Saturday, September 19, 1676: On this day, three hundred and fifty years ago today, “Virginia governor Sir William Berkeley, supporting Charles II’s efforts to exploit the colony, adopted new laws allowing only property holders to vote, raising taxes and raising the cost of shipping while lowering the price for tobacco. The resulting discontent exploded…

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Friday, September 18, 1733: On this day, two hundred and ninety-three years ago today, “Lawyer and signer of the Declaration of Independence, George Read was born at Cecil County, Maryland. He died on September 21, 1798, in New Castle, Delaware.”

(Source: Chase’s Calendar of Events, 2026.)

Saturday, September 18, 1779: On this day, two hundred and forty-s…

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Tuesday, September 17, 1630: On this day, three hundred and ninety-six years ago, “English Puritans led by john Winthrop found Boston, Massachusetts.”

(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)

Monday, September 17, 1787: On this day, two hundred and thirty-nine years ago, “brought about a world-charging event: th…

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Wednesday, September 16, 1620: On this day, four hundred and six years ago today, “(September 6, by the Old-Style calendar), the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower and set said from Plymouth, England, for the New World. One hundred and two passengers plus crew crowded onto the tiny ship, which probably measured about 100 feet long and 25 feet wide. William …

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Sunday, September 15, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Chattanooga Sunday Times reported several short news items in a column entitled “Social News from Near-By Towns”. Some of the news accounts have been previously mentioned in this column, but in a slightly different form. The following news carried a dateline from Johnson City, …

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Saturday, September 14, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported several short news items of interest to readers. Some of these articles may have previously appeared in this column, but from a different source, and with varying details. News with a dateline from Jonesboro, which was spelled that way at the time,…

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Saturday, September 13, 1788: Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago today, “Congress establishes New York as the temporary national capital and authorizes the first presidential election for the following February 4.”

(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)

Here is another account of the event of September 13,…

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Thursday, September 12, 1782: On this day, two hundred and forty-four years ago today, “Some 250 Indians and 40 British soldiers watched in surprise as the gate of a fort they had surrounded creaked open and a teenage girl darted out. Some of the Indians laughed and called ‘Squaw!’ while the girl ran quickly but cooly across a field toward a cabin sixty…

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Thursday, September 11, 1777: On this day, two hundred and forty-nine years ago, the Battle of Brandywine was fought. “The largest engagement of the American Revolution, between the Continental Army led by General George Washington and British troops led by General William Howe. General Howe was marching to take Philadelphia when Washington chose to try…

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Monday, September 10, 1736: On this day, two hundred and ninety years ago today, American Revolutionary statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence Braxton Carter was born at Newington, Virginia. He died on October 10, 1797, at Richmond, Virginia.”

(Source: Chase’s Calendar of Events, 2026.)

Sunday, September 10, 1899: One hundred and twenty-seven years ago today, The Chattanooga Sunday Times reported several short news items in a column entitled “Social News from Near-By Towns”. Some of the items, with a dateline from Johnson City and a date of September 9, were as follows:

“Miss Bessie Worley left Monday to enter Centenary college (sic for College) at Cleveland.”

Centenary College was founded by the Methodist Church; it closed in 1929.

Cleveland, Tennessee is about 188 miles from Johnson City. It is southwest of Johnson City.

“Miss Maggie Bullock gave her Sunday School class of twelve young girls a delightful outing and picnic at the Rockhouse Wednesday.”

“The Junior League of the Methodist church (sic for Church) will give an entertainment at the opera house Tuesday evening.”

“Mrs. W. K. Martin and daughters, Lola and Maggie, returned Tuesday from visiting Morristown friends.”

Morristown is about 66 miles from Johnson City; it is west, and very slightly south, of Johnson City.

“Miss Carey VanDyke, of Chattanooga, was here Tuesday, the guest of Mrs. J. M. Brown, en route to Unaka Springs.’”

Unaka Springs is in Unicoi County.

“Miss Nellie Scarborough, of Knoxville, is the guest of her cousin, Miss atherine Simcox.”

“H. P. Wyman has returned from an extended trip to Big Rapids, Mich.”

“Miss Lillie Painter visited in Bristol last Saturday.”

Bristol is about 24 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and very slightly east, of Johnson City.

“Mrs. J. B. Cox and children have returned form a visit to Mrs. Cox’s relatives at Gate City, Va.”

Gate City, Virginia, is about 31 miles from Johnson City.

“Misses Mary and Larua Swadley, of Marbleton, were guests of relatives here this week.”

Marbleton is a community in rural Unicoi County.

“Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bruner returned Saturday from a trip to New York and other eastern cities.”

