"Well Known Man Gone---
Rev. A.B. Wright passed away quite unexpectedly
at his home in this place last night. [November 8] He had been sick ever since
he was thrown from his horse several weeks ago, and last Saturday he was
attacked by bilious fever, which complicated matters and weakened him very much.
On Tuesday night he was prostrated very suddenly, and last night a second attack
of the same sort resulted fatally without an instant’s warning. His son,
W.D.
Wright, and daughter,
Mrs. Tobias Peters, and
F.H. Dunning
were with him at the end. His eldest son,
J.C. Wright, who had been here
to see him, had left in the afternoon for home, but was recalled by telegraph
and returned this morning accompanied by the other son, T.A. Wright. The
funeral will be held Saturday at 11 o’clock in the M.E. church, interment will
take place at Mt. Vernon with Masonic honors, the deceased being an esteemed
member of that organization. Mr. Wright was probably better known throughout
this section than any other man in it. He was born in Fentress County in 1826,
and has been engaged in the service of the Lord since his 22nd year,
and has preached in nearly every church in Morgan, Fentress, Scott, Anderson,
Overton, Pickett, Roane and Cumberland Counties. He was also County Clerk of
Fentress County for four years. A widow, three sons and one daughter survive
him." ---Sunbright Dispatch.
1894
RAISED ON THE OLD PLANTATION.
Former Slaves United in Marriage After a Separation of Twent-five Years
Two ex-slaves who had not seen each other for 25 years were married
yesterday by Magistrate B.F. Camp. The principals v/oro John Thompson,
aged 85 years, and Kitty Owens, aged 70. Before the late war both were
slaves in the family of Mr. George Girding, who owned a large
plantation in Morgan County, Tenn. At that time Thompson was looked
upon as an old man, while the woman was called '"mammy" by the children
in the family. After the two slaves were made free they went out in
different directions to make a livelihood. The man decided to follow
the river, and he secured a place in the dining room of a steamboat. He
continued at this until several months ago, when he retired. Thompson
had saved enough money to keep him in comfort for the rest of his
days. He looked up some of his children, now living in Louisville, but
found that they did not take any interest in their old father, not
seeming to care whether he was alive or dead. It was while visiting his
children that the old man met Kitty Owens. They did not know each other
at first, and it was only comparing notes that the two recognized each
other. A marriage was shortly arranged for the two. Yesterday they went
to the county clerk's office where a license was secured. The old
people were accompanied to Magistrates Camps office by a curious crowd.
There the ceremony was performed.
Thompson had been married three times, and his companion ouly one time
less. As the old couple were leaving, office Magistrate Camp remembered
that his fee had been overlooked.
"Lor, Yo' honah, I hasn't got any mo" money." said the old man. The
facial espression of the old darky underwent a complete change as
he fumbled in his pockets. Finally Thompson got a small
amount of change out of his many pockets. This was given over to the
magistrate, who found that it amounted to a total of 90 cents. The old
man explained that he divided his savings so that they would last until
he was 100 years old. He took only one of these piles weekly, never
touching the rest
until the next week. The bride-groom said that he hoped to save enough
out the next few weeks allotment to pay the balance of $1.10 to the
magistrate. The old man and his bride were then allowed to depart
happily for their home. Louisville Currier Journal
Source: Davenport Daily Leader, Davenport, Iowa, March 4, 1894
1895
November 20 1895
He Came This Way
Last Thursday a young man nmed
JOSEPH D KELLY was hit with a single tree in the hands of a negro by the name of
CHARLES HURD.
The young man's skull was so crushed that he died Saturday morning. The
murder occured near Joynersville Morgan County, a small town a few
miles from Harriman. [Crossville Chronicle]
1898
To be the mother of many children is ranked among nature's chief
blessings but when the cares of the busy housewife are added to the
trials of frequent motherhood, it is too great a burden for a woman who
is not in prime health arid condition. Every woman who is called upon
to bear the ordeal of bringing many children into the world needs the
support and reinforcement of that wonderful strength promoting
"Favorite Prescription" originated by Dr. R. V. Pierce, chief
consulting physician of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical institute,
Buffalo, N. Y., and one of the most eminent of living specialists.
Mrs. David H. Langley, of Lancing, Morgan Co.,Tenn., in a recent letter
to Dr. Pierce, writes: I am now thirty-six years old and have given
birth to ten children. Eight only are living. I have twin boys six
years old. The same spring after they were born I was confined to my
bed all spring and summer with female complaint; had it so badly I
could hardly walk around the house without feeling worse. I was
restless at night, sleep almost left me, and I was almost a skeleton. I
did not call my doctor as I had tried the doctors twice before when I
was down with the same trouble, and my husband paid out a great deal
for me. I received no lasting benefit; I had almost lost all hope of
being able to do anything. My husband had to work very hard and I could
not even attend to the babies. No one can know the distress of my mind
as
well as body. Dr. Pierce's favorite prescription was the only
medicine that seemed to do me any good. After I had taken the first
bottle and part of the second. I could sleep well and all
mytroubles began to get better. I believe I took eight bottles and then
I felt like a different person. I gave birth to another baby and my old
complaint came back. I began using the "Favorite Prescription" and was
soon relieved and was able to do my work, including the washing".
Source: Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, December 25, 1898
----------------------------
J.A. HAMBY more familiar known as GUNTER was born in Morgan
Co in 1843 and is in his 55th year. In 1861 he enlisted in the
Confederate Army and participated in battles of Fishing Creek and
Shilo. He was discharged shortly after the last named battle
because of sickness. After peace was declared he began studing
and teaching. Being an inveterate reader his range of study and
investigation was very wide and he aquired a store of useful knowledge
which enabled him to direct the young as well as to qualify him
for the ministry which he entered at age 25. He was ordained to
preach by the Christian church. He taught for several years in
the state of Kentucky and went from the latter to Texas, where he
resided for a period of years. He was admitted to the bar, but
never followed the calling to any great extent.
March 23 1898 Crossville Chronicle
-------------------
June 1 1898
Miss
MATTIE FARMER of Hebbertsburg, and
SAMUEL WEATHERFORD of Morgan CO were married at Pine Orchard
Source: Crossville Chronicle
1899
Robert Hudson,a fireman on the Cincinnati Southern railroad, was killed near Sunbright, Tenn.
Lima Daily Democratic Times, Lima, Ohio, Feb 23, 1889
--------------
Sale of Coal and Mineral Lands
Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 5 - Michigan capitalists who have been here for some time have closed a deal with
John M. Davis and
others, of Morgan county, Tenn., for several thousand acres of coal and
mineral land. The railroad from Harriman to Waterbury will be extended
into the property which will be developed. A bond issue will be floated
for the railroad enterprise.
Source: Lima News, Lima, Ohio, December 4, 1899
---------
Mrs. Keith, of Spencerville and Mrs. C B Sharp, of north Jackson street,
left yesterday for a visit with Mrs. H. R. Post, of Rugby, Tenn.
Source: Lima Daily News, Lima, Ohio, September 20, 1899
1900
TENNESSEE STRIKE ENDS
CHATTANOOGA. Tenn.. Oct. 25,.
President
George P. Howard of the
Crooked Fork Coal & Coke company at Petros, Brushy Mountain, Tenn.. stated today that the strike at the mines had been adjusted and 300 men will return
to work at once.
Source: Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska; October 26, 1900
1901
SEEKS TO REGAIN THE LAND
Suit Between Two Counties of State of Tennessee.
Knoxville, Tenn., August 18 (Special)
A bill was filed In the chancery court at Kingston, Tenn., styled Roane
County vs Morgan County, in which it is to regain territory taken from
Roane county and attached to Morgan by the last legislature. There was
considerable feeling over the matter last winter, both sides to the
controversy having a
lobby at Nashville before the legislature, but Morgan county was
successful, and the bill passed. Now Roane county will attempt to hold
the territory on the constitutional ground that it has not the
number of square miles it is entitled to under the constitution. It will be a hard fought lawsuit.
Source: Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, August 19, 1901
1902
A Sad Case
Knoxville. Tenn.. Oct. 21.
Just as the case of
Clarence Peake, charged with murder of
Silas
Hulin, of Clinton.Tenn., was about to be called in the supreme court
here yesterday, the supposed dead man appeared and announced that he
had been in Colorado and had come back to prove Peake's innocence.
Peake, who is the son of a prominent family, had been sentenced in a
lower court to ten years in the penitentiary, but is now in the insane
asylum near here, a raving maniac, because of the charge against him.
Source: Daily Chronicle, Elyria, Ohio,October 21, 1902
Source: Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga, February 10, 1903
Two Miners Killed
Petros, Tenn., February 9, - Hugh
Webster and John Fry were killed by
falling slate in the Tennessee Blue Gem
Coal Company's coal mine today. Both men
leave large families.
1903
An incident occurred at Sunbright Tenn., Saturday, which is out of the common run.
Ernest Dunnigan, who seems to have been something of a desperado, bore a grudge against
W. E. Kennedy. Dunnigan went to Kennedy's house, called him out and announced: "You kill me or I'll kill
you," Instead of waiting for Dunnigan to shoot him, as the latter
evidently he would, 'Kennedy violated the usual rules of such procedure
by instantly shooting and killing Dunnigan. We have no idea that
Kennedy will be punished. In fact he ought to be discharged with the
thanks of the court for ridding the community of a terror and a
constant menace. It's an awful thing to shed human blood—to take human
life. But when the bully who goes about with the constant purpose in
his mind to maim or kill his fellow creatures, with or without
provocation, is shot down, as he deserves to be, we heave a sigh of
relief and feel like congratulating the one who does the disagreeable
duty for doing great public service.
Landmark, Statesville, North Carolina, Sept. 22, 1903
---------------------
FIRED STORE TO COVER THEFT
Pilot Mountain, Tenn.,
Scene of Double Crime
Sunbright, Tenn., Sept. 23 - At
Pilot Mountain on the Cincinnati Southern, a large grocery store of
Dennis brothers was burned last night after several hundred dollars
worth of goods had been hauled away by robbers. Losses, $2500 to stock
and $1000 to the building. The postoffice in the building was destroyed
but the stamps and money were in an iron safe and were saved. There is
no clue to the guilty parties.
Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, Sept. 24, 1903
1904
Sentenced to Life Terms
Knoxville, Tenn - Nov. 25
Henry Fritts and
Robert Hughes were sentenced at Wartburg, Tenn., today to serve terms of life imprisonment for the murder of
George Edmonds at Oliver Springs last spring. Both men will be brought to Knoxville for safe keeping pending an appeal to the Supreme court.
Source: Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA, November 26, 1904
1905
Joseph Duncan had lived Forty Years on his Farm
(Review Special Service.)
Moweaqua. Ills. March 31.
Joseph
Duncan died Thursday at 12:30 a.m. aged 88 years. Mr Duncan was born in
Morgan county, Tenn. in 1817. At the age of 23 he was married to Miss
Susan Debaul of Washington County, Tenn.
They moved to Illinois in 1849 and in 1867 they settled on a farm near
Moweaqua. They have been living near Moweaqua for nearly forty years.
Three years ago his wife died leaving him with his children,
Mrs. Mary C. Francis, M.T. Duncan and
Joseph Duncan, Jr., of Mowequa and
J. T. Duncan of Decatur
. Mr. Duncan
was a well respected citizen by all who knew him. Since a young man he
has been a member of the Baptist church. Funeral services will he held
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Mr. Cooper officiating.
Source: March 31, 1905, Daily Review, Decatur, Illinois
Source: Washington Post, Washington, D.C., April 17, 1906
Petros, Tenn., Destroyed
Knoxville, Tenn., April 16. - Fire at Petros, Tenn., destroyed nearly
the entire business section to-night, causing loss estimated at close
to $40,000. The fire started in the Williams' general store,
and within one hour, eight buildings, all frame, were on fire.
1907
Suicide's Body Shipped Home.
The body of
George W Ewell of Deer Lodge, Morgan County, Tenn, who
committed suicide here on Tuesday was shipped to Dyersburg, Tenn last
night for burial.
M. W. Ewell a brother of the suicide has arranged for
the Interment Source: Washington Post, Washington,
D.C. November 15, 1907
1908
Negroe's Bloody Work, Chattanooga, Tenn, Jan 20
David Langley. Jr., night watchman at the Cincinnati Southern
bridge near Annadel, Tenn., wa shot and killed by an unknown negro.
Before committing the murder the negro kicked a freight conductor in
the head. The negro tramp had stolen an overcoat belonging to Langley
and was followed to Annadel by the watchman, where the theif alighted
and proceeded to a cabin. Securing the assistance of Night Operator
Browning, the two men went to the house.The negro tramp met them at the
door and knocked Mr. Browning, who carried a pistol, to the ground,
with an axe. Picking up the pistol dropped by the operator. the negro
shot the bridge watchman through the heart, killing him instantly. He
then escaped through the woods. Brownings skull is fractured and it is
said that he cannot recover. Source: Coshocton Daily Times, Coshocton,
Ohio, January 20, 1908
-----------------
News has reached Chattanooga, Tenn., to the effect that a posse of Morgan county citizens captured and lynched
Walter Cole, the negro who Monday killed
Walter Langley,
a Cincinnati Southern bridge watchman at Annadel,Tenn. The posse had
followed Cole all night, finally surrounding him in the woods. The
negro resisted arrest and the posse opened fire, riddling his body with
bullets.
Source: Daily Kennebec Journal, Kennebec, Maine, January 22, 1908
1910
Her Husbands Die in Duel
Woman had Divorced Both and then Rewedded the First
Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 1
A Coroner'sn jury which investigated the killing of
Ben Barger, an employee of the Tennessee Brewing Company of Memphis, and
G. M. Gaynon, a member of the Fire Department of this city,
returned a verdict that each came by his death from shots fired from
the other. Mrs. Gaynon some time ago obtained a divorce from Gaynon and
married Barger, but after one year divorced. Barger and remarried her
first husband. Bager sent Gaynon this written challenge: "You have got
my wife and you have got to fight me. Are you man enough? Please name
the place we can meet. You are a coward if you don't fight". He also
attempted to inveigle Mrs. Gaynon from home with a false message to her
that he had shot himself and was asking for her. Barger was the
stepbrother of Mrs. Gaynon, his mother is still living at Rugby, Tenn.
Source: Wellsboro Gazette, Wellsboro, Penn., August 4, 1910
1911
ONE HUNDRED OR MORE DEAD
From the Mine Explosion and Majority of Bodies Likely to Be Found Today
OVER HALF OF VICTIMS MARRIED MEN
Fifty-six Women Widowed and 184 Children Orphaned by the Disaster at Briceville - Workmen
Still Attempting to Force the Cross Mountain Mine to Give up the Dead
Briceville, Tenn., Dec. 11 - With sixteen bodies recovered and
identified rescue parties today renewed their hacking and digging in an
attempt to force the big Cross Mountain mine here to give up its
dead. Having
forced their way three miles into the mountain and bratticed most of the mine's cross entries, members
of the rescue crew expect to stumble onto corpse strewn chambers at any hour now.
Discovery of the first body of this morning came at 10 o'clock, when a dead miner was found in a sitting
posture in one of the interior chambers. He was Andrew Johnson. It is
estimated the explosion rendered 56 women widows and made 184 children
orphans. That there are 100 or more dead men remaining in the mine
there is no doubt. All hope of rescuing any of the scores who
went to their toll Saturday morning to be embraced by death has been
abandoned. The discovery late last night more bodies prompted
crowds to gather at the death cave-in early this morning. Weeping
wives, made widows by Saturday's dust blast in the Knoxville Iron
company's mine, came to the shaft entrance in scores this morning,
prepared to meet their dead. In a warehouse but a short step from the
mine entrance are great aurabers of coffins waiting for their
occupants. Corpses in plenty for
these coffins will be found in the mine early this afternoon, it is
believed. Possibly the majority of the victims will be found today.
Of the eight corpses discovered last night three were sitting bolt upright in a mine car while the bodies
of five others were lying on the ground. Their deaths came by explosion of dust.
Charles Kesterson, whose body was among the first discovered, was found at the telephone back in the
mine by the rescuing crew. Evidently Kesterson was trying to
phone news of the blast to the officeof the mines when he was struck by
falling debris. His skull was badly mashed and his body was cut.
Thousands Visited Scene.
At least 10.000 persons visited this hamlet and willing workers were
many. George P. Chanler. president of the Tennessee Coal company, is in
charge of the relief work. He divided the men into gangs of 50 and sent
each shift into the working for two hours. Even when the air in the
mine was at its best they could not work longer in there.
The throng of visitors is largely responsible for the exhaustion of
food supplies in Briceville. All stores are bare of eatables and many
went hungry. However, hunger will not be long an added horror to
relatives of the Victims, as Knoxville" and other -cities are rushing
food supplies.
Straining on the ropes that keep the throng back from the mine
opening are the relatives of victims, anxiously awaiting some word of
life within the yawning mouth of the death trap. The situation becomes
more intense as each car of debris is brought to the surface, for, its
driver might bring some word, or with the debris, might be the body of
a loved one.
The shrill whistle of the special train bringing coffins brought
another horror to the already dazed inhabitants of the little town. The
special brought 100 boxes and they were piled near themouth of the mine.
A terrible pall of silent sorrow exists about the mouth of the mine as thousands congregate, some standing
for hours and others moving momentarily from one point of vantage to another.
Officials Are Reticent.
No official or semi-official opinion has been given out as to the cause
of the disaster. President T. I. Stephenson had nothing to say in
answer to this inquiry. It is generally believed however, that the
disaster was due to a dust explosion.
Mine officials also continue to decline to give out any positive
information on the number of men who went to work in the mine, but it
is thought that the number was between 100
and 200.
[Source: Mansfield News, December 11, 1911]
------------------------
Fireman
Henry Angel of Oakdale, Tenn., and several trainmen were
injured when a Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texan Pacific
limited was wrecked in a tunnnel near Burnside, Ky.
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana December 22, 1911
1913
TWO DIE IN REVOLVER DUEL
Sheriff and Fugitive Exchange Shots and Both Are Killed.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn,, June 14.—Deputy Sheriff
John Sliger and
Joe Tipton,
whom he was trying to arrest, killed each other tonight on the public
highway near Rugby, Tenn, Tipton had been drinking and was firing his
pistol promiscuously when Sliger demanded his surrender. Tlpton turned
his weapon on the officer and the two men began shooting
simultaneously. When the smoke had cleared away both were dead, within
a short distance of each other,
Source: Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana June 15, 1913
------------
Two Brothers Killed in a Soft Drink Stand
Petros, Tenn., December 25
William and Robert Russell, brothers, were shot and instantly killed here late last night
and
Beecher Holmes and his younger brother, charged with murder, are being held in the Petros
branch of the state prison. The Russell brothers were in a soft drink
stand when, it is alleged, the Holmes brothers came in and began
shooting. Officers say the double tragedy followed action
by William and Robert Russell in giving evidence against the
Holmes brothers in connection with whisky selling charges. Threats of a
double lynching caused the officers to place the accused men in the
branch state prison.
Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, 12/26/1913
1916
OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn., May 23.
While
John and Chester Shoopman, cousins, were "playing
soldier", a shotgunin the hands of John was discharged, the charge
entering his thigh and wounding him so seriously that his condition is
critical, as lock jaw is feared. They didn't know the gun was loaded.
They were at the home of John, about five miles from Oliver Springs.
They were drilling with the guns at the time the shooting occured. John
is twenty and his cousin is twenty one.
Source: Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee, 6/25/1916
1921
ALLEGED MURDERERS CAUGHT AT HARRIMAN
Knoxville, June 10 -
Tom Chrismas and
Otto Stevens, charged with the killing of
George Lewis,
of Knoxville, near Clinton, on the night of May 30, who have eluded
pursuit by a number of posses, were captured last night near Harriman.
Christmas and Stevens were held in the office of Chief of Police W. W.
Roberts, at Harriman, and this morning were brought here. They were
placed in jail with John Mcclure and Charles Petree, who are alleged to
have confessed to a minor part, in the
killing of George Lewis and the assault on Andrew Crumley, Knoxville
taxicab driver, the night of May 30 in the woods near Clinton, and a
subsequent attempt to rob the bank at Oakdale.
Posses have been searching the hills of Roane and Anderson, Morgan and
adjoining counties for the remaining members of the band since Petree
and McClure; were captured several days after the attempted bank
robbery.
Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tenn., 6/16/1921
1923
Robbins-Satterfield Wedding
Miss
Gladys Satterfield and
Ben Robbins of Oakdale,Tenn. were married
yesterday afternoon at Pineville. They will leave Saturday for Chattanooga
where the will make their home.
Source: Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, March 30, 1923
---------------
MORGAN COUNTY SHIPS CARLOAD OF POTATOES
The Morgan County Potato Growers, Association, which grew a
considerable acreage of potatoes under supervision of County Agent
Robert L. Lyons this year, made their first co-operative shipment
recently. Twenty-five farmers co-operated in making up a car of 230,150
pounds in bags which they shipped to a Birmingham firm. They received
$3.50 per bag f. o. b. Sunbright, Morgan county. The local market,
which was limited, had been around $1.00 to $1.25 per bushel.. The
association received a little better than SI. 30 net on the shipment.
A. L. Jordan assisted Agent Lyons
in grading and handling the potatoes. Mr. Jordan stated that the farmers were highly pleased with
the results as well as the firm which purchased the potatoes. There
will be from 15 to 20 more carloads shipped from the county, the crop
being Agent Lyons' major project.
By the Associated Press. Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tenn.; Oct. 2, 1923
1924
Gunshot Victim Found
CLINTON.Tenn., July 23.
Lansdon Farris, 27 years old, former convict, was arrested yesterday morning
at Laurel Fork, near Petros by Deputy Sheriff Bunch, and lodged in the
jail here yesterday afternoon, charged with the murder of
Dee Cockrum.
30 years old, whose body was found in the woods near Laurel Fork,
having been shot in the back with a shot gun. Farris was arraigned here
yesterday afternoon before Justice of the Peace
J. K. Arthur, and held under a bond of $10,000 to wait the action
of the grand jury. Cockrum, who was a cook for the Ladd Lumber company,
left home about noon on July 17, and had not been seen alive again so
far as can be ascertained. Source: Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro,
KY July 23, 1924
-------------
CLINTON.Tenn., July 23.
Lansdon Farris, 27 years old, former
convict, was arrested yesterday morning at Laurel Fork, near Petros, by
Deputy Sheriff Bunch, and lodged in the jail here yesterday
afternoon, charged with the murder of
Dee Cockrum 30 years old,
whose body was found in the woods near Laurel Fork, having been shot in
the back with a shot gun. Farris was arraigned here
yesterday afternoon before Justice of the Peace
J. K. Arthur,
and held under a bond of $10,000 to wait the action of the grand jury.
Cockrum, who was a cook for theLadd Lumber company, left home about
noon on July 17, and had not been seen alive again so far as can be
ascertained.
Source: Middlesboro Daily News, Middlesboro, KY, July 23, 1924
1926
Know Your Pastor
REV. CHARLES A. YORK
Rev. Charles A. York, pastor of the M. E. Church. South Brunswick, was born in Rose, Tenn., on
May 29, 1891. He was educated at Randolph-Macon college, at Ashland,
Va., Dunsmore Business College, Staunton, Va.. University of Maryland
Law School, at Baltimore, and at Emory University, theology at Atlanta,
Ga. Rev. Mr. York has served pastorates at Savage, Md., for six months
as
a supply; two years at Ballston, Va., and is now in his second year at
Brunswick. At Ballston, he was the first full-time pastor. With a
church membership of 81, the first unit of a new $60.000 church was
substantially completed. During the World War. he entered the infantry
as a private and was discharged in 1919 as a Second Lieutenant.
Source: Frederick Post, Frederick, Maryland, October 9, 1926
1930
NEGRO CAPTURED AFTER BATTLE
Oakdale, Tenn, May 17 (AP)
Willie Campbell, Negro of Columbus, Ga, sought by a posse since Thursday for stabbing
Marion Goodman, Southern Railway Detective, in the railroad yards here,
was captured today after a gun battle in which he was seriously
wounded. Officers said he confessed he attacked the officer. More than
two hundred men participated in the hunt. Bloodhounds had been
following the Negro since Friday. Late last night he was surrounded in
a wood near here and this morning members of the posse began closing
in. As they came in sight, Campbell drew a pistol but before he could
shoot scores of bullets were fired at him. He was felled with a bullet
through his abdomen, one through his arm and another through his leg.
Goodman was attacked after arresting
Campbell and another Negro for trespassing on railroad property. The
detective was in a Chattanooga hospital today in a serious condition
with eight knife wounds.
Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, Nevada; May 17, 1930
The Chronicle Telegram
Elyria, Ohio
Jan. 26, 1931
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS
...Frederic A. Whiting, Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art,
born at Oakdale, Tenn., 58 years ago.
1931
Mrs. Clyde Bradford, S. Central ave, and children, Ruth and Edward, were to return Sunday from
Rockwood. Tenn., where they visited Mr.
Charles Lehman, father of Mrs. Bradford. They will
be accompanied by Mrs. William Shelley, St. Johns av, and children, Juanita and Theodore, who
have been visiting Mrs. Shelley's father,
William Lehman, of Deermount, Tenn.
Source: Lima News, Lima, Ohio, Aug 9, 1931
1933
RAILWAY SIGNAL MAN HEROICALLY PREVENTS WRECK OF RAIL FLYER
Oakdale, Tenn.—(UP)—A railway Signal man, suffering from a possibly
fractured skull, heroically averted a wreck of the crack Ponce de Leon
passenger train, Detroit to Miami, today, by flagging the flier to
safety before it reached a landslide which have wrecked his rail motor
car and caused his injury. He was
W. D. Waters, who with
R. C. Kelly,
was speeding on an inspection tour of the electric block system of the
line when their small car struck the landslide. Waters was thrown 50
feet, and suffered a possible fracture of the skull at the base of the
brain. Kelly was hurled upon a rock pile. Pulling Kelly to
safety. Waters deliberately damaged the block system's wires in a
manner he knew would result in red danger lights ahead for the fast
approaching Ponce de Leon. He then stumbled up the track, waving a red
fuse of warning. Thundering down the track among the Tennessee hills,
the crack train screeched to a stop just at the edge of the landslide.
The debris was then cleared away and the train rumbled on its way
southward. Waters and Kelly were taken to a hospital at Rockwood, where
Kelly was found suffering from a painful scalp wound and wrenched
back. Both men are married, and live at Lancing, Tenn. Source:
Daily
Northwestern, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 11/21/1933
Stolen Ransom Money Turns Up In Tennessee
Bulletin Wartburg, Tenn., Oct 19 -
A five dollar bill, believed to be part of the $50,000 ransom payment for
Mrs. Berry Stoll,
was discovered in the Citizens Bank and Trust Company here today. H. W.
Summers, president of the bank, said the bill bore the same serial
numbers as those received on a list he received from
federal agents. The bill was taken in yesterday, he said.
The Chroncile Telegram, Elyria, Ohio, October 19, 1934
1934
PILOT KILLED IN MAIL CRASH
Wreckage if found 150 miles off course in Mountains of Tennessee
Sunbright, Tenn., Dec. 24 (AP) -
The charred wreckage of an American Airlines mail plane and the crushed and burned body of its pilot, Russell Riggs
of Fort Worth, Texas, was found Sunday near the top of Big Pilot
Mountain, four miles east of here. The plane had been missing since
2:52 a. m. Saturday, shortly after leaving Louisville, Kentucky, for
Nashville, Tennessee. Apparently lost in a fog over the Cumberland
mountains of East Tennessee, the pilot had flown approximately 150
miles off his course.
Just Missed Top
The ship had crashed into the mountain, barely fifty feet from its top, and burned. The body
of Riggs, badly burned and torn, lay face down beside the motor. Five
or six pouches of mail and several packages of photographs were
scattered near the plane, but were undamaged. Two mountaineers, Kermit Freels, 23, and brother Theodore Freels, 27, discovered the wreckage at 10:00 a.m., after a two hour search. They lived two miles from the scene, the nearest house.
Thought it was Auto
"A plane passed right over our house about 4 o'clock Saturday morning,"
Kermit Freels said. "I stepped out of the house, thinking it was an
automobile coming."It was foggy and the plane was flying low. I could
make out its lights. The motor was running good: I said to the folks
"That plane has got to raise some to get over that mountain.' It had
not over but about three minutes when I heard a noise, and saw a light
up on the mountain, but I thought at the time the plane had gotten
over..
Started Search
'"Sunday, me and my brother heard about a plane wrecking and we went
out to look for it. "We found it "about twenty steps from the top of
Big Pilot mountain." If the pilot had raised about fifty feet he
would have gotten over. "The plane had torn up the mountain - side like
dynamite, and
torn the tops our of six or eight trees". Freels said he and his
brother came down the mountain side, walked to Sunbright, and got a
message to the sheriff. Sheriff .H.C. Byrge and several of his deputies
went to the scene to stand guard until other authorities arrived.
Body Carried Two Miles
A. two-mile trip down the mountain side was necessary to carry the pilot's body to an ambulance.
A representative of the department of commerce and a postal inspector
were reported- en route. from Nashville. National guard planes
and several ships sent out by the Airlines spent Saturday searching the
area between Nashville and Louisville for the unreported ship. Its
route was Cleveland, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, Little Rock,
Texarkana, Dallas and Fort Worth. It was due at Sky Harbor, near
Nashville, at 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
Gettysburg Times, Gettysburg, PA, Dec 24, 1934
-------------------
Tennessee Man Offers Grazing Land For Stock
Thousands of acres of rich grazing land in eastern Tennessee are
available to Nebraska stockmen who are faced with the problem of
finding feed for their drouth stricken herds, the state veterinarian
was informed Monday in a letter from a Tennessee man.
H. C. Nelson, of
Sunbright. Tenn, wrote that he has 3,500 acres of fine grazing land of
his own on the Cumberland plateau and an "unlimited range"' is close at
hand. Nelson said the range will be ample to provide feed for stock
until
November or early December
Source: Lincoln Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, July 9, 1934
1935
Green Drake and
Mrs. Emma Tallman, of Sunbright. Tenn., are visiting friends in town. They were called here by the death of
Mrs. C. L. Osborne.
Charleston Daily Mail, Charleston, WV, Jan 20, 1935
Source: The Nashua Reporter, Nashua, Iowa, May 15, 1935
Puzzling Waters
The waters of one of the creeks
near Petros, Tenn., are black six
days in the week and clear on Sunday.
Miners use the stream to wash coal on
working days, but rest on Sunday.
1937
Girl Wife Gets Divorce
Wartburg, Tenn., July 3, (INS)
Alma Ruffner Honeycutt, 14-year old girl-wife, yesterday had been handed a six months "bed and board divorce". from her 23 year-old husband, Harold.
Chancellor A.H. Wallace awarded the child-mother the "bed and board
divorce", described by attorneys as a "legal separation" after Alma
told him "I really don't want a divorce". In addition to the six months
separation, Chancellor Wallace ordered Honeycutt to pay his young
wife $17.50 a month for support of the child, a boy born last
December. Lee M. Jeffers, Mrs. Honeycutt's attorney, explained
the decree merely gives Alrna that long to make up her mind whether she
wants an absolute divorce or not. "I still love him and still want to
live with him," Alma told the court. Mrs. Honeycutt won the decree on a
cross-bill which she filed Monday in answer to her husband's suit.
Honeycutt's petition, which charged Alma with "cruel and inhuman
treatment," was dismissed when he failed to appear In court.
Source: Hammond Times, Hammond, Indiana, July 3, 1937
1940
ANOTHER FELLER?
A 17-year-old schoolboy shows promise of emulating the feats of Cleveland's Bob Feller. Sammy
Bertram pitched a no-hit, no-run game for Sunbright, Tenn., against Lancing...won, 2-0.
Lima News, Lima, Ohio, August 7, 1940
------------------------
Prominent Tennesseans, 1796-1938
Who's Who Publishing Co.
Lewisburg, Tennessee
Copyright, 1940
pg. 277
WARTBURG
ADKINS, MRS. LORAINE DAVIS,
Postmistress at Wartburg, Tennessee. Born at Wartburg,
Tennessee on October 11, 1906, of English-Irish ancestry, to
Charles H. and Dora Tony Davis. Paternal grandparents were
Reuben and Lucinda Summers Davis; maternal grandparents were John
and Julia Scott Tony. Educated in the public and high
schools of Morgan County, at Wartburg. Member of the
Baptist Church; a Democrat. Mrs. Adkins was appointed
Postmaster at Wartburg on October 1, 1933 by President
F.D. Roosevelt. Mrs. Adkins was sponsored by Senators
McKellar and Bachman. She had not been before the public
prior to becoming Postmistress. Both of her grandfathers were
soldiers in the Civil War; her paternal grandfather being a
Colonel. Since being appointed to U.S. Postal service, Mrs.
Adkins has proven her ability to be a postmaster and the
condition of the affairs of her office prove her
efficiency. Her maternal grandmother, Julia Scott, was a
descendant of the Scott family which was among the earliest
settlers of this section of the state. Mrs. Adkins married
D. N. Adkins on December 3, 1922. She is the mother of four
children: Juanita, 13; Donald, 12; Virginia Lee, 11; Betty
Lou, 9. Prior to becoming Postmaster, Mrs. Adkins
managed the Davis
Hotel at Wartburg for a period of about a year. Her hobby is outdoor sports.
--------------------
Prominent Tennesseans, 1796-1938
Who's Who Publishing Co.
Lewisburg, Tennessee
Copyright, 1940
pg. 277
WARTBURG
BROCK, WILLIAM RILEY, Sheriff of Morgan County. Born
in Morgan County on Sept. 8, 1873, of English-Scotch-Irish
descent. His parents were Milton T. and Cordelia T.
Kesterson. His paternal grandparents were Lindsay and ( )
Brock. His maternal grandparents were James and Elizabeth
Walker Kesterson. Educated in the public schools of Morgan
County. Member of the Baptist Church; Mason; K.P.;
Republican. Mr. Brock was elected Sheriff in August, 1936 over
his oponent by an overwhelming majority. Previous to this
he had served as Deputy Sheriff for five years. Prior to
that he was in the lumber business for several years, was
Postmaster at
Pilot Mountain for twenty years, and was store manager for a
lumber company. His long public career has earned for him a
reputation of dependability. His overwhelming vote on his
election as sheriff is evidence of the high esteem in which he is
held by the citizens of his county. Mr. Brock is the father of
ten children: Mrs. Delta Mae Smith; Virgil Brock; Mrs.
Mabel Emerson; Otto Brock; Mrs. Bertie Anderson; Ava Brock; Carl T.
Brock; Edward Brock; Hazel; William Riley, Jr. Mr. Brock
has eleven grandchildren. He says that his hobby is "making
friends". His grandfather
Kesterson and his father fought with the Federal forces
during the Civil War. He was first married to Malissa M. Phipps
on August 2, 1892, and later to Susie Gann on January 15,
1900.
1941
Former Brunswick Man Given Post
Major
A. C. York, Cousin Of
Sergt. Alvin York, New Morale Officer
Fort Monroe, Va., Aug. 26—
Major
Charles Asbury York, 50, of Brunswick, Md.. third cousin
of Sgt. Alvin York, legendary hero of World War No.I, has been
appointed Post Morale Officer and assistant E and R officer at this
station. Born in Burrville. Morgan County, Tenn., less than a dozen
miles from the birthplace of Sgt. York, whose life is being emblazoned
on the screens of the nation in a feature motion picture, Major York
was called to active service from the ranks of reserve officers. He was
commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the 319th Infantry Division while at
Camp Lee in the officers training camp. Prior to his call to active
duty Major York .served as Conference Director of Young People's Work
and extension secretary to the Baltimore Conference, Methodist-
Episcopal Church South. Following studies at Randolph Macon College, a
law course at the Univ ersity of Maryland, Major York was ordained as a
Methodist ministerafter completing theologlical studies at the
Candler School of
Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. The minister-soldier has
served in pastorates of Covington, Va, Arlington, Va., Brunswick, Md..
Savage, Md., and Union. W. V
Frederick Post, Frederick, Maryland; August 27, 1941
1942
INDIANAPOLIS
Police said they were holding
Glen Branstetter, 17, of Deer Lodge,
Tenn., as a suspect in the shooting of
Jess Phillips, 57, of Sunbright,
Tenn., Aug. 10. They said Branstetter would be returned to
Wartburg,Tenn., to face charges of murder.
Source: Vidette Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana September 10, 1942
1946
Miss Stringfield to Become Bride of
Donald Abbott
Mr. and Mrs.
James Sexton, 1247 Adams st, announce the approaching marriage of their grand-daughter, Miss
Hazel Stringfield, to Donald Abbott, son of Mrs.
Mildred Rhees of Sidney.
Sunday, Oct. 20, is the date selected for the wedding, to be solemnized at 1:45 o'clock in the
afternoon in the South Lima Baptist church. The Rev. J.C. Clasper,
pastor, will officiate and the custom of open church will be observed.
A reception will be held in the Sexton home following the ceremony.
Miss Stringfield was graduated from Wartberg high school in Wartburg,
Tenn. Mr. Abbott attended Sidney High School and served three years in
the Navy.
Lima News, Lima, Ohio, Oct. 11, 1946
1947
Mule Keeps Vigil
LANCING, TENN.
Mitchell Griffith of Lancing purchased a mule in Scott County
and began his 30-mile return trip to Lancing on foot, leading the animal.
When two weeks passed and Griffith did not return, a searching party was sent out.
Sixteen days later the party found Griffith's body atop a remote
mountain and there standing over his master's body was the Scott County
mule. A coroner's jury said the man had died of natural causes.
Source: Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio, 4/10/1947
Source: Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, February 2, 1950
Prison Marooned by Mountain Landslide
Petros, Tenn., (AP) - Brushy mountain prison stands virtually marooned Thursday following the
slide of a mile-long chip of Frozenhead mountain to the institution's
front door. Two of the prison's three coal mines are out of
operation, their means of access wiped away by the landslide
Wednesday. After increasingly heavy rainfaill, "most of the
entire south face of the 3,500-foot mountain seemed to split away from
the main mass". That's how one newsman at the scene described it.
1951
Cigar Smoking Lad Doesn't Like Bullets
AP Newsfeature, Knoxville,Tenn.
William Glenn Greene, is a man of the world who, at the age of 3, can take in stride a black cigar, a chew of tobacco or a bullet in the head. "
Scrap Iron" is his nickname around Brushy Mountain State Prison at nearby Petros, where his father,
Reuben Greene,
is commissary manager. The healthy-looking, tow-headed boy said he
smokes two or three cigars a day and takes a chew when he can get one,
but he's not too keen about bullets. He lit up a cigar, inhaled deepy
and turned his attention to a toy truck as his father told of the
shooting incident which took place on the eve of his third birthday
last July: "We went to a little store, and 'Scrap Iron' walked behind
the counter and picked up a gun we didn't even know was there. "He
couldn't pull the trigger with his finger, but he did manage to pull it
with his thumb and the bullet grazed him almost in the center of the
forehead.
