Showing posts with label Newspapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newspapers. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Crittenden County News Items 1904


The Crittenden Press on Thursday, 22 Dec 1904 was full of family visits and more. The following is a sample of what appeared in this popular weekly newspaper published in Marion, Kentucky.. 

J.R. Farris, of Salem, was in the city Thursday visiting his daughters, Misses Lake and Eva, on East Belleville street.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Strachley, of Cincinnati, are expected to arrive Saturday for a short visit to her mother, Mrs. Maxwell.

Ernest Paris, of Cave-in-Rock came over Saturday to visit his mother, sister and brothers, returning home Sunday morning.

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. M. Swisher, of Tunica, Miss., are expected here in a few days to spend the holidays with the family of her father, R.H. Kemp.

Richard E. Pickens Jr., of McLeansboro, Ill., is expected home to spend Christmas with his parents here. He has charge of  one of Stinson Bros.’ big stores and is succeeding well in the mercantile business.

Dr. G.E. Shively has just completed a beautiful cottage on the corner of Kevil and East Wilson avenue and will occupy it soon. The house is as convenient and cozy as it is possible to make one. The location is fortunate, too, for a physician’s home.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Whitney, of Water Valley, Miss., will arrive Sunday morning to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Dorr. After a short stay here they will go to Bowling Green to visit Mr. Whitney’s relatives before returning to their southern home.

Frank Dorroh, of Crayneville, was in the city Saturday. He received a sample box of apples from Washington Territory sent in by some of our former citizens, who are thriving in the west. Frank says the apples are fine but old Crittenden is good enough for him.

Mrs. Kit Nunn went to Repton Friday to spend the holidays with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Hartzell.

Mrs. J.W. Flynn, of Grandview, Ill., will spend the holidays with her mother, Mrs. J.P. Pierce.

 Published 17 Oct 2023, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

In the News - Smithland 1923

People loved to read about their friends and neighbors in the newspaper – where and with whom they were visiting, who was ill and who had recovered. Think of the recording of these local happenings as an early version of social media.  The following items appeared in the Paducah Sun-Democrat on Friday, 7 September 1923, page 3.

                                                          SMITHLAND

 J. Ned Worten in company with his aunt, Mrs. L.H. Adams and daughter, motored to Paducah last Friday.

Miss Maurine McMurray who has been visiting relatives here left Friday for Arlington, Ky., where she will visit relatives for a few days, after which she will return to her home in Memphis, Tenn.

There will be a box supper at the Groves Chapel school house next Saturday night. Proceeds of the supper will go for the benefit of this school.

On last Friday morning Dr. W.R. Gardner received an urgent call to the bedside of J.R. Clements of the Thompson Chapel section, and found him suffering from a strangulated hernia of the right side. He was rushed to the Riverside hospital, Paducah, where he was operated on and his condition relieved. The doctor reports his condition very satisfactory. Mr. Clements is 75 years of age and well known.

J.H. Vailes and family moved here from Wheatcroft last Wednesday and are now occupying the G.D. Scyster home on Court Street.

The Gum Spring revival meeting conducted by Rev. Sizemore for the past ten days closed last Wednesday night. He delivered quite a number of very interesting and instructive sermons, the result of which was five conversions and 7 additions to the church. The baptizing was held Thursday morning.

Bland Williamson and family of Blythesville, Ark., left last Thursday for their home after a short visit with his aunt, Mrs. L.A. Alsobrook, and family here.

Mrs. Velva Croft of Bowling Green spent Friday night here the guest of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. J.V. Bateman and family.

Miss Emma Lou Worten, who spent July and August in Colorado Springs with Judge Jesse J. Worten and family and Dr. Von Worten of Pawhuska, Okla., has gone to Oklahoma City for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Lal D. Threlkeld. She will go to Norman the 15th of September where she will be a student at the  University of Oklahoma.

Mrs. Harry Evertson, who has been visiting her father, J.N. Heater, of near Vicksburg, returned to her home in Carrsville last Tuesday.

Jess Hardin, who is attending the Agricultural School at Bowling Green, passed through here last Friday on his way to Hurricane to attend the camp meeting a few days.

Mr. Ray Howard and son returned home last Friday from Rosiclare, Ill., where they have been visiting friends and relatives for several days.

Published 17 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

  

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

In the News - Crittenden County 1909

Long before social media was popular, people depended on newspapers for news about events happening in their neighborhood and throughout their state. The following items are from the 27 May 1909 issue of the Crittenden Record-Press in Marion, Kentucky.  

Strayed Or Stolen:  From my farm near Weston, Ky., on May 9, a small black mare about 15 years old. She has an enlargement of her left fore leg at paster joint. Any one knowing or seeing her and giving information thereof will be liberally rewarded.     G.P. Wilson.

