Tazewell County, Virginia, Newspaper Articles: Clinch Valley News--October 28, 1921 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 October 28, 1921 Alexander ST. CLAIR died suddenly last Friday afternoon, at about 3 o'clock. The funeral and burial took place on Sunday afternoon, from his late residence. This bare and cold statement conveys no adequate idea of the effect produced upon the community by the news of his death. Not since the death of B.W. STRAS, who lived only an hour or so after being stricken down on the street the 5th of last March has the town and community suffered such shock. He had not been in his usual robust health for several days, but no apprehension that he was ill and all, was even suspicioned by his most intimate associates. On Friday, about 11:30 o'clock, he went home from the store of W.E. PEERY, where he made his head quarters, Mr. PEERY suggesting that he ride home in his. Mr. PEERY'S car, as it was evident that he was not feeling well. He protested, that such trouble was entirely unnecessary, but did ride home, stopping by a grecery store where he bought oysters for dinner, of which he ate! heartily. After dinner, his pastor, Rev. Mr. LAMBERT, called and stayed a short time, leaving a pamphlet on some phase of Sunday school work. After Mr. LAMBERTS short visit Mr. ST. CLAIR began the reading of the pamphlet. Mrs. ST. CLAIR, in a few moments, heard him make a peculiar gurgling noise, and ran to him, and he had passed away sitting in his chair. That there was a great outpouring of people attending the funeral was no surprise. The county, Bluefield, West Virginia and Russell County, was represented in large numbers. The funeral service was held at the home, participated in the venerable Daniel CARR, Rev. Mr. LAMBERT, Rev. C.R. BROWN, Rev. S.B. VAUGHT, Rev. H.E. KELSO and a number of other ministers being present. Not only the spacious home, but the lawn in front was filled with people. the streets of the town, almost to the cemetery, were crowded with cars. There were at least fifteen hundred people present. It was one of largest funeral of a private citizen ove! r witnessed in this state perhaps. Deceased was not only one of the we althiest men in the county, but regarded as one of the best Christian men among us. His life was singularly beautiful as a loyal Methodist and Christian. His life was an open book. His benefactions and gifts to all charitable and benevolent causes, were prompt and liberal. Through all the years, as a business man, confederate soldier, State Senator, church officer, Sunday school teacher - Through all the turbulent years and scenes, he stood firm as a rock in his integrity, and faithful in the discharge of every duty. On the evening of September 26th Mr. and Mrs. ST. CLAIR celebrated their Golden Wedding. A gay, happy throng it was, that assembled there to offer congratulations. A sad throng it was that passed through the same room on last Sunday afternoon, to look upon the face of the dead. On that occasion, great floral tributes and cheering music, in honor of the living. On this, floral tributes, tears and mourning for the dead. The influence of his life will remain. His n! ame will be spoken with reverence and respect in years to come. His family will remember him as a kind husband and father, and his associates and friends as an upright, honest, Christian gentleman. Burial of the remains was made in the new cemetery in the presence of a great crowd. The pall bearers were, active: Sol BAACH, J.H. MCNEER, Dr. R.P. COPENHAVER, George C. PEERY, R.K. CROCKETT, S.J. THOMPSON, Henry PRESTON, H.P BRITTAIN. Honorary Dr. RODGERS, Dr. REYNOLDS, Dr. REYNOLDS, Dr. KIRK, Dr. R.M. WITTEN, Dr. MCCUE, Charles WILSON, Oscar MOORE, Dr. C.W. GREEVER, R.B. PARRISH, W.A. SCOTT, Judge SANDERS, W.L. PAINTER, Lacy TYNES, A.G. RUSSELL, T.R. PEERY, J.A. LESLIE, J.B. BOYER, G.A MARTIN, Gov. STUART, Mr. STRINGFELLOW, John M. SMITH, M.H. KISER, John H. SMITH, Jeff GILLESPIE, Stephen FOX, R.S. MOSS, Dr. CROCKETT, J. Ed PEERY, Robert WELLS, Sol CARTER, H.G. PEERY, William E. PEERY, W.C. PENDLETON, Dale C. STUART, Dr. T.E. PEERY, J.B. GRAHAM, H.G. MCCALL, C.H. PEERY, Barns ! GILLESPIE, W.B. MORTON, J. Grat GILLESPIE, Dr. P.D. JOHNSTON, Jack WHI TLEY, J.E. BAYLOR, J.W. CHAPMAN, A.S. HIGGINBOTHAM, Dr. HICKS, Dr. FOX, W.R. GRAHAM, George W. ST. CLAIR, G.R. KARR, M. BLOCH, William SHANNON, King CROCKETT, Jake ROUTH, Lee