Tazewell County, Virginia, Newspaper Articles: Clinch Valley News--05 July 1940 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 05 July 1940 LOCAL NEWS (TAZEWELL) Bob MORGAN, aged 45, of Richlands, was drowned last Saturday night while from hunting in a lake on the Repass farm at Wardell. MORGAN'S body was recovered from the lake Sunday morning after Bob HALE had summoned aid when he saw MORGAN slip and fall into the lake and fail to come up. "Squirrely" BOGGESS, aged 18, of Richlands, dived for the body and succeeded in bringing it to the surface. HALE told officers that he had been hunting frogs on one side of the lake when he saw MORGAN, who was wading on the other side, slip into the water. MORGAN was unable to swim and HALE hurried for aid. Funeral services were held at the Richlands Christian church at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. He is survived by his widow and two daughters, several brothers and sisters. He was the son of the late Henry MORGAN and Mrs. Elizabeth MORGAN. The American Legion Auxiliary of the Sidney Couling unit was honored on last Wednesday by a visit from Mrs. T.E. CHAPMAN, chairman of the Ninth District. A representative group of local members were at Memorial Hall to greet Mrs. CHAPMAN, who gave a most interesting and informative talk on various phases of auxiliary work. Mrs. CHAPMAN recommended and effected the organization of a Past President's Parley Club, the following officers being elected: President, Mrs. J.B. HELDRETH; Vice-president, Mrs. Irene PEERY, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. A.J. WITTEN. During an open forum several problems were discussed freely and the members felt greatly enriched from Mrs. CHAPMAN'S store of knowledge and benefited by her wise counsel. In an impressive installation service the following officers were inducted into office: President, Mrs. Albert PEERY; First Vice-President, Mrs. D.M. HUBBARD; Second Vice-President, Mrs. R.O. VANDYKE; Third Vice-President, Mrs. G.A. POBST; Secretary, Mrs. A.J. WITTEN; Treasurer, Mrs. L.D. GEORGESON; Historian, Mrs. W.E KISER; Chaplain, Mrs. Rhea MOORE; Sergeant at Arms, Mrs. O.C. GREGORY. The members joined Mrs. CHAPMAN at lunch in the River Jack tea room, and from there she was accompanied to Narrows by Mr. and Mrs. W.E. KISER, Mrs. J.B. HELDRETH and Mrs. V.L. STEVENSON. The local unit is looking forward to another visit from Mrs. CHAPMAN in October, at which time the fall rally for the Ninth District will convene here. Trial Justice Albert PEERY had most of the day Wednesday to pursue the even tenor of his way or the course of least resistance, the cases in his court requiring little time for adjudication. A drunken driver, a few drunks, numbers of complaints against those who don't pay when they promise to. No news is good news in the court room. There might have been a great army of men and women hailed to the bar for various offences. There might have been many cases of violations of law of a serious nature, and the jail might be filled with people charged with murder, arson, assault or other crimes that shock society. Some one estimates that only a fraction of the law violators are caught. Many of us have escaped the punishment that has been meted out to others. The Thompson Valley met with Mrs. Daisy BUCHANAN on Thursday, with 13 members and 2 visitors present. The business was discussed and delegates were elected to go to Blacksburg the last of July. They were Mrs. W.E. THOMPSON as delegate with Miss Ellen NEAL, as alternate. New method of canning fruits, vegetables, and chicken was demonstrated. A Fair committee was appointed and hope that each will cooperate and will make our club shine at the Fair. The hostess served refreshments. Meeting adjourned to meet in August with Mrs. C.A. BUCHANAN. Mrs. H.D. PLUMMER delightfully entertained the American Legion Auxiliary at her home Tuesday night, for the regular monthly meeting. The usual opening procedure was followed. A card of thanks from Mrs. CHAPMAN for the courtesy shown her on her visit here was read. It was unanimously voted to endorse Mrs. David MCCLUNG, of Salem, for second Vice President. The following delegates and alternates were elected for the department convention in Norfolk, August 25th to 28th, inclusive: Mrs. W. Albert PEERY, Mrs. L.D. GEORGETON, Mrs. R.O. VANDYKE, Mrs. Rhea MOORE, Mrs. C.G. DUNLAP and Mrs. D.R. KITTS. Several of the members placed orders for shields for consecutive membership in the