Teachers Resign:  Misses Frances Gray, Ethel Hard, Margaret Moore, and Florence Harris, all of whom were teachers in the Marion Graded school have notified the trustees that they will not teach this fall. They all will take college courses and seek further advancement in their chosen work.

Card of Thanks:  I wish to thank the many kind friends and neighbors in and around Marion administered so faithfully during the last illness of my precious husband. May God’s richest blessings rest on them all.    Mrs. J.F. Flanary.

Mrs. Peter Shewmaker, Dead:  Sunday Morning, May 23rd, 1909, at 2 o’clock, Mrs. Sarah Duval Shewmaker died at her home on the Fords Ferry road six miles north of Marion, after a long and painful illness, in her 72nd year, she, having been born in 1838. The funeral was preached by her pastor, Rev. W.R. Gibbs, and the interment took place at Mt. Zion cemetery Monday.  Mrs. Shewmaker is survived by her husband and three children, two daughters, Mrs. John Marvel and Mrs. John Vaughn and one son, William, who lives at home. She was a member of Crooked Creek Baptist church for many years. She leaves no brothers or sisters, but A.J. Duval, of this city, was half brother of Mrs. Shewmaker.

Fire at Salem:  Sunday night a fire which originated in a stable in the rear of the business section, destroyed the stables of Norburn Faris, M. Grassham and Guess Bros.’ livery barn. The latter being heavily stocked with feed stuffs, all of which was burned. The stock and vehicles were saved except one new buggy which had not been un-crated. The loss which was heavy, was only partially covered by insurance. This is Guess Bros.’ second loss in the livery business. They will no doubt rebuild at once and resume business on a larger scale than ever before.

Mrs. T.A. McConnell, Octogenarian Ends Life’s Journey:  Mrs. Temple Ann (Brown) McConnell, venerable relict of Wm. Barnett McConnell, died May 19, 1909 at the home of her son, Dr. Jeff D. McConnell, in Shady Grove. She was in her 83rd year, having passed the 82nd mile stone just 3 days before her death, her date of birth being May 16th, 1827. She was married at 19 and was the mother of 7 children, all of whom survive her. Her husband’s death, which occurred in March 1864, being the last and only death in her family until her own. Her children are well-known and estimable people. The oldest being T.J. McConnell, of this city; the second, Mrs. Sarah Clement of Irma, who lives with her daughter Mrs. Julian Ainsworth; the third, Jennie, wife of A.J. Pickens, of this city; the fourth, John C., of this county; the fifth, the Rev. R.T. McConnell, of Mannsville, Taylor County; sixth, W.F. McConnell and seventh, Dr. Jeff McConnell of Shady Grove. Mrs. McConnell was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for over one-half a century and was buried at the Old Olive Branch Church beside her husband.

Published 3 Aug 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Flowery Language in Death Notices

Death records were not required in Kentucky prior to 1911. That is one reason newspaper obituaries and death records are so valuable in determining when our ancestors died. The flowery language shines through, allowing us to hear the news in the language of the day. The following obituaries appeared in the Crittenden Record-Press, Marion, Kentucky, on Tuesday 10 August 1909, page 1.

“Miss Rubenach Nimmo died Thursday July 20 after an illness of ten weeks. She was born April 15, 1894 and was consequently 15 years, 3 months and 14 days  old. She was a patient sufferer and a sweet Christian character, having joined the Christian church in 1906. The funeral service were conducted at the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Nimmo, on Friday, by Rev. Flynn of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. Oakley of the C.P.  church and Rev. R.C. Love of the Methodist church.  After the beautiful and impressive service at the home that loved her so devotedly, her body was consigned to mother-earth in the lovely Marion Cemetery in the presence of a host of sorrowing relatives and friends.

“Wilma Rose, the infant daughter of Mrs. Agnes Ashley, died very suddenly Wednesday evening after an illness of but a day. She was stricken Tuesday and Wednesday, her pure little spirit took its flight for the Beautiful City, where today she is basking in the sunlight of God’s love. The funeral service was held at Sugar Grove by Rev. Oakley in the presence of a vast number of sympathizing friends.”

 Published 20 Jul 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

In the News - Weston, Kentucky 1912

 News of friends and neighbors was always of interest to others. It defined their place in their community and often provided a connection to the rest of the world. The following items were gleaned from news of  the Weston neighborhood in the Crittenden Record-Press (Marion, Kentucky) of 25 April 1912, page 4.

Misses Vera, Beatryce and Lillian Bennett were the pleasant callers of Mrs. Rissie Cain Sunday.

Nearly all the farmers about our neighborhood have hauled off their tobacco and are breaking ground for a new crop.

Clarence Black, of Webster county, has decided to come back to Crittenden to live.

Mrs. Ruth Swansey and children visited her sister, Mrs. Mattie Robinson Saturday and Sunday.

Ed Taylor is all smiles; it’s a fine boy.

