Thursday, July 19, 1900 Surprise, Tennessee, July 15---Our Sweetwater friends will remember how our little Willie, who was then only about ten months old, went to Mr. Flenniken, who acted Santa Claus, at the Christmas entertainment at the Baptist church. They will remember how pretty and sweet she was as Mr. Flenniken took her on his shoulder and carried her about in the house, the congregation cheering the little one. Little Willie died at fifteen minutes before ten o'clock on Saturday night, July 7th. She is now at rest, while we are left to mourn her loss. She was two years, four months and five days old. Her stay with us was brief, but she was all sunshine in the home. Sincerely, M.L. Blankenship. Mystery Cleared Up---The mystery surrounding the finding of the decomposed remains of a white man, on the roadside near Cleveland, last Thursday, has been unraveled. James Johnson has been arrested and confessed that he killed the man, whose name was Posey Barker. It seems that Johnson and Barker had been living in the West for a number of years, that the latter was returning home, the former accompanying him. They had traveled to Tennessee in a wagon. Johnson in his confession stated that on Monday afternoon they stopped on the roadside to do some cooking, that Barker had gotten hold of some whisky and was quarrelsome and interfered with him while he was doing the cooking. Barker, he said, started to reach for a stick with which to strike him, when he (Johnson) picked up a hatchet and struck him in the head, killing him. Afterwards he placed the body in a fence corner, where it was found. Johnson is in jail, awaiting a preliminary trial today. He is 65 years of age and claims to be a miner and prospector. Posey Barker was well known in Bradley and Polk Counties, having left Ducktown 16 years ago, on account of some family troubles, and located in Oklahoma Territory. He wrote to his family last fall saying he contemplated making them a visit this summer. He was drawing near his old home when the tragedy as above stated occurred. His body was identified as that of Posey Barker, by his sons and other Polk County citizens who had known him. The remains were buried at Ducktown. Obituary of Miss Bessie Dodson of McMinn County, daughter of W.C. Dodson. Mrs. George Johnson was taken to Knoxville on Monday where Dr. Browder, of Sweetwater, and Drs. W.H. and Jo. Harrison, Jr., performed a delicate surgical operation. Mrs. Johnson has been in feeble health for several years, and hopes are entertained that the operation will prove beneficial. ---Loudon Record. Mrs. Johnson died at Knoxville, at six o'clock Sunday evening. The funeral services were conducted at Loudon, Monday afternoon, after which the interment took place in Steekee Creek Cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. J.L. Wilson, of Pond Creek Valley, and a lady of many attractions. She was 35 years of age and had been an invalid for several years. J.C. Fryar has received the sad intelligence of his brother's death in Lorena, Texas, on July 7th. Mr. J.H. Fryar removed from Pond Creek, Loudon County, to that state four years ago. W.A. Cunningham, one of the most prominent citizens, and a leading druggist of Athens, died yesterday, after an illness of several months duration. Mr. Cunningham was postmaster at Athens during President Cleveland's last administration. In Memoriam---The subject of this sketch, Joseph H. Bushong was born in the state of Ohio June 23rd, 1844. His early life was spent on the farm in that state. In the early days of the Civil War he enlisted in the cause of the Union and gave to his country much of his vigorous manhood. In 1866 he was happily married to Miss Annie Beardsley. In 1882 he removed to Sweetwater, Tenn., where he resided till his death. The family circle which consisted of nine had not been broken till on the night of July 10th, 1900, when the death angel poised himself and swooped down upon the happy home choosing as his victim the dear father. When the morning awoke it found a community in tears. The husband and father, the patriot and hero, the neighbor and friend, the gentleman and Christian had gone to join the spirit throng. To the bereaved family and friends, the entire community extends its sympathy and condolence; trusting that Divine strength may be given in this trying hour. "When the hopes seem all forsaking And thy very heart seems breaking Look beyond the cloud of darkness With its gleaming silvery skeen. Newer hopes take for the morrow, God will help thee bear thy sorrow, Go bury it deeply that twill never come between Thy plans for future gladness. For twere folly verged on madness To grope in hopeless darkness, There is sunshine to be seen." Thursday, July 26, 1900 Killed By Lightning---Mrs. Charles Holland, wife of a well known citizen of Erie, Loudon County, was killed by lightning near her residence Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Holland was returning to her home and during the thunderstorm took shelter under a large tree. A bolt of lightning struck the tree and followed it to the ground, killing Mrs. Holland instantly. The lightning set fire to her clothing and most of it was burned from her body before help could reach her. Deceased was a most estimable lady and was the daughter of Thomas