Politics, a Wedding and a Watchmaker: Dresden Enterprise May 30 1884

I thought it would be fun to post some items from the Dresden Enterprise, May 30 1884.  Sort of a slice of news that would've interested the folks in Weakley County.

Wedding Announcement

Swaim-Boswell

At the residence of Mr. North Brasfield, five miles south of Dresden, on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, Dr. T.H. Swaim, of Gleeson, and Mrs. Carrie Boswell of this county, were united in marriage, Dr. D.C. Johnson officiating.

Attendants.

Dr. B.F. Taylor and Miss Tennie Green, Dr. R.W. Bandy and Miss Carrie Rogers, Mr. J.H. W. Bandy and Miss Kate Brasfield, Mr. C.S. Swaim and Miss Kate Jeter, Mr. W. R. Bobbitt and Miss Fannie Brasfield, Mr. M.F. White and Miss Kate Brasfield.

The bridal couple left for nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, and then to the East, where they will visit Niagara Falls, Saratoga, and other noted places.  

A large circle of friends and relatives wish them much happiness in their new relation.

Links to Goodspeed Biographical information:

Thomas H. Swaim

North Brasfield aka George R. Brasfield, the father of the bride Carrie Brasfield.  

Here's a nice advertisement for Calvin B. Scott's business.  Not only was he a watchmaker and jeweler but he sold sewing machines, musical instruments and silverware and "also headquarters for fine Saddles, Bridles, etc."  Located on the west side of the public square in Dresden TN.

Calvin B. Scott was born in 1840 in Madison or Rutherford County TN.  He was the son of George R. Scott and Hester Ann Haltom.  He served in the Confederate Army in Manney's Battery and was at the fall of Fort Donelson.  After that he joined Forrest's Cavalry and in 1864 he returned home.  He married Ann Jane "Jennie" Byrn in 1864 and had a large family.  He died in 1892 and is buried somewhere in Mayfield Kentucky.  His wife Jennie moved to St Louis and died there in 1929.

Link to Goodspeed Biographical information:

Calvin B. Scott

And last are the Political Announcements:

For Congress

We are authorized to announce WISE A. COOPER, of Gibson county, a candidate for Congress from this the Ninth Congressional district, subject to the action of the Democratic Congressional Convention.

We are authorized to announce Hon. RICE A. PIERCE, of Obion, a candidate for re-election to Congress from this the Ninth Congressional district, subject to the action of the Democratic Congressional Convention.

We are authorized to announce Hon. W.P. CALDWELL, of Weakley county, a candidate for Congress from this the 9th Congressional district, subject to the action of the Democratic Congressional convention.

For Attorney-General

We are authorized to announce STACKER J. TAYLOR, of Henry county, a candidate for Attorney-General of this the 12 Judicial Circuit.  Election August 7.

We are authorized to announce JOHN BELL, of Obion county, a candidate for Attorney-General of this the 12 Judicial Circuit.  Election August 7, 1884.

We are authorized to announce JOHN E. WELLS, of Troy county, a candidate for Attorney-General of this the 12 Judicial Circuit, at the next August election.

We are authorized to announce A.B. LAMB of Henry county, a candidate for Attorney-General of this the 12 Judicial Circuit at the next August election.

For Sheriff

We are authorized to announce J.P. (Dad) GIBBS a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

We are authorized to announce BOB SCOTT a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

We are authorized to announce W.P. DUKE a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

We are authorized to announce J.C. CARLTON a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

We are authorized to announce W.A. THOMPSON a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

We are authorized to announce N.T. (THADDEUS) GROOMS a candidate for Sheriff of Weakley county, Tennessee, at the ensuing August election.

For Trustee

We are authorized to announce LEA HARRIS a candidate for Trustee of Weakley county, at the next August election.

We are authorized to announce Dr. J.E. SHANNON, of the 9th district, a candidate for Trustee of Weakley county at the ensuing August election.

B.H. Stief Jewelry Co. Nashville TN, founded 1858

The Moran's enjoyed good quality items including silverware.  In 1926, Brud Moran wrote to the B.H. Stief Jewelry Co. of Nashville for  some sterling silver tea spoons, to be sent on approval. The price, if purchased, being $12.00  I wonder if anyone these days but the very wealthy are given the opportunity to receive items on approval before deciding if they want to purchase them?  No clue if Brud kept them or returned them but here's a bit of background on the company as well as the letter, dated May 5, 1926, from G.J. Fox, the secretary and treasurer of the company.

