yesterday's tennessee
This article originally appeared as "The Women of Henderson County reflect strong, liberated spirit" in a special section of The Lexington Progress called "Saluting the Professional Businesswomen of Henderson County."
A scan of old newspapers shows what we already know--women have greatly impacted the development and direction of Henderson County. The liberating spirit of the "Gay 90s" did not escape our women as evidenced by their activities reported in local newspapers. As ladies moved from full time household work to positions as teachers, store clerks, post office clerks and telephone operators, horizons expanded. Local women became involved in civic affairs, organizing improvement clubs to help in churches, schools, and even political matters. Progress Publisher W.V. Barry, though perplexed at times with the "new woman," publicized every crusade. Whether it be the attempt to raise money for a cemetery fence, clear the vacant lots of rubbish, or rid the town of bootleggers, Progress readers were informed.
All of life's events are explored: the joyous occasions of weddings; the births of children and the children's accomplishments as they mature into useful citizens, even going off to war. Death, always a painful topic, is examined thoroughly but lovingly. Minute details of the suffering of the deceased comfort the bereaved because of the assurance that the loved one has gone to a better place.
The following items and photographs reveal much about the role of women in Lexington and Henderson County beginning as early as 1861.
June 21, 1861, West Tennessee Whig, (Jackson, TN)
You will do us the favor of publishing a notice through your excellent and widely circulated paper that the young ladies in the south-western portion of Henderson County are preparing to hold a meeting some time in the present month for the purpose of organizing a company of Home Guards, the design of which will be to protect the young men and children of our county, and we wish them to know they are in no danger--Several Ladies
Certainly, ladies, we take pleasure in publishing your notice, and if we were single men-which we are not-we should take equal pleasure in cultivating the acquaintance of young ladies of so much courage and benevolence.--Editors
July 19, 1861, West Tennessee Whig
Messrs. Gates & Cameron: A Company known as the "Henderson County Sharp Shooters" was organized in this county on the 4th of July by the election of the following officers: Captain - Dr. B.H. Brown; 1st Lieut. - John M. Taylor; 2d Lieut.- David N. Holmes; Brevet 2d Lieut. - J.C. Gooch; Orderly Sergt. - B.F. Andrews; 2d Sergt. - S.K. Spain; 3d - A.C. Taylor;4th - Saml. Hemphill; 2d. - Richard Love; 3d - Jno. Woodrill; 4th - Wm. T. Taylor;Col. Sergt. John Taylor
After the organization of the Company, Miss Josephine Parker presented the "Sharp Shooters" with a beautiful Confederate flag upon the part of the ladies of Red Mound and vicinity, which was accepted in behalf of the Company by Lieut. John M. Taylor. The citizens subscribed very liberally for the purpose of equipping said company. We had a splendid dinner, and everything went off harmoniously: Henderson is evidently rounding up for the South.
Respectfully, Sharp Shooter's Friend
November 12, 1875 (Lexington Reporter)
There was an old-fashioned quilting at Mrs. J.A. Teague's home last Saturday. Much talking and little work were done. We can not give any good reason of such parties.
August 21, 1886, WTW
Lexington, Tennessee, August 18, 1886
Two of Jackson's noble and Christian women were in town last Wednesday engaged in working up an interest among the ladies in favor of the woman's Foreign Missionary Society. These two good women, Mrs. Ramsey and Mrs. Carson, visited almost every house in town, in company with Mrs. Edwards, who gladly accompanied them and aided them in their Christian mission in every way she could. These Christian ladies made Lexington better by their visit, and everybody had kind words for them, and their labors were appreciated, for that night after Bishop Duncan preached a mastery sermon from the text, "If the Salt has lost its savor, it is only fit to be cast out and trodden under foot," they organized their work with a full board of officers. Next morning these two ladies left for Decaturville, accompanied by others to attend the district conference.
Bishop Duncan, one of the great guns of the church, stayed over here Wednesday night and preached an instructive sermon marked by strong religious fervor.
March-May 1893, Progress
Mrs. R.H. Pentecost Millinery Store and Mrs. Lou Teague Millinery Store, and Ice Cream Parlor of Mrs. F.C. Schultz in W.C. McHaney Building--Mrs. Schultz is ready at all times to furnish ice cream to parties of young people and a nice quiet place to enjoy it.
July 6, 1900, Progress
I have opened a restaurant in the Council Block, next door to Wadley Bros.' Grocery. Meals and lunches furnished at all hours and the room kept clean and quiet. The front room is for white patrons only. I respectfully solicit patronage.
Mrs. C.E. Jackson, Col.
November 20, 1903, Progress
We learn that Mrs. Mary Ann Rhodes, who lives with Irvin Pruitt, a few miles north of town, and who was 96 years old on the 4th of July, was made very happy by securing the five pound box of the famous "Our Advertiser" smoking tobacco made by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco and presented by its representative, Mr. R.L. Montgomery. Mrs. Rhodes has been smoking for 80 years and easily won the prize in Lexington Street Show as the oldest habitual smoker in Henderson County.
July 15, 1904, Progress
There has of late been considerable discussion on the pauper question in Lexington and on various days The Progress man has listened to curbstone statements, pro and con, which may or may not be worthy of repetition. We do not purpose advancing any suggestions, but simply to put in black and white opinions which else might vanish in thin air. Much of the talk alluded to was provoked or we might more accurately say, precipitated by the removal of Miss Bettie Jacobs to the poor house.
Several months ago Miss Jacobs, daughter of the late Ben F. Jacobs, was given quarters in the W.C. McHaney block, and the County court made an appropriation of $8.00 per month for her support and this amount was supplemented by the efforts of some ladies, who ceased their labors after perhaps two or three months. Miss Jacobs was attended day and night by her aunt, Mrs. Nancy Daws, for something like a year, and when Mrs. Daws broke completely down, there was no one to care for Miss Jacobs, even temporarily, until Mrs. Daws could rest. In justice to Messrs Jinks and John Daws, we state it was not possible for them to take Miss Bettie into their house.
When Miss Bettie was carried to the county poor house, it was thought that she could not be given the attention necessary to one in her low and helpless condition, and the Court order allowed $8.00 per month appropriation and we are informed that the poor house steward has provided a special nurse for her.
Now come a criticism: One citizen, who is ordinarily liberal, and always willing to give his part, says that the appropriation of $8.00 a month for Miss Jacobs is an unlawful discrimination against other inmates who are allowed but $2.50 per month. Another citizen contends that Miss Jacobs is exactly the kind of person for whom the county should care, but made no kick on the monthly allowance. The last named citizen says that the payment of so much money per month for the keeping of paupering and working of these paupers by the poorhouse steward is a system of peonage as reprehensible as the cases recently brought to the attention of the United States government.
