Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Staunton Spectator: January 01, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The New Year
(Column 01)

Summary: Encourages readers to "have faith that better times are coming, and that better fortunes await us," and suggests that faith and "persistent, active energy" will yet make them "a free and happy and prosperous people."

Full Text of Article:

This is the first day of the year 1867. We have all entered upon the duties and responsibilities of another year, having just bidden a final adieu to the year 1866, which, with all its hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats, tribulations and blessings, is buried in the tomb of the irrevocable past. We hope that our people will be more blessed in the present than in the past year. For several years their trials have been great-their cross has been heavy. We would console them with the christian reflection that, "the heavier the cross the brighter the crown."

Though they have been of property, friends and liberty bereft, we would counsel them not to yield to the suggestion of Despair, but to draw fresh inspirations of Hope and "learn to labor and to wait." Nothing can be accomplished by folding the arms in listlessness, and reposing supinely upon the couch of indolence. We should have faith that better times are coming and that better fortunes await us, but it should not be the faith that is barren of works-our faith should be exemplified by works.-Faith, unaccompanied by works, never "removed mountains," and never will. The mountains of oppression now heaped, like Pelion upon Ossa; upon the bending necks of our people will, never be removed by faith unaccompanied by appropriate works. A calm, serene, steady, unswerving faith, accompanied by firm resolves and persistent, active energy, will in time, "redeem, regenerate and disenthrall" our people from the bonds by which they are at present bound-it will yet make them a free and happy and prosperous people. Turn a deaf ear to the counsels of Despair, and listen not to the siren voice of Despondency, which lures to betray, and betrays to ruin.

Patriotism calls upon you to be hopeful, if not cheerful. Commence the New Year with a hopeful spirit, and resolve to do your whole duty to your God, your country, your friends, and yourself, throughout this, and all future years.

This life is called "a vale of tears," but it is also a valley of happiness. In this life, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, hope and fear are blended like the different colors in a piece of tapestry-light and shade are beautifully and wisely intermingled. In the language of another, on the year which has just passed, and which was so full of shadows, "have we not gathered, here and there, clusters of pleasant fruit by the way in which we journeyed: Have we not bound leaves of healing with the cypress wreath and sometimes found pearls in the bottom of our cups of sorrows?

Ah, yes! no life is wholly dark-there are flowers as well as brambles in every garden-there are joys and victories as well as griefs and defeats in every experience. And to-day, looking backward, though we see desolate places here and there, we see also pleasant nooks where we have loitered, and "golden epochs" whose glory crowned us with a halo. Therefore let us be content.

The days pass-we grow old-threads of russet hue are woven into the woof of life-silvery hairlines upon our foreheads-staff and crutch become familiar companions-our eyes grow dim and we see but a little way ahead; but the days in passing ripen us for heaven; the russet thread and silver hair win for us homage and respect-the crutch and staff help us, weary pilgrims, to the home that awaits us; and on our dim eyes we know a new light shall come, and behind the narrowing sky there is a Better Land, where staff and crutch, and ills of age, and the soiled vesture, wherein the immortal soul was wrapped for a brief day, shall all be put away forever."

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Argues that the Supreme Court is now "the turning-point of the fight, the key of the battlefield," claiming that if the Court will "bring all laws and proceedings to the test of the Constitution" then "the revolution is arrested, and the country is saved."

Origin of Article: Richmond Enquirer

Editorial Comment: "The Richmond Enquirer says:"

Full Text of Article:

The Supreme Court contains a majority of the same party that dominates in Congress. It was supposed that sympathy in the objects was supposed that sympathy in the objects sought, would beget an assent to the means employed, and that the Congressional usurpation would be acquiesced in by the co-partisans of the bench. The Chief Justice had been a high priest of radicalism, and as a cabinet officer, had shared the responsibility of the most irregular proceedings. The surprise therefore was general, when the Supreme Court lately evinced a purpose to bring all laws and proceedings to the test of the Constitution. If they shall adhere to this purpose, the revolution is arrested, and the country is saved! The threats with which the South is harassed, and her recuperation delayed will become impotent; terrible indeed in sound, but only the roaring of a chained lion.

The pressure brought to bear on the members of the Supreme Court, is now tremendous. Reproached as enemies, if not traitors, to their party,--threatened with reconstruction,--threatened with demolition,--insulted, abused, defied,--it remains to be seen whether they will stand firm to their office and their oaths. Here lies the turning-point of the fight, the key of the battle-field. If the authority of the Constitution shall be vindicated, the South is safe, and the end of her troubles approached. Reconstruction with then come, not through vain and humiliating abasements, but by appealing to the remedies of the Constitution. "While this cardinal problem is receiving its solution, the South has additional reason for an attitude of silence and firmness. Let us wait and see whether or not we have indeed a constitution which determines inter-State relations, or whether they are to be dictated by the absolute will and whims of the men whose caprices and demands vary with the passions and supposed party interests.

