| Summary: | Historic Webster is a newsletter of the Webster Historical Society, Inc., created at the Society’s founding in 1974. The publication helped to serve the Society's mission of collecting and preserving the history of Webster, North Carolina. Webster, established in 1851, was the original county seat for Jackson County. WI-:IISTI-:H. '\OHTII C'AROI.I'\A FALL 1977 The Cowan Brothers The telephone message received on September 16, 1966, revealetl that the Rev. George Napoleon Cowan had died that day. For fifteen years he had been the remaining member of the James Cowan family of Webster, the last of the four sons who had made outstanding contributions in politics, merchan- Coleman C. Cowan Coleman C. Cowan was born near Webster, on Little Savannah Creek, on December 24, 1866. Following his basic education, he taught school at Canton, River Hill, and Hog Rock. He was Superintendent of the Jackson County Schools from December 3, 1888, to January 1, 1891. He served as Representative from Jackson County in 1891 and 1903. Coleman was licensed to practice law in the September term , 1894, and opened his law office in Webs ter . He married Ethel Leatherwood on April 11, 1915, and moved his law practice to Sylva. G. N. Cowan, in his autobiography, These Ninety-Three Years , spoke of the partnership formed by Coleman and his brother, Cicero, in Webster in September, 1900. " Cicero was endowed with a keen mind and reached conclusions quickly. Coleman was an everlasting plodder and came to his conclusions slowly, but when his mind was made up about anything, you could count on it." An interesting letter , dated July 7, 1906, was written by Coleman to his brother, M. D. Cowan, who at that time was working for a lumber company in Balsam. M. D. Cowan, Esq. , Balsam, N. C. Dear Sir ;- Neither Sam nor John Jones listed any dog for taxes for the year 1905. The list for 1906 has not been returned. Under the North Carolina cases, (Dobson vs. Mock and Mowery vs. Salisbury), I am of the opinion that the complainant cannot recover for the loss of his dog, unless the conductor of the dummy purposely, intentionally, deliberately, and wantonly killed him, and such I do not understand the facts to be, and even had the killing been done in this way, the damages would be extremely small, as the dog has always been considered by the Courts as a very inferior species of property. Your truly, Signed Coleman C. Cowan Following the establishment of his law practice in Sylva, Coleman became active in public affairs. While in Webster he had dising, civic and community affairs, and the religious life of the region and state. At age 98, following a period of declining health, the last of the four Cowan brothers had died. James Cowan, the father of these four brothers, was born on September 23 , 1832, on Little Savannah Creek, near Webster helped to cut timber to build the Webster Baptist Church. " He was very much interested in the work of the Baptist Church in Sylva and became active in the effort to build a new house of worship. At the time of his death, the walls of the building were well above ground." That building was never completed, but the Sylva Baptist Church was built on property near the original structure. On the afternoon of May 11, 1920, Coleman drove out to the Love Farm (Lovesfield) which he had recently purchased. While starting his car on an incline, the car rushed forward, knocked him down and ran over him, crushing his chest. He died a few hours later. ( 'okman ('.Cowan <About 1900) George N. Cowan George Napoleon Cowan, the second son of James and Elizabeth Stillwell Cowan, was born near Webster on July 1, 1868. He attended the public schools and Judson College. He taught school at East Fork, Mt. Pleasant, and Webster. In his autobiography Napoleon said, "I began my college trainning in this way: I would teach one of the four months' public schools in the fall and then go on to college. In this way, I was able to attend part of two sessions of Judson College (Hendersonville )." Ordained on April 2, 1894, Napoleon graduated from Wake Forest College in June, 1898, and from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, Kentucky) in May, 1902. Commenting on his second year at Wake Forest, he related the following experience: "I became a pastor of three Baptist churches. These (then a part of Macon County). Shortly after the beginning of the Civil War Con May 30, 1861), James Cowan enlisted with the Twenty-Fifth regiment and served in Company B under Captains Bryson and Rogers. He was in every battle in which the Twenty-Fifth regiment was engaged , and he was wounded churches were only one-fourth time churches, but each one followed the custom of having a Saturday service with preaching and business, if there was any. I had to go through Raleigh to reach each one of them. It was sixteen miles from Wake Forest to Raleigh. The train was the only way I could make it. My work at the college was such that I could not leave on Fridays. The only reasonable way I could reach these churches for the Saturday service was to take a train that passed through Wake Froest about 3:30a .m. this train did not stop at Wake Forest unless it was flagged .down. "I arranged with the agent at Wake Forest to leave a lantern in the station. He told me to light the lantern and when I could see the headlight of the engine to wave it back and forth across the track until the engineer signaled. I was in the station in Raleigh about four o'clock in the morning. It was in this station that I did much of the preparation of sermons I tried to preach to these churches. It was hard work, but a great and glorious experience. " ***** "During my college days and seminary days, I learned something about work and hard work. I learned something about how to get along on a little. I could not wear fancy clothes. I always tried to wear clothes that were clean and neat. On my graduation day at Wake Forest College, I stood in line with some who were dressed in suits that at that time cost $45 or $50; but mine was a $12.50 suit. I did not envy my classmates. I was glad they could afford it I could not." In Western North Carolina where he grew up, G. N. Cowan was know as Napoleon. In other places, he was known only as George. He said he had only one name until he was seven or eight years old. His grandmother and a cousin were responsible for the addition of a name. " Grandmother Stillwell and Cousin Lizzie, as we called her, occupied the same room in our home. One day I was in the room with them and they turned to me and said , 'You must have two names.' They began to put various names along with Napoleon. Some of them did not blend well. Finally, Cousin Lizzie linked up· the name George with Napoleon and said, 'That sounds good to me.' Grandmother twice: first in the battle of "Seven Pines" on May 31, 1862 and second in the battle of "Malvern Hills" on July 8, 1862. At the close of the Civil War, James Cowan returned to his home near Webster. On January 18, 1865, he married Elizabeth Stillwell (born October 28, 1832(. Their five children were: Cole-agreed that it was a good combination; then they both said, 'From now on your name is George Napoleon Cowan.' My father and mother heartily agreed. When I went into that room that day, I was Napoleon Cowan only, but when I walked out of the room that day I carried with me the name George. I began to sign my name as 'G. N. Cowan' or 'George N. Cowan' --seldom as 'George Napoleon Cowan.'" The churches where Napoleon served as pastor were: River Hill Baptist Church, Webster--March 3, 1894- March 8, 1896 First Baptist Church, Sylva-- 1896-98 Edenton Baptist Church, Edenton-- 1900-01 Kinston Baptist Church, Kinston-- 1902-04 Bristol Baptist Church, Bris-ton , Tennessee-Virginia-- 1904-09 First Baptist Church, Greenwood, South Carolina--1910-14 Apex Baptist Church, Apex-- 1914-38 Speaking of his pastorate in Kinston, Napoleon said, "It was my privilege to be the pastor of B. W. Spilman, the great Sunday man C. Cowan, born December 24, 1866; George Napoleon Cowan, born July 1, 1868; Mack Donalson Cowan, born J uly 8, 1870 Hillman Cicero