Rev. O.D. Spence failed to fill his appointment here Saturday and Sunday on account of the high water. We are glad to say this is the first time Bro. Spence ever failed to fill the pulpit for the past two years. He came through those deep snows we had during our winter. Hurrah for our little pastor.

Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Wilson, Micky Hughes and Clarence Black spent Sunday with  J.W. Bennett and family.

Mrs. Kate Barnes, of Bells Mines, was in our little town Saturday doing some trading.

Mrs. Ella Knott was called Wednesday to the bedside of her mother, who is seriously ill at her home in Macon, Mo.

W.F. Knotts left here Wednesday for Sullivan, Ind., where he will visit relatives and friends.

Mrs. J.W. Gahagan spent Friday with her sister, Mrs. E.L. King, of Sullivan.

Mrs. A.H. Walker spent Saturday and Sunday with Mrs. C.W. Grady.

Miss Mamye Hughes, of O'possum Ridge, spent last week with Mrs. G.A. Travis.

Published 29 June 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Expand Your Research Area

 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all counties had newspapers with obituaries for all of our ancestors?  It doesn’t always work that way, though, and we need to have an alternate plan. What would you do?  My suggestion is to expand your research beyond the county lines. Sometimes ancestors were known in adjoining counties because of their work or because their children lived in those counties.

The following obituary for a resident of Henderson County, Kentucky appeared first in his local newspaper[1] and then in a newspaper in Hopkins County.[2] The decedent was born in Livingston County, lived also in Crittenden County and had a daughter who formerly lived in the town where the obituary appeared. Oh – his wife was a resident of still another county. Confused yet?  Read the obituary and you will understand.

“Henderson, Ky.,  Sept. 1 – Dr. Joseph Anthony Hodge, one of the veteran physicians of Western Kentucky, is dead.

“Dr. Hodge was born in Livingston county February 2, 1829, and graduated at the Louisville University, class of 1850, and practiced at Marion, in Crittenden county, until 1863, when he moved to Henderson. He married Miss Susan Linthicum, of Muhlenberg county. He had been president of the State Medical Society and also medical examiner. He was the father of Edwin Hodge, Western Kentucky manager of the Imperial Tobacco Company. Mrs. C.H. Dishman, of Henderson, formerly of Madisonville, and another daughter survive. Wm. Hodge, a son, also survives.”

The lesson here is that if you don’t have access to a newspaper where your ancestor died, sometimes you have to expand your research area to find the information you need.



[1] “Dr. J.A. Hodge Dies From Stoke of Apoplexy,” Henderson Gleaner, Henderson, Kentucky, 1 Sep 1908,

[2] “Well Known Physician Dies at Henderson,” The Hustler, Madisonville, Kentucky, Fri., 4 Sep 1908.

Published 22 Jun 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

 

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

In the News - Marion, Kentucky 1915

 

The fastest and easiest way to learn the character of a town is to read the local newspaper. The following items appeared under the title of Personals in the Crittenden Record-Press, Marion, Kentucky, 21 January 1915, page 5.

E.R. Franklin of this city and Eula Threlkeld of Crayne attended the burial of Mrs. R.E. Threlkeld at Union Friday.

Creed A. Taylor attended the funeral and burial of his aunt Mrs. R.E. Threlkeld at Union Friday.

Rev. W.R. Gibbs has been called to Deer Creek Church and will preach there the 5th Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hughes on the Piney road near Wilson Hill are rejoicing over the arrival of a 10 pound boy at their home. It is especially interesting as their daughter Pearl who was their only child is now in her 14th year.

 Judge T.J. Nunn left Monday for Louisville to visit his daughter, Mrs. George M. Eady. After a short visit there he will go to Frankfort to visit his son, Judge C.S. Nunn of the Court of Appeals.

Mrs. Guy Lamb accompanied by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. A.J. Driskill, arrived home from Denver, Colorado Thursday morning. She stood the trip very well. Few people knew she was expected but all her friends are glad she is well enough to come home and hope she many continue to improve.

Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Lewis of Wellsford, Kansas, who have been guests of their daughter, Mrs. Walter Enoch, left Wednesday for Noblesville, Ind., to visit her sister, Mrs. Cora Doctorman. They will spend a week there and then go to Warren, Ohio, to visit their daughter, Mrs. Daisy Metscan and after a short visit there will then go to their home in the sunflower state.

Notice:  The following notice to the residents and citizens of Marion, Ky., was distributed Tuesday after the big snow. “An ordinance having been passed and approved by the city council of the city of Marion, Ky., requiring all residents of said city to clean all snow off of the side walk fronting or abutting their property immediately after said snow ceases to fall, and you will therefore take notice and govern yourself accordingly and hereby save yourself trouble."   [signed] A.S. Cannan, Marshall.   Jan. 18th, 1915


Published 18 May 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

In the News - Dycusburg, Kentucky 1907

Reading community news in the local newspaper was the way to learn who was visiting from elsewhere, who was building a new house, who had a new baby and who had died. The following items were extracted from news of Dycusburg in the 21 Feb 1907 issue of the Crittenden Record-Press of Marion, Kentucky.

