Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society, Inc.

P.O. BOX 817, Sparta, N.C. 28675

President: Mildred Torney			
Vice President: Pauline Jolly
Secretary-Treasurer:  Elvira Crouse

Vol. 11, No.3	 	            September-December 1989 		BULLETIN NO. 40

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

	Season's Greetings and best wishes for the New Year—and a new decade! It is my wish that the New Year will bring much happiness to everyone.  

	A year has passed and I feel that we haven't accomplished too much worthwhile for the organization.  I hope that another year will show some progress on a museum.  This seems to be the goal that is proving hardest to achieve.  We would appreciate any suggestions or help from our members and citizens of the County in this regard.

	Remember, with the beginning of the year it is time to renew your MEMBERSHIP. Even if you paid your dues in June 1989, it was for the year 1989 and 1990 memberships are due in January 1990.  We also need new members, so don't forget to try to interest others in the County in our organization.  People from Alleghany County who live away from here are also good candidates for membership.  

	Many thanks to all you people who have supported me this past year.  

									Mildred Torney

FROM THE EDITOR:

	An apology for combining the September and December issues of the Bulletin.  In ten years and 40 issues, this is the first time this has been necessary.  We hope it has not been an inconvenience for anyone.  We appreciate the articles that have been submitted for publication and ask you to keep up the good work.  Remember that the articles should be in good taste and of interest to people of Alleghany County.  Also, it is important that the material be dated whenever possible.  

	The following was submitted by Jay Jones Johnson and was copied verbatim from an undated news article from Cleo McMillan's album:

J. HORTON DOUGHTON

	The unexpected death of J. Horton Doughton marks the end – at least for the moment – of what probably is the oldest and most distinguished family political tradition this state has known. 
	The tradition began in 1817 when Joseph Doughton of Laurel Springs in Alleghany County was elected to the General Assembly.  Captain Horton Doughton continued that tradition through the Civil War and on into the revolutionary period of reconstruction that followed.

	Captain Doughton's sons – Robert Lee (a Congressman for 40 years and “Father of the Blue Ridge Parkway”), Rufus (Speaker of the State House of Representatives and Lieutenant Governor) and Frank (leader in the roads and soil conservation movements) contributed to the family traditions.  

	The sons of Robert, Rufus and Frank Doughton carried on where their fathers left off.  This was true of Kemp Doughton, son of Rufus, who served this state in capacities that ranged from Speaker of the House to chairman of the important Advisory Budget Commission.  Only last year the Northwest North Carolina Development Association recognize Kemp Doughton as “Mister Northwest North Carolina.”  

	It was true, also, of J. Horton Doughton, son of Congressman Robert L. Doughton.

	Unlike his father, uncles and cousins, Hort Doughton never held an elective public office.  (He was a candidate for the State Senate from Iredell County at the time of his death.)  But in terms of quiet, warm-hearted, self-effacing public service Hort Doughton lived out his life within the framework of the family tradition.

	The cattlemen of this state recognize him as one of the men who helped build North Carolina's dairy and beef economies.  Sportsman acquainted with the long and bitter fight to create an independent, effective fish and game program know that Hort Doughton, working stubbornly and quietly behind the scenes, was one of the architects of the present Wildlife Resource Commission.  

	In a technical sense – technical because he never was elected to public office – Hort Doughton's death marks the end of a family tradition.  But in the death of this generous and great-hearted man simply passes the tradition intact into the hands of his sons.  

	Betty Bledsoe of Laurel Springs, NC submitted this copy of a document concerning her grandfather, Eldridge Edwards:

									North Carolina
									Alleghany County

	This article of agreement made and entered into this the 30 day of November 1893, between Eldridge Edwards, of the first part and the undersigned citizens of the said county of the second part as follows:

	Whereas the said Eldridge Edwards agrees to teach a Subscription school for the term of ____ months at the Choat school house in Dist. No 15, commencing on Monday the 11 day of Dec. 1893, and the undersigned parties of the second part agree to pay said Eldridge Edwards Sixteen dollars per month to be paid at the end of the school term, for his serices as teacher.  Each of the undersigned is to pay his pro rata part for teaching according to the number of schollars set opposite his name and assigned by each one to said school and it is further agreed that said Edwards may board with the patrons of the school free of charge while teaching the same.

