HICKMAN COUNTY, TN - NEWSPAPERS - Hickman Pioneer, 1879 ----¤¤¤---- THESE ARE ARTICLES TAKEN FROM THE "HICKMAN PIONEER" NEWSPAPERS FOR THE YEAR 1879. DURING THIS TIME, SOMEONE FROM THE COMMUNITIES WOULD WRITE ARTICLES ABOUT THE COMMUNITY. THE WRITERS NAMES WERE FICTITIOUS. THE ARTICLES INCLUDED ARE FROM THE COMMUNITIES OF SWAN CREEK; "SUNRISE", "SWAN", "SWAN BLUFF", ETC. Prepared by Ova Lee Sawyer OLSawyer@aol.com JANUARY 10, 1879 "SWAN" Freeze, freezy, freezing! A new year is upon us, let us begin with it. Christmas passed off finely. J. D. Aydelott lost some money Christmas; it is supposed that it was stolen. W. D. A. is teaching school at Blue-Buck Church. Bed-railings are worth from 75 cts. to $1---boys, don't sit on the beds. Singing has "played out" since the bust up. There was a party of wood-choppers returning from Tennessee river last Saturday, when they saw something behind them that looked very frightful just before they got in the bushes---Mr. S. M. W. spoke out of a load of skins and said, it is I! Mr. J.D.A. is keeping up the mail route from R. W. to R. Mc's; that is the cheapest route in the county. If any person is tired of this cold weather just let Mr. A.A. know it and he will stop it. Old Uncle Johnny Blackburn and Squire Tatum are in very bad health. Mr. Henry Sisco and Miss Clementine Tole were united on the 30th. who will be the next; John Fielder, I suppose. I am requested to say that there will be singing at the Camp Ground next Sunday. LEONA FEBRUARY 21, 1879 "SWAN" As your correspondents have all failed to give the news from these parts for past few weeks, I will try and give a few of the most notable events. The health of the people of this section is very good, at present. The wheat crop is looking some better now, but it don't look very promising yet. W. T. Duncan is teaching a writing school at Coperas branch. We had preaching at the Camp-ground last Sunday, by Rev. Charles Brown. There will be preaching at the same place next Sunday, by Brother Holmes; also singing by D. W. Peery. The matrimonial market is all right. Someone gave Prof. Shires a "Nichol(s)" that weighes 160 pounds, so he is no longer a candidate. We wish the Professor and estimable lady, a long and happy life. I think from the way a certain young man's mule is eating, Mr. A.'s fence, that something is going to happen. I wonder how Mr. John Prince is getting along at Hurricane Mills? I haven't seen his name announced yet, as a candidate come to the front John and let's hear from you. D. W. Peery is engaged in sweet business making sugar. M. G. Peery finished gathering corn this week. Too much as usual. There was some good singing at M. P. Aydelotte last Sunday night. No one asked who was "boss." J. G. Briggs and lady, were visiting on the creek last week. Rufe Peery, is the only man on this creek, that hasen't been thrown by a mule. LEONA MARCH 14, 1879 "SWAN" Death has visited our neighborhood since my last. Old Uncle Johnnie Blackburn, who, it will be remembered, was a good citizen, is dead. He had been a member of the Methodist church for a number of years, and leaves a wife, two children and a great many friends and relatives to mourn his loss. Arthur Blackburn, his son, came to see him a few days before his death. Mr. Hiram Prince is very sick with cold. Rev. Joseph Stevens has moved on the farm of Mr. King. He will preach at Camp-ground on the second Sabbath in this month, and Brother Holmes on the third. Barley Mathis has returned from Missouri, where he has been trapping. Joseph Grimes is about starting to Arkansas, to see after his grandfather's estate. Mr. R. A. Anderson lost a fine mare the other day, it is supposed from old age. Mr. Editor, I don't think it will be long before I will stop my part of that little "X" on the margin of my paper. It appears that someone has employed H.C.P. to see after kittens. Nat Duncan commenced his writing-school last Monday at Camp- ground. Nat is a splendid penman. The old peddler, Barker, was on our creek last week, cheating the old women out of their barter, as usual. Isaac Prince has built a new house out of an old one. It is time every person was plowing; so says some folks. Vicy Peery has come back to M. G. Peery's to live. I am authorized to announce T. J.; H.C. and John Prince for matrimony. Someone has broken