Died, Feb. 14, 1907 – At her home near Dycusburg, Mrs. Nora Manus, wife of Silas Manus, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Griffin senior. Mrs. Manus left a family consisting of husband, son Sanford and infant daughter, also an adopted daughter, Luva. Her remains were interred at the Dycusburg cemetery on the afternoon of the 15th. She was a member of the Dycusburg Baptist church.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Gregory, Feb. 15th, a son who expired the 16th. Mrs. Gregory is seriously ill at her home in Dycusburg, but strong hopes are entertained for her recovery. Her mother, Mrs. Whitson of Muhlenburg Co., has been called to her bedside.

The venerable Mrs. Paine, of Kuttawa, is the guest of her brother, S.H. Cassidy, who is quite ill.

Granny Hill, age 90 years, is the guest of her son, J.I. Hill.

Mr. W.L. Bennett, has material on the ground to erect a handsome residence on the Harris lot in south Dycusburg.

Mary, the little daughter of Dr. and Mrs. T.L. Phillips, was ill last week.

A letter from Mrs. Mayme White of Dallas, Texas, to mother [sic] gives an account of a pleasant visit to Mrs. Nina Dew of Mullin, Texas. Mesdames are Dycusburg girls who have settled in the Long Star State in 25 miles of each other.

Quarterly conference will be held at the Methodist church here the 24th and 25th.

Rev. Goodwin filled his appointment at the Methodist church Sunday.

 Published 30 Mar 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

In the News - Sebree, Kentucky 1910

 Many newspapers published news of nearby communities, allowing us a view into life at that particular time. The following news from Sebree, Webster County, Kentucky, appeared in the Evansville (Indiana) Courier on 10 June 1910, p. 3. To my knowledge, there are no extant Sebree newspapers from 1910.

 Sebree, Ky, June 9 – John S. Brown, better known as Devil John Brown, was tried yesterday before Judge Watson and found to be of unsound mind.

Wiley Milton, age 75, farmer, dropped dead this morning. He is survived by his widow and five daughters, Mrs. Lem Fraysier, Mrs. Fred Fraysier, Mrs. Oscar Compton of Howell, Ind., Mrs. James Milton, and Mrs. Luther Majois of this place.

Thomas C. Groves, who sold his farm one mile north of the city limits last spring, and moved his family to Salt Lake City, Utah, has returned with his family to his “old Kentucky” home. Mr. Groves has bought back the same farm that he sold last spring.

D.O. Garrison of Vincennes has bought the poultry business of James Moore, the latter going back to Evansville where he will conduct a poultry farm some seven or eight miles northwest of the city.

Dr. B.E. Vaughan, the leading physician of this place, has gone to Palmetto, Fla., where he will practice his profession. His wife and little daughter Arabelle, who have been in Florida since last February, have returned. Mrs. Vaughan will wind up Dr. Vaughan’s business here and join her husband in August or September.

Thomas Pollard of Palmetto, Fla., who has been visiting his daughter, Mrs. B.E. Vaughan, for the last 10 days, went to Evansville  yesterday to visit his sister, Mrs. Maggie McGinnis, mother of Judge Orville McGinnis.

The meeting at the First Baptist church is progressing. Dr. J.C. Midgett, president of the Ohio Valley College of Sturgis, Ky., is preaching.

Mrs. Dove Williams and children, who have been visiting her mother, “Aunt Toody” Hampton, for the last four weeks, returned to their home in Johnson City, Ill., last night.

The L. & N. railroad company will build a siding here this summer over a mile long. The survey has already been made.

 

Published 9 Mar 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, February 4, 2021

In the News - Crittenden County, Kentucky 1915

 One of the best ways to know the area in which your ancestor lived is to read the local newspaper. The following news items appeared in the Crittenden Record-Press on Thursday, 17 June 1915, page 6.  The Record-Press was published in Marion, Crittenden County, Thursday of every week  and contained news of almost everything going on locally, but also of the surrounding area.

 Born to Mrs. Nathan T. Ward, of Chapel Hill, Monday, June 14, 1915, a fine son, 8 lbs. in weight who was named Rupert Asher, mother and babe are doing well. Mrs. Ward was a granddaughter of Squire T.C. Campbell, now dec’d, who was one of the county’s best men in his day.

 Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Haynes and son, Cecil Vance, have returned from Evansville where they had gone to consult a specialist as to Master Cecil Vance’s health. They brought a trained nurse home with them and we are glad to report the young gentleman is improving.

 Born, Monday June 7th, at Morley, Mo., to Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Terry, twin daughters, one ten pounds, one eight pounds in weight. Mother and babies are doing well. Mrs. Terry was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis and formerly lived here.

