Gleanings from the Ritchie Gazette, 1936
The excerpts below were transcribed from microfilm copies of the Ritchie Gazette. I have attempted to transcribe all items related to the southwestern corner of the county, though some were undoubtedly overlooked, and the researcher seeking all possible information should review the microfilm copy. Errors in the original publication are denoted with "[sic]." Illegible passages are marked "[?]." Corrected text and other comments are placed within brackets ([]). The excerpts are reprinted here by kind permission of the Ritchie Gazette.
Ritchie Gazette, January 10, 1936
Back to Philadelphia
Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Douglass and two children have returned to their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a visit of several days with Mr. Douglass' mother, Mrs. Jennie Douglass, and his wife's mother, Mrs. Jennie Carrell.
Mellin
Hello folks. After an unavoidable delay we are again taking our place in the columns, this week. Sincerely hope that all had a wonderful Xmas and that this, the New Year will be a very, very prosperous one to all.--Thanks.
To-day, the 6th of Jan. marked the end of the A.A.A. as the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States has this day declared the A.A.A. unconstitutional. (radio)
One thing in remembrance of old times is that we had a white Xmas and a white New Year.
The road work continues slowly. Stone is being placed on the Simmons or Pribble hill as you please to call it. And we hope that this will continue on through until road is completed.
Miss Ada Newbrough is now employed at Parkersburg.
We are having lots of rain this week.
There seems to be a lot of sickness throughout this vicinity, although nothing more serious than colds.
Robert Eddy of near Elm Run, was visiting relatives near Mellin Sunday.
Bruno Hauptman has received an extension of his sentence from the first of the week t the last of the week of the 13. (radio)
Ritchie Gazette, January 17, 1936
Home from Hospital
Miss Geraldine Kerns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kerns of Rusk, was able to return home last Saturday.
She had been a patient in St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg, for ten days receiving medical treatment.
Visited at Rusk
Mrs. Clara Costilow, of Clarksburg, has been at Rusk for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kerns. She returned to Clarksburg on Monday.
Ritchie Gazette, January 24, 1936
Mellin
Winter has again made us a call with about 12 inches of snow, and showing us that cold shoulder.
The road work is at a standstill until weather permits its continuance.
B. L. Eddy was a business caller at Mellin Saturday.
Higginbotham Brothers had some slight trouble with their saw-mill last week.
The sick in this community are slowly improving.
Our local mail carrier had to make part of his trip on foot today on acciunt [sic] of snow being so deep.
About all the farmer can do now is feed the stock and roast his shins.
Reports are to the effect that there were some quarreling and sparring around at Smithville Saturday night that almost ended in a free for all.
Willie Newbrough has ordered his new license for the remaining half of the year.
Mrs. Newbrough received a letter from her daughter, Ada, of Parkersburg stating that she was on the sick list, believing it to be a slight attack of appendicitis.
Petroleum
Mrs. Eleanor Douglass Hicks of Petroleum, Miss Dorothy Keith and Vincent Kibbee, of Ellenboro, were honorees at a lovely birthday party Friday night given by Mrs. Rena Keith and Mrs. Vincent Kibbee at the latter's apartment in Ellenboro.
Three tables of bridge and other various games were in play. Music and dancing were also enjoyed by the guests. Later in the evening a lovely refreshment course carrying out a color scheme of pink and white was served. Each guest received a small birthday cake bearing one candle. All lamps were turned off while each candle burned thus producing a lovely effect.
Those who enjoyed this occasion were Mrs. Eleanor Douglass Hicks, Miss Virginia Douglass, Miss Leo McQuaid, Mr. R. C. Jackson and Frank McQuaid, all of Petroleum, Mrs. Rena Keith, Miss Dorothy Keith, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Westfall and son, Miss Rena Keith, Cameron, Bobby and Sherwood Keith and Mrs. and Mrs. Vincent Kibbee, of Ellenboro, Gale Hammett and Edgar Heaton, of Harrisville and Edwin Haught, of Pennsboro.
Ladies Aid Meeting
Mrs. S. R. Currey was charming hostess to the Ladies Aid Thursday afternoon. The devotional services were conducted by the president, Mrs. F. M. Netser. After the business session a short program was given. Delicious refreshments were served to Mrs. E. H. Douglass and daughter, Eleanor Douglass, Mrs. H. C. Netser, Mrs. F. H. Phillips, Mrs. A. B. Valentine, Mrs. J. W. Roberts, Jr., Miss Elizabeth Gordon, Mrs. L. W. McFarland, Mrs. C. W. Thrash, Mrs. Arthur Thrash, Mrs. H. E. Nuzum and the hostess, Mrs. S. R. Curry. The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. H. C. Netser.
Personals
L. P. Willis, O. W. Valentine and Ralph Valentine spent last week end in Wheeling with Mr. and Mrs. Miles Willis.
Walter Jonas, Jr. son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jonas who has been quite ill, is slightly improved.
Mrs. Tom Curran left for Rainelle recently.
Ray Netser, a student of Mountain State Business college of Parkersburg is the week end guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Netser.
Mr. and Mrs. Clare Allen of Walton, came Saturday to spend a few days with his sister, Mrs. F. H. Phillips.
Ritchie Gazette, January 31, 1936
Racy News
The B.Y.P.U. of North Fork has been unable to have their Sunday evening services owing to the cold weather.
The Mason brothers are building a barn for Mr. Bob Kerns.
The young people on Gillispie [sic] are not minding the cold weather so much. They have been having skating, domino and car parties which are all much fun.
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Bob McCoy are going to Charleston this week. Sunday is Mr. McCoy's regular monthly preaching Sunday there.
Miss Hazel Kerns, who has been working at Mr. Ira Jackson's this winter, has returned to her home at Mellin.
Neva Lanham and Leota Dilly, both having employment in Parkersburg, spent the week end with home folks.
Ernest King the teacher of Jackson school has been ill for a few days. Simon D. Goff has been substitute teacher in his place.
Jimmie Patterson and Robert Hughs, of Marietta, Ohio, were the last week guests of A. J. Null and family.
Arlene and Geraldine Kerns are reported ill at this writing. Arlene has rheumatism and Geraldine is bothered with sinus trouble. We all wish them speedy recoveries.
Mrs. and Mrs. A. C. Kerns are the proud parents of an eight and a half pound baby girl.
Mary Gill and Marjorie Lewis were the week end visitors of Rhoda and Maynelle Lewis
Cleo Richards and Charles Quick drove to Parkersburg to attend the midnight show at the Hiehle theatre.
Mr. Basil Lanham made the purchase of a fine young horse a few days ago.
Taken to Hospital
Mrs. George Deem, whose home is near McFarlan, was taken to Parkersburg in the ambulance one day last week, and admitted a patient in St. Joseph's hospital.
