Sunday, March 30, 2008

Quarantine of Dycusburg Raised (1899)

Kuttawa, Ky. Dec. 20 -- At the instigation of the Board of Health, the physicians, after a thorough investigation have decided that there are no cases of smallpox in this county and have notified the Board of Health to that effect.

At Dycusburg the quarantine has been raised the large number of alleged cases of smallpox there for several weeks having proved to be measles and also a disease pronounced as Cuban Itch.

Source: Bee (Earlington, Ky.): Thursday, December 28, 1899.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Dycusburg From Tiline

Here's a view of Dycusburg across the river from Livingston County.

Click the image for a larger view. Thanks to Brenda Underdown for sharing.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Few Books Remain

Just a few copies of the Dycusburg book remain. I'm selling these for $50 until April 1. Send me an e-mail at matthewtpatton@yahoo.com if you'd like a copy set aside. As you can see from this photo, the book is quite substantial at 443 pages.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Dycusburg Book Selling Quickly

The Dycusburg book is back from the printers. Let me know soon if you're interested in ordering as I've only ordered 10 for this reprinting ... and only have six left already. I am selling these until April 1 for $50 ... a $20 discount.

If history repeats itself, these definitely will sell out quickly. I haven't had any reprints in more than a year. E-mail me at matthewtpatton@yahoo.com if you'd like to add your name to the list and I'll set one aside for you.

More than 400 copies of Dycusburg, Kentucky: A Glance at Her Past have been sold since it was published in 1999. The book, 443 pages, is hardbound with gold-embossed lettering and is out of print. If you're interested in ordering a copy at $50, e-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com. Sections of the book include:

  • Dycusburg history
  • Dycusburg school records
  • Dycusburg Methodist church records
  • biographies of prominent Dycusburg citizens
  • anecdotes and photographs
  • Masonic Lodge records
  • Dycusburg cemetery listing
  • Yancy cemetery listing
  • Federal census records
  • Dycusburg police docket (1874-1902)
  • Dycusburg newspaper abstracts.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Obituary: Steve Turley, 56

Steve Turley, 56, of Dycusburg died at 9:45 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2008 at his residence.

Born Oct. 6, 1951 at Gary, Ind., Turley had served in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by two sisters, Judy Kinnes of Princeton and Reeta Wharmby of Benton; a half-brother, Jerry Walner of Brenham, Tex.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carter and Katherine Tosh Turley.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Dycusburg Baptist Church.

Myers Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.

From the March 13, 2008 issue of The Crittenden Press. Used with permission.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Membership Demit From the Dycusburg Lodge

Click image for larger view.

Receipt from Dycusburg Post Office for 1896

Box No. 9
To T.J. Yeats Post Office, Dr.
To Box Rent
From Jan. 1st to June 30, 1896 $.50
Received Payment
____, P.M.


Dycusburg By-Laws, Adopted June 22, 1868

Dycusburg By-Laws, Adopted June 22, 1868

Section 1. Any person who shall be found guilty of disorderly conduct within the town of Dycusburg, or shall be found loitering about in said town, not employed in some visible and laudable occupation, shall be fined ten dollars for each offence; and in default of payment, shall be committed to work on the streets of said town, not exceeding one day for each dollar of the fine.

Sec. 2. Upon theatrical and concert performances, or other shows, within the limits of the town, there shall be paid for license, to the Marshal, the sum of five dollars, except performances by the citizens of the town or county; and upon each exhibition of wild animals, menageries or circuses, there shall be paid by the owner or owners thereof, or the agent, the sum of ten dollars.
Sec. 3. Any person or persons, who shall violate section 2, or any part thereof, shall be fined fifty dollars.

Sec. 4. Any person who shall be guilty of drunkenness within the town of Dycusburg shall pay a fine of five dollars; and in default of payment, shall be committed to work on the streets of said town, not exceeding one day for each dollar of the fine.

Sec. 5. Any person who shall be guilty of profane swearing, in a clamorous manner, in the town of Dycusburg, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not less than one, nor more than twenty dollars for each and every such offence; and in default of payment, shall be committed to work on the streets of said town, not exceeding one day for each dollar of said fine, unless bond and security be given for the amount of fine and costs.

Sec. 6. Any person or persons who shall be guilty of fighting, running horses or any riotous or disorderly conduct in the town of Dycusburg, breach of peace or assult and battery; in said town, shall forfeit and pay a fine of not more than twenty dollars: and for any breach may be imprisoned ten days, or sentenced to work on the streets of said town ten days, or may be both fined and imprisoned, or made to work to that extent, or any part of each or either, at the discretion of the court; and in default of the payment of fine, the defendants shall be confined in the county jail, one day for each two dollars, or made to work on the streets of said town, one day for each dollar of said fine, at the discretion of the court.

