Thursday, September 10, 1908

    Will Plemons Murdered---The body of Will Plemons, son of James Plemons, of Sweetwater,
was found Tuesday morning under a high bluff on Tennessee River near Chattanooga. A pistol
wound in his temple had produced his death, and as his pockets had been rifled, and their contents
scattered broadcast, it is believed that the young man was murdered and afterward robbed. The
circumstances surrounding his death point very clearly to that theory.
    The body was found by some children, living on a house boat at the foot of Spring Street. The
children notified other parties, who reported the matter to the police department. It is thought that
Plemons was murdered sometime Monday night. An inquest was held, and the jury returned a
verdict, stating that deceased had come to his death as a result of a gun-shot wound in the left
temple, and that he was evidently murdered.
    The police department at Chattanooga telephoned the police department here, and Mr. James
Plemons, father of the young man, was notified. Accompanied by Marshall Mitchell, Mr. Plemons
went to Chattanooga Tuesday afternoon and returned on No. 36 with the remains of the
murdered man.
    Will Plemons was employed at Rossville, where he followed his trade as an operative in the
knitting mill. He was 24 years of age, and until a few weeks ago made his home in Sweetwater.
He was unmarried. He was well known and highly respected by all who knew him, and many
friends here are grieved by reason of his untimely death.
    It is understood that the officials at Chattanooga have a clue to the murder and are working
vigorously on the case.
    The funeral of young Plemons was held yesterday afternoon at the M.E. church by Rev. J.L.
Prater, followed by interment in West View Cemetery.

    Andrew Jasper Bellamy, Jr., the little infant son of Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Bellamy, died at the home
of its parents, three miles west of Sweetwater last Thursday. The body was taken to Lee's Church
Friday afternoon, where funeral services were conducted at 2:30 o'clock by Rev. S.G. Grubb,
after which interment took place at Greenbriar graveyard.

    The little infant child of Mr. & Mrs. John Tumblin died at Knoxville last Friday and was
brought to Sweetwater Saturday and interred in West View Cemetery.

Thursday, September 17, 1908

    Mrs. Robert McDaniel, age forty-six years, died at her home in Sweetwater last Friday
afternoon. She had been in delicate health for several years. She leaves nine children, some of
whom are small, and are now left without father or mother, Mr. McDaniel having died last
October. The children were all at her bedside at the time of her death but one, Mrs. Charles
Hensley, the oldest daughter, who resides in Texas.
    Mrs. McDaniel was a daughter of the late W.B. Sample, who was prominently known by all
who have resided in this part of the country for any length of time. Besides her children, she
leaves an aged mother, five brothers and a sister, and many other relatives and friends to mourn
her death.
    Funeral services were held at Christianburg Church Saturday at 2:30 p.m., conducted by Rev.
S.G. Grubb, after which her body was interred in the cemetery at that place.

    Monday night four prisoners confined in the county jail at Madisonville made their escape
shortly after dark by prying out one of the window sills. Two were white and two colored.
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Blair notified the police department of Knoxville and officers in other
towns to be on the lookout for the fugitives. Three other prisoners in jail did not escape. Those
escaping were Ed Johnson, white, confined on the charge of horse stealing; Corum Dunahoo, a
Negro, confined on the charge of larceny; Thomas Ferguson, white, charged with selling whisky,
and Jim Bacon, anegro, charged with carrying a pistol.

