Saturday, September 19, 1676: On this day, three hundred and fifty years ago today, “Virginia governor Sir William Berkeley, supporting Charles II’s efforts to exploit the colony, adopted new laws allowing only property holders to vote, raising taxes and raising the cost of shipping while lowering the price for tobacco. The resulting discontent exploded when the frontier of the colony was attacked by local tribes and the governor refused to defend the settlers. Nathaniel Bacon, a colonist on the governor’s council, led frontier farmers and successfully defeated the tribes. Denounced by Berkeley as rebels, Bacon and his men occupied Jamestown, forcing the governor to call an election, the first in 15 years. The Berkeley laws were repealed, and election and tax reforms were instituted. While Bacon and his troops were gone on a raiding party against the Indians, Berkeley against denounced them.. They returned and attacked Berkely’s forces, defeating them and burning Jamestown on September 19, 1676. Berkeley fled and Bacon became ruler of Virginia. When he died suddenly a short time later, the rebellion collapsed. Berkeley returned to power, and Bacon’s followers were hunted down; some were executed and their property confiscated. Berkeley was replaced the next year, and peace was restored.”
(Source: Chase’s Calendar of Events, 2026.)
Friday, September 19, 1777: Two hundred and forty-nine years ago today, “Patriot forces withstand a British attack in the First Battle of Saratoga, New York.”
(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)
Monday, September 19, 1796: Two hundred and thirty years ago today, “In a world still ruled by kings, President George Washington’s decision not to seek a third term clearly signaled that the United States would be governed by the people, not any ruler-for-life. Washington’s Farewell Address – really an open letter to the American people – appeared in newspapers on September 19, 1796. The president reminded his fellow citizens that national strength rests on the pillars of private morality, especially religion. The word he used to describe those pillars of American democracy is not ‘optional’ or ‘desirable’ or ‘helpful’; it is ‘indispensable.’
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
“’Tis substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?”
(Source: The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb.)
Thursday, September 19, 1901: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Comet reported several brief news accounts of interest to local residents. Several advertisements were included amongst the news accounts. Some of each follow:
“Fresh vegetables daily at Jackson’s.”
“Miss Lucy Carr spent a few days at Elk Park this week.”
Elk Park, North Carolina is about 30 miles from Johnson City. It is southeast of Johnson City.
“Mrs. M. Casey, of Birmingham is the guest of Mrs. W. H. Yates.”
“E. H. Seneker of Bristol is visiting his daughter, Mrs. P. H. Wofford.”
Bristol is about 24 miles from Johnson City. It is north, and very slightly east, of Johnson City.
“Foy W. Delaney and S. E. Miller will leave Friday for Buffalo via Cincinnati.”
“J. C. Robertson, one of Watauga’s substantial citizens was in the city Tuesday event to attend a Masonic meeting.”
Watauga, Tennessee is located in both Carter and Washington Counties, according to Holly Davison, former mayor of Watauga.
“James S. Byrd has repurchased the sorrel pacing horse Harry, and will have him here next week to be trained for the fair.”
“The old Jacob McNees dwelling on West Market street (sic for Street) was destroyed by fire about 2 o’clock Sunday morning. The house was occupied by Sma Miller. Loss covered by insurance.”
“After an extended illness Mrs. Carl Hendrix died Monday afternoon on consumption at her home on Unaka avenue (sic for Avenue) in this city. The funeral services were held at her home on Tuesday. Interment in Oak Grove.”
We now call consumption tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection; it generally affects the lungs but can affect other organs. It can be cured with the use of proper antibiotics.
Oak Grove is a community in Carter County.
“The many friends of Frank Gildersleeve will be greatly pained to hear of his serious illness with typhoid fever in West Virginia. His mother and father are at his bedside. The Comet joins in hoping for his speedy recovery.”
Typhoid fever, or typhoid, is a bacterial infection that can now be prevented by means of a vaccine.
“Several of our merchants draped their places of business in mourning in honor of the dead president but the mourning window at the Palace Shoe Store deserves special mention. There was so much taste displayed that it was really beautiful in its solemnity, and one could easily imagine that the body was lying in state there.”
President William McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901.
