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January 16, 1908

Measles and chicken pox both in town, and they are to some extent, at least, interfering with the schools.

Say, Mr. Patron of the Public School in Boone, you are expected to haul a load of wood to the school building. Have you taken it yet? It is badly needed just now.

The Governor of the great State of North Carolina has offered the pitiful sum [of a] $50 reward for the arrest of Harman, who brutally murdered little Ben Guy in Watauga on Christmas Eve. It seems to use that it would have been more creditable to the State had the Governor entirely ignored the appeals of the Solicitor than to have offered this puny purse for the arrest of a red handed murderer. We hope the County Commissioner will put up a reward sufficient to bring the criminal to justice.

February 13, 1908

If your taxes are not settled at once the Sheriff says he will attend to it for you.

The best line of hosiery to be found in Boone is now on sale at Cottrell’s. Call and see them.

From sun up to sun down on Monday the snow fall here measured nearly ten inches on a level, and as there was already several inches of the “beautiful” upon the face of Mother Earth, it can be easily seen that we are having quite a snowy time just now.

On Thursday evening last, a Mr. Hathaway, of Pineola, Mitchell county, with Deputy Sheriff “Bud” Justice, of Elk Park, arrived in town and delivered to the county jailor Alexander Harman, who was wanted in Watauga to answer to the charge of killing Benjamin Guy, a fifteen year old boy on last Christmas eve, and as the killing was so aggravated and malicious the defendant is now in the county jail.

March 12, 1908

Come in at court and see how you stand in our books.

If you want to vote for prohibition in May or at the general election in November your poll tax for the year 1907 must be paid by may 1. That is the law.

Rev. W. R. Savage asks us to say that he will preach in Boone at 11 a.m., next Sunday, and at Deerfield at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Providence permitting.

We are told that the play given by the Dramatic Club at Blowing Rock at the close of the public school at that place was a decided success, and much enjoyed by all who heard it.

A friend from Blue Ridge on last Saturday told us that prohibition was rapidly coming to the front in that township. Hurrah for the good people of the Ridge.

The Fiddlers’ Convention for Watauga is now being generally talked, and we feel justified in saying positively that it will be held in Boone some time this spring. But in the mean time talk it up. It will be some little diversion for our people.

To the churches of the Three Forks Association: The Committee on Program, concurring with Middle Fork church, think it best not to hold the Sunday School Convention on the 5th Sunday in March as previously arranged, owing to the fact that court convenes in the same week.

March 19, 1908

Dr. Jones hopes to get into his new home very soon.

To the Camp of Nimrod Triplett Camp, U.C.V.: You are called to meet in Boone; next Monday to attend to some business in regard to paying our dues, which will be only 10 cents to each member and other business of importance. Be sure to come prepared to fix all matters pertaining to the Grand Reunion. E. J. Norris, Com.

We were taught when a boy that is was naughty indeed not to answer letters. This being the case, some of our out-of-the-county subscribers have treated us badly of late.

When a good woman walks six miles to settle a newspaper account of several years standing as one did this week, it does seem to us that it is time for the strong, able-bodied male delinquents to come a running on what they are due.

April 9, 1908

Fresh line of candies and cakes at L. L. Critcher’s.

Just as well get on the Prohibition wagon. It’s bound to win in the race.

The weather is splendid, and the grass is about as fine now as it was the 15th of May last year.

The ninth season of the Girls Department of Lees-McRae Institute at Banner Elk will open May 1st.

Sheriff Hodges left for Raleigh last Thursday with Alexander Harman who was sent to the penitentiary for 12 years for the slaying of little Ben Guy last December. He also took young Dishman to the Gaston roads, sent up six months for store breaking.

Miss Lucy Matheson, who is well known in Boone, where she often visited her sister, Mrs. F. A. Linney, is to be married at the home of her parents in Taylorsville this morning, to Mr. Harvey C. Payne. Her many friends will be interested in her marriage.

