December 10, 1868

    Snow fell here nearly all day on Tuesday, but the ground being wet the flakes disappeared
about as fast as they fell. All the little boys hated to see them do that.

    Result Of A Dog Fight---The Fayetteville Observer of last week says: We are informed that a
rencontre between two neighbors residing about 11 miles south of this place, near the Alabama
line, resulted in the almost instant death of one of the parties, on last Sunday evening. A day or
two preceding, John George was passing along the road with his dog, and when opposite the
residence of Hosea Towery, another dog rushed out and a fight followed. To separate them,
George grasped a piece of rail and began beating the new-comer. So said Towery on his return
home, he having been absent at the time of the fight, and being much incensed, he proclaimed that
George should hereafter pass that road only under penalty of a whipping. Sunday evening the
parties met, and after a few words, George shot Towery with a pistol, the ball entering near the
left nipple, passing through the body, and coming out near the right shoulder blade. As we have
said, death immediately ensued. George left forthwith, and has not been seen since in the
neighborhood.

    Murder At Wartrace---The Murfreesboro Monitor of last week has the following particulars of
a murder committed at Wartrace: J.A. Jarratt and James Tuck, at 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning
of last week, got into a difficulty in a drinking saloon at Wartrace, which resulted in the death of
the latter. It seems that Tuck had a small account against a man by the name of Jarratt, and
presented it to J.A. Jarratt, insisting that he was the man indebted to him. Some angry words
ensued, and both parties drew their pistols, but their friends interfered and quieted the disturbance
for the time being. Tuck went away, but soon after returned with a knife and a club in his hands,
and struck Jarrett a severe blow over the head with the latter. Jarratt turned on his assailant,
wrenched the club from his hand, and dealt him in return three or four heavy blows about the head
and face, which caused the death of Tuck. The wound of Jarratt is said to be serious.

December 17, 1868

    Article about the hanging of L.H. Musgrove in Denver, Colorado, who was from Como,
Mississippi.

     Tragedy In Rutherford---About dark on Friday evening last a man named William Hickman,
who lived three miles south of LaVergne, in Rutherford County, and who had been in the habit of
treating his wife in an inhuman manner, came home drunk, and as usual commenced his abuse,
and finally attempted to assault his wife with a knife. She bore his ill treatment for some time, and
when forbearance ceased to be a virtue, she grabbed a good-sized stick and commenced pounding
her better half in a terrible manner, inflicting several wounds on the head, and fracturing his skull
in two places, from the effects of which he died. This fracas occurred in the yard, a short distance
from the house, and the deceased man was left where he was killed, and his body discovered by
some neighbors the next evening.
    Squire Brothers, living near the place of the tragedy, hearing of the facts, summoned a jury,
who returned a verdict that Mrs. Hickman had killed her husband in self defense.
    Hickman was the father of five children, the oldest of whom is about fourteen years of age. The
father and mother had lived unhappily for some time past, owing to the intemperate habits of the
former. ---Nashville Union & American.

January 7, 1869

    A Negro woman named Caroline died very suddenly at Mrs. H.M. Cooke's in this town on
Tuesday morning. While engaged in grinding coffee she was heard to cry out, and when assistance
reached her she was found on her knees praying, and evidently in a dying condition. In a few
moments she was a corpse. As we understand it she had made no previous complaint of being
sick, but on the contrary was supposed to be in remarkably good health.

    A rumor has prevailed here for several days that Mr. Ben. White, an engineer on the E.T. &
Ga. Railroad, was killed at his house on Middle Creek, eight miles from here, in McMinn County
one night last week, by an employee of his, named Long. Yesterday we learned that Mr. White
was not dead, but had been very seriously injured in an altercation with Long. There are so many
and such varied rumors afloat in regard to the origin of the difficulty, that we decline for the
present publishing any of them.

    Randall Johnson, an old Negro living on Pond Creek, in this vicinity, was most shamefully
treated a few night ago. According to the statement received by us, a party of three unknown
white men entered his house on the occasion referred to, and, after putting him in mortal dread of
personal violence, proceeded to rob him of everything he possessed of any value. They took his
watch, money, gun and even a portion of his own clothing. This will be probably regarded as Klu
Klux outrage, but we have heard it hinted that Randall knows the parties, but as they belong to
the same league he does, he refuses to disclose their names.

