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GENERAL NEWS

John Ward CROCKETT, one of Tazewell's best known and most popular citizens, died at his home here on last Friday, about 2 p.m. after an illness of only a few days, in the 56th year of his age. On Saturday preceding he collapsed on the street with some kind of fainting or smothering attack and was taken home where he rallied, sufficiently to permit of his being on the street again for a day. 

He was taken ill again on last Wednesday night and Thursday, and while grave apprehension was felt by his friends and family there were still unprepared for the news, which spread quickly over the town and county on Friday, that he had passed away. Funeral services were held at the residence on Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. RECTOR, the pastor, in the presence of a very large crowd of people. 

The burial took place in the Jeffersonville cemetery. Sorrowing friends and relatives in large numbers, from this and other counties, assembled around the grave to testify to the high esteem in which deceased was held, for he was very widely known and almost universally popular. 

Besides a wife, four children survive, viz: Robert O. CROCKETT, Commonwealth's Attorney of this county, Mrs. GILLESPIE, wife of R.S. GILLESPIE, cashier of a large bank at Welch, West Virginia, Mrs. Jeff GILLESPIE, of this county, and Mr. Goggin CROCKETT, now at school. Another son, Hopkins CROCKETT, died some years ago.

Deceased was a son of the late John I. CROCKETT, and was born and reared on Cavatt's Creek, in this county, on the farm now owned by C.H. REYNOLDS. He had four brothers and three sisters. His brothers are all dead. His sisters survive, viz: Mrs. GILLESPIE, wife of Rev. James H. GILLESPIE, Tip Top; Mrs. James P. WHITMAN, Horsepen; Mrs. S.M. GRAHAM, wife of the court clerk here. 

For 22 years he was alternately sheriff and deputy of his home county which he also represented one term in the state Legislature with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituent. At the time of his death he was President of the Bank of Clinch Valley, a position he had held for a number of years. He was also a large dealer in live stock. The firm of Crockett and Thompson was well known in the stock markets of the entire country, at home and abroad. 

As a citizen he was highly respected, quiet, generous and charitable in his judgments, careful and prudent in his criticisms and expressions of his opinions, and a useful public spirited citizen. As a father he was indulgent, loved his home and family to which he was strongly devoted. His patience and devotion to his wife, who has been an invalid for years, was as beautiful as it was marked and tender. All in all John W. CROCKETT was a gentleman whom it was a pleasure to know, and to claim as a friend an honor and a privilege. His health has not been good for some time past, which fact his friends and family noted with growing uneasiness and apprehension. He had just returned from a health resort a week or so before his death. But those of us who talked with him a few days ago, while we noted with apprehension and regret the paleness of his face and the weakness in his step, had little thought that he was so soon to leave us in answer to the last summons. 

Peace to his dust! His memory will remain fresh and green among us as is the grass and flowers which grow and bloom on the hills of his childhood and ever the grave, where he sleeps the sleep of the undisturbed, and which shall not know waking until the peal from the resurrection angel's trumpet shall call. 

J.H. BRADSHAW and Miss Nellie HUFFORD gave their friends in Welch a pleasant surprise yesterday morning at 6 o'clock, when at the home of the brides brother-in-law, C.D. BRUSTER, they were united in marriage by Rev. Mr. HUTSELL, pastor of the Methodist church. The wedding was very quiet and was witnessed by only a few friends and near relatives of the contracting parties. After the ceremony the bride and groom hurried to the station and caught No. 4 for this city, enroute to Belfast Mills on the Clinch Valley division, where they will spend their honeymoon. Mr. BRADSHAW is a son of Mr. and mrs. C.S. BRADSHAW, of Belfast Mills. At present he holds a responsible position with I. Levison and Co. at Welch. Mrs. BRADSHAW is a charming young lady and very popular among and social set in Welch, where she has made her home with her sister, Mrs. C.D. BRUSTER, for several years. Mr. and Mrs. BRADSHAW will be at home to their friends in Welch after May 20th.

Mr. Andrew WITTEN, a well known citizen of this county, died at his home about four miles west of town yesterday morning at 9 o'clock. He was about 55 years of age, and unmarried. It had been known for several days that his sickness - pneumonia, was a an aggravated and serious form, and his death was no surprise to those familiar with the circumstances. Mr. WITTEN was a member of the large family of that name in this community. He was the youngest child in his father's family, the late Wilk WITTEN, which numbered twelve children. The survivors are T.G. and R.B and J.H. WITTEN, brothers, Mrs. James PEERY, Mrs. Pauline KELLEY, and Mrs. HICKS, sisters. Deceased was an industrious and prosperous farmer, and leaves quite a handsome estate. He was a man of strict business integrity, and had many friends in the community, who will miss him and regret his death.

The annual examination is being held by Prof. WILLIAMS in the High School Chapel for white teachers, and in the colored school building for colored teachers. About 20 white and three or four colored teachers are present. The examination began yesterday morning. Up to going to press this am the following teachers are registered: Misses Louisa HANKINS and Alma BLANKENSHIP, Mr. and Mrs. George D. HORTON, and Mr. C.E. BALL, Richlands. Misses Mary RHUDY, Madge RICHARDSON and Julia DAVIDSON, Tazewell. Miss Clara Belle CHRISTIAN, Pounding Mill. Miss M.E. HOWELL, Burke's Garden. Miss Virgie SUMMERS, Graham. Misses Peggie and Roxie CARTER and Mrs. Mollie WELLS, Tip Top, and the Misses ALTIZER, Peapatch, Buchanan County. Colored: Mrs. Clara Belle JEFFERSON, Mrs. M.E. WOODS and H.C. WAGNER, Pocahontas.