“Mrs. W. J. Matthews and sons, and Robert Williams, have returned from a two weeks’ visit to Boone, N. C.”

Boone, North Carolina is located about 55 miles from Johnson City. . It lies in a slightly southeastern direction from Johnson City.

“Mrs. D. P. Durham, after visiting her brother, Dr. F. A. Long, for two weeks, left for her home in Atlanta, Ga.”

“Mrs. F. B. Owens and child, of Ohio, have joined Mr. Owen here, and they are now occupying the P. H. Pouder residence.”

“E. P. and Arthur Erwin left Thursday afternoon for Lakeville, Conn., where they will attend the Hotchkiss school (sic for School), preparatory to entering Yale college (sic for College), at New Haven, Conn.”

“Mrs. J. Sanford Crouch and little daughter returned to their home at Norfolk, Va., Wednesday.”

“Miss A. K. Hardy left Saturday for New York.”

“Miss Sallie Dyer, after a visit to her sister, Mrs. R. C. Hunter, left for Knoxville Tuesday, where she has a position in the city schools.”

“Dr. Henry M. Cass left Wednesday for Nashville where he will complete his studies from Vanderbilt university (sic for University).”

“Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Ward are visiting Philadelphia, new York, and other eastern cities.”

“Mr. and Mrs. John F. Lyle have moved from their country home into town for the winter.”

“Rev. and Mrs. George P. Faw are visiting Mrs. Faw’s sister, Mrs. H. H. Crouch.”

“Mrs. M. W. Murdock, and niece, Mrs. Dora Lewis, of Rogersville, came to the city Wednesday to attend the Lyle-Thomas nuptials at Happy Valley.”

Rogersville is located in Hawkins County and is about 37 miles from Johnson City.

Happy Valley is a community in Carter County; there is also a Happy Valley community in rural Washington County, near the Greene County line.

“Mrs. John Brock, nee Miss Mary Odom, of Decatur, Ala., is visiting Mrs. C. K. Lyle.”

“Miss Faith Wilder, of Chestoa, visited her sister, Mrs. F. A. Stratton, a few days this week.”

Chestoa is located in rural Unicoi County.

“Mrs. T. J. Galloway has returned from a several weeks visit to relatives at Austin Springs.”

In 1899, Austin Springs was a community in rural Washington County; now it is in the city limits of Johnson City.

Chattanooga is approximately 216 miles from Johnson City. Chattanooga is southwest of Johnson City and borders Georgia.

The Chattanooga Sunday Times was published as The Chattanooga Daily Times the remaining days of the week. It is now published online as the Chattanooga Times Free Press. I do not have access to any newspapers that may have been published on a daily basis in Johnson City in 1899; however, The Comet was published weekly.

Note: A reader asked for news from around the turn of the century, so that is why we have an entry from 1899. If there’s a special date in your life, let me know!

Friday, September 10, 1926: One hundred years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Theft of a Ford touring car owned by Jesse Williams and bearing state license number 182-477, motor number 9,017,882, was being investigated by the police today. The machine was stolen from Roan Street Wednesday night.”

For a unique way to “Get Involved!” I invite you to read the words of Meredith Trott, and go to the Gap Creek bridge dedication on Saturday, September 12:

“Join us on Saturday, September 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the new Gap Creek bridge dedication for our Ira Meredith. We share this honor with the family of Dr. Michael J Brown, longtime veterinarian and resident of Carter County whose home overlooks the bridge. We’re grateful and proud to share this remembrance that allows two families to celebrate the memory of their loved one.

“Yesterday I met my friend, Lynnea Bowman, at City Market for breakfast. While we were sitting there, a gentleman walked by and she spoke to him and said, ‘Donald, do you remember Merri Treadway? She went to Happy Valley Elementary with us; her mother was the librarian there.’

“Donald Wilson looked at me and said, ‘I remember. I loved your mother. When I was 11 years old my brother, Harold, was killed in the Vietnam War. The principal sent your mother out on the playground to find me and take me to my dad.’

“In March of 1966, Marine Lance Corporal Harold Wilson was killed in the Battle of Texas when his Huey helicopter was ambushed. Donald told us that through the years (more than 50) his sisters kept saying that there should be something special to remember their Harold by.

“When the new Johnson City four-lane highway was being constructed, the Tennessee State Legislature passed a resolution to name one of the roadway’s bridges in memory of Corporal Harold W. Wilson. The bridge was dedicated to Harold in June of 2017 and is located above the elementary school. He was a star athlete and graduate of Happy Valley High School.

“Donald said from the bridge you can hear the voices and laughter of children from the playground and when the leaves are off the trees, you can see the fields where his brother Harold played ball.

