Tazewell County, Virginia, Newspaper Articles: Clinch Valley News--26 March 1920 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 26 March 1920 LOCAL NEWS Much excitement was created in town last Saturday night by the unsuccessful attempt of a number of prisoners in the county jail to escape, through the means of "flooring' jailer Alex BOOTHE. BOOTHE was knocked in the head by Henry SMITH, who used a heavy piece of iron wrapped with bed clothes. The jailer was almost knocked senseless, but retained consciousness sufficient to give the alarm by calling his wife, who spread the news in town and soon the jail was surrounded by a crowd of men. The attempted delivery was hatched by Henry SMITH, MCCLANAHAN and Will HAIRSTON, who were encouraged in their delivery by Dave BAILEY, the convicted murderer, who has been sentenced to twenty years in the penitentiary. After SMITH struck the jailer he lost his nerve and slunk back in his cell. Sheriff HARMAN was notified at his home near town, and report has it that the three negroes have regretted their attempt at escape. Mr. BOOTHE was treated by a physician, and aside from an ugly gash in his forehead he has suffered no inconvenience for the escapade of the three negroes, one of whom, HAIRSTON, has been sentenced to the penitentiary and is awaiting the arrival of a guard. The other two negroes are charged with robbery at Pocahontas, and when their case comes to trail additional charges will be made against them. Robert D. ROGERS suffered a stroke of paralysis on February 27, 1920, and died at the home of his daughter Mrs. John J. JOHNSON, at New Hampton, Missouri on Tuesday, March 2, 1920. He was born June 14, 1830, in Tazewell County, and at the time of his death was 89 years 8 months and 18 days of age. He was married to Nancy SIX, in 1854. The this union ten children were born two dying in infancy, Thompson, Mary and Missouri, preceding him in death by a few years. He is survived by his aged and devoted wife, two sons and 3 daughters, William D. and Edgar ROGERS, of near Bethany, Mo., Cora DUNCAN, of St. Joseph, MO., Lydia BARTHOLOMEW, of Witchita, Kansas, and Sena JOHNSON of New Hampton, Mo., who were all present at the last. He came to Missouri from Virginia in 1859, driving through with a team and located near Bethany. During all these years he has lived in and near Bethany, until the last few months, when on account of inability to keep house, they went to live with their daughter in New Hampton. "Uncle Bob," as he was known by all, was appointed to the office of Assessor of Harrison County and was also clerk and assessor of White Oak Township, for a number of years. A loyal Democrat, a devoted husband and father, a kind friend and neighbor, a man of intelligence, public spirit, moral virtue. To fill the sphere which Providence had appointed him, to discharge trusts faithfully, to work out the best development possible, of body and spirit, of mind, conscience heart and soul, and live exalted ideas, that was the mission of this grand good man. His was the strength of silence, never allowing himself to speak an unkind word or harm to anyone. Exercising patience toward his fellow man, cheerful in disposition, liberal in thought, courteous in manner; these traits of character gave to this noble man a legion of friends, a well balanced and well stored mind, a life full of useful purpose. Burial was in Shady Grove cemetery, with the beautiful and impressive Odd Fellow ceremony, of which order he was one of its oldest and most valued members. J.J. JOHNSON. Mr. John COOPER, about 60 years of age, died at his home near Five Oaks, last Friday. The burial took place on Sunday afternoon, near the home, conducted by Rev. Mr. TROY, the Methodist minister and pastor. His wife, who was Miss Julia GREEVER before marriage, a daughter of the late Blair B. GREEVER, survives. There are no children. He had been in poor health for quite a while, and his passing was no great surprise. He came to Tazewell with the late Captain Sam WALTON'S construction force from Montgomery County, and was an official on the first passenger train that came to Tazewell, in the year 1888. After leaving the road he spent some time in farming at Five Oaks, and was for a time one of the foreman on the road construction in this county. He was a quiet, intelligent, upright and industrious man, and leaves a good name behind him. Jack REPASS, seventeen, and his young brother, age about ten, were detained here Monday by special policeman A.J. MAY upon advice from Saltville that the Ford car they were driving had been stolen from the Vance Motor Co., at Chilhowie. The boys undertook the buy gasoline from Tazewell Motor Co., and the eagle eyes of Pribble and Walker noticed that the number of the car corresponded with a number of a car that had been stolen from parties at Saltville last week. WALKER managed to take the key out of the car, and