on any subject. He was a man of pure pretensions, but when you needed a friend, you invariably found on in Judge McKinney. He gave more advice, and did more actual service in his profession free of charge than any man of his ability - he was the people's friend. And to honesty and integrity of purpose in all his business relations he added the quality of an affectionate husband, a kind and indulgent father and good neighbor.

His remains sleep in the old Purdy cemetery, just north of the town, wherein are the graves of many of the old citizens of the town and county.

MARCH 28, 1924

Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Lovelace and little daughter, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. Lovelace's father, Henry Lumpkins.

Mrs. Jones Maxwell Dead

We have learned with peculiar sorrow of the death of Mrs. Jones Maxwell, she dying recently at the home of her son, Bob Maxwell, in the third district. Mrs. Maxwell was a woman possessing many endearing traits of character. Along time, ago she came to Purdy with her husband and three children, Mary, Belle and Bob, and stayed there for the purpose of sending her children to school to M. R. Abernathy. Others came along from that section of the county and stayed in Purdy to get the advantages of the school. James Kirby and family, his wife and a son named Jack and Nannie, Lottie and Sudie, his daughters. And there came a fine young fellow named Perkins Kirby, called " Perk " Kirby, and his brother, John Kirby, and sons of old Uncle " Poss" Kirby, and then George Maness. About the same time came W. T. Swain, J. D. Wilson, the Lipford boys, Charlie Plunk and a long line of others. Many of them have passed into the beyond, among that number being James Kirby and wife, Lettie, Sudie and Jack Kirby, and " Perk Kirby, J. D. Wilson, Frank Lipford and Charlie Plunk. Mrs. Maxwell lived in Purdy during these years, and after leaving there went back to the old home this side of Masseyville, where she has resided for a greater, part of the time until her death. She never forgot these good old days and enjoyed the association of her old friends. She was happy in the service of others and loved by all who knew her.

She is survived by her three children, Mrs. Mary Hodges, Mrs. Belle Archer and Bob Maxwell.

We express in this way our sadness over her death and sympathy for those who mourn her loss.

CARDS OF THANKS

We wish to thanks our many friends and neighbors for their many act of kindness shown in the recent illness and death of our little daughter, Annie Rea. May God bless you all.

R. B. Harris and Family.

PERSONAL MENTION

F. P. Farris a prominent citizen of the 9th district was in Selmer, Saturday. He had been to see his, brother G. W. Farris, of Trenton, who is quite sick.

G. W. Farris, for many years a resident of this county and one of the leading merchants at Falcon many years ago, died this week at his home at Trenton after a long illness.

Mrs. Sallie Bobbitt has returned to her home in Houmbolt after a visit of two weeks with relatives in town. Her son, Edison came down Wednesday, returning Friday.

D. P. Holland, a former McNairy old settler, son of W. C. Holland, deceased, now a substantial citizen of Dyer county, has been here several days. He paid us a pleasant visit while here. He lives over near Halls.

Ed Brown and wife will leave this week for Rawlings, Wyoming, where Mr. Brown has a responsible with the railroad. They have been on a visit of two months with relatives in this and adjoining counties, spending a great deal of the time with the parents of Mrs. Brown, J. R. and Mrs. Swain.

APRIL 4, 1924

SHILOH

Ester C. Taylor, who has been with his parents, Esq. and Mrs. F. J. Taylor, for the last two months left Sunday for Makands, ILL.

Mrs. Dewey Byrd is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Whaley, of Middleton.

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Prince and Mrs. Ed Bedford visiting their brother, Harm Kirk, of Brownfield, last week.

MASSEYVILLE

Mrs. Lotta Howell, of Memphis is attending the bedside of her mother, Mrs. Jom King, this week.

Buford Tull has gone back to Gideon, Mo. after spending two weeks with relatives and friends in and near Masseyville. Buford's sister is Mrs. George Mitchell.

Miss Rosetta, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wyatt, was buried at Mt. Gilead Sunday.

