The Raleigh Register from Beckley, West Virginia • Page 1

VOLUME 31 BECKLEY, WEST VIRGINIA, THURSDAY' MORNING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1910 NUMBER 24 FORTUNE OF $23,000,000 In Great Britain Awaits Heir of Edmund Ferguson DESCENDENTS IN RALEIGH And Adjoining Counties, Who Will Star io Estate Provided Connection Can Be Traced Between Family of This Nam in This Section and the Original Fer goson of the British Isles That a fortune of immense propor tiqns, said to be $23,000,000, now await the heirs of Edmund Ferguson in Amer iea and elsewhere there is no question The cash is in England, where it is be i held in trust by a church for the heirs of the deceased, who passed away in the year 1770, leaving a large boun dary of land in Ireland, which has grown to be very valuable with thi passing of a century and quarter The property is located in Northern Ireland, but the income therefrom is now held in the Bank of England, in trust, for the two sons of Edmund Ferguson, who are supposed to have left Ireland and emigrated to'America coming here shortly before- the Revolutionary war. One of these aorp was never again heard from, but Sam Ferguson, who settled in Eastern Ken tucky, is said to have been the other son, and it is his heirs who now laying claim to the fortune in question Sam Ferguson married and raised a large family, and the descendents of this family are now scattered broadcast throughout the nation, although the igreater portion of them are tresidents of Wayne, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Mercer and Raleigh counties of this State. Among those in Raleigh who will have a share of the estate, provided the connection therewith' is legally made are the Shrewsburys, Sbumates, Shufflebargers, Sweeneys, Peters, and others. Mrs. W.

J. Sweeney, of Ghent, is of the third generation, and will receive about $60,000, if the fortune comes up to expectations. The existence of the fortune has long been-known, but it remained for an en terprising St. Louis lawyer to begin the search for the heirs, thereto. He has now interested a number of Eastern Kentucky and Wayne county, W.

people, and only last week A. W. Shrewsbury, a brother of Squire L. C. Shrewsbury, of Beckley, came into Mercer and Raleigh on the lookout for the heirs.

A member of the Ferguson family from Wayne will accompany this lawyer to England some time during this month, and will endeavor to connect the hcirship claimed. Will Have Family Reunion Preparations are being made for a re-union of the heirs of the late William Prince, which will take place at the old homestead, now owned by Hon. I. C. Prince, at Mt.

Tabor. The date set for the re-union is September TOth, when it is hoped to have all the survivors of the family, with their children, together with a number -of old time friends of the family, assemble at the old farm for a few days' recreation. The plans for the re-union are being made by Hon. I. C.

Prince. A Pleasing Condition On account of the great demand upon on our advertising columns this week, we are compelled to increase the size of the Register to twelve instead of eight An Interesting Find Mrs. Louisa George, of Prosperity, is the possesser of a large terrapin, which was found recently at a point near Cranberry, and which has engraven on its shell, the intials T. Me." with the date "1870." As it was picked up near the McCreery old farm, the initials are thought to be those of Col. James T.

McCreery, of Hinton, who formerly resided with his parents at that place. McCreery's attention will be called to the find, and if he placed the initials there, he will possibly remember the incident. Exhibited a Bii Cat-fish J. W. Bragg returned Thursday evening from Hinton, where he had business.

While in that city he purchWd a -15-pound mud-cat fish from fisherman of that neighborhood, which brought to this city and wit exhibiting it to his friends while in the city for short time. No Special Grand Jury No special grand jury met at Fayette ville last Monday as was anticipate some time ago for the reason that non had been called for the purpose of fine ing an indictment against Thoma Wayne the negro who is alleged to hav ravished and murdered Mrs. John Ailil at August 14th. It wa at first thought that Criminal Judg Early would call a jury for the purpose but Judge Early finds it not within hi province to call a grand jury. Judg Bennett, the circuit judge, has no called a grand jury and some time ag made the statement that the prosecut ing attorney of Fayette had not so re quested him.

