Appalachian History

I am an average woman of the United States, a married women with two children and an income of—well, I’m not quite sure what it is, but I know it is not enough to live on as we ought to live. But, small as it is, our church has been trying to get me to budget (horrid word, isn’t it?). We have a person called by a disagreeable name, Stewardship Secretary, going around and giving lectures on how we ought to spend our money. It’s easy for her to talk about budgeting. She gets her money paid regularly, while I have to get mine in dribs, just as I can beg, scold, and wheedle it out of my husband.

I’m very economical, I can tell you that. I don’t keep account of every penny I spend. In the first place, you understand, we must have a roof over our heads, and rents are simply awful. It’s even worse if you try to own your own home and keep up insurance, repairs, and taxes and pay the interest on the money you borrowed to buy the house with. I cannot tell you offhand what we do pay for rent—sometimes more and sometimes less.

Then, there is food. We must have three meals a day, and you know how men are about food. I always say that none of my family shall ever be reported for being undernourished, with delicatessen shops so close. I can always send one of the children over at the last minute for anything I want. It’s hard to say exactly how much we spend on food—sometimes more and sometimes less—but I’m sure you can form a good idea from what I’ve told you as to just what we do spend.

And clothes! I’m a good manager, and I never expect to be a back number when it comes to styles. Cut off for clothes just about what most people spend, but remember that mighty few women get the good results I do for the money I put into clothes.

We spend practically nothing on amusements—nothing worth mentioning. The only thing we do is go to the movies, unless you’d call our trips in our car amusement. I think trips of that sort are a real necessity.

I am sure I give all the unaccounted-for part to the Church. The money goes somewhere, and I always give the children a penny or a nickel apiece for Sunday School—whenever we get up in time to start them off. You look as if you thought I ought to give more! Well, charity begins at home, I think.

—excerpt from ‘Short Pagaents for the Sunday School,’ by Laura Scherer Copenhaver, Doubleday, Doubleday, Doran & Co., 1929

Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver (1868-1940) wrote fiction, poetry, and dozens of church pageants, many in collaboration with her younger sister, Katharine Killinger Scherer Cronk. One of Copenhaver’s poems, “Heralds of Christ,” became a well-known hymn.

Copenhaver taught at Marion Junior College in Smyth County, VA and assumed positions of leadership in the Lutheran church and on the Marion social scene. Her father, Dr. John Jacob Scherer Jr., had served as pastor of Marion’s Lutheran church before moving on to the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richmond, presidency of the state synod, and a place on the Inner Missions Board of the national church.

At the 1922 meeting of the Women’s Missionary Society of the United Lutheran Church, Copenhaver presented an address titled “Mountain Folk in the South” which spurred the organization to create a mission school near the lumbering community of Konnarock.

The Konnarock Training School aimed “to tram the mountain children into true Christian womanhood and manhood,” and provided elementary-level academic and religious education for Smyth County children who did not have access to other public schools.

At the Smyth County Centennial on May 27, 1932, members of Marion College, county high schools, and local citizens presented a historical play written by Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver. Miss Smyth County, Eleanor Fairman, spun the wheel of time and scenes from local history were acted out.

sources: The human tradition in the New South, by James C. Klotter

http://openlibrary.org/details/MN41756ucmf_4

Smyth County, by Kimberly Barr Byrd, Debra J. Williams

http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Smyth/086-0027_Konnarock_School_1997_Final_Nomination.pdf

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/vawomen/2007/copenhaver.htm

Laura+Lu+Scherer+Copenhaver Smyth+County+VA appalachia +appalachian+history history+of+appalachia

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Item 032596 in the collection of the West Virginia Historical Photographs Collection reads Testament to the Brick Laying Prowess of Thoney Pietro and appears to be a 1946 newspaper clipping, though its source is not identified in the collection.

“The life of Thoney Pietro has not always been that of a retired country gentleman; he has earned the right to retire by his own labors. He commenced his career as a common laborer, but he was never content with doing anything less than his best.

“A typical example of his physical strength and skill, as well as his desire to be the best at any job, occurred during September, 1900, when he was working as a bricklayer for James McAfee and Company, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, who were engaged in a street paving project in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Pietro Company Road Crew at work in Williamson, W. Va., 1915

“The speed and skill with which young Pietro handled the paving bricks attracted the attention of his superintendent, a Mr.Ross, supt.of the work,who became so enthused over the young Italian’s prowess that he offered to bet $300.00 that Pietro could better the existing record for the number of bricks laid in a given time. The record was then held by an Irishman who had laid 806 square yards of brick in ten hours.

