STATE GAZETTE
DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE
42ND YEAR -- NO. 9
FEBRUARY 28, 1907

DEATH OF JOHN McGINNIS -- John M. McGINNIS, who had lived in Dyersburg nearly all his life, died at his home here last Thursday morning, after an illness of six days, aged 65 years. He leaves a wife, one of the noblest of women, and seven children; four daughters and three sons to mourn his loss. Mr. McGINNIS had been actively engaged in business in Dyersburg since the war. He was for a long time an official member of the Methodist Church and at the time of his death, was a member of good standing of the Masonic fraternity. He was a true and loyal Confederate soldier and a member of Dawson Bivouac. Rev. A. J. MEADERS conducted the funeral services at the residence, which were conducted at the grave by the Masonic fraternity.

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT -- Sorrow comes to us all and we are truly sorry to report the death of our beloved brother, Frank WARD, son of J. E. WARD, who lives on the old FERGUSON place. Brother Frank was only a youth of 17 summers and was a truthful, honest and industrious young man, and respected and loved by all who knew him, and was a member in good standing of North Local No. 74; Farmers Union. Therefore, we the members of North Local No. 74, beg to tender our sympathies to his family in their bereavement. We desire to comfort them in their sorrow, for their loss is our loss, also let us all hope to meet again in the sweet beyond where sorrow never comes and heartaches are no more. The body was laid to rest in the Ferguson cemetery and the funeral was well attended by friends and neighbors and nearly every member of the North Local. Thus "in the midst of life, we are in the midst of death."

SQUIRE SUMMIT'S BARN BURNED -- The large barn of Squire J. T. SUMMIT at Bruceville was destroyed by fire Friday morning at day light. About three hundred bushels of corn, a quantity of hay, two valuable mules, wagon and buggy and tools were destroyed. Squire SUMMIT was aroused in time to save one horse and colt. The fire is supposed to have been of incendiary orgin. Loss was $2, 000, no insurance.

BARN BURNED -- Mr. R. M. RAINEY's large barn in West Newbern, was destroyed by fire Sunday night. Mr. RAINEY's loss is estimated about $600, no insurance. Mr. Will PARKS had about $200 worth of hay and corn stored in the barn, destroyed by the flame. Mr. PARKS reached the barn in time to save his four mules, a log wagon and a few other things. Origin of fire is unknown. Newbern Tennesseean.

NINE BIRTHDAY AND 43 YEARS OLD. MILLERSBURG, KY. -- J. H. BISHOP, who was born and reared at this place, but who now resides in Lexington, is perhaps the only man in Kentucky, who is 43 years old and celebrated only nine birthdays.

DEAF MUTES WED. MEMPHIS, TENN. -- In the presence of 200 guests, fifty of whom were deaf mutes, an unique ceremony was performed last week at the Annie Brinkley Home, which united in matrimony, Miss Bessie Carl VOLKMAN and Edward Lee FIELDS, members of the Memphis Deaf Mute Association. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. W. MICHAELS, of Little Rock, a deaf mute himself, who performed the ceremony in the silent language. This was the first public marriage to take place between members of the Association since its organization six years ago, and unusual interest was aroused by its announcement, and many guests witnessed for the first time such a ceremont.

MAJOR W. L. SMITH DROWNED. MEMPHIS, TENN. FEB. 22 -- Major W. L. SMITH, one of the most widely known railroad men in the South and his son, McClellan, aged 13 years, were drowned today in Menaska Lake, Arkansas. Mr. SMITH, who was a member of the Menaska Hunting Club, went there with his son yesterday for a duck hunt of a few days. This morning the two, with a negro paddler, entered a skiff, and in some manner the craft was overturned and the three were thrown into deep water. They made a desperate effort to reach shore, but the heavy clothing worn by Mr. SMITH and his son was too much and they were drowned. The negro servant escaped. The bodies were recovered and will be brought to Memphis for burial.

CHESTNUT BLUFF -- Daisy SMITH, "Blind Daisy, " as she was called, died last Friday with congestion. She was sick only a few hours. She was a good Christian and a member of the Lebanon Methodist Church. John RICHARDSON will run his wagon again this year. We are always glad to see John, as he buys all our chickens and eggs and pays us the money at our gate. Misses JONES and AVERY paid Halls a visit Saturday and were thrown out of their buggy, but escaped unhurt.

