Today in Johnson City History, Friday, October 4, 2024
Bits and pieces from here and there, Wilder Park work, a murder trial in Greeneville, and more
Wednesday, October 4, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, the Herald and Tribune reported news from the community of Bowmantown. Readers learned that “We had a considerable amount of rain in the last two weeks; it has put the ground in pretty good order for wheat and winter oats, although the ground has not been thoroughly wet since last April. The farmers made good use of the plow weather the past few days. It has been cool, and Jack Frost has come and bitten all tender vegetation. Fodder taking is nearly all over.”
“Wm. Martin and Geo. Campbell traded farms last week. They will move in the near future.”
“The school here will commence today (Monday). It has been delayed on account of books. Miss Retta Martin, of Jonesboro, commenced her school at Campbell’s schoolhouse two weeks ago. Miss Mabel Brabson, of Nebuta, is assistant teacher.”
“The general health of this community is very good at present.”
“Rev. W. F. Crouch preached here the fourth Sunday in September.”
“Elder C. H. Diehl preached in Limestone Brethren’s Church the fourth Sunday, it being their sacramental meeting.”
‘’Rev. Wm. Cox, pastor of Limestone Baptist Church, preached the funeral of James M. Murdock last Sunday at the above named place to an attentive audience.”
“A. J. Campbell has his new house completed.”
“Geo. Marsh moved into S. K. Barkley’s tenant house recently.”
“Bud Ball, of Carson, moved to Robert Duncan’s farm lately. Sam Kenerly from the above named property to his farm upon the Fall Branch road (sic).”
The above information was submitted to the Herald and Tribune by someone identifying himself as “Uncle Ben”.
Bowmantown is a community in rural Washington County, as are Limestone and Fall Branch.
Nebuta is presumably a community in rural Washington or Greene County. Does anyone know?
“Carson” may be a reference to “Carson’s Creek”, which is not only a creek, but also a community, in rural Washington County.
The Herald and Tribune was, and is still published weekly in Jonesboro, which was spelled that way in 1899.
Saturday, October 4, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Beautifying and improvement of Wilder Park has been decided upon by the city officials, and work has started now to that end, following a meeting held yesterday by residents in the immediate vicinity of the park, and mayor (sic) Ellison, at which basic plans were laid.
“Preparatory to carrying out a landscape architectural plan, the space is now cleared off and is being plowed, to be sown in grass this fall. Trees are to be set out, walkways built, and a general scheme of beautification followed.
“Wilder Park has been used for a number of years as a baseball playing field, and on (sic) account of the rather unsightly fences erected for that purposed, objection was registered by residents inthat (sic) neighborhood, which resulted in an agreement by the city to discontinue its use for that purpose after a stated time, and then improve it as a permanent open park.
“The space occupies one city block, between Watauga and Unaka avenues (sic), is perfectly level, and will form a valuable addition to that residential district.
“The meeting held yesterday was at the home of Misses Arnell, on Broadway and East Unaka, and was attended by Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Weaver, Mrs. A. O. Searle, Rev. J. J. Musick, Miss Margaret Fain, Misses Arnell, Mrs. L. H. Snodgrass, Mrs. Ike Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Fair, and Mayor Ellison.”
Thursday, October 4, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported news with a dateline from Greeneville. Readers learned that “The jury hearing the case of J. Vick Carter, former Greene county (sic) magistrate, on trial on a charge of murdering his wife, returned a verdict of not guilty shortly before noon today.
“The case had been given to the jury shortly after 9:00 o’clock (C. T.) this morning with the charge of Judge Shelburne Ferguson.
“Begun yesterday morning, the trial was relatively brief. Much of Wednesday morning’s session was taken up with the selection of a jury; and practically all witnesses were heard Wednesday afternoon.
“Carter was charged with going to the home of a sister-in-law near Romeo, a few weeks ago, and shooting his wife thought the heart after a brief casual conversation with their child. They had been separated a few days, with a divorce contemplated. The case attracted wide attention, and the court room was crowded during the hearing.
“The jury follows: C. L. Gray, Joe Davis, Buck Hankins, Tom Smith, D. A. Wilhoit, Drew Hawk, M. B. Jackson, P. W. Crumley, Alex Shanks, D. W. Biggs, and R. L. Johnson.”
Romeo is a community in rural Greene County.
Wednesday, October 4, 1939: Eighty-five years ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle carried several brief news accounts in a column entitled “Brief Chronicles of Local Interest”. Readers learned that “Bethel church (sic) will sponsor an ice cream supper Friday night at 7:30 o’clock at the old Barnes rural elementary school near White Star mill (sic) on the Southern railway (sic) east of Carnegie. Proceeds will go to the church.”
“Fire Companies No. 2, 3 and 4 answered an alarm shortly after 4 p. m. yesterday at 413 west (sic) Walnut street (sic) where paper plastered over a stovepipe opening in a flue became ignited, Assistant Chief George Wilson said. There was no damage.”
“McKinley rural elementary school on the Old Jonesboro road (sic) will have a variety supper at the school Saturday, beginning at 7:30 p. m., announcement was made yesterday. Proceeds will be used for school improvements.”
“Hunter Moore, motorcycle officer, yesterday reported an apparently abandoned coupe found in front of a Fall street (sic) store is being held at headquarters for its owner.”
“Mary Elizabeth Sinclair, WPA recreation project worker, announced yesterday that a box supper will be served Thursday at 7:30 p. m. at the juvenile home in the Pine Grove vicinity. Proceeds will be used to purchase a stove and other equipment needed for the recreation project to remain in operation during the coming winter.”
Carnegie is a neighborhood in Johnson City.
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 medial 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.