Weep not dear father and mother for Rosetta is atrest.

FINGER

Several people of Finger attended the funeral service of Mrs. Gage, Tuesday afternoon, who was buried in Rosehill cemetery.

SECOND DISTRICT

Henry Crangel and Miss Lois Floyd were married last Tuesday evening at the home of Ernest Mitchell. After the ceremony the happy couple went to the home of the groom's mother, where a big supper awaited them. They will make their home with his mother.

A large crowd attended the funeral of Rossetta Wyatt at Mt. Gilead Sunday. Rev. Jordan conducted the funeral services.

James Wallace and wife visited the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Huckabee, Saturday night and Sunday.

Billy Hardin spent one night last week with his grand - daughter Mrs. Willie Huckabee. Mr. Hardin is in his 80th year but with the aid of a walking stick he gets around like a young man.

ROSEHILL

The entire community is saddened by the death of Mrs. J. T. Gage. She was known and loved by all in this and surrounding community. We extend our sympathy to the relatives in their hour of bereavement.

DEATH OF MRS. TAYLOR GAGE

Mrs. Taylor Gage died Sunday evening, March 30,1924 at her home 3 miles northeast of Bethel Spring in the 75th year of her life having been born in December 1851. She was the daughter of Joseph Tacker and was born and reared in the Rosehill community. In 1869 she was married to Taylor Gage, and 13 children were born, all of whom are living and are grown. They are, Jack, H. D. , C. R., W. A., Rude and Columbus, of the county, J. N. and B. H. Gage of Los Angeles, Calf., Mrs. R. A. Lipford of Finger, Mrs. J. L. Wilbanks, of Memphis and Mesdames W. T. Kerby, Frank Lipford and W. L. White, of the Rosehill community.

The deceased united with the church forty years ago, and throughout her life, lived a consistent life.

Beside her husband and the many children who survive her, the deceased had also 88 grandchildren and 7 great - grand children.

Rev. Lee and Forsythe of Bethel Springs conducted the funeral service at the old Rosehill church, and Jon. R. Swain had charge of the music, assisted by Miss Etheridge. Deaton and Etheridge were the undertakers, and C. A. and Jim Lipford, Jude Cheshier, Earl Johnson and Troy and George Etheridge, were the pall bearers.

The remains of this good old mother were laid to rest in Rosehill cemetery on the afternoon of April 1, 1924, in the presence of a large crowd.

Mrs. Manie Hurst and children, of Memphis, visited her mother, Mrs. Mollie Hinds.

Mrs. L. V. Gooch and children spent Saturday and Sunday with brother, C. McGee.

After spending a week in the home of Mrs. C. F. McGee. Her sister, Miss Rossie Taylor has returned to school at Purdy.

Mrs. Mabel Richard and children spent the week - end with her father, W. A. Dunaway.

Robert Simpson, of St. Louis, spent Sunday with homefolk.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Moore visited the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Graham.

BITS OF HISTORY

Anderson Cox

Away back yonder, when Tennessee was only 12 years of age, and 14 years before the establishment of McNairy county, there was born in a settlement in Western North Carolina, in the county of Randolph a child who, when grown up, came to this county and became one of the early settlers and substantial citizens. This was Anderson Cox, born in 1808. His parents died when he was but a child and he was bound out his master being Uncle Amer Davis, at that time one of the leading farmers of that county in North Carolina. He stayed with him a year after attaining his majority, that he might secure the coverted horse, bridle and saddle. In the same neighborhood there lived another substantial farmer, his name being McGee. He had a daughter and her name was Rebecca. Anderson and Rebecca McGee were married in Randolph county, and the first child born of that union was a girl, whom they named Rozetta. When this girl was but an infant her parents started on the westward journey which has been made by so many thousands of North Carolinas during the more than 100 years in the past.