“Admirers of the Irishman quickly took the bet. So on a bright September morning in 1900, 0n 12th Avenue in Homestead, Pennsylvania, the contest was held. Eight hours and fifteen minutes later measurements disclosed that Pietro had established a new record and one which stands to this day – he had laid single handed a section of street 30 feet in width and 350 feet long- an amazing total of 1166 square yards of brick, 58 bricks per sq.yd., totaling 67,628 bricks or an average of more than 136 bricks per minute all day. The same bricks as he laid then are still in use 46 years later.”

Thoney+Pietro bricklaying Williamson+WV appalachia appalachian+history history+of+appalachia

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Here’s a selection from Kentuckian Sarah Ann Jackson’s ‘My Journal for 1835.’ The diary was found between the walls of an old house in Laurel County, KY, but there is nothing that tells us if it was written in that place or how it came to be there. It was the only item found there. Jan Philpot, of the Laurel County Kentucky GenWeb site, transcribed the diary in 2001.

“The diary is written in a faded brown ink,” says Philpot, “with pages toward the back in faded pencil. At times it was difficult to make out, and at those points I place a question mark.”

In the following partial transcript we’ve tried to fill in one or two of those undecipherable points, seeking to remain true to the spirit of the original diary. Spelling and punctuation has been standardized on this excerpt as well for ease of reading. The original exact transcription, with additional notes from the transcriber, can be found at Diary of Sarah Ann Jackson.

May 1st—Children all very pleasant. Camelia is my bed fellow as yet.

A heavy thunder shower last evening. We children and myself very much terrified. As for myself this is generally the case; for what reason I cannot tell without it is.
I am not prepared for the great change I should have to make if struck by lightning. How strange that I should be so heedless when so many warnings occur daily.

Just returned from the hills. Had a very pleasant visit, fared sumptuously, very much pleasant with Miss Carl. Should be happy to become better acquainted.
Had an introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Law—their children peeking out of the windows.

Arrived home rather sooner than we was expected by the family. Found Aunt N. as usual very busy serving. Since then have been engaged in needle work. Aunt very busy preparing for a carpet. Her girls and I left looking for another.

Prospect of a school rather dull. A gentleman called but did not exactly give me the refusal of it. My spirits are good, but if I should take all in consideration in respect to this world and my unconcern for the world to come, it all together would be sufficient to weight them down. My reading at present is ‘Pilgrims Progress.’

Feel very much discouraged in respect to a school.

Attended church at Babylon; heard Mr. Platt preach two sermons in the forenoon. His text was in 5th chapter 27th verse in Samuel. In the afternoon in Luke 22nd chapter 22nd verse. Went during intermission at Mr. Carl’s. Had cake and water for refreshment. Spoke with Mrs. Staples. Set with the singers in the afternoon. Had an excellent dinner when we returned home.

Awoke this morning just as the king of day shed forth a sufficient number of rays to gold the horizon.

Had an introduction to a Mr. Hunt.

May 6th—Spent the day very pleasantly. Miss Davis visited here this afternoon; a very pleasant young lady.

Multiplicity of business today. Have scarce taken a seat. Aunt moving, no help; find it quite necessary to assist her.

Contemplate spending a few days in Babylon in visiting some distant connection and acquaintances. Hopes are blasted in getting a school in this place. They have engaged a gentleman more competent, no doubt, than myself.

I yet retain a faint hope of getting a select school in Babylon. Oh, that I may prosper in that undertaking! If not I then must give up all idea of getting a school this summer, which will disappoint me much.

Thursday May 11th—Went to Mrs. Carl’s in company with Uncle’s family. Had a delightful visit. Called on Mrs. Staples several times; took tea with her, had an excellent repast.

Spent the evening pleasantly at cousin Julia’s. Rode home on Sabbath with Mr. Ireland. Had some very pleasant conversation with Mrs. Cornelius on our way home. They confirmed that a new teacher was to take the school. Received news on my arrival; I ascertained it to be me. If that be the case, to go I must. No backing out!