January 14, 1869

    From Nashville, Jan. 8.---A Mr. Hampton and his son, Union men, were killed in Dickson
County on Sunday morning last by a tenant whom they endeavored to dispossess by force. The
tenant was a returned Rebel soldier.

    By the grape-vine line we learn that the Simpson Saw Mill on Fork Creek tumbled over on
Sunday last and is a complete wreck. Among the losses sustained were a square, auger and chisel,
the property of Mr. Madden. Mr. L.M. Pickel lost a fine barn, and Mr. John Siner a magnificent
residence, both of which were to have been sawed out at the above establishment.

    Mr. William King, a prominent citizen of Chattanooga, accidentally shot himself on Wednesday
of last week, and died almost immediately. He was engaged in cleaning out his rifle, which by
some means was discharged, and when found a short time afterwards by his sister he was lying on
a sofa, dead. Mr. King was highly esteemed and his sad death has caused distress among his
relatives and friends. He was thirty-seven years of age and was born in McMinn County.

January 21, 1869

    On Sunday afternoon last and affray occurred at Bailey's Mill, about four miles from Macon,
Georgia, on the Columbia road, which resulted in the killing instantly of one Negro, and,
probably, the mortal wounding of another. The affray was brought about in a dispute between Mr.
Alfred Hoy and two Negro black-smiths, named Aaron and Dick, in regards to some money
matters. Mr. Hoy and Aaron first got into the dispute, and after quarreling awhile, Aaron went off
and got Dick and returned to where Hoy was. He told them to keep away and not to lay their
hands upon him or he would kill them. Aaron, however, walked up as if he intended to lay his
hand on Hoy, when he was shot dead with a revolver; and as Dick sprang forward, Hoy shot him
also through the head.

    Mysterious Disappearance--- Mr. Abijah Johnson, living on Beaver Creek near Powell's
Station on the Knoxville & Kentucky Railroad, left home on Friday last for Knoxville, with the
purpose of collecting money for a lot of corn sold by him to a party in Knoxville a few days
before. He has not been heard of since that day. He was seen in Knoxville on that day by several
persons, one of them was our informant, of whom he asked, "What time does the train start?" A
section master says he saw Johnson walking along the track on Friday afternoon with another
man, a stranger to him. On Sunday a party of about twenty citizens of Beaver Creek came to
town in search of him, but got no track of him. Johnson has a wife and child. He lived in peace
with all and was specially noted for his quiet, unobtrusive habits. He is 25 years old, 5 feet 8
inches high, stoop-shouldered and has sandy whiskers.
    The general opinion among his acquaintances is that he has been foully dealt with. ---Press &
Herald.

    A man named Lewis Lunsford was killed on the night of the 12th instant at Mrs. Mattie
Hammontree's two miles from Morganton in Blount County. He was sitting in the house,
conversing with some of the inmates, and totally unconscious of danger, when the assassin's pistol
was thrust through an opening near the chimney, its contents discharged, and in a moment the
victim of hatred or revenge was a lifeless corpse; the fatal ball having pierced his brain. Our
informant says that a man named Murphy is suspected of having committed the deed. He left the
neighborhood the next morning and was met and recognized within two miles of Lenoir's. A
pursuing party was met not more than a mile behind him. Whether Murphy has been captured or
not we have not been informed.

    Within five months, five cases of suicide are said to have occurred in Sullivan County. The last
one was that of a young man named William Arrants, who shot himself on the 12th instant. He
was a merchant, in comfortable circumstances, and of irreproachable character. There is no cause
known that could have impelled him to so terrible an act. He had just received twelve hundred
dollars from the sale of a tract of land in Washington County, Virginia, and had placed the money
in the hands of his brother. The verdict of the jury of inquest was that he came to his death by a
pistol shot fired from his own hand, while temporarily suffering from mental aberration.

    Circuit Court---Wiley Lynn was convicted for robbery in two cases and sentenced to hard labor
in the penitentiary for five years in each case.

    Another Klu Klux Outrage---The Nashville Union & American learns on the night of the 6th
instant, at Livingston, the county seat of Overton County, a young man named William German
was forcibly taken from his place of residence and hanged.
    German had served through the war as a member of the 25th Infantry, Confederate Army, and
at the time of his death was employed on the farm of Mr. Allison near Livingston. His brother,
Lum German, was arrested by the Federal authorities just before the close of the war upon the
charge of being a bushwhacker, was found guilty before a military commission and suffered the
extreme penalty of the law.
    
