Thursday, January 29, 2009

Coverage of Winter Storm

Check out crittendenpress.blogspot.com where I have been blogging about the winter storm that hammered Crittenden County.

Crittenden County Slammed by Winter Storm


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Southern Crittenden County News: Jan. 29, 2009

By Michelle Henderson and Matthew T. Patton

From us to you, we hope everyone has a Happy Chinese New Year! It's the year of the Ox and we need to show our strength. Now more than ever. Monday marked the beginning of the Year of the Ox. People born in that year are dependable, patient and methodical. They do not back down in the face of obstacles. President Obama is an ox.

Nearly 30 people came down to Dycusburg Grocery to listen to live music on Friday night. Everyone enjoyed a good time. Owner Star Mahns said the store plans to have entertainment on Fridays again. Call 988-3004 on Fridays to confirm. For a gallery of photos and video footage from Friday night's jam, check out www.dycusburg.com.

Seven Springs had 84 in attendance for Sunday School. There were few empty pews for the worship service.

If you can't make it to hear the services at Mexico Baptist Church in person, visit www.mexicobaptist.org where you can find downloadable sermons.

We send get-well wishes to Don Patton and Gordon "Babe" and Ann Sutton.

Happy birthday to Gina Noffsinger (Jan. 29).

Dycusburg Grocery is hosting a community Super Bowl party on Sunday (all-you-can eat Mexican buffet for $10).

Josh Mahns's best friend Justin Parker visited this weekend before he starts school in Phoenix for custom building of Harleys.

Makanda Rolfe spent the weekend with her grandmother, Michelle Henderson.

Got news? Share it. Call Michelle at 988-2758 or e-mail dycusburg@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Call From the Voters of Dycusburg

A Call
Sixty three voters of the Dycusburg precinct hereby call on James P. Pierce to run for the office of County Judge at the next August election, subject to the decision of the Democratic party of Crittenden county. They do this as much for the good of the party as to do honor to a good citizen and a faithful and efficient officer, and believing that he is the Democrat that can carry the largest vote for that office With Mr. Pierce to head the ticket, the Democracy will carry the county. And we hereby pledge ourselves to do all we can for the whole ticket.

Many Voters.
Dycusburg, Feb. 20, 1882.


Source: The Crittenden Record Press, March 1, 1882

Monday, January 26, 2009

James Perry Pierce: Keeping Dycusburg Safe

In 1874, James was chosen magistrate of the Dycusburg District, and two years later was appointed deputy sheriff of Crittenden County under R. A. Dowell, the duties of which he discharged until 1878 (The father-in-law of his daughter, Florence, John Augustus Yandell had been constable of Crittenden Co. in the 1860's). In the last year of his term he was elected sheriff, and two years later was re-elected. At the expiration of his term of office in 1882, he was elected county judge.

In this cabinet card, he is shown as the rough and ready type. The rifle in his hands is a Colt Lightning, the first model of which was produced circa 1878. This photo therefore probably dates from his terms as sheriff (and his appearance is consistent with him being about 40 y.o.). it is possible that this was a photo used in campaigning.

Alternatively, James was an avid hunter (the Crittenden paper reporting in 1890 that he was traveling to Missouri for a big hunt), and the photograph might merely show his fondness for hunting and rifles.

Special thanks to Larry Pierce for permission to use this information. Watch this site for more information about the Pierce family.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Friday Night in Dycusburg

Friday night at the store!!


For photos, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dycusburg/.

Southern Crittenden County News: Jan. 22, 2009

By Michelle Henderson and Matthew T. Patton

Correction from last week: Super Bowl Sunday is Feb. 1, not Feb. 2 as erroneously reported. A Super Bowl XLIII party will be held at Dycusburg Grocery at 5 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Attendance at Seven Springs was 88 for Sunday school and 104 for preaching. Several have joined the church recently. The church voted in a new preacher, Bro. Steve Pleasant, of Greenville, Ky.

Maxine Sunderland and family of Frances lost their home in a devastating fire last week.

Our sympathies go out to the family of Laura Andrews, 59, of Frances who died after a short battle with cancer. We also send sympathies to the family of Carolyn Riley-Peek, 60, of Kuttawa.

Birthday wishes are extended to Travis Sosh (Jan. 16); Ethan Paddock (Jan. 21); James Artist (Jan. 24); and Jenny Patton (Jan. 26).

