Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, April 3, 2025
A mass meeting and a prominent death
Tuesday, April 3, 1900: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Johnson City and a date from April 1. Readers learned that “The democratic (sic for Democratic) mass meeting of Washington county (sic for County) met at Jonesboro yesterday, and was called to order by M. J. Gump, Esq., he (sic for the) county chairman.
“J. R. Duncan was elected as temporary chairman and S. S. Kirkpatrick as secretary.
“Ex-Sheriff George W. Willettt was elected as county chairman for the next two years.
“The following committee was selected on nomination. Dr. R. L. Patton, chairman; Wm. Harris, Brookins Campbell, T. A. Redford, R. E. Treadway, G. R. Crumley, W. R. Reeves, J. A. Warley, S. A. Gray, J. E. Gillison, S. Wilcox, S. J. Kirkpatrick, J. R. Carson, J. B. Broderick and C. C. Walker, from the Eighteenth district (sic for District) of the county.
“This committee after a very careful work selected seventy-four delegates to represent Washington county (sic for County) at the Nashville convention.
“A committee of five was appointed on resolutions. A majority and a minority report were brought in by this committee, and after a heated discussion, the minority report was laid on the table and the majority report was unanimously adopted, among other sentiments were:
“’That we again acknowledge our belief in and declare our allegiance to the principles and policies embodied in the Chicago platform.
“’We are opposed to trusts and imperialism and a military power. Such as now fostered. Endorse the renomination of Bryan at Kansas City.’
“The convention instructed the delegates to Nashville to vote for the renomination of Gov. Benton McMillin and directed the delegate to use proxies at Nashville. Baxter Taylor was endorsed for elector for the First congressional (sic for Congressional) district (sic for District).
“A special resolution was offered and carried strongly approving the administration of Gov. Benton McMillin, commending him for the efficient manner in which he has conducted the affairs of the state, especially as to the re-election of the state debt.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1900.
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Friday, April 3, 1925: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported sad news. Readers learned that “A m Smith, 45, vice-president and general manager of the Tennessee Eastern Electric Company died early Thursday morning at his home here, 103 East Watauga avenue (sic for Avenue), following an illness of kidney affection (sic for affliction), which assumed serious proportions only about a week prior to his death. The end came shortly after 2 o’clock in the morning.
“Funeral services are to be conducted this afternoon at three o’clock at St. John’s Episcopal church (sic for Church), and will be in charge of Rev. Harry F. Kellar, rector of the church.
“Active pall-bearers (sic for pallbearers) are to be W. W. Miller, Hammond Prossesr, R. A. Lacey, Allen Harris, L. T. Harrower, Joe A. Summers.
“Honorary pall-bearers (sic) will be Thad. A. Cox, W. A. Leland, Roy M. Clark, G. C. Sanders, Tom O’Brien, R. D. Shearer, all of whom are connected officially with the concern of which the deceased was the head.
“Following the services here, the remains are to be taken to Washington, D. C., on Southern Train No. 42. At Washington a brief service will be conducted at the undertaking establishment of Zurhourst, 201 East Capital (sic for Capitol) street (sic for Street); followed by interment in Rock Creek Cemetery, by the side of his infant child who died some years ago. The remains will be accompanied by Mrs. Smith, and her son, Crystal.
“Mr. Smith was one of the best known and prominent men in industrial, civic and social circles in this section. For the past 18 years he has been in charge of the Johnson City Electric Stations: as general manager of the original Watauga Electric Company, as the president and general manager, in active charge of the successor corporation, the Tennessee Eastern Electric Company, which office he held at the time of his death. He was regarded as one of the foremost mechanical and electrical engineers of the South, and an executive of productive ability, being also a member of the National Electric Light Association and of the American Electric Railway Association.
“In Johnson City, he was active in civic, religious and social affairs, being a member of the Episcopal Church, a member and at one time president of the Rotary Club; and of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Mr. Smith was born in Maryland, near Washington, D. C., though his home for the greater part of his life was in Washington, where he decided upon entering the electrical profession. He was a graduate of Cornell University; was connected with the street rialway operations in Washington for some years and he came to Johnson City 18 years ago to take charge of the electric power plants here.
“He was married in Washington to Mildred Crystal. His widow and one son, Crystal Smith, a student at the local high school survive. He is also survived by two sisters: Mrs. Carrie Schreyer, of Milton, Pa., and Mrs. Edith Hawes, of Washington, D. C., and one brother, Frank Smith, of Boston, Mass.”
Thursday, April 3, 1975: Fifty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “A citizens’ band radio was reported stolen from a car belonging to Charlie Cash, 803 Pardee St., Tuesday night. The car was parked a Skate Inn, 302 Wesley St., at the time of the theft, according to investigating officers.”
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