To You Our Successors

In 1928, Miss Sallie Edmunds wrote this letter to be placed in a time capsule to be opened in 2028, 100 years later. The building it was stored in caught fire and this letter managed to be salvaged.

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GREETINGS. 

TO YOUR OUR SUCCESSORS, WHOSE GOOD FORTUNE IT IS TO NOW ENJOY THIS THE VERY BEST TOWN AND COUNTY, SCOTTVILLE, KENTUCKY.

Just a word by way of introduction, as we now have no other way of knowing. Did I say we? You have the advantage; I can never know whose good fortune it shall be to have opportunity to know, and love this little City, so now before I go farther may I ask this one in favor in return. Will you please when life's labors are ended, you too are ushered into that City not made with hands eternal, where there will be no Night, call for one Miss Sallie Edmonds, of Scottville, Ky. Born December 10, 1854, daughter of James Alexander Edmonds, who was born Dec. 17, 1816 in Albemarle Co. Virginia and at age of 10 came with his father, John-Edmonds to Barren Co. Ky, my mother Talitha Martin Brackin, born Apr. 8, 1817 in Sumner Co Tenn, married Dec. 6, 1838. One more word by way of explanation, and I proceed with this story. I have the honor of being the most aged person now living, blessed by having been born and lived all these years in the city of my nativity. Imagine if you please an old maid having to admit she is over 73 years old. 

Now on with the story, Dr. L. W. Johnson, conceived the idea, you might really be glad to know something of predecessors, and what we inherited from ours, as remembered by one who has been on the ground all the while, and can see hanging on memory’s wall every street and building as our then small village was. 

Ours was indeed a rich heritage, we had parents who not only believed in God, but thought it their duty to each us. I can not remember when I first attended Sunday School and church. I can see my teachers now, also that little yellow back Catechism full of Bible truth, we were given a lesson and expected to know the same, memorize the chapters or portions from the bible, and recite from memory. We had only one Church in which all denominations worshiped, Baptist, Presbyterians, and Methodist. The men sat on the left side, and the women on the right. 

Our court house was built in 1818 of brick in a beautiful octagon shape, as was the custom in those days in the center of public square. All the material used in same was manufactured here, even the nails. 

Our Seminary was a large one story brick, two large class rooms, a good size music room, and a hall from which you could enter. One experience of mine in connection with this building stands out today, as vividly as in the long ago, my first attempt at Public Speaking. I had committed to memory a little poem, a then favorite with the younger set. “When little Fred was called to bed.” J. B. Walker, our teacher had drilled , and drilled all the pupils, “Don’t think of your hands forget you have any.” I mounted the platform determined to follow instructions, made bad matters worse, self consciousness seized me, my body swayed from right to left, till I was dizzy headed, and am sure I won my teachers sympathy, I was not asked to appear again. Time has wrought a change Stage fright is a thing of the past, we are all just folk no need to be alarmed. 

I promised to give you a pen picture of Scottville, beginning before the Civil War. Suppose you go with me toward Gallatin, Tenn. out about two or more miles. We stop at the road on the left, which is the one leading Franklin, Ky. Just here you find a house, I remember Mr. Marian Gains lived here, this section came near being Scottville. It seems one Mr. Scott convinced the other men in favor of our present site. 

Our public spring had much to do with this decision, we hope it is with you, to date it has never failed us. We re-trace our steps toward Scottville, in search of houses, we now enter Scottville; you find another road on the left, this the one leading to Bowling Green, Ky. just here a house, Mr. James Martin’s home, move forward we are within less than half block of the Court House, Mrs. Didamis Canada home, now enlarged owned and occupied by Misses Winne and Fanny Brown. 

We now go back one or more miles and locate the houses on the left side. We find a spring, near the home of T.J. Settle. This man for years manufactured Wool Rolls, later blankets, jeans and other fabrics. His son T.J. Settle succeeded him, since the passing of T. J. Settle, much of this plant has been purchased and removed to Flippin, Ky. Our next building, climb a steep hill, yet with us occupied by members of same family, Loving Barlow’s wife. 

We now reach the creek, cross, find mother Mays, we called her mother I know no other name. A short distance we find C.C. Kiger's home, long since remodeled, is now occupied by Carl Frederic Ohlemacher, a noted musician and teacher, a grandson of C.C.K.