Mrs. Deem has been very sick and was taken to the hospital for observation and treatment.
Ritchie Gazette, February 7, 1936
Painfully Injured
While doing a washing a few days ago, Miss Hazel Kerns, of Racy, met with a painful accident when her right hand was caught in the clothes wringer, the hand being badly mashed, and a bone in the arm fractured.
She has been suffering great pain from the injuries she received.
Hospital Patient
Mrs. Bruce Kerns, of Racy, was taken to St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg, the first of the week and admitted a patient for observation and treatment.
Mrs. Kerns is suffering from a form of diabetes.
Mellin
Winter is still with us, although moderating a little.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Pierson are the proud parents of a fine big girl, born Friday night.
The boys went back to the road job today, rather bad weather but perhaps they can get out some stone.
Mrs. Goe. [sic] Deems, of near McFarlan, who is a patient in the St. Joseph's hospital is reported improving.
Dr. Staats of Cairo, has made several trips in this vicinity attending the sick.
Dr. C. W. Rexroad's health does not permit his riding this kind of weather.
There should be a good young doctor locate at Mellin and take up the practice throughout this section. As it is, the doctors are too far away for emergency calls. One could die before a Doctor could possibly get here.
The winter continues with the thermometer down to as low as 32 below, and snowing again today, January 27.
F. M. Ayers has returned from a visit to Akron, Ohio, and his reports are that work there is on the decline.
Mrs. Vernie Deem, wife of Geo. Deem, was taken to the St. Joseph's hospital last week, a very severe case of pneumonia.
Mrs. Cindia Carney's boy of the age of four years ran away from home last week barefooted and scant of clothing, and traveled in the snow to the home of L. W. Cunningham. On his arrival there the doctor was called for him, and he was nearly in spasms. Last reports are he is improving slowly.
Henry J. Duff has an attack of the flu.
Some neighbors have cut some wood for Joe Lamp. Joe is in very poor health this winter.
Wood cutting and gas line thawing seems to be the order of the day, a lot of lines are frozen up.
School continues with attendance very low.
McFarlan
Dr. Casto from Elizabeth has been here doing some dental work.
Ben and Woodie Null spent the week end at their home.
Mrs. Effie Lemon is on the sick list.
The Ladies Aid of the McFarlan church met at the home of Mrs. Ethel Lemon last Thursday and made plans for a Valentine party at Mrs. Frank Pribbles Feb. 14.
Ritchie Gazette, February 14, 1936
Petroleum
Mrs. Frank Hill of Cairo opened a school of adult education here at the Farm Woman's club room Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Miss Virginia McFarland, who attends school at Pennsboro, spent the week end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. McFarland.
Miss Icy Netser, who is employed at Harrisville, spent the week end here with her parents Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Netser.
Little Shirley Pepper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hobert Pepper, has been quite ill with bronchial pneumonia but is better at this time.
Mrs. Ashford Hawkins has been confined to her bed for the past two weeks with the flu.
Letter from Tom Duff
The article in the Standard of February seventh "The State and County roads," by the Wheeling Intelligencer, is worthy of commendation. It should be added to that article that the State instead of making big appropriations for road decorations etc., these appropriations should be made for the unimproved roads, as it is, the taxpayers money they are appropriating. Since machinery, such as the tractors and large graders have taken the place of the old horse grader, we have roads that have almost been entirely abandoned. Why? If the horse drawn graders could get all the roads worked over the county there isn't any excuse for the modern machinery not getting more work done. And look at the delinquent land tax. The law should be as of old, those that cannot pay their tax should be permitted to work the roads to the equivalent of said tax. And [they] retain their land. And sections of the road should be sold to the farms to keep in repair, after the graders have worked them over, each spring and fall. Until we have this again it will be the same old story, "bad roads."
Tom Duff, Mellin, W. Va.
Ritchie Gazette, February 28, 1936
Petroleum
The February meeting of the Ladies' Aid society was held Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. H. C. Netser. The business session was in charge of the president, Mrs. F. M. Netser. A delicious luncheon was served to Mrs. S. R. Curry, Mrs. F. H. Phillips, Mrs. E. H. Douglass, Miss Elizabeth Gordon, Mrs. A. B. Valentine, Mrs. L. W. McFarland, Mrs. F. M. Netser, Mrs. J. W. Jonas, Mrs. H. E. Nuzum and the hostess, Mrs. H. C. Netser.
Personals
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boston, Thursday morning, February 20, a son.
Miss Elsie Willis, who has been quite ill with the flu, is much better.
Miss Beulah McFarland, who has been at Pullman for quite awhile, has returned home this week.
Miss Florence Netser left Thursday morning for her home at Rogers, Ark. She had spent the past two months here with her brother, F. M. Netser, and other relatives at Cornwallis and West Union.
J. H. Valentine, formerly of Beebe, Ark., is here for an extended visit with Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Valentine.
Charles Thrash, small son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thrash, is quite ill with rheumatic arthritis.
Mellin
The weather has at last moderated some. The snow is about all gone.
Dr. Rymer, of Harrisville, was called to see Mrs. Hoover, Friday. She remains very poorly at this writing.
Geo. Stanley's boy was somewhat improved and took a relapse, Friday. Dr. Moyers was called out from Cairo.
Mr. Dick Pribble is very poorly.
Henry J. Duff is a little better.
There seems to be some controversy about the measles at the Mellin school, although the Doctor has declared that it was not the measles, the teacher has requested that certain pupils remain out of school.
Lewis Higginbotham and wife were calling on Tom Duff, Sunday.
McFarlan
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Quimby, of Parkersburg, were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pribble over the week end.
I. O. Null and daughter, Margaret, and L. J. Null, of Parkersburg, were visiting relatives here over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. Claron Dawson spent the week end in Harrisville.
Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Ruckman were visiting in Parkersburg over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Martin, of Brooksville, were visiting Mrs. Dora Lemon Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Black were here over Sunday. Mr. Black preached here Sunday night.
Mrs. George Nutter, of Cairo, was visiting here over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lemon were in Cairo one day last week.
Harry Lemon was in Parkersburg, Sunday.
Mrs. B. T. Tharp is visiting here mother at Marietta, Ohio.
The MaFarlan [sic] Ladies Aid will meet at the home of Mrs. Frank Null, Thursday.
Frank and Willis Pribble were visiting their Uncle Dick Pribble on Gillispie [sic], who is real bad sick at this time.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cousten were visiting in Sistersville over the week end.
Bernard Lowther attended court at Harrisville last week.
Justice of the Peace
I hereby announce to the Republican voters of Murphy District that I am a candidate for Justice of the Peace, subject to the will of the voters at the Primary to be held May the 12th, 1936. Ladies and gentlemen your vote and influence kindly solicited.
George W. Nutter, McFarlan, W. Va.
