Tazewell County, Virginia, Newspaper Articles: Clinch Valley News--March 8, 1918 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Michelle Burress http://www.cvnotes.com ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ==================================================================== Clinch Valley News March 8, 1918 LOCAL NEWS Below is the honor roll of the Burke's Garden School: 1st Grade - Aubray WILSON, Robert DAVIS, George BOLING. 2nd Grade - Hugh CASSELL, Mary MOSS. 3rd Grade - Albert GREEVER, J.D. GREEVER. 4th Grade - Fred PEERY, John BOLING. 5th Grade - Ira BOLING, Joe MOSS, Wiley BOLING. 6th Grade - Moss PEERY, Rufus THOMPSON. The town and community was shocked on Wednesday to hear of the death of Dr. GILDERSLEEVE. He died suddenly of heart failure at the home of friends in Richmond, where he had gone for a visit Tuesday afternoon. He was about 75 years of age. His wife, a Miss WITTEN, of Tazewell, died at the old home at Pisgah, last year. The readers of this paper who have sons, friends, and relatives at Camp McClellan will be interested in a little "gossip" by the editor who visited the wonderful camp last week. A number of Tazewell boys are there, and the men of Co. D, 2nd Virginia regiment, who were here last summer, are also there, now members of the 116th Infantry. Camp McCellan is six miles east of the city of Anniston in northern Alabama (We, Mrs. L. and myself), reached the city on Thursday at 12:30 pm and was met by the boy, J.A.L Jr. There was nothing doing that afternoon except to talk. The boy hadn't seen his 'ma' since going into camp last September, and they each had many things to say, and I slipped in a remark when I got a chance to do so, which was not often, and after a pleasant, restful night at the Alabama Hotel, we were prepared to 'go to it' as we say, that is, to see the great camp. On Friday afternoon we motored to the Camp and saw such sights and scenes as we had never seen before. But more of this later. The first thing was to hunt up the boys, not an easy job. They were scattered among thirty thousand of troops, but we managed to see most of them. We found Sergeant Elmer WATKINS, so well remembered in Tazewell. He is supply Sergeant for Co. D, of the 116th Regiment, and his tent is a sort of headquarters for his company. He sent word to the scattered boys and they came in to his tent, which we made our temporary headquarters. Besides WATKINS there was Corporal Albert PEERY, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ed PEERY. He was one of the first to greet us, as his tent was not far off. Albert was suffering from a severe cold, but was much better the next day. He is in fine shape, has gained 20 pounds in flesh and is as "hard as nails." He asked about all the Tazewell folks, and sent much love to all of his relatives and acquaintances. It was a disappointment to miss seeing GARDNER, SLUSS and MCGUIRE, but they could not be found. Charley STEPHENSON, son of Lee STEPHENSON, of this town, was found on Sunday afternoon, and he was glad to see us, of course. He was on detail to keep the fires burning under the incinerator, and was splitting wood when we saw him. He is a fine soldier, they said, and certainly looked it. He came in to the hotel on Sunday night and spent several hours with us. Charley has two brothers and a brother in law in the army. Their names and locations were given in the last issue of this paper. STEPHENSON of this town has contributed his full quota of boys and every mother son of them enlisted, too, and are making fine soldiers. J.S. HORNE, another Tazewell boy, was on hand. He used to live with the Slade Brothers on clear Fork, Rawley TOTTEN, son of William TOTTEN, now living on the farm of Allen HIGGINBOTHAM, is a fine soldier of the 116th, as is also J.W. BALDWIN, of Buchanan County, and making good, the boys said. There were other members of the 116th, who came to shake hands, among them Corporal Temple. Sergeant SAFFEL, N.T. CUBBAGE, the cook, (I made the mistake and called him 'cabbage') Sergeant CUMMINGS, Sergeant T.A. HILL and others, whose names have slipped. Glen WYNN, the red headed son of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan WYNN, of this town, was specially glad to see "somebody from home." He is a member of