The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-07-22
Letter from the Wideman Neighbor-
hood-Crops. Of
Mrs. Piggott's School
W1DEMAN's, S. c.,
July l3, 1871.

Editor Press and Banner:
l have promised so long ago to
write and give you few dots by the
wayside, till l havo almost forgotten
my promise. My spirits have been
almost below zero for some time.
This depression of mind is attributa-
|ble to SO much hot and dry weather.
The farmer has been very much dis
eouraged. In the immediate vicinity
of Buffalo there has not been any
rain of any consequence for some
time, until last Saturday, Sunday and
to-day we have occasional slight
showers, which arc very acceptable
The corn crops in this ncighborhood
have suffered q great deal; but only
lin this ncighborhood. Mr.. Frank
EWidcman, who does not live far, says
he has q better prospect for a crop
than he has had for mary years.
The cotton, although not rs large as
it was at this time last year, is doing
we'll. Thomas Nelson says he has
some very fine cotton. This was
planted early, and not injured by the
frost. " heat has been gathered ; the
yield has been very hatterlng. The
people think Of eating biscuit three
times day. Mr. Joseph S. Britt has
been we'll satisfied about his, and
thinks he will carry good many bis
cult to the Grange Barbecue, if he
can Get his biscuit moulds in success
full operation. He is a good farmer,
and thinks he knows exactly when to
sow oats. Mr.. Britt belongs, like all
other sensible farmers, to the Grange.
The people Of this vicinity have for
their pastor Rev. B. +. Miller. He
IS very justly termed a ''living apos'
tle." He watches his flock carefully,
and is very highly esteemed by all.
Mr.. NJ. is . kind shepherd. 1t was
my pleasure to hear him preach Sab
bath from Matthew, iii g, "Preparc
ye the way of the Lord. Make His
paths straight" This divine gave
some good advice about both external
and internal preparation for the love
of Christ. Rev. A. w. Lamar will
preach at this church on the 24th of
July. The meeting will be protracted
at that time. The Sabbath-school
nndcr the able superintendent, Capt.
J. II. Jones, is in Il foLrishing condi-
ton.
There is some excitement about the
coming elections and the colored mi
litia but I do not think q man of
your reason ever thinks that the dar-
key will rise - only they will have
to rise early and stir if it rains much
moro in this section. l will leave
such topics.
was delighted to make a visit TO
our old school grounds last Friday,
and to be present at q splendid exhl-
bitlon given by the pupils >of Mrs.
Piggott, who now teaches where our
venerable teachers once taught US,
Rev. e. L. Patton, and Mrs. J. 2.
Kennedy, then Mrs. Kate Wide
man. We received a great portion OF
our learning here, and the minds eye
rcverts with lovely interest to this
place, as one endeared to us by
thousand tender associations.
I took dinner with my old friend
". Watkins. His garden is in full
blast. He has plenty Of vegetables,
and says he has very fine garden.
In the afternoon l complied with a
kind request or invitation to take tea
with the family of DR.. A. T. Wide:
man. l received ga friendly grip OF
the hand from the Doctor, and re-
ceivcd cordial welcome. Here | met
some very pleasant friends; among
them werc Miss Janc Kennedy and
brother, of Duo West. They were
down on q visit to see their relatives,
and also to sec the exhibition. After
returning to the Academy, found
that your quiet village was happily
represented by Mr.. Rogers, who is
quite favorite among tho ladies.
The crowd began to gather, and the
exercises opened very pleasantly. |
think every one was we'll pleased
the expectations CT all were met. l
10 rot know the names of all the
young ladies who acted. Misses Graz,
Crawford, Neil, and Miss Kate Wide
man wero among tho most prominent.
Miss Kate Wideman I think would
grace any stage. Shs is 8 sister of
Miss Sumpie Widcman, and a very
smart girl. Misses Fannie Bradley
and Kate Patton with their musical
attainmcnts, forced us to think, or
rather forced me to think Of former
days, and that emusic hath charms to
soothe the breast Mr.. W. p. Wide.
man and J. S. McClane made us tear
The corners Of our mouth laughing
land even now we laugh when we
| think of the Arkansas traveller and
The old lady who made the wheel
turn so fast. Not being well ac,
quainted with Mrs. Piggott, l know
not Of her capacity as teacher, but
| |jndging from what l have seen, and
the credit which was reflected upon
her by these exercises, | would pro.
nounce her good teacher, and say
that the mantle which her predeces-
sors wore has fallen on one eminently
worthy to wear it. ] wisk her much
success, and hope the rank of her
i IN l.. ,....xl :....,,s.sasl u. :.