April 23, 1908

The man who fails to hustle these lovely days, is evidently immune from doing anything at all.

Dr. and Mrs. Jones are now occupying their pretty home opposite the Critcher hotel.

Just in, 100 straw hats, the 25 and 50 cent grades. My price 15 to 20 cents while they last. R. M. Green.

Hon. R. Z. Linney, after attending court in Boone, left for the State of Oklahoma to visit his son Dr. Linney, who has a mammoth wheat farm which he was anxious to have this father see.

J. C. Farthing, who has been attending a dental college in Atlanta, Ga., the past session, is spending vacation at his home on Beaver Dams. He was in town this week and expressed himself as being most highly pleased with his studies. Success to the worthy young man.

George L. Storie, the leader of the anti-prohibition move in Blue Ridge Township, asks for the publication of the following: “There will be an anti-prohibition speaking in old Blue Ridge sometime between the first and tenth of May, the speakers and date will be named later.”

The Hodges’ quartette, with Dr. R. D. Jennings, W. R. Lovill and J. W. Bryan, constituting a string band composed of violins, guitars and banjos, dispensed sweet music to the denizens of the village Monday night in the form of a serenade. In behalf of all whose homes they so kindly visited, we extend thanks.

The North Wilkesboro baseball team failed to show up for the match tames to have been played here on Monday and Tuesday last and but for the fact that four clever batters from Lenoir came over, the games would have been entire failures. However two nines were constituted and the games were right interesting, Boone coming out victorious each.

Vilas Cottrell, of Washington College, Tenn., is in town this week. He says that their mercantile business is thriving splendidly, while his father, C. J. Cottrell, is contentedly working his farm.

May 7, 1908

Attend the Fiddler’s Convention in Boone on Friday, May 22nd. A pleasant time is assured you.

God pity the minister of the Gospel who declares his intention to vote against prohibition on the 26th of May!

Miss Cynthia Blackburn, who has been in Lenoir for the past month, has returned to the home of her uncle in Boone.

The Summer Term of the Appalachian Training School will open on Tuesday, May the 2nd, and a large attendance may be expected.

There will be a prohibition rally at the Cone School house on Saturday the 16th next beginning at 10 o’clock, a.m. There will be songs and recitations by the children of the neighborhood, with dinner on the grounds. An address will be delivered in the afternoon by either Prof. B. B. Dougherty or Rev. J. F. Davis.

There will be a prohibition rally at Zionville church on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 9:30 o’clock. The greater part of the programme will be rendered by the young ladies, boys and girls. The address of welcome will be delivered by Mr. A. Roten. Rev. E. F. Jones will preach to the people at 11 o’clock. Prof. B. B. Dougherty will address the people at 2 p.m. Dinner will be served on the ground. Everybody invited. Come, let us have a good day. By order of Committee.

Miss Mary Bogle, familiarly known as “Aunt Polly”, quietly and gently passed away Monday night at 9 o’clock at the home of Mr. Larkin Hodges a mile west of Boone. She was a lovely Christian character, a consistent member of the Lutheran church and there are left many friends and relatives who grieve that she is no more, but after a long and toilsome life how sweet eternal rest. The funeral services were conducted at the Hines grace yard by her pastor Rev. Mr. Kistler at 10 a.m. yesterday. 

To the public: There will be a Fiddler’s Convention held in the court house in Boone on Friday, May 22, 1908, beginning at 3 o’clock p.m. The fiddler’s of the county only are expected to enter the prize contest, but those from other counties are cordially invited to attend. There will be three cash prizes awarded as follows: $15, first prize; $10, second prize and $5, the third prize. A General good time is expected and a large attendance is desired. For other details, address W. H. Gragg, Manager, Shull’s Mills, N. C.

Friend John Green, of Beaver Dams, who has been in very delicate health since early in February, is slowly improving, and it is thought that the worst is over with him, and we truly hope it is. But few, if any, better men than he in the county.