They reached their destination about 1830, locating a little north of the old stage road, on Snake Creek, in what is known as the Bolton Settlement, about where George Surratt lives. The forests had to be cleared and houses had to be built. Anderson Cox went about the great work ahead of him with spirit and determination. He stayed there only a short time and then went to the town of Adamsville setting what is called the Ab Scott place, just east of the Baptist church. It was there that the mother of the writer of this article was born, in November, 1848, she being the youngest in the family. The other children were Rozetta, who married James Jones, and after James Surratt, two boys who died when they were little fellows, George, married Christiania Stanley, Frances who married Z. T. Tate,Terry B,, who married Elizabeth Whiteside, Mary who married T. Wash Scott and Rachel, who married M. R. Abernathy.

After staying in Adamsville, where the subject of this sketch was engaged in merchanding with his son, he removed to the old home place, two miles north west of Adamsville, and there cleared the land and built one of the first homes in that section. He purchased the lands from a man named Hanks, and a certain ten acres from a man named Bomand, and that fields was ever known in the olden times as the Bomand field. He planted an orchard, set out trees, and in many ways beautified this county place to such an extent that it was one of most attractive in the settlement.

He was good farmer and a most progressive citizen. He gave liberally of this time and means to the support of the school and churches in that community, and his home was the gathering place frequently for the young people of that section. The schools in that day wereknown as Pleasant and Winding Ridge, and the churches by the same, with the additional name if Old Ebenezer. The old teachers in that day and who taught these schools were Professors Speed, Fitzgerald and Yancy. As was started in a recent article, M. R. Abernathy, a young teacher from Alabama, came to that community just, after the Civil War and taught. The old preachers were Rev. Frankie Beard, Washburn and Robert Young. Andrew Cox was greatly aided in all his efforts by his faithful wife, who shared with him the joys and sorrow of life, and helped him in all ways to carry the burdens of cares and responsibilities. She had a sister, Rachel, who married one of the old settlers of the county, Laney Moore. This old home is now situated some miles west of Bethel Springs, and these families made frequent visit to one another, traveling the old stage road.

Among the old people who lived in the different neighborhoods and settlement where lived Anderson Cox were Jesse Merrel, Howell Sewell, Tom Combs, Mack Surratt, Bill Buratt, the Mortons, Gib Combs, Billy Rogers, Quimby Rogers, Maury Jim Scott, Jim Scott, Billy Mills, Bob and Cal Wilson, Clem Carroll, John and Hugh Farris, Jimmie Wolverton, Wm. McFalls and Luther Littlefield, Glen Stanley, Tom Stanley, John Helbert, Jack Lindsay, Wm. Cleary, Carroll Haily, Tom Pearson, Uncle George Wilson, Palmer Pearson, Si Hardin, Levi Bathoon, Rev. Dancer, Neil Gilchrist, Buck Sanders, the Brackens, Uncle Jimmie H. Hooker and others.

Anderson Cox was reared by a Quaker in his North Carolina home, and while this may not have influenced him altogether, yet he was of a quite, reserved nature, possessing in a large degree native wit and humor. He was familiar with the Bible, and his great delight was in his daily reading of the Book. He was a Union man in war times, but his conduct during the whole of that terrible war was such that soldiers in both armies respected him. Before and right after the war he was as a visitor to Old Purdy, where he was well and favorably known on nearly all of his visits taking something from his farm to dispose of on the market there. It is said that in his day he was the greater producer of old - fashioned " Yellow Yam " potatoes of any farmer in the whole country. On an occasion of one of his visits to old Purdy the question of the character of ground best suited for raising potatoes came up. Some had said that poor land, and some rich land, would be better, J. M. Harris, and old friends, asked Mr. Cox about it, and he remarked that he had never seen anything that would not grow better on rich land than poor land. But then there were no specialists to advise and they just let " nature take its course".