Could Not Change the Decree of God
(Column 04)

Summary: A "colored woman" who attempted to take a seat in the white section of a church and told the minister she did not believe there should be a distinction was told by the minister that God made the distinction, and he could not change the decree of God.

Origin of Article: Washington Union

Full Text of Article:

The Washington Union states that on Christmas morning a colored woman walked into one of our churches and took a seat among white people. The sexton asked her to take a seat in the part of the church set apart for her color. She went to the minister and complained saying she did not think there should be any distinction. The minister replied: "My dear woman, God has made the distinction, and I cannot change His decrees."

Local News
(Column 01)

Summary: Colonel James M. Lilley has been appointed Notary Public, and will continue to serve as Surveyor as well.
(Names in announcement: Col. James M. Lilley)

Full Text of Article:

Colonel James M. Lilley has been appointed Notary Public. At the last Court he was qualified and gave the necessary bonds. Colonel Lilley is so well known in this county that it is useless to speak of his qualifications for the performance of the duties of this office. He is a County Surveyor and travels over great portions of the county, and persons will thus have opportunities to get the benefit of his services as Notary Public as well as Surveyor.

Local News--Furnace for the Jail
(Column 01)

Summary: A furnace will be placed in the local jail in the next few days in response to a recent attempted escape by a prisoner who set the floor on fire.

Local News--Distressing Accident
(Column 02)

Summary: Ann Eliza Matheny died from burns she received on Christmas Night when a spark from the fire ignited her clothes while she slept.
(Names in announcement: Ann Eliza Matheny, Wm. M. Matheny)

Full Text of Article:

We are called upon, this week, to chronicle one of the most painful and distressing accidents that has ever occurred in this community. Mrs. Ann Eliza Matheny, wife of Mr. Wm. M. Matheny, of this place, was so badly burned, on Christmas night, as to cause her death on last Thursday, about 1 o'clock. The circumstances connected with this sad affair, are about as follows:--At a late hour on the night of the 25th ult. Mrs. M. was called upon to get up to attend the wants of a sick child, and having succeeded in quieting the child, and putting it to sleep in its crib, she laid down on a lounge near the fire, and being fatigued, fell asleep. After being asleep for some time, her clothes were set on fire by means of a spark, and by the time she awoke and succeeded, by her screams, in arousing her husband, her clothes were all in a light blaze and were nearly consumed. Her husband ran to her relief, and with the aid of his brother, who was sleeping in a room in the upstairs of the house, succeeded in extinguishing the flames-not, however, until she was so badly burned as to render her recovery beyond the reach of the most skillful physicians.-She lingered until last Thursday, the 27th ultimo, when the last messenger-death-put an end to her sufferings. Mr. Matheny was also badly burned, in his endeavors to save the life of the companion of his bosom, and will be laid up for several months, and, it is fear will loose the use of his left hand entirely. Mrs. M. was about 44 years of age, and leaves three children and a helpless husband to mourn their loss. They have our most heartfelt condolence.

County Court--December Term
(Column 02)

Summary: A summary of recent proceedings of the county court, including a tribute to the memory of the recently deceased Jefferson Kinney.
(Names in announcement: J. Marshall McCue, Robert G. Bickle, H. H. Peck, Thos. A. Bledsoe, Wm. C. Eskridge, Col. James M. Lilly, Ervin Reid, W. T. Lightner, G. W. Bateman, Smith Bateman, Martin H. Lotts, Jefferson Kinney, W. A. Burnett)

Full Text of Article:

December Term.-Court met on Monday, December 24th, J. Marshall McCue presiding, five Justices present. Robert G. Bickle and H. H. Peck, were appointed a committee to purchase a furnace to heat the cells of the Jail by steam. Thos. A. Bledoe and Wm. C. Eskridge renewed their bonds as Notaries' Public. Col. James M. Lilly, qualified and gave bonds as Notary Public. Ervin Reid, colored, was exempted from payment of County and Parish Levies, on account of bodily infirmities. W. T. Lightner, qualified as Deputy Sheriff. G. W. Bateman was appointed Surveyor of public roads, vice, Smith Bateman, deceased. In case of Commonwealth vs Martin H. Lotts, charged with attempting to fire the Jail, remanded to Circuit Court for trial. The following Tribute to the memory of Jefferson Kinney, Esq., was ordered to be published.

