They Promote Planting To Prosper, 1938

We recently attended the estate of Lillian Ezzell Dobson Dunavant in Memphis.  Lillian is a great-grandchild of John Williamson Moran making her and Kent 2nd cousins. We purchased several items related to the shared family history including two boxes of newspaper clippings, letters and other ephemera.

The first packet of clippings just happened to include articles that mention Uncle Brud, aka Charles H. Moran.  I thought that was a great place to begin scanning and sharing the information from the Dunavant estate.

"Plans for bigger and better participation in the 1938 Plant To Prosper contest by Weakley County farmers were outlined at Dresden, Tenn., this week by the county committee; Members are (left to right) Charles H. Moran, banker; Claude H. Hilliard and Reuben E. Ellis, county agent."

Destructive Fire in Dresden Tenn 1868

The following article first appeared in the Hickman Courier on November 28, 1868.  It seems that John Moran's home was damaged in the amount of $2,800. His brother-in-law, B.D. Irvine suffered damages in the amount of $2,500 and cousin Robert M. Irvine suffered $3,000 in damages.

Destructive Fire--A destructive fire occurred in Dresden, Tenn., on Tuesday morning last, totally destroying the West-side of the public square.  The loss is estimated at $50,000.  It was the work of an incendiary and originated between Meadows' store and an old doctor's shop, used by him as a warehouse.  The following is an estimate of the losses incurred:  S. M. White, dealer in dry goods; J.M. Meadows, dealer in dry goods, $4,000; James Lumkins, grocery merchant, from $500 to $1000. Mr Lumpkins succeeded in saving most of his stock.  B.D. Irvine, owner of one of the buldings, $2,500; Jesee Givvs, owner of house an elegantly furnished saloon, $2,500; McKennan & Yates, $500; John Moran, owner of a house, $2,800; Gleason's two brick offices, occupied by Zachery, harness-maker, $300, and Archer, dealer in jewelry, $1,750.  Heirs of Jas. Summers,house on the south-west corner of the Square, $2,500.  Robert M. Irvine, house, $3,000.  J.A. Prestwood, $150. There was very little insurance on the buildings.

Brasfield and Moran, 1924-25

Found these two photographs and few others stored in a Loveman's Department Store Box and were annotated for Kent from his mom, Ria Moran.  The first photo features Richard Brasfield, Nathan "Bub" Moran and his young sister Louise.  Taken late 1924 or early 1925.  I'm guessing that Richard is Richard Duane Brasfield, son of Roy West Brasfield and Johnnie Costen Bobbitt, born in 1919. He married Ruth Anne Bowlin in 1942 in Nashville, TN. He studied medicine and became a physician specializing in Cancer Research at New York City Hospital.  Dr. Brasfield passed away in 1970.  

left to right:
Richard Brasfield, Marion Louise Moran and Nathan "Bub" Moran

The second picture was taken in the side yard of Moran Place, about 1925-26, and features Bub and Louise Moran. Bub and his sister were very close.  Even when he was away at college and early in the military he kept pictures and letters from his sister Louise in his footlocker.

Loveman's Department store.  

KPM Porcelain ca. 1885

I don't know about you but this looks like something you might buy at Cracker Barrel.  A reproduction of days gone by maybe, so imagine my surprise when I happened to look at the back and noticed a maker's mark, KPM.  

Quick research told me that it was made about 1885 by the Konigliche Porzallen Manufactur company in Berlin Germany.  The company was started in 1761 by Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky.  A couple of years later Gotzkowsky ran into financial difficulties and the company was taken over by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.  In today's market KPM is most sought after for its plaques.

Since we can date the item to 1885 I like to think that it was something that John W. Moran purchased for his wife Sophia. 

Moran Place Christmas Season, ca 1970

Christmas in the very early 1970's at Moran Place.  The tree was placed just inside the front doors (doors to the left) and in front of the pocket sliding doors to the parlor.  This picture was taken from the landing of the stairs and offers a nice shot of the Victorian wood turnings that separated the entrance area to the stairs.

Nathan H. Moran, Air Force Commendation Medal

The big old Victorian home built by John W. Moran shouts to the world "Look at me!"  So it's ironic that most of the people that inhabited Moran Place were actually the opposite.  They were not into promoting themselves, their accomplishments, their philanthropy. 

Nathan H. Moran

They preferred to maintain what we call today a "low profile."  There were, of course, a few exceptions, James the third comes to mind. He did love to show off! But his son, Nathan (Bub), was by all accounts not that interested in family history or past accomplishments and the big old house that so many people love was just a house to him.