The next meeting of the Dycusburg Community Group will be Tuesday, Jan. 27, 5 p.m. at the home of Michelle Henderson (45 Hilltop Dr.) in Dycusburg. All of those interested in hearing plans for the group for 2009 are encouraged to attend.

Jason Scott Smith, II, was born Jan. 14. Although his mother, Nilcole, was released Jan. 19, the baby remains at Memorial Hermann in Houston. Born premature, he weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz., and should be released in the next few days. He is the first grandson of Dan and Michelle Henderson.

The descendants of Longshore Lamb, a Revolutionary War soldier who settled in Caldwell County near Claxton before 1810, are raising funds to erect a marker in his memory at the Lamb Cemetery. If you are a Lamb descendant and would like to make a donation, please send a check or money order to: Matthew T. Patton, 509 Onward Ave., Phoenixville, PA 19460-5932. For more information, call 215-285-0920.

Share your news by e-mailing dycusburg@yahoo.com or calling Michelle Henderson at 988-2758.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Tobacco Hogsheads


A tobacco hogshead, a large wooden barrel, was used to transport and store tobacco.

Per Wikipedia (until I can find a better source), "a standardized hogshead measured 48 inches (1220 mm) long and 30 inches (760 mm) in diameter at the head (at least 550 L, depending on the width in the middle), Fully packed with tobacco, it weighed about 1000 pounds (450 kg)."

Photo above is from Documenting the American South (http://docsouth.unc.edu/) and was used with permission.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Missing Tobacco Hogsheads Lead to U.S. Circuit Court Trial

Law Reports
Court Calendar for Wednesday, June 30, 1869

United States Circuit Court – Southern District
Before Judge Blatchford
Insurance – Notice of Loss.

Francis M. Clement et al vs. The Phenix Insurance Company of Brooklyn, N.Y. – This action was tried before the Court without a jury. It was brought on a policy of insurance issued by the Phenix Insurance Company of Brooklyn, N.Y., to A.H. Cardozo & Co., “on account of whom it may concern” for the sum of $15,600, on the 8th of August, 1867, on fifty-two hogsheads of tobacco, lost or not found, valued at $300 per hogshead, on transportation by steamer and railroad from Dycusburg, Ky., to New-York, being the property described in a bill of lading therefor, dated July 22, 1867. The tobacco belonged to the plaintiffs, who resided at or near Dycusburg. On the 22d of July, 1867, they placed in charge of one McCoy, at Dycusburg, who by a written and printed agreement then signed by him, in the shape of a receipt or bill of lading, and in which he described himself as contracting agent, contracted to deliver it at New-York to A.H. Cardozo & Co. The tobacco was shipped by McCoy at Dycusburg for Paducah, where it was shipped on a steamboat called the Mary Erwin, to be carried up the Ohio River to Cincinnati. The bill of lading was forwarded from Dycusburg to the plaintiffs to A.H. Cardozo & Co. at New-York and was received by them on the 2d of August. The insurance was effected at New-York on the 8th of August. The Mary Erwin struck a log or snag in trying to back off from a reef on which she had grounded on the 1st of August, about forty miles west of Cincinnati, and sank. The tobacco in question was submerged and damaged by water. It was rescued and taken to Cincinnati and sold there at auction under the direction of an average adjuster and netted the sum of $812.11. The defendants set up as a defence that A.H. Cardozo & Co. were advised of the loss of the tobacco before they procured the insurance by a letter written and mailed by McCoy at Cincinnati on the 5th of August, addressed to A.H. Cardozo & Co., at New-York, and they introduced evidence to prove the fact that a letter written by McCoy at the same time to R.L. Maitland & Co., of New-York informing them of the loss of some property of theirs on the Mary Erwin, was received by them at New-York as early as the 8th of August. They gave, also, evidence to as to the regularity of the mail communication between Cincinnati and New-York, and the fact that a letter mailed at Cincinnati for New-York on the 5th of August ought to have reached New-York in due course not later than the 7th of August, and relied upon these facts to induce the conclusion that A.H. Cardozo & Co. must have received the letter. No copy of the letter was put in evidence. The defendants also claims that as McCoy had notice in Cincinnati as early as the 5th of August of the loss of the tobacco; and as he was the agent of the plaintiffs to transport it to New-York, and as they had put it in his custody, to be retained therein at least till it reached Cincinnati, he was bound to communicate notice of the loss to Cardozo & Co by a telegraph dispatch; that whether he did or did not communicate with Cardozo & Co. by writing to them, he was advised of the receipt, bill of lading or contract which he entered into at Dycusburg, that the tobacco was to forwarded to Cardozo & Co. at New-York, and that he was bound immediately on hearing of the loss to adopt the most speedy means of communication known to the commercial world for imparting information of the loss to the consignees, in order to guard against a possibility of their effecting an insurance after the loss had happened and in this way notice to McCoy became in law notice to Cardozo & Co. In support of this view the case of Proudfoot vs. Montefiore, 2 Eng. Law Rep. Q. B., 511, was cited.