    How It Was---By a private letter from a trustworthy gentleman residing at Cookeville in
Putnam County, we give some further information in regard to the recent execution near
Livingston, in Overton County, by a body of supposed Klu Klux, of the young man William
German.
    He says that that a few days before the execution, German shot and badly wounded, and
supposed he had killed, a Negro man living in his neighborhood. The shooting took place in a
public road, and the Negro managed to crawl to the house of his employer, where he told who
had shot him. The Negro had the character of being a quiet, peaceable man, and as there had been
no previous trouble between him and German, it was supposed the crime was perpetrated in pure
wantoness. It is thought that the persons by whom German was killed were members of a secret
organization, to which he also belonged---but whether Klu Klux or not, nobody in the
neighborhood appears to know. The body of men concerned in the execution numbered about
two hundred, and none of them were identified by citizens who witnessed their appearance and
departure.  ---Nashville Union & American.

February 25, 1869

    A Mr. Wilson is killed near Raleigh, Tennessee.

March 18, 1869

    Death of Mr. Rucker---We are called upon this week to chronicle the death of Mr. William
Rucker, after a short illness, which occurred on Sunday night last, at the residence of Mrs.
Brewster, in this place.
    The deceased had been employed by Mr. Carter as a tinner for some months, when disease
seized upon him, which caused his confinement, and in the short space of three days, the grim
monster, death, overtook him.
    Mr. Rucker was respected and highly esteemed, as a gentleman and citizen, by all who knew
him.
    The remains of the deceased were placed in a metallic case, on Monday, when his brother
arrived on Tuesday, and conveyed them to his home near Nashville.
    We deeply condole with the parents and relatives of the deceased, and hope that their loss is his
eternal gain.

November 11, 1869

    Horse Thieves Caught---We learn that Deputy Sheriff, Hawkins, on Friday last, while on his
way to arrest a man, against whom he had a warrant, for some violation of the laws, came upon
two men, who had in their possession two horses, and as soon as they discovered the Deputy and
his posse, thinking they were in search of them, sprang from the horses and tried to make their
escape, but the Deputy suspicions of them, on account of their actions, as having stolen the
horses, ordered his men to pursue them, and the thieves were captured, taken to Madisonville,
and are now safely lodged in the county jail. One of them goes by the name of John Bell, and says
he came from Georgia, the name of the other our informant does not remember. We hope they
will receive their just deserts, by serving a term in the State penitentiary. The horses belonged to a
citizen of this county.

    Married---On Sunday, Nov. 8th, at the residence of Mr. E. Sawtell, by Rev. W.W. Morrison,
Mr. W.T. Spillman, of Atlanta, Ga., and Miss Clara Yearout, of this place.
    The happy bride and groom left on the evening train for Atlanta. May Heaven's most choice
blessings attend them as they journey through life.

Sweetwater Enterprise
November 18, 1869

    Sad Accident---On Tuesday of last week, Thomas McDonald, a boy about fourteen years of
age, the son of Jonathan McDonald, who lives near Murphy, N.C., while returning home from this
place, when near Peace's Mill, got his left knee caught in the hind wheel of the wagon, crushing it
so badly that amputation, above the knee joint, was rendered necessary---which was skillfully
performed by Drs. MacKenzie and Franklin. We understand that the youth is doing well, and is
likely to recover. Good results generally follow scientific surgeons, and the father should be
thankful that such were so near at hand.

November 25, 1869

    Fatal Shooting--- A Mr. Divine having been deputized, and a warrant placed in his hands, to
arrest one Enos Hunt for horse stealing, summoned a Mr. White and Caswell Hicks, to assist him.
The three repaired to the house of Enos' father, and called for him. Enos being upstairs, his father
told him to come down, saying, these men are after you, let us kill them, and immediately
commenced firing on Divine and his assistants, who returned the fire. Caswell Hicks was killed
outright, and both of the Hunts wounded, after which, they were arrested and lodged in jail.

    Boy Killed---On Sunday last, a gentleman with two small boys, who were brothers, got into a
boat, on Tellico River, for the purpose of crossing that stream. Shortly after leaving the bank, the
younger of the two, commenced playing in the water with a stick, which act displeased the older
one, whereupon, he told the other if he did not immediately desist that he would shoot him. No
attention being paid to the order, he deliberately shot and killed his brother. We regret that our
informant was unable to give the names and respective ages of the boys. It is presumed that the
gentleman was not aware of the boy's being armed, or that in working the boat he failed to hear
the threat when made. We do not know whether the boy was arrested or not.