Cowan, born September 22, 1871 and a daughter , born December 18, 1872. The infant daughter died three days)ater. James Cowan died on August 19, 1917; his wife had died on November 13, 1914. School leader of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was one of the most loyal and most helpful friends I ever had. There was another very significant event in my life which took place while I was pastor in Kinston. I have never been able to get over it and would not if I could. There was a young woman teaching in Kinston when I came there to be the pastor of the Baptist Church. Her name was Stella Middleton, the daughter of Oscar Middleton, one of the eight brothers of Warsaw, Duplin County. . . On June 24, 1903, Stella Middleton and I were married. From that day to this, she has been a devoted wife, mother and companion. " Four children were born to G. N. and Stella Cowan: Georgia, Elizabeth, Catherine, and James. The three daughters are now deceased James and his family live in Macon Georgia. Retiring from the full-time pastorate in 1938, G. N. and Stella Cowan moved to Rocky Mount, North Carohna, close to the home of Mrs. Cowan's sister. Napoleon continued to preach and to serve as supply pastor in many churches and in a variety of denominations until a few years prior to his death. He also Continued on page 2 James Cowan and his wire Elizabeth Mingus Stillwell Cowan (about 1890) . Page 2, HISTORIC WEBSTER, Fall 1977 . c ••••. Continued From Page 1 served as messenger to the Southern Baptist Convention, and for several years was the oldest messenger in attendance. An annual event which was enjoyed by many people in the Sylva and Webster areas was the two-week August visit by Napoleon. For many years he visited in the home of his brother, Don, in Sylva and with relatives and friends in Webster. Sometimes Stella accompanied him other times she attended conferences at Ridgecrest or visited her sister in Rocky Mount while Napoleon made his annual trek to the mountains. George Napoleon Cowan <about 1905) 18, 1898, to Annie Carter Leatherwood of Webster. Her parents operated the Leatherwood Hotel (Mountain View Hotel) at Webster. In 1904, Don and Annie built a home on J ackson Street in Sylva where they Jived until her death on November 18, 1940. Don continued Jiving there until the fall of 1948 when he went to Suffolk, Virginia, to Jive with his daughter Nell and her husband, J . Will Jordan. Don served as Clerk of the Superior Court for four years. He served two years 0910-12) at Webster , and the remainder in Sylva , beginning in December , 1912, when the courthouse was moved from Webster to Sylva. From 1914 to 1934 he was cashier of the Jackson County Bank. In 1933, when many other banks throughout the nation were fail ing, Don and Col. C. J . Harris pla nned a novel scheme for saving the J ackson County Bank. Hearing tha t there would be a " run" on the bank the following day , they secured cash from Wachovia Bank in Asheville and brought it across Balsam about three o'clock in the morning. When the bank opened for business later th a t morning and people came in to withdraw funds, huge piles of currency were arranged on ta bles. Most of the customers just smiled and left the bank without cashing any checks. Always interested in community affairs , Don held many positions of trust. He was chairman of the local Board of Education for many years and was present for the opening exercises of each school year during that time. Ife was active in political affairs and was considered on.e of the outstanding leaders of the Democratic Party. Don joined the Webster Ba ptist Church in his early years. After moving to Sylva he a ttended and supported the Sylva Methodist Church with his wife and family, joining the church in 1942. One of Don 's grea test hobbies was growing and sharing flowers . For many years he spent every Saturday afternoon and evening cutting and arranging many vases of flowers (especially dahlias) for the church. In addition to their daughter , Nell , who still lives in Suffolk, Virginia, Don and Annie Cowan had a son, J . Donald (also known as J . D. or " Little" Don), who died in 1973. Having suffered a series of strokes and in failing health for several years, Don died on December 6, 1951. Services were conducted in the Sylva Methodist Church by the pastor, Dr. L. B. Hayes, who was assisted by the Rev. Thad Dietz and the Rev. C. M. Warren. He was buried in Keener Cemetery. It was a treat to have conversations with Napoleon, for he had many wonderful experiences to share. He was immensely interested in people and he enjoyed being with them. Shortly after his arrival each August, one of his first conversa tions would begin with, " I sat by a young man (or similar statement) on the bus coming to Sylva , and I engaged him in conversation." That introductory statement was the beginning of many interesting stories. Hillman C. Cowan Each night the sharing times ended with Napoleon reading from the Bible and leading in prayer. He was an inspiration to young and old alike, and each person felt privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity to be with him. A quotation from his autobio- . graphy provides a summary of his philosophy of life : "I would remind anyone who may chance to read what I have written that I have not preached many of the old sermons I brought with me to Rocky Mount. I have prepared and tried to preach new sermons. In conversation with a preacher and pastor one day, I told him that I was preparing about as many sermons as I ever did. He seemed to think it a little strange that I continue to study and prepare new sermons when I had so many old ones. 'Why do you do it, Brother Cowan?' I said, 'It keeps me searching God's .word, keeps my mind active and my heart warm .' Whe n we stop studying, working, we stop growing. The next sermon I preach will probably be the one I have prepared this week, September 17-23, 1961. Let me say that the years since I retired from active pastoral work have been busy years, happy yea rs, filled, I hope, with useful service for m y Lord." liCk D. Cowan Mack Donalson Cowan, known also as M. D., Don, and "Big" Don, was born near Webster on July 8, 1870. He was educated in the public schools of Jackson County and taught two terms at ·Love's Chapel. Moving to Sylva in 1891, he worked in several early business establishments and was associated with Hall and Buchanan, James W. McKee, G. M. Cole, and la ter with his brother, Cicero, in the mercantile business. Don was married on January H. Cicero Cowan, the youngest of the four sons of J ames and Elizabeth Cowan, was born on September 22, 1871 . He attended the local schools and finished his education at Fairview College (Buncombe County) under W. A. G. Brown. Information concernine: Cicero is copied from an 1889 issue of "North Carolina Statesmen," page 53. "Since he was fifteen years old he has taken an active interest in politics, and before he was old enough to vote he was Secretary of the local Democra tic Club, and has been honored by being elected President of the Club at various times. Before attaining his majori ty he was elected County Superintendent of Public Instruction , and immediately on becoming of age he qualified and took charge of the office, which he kept for two years. He was asked to serve a second time, but declined (in order) to accept the nomination for the Clerkship of the Superior Cour t of J ackson County in 1894, and was elected by a handsome majority, overcoming much oppos ition and strong combina tions against himself. He held this office for four yea r s and was the youngest Superior Court Clerk in the Sta te. Mr . Cowan was offered a renomination, but declined (in order ) to a ccept on account of his business interests. "He made an excellent clerk, and by hi s a ble ma nner of handling the work of the office he won the confidence and high es teem of the people of his county, and is to-day one of the most popular young poli ticians in the West. " At the formation of the General Assembly, Mr. Cowan formed a combination with Mr. Brevard Nixon, of Cha rlotte , for the Clerkship of the House, throwing his support to Mr. Nixon for the principal Clerkship , with the understanding that he be appointed First Assistant Clerk, having charge of the Journal of the day's proceedings, which is one of the most important and responsible Clerkships of the Assembly. " Mr. Cowan has fill ed this position in an a ble manner , and has won the respect and high regard of his associates and the members of the House of Representa tives. He is a courteous and entertaining gentleman and is thoroughly familiar with all the intricate details of office work. "He has made a r ecord for himself tha t is gra tifying to himself and a credit to those who helped appoint him . He has a bright future before him in the political fi elds. "Mr . Cowan is also engaged in the general mercha ndise business of Sylva, North Carolina, where he has a prosperous and growing business.'' Cicero studied Jaw a t the University of North Carolina and was licensed to practice law at the September term in 1900. He formed a law partnership with his oldest brother , Coleman. In the Thanksgiving Address delivered by Cicero at Cullowhee High School on November 29, 1900, he said, "When we retreat to the archives of our hearts where we keep hanging the portraits of the men and women for whose ma tchless services we feel heartily thankful , first among them we will find the por traits of Prof. Robert L. Madison and his coworkers in this institution." Cicero concluded his Thanksgiving speech by addressing his last remarks to the students. " If I had the time, I feel that it would not be inappropriate for me to attempt to suggest to you as pupils of this institution some of the ways in which you could preser ve the blessings which have been handed to you and transmit them to your posterity unmolested and thereby make those who come after you feel thankful that you have lived in the world. But I will only say that you are the high souled, aspiring youths of our country. You a re the jewels of this republic, the repository of its hopes, the defenders of its destiny. It is for you to be the benefactors of the age. May you young people prove faithful to your trust and be fi rm in noble resolve to discharge it to the honor and glory of your country. "Our past is bright and glorious. You a r e the high souled youths in whose hearts is cherished the manly purpose to train yourselves in wisdom and virtue, and to take charge of our future and guild it with the light of the Mack Donalson Cowan and his wife Annie Leatherwood Cowan (about 1906) . past. "Now young people of this insti tution, your shady days are passing rapidly. Over you yet waves the boughs of springtime and the grass is green under your feet and the coolness fa lls about you, but out yonder , as you look on, is the dry sand, the burning desert, the hot sun and the toil. Whether what you do there will make others thankful that you have lived will be decided largely by what you do here, but to all of you life will be a struggle and you ought to accept it as such. If you are going to walk your course at all, you will walk often with torn ha nds and bleeding feet and aching heart. Hillman Cicero Cowan (about 1900) "Tht final test of your manliness and of your worth to yourself and to others is what kind of fighter you are going to be. With the world's examples behind you to push you on; pride in your race, pride in your nation, honest pride; pride in your state, manly pride; pride in your family; pride in the father and mother who bore you pride in those before them; regard for those who may come after you, with these and the training you receive here, many of you will enter upon the duties of life. Hear me - The only victor y that will satisfy the world and make those thankful who may come after you is the victory that brings you out of the struggles of life, bare and poor as you entered it if need be, but a man every inch of you. "May I now indulge the hope that when we all shall cross the threshold of that undiscovered countr y from whose bourne no traveller returns, we all may be made thankful through the cycles of a long e ternity that we have meri ted a home in that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." In the last summer of 1901, shortly after joining his brother, Coleman, in law practice, Cicero became seriously ill with typhoid fever. Napoleon said (in his autobiography), "Cicero Cowan was loved as but few men, if any, were ever loved in Jackson County. He lingered for days. Everything that doctors knew to do, at that time, was done for him. People from far and near could be heard saying, 'Let everything be done that can be done; we can ill afford to lose a man like Cicero Cowan.' The fever finally conquered (August 19, 1901). According to Napoleon, the old Webster Baptist Church is a monument to Cicero's interest, giving, and work. "He went into the mountains and helped to cut timber that could be turned into lumber for God's house. While they were getting out this timber , he lost his watch and could never find it. Twenty years afterward a Negro man, working near the place where the brother had lost his watch, found it and carried it to my brother, Don, in Sylva. He wound it and it began to run." Each one of the Cowan brothers distinguished himself by his individual contribution in his chosen profession. There was also a strong cooperative bond with which they supported each other. Perhaps one of the best examples of this cooperative spi r it is revealed in one of Napoleon's stories. "The nearest I ever came to getting into politics was during my brother Cicero's race for Clerk of the Court. He was running against a man who had held the office for sixteen years. He seemed to think that the position was his to have and to hold. At first he treated rather lightly the fact that this 'Cowan boy' had come out against him, Continued On Page 3 Hillman Cicero Cowan Continued From Page 2 and, of course, his running for office before becoming old enough to vote was not to be taken seriously. But my brother put on a vigOrous campaign and, as the time drew near for voting, this man who had held the office for so many years realized that he was going to be defeated by an overwhelming majority. "Politics is a good word when regarded in the light of its real meaning, but no word, perhaps, that we know anything about has been more misused and abused. When one is in politics and especially when one is running for some office, the door is open wider for underhand scheming and dishonesty, if one is disposed to be dishonest, than in any other walk of life; so, this man against whom my brother was running and some of his henchmen, on the night before the election, did a very dirty thing, hoping that they might by this defeat my brother. The initials of my oldest brother (were ) C. C. those of my youngest brother, the one running for Clerk of the Court, H. C. The dishonest scheme was just this: to print a lot of tickets with C. C. Cowan on the ballot and put these out at every voting place in the county on the morning oflhe election. Their hope was that enough people would pick up the ballots with C. C. Cowan on them, put them in the ballot box and thus defeat my brother, H. C. Cowan. "A man by the name of Calhoun, who lived on Scotts Creek, found out about this dirty business. He put one of his boys on a horse and sent him to our home in the deep hours of the night. It was about 2:00 a.m. when he arrived. He waked us up and told what was being done. The four of us dressed quickly and were soon on the way to every voting precinct in the county. We organized each one knew which way he was to go and where he was to go. There were three good saddle horses available. My brothers were on them and on their way, but what was I to do? I had been assigned the long route that bordered on South Carolina. I knew that John Stillwell had a big mule. In a few minutes I was at his door. I said, 'John, I want your mule quickly,' explaining why. In the l<!ast of time we had a saddle on that mule. If anyone with strong heel and limb from a tree ever got service out of a mule, I did that morning across Gribble mountain and down into