Tazewell County, Virginia, Newspaper Articles: Clinch Valley News--Nov. 8, 1901 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Michelle Burress http://www.cvnotes.com ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ==================================================================== November 8, 1901 One of the pleasantest social reunions that has occurred in Graham was that which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the joyful day upon which Bella DONALD and Jessee BENBOW were united in marriage. The weather was all the could have been asked - clear, serene, blamy - typical Indian Summer. Mr. BENBOW'S beautiful home was tastefully decorated for the occasion. There were corner decorations of laurel and potted plants, with masses of ferns, and trails of wild clematis; the stair way was lurid from top to bottom with twining branches of laurel, and on all the tables, stands, piano, organ, etc, jardinières and vases of roses and chrysanthemums, sent by friends in North Carolina. The decorations were the work of Mrs. TOWNS and Mrs. BAYLOR, assisted by the Misses BENBOW and their cousin, Mrs. ??? of Tazewell. In the hall the presents were arranged on tables beneath a shelf, containing twenty five wax candles set in ferns. The fifty two presents made a handsome appearance. Conspicuous among them was a solid silver cracker bowl "from loved ones at home" in North Carolina; a silver teas service, from old neighbors in Thompson Valley, and a set of solid knives and forks from brothers in Missouri. There were five sets of silver teas spoons. An elegant supper was served, and hugely enjoyed. The attendants who served the supper were, Miss Eliza and Elma GREEVER, and Miss Nannie CROCKETT, assisted by the fair daughters of the house. Mrs. BENBOW received her guests in a charming gown of silver grey silk, with trimmings of black. It was generally observed that she could have hardly looked less charming a quarter of a century ago. Mr. BENBOW is the same big hearted, genial, noble gentleman his friends have known him to be these many years. After leaving the dining room the guests were regaled with some fine musical selections, notable among which were the piano solos, by Miss PALMER, Mrs. Sam HUFFORD, Mrs. D.C. BURTON, and the comic selections by Mr. DAVENPORT. Your reporter unhesitatingly says that we have never seen a handsomer number of women collectively and individually, as were those assembled on this occasion, and no doubt the same would have had been said of the men had they not all persisted in staying where "all coons look alike." The house party were, Mr. and Mrs. H.T. BUCHANAN, Mrs. C.A. LEECE, Mrs. W.T. BUCHANAN, Mrs. M. THOMASON, of Thompson Valley and Mrs. Sallie Floyd LANIER, of Tazewell. The following day there were handsome entertained at dinner by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey PEERY and at tea by Mr. and Mrs. C.P. GREEVER. All were delighted with Graham and Graham people, and parted with their kind host and hostess with the hearty wish that they might all assist at their golden wedding. About thirty little boys and girls and a half dozen ladies were delightfully entertained at the beautiful residence of Mr. and Mrs. George P. HALL, Wednesday afternoon, October 30th, in honor of the third anniversary of little Katie Peery HALL and the ninth anniversary of little Lettie Ward PEERY. The children engaged in many interesting games and had quite a merry time swinging and romping on the grassy lawn. At four o'clock they were invited into the dining room where refreshments were served. When twilight approached they reluctantly said goodbye to their small hostesses, Misses Lettie and Katie, thanking them for their pleasant evening and wishing them many many happy birthdays. - D.C.K. North Tazewell, Va. PAINT LICK AND SURROUNDING COUNTRY ---------------------------------------------- The farmers of this section are very much delayed with their work on account of the dry weather. School opened at this place Monday morning, October 28th, with an enrollment of 24. Miss Mattie VENCILL, of Belfast Mills, was selected teacher. Our new pastor, Rev. BILDERBACK, preached a very interesting sermon last Sunday evening at this place. Miss Laura TARTER, of Rural Retreat, is governess at Mr. W.J. LESTER'S. A.J. STEELE, of Tazewell, passed through this vicinity last week to visit his sister, Mrs. BROWNING, near Belfast. Just across the line on last Wednesday evening a very quiet wedding took place, the