up J.D.A.'s mail route. What's that that goes, Far and near? Everybody knows---, 'Tis the PIONEER. LEONA MARCH 28, 1879 "SWAN BLUFF" A rabid dog, on last Friday evening late, came up the creek, biting everything that come in the way; tore the coat off of Arthur Smith, a little son of Mrs. J. N. Smith. Mr. Smith and John Grimmitt happened to be close at hand and saved the boy from being torn up; shot the dog but did not kill him. The dog passed on up the creek, biting everything as he went. I have been told that it tore the clothes off of a little girl of Mr. Aaron Morris. The last account we heard of the dog he was still going at large on the head of the creek, though, had been shot several times. Mr. George Grimmitt has just returned from Humphreys county, where he has been spending several days with old acquaintences. Mr. J. A. Grimes left yesterday morning for Arkansas. Mr. W. C. Gambill, of Shady Grove, has re-opened his stock of dry goods at this place, and the handsome young Mr. S. S. Foster can always be found behind the counter. Mr. Wm. Walker, of Anderson's Bend, was on our creek last week buying cattle and sheep. Hope he will come again. Mr. M. H. Bingham, from the neighborhood of Shady Grove, paid us a flying visit last week. Come again, Mr. B.; glad to see you at any time. A few weeks ago the charming Miss Sallie R., of the neighborhood of Shady Grove, was seen on our creek at the Swan Bluff store, on her return from Pinewood, enquiring the way to Shady Grove. We can hardly account for the young lady getting lost, but expect Mr. McM. can. The old mill known as the Jesse Briggs mill has been repaired by Thompson, Anderson, Dicus & Co. Mr. Wiley Rochell, bought the right of four counties for the patent Water Carrier, from Messrs. Hill & Pittts, of Lincoln county, Tenn. Dr. Joseph Stephens has located on our creek for the purpose of practicing physic. Our "bacon merchants," Andy Lane and Joseph Farress, both colored, have left our creek. They broke into Mr. J. A. Grimes' smoke house some time ago and carried off two sides of bacon. They were arrested, but on promise that they would leave the country were released. RORA AVIS APRIL 4, 1879 "SWAN" Farmers are turning things upside down. Wheat is looking some better now, than is did two weeks ago. I don't know what will be the go, this crop; but I think peanuts. I would suggest that every farmer plant corn, for luck, for I am going to plant peanuts and my experience is they never pay much when I plant. There was some good singing at Randel's Chapel last Sunday, by J. D. Aydelott. Hez George wants to buy 7 or 8 yearlings to make a pie. Henry Maberry was up on the creek a few days since, trying to buy a mule. He was offering to advance $10. Mr. Poke Grimes says he has sold old Kit for $90. If you want the details of a good thing, ask Bill Mc. if he was at the debate the other night. A certain young gent that lived in this neighborhood last year went to Maury county and told that the young ladies of this section were all having fits about him. I am requested to say that they are all getting better since he has married and left the county. Dock King has retrieved his mare that he loaned Mr. Hungerford to plow this season. The mad dog excitement is very high out here. Some say the Mr. Duncan's dog that was bitten is now having fits. George Briggs has cleared a piece of land that none of the oldest settlers can give any account of having seen in cultivation, but there are corn ridges to be seen, that are very plain. Henry Thompson is running Briggs' mill; well, I'll say fishing, for that's what he does most. If you want to find anything that your neighbor has borrowed and never returned, just tell every one that you see to bring it home if they please. This rule has been tried, and proved a success. ALL TRUTH APRIL 11, 1879 "SWAN BLUFF" Mr. John Briggs, better known as "Goober John" says there is a tree on Piney that is only twelve feet high, that the first four feet of the tree is black walnut, the next four feet cedar, and the last four a nice white plum peach, and that he has eaten peaches that grew on this tree. There is a widower in this neighborhood that was seen going up the creek a few Sundays ago, all trimed up with a paper collar on. Guess meant "biz" as that is something unusual. Messrs. Smith & Foster, of