August 12, 1904, Progress
Mrs. Jane Fesmire, "better half" of Uncle Johnnie Fesmire, celebrated her 74th birthday Tuesday by coming to town. Uncle John will be 83 years old on the 5th of next March. John Fesmire, a widower with three children, married Jane Garner 52 years ago and 14 children have been the fruit of their union. Mrs. Fesmire's father was a brick mason so when it was necessary to build a chimney to their home 50 years ago, Jane made the mortar and last fall it was necessary to rebuild that same chimney. The help was green and so disgusted Aunt Jane that she "fired in" and made the mortar just as well as she did 50 years ago. "Uncle John and Aunt Jane" Fesmire have spent lives of usefulness and to them it has always been a delight to entertain friends and acquaintances regardless of number and cost. The Progress publisher has pocketed many Fesmire dollars since the paper was first released on the 10th day of April 1884.
April 1908, Progress
Lexington does not often have sensations coming its way, but on last Saturday morning, the good ladies of the local W.C.T.U., aided by some other ladies and gentlemen furnished a fitting climax to the long suffering the town has endured since the legal saloon was banished from the town. On Friday afternoon it became known here that W.H. Lancaster, one of the Jackson saloonists closed out April 1, had shipped a consignment of liquors from Jackson to Lexington on the local freight train of that afternoon. Lexington has been overrun with whiskey bootleggers almost ever since the saloon was abolished and a few years ago, one Bill Daws protected by a Winchester gun, a bulldog and a large and faithful patronage, sold barrel after barrel of vile intoxicants, but the idea of perhaps a whole carload of booze being openly dumped in the town, caused considerable interest which resulted in a number of W.C.T.U. ladies getting together Saturday morning, reinforced by other ladies and a few gentlemen who were willing to stand by them. Mr. Lancaster granted the ladies a conference in the Stewart drug store and there the matter was to some extent threshed out, Mrs. J.W. Harvey speaking for the ladies and Mr. Lancaster representing himself.
Mrs. Harvey told Mr. Lancaster that the ladies were informed that he wanted and intended to quit the whiskey business with the closing of his Jackson house and the ladies wanted to help him quit, etc. Mr. Lancaster stated that the liquor was his property, that he could not afford to deprive his family of its value and added that the ladies were meddling in what did not concern them, that there were men in Lexington to attend to business affairs, etc. Mr. Lancaster declined selling the liquors to the ladies, disclaimed any intention to sell it here and declared himself a law abiding citizen. During the conference in the Stewart drug store, Mr. Lancaster was asked point blank how much whiskey he had and his reply was, as we are informed, "Twenty or thirty gallons; possibly a little more or a little less." At some time after the matter came up, John W. Stewart, our Town Recorder, told Mr. Lancaster he would pay for the whiskey destroyed.
The entire crowd of ladies, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Lancaster, Rev. A.E. Cole and others left the drug store and went to the depot, where on a sidetrack stood the car containing the whiskey. On the understanding that the liquor should be destroyed and paid for, the car was opened and no time lost in the smashing program. Here too, Mrs. Harvey made a very touching little talk and taking in her hand the first bottle passed out, handed it over to Mrs. C.G. Gathings who opened the ceremonies. The entire log of jugs, newly filled bottles and case bottles went the same way and here is an inventory of it as kept by John W. Stewart: 27 Gallons, 92 Quarts, 243 Pints, 146 Half Pints, Remnants-$2.45, 10 Quarts Champagne-$40.
The bill footed up the sum of $264.95 and John W. Stewart has issued his check to cover it.
We have given a bare recital of what happened-we might greatly embellish it for the occasion was far out of the ordinary. That the ladies were backed in their action by the better element of Lexington there is no doubt. The wisdom of paying for the whiskey is questioned, for there is not much moral point in giving Mr. Lancaster a market for the whiskey left on his hands-much of it, we are told by men present, being of the vilest kind. There are towns in Tennessee, which have not had the long suffering experience of Lexington, where the car would have been forcibly entered, the whiskey destroyed, and Mr. Lancaster and the railroad company as owners of the property forcibly entered and seized, to "pop their whips" by means of the law. Our people who did not favor the accursed smuggling of whiskey, who could not buy it from the bootleggers if they would, have suffered long and patiently while the town was making a desperate name abroad and we trust the unique deal of last Saturday between the W. C.T.U. ladies and Mr. Lancaster will mark the beginning of a more respectable era in Lexington.
May 7, 1909, Progress
We do not know whether the parents took notice of our suggestion last week but most of the girls did, and it was really distressing to note that in every comment some of the worst offenders did not take any of the suggestion to themselves, but it was always some other girl we had reference to. Our suggestion this week is again to the girls, and to their parents who do not know that they meet from one to two trains a day and every mail at the post office. Our attention last week was called to the fact that two school girls on at least two days were promptly on hand to meet the nine o'clock train crowded with the men and giggled from the depot to the school building. On reaching the school house four of their companions, who make it a practice to stand in the tower windows as the bus passes and wave at the men, whether they know them or not, were there as usual. The practice is vulgar and common and cheapens the estimation for the girls by all people of refinement, and such license leads to graver responsibilities. These same school girls are out by eleven o'clock and on the streets until the dinner hour. Has their correspondence reached the stage that they have to go to the post office three times a day? No, it is "to see and be seen." Parents should not pass our suggestions by thinking they do not apply to some other girl. Do you know your girl is NOT with the bunch?
September 10, 1909, Progress
The destruction of the Hutton Hotel [Coca Cola plant now on site] by fire at an early hour on Thursday of last week was given but small notice in our last issue, as our forms were practically filled and made up when the fire occurred.
The Hutton Hotel was built by the late David F. Hutton, about twenty years ago- if our memory is not astray, Mr. Hutton laid the first foundation in the fall of 1889, after his return from California. Since Mr. Hutton's death ten or more years ago, Mrs. Eliza Hutton has conducted her own hotel and favor especially with the railroad people and at nearly all times being taxed to its room capacity.
The fire which wiped the Hutton Hotel out of existence was supposed to have originated in the room of Fireman Reuben Potter, who came in on his run during the night, but as he lighted no matches and returned by the light of his lantern, he could throw no light on the fire's origin. When Mr. Potter awakened his room was filled with smoke and before he made his escape, his hair was singed. Mr. Potter lost all his clothing and watch and four other railroad watches were destroyed in the burning. The furnishings of the lower floor including to pianos were nearly all saved. The loss foots up a total approximating $6,000, with $4,000 insurance.
