Subject: KFY: Mt Vernon Signal Newspapers, 1900 - Rockcastle Co ------------------------------------------ Date: Wednesday, June 16, 1999 From: DBXP64A@prodigy.com (C.L. C_R_A_W_F_O_R_D) ------------------------------------------ ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, KENTUCKY OCT 19, 1900 POSSUM HOLLER I have been a sojourner at Wildie for 6 weeks trying to teach some young ideas how to shoot, but my progress is to slow thos my fault I suppose. Wildie is a small town but it is brim full of enterprising men. Three stores of general merchandise are doing a flourishing business. One black smith shop near by Mr Baker where he does all kinds of making and repairing in his line. L.T. Stewart the lumber man, Prof Philips, james Parsons section foreman and various politicians live here while morals and religion are properly looked after by the good women of the town. Much lumber is yet shipped from this point staves being the principal kind. Much very valuable farming land is here farmed tho all owned by other men before I come, therefore I will remain in Possum Holler. Nat as many advocates for the pikes as I would love to see are found among the good men of Wildie, men who pay more tax in the advance of sugar coffe and coal oil without a grunt than they will have to pay as a pke tax are perfectly borified at the idea of the pike tax. Now my friends if we can bear to be robbed so tamely why not pay this little pittance that will be such an enourmous benefit to ourselves and even down to the 3rd & rth generations? If we had good roads in Rockcastle you would not see our most wealthy citizens contnually seeking homes in other parts buth they would stay with us and with thier money help to delvelop our resources and build up our county but under exisiting circumstances when men accumulate a few thousand dollars they emigrate and bad roads is the pricipal cause. Capital will never seek investment in our county until this evil is removed; then immigaration will flow in and with it plenty of moeny and Rockcastle will soon be what it should have been long ago.. one of the wealthiest mountain counties in Kentucky. Now to confirm some of the facts set forth I'll call your attention to this little but true incidens. A few years since some home seekers came from Ohio, landed at Mt Vernon and started to explore the C.A. Redd farm but by the time they had gone one half mile from the dopot they became so disgusted with the road that they went no further but took the next train for home. As a matter of course thes men carried this fact back to Ohio, and where ever told the homseeker went elswhere. Give us good roads and all else will naturally follow. Fellow citizens both democrat and republican don't be afraid of the tax we will have to pay, it will make life easier and death less dreadful. Let no merceuary motives come between you and your duty. The law will pass in the near future if it does not now, and then those who oppose it now will regret it. Come out boldly for what all men will say we need and have not, good roads. What all agree that we cannot have under the present system. That you many know that I practice what I preach. I will suppliment my tax with $50 to be doubled if necessar and as you many not all know "Buck Varnon" I am VERY TRULY, J.N. Brown, Level Green, Ky YOUTSEY CASE The case of Youtsey was resumed Tuesday. At 2:27 o'clock Mr Arthur Goebel took the stand. At this juncture Col Nelson said he diesored to examine the witness as to the competency of his testimony and the jury was retired. After hearing the attorneys, Judge Cantrill ruled that Mr Goebel's testimony was competent and the attorneys for the defense took exceptions. The jury was returned and Mr Goebel was put back on the stand. Youtsey then began to groan and moan aloud. Mr Goebel said: " I went to the jail between 4 and 5 o'clock on the afternoon of his arrest. Youstey met me at the door and shook my hand. I told him to tell all he knew. He said that on Monday mornign Dick Combs told him he was ready to kill goebel. Continuing, Youtsey said, I went to Caleb Powers and asked him for the key to the Secretary of State's office. Calbe told me to get the key from John Powers and I did. I then went to Taylor and told that Combs would kill Goebel. Taylor said he did not know we were ready to do that. Taylor siad if it was necesssary to kill Goebel all right but said it was too important to be done by a negro. I went back to see Taylor on Tuesday morning and told him that Jim Howard was there. Well, go ashed then, said Taylor. At this juncture Youtsey sprang out of bed and became very violent. The deputy sheriffs ran to him and seized him by the arms and legs. They finally quieted him. "Said YOutsey; Taylor told me he would either send the man who did it to the mountains with a squad of soldiers or would pardon the men connected with it. I got the key from John Powers and admitted Berry and Jim Howard and Dick Combs to the Secretary of State's office. I gave the cartirdges to Jim Howard and told him they would fit either a Winchester or a Marlin rifel. At this point I asked Youtsey who fired the shot and he said "Mr Goebel, I don't know. I septted to the door and stood there, but I gave the cartridges to Jim Howard. Mr Yousey said; I went back to see Gov Taylor on Tuesday morning and I said to him; "The man to do the shooting is now here". I said; "What else did Taylor say? He said Gov Taylor wolked up and down the floor and said "Youtsey, what do you think? If Goebel is killed, do you think I could hold my office? and discussed that matter