Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I -(•J. C. JEFPKRlfcS,4- ] GREENVILLE, S. C. Attorney md Counsellor at Law. Practice* In All the Court*. Collection* a Specialty Will Be in Oaffney on Saturdays and Mondays. The Ledger To Reach Consumers in this Section Adver tise in The Ledger. A Newspaper in all that the Word Implies and Devoted to the Best Interests of the People of Cherokee County. YOL. IV, NO. 11. GAFFNEY CITY, S. C., THURSDAY, APRIL 25), 1897. $1.00 A YEAL. CANVASSING CHEROKEE CO. MR. STRAIN CONTINUES HIS INTERESTING LETTER. The Historical Cowpens Battle Ground and the Battle of the Revolu tion Which Made the Place Famous. (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Wc started home with our friends, J. Tuck McCraw, G. \V. Chalk, G. W. McKown, li. M. Bonner, and my self, constituting our crowd. Before we had gone far, I said to our host, “Wo are nther imposing on you—so many of us going together.'’ “Never mind.” said lie—“that’s ail right. I would like to have as many more.” we went on through the mud and long stretches of woodland, every now and then passing a neat farm house and lands but no gulleys, (or very few at least,) crossing crystal streams of water until we came to Maud 1’. O., where our wide-awake Mr. Chalk, discovered a kinsman of Mr. Webster’s, lie knew nothing of. Here we kept our host in hot water for half an hour at least. Chalk was expostulating with his new found friend upon the needed reforms in the Probate Judge’s office. McKown bad his man oil to himself quietly sub mitting his claims • to the SheritT’s office. Bonner had another group around him, helping him to munch pinders, while he handed out the tick ets and told them what would be the result of his taking charge of the Su pervisor’s office. I had still another crowd to whom I was trying to show the importance of good schools, and the necessity of giving every child in the land an opportunity to get an education so as to take care of itself, and sending my friend “Dock” Hutn- /mett word what I wanted him 1 to do, Vpid not to do, on the day of election. At last Tuck said “Boys, let’s go, off we went. By the way, in port of tho Maud meeting, in giving ” and mv re- pH o'***'© the names of the most numerous fam ilies in that section, us I could re member them, I am made to name “Hunnicutt’s” instead of Hammett’s. I don’t know that there are any Hun- nicutt’s in that section, but there is plenty of “honey to cut” and eat too, for I tried it. These people live at home, and keep house at the same place. They have all the comforts to make home happy, and can step across the line into North Carolina, and get a little “rautu-tauta,” “jib- ble jose,” or “splish splash,” as old man Steward used to call the differ ent grades of corn liquor, represent- iug tho three degrees of comparison, as good, better, best. In passing, I would like to call at tention to the great opening for new settlers in this section. The land, thoughjgenerally poorisyet^free topro- duce, easily worked and wonderfully adopted to the use of fertilizers, botli home-made and commercial—level as a floor, and mostly in woods. As wc approach Cowpen’s Creek the land becomes rather hilly, and the soil partakes of u mulatto cast with large wheat fields along the road, and ex cellent houses with hearty, robust people in them. The children are the very picture of health, the water as pure as it was when it ushered fortli from mother earth on the morn ing of the creation. Immense ledges of granite r>ck are found in this sec tion too. The sun was sinking fast and we have to hurry on to our desti nation before dark. The farther I went the more fully I became convinced that we had made a good Kwap in getting out of the old county into the new, if only we could make as good friends among our new acquaintances as we had in our old county. Evidently in the water, land, timber, water power, and natural productions, we were much better off. The lands in the old county (espe cially Union,) were going out while those of Cherokee were just coming in. Just as the sun went down we drove up to the pleasant and well- furnished home of Mr. Tuck McCraw, where we dismounted and were soon chatting with his family and enjoy ing ourselves. Mr. Chalk, who was constantly on the ufi vivk for some thing to interest those with whom he cami in contact, either in busi ness or politics, found out that the elder Mrs. McCraw—mother of our host, was a relative of Mr. McKown, and then, of course, family connec- ions had to be hunted up as far back us possible. In this Mr. Chalk was unable to help them out. We spent the night and were well treated by our host and his family— not merely because he was a candi date himself, but because ho was a geiitleman. Mr. McCraw