What Mrs. Hutton will do is not known, but it may be expected that a hotel will again be built on the site for the convenience of the many railroad employees who desire a near-by home. Mrs. Hutton is a hard working woman, whether in private or public life and in her severe loss has the sympathy of many friends.
October 1, 1909, Progress
There assembled Friday afternoon, Sept. 17, about ten ladies who affected an organization to be known as the "School Improvement Association." The main idea is co-operation with the school faculty in the matter of education along hygienic and sanitary lines, and the promotion of all those policies tending to aid the school work of the town. The officers chosen were Mrs. T.A. Lancaster, Mrs. J.O. Brown, Mrs. L.F. Cawthon and Mrs. E. K. Bransford. Prof. Brown and Rev. Bransford made very interesting and instructive talks on improvement and asked the hearty cooperation of the parents.
October 7, 1910, Progress
In the presence of but a limited number of relatives and friends, at the home of the bride on Hinson Springs Street, Wednesday evening at 8:30 o'clock, Rev. Fleetwood Ball said the impressive words which united in the Holy bonds of matrimony the lives of Mr. Esco A. Derryberry and Miss Lillian Moss. Miss Dixie Winslow and Mr. John F. Logan were the only attendants and while the solemn words were falling from the lips of the minister, the room was filled by the soft and sweet strains of Mendelsohn's Wedding March, with Mrs. J.W. Stewart at the piano.
The bride and her attendant maid were tastefully gowned in pure white, while the gentlemen wore the regulation black.
The Moss home was simply but attractively decorated in ferns and roses. After the ceremony and congratulations, the newly-made husband and wife went to their home in the household of Mrs. Alfred Griggs, mother of Mr. Derryberry.
The bride, the elder daughter of Conductor and Mrs. Tom D. Moss, has grown up in Lexington. She possesses qualities of mind and heart which combine to make her a prize and friend Derryberry has many congratulations on his success in winning her for his helpmete in life.
The groom came here a little boy when his excellent mother married Mr. Alfred Griggs, and all who have watched his coming up from boyhood to manhood can testify that he is worthy of esteem and confidence. We have always regarded Esco Derryberry as a clean, honorable young man-a jewel in these degenerate days.
Mr. Derryberry will continue in the employ of Bennett & Joyner. The Progress joins many others in showering good wishes to the happy young bride and groom.
April 14, 1911(Progress)
Reference to a notable quilt in another place in this issue, makes us recall the most remarkable piece of work of that kind that ever came under our observation. We refer to the quilt made by the late Mrs. Louise McHaney, widow of W.C. McHaney and on request, Mrs. J.M. Taylor has furnished us some facts in regard to the wonderful piece of work done by her mother at the age of 69 years. Afterward, and without glasses, Mrs. McHaney did, with her own hands, a lot of lace work, the like of which was never done by any other person in this country. It was called "The Rose Quilt" and contained 12,772 pieces. The number of stitches taken in piecing the quilt was 625,828; stitches in quilting, 178,808; total stitches, 804,636. The time consumed by Mrs. McHaney in making the Rose Quilt was 12 months and 12 days. Mrs. McHaney did this wonderful piece of work complete from a cardboard pattern brought here from the New Orleans Exposition [1884] and as its name implies, it represents a bunch of roses.
June 23, 1911, Progress
"Aunt Margaret" Melton, a well-known colored woman, aged about 70 years, died June 15 at her home in Lexington, after a long and painful illness. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Margaret Louise Bright and when a girl was brought to Tennessee and Henderson County by a slave speculator named Robinson, who sold her to Zeke Melton. The last 40 years of her life had been spent in Lexington and she was known to all as a good housekeeper and a quite and useful woman. She leaves two children, Louis, who is 50 years old and has never married, and one daughter, Addie, who is a widow. The two children have been commendably faithful to their mother. The remains were interred in Lexington colored cemetery with the honors of a society in which the deceased has held membership.
June 30, 1911, Progress
The Progress force has been boosted to the number of nine and all of them have richly earned their wages. The force has been composed of H.D., W.C., and V.D. Barry, Mrs. G.T. Ray, Miss Raulie Yates, Miss Mildred McCall, Newbill Harvey, John A. McCall and Lon Riley.
June 6, 1911, Progress
We find no more courteous and accommodating telephone operator than Miss Lee Piercy, who now hold the Sun Board at Sardis. Miss Piercy's pleasant voice and courteous disposition make her most desirable as a telephone operator.
June 27, 1913, Progress
We have occasion this week to sympathize with John Brooks, a colored citizen living on the west side of town, in the death of his excellent wife, Louanna, who passed away last Saturday morning, after illness beginning on the 22nd of last February. Louanna was a good woman and the home life of herself and husband seemed to be a happy one. She taught school and both made every effort to make an honorable and comfortable living, which they were always able to do in health. The funeral occurred Sunday afternoon, the service conducted by Rev. R.H. Peoples, pastor of Pilgrims' Rest Baptist Church, in which the deceased held membership, and alarge concourse of colored people attended the obsequies. Louanna was 39 years old last October 20th, had been married twenty years and had no children had ever blessed the union. We sincerely sympathize with John in the loss of his estimable wife.
September 19, 1913, Progress
J.L. Bartholomew and Mrs. Mary Todd were married at Middleburg, in this county, at 5 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home of the bride, Magistrate J.B. Jones officiating, in the presence of a few close friends of the couple. The wedding was one of the most romantic this county has ever known in some time on account of the fact that the groom buried his second wife only ten days before. The contracting parties are people in midlife and have hosts of friends, who are congratulating them on the happy event in their lives. They will reside at the bride's home.
February 27, 1914, Progress
Last Tuesday in the Circuit courtroom, Special Examiner J.C. Allison, of Washington, D.C., conducted the previously advertised examination of applicants for Fourth Class post offices.
The applicants taking the examination: Huron- William B. Evans, William M. Gilliam, Miss Hattie Kee and Miss Jennie Wadley; Juno- Miss Florence A. Waller; Sardis- Jas. P. Vandyke, Lillie A. Jones, Elmer Duck, Andy M. Travillion, Jas. E. Vernon, James L. Jones, Dee L. Story, Elias W. Austin, Grosvenor M. Steele. Scotts Hill- John N. Tucker, Robert L. Johnson, Andrew C. Carlton, John M. Clenney, William A. Austin, Ellis W. Maness, James M. Austin, Isiah W. Patterson, John S. Pratt, Elbert E. Butler; Wildersville-Tom Earl Johnson, Mrs. Grace M. Tilson, Mack C. Rosser.