The next regular sessioi of the grand jury will be held in Octo ber and it is probable that the matte of the indictment of Wayne will pro bably came up at that time. Small Fire Causes Excitement The burning of a lace curtain in th home of the Assyrian family that live in rooms over Miss Mary Conway' millinery store, on Neville Street, on Tuesday afternoon, created consider able excitement. The woman of the house fortunately blaze without further damage than the burning of the curtain, which was ig nited by one of her children with match. Business Men's Meeting A meeting of the Business Men': Association will be held next Tuesday evening in the Court House. Every member is urged to be present.

Bus! ness of importance demands immediate attention. West Virginia Now Second One hundred million tons of coa mined in West Virginia without the oss of a single life by dust or gas explosions is the record made by this State in the seventeen months ended with June 30 last. This statement is made by Charles Conner, assistant chief State mine inspector, who declares record never has been equalled in any mining community. Incidentally, he declares that West Virginia now occupies second place in the list of coal roducing States. In the year ending last June the mines of West Virginia thus far re- mrting produced 54,348,000 tons and 54 additional shafts are yet to be heard from.

When all reports are in it is estimated that the total coal output of the State for the year will be approximately 60,000,000 tons. This will be an increase of fourteen million tons iver the year ending in 1909. Greater vigilance on the part of the State mine departmennt is given the redit for the decrease in fatalities among those who work under ground. Miss Rebecca Pine is Married Miss Rebecca Pine, a former Beckley jirl, and a daughter of L. A.

Pine, a ormer citizen, was married on ast Wednesday at Bristol, Tennessee, Mr. William Shumate, of Athens. young couple went to Tennessee without the knowledge of their parents, Ithough it is reported there was no iarental objection. Parson Buroughs, the nationally famous marry- ng preacher, performed the ceremony. 'ELL 40 FEET FROM TREE Warden Has Narrow Escape From Instant Death Howard Warden, who lives with his iarents, Mr.

and Mrs. McDowell Waren, at Warden postoffice, about four miles north of Beckley, fell a distance 40 feet from a wild cherry tree near he family home last' Saturday after- oon, and sustained injuries which may rove fatal. Warden went out with everal children for an evening stroll, doming upon a wild cherry tree, he limbed the same after some berries or the children. In gathering the ame he ventured out to far on a limb, broke with him, precipitating im to the earth, a distance estimated 40 feet. That he escaped instant eath is remarkable.

eputy Marshall Brings Prisoner Here Deputy Marshall A. D. Beavers, of 'ineville. was here last week, having rought Sam McKinney, of Barkers to this place for a hearing efore Commissioner McCreery for a iolation of the internal revenue laws. Husford Has i Bif Blaze The mining town of Hansford, lo- sted a short distance west of Mont- ornery, was the BufTcrer from a fire on lajt Thursday morning.

The postoffice and leveral other buildingn A defective flue was ROBBERS AT PROSPERITY Safe of Kidd Eldridg Blown Open NO CLUE TOTHE BURGLARS Who Forced Open Store Door and Rollei Safe Into Public Highway, Where Was Dynamited--Bloodhounds Sink Right Trail, But Could Not Follow Acconnt of Clever Ruse of Robbers On last Wednesday night, shortl; after midnight, it is supposed, unknow: parties broke into the general store Kidd Eldrjdge, at Prosperity, an rolled their iron safe into the road, an blew it open with dynamite. Money the amount of $69 was gotten awa wjih. Judging from the work, it was evi dently that of professionals, since the; ha'd no trouble in blowing the safe, ah' to cover up their tracks they sprinklec pepper along the way they went, si that bloodhounds could not scent them Word of the robbery was receive! here on Thursday morning, and Officer: John Williams and Henry Lemon wen to the scene with the Sheriff's blood hounds, but after following the pepper trail a short distance they abandonee pursuit. The robbers went in the direction of Paint Creek and the Virginian railroad. Entrance to the store was easily effected, there being no lock on the door, which was secured with a pick-handle, and which was pulled without breaking even so much as a staple.