    Obituary---Mrs. William C. Julian, aged 64 years, departed this life at her residence in this place
on the night of the 18th instant, at 8:34 minutes. She was a member of the New School
Presbyterian Church, and died in the triumph of the faith. As one of that number who stood by her
side and saw the separation from time to eternity, I can not refrain from speaking of her as a
devoted Christian, realizing the approach of the King of Terrors with Christian fortitude, as it
were exclaiming "Oh! Death where is thy sting? Oh! Grave where is thy victory?" While faith with
its sure "anchor" held her hopes steadily within the "vale." On the night of the 17th, she appealed
to God to relieve her of her sufferings. As the mother of six children, four of whom she was
spared to see grown and ornaments to society---she was an affectionate mother, not confined in
her sphere to the happy family circle; but ever ready and willing to aid those whom she thought
were suffering for the necessaries of life, and as such she was beloved by all who knew her, and
will long be remembered by her affectionate husband and children, who will meet her in Heaven,
by following her footsteps through this mundane sphere. Husband, sons and daughter, death has
claimed tour affectionate mother, and she has been wafted, by Angels, home to Heaven. It is my
dear friends with deep feelings of sympathy, I offer you my heart-felt condolence in your late
bereavement. Too true sorrows---dark form that enters the chamber of hearts has not passed
yours unnoticed, only let your hearts open to sweet sympathy and compassion; as the "flower
remain open to the dew," excessive grief  tis said "is the heart's suicide; yes, be comforted and
think of her now as a spirit of holiness," that she has been welcomed within the pearly gates of
Heaven with songs of seraphic joy, while tears are falling. I cannot but weep with you; she is in
the midst of the visions of that world, where God wipes all tears away, while our mournful silence
is broken with sobs of grief, her ears are drinking the melodies of Heaven, and she is beginning to
sing that new song no one on Earth can sing.    J.M.A.,  Loudon, Tenn., Nov. 20th, 1869.

December 16, 1869

    A Melancholy Death---On Tuesday last we received the melancholy intelligence of the death of
Capt. George W. Harris, which occurred at the Atkin House in Knoxville, on Saturday night, the
11th inst., at half past eleven o'clock. We glean the following particulars of this sad and
melancholy occurrence, from our Knoxville Exchanges, of Tuesday.
    A gentleman of that city who was well acquainted with Captain Harris, entered the cars of the
E.T. & V.R.R. train, immediately upon its arrival at the depot, at one o'clock, on Saturday, when
he saw Captain Harris lying back on a seat, evidently suffering intense agony and unable to move
or speak. Assistance being called, he was carried to the Atkin House, placed upon a bed, and
medical attendance procured, where he lingered until 11:30 p.m., when he died.
    The deceased was a native of Knoxville and a resident of Georgia. He has  been better known
for many years past as "Sut Lovengood," by contributions to the press, which have enriched its
columns with wit and humor.
    The remains of the deceased passed down the road Sunday evening last, for Alabama, there to
be interred. Requiescat in pace.

January 6, 1870

    Died---We are pained to have to announce the death of John Fleming, son of James H. and
Mary E. Vance, aged 18 months and 18 days. This sad affliction occurred 5 o'clock Tuesday
evening. The remains will be interred this (Thursday) morning. The bereaved parents have our
sympathy.

January 13, 1870

    Destructive Fire---At 2 ½ o'clock on Monday morning last the residence of Mr. J.M. Washburn,
2 ½ miles from this place, caught fire from the chimney and was totally consumed---the family
having hardly time to save themselves---leaving all their clothing and furniture to the devouring
element.
    Mr. Washburn was badly burned while rescuing his family. He will, however, be able to attend
to his business in a few days. His wife and children suffered considerable for want of clothing to
protect them from the cold. They were, however, soon cared for by the citizens and made as
comfortable as possible.
    Mr. Washburn requests us to return his sincere thanks to the citizens of Sweetwater and
vicinity, for their liberal kindness in supplying all necessary comforts of life for himself and family,
and their timely assistance to erect another building.

January 20, 1870

    George Peace was convicted for the murder of J.L. Carson and sentenced to the Penitentiary
for two years.