had said all Along if he was beat he could go back to Ilia farm and make his living, and his surroundings showed that he was not mistaken. Next morning we broke ranks and each made bis way to the speaking ground at Ezell’s. I went just over the North Carolina line to see my old friend and army comrade, Mr. Jim mie Cumf), who, by the way, married one of Union county’s choicest and best-looking young ladies, Miss Ann Eliza Goiulelock. She was one of my neighbors. With no friend tlid I meet during my canvass who showed me more kindness during the short stay I had with them, than they did. Jimmie went into the war. a mere boy, and stayed there until it s close. I then went on to Ezell’s, where I found the campaigner’s, and met quite a number of the good citizens of that section. The day waS cool and rather windy. The committee of arrangements had prepared seats for the audience, while the candidates spoke from the piazza. This is an all-round farming country, where they raise some ol almost everything they want in tho way of provisions and feed. The voters gave the speak er* good attention. Everybody was sober and well-behaved, and the dis cussion between the candidates was free from any bitterness. The vener able Mr. Ezell presided over the meet ing and introduced the speakers. Al though an old gentleman, having fill ed his three-score and ten years, lie remained at his post, despite the cold winds whistling ail the tho time. For hisfaithfulness as well as his politeness we were indebted. After speaking closed a motion that the thanks of the audience be tendered Mr. Ezell as chairman of this meeting for the patience he had exhibited in tho cold, as well us the impartial manner in which lie presided over the meeting, was made by William Jefferies and seconded by J. 1.. Strain. It was car ried by a unanimous vote of tiie audi ence, and especially by the candi dates, most of whom congratulated him on the success of the meeting and the good behavior of the audi ence. The spot on which this meeting was held is part of the Cowpen’s bat tle field, about which I propose now to speak briefly, and leave it for the historian to finish. I presume that most, if not all of our readers, have read or heard an account of that bat tle. It was fought on the 17th day of January 1781—only a few months after that of King’s Mountain. It was one of the darkest days of our world’s history. It is very strange that this and other battles of the Revolution, (especially in the South where the principal fighting was done,) have re ceived so little attention from histo rians. But a few lines tell tho tale of most of them, and we are left large ly to tradition to gather their history which we prize so much. It’s a la mentable fact that the Southern peo ple have never done their duty to themselves and posterity, by keeping up the history of events that has made this the greatest country among the nations of the earth. The fact is we have in our county to-day, even among the poor and obscure, some of the best blood ever spilled for Ameri can Independence. There is plenty of it. which I propose to- mention be fore I get through with this narra tive. The average school boy can memorize and repeat with compara tive ease, all that is said of the battle of Cowpens, in our best histories. In addition to these we will give the traditional statement which makes tho history more complete and inter esting. and is not out of place here 1 don’t think. General Morgan’s mis sion to that section was mainly to gather recruits for tho American ar my,which had been greatly reduced by reason of the hard fighting and other contingencies of the war. In his work he had partially succeeded. As recruits he had received liH) men from North Carolina. To this we udrl a few from Georgia, and Tennessee, and the remainder from South Curoliru, which added to his regular command, made still a force fur inferior (in point of numbers,) to that of the British under Tarlton. At that time “Cow- pens” was a noted place, although it was approached only by what we would at the present day call cow- paths. Morgan had camped there for the purpose of carrying on his work. The British under Tarlton had moved against lii'n. Tliey camp ed the night before the buttle beyond where our friend Bob Scruggs now lives. Morgan was aware of his pre sence and made arrangements to meet him whenever lie chose to make the attack. The Americans formed three lines of battle running in rattier a north-easterly and south-westerly di rection. The first line was composed of the militia, in three battallions. commanded by Majors Cunningham, Hammond and Triplett—all under Colonel Pickens. They formed on the summit of the ridge where Mr. Ezell’s house now stands, and were ordered to full