while REPASS was bargaining with PRIBBLE for a new key the authorities were informed, and the elder of the two was gathered and taken to jail. WALKER wanted to do the fatherly act, and refused to have the little boy locked up, but had arranged to take him to his home and look after him until his father came for him. WALKER busied himself with is work in the shop, waiting for the lunch hour, and while he was examining the "innards" of a car the little boy slipped up behind him with an iron rod and was in the cat act of striking him, when he was prevented from doing so. Others about the garage undertook to be friendly with the boy, but he gave them all to understand that he did not want their friendship. He became so obstreperous that he, too, had to be gathered in, and was taken to jail. Mr. REPASS came over from Saltville Monday and got the car and his smaller son, but left the older boy in jail and said the law might take its course as far as he was concerned. Sergeant THOMPSON took the prisoner to Saltville Tuesday, where the Smyth county authorities took him in charge. Richlands; A pleasant reception given the teachers at Richlands a few evenings ago is reported. The reception was given by Mrs. c.C. HYATT, wife of the Representative from Tazewell. At the close of the reception, a brilliant and delightful affair, of refreshments were served. The guests present were: Misses QUILLON, BALL, COLE, GARDNER, BENNETT, TOPPER, SMITH, Mrs. KELLY, Messrs. HYATT, KELLY, HORN, LEE, WHITE and CASTELLO. Mrs. HYATT was voted b all "a charming hostess." Mrs. T.A. DRAPER has had as a welcome guest recently, Mrs. Nell WILSON, of Roanoke, and Mrs. Boyd BOGGESS has had as guests, Mrs. Joseph HILL and Mrs. John MACKEY, of Lexington, Virginia, and Mrs. MCHENRY, of Lynchburg, has been visiting Mrs. A.A. WYSOR. A phone message, addressed to Mrs. George W. WYNN, Burke's Garden, announced the sad and sudden death of her brother, Robert D. BROWN; at his home near Meadow View, in Washington County. His death occurred on Saturday morning about 9 o'clock. He was about 60 years old. No particulars of his death have been received, but as there had been no report of sickness his death is supposed to have been sudden. The burial took place in the family cemetery near his home. Besides a widow he leaves 8 children, four sons and four daughters. Two children died some years ago. His daughters are, Mrs. Robert SNODGRASS, Mrs. Thomas PRESTON, Mrs. Charles MCGRAW and Mrs. Porter JACKSON, all living in Washington County. The sons are all single living at home but one. Robert Daniel BROWN was a son of John W. and Nancy Gregory BROWN, originally from Eastern Virginia, but residents of this community for many years. His wife, before marriage, was Miss Mary MOORE, of Bluestone. Mrs. Johnson REYNOLDS, Abingdon, Mrs. John R. WALKER, Wytheville, and Mrs. George W. WYNN, Burkes Garden, are surviving sisters, and J.R.G. BROWN, Thomas J. BROWN, of this county, and Rev. James R. BROWN, Abingdon, are surviving brothers of the deceased. "Bob" BROWN, as we all knew him, was an energetic, prosperous man. He left Tazewell some years ago, settling in Washington County, where he prospered. At the time of his death, it is understood, he owned a fine estate near Meadow View, where he was highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaintances. Remarkable it is what apparently trifling and insignificant causes result in death. News reaches Tazewell of the death of young Ray AKERS, at a sanitarium in Bluefield from blood poisoning, caused by an ingrown toe nail. He was ill only a short time. His parents live near Rocky Gap, just over the line in Bland County. It will be recalled that young Harrisson got a slight scratch on one of his fingers, not considered worth noticing. Blood poisoning set up. He lived a few days over a week. Another man will get shot to pieces or mangled in a machine, or kicked into next week by a mule, and get well alright. Man is fearfully and wonderfully made, the Book says. North Tazewell, March 23, We hope all members of this community will make special efforts to be present at the union church Sunday, the 28, at 2:30, for the reorganizing of Sunday School. Rehearsal of Easter cantara at 10:30. We suppose Rev. W.W. YOST will preach at 11 o'clock. Mrs. Eva Taylor ASBURY died of pneumonia March 16, Rev. W.W. ARROWOOD conducted the funeral services. Interment being made in the Harman Cemetery near Union Church. Mrs. James ALLEY'S baby is very ill with influenza. We rejoice that Mrs. Charles E. HARMAN is again able to be out. On last Tuesday afternoon, William Hobart, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter ASBURY, formerly of this county, bt now of Welch, West Virginia, was buried in the family graveyard near the home of Mr. Ed BUNDY. Rev. A.S. ULM officating. News reaches Tazewell of the death at Akron, Ohio, of Brown FORNTER, a former well known