At high noon yesterday Miss Mary PREAS, the beautiful daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. PREAS, of Raven, Va., was given in marriage to Mr. Charles W. DAVIS, of Roanoke, Va. Rev. J.W. RADER, presiding elder of the Bluefield district, officiated, while the soft music of "O, Promise Me" was exquisitely rendered by Mrs. W.C. MOOMAW. Immediately after the ceremony the guests repaired to the dining room where they were greeted by a vision of pink and green. The decorations of the crab apple. A luncheon consisting of cold turkey, ham, salad, cake, custard, fruits, candies, coffee, etc. was served in that good old fashioned way for which Virginia housewives are far famed. The happy couple were the recipients of many handsome presents. They will be a home to their friends at 533 Salem Ave. Roanoke, Virginia. Among those attending were Mrs. Fannie GRAHAM, of Bedford City, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. L.W. MCLAIN, of Roanoke, Mr. and Mrs. E. BOND, Misses Ethel and Louise DEARING and K.F. SEHOOW, of Bluefield; Miss Lou GILLESPIE, of Wittens Mills, and Thomas DAVIS, of Richlands.

Tip Top

Mrs. PARR, native of Kentucky, aged about 42 years, wife of Mr. J.M. PARR, a lumberman of Honaker, died at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Joe F. LITZ, of this place on last Saturday morning after a long and severe illness, from cancer. Mrs. PARR'S maiden name was Roadcup, and she was born and raised at Olive Hill, Ky. She was twice married - first to Mr. Joe RATLIFF, of Kentucky. There were born to them one child, a daughter, now the wife of Mr. Frank PRYOR, of Detroit, Mich. Mrs. PARR'S second and last husband is Mr. J.M. PARR, as stated above. Mrs. PARR and lived in different sections of the state and at several places had kept hotel. She had suffered terribly from cancer and had several operations performed, but to no effect. The remains were taken on Saturday to Parkersburg, West Virginia for burial.

There are several cases of Pneumonia in this community. Two sons of Henry HARMAN on North of Stony Ridge, near Bailey, have been very low, but are better now. A son of Mr. D.D. BAKER, was extremely sick, but is improving slowly. A little child of Luther CARTER'S is quite sick with pneumonia now.

SHAWVER'S MILL

Rev. D.T. MILES filled his regular appointment at Mt. Calvary and at Kinzer's Chapel last Sunday evening at 3:30 o'clock. A very interesting prayer meeting was held at Shawver's Mill church last Sunday night. Rev. D.T. MILES and Rev. K.W. NEAL were present and gave interesting talks.

The little child of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver CRABTREE is rapidly recovering from a severe attack of pneumonia. 

Rev. D.T. MILES will preach at the Shawver's Mill Christian church on the 4th Sunday night in May. The public generally is invited.

We are glad to report that Mr. John GILDERSLEEVE is rapidly recovering from his recent operation for appendicitis. 

Miss Virginia BRITTS, who has been visiting friends in this community, has returned to her home at Graham.

Mr. Reece WADDELL'S team of mules ran away a few days ago. The mules were hitched to a harrow, and ran into a wire fence, and aside from a slight damage to the fence, no serious consequences resulted.

S.J. CUNDIFF purchased a few days ago from Mastin CHRISTIAN, of Bland County, a very fine team of mules. He paid $300 for them Sam says he's going to farm in the right way now.

FALLS MILLS

Misses Georgie and Emma BOURNE, of Graham, were visiting at the home of J.A. SARVER this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Ollie WALKER and baby was visiting her grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. BUCKLAND this week.

Mr. Hugh GREEN and son Fred, are on a visit to relatives in Tennessee.

Mrs. HYLTON, who has been spending some time with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. SHEPPARD, left on Wednesday for her home.

Miss Myrtle KIRTNER, of this place, gave her friends a surprise yesterday by going to Pocahontas and marrying a Mr. REED. However, all wish them a long, prosperous and happy life.

STEELSBURG

The quarterly meeting for here was held last Saturday and Sunday. Rev. Mr. MCPEARSON, of Lebanon, filled the presiding elders place. Some fine sermons were delivered by him. 

Miss Mary HORTON commenced her school here Monday. Miss Mary is a good teacher as well as a good Christian woman. In her kind and affectionate manner she makes the school a pleasant place on a rainy day.

Mrs. Ocie WITT and Miss Nellie took in the quarterly meeting, the guests of Mrs. Mamie STEELE.

Mr. William DAVIS is able to be out again after a prolonged illness.

BURKES GARDEN

The children were out in full force last Sunday morning, and Rev. E.L. RICHIE preached them a practical and entertaining little sermon.

Revs. CARR and MILES are in the midst of protracted services at Cove Creek. Rev. MILES was called home on yesterday for the purpose of uniting in marriage at the parsonage Miss Lula ROBINSON, of Thompson Valley and Mr. James MCFARLIN, of this place.

Rev. S.O. HALL will fill his regular preaching appointment next Sunday at Central Church at 11 o'clock. In the Chapel at 4 o'clock.

Mr. F.M MOSS has been at Emory and Henry to see "the boys."

A number of friends dined with Miss Bettie GROSECLOSE and her father at their cozy little home, on April 26th.

Mr. Charlie GREEVER spent Sunday with his daughter, Mrs. SULTER.

Mrs. Elizabeth PEERY returned home after a protracted illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dr. CROCKETT, of Tazewell.

Mrs. Kate Peery SPRACHER and sister, Miss Mary PEERY, are visiting in the Garden. "The stone house," their childhood home, is still dear to their hearts. Mrs. SPRACHER'S children are with her.