Sec. 7. Any person who shall be guilty of any indecent or boisterous conduct, such as disturbs the peace and dignity of the town, or any boisterous conduct on the Sabbath, crying aloud in a disorderly manner, by day or by night, or any disorderly or strange noise, or any riotous conduct, not enumerated in any of the foregoing sections, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding twenty dollars, for each offence, and in default of payment shall be sentenced to work on the streets of said town, for a time sufficient to pay said fine at one dollar per day.

Sec. 8. Any person who shall be guilty of any grossly improper or indecent conduct, in any public part of the town of Dycusburg, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding ten dollars; and in default of payment, shall be sentenced to work on the streets of said town, one day for each dollar of the fine.

Sec. 9. Any person who shall shoot off a gun or pistol loaded with powder, within the corporate limits of the town of Dycusburg, other than a gunsmith on his premises, or burn squibs or fire crackers in any way, shall be fined, for shooting, five dollars; and for burning squibs or fire crackers, in any sum not above that amount for each offence.

Sec. 10. Any person owning a bitch, and permitting the same to run at large in the town of Dycusburg, shall be fined one dollar and forfeit said bitch, to be killed by the marshal, who shall be allowed fifty cents therefor, to be paid by the owners.

Sec. 11. Any person keeping or allowing to be kept a house of ill-fame or prostitution, shall be fined not less than ten, nor more than fifty dollars, for each and every offence; the same to be collected before the Police Judge as other fines; and in default of payment, the party or parties shall be confined in the jail of Crittenden County, for a period of not less than one nor more than six months, at the discretion of the court or jury trying the case.

Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the town Marshal to arrest and bring up for trial all persons violating any of the by-laws of the town of Dycusburg, either with or without warrant, and see that the same are properly enforced, and for a neglect of his duty herein, when such violations come to his knowledge, he shall be fined five dollars for every such failure; and any person who shall refuse to render assistance to the Marshal, when legally required by him to do so, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding twenty dollars.

Sec. 13. All peddlers and transient persons exposing to sale goods, wares and merchandise, within the corporate limits of the town of Dycusburg shall pay to the Clerk a tax of five dollars per day for each and every day that he exposes his goods to sale, and obtain a license from the Clerk therefor, and upon failure to pay the same, shall be fined fifty dollars for every day, or part of the day, he she, or they so sell; and on failure to pay said fine, the Marshal is hereby required to arrest the person or persons refusing to pay, and bring him, her or them before the Police Judge for trial, Provided, That nothing herein shall apply to the citizens of Dycusburg or Crittenden County.

Sec. 14. It shall be the duty of the Police Judge and Town Marshall to make, in writing, a monthly report to the Trustees, showing all monies that have come into their hands belonging to the town, and the disposition made of it; and when said reports are approved and received by the board of Trustees, it shall be the duty of the Clerk to make a record of all monies paid over by said officers to the Treasury, which said record shall be a receipt for the same; and upon failure of said officers to make said reports, they and their securities shall be held responsible for said sums due, and ten per cent thereon.

Sec. 15. Any person or persons, other than a licensed tavern keeper, shall pay to the Town Marshal the sum of fifty dollars, who shall give a receipt for the same; and on presentation of the receipt, to the Clerk, he shall issue said person or persons a coffee house license to retail ardent spirits for twelve months from date thereof; and upon failure to obtain said license as herein provided, the party offending shall be subject to a fine of five dollars for each offence, obtained before the Police Judge.

Sec. 16. It shall be the duty of the Town Marshall to attend the removal of all obstructions, and the abatement of all nuisances, in the town and streets thereof, either coming under his own view, or to which his attention may be called by the Board, or any member thereof. It is hereby declared that the following matters and things are nuisances, which it is the duty of the Marshall to cause to be abated and removed, to wit: to suffer wood boxes or any other material, to remain in the streets or upon the side walks, more than twenty four hours, he or she shall be liable to a fine of not less than one dollar for each offence, to be recovered in the Police Court of Dycusburg. The Marshall shall cause to be removed, dead hogs, horses cattle, dogs and cats; and upon the failure of the owner, after notice given to cause the same to be removed, he shall pay the Marshal fifty cents for the each carcass, and for his services, where there is no owner, the Treasurer shall pay the Marshal fifty cents for the removal of each dead horse, mule, or cattle, and twenty-five cents for each hog, dog, cat or other dead animals, in the boundary of the corporation. To exhibit a stud horse, jack, or bull on the streets of said town, there shall be a fine of not less than five dollars, to be recovered before the Police Judge.