Despite the snow storm, heavy black winds and slight freeze last week, the fruit has weathered it all and in most parts of the county is in good condition. We are told that the crop is more or less injured in some parts of Blue Ridge Township.

The registrars for the coming prohibition election, and those who have become of age or otherwise entitled to register since the last election, will take notice that the registration books will close at sun down on Saturday, May the 16th. – J. M. MORETZ, Chm. Co. Bd. of Elections

May 28, 1908

Prof. D. D. Dougherty and family left yesterday morning for a few days visit to relatives at Butler, Tenn.

Miss Lona Shipley has our thanks for a well-preserved Ben Davis apple and a box of luscious strawberries.

Miss Alma and Master Geo. Moretz are visiting their grandfather, Rev. Harrison Farthing on Beaver Dams this week.

Any one wishing to buy fine stock sheep. I will make it to your interest to see my flock on next Monday, June the 1st. B. J. Council, Boone, N.C.

The match ball games between Lenoir and Boone on the 22nd, were very interesting, to say the least, but our nine came out easy winner in each contest. The score in the forenoon was 6 to 11; in the afternoon 1 to 7; both in favor of the Boone nine. The Lenoir boys are genteel, pleasant fellows, but really they are not well enough up on ball playing to leave home for the purpose of exhibiting their skill.

Left at the base ball ground in Boone last Friday under a thorn tree: a grip containing some clothing, a speech book, etc., belonging to Jessie Shull, of Shull’s Mills. The finder will be rewarded.

Married on the 22nd inst.: Mr. Milton Mast, son of the late Noah Mast, of Amantha, this county, to Miss Floy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Cottrell, of Washington College, Tennessee. The couple is a well-known and popular one, and the best wishes for all for future happiness and prosperity are extended.

A very sad accident occurred recently in West Va., when Charley Scott and John Houck, two of Ashe county's splendid boys, who were at work for the Ritter Lumber Co. were "blown up" in a mine, instantly killed and burned almost beyond recognition. It seems these young and inexperienced lads were induced to work in a coal mine belonging to the Co. near one of the mills to get out fuel for the engine. The boys were at work far in the mine, which was filled with deadly gas, which exploded with terrific force with above results. It was indeed a veritable death trap. Sad, sad indeed! Boys stay at home.

The escape of young Holsclaw from Boone jail last week was a very "slick" act on his part. The jailer left both the keys to the inner doors in the locks, and went off to attend to some official business. The hand of the boy being very small, he managed in both cases to squeeze it through the bars and turn the keys. When the jailer returned, he was many miles away "hitting the grit" for "sweet Tennessee".

June 11, 1908

Mr. W. C. Coffey is having painting done -- on the bank.

Hon. R. Z. Linney, of Taylorsville, came up last week and will remain at his mountain paradise for a while.

Attorney W. R. Lovill left Tuesday afternoon for West Va. where he goes on important legal business.

An esteemed subscriber somewhat in arrears, writes, "I enclose what is due you." It wasn't therein contained, and we have cried most of the time since.

Messrs. Mast and Edens, of the Watauga Telephone Co., are hard setting poles preparatory to moving the switch board to the home of Mrs. Toppings near Cook Brush.

The old jail in Boone built in the '60's by the late Sheriff John Horton, is being torn down by its owner, M. P. Critcher. The walls are of sawed logs eight inches thick, while the joists, both sets, are of 12 inch squares, twenty-five feet long, and driven close together, making a very strong structure. As the logs are all of the finest white pine, save the cage, Mr. Critcher will have them manufactured into lumber, and there will certainly be a lot of. Two jails were burned on the same post where the present one stands.

It seems that the idea of doing any work on the town cemetery has again been abandoned for this year. To say the least, it is a poor index to the town, but Boone doesn't mind that.