 For Rent: - A cottage of 4 rooms opposite the Marion Graded and High School building -  J.W. Blue.

 Roy Belt of St. Louis, Mo. is the guest of his mother, Mrs. J.W. Belt, near the city limits.

 A dainty lunch of sandwiches and ice tea awaits you at Mrs. McAdams’ tea room.

 Mrs. Thomas Wilborn and children are visiting her parents at Peachers Mills, Montgomery County, Tennessee.

 H.C. Gilliland, Anguilla, Miss. is the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Gilliland and of his sister, Maude, wife of Creed A. Taylor.

 Thos. Wilborn has a position which is paying him well at Selden, Kansas.

 Mrs. N.M. Clark and daughter, Mrs. John Brantley and the Wheeler children have returned from Oklahoma and will reside at the old homestead on Depot street

Published 4 Feb 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

News from Blooming Rose 1913

 Reading news of family and friends in other neighborhoods was very  important to the residents of Western Kentucky. Travel by road might be difficult, but the local newspaper could bring the news to them. The following news from the Blooming Rose community appeared in the Crittenden Record-Press (Marion, Kentucky) on 23 October 1913. These items were especially interesting to me as J.J. Croft was my great-great grandfather and Nettie Vaughn, my grandmother, is the third person from the left in the front row of the photo below. 

Molasses making is the order of the day in our neighborhood.

Mrs. Lala Watson, of Paducah, is the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Malcom, this week.

J.J. Croft and wife, Dunk  Garnett and wife and little son, Iva, and John Croft’s folks, of Tolu, were guests of W.T. Croft Sunday.

Miss Nettie Vaugh [Vaughn] was the guest of her sister, Mrs. Eddie Pittillo, Sunday.

An angel visited the home of Frank Watson Monday and took their little son, Joe. The burying took place at the Watson graveyard Tuesday afternoon. Little Joe leaves a mother, father, sister, three brothers and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

W.T. Croft was in Carrsville Friday.

Eula Little and little sister, Opha, were guests of their aunt, Pearl Kimsey, Saturday.

Mrs. Lockie Large and Mrs. Ruth Vaughn went to Amplius Watson’s store shopping Tuesday.

School is progressing nicely with Homer Johnson as teacher.


Blooming Rose School ca 1911 - 1913

Students of  Blooming Rose School

Published 15 Dec 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

In the News - 17 July 1913


Newspapers during the summer of 1913, reported many events of interest such as family visits in other states, new monuments erected in local cemeteries, marriages, deaths and church dedications. The events listed below appeared in the 17 July 1913 issue of the Crittenden Record-Press, published in Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky.

Miss Virginia Blue is the guest of her aunt, Mrs. R.L. Orme in Evansville, Indiana.

Alonzo Agee of Hickman, Tenn. Is here on a visit to his father, Joseph Agee, who lives 2 miles east of the city near the Shady Grove road in the Pleasant Hill section.

Mrs. Sue Adams, of Decatur, Ala., arrived Saturday to be with her mother, Mrs. S. Hodge. (from Princeton Leader)

Henry & Henry, the tombstone firm, put up a fine monument to the grave of Mrs. Edgie Gregory of Tilline, Ky.

A huge Quincy granite monument, is now in the process of carving at the marble works of Henry & Henry in the concrete building on Carlisle Street, in this city, which, when completed, will be erected at the grave of Atha Head at Cedar Grove cemetery in Livingston County.

The Methodist Church at Blackford will be dedicated Sunday, July 27.

Mrs. Thos. J. Woody and two children, Master Lemon and Miss Clara, left Tues., for Washington, D.C. where they will reside in the future. They will stop enroute at Charleston, W. Va. To visit Roy Woody and family.

Hollis Franklin of Hebron and Clifton Threlkeld of Carrsville were in the city Tuesday on important business. They came to get a marriage license for the former who on Wednesday was united in marriage to Miss Nina Paris.

Recent Deaths:
Mrs. Vitula Asher, wife of John G. Asher, died 9 July 1913. She was a daughter of W.E. and P.J. Williams  and was born in this county 1858; twice married.

Ira B. Hughes, age 89, died at the home of his son, Allie Hughes. Buried at Crooked Creek Friday. Survived by five children; wife preceded him “across the bar.”

Madeleine Foster, 12 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Moses C. Foster, died Monday of diphtheria at the home of her parents on the J.N. Boston farm near Repton. Buried Good Hope Church.


Published 20 Oct 2020,  Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

In the News 23 September 1910


While newspapers from small towns in Western Kentucky are not always available, often we can find news in nearby larger towns. The following Smithland news items appeared in the Paducah Sun-Democrat on Friday, 23 September 1910, on page 7 and were reprinted from the Smithland Echo.  It is through these news items that we get a glimpse of life in small town Kentucky in 1910.