Sec. 17. To erect a pig sty within forty feet of any street of said town shall be a finable offence of not less than five dollars. Any person hitching or causing to be hitched a horse or mule on any pavement, obstructing the same, shall be fined not less than one, nor more than five dollars for each offence. Any person or persons who shall thrown or cause to be put into any public well, anything that will damage the same or destroy the buckets, cut the ropes, or stretch the same into the streets, shall be fined not less than ten, nor more than twenty-five dollars. If a minor, the parent or guardian shall be responsible for the same, recoverable before the Police Judge.

Sec. 18. That if any person of persons shall sell any goods, wares, or spiritous liquors on Sabbath day, except for medical or burial purposes, shall be fined not less than one nor more than five dollars for each offence. Any person or persons who shall work or cause work to be done on or near their premises, thereby breaking the Sabbath, except said work is of necessity, he or they so offending shall be fined not less than two nor more than five dollars, for each offense. All statutes applicable for the good government of the town, in cases not provided for in these By-Laws, are adopted as a part thereof.

Sec. 19. All fines imposed by these By-Laws, and not especially provided for, shall be recovered by warrant, before the Police Judge. It shall be the duty of the Marshal to collect all taxes and fines as assessed; and for said service he shall received five per cent; and for other services rendered he shall receive a just compensation, as the nature of the work may require.

Sec. 20. Any person or persons carrying concealed weapons shall be fined not less than five, nor more than fifty dollars; and in default of payment shall be committed to work on the streets, one day for each dollar of the fine or committed to the county jail one day for each two dollars of the fine at the discretion of the court.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Obituary: Kenneth Campbell, 65

Kenneth Campbell, 65, of Evansville, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at New Harmonie Healthcare Center. He was born Sept. 10, 1942, in Crittenden County, Ky.

Kenneth graduated from U of E in 1966. He taught at Culver Elementary for 32 years, where he served as an art teacher and school counselor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Virginia Campbell; and brothers, David and Carter Campbell.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vicki (Rogers) Campbell; daughter, Christine Campbell and husband, Sean Patrick, of Nashville, Tenn.; daughter, Jennifer Campbell of Indianapolis; son, Matthew Campbell of Dubois, Wyo.; sister, Jewell Hulett and husband, Dave, of Cadiz, Ky.; sister, Rebecca Wilhoit and husband, Gene, of Lawrenceburg, Ky.; sister, Dorothy Arrick of Evansville; brother-in-law, Mike Rogers and wife, Doreen, of Bloomington, Ind,; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Alexander North Chapel, burial in Liberty Cemetery in Cynthiana, Ind. Friends may visit Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4770 Covert Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714 or a favorite charity. Condolences may be made online at http://www.mem.com/. Arrangements by Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road.

Published in the Evansville Courier Press on March 13, 2008.

Read more about his art here: http://www.dycusburg.com/notecards.html.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Kenneth Campbell, 65, Passes Away

Kenneth Campbell, 65, of Evansville died Tuesday, March 11 at New Harmonie Healthcare Center. He was born Sept. 10, 1942, in Crittenden County.

His funeral is at 2 p.m., Saturday at Alexander North Chapel (4200 Stringtown Road in Evansville) with burial to be at Liberty Cemetery in Cynthiana.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Book Available for a Discount: Limited Time

The Dycusburg book is back from the printers. Let me know soon if you're interested in ordering as I've only ordered 10 for this reprinting ... and only have seven left already. I am selling these until April 1 for $50 ... a $20 discount.

If history repeats itself, these definitely will sell out quickly. I haven't had any reprints in more than a year. E-mail me at matthewtpatton@yahoo.com if you'd like to add your name to the list and I'll set one aside for you.

More than 400 copies of Dycusburg, Kentucky: A Glance at Her Past have been sold since it was published in 1999. The book, 443 pages, is hardbound with gold-embossed lettering and is out of print. If you're interested in ordering a copy at $50, e-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com. Sections of the book include:

  • Dycusburg history
  • Dycusburg school records
  • Dycusburg Methodist church records
  • biographies of prominent Dycusburg citizens
  • anecdotes and photographs
  • Masonic Lodge records
  • Dycusburg cemetery listing
  • Yancy cemetery listing
  • Federal census records
  • Dycusburg police docket (1874-1902)
  • Dycusburg newspaper abstracts.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Dycusburg Magistrate Votes Against New Tax

The Crittenden County Fiscal Court approved the controversial insurance premium tax during its special meeting this morning. (See here for more details).

The approved version levies a 2-percent tax on all insurance premiums, excluding health, life and worker's compensation. The amended version of the tax ordinance passed by a 5-1 margin with Magistrate Greg West (the magistrate representing Dycusburg) casting the only dissenting vote.