Ritchie Gazette, March 13, 1936
Mellin
The past week was one of fine weather. The roads drying up very rapidly, time now to get out the old car.
S. M. Ayers did not take the job of caring for Mr. Pierson as was reported therefore making item an error in last week's news.
Mrs. L. A. Hoover remains a little better this week.
Higginbotham Bros. were in Cairo and vicinity, Saturday.
Miss Ada Newbrough, who has employment in Parkersburg, was visiting with her mother over the weekend.
Mr. Ralph Kerns was calling at the Newbrough home Sunday evening.
Tom Duff was at Mellin Saturday the first since December 17, 1935. He has been on the sick list.
Several people in this vicinity have very sore heels, caused from freezing them during the zero weather.
Farmers are getting busy cleaning up around the barn-yard.
There are a few that have started plowing.
This has been a very severe winter on feed.
Ritchie Gazette, March 20, 1936
Good Progress Made on Washburn-Gillespie Road
Over Two Miles of Grading and A Mile of Stone Base are a Creditable Showing
This paper is pleased to note the excellent progress that has been made under the supervision of Wesley Phipps on the Washburn-Gillespie WPA road project. We are informed that two and seven tenths miles of highway have been graded and over one mile of stone base laid. This work was accomplished under very unfavorable circumstances, zero weather prevailing much of the time. Grading has almost been completed, only a few days work remaining for the shovel. About eight miles of stone base remain to be completed. the following shows in detail what has been done this winter, notwithstanding inclement weather:
This project started on November 26th, 1935. There has been an average of one hundred men working seven hours per day, four days a week. Sixty-two thousand, three hundred cubic yards of earth were moved, fifty percent rock. WPA labor built one mile and three hundred and seventy-five feet of wire fence, laid one hundred and eight lineal feet of forty-eight inch drain pipe, forty-four lineal feet of thirty-six inch drain pipe, one hundred lineal feet of twenty-four inch drain pipe, five hundred and thirty lineal feet, of eighteen inch drain pipe, ninety lineal feet of fifteen inch drain pipe, or eight hundred seventy-two lineal feet of drain pipe, two and one-half tons of dynamite were used on the entire project to date. WPA labor put down over one mile of stone base, moved and relocated two buildings and cleared one mile of right of way.
This project was set up as a farm to market project--the only one in Ritchie county. It has been supervised by a local man and every man on this project is a tax payer of Ritchie County. When it started there were no tools to start it with owing to the fact that other counties had got started in advance and moved all the tools to be used by other relief setups on their projects. The State Road Commission and the Ritchie County Court certainly cooperated one hundred per cent in getting tools to get the project started. The cost of this project is based on what was actually used on this project including labor as follows:
| Labor | $10,4598.28 |
| Truck Hire | 2,380.00 |
| Drain Pipe | 866.00 |
| Lumber | 165.00 |
| Gasoline | 300.00 |
| Motor Oil | 350.06 |
| Dynamite | 720.00 |
| Power shovel parts | 142.10 |
| Cup Grease | 6.30 |
| Small Tools | 200.00 |
| Total | $15,588.74 |
Let The Good Work Continue
This paper sincerely homes that money will be available for the completion of the stone base on the Washburn-Gillespie highway this year. This road extends from Route Sixteen near Washburn to the North Fork of Hughes river near Cisco. It extends through a fine farming section inhabited by a fine class of citizens. It is a typical farm to market highway. In view of the progress made this winter under the direction of Superintendent Wesley Phipps, we believe this highway can be completed ready for a surface by next fall.
The work done by Mr. Phipps this winter on this project shows what also might have been done if similar efforts had been made on other class A secondary highways. We not only hope that this road will be completed this year, but that substantial progress may also be made on the Pullman-Auburn road, the Spruce road, the Dutchman road and similar projects.
Public Sale
I will offer for sale at my residence, near Cisko, West Va., on Saturday, March 28, 1936, beginning at 1:00 o'clock, p.m., the following property: Lot of household and kitchen furniture, two milch cows, 5 and 7 years old, one mowing machine, one hay rake, nearly new, one hillside plow, one land-side plow, one root-cutter plow, one double-shovel plow, one single-shovel plow, one 2-horse wagon, one 2-horse sled, one Reo pickup truck, lot of corn in ear, one lot of hay, lot of other farm tools, one cream separator, one sewing machine, six stands of bees, one set of double work harness, two saddles, lot of large stone jars, one 25-20 rifle gun.
And other articles to numerous to mention.
Terms, cash.adv. 3-18 L. L. Gill
Ritchie Gazette, March 27, 1936
Leg Broken
On last Friday, Hazel Shrader, twelve year old daughter of A. B. Shrader, of Mellin, slipped and fell on the school ground at Mellin, while playing with the children, and broke her leg, the fracture being just above the ankle.
The girl was taken to Parkersburg after the accident, for an X-ray, and the bone was set and the leg placed in a cast, and she was brought back home the following day.
Ritchie Gazette, April 3, 1936
Hospital Patient
Charlie Welch, of Mellin, was taken to Parkersburg last Saturday and admitted a patient in Camden-Clark hospital.
Mr. Welch has been sick for several weeks, and is a patient for treatment and observation.
Mellin
Sunday was a fine day and a lot of people were out enjoying it.
Mr. George Stanley has been very poorly the past week but is a little improved now.
Mr. Lewis Duff was visiting with Tom Duff, Sunday.
Mrs. Alice Welch went to Parkersburg to visit her husband who is in the City hospital for observation and treatment.
Wm. Hardwick was visiting with his brother Charley, at the Ritchie Mines, Sunday.
The sale was largely attended at the L. L. Gill's home Saturday and a vast amount of articles was sold. Cows went at $30.00 to $45.00.
Hazel Shrader is reported rapidly improving.
Word has been received here that Mr. Ben Jenkins had a light stroke of paraylsis [sic]. He is near seventy-four years of age and lives close to McFarlan.
Ritchie Gazette, April 10, 1936
Move to Cantwell
Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Gill and family, who had been living at Cisco, have moved to Cantwell, and have gone to housekeeping on the Herbert Eddy farm.
Ritchie Gazette, April 17, 1936
Willis B. Border
Funeral services were conducted on Saturday afternoon, April 11, at 2 o'clock at the North Fork Baptist church for William B. Border, who died Thursday at his home at Oxbow. Elder Leach, Seventh Day Adventist minister from Parkersburg, preached the funeral sermon and burial was made in Mason cemetery. Mr. Border was sixty-five years of age, the greater share of his life having been lived in Ritchie county. He leaves to mourn their loss, his wife, two sons, two grandchildren. Also three brothers and a large circle of relatives. The deceased had been failing in health quite rapidly for more than a year and had been confined to his room over two months. He fell peacefully asleep with a firm conviction of a home in the Beautiful hereafter with his Savious [sic]. He had all his life been an exemplary citizen and a loyal helpful friend and will be greatly missed by neighbors and friends.