Company K, 116th and saw service on the border, along with the many other members of the 116th. Glen is in fine shape and sent much love to his folks. There was Sergeant Major of the 116th and other fine strong, "standing up" boys whom it was a delight to meet. Headquarters Co. 11th Artillery, in this "outfit" is Sergeant J.A. LESLIE, Jr. and as fine a lot of Virginia boys as you can find. We spent sometime in the boy's tent. His mother looked over his bed and thought she might improve things a little if she had the chance. Here we met some fine boys. Most of them were associates in Richmond, where they enlisted. Some of them college chums - all of them, in this unit, were college or University graduates. there was Pollard, Sinnott, Williams, Jackson, Rawson, all of them Sergeants in the Headquarters Co. of the 111th Field Artillery and a fine set they are. We had a number, of these boys to dinner with us at the hotel on several occasions and we enjoyed them, and were glad that we could do a little something towards breaking the monotony of camp life, even for a short time. Not a single one of these men have had furloughs, and were delighted with this visit of the parents of one of their number. Anniston is a nice clear city of about 25,000 inhabitants, level as a floor, quite a railroad center, has two fine hotels and a number of smaller ones, fine stores, banks and churches. I drifted of course into the office of The Star, Anniston's leading paper. The editor was out of town, but the city editor was on hand, a Mr. Thomason, young, handsome and up to date its showed me many courtesies, for which I am grateful, and hope to have the pleasure of returning some good day. If I was inclined to be critical I would say something about high prices in Anniston, but I won't. The city is getting rich off the soldiers, who flock to town, and it is proverbial that soldiers are lavish with money. They pay the price and ask no ? and do no kicking, and every of the merchants seem aware of this, and shut their eyes and charge. There is considerable complaint from visitors to the city. But, this is none of my business, so I won't meddle. We met a number of fine people on Sunday morning in Park Memorial Baptist church. They know how to treat strangers and visitors. There was a large number of soldiers boys among the worshippers. Twenty one soldiers were received into the membership of the church during the past month. We had our home at the Alabama hotel, one of the largest and finest in the South. Here we met many soldiers, and several fathers and mothers, wives and sisters, who like ourselves, were visiting the boys in the camp. The only incident out of the ordinary occurred on Saturday morning, when fire broke out in the lower part of the building, caused, we are told by crossed wires. It was soon put out by the fire company. The men were all on the street, and some of the women, but there was something doing among the women in the hotel for awhile, but the excitement was soon over. Few readers of this paper, we take it, have seen a large military encampment, and no newspaper description can give an adequate idea of one. Like the mountains and the sea, it is indescribable and must be seen to be appreciated. The government has acquired about 30,000 acres of land six miles east of town, and on this land is now living and drilling about 30,000 soldiers, they told me, and also thousands and thousands of horses and mules. A railroad has been built, great depots, department buildings, Y.M.C.A. and library, canteen, laundry, bath houses, bakeries, stables - everything necessary for prosecuting the work of training soldiers. There are rifle and artillery ranges, where the boys learned to shoot. The Government have built and still building, fine roads into and all about the camp. From appearances and indications Uncle Sam expects to stay at Anniston permanently. The most interesting and important thing about this camp or any camp is the soldier. And everybody wants to know how he lives, what he eats, etc. I write these lines particularly to say to those who have boys in camp, and sum it up all in one statement: The boys are living well, are well taken care of and in the finest of shape. They live in tents. The officers live in wooden huts. The tents