Cullowhee valley to the door of Sam Henson. Henson said, 'Move on , we know which Cowan we want.' Next, I found John Rogers and put a bug in his ear. Then I headed for the top of Cullowhee mountain, and as the roosters were crowing for day, I dismounted in front of a man's home by the name of Hughes. He was up , had a good fire--my feet were so cold I had no feeling in them. Breakfast ·was ready and when did I ever enjoy a breakfast more. Mr. Hughes was a warm friend of my brother and one of the poll holders in Mountain Township. I am not yet through; Cashiers Valley must know about the dirty scheme. "My brothers have finished and are back in the old town of Webster early. I am nowhere to be seen. A group out in front of the Court House were talking to my brothers and someone said, 'Where is Napoleon?' Someone answered, 'There is no telling where he is the last that was seen of him , he was crossing the line into South Carolina!' In this rambling account of my near approach to politics, there is a bit of humor and also a solemn lesson which is expressed in a brief statement which we find in God's word: 'Be sure your sin will find you out. ' " The four Cowan brothers were proud of their heritage, their nation , their state, and their community. They indicated their concern and regard for those who might come after them by giving of themselves unselfishly with courage and devotion. Anne Cowan Box486 Sylva, NC 28779 The James Cowan House on Little Savannah (about 1895) . On lower porch, Left to right: Man on left (unidentified), Elizabeth Stillwell Cowan, James Cowan. On upper porch, left to right: Cicero Cowan and Coleman Cowan. :;:;:::::::::::::::~:::::::::::::::::::::::~:::~::::::::::::::.:·:·:·:·:-:-:-:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:-:.:.:.:-:.:.:-:-:.;.; MEMBERSHIP RUNS FROM JANUARY 1977TO DECEMBER 1977 The classes of membership and dues are as follows: Active (resident of Western N. C. ) : 55.00 yearly Associate (outside Western N_ C.):. 55.00 yearly Contributing: . . . . . . . S 10.00 yearly Supporting: . . . _ . . . . . . 520.00 yearly Sustaining: . . . . . . . $30.00 yearly Life: . . . $100.00 All contributions are income tax deductible. Page 3. HISTORIC WEBSTER, Fall 1977 125th Siler Family Reunion By Isabel Allison Carter It was with regrets that I found it was not possible for me to attend the Siler Family meeting on August 6, 1977, for it was my privilege on August 7, 1976 to attend the one hundred and twenty-fifth reunion at Patton Cummunity Springs, Franklin, North Carolina. When I was a child and teenager living at Webster, North Carolina, I went to this annual gathering fairly often with either my mother, Mrs. Eugenia Moore Allison or my aunt, Miss Margaret Moore. However, I had not been in many, many years and to me this 1976 reunion was a memorable occasion as I saw 196 of my relatives, though I recognized only a dozen or so. The table was laden with food prepared from favorite family recipes; grace was said by the patriarch of the clan, Dr. Rufus Morgan; the meeting was presided over by Siler Slagle who called the meeting to order with a gavel made from the stump of the old Pow-Wow tree; minutes were read from a book whose first entry was dated 1853, and pictures were taken by a man from National Geographic who had called from Asheville and asked permission to attend this unusual meeting in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. This Siler family had its beginning in Germany as Plikard Dedrick Siler was born on the banks of the Rhine May 29, 1719. He left there to emigrate to America in 1741. During the long voyage he became acquainted with Elizabeth Hartsoe also born in Germany on September 29, 1727. They were married in Pennsylvania a few years later, the privilege for which he paid, as was the custom, in leaf tobacco. He died on December 15, 1784 and she died January 16, 1816. Both were buried at Rocky River Church, about four miles north of Siler City, North Carolina. They had raised five sons and four daughters. One son was Weimer, my lineal ancestor, who was born February 28, 1755 in Pennsylvania. Weimer married Margaret Rafferty born October 12, 1767 in Virginia. Esther, the first of their nine children, was born March 12, 1786. Weimer died on February 4, 1831 in Macon County, North Carolina, after having lived in Pennsylvania , Virginia , South Carolina and North Carolina. He had been a drummer boy in the Indian War and had fought in the Revolution under Francis Marion and John Sevier at Sumter , Kings Mt. and Cowpens. Margaret died J anuary 15, 1839 in Macon County. Esther married James Lowery in Buncombe County, North Carolina on October 9, 1804 and each of these was a lineal ancestor of mine. James' mother, Caroline Lane, born May 26, 1761, was said to be a descendant of Sir Ralph Lane who left England in 1585 to found and become Governor of the first English Colony in the New World on Roanoke Island. This settlement is now known as the " Lost Colony." When Ralph returned to England for supplies the colony vanished. He died in Ireland in 1604. Other Lanes soon came to America. Caroline's great, great, great grandfather emigrated to the Jamestown Colony in Virginia and in 1631 Joseph Lane was born there. This son Joseph took the family to North Carolina and his grandson, the third Joseph, was born there in 1710. Joseph married Patience McKinnie and their son Jesse (under whose Revolutionary War Service Record, I joined the Daughters of the American Revo-lution ) was the father of Caroline Lane. Her Uncle Joel rose to prominence in colonial politics and in 1792, his plantation was selected as the site of the capital of North Carolina. In Raleigh, a street is named for him and his old home has recently been restored under the supervision of North Carolina Division of Archives and History. James Lowery was a son of David Lowery, Jr. and his wife Caroline Lane Lowery. After David died she married George Swain and to them were born eight children, one of whom was David L. Swain who served five one-year terms as governor of North Carolina 0830-1835) . He was also president of the University of North Carolina (the first state university in the United States) for thirty-three years. James Lowery and Esther Siler Lowery were parents to twelve children and among them were twins, a boy and a girl, born May 18, 1823, in Buncombe County, North Carolina: Thomas Siler Lowery was the boy who died unmarried in the Gold Rush to California in 1849 and was buried in a wagon bed Harritt Althea Lowery, my great-grandmother, married Burton K. Dickey of Murphy, North Carolina who was a prominent merchant and political leader who represented his county in the state legislature. Seven children were born to this couple. The second was my grandmother, Carolina Matilda Dickey, who was born May 13, 1845. She and Daniel Killian Moore, who was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina on October 29, 1844, were married October 28, 1868. He had served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. (I joined the Daughters of the Colonists under the record of my lineal ancestor, Captain William Moore, who was the grandfather of Daniel Killian Moore). The establishment of the Silers in Macon County, North Carolina began in 1818 when two horsemen, Jacob Siler and William Britton, followed the Indian trails along the waters of the Little Tennessee and Cartoogechaye. These men planned to establish a trading post and win the friendship of the Indians in Macon County whose land had recently been sold by the Cherokee Countil of Chiefs to the white man. Several meetings were held under the Pow-Wow Tree between the two white men and the Indian Chief Santeetla, first with the angry chief, and later with Santeetla and a half breed Ondian and Negro) interpreter. Angry threats were made of killing the white men with replies that if the white men were killed, white men would come in great numbers and kill the whole Indian nation. This last pow-wow ended by Santeetla stepping forward to shake hands and thereafter the Indians were friendly . Only a gavel remains of the old Pow-Wow Tree, which was