Excerpts from the Pearisburg Gazette, 1872, part 2 - Giles Co. VA


Pearisburg Gazette (Excerpts) 
Published every Saturday by A. Lloyd Fry, Editor and Proprietor 
March 3, 1872-April 13, 1872

*************** 
MARCH 3, 1872 
*************** 
Mistake-It will be observed that the date of the Gazette, on the first page, is March 3rd. This 
is clearly an oversight, as to-day is the 2nd. This mistake was caused by our counting Twenty-
eight days for February, when we should have counted Twenty-nine.

Unwehl-Maj. J. C. Snidow, our Delegate, is at home on a leave of absence. The Maj. is quite 
unwell.

Prolific-We noticed in our last, that Mrs. B. F. Porterfield gave birth to three children. We 
now learn, from Dr. Wingo, that Mrs. J. H. Williams, daughter of Geo. C. Stafford, Esq., the 
same week, also gave birth to three children-two girls and a boy-and is doing well.

Texas-From the third letter received from A. Fry, Esq., dated Seguin, Texas, February, 20th, we 
learn that he has seen all "our Giles boys," and that they are well and very well satisfied. He 
will remain in Seguin and San Marcos until about the 9th inst., and then start for Giles, where 
he expects to arrive in time for court.

R. M. Stafford & Co. have fresh and reliable Garden Seed from James Vick, for sale at catalogue 
prices. Also, a fresh supply of Oysters and "sich like."

All praise and honor is due, and should be given, by the united people of Giles, to the Board 
of Supervisors. At their last meting, 24th, February, they made an allowance and had planted in 
the Courthouse yard about twenty nice young shade trees. Charles E. Peck, Esq., undertook the 
contract for $8, and has performed his work well; and promises to replace all that fail to 
grow. This is an act of humanity, for every one who attends court, during the summer, knows how 
very unpleasant it is to be exposed to the hot sun.

Wolves in Craig-The Fincastle Herald understands that wolves are plentiful in the mountains of 
Craig, and especially on Pott's Creek. A gentleman living in that section recently killed five. 
A reward of $30 is paid for each wolf killed.

Married-On the 26th ult., by the Rev. Parker Lucas, Mr. John M. Martin, to Miss Sallie M. Vass, 
all of Giles County, Virginia.

Married-In this place, on the morning of the 28th ult., by the Rev. Geo. Stewart, Rev. John I. 
M. French, of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a member of the Holston Conference, to Miss Mollie E. 
Stewart, daughter of Rev. George Stewart. 

Rev. French has since, transplant this fair flower in Jonesboro, Tenn., where he is stationed, 
their to bloom and gladden his pathway through life.

*************** 
March 9, 1872 
*************** 
Death of an old citizen-Capt. James P. Strother, an old and highly esteemed citizen of 
Washington County, died at his residence near Old Glade Spring, on Friday last, aged about 75 
years.

Fire-Capt. John M. Williams, living on Sinking Creek, in this county, met with the misfortune 
to have his workshop containing all his tools, a lot of furniture and lumber burned on the 29th 
ult. He saved nothing and his loss cannot be less than $800. All regret that so good a man 
should lose so much.

Snow Storm-The heaviest snow storm since the great storm of January 18th, 1857, prevailed here 
on Saturday, and seems to have been general throughout the country. The snow, on a level, was 
from fifteen to sixteen inches deep, and in many places it was banked up by drifting to the 
depth of from three to four feet. The severity of the storm caused the suspension of all out-
door business, and none left their houses who were not compelled by absolute necessity to do 
so.

Southern Patriot-Mr. Jno. Gatewood, late of Shenandoah county, has purchased a half-interest of 
this paper. Success to the new enterprise.

The Holston Methodist is the title of a new religious weekly just started at Morristown, Tenn.,
by Rev. R. N. Price. The first number is before us. The price of the Methodist is $1.50 per 
annum. We wish it much success.

Returned-James O'Keefe, who has been attending the Medical College in Richmond during the last 
two sessions, returned home a few days ago to spend his vacation. He will return to Richmond 
about the first of April.

Seed! Seed!!-All kinds of fresh and reliable garden seed, on hand and for sale by R. M. 
Stafford & Co., at catalogue prices. 

Graduated-In looking over the list of graduates in the Medical College at Richmond, we were 
pleased to see the name of our young friend Phil. H. Killey of this county. He is a young man 
of promise, and will be an ornament to the profession. We understand that he will start, in a 
short time, on a visit to England.