    Mrs. G.F. Lerned---"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied,
when I awake with thy likeness."
    At half past four p.m. Sept. 5, 1908, the bright angel of the Resurrection kissed away the spirit
of our beloved, Mrs. G.F. Lerned, ro reign with Him in the realms of joy.
    In early life she had made her peace calling and election sure with God, and united herself with
the Baptist Church of which body she lived a consistent member for more than forty years.
    Her life was quiet and simple in manner and noble in purpose. Like her Master, she carried the
sunshine of divine love upon her brow, and its beams touched upon every sad and lonely heart
with whom she met to dispel the sorrow and to comfort and bless.
    She realized Christ as a present Savior; and while talking to the writer three weeks previous to
her death, her spiritual eyes looked far beyond all shadows of doubt and she spoke of the presence
of Heaven with such freedom oc expression as only those who have been redeemed by the blood
of the Lamb can know.
    While God in his infinite mercy and tender love claims his own and the loving hearts of the
brothers and sisters are saddened with the sight of a vacant chair in the home; may He in his
almightiness baptize them with the Holy Ghost, burn their hearts with the fire of His divine love,
and make them to know the blessedness of a constant fellowship with Christ who is abundantly
able to keep them from the evil of the world.
    Her funeral was conducted at the Christianburg Church on Sunday at three p.m., by her pastor,
Rev. H.C. Pardue, and Rev. J.L. Bachman, after which her body was laid to rest beside her
husband who had preceded her to the Spirit world more than a year ago.   ---Alie L. Parks.

Thursday, September 24, 1908

    Article concerning the murder of George B. Hayes by W.J. Hixon at Cleveland, Tennessee.

    Death Claims Mrs. Willie S. Pearce---On the morning of Sept, 16, Mrs. Willie S. Pearce passed
quietly and peacefully away. Deceased had been declining in health for some time. She was the
wife of the late Cromwell Pearce. Mrs. Pearce was born in Chester County, Pa., Sept. 4, 1831.
She was married to Cromwell Pearce March 11, 1849, and came to Monroe County, Tenn., in the
spring of 1859. She was converted and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at
Rockville about forty years ago, and her membership was there at the time of her death.
    She was the mother of six girls, one having died when only three years old. Within the last
twenty-six months three others have preceded their mother to the Spirit World.
    She leaves to mourn her loss, two daughters, Mrs. W.P. Wilson of Sweetwater, and Miss
Leona W. Pearce who resided with her mother at the time of her death; also one sister, Mrs. C.S.
Vandergrift of Frankford, Pa.
    Mrs. Pearce lived a quiet Christian life and her doors were ever open to true ministers of the
Gospel. Her favorite song was "He Leadeth Me."
    Funeral servives were conducted at the residence by Rev. J.M. Moser, after which the remains
were borne to Steeky Creek Cemetery near Loudon, Tenn.., there to await the Resurrection
morn. Blessed and Holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection.

    Sunny Side---Mrs. Matilda Milsaps died at her home here last Wednesday night and was buried
at Philadelphia Thursday. Rev. Moser conducted the funeral services. She was the wife of Lent.
Wily Milsaps, a veteran of the Mexican War and Civil Wars, who preceded her to the grave more
than forty years. Mrs. Milsaps was a true Christian---one of our good old-fashioned women that
everybody loved and respected.

    Death of Mrs. Error! No index entries found.---Mrs. Matilda Millsaps, aged 80 years, died at
her home two and one-half miles east of Philadelphia Tuesday night. Funeral services were
conducted by Rev. J.M. Moser at the home of the deceased Thursday morning, after which her
body was conveyed to Philadelphia Cemetery by undertaker Kyker for interment. A large crowd
attended the services. She leaves five children, Jasper Millsaps and one daughter of Chattanooga,
Mrs. Brewer and Mrs. Clark, of Blount County, and P.W. Millsaps who lives near his mother's
home, all of whom were present at the funeral service. Her husband died at Franklin, N.C., in
1865.

    Willie Sherrell, the 18 month's old son of George T. Sherrell, died Tuesday morning of
whooping cough, and interment took place Wednesday in Watson's burying ground five miles
south of Loudon.

    Mr. I.P. Presley, who had the misfortune to get his hand badly sawed some time ago at Beard's
planing mill is on the road to recovery, and will only lose one finger as the result of the accident.

