Thursday, December 19, 2019

Timeline of Sebree's Early Days


In 1896, W.Y. Allen, principal of Sebree School was asked to write a history of the town of Sebree, in Webster County, Kentucky. It was then published in the Earlington Bee on the 17 of December of that year on p. 4. This post is based on Prof.  Allen's history of Sebree.

1868:  Sebree founded; formerly known as Springdale.

1868:  L. & N. Railroad, which passes through Sebree,  completed.

1869:  J.H. Sizemore owned the first blacksmith shop.

1870:  Field Willingham built the first tobacco factory.

1870:  First church built by the Christians.  Now owned by Christians and General Baptists.

1872:  M.A. Pratt taught the first school.

1877:  James Caldwell owned the first livery stable.

1882:  The Methodist built a church on Charles Street.

1883:  A disastrous fire destroyed the north side of the business square on Main Street.

1885:  A Catholic church was built on Dixon Street.

1889:  A brick bank was built with a capital of $25,000.

1892:  Fire destroyed a tobacco factory and other business houses.

1894:  The Missionary Baptists built a church opposite the Methodist church.

1895:  Sebree Coal Company opened a mine.

1895:  A two-story courthouse built on Spring Street.

1896:  Fire burned the south side of the business square on Main Street.

As of this writing in 1896, Sebree can boast of a band. They have played for several fairs and rallies and went to Henderson when Hon. W.J. Bryan spoke.

Sebree's facilities for educating the children have increased, there is now a large, commodious building with modern improvements and is now under the principalship of Prof. W.Y. Allen of Madisonville, Ky.

Sebree is as good a health resort as can be found in this part of the state. Seldom will be found so many different kinds of water as are found here. The Chalybeate Spring, about a mile south of the depot, is a very healthful and thirst-quenching water. There are two hotels at the spring. Different kinds of water are found here, among which is an artesian well, said to be as healthful as the chalybeate.

 Published 19 Dec 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/


No comments: