Subject: KFY: Mt Vernon Signal Newspapers, 1907 - Rockcastle Co FROM LONG AGO Submitted By: Ray E_v_a_n_s ray.evans@worldnet.att.net Mount Vernon Signal February 8, 1907 (Note: This information has been re-typed from the microfilm. The re-typed material has been subjected to a computerized spelling check. However, an effort has been made to preserve the English usage and spelling of that period.) SOME ROCKCASTLE HISTORY One of the Signal's valued subscribers, W. H. Williams, of Aztec. N. M., in a recent letter to his brother, D. N. Williams, of this place, after expressing his appreciation of the articles on above subject, which have been published in this paper, says: "Tell Mr. Maret in giving the early history of Mt Vernon and Rockcastle county, not to forget that James McCall had a large tanyard just below the bridge, (Griffins mill) working 15 or 20 negro men, all bossed by a Mr. Albright, and that Lance Smith had a horse flouring mill 200 yards west of the railroad depot, and J. T. Hyronemous had a carding machine that was run by tread wheel power, just about where M. J. Miller's store building now is, [Mr. Williams only missed the location 40 feet. Ed.] that George Houk & Sons had a wagon shop just about where Fish's store is [Here is where Mr. Williams missed it; this space was occupied by Elkin Tavern, later run by Thomas Smith up to about 1870. Ed.] and Stephen Langford ran a hotel just above the court house on the next street; Reuben H. Elkins ran a hotel on Main street that was afterward ran by Thos. J. Smith, that Dr. Joseph Joplin, where Miller Hotel now stands, started the first drug store in Mt Vernon; that Dr. Bryant, from Crab Orchard, practiced in Mt Vernon in 1851 and a part of 1852, but the county was so healthy that Dr. Joplin was able to attend to all the patients and take care of the drugstore. In the fall of 1850 some of the best citizens of Rockcasstle county moved to Buchanan county, Missouri, among them were Jonathan, James and Logan Dysart, Judge William Carson, and sons, James, Jonathan and William; Larkin Kirtley and James Kirtley, brothers of W. H. Kirtley, father of Mrs. W. H. Poynter, These are just a few of many early recollections." Speaking of McCall's tanyard, there is yet in existence, after some 60 years, pieces in position of the old vats in the old tanyard in the bottom near the residence of D. N. Williams. E. A. Herrin first introduced the "rafter cornice" finish in this county about 1888. This finish suspended the old styled "box cornice" which had been in use since Noah corniced his ark. Lige caught the idea in Illinois. R. S. Martin took the prize at the St. Louis world's fair on manufactured product. R. S. Martin was the first man in Rockcastle to use and introduce commercial fertizlizer within our borders. SOME STATISTICS By J. M. Rockcastle has a population of 15,000. Counting five to the family would make 3000 families. Supposing each family possessed two dozen fruit jars averaging 12 inches in height. By placing these jars end to end it would form a line reaching from Livingston to Brodhead , a distance of 16 miles. Counting old and new brooms, each family is supposed to have three or more on their premises, making in all about ten thousand. These brooms placed end to end would reach from Mt Vernon to one mile north of Brodhead, a distance of 7 miles. Unwrapping the wire used to make these brooms, and connecting it into one piece would furnish wire enough to build a telephone line from Mt Vernon to Junction City, a distance of 35 miles. If all the empty oyster, peach, tomato and other cans used twelve months in the county were gathered up and placed end to end in a line, the line would extend almost across the county from East to West, or starting at Wildie would make a solid line to Hazel Patch. If these cans were attached singly by a string or cord to as many dogs and allowing one foot for can and string and three feet for dog and starting them howling along in one direction, following each other, there would be a string of dogs and cans reaching from Mt Vernon to Danville, not to mention runaway horses, etc. If this novel proposition should ever be carried out, it is suggested that this pack should route its trip through Lancaster so as to give our good friend Louis Landrum the benefit of the "musical" yelping of the purps (original spelling) and the rattling of the cans. Of all the flour, meal and shipstuff brought to the county every twelve months, a path could be made by laying down the sacks end to end that would reach from Mt Vernon to Stanford, a distance of 25 miles. During the year 1906, there passed through Mt Vernon 91,250 railroad cars. These cars if put into one train, would reach from Knoxville to St. Louis and have a fifty mile string of cars to spare. It would require 4562 locomotives to move this big train; and by making a speed of 30 miles per hour, it would require 23 hours to pass a given point. BRODHEAD NEWS R. L. Wilmott, assistant cashier of Pine Knot Banking Co., at Pine Knot, Ky., is at home for a few days. -- A. C. McClary and M. C. Albright were in Williamsburg Sunday calling on two of her society bells. -- E. J. Hamm, of Lebanon is with his sister, Mrs. L. B. Cable for a few days. -- Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hunt and son Louis, of Lebanon Junction spent a few days here this week the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Miller. -- A. C. Kidwell, of Lebanon Junction, was here Sunday calling on one of our best looking girls. -- Miss Lyda Hilton is visiting her sister, Mrs. R. H. Batson. -- Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Collier, of Lebanon, Ind., are here as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Granville Owens. -- W. H. Krueger, of Mt Vernon was here Tuesday on business. -- Miss Mae Magee who has been the charming visitor of Miss Ethel Parker, has gone to Lexington to be the guest of Miss Cora Adams for two weeks. -- Mrs. W. K. Shuggars was in Stanford shopping last Saturday. -- Cashier and Mrs. M. B. Salin were down from Mt Vernon visiting Mrs. Salin's brother, J. W. Hutcheson. -- Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Albright and daughter, Miss Hazel visited in Mt Vernon Sunday and Monday. -- Mrs. Ellen MaHaffey has returned from a week's visit at Crab Orchard. -- There is more sickness in Brodhead than ever known at one time. Among the sick are: J. G. Frith, H. B. McClary, Mrs. W. E. Gravely and two children, J. C. Evans, B. R. Wilmott, Mr. and Mrs. J. Thos. Cherry, W. J. and James Owens, Dave Hurt, Wm. Carlton and Williams Owens. Grippe and measles being the principal diseases. -- Miss Willie Benton had as her guests Friday until Monday, Misses Bessie Sparks of Mt Vernon, Cora Wright and Annie Fisback, of Livingston, and Saturday night she entertained very royally in their honor. All present report a very enjoyable evening. -- The Master Mason was conferred on P. A. Shelton by this lodge Monday night. -- Miss Ada Wesley, who has been visiting her grandmother, Mrs. M. S. Durham, for the past six weeks, returned to her home at Liberty, Ky., Monday morning. -- Miss Katie Cass was down home Saturday and Sunday from Mt Vernon where she is attending school. -- W. T. Evans and family have moved from the property known as the 'lunch house' on R. R. Street, to the Robert Hicks property on Main Street. -- Chas. Hurt is again slinging lightening at Sinks. -- E. R. Gentry is in town on business. ORLANDO NEWS Miss Helen Singleton is visiting relatives here. -- Dock Clifford has moved to J. A. Wood's property. -- Born to the wife of A. J. Reams a fine girl baby. -- Miss Mattie Owens who has been attending school at Berea is with homefolks for a few days. -- Rev. Dock Long filled his regular appointment at the new church Sunday. -- The protracted meeting was postponed until Saturday because of the bad weather. PERSONAL NEWS W. G. Nicely has moved to Berea. -- D. E. Davis was with homefolks Sunday. -- Miss Ada Hysinger still continues very sick. -- Atty. J. W. Brown was in Louisville Wednesday. -- Rev. W. R. Brisco spent Sunday in Winchester. -- Cossie Sutton was very sick a few days this week. -- Jasper Rickles continues in a very feeble condition. -- Morris Brown came down from Farriston to spend Sunday. -- Mrs. Zack Hansel shows little change in her condition. -- Wix Dillion was here yesterday looking for some hogs. -- J. Fish will spend next week in Cincinnati buying goods. -- Miss Susie Thompson is with her sister, Mrs. Hughes at Stanford. -- M. L. Denham, L.