Thursday, October 1, 1908

    In Family Nearly Century---H.R. Magill has purchased the David Eagleton farm, three miles
north of Maryville, containing about 115 acres and the purchase price being $6,000. With his
family Mr. Magill will move there about December first.
    David Eagleton was a brother-in-law to Rev. Solon McCroskey, who now resides in
Washington. It may be interesting to know the farm recently sold by Mr. Magill to C.F. Latimore
has practically been in the same family for a longer period than any farm in the county. It was
owned about 90 years ago by Thomas McSpadden, a relative of the Magills. It then passed into
the hands of Samuel Magill, an uncle of J. Franklin Magill, and from the latter to his son, H.R.
Magill.   ---Madisonville Democrat.

    Buster Dugan Acquitted---The jury in the murder case of Buster Dugan brought in a verdict of
not guilty last Saturday at Madisonville, after being out two hours. He was charged with the
murder of John Hicks on June 3, 1906. At a former trial he was acquitted of killing John Moses,
at the same time he killed Hicks.
    The jury in the Hicks case made a mistrial about four months ago, standing ten for conviction
and two for acquital.
    John and James Robinson were acquitted of the same charge, at a former term of court.

    Man Charged With Plemons Murder Captured---George Cook, a well known character about
Chattanooga, brother of a former west side saloon keeper, is in custody of the police under two
charges of murder. He was arrested Tuesday on a tip from Kingston, where a coroner's jury
accused him of the murder of John King, a ferryman, near that city. Cook is charged with the
murder of Will Plemmons in or near the Bluff View cave, the night of Labor Day, a crime that
was committed for the purpose of robbery, but which has been clothed with mystery as to its
perpetrator. Chattanooga authorities took Cook in charge on the local accusation.

    Ed Johnson who was in jail at Madisonville for horse stealing, and one of the four who effected
their escape more than a week ago by cutting a hole in the jail floor, was recaptured last week at
Nashville through the information furnished the Nashville police by local parties attending the
state fair. Sheriff Grubb was notified and he went after Johnson, bringing him back Sunday
morning on No. 18. Ed was somewhat tanked up on the famous Chattanooga booze.
    The three other prisoners who escaped with Johnson have not been apprehended.

    Miss Julia Ann Irons, age 15, the oldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. F.M. Irons, died Sept. 15th,
after a brief illness of typhoid fever. She professed faith in Christ four years ago, and joined the
church at Christianburg about a year ago, and lived up to her profession, and died the death of a
Christian.
    Her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Forkner's Chapel, the funeral service being
conducted by Rev. J.L. Prater.
    The family has the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

    Frank Bright---After an illness of more than a year, Frank Bright died at the home of his father
in this place Saturday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock. He was 29 years of age. While working at his
trade as a carpenter, in Knoxville, several months ago, he sustained injuries resulting in an
operation later, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He leaves a wife and one child.
He formerly lived in Knoxville.
    The interment took place in West View Cemetery Sunday afternoon, following funeral services
conducted at the Methodist Church by Rev. J.L. Prater. He was a member of the Red Cross M.E.
Church of Knoxville, and lived a consistent Christian life. He was a member of the Junior Order of
Knoxville. Several of the members of the order come to Sweetwater to attend the funeral Sunday.
He was buried by the members of Sweetwater Council No. 61.

    Bob Long, a familiar figure and persistent booze fighter of this city, was taken to Madisonville
Monday, lodged in jail, a charge of public drunkeness being registered against him.

Thursday, October 8, 1908

    Mrs. Sallie Parks Butt, wife of the late D.W. Butt, died at her home in Sweetwater, Sunday
night at eleven o'clock, aged 52 years. She had partially recovered from quite a severe illness of
several weeks duration, and was apparently on the road to recovery. She was not feeling so well
Sunday, but little was thought of the serious nature of her illness until a short time before her
death. Deceased was a woman loved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances, and her
death is deplored by all. Mrs. Butt is survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Emma Lerned, of this city,
and a step-son, Charles Butt, of Texas. She also has one brother and three sisters living.
    At the time of her death she was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, having united
with that church after the union of the Cumberland Presbyterian and Presbyterian Churches.
    Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church Monday afternoon, by her pastor,
Rev. J.L. Bachman. The interment was in the old cemetery.

    The little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dave Cooley died at her home on last Saturday afternoon
and was buried Sunday afternoon at Old Paint Rock Church.

    Sunny Side---Mrs. Johnson, wife of Esq. W.M. Johnson, of Pond Creek, died Saturday and
was brought to Old Sweetwater Sunday for burial. Mrs. Johnson was a good woman, a member
of the Baptist Church. The bereaved husband and family have our sincere sympathy.

    William Gudger was arrested Tuesday and taken before Esq. Lenoir and tried for two
offenses---forgery and larceny, and bound to court, and in default of bond was remanded to jail at
Madisonville. Gudger went to the express office here one day last week and forged J.H.D. Click's
name to a receipt and secured some whiskey that Mr. Click had ordered for his family who were
sick at the time.

    The Odd Cat Is Dead---An incident that has excited considerable comment in local circles this
week, was the death of "Dazi," an aged cat, which occurred last Thursday night at the residence
of F.S. Webb, near Niota, a well-known McMinn County citizen. This cat was 18 years and 7
months old, and had been very active until a short time before her death. While there was nothing
remarkable about her appearance or her pedigree, her wonderful longevity should distinguish her
in the feline family, as this is the greatest age any cat has ever attained in this vicinity.

    Death of Little S.L. Wilson---Mr. & Mrs. S.L. Wilson have the sympathy of many friends in the
death of their little san, S.L. Jr., which occurred at Kingston, Monday evening after a brief illness.
Mrs. Wilson and two children went to Kingston ten days ago for a visit, and the little boy became
ill the latter part of last week, his illness developing later into diptheria. Mr. Wilson was called to
his bedside, and everything that loving hands and skilled physicians could do was done for the
little sufferer without avail. The news of his death was received here with much sorrow. He was a
bright and attractive child and was universally loved. His death has cast a gloom in the home. The
body was brought to Sweetwater Wednesday afternoon and was quietly laid away in West View
Cemetery.

    Mrs. William Johnson, of Pond Creek, Loudon County, Tenn., died on Saturday morning, Oct.
3rd, 1908, and was interred at Cleveland's Cemetery on the 4th.
    Mrs. Johnson was a Cleveland. She was born Jan. 7th, 1823. She married Mr. William Johnson
Jan. 20th, 1848, with whom she had been associated from childhood. They joined the Old
Sweetwater Baptist Church together in 1839. Her life was one of gentleness and love to all with
whom she came in contact. Never an unkind remark passed her lips. Generosity and a hearty
welcome greeted all who crossed her threshold. Pond Creek can never be the same; her place
cannot be filled. The great esteem in which she was held, was shown by the long procession that
followed her remains, and by the many friends awaiting her funeral at the church, where she had
joined 69 years before, and into which she had come for worship ever since. The funeral sermon
by Rev. Cox, of Sweetwater was fittingly beautiful for this dear Christian. He read her favorite
chapter, John 14. Sermon 2nd Corinthians 5th chapter, 1st verse. He spoke of the dissolving of
the earthly tabernacle, and the entering into the heavenly mansions, and the foretaste of Heaven
granted us here, and the witness of the Spirit. Of the joy of the heavenly companionship. Of the
great expansion of the soul after its release from this earthly tabernacle. Of the delicacy of the
weaving of life's thread and of how often it is severed unexpectedly to us. Of how grief is made
bearable by faith. Thus he gently led us on, pointing us to incidents in her life as examples of true
fellowship with God.
    The aged and sick husband so bowed in grief, unable to attend the funeral, was remembered in
prayer, and also the loving, faithful daughter, Callie, that nursed her for years, and that was the
only child permitted to follow her to her grave, the other children in the far west.
    The setting sun touched the white tombstones around with mellow light amidst the low song of
the birds in this quiet spot, away from the bustle and noise of the busy world, we strewed her
grave with flowers. And yet we lingered there to offer to God thanks for this lovely life. While
dying she said: "A little nearer, a little nearer." Ah! Yes, dear soul, thou art safe on the evergreen
shore, and you have seen your Pilot face to face, and safely crossed the bar.   ---Ida Crawley.