IN THE DEATH -- of Major W. L. SMITH, the Illinois Central Rail Road loses an excellant official and the South, a good friend.

IN MEMORIUM -- John Mathis McGINNIS was born in the year 1838, November 15th, in Dyer County, near Newbern; was married to Miss Caroline DAUGHTY in 1870, made a Mason the same year and had been a member of the Methodist Church for thirty years. He died Februsry 21, 1907, survived by a wife, four daughters and three sons. In the death of John Mathis McGINNIS, his family, church. lodge, and community a large loss. Kind, affectionate and thoughtful in his home, charitable, patient and true to his fraternal brothers, honest, conscientious and reliable in all his private relations with all mankind. He was a gallant and brave Confederate so for four long years. Although his life was not a financial success, in a marked degree, he laid up treasures more enduring in the high esteem of his friends, the memory of his loved ones. In view of the life he lived and our knowledge of his noble qualities; be it resolved: That in his death, this Lodge loses a valuable member and brother indeed, but we bow submissively, recognizing that our temporary loss is his eternal gain, and we will cherish his memory here, commend his spirit to God, who gave it and consign his body to earth with the consoling thought that he consistently practiced the principles of Masonry, which he tought and loved his neighbor as himself. J. H. PILLOW. W. M. HOLT. and J. G. MEADOWS. Committee.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1907 -- Carrol DOYLE, cashier of First National Bank, left Monday for Tampa, Florida for several weeks stay. Miss Jennie LAUDERDALE came down from Nashville to attend the funeral of John McGINNIS last Saturday. D. A. ROBINSON and R. W. SLAYTON succeed C. P. COBB in the transfer business. Dr. & Mrs. Nick WALKER are visiting his parents at Baldwin, Miss. Mrs. Tom DAWSON, who has been visiting friends in the city, left Monday for a ten day stay at Hot Springs. Mrs. Linnie WILLIAMS has gone to Tampa, Florida to visit her son, Perrin. Since Tom PIERCE has become the fathjer of a bouncing baby boy, the capital stock at the Trimble Bank has risen 50 per cent. J. E. HARRELL spent several days with his daughter, Mrs. Allen MEADOWS, at Nashville. Thievesrobbed the residence of M. W. EWELL Monday night, obtaining a fine gold watch. Mrs. George CARLTON, of Caruthersville, has come over to visit her aunt, Mrs. May FIELDS, while Mrs. Linnie WILLIAMS is in Florida. Mrs. B. W. LANIUS is dangerously ill this week. Dr. J. W. FINNEY, after a two months stay with relatives at Watertown, has returned home. As a result of the work of the Circuit Court, four prisoners will don the stripes in the State penitentiary. Claude ROGERS, white, three years for bigamy; Will ERVIN, white, three years, bigamy; Charles PARTIN, three years, forgery; Will Milas BELL, colored, two years, larceny. Miss Katie Belle SPENCE, of Crockett County, is visiting her uncle, Jas. D. WILSON. Miss Emily HANFORD, of Batesville, Ark., and Miss Nell MORRIS of Fulton, KY., are the guests this week of Miss Eunice MEADOWS.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS -- C. COLEMAN to C. N. JOHNSON, land 17th dist., $1,100. W. S. & N. S. CATE to J. R. COLE, land 6th dist., $4,026. Tom ROGERS to W. C. PARIS, lot in Dyersburg, $600. T. J. BIGGS to J. H. BESSENT, land 1st dist., $2,500.

LIVE STOCK SALE -- Last Friday, Sherrod SEGRAVES purchased from REDD Brothers, of Lenox, 175 head of steers averaging 725 pounds each, at $3.33 1/3 per hundred. They were loaded on the cars Saturday night and shipped to Lexington, . Ky., where they will go on sale. The cattle grossed $4,000 and the profit to the REDDS was a good one.

DEATH OF TOM VIAR; SPECIAL FROM FOWKLES CORRESPONDENT -- Tom VIAR died at his home in Fowkles Monday night at 9: 30, aged 55 years and 9 months. He leaves a wife, five sons and a number of grandchildren, to mourn his loss. In his death, the wife loses a beloved companion, the children a kind and loving father, and all humanity, a friend. After a short and appropriate service by Rev. HARRISON, the remains were laid to rest at Holly Springs cemetery.