this place, have started out healing all manner of sickness, with Dr. Crowe's red and white pills. George King says he will furnish Hez George with the yearlings to make that pie. We are very much in need of a good blacksmith at this place, as well as a miller at the mill. Mr. Marion R. was seen riding bareback a few Sundays ago to preaching with his sweetheart. That's business, right. Mr. J. N. S. has lost his cook. He says he will not hire any more, but intends to buy one as they are cheap. Only 50 cents! Just think about it. I am told that W. B. Twomy passed up the creek with a box of Moore's pills, healing the sick as he went. Wonder if they are Col. Jack Moore's make; if so, they are good. I saw in the Swan items some time ago, that Mr. H.C.P. had been employed to see after kittens. If he will come to Swan Bluff Store, Mr. Foster will let have as many as he wants. John Grimmit has superseded John McGill's tinner. RORA AVIS MAY 2, 1879 "SWAN" Corn planting this week, peanuts next. There is going to be a secret crop raised this year and that is seed millet. Don't be so sly about it; just come out and talk it over just like Mr. Jones did about the peanut crop, and see whether it will do to raise more than enough for home consumption or not. Mr. H. C. Prince says that if Mr. Foster can't take care of one cat that he had better abandon the kitten business. The mad dog excitement is over, since that old dog was killed by Mr. Mayfield, Morris & Co. Mr. "Beech-Tree", why did you live where nothing else would grow but sprouts? What did you mean by saying, turn stock on persimmon sprouts? Will stock eat them? If so, what kind of stock? I am requested to say that, that pie will be cooked in that big kettle, 10 miles east of this creek on Duck river. Gill and Archie Peery, together with Mr. Morris are going to plant a large water melon patch this year, and all persons are respectfully invited to keep out. It was Tom Prince, not John up from Big Bottom. Mrs. Hyram Prince stayed in Centreville last Friday night, for the first time. M. G. Peery had six loads of lumber hauled last week; he will finish his new house this season. Not long since, our clever neighbor, Robert Gilmore, got his house and nearly all of his goods destroyed by fire, but his clever neighbors are helping him liberally. T. J. Prince, it seems is doing his whole duty in the matrimonial canvass. ALL TRUTH MAY 16, 1879 "LOCAL" According to announcement Rev. Andrew Peery will lecture on temperance at the Methodist church to-night. It will, be remembered, Mr. Peery is the hermit who lives in the wonderful rock house, on Swan Creek. He is said to be splendidly versed in the scriptures, and his lecture will doubtless be well worth hearing. We hope to see a crowded house. TEMPERANCE ADDRESS The Rev. Andrew Peery, of Swan, will address the people of Centreville, at the Methodist church, on the subject of Temperance, on Friday night, May the 16th, 1879. All person who feel an interest in the cause of temperance and those who do not are most cordially invited to come out and hear him. MAY 23, 1879 "LOCAL" Rev. Andrew Peery's temperance lecture, at the Methodist church, on last Friday night, was largely attended, in fact there was present one of the nicest and most respectful audiences we have seen in sometime. Mr. Peery was dressed in his usual style and appeared to be in usual spirits. After reading from the Scriptures and song and prayer, the speaker was introduced by Rev. E. W. White, and spoke for about half an hour. In the course of his remarks he said he was not opposed to the temperance movement, but he was not strenuously in favor of total abstinence, and very feelingly said he believed "a little dram, occasionally" wouldn't hurt a man; he made use of some very "striking" illustrations; in conclusion said, the way for a man to quit drinking was to say so and quit; he hoped that if he had not edified his audience he had, at least amused them. At the close of Mr. Peery's remarks, Dr. Ward was called for, but being "sick,"(?) Brother White was called for and made a few remarks, after which the crowd were dismissed. We trust Brother Peery will preach for us before long, as he said he would. MAY 23, 1879 "SWAN BLUFF" All fenced up. J. M. Bond has put three fences across the road around the bluff of the creek, above this place, which stops any passing to or from this place in time of high water, and the only way that people can get to the grave yard at this place, from above here, when the creek is up, or to the church. Can't this road be opened, or gates put up? The road should not be stopped up as it is one of importance. Our road down the bank of the creek from here to Rawley's Chapel is very dangerous and should be made wider as there is hardly room for wagons to pass, in places. No anglers on the creek this week, only Mr. W. H. Thompson. What has become of the Good Templars of Rawley's Lodge? 