“One Hess & Snyder warm air heater, suitable for heating an 8 room dwelling, can be had at a bargain. Apply to W. P. Harris.”
“Buy Gold Dust flour.”
“You can’t think of anything in the grocery line that you can’t get at Jackson’s.”
“See or ‘phone J. S. Galliher & Co., if you want gasoline.”
“The City Drug Store fountains are at your command.”
“Bruner’s Department Store is now quartered in the new Crouch block on public square, one of the handsomest storerooms in East Tennessee.”
“The Hart & Houston store has moved in the room vacated by Mr. Bruner. The room is 160 feet deep and fronts on Main and Market streets (sic for Streets), and will give this firm the room they have needed for some time.”
“Gump Bros. will move into the room vacated by Hart & Houston as soon as they can have some necessary remodeling done. A new recess plate glass front will be put in and other improvements made that will make it an attractive store, to say nothing of the stock these gentlemen will carry.”
I do not have access to any daily newspapers that may have been published in Johnson City in 1901. The Comet was published every week.
For a great way to “Get Involved!” make plans to attend the Science Hill “Hall of Fame” ceremony next month.
“Johnson City Schools will honor the newest members of the Johnson City Schools Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Saturday, October 3 at 10 a.m. inside the Science Hill Auditorium.
“The Johnson City Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Mildred Goines (1937 Graduate | 1981 Retiree), Howard McCorkle (1927 Graduate | 1974 Retiree), Mary Hardin McCown (1907 Graduate), Jerry Cole (2000 Retiree), Elvin Little (1989 Retiree), Cathy Glenn (2006 Retiree), and Matt Rice (2007 Graduate).
“These individuals represent a wide range of contributions to Johnson City Schools as educators and alumni. Through their dedication, leadership and service, each honoree has made a significant and lasting impact on students and the Johnson City Schools community.
“We are proud to recognize the Class of 2026 and celebrate the lasting contributions these individuals have made to Johnson City Schools,” said Johnson City Schools Superintendent Dr. Erin Slater. “Their work and dedication have helped shape our schools and create opportunities for generations of students. We are honored to add their names to the Johnson City Schools Hall of Fame.”
“The mission of the Johnson City Schools Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor educators, alumni and contributors who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Johnson City Schools. The Hall of Fame also serves to preserve the rich history of Johnson City Schools and establish a connection between past and present members of the school community.
“The Class of 2026 will become the fourth class inducted into the Johnson City Schools Hall of Fame, joining previous honorees from the Classes of 2019, 2020 and 2024. To view those inductees, please visit www.jcschools.org/halloffame
“Legacy (Pre-1970)
“Mildred Goines devoted 41 years to education and the students of Johnson City, leaving a lasting legacy across generations. A 1937 graduate of Langston High School, Goines began her career in education after attending Swift Memorial Junior College and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee A&I State University, now Tennessee State University, in 1949, followed by a master’s degree in 1970. During her distinguished career, she taught music, library and other subjects at Douglass, Dunbar, Science Hill and Henry Johnson Elementary School, as well as serving students throughout Johnson City. A lifelong educator who overcame significant barriers and continued to pursue professional growth, Goines retired in 1981 after more than four decades of service. Her journey from a young student walking to school in Johnson City to a beloved educator serving generations of students represents a remarkable legacy of dedication, perseverance and commitment to education.
“Mary Hardin McCown dedicated her life to preserving the history of Johnson City, Washington County and Science Hill High School, becoming known as the “matriarch of history” in Washington County. A member of the Science Hill Class of 1907, McCown served as Johnson City’s official city historian and was a longtime member of the Tennessee Historical Commission. In the 1930s, she supervised a Works Progress Administration project to organize and preserve historic records dating to the 18th century in the Washington County Courthouse. She also helped protect the legacy of Oak Hill Cemetery through her leadership of its association and worked tirelessly to document the history of Science Hill through correspondence with former faculty and staff. Her dedication to preserving the stories, records and traditions of the community earned her widespread respect as a historian, storyteller and champion of local heritage. In 1967, six decades after her graduation, she returned to Science Hill to deliver the school’s Centennial Address, a fitting reflection of her enduring connection to the institution and the community she loved.