Pearisburg Hotel on Fire-Last Sunday morning about 2 o'clock, Mrs. James O'Keefe was awakened 
by being almost suffocated with smoke, and on arousing the inmates of the house, found that the 
house was on fire, but where she could not tell. After going to all the rooms in the house Mr. 
O'Keefe waked up Mr. G. W. Trinkle, who has a store in the building, when it was found that the
fire was in his store-room, and was fast making headway, but was easily extinguished. Ten 
minutes later, we have no idea, the house could have been saved. The fire originated through 
the agency of Rats and Matches. A gross of matches was on the upper shelf in a few inches of 
the ceiling where the fire was. The matches, it is supposed, were ignited by the rats, and the 
fire had burned through the ceiling and floor above, and had gotten into the logs of the main 
building. 

This is another proof of the danger of matches, and a warning against the careless way of 
keeping them. Even a single box may be carried, by a rat in its hole and there set on fire and 
the whole building consumed. We have no doubt, but that a great many fires, believed to be the 
work of an incendiary, is caused by leaving matches where rats can get them.

[J. B. Peck is listed as County Superintendent of the Office of County Supt. Schools]


*************** 
March 16 1872 
*************** 
Sheep killed-One night last week, Mr. Luke Southern, living near this place, had six sheep 
killed by dogs. 

What else can be expected, since the dogs have found out they have so many friends in the 
Legislature!

Returned-The friends of A. Fry, Esq., will be pleased to hear of his safe arrival at home. He 
has been visiting in Texas for the past six weeks, and seems very much pleased with the 
country. The contrast in the weather and seasons is very great. He left Texas on the 5th, the 
weather warm, vegetation growing, farmers planting, roads dusty; and arrived at Dublin on the 
10th and rode home through snow and mud knee deep.

SHORT METRE. 
Latest-"Six rings for a quarter." 
Cold-The weather. 
Dry-The town pump. 
Swimable-Our streets. 
Busted-The Town Treasury. 
Gone-The snow. 
High-New River. 
Hungry-Dogs (for mutton). 
Scarce-Wood. 
In Demand-Good weather. 
Opened-The gates on the Turnpike. 
Court-Next Tuesday. 
Moving-O.W. Charlton and Jas. C. Eaton. 
Nice-Another fresh lot of Garden Seeds at R. M. Stafford & Co.

Conference Appointments-The following appointments were made by the Washington Methodist 
Episcopal Conference colored, which met recently in Washington: 
LEXINGTON DISTRICT, Martin Spriddler, P. E.-Lexington, Alexander Posey; Abingdon, Nathaniel 
Jackson; Grayson, John Bailey, Wytheville, T. H. Adams; Tazewell, Charles Lewis; Russell, 
Patrick Raine; Draper's Valley, A. J. Weems; Newburn, Matharine Callender; Pearisburg, Solomon 
Wing, Mercer, L. W. Coats; Christiansburg, Lemuel Masten, Botetourt, John Trigg; Salem, Charles 
Price; Rockbridge, J. H. Burley, and Marton A. Admonson.

Meeting of the Pearisburg Auxiliary Bible Society 
J. D. Johnston President, Hon. A. Mahood, Vice President, J. W. Williams, Treasurer, Geo. W. 
Easley, Cor. Secretary, H. G. Dennis and Rev. T. M. McCorkle, Ex. Com.

A Tribute 
At the 2nd Quarterly Conference of the Pearisburg circuit, M. E. Church South, held at 
Pearisburg, on the 24th of February, 1872, the death of Brother John Wall, having been reported 
by the Pastor, the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted: 
Whereas, in the Providence of God, since the last meeting of this body, Brother John Wall, long 
a faithful and pious member of the church, a worthy and estimable citizen, and a former member 
of this body has departed this life; and whereas, we have good reason to believe that our 
Brother has been relieved from a life of trouble and pain; that with him the "mortal has put 
immortality" and that "death has been swallowed up in victory" and that he has entered into 
that rest that remaineth for the people of God. Therefore, let it be resolved, 
1st. That while we deplore the loss sustained by the community, his family and the church, in 
the death of Brother Wall, we rejoice that in his life and death he gave evidence so 
satisfactory of the truth of Christianity. 
2nd. That we tender to his family our sincere condolence and our Christian sympathy and regard 
in their bereavement. 
3rd. That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions e forwarded to the widow and 
children of our deceased brother, and a copy also furnished to the Pearisburg Gazette and to 
the Nashville Christian Advocate, with the request that the same be published in their 
respective papers. 
Committee: Jas. D. Johnston, A. S. Woolwine, W. C. Charlton.


*************** 
March 23, 1872 
*************** 
Narrow Escape-A few days ago, Johnny Peck, son of C. D. Peck, Esq., while fording Walkers 
Creek, near the mouth, while the water was high, was washed out of the ford, and but for old 
"Morgans" steady step would have been drowned. The water was over the horse's back. We are 
pleased to learn that the only loss sustained by "Johnny" was the loss of his "saddle-pockets."