A.M. Edwards	1
Richard Edwards	2
Jackson Willie	1
Lumb Edwards	1
John Truitt		3
B. Andrews		2
   J.R. Killing		1 ½
David Edwards	2
Felix Toliver		2
Mrs. C.A. Fender	2
J.M. Toliver		1
Nancia Hudson	1
  S.A. Choat		2 ½ 
John Choat		3
E.M. Rector		1

OBITUARIES (submitted by Betty Bledsoe)

CROUSE – Brother Henry McDaniel Crouse, better known as Mick Crouse was born Aug. 2, 1844, departed this life June 27, 1926; age 81 years, 10 months and 26 days.  He was married to Martha E. Higgins June 15, 1862. To this union were born eleven children, seven precede him in death, four yet living.  He also had twenty-one grand children.

	He received a hope in Christ and joined the church at Zion in the year 1871 and was baptised by Elders Thompson Carr and Garfield Hackler.  He was ordained Deacon of Zion church 2nd Saturday in June 1873 by the following presbytery: Elders George Douglas, Thomas Carr, Wm. Hawkins, C.H. Collins and Deacon Solomon Jennings.

	He was strong and firm in his faith in the Primitive Baptist church of which he had been a faithful member for more than half a century. He met every demand as a church member and as a citizen of his community.  He will be greatly missed and his going has brought sorrow to all who knew him.  His life was such that when the final summons came from the Great Commander, he went like one who draws his draperies about him and lies down to gentle sleep.

	The dear brother is gone, we will see him no more;
		His grandchildren will not embrace his neck as they once did before
There will be a day of glad meeting, On that beautiful shore,
		Where pain and aches will come never more.

	It is so sad to all his friends to think they will not meet him on earth again, but hope to meet him in heaven there ever with Christ to reign.

								Written by request,
										J.C. SPARKS

BILLINGS – Elder E.H. Billings, the subject of this short sketch, was born July 6, 1835, died March 24, 1926; age 90 years, 8 months and 18 days.  He was married to Polly Ann Rector April 1, 1860.  To this union was born 10 children.  His wife and all of the children survive him.  

	He joined the church at Jordan, 3rd Saturday in December 1870.  Ordained to the ministry 3rd Saturday in May 1872.  he spent the most of his ministered life in the bounds of the Silver Creek association, he was moderator of that association for a number of years.  He as strong in his convictions and for them he would always contend if he had to stand alone.  He was a good preacher and a strong defender of the cause he dearly loved. 

	Much could be written of a noble man but space forbids. 
							His friends,
								ISAIAH and J.M. RECTOR

JENNINGS – William Jennings was born July 25, 1840, died December 9, 1926; age 86 years, 4 months and 14 days.  He professed a hope in Christ at about 16 years of age and joined the church at Little River soon afterwards.  With hope he went through the War Between the States and came home with only a slight mark of the enemy's bullet.  Soon afterwards, August 16, 1865,m he was married to Emily Blevins, and to this union was born 11 children, 4 dead, the rest living.  He lived to see 4 of his dear children join the church he dearly loved. He was the last member that was in the organization of the church at Crab Creek.  He was ordained a deacon of that church many years ago and lived a life of untarnished character to church and state.  In and by the life he lived, he left a greater legacy for his children than the accomplishments of all the world's goods.

	Children, remember your father and the life he lived.  May the Lord comfort his dear children.
					
									J.M. RECTOR

OBITUARIES (submitted by Mildred Torney)

	EDWARDS – John Morris Edwards was born Dec. 3, 1894.  He was married to Lillie Crouse, daughter of Tyre and Lula Crouse, August 17th 1929, and to this union were born two children, Dorothy Jean and John Wayne. 

	He profess a hope in Christ and joined the church at Pleasant Home and he and Lillie were baptised together by Elders M.E. Poole and Willy Ham, June 18, 1932.