January 27, 1870

    Reprieved---We learn that George Peace who was sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years
at the last term of our Circuit Court has been reprieved by Governor Senter.

    Obituary---Died, on the 20th inst., in Sweetwater, Mrs. Darcus Montgomery, wife of James
Montgomery, Esq., aged 75 years, 11 months and 6 days; for many years a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and by consistent life proved the genuineness of her faith in Christ. For some
time previous to her death she was fully satisfied that the time of her departure was near, yet with
a firm trust in her Savior she felt that all was well. The last words she spoke were to give
assurance that in the hands of Christ she was safe.

    Death of Mrs. Montgomery---We are called upon this week to announce the death of this
venerable lady, which occurred Thursday evening last at about 6 o'clock.
    She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and beloved by all who knew her.
The remains of the deceased were interred in the cemetery on Fork Creek Saturday evening the
22nd inst.

February 3, 1870

    Killed---We learn that on Saturday evening last, in Athens, Thomas Crawford shot and killed a
man by the name of Anderson. Crawford made good his escape. We know nothing of the origin of
this sad affair, and cannot say more until further developments are made. The parties were both
citizens of Athens, Crawford a single man and Anderson a man of a family consisting of a wife
and four small children, whom he has left to mourn his sad death.

    Letter From Madisonville, February 1, 1870---Editor Enterprise: Dear Sir, On yesterday one
Enos J. Hunt, about whom we have heard so much of late, was committed to jail at this place for
shooting at a Miss White some time ago. He has been keeping out of the way for several months;
but he came home a few days ago, said he had joined the U.S. Army, and that it would protect
him. He is the same young man that Divine and others were trying to arrest when Cas. Hicks was
killed, and it is likely before he gets through with this case, that he will be indicted for stealing
horses in Knox County. This is the fourth one of the family we have in jail here. His father and
brother for killing Hicks, his sister for resisting the officer when he was trying to arrest Enos at
the time Hicks was killed, and now Enos himself. We do not know when the balance of them will
come.  Yours, H.

February 17, 1870

    Estrayed---From the undersigned, one mile north of Browder's Mill, near the railroad, a cow.
Back, belly and front parts mostly white. Black sides, points of horns off, twelve or more years
old. Any persons knowing anything of her whereabouts, by informing me will be liberally
rewarded.   Andrew Pickens.

February 24, 1870

    Another Homicide--- A difficulty occurred at Cog Hill, in this county [McMinn], on Tuesday
night, between Joseph Cooke and D.H. Dickey, which terminated in the death of the former. It
seems that they had a quarrel some time before, which was renewed on the night mentioned.
Cooke was stabbed twice with a knife, and died in a few minutes. It is said there were several
persons present when the fight occurred, but we have not been able to learn any further
particulars. Both parties were respectably connected, and both young men who had not attained
their majority.
    Since the above was in type we have received additional information about the homicide, from 
which it appears that Cooke was the aggressor, and that the parties were down on the ground
when the stabbing was done---Dickey underneath. Our informant states that Dickey surrendered
himself on Wednesday, and was undergoing a preliminary trial. ---Athens Post, February 18th.

    A beautiful snow has been falling at intervals during the past week, and is now lying to the
depth of from three to five inches throughout this section.

March 10, 1870

    Death of Mr. John A. Holston---Our community was terribly shocked on Friday morning last,
at the announcement, by telegraph, of the death of this young man, a brakeman on the E.T. Va. &
Ga. Railroad which happened in Chattanooga, on Thursday night before, at about 10 o'clock.
    We have obtained the following particulars, of this sad and melancholy affair, which we publish
for the information of our readers, as a large number of them were well acquainted with the
deceased.
    Mr. Holston, was engaged in coupling the cars, making up a train, and it is supposed that while
attempting to jump upon the rear end of the baggage car to break it up, and be ready to couple it,
he missed his footing and fell before it. All that is known is that the engineer saw him uncouple
the car and run towards the rear, or the front, as it was then moving.
    A few minutes after, Mr. Matt Dyer saw a mangled corpse lying on the rails, some ten yards
south of the switch house, which was recognized as that of Mr. Holston. His right arm was run
over by the car, terribly cut, and the hand was severed from the wrist, hanging only by a few
shreds of flesh. His head was beaten between the ties by the framework of the brakes, and his face
was sadly mangled. There can be no doubt that he had little time for suffering, and that between
his fatal misstep and his summons to another world, scarcely an instant intervened.
    The body of the deceased was placed in a neat, metallic case, and brought to this place on the
Friday morning train, deposited at the residence of Mr. W.L. Price, a brother-in-law of his, where
it remained until Saturday morning, when after services at the house, the body was taken to the
depot, and on arrival of the train, was placed on it and carried to Loudon for interment. The
officers of the road having furnished a car and free transportation, to and from the funeral, a large
number of our citizens went to pay the last tribute to a young man who was universally loved by
all who knew him. May his spirit rest in peace.