Closing Exhibition-Prof. Alexander Hight closed the first session o his school at Providence, 
last Friday night with a grand free entertainment, which proved quite a success. All present, 
enjoyed themselves "hugely." Prof. Hight is a young gentleman of promise, and as shown by his
reports, and the satisfaction given, to be a good teacher. 

The closing scene, "Shoo-Fly," by Prof. (Ringleader) Woolwine, was the grandest occasion and 
"brought down the house." He is the wonder of his age, and bids fair to become a celebrated 
comedian.

Quarterly Court-The March term of this court, commenced last Tuesday Judge Strother assisted by 
Judge Lyle, presiding. 

The Grand Jury made two indictments, very scarce all at once. 

The case of Dr. Lovell, charged with felony, was tried, and the doctor acquitted. 

Commonwealth vs. King Christmas "fizzed out." 

At the time of going to press the civil docket is being tried. The crowd on the first day was 
large, but on account of the inclement weather since that day the crowd has not been so large 
composed only of suitors, jurors and witnesses. In our next we will give the proceedings in 
full. 

Admit"ted-Messrs. Porterfield and Echols, have been admitted to the practice of law at this 
bar, and took the usual oaths. They will, we understand, hang their "shingle" in Newport.

SHORT METRE. 
"Played"-"Six rings for a quarter." 
Convalescent-The town pump. 
Empty-The Jail. 
Windy-The weather and -------- 
Flourishing-"Yan side." 
Fordable-Our streets. 
Latest-Branch Morgan's got a sewing machine. ("Clear the front.")

Sudden Death of a Physician-Dr. Henry E. Peery, of Tazewell county, a physician of high 
standing, and editor of the Clinch Valley News, died suddenly on Tuesday last, in the sixty-
seventh year of his age.

Died-On Sugar Run, in this county, on the 18th inst., of Pneumonia, Mr. Lewis Wilburn. Aged 67 
years.


*************** 
March 30, 1872 
*************** 
Judge Mahood started yesterday to attend the spring term of his circuit courts.

Miss Emma Dennis, whose school closes next week, proposes having a free entertainment in the 
courthouse on Friday night, 5th of April, consisting of Tableau, Charades, &c. The public are 
cordially invited to attend; and we bespeak for thema nice time.

Hungry-From the actions exhibited by one Frank Jefferson and Ed Crump, colored, it seems that 
they become hungry for a little "old Ned." Judge Strother, one day last week, missed several 
pieces of bacon, and upon enquiry King Christmas, acknowledged that he watched while Frank and 
Ed helped themselves. A search warrant was issued by Squire Peters and the meat found in 
Frank's possession. He and Ed Crump were arrested and tried and sent on for further trial. Ed 
was admitted to bail and Frank committed to jail.

Baltimore Conference South 
This conference adjourned on Wednesday night of last week. Below we give the appointments for 
this (the Roanoke) District: 
J.E. Armstrong, Presiding Elder 
Salem Station-J. P. Etchison. 
Salem Circuit-Joseph H. Temple 
Christiansburg and Blacksburg-W. Harris 
Fincastle-J. M. Follansbee, J. N. Gray 
Lexington Circuit-A. P. Boade 
Buchanan-To be supplied. 
New Castle and Catawba-to be supplied. 
Sinking Creek-L. Butt. 
Lafayette Mission-C. C. Wertenbaker 
Montgomery-to be supplied 
Montgomery Female College-S. K. Cox, President 
Lewisburg District-J. L. Gilbert; P. E. Lewisburg, W. G. Hammond; Frankford, Wm. T. Quin; 
White Sulphur, James F. Clark; White Sulphur Circuit, J. T. Smith; Levelton, C. A. Joyce, one 
to be supplied; Greenbank, Jos. Crickenberger; Centreville, S. B. Dolly; Union, F. Furr; 
Peterstown, James W. Canter; Hillsdale Mission, Jehu Hank; Sweet Springs Mission, C. E. 
Beauchamp; Blue Sulphur, Wm. L. Lynch, E. T. R. Trippe, sup.; Somers, to be supplied.

Married-ON the 20th inst., at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. A. D. Bolton, 
Mr. W. K. Duncan, to Miss Virginia Williams, all of Giles County, Va.