IN AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT, DECEMBER 26th 1866.-It having been made known to the Court that Jefferson Kinney, Esq., who held the office of Clerk of this Court for many years, departed this life on Friday, the 21st, inst., and the Court being desirous of testifying their respect to his memory-it is ordered to be entered on the Record.

That this Court has heard with deep sensibility, the news of the death of Jefferson Kinney, Esq., who for 30 years filled the office of the Clerk of this Court, during all which time he fulfilled every duty of his position with singular fidelity and ability. The Court also desires to bear their unanimous testimony to the high character of Mr. Kinney, as a gentleman of integrity and upright deportment in all the relations of life, and their sense of the loss which the community have sustained in his death, and to express their deep sympathy with his family in their bereavement.

It is therefore further ordered that the Clerk of this Court cause a copy of this order to be transmitted to the family of the deceased, and to assure them of the condolence of each member of the Court with the family in their affliction, and that this order be published in the Newspapers of Staunton.

Copy-Teste.

W. A. BURNETT, Clerk

Trailer: W. A. Burnett

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Praises a recent concert at the Augusta Female Seminary where the young ladies "sang like nightingales and acted their part to perfection."
(Names in announcement: Dr. J. L. Brown, Miss M. Hawkins, Mary Crawford, Emma Wills)

Full Text of Article:

MR. EDITOR:--Where were all "Ye Local Reporters" the night of the Cantata at Augusta Female Seminary? I see only a brief notice of it-a very brief one in any of the Papers.-Surely such a thing-so well gotten up and so happily performed, should not be permitted to pass into oblivion with such a meager notice and the prime movers in it, why so richly deserve the greatest amount of praise for their indefatigable exertions in getting it up, are not even mentioned. I know full well the amount of time they sacrificed and the interest they showed to make it an unexceptionable performance.-Great credit is due Dr. J. L. Brown and his estimable daughter (whose musical abilities are so well known and appreciated in this community,) who labored so zealously and willingly for several weeks, to make it no ordinary affair, and with the material they had to operate on-the pliant minds-quick perceptions and intelligence of the young Ladies, it was undoubtedly a brilliant affair. To attempt a description of the Cantata I am unqualified, but that the character of Queen by Miss M. Hawkins and that of Teacher by Dr. Brown were personated to perfection is beyond all question. Their Solos were capitally performed and elicited great admiration: indeed the Solos of those who personated Spring, Sunshine, Rainbow and Spray were beautifully rendered and the choruses were truly admirable. But the most interesting feature of the performance was the singing of the Little Ones, who took the part of Dew Drops, among whom I noticed Mary Crawford, Emma Wills and others, who sang like nightingales and acted their part to perfection.

Too much praise cannot be awarded to Miss Brown for her unwearied exertions in training the Pupils and it must, indeed, to be gratifying to her to see that her efforts have been crowned with such complete success, and here let me say that Dr. Brown who has lately cast his lot with us and who took so lively an interest in getting up the Cantata is a gentleman well worthy the confidence of the community.

As hundreds were unable to witness this delightful exhibition-being unable to get into the crowded School Room-I hope to see it repeated at a future day, in a larger Room, or in the Seminary Yard, and with a Stage, better adapted to represent a Forest Scene, and large enough to give freedom of motion to the Performers, when I hope, Mr. Editor, you may have the pleasure of witnessing it.

Till then adieu. A WITNESS

Trailer: A Witness

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Marcia Gordon, of New Kent, and Talbot Coleman, of Staunton, were married at the home of the bride's father in New Kent on December 25 by Rev. C. H. Read.
(Names in announcement: Rev. C. H. Read, Talbot B. Coleman, Marcia A. Gordon)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Rebecca Shaw and George Bailey were married near Sherando on December 27 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Shaws, Rev. W. R. Stringer, Geo. W. Bailey, Rebecca B. Shaw)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Elizabeth Trevy and Jesse Bridge were married near Sherando on December 27 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Shaws, Rev. W. R. Stringer, Jesse R. Bridge, Elizabeth E. Trevy)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Elizabeth Lunsford and Jeremiah Falls were married near Sherando on December 27 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Shaws, Rev. W. R. Stringer, Jeremiah Falls, Elizabeth Lunsford)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Mary Trusler and John Richards were married at South River on December 17 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: John E. Richards, Mary E. Trusler, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Martha Whitesell and John Harris were married on December 20 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. R. Stringer, John E. Harris, Martha J. Whitesell)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Lucy Jane Shomo and Adam Pannell were married on December 24 by Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. R. Stringer, Adam Pannell, Lucy Jane Shomo)