Went Monday morning according to agreement. Found Mr. B. waiting. Some ladies engaged in cleaning the schoolroom. About nine I entered, and established the school, succeeded very well.

As yet like my employment much. Had a very pleasant call from Mr. P before he left. Find my family differ much in disposition; he has left some very difficult circumstances. Oh, that I may succeed in my efforts to instill the principles of learning and teach the young idea how to succeed.

May 16th—One week flew away with all speed. It appears more like a recent dream than any thing I can compare it too. Have had very little difficulty as yet with the children. Have one that would wish to be obstinate. Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day. Oh, that it may be kept by me right.

May 25th—Since I have written, many incidents have elapsed worthy of a place in this cabinet of valuables. I write down such as occur to me.

When opened school on Monday I had several new names to remember. I find that a difficult part of my undertaking.

Spent last week at Mr. Jar’s home quite pleasantly. The first night took a delightful walk. It was confined to the banks of a small rivulet. This was lovely: the queen of night shed forth a sufficient number of rays to illumine the landscape. It was rather brilliant —or gloomy. All nature appeared to rest in the arms of Morpheus. All was still as at night the labourer had sought repose on his pillow. The weary traveller had taken up his abode for the night. It was thus we sauntered along undisturbed, admiring the serenity and silence of the water.

I contemplate spending the present week at C. Ketchum’s. I dread the first night! Oh, why do I indulge such reflections?? All is for the best.

May 21st—Never enjoy myself better than at Mr. C. Ketchum’s; all so familiar and pleasant. It really appeared like home. I took a walk with Miss K. It was mostly confined to an apple tree, viewing the many different lines exhibited in one tree.

Stay at M.’s? Yet enjoy myself very much, think of visiting at M. W. soon. Hope I shall be as acceptable there as here.

Think of commencing an epistle. Too busy; I will reward myself. Oh, that I may receive a letter! Nearly completed my letter to cousin Julia.

Have 31 different scholars; spending my time very pleasantly.

June 21st— Boarding at Mr. Ketchum’s, spent my time delightfully while there. Have an introduction to Mr. Usher while there. He said was from Kentucky; very tall, rather awkward, yet interesting. He had considerable of the curious; very pointed in conversation. Old Goshen was the theme for some considerable length of time after our introduction with the gentleman.

He was spending the examination in establishing Sabbath schools. He informed me that he belonged to the Princeton Theological Seminary. While at Mr. Ketchum’s his daughters and important self frequently took a walk to see on our neighbors. Would sometimes return without making a call but our walks failed to be pleasant.

We sometimes would go to meeting. There is scarcely an evening in the week but what there is an opportunity of attending some kind. There are three denominations prevailing in this place: Presbyterian, Baptist & Methodist.

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We post a new episode of Appalachian History weekly podcast every Sunday. Check us out on the Stitcher network, available on mobile phones, in-car dashboards and tablets worldwide. Just click below to start listening:

We open today’s show with the story of John C.C. Mayo. Mayo’s life story could have been lifted straight from the pages of Horatio Alger. He was born a poor mountaineer in Paintsville, KY. By the time of his premature death in 1914 at age 49 of Bright’s Disease, Mayo had amassed a fortune in the neighborhood of $20,000,000, making him Kentucky’s wealthiest man. He started as a schoolteacher but quickly learned how to buy up coal-rich land on the cheap.

We’ll pause in between things to catch up on a Calendar of Events in the region this week, with special attention paid to events that emphasize heritage and local color.

And you thought your work week dragged on? Lucille Thornburgh went to work at age 16 in a Knoxville cotton mill that demanded 10-12 hour work days, 6 days a week. Thornburgh and seven of her coworkers weren’t willing to accept that treatment, and they drew up a union charter. In this oral history excerpt, Thornburgh tells you how Cherokee Mills workers joined textile workers across the South in a general strike known as the Uprising of 1934.

South Carolinians have known about the mineral springs of Glenn Springs, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Spartanburg, for centuries. You’ll enjoy the story of how it went from being a deer lick to, by 1931, providing the official water of the United States Senate.

It’s the most famous murder ballad in American folk music history. And chances are, if you know it, you know the version popularized by the Kingston Trio. Their recording of the song became a major commercial hit in 1958, selling over 6,000,000 copies. That hit single spawned a movie and helped spark the folk music revival of the 1960s. How did Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley make its way to the Kingston Trio? Therein hangs a tale.