citizen and a native of this town. There are no particulars of this death available. The woman's Missionary Society of the Holston Conference held an interesting session at Radford last week. There were 300 delegates and visitors presents. The following delegates from Tazewell were in attendance: Mrs. L.A. TYNES, Mrs. J.E. WOLFE, and Miss Louise WITTEN. W.S. CRABTREE has been ill with the influenza at his home near Liberty Hill. Mrs. R.W. BOBBITT has been ill for the past ten days at her home here. Her condition is said to be improved. Mrs. E.H. WITTEN, of Grundy, is expected in Tazewell this week to be the guest of Mrs. E.R. BOYD. Henry PRESTON and Houston ST. CLAIR, who have been at home for a breathing spell between exams, have returned to Washington and Lee University for the completion of the term. Mrs. F.F. HULLARD, of Lynchburg, whose illness was mentioned in this paper last week, reached Tazewell last week in company with Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Henry MCWANE, and is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff WARD. The lady recently suffered a severe attack of illness, but the tender care of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff WARD it is believed she will regain her former health. Miss Mozelle LESTER, the expert nurse, has been ill at the home of her mother in this town. She contracted influenza, while nursing Harry PEERY, which later developed into pneumonia. She is making a satisfactory recovery. Miss Kathleen DICKENSON, who has recently returned from France, where ash has served with the American Expeditionary forces, has been in Tazewell for the past week the guest of her sister, Mrs. A.S. HIGGINBOTHAM. Lost - Automobile crank lost between Tazewell and my home one day last week. Finder please return to me or leave at Clinch Valley News office - J.S. WHITE. Jo WHITE, of the Cove, was here Wednesday, and wants the person who found his Hup crank to produce it at once. Jo is right much of a crank himself but not crank enough to crank a cranky car. Come on with the crank. Mrs. FLANAGAN, and a drove of little FLANNAGANS, of Grundy, were in Tazewell recently the guest of Mrs. E.R. BOYD, and her sister Mrs. Pat CROCKETT, east of Tazewell. Mrs. CROCKETT has been ill with pneumonia, resulting for influenza, but is improving. William MCDILDA, of Richlands, who has been detained here in the county jail for several days, was taken to Marion hospital Wednesday by Captain John WEBSTER, the veteran guard of that institution. MCDILDA was formerly a conductor of the N and W, but his health failed several years ago. Miss Janie THOMPSON, who conducts a successful music class at Northfolk, West Virginia, and her brother, Cashier, E.S. THOMPSON, of the Berwind Bank, were at home Sunday visiting their parents, Dr. and Mrs. C.A. THOMPSON. Dr. C.A. THOMPSON got back last week from his prolonged visit to Texas. He was the guest at Fort Worth of his son, E.S. THOMPSON, and visited a number of points of interest in the Lone Star State. Mrs. J.O. CAMMACK, who has been visiting her brothers and sisters, J.G. and H.L. BUSTON, and Mrs. W.A. SCOTT in Tazewell for several weeks, returned to her home in Greencastle, Indiana, this week. Miss Georgie PATTON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.T PATTON, who has been in the Bluefield hospital for the removal of a goiter, has been discharged from the hospital and is now the guest of her sister, Mrs. Sam LAMBERT in Bluefield. Mrs. R.W. BOBBITT has about recovered from an illness of about a weeks duration. Mr. W. Jeff HOGE, whose serious illness was noted in this paper, was albe to come up town on yesterday to the barber shop. His rapid recovery is hoped for. POUNDING MILL Dorothy, the little five year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John PRUETT died at the Williams Hospital on Sunday morning at 6:45, of meningitis following influenza and pneumonia. The funeral was held at the Union Church on Monday, by Rev. W.E. HUGHES, and burial took place at the Thomas Cemetery in the presence of a number of relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis SHAMBLIN'S 15 month old baby boy died on Tuesday of practically the same disease as the above and will be buried from the church at the public cemetery. Among the new flu cases are, Mrs. Walter LOVELL, Walter STOWER'S wife, and four children, S.T. SPARKS, Mrs. Curtis SHAMBLIN, and two children, Mrs. Raymond TRAYER, Mrs. Bob PETTS, Leon SIMPSON, Mrs. C.H. GRIFFITH, Miss Mabel SHAMBLIN, Mrs. Cora SHAMBLIN, Mrs. James JOHNSON, and perhaps others, all recovering. Mr. Howard RIGSBY, is visiting his aunt, Mrs. I.W. SIMPSON. Mrs. W.B. STEELE and Catherine Lee GILLESPIE spent Thursday and Friday visiting their mother, Mrs. Jane MCGUIRE at Cedar Bluff. Rev. James N. GRAHAM, of Belfast Mills, was here Monday to attend the funeral of his niece, Dorothy PRUETT and spent a few hours with his