"Sweet be thy rest, and peaceful thy sleeping.
God's way is best, then art in His keeping.
O blessed sleep, where ills ne'er molest thee!
Why should we weep? for Heaven hath blessed thee.
Sweet be thy rest."
McFarlan
Mr. and Mrs. Willis Pribble and children, were visiting Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Skidmore at Dallison Sunday.
Sylvia Null had an Easter egg hunt for her Sunday school class Sunday.
Neal Vinson and children and Mrs. John Vinson were at Huntington over the week end.
Vernita and Virginia Gillispie spent the week end at Charleston.
Mr. and Mrs. Trenton Tharp spent the week end at Marietta Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Claron Dawson spent the week end at Harrisville.
Esther and Hazel Lemon of Parkersburg spent the week end here with relatives.
A. D. Pribble spent the week end at his home in Harrisville.
P.-T. A. Meeting
Meeting was called to order by president, Flora Pribble. Opened by singing "My Old Kentucky Home." Scripture reading and prayer by W. E. Gillispie; roll call and minutes of last meeting by secretary; recitation by Nobel Pribble; song and music by Dorothy Wolfe and Irene Jenkins; dialogue by Eva Jean and Louise Null; song and music by Junior Band; recitation by Bernice Cantwell; talk, but Flora Pribble; song, and music by Wayne Haught and Richard Gillispie; dialogue by Harry Lemon and Calvin Vinson; talk by W. E. Gillispie; song and music by Ritchie Ramblers.
Our P.-T. A. is every second and fourth Tuesday night. come and visit with us.
Ritchie Gazette, April 24, 1936
Racy News
Good Well
The well No. I drilled by Hill and Kuhn on the G. B. Rosson farm at the Forks of Gillespie Run came in a few days ago and is a good well. It flowed twenty-two and a half barrells [sic] the first pumping and tests three hundred and fifty pounds gas pressure. The location has been made for No. 2. Homer White and his crew of the Eureka pipe line company were here Monday the 20th, surveying for pipe line to the new well.
Personals
Arline and Merline Kerns, who have employment in Parkersburg spent the seek end with their parents Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Kerns.
Rev. Bob McCoy filled his regular appointment Sunday morning. Cooper Lewis, of Parkersburg, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Lewis of this place, made a very fine Bible lecture on the book of Revalations [sic]. The lecture was made through the medium of a very unusual chart on on [sic] the book of Revalations [sic] which was about six by twelve feet square. We hope for him to continue the lectures. Mr. Lewis gave a lecture some time ago on the life of Moses that was also very good.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Beckner of Monongah were visiting the latter's mother, Mrs. Ellen Stanley, who has been sick over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Bennett, Mrs. B. F. Bennett and Mrs. Lloyd Hill were business visitors in Parkersburg Saturday.
Mrs. Margaret Mason, Mrs. Persis Quick and son, Joe, spent Monday with Mrs. Dorthy [sic] Null and quilted on a quilt the Pythian Sisters are making.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Hill and girls Helen Louise and Wandlee were the Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Middleton.
Mrs. J. M. Lewis is ill and expecting to go to Parkersburg for Medical aid soon.
Mrs. J. W. Quick and son, Joe, spent a few days at Grantsville visiting Mr. and Mrs. Troea Morrison.
Plugs Well
The Continental Oil Company has abandoned the well drilled some years ago on the J. W. Mason farm at Rusk. This was a test well and was at one time a fair oil well.
[List of election commissioners and clerks for primary elections:]
Grant District
Precinct No. 1--Petroleum (Single Board)
F. M. Netser (R), H. G. Marshall (R) and C. F. Heater (D), Commissioner[s]; E. R. Dotson (R) and D. S. Curry (D), Clerks.
Precinct No. 2--Rusk (Single Board)
Lemon Dotson (R), A. B. Phillips (R) and C. R. Bradley (D). Commissioners; W. B. Phillips (R) and C. C. Cain (D), Clerks.
Ritchie Gazette, May 1, 1936
Has Pneumonia
Mrs. Thomas Beckner, of Rusk, has been quite sick for some days past with pneumonia fever.
At this time she is showing signs of improvement.
McFarlan
George Pribble, Viola Lemon and Elizabeth Lamp spent the week end at Lumberport.
Helen Lowther who has been visiting in Akron, Ohio, has returned home.
Alfred Null and Mr. Wayne Amos of Parkersburg were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pribble.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Null, Waneta Lemon and June Amos of Parkersburg were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Null over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. Trenton Tharp were visiting at Auburn over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Gillispie and children were at Clay Court House Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Black, of Elizabeth were here Sunday night.
Mr. and Mrs. Harvy Lemon spent Sunday in Parkersburg.
Neal Vinson and children and Eva Jean Null and Harry Lemon, Jr. were at Pennsboro Sunday.
Lee, Kelsie and Jimmy Reynolds and wife, of Parkersburg, were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Albert Reynolds over the week end.
Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Kerns and children and Anna Trader attended the funeral of Betty Maye at Mellin Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Jenkins are the proud parents of a baby girl.
P.-T.-A.
Meeting was called to order by president, Flora Pribble; opened by singing the "West Virginia Hills;" scripture reading and prayer by president; roll call and minutes by secretary, Mrs. Claron Dawson; talk by Michael Ayers, president of school board; recitation, by Mary Joe Pribble; music, by Junior Band; drill, by Judy Belle Lamp, Dorothy Wolfe, Eva Jean Null and Bernice Cantwell; recitation, by Sonny Pribble; song and music by Dick Gillespie and Harold Reynolds; music, by 4-H band; talk, on Arbor Day, by George Pribble; recitation, by Noble Franklin Pribble; music by Junior band; drill, Arbor Day by eight boys; music, by 4-H band; recitation, by Eva Jean Null; a song, Good Health, by girls and boys; song and music by Jean Null, Harold and Genevieve Reynolds.
Ritchie Gazette, May 8, 1936
Petroleum
Rev. H. E. Nuzum filled his regular appointment at Cooley chapel Sunday, May 10.
E. R. Dotson, teacher of Petroleum school, and a number of pupils attended Grant district field day at Cairo Friday.
Miss Edna Jenkins, who has spent the past winter at San Francisco, Calif., the guest of her brother, J. H. Jenkins, will leave this week for her home in Petroleum. She will be accompanied as far as White City, Kans., by her brother, where they will spend a few days with their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Evan Jenkins and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Kibbee of Ellenboro are spending the week with Mrs. Kibbee's father, R. C. Jackson. Mr. Kibbee has been made district manager of Maccabees Life Insurance company.
Mr. and Mrs. Strawd Valentine of Andrew street in Parkersburg were the week end guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Valentine.
William Perrine, one of Petroleum's merchants, is spending this week in Parkersburg.