Rooker. The funeral occurred Sunday. Bessie, the little daughter of Dr. and Mrs. T.H. Hardin, died at her home, Olustee, Oklahoma, July 15th. Dr. and Mrs. Hardin have many relatives and friends here, who deeply sympathize with them in their sorrow. J.A. Miller's fine saddle horse, "Hustler" died Monday afternoon. Thursday, August 2, 1900 Monroe County's Oldest Citizen---Rev. E.A. Taylor, on Monday, July 30th, celebrated his 89th birthday with a complimentary dinner at the elegant home of his son-in-law, William Thomas. Among those who were invited to do him honor, and were present were: Rev. W.A. Moffitt and wife, Dr. R.F. Scruggs, Mr. G.M. McKnight and Mr. J.L. Thomas. His brother, Elbert Taylor, from Oregon, who is himself 75 years of age, and who is visiting him, was also present. The dinner was simple with no attempt at elaboration. It was a thoroughly good, old-fashioned, country dinner and in perfect keeping with the sturdy character and sterling goods sense of the one whom it was intended to honor, and reflected great credit upon the skill of Mrs. Thomas, who superintended its preparation. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all and added greatly to the pleasure of the already pleasant occasion. The day was spent largely in listening to Mr. Taylor relate pleasant reminiscences of the olden time. He was born in 1811, one year before the War of 1812. He was more than 21 years old before the world had ever heard of a railroad, a telegraph line or a steam boat. When he removed from his home in Grainger County, the place of his birth, 62 years ago, to his present place of residence, this whole section of country was mostly in the woods. The beautiful, smiling Sweetwater Valley which now blossoms as the rose was almost altogether woodland. He cleared his farm, burnt the brick and built his present dwelling 60 years ago, and the old house stands today, firm and strong, a monument to his industry. No man has served his generation better than has Mr. Taylor. He has chosen a quiet, retired life, though had he aspired to political honors he could have had them. He served as magistrate for many years after the war and was largely instrumental in bringing his section of country to peaceful settlement in those terrible times. He has been a preacher of the Gospel for more than 50 years, though he has never accepted license or ordination. He has given most of his time to building up and encouraging weak country churches, though had he chosen and accepted ordination, he would have ranked among the leading preachers of the land. Mr. Taylor has 30 grandchildren he can count, he says, and 20 great-grandchildren. He is hale and hearty for a man of his years, and it could almost be said of him that "his eye is undimmed and his natural force unabated." He is humbly thankful to God for his long life and present good health, and only wishes that the remainder of his days be spent in useful service to Him. May he yet be spared to celebrate many more such days. Thursday, August 9, 1900 John Hyde, a well known resident of Sweetwater, died yesterday morning after a brief illness. Deceased leaves a wife and several children, besides a wide circle of relatives and friends, who mourn his loss. Murder In Sweetwater---The town was thrown into a furor of excitement at an early hour Tuesday morning. Three pistol shots coming in quick succession were heard at 7:30 o'clock, and an excited crowd soon gathered on the street between Hutcheson & Co.'s. store and Hart & Co.'s. saloon, to find the prostrate and bleeding body of Walter Ramsay. The fatal shots had been fired by Dr. C.L. Tucker, the well known dentist of this city. Just previous to the shooting Dr. Tucker had transacted some business at the post office, and had started up Railroad Street, when he saw young Ramsay standing near the corner of Hart's saloon. They stepped out a few feet from the sidewalk and held a short conversation, the import of which, except by inference, is not known. Dr. Tucker drew his revolver and fired, the first bullet penetrated the left nipple, the second took affect in the back, the third in the abdomen. Ramsay cried, "Oh, oh, oh," and fell dead. Dr. Tucker immediately went in search of an officer, and in a few minutes had surrendered himself to Constable Charles North. The lifeless body of Walter Ramsay was removed from the street to the sidewalk west of Hutcheson & Co.'s. store. The young man's mother was sent for, and soon arrived to find her boy, who had left home ten minutes before, now still in death. The cause of the deplorable tragedy, as brought out at the trial, and from the statement of Dr. Tucker, was his 16 year old daughter, Miss Bessie, for whose downfall it is alleged young Ramsay was responsible. Ramsay had been guilty of criminal intimacy with the young girl, who recently disclosed to her mother the knowledge of her relationship with the young man. The mother was heart-broken, and immediately after the fact was made known to Dr. Tucker, he notified Ramsay that unless he saved his daughter's disgrace by immediate marriage that he would kill him. Dr. Tucker went to Vonore Monday to do some dental work and on his return Monday night learned that Walter had not married his daughter. Whereupon, he decided to avenge the advantage taken of her