sister, Mrs. Mary CHRISTIAN. Among the visitors to Tazewell on Saturday were: F.O. GILLESPIE, Miss Lois HURT, and Mrs. W.B. STEELE, the latter dropped in to the court house to hear the demonstration, but had to leave to catch her train before the demonstration of how to make hens lay over. Mr. and Mrs. John B. GILLESPIE and baby were visitors to Cedar Bluff and Richlands yesterday. Mrs. J.T. ALTIZER of Richlands, spent the day recently with her sister, Mrs. Alex BEAVERS. Mr. R.L. ELLIS, of Whitewood, spent a few days last week with Mrs. Martha SPARKS, and family. John B. GILLESPIE, recently visited his mother, Mrs. John F. GILLESPIE, at Wittens Mills. She is reported as being some better. Miss Mary B. GILLESPIE returned last week from a weeks visit to her sister, Miss Jessie GILLESPIE, a student at Woman's College, Lynchburg. Rev. W.E. HUGHES preached here Sunday night, guest of R.K. GILLESPIE. LIBERTY HILL Those on the honor roll for the month of February for the Liberty Hill School are as follows: Primer - Margaret Ellen HUMPHREY, Jeff LEWIS, Harvey CRABTREE. Second grade - Melvin ANGLES. Third grade - Herbert LAWSON, Mary Rose HUMPHREY, Louis CRABTREE. Fourth grade - Alta STEVENS, George ANGLES, Louise HERALD, Garnet HERALD. Sixth grade - Lizzie LAMIE, Elsie LAWSON. Mrs. Will CRABTREE and family spent the weekend with her sister in Tazewell. Mrs. ELSWICK has returned from Raven, where she was called o the account of the illness and death of her mother. The box supper was quite a success and we hope that our library will be installed before school closes. Rev. Mr. SHANNON preached a very interesting sermon Sunday afternoon. Mrs. George LOWE is very ill at this writing. Mr. and Mrs. John BOWLING are the proud parents of a fine baby girl. POCAHONTAS Richard W. WITTEN, outside foreman for Pocahontas Fuel Company here, died in a Bluefield hospital today at 10:10, following an operation for irreducible hernia, with which he was smitten the night previous. He was 59 years of age, and the son of the late James R. WITTEN, of Tazewell, who was U.S. Commissioner and had represented Tazewell county in the legislature. he was a twin brother of Ancil D. WITTEN, president of the American Furniture Co., of Martinsville, Virginia, also a brother Ebb H. WITTEN, of Princeton, and William H. WITTEN, of Powellton, West Virginia. His sisters are: Julia B. GEORGE, widow of the late T.E GEORGE, of Tazewell, Mrs. M. Lou FLOYD, of Glen Jean, West Virginia, Mrs. Robert A. CROCKETT, Stanberry, Mo., Miss Nancy Jane WITTEN of Charlottesville, Va., Mrs. J. Francis KELLY, now of Bluefield, Mrs. J.M. NEWTON, of Graham, Mrs. Harvey F. PEERY, of Cucumber, West Virginia and Mrs. William W. KELLY, of Charlotteville. He married Ella SLUSHER, daughter of Dr. L. SLUSHER, of Floyd County, Virginia. Besides his widow and brothers and sisters, he is survived by six children: Mrs. Frank SLOAN, of Johnson City, Tennessee, Mrs. C.M. FEIL, of Maybeury, West Virginia; Mrs. Maurice FERRELL, Kenova, West Virginia; Catherine, Winnie, and Edna WITTEN, of Pocahontas. He came to Pocahontas when a young man and was employed by the coal company. Taking an interest in civic affairs he was two or three times elected Mayor. Later he removed to Graham, where he engaged in business, and was also elected as mayor of Graham. He was a member of Pocahontas Lodge No. 240, A.F. and this lodge will have charge of the burial. He was also a member of Lodge No. 60, K. of P., this lodge will assist in the burial service. A sad feature in connection with his wife who has been called to the bedside of her daughter, Mrs. Pearl JOHNSON, at Johnson City, Tennessee. After arriving Mrs. WITTEN received a letter informing her that her father was very ill and not expected to recover. Much sympathy is expressed for her and the bereaved family. James H. MCNEER, cashier of the First National Bank, has recovered from a recent illness. Dr. M.J. ALEXANDER has been called to South Carolina, on account of the serious illness of his father. Mrs. J.A. EARLY attended the missionary conference of women workers of the M.E. Church at Radford last week. COVE CREEK The flu has flown away and the farmers are busy at work again. Miss Edith SHUFFLEBARGER spent the weekend with homefolks and has as her guest Miss Hattie NEEL, of Graham. Mr. Ward COMPTON, of this place, and Miss Della THOMPSON, of Rocky Gap, went to Bristol last Saturday and were married. They returned to the bride's home at Rocky Gap Monday where a bounteous dinner was served. Miss Hazel STOWERS left Sunday for Harrisonburg, where she will enter school Glen, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward FOX, who has been ill for the past week, is some better at this writing. Miss Lizzie COMPTON, who has been visiting in Rich Valley the past 4 months, returned home Monday. Mr. Wylie NEELE and wife, attended the burial of Mrs. Bynie NEELE, on Bluestone, Monday.