The back is engraved: For Military Merit
Nathan H. Moran

So in true Bub fashion he didn't bother to tell Kent that he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal,  It just wasn't in his nature to do what I suppose he thought was self-aggrandizement.   He left that for us to do for him.  :)

We don't know why he was awarded the commendation but it's on our list of things to find out.  

According to the Air Force Fact Sheet the medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force in 1958 and was awarded "to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Air force after March 24, 1958, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service.  The degree of merit must be distinctive, though it need not be unique. Acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life required for the Soldier's Medal (or the Airman's Medal now authorized for the Air Force) may be considered for the AFCM."

  

Dresden Men in the News, July 1879

If the state debt is compromised and the property taxed to pay the interest who will it fall upon--the owners of taxable property.  We have seen and conversed with quite a number of this class of men--for instance, A.M. BOYD, G.R. BRASFIELD, B.D. IRVINE, G.W. MARTIN, M.P. MARTIN, Alfred GARDNER and J.W. MORAN--worth in the aggregate about $600,000 and owning about 30,000 acres of land.  These men are all warm supporters of the compromise measure, and if such men, who pay largely of the taxes, are willing to vote this tax upon themselves, ought not the poor man who will not pay one dollar of the taxes (for the poll tax goes to the school fund) vote for the compromise?  Can you find ten men in the county worth as much as the seven above named who will vote against the compromise?  We think not.

--Dresden Our Country

Posted in The Milan Exchange July 17 1879, page 1.

Rome Martin and His Family

The year before his father died, Kent put his life and studies at UT Martin on hold to spend as much time as possible with his dad. Definitely time well spent! They would shoot the breeze and talk about whatever took their fancy and they probably drank a beer, or two.  But one of the things they did together was  go through some of the photographs and identify the people in them.  

Center: Rome Martin
Taken in front of Moran Place ca 1920

Which brings me to this photo of three boys. Bub Moran identified the center boy as Rome Martin.  We think the other two boys might be Bub and his older brother Jimmy but we aren't positive.  Based on research Rome was born about 1904.  If the picture includes Bub Moran, the young one on the left, then it would have to be taken in 1920 or a year or so later which would put Rome at age 16 here.  I guess that's possible but he looks more like 12 or 13 to me.  So for now the only thing we can say for sure is that the photo was clearly taken in front of Moran Place and includes Rome Martin.

Who was Rome?  He first appears in the 1910 Census for Weakley County with his family.

Father: Dan Martin, age 56, married for 25 years. He was born in Tennessee and his parents place of birth are both listed as Tennessee.  He was a laborer who did odd jobs and had been unemployed for 4 weeks during 1910. He couldn't read or write.

Mother: Joanna, age 40, number of births 13 number of living children 10.  She and her parents all listed as born in Tennessee. Joanna was a cook and had not been unemployed at all during 1910.  She couldn't read or write. 

Daughter: Etta, age 17, single.  She was a washerwoman and had been unemployed 8 weeks during 1910. She could read and write.

Son: Vester, age 14, single.  Like his dad Vester was a laborer who worked odd jobs.  He was unemployed 12 weeks during 1910.  He could read and write.

Son: Alec, age 12, single, attended school, could read and write.

Daughter: Kittie, age 9, single, attended school, could read and write.

Son: Rome, age 6, single, attended school, could read and write.

Marriage Document for
Dan Martin and Josie Cook
1887

Rome's parents, Daniel Martin and Josie/Joanna Cook were married in Weakley County on August 29 1887.  His wife's name would appear in various forms: Jo, Joe, Josie, Joanna.

In the 1920 Census Joanna is listed as a widow.  I found a death certificate for Daniel Martin who died May 19 1918 in Dresden Tennessee.  His estimated birth year was 1856, born in Martin TN, and his age "about 62."  He was married and his occupation was coal mining.  His father was "Dinnes Martin", Virginia, mother was Harriet Martin of Virginia.  The informant was D.E. Martin.  He died of Sarcoma of Inferior Maxillary bone.   He was interred at Ralston Cemetery.  It's possible that this is Rome's father.  

In 1920 Joanna is at home with her children Etta, Alec (Alexander), Jimmie, Kittie and Rome.  Joanna's occupation is "cook, private family"  Etta's occupation was "none".  Alec was a laborer at a saw mill.  Jimmie was a "house boy, private home."  Kittie and Rome were listed as "none."  I'm wondering if Joanna and Jimmie were employed by the Moran family?  