by Ramsay, with the above result. It was proved at the preliminary trial that Ramsay had anticipated his tragic death, having stated just a few days before that "he guessed Dr. Tucker would kill him when he came home," and that he didn't care. Walter Ramsay was about twenty years of age and lived with his widowed mother, Mrs. R.A. Ramsay, in this city. He was a son of the late Prof. R.A. Ramsay, the well known educator, who suicided at Chattanooga, in 1891, by jumping from the new bridge into the Tennessee River. Dr. Tucker is a son of Col. James Tucker, deceased, long one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of McMinn County. He removed his family here from Kingston about two years ago. He is a man of about forty-five years of age and has always borne an excellent reputation. At 8:30 o'clock an inquest was held over the remains of the young man, the jury deciding from the evidence that Walter Ramsay had met his death from the three pistol shots, by the hand of Dr. C.L. Tucker. At ten o'clock the preliminary trial was held before Magistrate R.M. Cleveland. Dr. Tucker was represented by Young & Young. He was bound over to court in the sum of $1,000. A volunteer bond was immediately made for him, worth $100,000. The funeral over the remains of Ramsay occurred at seven o'clock this morning, after which the interment took place in Sweetwater Cemetery. The sad occurrence is deeply deplored. Thursday, August 16, 1900 Killed At The Telephone---A young Mr. DeBusk, son of Joseph DeBusk, of near Rose Hill, Lee County, Va., was killed instantly one day last week, while using a telephone. His death was due to an electric shock, resulting from a storm that was prevailing at the time. The young man had the receiver to his ear at the time. The bolt that followed the wire to his head is said to have been so severe that the young man was thrown against the wall with considerable force. ---Bristol Courier. Mrs. Marion Letcher, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. R.A. Ramsay, left yesterday afternoon for Montgomery, Ala. Mrs. Ramsay will make her future home with Mrs. Letcher. Mrs. Fannie Fisher Reed, wife of Charles Reed, of Athens, died at the home of S.F. Gettys at Sanford Monday, of appendicitis. Deceased was a most lovable woman, and has for many years been the favorite in Athens society. Much sympathy is expressed for the heart-broken husband, to whom is left a bright two-year old boy. The funeral occurred at Athens Tuesday. Sweetwater Mourns The Loss of A Estimable Citizen---Mr. David H. Cleveland, one of the best known and highly valued citizens of Monroe County, died at his residence in Sweetwater last Friday afternoon at 5:10 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks duration. The announcement of his death was not unexpected, as his condition for several days past had been such as to cause alarm, and it was evident to those attending him that the end was not far distant. He passed peacefully away without a struggle, and his spirit returned to God who gave it. David H. Cleveland, youngest son, and only surviving child of Rev. Eli Cleveland, was born at the old Cleveland homestead, four miles northeast of Sweetwater, November 5th, 1824. His father came to this country from North Carolina about one hundred years ago, and entered the land, now so well known in this section as the "Cleveland farm," remaining there until the time of his death. At his death, hos son David took charge and has resided on the place continuously until in 1898, when he removed to Sweetwater in order to get advantage of our schools. He was wedded to his first wife, Miss Elizabeth Ann Johnson, June 11th, 1844. Twelve children blessed their union, nine of whom survive. On November 11th, 1884, he was married to Miss Malinda Shearman. To them were born three children, two little daughters survive. At the age of seventeen Mr. Cleveland professed faith in Christ and soon after united with the Baptist church at Old Sweetwater. His conversion he constantly maintained "through tribulation," up to his death. He was not without infirmities, neither was he without grace. He left his infirmities and shortcomings to the mercy of God. As death approached he became anxious to go, and asked the members of his family to meet him in Heaven. He expressed the desire several days previous to his death, that he might be carried back to the old home of his birth, that he might spend his last hours amid the scenes of his childhood. He was a man of great industry and good judgment---a conscientious, Christian gentleman, a kind and considerate husband and father, a faithful friend and neighbor. He was a man of determined purpose, honest, upright, of strong impulse, a man true to his friends and always helpful to the deserving. Physically, he was strong and robust, and until a few months ago, rarely ever experienced a sick day. