White Hall Republican Newspaper

28 Jun 1873
"Wilmington B."
The building of our schoolhouse will be let today to the lowest and best bidder. It will be sufficiently capacious to accommodate 100 pupils, comfortable and attractive enough to insure good attendance; and the last but by no means the least, we mean to employ an able instructor, other things being equal, we see nothing to prevent education at this place.

Transcribed 19 Aug 2003 by Grace Karr Gettings

14 Sep 1886
The fiftieth wedding anniverssary of Stephen Smith and Sallie M. Smith of this city [White Hall], was celebrated at their home, South Main Street, yesterday.
Stephen Smith was born in Patrick County, Va., May 23, 1809. His father's name was John, born in Henry County, Va., April 23, 1781. The name of John's father was Daniel, also a native of Va. Daniel had four brothers whose names were John, Peter, Thomas and Flemmon (Flaeming). These five brothers were all Virginians, and when the Revolutionary War came on, they all enlisted on the American side. It so happened that they were all engaged in the battle of the Cowpens, fought in South Carolina, January 17, 1781. Peter being on picket was the first to fire in that memorable battle.
Back of these five brothers, the family history is not very clear but it has always been understood that their ancestors were English. Daniel's wife was a Miss Reeves (Elizabeth). Their children's names were Charles, Mollie, Peter, Eliabeth, James and John, the last being the father of Stephen Smith.
John married Rachel Packwood about the year 1802. Their children were as follows: Nancy, Samuel, Daniel, Stephen, Edith, Larkin, Elizabeth, Rachel, Exoney, Polly, Lucy and John, all of whom are dead except Stephen and Exoney.
The family history of the Packwoods is full of thrilling interest. Rachel Packwood's grandfather, or the great-grandfather of Stephen Smith, was captured on Greenbriar River, Va., about the year 1710, and was brought to Chillicothe, Ohio, and was burned at the stake, by the Chillicothe Indians, in the presence of two sisters and two brothers-in-law. The Packwoods also did valient service in the Revolution.
Sallie M. Smith, wife of Stephen Smith, was born in Cumberland County, Ky., Bef. 22, 1816. Her father's name was John Pace, son of John Pace of Henry Co., Va. Her mother was Nancy Alexander, daughter of Thomas Alexander, son of Sgt. John Alexander of Henry County. Her brothers and sisters were Milly, Lucy, Greenville, Franky, Robert, Julia and Elizabeth, all of whom are living except Milly, Greenville and Robert.
Stephen Smith and Sallie M. Pace were married by Esquire Vincent Taylor, near Burksville, Cumberland County, Ky., Sept. 13, 1836. Their children are Thomas A., Greenville T., (dec'd) Nancy J., Edward B., James T., William F., John C., Geo. W., and Mattie B.
Stephen and wife came to this county and settled nine miles east of White Hall in the year 1840. Preceding this time, Mr. Smith was engaged in building flatboats on the Cumberland River, and then piloting them loaded with tobacco, corn, fowls, bacon, live stock, etc. to New Orleans, then the most available market. After coing to this county, Mr. Smith entered government land, which he yet owns.
He and his brother Daniel married sisters. Daniel and his wife (Lucy Pace), who lived near Athensville, this county, celebrated their golden wedding the 20th of Oct. 1863, since which time Daniel has died.
For the last four or five years, Mr. Smith's children have been looking anxiously forward to yesterday, and in due time, cards were sent out inviting in the relatives of the elderly couple. About thirty-five cards were sent to the heads of that many families. Some of the families are in Neb., Ky., Mo., and Ill. Many who were invited could not attend. But about seventy relatives made their appearance yesterday. The spacious grounds and pleasant shade made the surroundings all that could be desired. Dinner was served in the yard. At 12:45, Elder B. B. Hamilton was placed at the head of the table, and around sat the aged couple and their friends and relatives. The Elder then in a neat talk gave a short sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and closed by asking a blessing upon all present. This table was followed by a younger and hungrier crowd, and this by another still younger and hungrier.
After dinner every one was requested to register his name, post ofice, date of birth, etc, in a book prepared for the purpose. Those present were then grouped on the east side of the house and our artist, O. A. Morrow, took their pictures.
Toward night, those living near turned their faces homeward, while those from a distance remained in the city until today. It is hardly necessary to offer any reflections upon so rare an occasion. The simple facts are more eloquent than anything we might say.
Mrs. Lucy Smith, sister of Mrs. Stephen Smith, who for twelve years has been confined to her room, was brougth from her home near Athensville in a rocking chair placed in an open spring wagon. She will remain in the city for a few days.
Mrs. Nancy Sanders, of Beatrice, Neb., sister of the Smith brothers, was not able to be present. A brother, John C., of Blue Mound, Ill. was also prevented from attending.
Mrs. Ann Booker, of Jerseyville, cousin of the Smith brothers, was present. John Nunn and Jan Bushnell of Meredosia; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. T Spires of Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Rafferty and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rafferty of Roodhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Burrell of Murrayville, were among those from a distance.

Submitted by Peggy Thomas

1918
Salaries of all the teachers in the high schools received an increase in wages amounting to $1,470 a year. E. A. Doolittle was elected superintendent at $188 a month. The salaries of the grade teachers were raised $10 a month and the high school teachers $100 a year apiece.
There are 36 graduates in the Carrollton high school and three more boys who went to war will receive their diplomas. Commence occurs May 31 and the address will be delivered by Thos. Samuels.

Transcribed by Debra Fay

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