J. BARBEE, S.M. GRAHAM, R.O. CROCKETT, O.E. HOPKINS, T.C. BOWEN, R.C. CHAPMAN, W.T. GILLESPIE, J.N. JOHNSON, A.J. STEELE, S.C. GRAHAM, James P. WHITMAN. A brief epitome: Alexander ST. CLAIR was born about 76 years ago, in this county. As a young man he attended Roanoke College. At 18 years of age he left school and volunteered in a company commanded by the late Captain W.E. PEERY. Afterwards he joined the 16th Virginia Cavalry, Co. I and served through the war. Afterwards he married Miss TIFFANY, on Bluestone, who survives. During his life he was an active business man. He was among the pioneer merchants of Pocahontas later state senator for two terms from this district, President of the Bank of Clinch Valley, which position he held at the time of his death. He was or had been connected in an official c! apacity, which banks in Pocahontas, Bluefield and Graham. Perhaps the position he prized most was leader of the men's bible class in the Methodist church. The most costly and esteem, of our last president, colleague and friend. Mr. Alexander ST. CLAIR, whose passing occurred on Friday afternoon, October 21st, submit the following: Resolved that; Special mention should be made of the long and harmonious relatives existing between him and his associates; and that for more than twenty seven years he conscientiously, generously and unselfishly gave of his profound judgment, and proved his strong fidelity to this institution. It is fully recognized that in the taking away of this most worthy man, the family has sustained an irreparable loss; being deprived of a wise counselor, faithful husband; considerate father, and truly a lover of home life; and this section has lost one of its foremost business men - one of unquestioned honesty and strict integrity, and a faithful steward o! f the Master. This bank which he served with such faithfulness owes it s gratitude for the loyal support he gave, recognizing the strength that his influence afforded, and deplores the loss of his mature and unerring counsel, sincerity, and frankness of speech; such as to merit the greatest admiration and esteem at all times. Mr. Alexander ST. CLAIR was a modest man, never craving the plaudit of his fellows, when called upon to serve, he had the courage and ability to discharge every obligation. His strength of character and mind, humility of spirit, and deference to others, most beautifully served as an aspiration for right living, and his example is worthy of emulation. Resolved further that: A copy of these resolutions be given the family, and also copy be furnished the Clinch Valley News, for publication. Respectfully submitted, Beverley W. STRAS, Jr., Henry PRESTON, George W. ST. CLAIR, Committee. The Burkes Garden basketball team met their straight defeat in the hands of Tazewell High school here last Saturday, the score being 55 to 5. They were outclassed in every department of the game, securing only one field goal. GILLESPIE, of Tazewell led in goal shooting. A large crowd from Burke's Garden was here and witnessed the slaughter. The second team of Tazewell also won from the Burkes Garden second team by the score of 6 to 4. Both sides played a good and fast game. The girls of the same schools also clashed. The score, according to a number of those present, should have been tied, 14 and 14, but the Burke's Garden players claim to have won by a score of 14 to 18. Misses KISER and RUSSELL played well for Tazewell. The Tazewell boys and girls won all three games from Pocahontas on the Pocahontas court, Wednesday the first team winning by the score of 76 to 6 the second team won by a score of 10 to 5. The score of the girls being 27 to 6, making three victories for Taz! ewell in one day. The Pocahontas All-Stars defeated Tazewell by the score of 20 to 12. POUNDING MILL --------------------------------- Born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom ROBINETT a daughter. Mr. P.M. ALDER and son, M.F. of Girdler, Ky, are visiting Mrs. W.B STEELE and family and on Sunday visited Mrs. Jane MCGUIRE and while daughter at Cedar Bluff. Mr. ALDER and son, and Mrs. STEELE, motored up to duty in Tazewell, and Burkes Garden yesterday, visited the family cemetery Sulphur Springs and the old home, Claypool place at the latter place. Troy, the 15 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira SIMPSON, died at his home near here on last Friday at 1 am of diphtheria, and was buried from the Union church at 3 o'clock