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.A. Moffitt, from the Baptist church, in this city, Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, after which the interment took place in the cemetery near his old home. The services were attended by a large number of relatives, besides many of his neighbors and friends. It was the express wish of the deceased that little be said about him, and that no fulsome eulogies be passed on his life, at his funeral. The following children by his first marriage survive: Mrs. James A. Johnston, Mrs. R.L. Carter, Mrs. Ben Hudson, Mrs. William Jones of Monroe County; Mrs. Kinney Walker of Texas; Messrs. R.M. and Eli Cleveland of Idaho, and Joe Cleveland of Texas. A number of grandchildren and great grandchildren, also survive. His widow, Mrs. Malinda N. Cleveland, and two daughters, Misses Nell and Grace Cleveland, reside in Sweetwater. To all these, many hearts go out in deep sympathy. Thursday, August 23, 1900 J.L. Johnston Killed---Letters received from Murray County, Ga., in the past week state that J.L. Johnston was killed there, and that Harrison Roy is supposed to be the one who did the killing. No particulars are given. Roy and Johnston once lived in the second district of this county and Johnston had Roy indicted on a charge of house burning. Johnston's widow wrote up here stating that Roy did the killing and a reward of $200 was offered for his arrest. ---Madisonville Democrat. John A. Pickel---One by one, our best and most highly respected citizens are rapidly passing away. We are called upon this week to announce the death of John A. Pickel, a man universally honored and respected in the community. Death relieved him of his suffering at seven o'clock Thursday evening. His illness was of several months duration and for some time it has been feared that he would not recover. Death came at a time when least expected, as it frequently does, and his loved ones could scarcely realize that he had passed to the Great Beyond. John A. Pickel was a son of the late James A. Pickel, and was born at the old homestead, on Pond Creek, July 28th, 1848, having just completed his fifty-second year. He was a most active and industrious man, a devoted husband and father, a useful citizen. No man in this community has shown a greater interest in the upholding and advancement of Sweetwater, than did John A. Pickel. He desired more to promote the best interests of the town, than for his own personal preferment, and has been the means of bringing many good citizens to our town. As has been well said of him, he was for "Sweetwater, first, last and all the time." He was governed by just and honorable principles in all his dealings. He will be sadly missed, not only in the home, but throughout the entire community. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and when able, took an active part in church work. A devoted wife, three daughters and a son, four sisters and three brothers, together with a large circle of relatives, survive. To these many hearts go out in sincere sympathy. The funeral services were conducted from the residence Saturday morning at nine o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.L. Bachman, in a most impressive manner. The interment took place in West View Cemetery, our lovely city of the dead, which the deceased has exhibited such an interest in improving and beautifying since the grounds were laid off in 1892. A large concourse of relatives and friends attended the last sad rites. We join with the community in the general sorrow felt over his death, and extend heartfelt sympathy to the grief-stricken family. Thursday, August 30, 1900 To The Public---This is to certify that I, Rev. H.F. Sheler, pastor of the colored C.P. churches at this place and at North Point, have offered my resignation as pastor of the above named churches. I have served these churches for six years and a half, and have during that time made many friends among both the white and colored people. Because I have tried to do my duty and preach the Gospel, as best I could, and because I have not resorted to some of the low-down ways of some of my color, I have lost some friends from this class. I preached my last sermon on the 26th instant. The balance due me for services to date, is $45.97, which I am sure will be paid soon. I, like all other Gospel ministers, have met with opposition, but thank God, it has not discouraged me, and I can say of a truth that the white people and a majority of the colored, have been my friends and have stood by me. May God bless them all. I shall remain a citizen of Sweetwater. Respectfully, Rev. H.F. Sheler. Sweetwater, Tenn., Aug. 27, 1900. Desperado Harrison Roy Who Waylaid Johnson At Durham---The following story of the brutal murder of John Johnson by Harrison Roy, a well known character in Monroe County, appeared in Friday's Chattanooga News, and will interest the readers of the Telephone. Johnson was employed a few years ago by Mr. J.C. Warren of this place, to work on his farm, and was an industrious, hard-working man. Harrison Roy needs no introduction to the people of this section. Full details as given of the horrible murder, as given by the News, follows: On the first of this month there was enacted at the Durham ore banks, in Walker County, near High Point, Ga., as brutal a murder as ever has disgraced this section for many years. Meager accounts of the tragedy found their way into the public press, but the full details of the horrible affair are now for the first time given to the public. Briefly stated, John Johnson, a laborer in the ore banks, while returning from his work on August 1, was shot from a carefully constructed "blind," or ambush, when within