Joanna Cook Martin disappears after the 1920 Census.  

On March 30 1926 Rome's brother Vester died in Memphis at the Veteran's Hospital.  Information from the death certificate says he was born October 18, 1895 in Tennessee.  He was married and worked in a tobacco factory.  His parents were Dan Martin and Joe Cook.  He died of tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, active.  The certificate indicated it was possible he contracted the disease during his time in the military.  His body was returned to Dresden for burial.   I found Vester's WWI Registration.  The only thing I noticed was the different birth date, January 15 1896.  His wife remains a mystery.

In 1930 Rome is out on his own, age 25 and married.  His wife is Vivian, maiden name unknown.  Vivian's age at the time of the 1930 Census was 16.  They had a daughter named Shirley M. Martin, one year old. This is the last reference I find regarding Rome and his family.

Kittie has also left home and has her own household in 1930.  She was 28 years old, and married.  She was

Kittie/Kitty Martin with
Dottie and Jimmie Moran
Family Reunion 1945

19 at the time of her marriage, per Census Data.  She had a daughter named Joanna, age 7, and a son named James W., age 4.  Like her mother, Kittie was a cook in a private family home.  My thought is that her mother Joanna was the cook at Moran Place and after her death Kittie became the cook.  I was not able to locate marriage information for Kittie and she didn't show up in any searches for the 1940 Census.  But I know she was still in Dresden because she was still employed by the Moran's and appears in pictures from the family reunion of 1945.

Rome's sister Etta died February 7, 1939, Dresden TN.  The death certificate revealed that she was divorced from Sam Fuller. Her birth date was October 26 1890 and the informant was Jimmie Martin, maybe her brother? Bowlin and Riggs were the undertakers and burial was at "Hill Cemetery." I confirmed with Bowlin Funeral Home in Dresden TN that Sunrise Cemetery has been known as various names in the past including variations of Hill and Hill Top Cemetery. Using the information from the death certificate I was able to locate Etta and Sam Fuller in the 1930 Census in Henry County TN.  Sam was 29 years old, born in Georgia.  They had been married about a year.  He was a loader working on the highway.  Etta was 30 years old and no occupation was listed.  I don't know if they had any children.

I found a Jimmie Martin that I believe is Rome's brother. He appears in the 1930 Census for Dresden, age 32 and married.  He was a laborer at a filling station.  His wife was Cozette Gleason, age 27.  She was a laundress and worked out of the home.  Their daughter was Ruby M, age 8.  Jimmie was living just one house from Rome in 1930. According to the Tennessee State Marriage database Jimmie and Cozette were married on March 10, 1923.

Jimmie appears again in the 1940 Census for Dresden.  This time he's listed as James Martin, age 38.  He's an attendant at the O.K. Chevrolet Company.  Cozette is 35 and a cook in a private home.  Daughter Ruby is 18 and is also a cook for a family.  In addition, Ruby is now married to Richard Edmondson.  Richard is 18 and a farmer.  Cozette's mother is also in the household.  Lizzie Gleason, age 42, widow. She has a position as cook in a private home as well.  Other data for Cozette and her her family is listed later.

Because I research as I write I often come across information I didn't see before.  That's the case here.  I was trying to locate Alexander Martin and came across the 1900 Census for the family.  I'm now able to include the following children of Daniel and Joanna Martin:  "Hue" (sic), age 14, born Feb 1886. Hugh was a porter at a hotel.  The next child is Charly, a daughter, age 7 born Nov. 1892.  In addition to the children Joanna's father is living with them.  His name is Lewis Cook, born march 1824, age 76. He was born in Kentucky.

I have not been able to locate anything past the 1920 Census regarding Alex.  His name appears in various forms: Alec, Alex, Elick,  Elic, and Alexander.

Additional information:

Data for Joanna Cook's family

Joanna Cook was the daughter of Lewis/Louis Cook and his wife Caroline.

From the 1870 Census Weakley County:

Cook, Louis, age 42, Farmer, value of real estate $400, value of personal estate $200, born in Kentucky

-----Caroline, age 37, keeping house, born in TN

-----Elzira, age 17, at home, born in TN (Married Napoleon Gardner Weakley County July 18, 1885)

-----Rachel, age 14, at home, born in TN (Married Mike Eskridge Weakley county Jan 8 1874)

-----John W., age 12, at home, born in TN

-----Joannah, age 8, at home, born in TN

-----Louis A., age 6, at home, born in TN

-----Mary M. M. C., age 4, at home, born in TN

-----Mary C, age 2, at home, born in TN

1880 Census Weakley County

Cook, Louis, age 53, Farmer

-----Caroline, age 46, keeping house

-----Clementine, age 14, daughter 

-----Mager M., age 6, son

Data for Cozett Alliev Gleason's family:

Information from her delayed Certificate of Birth, State of Tennessee.