“Comfort found in remembrance.

“I am so proud and appreciative of our Meredith family members who worked to have the Gap Creek bridge that is located near the Meredith homeplace named for our Ira. In addition, I am grateful to the family members who have spent years mowing and caring for the Meredith Family Cemetery where Ira was laid to rest. Our Meredith cousins recently worked to clean the hillside, repair the graves, and reset the headstones. They replaced the fence, erected an American flag, and added a sign for the cemetery.

“The bridge that will be named for Ira is just over the hill from the Meredith family farm (Ira’s grandparents) where they raised ten children. You may be able to see the bridge from the hillsides where Joseph and his nine sons plowed the ground and planted crops including corn and tobacco.

“From the bridge, you might have been able to smell Sallie’s bread baking in the wood stove and detect the aroma of her sweet apple pies. She had a large flower garden and a picket fence around her vegetable garden that hugged the bend in the road.

“The Gap Creek Road was well traveled on foot, horseback, wagons and automobiles by the family. Joseph would have crossed over the creek many times on horseback as he covered his mail route of 28 miles. He began delivering mail across the county in 1908.

Countless numbers of Meredith family members have lived on the roadway, and it held their schools, churches, and Joseph’s general store. Each Meredith sibling left home behind and traveled down this road to make their way into the world to start families and careers.

Farmland surrounded by valleys, mountains, and roadways imprints lasting images upon us. Memories and landscapes that lie deep within our bones.

“One day in the future we are going to travel the Gap Creek Road and cross the Ira Meredith Memorial Bridge because just as Harold Wilson’s sisters said there should be something to remember their brother Harold by, eighty years later, Ira Meredith’s family said the same thing.

“Staff Sgt. Ira L. Meredith

“’Ira Lynn Meredith was born on 2 December 1914 to William G. Meredith Jr., and Lizzie Hammett. His mother died in 1936, and his father married Lucinda Bishop. Ira had four sisters and one brother. He was killed in action on 9 June 1944 in France. Buried at Meredith Cemetery, Elizabethton, Tennessee. Staff Sergeant 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Regiment, Company L, Ira was a member of the 4th Infantry Division and was killed in France on D-Day plus 3. He was awarded (posthumously) the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic action taken on June 9, 1944. He was wounded by German gunfire. yet he continued to fight despite his wounds. He killed the crew of a machine gun nest that had his men pinned down. He received more gunshot wounds but continued to assault another machine gun nest. He finally went down and died from his numerous wounds.’–Submitted by Rick Meredith, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle, October 27, 1944.’

“Posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross of Staff Sgt. Ira Lynn Meredith, who was killed in France June 9, has been announced to his father, William G. Meredith of Elizabethton, Route 4. The medal is the first of its kind known to have been presented a Carter Countian during this war. Meredith today was awaiting word from the Fourth Service Command in Atlanta, Ga., on arrangement for formal presentation of the medal. The message from the adjutant general said the medal would be sent to the commanding general, who would send an officer to make the presentation.

“The citation read: ‘For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 9 June 1944 in France. As the first and second platoons of Staff Sergeant Meredith’s company were advancing upon a hill, the enemy opened up with machine gun mortar and rifle fire upon them from both flanks. Staff Sergeant Meredith, although wounded by rifle fire, without delaying to think of his own personal safety charged a machine gun position and succeeded in killing several of the enemy and destroying the gun. In his assault, Staff Sergeant Meredith was again wounded but valiantly continued to advance upon the enemy until he fell dead. The complete devotion to duty, gallantry and heroic determination to destroy the enemy, even at the cost of his own life, reflects great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.’

“Sergeant Meredith, who was 29 years old, was among first Allied forces to land in France. A member of an infantry outfit, he had been in England since January of that year. After entering the Army at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., January 17, 1942, he trained at Camp Wheeler and Camp Gordon, Ga., Fort Dix, N.J., and Fort Jackson, S.C. He went to England last January.

“Surviving besides the father are a stepmother; a brother, Elbert Meredith of Johnson City, Route 5; four sisters, Mrs. Hobart Taylor and Misses Marie and Jeanette Meredith, all of Elizabethton, Route 4 and Mrs. Frank Eugene Verran of Elizabethton, whose husband, Radioman First Class Frank Eugene Verran, was killed in a naval plane crash near Montauk Point, L.I., August 18, 1943.”

Meredith also adds: “I am honored to have additional recognition for our Ira. I want to mention that Happy Valley High School has done an extraordinary job in recognizing veterans who were killed in combat. They have a display at the school and have an online display that the University of Tennessee has recognized and said that they are the only high school in the country they know of that has honored their lost veterans in such a manner. Mark Banks, retired history teacher, has been a major factor in this. They recently renamed the road up to the high school Fallen Warriors Way to recognize Commissioner Steve Burrough, who was instrumental in helping with the naming of these fallen warriors, as well as Mark Banks and others.”