a few rods of his own humble doorsteps. The shot was fired from behind, 103 buckshot entering his body, just under the shoulder blade. The assassin has never been apprehended, although his identity is well known. The murderer is an old man, Harrison Roy by name, who murdered Johnson for the purpose of suppressing his evidence, which would land Roy in the penitentiary for life for the crime of arson, robbery and forgery. Not content with brutally murdering Johnson, Roy let it be known, going so far as to write a letter to Johnson, stating that he expected to kill all the family old enough to give any testimony against him for his numerous crimes, of which the Johnson family were aware. These threats and the letter, coupled with the known reckless character of the desperado, so worked upon the fears of the Johnson family that they fled in terror to this city within a few days after the murder of the head of the family. They are now existing in utter wretchedness and the most abject poverty at the corner of Long Street and Missionary Avenue, where they were seen by a News reporter and the following story elicited: Mrs. Johnson's story: Up to about two years ago Johnson and Roy had resided in Monroe County, about five miles from Madisonville. Johnson had been engaged as a farm hand, working for different farmers of Sweetwater Valley wherever opportunity might offer. He was an industrious, hard-working, though illiterate man. Desperado Harrison Roy: Roy has been noted for years as a desperate character. During the late war he was one of those skulking miscreants known as a "bush-whacker," who took no sides, but robbed, burned and murdered, never asking the affiliation of the victim. Since the war he has been under continual survielance for some crime or a more less outrageous character. A few years ago Roy burned a house on the farm then owned by D.C. Young, of Sweetwater, said farm being five miles southeast of Sweetwater, in the well known Fork Creek knobs. He had the temerity or fool-hardiness to boast of the crime before the family of Johnson, both before and after the deed was done. Rumors of this getting abroad, Johnson and others of his family were summoned before the grand jury at Madisonville, and through their testimony Roy was indicted for house-breaking and larceny. But Roy was a versatile villain. Not content with the low and risky method of robbery, in which the greater crime of arson must be committed to hide the lesser, he entered upon an extensive system of forgery, the special plan of operation being to forge deeds to a number of pieces of valuable land, proceeded to undertake to get into possession of same or to sell on the forged deeds. This crime was also known to the Johnson family, and again through them indictments in great number and variety were found. This appearance of the Johnson family against Roy, though involuntary and forced, greatly angered him and aroused the animal in his nature, never very far below the surface. He escaped into the mountain fastness of western North Carolina, vowing the most horrible revenge against the informers. Johnson fled: On the advice of their friends, the Johnsons moved to Walker County, Georgia, about a year or a little more ago. Johnson secured work in the ore banks near the Durham coal mines, and thought for awhile that he was free from danger from his implacable enemy. But the security was short-lived. Pretty soon Roy was seen in the neighborhood, and after a time, growing bolder, he made no pretense of concealment. To numerous persons he gave it out that he would kill Johnson and all his family. On the evening before the shooting of Johnson, he was at the house of a neighbor, Joe Stanford, by name, where he cleaned and loaded his gun, telling Stanford that the load he then put in was for the purpose of killing Johnson. Laid in wait: Knowing the road which Johnson would take going home from his work, he skillfully constructed what hunters term a "blind," that is a network of boughs woven together, behind which he could lay concealed and take deadly and deliberate aim at his victim. There he lay in wait, watching the path for his human prey as a wild beast watches for the coming of its victim. Unsuspecting, Johnson passes along, in company with a neighbor, John Hollingsworth. When so close that to miss would be impossible, the wolfish eyes of the waiting murderer glanced along the barrel of the deadly shotgun, a flash, a report, and Johnson, with a cry of anguish falls into the arms of his companion, literally riddled with shot. His blood soaked shirt: The shirt worn by Johnson, yet stiff with the blood of the murdered man, was exhibited by the heart-broken widow, pierced with more than a hundred shot-holes. Johnson was carried to his home, to die within a quarter of an hour. The murderer fled, but not before he made the most blood-thirsty threats of annihilation against the balance of the family, until none should be left to give evidence against him. Knowing the bloody nature of this human beast, and having the gory evidence of this fiendish vengeance before their minds, the family fled in terror to the supposed protection of this city. Roy is still at large and will probably never be caught. It is thought he has lost himself in the great west, where detection is