Saturday, at the Ringstaff Cemetery. Services were conducted by Mr. ROACH. Two other children have the disease but are on the road to recovery. Mr. and Mrs. SIMPSON have the sympathy of the entire community. Troy was a member of the Loyal Temperance Legion here. Mrs. Logan RINGSTAFF, who has been quite ill since Thursday of last week, is some better. Rev. J.N. HARMAN, of Tazewell and others were in conference here Sunday with members of Christian church. CEDAR BLUFF --------------------- Last Saturday the remains of Roscoe PACK, who was killed in France, arrived here from Hoboken, N.J. accompanied by a sergeant from Fort Washington, D.C. Mr. PACK was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John R. PACK, and was one of Tazewell County's soldiers being only seventeen years old when he enlisted, and was on of the Cedar Bluff boys who enlisted in the historic 2nd, Virginia Regiment while two companies or the regiment were stationed here on guard duty in 1917, at Camp McClullan, Alabama, he was transferred to Co. I, 116th Regiment, and was a private in that company overseas where he was killed while going "over the top" in the Argonne Forest offensive on October 15, 1918. Funeral services were conducted at the home of the Rev. J.E. LINKOUS. Interment was in charge of the Richlands Post of the American Legion. Rev. S.D. LAMBERT the new Methodist minister for the Cedar Bluff circuit, arrived Saturday from Wytheville to assume his duties. Monday he received a telegram notifying him of his appointment to a charge 20 miles west of Dallas, Texas. He left immediately for Wytheville, where he will be joined by his family and at an early date will leave for their new home in Texas. Charles HICKS, son of Mr. and Mrs. James HICKS, died last Friday, in the Richlands Hospital, from diphtheria. Miss Frances JENNINGS spent the weekend with Miss Stella MCGUIRE, at Steelsburg. Mr. and Mrs. P.E. GOODMAN and daughter, spent the weekend at Tazewell. Miss Rosa RITTER, of North Tazewell, is a guest of Mrs. P.E. GOODMAN. Mrs. M.D. BELEW, Bristol, Tenn., is the guest of relatives in Cedar Bluff. Mr. P.M. ALDER and son, Marvin, of Girdler, Ky., have been visiting Mrs. Jane MCGUIRE. ---------------------------------------------- Mr. J.E. CROWDER, the accommodating bookkeeper for the Crockett & White Company, of the city, surprised his friends here last week by quietly slipping out of town and returning with his bride, who was Miss Myrtle BAILEY, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. M.F. BAILEY, of Lynch's Station, Va. The wedding occurred on the 15th at the bride's home, and after a visit to Norfolk, Newport News and Washington, Mr. and Mrs. CROWDER have returned to Tazewell and are comfortably situated in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan WYNN on Tazewell avenue. M. Henry PRESTON attended last week in Washington a conference called by the War Finance Corporation to discuss the present condition in the cattle market and devise ways and means of relieving the situation as far as possible. While in Washington Mr. PRESTON visited the office of Colby & Wilson, attorneys at law and through the courtesy of the private secretary of Mr. WILSON delivered a loaf of fine salt risen bread, "made of Jefferson flour and mixed with Wilson Ideals" to Mr. and Mrs. WILSON. After Mr. PRESTON reached his home here he received a note from Mrs. WILSON tanking Mr. and Mrs. PRESTON for the delicious bread, stating that she and Mr. WILSON enjoyed the feast together. The fact must not be overlooked, however, that this delicacy was made by Mrs. Henry PRESTON, a culinary art which few women possess. Martin HARMAN and John WHITLEY, of North Tazewell, came very near meeting with a fatal accident on Tazewell Avenue last Sunday night about nine o'clock, when the Ford car they were driving ran into a team of mules directly in front of the residence of Mrs. NUCKLES. HARMAN suffered painful cuts about his face, and one of the mules was severely cut. The cause of the accident was not determined. GENERAL NEWS ----------------------------------- Rev. A.S. ULM will preach at Liberty Hill Sunday night at 7:30. Rev. H.E. KELSE will preach at Mt. Olivet Sunday 11 am. Mr. Henry PRESTON, Jr. who attended the V.M.I. Virginia game at Lexington, returned to Tazewell last week, and has gone to Jewell Ridge, and entered into fierce competition with the champion coal digger of the Jewell Ridge. He expects to