102 Years Ago in Dycusburg: Henry Bennett Sues for Sum of $100,000

Henry Bennett, of Dycusburg, has filed suit against the parties, whom he names, and alleges burned his factory and distillery at Dycusburg, last Febuary [sic], and at the same time abused him unmercifully. The suit is filed against near one hundred citizens, of Trigg, Lyon and Caldwell counties and is for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars.

Source: Oct. 29, 1908 Crittenden Record Press, p. 5

Preserve the Courthouse: Smithland Event to Raise Awareness, Support Preservation Movement

IN THE WORKS: The new county office building is under construction in this photo dated Sept. 2010. Courtesy/Brenda Joyce Jerome.

The Livingston County Historical and Genealogical Society and its Preservation Committee are planning a Halloween event at the Livingston County Court House in Smithland on Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. The theme is "Haunting Tales From the Past." The evening will begin with music at 5 p.m., followed by stories of the Night Riders, murders and Civil War activities in Smithland and other stories of the area. Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham will be on hand for a book signing. The Livingston County High School FFA will have food available for purchase.

The new Livingston County Justice Center opened in 2009 and a new County Office Building, which will contain the county clerk's office, is currently being constructed next to the old Court House. When this happens, the old Court House will be empty for the first time since it was built in 1845. The purpose of this Halloween event is to make residents aware of the movement to preserve the Court House and adjoining old clerks' offices (built circa 1853) and provide the opportunity to contribute to the future of the Court House. This is the perfect way to have a family-friendly good time and support the preservation movement.

(Editor's Note: This post was used with permission from http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com, a site dedicated to history and genealogy from Western Kentucky).

Dycusburg News: Oct. 28, 2010

Submitted by Matthew T. Patton

The L.B. and Sarah (Parsley) Patton reunion was held on Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Fredonia Lion's Club Building with many descendants in attendance. The family has been gathering for many years, always enjoying an afternoon of visiting and fellowship. The Pattons moved to Crittenden County in 1878 from Laurel County, Ky.

This Saturday (weather permitting), the Dycusburg Community Group (DCG) will clean the town of Dycusburg, starting at 10 a.m. Those who wish to help should meet at the site of the future park. The DCG will provide bags and bottled water. If you live in Dycusburg and you need help removing trash, debris or other items from your property, please call 988-2758 or meet the group at the site and they will direct their efforts as they are able.

Volunteers are also still needed to help with the set up of the park, particularly after the land survey is done and after the drainage culvert is installed. Until those items are complete, the park construction cannot begin. In the meantime, be thinking about ways you can volunteer to help the community.

Share your news by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Dycusburg News: Oct. 14, 2010

Submitted by Matthew T. Patton

Parker Holsapple was honored with an 80th birthday celebration at the Dycusburg Baptist Church fellowship hall on Saturday with a large crowd in attendance.

Owen Matthews, son of Chase and Jennifer Matthews, was treated to a first birthday party at the Calvary Baptist Church in Crayne on Saturday.

Dycusburg Day, sponsored by Dycusburg Ladies Auxiliary, will be held at the Dycusburg Baptist Church from 2-4 p.m., Oct. 16. There will be a cake walk, two-liter ring toss, games, gospel singing and country music street dance. "Homecooking on the Cumberland" cookbooks will also available for $10. A large yard sale will also be held that day in Dycusburg.

Are you missing a dog? Star Mahns found a small, black dog with a collar and no tags on Brown Mines Rd. Call 988-3004 to claim her.

Our sympathies are extended to the families of Rhea Stinnett, Carlos Bailey and Ann Tabor.

Share your news by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Dycusburg Park on WPSD

Dycusburg News: Sept. 16, 2010

By Matthew T. Patton

The Dycusburg cookbook, compiled by the Dycusburg Ladies Auxiliary, has arrived from the printer. The beautifully bound book, with 208 recipes, titled "Homecooking on the Cumberland: The Love and Traditions of Dycusburg, Kentucky" is $10. It's available for purchase at Dycusburg Grocery. For more info, call Starlena Mahns at 988-3004.