Fifty years ago, in the south room of the old house, he gave up life's struggle and all that was mortal of him was laid to rest in the old graveyard at Adamsville. His devoted wife and helpmate survived him twenty years when, on a quiet day in 1893, just across the way from where she live so happily in the town of Adamsville in the latter forties and early fifties, she breathed her last. She was in the 86 years of her life and far removed from the scenes of their earlier days and their birth place in Old North Carolina these two good old people, Anderson and Rebecca Cox, sleep side by side. Old friends of their younger days and maturer life, children and grandchildren, sleep their last in this same old burying ground. Descendants of both, here and elsewhere over this land, rejoice that there lived such characters in the history of this county.

The sole surviving member of this large and happy family is Mrs. Rachel Abernathy, who is spending the evening in her life in Selmer, where all of her children save two, Mrs. Florence Hockaday and Pearl Lett, lives. She was married to M. R. Abernathy in 1868, and is the mother of eleven children, seven boys and four girls. George, in infant, died in Adamsville in 1883, and Wisdom, in Selmer in 1919.

APRIL 11, 1924

NEW BETHEL

Little Alpha Lee, of Jackson, is visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bob McNatt.

Louis Williams is in serious condition. while cutting timber a tree hit, brushing his head and chest.

This community is sorry to lose Carl McGee, but wish him success in the west.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Duncan are the proud parents of a 10 pound boy, born April 2, 1924.

Miss Bridie Lou Taylor is visiting her sister, Mrs. C. F. McGee.

RAMER

Mrs. Lester McAlpin left Monday to join her husband in Memphis where he has a position with the post office department. She was accompanied by Miss Mamie McAlpin who will spend some time with them.

Mrs. Michael Dies

Mrs. Susie Michael, wife of T. L. Michael, living east of Selmer, died at her home on April 3, 1924 and was buried in the old Prospect burying,ground the following day, Rev. Maxedon, preaching the funeral sermon. She is survived by her husband and four sons, Levi, Turner, Wiley, and Cube. This family has lived in the neighborhood for several years, removing here from Alabama about eight years ago. The deceased was sixty - four years of age.

APRIL 18, 1924

In the death of G. W. Farris, which occurred at the home in Trenton recently, another of the old citizen and business men of the county of years ago, passed away. The deceased was a native of the county, and for a long time was one of the big merchant's carrying on a general mercantile business at Falcon twenty - five years ago, and prospered there in business. Ill health overtook him, and for many years he has been a sufferer. He was a high - toned Christian citizen, and was admired by the many friends whom he left here in McNairy county. His wife and daughter survive him, and to them and other relatives who mourn his loss. The Independent speaks for those who know him here in expressing sympathy and condolence. He died in Trenton and was buried there.

ROSEHILL

Jasper Nolds and family, and Maylon Nolds and family, who were called to the bedside of their mother, Mrs. Jon. Nolds, have returned to their home in Arkansas.

Mrs. Jon. Nolds died last Thursday, and was buried at Rosehill cemetery Friday afternoon, Rev. Lee, of Bethel Springs,performing the funeral who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family and children.

SIXTH DISTRICT

John Dunaway and wife spent Saturday with her father, Bob McNatt.

Jim Taylor and wife spent part of last week with their daughter, Mrs. Carl McGee.

Alf Taylor and wife visited his parents Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor Saturday night and Sunday.

Mrs. Lester Moore visited her mother, Mrs. Belle Graham, last Saturday.

Miss Ethel and Nola Wolf were the Sunday guest of Miss Belle Simpson.

APRIL 25, 1924

Joe Brooks, one of the oldest and best citizens of the county, died last week at the home near Michie. He was the brother - in - law of Mrs. N. A. Erwin of Selmer, having married her sister fifty - nine years ago. He was an old ex - Confederate soldier and was in the bloody battle of Shiloh. He is survived by four children J. T. Brooks, Mrs. Nora Whitaker, Mrs. James Pratt and Tobe Whitaker. Elder S. Parham conducted the funeral service. The deceased was a member of the Christian church and had been for a great many years.

RAMER

Dr. and Mrs. Key and children, Merie and Frances, and Miss Laura Irwin, are attending the Southern railway surgeon's convention at Jacksonville, Fla. this week.