& N. Brakeman, was with homefolks Wednesday. -- Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Hansel visited the former's parents here this week. -- Mrs. James Dolan, of Pine Hill spent several days with her daughter, Mrs. R. A Welch. -- We are glad to note that Mr. H. C. Gentry is slightly improved from his attack of rheumatism. -- Alec Fortune has recovered sufficiently from his attack of grip to return to his home in Madison. -- J. A. Wood and H. L. Smith will go to Louisville Sunday night to buy their spring line of goods. -- Nath Welch, one of the most popular salesmen on the road, was calling on our merchants this week. -- Alfred Reynolds, a son of T. G. Reynolds, is one of the operators at Sinks. He boards with Mrs. Butner. -- Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Albright, of Brodhead, spent Sunday until Mondat with Jailer and Mrs. O. V. Jarrett. -- M. J. Miller has moved from the W. J. Sparks property on North Main into the residence with his father. -- J. A. Wood, the Orlando merchant, was one of the few who had enough courage to face the cold and come to town. -- S. J. Conn writes from Connecticut that the temperature is just a little too severe for one accustomed to a more southern clime. -- Dan Roach and bride arrived Sunday and for the present are stopping at the home of C. C. Williams, in whose office Mr. Roach will work. -- Judge J. B. Fish has returned from Hot Springs to his home in Williamsburg. While we have no report from him, we hope that his short stay was of much benefit to him. -- "Smiling" Dave Jackson, who can claim as many friends as any man in the state, was here Wednesday. Mr. Jackson has been appointed Grand Inspector for the Royal Arch Masons for this and several other lodges in the state. -- S. N. Davis expects to leave some time this month for New Mexico, where he will make his future home. While we regret to lose him from our number, yet we trust the change will prove a rich harvest for him, as no one is more deserving of success than he. -- The law partnership of C. C. Williams recently formed with Elmer Evans, a young attorney of London, is proving a very successful venture for him, in that splendid and thriving town. Mr. Williams is thoroughly delighted with his associate and the tribute which he pays to him is that of which any young man could justly be proud. QUAIL NEWS Wm. Owens, one of our most substantial farmers will soon be done gathering corn. -- Ernie Herrin and sister, Miss Georgia, are attending school near Clarence. -- G. W. Parsons, who for some time has been suffering from a severe sore leg, is slowly improving. -- Jacob Elderr has sold his stock of general merchandise to G. B. Sutton, of near Bee Lick. Mr. Elder will probably erect a store at Maywood. -- Jim Thompson, who it is claimed, was accidentally shot by Jeff Dowell, is slowly improving. -- David Proctor, one of our best carpenters, has been doing some work for G. B. Sutton. -- Eld. R. E. Todd filled his regular appointment at Bethel Saturday and Sunday. -- Joe Thompson, better known as " Crook", spent Tuesday night with his uncle, David Elder. -- Seven of the Pittman family have typhoid fever. -- E. A. Herrin is in very poor health. -- Mrs. George Taylor improves slowly. -- Mrs. Mary Brown and family, and Sam Proctor spent Saturday night with Will Owens and family. -- Jacob Elder will teach a singing school at Buckeye, Garrard county. -- Mrs. Wm. Owens, who has been very sick, is able to be out again. -- Mrs. Jane Logsdon, who fell from a wagon a few days ago is about well. MARETBURG NEWS CORRECTION: Miss Alice McCall, instead of Miss Grace, entered school at Mt Vernon Miss Grace being employed at Hazel Parch. -- Mrs. Griffin is able to be around again. -- Bro. Karr failed to fill his regular appointment at the church Saturday and Sunday. -- J. J. McCall spent a few days at home this week on account of sickness in his family. -- Mr. Frank Meyers called in Maretburg Sunday evening. -- Miss Ila Carson spent from Friday until Monday at home. -- Mr. Walter Hunt and family visited relatives in Brodhead Saturday until Monday. -- Mrs. Rose Chandler, of Bromo, spent a few days of this week at S. E. Chandler's. -- The fill on the right side of the track at this place, which was damaged by the recent hard rains has been filled in again, but still requires watching. Mr. Jonas Brown being watchman. He