*************** 
April 6, 1872 
*************** 
To the citizens of Pearisburg and Vicinity 
At a meeting of Giles Lodge No. 106 A. F. & A. M. held on the 19th March 1872, the subject of 
building a Hall in the town of Pearisburg for the accommodation of the Fraternity being under 
consideration, the undersigned were appointed a committee on the part of the Lodge to confer 
with the citizens of the community generally and see what, if anything, can be done by 
combining and erecting both a school house and Masonic hall in conjunction. 
[rest of article omitted] 
J. D. Johnston 
J. B. Peck 
H. G. Dennis 
D. W. Mason 
G. W. Easley

Sad Accident-Mr. A. J. Hollman's infant son, about two years old, was severely scalded on 
Wednesday, last. Mrs. H. had filled a bucket with boiling water and stepped out to get 
sometime, when the child, it is supposed, fell into the bucket. Its left arm from the shoulder 
to the fingers, and its side is horribly burned. The little sufferer is, at this time, easy, 
and hopes are entertained for its recovery.

Ill-G. H. Dills, Esq., was taken very ill the other day, but we trust his case is not so 
critical as is supposed.

Shot-Just as we were going to press, we heard that Mr. French, son of Austin French, in Bland 
Co., while in arrest for some misdemeanor escaped. Mr. Stowers, while trying to re-arrest him, 
French drew a pistol to shoot Stowers when his wife, Mrs. Stowers, run in between them and was 
badly shot.

Gone-James O'Keefe has returned to Richmond to complete his studies. Will be absent during the 
summer and will no doubt bring a "sheep skin" home with him this fall. "Good luck to you, old 
fell."

Married-On the 2nd inst., by the Rev. T. F. Smyth, Mr. Davis H. Munsey, of Bland county, to 
Miss Julia A. Stafford, of Giles County.

A colony is organizing in Abingdon to emigrate to Colorada territory.

A Wonderful Calf-The Wytheville Dispatch says: "We are informed by a correspondent, that a calf 
was born on Tuesday, the 14th of March, on the farm of Maj. Jones, on New River, which deserves 
mention on account of its singular deformity. IT has no hind legs at all, and no sign save the 
hip or hip bones, on its right side, and where its fore legs ought to have been there was 
something in the shape of a chicken's wing, about eight or ten inches long."

*************** 
April 13, 1872 
*************** 
James M. Humphreys is appointed postmaster at White Gate, in this county, in the place of J. A.
Dehart, resigned.

Registrars Appointed-The following named gentlemen have been appointed, by Judge Strother, 
Registrars for two years, next ensuing:--

Pearisburg Township, D. A. French and Chas. A. Hale; Walker's Creek Township, Wythe G. Bane and 
A. E. S. Johnston; Pembroke Township, Jabez Leftwich; Newport Township, John R. Payne.

Drowned-Mr. Thomas J. Hobbs, living on the river seven miles below this place was drowned on 
Wednesday morning, last, about 9 o'clock. The circumstances of his being drowned, as near as we 
can learn, are these: The River having, the previous night, risen considerably, his boat got 
loose and he, to get it again, jumped into the river and attempted to swim to the boat, but on 
account of the strong current, high wind and cold water, was drowned about midway the river. 
His body washed to the bank on this side, and was taken out by Mr. Clark.

Lodged in Jail-Council Perdew was, on Tuesday evening last, lodged in jail. He was indicted 
before the last Grand Jury, for resisting public officers in the discharge of their duty in 
trying to dispossess him of certain lands and tenements which he unlawfully withheld from the 
owner, Mr. Robert Adair.

Murder-In our last we published the report of a murder having been committed at Dublin. This is 
a mistake and the following is a true account of the affair: 
On the night of the 2nd instant, we are informed, a negro man by the name of George Woodson was 
murdered at the ferry across from New River on the new road from Newburn to Snowville, about 
midway between the two villages, under the following circumstances. Our informant states that 
four white men named Napoleon, David and John French, from Bland county, and James Dunford, of 
Pulaski, called at the ferry about midnight and demanded to be taken across the River. The old 
negro ferryman complained of being sick and unable at that time of night to leave his bed to 
comply with their request. Exasperated at the refusal, the party commenced abusing the 
ferryman. A son of the ferryman (George) hearing the disturbance came out to enquire into the 
matter, when an alteration [sic] ensued between him and the party of whites, which resulted in 
his death. One of the party, Dunford, was arrested, and on account of the insecurity of the 
jail at Newbern, was taken to Wytheville and put in jail. The three French boys are still at 
large. The Supervisors of Pulaski have offered a reward of $100 for their arrest.

Married-By Rev. T. M. McCorkle on the 10th inst., at the residence of Mr. George Snidow, on New 
River, Mr. Edwin S. Matthews, of Montgomery county, to Miss Ellie V. Walker, daughter of the 
late Major Henry Walker of Mercer county. 


Submitted by Melissa Kennedy <msk5d@virginia.edu> 

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