Name: Cozett Alliev Gleason

Date of Birth: Apr 23, 1901

Birthplace: Dresden, Weakley Co. Tenn

Father: Wiley Gleason, Tenn

Mother: Lizzie Sylvertooth, Tenn

Signed by Cozett Martin and dated Feb 19, 1960

Abstract of supporting evidence:  Census Records, April 15, 1910

Photostatic copy of Social Sec app.

Affidavit of relative

Affidavit of non-relative

1910 Census for Dresden

Gleason, Wiley, age 40, born in Tennessee.  House Carpenter, can read and write

-----Pearl, daughter, age 16, single.  No occupation listed.  Could read and write.

-----Charley, son, age 14, single..  House boy, private home.  Could read and write.

-----Sara, daughter, age 16, single. Could read and write

-----Cozette, daughter, age 9. Could read and write.

-----Maggie Lee, daughter, age 6

-----Harvy, son, age 4

1920 Census for Dresden

Gleason, Wilie, 

-----Lizzie, wife, age 38

-----Pearl, daughter age 26, cook in hotel

-----Charlie, son, age 24, taxi driver

-----Sarah, daughter, age 21, no occupation.  Married Cephas Thompson Aug 26 1922, Weakley County. Died Nov. 24 1941 in Nashville.  Buried at Hill Top Cemetery (now known as Sunrise) Dresden TN

-----Maggie Lee, daughter, age 18, cook for private family

-----Harvey, son, age 16, shoe shiner, barber shop

Wade, Ama/Ema, sister-in-law, age 34 single, cook for private family

-----Sidney, brother-in-law, age 30 widow

Information from the death certificate of Wiley J. Gleason

Married

Date of Birth: March 15 1872

Occupation Day Laborer

Birthplace: Weakley County TN

Father: Billy Gleason, Weakley Co. Tennessee

Mother: Ann Gleason, Weakley co. Tenn.

Informant and wife: Lizzie Gleason

Cause of Death: Dropsy of ? accompanied with dropping blood pressure

Burial: Dresden Cemetery (Sunrise Cem?)

Undertaker: Winstead and Bowlin Bros.  

Dresden Enterprise Apr 24 1896 - The Illustrated Edition Part 13 "William Congrave Croft"

This is the thirteenth in a multi-part series featuring the April 24 1896 edition of the Dresden Enterprise.  If you missed the previous posts you can find them here: part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven, part twelve.

Most of the individuals pictured in this edition of the Enterprise also had a brief profile to go along with their picture.  William Congrave Croft did not.  The Enterprise simply reported that he was going to succeed Franklin P. Fonville as County Trustee so I had to go in search of something to say about Mr. Croft.

He was born May 6 1842 in Arkansas to George W. Croft and Elizabeth Golden.  After the death of his mother in 1847 he and his siblings were brought to Weakley County by their uncle, William Golden and raised in his household.  During the Civil War, like so many of his west Tennessee compatriots, he served in Co. K 31st Tennessee Regiment.  William signed up September 2, 1861 at Trenton, rank of private. He was appointed 4th Corporal November 1861.  In 1862 and 63 he was on detached service in Chattanooga.   In his later years, William would be an active participant and Commander for the James G. Pirtle UCV Camp #990, Fulton Kentucky, at several of the Confederate Reunions.  

Croft was married three times but he only had children with his first wife.  He married Martha Elizabeth Roberts in 1867 in Weakley County TN.  Their children were: Emma, George and Oswald Croft. Martha died about 1881.

He served as Weakley County Trustee for a number of years during the 1890's.  

He married his second wife on May 20 1885, Catharine Virginia "Jennie" Ridgeway, 1853-1908.  Jennie died in 1908:  "Mrs. Jennie Croft, of Fulton, died at her home in that city Friday night.  Mrs. Croft was born in Henry county, Tenn., April 28, 1853. She was a daughter of Hon. Wm. Ridgeway. On May 20 1885, she was married to W.C. Croft, and was a member of the Baptist church, at Fulton.  Deceased is survived by her husband.  Interment took place at Mt. Moriah Cemetery."  Hickman Courier June 5 1908

In 1905 he ran for a position on the city council in Fulton. Paducah Sun Sept 30 1905

In 1906 Croft was elected vice-president of the board of directors at the City National bank of Fulton.  Paducah Sun, January 30 1906

In the January 14 1909 edition of the Hickman Courier the following wedding announcement appeared:

"Mr. W.C. Croft and Mrs. S.A. Verhine were married at the home of Mr. Cothran in West Fulton Jan. 7. The ceremony was performed by Rev. McLeskey of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.  Immediately afterward Mr. and Mrs. Croft went to their home in East Fulton."