P. H. Shea and J. D. Dancer made a business trip to Nashville the first of the week.

PERSONAL MENTION

W. R. Wardlow, one of the good citizens of the 13th district, was in Selmer Saturday. Mr. Wardlow for years has taken the blue ribbon on raising fine water melons.

J. T. Gage was a visitor here recently. He recently suffered the loss if his wife, but is staying at the old home, where one of his daughter, Mrs. Willbanks, is making her home.

E. B. Kernodle and pretty little daughter, Lois and Carlos Hendrix of the 3rd district, were among the visitors to Selmer Saturday. Lois was accompanied by little Miss Ida Mae Adams of Blue Springs, Miss., who is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Grace Bridges in the 3rd district.

C. F. McGee and family left last week for western Texas, where they will reside, Mr. McGee is a member of one of the county's oldest and highly esteemed families, and his many friends in this vicinity wish him success in his new field of endeavor.

As we go to pres the news comes that Mrs. J. R. Wesson, who has been sick for a long time, passed away Thursday at her home in Adamsville and burial will be in the Adamsville cemetery Friday afternoon.

Prof. Jas. T. Warren, president of the Hall - moddy Normal cooage at Martin, will deliver the class address to the graduating class of the Central High School in Selmer Friday night, May 2, at 7:45 o'clock, Prof. Warren is a fluent and practical speaker, and one of the leading educators of the State.

J. A. Wooten, the farmer who always has something to sell, after providing an abundance for his own household, was in Selmer recently. He brought to the bank and deposited 1350 nickles and 863 dimes from the change he had left over from purchase he had made during the last three years. All the 5 and 10 cents pieces he had left over getting back from town he gave to his children, Mr. Wooten is one of the best farmers in the county and is one of the kind that lives at home and boards in the kitchen.

It gives us much pleasure to state that another McNairian has gone from his native home and has made good in the world. Hugh Wallace, son of J. W. Wallace and wife, is visiting here this week, coming from his home in Shreveport, to spend a few days with his wife and other relatives. Mrs. Wallace is here attending her mother, Mrs. A. L. Smith, who has been sick for some times. Hugh is one of the most efficient post office inspectors in the country and is now stationed at Shreveport, where he has been for some time. He works as a high order, and some very important matters and cases have been handled by him since he was promoted to his present position. We wish for him - continued success.

Will Wilder was a visitor to Selmer Friday night. For 37 years Mr. Wilder has been at the throttle of an M. & O. locomotives, and is one of the best men we ever knew. For many years he has been on the passenger engines on this division, and has hundreds of friends in every town through which he passes. The men who drive and fire locomotives throughout the land are as fine a set of men as ever lived, but the enginemen on the M. & O. and the Birmingham district of the Illinois Central are among the best in the world.

MAY 2, 1924

McNAIRY

Mrs. Joel Henry and daughter, Mary Lou, visited her sister, Mrs. Bob Wilson, who has been an invalid for two years.

IN MEMORY OF ONE WHO HAS FALLEN ASLEEP

On last Friday evening about 2 o'clock the death angel stole from our community one of our most beloved little girls, Cora Mae Kiser, age 11 years 6 months and 29 days, has spent a short but beautiful so jour in our midst. Her bright, beautiful smile and kind, loving ways won her many friends. To know her was to love her. as a pupil in school she was everything that could be asked of her, and her teachers and schoolmates are deeply grieved to think that her smiling presence is forever removed here on earth. Her record as a Sunday school pupil at the Methodist church is indeed a beautiful example of her life. The memory of her Christian spirit is a sweetness connected with all the other dear memories that her loved ones and friends will never lose. Perhaps Cora Mae was only loaned to us for a short times to gladden a small part of this great sphere and to leaves an influence to be felt by her loved ones, small companions and many friends. We fell that her life, like a beautiful, fragrant flowers, has reached out and touched the hearts strings of all who knew her.