We have now reached the home of J. Warren Hester, our (at that time) leading merchant, you may be surprised when I say he made frequent trips to New York City, NY purchased the best of silks and other dry goods, beautiful Leghorn hats and bonnets bedecked in flowers, and ribbons, sold same to the Lassies and Matrons. Mr. Heeter was a Presbyterian, a Christian gentleman. He now lies in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Ky. 

This home yet remains much remodeled of course, here a Hobdy of the firm Hobdy, Dye and Read resides. Gilbert M. Mulligan is our next neighbor a good one too, a lawyer, excellent citizen, this home remains and occupied by Rory O. Mulligan’s wife. 

WE have now reach the little house in which my mother lived during the civil War. On this site a cottage owned by Misses Fannie and Winnie Brown, on our used to be the garden is a beautiful brick built by B.J. Oliver. 

Supposed we go south, (we have been going east) this is the first open street since we started, one block brings us to a most sacred spot, the City of the Honored Dead, walk through, read the inscriptions, many many years, mark the distance between their sojourn. You will find me near mother you have the name. 

One block toward the east, brings us to Court Street south, cross over, on the right corner we find the then County Jail, my father jailor, on the corner just opposite you find a residence, the house in which I was born. To day May 17, 1928 on this same lot our local men are erecting a three story building (brick) 150 feet by 50 feet to be used by the Washington Overall Manufacturing Co. which has outgrown the present building owned by N.S. Guy on public square. The payroll is now $1,000 per week.

On the South side of this same street, now called Market, however should the name be changed before you reach our beloved little city, it is the first street south of Main, in the early years known as the pike, being a part of our stage coach route, from Nashville, Tenn. to Louisville, Ky. on the south corner is a building owned by Morgan Settle, a blacksmith, this name calls to mind the day John H. Morgan of the Southern confederacy, passed through of course wanted to see him. I remember Pernie Settle, my sister Martha, mother and myself, with others went. I now recall every feature of this handsome man, tall, broad square shoulders, black hair, large watchful eyes with a tender, kind expression, standing on the East side of the old Scottville Hotel, now known as the Jacksonian. Do you wonder why he possessed such charm for me? My only brother left home to go to Pikes Peak, to dig gold expecting to return with gold enough to lift the load so heavy from mother. When he reached Miss-, the call for volunteers came, he enlisted. I hate war. Please pardon this personal reference. Back to the building above mentioned, today stands owned by a cousin, A.C. Alexander. While we are so close to your spring, which we love, suppose we turn the corner, you see it, take a drink. Can you climb this hill we have one house above of the long ago, I recall Dr. W.R. Shapard. W. H. Garing, A.J. Richery and others, Mrs. Thomas Freeman now owns and occupies it. On this hill I saw my first circus. I was having the time of my life. They announced a woman would put her head in the Lion’s mouth, the cage was opened, a man guarding with pistol, a bar of iron was placed in the Lion’s mouth, I saw her begin this dangering feat, raised a yell was carried out, right there the circus lost its charm for me. 

We return to Market, we find a resident on each side, the one on south, Dr. A.S. Walker, one of our best physicians, he loved his profession, his often expressed desire was granted, he went to his reward, while ministering relief at the home of a patient. This building remains, owned by a granddaughter, Mrs. Malinda Patton Huntman, used as an apartment. 

On the north side a residence stood; during the civil war used for a hospital, a large number of soldiers answered the last call. We now have on this lot a beautiful brick church, The Methodist Episcopal. On next corner by A.S.W. a residence in which Sam Carpenter, lived during the way, this went the first route, Dr. J. B. Walker (MY TEACHER SO KIND) build, much changed and enlarged it stands, owned and occupied by Curtis Bryant. 

Forward one block we reach the James M. Mulligan home adjacent to our Seminary of which I told you, Mr. M. was owner of much land which made many buildings possible. The Walter Thomas home, next greets our sight, part of this remains, however lost to sight, you now see a large two story brick owned by Mrs. Hallie House now used by T.W. Crow, undertaker for a Funeral Home. 

Only one more in this section, located on the HOlland Road. I remember this first, as it was when Tom Williams lived there, it long since vanished. Dr. Willoughby owns this site resides also. 