Miss Mary Curry was the weekend guest of Rev. and Mrs. Skaggs of Meadville.
Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Armon and family of Parkersburg were the week end guests of Mrs. Armon's sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Dotson.
Mr. and Mrs. K. E. Jones left Monday for Mayfield, Ky. They were accompanied as far as Akron by Mrs. Jones' father, Rev. H. E. Nuzum, who will be the guest of his sister, Mrs. P. K. Anderson.
Mrs. Jessie Smith is suffering [sic] from a sprained shoulder.
Ritchie Gazette, May 29, 1936
In Hospital
John Murphy Lewis, fourteen years of age, and who makes his home at Rusk with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Mack Lewis, is a patient in St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg, suffering from injuries he received a few days ago while he and another youth were playing with an old buggy.
The boy had his collar bone broken, the fracture being a bad one.
Home from Hospital
Mrs. Mack Lewis returned on Saturday of last week to her home at Rusk. She had been a patient in St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg, for a few weeks, and while there underwent a surgical operation. When she was able to leave the hospital she was removed to the home of relatives in that city, where she was for ten days before coming home.
Ritchie Gazette, June 12, 1936
Funeral Rites Held
Funeral services for Charles Welch were held on Sunday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock, at Mellin, where the deceased resided, the services being in charge of the Rev. Father J. J. Griffin, of Salem.
The deceased was fifty-nine years of age. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Alice Eddy Welch, one daughter, Mrs. Henry Echard, and a son, John Welch, both of Mellin. In addition to the above, there also survives four sisters, who are Mrs. Robert Eddy, of Cairo, R.F.D.; Mrs. E. R. Eddy, of Washingtonville, Ohio; Mrs. E. R. Gooden, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Mrs. J. N. Augustus, of Lexington, Kentucky.
Ritchie Gazette, June 19, 1936
Mrs. and Mrs. Ralph Border, of Oxbow, announce the birth of a son, Tuesday, June 9. The proud parents have named their new son Clyde Merton. This is their third child.
Beckner-Morris
Announcement has been made of the recent marriage of Miss Mary Morris, of Sharon, Ohio, to James D. Beckner, of Warren, Ohio. The latter is the son of David L. Beckner, of Petroleum. Rev. Mr. Smucker pastor of the Methodist Protestant church at Chester, this state was the officiating minister.
The bride, a most charming young woman, has been in the employ of the Monongahela West Penn Company for a number of years. Mr. Beckner holds a position with the Steel Company at Warren.
Following the ceremony, the newly weds motored to the home of the bridegroom's youngest brother, Mr. and Mrs. Harvy Beckner, where a delicious wedding dinner was served. They will reside at Warren.--Pennsboro News
Ritchie Gazette, June 26, 1936
Home from Hospital
Mrs. J. M. Lewis has returned to her home at Rusk. She had been a patient for a few weeks in St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg and underwent a serious surgical operation, and is slowly recovering.
Beckner--Scott
A wedding of interest to many Parkersburgers is that of Miss Anna Bess Scott, of Glendale and Mr. O. Cummins Beckner, of Petroleum, which took place Sunday just at noon at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Scott at Glendale. For the wedding ceremony the double ring service of the Methodist church was read by the Rev. Murl C. Gainer, pastor of the Methodist Protestant church of Pennsboro before an altar formed of yellow and white summer roses in the living room where only the immediate family and a few close friends were assembled.
"I Love You Truly" by Carrie Jacobs Bond and the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin were played by Miss Constance Lambert of Ellenboro.
For her wedding the bride was handsomely attired in a becoming suit of blue and grey with accessories to match.
Following the ceremony the guests were led to the dining room made gay with summer flowers, and were served a very delicious luncheon. A color scheme of yellow and white was carried out in the menu and the table decorations. The wedding cake was cut by the bride.
Early in the afternoon the bride and groom left for a short motor trip and when they return they will reside on the Beckner estate near Petroleum.
Mrs. Cummins Beckner is the attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Scott, of Glendale. She is a graduate of Cairo high school and attended Glenville State Teachers College at Glenville. For the past ten years she has been a teacher in the Ritchie schools.
Mr. Cummins Beckner is one of Ritchie county's foremost agriculturists. He is a nephew of the late James "Jim" Beckner, with whom he made his home until Mr. Beckner's death several years ago. Since the death of his uncle, he has managed the Beckner estate at Cisco. He is a cousin of Ralph S. Beckner of this city.
Those present at the wedding were Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. B. P. Drey and Miss Constance Lambert, of Ellenboro, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Sandy and family, of Cairo, Mr. and Mrs. O. E. Smith and family of Central station, Rev. and Mrs. M. C. Gainer, of Pennsboro, Miss Cora Weaver, of Cisco, and Miss Grace Scott.--Parkersburg Sentinel.
Ritchie Gazette, July 10, 1936
Visiting at Cairo
Mrs. E. P. Douglass and two sons, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are at Cairo to visit awhile with her mother, Mrs. Jennie Carrell.
Mr. Douglass came to Cairo with his wife and family and visited with his mother, Mrs. Jennie Douglass. He returned to Philadelphia on Sunday.
Petroleum
The Sterling Sunday school class was entertained Tuesday evening at the home of their teacher, Mrs. S. R. Curry. The evening was spent in a quarterly review which consisted of one hundred false and true statements. Later in the evening refreshments were served to Mrs. H. G. Pepper, Mrs. John Roberts, Mrs. H. C. Netser, Miss Eleanor Douglass, Mary Curry, Arthur Thrash, Daniel Curry, Floyd Fluhartty [sic], Richard and Daniel Skaggs[.] Visitors were H. G. Pepper and two children, Hobart, Jr., and Shirley Pepper and Doris Netser.
Miss Lillian Rutherford entertained her Sunday school class of six members with a party at her home Saturday afternoon. The afternoon was spent in games and music. Refreshments were served later to the following: Miss Louise Roberts, Miss Doris Netser, Billy McFarland, Dwaine Thrash and Burley Hawkins.
Wilbur McFarland and his Sunday school class of nine pupils enjoyed a picnic dinner Sunday June 28 on the Petroleum school ground.
Those visiting Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Willis Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Meek, of Fairmont; Mrs. C. R. Calhoun and son, Charles, Miss Madaline Reeder and Miss Juanita Calhoun, of Richmond.
Miss Virginia Douglass left Monday for Claysville, Pa., where she is visiting her sister, Mrs. Frank Knox.
Ritchie Gazette, July 17, 1936
In Hospital
Mrs. Harold Kerns, of Rusk, is a patient in St. Joseph's hospital, Parkersburg. She underwent a surgical operation one day last week rallied and is doing nicely.
