Tuesday, November 2, 1734: Two hundred and ninety-two years ago today, Daniel Boone was born. “American frontiersman, explorer and militia officer, born at Berks County, near Reading, Pennsylvania. In February 1778, he was captured at Blue Licks, Kentucky by Shawnee Indians, under Chief Blackfish, who adopted Boone when he was inducted into the tribe as ‘Big Turtle.’ Boone escaped after five months and in 1781 was captured briefly by the British. He experienced a series of personal and financial disasters during his life but continued a rugged existence, hunting until his 80s. Boone died at St. Charles County, Missouri,, September 26, 1820. The bodies of Daniel Boone and his wife, Rebecca, were moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1845.”
(Source: Chase’s Calendar of Events, 2026.)
Monday, November 2, 1936: Ninety years ago today, the Johnson City Press gave voters a listing of polling locations. “Following is a list of the six places where Johnson City residents will cast their votes int eh presidential election tomorrow:
“First ward – South Side School.
“Second ward – Old West Side School.
“Third ward – New Columbus Powell School.
“Fourth ward – Old Martha Wilder School.
“Fifth ward – Junior High School.
“Sixth ward – Annie Wilder Stratton School.”
Sunday, November 2, 1941: Eighty-five years ago today, the Sunday Press-Chronicle reported that “It must have been almost two years since the Sunday Press-Chronicle published a photograph of a family gathering, taken many years ago, and asked if readers could identify it. The picture turned out to be one made in the late 70’s, at the golden wedding celebration of Colonel and Mrs. Telford after whom the Telford community was named.
“Now comes an interesting ‘follow-up’ in the guise of a letter from the Rev. Bob Gillespie of Englewood, Tenn., who writes to the newspaper:
“’A few months ago, you published a picture taken from an album which your paper said had been purchased by a member of the Press-Chronicle staff from a second-hand store in Johnson City. You published it to get information concerning what the picture might be of.
“’Someone gave you the information that it was the golden wedding anniversary scene of Col. and Mrs. Telford. I am a great-great-grandson of Col. and Mrs. Telford. This couple had 12 daughters. These children gave their parents a family Bible on that occasion.
“’A little more than a year ago, I saw this Bible. A few months later, I found out that the Telford’s had said that this Bible was to go to the first preacher of the Gospel in the family. One young man had prepared to preach but never got to because of having to take care of a sick member of the family. Another had gone into the ministry but had died without leaving a family.
“’I learned that I was the one to receive this Bible. Just a few months ago, I came into possession of the valued copy of God’s Holy Word. I have it here in my home. What I am interested in now is getting in touch with the member of your staff who has the picture that was published in the paper. I would like for him to write to me very soon, letting me know if it is possible to buy the picture, and just what the price would be. I am very anxious to get in touch with this person and, if possible, secure the picture from him.’
“Thus, has come to light another interesting ‘angle’ of the effort to identify the ancient photo, picked up by a newspaper staff member merely because it had the name of a Jonesboro photographer on the back.
“Last night the newspaper man said he preferred to retain the old photo, but would be glad to lend it to Mr. Gillespie, for him to have a copy made, or would have a copy taken for him in Johnson City, if the minister prefers.”
Telford is a community in rural Washington County.
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1941.
Saturday, November 2, 1946: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported the following news items in a column entitled “The Press-Chronicler”:
“Several persons received first aid treatment yesterday at Appalachian Hospital and were released. They included Jack Teague, 18-year-old foundry worker, living on route (sic for Route) 5, city (Johnson City), who cut his hands on a shaft, Elmer Putnam, 41, of Buladeen, N. C., who was struck in the back by a piece of lumber, and J. W. Lewis, 19, rayon mill worker of Johnson City, route (sic) 1, who injured his right leg in a fall.
The Appalachian Hospital was as forerunner to the former Memorial Hospital, which was a forerunner to the current Johnson City Medical Center.
Buladeen, North Carolina is about 24 miles from Johnson City. It lies south, and slightly to the east, of Johnson City.
“Three grass and leaf fires occupied city firemen yesterday afternoon on East Main street (sic for Street), 100 block West Watauga avenue (sic for Avenue), and near Oak and East Millard streets (sic), involving Companies 1, 3 and 4, department officials said. There was no damage.”
“Bicycle stealing appeared on the increase yesterday when three youths, George McMilller, Billy Joe Long and Richard Parker reported to headquarters their bikes had been taken.”
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