Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, September 7, 2024
Comings and goings in The Comet and an invitation to the Symphony this weekend
Thursday, September 7, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet reported several brief news accounts that were of interest to local citizens. Among the news accounts were the following: “Gen. J. T. Wilder, of Knoxville, was in town this week.”
“Mrs. T. J. Galloway has returned from Austin Springs.”
“J. F. Lyle is moving his family to remain during the winter.”
“A. N. Molesworth made a business trip to Knoxville yesterday.”
“Dr. J. C. King spent Monday in Limestone on professional business.”
“Mrs. J. B. Cox has returned from a two weeks’ visit to her parents at Gate City, Va.”
“H. P. Wyman has returned from Big Rapids, Mich., where he spent several days on business.”
“Mrs. W. K. Martin and daughters have returned from a visit to relatives at Morristown.”
“Eugene Pitts has returned from Talledega (sic), Ala., and will take his old place with the Johnson City Foundry and Machine Co.”
“W. B. Crouch has returned from Chicago and Cincinnati.”
“Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Bransford are visiting Mrs. J. O. Gilmer.”
“Galliber (sic) & Moss have moved into the room vacated by Hawkins Bros.”
“Mrs. J. L Brock and little daughter, of Decatur, Ala., are the guests of Mrs. C. K. Lide.”
“Dr. Henry Cass leaves this week for Nashville, where he takes a course of lectures this winter.”
“Miss Mary Hardy has been called to her home in Wilson, N. C., by the illness of her father.”
“Miss Jeff L. Stanley, the granddaughter of Col. J. L. Wofford, has returned to Corinth, Miss.”
“Rev. and Mrs. Herndon spent Monday at Limestone as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Klepper.”
“Prof. John T. Henderson, President of Carson-Newman College at Mossey Creek, was in town a few days this week.”
“W. I. McFarland, a former resident of this city, but now of Birmingham, was shaking hands with friends here Tuesday.”
“Rev. John T. Wilds, of New York City, is spending his vacation with his sister, Mrs. S. W. Wilson, on Watauga Avenue.”
“Miss Charlsie Klepper, who has been visiting friends here for several days, returned to her home in Limestone yesterday.”
“Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bruner have returned from New York, where Mr. Bruner bought a large stock of goods for his Erwin store.”
“Folsom Beckner, the handsome little jeweler, has returned from a trip to Bristol, which he referred to as one continued round of pleasure.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stone left Tuesday for their home in New Orleans, after spending some time in the city visiting Mr. Stone’s parents.”
“Mrs. F. B. Owen and children, of Urbana, Ohio, have arrived in the city and will make their home here. They will occupy the Pouder cottage.”
“Geo. A. Ross came up from Brushy Mountain last Saturday and is spending a week at home. George looks as natural as when he graced the editorial sanctum of The Comet.”
“Last Saturday evening Dr. Robinson the company physician at Embreville gave Mrs. Frank Henson a dose of strychuine (sic) through mistake which caused her death in a few hours.
“Mr. H. Gildersleeve and Mrs. Gildersleeve have returned from Middlesboro, Ky., where they visited their son, Will, for several days. Will holds the important position of chemist with the U. S. Leather Co. at that place.”
“Mr. Cronin, the foreman at the Wyman factory who was injured last week by having a piece of timber driven through his left thigh, is recovering rapidly from the injury and is able to be out.”
“Joseph A. Wilson left Wednesday morning for Bristol to accept a position in the postoffice (sic). The place was secured for him by Congressman Brownlow and pays $900 a year. Joe’s many friends express themselves as very much pleased that he has been recognized and think it is a stepping sone to something better.” This news was originally published in the Mountain City Tomahawk, which is still in publication status.
Austin Springs is now a community in Johnson City. In 1899, it was located in rural Washington County.
Limestone is a community in rural Washington County; it is southwest of Johnson City.
Gate City, Virginia, is about 31 miles from Johnson City.
Morristown, Tennessee is located about 66 miles from Johnson City. It is almost due west of Johnson City.
Wilson, North Carolina is located about 294 miles from Johnson City. It slightly southeast of Johnson City.
Mossy Creek was a community in Jefferson County; Carson-Newman College, now known as Carson-Newman University, is located in Jefferson County. Mossy Creek is now known as Jefferson City. Jefferson City is about 78 miles from Johnson City; it is located to the west of Johnson City.
Erwin is in Unicoi County and is located about 18 miles from Johnson City. It is the county seat of Unicoi County.
Brushy Mountain is about 145 miles from Johnson City. It is located west, and slightly south, of Johnson City.
Embreville is a community in rural Washington County.
Middlesboro, Kentucky is about 112 miles from Johnson City, in a northwesterly direction. It is on the state line.
According to www.in2013dollars, $900 in 1899 has the current purchasing power of about $34,107.
Mountain City, Tennessee is about 44 miles northeast of Johnson City. It is located in Johnson County.
“Walter Preston Brownlow (March 27, 1851 – July 8, 1910) was an American politician who represented Tennessee's 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1897 until his death in 1910. He is remembered for obtaining large federal appropriations for his district, as well as for his intraparty political battles with Chattanoogans Henry Clay Evans and Newell Sanders over control of the state Republican Party. Along with his congressional tenure, Brownlow served as Doorkeeper of the United States House of Representatives from 1881 to 1883, and published the Jonesboro Herald and Tribune from 1876 to 1910.” (Source: Wikipedia.)
And now for a way to Get Involved! Tomorrow evening, Sunday, September 8, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra will present an outdoor concert called “Evening Splendor”. The performance, which is free, will begin at 6:00 p. m. and will be at Winged Deer Park by the lake. Bring a blanket or chairs, and pack a picnic for supper, or purchase food from one of the food trucks that will be there. For additional information, visit JCSymphony.com.
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.