are planked up about 3 feet and over this the tent stretches. They sleep on cots, and only in the severest weather do they have difficulty in keeping warm. Each tent has a plank floor and a stove, and shelters from two to eight men. Albert PEERY'S tent has eight men, as does also many others. The boys have good, strong, food and plenty of it. Each company has a kitchen and mess hall attached. The food is not served just exactly as the boys have been accustomed to, but as to quantity, etc., they are living about as well as they did at home. I ate a meal in camp and never enjoyed on more than on the occasion. The boys have beef, beans, apple butter, preserves, stewed apples, coffee and bread and occasionally ice cream and cake. Have no fears that your boy is being starved. After going thru his daily drills a boy can eat anything and any amount of it. He does his own washing, except when he chooses to send his clothes to the laundry and pay for it. He can get also a meal at the restaurant at reasonable prices when not on duty. One thing certain, he works. It is work, work, all the time. If he is sick, there are hospitals and fine doctors. The looks of the boys is enough. They are strong and healthy. I met not one that had not gained in flesh. Your boy is all right, and only now and then do you find one dissatisfied. If he is he says nothing about it, at least not to a visitor. Don't neglect to write hime often, and be certain to write nothing discouraging. Write often and nothing that will give him "the blues" The finest specimen of American manhood, physically and morally, is the American soldier, and every mother and father should feel and no doubt do feel proud of him. THE COVE Mr. and Mrs. J. Walker BOWEN returned Tuesday from an extended bridal trip to Florida and other points. Miss Margaret BARNS, of Salem, is visiting her numerous relatives who are always glad to welcome her. Mr. Clinton BARNS, who spent part of the winter with his daughter, Mrs. Mallie MOSS, is at home again. His general health seems exceptionally good. Mrs. J.G. BARNS returned Monday from a short visit to Pearisburg, to see her father, Judge STROTHER, who had the misfortune of his horse falling with him. He is considerably bruised. J.S. WHITE was a business visitor to Castelwood Friday. Mrs. S.J. THOMPSON and son, Bowen, spent Saturday and Sunday at Tazewell visiting her mother, Mrs. Mary BOWEN. Mrs. THOMPSON also called on her new nephews, H.A. BOWEN, Jr. and young Senator Royall. Mr. and Mrs. C.N. BARNS had as their guests Saturday night, Misses Susan CALLOWAY, Margaret and Janie BARNS and H.B. COPENHAVEN. Mrs. W.R. BOWEN has been some what indisposed for several days. The little daughter, Eleanor GIBSON, is growing nicely. Whereas, it has pleased our Heavenly Father, in His all wise providence, to remove from the scenes of earth our beloved friend and co-worker, Miss Laura LYONS: We, the members of the Cove, Tazewell County Missionary Society, express our sympathy and acknowledge the loss we have sustained by the death of this noble, cultured, and Christian woman. Therefore, be it resolved that in her death the church in all its departments has lost a most faithful and devoted worker. That, tho her health for a few months had kept her from some activities, yet her interest was still manifested in various ways, and the Society mourns the loss of one who by her grace of character and beautiful life influenced all who came in touch with her. That we are thankful for her example of usefulness and would emulate her good deeds, and trust they may inspire each of us to more earnest work. That a page in our minutes be inscribed to her memory. That we extend to her loved ones our affectionate sympathy and forward to the county papers and the Christian Observer for publication a copy of these resolutions. Mrs. Oscar BARNS, Mrs. R.T. BOWEN, Jr., Mrs. B.O. SHANNON, Committee. POUNDING MILL Corporal Jim Bob HURT came home Monday from Camp Cody, New Mexico to visit his mother, Mrs. Ollie HURT and family. He has just recovered from a severe attack of pneumonia and has a 30 day furlough. Mr. Dr. J.H. MOORE is spending today with her cousin, Mrs. W.B.F. WHITE at Richlands. Mrs. Julia WILLIAMS visited her son, Pat, at Putnam, one day last week. Mrs. W.B. STEELE