Thursday, October 15, 1908

    Little Robert, the six-months-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Roberson, died at their home in
Sweetwater on Monday afternoon after several days illness. Funeral services were conducted
from the residence at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by Rev. S.G. Grubb, after which the body was
taken to West View Cemetery and interred. Mr. & Mrs. Roberson have the sympathy of
everyone.

Thursday, October 22, 1908

    Another obituary for Robert Roberson / Robinson, infant son of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Robinson.

    Mrs. Mary Vaught Thompson, widow of James M. Thompson, died at the home of her son,
Mark Thompson near Avondale, Texas, Sept. 30. The news of her death came as a shock to her
many friends in Sweetwater. She was a true devoted Christian lady, having professed faith in
Christ at an early age and lived up to her Christian duty until the time of her death. She leaves six
children---five sons and one daughter---Messrs. Sherman, Solan, Mark, Ollie and Arthur
Thompson, amd Mrs. Etta Edington.
    Mrs. Thompson left Sweetwater about thirteen years ago and went to Rogers, Texas, where
she made her home until two years ago when she went to Avondale to live with her son.

    Large obituary of Mrs. Ida Boyd Robertson (1859 - 1908).

    In Memory of Juanita Murray---Death came to the home of Mr. & Mrs. S.E. Murray Oct. 15,
1908, and claimed as its victim their little daughter, Juanita. She was 3 years, 7 months and 15
days old. She was a sweet, affectionate child and all who knew her loved her. As she was dying
she said, "Sing, mamma, sing." She was sick only four days of dyptheria till the white-winged
Angel came and relieved her suffering.
    Her body was laid to rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
    The family has the sympathy of the entire community.

This lovely bud so young and fair called hence from early doom,
Just come to show a sweet flower in paradise to bloom.

                                                                                                                                 Mattie Lee
Harmon.

Thursday, October 29, 1908

    Mrs. John Tumblin died at her home in Knoxville, Tenn., on last Friday. Her remains were
shipped to Sweetwater Saturday afternoon and taken to the home of her father, R.H. Allen, where
funeral services were held from the residence at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S.G.
Grubb, after which interment took place in West View Cemetery.
    Mrs. Tumblin had been sick for a number of months, but had recovered so such an extent that
her death was a great shock to her many friends and relatives in Sweetwater. She was thirty-one
years of age, and married J.T. Tumblin fourteen years ago. She was a member of the Baptist
Church, having been converted soon after her marriage. Four children are left to share the loss of
a good mother and a faithful wife with the bereaved husband. She also leaves a father and mother
and several brothers and sisters and a host of friends to mourn her death.

    Tennessee Man Sentenced---Dalton, Georgia, October 25---In superior court here last week
Frank Cady Embry, a young man who gave his name as Frank Cady and claimed to be from
Sweetwater, Tenn., was sentenced to a year's labor on the chain gang for the theft of a horse
belonging to Tom Edwards.

Thursday, November 5, 1908

    In Memory of Mrs. Bob Billings---Death visited the home of Mr. Billings Thursday, Oct. 29,
1908, and claimed as its victim his beloved wife. She had been ill for several months and has
suffered agony, but by and by the white winged Angel came and relieved her and took her home
to eternal rest where pain is no more.
    Mrs. Billings was fifty-seven years, one month and nine days old. She professed faith in Christ
in 1873 and joined the Baptist Church at Cedar Fork where she was a faithful member and a true
Christian soldier.
    Mrs. Billings leaves a companion, three sons, four daughters to mourn her loss. Her body was
laid to rest in the Blue Springs Cemetery. The family has the sympathy of the entire community.

A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is still,
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.

                                                                                                                                    Lennie
Murray.