located on the land that became the Henry Slagle farm . Jacob was the first Siler in Macon County and the first to invite all descendants of Weimer Siler to a reunion at his home on New Years in 1853. This annual meeting became a tradition and though the time of the year has been changed, descendants of Weimer Siler come from far and near to celebrate this occasion. The old lantern, owned by a Siler at Siler City, North Carolina, from the ship on which Plickard Dedrick Siler and Elizabeth Hartsoe met and the gavel from the Pow-Wow Tree are interesting mememtos of a brave, God-fearing, intelligent, honest, humble and thrifty family which with related families, has helped to make America great. My sources of information (besides "word of mouth" as I grew up) were: The Siler Family by a committee composed of: Mrs. M. C. Arthur, F. L. Siler, Paul Jones, R J. J:ojmston. Franklin, N.C. July 11, 1906 The Family of Weimer Siler by Leona Bryson Porter July 24, 1951 David L. Swain by Cordelia Camp, The Stephens Press Asheville, N.C.1963 Reasearch material gathered and used for joining DAR and DAC The Jackson County Journal Webster, N. C. Friday, Nov. 9, 1906 Teacher's Meeting At the Graded school building at Webster, Saturday, November 10. PROGRAM Rev. J . J. Gray--The Importance of History in the Public Schools. Mr. E. H. Stillwell--Physiology in the Public Schools. Miss Gracie Hall--The Importance of teaching Reading in Higher Grades. Miss Susie Hooper--Mathematics in Primary Grades. Mr. W. W. Marr--Best Method of Teaching Geography. Miss Inez Cathey--The Importance of Elocutionary Training. Mill Lillian Stillwell--The best Method of Teaching children to Read . . Prof. P. R. Young--The Importance of English Grammar in the Public Schools. Miss Lucretia Keller--Punish-ment. Miss Birdie Shelton-Mr. Ephraim Stillwell-- Miss Madge Bridges-- Miss Demeries Long-- W.L.HENSON County Superintendent. Jackson County Journal Sylva, Dec. 3, 1908 Notice to Teachers and Students. In consequence of a letter from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I hereby notify all teachers and students of Jackson County, wishing to enter school, that the Webster Public High School is open free of tuition to all children of insufficient preparation to enter, and to all public school teachers of the county. For information regarding entrance qualifications and terms as to board, apply to Prof. T. F. Shipman, Principal, or High School Committeemen. Respectfully, W. L. Henson, County Supt. of Schools. Jackson County Journal Sylva, Dec. 3, 1908 Prof. Madison and Son Happen to an Accident. Last Thanksgiving night while on their way to Oscar School house, the horse became frightened and overturned the buggy throwing Professor and Robbie out violently on the ground, breaking Professors left arm at the elbow and spraining Robbie's wrist. The unfortunates were taken in by neighbors and Dr. A. A. Nichols was called and attended them. The Journal and many friends of Professor Madison and family extend them their heartfelt sympathy in their suffering. Page 4, HISTORIC WEBSTER, Fall 1977 Madison Descendants Visit Family Homes By Louise Madison Bedford Last August, several descendants of Col. Robert Lewis Madison, M.D. made a most fascinating pilgrimage to Virginia to visit places of family historical interest. The group was composed of one grand-daughter, my aunt , Annie Louise Madison Reed , two great-grand-daughters, myself and Marion Madison Medcalf; and four great-greatgrandchildren, Julia, Ann, Glover III and John Bedford. My husband, Glover, and my mother, Lillian Madison, also accompanied us. The main purpose of the trip was to visit, at the invitation of the Staunton , Va ., Historical Society, the restored Sears House in Staunton. The Sears House was the first home chosen by the Staunton Historical Society for restoration and was beautifully furnished and decorated by various area interior designers as a Designer's Showcase. Open for the first time to the public, the house is considered one of the finest examples remaining in Virginia of the bracketed cottage style of architecture of the midnineteenth century. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Historic Landmark. The Sears House was of especial interest to the Madison descendants because it was designed by my great-grandmother, Helen Banister Madison, and built by my great-grandfather, Robert Lewis Madison II. It was there, in 1867, that my grandfather, Robert Lee Madison, was born. Many years later , Grandfather, in "An Autobiographical Sketch: Early Life," wrote of the house: "In 1867, my father, Col. Robert Lewis Madison, M. D., an exConfederate officer, was practicing medicine in Staunton , Va. , awaiting the reopening of the Virginia Military Institute (at Lexington ), with which, prior to the War between the States, he had been connected as physician and surgeon. He had purchased a beautiful site, a hill-top overlooking the city, and had built thereon a residence designed by my mother. In this home, which is still standing (1937) and is practically unchanged, I was born, Feb. 17. Until recently the site was known as Sears' Hill , from the name of a New Englander, Barnas Sears, who purchased it from my father. It is now called Woodrow Park (in honor of Woodrow Wilson, born in Staunton in 1856) and is owned by the city." These family ties with the Sears House made our visit extremely interesting and quite memorable! From Staunton, we travelled to Lexington, Virginia and visited the Virginia Military Institute and a second cottage designed and built by my great-grandparents. Of this house, my grand-father later wrote: "While I was an infant, my father returned to Lexington and resumed his official connection with the V. M. 1., where he remained until his death in 1878. Here he purchased, adjacent to the cam pus of V. M. I., a threeacre lot and erected another dwelling, also designed by my mother. This structure, unaltered in external appearance and but slightly changed within, is now (1937) and has been for some time the property of the V. M. I. and is occupied by Prof. B. D. .Mayo and family. This house was my boyhood home and with it are associated most of my earliest and dearest recollections." Currently occupied by Col. and Mrs. J. C. McDonough , who graciously invited us inside to see the interior, the home has some historical interest of its own. It was here that the first chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity often met, and it was from here that the fraternity later spread to the adjoining campus of Washington and Lee University and thence throughout the nation. It was also in this house that General George C. Patton was wed. The builder of these homes, my great-grandfather, Robert Lewis Madison II , was the son of Eliza Strachan and Robert Lewis Madison I, and the grandson of Gen. William Madison, brother of President James Madison. It is interesting to note that President Madison, in his will, left $3000.00 to each of his nephews. As Robert Lewis I died before his Uncle James, James ' widow, Dolly Madison saw to it that his surviving sons received this legacy. Thus President Madison was ultimately responsible for the education of his three greatnephews. One of these nephews, William Alexander, became a lawyer , while the other two, Thomas Cooper and Robert Lewis, became doctors. Great-grandfather was married twice. His first wife was Letitia Romolina Lee. Before they were married, his bride-to-be wrote of her fiance to a friend: "I am engaged to Robert L. Madison and expect to plight my holy troth sometime in May next. . . At the University (Univ. of Va.) he took first honors; (winning an AB degree at the age of 17) at Williamsburg <William and Mary) he graduated in less time than any student that ever matriculated there (7 months). In Philadelphia (Jefferson Medical College) the profs. told him his diploma was ready for him without examining him. In Petersburg, unaided, he has placed himself at the head of his profession there, making hoary heads bow to his genius. He has declined an assistant-professorship at University twice and is eagerly looking forward