May I ask you to go with me to South Court and Market, thank you. We are again at old Jail site, to the right side you find the former home of a man, noted as having been one of Allen Counties best Judges, to him this tribute was paid; “His decisions impartially rendered, neither money or position biased his dealings” Judge William Mansfield. Mrs. Etta Newman owns and here resides. 

On the left opposite, another landmark, I remember this story in connection with the family living here, Mr. Ford was the possessor of a piano; all kinds of excuses would be made to gain entrance, just to see this instrument. Mrs. S. H. Welch now owns and here resides, Mr. Welch for years was a prominent man in various kinds of business, grocery and general supplies, Harness and Saddles, cloth, etc. An active worker in Church and Sunday School. Just a few steps we reach the site of the Wool Rollsmill of which I have told you, on top of this hill see a landmark which has stood all past storms, a monument to our past, not for its beauty; it speaks of other days we cherish. Mrs. Etta Newman, owner occupied by Mr. Clay Sears. 

As this circuit has covered a large portion of south side of main street, suppose we go back to the cemetery, we go to main, on this right hand corner I remember a building in which Miss Nancy Lee lived, this is now the Big 4 garage, Dixon and Sims. Notice it covers the block from North to South. 

Just above another stood, John Martin lived here, we are now at the Scottville Hotel, famous in the Stage Coach days, a number of men met the traveling public, with a cordial hand, not for the fee alone, in this way information was ours, impossible, otherwise. I mention James M. Mulligan, Anthony Drane, and Enoch Berry. 

On this site we have a modern three story brick. The Jacksonian Hotel, Cary O. Andrew, Proprietor. The next building was occupied by Alex McKendree the lot now, a part of Jacksonian lawn. 

In _______ of long ago on the adjacent lot two buildings, in the first overall Markham, second Thomas Hill. Mrs. Lou Bryant Rosson now has a rooming house, We cross Main street go to the building under construction for the Washington Overall Plant, find on this lot once a building purchased for a Methodist Parsonage, lot now owned by E.F. Welch. 

A few steps brings us to another landmark, the first name associated with this building is T. B. Spillman, later became one of our dry goods merchants on same sight formally occupied by J. W. Heeter. May i be permitted to tell you more in regard to T. B. Spillman in this supposed to be brief write up, Harry Collins Spillman now of New York City, NY Educational Director for the Remington Typewriter Co. is a grandson of T.B,Spillman a noted platform speaker and writer, his Book pPersonality, studies in Personal Development, is rich, find a copy if possible read it. The Old Home Town he mentioned is Scottville, This typewriter on which I am talking to you was given by my Harry on April 17, 1928. Harry said - in appreciation of my long life, in the old Home Town. 

We are no on the south side public square; here a two story building, first floor a store, Lockhart Canada, above Masonic Hall; Graham Lodge 208, a small office, Dr. A.S. Walker, here I saw my first skeleton, have not wanted to see one since. E.F. Welch (building covers this ground, R. C. Huntsman Furniture Store next to which is being joined, Dr. L. W. Johnson and Masonic Hall, Graham Lodge 208, in which this write up is supposed to hide away. Next our Allen Co. Jail, the old one went the fire route, this, a two story brick, our constant destruction by fire made it necessary for all of us to belong to the Bucket brigade not so today, we have city water in abundance. A #1 Fire Engine, our Chief of Police, and Co., namely E. S. Morgan, Roy-Dye, Charley Settle, Carline Giliam, and Aldridge Perdue. We send in call, Central touches the button; the siren screams, this Co gets there. We stay at home feel secure. We also have chemical outfit. 

We proceed, cross to next block, another of the bygone greets us, the name first in memory, of the many who have lived in this, Chris Shirley, later Anthony Drane, and R.S. Welch. Mrs. J.M. Shive and daughter Mrs. Myrtie Shive Porter, own and reside. 

On the left of residence, you find a garage, Hobdy dye and Read. Mr. Read tells me in the middle brick column, front, there was placed, a copy Louisville Courier Journal, Allen Co. times, D. F. Riherd Editor. The Citizen-Times, R.R. PItchford, Editor. With a fifty cent coin. Just here may I speak a well deserved word of praise. Mr. Pitchford meant much to use, in our fight waged against the Legalized Liquor Traffic, in which we are victors. We had space free of charge always, in his paper. Should you ever have so relentless a foe, the best we could wish for you, may you meet a man in the press as loyal to your cause as R.R.Pitchford. 