talking to me back and forth and I said to him I thought if Goebel was put out of the way that the contest would be settled and that he could hold his office Finally, I said to him as Governor Taylor hesitate still, "It is up to you to decide now finally wheter it is to be done or not" and after some more hesitation Youtsey said Taylor said finally, "Wll tell them to go ahead. If it is necessary I can send the man to the mountains with a squad of soldiers" I siad; "Did he say anything about pardoning him?" (Howard) and Youtsey said: 'yes, that is so. He siad, If it is necessary, I can pardon him and he will be safe enough. Col Nelson started to cross examine Mr Goebel, but broke off short say, "That'll do" Miss Emma Scott of Frankfort the daughter of Mr James Andrew Scott was the next witness. She said she knew Youtsey and remember the day he was arrested. He was at her father's home on the morning of his arrest. Miss Ann Crutcher, who was a guest at the Scott home was also there and Miss Crutcher asked Youtsey if he thougt Wharton Golden was telling the truth We object to all of this, interrupted Col. Crawford. The Commonwealth consented to excuse Miss Scott for the first time and the defense recalled Mr Goebel. he was asked by Col Nelson about a conference which he and Col Campbell had with Messrs Crawford and Nelson in Col Crawford's office in Newport. Mr Goebel narrated what was aid between him and the attorneys for the defense in such a straightforward manner that applause broke out in the courtroom, but the crowd was quickly quieted. "That'll do", said Col Nelson when Mr Goebel had finished Wharton Golden was next called, and told of having seen John L. Powers give Henry Youtsey the key to the Secretary of State's office on the day before the shooting The defense moved to exclude from the jury what Powers aid to Golden at the time and the court sustained the motion PERSONAL AND OTHERWISE Mrs Hartz of Maretburg is very sick this week Green Fish a prominent farmer was in town Wednesday C.S. Cummins sold 120 acres of land near Brodhead for $1,000 Mr and Mrs R.L. Jones spent a few days iwth relatives here this week Mrs Mahaley Jones visited relatives in Livingston the first of the week Eugene Vowels editor of the Middlesborough News was in town yesterday Mrs Cleo Brown is in Livingston desplaying her spendid line of millinery E.B. Brown of Lebanon Junction is here to see his ssiter Miss Florelle W.T. Short has made a speech every night this week except Monday night J.H. Pettus is holding the telegraph office down during agent Landrum absence Jas Purcell was in Saturday night and took a degree in the order of the Macabees Come and hear the gifted speaker Hon Frank Peak tomorrow at 10 o'clock at the court house Mrs M.C. Williams and children of Stanford came yesterday to spend a few days with relatives Frank Wallin of Nicholasville is here visiting his sisters Mesdames H.L. Tate and J.F. Griffin W.B. Whitehead and James I. White were in Nicholasville alst week for the purpose of buying a planing mill Through D.B. Langford we learn that his mother is quite sick. Dr Davis was called to see her Wednesday BIRTH: born to the wife of C.C. Davis on the night of the 12th a twelve pound girl. Chrley is the happiest man in town John H. Williams of St. Louis, Mr and MRs D.N. Williams and Mrs C.C. Williams spent the day Wednesday with Mr and Mrs Allen Hiatt J.C. Ayres and J.L. Taylor tow prominent farmers of Galatin county are here this week prospecting for tobacco land James F. Reynolds who left this state thirty five years ago and is now a citizen of Parkersbur, Ill is here this week visiting relatives Willis Griffin, U.G. Baker, J.A. Landrum and J.N. Brown attended the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Louisville Tuesday Mr and Mrs B.N. Roller, Capt A.N. Bentley and C.W. Tankersley of Livingston took in the Grand Lodge and Horse show at Louisville this week Judge Williams saw A.C. Stapp who formerly lived here in Louisville Tesday and reports him getting along nicely. He is now in the revenue service Rev Williams conducted a two weeks meeting at Falt Rock closing last Sunday with 22 additions to the church. The order of Baptism was attended to B.J. Bethurum came in from Frankfort Sunday afternoon and returned Wednesday taking with him the certificate of the nomination of Dr John M. Williams to deposit with the Secretary of State Elder W.R. Lloyd who has for several years been the pastor of the Christian church here, resigned his pastorship Sunday. We have not learned who will be his successor Miss Lute Moore left Saturday with her brother for Alabama to make her future home. She has always lived here and the host of friends which she has made at this place will be glad to know that she is well pleased at her new home A republican club was organized at the Court House last Saturday night and was named the John Mason Williams Club. dr Davis was elected president and made a very neat speech of acceptance. Several other speeches were made Will hansel son of Joe Hansel while trying to jump a freight train near Pine Hill Saturday missed his aim and was bruised up considerable. Nearly all the fles was torn from his left arm, from the hand to the elbow; also several burises on the head and face. Some hope of his recovery John H. Williams who left this county sicteen years ago and is now head clerk for Nelson, Morris & Co the largest packing establishment is the west came Sunday night to spend a few days with his parents Mr and Mrs D.N. Williams. He will return to St. Louis tomorrow night T.A. Stewart wwrites