He and his third wife, Zilphia T. (Mrs. S.A. Verhine), appear in the 1910 and 1920 Census records for Fulton Kentucky. This was Zilphia's second marriage as she was first married to S.D. Verhine January 28, 1873 in Obion County. His middle initial appears in some places as A and others D. 

The Richmond Daily Register for April 11 1919 reported that W.C. Croft was among the members appointed by Kentucky Governor Stanley to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Confederate Home at Pewee Valley.

William Croft died July 20 1925 and is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Weakley County.  Zilphia died September 26, 1925, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Turner.

Source material:  U.S. Census Records, Civil War Service Records, Family Trees/Croft Family Bible/Ancestry.com, Tennessee Marriage Records, Kentucky Death Certificates, History of Goodspeed for Obion county, Paducah Sun, Hickman Courier

The complete list of links in this multi-part series:

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven, part twelve, part thirteen, part fourteen, part fifteen, part sixteen, part seventeen, part eighteen, part nineteen, part twenty, part twenty-one, part twenty-two, part twenty-three.

Dresden Enterprise Apr 24 1896 - The Illustrated Edition Part 12 "J.W. Killebrew"

This is the twelfth in a multi-part series featuring the April 24 1896 edition of the Dresden Enterprise.  If you missed the previous posts you can find them here: part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven.

J.W. Killebrew, the present register, was raised near Palmersville and lived there until elected register six years ago.  He is crippled from white swelling, but has recovered sufficiently to throw away his crutches.  He has made and (sic) excellent register, has kept his books in exceptionally good condition, and his efficiency in office caused him to be now serving his second term.  He is married and has six children.  He has bought a home here and is truly a citizen of the town.  Mr. Killebrew is a genial, kindhearted man, and has a personal friend in each of our people.  He is, of course, a Democrat, and has ever remained loyal to his party.

The complete list of links in this multi-part series:
part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven, part twelve, part thirteen, part fourteen, part fifteen, part sixteen, part seventeen, part eighteen, part nineteen, part twenty, part twenty-one, part twenty-two, part twenty-three.

Dresden Enterprise Apr 24 1896 - The Illustrated Edition Part 9 "George Thomas Mayo"

This is the ninth in a multi-part series featuring the April 24 1896 edition of the Dresden Enterprise.  If you missed the previous posts you can find them here: part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight.

George Thomas Mayo, born in 1860 near Palmersville TN, was the son of William Mayo, who died during the Civil War, and Mary Ann Hart.  Over the course of his lifetime he worked in the dry goods business, clerked, was the County Court Clerk and had a lengthy career as a Baptist Minister.  He was married twice. First to Ella Savannah McWherter and late in life to Annie Mai Pentecost.  He and Ella had a large family together.  Rev Mayo and many of his family are interred in Sunset Cemetery, Dresden TN.

The following brief article and the picture above appeared in the Dresden Enterprise April 24, 1896.

Mr. Mayo, who is our present county court clerk, was born near Palmersville, remaining on the farm until grown.  He entered the dry goods business at Woodland Mills, Obion county, and was married while living there to Miss Ella McWherter, of Palmersville five children having been born to them.  

Mr Mayo was at one time in the dry goods business in Paducah and Fulton, Ky, and also clerked here a while for C.W. Cottrell. Later he went into the dry goods business for himself at Palmersville.  He was elected to fill the unexpired term of T.M. Biggs as a member of our county court, and later was re-elected. Two years ago Mr. Mayo was nominated on the Democratic ticket as a candidate for county court clerk, defeating Mr. T.L. Little, one of the very best officers this county ever had.  Mr. Mayo, was triumphantly elected, and his coduct (sic) of the county's business proves that he was a wise selection.  

He has bought a home here which he has greatly improved, and has thoroughly identified himself with the town's interests, something we Dresden people like very much to see done when practicable.  Mr. Mayo is a thoroughly honest man in his conceptions of his duty, and this caused him to withdraw from the Primitive Babtist (sic) organization because he found he had been mistaken in believing that church meant to do anything for the cause of foreign missions.  He is now a Missionary Baptist and will make them a good member.

