Today in Johnson City History, Saturday, December 28, 2024
"A Lesson in Anatomy" and lots more
Saturday, December 28, 1811: William Hyter Young was born. He was a fifth generation descendant from the Revolutionary War Soldier Robert Young. As of 1969, Robert Young’s log cabin home was standing. “Located on what was formerly the Soldiers Home, in Johnson City’s western edge, this is most likely the oldest cabin standing today, of a Revolutionary War Veteran.” Mr. Young and his family lived at 1117 Cedar Street, and it was in this house that First Christian Church was organized and initially met in 1871. (Source: 100th Anniversary History and Directory 1871-1971, First Christian Church, Johnson City, Tennessee. Compiled and written by Mary Hardin McCown and Josephine Carpenter Owen.)
Thursday, December 28, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet informed readers of “A Lesson in Anatomy”. The information was initially published in the Philadelphia Times. Let’s learn:
“How many bones in the human face?
Fourteen, when they’re all in place.
How many bones in the human head?
Eight, my child, as I’ve often said.
How many bones in the human ear?
Four in each, and they help to hear.
How many bones in the human spine?
Twenty-four, like a climbing vine.
How many bones in the human chest?
Twenty-four ribs, and two of the rest.
How many bones the shoulders bind?
Two in each – one before, one behind.
How many bones in the human arm?
In each arm one; two in each forearm.
How many bones in the human wrist?
Eight in each, if none are missed.
How many bones in palm of the hand?
Five in each with many a hand.
How many bones in the fingers ten?
Twenty-eight, and by joints they bend.
How many bones in the human hip?
One in each, like a dish they dip.
How many bones in the human knees?
One in each, the kneepan, please.
How many bones in the human knee?
Two in each, we can plainly see.
How many bones in the ankle strong?
Seven in each, but none are long.
How many bones in the human foot?
Five in each, as the palms are put.
How many bones in the toes half score?
Twenty-eight, and there are no more.
And now altogether these bones wait.”
According to Wikipedia, The Philadelphia Times was a daily newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from March 13, 1875 until August 11, 1902.
The Comet filled its pages with several short news accounts of interest to local citizens. Some of these included the following: “Charlie Wright is down from Bristol.”
“Baxter Taylor was in the city this week.”
“Tom Hurst was a visitor to the city this week.”
“Prof. J. Hopwood was in from Milligan Thursday.”
Prof. Hopwood was the first president of Milligan College; in 1899, Milligan referred to a community in rural Carter County, as well as Milligan College. Milligan College is now known as Milligan University.
“J. H. Sproles was in Bristol several days this week.”
“A. S. Gump, of Bristol, spent Tuesday in the city.”
“Mrs. Henry Hart is spending the holidays in the city.”
“Miss Orrie Miller has returned from a visit to Bristol friends.”
“Miss Almanda Boucher is visiting Miss Bessie Ball in Bristol.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Thad A. Cox are visiting in Nashville this week.”
“De Long Rice is in the city spending the holidays with his family.”
“W. W. Worley is at home from Washington for the holidays.”
“Miss Hattie Cox is visiting the family of Col. J. M. Barker in Bristol.”
“Willie King, located in Nashville, is visiting homefolks for a week.”
“Col. Jack Faw was down from Bristol Tuesday on a business mission.”
“Clyde Hodge came up from Knoxville to spend the holidays with his parents.”
“G. C. Harris was in the city yesterday smiling upon his numerous friends.”
“It was a white Christmas and is white ‘yit,’ and we are out of wood.”
“Frank Gildersleeve came up from Knoxville and spend the holidays in the city.”
“Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Range, of Erwin, are spending a few days in the city.”
“Miss Bonnier Wilds, of Greeneville, is the guest of her sister, Mrs. J. H. Moser.”
“Miss Mary Wilder, now a resident of Knoxville, is visiting her brother at Chestoa.”
Chestoa is a community in rural Unicoi County.
“Capt. W. H. Henderson came in from Embreeville to spend the holidays at home.”
“Mrs. Lucy Sevier has returned for Jonesboro after a short visit to Mrs. Jno. H. Bowman.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1899.
“Prof. J. F. Templin, Mrs. Templin and children are up from Whitesburg visiting relatives.”
Whitesburg is about 56 miles from Johnson City. It is located in Hamblen County.
“Miss Willie Cox came down from Southwest Virginia Institute to spend the holidays at home.”
Southwest Virginia Institute was founded in Glade Spring, Virginia, on September 17, 1884, by Reverend J.R. Harrison, a Baptist minister. It later became known as Virginia Intermont College, but has been closed for a number of years.
“Hon. A. A. Taylor is rejoicing over a new born (sic for newborn) son – the 7th we believe – and has named him Robt. L.”
Alfred A. Taylor was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1874 until 1876. He served as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives from the First Congressional District from 1889 until 1895. He was Governor of the State of Tennessee from 1921 until 1923.
“Mrs. R. H. Phinney and little sons left last Saturday for Alabama to spend the holidays with relatives.”
“Miss Laura King came home from Sullins College and spent Christmas. Miss Malicote accompanied Miss King.”
Sullins College was a college for women; it was located in Bristol, Virginia. It is now closed.
“The announcement of S. I. Boring, the new grocer, will interest you if you are interested in what you eat and how you buy it.”
“Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Reynolds, of Toledo, Iowa, are visiting their daughter, Mrs. M. Jackson, on Roan and Holston streets (sic for Streets).”
“Mrs. W. L. McFarland, Miss Willie McFarland and Miss Ada Caldwell, of Bristol, were welcome visitors in the city this week.”
“A burning chimney at the Carlisle Hotel created some little excitement early Tuesday evening and called out the fire department.”
“On next Monday, January 1st, Miss Hardy will put on sale a number of articles at a remarkably low price. Call and see what she has.”
“On Friday before Christmas a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Moser. Santa Claus was a little early but the gift is appreciated.”
“The building recently occupied by Geo. R. Brown is being fitted up for a shoe and hat house, and will be occupied by Frank McCorkle, of New York, after February 1st.:
“W. M. Belton left Tuesday for Toledo, Ohio, to accept a position with the Woolson Spice Co. He will travel West Tennessee and Kentucky for the makers of the celebrated Lion Coffee.”
“The ladies of the Monday Club will receive upon New Year’s day at the residence of Mrs. W. P. Harris. They will be assisted by several young society ladies and all friends are invited. The hours are from 2 until 10 o’clock.”
The Monday Club still meets on a regular basis.
“Frank Evans is shaking hands with his many friends in this city this week. Frank is now superintendent of the water works at Goldsboro, N. C. He is looking as natural as life and is as jolly as ever.”
“At least one little girl did not enjoy Christmas in Johnson City. On Christmas morning, Sadie Ferguson, the little daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Ferguson, fell and broke her arm. It was a painful injury, but the child bore her suffering like a heroine and is now recovering.”
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