SMITHLAND
Dr. J.N. Clements, of Carrsville, has just leased the rock bluff in front of Carrsville for one year for the sum of $10,000 to some eastern millionaires. Articles were drawn up last week and signed.

Will Sullivant, who was sent to the penitentiary at the last term of court, died last Thursday. He was very low when he was carried to the river on a cot and carried to Eddyville on a gasoline boat. It was thought best to take him to the penitentiary because there a hospital is provided and better treatment could be had.

Last Monday Mr. Dave Williams died of dropsy. He had been in ill health for a number of years. He lived in the Panhandle section.

Mr. H.L. Martin, deputy sheriff, lost a fine $200 horse last week. The horse fell in a ditch and was nearly dead when found.

The entire Barnett farm in Panhandle owned by Mr. J.C. Barnett has been sold. Last week the remainder was sold to Clarence and R.U. Scott at $75 per acre.

Miss Maude Fritts of Metropolis is visiting the family of Mr. T.D. Presnell.

Mr. T.D. Presnell is contemplating trying his skill in building an automobile.

Mr. G.W. Tipton has purchased the Dean lot and will build a fine residence.

The children of Mr. Chas. Smith, who moved to Smithland last week, entered school last Monday.

Mrs. A.J. Driskill and daughter, of Marion, are visiting Mrs. V.D. Presnell this week.

Last Monday Mr. Robert Lindsey, of Providence, but formerly of Smithland, and Mrs. Inez Culledge were married. They left Tuesday for Providence where they intend making their future home.

Published 23 Sep 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/ 



Monday, July 20, 2020

In The News 20 July 1920


The events published in the weekly newspaper allow us to take a peek at what was going on in the communities of Western Kentucky.  The following items appeared in the Crittenden Press on the 20th of July 1920.

Miss Georgia Dunning and Mr. Frank Roland of the Crider section came down to Marion  yesterday morning and were married by Rev. W.T. Oakley in the parlor of his home.

The monument that marks the last resting place of the late Senator Ollie M. James has been erected and now occupies the most prominent place in Mapleview Cemetery.  This is a massive structure of granite, it weighs about 20 tons, is 8 feet square at the base and the shaft stands 35 feet. On it is inscribed the following epitaph: “In loving memory of my husband Ollie M. James. May 27, 1871 – August 28, 1918.  United States Senator, 1913-1918. Renominated 1918. ‘I shall go forth to take my stand in that great arena and vote the sentiments of Kentuckians: to defend them as I would my honor; to protect their money as I would my own; to reflect their will and, when I shall come to lay off that great toga, dearer to me than anything else in this world would be to hear from Kentuckians, the bravest, best and truest people in this Republic, the words, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.”  From a speech delivered September 11, 1911.

On Sunday, July 25, at the old homestead of the late Jas. P. Moore, his children and grandchildren enjoyed a reunion. The sumptuous picnic dinner was served, consisting of fried chicken, boiled ham, salads, cakes and pies.

Last Saturday afternoon Miss Minnie Corley and Mr. M.W. Hammond of Montana were quietly married at the home of the bride’s parents, Rev. Hosea C. Paris officiating. The bride and groom left immediately to spend their honeymoon visiting with the groom’s grandmother at Litchfield, Illinois. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Corley. She formerly taught school in this county. The groom lived in Marion for a time several years ago and has been very successful since he went west.
The couple will make their home in Montana.

Advertisement -  Don’t wait until baby gets sick to have its picture made. It might die. Make an appointment today.   Travis Studio

 Published 20 July 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http:wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/




Monday, April 27, 2020

In the News 27 April 1905


Below are deaths and other events listed in the Thursday 27th of April  1905 issue of the Crittenden Press, Marion, Kentucky:

Rodney News:   Wm. Byrd, the ferryman at the mouth of Cypress who was shot last week, died Thursday from the effects of the wound.

 The 2  year old child of Thomas Chandler was severely burned last week while playing near the fire.
               
Chapel Hill:   John Long, son of Mr. J.C. Long, has left old Crittenden County and gone to Washington to make it his future home.

In Memoriam:   Clara, wife of R.L. Wood, was born 31 March 1880 and died 16 April 1905. Buried Shady Grove Cemetery.

Obituary:    Miss Annie Belle Hunt, daughter of George Hunt, of Sugar Grove community, died Sunday morning at her father’s home 2 miles east of Tribune, near W.B. Crider’s, age 19. Buried Pleasant Hill Sunday morning.
         
Mrs. Lula Carrington, daughter of I.B. Hodges and relict of the late Dr. Carrington, died at her father’s residence 20 April 1905, in her 40th year. Born 4 May 1865; married Dr. Carrington 1883 and he died soon afterward. She lived a widow ever since. She was born on  the farm on which she died. Survivors: father, four brothers (Robert, Thomas, Dr. Will and Don).