The complete list of links in this multi-part series:

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven, part twelve, part thirteen, part fourteen, part fifteen, part sixteen, part seventeen, part eighteen, part nineteen, part twenty, part twenty-one, part twenty-two, part twenty-three.

Blue Aviary Fine Linen Handkerchief by Tammis Keefe

Before there were boxes of Kleenex or Posh Puffs people utilized handkerchiefs to wipe their noses, catch those sneezes and wipe perspiration from the brow.  Which seems a real shame considering the beauty and artwork of some of the handkerchiefs!

The design for this handkerchief was created by Tammis Keefe.  Tammis was born in 1913 and studied at the Chouinard Institute of Art.  At one time she worked at the Disney studios and later was the art director for Arts and Architecture magazine.  In the late 1940's she began designing fine linen and cotton handkerchiefs with eye-popping colors and whimsical designs.  In addition to handkerchiefs she designed scarves, linen kitchen towels and table cloths.  She was one of the first women fabric designers to have her signature appear on her work. Because of their beautiful designs and the captivating subjects many people would frame the handkerchiefs and display them as works of art.   Tammis Keefe died in 1960.

This design by Keefe is called "Blue Aviary" and most likely belonged to Virginia Shumate Moran of Moran Place.

The West Tennessee Democrat, May 12 1876

The West Tennessee Democrat
May 12, 1876 - Editor T.H. Baker

Considering its age this newspaper is in fantastic condition.  At first I thought it had been saved because of the large advertisement for J.W. Moran's store which I posted yesterday.  But then I noticed a name had been written on the front page, Mrs. Allie Edwards.

Mrs. Allie Edwards

Prof. Hunter weds Blanche Edwards.

What connection, if any, did Allie Edwards have to the Moran family?  After reading some of the newspaper I found an article that mentions Blanche Edwards of Gardner Station and a Prof. Hunter. My logical conclusion is that Blanche and Allie are related but so far I haven't found anything about an Allie Edwards but I did find marriage information regarding Blanche and W.W. Hunter. They were married on May 1 1876 in Weakley County.

"Something Wrong"  The last number of the Fulton Times contains a notice of the marriage of Prof. Hunter, one of its editors, to Miss Blanche Edwards, of Gardner Station.  The same number of the paper contains Prof. Hunter's "valedictory."

There is something wrong here.  We have often heard of men getting "into business" by marrying and most new married couples anticipate "squalls"--after awhile--but this indicates that a man may get "out" of business by the same process, and haven't the "squalls"....   

Unfortunately that last line of the article is forever lost but even without that last thought it seems to me the article is not very complimentary to Prof. Hunter.  Anyway, the Moran tree has several folks with the surname Edwards in it, usually in connection to Bondurants and Gardners and since Blanche Edwards was from Gardner Station there's a good chance she's a distant Moran relation.  The other curiosity is Prof. W.W. Hunter.  Agnes Hunter Cowardin, another Moran relative, married John Almus Gardner.  I wonder if W.W. Hunter is a relation via Agnes?  More research is necessary on this line.

I thought it would be fun to share what people in Weakley County were talking about and reading in 1876.

On the political front:

For Trustee: Smyth--We are authorized to announce the name of J.M. Smyth, of the eleventh district, as a candidate for Trustee.  Election in August next.

For the Senate: Martin--We are authorized to announce the name of George W. Martin, as a candidate to represent this Senatorial District in the next General Assembly--election in November.

For the Legislature:  Finch--We are authorized to announce C.F. Finch, of the Tenth District, as a candidate for the Lower House of the Legislature at the ensuing November election, subject to the will of the people.

For Sheriff:  Irvine--We are authorized to announce R.N. Irvine as a candidate for Sheriff, at the ensuing August election.

For Constable:  Parham--We are authorized to announce W.W. Parham as a candidate for Constable for the 5th Civil District of Weakley County, at the ensuing August election.

Dresden, Tenn., April 6, 1876--Remembering with gratitude the support so generously given me in the past, I come again to ask your votes for official promotion.  By your votes I have twice been chosen as one of the two constables which it is the privilege of the qualified voters of this District to elect.  How I have executed the varied, and sometimes painful and delicate duties of that office, is well known to you all.  If an active, vigilant and impartial attention to the interests of those who entrusted their business to my care during the two terms to which you elected me is ony (sic) recommendation, I certainly feel that my past official life entitles me to  future preferment Thanking you for past honors, and assuring those who support me in my present need will be enshrined in my heart of hearts, I am, most respectfully,

         W.W. Parham

Women, education and the Bluestocking.