'Fraid have all gone to see the tiger, as they haven't met him for some time. Miss Rochell, of Gray's Bend, has been visiting relatives on the creek, for some time. Mr. S. S. Foster, has taken Mr. H.C.P.'s kind advice, and sold out his entire stock cats and kittens to Hill McCaleb. "All Truth" seems to be somewhat afraid that some one is going to slip up on him with a millet patch. Be careful, Mr. "Truth" that you don't slip on some one's millet. J.N.S. has not got that cook yet. Wonder what's the matter? That kettle was not large enough to make that pie for Hez George. Dr. Stevens is all right another boy. George Grimmett has superseded J. Black Grimes, overseer. Bad luck for James. RORA AVIS MAY 23, 1879 "SUNRISE" Our usually quiet neighborhood was the scene of some excitement on last Thursday night. The excitement eminated from a certain neighbor's house, who halloed to the nearest and sent word to the fartherest neighbors that there were serious apprehensions of foul play or fatal accident to a member of the family. After a number had collected at the headquarters of the excitement, it was ascertained that "Gub" had not put in an appearance at supper a thing that was never known before. The rains, by this time, were coming in torrents and everything was as dark as Egypt, but Blind Baxton, our young shoe-maker, Parson Cotton (with his patent climber), Old Cap (that's dad), Prof. H. (with his cork heels, after loosing about five taps off them), and others started out in search, but no Gub was to be found. Some one suggested that perhaps he was in the crib asleep, and accordingly Bill Mc. went to the crib and screaming aloud he heard a grunt, and such a rejoicing was never heard before-truly there was more rejoicing over the finding of the lost sheep than over the ninety and nine that went not astray. YOUNG CAP "DEATHS" Died at the residence, on Swan creek, in this county on the 15th. inst. Of consumption, Mrs. Polk McCaleb. MAY 30, 1879 "BLUE BUCK" Farmers are about through planting, and crops that have come up are looking well. Brother Stevens preached for us on last Sunday. Dr. W. T. Kilpatrick is getting a good practice, and is know as a skilful doctor. Mr. S. S. Foster's bright, smiling face can be seen at any time behind the counter at Swan Bluff. He informs me that he has quit the kitten business, giving it up to H.C.P. R. G. Peery has been elected road over-seer. Mr. Henry Thompson's little daughter has been very sick for the last few days, but is now convalescing. It seems as if the canines were destroying fowls in this neighborhood the other day. I think there is going to be a "happen-so" up here before long; judging from the way a certain young man has boquets tied to his horse's bridle. Dr. W. M. Mayfield has had a severe attack of chills. Should this find space in the colums of your valuable paper, I will write for you again. SMALL BOY "LOCAL" Our genial friend, Esq. M. G. Peery, of Sunrise, yesterday paid us his subscription all in silver five-cent pieces. JUNE 6, 1879 "SWAN" Yes, Mr. "Cap" of course I will give the details of the peanut crop. There are not very many planted on this creek, and the complaint is, not good stands. William McClannahan plowed his up. He says there wasn't half dozen to the row. I can't see the cause for bad stands of peanuts; the fault is in the seed or the man. Any person can tell whether his seed is good or not. July before planting your crop, take a handful and plant them and see if they will sprout; if they do not, then I would not plant them. I would like for some one to tell me why full grown well matured peanuts will not sprout. There can be had on this creek, a good farm, one mare and fine mule colt, house hold and