Thursday, December 27, 1917
I know not what to do or say,
When Christmas comes with chuck and cheer;
Whether to celebrate the day,
Or mourn another mis-spent year;
But thank the Lord, the untold young –
They suffer no hippo with me;
The little trappers who have hung
Their stockings on the Christmas tree.
…It is a great occasion for the children and the brave beaus and the wild belles, but father is the goat.
Everybody laughs but father,
He sits around all day,
With a fountain pen and check book,
Playing the game of pay;
He cannot drown his sorrow,
In the flowing bowl or can;
It’s a dry old day for father,
But he bears it like a man…
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The Marlinton Presbyterian Sunday School gave their Xmas entertainment Monday night, Xmas eve, at the church. The church and tree were artistically decorated for the evening. The Christmas exercises were beautifully rendered before a large gathering. An offering was made for the Lynchburg Orphanage which amounted to $40. The pastor and his wife were also remembered in the giving, the church presenting them with the handsome purse of $130.00 in cash. On returning to their home a wagon load of provisions from Hamlin Chapel neighborhood awaited them. Here were such things as flour, hams, meats of various kind, butter, potatoes, apples, maple syrup, rice, coffee and canned fruit. To these the ladies of the town have added cakes, preserves and fruits of all descriptions, for all of which they are very grateful.
– – –
Lock C. Sharp and Miss Minnie Virginia Sharp were quietly married at the Edray parsonage, December 25, 1917. This young couple has the best wishes of their many friends.
– – –
The little eight month old child of Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Sharp died at Thorny Creek December 20, 1917, of pneumonia… her remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground on James Sharp’s farm near Hamlin Chapel.
GREENBANK
Three good dwelling houses in town for rent, so come on if in need. Also three good store houses empty.
Christmas was gloomy and raining, but the children were happy with the nice things Santa left, and may they ever be so.
Our soldier boys did not get home for Christmas, but we wished for them a pleasant time.
Died, December 19, 1917, G. W. Kerr, aged 81 years, at his home near Arbovale. The funeral service was conducted at Liberty Church…after which his remains were interred in the cemetery at Arbovale.
The Xmas entertainment at the high school Saturday night the 22nd was much enjoyed by the old and young. The auditorium was filled to overflowing; it is supposed 700 people were present…
BETHEL
Hevner Dilley and C. K. Moore took a load of poultry to Clover Lick Tuesday.
A box supper was held here Christmas night for the benefit of the Red Cross.
Cam McLaughlin and Everett Dilley were callers in Marlinton Monday.
MINGO
As Forrest Marshall was taking the mail to Cloverlick Saturday he had a runaway. His horse tore his sleigh and harness to pieces, but he had the grit to stay with the horse until he tore loose.
Dolph Leary had a wood sawing and a party for the young people. They report a nice time.
The boys here are expecting to join Uncle Sam soon.
REV C. B. VANREENAN
Rev. Cornelius B. VanReenan died at his home near West Union, December 16, 1917, at the advanced age of 85 years, three months and one day, after an illness of several years duration.
His wife, two sons, Henry and Harper, and one daughter, Elizabeth, preceded him Across the Bar. Two sons, George and William, and three daughters, Mrs. John Galford, of Woodrow; Mrs. Totten, of Renick; and Mrs. Luther McNeill, of Marlinton, survive him.
Mr. VanReenan was born in Holland and came to America when about fourteen years old. He was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when he was twenty years old, and served as a local preacher in his church for thirty years.
The funeral service was conducted at West Union church by Rev. Geo. P. Moore, Rev. Ressegger and his pastor, Rev. M. H. Ramsey, in the presence of a large and sympathizing congregation. His remains were laid to rest in the Cochran Cemetery.
Peace to his ashes.