    Tragedy At Madisonville---At Madisonville an election fight resulted in a fatality. Will H. Jones
of Unitia was killed by Ab Hull at Madisonville, near Hull's home. Jones' throat was cut almost
from ear to ear.
    Both men are Democrats. It is said that they got hold of a lot of whiskey from some source and
engaged in a drunken row after the election, about five o'clock, and fought at the depot with the
result as stated. But one blow was struck and that was the fatal slash with the knife. Jones, too,
was armed with a knife at the time.
    Jones was fifty years of age and had a large family. Hull was about twenty-five years of age and
is unmarried.
    Hull ran off after the killing and hadn't been apprehended at a late hour last night.

    Article concerning the lynching of George Cook in Roane Co. Tennessee.

    Mrs. S.B. Suddath Dead---News reached us yesterday of the death of Mrs. S.B. Suddath, at
her home near Harriman, Tenn., after an illness of several months duration. Funeral services were
conducted by Rev. J.W. Shuller and she was buried in the family burying ground at Swan Pond
Church, near Harriman, Tenn. Her death occurred on Oct. 28.
    Mrs. S.B. Suddath was the mother of Mrs. W.A. Dickey and Mrs. F.P. Dickey, of Sweetwater.

    Large obituary of Lillian Hulvey, three year old daughter of Mr. O.C. Hulvey.

    Madisonville---Friends of Hon. Robert Houston, of Aberden, Mississippi, were grieved to hear
of the death of his wife, which occurred at their home in Mississippi, last Saturday morning. Mr.
& Mrs. Houston visited relatives here last summer, but since returning to their home Mrs.
Houston had been sick.

    Madisonville---Rufus Smith, son of Theondo Smith, deceased, was killed in Kansas last week
and his remains were brought here for burial. He was born near Madisonville, but left here some
few years ago, when his mother married again, going to Calhoun, Ga. His mother was Mrs. Jennie
Price before her marriage and is a sister of Mrs. S.P. Hale.

Thursday, November 12, 1908

    Article about the burning of the home of George W. Stephens.

    Hiwassee College---On last Monday the funeral of Mrs. Mary J. Axley was conducted at Keys
Chapel, and her body was interred in Hiwassee College Cemetery. Mrs. Axley had been suffering
a good while before her death, and it was said that her last words were, "I want to go." Mrs.
Axley was a sister to Mr. Joseph Forshee, who is an old and honored citizen of our community.
She was nearly 71 years of age at the time of her death.

    Rev. H.H. Burke died at his home, five miles northwest of Sweetwater last Wednesday night
after a lingering illness of several months.
    Funeral services were held by Rev. J.L. Bachman at the residence and the body of the aged
minister was laid to rest in West View Cemetery at 11 o'clock Friday.
    For many years Mr. Burke was one of the most noted ministers of this section of country. He
joined the Holston Conference of the M.E. Church at Knoxville in 1855 and as circuit rider of that
church, traveled over the entire East Tennessee country between Knoxville and Chattanooga and
is probably better known in this particular section than any minister in the conference. He
continued regularly in the ministry from that date of his joining the conference until the last few
years when he gave up regular work on account of age and infirmity, preached occasionally when
able, to within the last fifteen months.
    Reverend Burke was born in McMinn County, Tennessee, Jan. 13, 1832; was married to Sarah
C. Rucker, Nov. 16, 1854, who died Dec. 26, 1870; was again married to Maggie E. Lowe, Oct.
13, 1874. There were seven children born to him by his first marriage, two of which are still
living, Joe Burke, ex-Sheriff of McMinn County, and Judge George L. Burke, of Roane County.
Two others were born by the second marriage, Arthur L. and Sam Burke, who are now
prosperous farmers living near the old homestead.