July 9, 1915, Progress
A number of Lexington ladies met in the circuit court room Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock for the purpose of organizing the Lexington Cemetery Association. The meeting was presided over by Mayor C.C. Sweatt and the ladies elected the following officers for the future conduct of the Association: Mrs. T.A. Lancaster, Mrs. Crook, Mrs. P.H. McCall, Mrs. Sula Muse, Mrs. G.T. Ray, Mrs. J.C. Moore, Mrs. L.T. Fielder and Mrs. F.H. Bruner. Mrs. Mattie Hunt and Mrs. Emmett Sneed are superintendents of the work.
The Association ladies will give an ice cream supper in the courthouse yard on Friday night of this week, the proceeds of which will be used to build a new fence around the cemetery. You are cordially invited and expected to be there.
February 9, 1917, Progress
I believe that true beauty is an essential part of everyday life and that it is not by the spending of money, but by the holding fast to a genuine sincerity in all things that true beauty and restfulness of environment are to be attained.
Things as they are-no public library and reading room, no social center, unsafe, unsightly and unsanitary school building. No public park or playground, too little civic pride, too many vacant lots grown up in weeds and used as dung heaps for tin cans and other refuse-ideal breeding places for flies and germs of loathsome diseases. Too much indifference toward a sadly neglected cemetery and road leading thereto.
No board of health, no commercial club, taxes too high, lack of cooperation of the people of our town with the town council and school board. Inefficient police department.
It is said that ridicule kills a good intent, but there are times when publicity chastises most effectively.
Things as they might be: A substantial, comfortable, sanitary, modern model school building containing an auditorium, a gymnasium, library and reading room with several hundred or thousand good books and the best, current literature of the times to be used-not kept, as a center, 365 days every year and well-kept, beautiful playgrounds.
One of the greatest crimes against our children is the neglect of physical education in our school. the health of our people is our highest affair: What matters it what learning one acquires, what riches he accumulates, what honor he gains, if he has not been property taught to develop and care for his own body? We have the simplest calisthenics in our school. What would not one half hour of well regulated physical culture mean to our growing children?
A real live commercial club would be a valuable asset to our town.
A wide-awake and efficient Board of Health with a law requiring our doctors to report every case of contagious or infectious disease, and each and every case put under quarantine, would be a long step taken in solving our health problems.
We might have a perfectly beautiful little park on the South corner of the square, next to Stewart's Drug Store with beds of flowers, walks, trees and seats with a large fountain in the center. It might bear the name of some distinguished citizen who would make a donation to help build it.
And then the Cemetery. There are people in this town-many of them-that show the utmost indifference toward the upkeep of the cemetery, and they call themselves public-spirited too. They won't give a cent of money, not even encouragement to those that are doing their best. It matters little if we have loved one there or not, the cemetery belongs to the town and next to the public play ground it should be the most beautiful place in a town.
The mayor and Town Council and Police Department should have the heartiest cooperation of our Club and all others who are interested in keeping weeds cut, whether in vacant lots, alleys, back or front yards, as the case may be. Weeds are known to be a menace to health as well as beauty, and we well-know that weeds are allowed to grow unmolested all over the town, and no one seems to know who is to blame. The Mayor blames the Police and the Police blame the Mayor. It has been the same when the city's money has been squandered. The people blame the Mayor and the Mayor hurls the blame elsewhere. Particularly is this true regarding bootlegging. The court blames the police and the police blame the court-and so it goes.
No one seems to know why taxes are higher in Lexington than any place else-but they are.
We might have three men with complete power over local government and absolute responsibility for results.--Mrs. J.C. Moore
November 23, 1917, Progress
It would deservedly be a "feather in the cap" of Lexington women collectively if they could or would muster up courage-moral courage-to cut out all "sawsociety" foolishness and get down to business and economy in recognition of the fact that this country is involved in the greatest war known and on the resources of these United States, victory for the anti-German allies depends. Let them cut out card playing and in lieu engage in knitting, sewing and other work for the soldier boys and for the relief of their stricken sisters in France, Belgium, Italy, Rumania and Armenia. Lexington women have the chance to lead in noble work-will they take it?
August 30, 1918, Progress
The "Work or Fight" plan of the government is including the women, who are asked to gather the crops this fall and let the men go to the government plants and supply the much needed labor. The money inducement is good, as the government is paying large wages to the men, but the question is, can the women do the work at home? Mrs. Houston Gordon near Wildersville was reared to go to school and after getting old enough, taught school. This summer she has worked in the field as a matter of choice, saying while doing such work she felt better and had better health, and she is not a robust woman. What one woman is doing others can do. Many a woman who has been sporting French heel shoes, doing a little tatting and who has done her cooking and housework, could, if she had to do so, handle a gooseneck hoe, pick cotton, gather corn and on occasion, pull the bell cord over the back of old Beck with entire satisfaction. The idea that women are physically unfit to do labor is a fake. They make fine athletes, baseball players, etc., and wearing overalls, they can do most anything a man can do, include striking a match man fashion. What abut it?
September 26, 1919, Progress
It is proposed by a business man that a mass meeting of the people of Lexington be held in the court house on Wednesday night in behalf of the girl operators of the Cumberland Telephone & Telegraph Company who are working for the pittance of about $30 per month, which represents their board alone. It is the purpose of the gentleman who suggests the meeting that petition be made to the officials of the Cumberland Company asking that the pay of the local operators be advanced to at least $50 per month. It is really a shame that these hardworking girls are not more adequately paid and it is hoped that our people may be able to so convince the company. [Telephone operators were Cora Blankenship, Willie Blankenship, Zula Smith, Emma White and Nina Reed. John H. Williams was the Lexington Exchange Manager.]
April 9, 1920, Progress
We trust the "Progressives"-going forward toward God knows what-since they have almost won in the matter of female suffrage, do not think too severely of us because of our oft-expressed sentiments on the subject. We respectfully ask them to remember that we came of that age and of that class of people who abominated the thought of women in public life-much less political life. The type of woman to whom we owe our existence and early training regarded Miss Susan Anthony as a masculine crank, who having missed the most natural, hence the highest estate of woman, took the only tack possible to keep from being simply an unnoticed spinster. While there has been much printers' ink used in advocacy of female suffrage, the movement has been confined to the city woman of more money than usefulness in the world, aped by a comparatively few of her country woman of the South has had no voice, wanted no voice in the clamor for votes for women. Oh well, we older ones will soon be out of the way and then the new woman, aided and abetted by the new man, can proceed to make life any sort of "mess" they will-but we feel to thank God that when American social life reaches the bottom and the upward turn is again taken, there is going to be left enough of the seed of the right sort to a gain restore living and a sane view of life.