She leaves a father and mother, four brothers and three sisters, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

To the loved ones we would say; you have the sympathy of many friends, but there is one greater than friends; lean on His strong arm for comfort; be reconciled to His will; live to meet little Cora, and in the end, " God shall wipe all tears away " .

Cecil A. Fesmire.

BRAINE'S MILL

Mrs. Glandys Massey and son of West Point, Miss, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Keith, at the big mill.

DEATH OF J. M. BOONE

The many friends of J. M. Boone in this county will learn in profound sorrow of his death, which " occurred recently at his home in corinth, Miss.. Many years ago he came frequently to the county, being a most pleasant man. His practice was extensive, and all his time was given to the profession. He was district counsel for the Illinois central and Mobile & Ohio railroad, and an attorney for the Southern. Beside his general practice he gave attention to many other matters and was one of the foremost citizens of the state.

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT

Last Sunday morning at the home of her father, D. M. Baker, Miss Lillie Baker sustained serious injury when she fell from the loft of the barn on the place. It is reported that she suffered greatly from the injury. She was immediately taken to Corinth and from there to Memphis for treatment. It is feared that the fall has resulted in paralysis of the lower limbs.

ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER DEAD

Benton Kendrick, one of the oldest citizens in the north part of the 10th district, died at his home early Sunday morning. April 27, 1924. He had been sick for some time.

The deceased was a strong and influential character and had spent his life in the community in which he died. he was a soldier in the army of the Confederacy, and some of his surviving comrades are J. R. Adams, J. R. Stovall, Robert Michie and Matt McKenzie. He married Fannie Anderson and to that union were born Jim and Emmett Kendrick, and Margaret, who married Will Garrison, Ida who married Rude East, and Dora, who married Reuben Cox, the latter dying many years ago at his home near Lawton. He was buried in the old Clear Creek burying grounds the place where so many of the old people in that section are buried.

OLD NEWSPAPER MAN DEAD

V. H. Morris, known to many of the people in Selmer, died at Helena, Ark., two weeks ago, after a protracted illness. Several years ago he worked on the Independent for Col. J. W. Purviance. His quite and easy manner made for him many friends here, all of whom will learn with sorrow of his death. The death of Mr. Morris at Helena, recalls with sadness, the death of another of the newspaper fraternity, who was born and reared here, and learned the printing business here, and who also died in Helana. This was Charlie Clay Stone, a most splendid young man, whom remain were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery many years ago. He was the son of W. H. and Mrs. Stone.

DEATH OF A LITTLE CHILD

Our sympathy goes out to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Gibbs, who have suffered the loss of their little boy, Jo Ray. He died after an illness of many days at their home on the night of May 1. Everything possible that could be done by loving and intelligent parents was done, but the little fellow passed away.

Burial will be in the old Morris Chapel cemetery Saturday afternoon.

PROMINENT CITIZEN DEAD

As we go to press, we hear with much sorrow of the death of J. A. Weatherford, which occurred at his home in the 13th district last night, May 1, 1924.

Mr. Weatherford was one of the most prominent and useful men in his section, and his taking away will be keenly felt by many people whom he had comforted and helped. At all times he stood for a better order of things, was for churches, schools and all public improvements. By strict attention to business, he had accumulated considerable property, and was a big merchant and landowner in the county.

He is survived by his wife and several children and other relatives.

MAY 9, 1924

ACCIDENT PROVES FATAL

The entire community was shocked Saturday, April 26, when they learned of the accident which Miss Lillie Baker had suffered. She was carried to Corinth and on to Memphis to the Baptist Memorial Hospital. Our People hoped that medical skill and careful nursing would restore her, but while she seemed to rally somewhat after a day or two, a change came, and it was realized that she was beyond recovery. The end came Sunday evening. She met death bravely and calmly, expressing to her brother her faith and readiness to go.

She was the only one of the children of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Baker left in their home, and a devoted helpful daugther, doing all in her power to shift the burdens and cares in the home from their aged shoulders and place them upon her own.