    On last Sunday, officers came over from Roane County and arrested James Plemmons, father
of Will Plemons, who was killed in Chattanooga, some months ago, on the charge of being among
the party who lynched George Cook in the Kingston jail some weeks ago. He was taken over to
Kingston where he waived preliminary hearing and was bound over to the next term of the Roane
County Circuit Court under $3,000 bond. Mr. Plemmons has been, during his residence for a
number of years in Sweetwater, a quiet, peaceable citizen and no one believes him guilty as
charged by the Roane County official; but believe the reward offered by Governor Patterson and
the natural suspicion that would rest on him as the father of the boy supposed to have been
murdered by Cook, were the greatest inducements for his arrest.

    Mrs. John M. Jones, Sr., was called to Elizabethton last week by the illness and subsequent
death of her brother, Col. John W. Tipton.

    First Vote Was In 1844---'Squire J.C. Montgomery, our oldest citizen, was the first to cast his
ballot here Tuesday. His first vote was cast for James K. Polk in 1844, and he has always voted
the Democratic ticket since. He also voted for Jefferson Davis. In all of his long career he has
voted but for five successful candidates. James K. Polk, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and
Grover Cleveland twice.   ---Madisonville Democrat.

    Mrs. E.J. Axley, residing near Madisonville, died at her home last Sunday morning after an
illness of several weeks. Mrs. Axley was the mother of Mrs. G.H. Foland of Sweetwater and Mrs.
W.S. Haun, of Route 3.

Thursday, November 19, 1908

    Moss Not Guilty---In the Knox County Criminal Court last Wednesday afternoon the jury in
the murder case of H.L. Moss, charged with the murder of Joe Trent at Concord more than a year
ago, returned a verdict of not guilty. This was expected as it was shown that the deceased had
followed Moss around threatening to kill him. It was also shown that he had threatened to kill
Moss if it took five years. On a former trial the jury could not agree. Moss is a colored school
teacher, and had many friends among both white and black people.
    Moss was raised at Madisonville and was considered a quiet, peaceful Negro, and this was the
first trouble he had ever engaged in. Some prominent Madisonville citizens were character
witnesses for Moss.

    In Memory of Martha Axley---Martha J. Axley was born Dec. 23, 1837; died Nov. 8, 1908.
She professed faith in Christ in the year 1854, and joined the Methodist Church and lived a
Christian life. She was a true friend. A good neighbor, and a good, kind, loving, true mother.
Always ready to give advice, to aid in sickness and to cheer in sorrow.
    Her voice is now stilled in death, but her influence is felt on the other shore, where parting and
death are no more. She has left behind to mourn her loss, nine children, one sister, and one
brother and a number of grandchildren. To the children we will say: Live the life of your mother.
While you were enjoying life, your mother was at her post at home in prayer for you, and is now
only waiting for your coming.
    Mrs. Axley was a daughter of Rev. Joseph Forshee, one of the old landmarks, whose influence
is still felt here in the world. They stood for the right, and for the good of our country. Will not
the young and rising generation stand for the same.

    Article concerning James Plemons, whose son was killed at Chattanooga.

    Large obituary for Mrs. Frances Clark Copenhaver, (1879 - 1908).

Thursday, November 26, 1908

    Obituary of Mr. J.E. Ewing, age 55, of Rhea Co. Tennessee.

    Sweetwater Route 3---Tom Owens, of near here, died at his home on last Thursday night with
consumption and was buried Saturday at 11 a.m. at Blue Springs.

    Henry B. Hunt was over from Craighead Monday. Though Henry is a very young man yet, he
has seen much if the "strenuous life" already. He is a veteran of the late Spanish War and has
many trophies of the hunt and chase gathered while in Northern California a few years ago, one of
which is the skin of a mountain lion eight feet long, which he killed within the shadow of the old
Mount Shasta.

    Mrs. D.P. Walker, sister of Arthur Russell, Weatherford, Texas, received a telegram Tuesday
announcing the death of Mrs. Arthur Russell, leaving the husband and two small children.