Parties living in the vicinity, hearc the explosion, but no investigation was made until the robbery was discovered on the following morning. BECKLEY WINS TWO GAMES And Loses In Her Sunday Contest With Hunlington- The three games of baseball scheduled for East Park on the Thursday, Fri day and Saturday last, were interfered vith on account of the heavy rain on Friday, and as a result, only a small crowd saw the irame on Saturday afternoon. Both Thursday and Friday ames were won easily by Beckley, but on Sunday, when a good game was anticipated, the visitors had a walk-over, although neither side played very good Baseball. The Sunday game was got- en-up to get the boys out of a finan hole in which they had gotten and the fans came out in arge crowds to witness the contest. home team was weaken 3d by the bsence of four of its players, but even with this, they came very near defeat- ng the Huntington aggregation by itrong playing in the last two innings.

The Huntington team was not the egular Virginian Valley league team, ut was composed of players picked up or the purpose of making a "barti- torming" trip through the coalfields if this section. Mottesheard Case Dismissed The case against W. S. Mottesheard, ounty commissioner, in which Marhall Morris brought charges of corrup- ion of the office held by Mottesheard, was dismissed Monday by Judge S. C.

Jurdett, of the Circuit court of Kan- wha county. In a lengthy opinion the udge stated that he could not say that Mottesheard is innocent nor could he ay that he is guilty, but that sufficient vidence had not-been produced during he trial to warrant his removal. Crap Leads to Murder A crap game at Springton Sunday ight terminated in a shooting affray in vhich John Young was instantly killed Walter Simpson. Young had previ- usly beaten Simpson with an iron bolt. Simpson broke loose from two men who were taking him to jail and is atill large.

Both men are negroes. Doing Good Work Officer H. T. Lemon is doing good work in.his new position of Chief of- 'olice. Already the business section of he city presents a much better tearance, ind it won't be long until the ntirt city is gone over with the ruke nd garbage wagon.

Let the good work ontinue. It certainly it. PAVING UMTS ARE FIXED At Special Meeting of Coun cil Held Monday Evening BASEBALL PROHIBITED OB Sundays Hereafter in Beckley--Ordi nance Will Impose Heavy Fine Players-Prompt Action of Counci Stops Game After One Sunday Con test at East Park The city council, which has bee meeting often here of late, met agai in special session on Monday evening with Mayor Davis, Recorder Brackma and Councilmen Earwood, Cottle Meadows and Foster present. The primary purpose of the meetin; was to pass on the proposition of pavin certain streets, where a majority the property owners on said petitioned for brick paving. Acting 01 these petitions, it was ordered tha brick paving be put down on Kanawha Street from J.

G. Calfee's residence ti E. M. Payne's store, and from Payne'i store to Rose Turner's corner on Heber Street, and from this point to a point beyond J. P.

Clay's residence on Heber Street, and from Rose Turner's corner to the street leading to to Beckley Institute on Neville Streei The fact that a game of baseball ha been played in East Park on last Sunday afternoon was brought to the attention of the body, and an ordinance imposing a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $10 for each player engaging baseball hi this city on Sunday was passed without a dissenting vote. A special session of the council was called for Thursday night of this week, when the ordinances the city recent codified by an attorney will be passed upon, and adopted if found suited to the needs of the city. SENATORIAL COMMITTEE )f Democrats of Seventh District and Organizes Meets The Democratic Senatorial Executive Committee of this district met in Beckey on Monday of this week, and or- for the campaign. The committee was presided over by leo. W.Williams, the retiring chairman.

Hilton Easiey, of Mercer county, was elected chairman, and A. S. Johnson, if Monroe county, Secretary, and John fee, of Mercer county, Treasurer. members of the committee, all of whom were present either in person or by proxy, are R. F.

Dunlap, of Summers, A. S. Johnston, of Monroe, S. 1. Holroyd, of Mercer, and W.

C. rhurman, of Beckley. Hon. E. French, Democratic candidate for State Senate, was present at the meeting.

Steps.were taken t.Q_thoroughly the district, and each member of the committee reported excellent chances for the election of the candt date at the November election. Making An Aggressive Campaign Atty. George W. Williams, the Democratic candidate for House of Delegates, is mixing with the people of the beginning what he proposes ihall be an aggressive campaign for election at the polls in Novembr. He jroposes to leave nothing undone that will further his chances of election, and hat he is gaining ground daily is con- by all.