Ritchie Gazette, July 31, 1936
Sudden Death
Well Known Baseball Player Stricken at Work at Petroleum
Hobart G. Pepper, 40 widely known former professional baseball player, died suddenly from a heart attack at 9:30 o'clock Wednesday night while at work in a telegraph station of the B. & O. railroad at Petroleum.
Pepper played two seasons in the South Atlantic Association and was a member of the National Limited team at Grafton and the semiprofessional Independents at Parkersburg. He also played with other teams and frequently appeared in Clarksburg.
He served in the navy during the World war and was a member of the American Legion at Parkersburg. He also held membership in the Order of Railroad Telegraphers.
Pepper suffered from heart trouble a few years ago but relatives had thought the ailment cured. He apparently had been in perfect health recently. He died within a few minutes after the attack.
He was born in Braxton county a son of L. D. and d'Ellen Ratcliffe Pepper. The family lived several years in Barbour county.
Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Florence Jonas Pepper; one son, Hobart, Jr., 11, a daughter, Shirley Maxine, 3; and the following brothers and sisters; Roy E. Pepper, of Petroleum; Holly G. Pepper, of Parkersburg; Brooks Pepper, of Cairo; Mrs. U. C. Stanard, of Huntington; Mrs. John Jenkins, of Flemington; Mrs. L. J. Wiant, of Cairo, and Mrs. Claybourne Powell, of Flemington.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Petroleum, with burial there. Other arrangements are incomplete.
Ritchie Gazette, August 7, 1936
Mellin
Still dry and hot, most of the farmers have their haying about all done and some report some good hay as well as a lot of short hay.
Mr. William Jenkins and family were visiting with Mrs. Almeda Newbrough Monday. Willie Newbrough is slowly improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Wade Eddy were visiting with Mrs. Higginbotham Monday.
There are some slight indications of rain soon; cloudy all around and some rain reported at various points.
Tom Duff is slowly improving from a light stroke of the left part of the lower extremities, caused from injury received while at work, in Ohio, four years ago.
Martin Bickerstaff was visiting with his father, C. A. Bickerstaff last week. Martin is located somewhere near Shinnston.
Mr. Ben Jenkins of near McFarlan is reported on the sick list.
Mrs. Alice Welch has employment in Harrisville.
Miss Ada Newbrough was home Sunday evening for a few minutes with her mother.
Drilling Test Well
A test well has been located on the Mack Lewis farm on Gillespie Run, and the rig is completed.
R. C. Jackson, of Petroleum, will have the test drilled on the land.
Notice of Public Sale
On Saturday, August 15, 1936, at 1 P. M., at the late residence of C. A. Welch, near Mellin, I will offer at public sale:
3 yearling heifers; 1 two year old steer; 5 Jersey milch cows; 1 Durham cow; 2 Hereford cows; 2 Hereford two year old heifers; 1 team black horses, weight about 1500 pounds each; 1 brood sow; 1 male hog; 5 shoats; 1 three year old registered Hereford bull; 1 lot blacksmith tools; wagon, harness; 1 lot of hay; farming implements and household and kitchen furniture.
Terms of sale cash:
J. R. Welch, Administrator, C. A. Welch Estate
Ritchie Gazette, August 21, 1936
Picnic at Petroleum
A group of relatives enjoyed a picnic Sunday at Huckleberry road near Alum Cave on the John Hickman estate, one mile west of Petroleum. the [sic] small group met at Petroleum and motored down the new road, following Goose Creek to Eatons. Dinner was served at noon in a beautiful grove.
In the afternoon games, conversation and other amusements, entertained the group that included Mr. B. F. Weaver, of Belpre, O., Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Withers and daughter, Mary Lynn Withers, of Parkersburg, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Hickman, of Petroleum and Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Burk and Scottie Burk, of Volcano.
Ritchie Gazette, August 28, 1936
Local News Items
Mrs. Martha Lewis, Mrs. Russell Wyre and Francis Lewis, of Rusk, were Parkersburg visitors on Saturday.
Visiting Relatives
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Eddy, of Webster Springs, are in this county for a visit. They are at the home of Mrs. Eddy's mother, Mrs. Martha Lewis at Rusk.
Ritchie Gazette, September 4, 1936
List of Teachers for Ritchie Schools
Below is the list of teachers for the High and Graded Schools in Ritchie County:
Petroleum: John Hamilton... Mellin: Helen Pew... Island Run: Mayrie Law... Laurel Run: DeWitt Moyers... Oxbow: Delva Goff... Jackson: Lloyd Haynes... Upper Devil Hole: Evelyn Kellar... Rusk: C. C. Moore... Dry Ridge: Goldie Goodnight... Buffalo: Bess Scott Beckner... Upper Gillispie [sic]: Trendon Tharp
Ritchie Gazette, September 11, 1936
Teacher Appointed
Miss Zula Daubenspeck has been appointed a teacher in the Cairo high school to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Boyd Prunty, who was before her marriage Miss Emma Jane Robey, and a teacher in the high school and received her degree from Salem college. She has been a teacher in the Cairo grade school for several years...
Ritchie Gazette, September 25, 1936
MacFarlan P.-T. A. Meets
The MacFarlan Parent-Teachers Association met Tuesday evening, September 22, for the purpose of reorganizing the society. Before the election of officers the audience was enjoyably entertained by musical numbers offered by a vocal trio, Betty Miller, Harold and Genevieve Reynolds; the Junior Band, which is under the instruction of Mr. Albert Reynolds; and last but not least, the "West Virginia Ramblers." The "West Va. Ramblers" may be heard over radio station WPAR, Parkersburg every Monday morning at 10:15[.] Tune in your radios and listen to local musicians.
Immediately following the music the MacFarlan P.-T. A. By-Laws and Constitution was read by the President, after which the following officers were elected for the coming year: President, Mrs. Flora Pribble; Vice-president, Mr. Harry Cantwell; Secretary, Mrs. Evelyn Elliott; Treasurer, Mr. William Gillespie; Historian, Mr. George Pribble. Various standing committees were appointed by the president. After a discussion the society decided to meet the second Tuesday of each month. The coming meeting will be held Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 P. M., at the Macfarlan school house. At this time a program will be presented by the pupils of the Macfarlan school and the P.-T. A. members, under the supervision of the two teachers, Mrs. Evelyn Elliott and Mrs. Claron Dawson, and Mr. Neil Vinson, a member of the society. There will be special music, and a well known speaker. We invite and encourage the attendance of the public.
Mellin
We have had some fine weather for the past week and corn is now ready to cut.
Mr. Jacob Hill, of Gillespie run, was a victim of paraylsis [sic] Saturday morning, taking effect on the left side. Mr. Hill is well up in years, and is considered in a critical condition.
Quite a mad-dog scare is now reported on lower Gillespie run and near Rusk, the dog in question having bitten several other dogs and a number of cattle. The animal was later killed on Dryridge.