to placing his name on the list of fame. Should he not accept any professorship in this country within two years, he will go to Paris for The present Sears Home shows a considerable number of changes in the original Madison home. However, much of the interior of the first house was retained. medical lectures and take me with him. " They were not destined to go to Paris, however, as Letitia died at a very young age. From this union were born two daughters, both of whom died as very young ladies. Great-Grandfather's second marriage was to Helen Thompson Banister ef Petersburg, and from this marriage were born four children: Robert Lewis, III, who died in infancy; Monro, who was robbed and murdered at the age of 22; Marguerite, who married Lee Hooper of Cullowhee, and Robert Lee, my grandfather. The campus of the Virginia Military Institute seemed destined to be the focus of Robert Lewis Madison's life and career. It was here that he practiced medicine and taught on the same faculty with Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury, famed oceanographer, and General Andrew "Stonewall" Jackson. He served them as both friend and physician. It was here, also, that his association with General Robert E. Lee began, and it was he who attended General Lee in his last illness. Doctor (later Colonel) Robert Lewis Madison, Surgeon and Professor of Natural History and Animal and Vegetable Physiology applied to Agriculture at V. M.l. In his capacity as physician to the Institute, Col. Madison accompanied the cadets of V. M. I. at the Battles of New Market and McDowell, earning a medal for this participation. When Great-Grandfather died, he was buried in the cemetery at Lexington near the grave of his friend, "Stonewall" Jackson. A part of our pilgrimage, then, was a vis it to this cemetery, and we found it to be of much interest to all of us. The next stop in our journey was Woodberry Forest. Now a well-known preparatory school for boys, Woodberry Forest was of interest to us because it was the former plantation home of General William Madison. The original home, a one-story white frame structure built about 1788 still stands on the campus , among the magnificent oaks which line the drive to the house. A brass plaque on the front. uf the house reads: "The William Madison Residence - Planned by Thomas Jefferson at the request of James Madison as a home for his brother, General William Madison, and located on a site traditionally selected by three presidents: Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. '' The house is still used today by the school as guest quarters. The owner of the original plantation, Gen. William Madison, was the youngest and favorite brother of President James The originaf Staunton, Virginia home of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Madison was designed by Mrs. Madison and built in 1866. The house, sold to Dr. Barnas Sears in 1867, has since been known as the Sears House. Madison. Sometimes called "Willey" by James , William was taken to Philadelphia by his older brother at the age of twelve to enroll in school there, as his school in Virginia had closed. From the College of New Jersey's grammar school at Nassau Hall, where he was described as "the foremost scholar in his class," William went to HampdenSidney. Later he attended preparatory school at William and Mary and, when that school was closed, had no trouble going into higher collegiate work rather than to another preparatory school. Less than a year later he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and was "fined fifteen dollars for absenting himself from a meeting! " William 's study also included a pursuit of Jaw under Thomas Jefferson. In 1804, Gen Madison was representative for Madison County in the Virginia House of Delegates, and later became a Brigadier General in the Militia. (As a young student, he had served in the Revoluntionary War as a lieutenant of the artillery and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown.) William Madison was married to Frances Throckmorton. As the parents of Robert Lewis Madison I, they were great-grandparents of my grandfather, Robert Lee Madison. Following the trip to Woodberry Forest, we ended our journey with a drive to Montpelier, home of President Madison, and to the Madison family cemetery nearby, where James and Dolly Madison are buried. There we were much impressed with the simple monument over President's Madison 's grave. It seemed a fitting tribute to a modest but notable statesman and an appropriate conclusion to a trip of utmost interest to us all. Miss Hattie Floyd Becomes Bride of Mr. J. C. Hayes From The Jackson County Journal Sylva , Jan. 8,1909 On Wednesday Dec. 30th, 1908, a pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. J . L. Floyd on Ocona Lufty. The happy participants were Miss Hattie, daughter of Mr. Floyd, and Mr. Julius C. Hayes, of Whittier. The beautiful home was a scene of loveliness and when the sweet strains of Mendlessohn's Wedding March, played by Miss Inez Cathey, rang from the piano at halt past eleven a.m. the hearts of many relatives and friends beat happily. The bridal party, consisting of Misses Edna Hayes and Florence Queen and Messrs Fred Floyd and Weaver McLain, entered and were followed by the bride and groom. Rev. D. G. Miller pronounced the mystic words that made them one. The attractive bride was beautifully gowned in a beautiful directoire dress of smoke broadcloth with hat to match and carried a lovely boquet of violets. The happy couple left immediately for an extended trip to Chattanooga , Memphis , and several of the Northern cities. They will make their home in Bryson City, where young Mr. Hayes has a position with the Southern Railway Co. Mr. Hayes is a handsome , promising young man, the youngest son of Hon. A. H. Hayes of Whittier. He is a member of one of the best families in North Carolina. Mrs. Hayes is a charming young lady, much loved by all who know her and hails from a high family. We wish for the young people all possible success and happiness. Thanksgivin' Way Down South Popcorn roast in' in the ashes With the corn an' taters too, The turkey 's in the oven And ol' mommy's makin' brew The chestnuts in that dressin ' Big enough to fill your mouth, You wonder why we're fixin ' It's Thanksgivin ' way down south -2- It's the land of flowers and honey Where the folks are always gay, Where the sun shines straight from Hev'en In December same as May; And we wonder when the moon beams Down at night upon our land If God ain't right above us With a lantern in his hand. -3- If you chance to be a possum By our cabins on that day Jes ' drop right in and jine, We'll be glad to have you stay You will find us if you'll lisen' For the music as you goThanksgvin' is the day we lift Our fiddle and our bow. Stella Broyles Hall Walter Wild Drowned Sunday Jackson County Journal Webster June 8, 1906 Last Sunday afternoon it was reported in Webster that Walter Wild was drowning just below the Webster bridge. A frantic crowd rushed to the spot, but Walter had already sunk in death , the turbid waters had cut his life off and carried his soul into eternity. For almost an half an hour , men waded up and down the river and fished for him , at last some one called out that he had been seen near the dam opposite Mrs. Hannah Hall's residence. When the waders reached the spot, no trace of Walter could be found. For Several minutes, they waded to and fro with no result. Again, a wild and frantic cry went up from the bank that his body could be seen. Those in the river, being deep in the water, could not see it. Luckily the dead body floating along the bottom of the stream , came near Frank Coward and T. G. Picklesimer who rescued it and carried it to the bank. For almost an hour , every known remedy was applied to bring him back to life, but Walter moved not. His life had gone across the river never to return. He was dead. Walter Wild was seventeen years old on the 4th day of last February and was apparently in good health. He was in Webster only a few moments before his death , talking and enjoying life with a party of boys. There