	He enlisted in the World War Sept 18, 1917 at Sparta, NC as a private in company G 115th machine gun battalion.  Engaged in battles from July 15th to Aug. 31st 1918, then at Kemmell Hill Aug 21 to Sept 5th, then from Sept 29th to Oct 2, from Oct 8 to Oct 12, then Oct 16 to Oct 19th.  He was honorably discharged as a testimonial of honest and faithful service Dec. 3, 1918, and as he fought bravely for the freedom of his country and people we feel that he was a faithful soldier for his Lord and stood for the cause of Christ and the church.

	He died Oct 22 at 3 o'clock, at Wilkesboro hospital, making his stay here on earth 43 years, 10 months and 18 days. 

	He leaves a father and mother, Hosten and Nancy Edwards, four brothers, Kelly, David, Arthur and Luther; three sisters, Florence, Litha and Lou.  One sister is dead; and the loving wife, two children to whom he was greatly devoted; and many relatives and friends to mourn their loss but we feel our loss is his eternal gain. 

	Funeral service was conducted by Elders M.E. Poole, A.C. Walker, and Walter Evans.

							Written by Elders M.E. Poole and A.C. Walker

	MURPHY – (From the Little River Baptist Association 1930)

	Mary Cassandria Tulbert, wife of Meredith F. Murphy, was born near Elkin, NC December 14, 1840, died March 28, 1930 making her stay on earth 89 years, 3 months and 14 days.

	Was married to Meredith F. Murphy July 13, 1866.  To this union was born the following children: Texa Johnson whose home is near Spokane, Washington; Warrick F. Murphy of Galax, Va; and Stephen F. Murphy who died in infancy many years ago.

	She professed religion and was baptized in Meadow Creek near the family home many long years ago.  Joined the Regular Baptist church at Big Springs, Va. The second Saturday in September 1870 and lived a devoted member until death.

	A good wife, a Christian mother has gone to a better world where there will be no more suffering, sorrow and death.  My mother stood for everything that was elevating and inspiring and looked well to the ways of her household and ate not the bread of idleness.  

	She numbered among her ancestry the first settlers of our country, as her Grandfather, Joshua Tulburt, being one of the nineteen proprietors and land owners owing the land ceded by Maryland to the United States Government for the land on which Washington City is now situated as shown by the Commission appointed by Congress to investigate.  Her mother being Cynthia Catherine Calvert, who was born Sept 18, 1810, being a grand daughter of the last Lord Baltimore, ruler and settler of Maryland.  

	Sister Murphy was one of the best natured, smooth tempered, never speaking evil of any one but letting her light shine in such a way that all who knew her would say that is a good woman.
								
			No sickness, sorrow nor pain    When she gets up to live again.

							Written by Elder M.E. Poole by request

FOLKLORE (Submitted by Mildred Torney)

Footprints in the sands of time are not made sitting down.

Tact is the ability to shut your mouth before you put your foot in it.  

Nothing is so difficult as doing nothing.

He who has a thousand friends has not one to spare;
	he who has but one enemy shall meet him everywhere.

Common sense is the most uncommon thing in the world.

If some people said what they thought, they would be speechless.

The person who shows up the best is the one who shows off the least.

The man who does little things well is always ready to do the big 
	things better.

Trifles make for perfection but perfection is no trifle.

An error becomes a mistake only when you refuse to correct it.

Old Christmas Joke, submitted by Mary Harless, entitled “OUR ENUNCIATION”

	A choir director, working with a group of youngsters on Christmas songs, overheard the following conversation after singing “Silent Night” four times: A little boy asked “Who was Round John Virgin”? A little girl spoke up: “I don't know, but I believe he was one of the twelve opossums.” 

OLD REMEDIES (submitted by Mildred Torney)

	FOR BAD COLDS AND FLU – You can still cure a bad cold by sweating it out.  A common cure for a sore throat was gargling a mixture of kerosene and water, or vinegar and water, also by painting the throat with iodine and strong pickle juice.

	Balsam pitch right from the tree was good for cold sores.  Burnt alum was also used.