Thursday, December 10, 1908

    Col. Timothy Maroney Dead---News has been received of the death of Dallas, Texas, of Col.
Timothy Maroney, well known in this county. His death came very suddenly. He had been in New
Orleans all winter, and went to visit his brother when he was taken ill and died suddenly. He was a
native of Ireland and made a fortune in New Orleans in the hardware business. After the death of
his wife several years ago, he came to East Tennessee and bought a large boundary of mountain
land in Monroe County, just across the Little Tennessee River from Blount County, and there
built the famous home which he named Talassee. He erected a large log house, following the
latest style of architecture, but the entire building was of logs. He equipped his place with an
electric light plant, and all modern conveniences, and to his home all visitors were welcome.
    Later the building was destroyed by fire and Col. Maroney never rebuilt it.

    Philadelphia, Tennessee---Mr. Billy Morris, who lived near town, died Saturday and was buried
in the Philadelphia Cemetery Sunday.

    Letter to Santa Claus from Maud Webb, age 14.

Thursday, December 17, 1908

    After a lingering illness of more than a year's duration, Mrs. Nathaniel McNabb, an aged and
respected lady died on last Friday morning. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E.A. Cox.
She was buried at Prospect Church in Loudon County Saturday.

    Obituary of Mrs. A.H. Russell of Weatherford, Texas (1876 - 1908).

    Letter to Santa Claud from Myrtle Emerson.

    Letter to Santa Claus from Dorothy Phifer.

    Letter to Santa Claus from Mattie Lee Carden.


Thursday, December 31, 1908

    Perfection Community---Death of Mamie Johnson---Mamie was the daughter of Mrs. & late
deceased Joe Johnson, died at her sister's near Pond Hill Dec. 9th, 1908, after a long illness. She
was born Nov. 24th, 1881. In 1896 she professed faith in Christ and joined the Baptist Church at
Pond Hill, and lived a consistent Christian life. While Mamie sleeps among the dead her influence
still lives. She leaves a mother, three brothers, three sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn
her loss. On Saturday, Dec. 11, her body was laid to rest in the Edgmon Cemetery.

    W.M. Hudgens, a native of Monroe County died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.M.
Adkinson, four miles north of Knoxville, Tenn., Friday, Dec, 25, 1908. He was 56 years of age,
and a brother of D.F. and A.J. Hudgens, and Mrs. W.Y. Wilson of Sweetwater; Mrs. J.H. Carter
of Oakwood; J.C. and R.E. Hudgens of Elberton, Ga., all of whom were present at the funeral
and burial, which took place at the home on the following Sunday. The deceased leaves a wife
and two children, together with many other relatives and friends, to mourn his loss.

    Former Monroe County Lawyer Dies in San Antonio---William Baker Stephens died at San
Antonio, Texas, Dec. 1, after an illness of eight weeks.
    Mr. Stephens was born in Monroe County, Tennessee, fifty-nine years ago. He practiced law
for a time at Madisonville, in partnership with Robert Pritchard. Later her practiced at Loudon,
and during the first administration of President Cleveland was assistant United States Attorney for
East Tennessee when J.C.J. Williams, of Knoxville, was district attorney.
    Going to Chattanooga, he engaged in practice there, and was for some time a member of the
well-known law firm styled Marchbanks, Stephens & Downs. The other members were Columbus
Marchbanks and the late A.C. Downs.
    For a term Mr. Stephens represented his native county and Loudon, in the Tennessee
legislature, and was before leaving the county a prominent candidate for judge of its court.
    About six years ago he left Chattanooga and went to San Antonio, where he engaged again in
the practice of his profession. In the later years of his life he became a staunch prohibitionist, and
the only connection he had with politics after going to Texas, was in the interest of that party. He
was a state committeeman for it at the time of his death.
    He is survived by the widow and three sons, E.M. Stephens of Kingsville, Texas; William
Stephens of the City of Mexico, and Paul Stephens of San Antonio. Several of his grandchildren
reside in Chattanooga.
    Mr. Stephens was a thoroughly conscientious, honest, excellent man as his friends and former
professional associates testify, without a dissenting voice. He was noted for affability, and was
one of the men who naturally assume leadership, without audacity, wherever they may find their
environments.