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GENERAL NEWS

BOUGHT VOTES IN OLDEN DAYS - When Pocahontas Was In It's Swaddling Clothes Much Tazewell Coin Found Its Way There Election Day.

The town of Pocahontas was chartered by legislature of Virginia in the winter of 1883-84 and the first election for town officers was held on the 4th Sunday in May, 1884. There were two candidates for the office of Mayor - P.P DILLON and John W. SPOTTS, the latter being elected by a large majority. Mr. DILLON was elected three times after this, and all the old timers remember "Squire DILLON" as he was generally known. The Mayor tried the cases in those days and this is probably the reason for the term of "Squire." Mr. DILLON and his family came here from Henry County. He was a politician, a Republican and the colored vote counted for as much as the white vote, so for a few years the political elections were great occasions, not only in the municipal elections, but in the elections for the county and state offices. Money was used very freely to buy votes and other commodities were given in exchange for votes. At every county election men would come here from Tazewell to buy votes, either for themselves or for their favorite candidate. Bascom HANEY, assistant depot agent, succeeded J.W. SPOTTS as Mayor if my information is correct, but because of a pressure of other duties he resigned and Harry J. REES, a Welshman, was appointed for the time being. REES was a mine foreman here for six years or more and a man of good education. He removed later to Bluefield with his family and died there September 15, 1901. A distant relative of his, Harry P. REES, was here at the time and as a young man was very popular with the people and with the company. He performed an act of heroism at the burning of the A. GOODMAN building which won hime much praise. Young Jacob WEINBERGER was sleeping in the upper story (third) when he awoke to find that he was cut off from all possible escape from the inside and he appeared at the window crying for succor. Seeing no other chance to save him young Harry REES, who was then chief of the fire department, secured a foothold on a railing on the second floor, leaned out and told the man to jump. He caught him in arms and saved him, but the crowd fully expected both of them to fall backward to the pavement below. Young REES married Sarah SINCOCK, the beautiful daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward SINCOCK who were also Welsh people. he afterwards engaged in business here and died several years ago, leaving a widow, one son, Carlyle and two daughters, Gladys and Virginia. P.P DILLON succeeded Harry J. REES and after serving three times was defeated by R.W. WITTEN in 1892. DILLON remained in Pocahontas until his death several years ago. His son proceeded him to the grave. He is survived by his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Abe HOGAN and Mrs. Roland BRYANT. Mrs. HOGAN lives at the old home place here and Mrs. BRYANT lives on Bluestone, near Bailey's Switch. John W. SPOTTS removed to Tazewell from here. 

When the writer went to Pocahontas there was a young lawyer stationed there by the name of William W. FRENCH. He married Rosa BAACH and lived here for several years afterwards. When the Klondyke field was discovered he determined to go there and in company with a friend of his John M. HOAGLAND left for Alaska. He lost his life while crossing the Valdos glacier in Alaska during a severe storm. His frozen body was found, together with his faithful St. Bernard dog and shipped back to Giles County his old home for burial. The dog, though badly injured by the cold was not frozen, and was later brought to Mrs. FRENCH by Mr. HOAGLAND. J.M.N.

The Tazewell Layman's Club held its regular meeting last Sunday afternoon in the High School chapel. J.W. CHAPMAN, the President, presided. Interesting addresses were made by Mr. A. ST. CLAIR and Mr. George W. ST. CLAIR. The singing was spirited, led by Mr. RUSS, with Mrs. ALEXANDER at piano. The club by a rising vote, on motion of R.C. CHAPMAN, expressed appreciation of this good ladies efficient service. Next Sunday afternoon at 3:30, Mr. Jeff WARD and Mr. Esquire MOORE will speak. The club now numbers about 105 members and is doing a good work. An interesting meeting was held by the club in Burke's Garden last Sunday, at which Prof. BROWN and Prof. BOBBITT and others made fine addresses. There are numbers of men in town who are not yet members of the club. These are cordially invited to join. It is good to be connected with this club. Come in with us.