kitchen furniture, a handsome widow, two handsome girls and one boy all for 50 cents. Now, it is not right that things should remain in this condition long; no excuse for being an old bachelor. Wheat is promising so is weeds, and we are at a loss to know how to get rid of them, if it keeps raining. I don't recon correspondents' jokes will kill them. Hez George is again sitting at the cradle singing, "By o' baby, by!" Isaac Prince and Frank Gillmore, both lost fine colts recently. Dr. Kilpatrick had a call at M. G. Peery's on last Saturday night well, he called in to stay all night. ALL TRUTH JULY 11, 1879 "BLUE BUCK" Farmers are about through laying by their crops. The oat crop is good, though but few planted. Several anglers on the creek. Among the number is Benjamin H., who has not caught a minnow yet. A young calf belonging to J. C. Duncan died and his cow quit coming up at milking time; so he skinned the dead and tacked the hide on a piece of wood, put it in the lot where the cow could see it, and now she comes up regularly. Dr. W. .P. Kilpatrick and J. A. Gilmore talk of starting out West soon. Miss E. J. Weatherly will take charge of the school at College Hill, on Pine branch. Marion R. Rochell has set out two thousand potato slips. Miss Mollie Thompson, of Hampshire, has been on a visit to Swan, where she has been spending several days. SMALL BOY JULY 18, 1879 "SWAN" Farmers are done laying by. J. S. Shires and lady, of Maury county, are visiting relatives on the creek. There is so much preaching in the neighborhood, of late, that we hardly know where to go to for the best. Mr. Editor, won't boys get grown sooner, girls marry younger, bachelors marry before they get to be bachelors, old men live longer and die richer, and, in fact, every thing be better when we get a railroad through our county? (If they don't 'twill be their own fault.-ED.) Another queston, Can you tell how to keep storms out of our water melon patches? Do you suppose that twelve men, of our county, called the grand jury couldn't help the cause. (If the twelve men selected are as fond of watermelons as we are, they will do more damage than half dozen storms. If you would send us in a few-grattis- that might help the cause. Try it ED.) I wish you would say to some few individuals, who are in the habit of taking your subscriber's papers out of the post office, that it is wrong; they should subscribe for the paper, it would be better than to well we won't say steal from their neighbor. The fair ones of this creek, were made glad, a few days ago by the return of Messrs. Robert Peery and Jas. Duncan, from Clifton, Wayne county, where they had been going to school. Mr. David Miller was on our creek this week, looking unusually well. The query is afloat, and I wish you, Mr. Editor, would give us some light on the subject. The question is: What is a dancing school? (It is a school where people learn to dance, behave and deport themselves with propriety in every place; and, of course, listen to lectures on etiquette and morality. ED.) Horny heads are shoaling on Swan and horney hands are retiring to the shades. Considerable sickness on the creek; Mrs. R. A. Aydelott has been, and is very sick yet. The weather has been so dry and hot for the past few weeks, that our cows have about gone dry; but old Cap's "eight-day cow" never fails. Messrs. J. L. Weatherly and W. D. Aydelott have gone to Perry county, to teach school. SLILY JULY 26, 1879 "LOCAL" Mr. Andrew Peery, of Blue Buck, says it has been his observation that trimming of apple trees is a great mistake; let Nature have her course in vegetable as well as in animal life. He says the dead limbs should be removed. Mr. Peery has had several years experience in apple-growing and is said to have the finest fruit on Blue Buck. AUGUST 1, 1879 "DEATHS" Died at his father's residence, in Kansas, Graves county; Kentucky, of brain fever, Moscenith Thomas W. Peery, son of C. J. and A. S. Peery; aged 7 years and 9 months. Little Thomas is sadly missed by his many friends, and his weeping parents we would say, weep not, for your child has gond to Heaven, to join the Savior's happy band. "Death from all has set free, And will his gain forever be; His flesh shall slumber in the ground, 'Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the grave with sweet