Meredith reiterates, “The bridge is also being named for Dr. Michael Brown, longtime DVM in Carter County.

“We’re honored to share the dedication with his family.”

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me!

To subscribe, click on this link:

https://www.todayinjohnsoncityhistory.com/subscribe

Truly, it takes several people to put together something like you’ve just read. I express profound appreciation to Heidi Dulebohn and Stephanie McClellan Houk for their thoughts and encouragement.

Grateful appreciation is expressed to Collin Brooks for his social media expertise. If you need assistance with your social media needs, call him at 423-735-8755.

Will Riddle, owner of Riddle Technology Services, can help you with all your computer and computer-related needs. He’s the best! Call him at 423-480-4024.

Sunday, September 9, 1951: Seventy-five years ago tody, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle announced exciting social news. Readers learned that “The marriage of Miss Louise Goff Reece and Lt. Colonel George Walker Marthens, II, of the United States Air Force, Washington, D. C., was solemnized last night at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The bride is the daughter of Representative and Mrs. B. Carroll Reece of Tennessee’s First Congressional District. Representative Reece was formerly National Republican Chairman. The groom is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Walker Marthens of Detroit, Mich., and Tucson, Ariz. The marriage was performed by the Rev. Howard Mueller, rector, at 8 o’clock. The double ring ceremony was used.

“The alter was illuminated with white tapers and in the alter vases were arrangements of white chrysanthemums. The floor standards of pastel gladioli were arranged in front of the chancel.

“Nuptial music was by the church choir, with Mrs. Henry I. Burbage, organist and choir director at the organ. Soloists were Mrs. Grover C. Summers and Donald Squibb. The choir sang ‘The Voice that Breathed O’er Eden’ as the processional hymn and ‘Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart’ as the recessional hymn. The choir also sang ‘O Perfect Love,’ and the Bach-Gounod ‘Ave Maria’ with Mrs. Summers,, soloist. Mr. Squibb sand ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ as the bridal couple approached the altar.

“Lohengrin’s Wedding Chorus was used as the processional for the wedding party, and

Mendelssohn’s Wedding March as the recessional. Both were sung by the choir.

“Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attired in a gown of ivory silk satin with a Basque-fitted bodice, square-cut neckline, long pointed sleeves and bouffant skirt. The neckline was trimmed with a border of rhinestones taken from the gown of her grandmother, Mrs. Guy Despard Goff, widow of Senator Goff of West Virginia, when she was presented at the Court of St. James. The bride wore her grandmother’s court train which was attached at the shoulders. It was fashioned of ivory velvet, embroidered in rhinestones and bordered with ivory satin. Her veil of heirloom lace in Spanish Mantilla style.

“The bride’s only ornament was a string of Oriental pearls, a gift of her grandmother to her mother at her graduation. She carried a white ivory prayer book, used by her mother and grandmother at their weddings. It was topped with a white orchid with a shower of lilies of the valley and white satin ribbon.

“Mrs. Sam Taylor, III, of Johnson City, was the matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Miss Helen Lancaster, Miss Edna Dooley and Miss Jill Cummins of Johnson City. Miss Mark Baker, daughter of Representative and Mrs. Howard Baker of Tennessee’s Second Congressional District, Miss Joy Dirkson, daughter of of Senator and Mrs. Everett Dirkson of Illinois; Miss Laura Belle Wyatt and Miss Mary Merchant of Washington, D. C., and Mrs. Charles Leutz of Cherry Point, N. C. The latter two are cousins of the bride.

“The matron of honor wore a saffire (sic for sapphire) blue taffeta off-the-shoulder model, with long waistline and full skirt. The skirt fell in folds over the hips, coming together in back and front to form petals.

“Costumes of the bridesmaids were of fall shades of taffeta and were patterned after the matron of honor’s gown.

“The attendants worn matching mittens and bandeaus of fall flowers. They carried arm bouquets of chrysanthemums. Single strands of pearls were their only ornament.

“Colonel Phillip Klein of the United States Air Force, Washington, D. C., was the groom’s best man.

“Ushers were Sam Taylor, III, and Horace Cupp of Johnson City; Dr. Peter Brady and Clarence Norment, Jr., of Washington, D. C., Emil Pansky of Chicago, Lt. Commander Joseph Metzger of the U. S. Navy, Colonel W. B. Putnam and Capt. R. S. Rivers of the U. S. Air Force and Capt. Al Curtney of the U. S. Army, all stationed in Washington.