auxiliary for periods of five and ten years. The president named the following ways and means committee: Mrs. Herbert WARD, Mrs. J.L. MASON and Mrs. H.D. PLUMMER. Little Miss Charlene WARREN, of Welch, West Virginia, a niece of Mrs. PLUMMER, charmingly entertained visitors with several piano numbers. Mrs. Rhea MOORE gave a descriptive portrayal of the Legion and auxiliary emblem, indicating the significance of the several parts as follows: The rays of the sun that form a background are emblematic of the principles of the American, for Loyalty, Justice, Freedom and Democracy. The two gold rings around the field of blue, and the two bronze rings around the wreath typify our major objectives: Rehabilitation, Child Welfare, Americanism and Community Service. The wreath is for remembrance of those who died that Liberty might live. Upon the wreath is set a star reflecting the glory of victory and promising perpetuation of those cardinal principles of our organization. The inscription demands that the wearer will ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions. The emblem of the American Legion is the emblem of Americanism. Americanism is unity of love, singleness of allegiance, practicality of purpose, care of the distressed, the education of children all directed to the promotion of a common good. It is the spirit of patriotism which shall ever preserve our land from the stagnation which is the death of people. In the emblem of the American Legion there is a great prophecy. It is the promise of the defenders of the republic bespeaking the fullest good for each in the betterment of all." Mrs. PLUMMER presented a unique contest relating to musical interests. Several tied in having the correct answers but Glenna DUNLAP drew the lucky number and was awarded the prize. A dessert course was served during the social hour. Bob MORGAN, aged 45, of Richlands, was drowned last Saturday night while from hunting in a lake on the Repass farm at Wardell. MORGAN'S body was recovered from the lake Sunday morning after Bob HALE had summoned aid when he saw MORGAN slip and fall into the lake and fail to come up. "Squirrely" BOGGESS, aged 18, of Richlands, dived for the body and succeeded in bringing it to the surface. HALE told officers that he had been hunting frogs on one side of the lake when he saw MORGAN, who was wading on the other side, slip into the water. MORGAN was unable to swim and HALE hurried for aid. Funeral services were held at the Richlands Christian church at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. He is survived by his widow and two daughters, several brothers and sisters. He was the son of the late Henry MORGAN and Mrs. Elizabeth MORGAN. The American Legion Auxiliary of the Sidney Couling unit was honored on last Wednesday by a visit from Mrs. T.E. CHAPMAN, chairman of the Ninth District. A representative group of local members were at Memorial Hall to greet Mrs. CHAPMAN, who gave a most interesting and informative talk on various phases of auxiliary work. Mrs. CHAPMAN recommended and effected the organization of a Past President's Parley Club, the following officers being elected: President, Mrs. J.B. HELDRETH; Vice-president, Mrs. Irene PEERY, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. A.J. WITTEN. During an open forum several problems were discussed freely and the members felt greatly enriched from Mrs. CHAPMAN'S store of knowledge and benefited by her wise counsel. In an impressive installation service the following officers were inducted into office: President, Mrs. Albert PEERY; First Vice-President, Mrs. D.M. HUBBARD; Second Vice-President, Mrs. R.O. VANDYKE; Third Vice-President, Mrs. G.A. POBST; Secretary, Mrs. A.J. WITTEN; Treasurer, Mrs. L.D. GEORGESON; Historian, Mrs. W.E KISER; Chaplain, Mrs. Rhea MOORE; Sergeant at Arms, Mrs. O.C. GREGORY. The members joined Mrs. CHAPMAN at lunch in the River Jack tea room, and from there she was accompanied to Narrows by Mr. and Mrs. W.E. KISER, Mrs. J.B. HELDRETH and Mrs. V.L. STEVENSON. The local unit is looking forward to another visit from Mrs. CHAPMAN in October, at which time the fall rally for the Ninth District will convene here. Miss Pauline Elcan JONES and Mr. Noel WALKER, Jr., were married last Saturday at the home of the bride at Sheppard's. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. JONES. She was a member of the Tazewell school faculty the past term. Mr. WALKER is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Noel WALKER, of Tazewell, and is manager of the Miners Chevrolet Sales at Richlands. Mr. and Mrs. WALKER, after returning from their wedding trip, about July 15, will reside in Richlands. Mr. and Mrs. Noel WALKER, of Tazewell, attended the wedding. Miss Pearl JOHNSON and Mr. Charles CRENSHAW, of Houston, Texas, were married at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Tiller JAMES 3522 Garrott Houston, on the evening of June 15, 1940. Mrs. CRENSHAW is the attractive daughter of Mrs. J.N. JOHNSON, of Tazewell, and is widely known for her musical ability. She attended State Teachers College, Farmville, Virginia; Duke University, Durham, N.C.; and the University of Houston, where she received her B.S. degree in 1936. For the past four years she has been teaching in the schools of Houston. Mr. CRENSHAW is the son of Col. and Mrs. Allen CRENSHAW, of Washington, D.C. He received his education at the University of Alabama and was awarded his degree in law at Baylor University in Texas. He has been practicing in Houston for the past two years. Mr. and Mrs. CRENSHAW will make their home in Houston. Mrs. Lila KITTS died at the home of her son, Albert KITTS on June 24th. She was born in Bland on October, 13, 1879, and was the daughter of the late Pierce and Annie Repass LAMBERT, of Bluefield, Virginia. Her husband, Thomas KITTS, died three years ago. She is survived by six children: Mrs. Clint WADDELL, Albert, George and Frazier KITTS, of Tazewell; Huston and Mrs. James LAMBERT, of Burke's Garden. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Herbert, of Fredericksburg; Sadron, of Norfolk; Trubie, of Bluefield; Vernal, of Tazewell; Mrs. T.F LAMBERT, Mrs. Frank GRUBB, and Mrs. John BLACKWELL, of Bluefield, Va. She united with the Methodist Church in early childhood and remained a true Christian throughout her life. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Burial was in Burke's Garden, the services being in charge of the Rev. Harold DAVIS, of the North Tazewell Methodist church. Frances Eloise WILSON, small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Patton WILSON of Indian, died in the Clinch Valley Click on Monday afternoon, June 24th. She had been ill for a week. She underwent an operation for appendicitis on June 17th. She leaves to mourn her death her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.P. WILSON, one sister, Margaret and five brothers, James, Eugene, Raymond, Troy and Kenneth; her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. COCHRAN, of Indian, and Mrs. Will WILSON, of English, West Virginia. Joe B. THORNE, aged 79, a former resident of Tazewell County, died suddenly of an heart attack last Sunday in the Sandlick section of Mercer County. He was born in Tazewell County, October 4, 1880, and was the son of Jerry and Nancy THORNE. His early life was spent in Tazewell, Bland and Giles Counties. He is survived by his wife, several children and 29 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, a brother and sister. The county board of supervisors held their regular monthly meeting in the board room at the court house, Tuesday, and among the actions taken by the body was the voting of rewards of $25 each to C.W. ASBURY and Stuart HILT, of Freestone Valley, who apprehended the six men who broke jail on the night of June 6th, and were responsible for their return on the following day. While on the subject of rewards, they also allowed constable Rufus HAGY $10 for the arrest and conviction of a couple of chicken thieves. Two right of way claims on route 541 between Bishop and Dick's Creek now being improved by the state convict force, were allowed and ordered paid, and $106 was allowed John WYNN for the construction of a right a way fence along his farm. H.S. KINSER, Supt. of Tazewell Fair, reported progress on preparations for the annual exhibit in September. He reported that the catalogues were now being printed and would be ready for distribution in about ten days. He has given permission to make some improvements which included repair to the grandstand, the erection of a band and judges stand. Mr. R.A. HENKLE was here Wednesday from Cedar Bluff. He is one of the large potato raisers of the county. He expects to have a bumper yield this year, 400 bushels, he says, if nothing happens. he supplied a number of people with seed potatoes this spring. Miss Virginia HAGER, clerk of the School Board, has recovered from a recent illness. Miss Lena DENNISON had as her