Wherever he has been the county he Js being cordially re- eived, many Republicans pledging heir support. Mr. Williams has a wide acquaintance hroughout the county, and is very popular. He is dependable in every sense the term, and what he tells you can je relied upon. If he is fortunate nough to be elected to the State legis- ature, Raleigh will have one of the blest representatives that she has iad for many years, and one that will found working and voting at all imes for the best interests of his con- tituente.

Coming September 6th, 7th and 8th The "Passion Play," the greatest moving picture film ever shown, will be isplayed on three next week at Opera House. The first jerformince will be given on Tuesday Ight. The admission to see this great Icture will be 10 cents for children 5 cents for adults. Don't'miss this ttractlon, You won't regret the mon- you Beckley Folk Attend Maben Dance One of the most enjoyable events which the society folk of Beckley hav have participated was the dance give! by the officials, of the W. M.

Ritte Lumber Company, at Maben, on las Thursday evening. Those who wen from Beckley left here on Thursday af ternoon, going b'y hack to Raleigh from which town they were taken on special train' to Pemberton over th Raleigh Southwestern Railwaj where they were transferred to a spec ial train over the Virginian branch lin down the Winding Gulf, arriving a Maben in time to partake of the sump tuous supper which had been prepare for the expected visitors by the official at that point. The journey down th Gulf was one of the interesting feature of the trip, there being not one thin to occur to mar the enjoyment thereol A greater number of the party ha never been over this route, and th scenery of the rugged country throug the train passes was much enjoyed. On reaching Maben the party wa met by Dr. E.

0. Thornhill, Mr. Pad dock, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Osborne an Mr.

and Mrs. W. J. Osborne, who too thenVin charge, and spared no pains see that the best of entertainment wa provided. The young men of the party from Beckley speak very compliment ary of the manner in which Dr.

Thorn hill, who by the way, is a bachelor provided supper for them. They di not appear to understand exactly how so many delicacies could be gotten to gether in such an appetizing form out at least the advice of the sex. After supper, the' entire party re paired to the large dancing pavilion the company at that point, where the iight fantastic was tripped until the early hours of Friday. A light luncheon was served at midnight. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Key- tone orchestra.

The return trip was made over the same route as that in going, and was without incident, save a drenching rain which seemed to begin to fall the hardest just as the party boarded the flat car at Pemberton. All in all, there was never a more pleased dancing party than that which arrived in Beckley on Friday morning, even if they were temporarily incon- enienced on account of the drenching them. Those who participated in the dance Misses McLaine, Osborne, Balard and McLaine, of Maben, Smith, ioberta Mary jightner, Jordan, Baker, George, War- Anderson and Higgins, of Beckey, and Helen Vance, of Erie, Messrs. Paddock, Pryor, Tom Oaborne, W. J.

Osborne, Chas. Venable, Chas. ryor, Ritter, Chambers, Jones, Clark, Bill Chambers, Dr. Thornhill and Dr. later of Maben, Euchner, Puckett, Norton and Krise, of Beaver, Wolfe, Mayhew, Crisp, Howard and Bales, of Geo.

D. Evans, of Stotes- iury, Chas. Lewis of Lynwin, Weecion, Vatts, Earwood, Meade, Scott, McClung, Early, Dr. Beckley, )r. Johnson, of Terry, Mr.

and Mrs. Manning, Mr. an'd Mrs. Sparks, of Seaver. The chaperones were Mesdames Harey Derne, of BeckFey, Tom Osborne, W.

J. Osborne, Pryor and Venable, of ilaben. FOREMAN SLAIN )ischarged Negro Drives Sharp Pick into Man's Back Harry Withrow, Chesapeake Ohio ailroad section foreman, was murder- at Huntington last Saturday by Jharles Clayburn, a negro, who had een a member of the section crew, of which Withrov? had charge. Clayburn had been discharged by Withrow because he did not conduct lis work in a proper manner and the legro, angered by the loss of his job, eized a pick and buried its point five nches in the foreman's back, the point lassing through the spinal column at he base of Withrow's neck. The negro fled, but aher a chase of everal hours he was captured by the olice.

