Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-01-07

BILE object in view; while those who were not
disturbed in their midnight slumbers cannot
repress sly laugh at the supposed JOKE
Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer.
FROM CHESTER.
CHESTER, January 4, 1875.
The Christmas festivities passed OF very
n]easantly in our community. The private
and public entertainments were very agreea-
ble. and troubles, both individual and polltl-
cal. were for a time forgotten in the enjoyment
of the general good cheer that prevailed. The
festival given by the ladies Of the Episcopal
Church came off at the appointed time, on
Wednesday evening Of Christmas week, and
was in every particular great success. The
entertainment was held in the elegant rooms
Of the new and beautiful building recently
erected by Major j. w. Wilkes. The Christ
mas tree, which was brilliantly illuminated,
was the interesting feature Of the occasion,
and the pretty things which hung from its
branches shone amid the brilliancy like stars
at night. When the eyes of the young and
old had been sufficiently feasted in beholding
the dazzling beauty Of the tree, the pretty
things, which had been numbered, were taken
of, and distributed by nice, modest young
man, to those holding the cards containing he
lucky numbers The calling of the numbers
aud distribution of the gifts occasioned much
merriment. Frequently did the blood GRIM
son the checks of modest youths when the an
nouncement was made that a "baby" was
drawn. The baby family was exceedingly
numerous, and if they had been living babies,
how astonishiugly quick would the joy have
been turned into mourning. One ofthe rooms
was used as a supper room, where tables
groaned beneath the weight of good things,
both substantials and sweets. 1t is needless
to enlarge upon this portion of the evenings
entertainment. Everybody knows to what
an inexpressibe extent gentlemen, (and ladies,
too, when they are not observed) enjoy
stewed oysters steaming with heat, roast tur-
keys, ducks, etc. After the enjoyment of the
supper, promeuading and dancing ruled the
hour, and all went merry as marriage bell.
On Thursday, considerable number of
persons were in town, making their Christmas
purchases. The hediherent stores, especially the
confectionery establishments, were we'll filled,
and did thriving business. During the day
there were unmistakable evidences, in several
ways, ofthe approach Of the festival season,
and at night the popping of 6re.crackers and
shooting of sky rockets clearl y indicated the
presence of ofChristmas eve. For several hours
number of intoxicated individuals paraded
the streets, and made night hideous with their
yells. About midnight the alarm of fire was
raised, causing considerable commotion, and
breaking up private party. As the confa-
grafton was only ashanty on the outskirts
of town, the fremen did not turn out. The
cabin, which belonged to John Lilly, an ex-
legislator, was entirely consumed.
On Christmas day the colored element pre-
ponderated on our streets to an amazing ex-
tent. They seemed to be as happy as their
hearts could desire. Their joy found express
sion in making music, dancing, drinking and
other ways peculiar to themselves.
The great event ofthe holidays in our town
was the Masonic entertainment, consisting of
installation ceremonies and supper. The ar
rangements we're we'll planned and we'll car
ried out, aud the evening passed away to the
entire satisfaction Of the fraternity and their
friends AS the families of Masons, and the
lady friends Of unmarried Masons were pres
ent on the joyous occasion, the attendance
was large. The Chester Luminaries added
immensely to the evening by the dispensing
of sweet strains. An interesting feature of
the occasion was the reception by the Masonic
fraternity of the members of the Morning
Star, an organization composed for the most
part of ladies. The following officers were
installed for the ensuing Masonic year: j. B.
McFadden, Worshipful Master; Jno. Withers,
Senior Warden; j. D. Means, Junior War
den; w. A. Wilson, Senior Deacon; and j.
w. Parker, Junior Deacon. After the install
lation services, which included the giving of
the "grand honors," the crowd adjourned to the
"Cotton Hotel" where bountiful and elegant
supper had been provided by the committee
of arrangements. Thesupper was everything
that could be desired. A more successful and
brilliant entertainment has not been given in
Chester for many years.
The body of a negro was found few days
ago near Crosbyvlle, in this county, in mu.
tilated condition. Suspicion had fastened
upon him as being connected with the robbery
of store in that locality. The suppositlon
is entertained that he was murdered by men,
bers of his own race to prevent an expose Of
revelations in regard to the robbery.
Mr.. S. J. Couch, one Of our legislators, has
introduced a bill, providing for the enlarge.
ment of the limits Of our town. Our citizens
will present petition to the Legislature, set
ting forth that the present limits are sufficient
ly large, and asking that they be retained.
Mr.. Couch has promised that if the opposition
to the bill assumes the shape of petition, he
will withdraw it.
| Dr. A. H. Davega has presented me with
complimentary ticket over the Chester and
Lenoir Narrow Guage Railroad during the
year 1875, for which I now make due ac-
acknowledgement.
Miss Crosby, Of York county, while visiting
her kindred in this county, the family Of Jas.
Atkinson, met with sudden aud distressing