Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, November 14, 2024
News from the Knoxville Sentinel, a prominent death, a shooting and Telford Ruritan’s “Get Involved!”
Tuesday, November 14, 1899: One hundred and twenty-five years ago today, The Knoxville Sentinel reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. Readers learned that “A. J. Lacy, Esq., a prosperous farmer, was in the city yesterday from Sullivan county (sic). Mr. Lacy is building a fine farm home.”
“Many local people went up to Elizabethton yesterday, to attend circuit court.”
“Capt. Nelson, from Carter county (sic), was here last night. It will soon be known how he stands on the question, Brownlow or Campbell for congress (sic). It can be said of the captain that when he is for a man he is for him.”
The Brownlow referred to was elected to Congress. Walter Preston Brownlow, a Representative and Doorkeeper from Tennessee; born in Abingdon, Washington County, Va., March 27, 1851; attended the common schools; employed as a telegraph messenger boy when only ten years of age; became an apprentice in the tinning business at the age of fourteen and later became a locomotive engineer; entered upon newspaper work as a reporter for the Knoxville Whig and Chronicle in 1876; in the same year purchased the Herald and Tribune in Jonesboro, Tenn.; delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1880, 1884, 1896, 1900, and 1904; appointed postmaster at Jonesboro in March 1881; elected Doorkeeper of the United States House of Representatives for the Forty-seventh Congress (December 5, 1881–December 4, 1883); member of the Republican National Committee in 1884, 1896, and 1900; elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1897, until his death on July 8, 1910 (March 4, 1897-July 8, 1910); member of the Board of Managers for the National Soldiers' Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers 1902-1910; died at the National Soldiers' Home, Johnson City, Washington County, Tenn., July 8, 1910; interment in the Soldiers' Home Cemetery. (Source: InfoPlease.com.)
“Judge Thomas Curtin, the attorney-in-chief for the Virginial Iron Coal and Coke company (sic), has been in this city for several days, on business connected with that syndicate.”
“S. J. Kirkpatrick, Esq., of the law firm of Kirkpatrick, Williams, Bowman, is here on business, from his Jonesboro home.”
Jonesboro was spelled that way in 1899.
“A fine drove of horses passed through there last evening, going south.”
The Knoxville Sentinel is now published as the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Friday, November 14, 1924: A century ago today, the Johnson City Chronicle reported that “Mrs. Lou C. Devault (sic), widow of the late William E. DeVault, died at 1:30 o’clock Thursday morning, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. W. Brazwell, on Summit avenue (sic), Cherokee Heights. Mrs. DeVault’s death followed a lingering illness during the past year, during which time she had spent (several indecipherable words) with a daughter, Mrs. A. G. Wexler of Kingsport, and having been at Mrs. Brazwell’s home for the past five weeks. Death was attributed to leakage of the heart.
“Funeral services are to be conducted at two o’clock Friday afternoon from the residence of W. W. Brazwell, on Summit avenue (sic). The service will be in charge of Rev. E. J. Vance, pastor of the Watauga Avenue Presbyterian church (sic), assisted by Rev. George W. Robinson, of Bristol.
“Active pall-bearers named are James P. Hart, John Lusk, A. S. Gregg, M. G. Shafer, S. A. Gervin and D. E. Diddle.
“Flower bearers are Mrs. D. J. Hickman, Mrs. Worley Harr, Mrs. D. R. Beeson, Mrs. M. G. Shafer, Mrs. S. A. Gerwin, Mrs. D. E. Diddle, Mrs. W. W. Page, Mrs. John Lusk, Mrs. H. H. Myers, Mrs. W. A. Harbour.
“Mrs. DeVault was the daughter of James B. and Olivia Russell, of Sullivan county (sic); Mrs. Russell having been a Booher prior to her marriage. The deceased was in her 69th year, and was a notably conscientious and charitable Christian mother. She was a consistent member of the Watauga Avenue Presbyterian church (sic) here, and was a women of splendid influence in religious and social circles. Besides many relatives, a wide circle of friends will mourn her passing.
“Surviving are three sons: Mack DeVault and Wesley DeVault, of Johnson City; W. H. DeVault, of Bristol; and two daughters, Mrs. W. W. Brazwell, of Johnson City, and Mrs. A. G. Wexler, of Kingsport. A brother, John W. Russell, of Nashville, and a sister, Mrs. James E. Ketron, of Bloomingdale, also survive.”
Wednesday, November 14, 1934: Ninety years ago today, the Morristown Gazette and Mail reported news with a dateline from Johnson City. Readers learned that “Authorities Tuesday morning are blaming a family quarrel for the shooting of D. F. Collins, 54-year-old Limestone farmer, by O. M. Pleasant, also of the Limestone community.
“Collins is in a serious condition at the Appalachiain Hospital suffering from shotgun wounds on the left side of his head and body. Hospital attendants spent considerable time early Tuesday morning removing the buckshot from his body and while he suffered considerably it is believed that he will recover.
“Pleasant’s son married Collin’s daughter and a recent family argument between the young couple it is believed to have (indecipherable) the shooting between the two fathers.”
The Appalachian Hospital was the forerunner of Memorial Hospital, which was the forerunner of the Johnson City Medical Center.
According to www.loc.gov, the Morristown Gazette and Mail was published in Morristown from 1922 until 1963.
Tuesday, November 14, 1944: Eighty years ago today, the Johnson City Press-Chronicle reported that “Helen Ruth Williams, 201 Sycamore street (sic), reported her coat stolen from a local theater.”
“A. B. Fisher reported he was bitten by a dog belonging to Willie Hobson, No. 3 Exum street (sic). Hobson was ordered to keep the dog confined for 10 days.”
“Kingsport police said two boys had stolen a 1938 model sedan.”
Thank you to J. D. Banks for letting me know about today’s “Get Involved!” J. D., a resident of Telford, reports that the Bluegrass and Gospel Presentation will be held on Saturday, November 16th at the Ruritan Club’s “Variety Theater”, located at 101 Telford School Road in Telford. It will feature the Tennessee Backroads Bluegrass Band. J. D. says that if you love bluegrass music, picking and singing, or if you just want to experience this music, join in from 3 until 6 Saturday.
In addition, Pastor Craig Ponder will be sharing some old time, favorite gospel music.
Chili and cornbread, beverages and desserts will be available in the Community Room at intermission.
There isn’t an admission charge, but you are welcome to leave a donation at the door. The proceeds will benefit Telford families.
For additional information and details, call Glen Walker at 734 - 673 - 3720.
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.