November 5, 1920, Progress
Analysis of the election table we print in this issue shows that the Democrats hardly polled more votes than they have male voters in the county, while the Republican vote was perhaps 1,200 votes higher. Several years ago we estimated that the Democrats had about 1,200 votes in the county and the Republicans 1,900, but the Republicans came nearer polling their strength than the Democrats. This time, we hear, the Republicans had picnic dinners at the polling places to get out the women vote, while the Democratic women in the county to a very great extent, did not vote-nor will they vote in the future in our prediction. Woman suffrage is here to stay-but we have all along feared that it would be a "black eye" to the South.
August 19, 1921, Progress
It being impossible for me to see and talk personally with each and every one of you, I take this method of trying to put my candidacy for the office of Register before you. In so doing I am asking that you give me a just consideration before you cast your vote in the Primary election on August 27th, 1921. I believe that if you will give this matter due consideration you will give me your support. I have three opponents--three able bodied men, each having a good living already, while I am depending solely on my daily earnings for a living. I feel that the Register's office is a nice one for a woman to perform the duties of, these duties being the copying of deeds and other instruments. I think it is much of a woman's job.
In the fall of 1917, I took a business course at Jackson, Tennessee, and for the past two years have been serving as a clerk in the Trustee's office, at the same time also serving as secretary of the Highway Commission and I would be glad for you to examine my record as your servant in that capacity.
It seems that the only objection to my election is that I am a woman. I do not think this is sufficient reason to prohibit me from holding the office or to defeat me in the election. Woman was once in a state of abject slavery, but by the wand of civilization she had slowly emerged from bondage to freedom. She has been given the right to vote; she has been giving the right to hold office and she has been forced to pay poll tax. Therefore, I cannot see the impropriety of asking the suffrage of the people for the office of Register. I am not asking that you vote for me just because I am a woman, but I do not think that should vote against me for that same reason. The question is, can I and will I honorably perform the duties of the office?
Trusting that I shall receive your personal help and assuring you that nobody could or would appreciate that help more than I can express, I remain,
Very respectfully, Jessie McCall
December 29, 1922, Progress
On the day before Christmas eve, with the help of that kindly and obligating young man, Mr. Bennie White-who, in fact did most of the soliciting-we had the privilege of presenting to Cumberland Telephone patrons a request to join in a cash Christmas remembrance of the five telephone girls who manipulate the drops and handle the hellos of the Lexington exchange, with the result that we were able to hand over to other girls a sum that, while not large, could not fail to add to the total of their Christmas enjoyment. The young ladies are Misses Bertha Wadley, Exie Joyce, Mary Freeman, Ruby Freeman and Jettie Long.
March 16, 1923, Progress
When the storm struck Lexington last Sunday night at close to eight o'clock and continued to grow in violence until trees, roofs and windows went down before it, the skylight of the Cumberland Telephone Exchange smashed in and the electric lights went out, but Miss Bertha Wadley, the night operator stuck to her job. The first men who came to see how she was faring, were Night Marshal Leroy Swain, first, then Thompsie Knowles and Mr. R.S. Gulledge, the Cotton Assocation man, who is boarding at the Knowles House. Miss Bertha stuck to her board for hours when an electric flashlight held by Thompsie Knowles and Mr. Gulledge, was her only dependence for light. Verily, were it not for the brave and patien, efficient and obligating girls, we would have had no telephone business-so, here's "three cheers and a tigre" for the telephone girl every day in the year and a gratious gift at Christmas
July 4, 1924, Progress
The Conklin Beauty Parlor opens today upstairs in the new Essary building. Mr. Conklin will give all his time to ladies and girls and boys under 12 years old. Bobbing of hair will be his specialty and he earnestly solicits your patronage. Everything in the Parlor is new and sanitary and you will find it almost like a private home. Mr. Conklin has had great experience in this kind of work in Nashville and other cities and you will surely be pleased if you give him your trade. [First beauty shop in Lexington]
January 22, 1926, Progress
Col. and Mrs. T.B. Autry have purchased the S.A. McNatt barber shop in the Council Block, and will continue the business at the same stand, with the addition of two chairs and a beauty parlor for the ladies in the rear department. We understand that the present force of Hill, Oliver and Thomas will be retained with the addition of Mr. Charles Peacock, who is already here. The new business will begin to function next Monday.
November 23, 1928, Progress
Last Friday, the 16th inst., at 10 o'clock a.m., in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jones in Lexington, Elder Joe Jennings, Parsons, said the ceremony which united in the Holy Bonds of Wedlock, Rev. J.W. Barnett, Parsons, and Mrs. Lessie Russell Blankenship of the Luray community.
The bride was a widow of mature years, a daughter of farmer Russell near Luray and said to be one of the finest ladies that side of the county can boast. She brings Bro. Barnett a fortune in herself, which bids fair to grow as the years go by.
The groom was a widower, well stocked with children, and has fine standing as a citizen, a gentleman and a minister. Bro. Barnett is pastor of the South Lexington, Luray and Huron churches of the Missionary Baptist denomination and possibly others.
We are informed that the new Barnett family will pool their nine children and live in the city of Jackson, and may the best of luck attend each and every one of them.
May 24, 1929, Progress
Miss Mittie Belew, only daughter of J.W. Belew and Mrs. Nora Stewart Belew, has made a fine showing in a civil service examination, under the post office department and regulations, being sixth of the comparatively small number who passed in a class of nearly 200. Miss Mittie had nothing special in view when she took the exam under the Jackson post office examination posted here, but it makes her eligible to hold a post office position. There is nothing frivolous about Miss Mittie Belew, and The Progress congratulates her on the good showing she made in the examination.
May 31, 1929, Progress
Mrs. W.A. Lawler of the Elk Pharmacy received her certificate of registration last week making her a full registered pharmacist. She is the only lady pharmacist in Henderson County. Mrs. Lawler has had eleven years experience in the drug business. She is also an expert window dresser and stock keeper. [First lady pharmacist in Lexington was Mrs. Ada Stewart Enochs.]
July 5, 1929, Progress
Miss Evelyn Pearson of the First National Bank, daughter of the late W.C. Pearson, who was the Lexington coal oil inspector at the time of his death several months ago, has been appointed to succeed her father in that office. This hundred dollars a year comes as a windfall to Miss Pearson, who is a young lady of good business capacity and who was not an applicant for the appointment.