surprise, And in his Savior's image rise." AUGUST 8, 1879 "SWAN" Health was never better. "The rain came a little too late for some of our corn. Hurrah for Neely! Has his neck got well yet? There is a certain young man on this creek that watches his watermelon patch day and night. A few days since, while off his guard, some one went into his patch and stole a melon, sit down and ate it, then, engraved on the rine "Grand" Jury." I think it would have been more appropriate for him to have put it Grand Thief. We predict for the one who did this, much success in his profession. Dr. Joe Stephens has charge of the Sunday school at Camp-ground church. Let's all go and help him. Can any one give any account of Doc Kenny? He left here on a visit to Humphreys county, some three weeks ago. We are afraid that he's lost. The smiling face of Mr. John Prince with the lovely and facinating Miss Lou Prince, were visiting on Swan last week. John says they have been having some "warm" times at Hurricane Mills. W. W. McClannhan has returned from Buffalo, where he has been working at his trade. Jim Burcham has charge of the school at Bond's School-house. Our singing has played out. Can some one find out the cause and apply a remedy? Jas. D. Aydelott is talking of selling out and moving to Kentucky. Can any one give any account of "Small Fry? Now is the very time to plow and hoe your cotton the last time. Cotton is a very queer plant. When it first blooms it (the bloom) is white; always blooms at night; in the morning it is white; at noon a pale red; at night a deep red; next day drops off; if it rains while the bloom is white the bowl will drop off. Mr. R. A. Peery has returned home from Mississippi, also a family of his connection came with him. Not long since a very wreckless man, of this creek, received a notice which had pictured on it a bundle of switches, bouie knife, grubbing hoe and coffin. It is supposed that it meant that, if he didn't do better, we will first "withe" you, and then, if there is no change, we will kill you with this knife, and with this grubbing hoe, we will dig a hole for you. The question on this creek is: "Has any person the right to stop up a road that is not a public road?" It is said that Joe Gady, of Humphreys county, is talking of spending 50 cents with our County Court clerk. 'Rah for him. Brother Lackey is now with us at the Camp-ground church, for the first time. Brother Lackey is a good man working in a noble cause. Can't you leave out all the advertisements of one side of your paper? So we can have more news? (Ah, Friend "Slily" don't get so newsy all at once, but have a little sympathy for us, during this hot weather anyway. Typo.) A certain man, on this creek, tells the "boys" not to put up their mules and gnaw his fence rails he makes them pay for it, but Mr. S's mule don't seem to care for it. Now is the time to sow your turnips and rye. Let's try and have enough of each to make a car load, to ship on the narrow gadge. SLILY AUGUST 8, 1879 "LOCAL" Public attention is respectfully called to the rather noval advertisement, of our countyman, Rev. Andrew Peery, elsewhere. For the information of the ladies, we will say Mr. Peery is a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, an honest go-ahead farmer, and the hermit who lives in the rock house on Swan creek, in this county. We suppose very naturally he has become tired of leading the life of a hermit and desires a help-mate on whom to bestow his affections, as well as his property. He is right well known and we predict will soon receive many letters, through the influence of his friends. AUGUST 29, 1879 "BLUE BUCK" Plenty of rain recently, and crops look fine. Most too much rain for peanuts and cotton. The health is very good in this community. The Jesse Briggs mill has changed hands again. W. T. Kilpatrick & Co. are the proprietors this time; B. M. Hutcherson miller. Mr. A. W. Anderson is putting up a new side-room to his dwelling- house. Several of the boys have joined in and organized a debating society at Coperas branch. Ben Harlin passed through the neighborhood recently with a large drove of sheep-about 280 head which he bought on the waters of Cane creek and Buffalo. W. T. And George Duncan are talking of going West to spend about a month looking at that country. Mr. O. A. Prince