It’s May, and that means strawberries are in season! We’ll wrap things up with the myth of ‘How the strawberry came to the Cherokee people,’ as retold by Barbara Shining Woman Warren. First Man and First Woman have a fight and she storms out. The strawberry turns out to be the thing that gets them back together, with a couple of amusing twists along the way.

And, thanks to the good folks at the Internet Archive, we’ll be able to enjoy some authentic Appalachian music by Oscar Ford in a 1929 recording of Henry Ford’s Model A.

So, call your old Plott hound up on the porch, fire up your corncob pipe, and settle in for a dose of Appalachian History.

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My father died suddenly at 44 years of age and is buried in a little grave yard, just outside of the town he helped to build among the people he loved. His grave is marked by a stone of Tennessee granite, on which is this description: “Erected to the memory of Walter Phillips by the employees of the Cranberry Iron and Coal Co.” At the time of his death there were six children, four girls and two boys. I was 14 years old and next to the oldest. The youngest was only a baby.

When my mother investigated, she found herself with a few hundred dollars and a large family. And while we had never wanted for anything, she was faced by a problem that, as I look back, must have seemed insurmountable. I’ll never forget the evening where she called us all together, including the old colored couple who had been with us for eight years, and explained our situation. And I can still see tears rolling down the faces of Old Mammy and Uncle Henry when she told them we would have to get along without them.

They assured her they would never leave us, but would get outside work and help with the expenses and still take care of the house and babies. “Greater love has no man shone.”

Walter Phillips emigrated from Cornwall England in the late 1860s, settling first in Jefferson Township, NJ. He worked as an iron ore miner in various mines of western NJ. In 1882, he was part of a surveying group sent by the investors of the Eastern Tennessee/Western North Carolina railroad then being built to Cranberry North Carolina. He moved with his family to Cranberry and was a foreman with the Cranberry Iron & Coal Co. (a division of the Eastern Tennessee/Western North Carolina Railroad) from 1882 till 1887.

The company, (Cranberry Iron and Coal Company) at a Director’s meeting voted to give her an allowance each month for a year. This was enough to live on and keep the family together, which was manna from heaven.

During that year my mother, who was a good cook, with the help of old colored Mammy, started to serve dinners to the members of the company’s staff and to excursion parties from Johnson City. I went to work in the company’s store and got 50 cents a day so that at the end of the first year, we thought we were ready to go on our own.

The company stopped their help with the understanding that we could draw on them if we got in trouble. My mother was determined to go it alone without any help.

By the end of the second year (1889) we were on the ragged edge. She had cut everything down to the minimum, with our clothes almost gone and no relief in sight, except to ask for help. This my mother refused to do. Two months later she died, just did not have the strength to carry the burden of sorrow and disappointment.

After eight years of happy family life, without a thought or care for the future. In two short years our house of cards had fallen and we were six orphans. The oldest 17 and the youngest three years. Mother lies beside my father on the hill on the edge of town.

Cranberry Iron Works, 1895.

When our true financial situation became known, people in droves who claimed they had been helped in one way or another by my father, offered their help. Our pantry was filled and old Mammy and Uncle Henry almost caused a civil war when some good friends wanted to separate the children and have them live with different friends. Finally one gentleman, a good friend of my father, who lived in a nearby town had himself appointed our guardian.

That was agreeable with old Mammy and Uncle Henry as long as they were able to keep us together and take care of us. Later Mr. Charles H. Nimson, who I think was president of the company, came down from Philadelphia, and when he was told about our troubles he came to see us and insisted on knowing the name of some relative in New Jersey.

We finally found some old correspondence of my mother’s that she had, with the name of her brother and his address in Dover, New Jersey. He told us not to worry, we could get what we needed at the company store without money and old Mammy and Uncle Henry were put on the company’s payroll. And it was arranged that Mr. Wm. E. Ellis, who was our self appointed guardian, would see that we were properly taken care of.

Source: My Life: A Recollection from Thomas Jay Phillips I at www.johnsonsdepot.com/crumley/images/tour3a/tjphillips.pdf

Cranberry+Iron+Works Avery+County+NC orphans appalachia +appalachian+history history+of+appalachia

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