The B.H. Stief Jewelry Company of Nashville Tennessee was founded in 1858. They are not affiliated with the Steiff Company of the Steiff bear fame.  Bruno Hugo Stief was born on March 21, 1845, in Prussia.  He was 7 years old when he boarded the passenger ship  "Irma" at Hamburg Germany with his father Franz Stief, his mother Susan Helena and his brother Oskar and sister Attelia.  They arrived in the United States on August 6, 1852.  By 1860 they are living in Nashville.  Franz is a "ban-box maker" while Oscar and Bruno are apprentice watchmakers.  Bruno married Francies G. Fields on March 3, 1869.  It doesn't appear that the couple had any children which would most likely account for the company passing out of the hands of the family after the death of Bruno in 1890.

The following excerpt comes from The Jewelers' Circular v. 78, issue 1, 1919:

A Pioneer in Dear Old Tennessee:  Taking a westward direction we reach what was once termed "The Athens of the South," Nashville, Tenn., and pay a visit to the store of the B.H. Stief Jewelry Co.  About 50 years ago the then proprietor had the honor of serving Gov. Andrew Jackson and many wealthy southern people whose families resided in Nashville because it was such a great educational city.  They bouth the best, and the firm sold only solid gold jewelry and solid silverware.  The stock was dispensed from a diminutive establishment 15 x 18 feet, with no employees but Mr. Stief himself.  The population of the town was then 25,000, with two daily newspapers.  Goods were bought directly from all the large manufacturers of jewelry and silverware.

J.A. Cayce, President
G.J. Fox, Secty & Treas.
The B.H. Stief Jewelry Co.
Jewelers and Silversmiths
Stief's Corner
Church St. & Capitol Boulevard
Nashville, Tenn.
May 5, 1926

Mr. C.H. Moran,
Dresden, Tenn.
Dear Sir:
As per your request of the 3d, we have sent you on approval six Sterling Silver Tea Spoons in our ADAM Pattern, which is one of the finest patterns which we have, and the price of same is $12.00.

Trusting you received them in due time, and that they will prove satisfactory, also, thanking you for past valued favors, we are,
Very truly yours,
B.H. Stief Jewelry Co.

GJF-H  It was signed by Gilbert J. Fox.

Updated January 8 2018
I came across a listing by Muddy Mo. Antiques on the website rubylane.com for a spoon by the B.H. Stief Jewelry Co.  Much of the information they have listed was taken directly from this webpage word for word and without bothering to cite the source of the information.  It makes it seem as if the spoon they are listing has some connection to the Moran family but there is no connection at all. Do not be fooled into thinking that if you purchase the item they are selling that it came from the Moran Estate.  I have asked them to add a citation indicating that the information they have provided came from the Moran Family blog.

Updated January 9 2018
I'm pleased to report that the owners of Muddy Mo. Antiques have added the citation.  If anyone buys the spoon they are definitely getting a piece of Tennessee history!  Just not Moran history.  :)

Big Show In Town, Apr 1875

This is the original advertisement that was posted around town when John W. Moran opened his new mercantile store in Dresden, Tennessee on April 22, 1875.  I really like the way he lists a lot of the goods that can be had but my favorite is the "patent Parasols for napping in church."

BIG    SHOW   IN   TOWN

-------

We have just opened our 

NEW STOCK OF SPRING GOODS,

And Invite you to examine it.

Silks, Fish-hooks, Lawns, marbles, Ribbons, Traces, Fans, Well-buckets Shirts, fronts, Spades, Hair-pins, Hoes, Linens, Coffee, Gloves, Blacking, Hair-braids, Tinware, Ladies' new style straw Hats, Hoop-skirts, Brooms, Saddles, Augers, Shoes, Shingles, Feathers, Peas, Buggy-harness, Cook stoves, Wall Paper, Meal, Books, Flour, Wheat, Cassimeres, Teas, Cottonade, Rice, Spun-truck, new style Corsets, Broad Axes, patent Gate Hinges, Jewelry, Barlows, Perfume, Hoe-handles, Table Oil-Cloths, patent Parasols for napping in church.

AND A GREAT MANY NEW AND BEAUTIFUL GOODS THAT WERE BOUGHT

Before the late advance.

I Will sell prints at from

8 to 10 cents, 4-4 Domestic 10 Cents, Brogan Shoes $1.50.

A New Stock of 

CLOTHING AND HATS

At the VERY LOWEST Cash Prices

I ask you to call and see my Goods,

and I will endeavor to please you on prices.

                  J.W. MORAN

Frame House West side of Square.

Dresden, Tenn., April 22d 1875