The friends and relatives of Ben CECIL, of this town, will be glad to know that he is alive and well or was when last heard from sometime ago. It will be recalled that Ben along with a number of members of his regiment stationed at Houston, Texas in 1917, was mixed up in a big riot of some kind and a number of the rioters were executed. Ben escaped with a life sentence and is now in Leavenworth prison. His friends here should write to him. "I was in prison," etc. You know the rest.

One of the most delightful of entertainments was that given last week in the New Theatre by Miss Leola LUCEY, assisted by Mr. Adrien SREICH, and Mary Raymond BARRY, all artists, from the Edison laboratory. The object of the entertainment was to demonstrate the Re-Creation powers of the Edison phonograph, and this was so thoroughly done that it was difficult to determine between the original sweet voiced singer, and the Re-Creation on the Edison machine. For the musical treat the public is indebted to H.W. POST, the Edison dealer here, who brought the artists to Tazewell. In addition to her charm of manner, Miss LUCEY possesses a sweet soprano and the large audience in the New Theatre expressed the wish that she would pass this way again in the very near future.

Mr. A.J. MCGUIRE wishes to announce to the public that he has moved his shoe shop to his home on Tazewell Ave, and will hereafter conduct his business there. Be respectfully solicits a continuance of the patronage of the public.

WHO WANTS A CUTTING BOX? Editor Has One That Will Make Muscle and Drive Away That Tired Feeling If Used As Directed. The editor has a cutting box for sale. It is a good one, has two blades and a large fly wheel with a smooth handle which fits the hand nicely. The machine is not self acting or automatic, however. One reason the box is for sale, the editor, who, as his friends know, is naturally averse to physical exercise and he found the cutting of his big corn a slow job, as he could cut only one stalk at a time, maybe two, if he used both hands and had somebody to feed 'em in. for this and other reasons "too numerous to mention" the cutting knife is offered for sale to the best bidder at a reasonable price. Terms - one third cash, balance in one and two years, with good notes bearing 6 per cent interest, secured by mortgage on good real estate. No by-bidding will be allowed. If not sold for cash it will be exchanged for a house and lot, a Ford car, or a shot gun, old buggy or just anything of value that can be used in a junk shop. This sale, if commenced and not completed will be continued from time to time and place to place until said cutting box is positively disposed of and carried away. This cutting box can be seen in action at the editor's barn. Bring the 'action' with you. A word in explanation - some years ago, the editor's near neighbor, George W. LEWIS, borrowed the said cutting box and the editor congratulated himself that he was rid for good and all of this man killer and forgot it. When lo and behold, the same cutting box had sneaked back into the barn shed, without the editor's knowledge or consent. LEWIS said he put two strong men to turning it. They gave up the job, and threatened to quit the place and says he never thought of buying it nohow. So there you are. The editor didn't "cut up" about it, and so, the machine is thrown on the market. First come first served. If this cutting box is not disposed of soon it will be listed with "Bob" JOHNSON, second had machinery dealer in old saw mills, gas engines, etc.

Miss Louisa WITTEN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. WITTEN, of this town, left this week for Okmulgee, Okla. where she will study music this winter. She will make her home with Judge and Mrs. W. W. WITTEN. Miss WITTEN is a graduate of Tazewell High School and is an artist both with the violin and piano. Here many friends wish her much success.

FOR SALE - a small place of 15 acres with two five room dwellings, a good well, good orchard, apples, peaches and cherries. Land all under cultivation. Will let 7 acres of corn go with place. Located in the head of Poor Valley on the road leading from Burkes's Garden to Ceres. Call or write me for price and terms. Baisy C. PEEK, Ceres, Va.

Craig LEFFEL, 16 year old son of Mr. John A. LEFFEL, Shawver Mills, a crack shot evidently. He recently shot and killed an eagle on the Buck Horn, that measured 6 1/2 feet from tip to tip. This is one of a very small number of these king of birds, killed in this county. Craig would have done good service in France. And, by the way, this may be the same eagle, or one of his tribe, that clawed and shaved the hair and meat off the back of one of the MATTHEWS hounds some time ago, as reported in this paper at the time.