Upper Johnson county, near the Watauga line, on Thursday of last, was the scene of a conflict in which Lee Green was most seriously if not fatally injured by two young men, sons of Mrs. Alfred Pearson. The trouble arose over some breachy stock, and after some hot words, Green threw a rock at one of the boys, and one was promptly returned by Pearson, striking Green above the ear, literally crushing in his skull. An operation was performed at once, the fractured bones taken out, and the patient was still living on Saturday. The Pearson boys are in Mountain City jail awaiting the next term of court.

The following invitation to our people is published by request of the editorial staff of Hickory, N.C.: "The city of Hickory invites the people of Boone and surrounding country to come and join in with the people of Hickory in celebrating the Fourth of July in grand style. Ample preparations are being made to entertain a crowd of 50,000 people. "Important shows will be here with startling features; High divers and Lady-balloonists will entertain the crowds with their marvelous feats." "Great aggregations of novel features will be presented to the crowds throughout the entire day. Let everybody come."

July 9, 1908

Dr. Lawrence Coffey, of Caldwell, visited relatives in Boone this week.

Bishop Horner and son, Junius, are at Valle Crucis for two weeks vacation.

Ex-Sheriff W. H. Calaway returned from a visit Jefferson Tuesday. He lost one of his fine horses with colic while gone.

All persons indebted to me will please make payment by the 20th. I am bound to collect. Please heed this notice. D. J. Cottrell.

Sorry to hear of the death of the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Edmisten, of Blowing Rock, which occurred last Saturday.

Deaconess Eva and Deaconess Mary, of the Episcopal Church, after a week at Blowing Rock, are at Valle Crucis for a few days.

Fair warning is hereby given to all persons that promiscuous shooting must be stopped in the town. Numbers of complaints have been made to be about this and it must be stopped -- J. C. Fletcher, Mayor.

Mrs. George Barnes, who lived one mile west of town, died early Tuesday morning leaving a husband and several children. She was a member of the Methodist church and, so far as we know, was a good christian woman.

Last Wednesday evening, Master Tracey, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Council, swung from a small pine, fell on his left arm and broke it just above the wrist. The little fellow is getting on nicely, and will doubtless have the full use of his arm again in a short time.

Mr. Roy Reese, son of Mr. Welborne Reese, of Beaver Dam, was married last Saturday to Miss Julia Justice. The bride is a sister of Mrs. John Sherrill, and is a very attractive young lady. The Democrat extends congratulations.

Poplar Grove Singing Class does hereby challenge any choir in the county to a contest in vocal music. Any class accepting this challenge will name the place and select half the pieces and we will select the other half in any book they may choose in shape notes. W. B. Green, Leader.

A rabid dog has created considerable excitement on Cove Creek, and little wonder it is. A cow belonging to J. B. Horton, has died from the effects of a bite, and one belonging to Hard Mast was raving mad, Tuesday evening from the same cause and trying to bite everything in site. The dog was killed later, and now the idea is to make a clean sweep of the dogs and advert further trouble.

The little boy prisoner, Bynum Holsclaw, who made his escape from county jail a few weeks ago, was re-arrested and again placed behind the bars last week. About sundown Monday evening this young criminal in knee pants, tiring of the narrow confines of his prison cell, made another dash for liberty, but after a lively chase he was overtaken by the jailor and is again bemoaning his fate in the prison cell. He is a handsome youth of 15 summers, rather small and is very bright. It seems that he has a perfect mania for steeling.

July 30, 1908

The blind minister, Rev. Mr. Kennedy, will preach in the Methodist Church in Boone at 11 next Sunday.

Mrs. Calvin J. Cotrell and son, Vilas, of Washington College, Tenn. are visiting here for a few days. Them seem to be well satisfied with their new home.

Little River and Boone crossed bats on the Boone diamond last Friday, in a match game of ball. Result 19 to 1 in favor Boone. Nice boys, but they just can't play ball. That's all.

Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Jones are visiting relatives in Alleghany county this week. This is the first leave of absence the Dr. has taken in years, and we hope his well earned vacation may be enjoyed to the fullest extent.