back on tho right of the second line, in case the enemy were too strong for them. The second line was about two hun dred yards in their rear It was com posed of the light infantry (regulars.) | under command of Lt. Colonel How ard on tho right, with the South Car olina and Georgia riflemen on the left, under command of Col. Pickens, as senior officer, and Colonels Brandon, Thomas and Anderson as subordi nates. Col. Washington bad formed his cavalry in the rear of Col. Howard’s, with McCall’s mounted militiamen, in rear of Col. Picken's command, with orders to strike the right and left flanks of the enemy simultaneously when the infantry engagement became general, and held In check Tarlton’s cavalry, which outnumbered his own, three to one. until Morgan disposed of his infantry. With this picture before him the reader can see the secret of American success. To lliis 1 might add, that tiie news had already gone out that Tarlton was in pursuit of Morgan, and a great battle was imminent. Couriers were dashing to and fro, spreading the news and getting re cruits. Every available patriot, from the hoary head to the plow hoy, had left his home to join his countrymen, and with whatever arms lie had or could get, was ready to light for free dom, believing Christians had be- seiged the Throne of Grace and asked that the God of buttles would give us the victory. Before tiie rays of the morning sun fell upon Hie landscape the bugle blast in the British camp announced that the decisive moment had come. General Morgan, ns we have already seen, had arranged his troops so as to make the buttle a fierce and deci sive one. An almost breathless si lence pervaded the American lines as their enemies advanced, with shouts and Hying colors, and pouring a des ultory lire in their ranks. Col. Pick ens ordered his men not to fire until the enemy got within forty or fifty yards of them. The order was execut ed with firmness and success, but it did not drive them back. On they came, and the first lino fell back and took its place on the right of the sec ond. Elated with success the Brit- ish line pressed on, until it struck the second lino when desperate fight ing ensued. Finally the Americans gave way and fell back to the posi tion held by Colonel Washington and SENATOR "BILLY” MASON. McCall. Here another stand was made and the battle raged furiously. All the troops on both s'des were now engaged in deadly conflict. The earth trembled beneath the tread of charg ing squadrons while the scrubby oaks racked in th<|jliery blast. The star of hope had neatly gone down in de spair when the fortunes of tiie day turned in favor of tho Americans. Washington made a charge on Tarl ton’s cavalry, and Howard’s Conti nental’s charged with fixed bayonets. The militia followed suit, clubbing Iheir enemies with the butts of their guns. The British were panic strick en, and fled leaving their dead and wounded upon the field. Tho American eagle had throttled the British lion, and as a result tiie sun went down that day upon a free and independent nation. Much more could be said about this battle, but space won’t admit it here. I awi told by good authority that one of the Whelchell’s was killed at the battle of Cowpens, and was buried at old Gethsemane church, near Jefferies it Spencer’s mill, on Gilkey’s ereek. There are other families in this sec tion which spring from Revolut ionary ancestry. They are Phillips. M*own, Mabry, Parker. Smith, Clay, Petty, Blanton. Spencer, Kirby, and others, I can’t recall bow. j. l ». |To bo continued.] HE DELIVERS HIS MAIDEN SPEECH. the ‘I Want to Deliver a Message From People Before the Hope of Power'Possesses Me.” Washington News. State Line Dots. (Correspoml'ince of The Statk Link. S. C.. April 28—Mr. Johnnie Watkins, a handsome young man of Hicksville, was in tills rotn- inunity last Sunday talking with many friends. Messrs. Ponis and Yassy of Arrow- wood. were here to see some girli last Saturday and Sunday. Another bright little cherub enter ed Mr. Tuck McCraw’s, last Tuesday the 2()th, inst. Mr. James McCraw and wife, and .Ndin Humes, visited Mr. James Iluppe last Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Jim Steele, a merchant near State Line, was in your town City last Sunday. Some one lias April fooled him by selling him cooked eggs. Mr. Teck Wilkins and wife, of Gaffney, visited Mr James Hamrick’s family last Saturday night, also Mrs. Syntha McCraw of State Line. Mrs. Cicero Barnett of Henrietta was laid to rest at State Lino Ceme tery last Wednesday. She leaves a husband and children to mourn her loss. Mrs. John Byars and family of Byarsville. visited Mr. Brivet Me- Craw one day last week. Sal Joe. The Grandest Remedy. Mr. R. B. Greeve, merchant, of Chilhowie, Va., certifies that be had consumption, was given up to die, sought all medical treatment that money could procure, tried all cough remedies he could hear of. but no re lief; spent many nights sitting ap is a chair; was induced to try Dr. King’s New Discovery, and was eured by use of two bottles. For past three years has been attending to business, and says Dr. King's New Discovery is the grandest remedy ever made, us it has done so much for him and also for others in his community. Dr. King’s Now Discovery Is guaranteed for Coughs, Colds and Consumption. It don’t fail, i Trial bottles free at DuPre Drug Co’s. (Correspondenco of The Ledger.) Washington, April 23.