A new personage of importance made his appearance on Tazewell Avenue this week in the home of Mrs. Nannie NUCHOLLS. A fine baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Aubray NUCHOLLS. Mother and baby are doing well.

"Bob" JOHNSON, the inexorable, inevitable and ubiquitous, was in the city on Wednesday with his usual fund of anecdotes and good jokes. We have been laughing ever since.

Miss Elizabeth HALL, of North Tazewell, who has been visiting relatives in Bluefield for several days left on Tuesday night for Cincinnati, where she will resume her studies in piano in the conservatory of music.

Mr. and Mrs. Estill GROSECLOSE, Bluefield, were here this week visiting his parents, Thomas H. and Mrs. GROSECLOSE, on Hotel Avenue.

Mrs. Robert H. MOORE has returned from the Bluefield hospital to her home here, and is rapidly recovering.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander ST. CLAIR have issued invitations for a golden wedding which will be celebrated at their home on the 26th.

Mrs. William H. WERTH, who has been visiting her son, W.G. WERTH

Miss Helen Lake BOTTIMORE left Wednesday for Lynchburg, where she will attend Randolph Macon Womans College.

Messrs. Dan LYNCH, Harold PEERY and A.Z. LITZ, left Monday to enter Greenbrier Military Academy, at Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Misses Annie and Leosch LITZ will leave Monday to enter Randolph Macon Womans College.

Miss Grace JOHNSON, who is teaching school at Gary, West Virginia, spent the weekend with her mother, Mrs. D.R. JOHNSON.

Attorney H. Claude POBST, of Grundy, passed through Tazewell Tuesday enroute home from City Point, where his family is visiting relatives. Mrs. POBST is expected in Tazewell in a few days enroute to her home in Grundy.

Bill TARTER came to town yesterday and among other things stated that he had the greatest crop of corn he had ever seen or ever expected to see. The stalks are so high and the ears so large that a man can carry only about two of them.

Mr. and Mrs. Pat MCKENRY have reached Tazewell and will make their home here. Mr. MCKENRY is associated with Mr. MAXWELL in the Maxwell McKenry store.

Mr. H.F. HOLLAWAY, who moved to Kentucky some year or so ago, comes back to Tazewell, and is now living in North Tazewell.

It is certainly decidedly profitable to buy your cooking range now. At the Great Majestic Range demonstration at W.B.F. WHITE's store at Richlands nex week, a fine complete set of cooking ware is being given away free to every person who buys a Great Majestic Range. The ranges themselves, you will be interested to know, are being sold at very attractive prices.

Messrs. Ed HOPKINS, George BUSTEN, and Robert MCGRAW, left this week to enter VPI.

Paul REPASS left Tuesday for Emory and Henry College, where he will attend school the coming session.

Henry A. RONTH, a well known lawyer of Russell County, died at his home at Lebanon Monday morning. He was Commonwealth's Attorney of Russell for 24 years, and leaves a wife and 5 children.

B.C. TYNES, who has been a patient of the Battle Creek Sanatorium for several weeks, has returned to his home in Huntington, West Virginia, not very much improved.

A new grand daughter in the Editors household down at Norton, in the family of Mrs. J.E. PEARCE, and all is well. Looks as though Mrs. PEARCE could spare her grandparents here two or three and not miss 'em.

Miss Mammie PEERY entertained a number of her friends to a delightful party given at her home on Tazewell Avenue last Friday night. Contests, games and dancing were indulged in until a late hour. Delightful refreshments were served, consisting of punch, ice cream, cake, candy and fruits. Every one present declared Miss PEERY to be a charming hostess. She was assisted by her sisters, Misses Virginia, Margaret and Mrs. Richard KELLY. The names of those present are not available at this time.