from Centre Colleg that he is getting along nicely although he has to study like a torjer Mrs Tilmon Gilpen passed through on Monday's train for her home in Clencoe after a visit to relatives in London W.A. Chestnut was in from Orlando Tuesday. His brother Lee will enter the Collegiat Institute again here the first of the year The Democrats of Walnut Grove precinct organized a club at Walnut Grove church Saturday night with a membership of 40. T.J. Nicholas was elected President, Joe Renner Vice President, J.A. Renner Secretary and Thos Rowe Jr. Asst Sec. It was an enthusiastic crowd and the democrats of that precinct say they will poll the largest Democratic vote that has ever been polled there A Bryan0Stevenson-Beckham Gilbert club was organized at Sayers school house last Thursday night with thirty five members. W.H. Owens was made President, M.C. Tyree VP, A.G. Craig 2nd VP;, J.M. Craig Sec, and Walker Owens Asst Sec. The club was favored with an excellent speech from Judge Williams. It will meet again tomorrow night, Saturday. R.L. Brown and others will make speeches. PINE HILL Miss Effie Meadows held a reception Saturday night at her home. Several Mt Vernon boys were there and spent the evening playing games, (not base ball) Ernest Ewers spent Sunday here with friends Mesdames Krueger, Ewers and Miss Klous of Indiana were down Monday and spent the day with Mrs Sympson Mr Price of Livingston is holding a series of meetings here. All are invited to attend S.D. lewis addressed a crowd of our citizens Monday evening. He made a good speech and had the attention of his audience The following named pupils received the largest general average for the mon of September in the school of Miss Georgie McFerron Valentine Freeman 93 Miss Lizzie Wolf 93 Miss Mayme McHargue 93 Casper Berry 91 Willie Doan 91 Miss Nellie McFerron 90 Jefferson Lester of Danville visited the family of Mr McFerron (relatives) here this week WABD J.F. Payne has been very sick but is improving slowly Mrs Janet Bloomer is suffering severly with something like catarrh J.N. Wallen and sister Miss Sarah were visiting home folks Sunday last J.W. Shutts wife and mother were visiting at James Payne Sunday Last T.G. Graves wer are gald to say is improving H.T. Williams filled his regular appointment at Skaggs Creek Saturday Misses Louvada and Lizzie Norton were visiting Mrs Nancy Searcy Sunday last Walter Bustle made a flying trip to see his best girl at this place Saturday last An infant child of Chandler is ot expected to live but a short while. I has whooping cough and croup Miss Rebecca and Jennie McKinney spent the day with Missed Rebecca and Lula Bray Sunday last John and Nathan Bray left Wednesday for Mo where they will join their father who has been there about a year M.C. Sowder returned to this place from Somerset Saturday from a visit to his daughter Mrs Davidson We are sorry to announce the sickness of our old friend and nieghbor James Cummins who is suffering with heart disease Wm Bustle says his best girl went back on him Sunday night ORLANDO Geo T. Johnson and family attended an association near the old tan yard on Clear creek Rev Horton of Indiana is now holding a series of meetings on Crooked creek from which place he will come in a few days to hold a meeting at McNew's chapel MARRIAGE: Chesley Payne and Miss Rosa Owens were married a few days since MARRIAGE: on the 11 Mr Shrewsberry and Miss Mary Bell Dr Hanes formerly of Tennessee but now of Louisville and old school mate of the doctors was here to see him this week and sold him a nice lot of surgical instruments Grayson Ball the 10 year old boy of J.L. Ball fell under the wheel of a loaded wagon Saturday and had his collar bone broken Henry Bales is visiting relatives in Jackson county Mrs Dr Pennington attended church here Sunday Miss Mattie Bales who is teaching school near here visited at Mt Vernon Saturday and Sunday Bige Woods was in Knoxville last week to by goods On last Sunday night Mr O.G. helton had the misfortune to lose his house and almost its entire contents, by fire. The family barely escaped as the building was almost ready to collapse when they awoke D.G. Bales was down from Conway Sunday to see his siter Misses Mattie and Rosa McFerron and Berta and Annie McHargue were over from Pine Hill Sunday to attend church Miss Mary Gadd has returned to this place after a weeks visit near Conway BRODHEAD Hon Letcher Owsley of Lancaster spoke at the Albright hall Saturday night to a large crowd who had gathered from different parts of the country to hear the wonderful doctrin of Democracy exponded Miss Nanie Yadon has returned from a visit to friends and relatives at Rowland Mrs J.W. Tate is visiting in Richmond this week Rev Dave Holtzclaw of Preachersville has moved to the house previously occupied by John Robins. We are glad to have such a man in our town Mr Ben Pike is able to walk around some with the aid of crutches Archie Albright little son of W.H. Albright is very sick Our school is progressing nicely with such teachers as Prof R.L. Brown and Miss Helen Thurmond how could it do otherwise Mr Josh Boreing of near Oak Hill called on his best girl here Sunday afternoon Mr E.S. Albright our hustling editor attended the speaking here Saturday night Miss Lizzie Painter is visiting her sister Mrs Emerson Rico Lebanon junction Mr L.L. Jarrett has an attack of typhoid fever Mr Dannie Owens is quite sick ************************************************************************ 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. 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