“Officers were in full dress uniforms. The others were white dinner coats and black trousers.

“Howard Mueller, Jr., son of the officiating rector, served as candle lighter.

“Mrs. Reece worn a model of fuchsia-colored crepe, fashioned along straight lines. The bodice was embroidered with a silver and pearl floral spray. She wore white orchids and a hair arrangement of grey tulle and ostrich feathers.

“Mrs. Goff, the bride’s grandmother, was gowned in black. Her flowers were orchids, and Mrs. Harry Wagner, of Tuscon, Ariz., sister of the groom, wore a yellow floor-length model. Her corsage was of white orchids.

“Mrs. Lula F. Bride, aunt of the groom, was gowned in turquoise lace. Her corsage was of lavender orchids.

“Several hundred guests from over the First Congressional District and out-of-state attended a reception given by Representative and Mrs. Reece at the Johnson City Country Club immediately following the ceremony.

“In the receiving line were Representative and Mrs. Reece, Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Marthens, II, Mrs. Harry Wagner, Mrs. Lula F. Bride and Mrs. Guy Despard Goff.

“The clubhouse was decorated in evergreens and white floral arrangements. Four white wedding bells were suspended from the center chandelier.

“The five-tiered wedding cake, cut by the bride with the groom’s sword, was topped with a large pink rose. Ices were molded in the shape of slippers, wedding bells and flowers.

“Guests were greeted by Mrs. Leon Reece and Mrs. Ballard Cupp, aunts of the bride, and presented to the receiving line.

“Mrs. Eddie Anderson, Jr., had charge of the guest book. Young friends of the bride who assisted in entertaining were Mrs. Tommy Gallagher, Miss Jane Artz, Miss Eugenia Range, Miss Grace Brading, Miss Helen Meredith, Miss Louise Bryan, Miss Patty Smithdeal, Mrs. Buddy Thomas, Mrs. George Hoback, Mrs. Joe Crumley of Johnson City, Mrs. Warren Anderson, and Misses Emily and Betty Tester and Mrs. Howard Staffner of Knoxville, Mrs. Ned Spratley of Hampton, Virginia, Miss Josephine Owen of Bristol, Miss Elizabeth Frost, Miss Carolyn Harrill and Miss Helen Proffitt of Elizabethton.

“Representative and Mrs. Reece also entertained Friday night with a rehearsal dinner in the private dining room at the John Sevier Hotel. Only members of the bridal party and out-of-town relatives attended.

“Mrs. Marthens entertained the same day with a luncheon for her attendants at her parents’ home. The bride’s gift to her attendants were small hand-embroidered Spanish shawls and the groom gave leather traveling kits to his attendants.

“Immediately after the reception, Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Marthens left for a wedding trip of an unannounced destination. They will be at home at 3702 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington,14, D. C., after October 15.

“For traveling, the bride wore a beige wood suit with brown accessories. Her corsage was of white orchids.

“Among the out-of-town visitors attending the wedding were:

“Mrs. James R. Thomas of Charleston, W. Va., great-aunt of the bride; Mrs. Sprigg D. Camden of Parkersburg, W. Va., Major William Van Nortwick of the U. S. Army, Fort Bragg, N. C., Mr. and Mrs. Eads Johnson, Morristown, N. J., the bride’s cousins; Dr. and Mrs. Horace Cupp, Atlanta, Ga.; Mr. and Mrs. Ava Reece, Chattanooga, Tenn., Mrs. Robert Thompson, Lafayette, Ind., uncles and aunts of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Reece, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Reece, Chattanooga, Tenn., cousins of the bride; Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Willettes, Detroit, Mich., uncle and aunt of the groom; Mrs. Harry Wagner, Tucson, Ariz., the groom’s sister; Representative and Mrs. Howard Baker, Knoxville; General Haywood W. Hansel, U. S. Air Force; Republican National Committeeman and Mrs. J. E. Broyhill, Lenoir, N. C.; Republican National Committeeman Harry Darby of Kansas City, Kans., former United States Senator; Andrew Gahagen, New York City; Mr. and Mrs. Lupton Patton, Chattanooga; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lotspiech, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Smith, Knoxville; and Mr. and Mrs. Dudley G. Hay, Detroit, Mich.”

“Brazilla Carroll Reece (December 22, 1889 – March 19, 1961) was an American Republican Party politician from Tennessee. He represented eastern Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives for all but six years from 1921 to 1961 and served as the Chair of the Republican National Committee from 1946 to 1948. A conservative, he led the party’s Old Right wing alongside Robert A. Taft in crusading against interventionism, communism, and the Progressive policies pursued by the Roosevelt and Truman administrations.