Johnnie Newbrough, of CCC Camp at Marlinton, is home on a 14 day leave of absence.
It is reported that the road grader will be in this section Monday and will grade a road down the creek for us, so that we can once more get through.
P. M. Michaels, of Parkersburg, is visiting friends and relatives near Rusk.
Miss Bettie Michael was visiting with Anna Newbrough, Sunday.
Miss Ada Newbrough was home for a few minutes Sunday evening.
Tom Duff started for Columbus, Ohio at 2 A. M. Monday morning, and will remain there for a few days.
School is progressing fine, children considering they have a fine teacher this year.
H. L. Duff was a business caller in Harrisville, Saturday.
Ritchie Gazette, October 2, 1936
James T. Cain Dead
Funeral services were held Tuesday from the Baptist church at Cairo for James T. Cain, 90, Confederate veteran, who died Sunday at the home of a son, Creed Cain, at Rusk. The Rev. Henry L. Carr officiated and interment was in Odd Fellows cemetery.
He was born in 1846 in Virginia, a son of the late John and Lydia Stewart Cain. He enlisted in the forty-second regiment of Virginia volunteers in 1863 and served until the close of the war.
He saw service around Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and was at Chancellorsville when Stonewall Jackson lost his life. Following the close of the war, he came to Ritchie county, where he since resided. He was a member of the Baptist church.
Surviving are his wife; two sons and two daughters, Creed of Rusk, Boyd of East Rainelle, W. Va.; Mrs. Flora Twyman of Ewington, Ohio, and Mrs. B. H. Dotson, of Middletown, Ohio; two brothers, Robert E. and J. W. P. Cain, both of Petroleum and eight grandchildren.
A Birth
Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall, living near Rusk, are the parents of a son, their second child.
Caught Pike
We learn that T. N. Middleton, of Racy, is the champion fisher of that section, he having caught a pike in the North Fork of Hughes River, measuring forty inches, and weighed fourteen pounds.
You will remember that Horace Britton, the genial proprietor of the White Hall hotel, Harrisville, caught a pike, which if we remember correctly, measured thirty-two inches.
Petroleum
The Farm Women's club met Tuesday at the club rooms for a covered dish luncheon. Those present were Miss Virginia Roby, of Harrisville, Mrs. O. S. Lanning, Mrs. A. B. Valentine, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Thrash, Mrs. A. W. Thrash and sons Charles and Dwain, Mrs. H. C. Netser[,] Mrs. W. F. Valentine, Mrs. E. R. Dotson and Miss Elsie Willis.
The Sunday school class taught by J. F. Jonas gave a marshmallow toast Friday evening. The evening was spent in games. Those present were S. R. Curry, J. F. Jonas, Misses Lillian Rutherford, Isobel Rutherford, Mabel Reed; Messrs. John Wiatt, Richard Jonas, John Roberts, Brewster Goff, Harvey Metz, Fred Nuzum, Clyde Rutherford and Carrell Jonas.
Mrs. L. P. Willis, Mrs. A. J. Garrett[,] Miss Elsie Willis and Frank McQuaide were visiting friends at Smithville and Salem Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Netser of Parkersburg and Miss Icy Netser of Harrisville were Sunday guests of their parents Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Netser.
Mr. and Mrs. Forest Goodwin and daughters Laura Joe and Betty Marlene of Salem, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Zinn of Clarksburg were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Willis.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith and two children, Mildred and William, and Eugene Sims, of Elizabeth spent Sunday with Rev. and Mrs. H. E. Nuzum.
Paul Douglass, of Steubenville spent the week end with his parents Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Douglass.
L. P. Willis and Denver Elliott were in Charleston Thursday.
Mr. and Mrs. Buhl Nuzum and Mrs. H. E. Nuzum spent Tuesday with friends at Centerville.
Miss Edna Jenkins spent the week end at Spencer and at Jackson's Mills.
Mrs. John Jonas is suffering from and infected limb but is somewhat improved.
Ritchie Gazette, October 16, 1936
1936 General Election...
List of Election Commissioners and Clerks chosen to conduct the General Election on November 3rd, 1936, in Ritchie County, West Virginia.
...Grant District
Precinct No. 1--Petroleum
(Single Board)
F. M. Netser (R), H. G. Marshall (R) and C. F. Heater (D), Commissioners: E. R. Dotson (R) and D. S. Curry (D), Clerks.
Precinct No. 2--Rusk
(Single Board)
Lemon Dotson (R), A. B. Phillips (R) and C. R. Bradley (D), Commissioners; W. B. Phillips (R) and C. C. Cain (D), Clerks
...Murphy District
...Precinct No. 3--Macfarlan
(Single Board)
Mrs. Oscar Wince (R), H. F. Haught (R) and Frank Pribble (D), Commissioners; A. C. Hays (R) and H. B. Null (D), Clerks
Mellin
We have had several small rains the past week, which has delayed the fall work.
John Welch, and S. M. Ayers have been doing some cement work on A. B. Shrader's store foundation. They now have it ready for the cement block laying and it is understood that they will begin that at an early date.
Mrs. B. E. Echard was visiting with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Welch Monday.
James W. Duff of Louder's Run is on the sick list.
Mrs. Amanda Duff, wife of H. L. Duff, is reported as not doing so well lately. Be it well remembered that she is a victim of paralysis.
There seems to be quite a number of colds through out this section, and particularly in the school.
Mrs. Alice Welch is at the home of her son, John Welch and will remain there for a couple weeks, then will resume her employment at Harrisville.
From recent reports there will be a series of meetings at the Sunrise school starting Tuesday night this week. These services will be conducted by the Apostolic minister from Ohio.
John Duff was in Parkersburg to sign up with N. R. S. to support the family of H. L. Duff. This family needs this support.
Ritchie Gazette, October 30, 1936
McFarlan
Albert Null is visiting relatives in Macfarlan this week.
Grace Lieving spent the week end with home folks.
A quilting party will be held at the home of Mrs. Ora Pribble, Wednesday, October 28.
A Republican speaking was held at the Mcfarlan school on Monday evening, Oct. 26, with Sheriff Ota N. Elder and Mrs. Robert Morris as speakers.
A Democrat speaking will be at the school house Tuesday evening October 17.
Jean Null was absent from school on Monday, due to illness.
Mellin
The week is beginnig [sic] with a bad dreary rainy old day.
F. M. Ayers was admitted as a patient at the Camden Clark hospital last week for treatment and observation.
Higginbotham brothers are having a water well drilled at their home place, their former well having failed this past summer.
The series of meetings held at the Forest Powell home ended Friday night and Mr. Powell accompanied the minister back to Ohio.
Most of the folks are busy with their corn husking.
A. B. Shrader will soon have his new store completed and will be ready to move therein.
Some of the folks attended the funeral of Rufe Deem at the North Fork church, and burial in Mason cemetery.