contracting parties being Mr. James GOSE and Mrs. Aurelia WHITE. The marriage ceremony took place at the Elk Garden parsonage, the rite being performed by Rev. S.B. VAUGHT, after which the happy couple returned to the home of the groom where a sumptuous repass awaited them. Walter TAYLOR, of Belfast, was here last week buying turkeys. Mr. and Mrs. Charles BRADSHAW made a business trip to Cedar Bluff Saturday. Several of the Midway people attended preaching at Bradshaw's school house Sunday afternoon. The sermon was preached by Rev. VAUGHT. Miss Samantha HARRIS, of Thompson Valley, was visiting friends and relatives near this place last week. The telephone line connecting Paint Lick and Cedar Bluff is now complete. Mr. Willmer ASCUE of this place, and Miss Georgia FERREL, of Belfast Mills, left last Thursday for Bristol to be united in the holy bonds of wedlock. They were accompanied by the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. John GOSE. Mr. and Mrs. C. SCOTT accompanied by their daughter in law, Mrs. J.B. FERGUSON, passed here Sunday afternoon enroute to Cedar Bluff - Reba. BENBOW ----------------------------------- Mr. Ed BUCHANAN and his sister Miss Kate, of Rich Valley, are visiting friends and relatives at this place this week. Rev. HENRAHAN, of Norfolk, preached an excellent sermon in White Church last Sunday morning. This man may possibly be called by the Presbyterians to fill the place vacated by Mr. MOWBRAY. Mrs. Mary BUCHANAN, Misses Kate BUCHANAN and Lou LEECE were visiting Miss Carey BUCHANAN Wednesday. The election was a very quite affair at this place Tuesday. There was not as much as a fight on the grounds. There were several new scholars enrolled at the High School this week. The election at this place resulted in seventy five votes being cast. Montague received 11 and Hoge 25. Six for Governor were lost. For the Senate Moss received 53 and Harman 21. For the House Moore received 54 out of 75. This place did very well, but our sister precinct Thompson Valley, is rather on the decline. It has been suggested that the Democrats send missionaries into this field before another election. CEDAR BLUFF --------------------------------- Dear News - In response to your inquiry of last week your reporter begs leave to say that geographically he is still situated at this pleasant little mountain town, and physically able to scratch you a few items for publication in the NEWS, and with an apology for a long silence will sharpen his pencil and say: That after so long a time waiting, our citizens have taken an advanced step, we are now blessed with phone communication and able to talk at long range. The first quarterly conference for Cedar Bluff circuit for the coming year was held here on last Saturday and Sunday. Rev. HANDY, presiding elder and Rev. BILDERBACK, preacher in charge, did some fine preaching. Large attendances were present at each service. Attorney J.W. CHAPMAN, of Tazewell, was in town Friday on legal business. Messrs. George MCCALL, T.A. REPASS Jr. Estell and John IRESON, of Raven were up Sunday visiting friends and attending quarterly meeting. Mr. J.W. HARLOW has just completed a neat office for Dr. W.E. BAYLOR, near the post office. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins FUGATE, of Richlands, spent Sunday with home folks at Cedar Bluff. Messrs. LONG and LARIMER, the telephone men, have had headquarters at Cedar Bluff for some time past. Hog cholera is prevailing to an alarming extent in this section of the county and many fine "porkers" have succumbed to this dreaded disease. Miss Myrtle REPASS, who is teaching near Raven, spent Saturday and Sunday with home folks here. Mrs. T.D. STRADER, wife of our former Methodist pastor, with her two children, are visiting friends at Cedar Bluff. POUNDING MILL ---------------------------- The squeal of the porker is now heard in the land. Mr. and Mrs. H.P. BRITTIAN, of Tazewell, visited at J.B. HURTS and R.K. GILLESPIE'S last week, and J.A. GREEVER and wife, also, last Saturday and Sunday. Misses Stella STEELE and Eliza GILLESPIE, teachers in the community, spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of W.B. STEELE. Mr. and Mrs. C.P. WILLIAMS, spent several days in Tazewell this week, and H.G. WILLIAMS has returned from Baltimore. There will be an Oyster supper at the home of Mrs. STURGILL, on next Saturday night, the 9th, for benefit of the Methodist Episcopal church. Peaches and cake will be served also. Everybody cordially invited.