November 22, 1929, Progress
Miss Maude Murray, a yet young and good-looking lady, admits to almost 33 years of service in Lexington post office, which service began in 1896, when her father, the late Dr. J.L. Murray, was appointed postmaster here under the McKinley administration. Miss Maud says that in all these years there has never been a "fuss" between herself, the postmasters, and the many good boys with whom she worked, two of whom have "passed on," Henry McCall and her brother, Oscar Murray. Then came Alf. Bartholomew, Irby Eller, Valentine Barry, Orris Smith. This is a wonderful record and Miss Maude's multitude of friends join her in being proud of it. Miss Maud is of a family of the best of neighbors and the greatest shortcoming of the public career in which she has served faithfully and efficiently, is that she has been denied the opportunity to be the neighbor that all Murrays delight to be. Through every minute of those 33 years the writer has been her friend and that friendship will continue to endure until one or the other of us shall "Join that innumerable throng" and "trek" for "That bourn from whence no traveler returns."
December 27, 1929 (Lexington Republican)
Mrs. Lola Hays Ross, aged 32 years, died Dec. 15th, 1929, in a hospital in Webb City, Missouri, where she had been confined for some months. Her home was in White Oak, Missouri. A daughter of Mrs. Roxie Hays and the late George Hays, she was born in Henderson County, Jan. 16, 1897. She was married to J. Arthur Ross, May 25th, 1913, and to this union were born five children, two sons, Wayman Ross and John Arthur Ross, and three daughters, Floys, Virginia and Roxine. These, with their heart-broken father, survive as well as her aged mother, two sisters, Mrs. John (Hattie) Buck and Mrs. Ernest (Excell) Neisler of this place and one brother, J.L. Hays of Jackson.
She professed religion in 1912 and became a member of the Second Baptist Church, Lexington, five years afterward with which she retained her connection until death. The lofty impulses and aspirations governing her life are epitomized in the following letter she had written to her husband during her last illness, which was found after her death:
May 5th, 1928
Dearest Arthur: Here is what I want you to do provided I don't live to help with the children. I want you to spend my policy for their benefit. See that they have proper clothes and are kept clean and sent to school. Oh, how my heart goes out for you all! I am writing this because I feel like it will be a message to you after I am gone. Will you promise to do this for my sake? I have been thinking of this for some time, but have not said anything to you. You will find this letter with my policy. May God's tender mercy be shown to you all is my prayer. And health and happiness as far as life can afford be yours and theirs. I could write lots more but will close with this. And always remember I have been faithful to the end.--Your wife, Lola.
June 26, 1931, Progress
Mrs. Dorothy McCully is making daily trips from Hinson Springs delivering mineral water to her customers in Lexington in one to five gallon orders of this famous water which has been used as far back as the early settlement of the county, as a remedy and preventative of nervous disorders, stomach and kidney trouble and general toning up of the system. Mrs. McCulley is having an analysis made of the water and expects to develop the property somewhat this season as a camping site and eventually restore it to its proper place as a health resort, which will mean not only profitable business for her but an additional source of revenue in tourist trade for the town. Miss Dorothy sells the water at 10c per gallon, delivered, and may be reached by phone at 47W.
October 2, 1931, Progress
Miss Ivy Holland, daughter of Mayor W.R. Holland and wife, will sing next Tuesday evening from station WSM in Nashville in the annual Atwater Kent audition as the first step in reaching a possible prize of a valuable scholarship and $5,000 in money and which her home people can help her win by sending in letters and telegrams of approval. The award is based on a scale of 60 per cent for vocal proficiency and 40 per cent for fan mail received.
Miss Holland has a voice of remarkable power and sweetness which has been developed by some of the best teachers in Jackson and Memphis. She has been much in demand for concert programs in Memphis, where is now studying as a senior in the State Teachers College as well as in Lexington where she has sung often, one of her most pleasing appearances having been a duet sung with Mr. John D. Wyatt in the "Gypsy Rover," which was used for the opening of the auditorium in the City School.
Mr. Wyatt was her first teacher and showed his own greatness when he recognized the quality of her voice and advised her parents to send her immediately to a special instructor. She had her first inspiration from the radio, and she was always a quiet, frail-looking, studious child that it astonished her family and friends when she first began to sing. In temperament she resembles Maude Adams. As she grows year by year in artistic power, it becomes more and more apparent that she has in her the qualities necessary to make a really great singer.
October 16, 1931, Progress
The City School Cafeteria is receiving a new coat of paint and with blue tables and chairs will be a very attractive lunch room which fills a long felt need. A plate lunch consisting of meat and vegetables and often dessert is served to the children for ten cents. Outsiders are charged five cents for each portion and many people are availing themselves of this opportunity to get their lunch at very small cost and a great deal of convenience. [Cafeteria operated by the ladies of the Parent-Teacher Association]
May 6, 1932, Progress
Mrs. H.A. Powers, County Chairman, has just received the following report.
We think it a splendid report and are having it published in order that you may compare it with the improvements that have been made in your community.
Mrs. Ruby Maxwell-Set out 50 fruit trees, cleaned yards, set flowers, made flower beds, made curtains for two rooms, got heater for one room, got egg beater for kitchen, cleaned house and yard.
Mrs. Vic Maxwell-Made curtains for five rooms, ceiled and papered living room, bought two rugs, made meal chest, got oilcloth for kitchen, set hedge, rose and snow ball brushes, made flower beds, remodeled fence and walk, cleaned yard and house.
Mrs. Grace Wilkins-Bought curtains for one room, papered five rooms, painted house, bought glass for four doors, varnished window and door facings in two rooms, cleaned house and yard, set hedge, filled gullies and set Bermuda grass, set fruit trees, set flowers and rose cuttings, bought 600-egg incubator, bought oilcloth for kitchen.
Mrs. Jim Nunnery-Set fruit trees, cleaned yard, moved wood pile, moved fence from yard, set flowers, made flower beds, remodeled chicken house, made curtains and sofa pillows, bought stove, varnished furniture, tore away porch.
Mrs. W.A. Carrington-Papered two rooms, set fruit trees, set flowers, made flower beds, dug cistern, built porch cleaned house and yard.
Mrs. W.A. Fiddler-Set fruit trees, set flowers, cleaned house and yard, moved fence, set grass, made curtains, made six new quilts.
Mrs. Lizzie Harris-Set 60 fruit trees, several rose bushes, bought two new stoves, bought a new pressure cooker for kitchen.