"The bullet punctured a can of tomato juice on the counter and the
juice dripped down on his head. We thought he was badly wounded because
of the blood but at the hospital it turned out to be just a flesh
wound. "At that, it took four stitches to sew it up." Greene said his
son picked up his smoking and chewing from convicts at the state prison
about the time he was learning to walk. ''Scrap Iron" looked up from
his toys as questioning turned his way again. Yes, he admitted, his
mother did seem to sort of object to his cigars and chewing tobacco but
she hadn't made him quit yet. He has a sister,
Carolyn, who is nine. Carolyn says she doesn't smoke, but she doesn't mind a
bit if the menfolks do.
Source: Ironwood Daily Globe, Ironwood, Michigan, December 22, 1951
1958
Tear Gas Quiets Prison Rioters In Tennessee
PETROS,Tenn. (INS) Warden Frank Llewellyn said today that 250 rioting prisoners at the Brushy
Mountain State prison have not indicated why they started a
demonstration. He ordered all guards out of the cell block to prevent
the convicts from taking hostages shortly after the riot began Monday
night. The warden reported that the convicts tore up plumbing and
mattresses, causing considerable
damage,and were trying to get other prisoners in different parts of the prison to join them in the riot.
Tear gas was used to quiet the convicts who were locked in their cells.
The warden said he could not be sure they could be prevented from
breaking out of the Petros, Tenn., institution. State police have
reinforced the guards.
Source: Chronicle Telegram, Elyria, Ohio, March 11, 1958
1959
Convicts Hold Out in Tennessee Mines
Petros, Tenn. (AP) -
Rebellious convicts reportedly booby-trapped a coal mine with dynamite
at Brushy Mountain State Prison today and refused to give up after
releasing one of three hostages. The state assistant corrections
commissioner,
Pat Patterson, discussed grievances with the 95
convict miners, and said a spokesman telephoned to the mine entrance;
"We've talked it over and we're not coming out."
State authorities said
Shirley Bunch, the hostage who was
released, said the convict miners had booby-trapped the entrance with
dynamite. The report was unconfimed from any other source. Convict
spokesmen made it clear, however, that they did not intend to harm
anyone, citing their release of Bunch, who said he was having chills.
Bunch, 63, was one of three unarmed mine foremen whom the convicts
seized as hostages Mondaymorning. He had not been harmed. Patterson
told newsmen later that Gov. Buford Ellington had ordered that there be
no concessions to the rebels.
This, Patterson said, includes no food, no water. Patterson said the
prisoners' demands included more pay for coal they mine. Patterson
promised revisions where desirable but declined to make any major
concessions. The prisoners now receive 25 cents a ton for coal mined in
excess of six tons a month. A spokesman said they average about $1.25 a
day. The first break, Bunch's release, encouraged officials to believe
the rebellion might be nearing an end. But it was a false hope,
Patterson said. The convicts took over the mine10 miles northwest of
Knoxville at the start of the day shift Monday, grabbing three unarmed
foremen as hostages and sending the mine superintendent up as a
messenger to prison officials. They threatened to dynamite or burn the
mine shaft uness
they were granted their demands, which ranged from more food to better
working conditions. One official said the men had explosives enough "to
blow up the whole mountain." Possibly 200 sticks of dynamite were in
the mine, but the convicts were not believed to have any weapons. The
three foremen who were being held 3,100 feet inside the mine reported
to Patterson by telephone that they had not been harmed. The prison's
coal output from three Cumberland Mountain mines is used in other state
institutions. Only 95 of the 605 inmates took part in the rebellion and
two smaller mines continued in operation.
Stephens Point Daily Journal, Stephens Point, Wisconsin, July 14, 1959
------------------
Mine Boss Killed By Sniper's Shot
LAKE CITY, Tenn. (&) A sniper's bullet killed a coal mine owner
Monday as he worked his machinery on a federal flood control project
here in defiance of threats of sabotage or death. Five persons were
questioned at length in the slaying of
Jess Fesler, 53. of Sunbright,
Tenn., shot in the back as he stood beside his bulldozer on the project
near the Lake City High School. Anderson County Sheriff Glad Woodward
questioned twoof the men in Clinton, south of Lake City, and Campbell
County Sheriff Rose Kitts held three men for questioning in Jacksboro.
Lake City is located on the Anderson - Campbell county line about 30
miles northwest of Knoxville is in the coal-field area extending
through southeast Kentucky and northern Tennessee. The area has seen
numerous cases of violence since the United Mine Workers began a drive
to bring all mines under union contract. Three persons have been
killed in Ketucky. Sheriff Woodward said, however. "We are positive
this shooting is in no way concerned with union troubles."Source: Oswego Pallendium Times, Oswego, New York, 6/9/1959
--------------------
Sniper Kills Former Coal Mine Owner
LAKE CITY,Tenn. (AP)A sniper's bullet killed a former coal miner owner
Monday as he worked his machinery on a federal flood control project
here in defiance of threats of sabotage or death. Five persons were
questioned at length in the slaying of
Jess Fesler, 53, of
Sunbright,Tenn., shot in the back as he stood beside his bulldozer on
the project near the Lake City High School. Anderson County Sheriff
Glad Woodward questioned two of the men in Clinton, South of Lake City.
and Campbell County Sheriff Rose Kitts held three men for questioning
in Jacksboro. Lake City is located on the Anderson Campbell county line
about 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. It is in the coalfield area
extending through southeast Kentucky and northern Tennessee. The area
has seen numerous cases of violence since the United Mine Workers began
a drive to bring all mines under union contract. Three persons have
been killed in Kentucky. Sheriff Woodward said, however, "We are
positive this shooting is in no way concerned with union troubles."
Sued For 534,111 The UMW welfare fund sued Fesler in 1957 for $34,111
it claimed he owed for back contributions to the fund. He filed a
crossbill contending he had signed the union contract under duress.
However,Woodward said he is probing mainly in other directions for
possible motives. Among other things, the sheriff said. Fesler:
1. Was the complaining witness in an armed robbery case against
Franklin D. Smith, which was to have been heard by the Campbell County
grand jury next week.