has reached water in his well at about 60 feet. He is now getting up rock on Beaver Dam to wall it up. The protracted meeting closed on last Sunday, at the Baptist-church, on Blue Buck. Several professions and a number of accessions to the church. Rev. E. W. White has changed the Rawley Chapel meeting from October to the fifth Sunday in August. Our usually quiet little neighborhood was thrown into some excitement on last Friday, by one or two little difficulties which occurred. All quiet, though, now. E. OLIVE SEPTEMBER 5, 1879 "SWAN" Mr. "S. Boy," you need not have "Slily" said that the people of Camp- ground were disappointed. It is true Brother Hunter didn't come, but Brother Calhoun happened in just in time, and protracted the meeting until Tuesday night, and when he closed declared that he never saw more flattering prospects. We are going to have another meeting commencing on Saturday before the third Sunday in September. We are expecting a good revival at that time. If you see a sign at a watermelon patch thus: "C.O.D. and D.B.S.N.," it means, croton oil in day time and double-barrel shot-guns at night. It seems that the people of this section are determined to put down watermelon stealing, and I predict there will be several true bills obtained at next court. I was at Rawley's Chapel last Sunday. The meeting there is being conducted by Brothers White and Irwin, and I think the prospects are good. M. G. Peery has received a letter from his son, Baz, whom he had about given up as lost. He is residing in Arkansas. Well, "V.B.O.," since you have quit writing nearly all our boys have become old bachelors. Can't you stir 'em up? Some little sickness among us. Mr. R. A. Anderson is sick, but is better now. Another good old citizen passed away last week. Uncle George Tatum. He was a good, clever citizen; and was liked by all who knew him. Last week, D. W. P. paid a flying visit in the air. He started from a mule's back, thence up about eight or ten feet, and thence to the ground (or rocks) face foremost, scratching off several dollars worth of skin from his face. The smiling face of Miss Sallie Stewart is again to be seen in our midst. Mr. R. A. Hill says he can now see what use women are since Mary married and left him. Mr. James Easley and family are visiting us this week. Thomas Williams and family who have visiting in Lewis county, have returned. I see an article in your paper of the 22nd. , in which the Waverly Journal suggest that the farmers stack their peanuts under sheds. This is a good idea, Mr. Journal, but where is your county going to get material enough to make the sheds? Dr. Stephens paid Perry county a visit last week, and reports several cases of sore eyes. CASABIANCA SEPTEMBER 12, 1879 "SWAN BLUFF" We have had a good meeting at Rawley's Chapel. It began the fifth Sunday in August and closed on the first Sunday in September. It was conducted by Brothers White and Irwin. There were two professions, but I think there were about twelve joined the church. Brother Vernon holds a meeting at the Baptist church on Blue-buck the second Sunday in September, where he will administer the ordinance of baptism to three new members Miss L. A. Hughes and Messrs. F. M. Rochell and Joe Mobley. Dr. Stephens, I am told, has rejoined the M. E. Church, South. It will be remembered he severed his connection with that body and attempted to form a new sect of Methodists several months since. We now have a good prayer-meeting at Bluebuck church which meets every Friday night. I am told there will be held a meeting at Rawley's Chapel on next Sunday night for the purpose of organizing a prayer meeting, which is to be held every Friday night thereafter. Protracted meeting will begin at Camp-ground on the third Sunday in this month. It will be conducted by Revs. W. M. Robinson and J. F. Lackey. The crops on Swan are better than we have had before for a long time. Cotton, however, is looking a little bad from too much rain, and the bowls are dropping off badly. Some sickness prevails, in the way of chills and fever. Finley Aydelott is down with billious fever. Wonder if Brown Short has found his "heifer yearling." Rev. Andrew Peery, of our section, who has an advertisement in your paper, is receiving a number of letters from various points. He speaks of going to see