Mrs. T.M. Maxwell-Ceiled two rooms, tore away a room, built porch, papered four rooms, made curtains for rooms, varnished furniture, bought canner, bought shades, trimmed cedar trees, filled gullies, moved wood yard, made two new gates, set fruit trees, grape vines rose bushes and cuttings and other flowers, remodeled stove and polished it, got oil cloth for kitchen table, made side curtains for kitchens.
Mrs. Vashti Reeves-Filled gullies, set Bermuda grass, made flower beds, set flowers, remodeled chicken house, cleaned house, made curtains.
Mrs. Don Fiddler-Set fruit trees, set flowers, cleaned yards and house, pruned fruit trees, varnished furniture, dug cellar and furnished it.
Central School Ground-Leveled the school yard, set flowers, sowed grass, built two modern toilets and painted them, cleaned out cistern.--Georgia Roberts, Home Demonstration Agent
June 14, 1935, Progress
Miss Velma Brooks will leave New York Saturday for France to begin a course of study in French as an award received some time ago.
Each year the Society of French Teachers in America offers one scholarship to some French teacher in the United States. This year the scholarship was won by Miss Brooks who wrote a winning essay on how she taught French and how she would profit by a summer in France. The French government gives passage on a French liner, and the Society pays all other expenses. Miss Brooks will study at the Sorbonne University in Paris and will live in a French home where no English is spoken.
February 14, 1936, Progress
One of the most deserving beneficial and unusual ladies in Lexington is Mrs. J.D. Tilson, Senior, who has taken on herself the job of "teaching the young in a school called kindergarten-which means a manner of instruction suited to start the young mind on the way to education, children of that age too young to be eligible to enter the regular public school. Mrs. Tilson came to Lexington from Wildersville, where she had won the reputation of a first-class instructor-and she brought that good name to Lexington when she entered the City School as a teacher of the young. Since her service in the City School ended she took up kindergarten in her home and in that work she has proven to be eminently successful, not only teaching tots the rudiments preceding the regular public school curriculum but from the very first making them so love the work that to them going to school is a pleasure, and more than that, she has brought her car into requisition, for bringing the children to school and taking them home when their day is ended. Such work is worth more than can be told in mere words, and the people are appreciating it. You can afford to say a word for Mrs. Tilson and her kindergarten and persuade others to send the children or have Mrs. Tilson come for them until the attendance is so large that the teacher will have to expand her teaching quarters. Remember that a child can get the biggest percentage of what it will be in life during the years before it can enter the public schools.
Mrs. Grace Tilson's class was conducted in her home on Boswell Street. She picked up the children in a "huge" car each morning. On the way home each day the seat beside her was reserved for the day's "outstanding student." Mrs. Robbie Harris, who furnished this photo, recalls how special that seat was. Mrs. Tilson taught a total of 51 years including 32 years at Lexington City School. In 1964 Mrs. Tilson was featured in the Progress "Hats Off series," honoring senior citizens. She told of training two pet dogs to "sing" and obey her every command, explaining, "I made kindergarten children out of them."
November 11, 1938, Progress
Although not unexpected, the death of Mrs. L.B. Graddy occasioned much regret among the older people of Lexington who were life-long friends and admirers of this gracious lady who passed away quietly in her sleep last Wednesday morning, November 2, at the home of Mrs. W.M. Taylor, in Blytheville, Ark.
Mrs. Graddy had reached the great age of 81 years, and belonged to one of the pioneer families of Henderson County. Her grandfather was Major John Harmon, a veteran of the Mexican War, who inherited extensive lands which had come into the family in return for service in surveying the original grants made to the first settlers. Her mother died when she was a small child and most of her childhood was spent in the home of the late Dr. Warren, whose wife was Mrs. Graddy's aunt. Another orphan reared in the same home was L.B. Graddy, who studied medicine and then became a specialist remarkably successful in the field of Ear, Nose, and Throat. Soon after his graduation, Dr. Graddy and Miss Betty Harmon were married and went immediately to Omaha, Nebraska, where he had opened an office. This was so long ago that there was no railroad in Lexington and the ceremony was said very early in the morning in order to give the young people time to drive to Jackson before night.
Dr. Graddy's later studies took him to the leading universities of America, and then on to Vienna, at that time the leader in scientific research in the world. Mrs. Graddy accompanied him in all these travels, reading, studying, enjoying people and places, and storing up in her mind rich memories which she shared in her later years with the friends who delighted to congregate in her home. Returning from Europe, they settled in Nashville, remaining until Dr. Graddy's health failed about twenty years ago. They purchased the old Warren home in Lexington, now the District parsonage of the M.E. Church, South, and lived there until Dr. Graddy's death several years later. Another period of travel followed until the death of Mrs. John M. Taylor, who left the old Taylor home for Mrs. Graddy, who occupied it until about two years ago, when she suffered a stroke, and since it was no longer possible for her to live alone, she was taken to Blytheville by Mrs. W.M. Taylor, who cared for her during the long months in which she was helpless.
Funeral services were held in Blytheville, and a brief ceremony at the grave in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Nashville, where Mrs. Graddy was buried beside her husband.
February 28, 1941, Progress
It will be noticed that four ladies are applicants for Henderson County Post Office: Miss Waller for Juno; Misses Wadley and Kee for Huron; and Mrs. Tilson for Wildersville. There is no reason why a woman should not satisfactorily run a post office-or transact any other business.
March 14, 1941, Progress
Mrs. W.C. Ramer, in charge of production for the local Red Cross Chapter, has announced that sewing will be started within a few days. Rooms heretofore used at the Hotel Lexington, having proven inadequate, a new place has been secured over the grocery of M.H. Britt, where sewing machines offered for the service will be installed and the work carried on by voluntary workers, Mrs. John M. Douglass in charge of the sewing. Mrs. Herman Austin is in charge of knitting and 50 pounds of maroon and gray wool have been received.
February 27, 1942, Progress
The announced candidacy of Miss Jessie McCall for the office of Trustee of Henderson County is peculiar in the fact that she is the first woman who has ever aspired to a county office by the votes of the people either in a primary or general election, and in this instance, Miss Jessie, being a Republican and the off-spring of a long line of Republicans, is subject to the Republican voters of the county in a primary set for Thursday, April 9, 1942
While women have not been elected by the vote of the people of Henderson County, a few of them have filled offices by election of the County Court. Mrs. T.R. Sisson, Mrs. Sid B. Rhodes and Mrs. H.M. Teague were elected to fill out the terms of their respective husbands. All gave satisfaction in filling the offices with which they were entrusted.