While on the Press, I remember of our very first paper Opie P. Read and Harry Warner, Editor and Publisher, also the Motto “A child is among you, taking notes, I’ve faith he will print them too” He gave this the Scotch Irish which I come of same genealogy can not give. 

This the Eli D. Garrison home retains much the former look the stack chimney in center, he removed years ago, a hall made possible, this home is now owned and occupied by family. Miss Katurah Garrison (married John H. Garrison is yet in the old home (we know her best as Toodie) with her a daughter, Miss Lula excellent teacher, has private school in her home. Kenneth B. Garrison, a son, Baptist minister. 

On next corner a part of the E.D.G. we find the home of Miss Elesif Adelia (Piggie we called her) she also married a Garrison. J Rumsey, a daughter Miss Bertha resides. 

We move forward cross the railroad track, find the site of an old residence, this burned whil, W.C. Carpenter owned, was rebuilt, from time to time, remodeled once by W.W. Mayfield, later J.D. Read, now a beautiful residence. 

Only one more, and we retrace our steps, we are still taking the right side view, a large two story greets us, the home of John H. Collins, for years our County Court Clerk, I find his name signed on such on deed to my now present home date Oct. 1 1866. 

Will H. Collins, his son, is now and has been for years, he’s been working for Our Kentucky Home Society, a great factor in moulding character of children, not otherwise provided for, we hope the generation you meet, can provide this assertion. 

Only one more street, finish the public square, continue giving right side of the Pike as we called Main Street. Then my story ends not my interest, in all time to come it can but abide, in fact, when we meet on the other shore, I shall be anxious to hear from Scottville. 

Suppose we play, like we are coming from Bowling Green, the good road. Our hills of ong ago have been graded down, we find the same little creek we crossed on the Pike where we found Mother Mays.Dr. Paris lived here, later, Thompson Manion, fire years long gone by destroyed, however another takes its place owned by James Bell. 

We are no in Scottville, another long ago so completely changed the remnant is lost to view, a two story brick build by Thompson Manion the same man mentioned above. R.B. Justice now owns and enjoys this home. 

One block forward, we reach North Court Street, on the corner Mrs. J. Warren Martin’s home. In the old days Granville Gains lived. North of this you find a real Historic place, here lived on Mr. Griggs of whom this bit of history was given. 

In the year of 1833, we had a Meteoric shower (I call it this) which aroused the entire population, thinking the Judgment was being ushered in, and knowing they had failed to prepare, south Mr. Griggs to pray with and for them. 

T.L. Atwood build on this lot, O.S. Bryant, later purchased enlarged in fact made so great a chance, you find no trace of former days. Our new County Judge W.F. Pardue, owns and occupies. On next corner, North Dr. Charles Alexander, one of our best physicians lied, a man of real worth, sadly missed when he moved to Louisville, KY. N.S. Guy moved this building still using it, and build on the site a modern beautiful brick. 

Go with me a short distance, we find a spring, also another land mark, the home of Patterson Welch, a man of sterling worth. Our picnic ground was here, many times we invited noted speakers, and enjoyed a full day. The one which stands out with the greatest prominence, in my mind was given in Honor of our Soldier Boys at close of Civil War. 

Just one more house, climb this hill, find a long ago. My first remembrance of this home carries me back to Brelsford Chenault House, Nelson Alexander, M.A. Alexander, the house burned then on this site now, D.F. Riherd and T. W Crow.

We are now opposite, J. W. Martin’s home, here we find J.J. Gatewood home one of our lawyers, our Rep at Frankfort, Ky, This with many others went the fire route. Dr. A.W.Myers, built the present structure. Robert Strausburg, our now, County Clerk, owns and resides. 

On this the J.J.G. you find another house built by Oscar Hinton. At this corner go East, find one of the long ago sites, here my Uncle Richard Edmunds once lived. Today Dr. L. W. Johnson has a beautiful Bungalow to Dr. Johnson  you are indebted for these bits of history. 

We are now at the corner on which the Presbyterian church stood the then only one, we loved this as no other, so many sacred memories cluster here. The Peoples State Bank takes the place of this building, which with many others passed down the fire route, you can now know why we appreciated our water supply, and excellent fire department. 