was several little boys with him, less than himself, when he reached the river, several of whom were bathing with Walter. He could not swim , but was wading out in to the stream when he stepped into a deep place and drowned. The little boys said that his last words were a prayer. Mr. Lee Wild, Walter 's father, and his family were visiting on Sunday afternoon and did not reach the river bank until after Walter had been taken from the stream. They were grief stricken when they saw their boy dead. The funeral services of Walter Wild were held Monday evening at 5 o'clock at the Webster graveyard, Rev. A. R. Bell, in his mild but impressive way conducting. The funeral was attended by a large crowd of relatives and friends. The floral display was beautiful and it shows the desire of this "Truth conquers all things." Latin proverb people to make the bereaved hearts as light as possible, bringing these as tokens of their love and sympathy. Fire DestroJS Fiva Buildings In Webster The Jackson County Journal Sylva, Jackson County, NC November 18, 1910 Webster Suffers Great Loss From Fire Sunday Evening The town of Webster was thrown into a state of confusion Sunday evening about 8:15 o'clock, when it was learned that the Mountain View Hotel was on fire. The fire originated in the kitchen, from a defective flue. This part of the building was in names before the lire was. discovered, consequently it was impossible to save anything in the building. The hotel was a two-story wood structure containing twenty rooms. The Coward boarding house, next door to the Mountain View, caught next and was soon consumed by the names. Very little of the furniture in this house was saved. The Webster Pharmacy was the next building to burn. The principal part of the stock of goods was saved , but some personal property in the rooms over the store was destroyed. By this time the alarm had reached Sylva and Dillsboro and crowds were coming to the rescue from both of these places and the surrounding country, but the fire had now reached across to the other side of the street and was making considerable headway, the Tuckasegee Bank building being the first to burn. Then the beautiful residence of Mr. Andy Allison burned. All of the household goods in this house were saved. The fire was now under control. The loss is estimated at $17,000. Mr. Allison 's residence was the only building insured, the insurance on the hotel having lapsed some few days ago. Webster has no organized fire company , so bucket brigades were the only means of lighting the flames. The men fougbt bravely, each one doing his part. The ladies also worked bravely, doing all that they could. ~tah~ nf J1lrrdh (arn!ina HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Raleigh, Jan. 16, 1913 Dear Daughter Florence. We had a big day in Raleigh yesterday. The people here say they had the biggest crowds they have ever had in Raleigh on Inauguration Day. Last night I went to the Governor's reception at the Mansion. There were a lot of society folks on hand. They put on a good deal of style. I wish you could have been there. They served wine and cake. After the Reception we went to the City Hall to see the Inaugural Ball. I saw Governor Craig & Mrs. Craig march at the head of a play called the German. They didn 't waltz any, however. Others of the party did some very fine waltzing. Raleigh is a much larger and finer city than Asheville. It has several State buildings which help out in the appearance of the city. I am on the Educational Committee and this morning I went to our chairman and asked him if he would put me on the committee to visit the Eastern Training School in Greenville, Pitt Co. He asked me to remind him of it again so that he might put me on. Our expenses will be paid. So I anticipate a pleasure trip out of it. I want you ali to write me more and tell me what is going on at home. With Jove to all. Your Father, W.D.Wike Page 5, HISTORIC WEBSTER, Fall 1977 Commissioners Meeting The Jackson County Journal FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1906 The Board of County Commissioners met Monday in regular session. The members of the Jackson County Journal Sylva, Nov. 18, 1910 Local Brevities Doings of People in and Around Town, Gathered By Our Reporter . . . Mr. Frank Cole, of Cashiers was in town Sunday. W. A. Henson, of Beta was in town last week. Mrs. Holmes Bryson was in Sylva last Monday. Hon. J . J. Hooker, o!Dillsboro, was in town Monday. Hon . F. E. Alley of Webster, was in tOWil Wednesday. Hon. Walter E. Moore, of Webster, was in town this week. Frank Coward of Webster was in Sylva Wednesday. Dr. Daisy Z. McGuire is in Asheville this week, on business. Dr. Ed J. Bryson, of Cullowhee, was in town last Friday on business. Attorney C. C. Buchanan made a business trip to Brevard this week. Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Koonce of Cullowhee were in town Tuesday , shopping. Misses Margaret Bradshaw and Stella Broyles, of Webster, were shopping in Sylva last Friday afternoon. Quite a crowd of the Sylva people went to the fire at Webster Sunday night, some horseback , some on foot and some out of their heads. Miss Margaret Moore has been unable to fill her place as teacher in the Graded School this week on account of some trouble with her eyes. Miss Inez Cathey is teaching lor her. The Jackson County Journal Sylva, Jackson County, NC November 18, 1910 Dillsboro Locals. Mr. Andy Enloe, engineer on the Southern, was a caller on the fair da!llsels of our town Sunday. Mr. Crawford, train dispatcher of the Murphy division , was among our Sunday visitor. Miss Jessie Enloe is making herself useful behind Mr. Holmes Bryson's counter. Mrs. Henry Bryson is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Holmes Bryson. Mrs. Watkins went to Asheville Friday to spend a lew days with her daughter. Miss Della Potts came over from Asheville Tuesday to spend her birthday with Miss Mattie Hastings. Aunt Polly Davis left Monday for Oklahoma, where she expects to make her future home. Mrs. Mary Baker came up from Whittier to spend a few days with her daughter , Miss Annie Hooper, who is in school here. Mr. John Hastings spent last week at home. Mrs. T. H. Hastings seem to be improving slowly. Our hearts are sore with deepest sympathy lor the sufferers from the Webster misfortune. Mrs. Fleet Jarrett who has been in teh Franklin hospital lor some weeks, is improving. Mr. H. R. Snider has been quite sick. Miss Margaret Hastings has been suffering with tonsilitis. Prof. Dawson has arranged a nice program for the close of his school December 2nd, and cordially invites the public to attend. board present in full. The business of the county was handled in its usual manner of discretion. The business transaction was as follows Ordered, that Jas. H. Buchanan be relieved from payment of tax on $100 real estate as an over charge, and $149 solvent credits listed to him by mistake. The following were released from poll tax: W. H. Ensley, S. W. Enloe, of Sylva township, were released on account of age. Mack T. Buchanan holds certificate of exemption, N.J. Deitz certificate of exemption, W. T. Buchanan, of Savannah, infirm. Chas. A. Bumgarner, of Barkers Creek, not in • the county on the first day of June. Lee Hunnicutt, on account of age; J. C. Frizell on account of infirmity John Fullbright be released lor 1906. Commissioner A. W. Davis was authorized to build foot bridge across Tuckaseige river in Qualla township. This is a wise move along the list of many good things done. There are a number of families living on the opposite side of the river from the new school building that are completely cut off from school as they could not get across the stream. The bill of costs in the coroner's inquest of Dr. Littlejohn and J. J. Buchanan be audited and claims issued lor the same by our clerk. Mrs. H. C. Burton be released from paying tax on $20.00 real estate in Savannah township as the same is owned and paid by Love Hyatt. Noah Wilson was paid $9.50 in full for contract made March 5th, 1906. Dr. Wm. Self was paid $10.00 for service as county physician for quarter ending October 31, 1906. T. L. Jamison, treasurer board of trustees , Hamburg township, was paid $100 to be used in making amendments on Big Ridge road. W. E. Bryson was released from paying tax on dog. The following was paid out of stock Jaw lund: N. P. Jones $5.50 Webster stock Jaw fund N. Sutton, $30.00, Webster slod 1oaw fund; Henry Dills, $13.30, Cullowhee stock Jaw fund D. H. Phillips, $3.00, Cullowhee stock Jaw fund. J. W. Cayle, $10.00, for constructing wharf on Greens creek. P. N. Price, $20.50, for repairing bridge on Trout creek. 