Held by the Court—That the defence that Cardozo & Co had notice of the loss before they effected the insurance was not satisfactorily made out. That the evidence relied upon to establish that fact being entirely circumstantial, is not sufficient as against the positive denial by the members of the firm when examined on that point. That the burden of showing that such a letter was sent, as well as that it was received was on the defendant, and that they had failed to make out either point. As to the second defence, founded on the agency of McCoy. That the case cited was undoubtedly on the facts exists in this case; that McCoy was not the agent of the plaintiffs for any purpose connected with procuring insurance on the tobacco. That hence, in accordance with the doctrine held by the Supreme Court in General Interest Insurance vs. Ruggles (12 Wheat, 408), a knowledge of the loss on the part of McCoy would not affect the plaintiffs and vitiate the policy. That McCoy was merely an agent or his implied legal obligation through the plaintiffs to the underwriters was not of such nature as to make his failure to communicate by telegraph to the plaintiffs operate as vitiation of the policy.

Decree for the plaintiffs for $16,543.57, of the 9th of June 1869.

For the plaintiffs, E.W., Stoughton; for the defendants, Scudder & Carter.

Source: New York Times, June 29, 1869

Monday, January 19, 2009

Purdy Doom Manuscript Available for Free

J. Purdy Doom compiled information about the Doom family in an unpublished manuscript titled "Jacob Doom of Kentucky and his Descendants." Jacob Doom was born near Hamburg, Germany during the middle of the 18th century and migrated to America during the time of the Revolutionary War.

For a free copy of the manuscript in PDF format, e-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Appreciation From a Frequent Flier

I travel pretty frequently for both work and pleasure. Last year, I logged more than 35,000 actual flight miles on USAirways alone.

Earlier this year, I chatted with a pilot enroute to Dallas who was traveling on American Airlines as a passenger. We were recounting the tragedy of Comair Flight 5191 in Lexington, Ky., where my distant cousin, Scarlett Parsley and her newlywed husband Jon Hooker were passengers. The pilot flew Airbus planes for USAirways, and he assured me that USAirways pilots are among the best trained in the industry. Because the pilots were ultimately blamed for the crash in Lexington, he explained flight safety as a chain. All elements of a chain need to be strong -- among them, the pilot, air traffic control and the aircraft itself (and a long list of other links). If any link of the chain is broken or weak, it could lead to catastrophe.

That's why I was glad to read about the level-headed, quick thinking of Chesley B. Sullenburger, the hero pilot of Flight 1549 who safely landed an Airbus A320 in the frigid Hudson river in New York City after the plane hit a flock of birds, cutting both engines.

Sullenburger's decision to ditch the plane in the water instead of attempting to land the ill-fated plane back at LaGuardia or Teterboro undoubtedly saved the lives of all 155 on board. As a frequent flier, I tip my hat to him (and the rest of the crew) in appreciation.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Southern Crittenden County News: Jan. 15, 2009

By Michelle Henderson and Matthew T. Patton

The Web site www.dycusburg.com is updated regularly with news from around the Southern Crittenden County area. Most recently, an exclusive article about a newly released book on Kentucky's confederate soldiers was featured. Also, be sure to check out the links to Facebook and MySpace.

Happy birthday to Levi Burris (Jan. 13) and Cheyenne Burris (Jan. 24).

Chris, Sue and Erin McDonald have just moved to Frances. Welcome to the community!

Curtis Griffin, Gordon "Babe" Sutton and Peggie Johnson continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

A Super Bowl XLIII party will be held at Dycusburg Grocery on Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. A steak dinner will be this Saturday. Call 988-3004 for more information.

Michelle Henderson's first grandson, Jason Scott Smith, II, is scheduled to be born on Wednesday (Jan. 14) at noon by C-section. Lavinia McGinnis celebrated her second birthday on Jan. 11. She had cake, balloons and a "Hello, Kitty" theme.

