The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1878-05-16
One Murphys at HICKORY valley.

BY appointment we visited this thriving
portion of our county last Saturday after
noon that we might be on hand to inaugur-
ate that night the Murphy movement. We
met many of the solid men of the county,
who seemed hopeful of the future. The
merchants were very busy, their stores being
crowded with trading people. The business
of the Valley has improved fifty per cent
in the last year and the prospect is that in
time to come, with enlarged capital and
commercial facilities the trade at this point
will be as good as any other point in county.
That night the schoolhouse was well filled
with citizens of the village. Rev. J. P.
Walker opened the exercises with singing,
reading the Scripture and prayer. After
making few appropriate remarks, DIR.
Newbern addressed the audience in strong
and forcible speech. The senior editor of
the BULLETIN then made a few remarks.
An invitation being extended to those pres
ent to come forward and sign the temperance
pledge, goodly number did so. This was
n very interesting meeting. But it being
late we concluded not to tax the patience of
the audience by prolonging the exercises,
hence adjourned for the following days
meeting. In the morning the roads leading
to the Valley were astir with horses and We
hicles bearing those anxious to participate
in the temperance rally that day. At about
ten o'clock the large arbor-church was COM
fortably filled with highly Intelligent as
sembly. Rev. Mr.. Walker opened the meet
ing with the usual religious exercises and
stated we would hold at that hour a gospel
temperance meeting. His morning lessons
were appropriate to the occasion, and as he
read the Scriptures he gave edifying COM
ments on the same.
The writer then was invited to address
the audience and did so for an hour, after
which persons were invited to come out and
declare themselves for temperance Many
signed the pledge. Including this meeting
sixty-two Joined at the Valley; among whom
are some of the leading citizens.
This coming Sunday an organization will
be effected and the members will go to work
in earnest to increase the membership and
enlarge its influence
Among those to whom we are specially
indebted for Astounding hospitality, we
must mention Col. Robinson Reuben Scott,
and D. W. McAnulty. To other friends
whose invitations we were forced to decline
we tender sincere acknowledgment The
crops hereabouts are looking we'll. Col.
Robinson has a fine crop of wheat and no
IN hot Of
have the rust but not upon the stalk. After
dining with d. W. McAnulty, he took Rev.
Mr.. Walker and myself in his carriage to-
Middleburg to meet an engagement there.
Arriving in time we found large audience
assembled in the Methodist church. Mr..
Walker opened the exercises with the usual
devotional exercises and then introduced
the writer, who for about an hour reasoned
with his hearers to come forward and sign
the temperance pledge. Forty-eight joined.
This was a most successful meeting. Many
inveterate drunkards renounced the cup
Leading ladies and gentlemen at this place
are now active supporters of this cause. An
organization will soon be formed. They
have excellent material. Being fatigued,
We were forced to decline invitations to visit
friends some miles off and concluded to be
entertained by Robert H Rose and his
happy family And we need not say that
we had a most delightful visit 1t could
not be otherwise, surrounded as we were Dy
so intelligent and genial people. Here we
met Miss Rose, highly cultivated lady
from Pulaski, Tenn, who is teaching at the
Valley.
Crops arc good in this section, though
wheat is not as promising as was expected
This is the oldest settled part of the county.
We heard much of the worth Of character
OF that venerable pioneer, William Polk,
whose energy made the Middleburg belt of
the county famous for thrift. This old land
mark is gone but he left behind him some
excellent material to represent his family.
Monday, that enterprising planter, Col.
Shivers, shipped forty-two bales cotton.
Hope he will realize good price. Friend
Buffaloe, the efficient agent at this point, is
doing fine business He deserves success.
specially now that he has so excellent a
help-meet, as is his handsome wife.
There are certainly indications that the
people in their farming and business inter
ests have touched bottom and commenced
to ascend the plane of Improvement. Pros
porous times will soon dawn. Economy,
energy and temperance will ennoble any
people.
Special Notice.