    Masonic Funeral---The last sad tribute of respect was paid to their deceased brother, G.W.
Martin, by Sweetwater Lodge, F. & A.M., on Monday last at County Line Cemetery.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large portion of the members of the fraternity,
and a good number of citizens were in attendance. The solemn services were performed at the
grave with more than usual impressiveness. Mr. Martin had been a citizen of the county for a
number of years, and was highly esteemed by all who knew. He has left a wife, one child and
many friends to mourn after him. 

April 7, 1870

    Death of Maj. M.H. Stephens---We regret to see announced in the Americus Republican, the
death of Maj. M.H. Stephens. He died on the morning of the 27th March, in Americus, Ga. He
was a native of Ireland, but had lived in Georgia and East Tennessee from a boy of 14 years old.
In this county he had many warm friends. Was a true Southern gentleman. He entered the
Confederate Army at the first tap of the drum, and was one of the best Quartermasters in it, and
one who done his whole duty. He was under General Vaughn during the war, and the General
says no officer in that department of the Confederate Army ever discharged his duty more faithful
and honestly than did Maj. Stephens. Mrs. Stephens and her daughter have the entire sympathy of
the whole community here, and we are pleased to learn that Dr. Joseph Upton has now gone to
Georgia to bring them to this county.

April 21, 1870

    On Friday the 15th inst., as Capt. Thomas Prigmore was on his return home, the horse attached
to the buggy, became frightened, in crossing a very rough piece of road, about four miles from
this place, to such an extent that the driver, a Negro man, could not control him, consequently he
ran off, throwing the old gentleman from the buggy, breaking his right arm between the elbow and
shoulder joint. The driver also received two cuts on the head, penetrating through the scalp. His
right ear was also cut in two. At last accounts the parties were doing as well as could be expected.

    Murder---We learn that Joseph Blackwell was shot and killed at Spring Town, Polk Co., a few
days ago, by some unknown person, while sitting at his table eating supper. He was an
overbearing man, and supposed to have been killed by a man of like character.
    We also learn that Samuel Rodgers, well known in the upper end of this county, where he was
raised, stabbed and killed Hugh Singleton, formerly of Blount County, in Clayton, Ga., a short
time ago. Rodgers has been arrested and confined to await his trial. The last named persons were
in the Southern Army. No politics connected with either of these murders.

May 5, 1870

    Dr. Ben Franklin---No doubt the friends and acquaintances of Dr. Franklin will regret to learn,
that he took his departure, with his family for Missouri on yesterday. The neighborhood has lost a
good citizen, and the afflicted a skillful physician. We commend him to the community in whose
midst he will soon be thrown.

May 12, 1870

    Blount County---The Knoxville Whig of Tuesday last says: "We regret that we are called upon
to record another case of mobbing a minister of the Gospel in Blount County. We had supposed
that this very questionable conduct had about abated there, and that wiser and more humane
councils were prevailing.
    On yesterday we gathered the following facts from the tongue of the Reverend gentleman who
was so grossly insulted and driven from the church. His name is Bays, a minister of the M.E.
Church South, and of excellent reputation. He met his engagement promptly at the hour. Upon
arriving at the place, he was confronted by a number of desperadoes, and informed him that he
could not preach there---that he was a Virginia Rebel and they had no use for him. The Reverend
gentleman tried to reason with them, and to assure them that his intentions were entirely pacific,
and that he simply aimed to discharge his duties as a minister. It did no good. They threatened him
afresh, and, but for the timely interference of an influential citizen, would have no doubt, treated
him roughly. They finally succeeded in driving him off, and the gentleman informed us that he is
clearly of the opinion that, had he remained and preached, the mob would have taken his life.
    Poor Blount! When will she wipe away the terrible stain which rests upon her character? It is a
good county---none better in the State---but she has the reputation of whipping preachers, and
that has about ruined her.