visited her mother, Mrs. Jane MCGUIRE at Cedar Bluff last week; also Mrs. M.M. HANKINS and Mrs. Tom STEELE and Mrs. C.T. FIELDS at Richlands. Miss Margaret HURT, of Tazewell High School, came down last Monday afternoon to see her brother, Jim Bob, returning on the late train. Misses Jessie and Ollie Kate GILLESPIE, of Tazewell H.S., spent the weekend as usual with parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.K. GILLESPIE. Dr. W.R. WILLIAMS, of Richlands was here yesterday looking after his farm. Miss Ada PRUETT, of Bluefield, spent Sunday visiting her aunt, Mrs. J.T. ALTIZER and family. Her grand father, Mr. PRUETT at Shraders, also spent several days last week. Mr. and Mrs. J. Sanders GILLESPIE are visitors here this pm. Mrs. Cvril TONER, of Putnam, visited her grand daughter, Mrs. Susan RINGSTAFF, from Saturday to Monday. The following persons on Friday afternoon attended the funeral of Mr. Deskins GREEN at his home at Paint Lick: Mr. and Mrs. W.B. STEELE, Mrs. H.W. CHRISTIAN, R.K, J.B, and F.O. GILLESPIE. A very large crowd was present to show their esteem for this good man. He died as he lived, a Christian. No greater eulogy could be paid to any man - a kind husband, father, neighbor, and friend. Miss Rosa THOMAS, of Kentucky, is visiting her parents, Rev. and Mrs. G.R. THOMAS. She was married to a Mr. SMITH about a month ago. Her parents had not heard of her marriage until she came. She taught a public school in Kentucky the past winter. Her many friends here wish her much happiness. She will reside in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. John B. GILLESPIE, baby Catherine Lee and Mrs. W.B. STEELE motored to Raven Sunday pm to visit Mr. and Mrs. Sam GILLESPIE and family. Mrs. STEELE stopped off at Richlands to hear the Rev. RIDDLE, of the Church of God preach Sunday evening. She reports large attendance, good sermon, one conversion and six at the altar. The meeting had been in progress over two weeks. Rev. Mr. FORBES, of Richlands, delivered two sermons here Saturday night and Sunday and was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Alex RILEY and Mr. and Mrs. Tom RINGSTAFF. Miss Bessie SAYERS, teacher of the East Baptist Valley School, spent the weekend with Mrs. R.K. GILLESPIE and Mrs. W.B. STEELE. She was principal here last year and taught parts of two other schools here, the two preceding years. Mr. and Mrs. G.C. MCLAIN, who have been absent about three months, have returned. Mr. "Mac" is one of the Boxley Quarry bosses. This quarry now has a big force of hands, under the management of C.M. HUNTER, a member of the firm. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union will meet next Sunday at 11 o'clock. All are invited. J.T. ALTIZER has bought the late residence of Mr. and Mrs. G.C. BAILEY at Richlands. Rev. J.H. GRAHAM, the Southern Methodist pastor, is expected to fill his usual appointment here next Sunday night. John B. GILLESPIE recently visited his mother, Mrs. John F. GILLESPIE at Wittens Mills and reports her health much improved. Mrs. James NEELE is visiting parents, Mr. and Mrs. Millard BROWN, in Little Valley. Mr. and Mrs. William AZBURY was very sick last week with the grippe, as was also James MULKEY. Both are navigating again. H.M. SAUNDERS, the efficient and accommodating manager and miller of the Bluff Milling Co., and his good wife, spent Sunday recently with Mr. and Mrs. W.B. STEELE and family. Mrs. Henry VANDYKE died at her home here on Sunday night of last week, of cancer of the liver. Leaves a husband and six children, all grown but a son of thirteen years. Rev. Weatherly HUBBARD, of Honaker, a Methodist minister preached the funeral and burial near her home. She was sick eight months, bedfast three months and suffered greatly. TANNERSVILLE Mr and Mrs. G.P. HOLMES have received a card from their son, E.A. HOLMES, announcing his safe arrival in France. He was among the first called from this place to to the new national army, and is stationed with the motor mechanics now. Private Mack PAINTER, of Camp Bureaugurad, Miss, was in the guest of friends here this week. Mr. and Mrs. J.R. PATRICK and children, of Broadford, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. I.L. PATRICK here Sunday. Miss Edna CRUSENBERRY was a weekend guest of Miss