little likely. The family consists of the widow, a woman of about 40 years of age; her mother, aged 70 years, and four children, a girl of 5 years and three boys aged 7, 12 and 15 years. In destitution: They are wretchedly poor, all of the furniture being of the shabbiest description. One or two beds and a couple of chairs, with but little bed-clothing, constitute the whole furnishing of the squalid room. The widow is in rather poor health, but will be thankful for any work she can procure. The 12 and 15 year old boys are able to work, but being ignorant of the ways of a city, have not been able to secure any work so far, despite unremitting efforts to do so. The case is one deserving attention of the charitably disposed. The family does not impress one as being depraved---simply unsophisticated, illiterate "poor whites," with no ambition, no aspiration beyond the material ones of existence, free from the pangs of hunger or cold. The smaller children are fit subjects for some charitable persons who will interest themselves to secure homes where they might be redeemed and made useful to society. The children have a bright appearance, with no trace of viciousness. Mrs. Johnson says that with the exception of her earnings from two day's work, they have subsisted on the charity of the neighbors. She made application, she says, to the Associated Charities for assistance in securing work. Thursday, September 13, 1900 Givens Respited: Nashville, September 8---Gov. McMillin today respited C.S. Givens, of Jefferson County, for ninety days, extending the date of his execution until Dec. 11. This is the fourth time Givens has been respited, the clemency being extended on account of his extreme bad health. The respite in the present case states that according to expert testimony, Givens can neither sit, stand, nor turn himself in bed, being paralyzed on one side. The bones of one foot are so badly diseased that several have had to be extracted. Mr. Wash May father of Mr. James May, who submitted to a dangerous surgical operation, at his home in Knoxville, week before last, is in a serious condition and there is very little hope for his recovery. It is with deep regret that we learn of the death of Mrs. Cline, wife of Dr. I.M. Cline, of the weather bureau office, Galveston, Texas. Mrs. Cline's name appears in the list of casualties reported from Saturday's storm. Mr. Cline is a former Monroe County man, being a son of Mr. Jacob L. Cline. Thursday, September 20, 1900 Regret, Tennessee---Matthew Thompson, son of John Thompson, died on the 13th instant, near Prigmore, Tenn., of some malignant throat trouble, supposed to be from a wheat beard lodging in his throat and causing a violent inflammation. His remains were interred at Union Cemetery on the 14th. Article about the killing of Charles Jones at the Clue Hotel in Madisonville. Mrs. Kizer, who was a Pardue, died at her residence on William Cleveland's place, last Friday. Obituary of George Washington May of Knox County, Tennessee. Thursday, October 11, 1900 Article by Dr. I.M. Cline about the hurricane at Galveston, Texas. Negroes Must Go: Knoxville, Tennessee, October 6---Dr. Bartlett, of Maryville College, said here today with reference to the revolt of the students of the college against the Negro, that the latter had to go, that the college could no longer be hindered by this drawback. Therefore the Negroes will be given money and allowed to set up a college of their own. They will be instructed by the faculty of the college. Maryville College accepted $10,000 years ago on condition that Negroes would be admitted, and up to this time these conditions have been observed. Glenloch---Mary Lucille, infant daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W.P. Hicks was born July 4, 1899, died Oct. 5, 1900, aged 1 year, 3 months and 1 day. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.C. Cannon at the New Hope C.P. Church, Sunday, 9:30 a.m., after which the interment took place in New Hope Cemetery Oct. 7. Thursday, October 25, 1900 A Good Man Gone---Many hearts were saddened by the death of Mr. Thomas B. Byrd, which occurred at the family residence one mile west of town, on Monday morning. Mr. Byrd has been in poor health for several years, but until recently was able to drive to town several times each week. A few days ago, however, his loved ones realized that the end was not far distant. He died peacefully, his life going out as quietly as a summer sunset when the storm is over. Thomas B. Byrd was born in Roane County, March, 1825, where he lived until three years ago, removing with his son, John S. Byrd, to their farm near town. He was a member of one of the most prominent East Tennessee families, and no man either in Roane or Monroe Counties stood higher in the estimation of the people than did he. He was known of all men as possessing a noble character, while his domestic life was gentleness itself. In fact, his life has been characterized by love and kindness to all mankind. He was governed by just and honorable principles in all his dealings, and those who knew him best will attest his strength of moral purpose and pride in exalted manhood. He was a consistent and valued member of the Methodist church and devotedly loved God's house and the worship thereof. Deceased