some of the fair ones who have written to him. We all predict for him a speedy and happy marriage, for his merits will win wherever he is known. WILLIAM THE REDROSE SEPTEMBER 12, 1879 & SEPTEMBER 19, 1879 "MISCELLANEOUS' WANTED -- A WIFE I wish to marry a genteel lady, of industrious, steady habits. Any lady desiring to respond will please address me by private letter. ANDREW PEERY Swan Bluff P. O. Hickman County, Tenn. SEPTEMBER 19, 1879 "SWAN" There was considerable disappointment over the failure of Brother Robinson to be at Camp-ground last Sunday, though we know he was not to blame about the announcement being made. Brother Hunter, though, took the stand and preached us a very good sermon. Esquire Morrison was over for the first time in fifteen or twenty years. Marion Rochell was around last week getting up a subscription to build a church on Bluebuck. Rawley's Chapel has a flourishing prayer-meeting, at present.. Mr. Editor, you fail to give, through your paper, the market price of wood. Some sickness on the creek. Mrs. M. G. Peery is sick, but not dangerously so. John Burcham's school will be out in three weeks. 'Fayette Whitesides is building a new house on Pine branch. There was a "Skipper" on Swan this week which would weigh 160 pounds. A man came down from Lewis county after a stray hog. He brought with him a great, big sled or wagon. Both tiers came off the fore wheels of the sled and the whole business turned over, the sled ran away with the horses and you never saw a hog get away so quick in your life. That hog is here yet. SLILY OCTOBER 10, 1879 "LOCAL" Mr. D. W. Peery, of Swan, has brought us in a flint-rock which strikingly resembles a pertified walnut. OCTOBER 17, 1879 "BLUE BUCK" News items are scarce this week. Health is very good except a few cases of chills and fever. Our farmers are now gathering their crops, and the yield is good. Sorghum making seems to be the order of the day. Mr. H. S. has just returned from a trip to Humphreys county. He says that Mr. J.D.T. was following the old bachelor' trade, making baskets and bottoming chairs. We have prayer meeting at Blue Buck church every Sunday evening at 3 o'clock, and at Rawley's chapel at night. Our young men have organized a debating society; wish them much success. Texas fever is raging to some extent, in this section. EAGLE EYE OCTOBER 31, 1879 "LOCAL" "Bill Jenkings" is advertising extensively in the Lawrenceburg Press about matrimonial matters. Let him try the plan of Brother Peery, of Swan Bluff. NOVEMBER 7, 1879 "SUNRISE" Health in this part of the county is very good. Crops are very good. Peanuts are excellent. The farmers are taking advantage of the good weather and are gathering their crops. I am told Mr. Norman, of Lewis county, a few days since pulled up a peanut vine which had on it 105 well matured peanuts. Mr. Lafayette Whitesides, of Pine branch, had a house-raising on last Wednesday. I think the railroad feeling is very good here. There are yet a few who hold out some opposition, but I am sure they will support the proposition if they can understand it. BILL NOVEMBER 21, 1879 "BLUE BUCK" Christmas passed off quietly and leapyear has come in likewise. Health is very good except a few cases of penumonia. Miss Malinda Peery has been very sick, but is now convalescing. G. W. Briggs, our miller, is talking of moving to Santa Fe, where he will run a mill. Dr. Kilpatrick has moved to Totty's bend, where he will still practice medicine. Charles Brown and Billie Shannon have been in this vicinity buying mules. Mr. J. H. Mayberry, of Beaverdam, has been in this neighborhood selling an excellent book "Stanley's Travels in Africa." Dr. Josiah Stephens has taken a trip to Kentucky, where he expects to be absent for a few weeks. Wonder what has become of our prayer-meeting? Let's get it up again. Miss E. J. Weatherly takes up school at Campground in a few days. May success attend her in every effort! Miss Sallie Bond has been visiting in this vicinity. She has returned and taken with her one of our gallant beaux. But this is leap-year, anyhow, you know. My arm is tired; my pen is bad So lay me down to sleep; while the cottage vale is deep. EAGLE EYE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Ova Lee Sawyer OLSawyer@aol.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------