"Kentucky Monthly" magazine is beginning work on its first-ever pet issue. The publication is looking for truly unique pets to feature in this special issue. Does your pet do an unbelievable trick, save lives or cause major mischief? If so, the magazine wants to know. Send your story and a picture of your pet to: amanda@kentuckymonthly.com by Friday, Jan. 16 for a chance to see your pet in the March issue.

Just a few copies remain of "Dycusburg, Kentucky: A Glance at Her Past." E-mail matthewtpatton@yahoo.com or call 215-285-0920 to obtain a copy at a discount.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Catch of the Day!

Jake and Jody Selph of Dycusburg spent a few days deep sea fishing off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with Jake’s father Mike. They caught several fish, including this more than 200-pound marlin.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Southern Crittenden County News: Jan. 8, 2009

By Michelle Henderson and Matthew T. Patton

Our sympathies are extended to the family of Orlin Long who died Dec. 18. We always enjoyed seeing him and Peachie in the Emmaus community.

J.T. Cobb, 83, of Elkhart, Ind., died Dec. 16 at Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Indiana. He married Juanita Doom, daughter of Francis Marion Doom and Addie Lee (Duncan) Doom on April 29, 1943. His sister-in-law is Lola Mae Patton of near Dycusburg.

We also share in the loss of Leon Hodges who died Dec. 29. To all of these families, we please accept our heartfelt sympathies.

Bro. Lonnie Knight resigned from Seven Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He had served the church faithfully for several years.

On the sick list is Peggie Johnson who has been in and out of the hospital since November. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy birthday to Jonathan Millikan (Dec. 30) who celebrated his 21st birthday.

Barbara Ethridge left on Dec. 25 for Owensboro. From there, she joined Gary, Gina, McKenzie and Justin Noffsinger (and Gary's mother, Ann) and headed to Kennesaw, Ga., to spend the night. After Georgia, they motored down to the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. The Noffsingers went to a football game on Dec. 28 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders). On Dec., 30, everyone enjoyed an outing to Busch Gardens. On Jan. 1, the Noffsingers went to the Outback Bowl game (Iowa Hawkeyes vs. South Carolina Gamecocks). Everyone returned back to Kentucky on Jan. 4.

Christmas pictures were taken with Santa at the Dycusburg Grocery. Even adults sat on (poor) Santa's lap! Happy holidays to all of our readers near and far!

In 2009, become involved and help us gather the news. Call Michelle Henderson at 988-2758 or e-mail dycusburg@yahoo.com with your news tips.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Obituary: Leon Hodges, 78

MARION, Ky. — Leon Hodges, 78, of Marion, Ky., died Monday, December 29th at Lourdes hospital in Paducah, Ky.

He was a Korean War Veteran as well as a Kentucky Colonel. He was a retired Group Leader and Assistant Manager of Moore’s Business Forms in Marion, Ky., and Denton, Texas, as well as Sam’s Club in Nashville, Tenn. He was a deacon at Mexico Baptist Church and loved helping others with kind deeds, soft spoken words and laughter.

Mr. Hodges is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Lou Shewcraft Hodges; as well as three children, Debra Denise Hodges of Crayne, Ky., Danny Kent Hodges and wife, Vickie, of Marion, Ky., and David Carl Hodges and wife, Tamie, of Benton. He is also survived by grandchildren, Danny Aaron Fowler of Marion, Joseph Leon Fowler and wife, Jenny, of Marion, Dana Hodges West and husband, Chris, of Cadiz, Anna Jimenez and Chris Nelson of Marion, and Matthew David Hodges and Amanda Michelle Hodges, both of Benton. He had three great-grandchildren, Emma Grace West of Cadiz, Jantzen Fowler of Marion and Brian Nelson of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Vernon Hodges and Lucy Wiggington Hodges; three sisters, Velda Lamb, Geneva Chandler and Macie Sigler; one brother, Jesse Carlos Hodges; and one great-grandson, Jayden Fowler.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, January 1st, 2009, at Mexico Baptist Church in Mexico, Ky., with Rev. Tim Burdon officiating. Burial will follow in Mexico Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion, Ky., and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at Mexico Baptist Church.

Military Rites will be given at the cemetery on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Mexico Baptist Church Building Fund, Mexico Baptist Church Rd., Marion, Ky. 42064; or Happy Trails Ministry, 110 N. Hayden Ave., Salem, Ky. 42078.

Condolences may be sent online at http://www.gilbertfunerals.com/.

Originally published in The Paducah Sun (Dec. 31, 2008)