leaves a devoted wife, and six children; Mrs. J.W. Dickey, and Mrs. T.H. Hardin of Oklahoma; Mrs. D.N. Browder and Miss Lou Byrd of Sweetwater; Robert Byrd of Oklahoma and John S. Byrd of Sweetwater. Also one sister, Mrs. Sallie Billingsley of Sherman Heights and a brother, Mr. J.H. Byrd of Paint Rock, Roane County. To these, and to all sorrowing relatives, many hearts go out in tender sympathy. The funeral services were conducted from the residence Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, Revs. J.C. Maness and J.L. Bachman officiating. A host of relatives and friends followed his remains to their last resting place in West View Cemetery. The attendance at the ceremonies, at the residence and the grave prove the esteem in which the deceased was held. Last Thursday afternoon, after a deeply impressive funeral service, conducted by Rev. J.L. Bachman, all that was mortal of little Frances Penland was consigned to the grave. The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends. We regret to learn of the death, at Athens, on Sunday, of Will T. Reed, senior member of the hardware firm of Reed Bros. Death of Lynn McCaslin---We are called upon again this week to chronicle the death of another bright child, from another happy home in our little city. Thursday afternoon at four o'clock the spirit of Lynn Bachman, the five year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J.H. McCaslin, took its flight and returned to God who gave it. Lynn had been ill for several days and his death had been despaired of for some time. He endured his sufferings patiently for one of his age and peacefully passed away when the final summons came. Today his soul basks in the golden sunlight of the city of God and in the resurrection Lynn will come forth glorified and stand justified in the presence of Him who redeemed home with his own precious blood. It seemed hard for the parents to give up their dear one, but it was God's will, and we know that He "doeth all things well." The funeral service was held at the residence Friday morning at eleven o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.L. Bachman, after which the remains were carried to Madisonville for interment. The bereaved family has the sympathy of a host of friends in their deep affliction. Second Death Within A Week---Little Alice, the three year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. McCaslin died lat night at two o'clock, after an illness of several days duration. This is the second death in this family within a week. Mr. & Mrs. McCaslin have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement. The funeral will occur from the residence at eleven o'clock today, and the interment will be at Madisonville. Herbert, another son, who has been quite ill is improving, and hopes are entertained for his recovery. Thursday, November 1, 1900 Deputy United States Marshall Anderson, of Chattanooga, had a curious experience last Friday and one that he is not likely to soon forget. Thursday Anderson arrested "old man" Jerry Jenkins and his son, William, in the backwoods of Monroe County on the charge of moon shining and brought them to Cleveland, where they were tried and bound over to the spring term of the Federal Court. Failing to make bond, Anderson started to Chattanooga with his two prisoners, neither of whom were handcuffed. While the train was pulling out of Cleveland at a rapid rate old Jerry Jenkins, whose mild and submissive manners had thrown Anderson off his guard, suddenly and with cat-like agility, sprang from the seat, cleared the space to the platform in two bounds and jumped off into space, turning a double hand-spring, and, landing on his feet, made off for a strip of woodland as hard as he could run. R.N. Penland, who was called here by the death of his little daughter, Frances, left Thursday for Birmingham, from whence he left Saturday for Puerto Rico, in the interest of his firm. Thursday, November 15, 1900 Boy Accidentally Killed---Jim Polk, the fourteen year old son of Charles Spencer, colored, was shot and almost instantly killed near town Saturday afternoon. In company with Mills Smith and another colored boy by the name of Martin, the trio left town before noon for a hunt. They had reached a field on Mr. Love's farm, west of Mr. Hardin's residence, when by some means, the 22 calibre rifle young Smith carried, was accidentally discharged. The ball entered Jim Polk's left side, ranging upward and through the heart, causing almost instant death. He exclaimed to his companion "Mills, you have shot me, but I know you didn't aim to do it." The boys were all carrying their guns cocked, and the accident was purely accidental. Jim was a bright, energetic boy and the accident is deeply regretted. The funeral and burial took place Monday morning. Obituary of J. Barrett McCroskey. Thursday, November 22, 1900 Nellie Pauline Ray, daughter of a prominent Presbyterian minister at Omaha, Neb., suicided at Knoxville last Saturday morning at the Palace Hotel. She took morphine. She left no message. Old Conductor Killed---John W. Leming, aged 44, and one of the oldest railway conductors in the employ of the Southern Railway Company, was killed Saturday night at New Market. He was in charge of a train that had stopped at New Market, and was throwing