“From 1953 to 1954, as chairman of the House Select Committee to Investigate Tax-Exempt Foundations and Comparable Organizations, often called the Reece Committee, he led an investigation of Communist activities by non-profit organizations, particularly educational institutions and charitable foundations. The Reece Committee concluded that foundations were actively embroiled in efforts to promote socialist and collectivist ideologies.

“Reece was born on a farm near Butler, Tennessee, as one of thirteen children of John Isaac and Sarah Maples Reece. He was named for Brazilla Carroll McBride, an ancestor who served in the War of 1812, but never used his first name. His brother, Raleigh Valentine Reece, was a reporter for the Nashville Tennessean and the teacher who replaced John Thomas Scopes at Rhea County High School in Dayton, Tennessee following the infamous ‘Monkey Trial.’

“Reece attended Watauga Academy in Butler, Tennessee and Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. At Carson-Newman he played basketball and football. After graduating from Carson-Newman in 1914 as class valedictorian, he worked as a high school principal for one year, then enrolled in New York University, where he earned a master’s degree in economics and finance in 1916. He also studied at the University of London.” (Source: Wikipedia.com)

Do you enjoy learning new things or meeting new people? If your answer to either one of these questions is “Yes!”, then the Alliance for Continued Learning is for you. It’s a part of ETSU’s Professional Development Department and is a wonderful way to “Get Involved!” The ACL meets in the Community Room at Food City on Sunset Drive in Johnson City on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 15 until October 29, from 10 in the morning until noon. The cost is $45 for all of the sessions, many of which are “taught” by folks from ETSU; all of the sessions have subject matter experts as the speaker. Come and join us and have a ton of fun! To sign up, call 423-439-8084 and ask for Dr. Ruth Taylor Read. Or you may email her at taylormr1@mail.etsu.edu.

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me!

To subscribe, click on this link:

https://www.todayinjohnsoncityhistory.com/subscribe

Truly, it takes several people to put together something like you’ve just read. I express profound appreciation to Heidi Dulebohn and Stephanie McClellan Houk for their thoughts and encouragement.

Grateful appreciation is expressed to Collin Brooks for his social media expertise. If you need assistance with your social media needs, call him at 423-735-8755.

Will Riddle, owner of Riddle Technology Services, can help you with all your computer and computer-related needs. He’s the best! Call him at 423-480-4024.

“The fatal injuries were received when on the Elizabethton pike (sic for Pike) early Sunday morning when Miller was struck by an automobile driven by H. L. Large, of Elizabethton. Large said that Miller came out from behind a car parked on the highway and ran in front of his car before it could be stopped.”

Bristol is about 24 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and very slightly east, of Johnson City.

The Elizabethton Pike is now known as the Old Elizabethton Highway.

Elizabethton is about 8 miles from Johnson City. It is northeast of Johnson City.

The Bristol News Bulletin is now published as the Bristol Herald-Courier.

Tuesday, September 8, 1931: Ninety-five years ago today, The Rochester Evening Journal and the Post Express reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. The news came via the Associated Press. Readers learned that “Among the mountains of East Tennessee, his native health, Secretary of Labor William N. Doak yesterday raised his voice against ‘alien smuggling and buying of citizenship,’ which he termed ‘two forms of notorious, infamous and unscrupulous racketeering.’”

The Rochester Evening Journal and the Post Express was a newspaper published in Rochester, New York. It is no longer in publication.

Tuesday, September 8, 1936: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Boyd Conner, 26-year-old Sullivan county (sic for County) farmer, shot and critically wounded Mildred McClure, 15, his niece, then fired two pistol bullets through his breast and fell dead on the porch of a sister’s home on the Johnson City highway (sic for Highway), 11 miles south of Kingsport, early last night, Sheriff J. D. Newland of Sullivan county (sic) said.

“The girl, her body torn by three bullets, was taken to Community hospital (sic for Hospital) in Kingsport, where she was given little chance to live. Attendants said she was paralyzed from the hips down; one bullet having stuck her spinal column.

“The shooting occurred at the home of Jerry McCray. Mrs. McCray, Conner’s sister, said she and her niece were drinking coffee in the kitchen when Conner entered and ordered her to leave the room. Mrs. McCray refused, she told officers, and Conner repeated his demand, brandishing a .22-caliber pistol as he spoke.

“Mrs. McCray declared Mildred grabbed the gun and Conner shot her in the wrist, then in the abdomen. He shot the wounded girl again as she lay on the floor, she said.

“Officers said Mrs. McCray told them she ran from the house to get aid and heard more shots. She said Conner had walked out on the porch and shot him self (sic for himself) twice, one bullet taking effect in the heart.