guest the past weekend, Miss Janelle FARRIS, of Bluefield, West Virginia. Robert PORTER, of North Tazewell, is spending a few weeks vacation at Virginia Beach. Mrs. Blanche KEISTER, of North Tazewell, has as her guest her daughter, Mrs. Louise JESSIE and daughter, of Matewan, West Virginia. Miss Ruth BANNER, of North Tazewell, spent the weekend as the guest of her parents in Falls Mills. Mrs. B.H. RASNICK and daughter, of Tazewell, are visiting relative and friends in Norton and Big Stone Gap. Mrs. Leslie NUCKOLS and daughter, Mary Katherine, of Richlands, have been the guests of relatives in Tazewell the past week. Miss Ella GREEAR is able to be back at work after undergoing an operation in the Clinch Valley Clinic last week for the removal of her tonsils. Mrs. C.H. ROBINETTE, of Pounding Mill, was in Tazewell Wednesday. David ROBINETTE and Clitus CHRISTIAN, two of Pounding Mill's young men, were Tazewell Visitors Wednesday. Miss Eloise SADLER, of Richmond, has been in Tazewell this week as the guest of her brother, R.S. SADLER and family. John White STUART is recuperating from a surgical operation in the Matties Williams hospital in Richlands. Dr. J.N. HILLMAN, president of Emory and Henry college, was a visitor in Tazewell over the weekend. Mr. Walter STEELE, treasurer of Emory and Henry college, was a business visitor in Tazewell this week. Dr. James PEERY, of Germantown, Pennsylvania, is in North Tazewell, was called to her home in Carroll last weekend on account of the death of her father. Eugene Burton, son of Mrs. S.B. BURTON, of this town, has leased the Tazewell Service Station, formerly operated by Mr. Walter THOMPSON. Mrs. Lois FLOYD, an employee of Tazewell Supply Co., North Tazewell, was called to her home in Carroll last weekend on account of the death of her father. Mrs. Robert BAILEY has returned to her home in Arlington, Virginia, after a visit with her mother, Mrs. Blanche KEISTER and Miss Virginia KEISTER at North Tazewell. Miss Martha REIGHER has returned to her home in Bluefield, West Virginia, after several weeks visit with Mrs. Virginia NEWMAN of North Tazewell. Mrs. T.E. ROSENBAUM continues under treatment in the Mattie Williams hospital at Richlands, where she has been for the past two weeks. Dr. W.R. WILLIAMS, the old war horse in medicine, is laid up for repairs in his hospital at Richlands. He has been resting for several weeks. Rev. W.S. JONES, Mrs. JONES and two children have been visiting in South Carolina this week. Mr. JONES' mother will return with them for a visit of several weeks. C.M. GILLESPIE has returned to his home in Big Stone Gap, after being a patient in a Richlands hospital. Mr. GILLESPIE is road engineer for Wise County, having served in the same capacity for Tazewell County before moving to Big Stone Gap. Mr. and Mrs. Starr CHAMBERS, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, who have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles KINCER at Dante, were brought to Tazewell by the Kincers Tuesday to see the Garden of Eden before returning to their South Carolina home. Mrs. John G. BARNETT, of Tazewell has been a frequent visitor to Richlands since the illness of his sister, Mrs. Brown BARNETT, who has been in a hospital in that town for several weeks. E.V. BREEDEN, community cooperative service specialist for the FSA of Richmond, spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Tazewell County assisting W.D. HARMAN, county director of the FSA and his staff in working up community loans for the purchase of farm implements for group use. Mrs. Frank HARSH, of Williamsport, Md; Mrs. Henry PORTER, of Rhodell, West Virginia; Mr. and Mrs. Walter KEESSE and Pete KEESEE of Harve De Grace, Md., were in North Tazewell to attend the funeral of their sister and mother, Mrs. Kate KEESEE, last week. Crew members escaped unhurt Wednesday when a locomotive and five cars of the Clinch Valley freight train No 88 wrecked on Bull mountain. The freight ploughed into a slide. The tracks were covered several inches by the slide. The train ploughed almost through the slide before wrecking and this gave the engineer and fireman time to leap to safety before the locomotive was overturned. Bull Mountain is located between Coeburn and St. Paul. Passenger train No. 6 was detoured over the interstate and the Clinchfield railroads to St. Paul. The train was about 45 minutes late at Tazewell Wednesday night. There are thirty-five or forty men in Tazewell jail for various