Today in Johnson City History, Monday, December 9, 2024
Short news accounts, a shooting and snow
Saturday, December 9, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported several short news accounts. Some of them follow. News with a dateline from Johnson City alerted readers that “The store of George R. Clark caught fire yesterday from a defective stove. Much of his goods was destroyed, and his residence was greatly damaged by the water and smoke. Fortunately, Mr. Clark carried $300 insurance on his stock.
“The adjoining store, owned by Wat. Belton, was slightly damaged by smoke and water. The promptness of the fire company prevented a very destructive fire.”
Another news item with a dateline from Johnson City informed readers that “The contest as to the result of the late election in the Third ward (sic for Ward) has passed off in a mysterious way. Mr. Crowell, democrat (sic for Democrat), decided to let the affair go its way, as he did not care to produce the money necessary to successfully set up his claims.
“The democrats (sic) of the Third ward (sic) will stand firm at the ballot box again, when the time comes.
“This is the second time they have been pushed aside by election officers but it will be the last time.”
The following brief news items all carried a dateline from Johnson City. “James Hardin, who is in the employ of the Norfolk & Western railroad (sic for Railroad), with headquarters at Kenova, W. Va., is here with his family on a visit among home folks.”
“Riley Daniels has removed his family from this city to Elk Park, N. C., since Mr. Daniels’ run on the Cranberry railroad places him to spend the night at that end of the road.”
Elk Park, North Carolina is about 30 miles from Johnson City.
Cranberry, North Carolina is about 32 miles from Johnson City.
“J. M. Lewis, who travels for the International Publishing company (sic for Company), has been at home a week, on the sick list.”
“A. P. Lynch has removed his stock of goods from Buffalo to Spring street (sic for Street), in order to secure more room for his growing business.”
“T. J. Cox has opened a store at Lynch’s old stand on Buffalo street (sic).”
“W. J. Ball has sold out his interest in the store of Walker & Ball, on West Main street (sic), and is looking for a new stand.”
“J. D. Collett has rented the Hyder building (sic for Building) on Claiborne street (sic) and expects to open up a product house at once.”
The following news had a dateline from Jonesboro, which was spelled that way in 1899. “Rev. E. C. Buck is holding a very interesting series of meetings here at the Christian church (sic for Church). Mr. Buck is an orator, also a learned man. We predict for him grand success while here.”
“Chauncey Hacker made a business trip to Blountville this week.”
“P. M. F. E. Britton moved into his new house, on West Main street, yesterday.”
“Rumor says there may be a couple of weddings here during the holidays.”
“Quite a number of horses and mules were bought and shipped from here last Monday.”
“Circuit court will convene here next Monday. There is a large docket to be cleared.”
“Dr. W. E. Naff was in Limestone today on business.
Limestone is a community in rural Washington County.
“The Garrett Concert company (sic for Company) will give a concert here tonight.”
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Tuesday, December 9, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle alerted readers that “The fatal shooting of Jehu Bennett, near his home on Poplar Creek, Sunday afternoon about four o’clock, by Deputy Sheriff John B. Petersen and his assistances, Henry W. Peterson and Oscar (indecipherable) was announced in a report just received here. It is claimed that his officers had arrested, or were arresting, Bennett, who resisted and in the struggle or fight, Bennett was shot twelve times, dying almost instantly. The arrest was being made, it is said, on a warrant charging Bennett with violation of the prohibition laws.
“Bennett’s home is near a small station, Hollow Poplar, on the Clinchfield railroad (sic for Railroad), a short distance north of Huntdale, and just across the state line, in North Carolina. This creek is in Mitchell county (sic for County), North Carolina, and it is presumed the deputies were from Bakersville, the county seat, and that after the shooting, they are said to have returned to their homes in North Carolina.
“Details received here are meagre, relating the fact that Peterson, his brother and Davis went to Bennett’s place with a warrant for his arrest, and that the fatal shooting followed. One report is that Bennett was not armed, and that he had been arrested and was handcuffed at the time of the shooting; though officers on the Tennessee side of the line state that they are disinclined to consider these as unqualified facts in the case.
“Bennett is said to be a farmer; married and the father of five children.”
Sunday, December 9, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press reported that “Johnson City shivered yet today, following Friday evening’s one-inch snowfall, the first of the winter, heralding the coming of the frigid wave from the west which left 19 deaths in its trail.
“Although downtown streets showed little trace of the snow by noon, the nearby mountains gleamed white under a blanket which the wiseacres viewed as certain harbingers to fulfill the ancient adage, ‘waiting for more snow.’ The weatherman agreed and predicted a further snowfall here for today and tomorrow.”
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