—Senator “Billy” Mason made his maiden speech this week. It wasn’t a long one, nor was it upon a new subject, but it shook up the Senate and drew applause from th J alleries. Mr. Ma son spoke in favor of his resolu tion directing the committee on Hales to report a rule providing f< r the closing of debate, and for the previftus question. He started off by saying that it was agreed on all sides that the U. S. Senate was a great body, that being the view par ticularly of tho?e within the body and on its pay roll; l»ut that every one knew also that it was the only legislative body iif existance incapa ble of doing business. He expressed the hope that he would be forgiven for these reflections, as he was still in the kindergarten class, and recog nized that he was threshing o*'er old straw, and added that he intended to keep at it for the next six years. He declared that every one knew that while we profess to be a government by tiie people, when we reach tho highest body in the goverment there is u rule of tho majority. He said that as soon as a man entered tho Senate doors his energies were directed to retaining power in the old way. and added with emphasis: “I went to deliver a message from the people be fore the hope of power possesses me.” His resolution was by a vote of «2 to 24 referred to the committee on Rules—to die. While there was some disappoint ment among tiie politicians over the giving of two such juicy plums as the First and Second Deputy Com missioners of Tensions to men al ready in the Tension Bureau, it was an example of real civil service re form and will doubtless make Com missioner Evans’ task an easier one than it would have been with deput ies who were not familar with the work of tho office. The gentlemen promoted were Mr. James L. Daven port, of N. H. t who entered the office during tiie Garfield administration, and Capt. L. M. Kelley, of 111., who was chief of the Certificate division during the Harrison administration. Senator Terkins, of Cal., is taking an active part in tiie light that is be ing made to abrogate the Hawaiian treaty. The Finance committee has been asked to put a clause abrogat ing it in the Dingley tariff bill before it is reported, and Senator Mills has given notice of his intention to move its abrogation in open Senate, if the committee doesn’t provide for it in the tariff bill. Throe years ago the question of abrogating this treaty ‘•’us voted on by tho Senate, the vote being 11 for and 7)7 against abroga tion, but it is claimed that circum- stances have changed since then. Under the treaty all the sugar pro duced in Hawaiian conies in free of duty. The value has steadily in creased. In 1S!)2 it was $8,000,000. last year it was $12,000,1)00. This represents tiie amount of money we pay the sugar growers on the islands. In the tariff bill sugar is $30 a ton. As we remit that duty in favor of the Hawaiiuns, it means that we present them with a bounty of $30 a ton on ail the sugar they produce. There is no reason why we should make this discrimination in their favor. While the value of our purchased from them has increased utthe rate of $1,000,000 a year, our exports last year to them were only $200,009 greater than in 1802. This is the nub of the whole matter, as far as our imports and exports are con cerned. The opponents of abrogation say that to do so would lose this government the naval station at Tearl Island Harbor, but when the matter was last up in the Senate Secretary Sherman, then a member of the body, said: “We have paid and doubly paid for that harbor. We own it now. It is our possession.” That would seem to dispose of that part of the question. The executive committee of the I dianapolis convention, which has been in Washington for several weeks trying to work up Congressional in terest in legislation providing for the appointment of a non-partisan mone tary commission, is now bringing the somewhat stereotyped petition dodge to bear upon individusl Representa- is not disposed to attach much im portance to what are called “ma chine-made” petitions for any pur pose. One personal letter from