“Mrs. McCray’s husband, who was at the barn feeding stock when the shooting occurred, declared he believed Conner’s deed due to a fit of insanity. He said his brothers-in-law was bitten by a mad dog three years ago and indicated his belief that may have had something to do with his act. There had been no trouble between Conner and his niece, who was here from Breckenridge, Texas, on a visit, he declared.

“Dr. Artie Isenbert said Conner had been acting strangely and declared ‘there was no doubt’ that his mind had been affected by the mad dog’s bite. He said another man, bitten by the same dog, died of rabies a year later.

“The shooting occurred at 6:30 o’clock. Conner died instantly after firing the bullets through his chest.

Patrolman Seymour, stationed at Kingsport, and Sullivan county (sic for County) officers, led by Sheriff Newland, investigated the tragedy. They said they were told Conner fired four times at the girl, three of the bullets taking effect.”

The Johnson City Highway is now known as North Roan Street, to the Sullivan County line.

Kingsport is located in Sullivan County and is about 22 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and slightly west of Johnson City.

Community Hospital in Kingsport is now known as Indian Path Hospital.

Dr. Josh Hinkle, a local veterinarian at Robinson Animal Hospital, says, “Although wild animals acting inappropriately should be of concern; signs of rabies among wildlife cannot be interpreted reliably: therefore, any such animal that exposes a person should be taken seriously and a health care professional should be contacted.”

I recently had an opportunity to attend a lovely luncheon at the Historic Eureka Inn and Event Center in Jonesborough. What a wonderful way to “Get Involved!” For years, I had wanted to take a peek inside the Inn, so this was my golden opportunity. It most certainly did not disappoint! Carol Johnston, the owner and innkeeper, has a lovely facility. The luncheon was tremendous, and one of the best I’ve ever had. Carol has an interesting lineup of events; I urge you to visit the website to learn more. www.thehistoriceurekainn.com

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me!

To subscribe, click on this link:

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Truly, it takes several people to put together something like you’ve just read. I express profound appreciation to Heidi Dulebohn and Stephanie McClellan Houk for their thoughts and encouragement.

Grateful appreciation is expressed to Collin Brooks for his social media expertise. If you need assistance with your social media needs, call him at 423-735-8755.

Will Riddle, owner of Riddle Technology Services, can help you with all your computer and computer-related needs. He’s the best! Call him at 423-480-4024.

Tuesday, September 7, 1926: A century ago today, the Johnson City Staff-News reported that “Members of a picnic party returning Sunday afternoon from the Fishery on the Erwin road (sic for Road), were injured when the car, an Oldsmobile touring, driven by J. C. Kontz, capsized.

“The injured were: G. C. Kontz, badly bruised and scratched about the face an…

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Monday, September 5, 1774: On this day, two hundred and fifty-two years ago today, “The First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia to draw up a declaration of rights and grievances against Britain.”

(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)

Wednesday, September 5, 1781: On this day, two hundred and fort…

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September 4, 1609: Four hundred and twenty-seven years ago today, ”’This day the people of the country cam aboard, seeming very glad of our coming, and brought green tobacco and gave us of it for knives and beads. They go in deer skins loose, well dressed….They have great stores of maize or Indian wheat.’

“So reads the log of the Half Moon, Henry Hudson’s ship, as it probed waters near the mouth of the broad river that now bears the explorer’s name. ud

Hudson himself called the stream the Great River of the Mountains. The Dutch East India Company had hired him to find a new route to the Indies, and for several days the 80-ton Half Moon sailed upstream hoping to locate the fabled Northwest Passage.

“Along the way the crew both traded and fought with Indians, and marveled at the scenery. ‘The land is the finest for cultivation that I ever in my life set foot upon,’ Hudson wrote. The explorer saw ‘very goodly oaks’ and ‘a great many salmon in the river.’ They noted mountains that looked ‘as if some metal or mineral were in them,’ and cliffs that seemed to promise copper or silver mines.

“The Half Moon pushed up the Hudson River to the vicinity of present-day Albany, New York. By then it was clear that was not the way to China, so the ship made its way back downstream and sailed past Manhattan Island into the Atlantic. Its captain perished less than two years later on another voyage in search of the Northwest Passage. Far to the north, in the vast inland sea of Canada now known as the Hudson Bay, a mutinous crew set Henry Hudson, his son John, and seven other adrift in a small boat. Its occupants disappeared forever into the ice and fog.”

(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)

Wednesday, September 4, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Herald and Tribune published several short news items of local interest; some brief advertisements were also scattered among the pages of the newspaper. Some of the news items may have appeared in previous columns, but in a slightly differing form. Some news articles, as well as advertisements follow:

“Buy salt of (sic for at) Fink & Hickey.”