J. R. Welch has traded for a Ford model A pickup.
Charley Williams has been very busy sowing wheat.
The U. B. pastor filled his regular appointment at Morris Chapel Sunday and a large crowd attended.
There being plenty of water in the river now, the flour mill at Rusk is grinding. Bring in your wheat.
Monroe Jenkins of near McFarlan lost their new born child Saturday.
Ritchie Gazette, November 13, 1936
A Death
Mrs. Jessie Lanham died the first of the week at her home near McFarlan, after a few day's illness. She was forty-two years of age, and is survived by her husband and several children.
Funeral services were held at the county infirmary on Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, conduced by the Rev. Mr. Cross, U. B. minister at Harrisville. Burial was made in the county farm cemetery.
Mellin
Mr. Arley Higginbotham, is on the sick list. Dr. Rymer, of Harrisville the attending physician, says he has a light attack of pneumonia.
Mr. J. F. Valentine, who was hurt some time ago, while employed under the WPA, is still under the doctor's care and has been forbidden to do even light work. Be it remembered that he is suffering from a skull fracture.
Miss Ada Newbrough, of Cairo was home with her mother over the week end.
Mr. Earl Stanley was a caller in Parkersburg Saturday evening.
Reports from F. M. Ayers, who is a patient at the Camden-Clark hospital at Parkersburg, shows a slight improvement of his condition. He is suffering from stomach trouble.
Mr. A. J. Eddy has moved from on Indian Creek to the Welch heirs home near Mellin. Mr Eddy is an employee of the South Penn Oil Co.
It will soon be time for the night hunters to start out, and they should remember to take care of peoples fences, and leave all gates etc., just as they find them. Hunters, this is important if you wish to continue hunting as some may post their places and cause you a lot of trouble and perhaps a fine for tresspassing [sic].
Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Dorothy Higginbotham, buried their baby Thursday, afternoon. The baby was sill born Wednesday evening, November 6. Their many friends and neighbors extend to them their sympathy, in this sad experience of their first child.
John Newbrough, of the CCC camp at Marlinton was home over the week end.
Petroleum
The Epworth league rally which was given at the M. E. church Thursday evening was well attended. The topic chosen was "Love and Friendship" which was carried out in talks and hymns. Several from Harrisville and Pullman were present among whom was George Emrick who was the speaker. He gave a very interesting talk on the book of Esther. After the meeting refreshments were served to a large number at the Farm Woman's club rooms.
The baking demonstration that was given Wednesday afternoon by the chef of Jackson's Mill, George Loudenslager, was well attended in spite of bad weather.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Valentine and son, Billy Jo, left recently for Weirton where they will reside.
Mrs. George C. Loomis and daughter Miss Helen, of Washington, D. C., will be the week end guests of G. C. Loomis.
Allen Phillips, who has been employed at Charleston for the past few months, has returned to his home here.
Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Douglass spent Thursday in Parkersburg.
Kermit Jones returned to his home in Akron, Monday, after spending a few days with Rev. and Mrs. H. N. Nuzum. Mrs. Jones remained for a couple of weeks to be with her sister, Mrs. Harley Cline, of Parkersburg, who is recovering from an operation.
W. W. McQuaid has returned home after spending the past week in Parkersburg. Mr. McQuaid is suffering from rheumatism.
Ritchie Gazette, November 27, 1936
Petroleum
Mrs. Frank Phillips was hostess to the Ladies' Aid society of the Petroleum M. E. church Thursday afternoon at her home. The meeting opened by singing; Scripture reading by the president Mrs. F. M. Netser; prayer by Mrs. Curry; reading by Mrs. Douglass, "The Housewife's Thanksgiving;" reading by Mrs. F. H. Phillips; History of Gideon by Mrs. H. C. Netser.
At the close of the meeting delicious refreshments were served to Mrs. W. A. Thrash, Mrs. Flora Lanning, Mrs. E. H. Douglass, Mrs. A. B. Valentine, Mrs. S. R. Curry, Mrs. C. W. Thrash, Mrs. H. c. Netser, Miss Edna Jenkins, Mrs. H. E. Nuzum, Mrs. F. M. Netser and the hostess, Mrs. F. H. Phillips. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. S. R. Curry.
The annual meeting of the Ritchie county Farm Women's club met at Harrisville Saturday. At the noon hour a chicken dinner was served. Those attending from here were Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Valentine, Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Willis and daughter Elsie, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Valentine.
Mrs. Lenora Stewart of Pennsboro was the week end guest of her aunt, Mrs. Virginia Gardon.
Mrs. Edith Curran and children left Saturday for Weston where they will make their home.
Mr. and Mrs. Harley Cline of Parkersburg and Mrs. K. E. Jones spent the week end with their parents, Rev. and Mrs. H. E. Nuzum, Mrs. Jones left for her home in Akron Wednesday.
Ritchie Gazette, December 4, 1936
McFarlan
Mr. and Mrs. Willis Pribble visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noble Skidmore at Dallison Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Claron Dawson visited parents over Thanksgiving holidays.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pribble spent Thanksgiving Day with Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Gibson of Smithville.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lemon spent Sunday in Parkersburg.
Miss Grace Lieving spent Thanksgiving holidays with home folks.
A revival meeting has started at the MacFarlan Presbyterian church with Rev. E. V. Black.
The Macfarlan Willing Workers 4-H club held its regular meeting Nov. 24, with the following officers: president, Grace Lieving; Vice president, Noble Pribble; secretary, Virginia Gillispie; treasurer, Denver Vinson; reporter, Eva Jean Null, program committee, Noble Pribble, Grace Lieving and Junior Lemon. The leader is Mrs. Flora Pribble. The regular meeting will be held the fourth Tuesday night in every month.
Ritchie Gazette, December 11, 1936
Mellin
December has set in with some real bad weather and it looks like we may have a real severe winter.
Roscoe Eddy was out this week soliciting his orders for the Xmas trade. He represents the Zanol trades.
Some of the folks are already doing their Xmas shopping, and that it is a very good idea to get it done early.
Lewis Higginbotham and wife were business callers in Harrisville Saturday.
The WPA pay roll was to the amount of $1024.00 for the period of November 13 to November 27, 1936, and showed a list of fifty-eight men wroking [sic] in this section.
Earl Stanley is still serving in the capacity as time keeper for the WPA works.
The sick in this section are somewhat improved, and are able to be about their respective work.
The late rains have the roads pretty well soaked and are getting quite muddy. The culvert at the foot of the Mellin hill is stopped up, water flowing down the side ditch and will soon have the road washed away if something isn't done soon.
Some of the night hunters have reported catching several coon here lately.
Mrs. Almeda Newbrough was visiting with Mrs. Eva Hawkins Sunday.
Miss Ada Newbrough was home over the week end.
Miss Merline Simmons spent the week end with her parents.