Died:   Mrs. Jennie Shervey, aged lady of View neighborhood, died from the effects of a fall last Thursday.


                               
Published 27 April 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Monday, April 6, 2020

Events of the Day - 6 April 1910


From the Paducah Sun:

Engagement of Mr. Jefferson Hayes Davis, grandson of the late President Davis, of the Southern Confederacy, and Miss Doree DeWitt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theo DeWitt, recently of New York, announced at a tea party at the DeWitt residence in Broadmoor, Colorado. No marriage date set yet. Young Davis is a Columbia College student. He is a son of Mr. James Addison Hayes and wife, who was a daughter of President Davis. His name was changed by an act of the legislature on his grandfather’s death in order to perpetuate the name.

Tornado in Central City, Kentucky caused loss of $5000 to houses, barns and outhouses, but no one injured.

Cold snap called “Dogwood Winter.”  “Blackberry Winter" due last of April.

Published 6 Apr 2020, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Henderson, Kentucky Newspaper Advertisements 1853


What better way to get a sense of the business and social climate of an area than to read the newspaper advertisements?  The following advertisements have been gleaned from the 20 January 1853 issue of the Democratic Banner of Henderson, Kentucky. This issue of the Banner is available in the Henderson Public Library and also on Newspapers.com


Administrators Notice - Notice is hereby given to all the creditors of Benjamin F. Hardwick, Dec'd, to produce to the undersigned Administrator of said Dec'd, or to file with the presiding Judge of the Henderson County Court, their claims against the said Benj. F. Hardwick Dec'd  ... on or before the 8th day of January next, when a settlement of the matters of the Administration will be made. The assets are not sufficient to pay all the debts, and the claims not presented by the day aforesd., will not be paid, nor any part of them this 7th December 1852.  [signed] S.L. Drewry, Admr.  December 9, 1852

Life Insurance - The undersigned is Agent for the Kentucky Mutual Life Insurance Company, and will insure both Whites and Slaves, upon the most favorable terms.  P.H. Hillyer, Agent.   R.P. Letcher, Medical Examiner.

F. Millet, Merchant - This gentleman has removed to his new store rooms on the north side of Mill Street where he will keep on hand a general assortment of goods in his line.

Negros [sic] For Sale - On the 24th inst. (county court day) I will expose for sale at the court house door in the town of Henderson, four negroes, a woman and three children. The two youngest children will be sold with the mother as I am unwilling to separate them. A credit until June next will be given. Bond with approved security will be required.  [signed]  John B. Cabell

W.R. King - The report of this gentleman's death is no doubt false ... he has arrived at Havana in improved health.

Particular Notice -  The undersigned, desirous of closing out his business in this place, offers his well selected stock of ready-made Clothing and furnishing goods at very low prices. His stock consists, in part, of Coats, vests, pants, drawers, shirts, sacks, cloaks, &c. of every  style and quality; hats, caps, shoes, boots, &c. On Saturday, the 20th inst., I will commence  SELLING OFF AT COST, and on Saturday the 27th I will commence selling  AT AUCTION. All sums of $5 and under cash at hand - over $5 credit until the first of March, good security required. Country merchants will find it to their interest to call at the auction sales every Saturday. I hope those who may read this may give me a call and satisfy themselves that my word is NO HOAX.  [signed] S. Bissinger.

For Sale - Two good work horses (one rode well) either works well in single or double harness or in ploughing.  Having bought a pair of mules for my purpose, have no use for the horses. Call at the Louisville Furniture Rooms, Main Street.  [signed] C.H. Woolford.

Published 26 Sep 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/ 


Thursday, April 11, 2019

Anderson Woodall's Memories

The following article was first published in the Princeton, Kentucky Leader and reprinted in the Crittenden Record-Press, Marion, Kentucky, on Thursday, 28 August 1913, p. 7.

"Mr. Anderson Woodall, of Crittenden county, near Crayneville, who has been here on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. E.N. Crayne, the past several days, paid this office a pleasant and interesting visit yesterday morning.

Mr. Woodall is in  his 87th year, and during his talk with us stated that he walked to Princeton with a younger brother 82 years ago from Pennsylvania county,[1] about 8 [sic] miles from Richmond. Mr. Woodall said the use of an old four-horse Virginia wagon by his parents in moving to Kentucky necessitated he and his little brother walking all the way here except when they came to creeks they could not wade, and it took them seven weeks to make the trip.

Mr. Woodall stated that he had just come in from a drive over Princeton with Mr. J.A. Stegar and that he found a vast difference in the Princeton of now and the Princeton of long ago, that is 82 years ago, which he says was then a mere place in the road, or the size of Crider, perhaps a little larger.