2. Had been seen frequently with women other than his wife.
Source: Lancaster Eagle Gazette, Lancaster, Ohio, 6/9/1959
1961
RESCUERS TRYING TO REACH MINERS
Little Hope for Two of Men Held
by U.S. Inspector
by James A. Bryant
Petros, Tenn., (AP) Men dug through a debris-choked coal mine shaft high on the face of a mountain
today in an agonizing effort to reach three trapped miners. "Get me
out," pleaded one of them, Herly Carroll, 18, from beneath the rubble
more than nine hours after the old mine caved in on eight miners Friday
an hour before they were to start a two-week vacation. Federal Mine
Inspector Steve Bukovich said there was no hope of finding Charles
Seiver, 23, and Charlie Kennedy, 28, alive.
* *
A doctor used a hacksaw to amputate the arm of Robert Woods, 19, who was pinned between the
rocks and a coal car. He was taken to an Oak Ridge hospital in serious
condition. Woods' father, Claude Woods, 47, suffered a fractured
pelvis. The other three miners escaped serious injury.
The mine, 2,300 feet up on the face of Fork Mountain in the Cumberland Mountains of east
Tennessee, had been closed several years. The miners were taking out
coal pillars and shoring up the mine, preparatory to reconditioning it
for the Fork Mountain Mining Co. "It happened all at once," said Billy
Rose. 54. "When we heard the noise we all started running and I passed
one boy. And the rocks caught me. As soon as the rocks stopped falling,
the other fellows came back to help us out". The caved-in shale covered
an area about 100 feet long, 30 feet wide and 8 feet deep about 400
feet from the mine entrance, which is reached by an incline railway.
* *
Only three or four rescue workers, using hand tools, could get in the
shaft at one time. As the rescue operation continued through the night,
lights burned in every house in the mountain village of Fork Mountain.
Relatives and friends clustered in small groups at the foot of
the mountain. There was an air of expectation each time the lights of a
rescue man could be seen starting down the incline railway, followed by
disappointment when he brought no news of the trapped men. The mine is
about 40 miles northwest of Knoxville.
Source: Ironwood Daily Globe, Ironwood, Michigan, June 24, 1961
1965
PRISON ESCAPEE ARRESTED
Cincinnati (UPI)
A Tennessee prison escapee crossed paths with a Cincinnati policeman
Tuesday for the second time in 10 days and the chance meeting brought
an end to his freedom.
Siles Campbell, 21, La Follette, Tenn., faced return to the Brushy Mountain State Prison at Petros, Tenn., after his arrest by patrolman
William Smith. Just
10 days ago, Campbell was arrested by the same policeman for public
drunkenness. At that time, local authorities were unaware of his
background. So he was released after paying a $10 fine. They learned of
his prison escape Sunday, when the warden at Petros phoned police here
and said Campbell might show up. Police were unable to trace Campbell
through the address he had given in his court appearance because it was
false. But fate took a hand and delivered him into the arms of the law
at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday while Patrolman Smith was walking his beat.
Campbell, a trusty at the prison, had walked away from a road
project six weeks ago and come to Cincinnati to stay with friends.
Source: Times Recorder, Zanesville, Ohio, June 30, 1965
1972
Escapee Releases Diabetic Hostage
Bartow, Fla. (UPI) - A sheriff's deputy in need of insulin for diabetes
was released by an escaped prisoner who held him hostage
yesterday, but a manhunt continued for a Miami Beach family taken from
their motel room. Deputy Sheriff Bruce Browning was found
hancuffed to a tree in the East
Tennessee mountains. Officials had worried that Browning would go
into shock unless he received insulin. The Deputy, who requires
insulin every 48 hours, was taken hostage on Friday by convict, William
Elias Davidson, and his gun-toting, bleached blonde wife, Ellen.
Authorities in Florida and Tennessee said Browning was released near
Wartburg, Tenn. He was bound to a tree with his own handcuffs beside a
river in the deserted resort area of Pilot Mountain.
Browning was found by two boys who wandered by. They called
Morgan County Sheriff Cecil Byrge, who said 'me and my deputy went up
there and we had to saw the handcuffs off his wrist because they had
taken the key with them.' Byrge said Browning took an insulin
shot and was in 'good condition'. Officers in Polk County, Fla.
learned yesterday that the Mel Prime family of Miami Beach was missing
from the Wonderland Motel near Davenport, Fla., about a half mile
from the swampy area the
getaway car was found. Deputy Browning confirmed the family had
been seized Friday night by Davidson and is wife. The Prime
famiy's car was taken and the two desperados and their hostages through
police roadblocks. Browning said he spent most of the trip
on the floor of the car. Members of the Prime family were
idnetifed asMel, his wife Blanche and their three children:
Howie, 12, Jimmy, 11; and Cecilia, 9.
The Chronicle Telegram, Elyria, Ohio, August 27, 1972
2004
100-year-old Clyde Hamby "ain't in no hurry"
Published Oct. 15, 2004
By Krista Richmond
Chronicle staffwriter
Oct. 7 wasn't just any birthday for
Clyde Hamby of Westel. He celebrated 100
years
of life. "I've enjoyed life," said Hamby. "I ain't in no hurry."
Hamby was born and raised in Hebbertsburg to
Dexter and Dora Hamby.
They lived close to Yellow Creek, and his father worked at the local
post office. In his early 20s, he met Ora Hunter, who worked in
Rockwood and lived next to his sister. They married and had eight
children. The six children still living are
Imogene Delius of Westel,
Thelma Potter of Crab Orchard,
Dallas Hamby of Ozone
, Glenn Hamby of
Alloway, W
illard Hamby of Hebbertsburg and
Roy Hamby of Crossville. Now
there a five generations in his family, including several
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Hamby
lost is wife in November 2002 after 74 years of marriage. His youngest
sister,
Arleva Hembree, lives in Rockwood. When asked about the secret
to his long life, he said, "I don't feel too old. I eat three times a
day and sleep all night." Genetics might have something to do with it
as well. His mother lived to be 102. Hamby also likes to stay active.
He is involved in the Masonic Lodge, in which he has been a member of
for 50 years. Hamby was a farmer, raising livestock and logging in the
mountains, and still keeps chickens. Hamby will celebrate his birthday
on Saturday with a gathering at the Hebbertsburg Community Center.
[Source, Crossville Chronicle]
2005
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Sunbright voters keep city alive
By Judy Underwood-/Morgan County News
A tiny town in northern Morgan County will continue as an incorporated city.
A group of citizens petitioned to have the question of whether or not
the Sunbright's city charter should be surrendered after the city
council imposed a 62-cent city property tax.
The votes have been counted and the city of Sunbright prevailed with 145
voting against surrendering the city charter.
A total of 99 voted to surrender the charter and dissolve the city.
Source: Roane County News, January, 2005
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