The people of Boone and generous guests within our borders did the right thing again Monday night when they delivered provisions to the amount of about $12.00 to the window Blair who is sick and unable to provide for a large family of children.

Mrs. Reitzel, Miss Finley, Miss Howard, ad Profs. Masters, Kerley, and Dougherty are busily engaged this week grading examination papers.

At a meeting of the Trustees of the Appalachian Training School held in Boone Tuesday, the following teachers, aside from the Profs. Dougherty, were elected for the next term: Mrs. Mary Reitzel, Miss Mildred Atkins, Prof. Roy M. Brown and Prof. A. Masters. Mrs. Moore was re-elected Matron of the Lovill Home. All of the newly elected members of the faculty taught in the summer school, and are educators of no small ability.

August 13, 1908

J. D. Councill, is, we are glad to know, improving from a severe attack of pneumonia.

The farmers are wearing a good, broad smile these days -- fine hay weather this week and they are making good use of it to be sure.

Miss Royster Critcher, who is visiting relatives in Wilkes, informs her father that there is a perfect scourge of typhoid fever in the two Wilkesboros.

The work on the Masonic picnic grounds is getting on fairly well, and the plot, as it is well dotted with rhododendrons, oak and chestnuts, will be a beauty when the underbrush is nicely cleared away. The picnic will not be held until early October

September 10, 1908

Don't fail to call at my store while in town next week. R. M. Greene.

Alfred W. Dula, the eye specialist, will be in town the three first days of court next week.

Sorry to know that the baby boy of Prof. D. D. Dougherty is seriously ill with laryngitis. He is thought to be slightly better at this writing.

At the Annual meeting of the stockholders in the Watauga County bank held Tuesday, all of the old directors were re-elected for the ensuing year, who in turn re-elected N. L. Mast, President and W. C. Coffey, Vice-President.

Friend Richard Greene, of Ozark, Mo., is visiting friends on Watauga soil for a short time. We were glad to see him in town looking much like himself. On renewing his subscription, he only ordered the paper six months saying I may be back in Watauga in that time. Hope he may decide to come back and re-invest in Watauga dirt, the county of his nativity.

A Bluff City Correspondent to the Bristol Courier-Herald writes: "The Green choir of Boone, N. C. sang in one of the churches here Sunday. Their rendition of sacred songs was something out of the ordinary and pleased all who were present." Boone can not lay claim to this noted band of vocalist, Poplar Groove, this county, has that distinction, please.

Misses Edna and Alma Holsclaw, of Vilas, left Monday for Trinity and Davenport Colleges, respectively. We again service notice on the Trinity boys that Miss Edna is a regular medal winner and if they are not very particular she will pluck some of the laurels that might have been theirs had she remained home.

October 1, 1908

Remember that cash sale of M. B. Blackburn's opens Monday, Oct. 5, 1908.

A dollar for the Democratic campaign fund is the request of Capt. Lovill. Read his appeal and act quickly.

Mrs. Emma Taylor, proprietress of the Blowing Rock Hotel, is spending a few days with her mother in Boone before leaving for her home in Hickory.

Mr. George Moody, of Cove Creek, is dangerously low with heart trouble at the home of his nephew T. A. Hodges, at Poplar Grove. Mr. Moody is getting well advanced in years, and while his friends hope for the better they will not be surprised if the worst comes at any hour.

The Clark shows exhibited here Monday, and came will up to the expectations of the most of our people. The acrobatic performances were fine and the animals were a great show to many present. To take it all together it was the best and most orderly show that has ever visited the village. The rough element was present, of course, but the management seemed to be upright, honest men.