The next Dycusburg Community Group meeting (an informational meeting on park plans and future group initiatives) will be Monday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the grounds of the future park adjacent to the Baptist church fellowship hall. In the event of rain, it will be held at the home of Michelle Henderson.

Mark your calendars: Dycusburg Day is slated for Saturday, Oct. 16. A community yard sale will also be held in conjunction with the festivities that day. Vendors, live music, crafts, a BBQ, fire department activities and several other events are in the works. Anyone who would like to get involved can call 988-3004.

Carol and George Strilko recently visited the area from the Chicago suburbs.

Dan and Michelle Henderson and Jake and Jody Selph and several of their friends enjoyed a camping trip to Land Between the Lakes during Labor Day weekend.

Only two copies of "Dycusburg, Kentucky: A Glance at Her Past" are available from the most recent reprint. Copies are $75 and should be reserved by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com or calling 215-285-0920.

A family reunion for the descendants of L.B. and Sarah (Parsley) Patton will be held Sunday, Oct. 10 at the Fredonia Lion's Club Building. A potluck lunch will be served around noon. Family members are encouraged to bring photos to share. Friends of the family are also welcome to attend.

An October family reunion (date TBD) is also in the works for the Ollie and Emma (Bennett) Matthews family. For more information, e-mail michrehend@yahoo.com or call 988-2758.

Share your birthdays, anniversaries, news and other items by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Dycusburg News: Aug. 26, 2010

By Matthew T. Patton

Gail Bannister asked us to share this news: The Dycusburg School Reunion will be at the Dycusburg Methodist Church grounds on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. It is potluck with barbecue and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring your lawn chairs and old photos. All students and their families are invited. Friends of former students are also encouraged to attend. Bannister said this will be an event with lots of good food, good people and good memories.

Becky Stinnett Jarrett asked us to share the following: The Stinnett-Travis Reunion will be coming up Oct. 10 with lots of games, prizes and an auction. Jarrett said the reunion will be "lots of fun and good food." She also wrote, "Don't miss Jimmy Stinnett calling out the Bingo numbers, also live music from Tony Stinnett and Gage Hill from North Carolina."

Gearldine Shouse reported that the Tabor reunion was held in late July with several in attendance. Penny Christman reported that the Holder family reunion was also held in late July with more than 80 in attendance. The family, descendants of Perce James and Mary Belle Holder, covered five generations of the Holder family.

Dan Linzy reported that he took his father (Lafe Linzy) to Dycusburg on Sunday, Aug. 22. Dan wrote, "We made several stops and visited. We also made a run through the cemetery and had a great day."

Martha Stinnett reported that Rodney Stinnett came in 1st place in his division for the 5K run at BBQ on the Barkley. Several from the area enjoyed attending the festivities in Kuttawa during the weekend.

A Dycusburg cookbook has been compiled by a few residents of Dycusburg and is available for $10. Proceeds will benefit next year's fireworks show and other upcoming projects according to Peggy Johnson and Star Mahns. For more information, call the Dycusburg Grocery at 988-3004.

The health, safety and general welfare of the residents of this area would improve by significantly reducing the number of stray dogs and cats. Not only is it cruel for the animals, but the town of Dycusburg has also used county funds and donations from several residents to clean up our little village on the river. Unfortunately, stray dogs are ruining the cleaning efforts in the early morning hours before the trash company comes, leaving yards full of garbage for residents to clean up. Help end this vicious cycle of irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs and cats to run wild and breed uncontrollably by calling the
county dog catcher.

Share your news by e-mailing matthewtpatton@yahoo.com.

Dycusburg School Reunion Slated for Sept. 5

Gail Bannister posted the following:
The Dycusburg School Reunion will be at the Methodist Church grounds on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. It is potluck with barbecue and soft drinks provided.

Please bring your lawn chairs and old photos. All students and their families are invited.

We also welcome friends of former students. This will be an event with lots of good food, good people and good memories! Hope to see you all there!