May 19, 1870

    The Blount County Trouble, Again---The Blount County affair when reduced to its legitimate
character, is, in all conscience bad enough without adding to it a train of facts which time has fully
demonstrated never had any connection wit it, whatever. We do not stop to blame anyone for a
willful exaggeration of the matter. We can well imagine how many of the wild reports which we
have heard obtained credence. There had been but a short time before, a most tragic event in the
same section, and brought about, perhaps, by some of the same parties who excluded the Rev.
Mr. Bays from the church. The Rev. Jacob Smith, a harmless and devoted Christian minister, had
been almost beaten to death with clubs and sticks, and, when found near the scene of his
misfortunes, was so far gone as to despair of his recovery. The fiendish set did not even heed his
piteous appeals, nor his heart-rending groans and agonies. With these startling facts still fresh in
the memory of the country, and now a part of the docket of the courts, it is, by no means strange,
that we should have some crude and undigested reports of the case of Mr. Bays.
    We now bespeak the patience of the reader while we endeavor to go to the bottom of the
affair, and to give it to the public "just as it is." 
    First, then, our authority. Mr. Alexander Kennedy is the man. He is an old citizen of Blount, is
a member, we think, of the Southern Methodist Church, entertained Mr. Bays the night before the
day of preaching, took him and family to church, and was present and witnessed everything that
occurred. What does he say? He states that when he arrived at the church, he was met by William
Goodard who informed him quietly, that he could not preach there; that such was the decision of
the trustees; that Mr. Bays modestly and quietly acquiesced; that some conversation then passed
between them of no great importance; that there were no threats made; that there were no oaths
sworn; that there were no seizing of the bridles of the horses, and that the minister retired from
the spot inmolested by a single person. These are the facts as communicated to us by Mr.
Kennedy. So that we arrive at the conclusion that the gist of the offense consisted in closing the
doors, which, as Mr. Kennedy says, were barricaded!  ---Knoxville Whig. 

May 26, 1870

    Married---On the 25th inst., at the residence of the bride's father, in Jackson, West Tennessee,
by Rev. A.W. Jones, Mr. E.C. Johnson, of Loudon, East Tennessee, and Miss Sally E. Norwood.

    Died---On Wednesday morning, 25th inst., in this place at 10 o'clock, Frank Afton, youngest
son of M. & Mary E. Carter. Aged 21 months and 13 days.
    The remains of the deceased will be interred in the Sweetwater Cemetery this evening at 4
o'clock.
June 9, 1870

    Obituary---J. William Monger was born in Roane County, Tennessee, where he lived until the
late war. Taking active sides with the Confederate cause, he was early forced from his home, and
afterwards settled in Talbot County, Georgia, where he married and lived until he departed this
life, April 23, 1870.
    He was an honest and a pious gentleman, a true and steadfast friend, a kind and tender
husband; as a citizen, he was patriotic, liberal and enterprising, prompt in the discharge of his
duties and faithful to all trusts committed to him. He is gone. The place that he filled will know
him no more, but it is a grateful and consoling reflection to his bereaved wife and host of friends
that he has gone down to the grave with his escutcheon unstained, no blot on his name, and they
can look back on the record of his life without a sigh of regret or a blemish on the page of his
history. His effeminate form, his feeble voice, his large-hearted charity, his force of character, and
his undaunted fortitude, we can recollect, but we can see and feel no more. His bright example
will never fade from the memory of his loving wife and friends, and will only be effaced or
forgotten when they, too, are called to make the journey to that bourn from whence no traveler
returns.
    For many years he had been afflicted with chronic bronchitis, producing much suffering, while
he bore with great fortitude. He never made a public profession of religion, but died in the full
triumph of faith. He was conscious of his approaching dissolution, and called his many friends and
loving companion around his bed, and after telling them to meet him in Heaven, requested them to
sing until he was gone, the hymn commencing, "Come ye that love the Lord." He quietly and
peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.  ---A Mourner.