a business constituent is more apt to influence a Senator or Representa tive than a printed petition signed by one hundred of his constituents. President McKinley finds himself in rather an unpleasant predicament, in dealing with the case of Chapman, the New York broker whose appeal was denied by the U. S. Supreme Court and who must now go to jail for thirty days for contempt in refus ing to answer questionsconcerning the speculation of Senators in sugar through ids firm, unless the Presi dent pardinns him. Some very good frienas of the President are asking for tliis pardon, and under ordinary circumstances there would be little doubt of his granting it. But the President knows that if lie does so his political enemies will ut once as cribe it to the influence of the sugar trust and that his doing so may cause a political scandal. There are others yet to be tried on the same charges—one broker and two news paper correspondents. — ->#•*- —- — Peace and Harmony. (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Wild Cat Hollow, April 28.—The war is over between “Limber Jim” and “Personne,” and everything is working off in peace and harmony. Last week one of commissioner Clary’s convicts stole $1.80 from Mr. Holt. Captain White found it out and hit George (the convict) of) lashes with Landrum’s cat-o-nine tail. George ’says he never wants to see any more money. Mr. Sherman Swafford lost a fine milk cow last week from a disease which Dr. Ellis called Hypnotism. M rs. Henry Surratt was hurried ut Macedonia la-.t Saturday. She has been a long sufferer from eresyp- elas and scroffulu. Last Saturday I witnessed one of the most solemn scenes I ever saw. It was the burial of Mr. C..C. Petty. Ho was entered in the Petty Grave Yard near Gaffney in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives, among whom were his be reaved wife and ten dear little chil dren weeping and wailing in the sor row of death. Mr. Petty was cutdown in the prime and vigor of manhood. He was forty seven years of age, and was a consistent member of the Bap tist church of Limestone. He was a true husband, a kind father, and an unswerving friend to those he likeu. The funeral services were conduct ed by Rev. B. P. Robertson in a most beautiful style, who read a portion of the 11th chapter of John. Mr. Editor I hope that the Lord will forgive yon, for the way that you treated me last week; but as for my part I shall always think that you done me wrong but at the same time I ain'willing to submit to your wise council. In conclusion I wish to say to “Uncle Joe” of Sunnyside, that I am a full fledged brother to .lackey Tate, and I'm basking on the Sunny- side of Glory. Had I been permitted by theedibor of The Lkdoku last week; I would have shown “Personne” where Tony hid the wedge. Limdeu Jim. [Limber dim’s correspondence was omitted last week because of the as sumption on his part that he knew who “Personne” w:.s while tiie editor was satisfied that he does not know. Besides, the language used was not calculated to elevate and instruct the readers of this paper.—Ed.] ANOTHER BIG WRECK. Vestibule Track Near Jumped the Blacksburg. BlacTcsbi'ko, 8. C., April 20—The Southern Railroad has suffered another very serious wreck. Yester day afternoon the northbound vesti bule which passes here at 7.08 o,clock jumped the track just three miles north of this place and one mile dis tant from the point at which a simi lar accident occurred only about a The tiling is wrapped No one lias been able explanation of the ter- The train passed here month ago. in mystery, to offer any rible wreck, on time and was running at its usual rapid rate when without any warning to tiie engineer it jumped the track effecting one of the conpletest wrecks in tiie history of the road. Fortu nately the train had gotten around the mountain with its tremendous hills and cuts and was on a compari- livaly smooth surface when the acci dent occurred. Tiie engine left the track and was followed by all the cars save two. The engine turned completely over as soon as it jumped, and the cars, plowing through the earth, went several yards past it. With the ex ception of the mail car none of the cars are seriously damaged save as to their trucks. The engine, however, is a complete wreck. It was a large mogul and as it lies torn to atoms it looks like the ruins of an iron foun dry. The cub was torn loose and thrown into a cotton field many yards distant and tiie headlight was found even farther away. The steel bars of the engine are bent as if they weie tin and tiie railroad iron is broken and contorted. Strange to relate no one was hart but Engineer John Petteui*. whose hand was painfully scalded. How the engineer-and firemen escaped no one can explain. Having no