	A woolen piece of yarn soaked in kerosene and put in a deep cut would heal it quickly.

	Sweet spirit of nitre or sweet oil and ammonia would cure poison oak or poison ivy.   

	Witch hazel was good for bee stings and insect bites.

	The inner bark of slippery elm was a good stomach remedy as was boneset tea.  

	Bed-wetting and kidney medicine: 1 large mullein leaf, 1 egg shell crumbled and browned in wood range oven, 1 cup water.  Simmer for a few minutes in iron skillet.  Drink a sip now and then throughout the day.  Mullein leaves may be gathered in summer and dried.

	For cough syrup: Boil the inner bark of wild cherry tree.  Sweeten with white sugar.

	For diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach, boil silver money (half dollars quarters and dimes).  Let cool and drink the water.  DON'T TRY THIS ONE!!!!

	For coughs, mix a teaspoon of honey with lemon juice.
	
	For colds, mix honey, lemon juice and water.  Heat and drink.

	For prostrate problems, mix lemon juice and grapefruit juice. Drink a glass full daily.  

FOLKLORE (by Mary Harless)

	To appreciate this recipe you will have to know the story of Esther in the Bible.  Haman was in everyday language “a crook”-- he was planning the extermination of the Jews.  Esther, the wife of the Persian King, was a Jew.  She found out all about his plans.  Well, in due time the King had him hung.  The Jewish people were saved. They observe a festival in honor and remembrance of this brave woman and the event.  It is called Purim.  (Read the book of Esther for a better understanding).  The little cakes called “Haman's Pouches” are served at this festival.  

HAMAN'S POUCHES

	To two cups of flour add one tablespoon sugar, two tablespoons oil, four eggs.  Knead into past (not to thinly), cut into squares, fold up two corners.  Put on cookie sheet and back 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Boil one pound honey, dip squares into it, drop one fourth pound (?) black poppy seeds on them, return to oven a few minutes or until brown.  Sprinkle a little cold water on them and serve.  

	Mrs. Harless also remembers this old English drink recipe called “Syllabub” which was served by the Royal Governor and Mrs. Tryon in Tryon's Palace in 1774-75.  It was named “Syllabub” because one had to watch for bubbles to form and move the vessel from the heat before they burst.  

SYLLABUB
 
	Put a pint and half of port or white wine into a bowl, nutmeg grated, and a good deal of sugar, then milk into it—near two quarts, it will froth up.  If the wine is rather sharp, it will require more of this quantity of milk.  Clouted cream may be put on top and pounded cinnamon and sugar.  

	Clouted cream was produced by heating together beaten eggs, cream, milk and rose water and mace, then removing the top when the mixture had cooled overnight.  

	The origin of the name of the beverage has been attributed to Anne Boleyn (the wife of England's King Henry VIII who lost her head).  She is said to have called the drink “Silly Bubbles.”

	These superstitionswere published in Surry County and written by Ruth Minick:

	Never raise an umbrella in the house.

	Never bring a hoe into the house.

	When you enter a house by a certain door, be very careful to leave by the same door.

	If you are unmarried, be careful never to take the last biscuit or
cookie, or whatever, off the plate.  It will spoil your chances.

	If the hem of a skirt turns up in part, kissing it will cause the
owner to get good luck.

	During a sneeze, the soul leaves the body.  To insure its quick return,
say “God Bless You!” to the one who sneezed.

	Ghosts inhabit all graveyards at night.

	Never walk under a ladder.

More superstitions:

	Never let a telephone pole, or any big obstacle, get between you and your partner when walking.  If such a misfortune happens, be sure to say “bread and butter” to forestall lost friendship.

	Handling toads will cause worts.
	
	Stepping across a grave will result in the dead person's haunting one.

	Shingles nailed on a roof will curl, if done during the light of the moon.

	Meat butchered during the decrease of the moon will shrink badly when cooked.

	Hogs killed on the increase of the moon will give more grease.

	When your right hand itches it indicates you will show shake hands with a stranger.