offences. Many of them are for drunkenness. Three were added to the number Wednesday night, among them being Bill WHITAKER, of "Busthead" who is familiar with the architectural peculiarities of Tazewell's detention house. WHITAKER was arrested by Sergeant RATLIFF, and was chared with selling ABC liquor. CEDAR BLUFF Rev. Dan CHRISTIAN filled his regular appointment at Ravens Nest Branch Sunday. Mrs. W.T. BEAVERS and son, of Honaker; Misses Aubey REED and Nelle REEDY, of Richlands, were the dinner guests of Mrs. J.H. WILSON Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Emmit TAYLOR, of Columbus, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Roy PROFIT, of Roanoke; Huse TAYLOR, of Maxwell; Mrs. Tom LAWSON, of Faraday; Mr. and Mrs. Reece WITT and children, of Tazewell, were visiting Mr. and Mrs. D.B. TAYLOR at this place Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Jim ALTIZER and daughters, Beulah and Thelma and Misses Susie and Nelle WILSON, of this place, were calling on Mrs. ALTIZER'S parents, Mr. and Mrs. John LONG, of Maxwell, Sunday. Miss Ollie PRUETT and nephew, Russell PRUETT, of Yukon, West Virginia are spending some time with friends at this place. Willie LESTER was seriously injured when he fell from a cherry tree near Wardell. He was taken to the Clinch Valley Clinic. Dexter BEAVERS, Jr. left Tuesday for Knoxville, Tennessee, where he will enter college. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks GROSE have moved to Renick, West Virginia. Mrs. Sallie ELSWICK, of Richlands has returned home after spending the past week with Mrs. Chap CHAMBERS. Miss Vernie WILSON is spending sometime with Mr. and Mrs. Willie WILSON at Warrior, West Virginia. Miss Nelle TOLLIVER has returned to her home after spending sometime with her aunt, Mrs. Clarence JOYCE, of this place. The next monthly singing convention will be held at Jewell Ridge Union Hall on July 7th. Everyone invited to come. A special initiation is extended to all the singers. POUNDING MILL Rev. G. Curtis JONES, Christian church minister, will preach here Sunday night. Rev. Mrs. Grace GRANT, of Woodlawn, Virginia, will close her ten days meeting on Quarry Hill tonight. There will be an all day prayer meeting on the 4th. The County Christian Endeavor met here Friday night with Cliffield, Grundy and Mercer County as visitors. A large crowd was present. Richlands carried home the banner. Refreshments were served. Rev. Curtis HANKS, Church of God minister, who is holding a meeting elsewhere is here for the all day meeting on the Fourth. Mrs. Fred MORGAN returned to her home in Abingdon, after several days visit with Mrs. C.H. TRAYER and Peggy. A car of lambs was loaded here Thursday by Gillespie Brothers and others. Ed Richardson and Miss VANDYKE were married Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. C.H. ROBINETTE and son, David, were in Belfast Sunday, during the dinner of the home coming of the church. Miss Mary Gladys JOHNSON has returned home after ten days visit in Bluefield with her aunts, Mrs. W.B JOHNSON and Mrs. J.M. BOYD and families. Misses Margaret RINGSTAFF and Sara ASBURY spent the weekend with the latters sister, Mrs. Charles CARBAUGH and husband at Bluefield, Virginia. Mrs. YOST and son, of Tazewell, visited her sister, Mrs. Did DUNCAN and Mr. DUNCAN and daughter recently. Miss Edith BREEDING, of near Lebanon, visited her college friend Miss Mary Sue RINGSTAFF over the weekend. Mrs. Tom MULKEY and Dolores left Sunday for a visit to their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom CATRON, at War, West Virginia. There was a serenade last Wednesday night in the home of Mrs. India PETTS, celebrating the marriage of Miss Jess PETTS and Mr. Rube MYERS, son of Mrs. Laura MYERS. David ROBINETTE has returned from Belfast, where he visited his brother, Samuel, wife and baby, Dannie. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence GILBERT of McComas, West Virginia, spent Sunday here with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aught GILBERT and son, Beecher, Mrs. Dora Belle HARRINGTON, of Bluefield, West Virginia, spent Sunday with them also. Mrs. Mike FEKETA was shopping in Richlands Monday. Miss Lettie RINGSTAFFis some better. For Sale - 26 acres of land on route 81, about 1/2 mile below corporate limits west of North Tazewell. Write or see: Mrs. Irene PEERY, Tazewell, Virginia. Mrs. Ollie HURT and John T. HAWKINS, who have been sick at their homes here for several months show little change.