warn ing they could not jump but were thrown violently from the wreck. None of the numerous passengers were hurt. They were jarred and scared but none badly hurt. It is thought that a tramp is buried under the wreck. This is speculation how ever. A tramp was seen to board the train at this place, but no one can say positively that he was killed. A large force of men are working to remove the wreck. A track has been built around the demolished train and trains arep assing on time, There is something mysterious about the frequency of wrecks on the Southern in this particular locality and it looks us if some fiend or fiends are guiltv of loosing the rails. If such is the case and the perpetrator can be apprehended swift justice will be meted out to the guilty. WILL WE CELEBRATE? Howells Ferry News. . (Correspondence of The Ledger.) Howells Feruv, April 28.—Genial Will Mabry, of Gowdeysrilie, was in this section last week on business. Some colored iron were before J. L. Strain last week to answer for the deeds done in the body. One of them was given the preference of 30 days on the chain gang or $15.00. He chose the latter. James Woulbright is the father of a whopping great big51b baby which made its appearance a fortnight ago. Mr. Bass, brother and family, visi ted James Hopper last Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Jas. L. Strain and wife visited Mr. and Mrs. II. B. McDaniel, of Hickory Grove, last week. Noble Blackwell is getting so he can cut the pigeon wing rignt well. Hurrah for Noble. Sambo went over to see Uncle Joe Inst week. Though the old fellow is bowed down by age. lie plays the fiddle as well as he did when about the age of 21. There will he preaching at Salem next Sunday at which time tho sacra ments of the Lord’s supperjwill be ad ministered. Sam no. Two yeaas ago R. J. 'Warren, a druggist at IMeasant Brook, N. Y., bought a small supply of Chamber lain’s Cough Remedy. He sums up the result as follows: “At that time lives and Senators. Betitlons signed j the goods were unknown in this sec- by business men in all sections of the country, asl ing for this legislation | at the extra session, are pouring into Washington in every mail. This ■ method of influencing legislation is , not as effective at it once was. Itj has been abused so often that the , average Senator or Representative J pany. tion; to-day Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy is a household word.” It is the same in hundreds of communities Whereever the good qualities of Chamberlain’s Cough remedy become known the people will have nothing else. For sale by DuPre Drug Com Why of Course We Will, and in Grand Style Too. After consultation with a number of the progressive citizens of Gaffney, it has been determined to call a meet ing for Friday night. April 30. to con sider the advisability of celebrating Independence Day. Those who have been consulted all agree that it is the proper thing to celebrate. Prof. 8. L. Cutting promises that the Cherokee band will take an active part and render the sweetest music ever heard in the county. Mr. J. N. Lipscomb say the Bicy cle Club will take part and arrange races. ! • is proposed to have a big ger, grander and better celebration than was held lust year. Let all who hold dear the welfare of Gaffney at tend the meeting to-morrow night, and help push the matter along for nothing is so effective to a town as good advertising, and there is no bet ter advertising for a town than to hold an annual festival of some sort. Let Gaffney’s annual festival day be Independence Day. —— - —* -«•»' •> — Cherokee County Pension Matters. Cherokee County Board of Pension ers met in the city council chamber, last Saturday at 1 o’clock. The mem bers present were: Dr. J. G. Black, chairman of Cherokee township. M. M. Tate, chairman, Draytonville; T. M. Littlejohn* chairman Gowdys- ville; 1. G. Surratt, chairman, Lime stone, and Luther Guthrie, chairman. White Plains. I. G. Sarratt was elect ed chairman of the county board. Routine business was transacted and the board adjourned to meet Satur day week. Limescone township pension board meets next Saturday ut 10 o’clock, in this city, to consider all applications for pensions for disabled Confederate soldiers and widows of Confederate soldiers. On Saturday week the county board of pensioners meet to consider all grievances which may accrue from the decision of the township board. Bucklen’s Arnica Salve. The Best Salve in the world .for Cuts, Bruises, Sores. Ulcer, Salt Rheum, Fever Sores, Tetter, Chapped Hands, Chilblains, Cortis, and all Skin Eruptions, and positively cures Piles, or no pay required. It is guar anteed to give perfect satisfaction or money refunded. Price 25 cents per box. For sate by The DuPre Drug Co.