“See disc harrows at Thomas Bros.”

“Harry Haws was in Bristol last Saturday.”

Bristol is about 24 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and very slightly east, of Johnson City.

“J. A. T. Bacon, of Bristol, was here Monday.”

“Thomas Bros. will sell you choice of four drills.”

“Mrs. E. A. Shipley is at Unaka Springs for a few weeks.”

Unaka Springs is located in Unicoi County.

“See Thomas Bros. for Richford and Huffman grain drills.”

“Miss Kate Dosser has gone to Johnson City to teach this winter.”

“Chas. E. Britton spent last Sunday with homefolks near Telford.”

Telford is a community in rural Washington County.

“Squire Shepherd, of Fall Branch, was one of the many in town Monday.”

Like Telford, Fall Branch is a community in rural Washington County.

“Miss Baasham, of Springfield, Ill., is visiting Mrs. S. P. Martin, of this place.”

“Jas. M. Gresham, Jr., left last Friday for Lebanon, Tenn., to enter law school.”

“Dr. and Mrs. P. W. Kirkpatrick returned from Buffalo and the Pan-American exposition last Sunday.”

“If you want to please yourself and be a blessing to your family, buy the Empire wheat drill.”

“Mrs. Mary Dosser, of Raleigh, N. C., is here on a visit. She left this place a few years ago and has made Raleigh her home ever since.”

“Jacob Clouse, of New Haven, Conn., after visiting relatives here and in Unicoi County, returned last Wednesday. Mrs. Clouse will remain with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, for a while.”

Unicoi is a county, and also a community within the county.

“During the last month this section was visiting by an unusual rainfall, in fact it was the wettest August within the memory of any of our people. Rain fell on twenty-two days, amounting to 10.45 inches, being in excess of the normal monthly rainfall to the extent of several inches.”

“Britton Bros. have decided to close out their entire stock of groceries within the next few days. They desire all who are indebted to them to come in and settle at once.”

“Mrs. Inex Deaderick, of Knoxville, was here last week. She had been down on the river at her summer home for a few weeks. She has sold her property and will not return next summer.”

“Mrs. Margaret Brown went up to Unaka Springs Tuesday to spend a few weeks. Mrs. Brown celebrated her eighty-first birthday last Monday. She is a very active lady for one of her age.”

“Henry Huffman’s little son, aged five years, died last Tuesday after a long illness of flux. A brother of the child died about a week previously with the same disease.”

“Flux” was the term used for what we know as dysentery today.

“Rev. J. H. Humphreys went to Johnson City Friday.”

“Jack Humphreys and Miss Nora McIntyre were married Tuesday night. Squire Sliger tied the knot at his home, and the happy couple drove back to Telford in heavenly joy. We wish them all kinds of good luck and may their troubles all be little ones.”

“T. P. Britton is suffering with flux.”

The Herald and Tribune ceased publication in 2025.

The Herald and Tribune was published in Jonesboro, which was spelled that way in 1901. Jonesborough, as it is spelled now, is about 7.5 miles from Johnson City and lies west, and very slightly south, of Johnson City. It is the county seat of Washington County.

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Truly, it takes several people to put together something like you’ve just read. I express profound appreciation to Heidi Dulebohn and Stephanie McClellan Houk for their thoughts and encouragement.

Grateful appreciation is expressed to Collin Brooks for his social media expertise. If you need assistance with your social media needs, call him at 423-735-8755.

Will Riddle, owner of Riddle Technology Services, can help you with all your computer and computer-related needs. He’s the best! Call him at 423-480-4024.

Wednesday, September 3, 1777: On this day, two hundred and forty-nine years ago, “According to tradition, American troops carried the Stars and Stripes into battle for the first time on September 3, 1777, at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware, during the Revolutionary War. A small Patriot force under General William Maxwell laid an ambush for advancing British an…

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Monday, September 2, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. Readers learned that “Judge Pendleton Smith, chairman of the county court of Washington county (sic for County), and G. W. Willett, road commissioner of the county, have been here to inspect and arrange for a ch…

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Wednesday, September 1, 1926: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported to readers that “For the second time within a week fire broke out in an old one-story frame house located on West Main street (sic for Street) in the rear of the Arlington Hotel, about nine o’clock Tuesday night. Quick arrival of fire trucks allowed it to be extinguis…

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Saturday, August 31, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. Readers learned that “Among other enterprises now being undertaken here, none perhaps will be so much appreciated as the opening of the Cranberry Iron mines (sic for Mines).”

The Cranberry Iron Nines were located…

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