"Education of Women"--Keep as much as possible in the grand and common road of life.  Depend upon it men set more value on the cultivated minds than on the accomplishments of women, which they are rarely able to appreciate.  It is a common error that literature unfits women for the every day business of life.  It gives women a real and proper weight in society, but they must use it with discretion.  If the stocking is blue the petticoat must be long; the want of this has furnished food for ridicule in all ages.

Drug Addiction in 1876

"Morphia Disease" -- Terrible Consequences of the Abuse of narcotics in Modern Society.

The vast abuse of narcotics in modern society is becoming, the London Lancet remarks, a serious evil. There is no denying the fact that in countries where no administrative control of chemist's shops exists, as in England and America, the public has too easy access to such drugs.  The report of the medical officer to the Privy Council on the use of laudanum in the industrial districts of England for the purpose of keeping infants quiet startled its readers some years ago.  It is not long since a political weekly contemporary boldly contended that chloral was to be found int he work-boxes and baskets of nearly every lady in the West End, "to calm her nerves."

Women and Fashion

"Miscellaneous Items"--Entire costumes for evening are now often modeled after fashions which prevailed in revolutionary days, as for instance, the lengthened court train, with satin petticoat, deep pointed corsage and Lady Washington sleeves.

The prevailing style in parasols is the canopied top, with crochet rings, to which are attached small bows of ribbons.

Cream-colored cashmere over-dresses are among the special fancies of the season.

The rough and ready straw hats are being covered with full puffings of white tyarlatan, and trimmed with scarlet poppies and green leaves.

Postillion reappears at the back of basques.

Bias folds, with narrow Tom Thumb fringe, are again seen on skirts of rich silk dresses.

Little girls' frocks are now made in what is called the English Style.  The bodice is prolonged to below the hips, where the skirt is put on in plaits at the back and plain in front.

And let's not forget the men!

"Southern Men and Manners"--Olive Logan, writing to the Chicago Times from Washington, gives her views of southern men from a social standpoint:

Men of this decidedly southern cast of thought and breeding are amazingly agreeable to women.  I forstall retort here, by at once asserting that I do not speak of the as lover or sweetheart (in which capacity I have no use for them), but as the mere cavaliere savante of society, the carpet knight of the drawing-room.  In this respect they are immeasurably superior to our pre-occupied, busy and thoughtless northern men.  Their form of address is in itself more respectful.  A remark to a lady is almost invariably prefaced by the word "madame."  A seat in a street care is instantly relinquished in favor of a woman by these courtly men.  To meet a lady in the street and walk with her, and not relieve her of such parcels as she may be carrying, would be considered very rude conduct.  This particular item in their code of etiquette is directly at variance with that prevailing among New York men, who, copying the European custom, hold that a lady may carry a small bundle with propriety, ladies being constant purchasers of odds and ends, but no gentleman carries a parcel, that being a distinctive badge of a counter-jumper or errand man.  I know that I shall evoke a responsive "yes" from the lips of hundreds and hundreds of my lady readers when I ask if it is not their custom to carry their own shawls, umbrellas, bundles and even bags, instead of stowing the same in the arms of hubby, pa or brother.

George P. Rowell & Co. American
Newspaper Directory, 1873

The West Tennessee Democrat wasn't around for very long and at the time it was in circulation it was the only paper being published in Weakley County. The editor & publisher was T.H. Baker, who had previously published the Carroll County Democrat.  In 1876 The West Tennessee Democrat was renamed the Dresden Democrat. In 1881, the Dresden Democrat had this to say about its former editor: "T.H. Baker, Former editor of the Dresden Democrat, and later of the Paris Post, has made another flop.  He flopped into the Republican Party at this time."

1876 Newspaper Advertisement for J.W. Moran's Dry Goods Store

This advertisement for John W. Moran's Dry Goods Store appeared in the May 12 1876 edition of The West Tennessee Democrat.

Dresden Enterprise Apr 24 1896 - The Illustrated Edition Part 4 "Hon. Rice A. Pierce"

This is the fourth in a multi-part series featuring the April 24 1896 edition of the Dresden Enterprise.  If you missed the previous posts you can find  part one here, part two here and part three here.

Hon. Rice A. Pierce.