0. B. Coward, $3.62, merchandise lor paper and stationery for clerk Brown. Sheriff W. C. Norton, $67.50, lor keeping prisoners, summons jurrors, holding fall term of court, jail fire, cleaning public buildings. Clerk V. F. Brown $33.50 lor making certificates to bills of cost, preparing paper in case of Bill and Sam Frizell, freight, etc. W. T. and Van Brooks released from stock law taxes now charged to them. T. G. Picklesimer, $15.00 lor arranging tax abstracts alphabetically and binding fifteen books for 1905. A. W. Davis, $5.14 for freight on wire for Barkers creek foot bridge. Jno. Phillips, $60.00, lor two month's service as superintendent county farm. Orders allowing Margarette Buchan and W. H. Sellers county aid be revoked. Journal Publishing Company $10.25 for binding tax abstracts. The board adjourned to meet November 10, 1906, for passing on bills or costs and other unfinished business. Lela Za_chary, Kitty Zachary, Margaret Buchanan, undentified, Annie L. Mad1son, Frances Coward. On the bridge at Webster, 1913. The old wooden school house is in the background.--Photo courtesy of Mrs. Audrey Goddard. Sylva. Annie Lol!ise Madison, Margaret Buchanan, Burke Coward, Jim Bryson, K1tty Zachary, Frances Coward, Lela Zachary, Webster, 1913. --Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Audrey Goddard, Sylva. April 5th, 1887: E. D. Davis, E. H. Cagle, A. W. Farmer be appointed as assessors for the year 1887 for Webster township. November 8, 1892: Judges for the election : D. Snider, Jno. F. Stillwell, J. W. Cowan, E. H. Cagle. Page 6, HISTORIC WEBSTER, Fall 1977 Mary Jane Hall Weds Wilburn Fisher - 1866 •• Aunt Ditz" Morris (Mrs. Hanley Morris) and Miss Effie McDade.Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Audrey Goddard, Sylva. By Gracie Hall Brown On April 7, 1851, Mary Jane Hall, daughter of David F. and Rachel Wilson Hall was born in the community of Webster, N.C. Ten years later she watched, with hundreds of other Jackson County citizens, our patiotic and handsome young men as they were mustered into the service of the Southern Confederacy. It was a time never to be forgotten, a day of mixed emotions; patriotism, sadness, and hope. There was music, enthusiasm, prayers and tears; but above all else, there was pride. Mary Jane was ten years of age at that time and could little realize the hardships of the war-torn yeats ahead for her and thousands of others. Her only brother, Coleman, was four years her senior. The slaves were freed, so it was left to the Halls to operate a farm of several hundred acres. Coleman, of course, did the plowing, and Mary Jane did most of the hoeing -as well as 1909: Ordered by the Board that the County Treasurer pay J. L. Broyles $14.45 out of the Sre 1 cial Fund for stove, etc. for Jal. First row : Ramsey Buchanan, Annie Laurie Madison, Burke Coward, Margaret Buchanan, Lele Zachary, Kitty Zachary, Frances Coward, Webster, 1913.--Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Audrey Goddard. Ramsey Buchanan, Ida Jones, Stella Broyles, Margaret Buchanan, Lucy Hedden, Webster, 1913.--Photo Courtesy ol Mrs. Audrey Goddard, Sylva. Order Form The Webster Cookbook Drawer W Webster, North Carolina 28788 Enclosed iss . Send me copies of THE WEBSTER COOKBOOK at S6.25 plus .75 for wrapping and mailing. Indicate on separate sheet if books are to be mailed to other than person making order. Gill cards will be lncluclecl If Indicated. NAM~ --- ADDRESS --- CITY _________ _ STATE --- Zl P _______ __ a sheltered little girl could do. She said that many times she was so tired she lay down in the plowed furrows and cried. Much of the farm was in pasturage and woodland, but enough in cultivation to provide ample food for them and their mother, who was never a llowed to go to the field. To go back to that eventful day: there was a handsome young man by the name of Wilburn J. Fisher who was mustered into the service of his beloved Southland at that time. Wib, as he was called, paid some special attention to little Mary Jane that day. Neither realized, of course, that he would be the "Prince Charming" to ask for her hand when the sad and destructive war was over. But when this dashing young captain made his plea he was accepted and given permission by her father to pursue the courtship and to make plans with Mary Jane. The following is the account of the wedding as she gave it to me: Cookbook Is Worldwide The Webster Cookbook is now present in many, far-off parts of the world : Alberta, Canada; Rome, Italy; London, England; Brazil, and Athens , Greece. American Embassy APO New York 09253 22 July 1922 Dear Mrs. Rhinehart, Thank you so much for sending the cookbook, which arrived about three weeks ago. I apologize for the delay in sending the check to cover the remainder due, but I had company at the time from North Carolina--my sister and her family from Winston- Salem, so hope I may be forgiven. You asked how I knew about the Webster Cookbook. I work at the American Embassy here in Athens, and a very delightful person named Patsy McDermott is my co-worker. She comes from North Carolina--her maiden name was Henson , she te1ls me--her book , which I read cover to cover, was a gift from an uncle she is a great-niece of one of the contributors--Minnie Wilde. Her grandmother was Beulah Norton Henson, who lived in Webster as a child. I do not recall hearing Patsy say where she grew up in North Carolina. I was born and grew up in Tennessee, so naturally loved the book. Again, thank you for sending it, and best wishes for its continued success. Yours truly, Mrs. Mason C. Payne Drawer W "Soon after the South surrendered and Wib came home we became sweethearts, and he was soon ready to marry. I told him if he would give me three years more I would be ready, as I wanted three more years of schooling. But about that time the teacher by the name of Hix got mad and quit teaching. Wib said there was nothing now to hinder us from getting married, so we set the day and began making plans. Neitheuf u.S. !'!~!I.ted a big wedding. Both wanted a simple ceremony with only the members of our families present; but my parents were not willing to have their only daughter married in such a way. So we agreed to their plans. The first thing mentioned was the preacher. But I bucked at that as he was not one of my favorites. I loved Wes Enloe and his wife Mell, and I wanted him. He was a Justice of the Peace and could perform the ceremony. I was only fifteen years old, just a child in age, but a woman in size with many hard wartime experiences. I could cook, sew, quilt, spin and weave. We were married on the porch of my father's home. There were nearly one hundred present. People would come to a wedding at that time whether invited or not. Mandy Cannon, Kate Allen, and Wib's sister were the bridesmaids. Mag Love and my Aunt Mary Wilson were the candle holders. Joe Sensebough, Bert Allen, and Uncle Dick Wilson were the groomsmen. We were married at night. The bridesmaids stood next to the wall and the groomsmen at the edge of the porch. This made an isle between them . Wes Enloe stood at one end. Wib and I entered from the front room together and stood before him for the ceremony. The candle holders stood near Wes because candlelight was the only night-light we had in those days. I was dressed in white and so were the bridesmaids. The candle holders wore black silk that had been bought before the war started. You could not get silk when I was married, but I did have a pretty white cotton dress, made with low neck and short sleeves, and of course, I wor
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