There is not much more to tell of the then north side of Main. next to this church a large to story building, I well remember Jack Dance lived here, daughter Jennie and myself were often found climbing a large cherry tree. Fire got this too. Mr. Whaley Carver built the present structure, which was known as Carver Hotel, Burton Brown now owns it, is now a rooming house. 

May I go back and place two buildings between the Bank and the last one mentioned, J.D. Carpenter of Carpenter Dent Co., built a beautiful brick for his own use. Now owned by Dr. L. O. Johnson (dentist) in this write up, am trying to show in old Methodist way (testimony) the kind of people we had. Today I enjoy a perfect fit, in a perfect set of teeth, a free gratis gift from Dr. Johnson, we hope you have the same benevolent kind. 

The next a building owned by R. L. Paul a real estate man, the number of times, I have received my tax receipts through his kind. 

We are now at the Eli D. Garrison shop,  the man who made the most beautiful furniture, much of which is yet found in city and county. Mr. Garrison also made caskets. One of our most substantial men, a devout Baptist. His daughter you remember, lives just across the street, some time since this met the flames, giving place to a barber shop, a ten cent store and grocery. 

The next being the Green Woodcock home, one and a half miles, this home retains much of the former look. Part of this land is now our Crescent Hill Cemetery. 

Shall we now being on north side main, just across from People State Bank, on this corner, find a little office known as Dr. W.R. Shepards, this office gave place to the Allen Co. Bank building, this is now a two story, first, floor K.C. Napier Drug Store, second floor, Dr. Latty Graves office, fully equipped for electric treatment, X ray and etc. you will find post card picture, of his infirmary with our churches, graded and high school Peoples State Bank, Farmers National Bank, Jacksonian Hotel. A view of Market Street on which I live, not the house in which I live, mine is far from being a beauty, I assure you it is a joy forever. 

Where are we now, oh yes I remember we digressed at Napier’s Drug Store. Dr. Shepard’s beautiful brick with its former windows, met the flames, this site with the yard, gave place to business. We have Post Office, Seligman, Brother, I.D. Turner, Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Barley Pressing Shop.

We are now at the corner on which we find a small frame building known as the S.T. Hughes store, dry goods, grocery and post office. On this site we have Carpetnet Dent Drug Store. 

I remember a building near Carpenter Dent in the days of yore, when we had mail twice a week, the Postmaster from the rear called aloud, the name i was there top timed to answer, “here” E.H. Read knew every member of our family, answered for me. Do you wonder he stands out a great man in my mind? Today we have lock boxes, open same, no one knows how many or few letters you receive. 

From this we now take a look at our first Drug Store, owned by Rice Hendrick. For years this has been known as Settle and Welch Jewelry, Books, Musical Instruments, Wall paper, etc. 

Gilbert M. Mulligan’s office, first floor, Miss Jennie Mulligan, Millinery and notions. I remember, Miss Jennie as my first teacher. Today see Meredith and Smith Drug Store owned by G. M. Mulligan’s granddaughters, Misses Winnie and Fanny Brown. 

Next door find J.S. Braswell, our electric light man whose greatest delight it seems is, to see we are properly connected day and night. In the old days many of use used tallow drip candles moulded by our mothers. At night carried a lantern, on windy nights found ourselves in total darkness, often in mud, our then pike has become asphalt, Jackson Highway. 

This brings us again to the J.W.Heeter corner, W.B. Fowler cash store. A few steps north, we reach a landmark of other days, Fletcher Gatewood Hotel site. R.S. Welch’s beautiful home and grounds, we cross the street, on this corner stood, J.W, Martin’s blacksmith shop, now Vernie Hunt Boarding House, noted as a place you find real old time southern cooking, help your self eat all you want. The Farmers National Bank, in former Days F.P. Brown Store. Here my first hat was purchased, J.W. and Bass Ham site, now Morton’s Quality Story N.S. Guy H.E. Dixon and Farmers Supply occupy the Shelby Follis Hotel site. 

We are back to the Didamie Canada. You I hope understand this in way my autobiography, am only bringing up the Archives, stated in the beginning for my appearance, on the platform, my first  “when little Fred was called to bed” I then faced my audience, now i am speaking to one supposed to be here. In the year of our Lord, 2028, (this being) 1928.