June 16, 1870

    The Sleeping Beauty of Tennessee---Union City, Tenn., May 14.---So much has already been
written in regard to the lady known here as the "Sleeping Beauty," that I can scarcely hope to
give you anything new, but will add my testimony to that already given, and make you a plain
statement of facts, as I know them from her mother, brother, and friends, who now have her in
charge in the same house in which I am stopping, and from which I am writing to you.
    Miss Susan Caroline Godsay was born in Obion County, Tenn., and within ten miles of this
city, of poor but respectable parents. Her father has been dead for over twelve years. Her mother
still lives and watches over her loved child, and the sunken eyes and furrowed brow shows plainly
the trials and sorrows she has experienced in her duty for twenty-one years. She is very poor, and,
to some extent, dependent on the contributions of visitors, to take care of and procure proper
supplies for her charge.
    Miss Godsay was taken sick when about four years of age, with what is supposed to be chills
and fever, but which baffled the skill of nurses and physicians for more than two years, at which
time she fell into a nervous sleep, from which she has not woke since for a longer time than
twelve minutes. She usually sleeps soundly from 11 o'clock at night until about 6 in the morning,
and through the day awakes about once an hour. Her waking spells are never of less than four nor
more than twelve, but usually about six minutes duration. In her waking moments she speaks
pleasantly and intelligently, answers promptly any question asked of her, and appears quite happy
and contented.
    One of the strangest points of this strange case is the seemingly total absence of anything like
respiration. A piece of the finest polished glass held to her lips fails to disclose the slightest trace
of breath. Her pulse is perfectly still, and but for a nervous and tremulous motion of the body,
which never ceases, you might at any time call her dead. She has grown during her affliction from
a little child to about the average height of her sex, and weighs 96 pounds, and though her body
and hands show very poor in flesh, her face is full and smooth, and her features well developed.
Indeed, such a rare style do her features portray that she is not inappropriately called the Sleeping
Beauty of Tennessee.

   Married---At the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. W.W. Morrison, Mr. John H. Inman,
of New York, and Miss Maggie M. Coffin, of Monroe County, Tenn.

July 7, 1870

    Obituary---Died, at his residence June 25th, Mr. William Rutherford, one of the early settlers of
Sweetwater Valley. Mr. Rutherford sustained during a long life the reputation of an honest and
industrious citizen, esteemed by all who knew him. We are not aware that he ever made any
profession of religion, but learn that he manifested great interest upon the subject in his last
illness, and it is hoped that he made his peace with a merciful God, who is long suffering, and
willeth not the death of a sinner, but would rather all would repent and be saved. Still this is no
apology for procrastination to the living, for theirs is an interest running through an endless
eternity of happiness or misery.

    James K. Marrow---We learn that the named notorious individual was shot and killed one day
last week by an unknown party who had concealed himself for the purpose of accomplishing the
deed. Marrow, at the time, was cradling wheat in a field on Coker Creek, in this county.
    Although such acts as this are much to be deprecated, yet the termination of Marrow's career
will doubtless bring relief to many who knew and dreaded him. "Whosoever sheddeth man's
blood, by man shall his blood be shed."

July 14, 1870

    Murder of A Tennessean---From the Kansas City Journal of Commerce, we see that city has
been the scene of a carnival of crime; murders, assaults and robberies being the order of the day.
One of the victims was murdered and the body placed on the railroad track and run over by a
passenger train. The Journal says: 
    "From papers found on the body it was learned that the name of the man was George D.
Campbell, and it is thought his home had been in Maryville, Tennessee. He had been a
Confederate soldier as learned from a letter written 6 years ago. He was dressed in a neat suit of
black, had on new boots, and silk hat, and was probably twenty-five years of age. He was about
five feet, ten inches in height, with dark complexion, black hair and moustache."

    James H. Mayes---Our people were pained to hear on Friday last, of the death of Mr. James H.
Mayes, at Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Mayes was formerly an esteemed resident of this place, and was the
eldest son of Henry Mayes, Esq., one of our most prominent citizens. He had been suffering for
many months with chronic diarrhea, and breathed his last in Atlanta, on the 7th instant. His
remains arrived here on Saturday morning and were buried in the old Cumberland Cemetery, a
short distance from town. The deceased leaves a wife and one child and a large number of
relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

    In A Small Grave---About a mile northwest of town is the grave of a Confederate soldier. On
the head-board is inscribed, "B.O. Yearwood, Co. B. 3d Ga. Bat. S.S." Mr. Yearwood is
supposed to have been killed in a cavalry skirmish which took place near Sweetwater in 1865. As
he may have friends or relatives in Georgia who are ignorant of his place of burial, our Georgia
exchanges are requested to copy this notice. The editor of this paper will give the friends of Mr.
Yearwood any further information he can avail himself of which they may desire to obtain.