Miss Jessie McCall is the daughter of the late Dr. P.H. McCall, who was one of our best loved citizens and passed away several years ago.
February 5, 1943, Progress
To my many friends who so sweetly and kindly remembered me again, please accept my humble and sincere thanks for the many nice presents that have given me as a token of love to me in my old age. I will soon be 80 years old. You have made the past Christmas one of the happiest of all my life. I have been living here in this house about 65 years and have done my best to make a law-abiding citizen.
I again thank Mr. Henry Barry for printing the names from time to time. God will bless him for for honoring us old folks. Many thanks to John A. McCall for paying my home out of debt, so that I will have a home in which to breathe my last. I thank Hall Harmon and his wife for giving me the money to repay Mr. McCall. I pray my richest blessings on every one who kindly remembered me in my old age.
Signed, Rosie Shrewsberry
May 21, 1943, Progress
This city lost another of its young women to the armed forces when Miss Ivy Holland, member of the Hollywood Central School faculty, left to report May 8th in North Hampton, Massachusetts, for officers' training in the WAVES. She is the third in the state to be offered the opportunity of a commission in the WAVES by means of the Navy's officers' training program at Smith College. The first two were West Palm Beach and Key West women.
Miss Holland, a native of Lexington, Tenn., has resided in this city since September. She has taught Latin and directed the school glee club during the past year. Last summer she received a Master of Arts degree in Spanish at Peabody College.--Hollywood (Florida) Herald
September 24, 1943, Progress
If the composer who wrote the comparatively new song, "I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad," had lived and written his song fifty or sixty years ago, he might have expressed a hope for fulfillment of his want, but as to the feminine product of today, "there ain't no such animal" and now let's take a look at the girl from fifty to sixty year ago:
First, beginning with her head, she had a lovely suit of hair, which was considered "the crowning glory of a woman's beauty." Her face was what nature made it, with occasional dobs of whitening-five cents worth of prepared chalk from the drug store, and if her lips laced color, she bit them to increase it.
Her dress for every day except Sunday was probably calico, at five to ten cents per yard, and I remember one girl who wore a woolen fabric at 12cents the yard, when she got married. The calico dress, by the way, for a full grown person, required eight to ten yards.
The pretty "undies" of today were called "unmentionables" at that time, and the Hope bleached domestic was the favorite cloth for that purpose, provided there was not used the ordinary brown and Sea island domestic, which soon bleached and resembled linen in its texture.
The hosiery of that distant day in the past, was mostly cotton, and in Jackson. when a young lady of a family of ordinary means asked Belton Sullivan in the Holland Dry-Goods Company to show her some silk hose, Belton expressed his astonishment, and the girl's reply was one told me by the late Mrs. Amanda Taylor, which I shall not repeat in this column.
The shoes of the day had high tops, and I can remember that when Miss Amanda Hall wore slippers in the winter, it was no wonder that she had an almost continuous bad cold. Many of the shoes of that day laced up in front, some laced on the side, and the button shoe was popular. So there, from head to toe, you have the girl that "dear old dad" married 50 to 60 years ago.
And now you can paint your own picture of the girl you see every day.
June 22, 1945, Progress
Mrs. Lon Brooks slipped quietly and peacefully away Monday afternoon in her home on Huntingdon Street. Mrs. Adna Wright Brooks was born in Decatur County, October 9, 1881, to the late Carolyn Fisher and Henry Wright. She married Lon F. Brooks July 6, 1902, and to this union were born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy and two in early childhood. Surviving children are Velma, Jessie, Lucille, Mamie, Pinkey, and her son, Joseph, who returned from combat duty over Germany only ten days ago. It was a great comfort to have him with her. Her baby girl, Margaret Elizabeth Brooks, is serving in Cairo, Egypt, with the American Red Cross.
Mrs. Brooks will be missed. She was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church and attended regularly as long as health would permit. She was devoted to the members of her Sunday School Class and the Missionary Society. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and the Spanish American Women's Auxiliary. All who knew her praised her for her courage and energetic efforts for good, and her friendliness. She had an optimistic disposition that cheered those around her and made her a welcomed guest for any group. She was ambitious for her children and encouraged them to seek the good way of life. She was an ideal mother, putting the interest and happiness of each child before her own, and it is easy to understand why she was the idol of their hearts. In 1940 she was acclaimed the ideal mother by the Lexington High School at a banquet given in Hotel Lexington.
Funeral services were conducted from the First Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon. The large floral offering was an evidence of her many friends, one of whom said: "Mrs. Lon Brooks was the only person I have ever known who had no enemies."
August 15, 1947, Progress
There was a time not so long ago when Chesterfield was a railroad train. The puff puff of the engine, the clanging of the bell and the whistle of the old Perryville Branch caused thrills to chase each other up and down our spines. When there was nothing else exciting to do we could always go down to the depot and watch the train go by, but all that was before the modern bus lines put the old choo choo out of business.
All down the old Perryville Branch road we now see the depots converted to different uses. Some are used for Post Offices, some for residences, etc. But our depot is being put to a most unusual, interesting, and humanitarian use. It is now the County Infirmary supervised by Mrs. Elizabeth Pearson and Mrs. Hunter and managed by Mrs. Evie Cottrell.
Mrs. Cottrell after having reared a family of eight children of her own, now cares for four homeless old ladies ranging in ages from sixty-seven to eighty-one years. Two are invalids and two are fairly active and none of them had homes of their own. All were inmates of the County Poorhouse until Mrs. Cottrell agreed to make over the old depot into a home for them. Most of us are surprised at how successfully this has been done, and to the old ladies it is a haven. They never cease to be thankful for this, the only home they have ever known. Martha, age eighty-one, is particularly satisfied and proud of the good fortune that has come her way. Kansada, age seventy-two, is the only who reads and enjoys it. Ann, age seventy-nine, spends her time crocheting lace. Mary, age sixty-seven, was abandoned at the age of nine by her mother at the county house and remained there until three years ago when she came to the infirmary here. Her only contacts with the outside world have been two or three times when she attended church at Union during the revival.
We should be thankful for the old depot and its useful existence and thankful for Mrs. Cottrell, who keeps the house and cooks for these ladies, yet manages to keep the sparkle in her eyes. When asked why she chose to do this, she replied, "I enjoy it, and then, I'm doing for them what I would want someone to do for me under the same circumstances." Perhaps her cheerful disposition, the spring in her step and the sparkle in her step are due to the fact that she is practicing the Golden Rule.
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