Bonnie BARRET at Asberry's. J.P. HOLMES was a business visitor at Saltville Monday. Mr. W.B. PATTERSON, of Saltville, was transacting business here last Wednesday. Dr. E.A. HOLMES of Broadford, was a professional visitor here Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. T.G. PORTER and the children and Miss Julia FRENCH, of Saltville, were weekend visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. I.L. PATRICK. Mrs. Pearl BROOKS, Miss Leola NEAL and Miss Bonnie BARRETT, of Asberry's attended preaching at the Crabtree's Chapel Sunday afternoon. Mrs. J.P. HOLMES and Mrs. A.R. NECESSARY were guests of Mrs. R.P. HILT Wednesday afternoon. S.L. and Joseph WHITEHEAD spent the weekend with relatives near Cedar Bluff. Fred HOLMES, who has been at Gary, West Virginia for several months, is at home again. M.F. ASBURY, of Thompson Valley was recently visiting has parents Mr. and Mrs. C.W. ASBURY at this place. Mrs. Mollie HATFIELD has returned to her home at North Holston, after a several weeks visit to relatives here. E.S. BOOTHE was called to Seven Mile Ford Saturday on account of the death of his father, Mr. James BOOTHE, who had been seriously ill for several months. He was 73 years old, a Confederate veteran, belonging to Morgan's famous brigade. it was with deep regret his friends heard of his death. COVE CREEK Miss Edith SHUFFLEBARGER, who is attending school at Radford, is at home a few days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.L. SHUFFLEBARGER. Miss Annie BOGLE was the guest of Miss Clara CRABTREE last Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. Geneva STEELE is quite sick at this writing. Miss Cecil ROBINETT was the guest of Miss Hazel STOWERS last Friday night. Mr. and Mrs. Ed FOX were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. A.P. FOX last Sunday. Mrs. Agnes COMPTON is visiting her daughter at Graham this week. Misses Ruth DUNN, Hazel and Glennie STOWERS were visiting at J.B. GREGORY'S Sunday. Miss Georgie FOX was the guest of Miss Bessie STEELE last Sunday. Mr. Curtis SHUFFLEBARGER assistant cashier of the Bank of Graham, spent last Sunday with homefolks. Mr. Hubert STOWERS left Tuesday for Bluefield, where he has accepted a position. Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh FOX spent last Sunday at R.B. ROBINETT'S. Mrs. Jim JONES and little daughter, Elsie from Nebraska, are visiting Mrs. JONES parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. STEELE. Miss Uldene NEEL is visiting Mrs. John KINSER. Miss Ruth DUNN spent the weekend as the guest of Misses Hazel and Glennie STOWERS. Miss Vessie JOHNSON is visiting at Hicksville. Miss Lettie STOWERS entertained a number of her friends at a party last Wednesday night. Private Tarter NIECE, of Camp Lee, spent a few days last week with his homefolks. Mrs. Vickie BOLING spent last Sunday at A.S. SHANNON'S. GRATTON Rev. W.C. THOMPSON closed a revival meeting at Concord Tuesday night, the church being greatly revived and several conversions and additions to the church. Mr. Henry YOUNG, of Keystone, was home a few days the first of the week, returning Wednesday morning. Thomas GILPIN and family were visiting Mr. GILPIN'S mother Saturday and Sunday. He lives in Bluefield and is making good there. Mrs. Hallie BOURNE, of Bluefield, is visiting her mother and relatives at this place. Rev. Wyley YOST, of Baptist Valley, was in the community Saturday and Sunday and preached for us Saturday night and Sunday. his son, Charles and wife, and Mrs. John T. KEESEE motored up to Concord Saturday. All returned Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Josie PECK, of Tazewell, was visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry PECK last week. Mr. and Mrs. Henry YOUNG, Mrs. Bilton PECK, Mrs. S.W. YOST all motored to Liberty Tuesday afternoon visiting Charles RUTHERFORD a few hours. Mrs. T.E. BURTON spent the day with her parents Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. COMPTON at Shawvers Mills. Some of our neighbor boys who have positions in Bluefield motored thru to preaching at Concord Saturday night. Mrs. BLACKWELL of Graham, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles BURTON this week. Mrs. BLACKWELL and three sons, Stuart and Peery, motored through in her son's new car.