says he really fears a wreck unless given close attention. -- The (water in the) 40 ft well dug in J. J. McCall's yard has risen to a depth of 20 feet in winter, rising to that depth in about 4 days. Having almost despaired of finding water in that place is quite a pleasant surprise. -- There has been some complaints of meat spoiling in this section due to the warm, rainy January weather. -- Mr. W. W. Taylor returned to his home to Somerset last Sunday, the bad weather preventing work now. LEVEL GREEN NEWS Winter has begun at last and the ground is covered with the beautiful, which is a great preservative of the wheat crop. -- The Negro, Bill Johnson, who created quite a sensation last Wednesday, by entering residences and robbing, was captured by Leroy Friday afternoon and landed in jail at Mt Vernon. -- T. J. Nicely and wife spent Saturday and Sunday with the family of W. F. Bebord. -- Miss Ora Brown entered school at Plato on last Monday. -- Misses Maggie Hamlin and May Brown were the guests of Miss Lizzie Goff, of Plato Sunday last. They report a pleasant time. -- Rev. Sames Cummins filled his regular appointment at Mt Pleasant Saturday and Sunday. -- Little Grace Broyles was the guest of Lizzie Williams Sunday last. -- The sick are reported to be no better. -- Walter McQueary, of Colo., is visiting relatives near here at Plato. -- Mrs. Daniel Pruit, of Hazel Patch, after visiting her father's Mr. Jonas Pittman, returned to her home Wednesday accompanied by her sister, Valincia Cromer. -- Misses Lottie McQueary, Ida Long and Mrs. W. M. Debord, were guests of Miss May and Mrs. Wade Brown. -- Peyton Bullock and family were visiting the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Bullock Sunday. -- "Red" Mullins, the hustling trader, went to Crab Orchard again last week to deliver another drove of hogs. - - Robert Catron and wife, of Dallas, were visiting the latter's mother, Mrs. Lucinda Goffe, last Sunday. -- News is scare, but we have cold weather and lots of snow. LIVINGSTON NEWS Mrs. James Davis, of Knoxville, Tenn., was spending a few days with her sister, Mrs. E. L. Cockrell, the first of last week. -- Mr. and Mrs. James Neal have moved back to Livingston and will make this their future home, we trust for all time to come. -- Mrs. Cleo Howell and little daughter, Gertrude, accompanied by Champ Mullins, of Jellico, Tenn., and Willie Mullins, of Corbin, were visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Mullins, the first of the week. -- Urban Chewning has been spending a few days with homefolks, but we think the chief attraction was a pretty young widow. -- John Mullins was in Corbin and Jellico last week. -- Misses Lela Mae, Ella and Lula Argenbright have been visiting Mrs. Will Hilton, at East Bernstadt, Ky., from Sunday until Tuesday. -- J. B. Hayes and Mesdames Sue Mullins, George Cook, J. W. Baker, Mahala Carson, Susie Hicks, Thomas Jones, Wilmoth Ford and Master Herbert Oliver were all on the sick list the first of the week, but we are glad to say all are convalescent at this writing. -- Sam Pennington was down from Mt Vernon on business the latter part of last week. -- Mrs. Geo. W. Griffin has a very severe felon on one of her fingers. -- Tom Argenbright, of Knoxville, has been spending a few days with his family at this place, but has returned to Knoxville, where he will move his family in a few days. -- John Preston is here from Ivorydale, Ohio, and will make this his future home. We are glad to see all our old citizens come back again. -- Harrry Lee and W. F. Spahn attended the opera at London Tuesday night. -- Mrs. W. W. Wright was visiting Mrs. Casper at Louisville last week. -- Mrs. Alvin Reynolds has returned from a visit with her mother, Mrs. Coffey, at Wildie. -- Misses Anna Fishback and Cora Wright returned Monday from a visit with Willie Benton at Brodhead . -- Mr. and Mrs. Frank Clutts, of Pittsburg spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burton at the Mullins Hotel. - - Miss Adda French is here attending school and boarding with Mrs. Geo. Cook. -- Mr. and Mrs. James Hall are attending the bedside of Mrs. Neise Griffin near Pine Hill. -- Geo. W. Griffin is having lots of improvements made on his residence on Main street. -- J. T. Chewning has bought the stock of goods belonging to Henry Delph