His father was James Woodall and his mother was, before her marriage, Miss Ellen Deboe. His father died shortly after coming to Kentucky in what is now Crittenden county and his mother lived to be 90 and a half years old. He was the oldest of several children, all of whom save one brother, John Woodall, who now resides in Seattle, Wash., as does also several children, of our subject, Anderson Woodall, who was the mainstay of his widowed mother up to her death.

Mr. Woodall was reared a Democrat, but has been a Republican since the Civil war. His youngest brother died during the Civil war at Russellville as a Union soldier from an attack of measles. He stated that a very strange coincidence occurred in which his mother told her brother, a preacher, that her son was dead, and upon being told that she must be mistaken, she said, "no, he's dead. I've seen him." Some days afterward she received the report of his death.

Mr. Woodall is a clever and interesting old gentleman, and while he has been a little inactive since an attack of typhoid fever two years ago, followed by complications, he is still quite skittish. He has over 100 grand and great-grandchildren. [From the Princeton Leader]"



[1] He was likely referring to Pittsylvania County, Virginia.



Published 11 Apr 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Webster County, Kentucky Obituaries 1895


When local newspapers are not available, sometimes we can find items of interest in the papers in larger towns of the area.   Obituaries are always of interest, especially between the 1880 and 1900 census records. The source of each obituary is found at the end of the entry. 

Providence, Ky, Jan. 12, 1895:  Liner Sims, resident of Providence, was waylaid and shot to death last night. Age 30, unmarried. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sun., 13 Jan 1895, p. 1]  James E. Green surrendered and confessed to killing of Liner Sims. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Wed., 16 Jan 1895, p. 1]

Providence, Ky, Feb. 12, 1895:  Clinton S. Cosby, of Dixon, died suddenly there yesterday of heart failure. Age 22, member of Christian church and Knights of Pythias. [Louisville Courier-Journal, Wed., 13 Feb 1895, p. 3]

Sebree, Ky, Jul 11, 1895:  L.D. Rust died at his home, 5 miles west of Nebo this morning. Age 69, resident of this city several years. Buried in the cemetery at Hanson. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 13 Jul 1895, p . 1]

Sebree, Ky, Sept. 11, 1895:  Henry Mooney, aged citizen of Dixon, fell from a wagon and died this morning, a nail having pierced his heart in the fall. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 14 Sept 1895, p. 2]

Louisville, Ky, Sept. 15, 1895:  Mrs. Laura Towery, wife of G.H. Towery, attorney of Dixon, Ky, died at the Norton Infirmary yesterday after undergoing a severe surgical operation. Mrs. E.H. Wyatt was the embalmer. [Louisville Courier-Journal, Sun., 15 Sept 1895, p. 2]

Sebree, Ky, Nov. 21, 1895:  Much Hatchett of Providence died this morning from effects of an overdose of mean whiskey imbibed in Madisonville. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 23 Nov 1895, p. 1]

Published 27 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Smithland News 1867

At a time when there were few small-town newspapers in Kentucky, local news  was often reported in newspapers in nearby larger cities. For example, you will find news of Livingston County towns reported in the newspapers of Paducah and Louisville so it is wise to check beyond the county lines to find these jewels of information.

On Wednesday, the 14th of August 1867, the death of a Smithland resident was reported in the Louisville, Courier-Journal.  "We are pained to learn of the death of Dr. David Saunders, of Smithland, Ky., one of the oldest and most respectable citizens of Livingston county. He died on Sunday night, the 4th inst.

The following Smithland news items appeared in the Louisville Daily Courier in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, 22 August 1867.

Kentucky Items
Smithland Improvement - In spite of the depressing influence of the sand bar which so seriously impairs the navigation of the Ohio at Smithland, the people of that city are "game to the last," and continue to build and improve their pleasant little city.

Mr. A.A. Gratiot [Grayot], the postmaster of Smithland, is building a two story residence, which will be quite an ornament to the place. [1]

Thomas David [Davis], Esq. is making rapid progress with the erection of his new business house on Main street. It will be finished in a few weeks, and will reflect credit upon his taste and public spirit.

Mr. Blount Hodge has been making extensive repairs upon the old Smithland Hotel, and when finished it will be one of the best, most convenient, and most comfortable hotels in lower Kentucky. [Paducah Herald]

An old gentleman by the name of Jesse Thompson, a dealer in fruits, etc, living near Smithland, in Livingston county, had his leg broken on Wednesday last. His horse ran away with his wagon, and he was thrown out, breaking his leg between the ankle and knee. He is quite aged, and his hurt will probably endanger his life.

A little son of Mr. Shull, the Smithland ferryman, had four fingers of his hand cut off by a circular saw on Tuesday last.



Grayot (Dunn) House
1867 - 2009
Smithland, Kentucky



[1] The Grayot home stood next to the old courthouse. Later known as the Dunn home, the house was demolished 1 July 2009  and the new County Office Building was built at that location.

Published 31 August 2017, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/