I wonder if the fiscal court researched many other viable solutions? I hope this is a wake-up call for several Crittenden Countians to pay closer attention to where their dollars are going. Truly, and not just in Crittenden County, we are a nation of taxation without representation.

Dycusburg Resident Found Dead

We heard that Dycusburg resident Steve Turley was found dead at his home this morning. No cause of death was given. Will post more if we learn anything.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Bookmobile Serves Dycusburg

Arguably one of the most important organizations in Crittenden County is its public library. One of its great services is the bookmobile, a mobile library stocked with materials. A great benefit of the bookmobile is homebound patrons need not make a trip to town to acquire their reading materials. Dycusburg.com recently spoke with Tabby Padgett, bookmobile library, and Regina Merrick, librarian, at Crittenden County Public Library. We learned that only one family in Dycusburg currently uses its services. Spread the word about this great community benefit!

The inset is a photo of what the new Crittenden County Public Library's bookmobile will look like, courtesy of the Henderson County Public Library.

The interview with Padgett and Merrick appears below.

When are you at Dycusburg?
Tabby Padgett (TP): As of right now, I do not know my bookmobile schedule and when I will be in Dycusburg. However, when we get our new bookmobile prepared and I am back on the route, the bookmobile will be in Dycusburg every 2 weeks, usually twice a month. I come on Thursdays and park at the post office. As of right now, there is only one family in Dycusburg that partakes of the bookmobile. If anyone is interested, please have them contact the library and let us know. This will make me aware of how long I will need to wait at the post office.

Regina Merrick (RM): We will be getting the new bookmobile next week, and should start using it by April. We still have to have it painted, stocked, etc., before we start running it. We would love to have more participation from the Dycusburg community. As Tabby stated, if anyone would like the bookmobile to come to their home, or would like to meet the bookmobile at the store, please let us know, and we’ll make the arrangements..

What can you tell us about the bookmobile, generally speaking (e.g., circulation, stats)?
TP: The bookmobile is considered a "Library on Wheels" and serves those unable to make it to the public library. The bookmobile is stocked with Adult Fiction, Adult Non-fiction, Junior fiction, Junior Non-fiction, Christian Fiction, Easy, Western, and Romance books, to name a few. It also carries videos and books on tape, upon request.

RM: Bookmobile circulation in 2006-07 was 7,025, and the previous year 9,264. 2006-2007 was a year we had the bookmobile down for repairs quite a bit, so we are counting on our numbers going up dramatically when the new vehicle is in use regularly. Bookmobile circulation has typically been about 20 percent of the library’s total circulation. The new bookmobile is a Dodge Sprinter, and will be painted with library books and titles to make it more visible. Everyone will know when the bookmobile is in their neighborhood! Anyone with Internet in their home is welcome to check out the library’s catalog at http://www.crittendenlibrary.org/, and then click on “catalog,” to see what materials are available. If you don’t see what you want on the bookmobile, we’ll do our best to get it for you, if we can know ahead of time. The library’s phone number is 965-3354.

Why do you think it's important for small communities like Dycusburg to take advantage of the bookmobile?
TP: Like I mentioned earlier, the bookmobile is here to serve those unable to make it into the public library. It is a free service for anyone and we come to you; there are no hassles trying to get to Marion, get a ride, battle the weather, waste gas or so forth. As long as the communities in Crittenden County show an interest in the bookmobile then it will be around for many more years to come.

RM: Many counties in Kentucky have opted not to have the expense of a bookmobile. We feel as long as circulation figures and word-of-mouth anecdotes tell us that people are using the bookmobile, it is our job to keep the program alive. We do not have a branch in our outlying communities, and the bookmobile is a way for the people of Dycusburg, Shady Grove, Tolu, Crayne, and other areas of the county to have their own traveling branch.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Books Due Back From Printers Any Day Now

The Dycusburg book reprints should be back from the printers by early next week. Let me know soon if you're interested in ordering as I've only ordered 10 for this reprinting. If history repeats itself, these definitely will sell out quickly. I haven't had any reprints in more than a year. E-mail me at matthewtpatton@yahoo.com if you'd like to add your name to the list and I'll set one aside for you.

More than 400 copies of Dycusburg, Kentucky: A Glance at Her Past have been sold since it was published in 1999. The book, 443 pages, is hardbound with gold-embossed lettering and is out of print. If you're interested in ordering a copy at $70, e-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com. Sections of the book include:
  • Dycusburg history
  • Dycusburg school records
  • Dycusburg Methodist church records
  • biographies of prominent Dycusburg citizens
  • anecdotes and photographs
  • Masonic Lodge records
  • Dycusburg cemetery listing
  • Yancy cemetery listing
  • Federal census records
  • Dycusburg police docket (1874-1902)
  • Dycusburg newspaper abstracts.