Walker, Caleb W. – (d. 1889)

C. W. Walker was borned in Currituck county, N. C., January 29th, 1847, and died at his home in Plymouth, N. C., August 21st, 1889, aged 42 years 6 months and 22 days. In the year 1880 he was happily married to Miss Annie Layton, of Bridgeville, Del, who with one son, still survive their loss. Brother Walker was soundly converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in the year 1874 and lived a devoted christian of the same and the remainder of his days. As a christian he was earnest, meek and sweet spirited as a child, his life was as joyous in the Savior’s love as his translation was triumphant and glorious. For several years he filled the office of stewart faithfully and enerjetically. No man ever lived in this community who was more honored and loved as a christian and citizen than he. He was, indeed, “”a living epistle known and read of all men.” As a member of the church he was true and faithful, a good neighbor, a trusted friend, a loving husband and a kind father. While he quietly lingered on the shores of time, waiting for the call of his Saivour he trusted his promiser to the end for sustaining grace, which was graciously given to him. His last hours were like the beautiful setting sun, without an intervening cloud. The business of the town was almost suspended, and every possible respect was shown by the large concourse of sorrowing friends who followed his remains to their last resting place – the Methodist Cemetery. May the benedictions of heaven rest upon the bereaved wife, and may the Father’s mantle fall upon his son, and may the name left him encourage him to walk in his father’s footsteps. — 
C. W. Robinson


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  27 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Creswell Letter (September 20, 1889)

The following items are excerpted from the Creswell Letter column:

  • Dr. J.L. HASSELL and wife were summoned to Chowan county last Saturday to the bed side of their sister, Mrs. W.E. HASSELL, who is quite ill.
  • We learn that our popular Sheriff J.B. CHESSON, has appointed, or contemplates appointing, Mr. E.G. EBORNE of our place, his Deputy for this section of the county.  We think he has made a wise selection, and hope the appointment maybe, if not already made, as he is a man who will fearlessly discharge the duties of a Deputy Sheriff, and we think will give general satisfaction.

Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

To Miss Neva Johnston (1889)

By Mrs. Anna N. IRWIN

Thou beautiful enchantress! of such bewitching manners and a lovely brunette, whose silken hair of raven dye, and expressive eyes of jet; your dimpled, rosy cheeks and thy coral lips add quite a charm to your beauty.  May thy presence gild the gayest walks of life, and in after years, may you have the traces of your younger self.  When matchless in your personal grace, still linger the adornment of perfect mould.  May your life be fragrant with good deeds, and the savor of a consecrated existence, and when you die may the coming of myriads of spirits, who guard the gates of heaven, throw open the golden gem set portals for your entrance.


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Magett, John – (d. 1889)

While on her last trip the steamer Lucy lost one of her crew, a deck hand named John MAGETT.  It seems that while off North river MAGETT slipped off a pile of shingles into the water and was drowned before assistance could reach him.

It seems that the Lucy is very unlucky with her crew, this is the second man lost off her deck within twelve months, whether the ill fat is attributed to the inconvenience of the steamer or the carelessness of the crew we can’t say but the latter we expect.


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

BLOUNT, H.A. and LAYTON, Sallie – (m. 1889)

MARRIED — At the residence of the bride’s sister, Mrs. Annie WALKER, on Third street, Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock, Mr. H.A. BLOUNT, one of Plymouth’s most popular young men, to Miss Sallie LAYTON, formerly of Bridgeville, Del. but who, for the past year, has added much to the social circle of Plymouth by her charming presence.

The marriage was very quiet; only a few of the relaties and friends of the contracting parties being present.

The ceremony was performed by Rev. C.W. ROBINSON, of the M.E. Church, in a most solemn manner.

We extend to the two happy lives that are thus made one, our congratulations and best wishes for a long, happy and prosperous journey through life.


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Harry Cooper Catches Shark (1889)

Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

  • Harry COOPER, colored, captured a small shart at the mouth of the Roanoke river on Saturday last, while fishing with a net.  It was about seven feet long and when brought to town created much excitement.  This makes the second shark caught in these waters of late.

Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Beacon Flashes (September 20, 1889)

Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

  • Miss Lizzie BEASLEY, of Coleraine, is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Dr. H.E. WOLFE, near town.
  • Mr. John H. CARTER, of Pungo, has been employed as salesman by W.H. HAMPTON of this place.
  • Mr. Gilford DAVENPORT has removed his family to the old homestead in Tyrrell county.  We regret to give them up.
  • Mr. M.W. NEWBERRY, who has been located at Edenton as a photography, for some time, has returned to his home in Plymouth.

Source: Roanoke Beacon,  20 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Three Strangers Enter City (1889)

On Thursday night of last week three strangers entered the city, two of which in about 21 years cast the Democratic vote, while the other, a girl, will perhaps be the mother of a Democratic boy. Messrs. W.H. HAMPTON and W.W. SCARBORO can now sing “ain’t it nice to be the papa of a bouncing baby boy,” while Mr. W.D. CARSTARPHEN has the pleasure of the sweet smiles of a little girl.


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  13 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Beacon Flashes (September 6, 1889)

Excerpted from the Beacon Flashes column:

  • Mr. A.S. JACKSON has accepted a position with the firm of M.J. Bunch & Co., as salesman.
  • Mr. C.C. JACKSON has been appointed Deputy Marshal of this section of North Carolina.
  • Mr. J.A. KEENAN, shoe maker and sign painter is now located on Water street, opposite the old hotel.
  • Mr. L.L. NEWBERRY is having the old hotel repaired. It is to be occupied by Miss Fannie O. MELSON.
  • Miss Nellie E. CHESSON, of this county, left on Wednesday for Murfreesboro to attend school at the C.B.F. Institute.
  • Miss Gertie CHESSON, who was the guest of her uncle, Mr. W.M. CHESSON, of Mackey’s Fery, last week, returned home on Sunday.
  • Mr. Ed. WINLEY had his hands badly lacerated one day this week while fooling with the bear, which he supposed to be perfectly harmless.
  • Mr. Rheuban SANDERS and wife, of Mildridge, NC., have been spending the past week with their daughters, Mrs. A. BARDEN and Mrs. J.S. CHESSON, of this city.
  • Mr. W.W. CARRAWAY, Post Office Inspector, accompanied by his wife, was in the city a few days this week as the guests of Mrs. CARRAWAY’s brother, Mr. J.P. HILLIARD.
  • Miss Margie GARRETT will open a Primary School at the Free School building, on Sept. 23rd. Miss GARRETT is a fine teacher, and we wish her much success. See “ad” in this issue.
  • One of the most beautiful sights to be seen on our streets these pleasant evening is Mrs. J.W. READ with her beautiful pheaton and stylish pony, which turnout corresponds well with her grace and beauty.  Mrs. R. handles the reins and whip with as much grace and ease as the most skilled horseman.

Source: Roanoke Beacon,  13 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.

Eastern Advocate Ceases Publication (1889)

It is with regret that we note the discontinuation of the Eastern Advocate, of Edenton, which closed its publication on Wednesday of last week.  Such is the case with newspapers.  If the public will not patronize them they cannot live.


Source: Roanoke Beacon,  13 September 1889.  Available online at digitalnc.org.