emerge from the hollow soon with all his packets stuffed full of jack. For Rent - Furnished rooms for rent. Apply to Mrs. D.R. JOHNSON, Tazewell avenue. Mr. John S. BOTTIMORE has been appointed administrator of the estate of the late James F. HURT. W.E. PEERY and T.A. REPASS, Jr, accompanied Mr. BOTTIMORE to Bluefield Tuesday where an appraisement of the personal effects of the deceased was made. J.W. MOSELEY, of Kingsport, Tennessee but formerly of Pocahontas, was shot and seriously wounded near Kingsport this week while attempting to raid an illicit distillery. "Big" Bob HARMAN, who gained a reputation as a boxer in the 80th division while in training at Petersburg, was in town last week and announced that a fine baby girl had arrived at his home. He looked as happy as he felt in France when news of the armistice was spread among the boys of the 317th. Aubray NUCHOLLS has gone to Honaker, where he has accepted a position. Mrs. W.B. STEELE, of Pounding Mill, passed through Tazewell Tuesday afternoon enroute to her home from a visit to Bluefield. Mr. and MRs. F.H. COMBS, of Grundy, are here the guests of Mrs. COMB'S parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. REYNOLDS. Mrs. Emma GREEVER has been in Pocahontas this week organizing a Woman's Missionary Society among the Baptist women of the town. Dr. R.P. COPENHAVER last week attended the meeting in Richmond of the Virginia Dental Society, and received much benefit from the topics discussed by the tooth doctors of the State. Mr. and Mrs. H.W. POBST have gone to Grundy for a visit to Mr. and Mrs. H. Claude POBST. Rev. W.W. ARROWOOE will preach at Mays Chapel Sunday afternoon at 3:15. The funeral and burial of Francis FISHER, the young daughter of Dr. and Mrs. FISHER, occurred at Graham Monday. Interment occurred in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. S.L. PATTON, of Cliffield, have recently suffered a double affliction in the death of two of their young children, Harry, eleven months old, and James, two and a half years, were buried September 9 and 28th respectively. The burials occurred in the D.P. EARLS cemetery near Cliffield. Sam HOOVER wears a smile that won't wash off for some time yet. It is a fine, large bouncing boy. >From Falls Mills comes the news of the illness of Mrs. W.F. THOMPSON, with typhoid fever. Rev. W.P JORDAN, pastor of the Christian church, Graham, is conducting a revival meeting at the Falls. We don't believe there is any truth in the rumor that Alex LONG, of Burkes Garden, will see his fine home and move to Maryland or somewhere else. Why on earth does a man who owns a fine Burke's Garden farm and house, want to move? Attorney A.C. BUCHANAN was in Charleston this week on legal business. Attorney George C. PEERY has also been absent from town, having gone to Pittsburg. Squire W.L. MOORE advises this paper that he has just returned from West Virginia where he went to purchase a farm which he hoped to purchase at a very low figure owing to the condition of "Normalcy" now with us. Mr. D.W. LYNCH is still confined to his bed at his home here. His illness is not thought to be serious, but continues longer than friends expected at first. He expects to be up and around soon. George BUSTON, a student at V.P.I. is visiting his parents here, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. BUSTON. Mrs. J.F. HURT is in the hospital in Bluefield, where she expects soon to undergo a surgical operation. Mrs. J.P. ROYALL, who has been in the Mattie Williams hospital at Richlands, has returned to her home here. Mr. and Mrs. William G. BAUGH have moved to their new home in East Tazewell, which was recently built. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn C. PEERY, after a bridal tour of Eastern cities, are at Tazewell the guests of parents for a few days. They will leave in a few days for War, West Virginia, where they will make their future home. They spend a few days in Norfolk, where they were delightfully entertained to a party given in their honor by Mrs. W.C. SCOTT. Victor LEWIS, Raymond PEERY and other hunters of the town are camping in Poor Valley, where they have been for two weeks. Coons, foxes, squirrels and rabbits have been captured. A coon weighing forty pounding was killed one day last week, and a number of the boys from this town went to the camp Sunday, when Vic LEWIS played chef and cooked the coon with sweet potatoes, and a delicious delicacy was served.