a switch for the engine to side-track, when the engine to which he had his back turned, struck him. The remains were taken to Knoxville for interment. The deceased had been in the employ of the road since a youth. He leaves a widow and five children. Mr. & Mrs. Harris Moser have the sympathy of their friends in the loss of their infant son, whose death occurred Saturday. Another Accidental Killing---This city was the scene of a most deplorable tragedy Tuesday night about six o'clock, when Maggie Hyde, the seventeen year old daughter of Thomas Hyde, a respected citizen of Sweetwater, was shot and instantly killed by John Tucker, the sixteen year old son of Dr. C.L. Tucker. The killing was accidental, and is told by eye-witnesses, as follows: John Tucker left his home shortly after five o'clock, to go a short distance for the family cow, and took with him a double-barrel shot gun. On his return, he stopped at the home of Mrs. Francis Smith who lives near the Hyde residence in the "Hutcheson addition," and frightened her little children by snapping the gun at them. Mrs. Smith asked him not to do this, as it was dangerous, when Tucker unbleached the gun and convinced her that it was not loaded. About this time the boy placed a loaded shell in one barrel of the gun and was sitting in the kitchen door, leading from the porch, with the gun resting across his knees, when Miss Maggie Hyde, who was a niece of Mrs. Smith, entered the sitting room and took a seat just inside the litchen door. She and young Tucker engaged in a conversation, and in some mysterious way, the weapon exploded, and the entire charge, which was a heavy one, entered Miss Hyde's head, from the right side, the entire top of her head having been blown off. Death was instantaneous. The muzzle of the gun was not more than four feet from Miss Hyde's head when the shell was exploded, and the wound inflicted was awful to contemplate. The scene that followed was heart-rendering. Young Tucker hurridly ran to his home and is heart-broken over the affair. The body of the girl was taken in charge by undertaker Flenniken, and a large number of neighbors and friends tried to console the grief-stricken father and children. It was a terrible blow to them. Miss Maggie was the oldest child in the family and since her mother's death some two years ago, she has entire charge of the household cares. She was a devoted Christian, an industrious, lovable girl, who held the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Her death is deeply deplored, and many hearts are now bleeding because of her sudden taking off. Funeral services, conducted by Revs. W.A. Moffitt and J.L. Bachman, were held from the residence at 11:30 o'clock yesterday. The interment took place in the cemetery at Union, McMinn County. Thursday, November 29, 1900 Hiwassee, November 26---Dr. Stradley was called to New Hope Saturday to hold the funeral services of one of Mr. Sam Henly's children. It had diphtheria. Marriage announcement for Mrs. Annie T. Jones Williams to Mr. T.M. Robinson. Death of Little Helen Hardin---Another happy home in our community has been made sad because of the advent of the grim reaper. On last Sunday night, Helen, the bright two-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Hardin died, after an illness of several months duration. Until just a few days ago, however, the child had been rapidly improving and the parents and loved ones felt greatly encouraged over her condition. The family are sorely bereaved because of the death of the little one and have the sympathy of all their friends. May they be resigned to the will of Him that said "let them come unto me," for we know that they shall meet their loved one in the resurrection. The funeral service was held from the residence yesterday morning at ten o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.C. Maness, after which the interment took place in West View Cemetery. A large concourse of friends and neighbors attended the obsequies. Death of Mrs. T.D.A. Chambers---Many hearts were made sad at the announcement on last Saturday morning, of the death of Mrs. T.D.A. Chambers, which occurred at the residence of Mrs. William Sample, Friday night at 2:20 o'clock. She had been in failing health fro some time, but until Monday before her death was able to be about the house. Late that afternoon she sustained a severe fall, which was the immediate cause of her death. Deceased was a most estimable Christian woman, and many friends can thank God for her noble life and motherly advice. Forty years ago she professed faith in Christ and united with the Presbyterian church of Sweetwater, of which she was a member at the time of her death. She kept the faith earnestly and truly. She was gentle, obedient, grateful, cheerful even to the last, and thoughtful for her own family. Just before she passed away she asked her sons to meet her in Heaven. The funeral services were held from the residence Saturday afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock, being conducted by her pastor, Rev. J.L. Bachman. The interment took place at four o'clock in West View Cemetery. Besides her husband, four sons and one daughter, Mrs. William Sample, survive. To these, and to all who are bereaved by her death, many hearts go out in tender sympathy.