“C. Howard McCorkle dedicated 42 years to Johnson City Schools as a teacher, principal and superintendent, leaving a lasting mark on the district he called home. A 1927 graduate of Science Hill High School, McCorkle became principal of Science Hill in 1948 before being named superintendent in 1956, a position he held for 18 years. During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth and transformation, including the construction of two elementary schools, the Liberty Bell complex and a new Science Hill High School. He also led the district’s 1961 reorganization of its junior high schools, establishing North Junior High and South Junior High to serve a growing student population. Through decades of dedicated service and visionary leadership, McCorkle helped shape the modern Johnson City Schools system and created a legacy that continues to benefit generations of students.
“Tradition Category (1971-2000)
“Dr. Jerry Cole dedicated nearly six decades to education, including 40.5 years of service to Johnson City Schools, making a lasting impact through leadership, innovation and a commitment to excellence. He began his Johnson City career as band director at Science Hill High School, where his bands earned numerous state and national honors during his 14-year tenure. He later served as principal of Henry Johnson Elementary School before becoming Assistant Superintendent in 1989, a position he held until his retirement in 2000. As Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Cole oversaw major construction and expansion projects, including Mountain View, Lake Ridge and South Side Elementary Schools, Indian Trail Middle School and the expansion of Towne Acres Elementary School. He also helped usher Johnson City Schools into the digital age by playing a key role in creating the district’s first website in the late 1990s. An Eagle Scout and lifelong advocate for service and leadership, Dr. Cole’s legacy can be seen in the schools he helped build, the innovations he championed and the generations of students and educators he influenced.
“Elvin Little devoted nearly four decades to education, coaching and athletics in East Tennessee, including 29 years of distinguished service to Johnson City Schools. Little spent 19 years at Science Hill High School from 1960-79, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the school’s history. His Science Hill teams won 525 games, 14 district championships—including 10 consecutive titles from 1968-77—and six regional championships, while making five appearances in the state tournament and finishing as state runner-up in 1968 and third in 1967. Following his coaching career, Little served as Science Hill’s Athletic Director from 1979-83 before moving into district leadership as Interim Superintendent of Johnson City Schools from 1983-84 and Assistant Superintendent from 1984-89. A former University of Tennessee basketball player and coach who later earned his master’s degree in educational administration from East Tennessee State University, Little’s impact on Science Hill athletics and Johnson City Schools extended well beyond the court. His leadership, competitive excellence and commitment to students helped shape the tradition of excellence that continues to define Science Hill athletics today.
“Modern Category (2001-Current)
“Cathy Glenn dedicated 36 years to Johnson City Schools, serving as an innovative and award-winning teacher who inspired generations of students through creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning. Beginning her career at South Side Elementary School in 1970, Glenn later taught at Cherokee Elementary, Liberty Bell Middle School and Fairmont Elementary School, where she spent much of her career teaching fifth and sixth grade science. Recognized as both a school-level and Tennessee Teacher of the Year, Glenn created award-winning environmental programs, including an after-school environmental club at Liberty Bell, and helped establish the James H. Quillen Memorial Tree Museum at Winged Deer Park. A lifelong advocate for innovative learning, she also participated in NASA programs, was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to study education in Japan and helped introduce technology into the elementary classroom through an early 21st Century Classroom initiative. Glenn retired from Johnson City Schools in 2006, leaving a legacy of hands-on learning, environmental stewardship and a commitment to making education meaningful and memorable for every student she taught.
“Matt Rice, a 2007 graduate of Science Hill High School, has built an exceptional career that began on the Hilltopper baseball diamond and has taken him from professional baseball to the highest levels of the legal profession. A standout catcher at Science Hill, Rice went on to star at Western Kentucky University, where he became the program’s all-time leader in hits and RBIs and earned numerous academic and athletic honors. Following his record-setting college career, Rice was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft with the 300th overall pick and played professionally in the Rays organization. After his baseball career, Rice earned his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating first in his class, and went on to clerk for Judge Sandra Ikuta of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas before joining Williams & Connolly LLP. He later returned to Tennessee, serving as Solicitor General from 2024 until 2026. From his days as a Science Hill Hilltopper to his accomplishments in baseball and law, Rice exemplifies the excellence, determination and versatility that have long defined the Science Hill tradition.”
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