HORSE THIEF NABBED -- Officer John WILLIAMSON made a catch of a horse thief Sunday. Allen WHEELER stole two mules last Thursday night, one from the barn of Joe RIGG and one from Bill NELSON's barn at Blue Grass. WILLIAMSON at once started a search for the man and the stolen animals. He was traced through the county all week, to his home in District #2 Sunday, where he was arrested by the constable acting on Mr. WILLIAMSON's orders. He told the officers where the animals could be found.

MARRIAGE LICENSES -- J. W. GREGORY to Nora REED. J. M. FARMER to Nina TROY. Wash JOINER to Mattie JACKSON. Ben PIERCE to Willie McCRUTCHEON.

RICHARDS' RESIDENCE BURNED -- The residence of J. A. RICHARDS was completely destroyed by fire Friday morning at 4 a. m. The family discovered the fire just in time to escape and hadn't time to save even their clothing. The loss was complete including out houses and fences. The house and contents were insured for $1,900 with L. W. TUCKER and the loss has been adjusted.

DEATH OF MRS. ANNIE JACKSON -- The beloved wife of A. G. JACKSON, died at her home one mile west of Dyersburg on February 23rd after several weeks illness. The deceased was 46 years, 1 month and 26 days old. She lived a consistant Christian life and was a member of the Baptist church 29 years. By her death, the community loses one of its finest christian ladies, and in the home is left a vacant place that can never be filled. She leaves a husband, two sons and two brothers and a host of friends to mourn her lass. The funeral services was conducted by Rev. J. T. BARKER and the remains interred at McCullough's Chapel the following Monday.

CARD OF THANKS -- We wish to return our profound thanks to our friends and neighbors for their untiring attention and help during the six weeks illness of my wife who departed from among us to the land where she will be with the Savior. We also thank Dr. Rawls for his close and untiring attention. H. G. JACKSON & Children. (In obit, the initials were A. G.)

BRUCEVILLE -- Mrs. Lucian STARETT and son, Bernice, and sister, Mrs. LILLARD, are visiting relatives in Missouri. Julian PALMER and Robert STARETT have left us to work in Finley. Miss Rilla CULLIPHER, of Bonicord, is the guest of Miss Lillie CEARLEY this week. Mrs. M. J. DAVIS is on sick list.

RoELLEN -- John VIAR was called to Fowkles last week to attend the bedside of his father. Born to Hugh WELCH and wife, a fine baby girl. Ed SPENCER and wife of Dyersburg, were visitors here, guests of the Alex RAYS family.

BAND MILL -- Miss Bertha MAHON is visiting her sister, Mrs. Brit TWILLA, at Richwoods this week. J. C. MAHON has moved to the house formerly occupied by W. H. WALKER. J. H. McCOY and H. B. MASSIE made a business trip to Dyersburg Friday evening Mrs. H. A. BAXTER and Mrs. J. W. BRANUM have been very sick. Robert WOODY, of Memphis, is visiting his brother, G. B. WOODY this week. Little Carlos TIBBS is up again after three weeks serious illness. Mrs. W. W. BOGLE of Dyersburg, is visiting her mother, Mrs. H. A. BAXTER, this week. J. W. PORTER of Mooring, Tenn., is in our midst.

(Name of neighborhood torn off) -- The BIGGS boys are putting lumber on the ground for a store building and two residences at Bonicord. William NASH has bought out Oscar PARISH and will move to Bonicord as soon as possible. Granpa PRIVETT is all smiles over the new girl that has come to stay at Mr. & Mrs. Bob PRIVETTs.

LENOX -- We note that "Elijah" spoke of Mrs. Tennie STYERS being in town shopping the other day. I never saw Mrs. Tennie, but I certainly saw her daughter, Miss Clara.

NEWBERN -- Miss NEAL of Chicago, a neice of Miss Olive NEAL, of the Newbern school, left Tuesday after a short visit. Miss Mabel SWINDLER is home with her parents. B. R. PARKS is at home, after being for several days with his little daughter, Allene, in Nashville. Allene is much improved in health. Mr. COOK and son, of near Newbern, will go to New Mexico land prospecting soon. Robert DRANE sold his city bakery and grocery store to Mr. STANLEY, who will continue the business here. William GANNON died Tuesday night of last week at his home near here. Mr. GANNON was quite an old gentleman and had many friends here, who deeply sympathize with the family in this sad hour.