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Valley Virginian: November 24, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

For What Have We to be Thankful?
(Column 01)

Summary: This article discusses the charitable events that surround the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as all the things to be thankful for. While Radicals continue to impose harsh treatment, the author nevertheless points out a number of things that are changing for the better, including, Democratic ascendancy and the "health and plenty" of the land. Thus the author suggests that Virginians return to the "old-time-honored" practice of providing for the poor and needy.

Full Text of Article:

No where in the world is Thanksgiving Day more duly observed or celebrated with greater zest, or in a more commendable spirit than in New England homes. To day there was a terrible slaughter in the ranks of the feathery tribe, up "few hum," among the Northern blue lights. And among the most commendable acts of charity and benevolence, is that every poor man, woman and child within her realms is treated to roast turkey for dinner, and all are made to feel thankful for once, at least, in the year. The Yankee that would palm off to day a wooden ham or goose on friend or foe, is beyond the redemption even of the old witches of Salem or the saving grace of boneless codfish.

From time immemorial it was the custom among all civilized nations to set apart some day during the year, as a day of public thanksgiving, for the abundant fruits which the God of nature and the Seasons vouchsafed to his creature, man.--Thanksgiving was not always rendered up to the Throne of Grace for the fruits of the earth alone, but for the various other manifestations of Divine favor; such as escape from pestilence, victory in battle, deliverance, &c., as set forth by Meriam when the hosts of Israel walked safely through the Dead Sea, and escaped from their enemies and oppressors, the Egyptians. Many precedents can be cited to prove the ancientness of this established custom and its appropriateness. But under the present order of things it's unnecessary and superfluous. The order came under Washington to offer up thanks--for the clemency, doubtless, that we are no worse off, and that we are allowed to breathe, at least--if nothing better--God's free air without interference of Radical bayonets, in this sweet land of liberty (!). Heaven save the mark!

For what have we to be thankful? For the enormous, grinding, public debt as a "public blessing!" for the army of tax gatherers devouring our substances that bloated bankholders may revel in luxury and drunkenness? for the hordes of thieving revenue assessors that pollute the land and public decency? for the privilege of being allowed to make laws for our own government according to our way of thinking of right and justice? This is what the Radical satraps require us to be thankful for!

But we have many things to return thanks for. That barn-burning, Swearing Phi'l Sheridan is not here, but blind drunk in Germany; that the sword of Cut Throat Hunter hangs palsied and powerless; that Grant's soldiers and bayonets inaugurated a glorious Democratic victory throughout the whole country; that hydra headed Radicalism is on its last legs; that the ladies and gentlemen of the South are not mean Radicals, (for which the Lord be praised!) that health and plenty reign over the length and breadth of the land; that the "skies are bright and brightening," for liberty and prosperity; that our men are brave and chivalrous, our ladies are lovely, virtuous and beautiful, and that our babies are the biggest and best in the world; for those and every other blessing, good Lord make us deeply thankful!

Let us, then, duly observe the old-time-honored, custom of the day; let us visit the poor and needy with full hearts and open pockets, and "give to him who has not;" let nothing but pleasant memories cluster round the day, and let it be a charitable as well as a thanksgiving day; as the best half of the year is wasted away in useless grumbling, let us devote one day in the year to thanksgiving and praise.

"Teach us to feel another's woe,
To hide the fault we see;
That mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me.

The Murder Trial
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that the trial of George W. Smiley for murdering Joseph M. Black will be held in the Hustings Court before Judge Greene Smith.
(Names in announcement: George W. Smiley, Joseph M. Black, Judge Greene Smith)

Pickpockets
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper complains that Staunton is "rapidly getting to be a fast place." Most recently, a man waiting for mail at the post office had a "fine linen handkerchief" stolen from his pocket.

On Dit
(Column 01)

Summary: Ex-governor John Letcher will face Col. M. G. Harman in a game of ten pins to be held in Staunton.
(Names in announcement: John Letcher, M. G. Harman)

Eminent Counsel Retained
(Column 01)

Summary: The friends of Smiley are retaining Col. J. B. Baldwin and John T. Harris for his defense. The "various surroundings and mystery which envelop the case" should make it very interesting to those in the legal profession.
(Names in announcement: Smiley, Col. J. B. Baldwin, John T. Harris)

Queen Sisters and Troupe
(Column 01)

Summary: These performers "have been received by our music, histrionic and comic loving people with...unqualified approbation and simultaneous applause." They will remain in Staunton by popular demand and perform a new piece every evening.

Sunday School Convention
(Column 01)

Summary: The Sunday Schools of the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South will hold their annual meeting at Staunton's Methodist Church. Rev. N. M. Wilson will deliver the opening sermon.
(Names in announcement: Rev. N. M. Wilson)

Queen Sisters
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that the Queen Sisters and Troupe have met with more success in Staunton than any other performers. The attendance at their shows is increasing with each performance.

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: J. H. M. Shelley and Miss Marinda A. Quiesenberry, both of Augusta, were married in Staunton by the Rev. J. I. Miller.
(Names in announcement: J. H. M. Shelley, Marinda A. Quiesenberry, Rev. J. I. Miller)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: Silas H. Walker of Augusta and Miss Laura Boone of Rockingham were married on November 9th by the Rev. H. H. Hawes.
(Names in announcement: Silas H. Walker, Laura Boone, Rev. H. H. Hawes)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: A. F. Downey of Rockbridge and Miss Mary E. Smeitz of Augusta were married on November 8th at Variety Springs, Augusta County, by the Rev. M. A. Tayler.
(Names in announcement: A. F. Downey, Mary E. Smeitz, Rev. M. A. Tayler)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: Johnson E. Bell of Lewisburg and Miss Lucy M. Guy of Staunton were married on November 10th at the residence of Mr. R. M. Guy by the Rev. William E. Baker.
(Names in announcement: Johnson E. Bell, Lucy M. Guy, R. M. Guy, Rev. William E. Baker)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: Y. M. Bickle and Miss Henrietta Parker, both of Staunton, were married on November 23rd at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Morris Parker, by the Rev. H. H. Kenedy.
(Names in announcement: Y. M. Bickle, Henrietta Parker, Morris Parker, Rev. H. H. Kenedy)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. Mary Chapman died on November 16th at the residence of her husband, Mr. William Chapman, of Waynesboro.
(Names in announcement: Mary Chapman, William Chapman)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. Patterson, widow of the late Alexander Patterson, died on November 15th at her residence near Waynesboro.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Patterson, Alexander Patterson)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Robert R. Ruff, son of the late Jacob Ruff, died at the residence of John Wilson near Swoope's Depot, Augusta County, on November 18th of consumption.
(Names in announcement: Robert R. Ruff, Jacob Ruff, John Wilson)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. Rosana Graham, formerly of Staunton, died in Kentucky on August 11th. She was 71 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Rosana Graham)