A history of Union City and Obion county would be incomplete without reference to Hon. Rice A. Pierce, the distinguished statesman and lawyer, whose popularity just now is overshadowing nearly everyone else in his congressional district.  Mr. Pierce has made a reputation for consistency of which any man should feel very proud.  He has stood before those who denounced him for his financial view and defied them, and now sees them coming over and joining hands with him.

It was in 1892 that Mr. Pierce, then a member of Congress, began his fight for free silver.  He and land were alone in that fight.  Mr. Pierce made a speech which those who heard it remember well, because some of them who oppose him then are repeating the same speech now.  He made a strong speech, but free silver was not considered the hope of Democracy then, as it is by some Democrats now, and he went down in defeat, both in his fight for the free coinage of gold and silver and for his re-election to Congress.

In ninety-two Mr. Pierce positively refused to support the gold plank in the Democratic national platform.  this caused a bitter fight on him by those in his district who favored the gold plank.  He was assailed all over his district for free silver views.  He was denounced by leaders of his party, but he stood firm and said he could not be driven from his position.  He said that the free coinage of silver was the hope of the country and the Democratic party must solve the question.  But he was

defeated.  Another candidate took his place in Congress.  But during the past four years Mr. Pierce has stuck to his views and now finds the very men who opposed him and who compassed his defeat declaring that free coinage of silver is the hope of the nation and the slogan of the Democratic party ?ends of Mr. Pierce claim that his record in Congress and before the people is unassailable.  They point to his public acts. In February ninety-three, when Sherman tacked onto the civil sundry bill the 3 percent bond amendment, it passed the senate, but when it reached the house Mr. Pierce at once detected it and alone and single handed opened a fight against this amendment.  It was a hard fight and there were big odds against him, but he never flagged and kept up his struggle until he gained recruits and defeated it.  In this case as in others he was assisted first by Mr. Bland.  Many will remember the fight.  Mr. Richardson of Tennessee, was in the chair when it took place.  But it was a great victory for Mr. Pierce, and his friends point to it as a triumph for which they intend to reward him.  In the fifty-first Congress he introduced the only bill to bring about a graduated income tax and made one of the only two speeches delivered on this bill.

In ninety-four Mr. Pierce was asked to canvass the state for the Democratic party.  He consented and it cannot be denied that he did excellent work.  He is credited for this work by his friends, and Chairman Carroll said he did more for the ticket than any man in the state.

Mr. Pierce is now a candidate for Congress again.  The selection of a candidate is to be made by a primary at the regular August election.  It is no trouble to find his friends in Union City or Obion county.  He is the head and front of the free silver Democrats They are wildly enthusiastic for him. They declare he cannot be defeated for the nomination which is equivalent to an election.  They claim that he is the only consistent free silver Democrat in the party; that he has won the right to claim anything he wants.  They say that those very men who opposed him and defeated him are now falling over each other trying to get on Rice Pierce's platform.  He stands out pre-eminently as the original free silver advocate in Tennessee and it looks very much like he will take his old seat in Congress again.  These views are obtained from men who were both for and against him his last race.  As to his record on the financial question, even his enemies and political opponents are agreed and say that it "fits in mighty well with the present times."--R. Christopher in Nashville American.~~~~~

Additional information about Rice Alexander Pierce:

PIERCE, Rice Alexander, a Representative from Tennessee; born in Dresden, Weakley County, Tenn., July 3, 1848; attended the common schools in Tennessee; during the Civil War served in the Confederate States Army with the Eighth Tennessee Cavalry; after the war attended school in London, Canada; studied law in Halifax, N.C.; was admitted to the bar of the supreme court in Raleigh, N.C., in 1868 and commenced practice in Union City, Obion County, Tenn., in 1869; served as mayor in 1872; elected district attorney general of the twelfth judicial circuit in 1874; reelected in 1878 and served until 1883; elected as a Democrat to the Forty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1883-March 3, 1885); unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1884; elected to the Fifty-first and Fifty-second Congresses (March 4, 1889-March 3, 1893); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1892 to the Fifty-third Congress; elected to the Fifty-fifth and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1897-March 3, 1905); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1904 to the Fifty-ninth Congress; resumed the practice of law in Union City, Tenn.; chairman of the Democratic State campaign committee in 1929; died in Union City, Tenn., July 12, 1936; interment in the City Cemetery. 

The complete list of links in this multi-part series:
part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, part eleven, part twelve, part thirteen, part fourteen, part fifteen, part sixteen, part seventeen, part eighteen, part nineteen, part twenty, part twenty-one, part twenty-two, part twenty-three.