Our sympathy goes out to the bereaved family in this hour of sadness. The funeral services in Bethesda church were conducted by Rev. Forsythe and Ralston. She was laid to rest in the old Bethesda cemetery. A large crowd from Selmer and the surrounding county attended the funeral, and the wreaths of beautiful flowers attested the sympathy of friends and neighbors.

RAMER

Mrs. Arthur Wardlow and daugther, Miss Elizabeth, of Middleton were guest in the home of S. K. Fowlkes while en route from Selmer where Miss Elizabeth graduated from Central High School.

J. V. Leatherwood of Wenasoga, is the guest of his daughter, Mrs. J. W. Reeder. It is very gratifying to Mr. Leatherwood's friends to know that his health is greatly improved.

Mrs. D. T. Smith of Selmer was visiting her sister, Mrs. J. H. Hill, who was sick a few days the latter part of the week.

Mrs. L. G. Huggins and sons, Paul and Phillip, and sister, Miss Thelda Carman of Alexandria, LA. arrived last week for a month's visit. They are guest of their father, T. O. Carman, at Tuscumbia, Ala., this week.

FRIENDSHIP

John Reynolds and wife, from Corinth, Miss. have been visiting his father near Friendship.

Louis Faulkner, from Wensoga, Miss. has been visiting his daugther, Mrs. Dewey Matlock.

GRAVELHILL

After being in declining health for a year or more J. A. Weatherford one among the most useful and successful citizens of our county, died at his home, three miles north of this place in the 13th district, last Friday morning, at the age of 43 years, leaving a devoted wife and twelve children ( three girls and nine boys), a mother, three sisters, two brothers and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. His remains were laid to rest in Gravelhill cemetery Saturday evening in the presence of a large crowd, Rev. Hardwick, the pastor of the church to which he belonged, conducted the funeral service, after which W. K. and Terry Abernathy, special friends of the deceased, each spoke for a few minutes in glowing terms of his life and character as a citizen, which was appreciated by all present. We extend to the bereaved family our sympathy in their bereavement.

R. G. Oliver,of Ramer passed through here Sunday evening.

J. A. Weatherford

In the death of J. A. Weatherford, which occurred at his home in the 13th district, the morning of May 2, 1924 the county lost a good man and useful citizen. He was forty years of age, and by perservering effort, courage, and native ability had made a success in a business way. He was a big merchant, a large land owner, and was interested in many enterprises.

Beside he found time to devote to the schools, church, roads and other improvements that made for the betterment of the county. He was a public - spirited citizen and was in the forefront in all movements to make the county's condition better. The efforts of his, and those of W. E. McLeod, also deceased had a great deal to do in the development of those sections of the county in which they lived.

Mr. Weatherford occupied positions of honor and trust, having been elected by the people to fill various positions, at the time of his death being one of the justices of the peace in his district.

He leaves surviving him his wife and twelve children, besides an aged mother. His remains were laid to rest in the old burying grounds at Gravelhill Saturday afternoon, and his funeral was preached in the old church by Rev. Hardwick. A crowd that taxed the capacity of the church attended, W. K. and Terry Abernathy, by request of members of the family, spoke briefly of the deceased as a citizen.

IN MEMORIAM

Death respects neither person nor station. The grim reaper comes unbidden into the home of the rich and poor. He lays hold upon the age and infirm. He takes his toil from infants, from the children, the youths, the middle - aged, and the old, pursures his never ending journey remorselessly and unabating.

It has never been given us to understand why these empty and vacant place in the home, but the power that takes away is the power that gives us strength to bear the burdens that death entails.

Last Thursday night, May 1, 1924, in a happy home on Pharr Avenue, the grim reaper came, and took from Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Gibbs an infant, a little boy, and left the home sad and lonely, and without the smile and sunshine of the little child. The undertaker came, and burial plans were made. On Saturday morning the funeral party went its way to the scenes of other days. In a little grave, in the old neighborhood and family cemetery at Morris Chapel, the remains of the little child were laid to rest.

"Where your treasure is, there is your heart also".