Withrow showed remarkable vitality, he lived until almost midnight. Town Kicker The kickers on the farm are not so ard to get along with as the kickers town. On the farm there's thekick- ng cow and our long-eared friend the mule, while in town there's the old mossback who wants all the municipal mprovcments without paying for lem. The cow may be sold for beef, le mule traded for a shotgun, but i nothing except a fuueral get rid I the town kicker. CIRCUIT COURT IN SESSION Cases Heard and Disposed of to Date MANY DIVORCES GRANTED Numerous Cases are Continued Until Next Term-Court Likely to Last Until First of Coming Week-Land Cases aal Damage Suits Take up Time tf Session The August term of Circuit Court, which convened on last Monday week, has proved to be a very busy one.

Judge Miller, who is presiding, remained over in the city on Sunday, holding court until a late hour on last Saturday. A number of cases have been heard in chambers of the court. Following are the.cases disposed of up to date, which are of general interest: In the chancery case of the Beaver Coal Company vs. C. P.

Phillips the defendant asked leave to file separate answer and demurrer to bill of plaintiff. In the case of Wash and Lucy Hood vs. Winfield Hood, et al, a commission! was appointed to divide the estate of the late G. W. Hood, who with his and daughter, was murdered and the family home destroyed by fire a short distance from Beckley last October.

The case of H. J. Cook, administrator, vs. W. P.

Cook et al was continued to the next term. Judgment for $66.88 was rendered in favor of the plaintiff in the case of Sarah E. Hedrick vs. G. J.

Richardson. The chancery suit of R. D. Patterson vs. A.

B. Maxwell was dismissed. In the chancery case of M. F. Matheny, executor vs.

John P. Mullins, et als, an execution was ordered issued to recover the costs in the suit. In the chancery case of Joe L. Smith et al, va. Manser Bryson et al, leave was asked to file demurrer.

The chancery case of Owen Davis vs. W. Davis et al was continued to next term. In the chancery case of S. C.

Rowand et al vs. Preston Pettry, leave was granted to file demurrer. The injunction proceeding of the Gulf loa! Company vs. A. B.

Maxwell, was dismissed. Leave to file demurrer was granted the case of the Raleigh Lunber va. John Polk, et al. Divorce decrees were also granted to the plaintiffs in the suits of E. T.

Robnson vs. Annie Robinson, John L. Brammer vs. Cassie Brammer and Cora Hubbard vs. James B.

Hubbard. The casea of Ben Price vs. Lizzie E. rfooinaw, Rowland Land Co. vs.

Streat Baker, R. L. Milem vs. S. M.

Miller, S. C. Rowland vs. Andrew Miller, Rowand Land Co. vs.

James Hendricks, Urs. E. G. Partlow vs. Mrs.

J. H. Dunn and Laura Bennett, administra- trix of Ray Bennett, vs. C. 0.

railway, were all continued to the next term of court. F. M. Lee was granted license to carry a pistol. Decrees of divorce were granted in the following cases: John Rumberg from Nettie Rumberg, Bertha Cooper from Robert Cooper and Mazie Peck from B.

W. Peck. Annie Millei was granted a divorce from Antonio Millei. In the case of A. W.

Griffith, admin- strator vs. Joseph A. Griffith and others, judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiffs and sale of property decreed. A guardian was appointed for the infant defendants in the case of the Mc- Cinley Land Co. vs.

Ensign Land Co. The suit of the Winding Gulf Colliery 'o. vs. Milton Curtis and Dr. J.

A. Campbell, involving title to 150 acres coal valued at $30,000, occupied attention of the court from Thurs- lay last to Tuesday, when it was given the jury. On Wednesday morning he jury found in favor of the coal company. Bryan Won't Run 'I will not be a candidate for presi- in 1912," declares William Jen- lings Bryan. This'is the first time he Nebraskan has positively stated hat he would not make an effort to se- the Democratic nomination for residency in 1912.

Preaching at the M. E. Church, next unday at 11 a. m. fjjuhject "The Evening service 8 m.

ubject "Sign of Conversion." Special nusic at both services by Prof. Robln- 011, Wm, Failen, Pastor..