on Gauley Branch and will move them into the store room belonging to John Preston in East Livingston. -- Mr. and Mrs. Egbert Hayes will leave for Cincinnati, Ohio, Saturday morning, where Mrs. Hayes will take lessons in millinery preparatory to starting a first class millinery store at this place. -- Miss Mae Magee is visiting her many friends at this place, and we regret to say is very sick at this writing. -- Deputy Sheriff Nicely, assisted by Town Marshall Cam Mullins, arrested some of the young gamblers Saturday and Sunday We regret that they could not find them all. -- Bro. Campbell, of Clay City, filled his regular appointment at the Christian church Saturday and Sunday. Three excellent sermons were delivered to a large and appreciative audience. He is certainly a good man in a good place and doing good work. -- Mrs. Lilley Langley is on the sick list. -- Quite a serious accident occurred Wednesday at the tunnel just North of Livingston. While (a crew was) dynamiting, a large rock fell through the roof of one of the camp houses severely crushing a colored woman. -- Jim Taylor was in Mt Vernon Wednesday and Thursday. -- Claud Chewning is clerking in his father's store in East Livingston. LOCAL NEWS Mt Vernon had over twelve inches of snow Monday and Tuesday. -- A nice line of VALENTINE Post cards and Leather Post Cards at Fish's cash store. -- Judge Bethrurun and brother, Atty B. J. Bethurum have again formed a partnership for practice in the higher courts. Bethurum and Bethurum is the style of the firm. -- Dr. A. G. Lovell is opening a coal mine on the East side of town hill, which if he is successful in striking a good vein will be a great relief along the coal lines, since Mt Vernon is the victim of a coal trust. -- John Johnson, the Negro who broke into C. D. Sutton & Bros. store at Level Green, is now in jail at this place. W. H. Deboard and Wade Brown brought him in Saturday and turned him over to the authorities. -- G. T. Johnson is having considerable trouble in getting his electric lights to working properly. The defect has been discovered and as soon as the defective parts can go to Chicago and back everything will be O.K. -- James Thompson, who was accidentally shot last Thursday while trying to prevent trouble between Jeff and Robert Dowell, is slightly better and there is some hope of his recovery. -- Farmers wishing to recover losses for sheep killed or crippled by dogs must have the sheep appraised and file their claim with the County Judge within twenty-four hours after the sheep have been killed or crippled. Remember this fact, farmers, for this is the law. -- Mr. D. N. Williams, a few days since in making change for someone, came in possession of a twenty-five cent piece, made in 1877. On one side it has it only has the date and on the other side is the letter "C" handsomely carved. From its general appearance it looks as though it might have been held by someone as a souvenir. If is the case, the original owner can get same by calling on Mr. Williams. -- Deputy Collector W. T. Short, of this city, accompanied by several companions, has returned from a successful moonshine raid in Breathitt County. He captured about twenty moonshiners who were working their stills in the mountains. It took the officers several days to complete their work, and during the time they endured many hardships. Mr. Short is a fearless officer and usually gets what he goes after. Richmond Climax. -- MATRIMONIAL Walter Mullins, the youngest son of R. B. Mullins writes from New Mexico that he is to be married to a Western beauty about the 12th. -- BRADLEY-RENNER Miss Mary Eva Bradley and Mr. W;. J. Renner, of the southern part of the county, were quietly married yesterday at the home of the bride's parents. To this splendid couple we extend our heartiest congratulations. -- The long expected union of Miss Nancy Waddle and Mr. R. L. Joplin will be consummated Feb. 7th at the home of the bride's parents, Judge and Mrs. J. H. Waddle. The bonniest bride and the cleverest groom that Somerset has seen during the year will receive the congratulations of their legions of friends and well wishers Somerset Journal ******************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *******************************************************************************