	If your left eye itches, you will soon be disappointed.  If your right eye itches, you will soon be pleased.

	If you want a dream to come true, tell it before breakfast.

	If you sing before breakfast, you will cry before supper.

	Seeing the new moon for the first time through green leaves is bad luck.

	If a black cat runs across your path in front of you, turn back, for it denotes bad luck to continue the journey.

	A horseshoe hung over the front door brings good fortune.

	It is an omen of death for a bird to fly into the house.

	Eat hog's jowls on New Years Day for health and prosperity during the year.

	A cat's breath will kill a baby.

	Blood poison comes more easily during dog days.
	
	Killing a cat brings certain bad luck.

	If, when taking even a short trip, you must return to the house momentarily, make a cross with a stick or show toe in the path before turning back.

	Kiss a redheaded person of the opposite sex to cure a fever blister.

	Night air is dangerous and impure.

	Lightning never strikes the same spot twice.  

	Dreaming of a wedding signifies the news of a death.

INQUIRES:

	Lorene Clark, Orlando, FL has information on Eli and Sarah Reed.  Both were born in Virginia.  They were married in 1876.  Has copy of Eli's birth certificate.  Would like copy of Sarah's Obituary. Would like to exchange information with others who are researching REED family history.

	B. Burgess Crouse, Burlington, NC is interested in family history of KRAUS/KRAUSS/CROUSE.  Willing to share information.  Has man, many family history sheets.

	Beverly Krier, Longwood, FL is researching HART ancestors from Alleghany County.  Anyone interested in exchanging information, please contact her.

	Mrs. Norma Jeffries, Arroyo Grande, CA is researching the Preston WILLIAMS family from Alleghany County. He was born 25 February 1848.  His father was Azel Williams.  Can you help?

Mrs. Marie Benge Craig, Columbia, SC is looking for information on Rev. J.M. CROUSE who married Julia Ann Willey.

	Mary Owen Hart, Lee's Summit, MO is researching HART ancestors in Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky. The Peter HART family from Grayson County, VA was the father of John HART, born about 1780. Another Peter HART married Ishannah Poe in Ahse County, NC.  Some of these families moved to Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. Anyone having information on any of these HART families, please contact her.

	Susan J. Sergent, Bel Air, MD is researching the PARSONS/STURGILL family line.  Also the PRIVETT and ADAMS families from North Carolina.  Anyone having information on the William Parsons and Polly Craig, Solomon Parsons and Lydia Sturgill, David Parsons and Emeline Privett and Joseph Parsons and Lucinda Adams families should contact Mrs. Sergent.  

	Luella Nelson, Arkansas City, KS is researching the James M. Nelson family.  They were from Flat Ridge section of Grayson County, VA throughout most of the 1800's.  James was born in North Carolina in 1804.  Nelson believes that his father was William Nelson.  Can anyone help with this family history?

INQUIRES:

	Peg and Bob McCoy, Jacksonville, IL are working on the family history of John Martin, born in North Carolina May 25, 1786.  John moved to Logan County, Kentucky and then to Greene County, Illinois.  They are interest in tracing John's parents, thinking his father's name may have been James, Lewis, Josiah, or even John.  He served in the Revolutionary War.  He was in North Carolina in 1786 where John was born.  HELP!

PUBLICATIONS:

	THE BOOK: CAPTAIN SAMUEL JOHNSON OF WILKES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA – Ancestry and Descendants, Volume One, Descendants of Robert and Celia Bourne Johnson.  Hard Cover – 8 ½ X 11. 760 pages, includes ¾ pages with pictures – 62 pages of a name index – many autobiographies/biographies – many copies of documents and verifications.  THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL AND WELL ORGANIZED BOOK COVERING 9 GENERATIONS—3,315 KNOWN DESCENDANTS.  Price is $55.00 including postage and handling.  Order from V.F. Weight, Carmichael, CA.  

	Anyone interested in receiving THE WEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER, contact Jeffrey C. Weaver, Arlington, VA.  This Newsletter is dedicated to the preservation of Weaver Family information of the Carolinas and Virginias and their descendants everywhere!