Don't ask me for credit for the next four weeks as I am giving you the benefit of my labors and experience for the last fifteen years in helping you secure the best article you ever bought for the money just as Father Time says winter is coming.-- M. B. Blackburn

Friend John Hardin has certainly had an "elephant on his hands" in reality. During the wee small hours of Monday night he and his family were aroused from slumbers sweet by the crashing of glass in the rear of the house. The ladies were sure that burglars were getting in their work, and maybe John felt a little shaky about the knees, but action just then seemed imperative. So he sallied stealthily through halls, rooms, etc., until he came to the kitchen, and to his utter astonishment he beheld a monster animal munching out of his meal chest through the opening of a window that it had cleared of glass and sash. Upon farther examination, it was found that the intruder was "Mona" the 7,200 pound elephant that belonged to the Clark shows. John mustered up all his courage and shouted at the top of his voice, "what are you doing here?" The elephant turned around and with a defiant snort proceeded to walk over the garden paling with the same ease as if they had been stubble, and when her keeper arrived a few minutes later she was feasting upon the toothsome vegetables growing there. John has recovered from his fright, and the show people made good the damages.

October 22, 1908

A certain "Maid" at Mast is ready and willing for the long talk promised by Prof. B. B. Dougherty. Wonder if he means business?

Little Bynum Holsclaw, who was released from jail here only a few days ago and was sent to the Valle Crucis Mission School, has been stealing already and is again looking through the prison bars. What is best to do with the habitual little rogue is indeed a problem, but it seems that a term in the penitentiary or on the roads is all that will ever do the youthful criminal any good.

November 19, 1908

County singing at the court house tomorrow.

It really seems that the street lamps have gone out of commission for the winter.

It seems that some people take it as an open insult if you ask them for what they are due you. Strange, isn’t it?

Splendid winter weather for the past few days during which many fine porkers have been butchered in and around the village.

Miss Katie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larkin Hodges, whose life has been hanging as it were by a thread, for several weeks, quietly, peacefully crossed to the other shore, on Monday evening. Deceased was a member of the Methodist Church in Boone and her life was as pure as the fleecy snow under which her body was laid yesterday. A pure young life ended, another happy spirit roaming in fields Elysium.

December 17, 1908

The mother of Mr. B. T. Brannock has been right unwell for several days.

Only one more week until Christmas. Have you a kindness in store for some one less fortunate than yourself?

As the public schools of the county are taught out the enrollment at the A.T.S. is increased. Charles Hagaman, Zeb Farthing and others are among the new recruits.

The public school in Boone will close next Wednesday and the children will render a carefully prepared, most interesting program at night. The occasion will be one of much pleasure.

The colored school here will close tomorrow night with an entertainment by the children.

Keep your money at Watauga Co. Bank. It has a time lock, burglar proof safe, and in addition to this, carries burglar insurance which guarantees absolute safety to depositors. Cashier.

W. R. ______, a well known man of this community, had an attack of partial insanity more than two weeks ago and, while he is more quiet now, his mental condition is but very little if any improved. Application for his admission into the State Hospital has been made.

The Campbell Amusement Co. will exhibit in the court house in Boone next Tuesday night. The exercises will consist of moving pictures, illustrated songs, etc., one of the most enjoyable shows ever exhibited in the mountains. Come one, come all. Admission fee returned to all dissatisfied persons.

Wiley H. Farthing, a former Watauga man, now of Blountville, Tenn., returned a few days since from a visit to his old home and kindred on Beaver Dams. We are glad to learn he is prospering in Tennessee; but we always have room in old Watauga for such men as Wiley Farthing when they wisely decide to move back.

L. W. McGuire, who has we suppose, the largest apiary in the county, was in the village Monday on business. He says his bees haven't done so well this season, but notwithstanding this, he has taken a large amount of honey from his 105 stands.

There is hardly a section in the State where the death of Mr. Moses H. Cone is more keenly felt than in Watauga, not on account of his great wealth, but because he was a man who would condescend to those of low estate, and make them feel entirely at ease in his presence. He drew the mountain people to him with kind words, kind deeds and kind actions, and his sudden death has brought deep grief to thousands of people who never handled a cent of his money. Great heart, great mind, strong friend, gone forever and the people mourn his departure.