Mrs. William T. THOMPSON has been seriously ill at her home here, for two weeks. Her condition is much improved and her friends and family are much encouraged.

POCAHONTAS

After two years absence, Mr. Vernon ELLETT has returned to Richmond University. Mr. ELLETT expects to get his degree this year.

Mr. James Earl WALTERS has resumed his studies at the Medical College of Virginia.

Rev. W.R. RICKMAN, is leaving Pocahontas, having taken work at Brookfield, Va. Mr. RICKMAN has faithfully served his congregation for 13 years. The best wishes of his friends, attend him in his new field of endeavor.

Mr. and Mrs. Sol BAACH delightfully entertained the teachers and young men of the town at cards Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. BAACH were assisted by Mrs. BLOCH. All fortunate enough to have been present, report a wonderful time. 

Miss Edith PEAK and Mr. Harry PAINTER were united in marriage at the home of the brides parents last week.

A number of the boys of this town, some of them young men, having filled up on "hooch," last Saturday night came so near taking the town that Sergeant THOMPSON had to intervene and place them under subjection and three of them in jail. A trail before the magistrate Monday resulted in verdicts of five dollars fine to thirty days on the road. It is stated that the grand jury will make a further investigation of the escapades and the boys memories as to where they go the liquor may be better than at the Squire's trail. Some of the bunch purloined an automobile belonging to John C. ST. CLAIR and rain it as such speed and so carelessly that a repair bill amounting to several months wages of the whole bunch now stares them in the face, besides the charge of transporting liquor in the car. None of the boys could remember where the booze came from except an indefinate place "over Hubble Hill" which has become quite a popular place for the thirsty. "Hubble Hill" may have to stand the scrutiny of an alert and far seeing grand jury, for this point is said to be the main source of the liquor supply here.

Misses Lettie and Annella GREEVER, daughters of John P. GOSE and Annie SPRACHER, Graham, have gone to Elizabeth College at Salem.

POUNDING MILL

Mrs. William MULKEY, of Hanger, visited her mother, Mrs. Susan RINGSTAFF, and other relatives last week.

Miss Jessie GILLESPIE left this AM for Randolph Macon College at Lynchburg and was accompanied as far as Bluefield by her sister, Miss. Mary B. GILLESPIE and cousin, Miss Barbara HURT. Others who have left for school are Miss Margaret HURT, teacher in Bethany College; Miss Lois HURT, instructress in music in Petersburg High School; Charlotte HUNTER, pupil in Tazewell High School; James HUNTER to V.M.I.; Jim Sam GILLESPIE to Hampden Sidney; Misses Mary and Kate HURT to Bethany College.

The Pounding Mill High School has a large attendance and is flourishing under the management of the two FISHER sisters. The faculty and the school gave an ice cream supper on Saturday night, the proceeds to go for a new piano.

Mrs. Jane A. MCGUIRE and grandson, Rex ALDER, of Cedar Bluff and Gridler, Ky. respectively spent Sunday with the former's daughter, Mrs. W.B. STEELE and family.

Mrs. W.T. GILLESPIE of Tazewell and Mr. and Mrs. D.C. GILLESPIE, of Ithien, NY visited their brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. R.K. GILLESPIE and family last week.

Mrs. Martha SPARKS visited relatives and friends in Richlands and attended the protracted meeting being conducted there by Rev. Mr. FORBES.

Mrs. Kate McDILDA, of Cedar Bluff, and Rev. CARVER of Tazewell will hold the usual appointment at the church of God meeting house here next Sunday.

Mr. Jimmie OSBORNE and father, W.W. OSBORNE, of Princeton, were here this week visiting their parents.

Mrs. Nancy DAVIS and daughter, Miss Rebekah, left last week for a visit to her son, Tom DAVIS in Cincinnati.

Mr. Robert WILLIAMS, who spent the summer with his sister, Mrs. Arthur KERR in Washington State, returned the last of the week. He enjoyed the visit very much.