Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-04-02
COVINGTON, TENN.
One of the Largest, Most Interesting
and Most Thriving Towns ON the
Line Of the Memphis and
PaducRh Railroad.
From an Appeal Correspondent.

From an Appeal Correspondent
CovINGToN, March 28.-Covington, as you
are aware, is the county seat of Upton, and
is located within five or SIX miles of Hatchie
river, which forms the dividing line between
Upton and LaudeIdaie counties, and 1T is sur
rounded by a rich and exceedingly productive
country in an agricultural point Of view.
Covington was first settled over half a century
ago, and Is, therefore, as old a town as the
former city of Memphis-not the ancient
city of Memphis, formerly located
upon the river Nile, but the Memphis of the
Taxing District notoriety, now having its
site upon the MISSISSIPPI river, opposite to
Hope6eld. The Anticipated seat of justice,
where the legal lore of the bar has so oft
been expounded, stands prominently IN the
public square of the town, inclosed with a
plain but substantial wooden fence, said in
closure being planted with beautiful shade
trees, evergreens, etc., which gives the old
building and its surroundings an attract
i've appearance. The main business of
the town Is done upon the square,
for it is principally here that the merchants
of the town sell their goods and wares, the
most of whom seem to be doing thrlvln g
business. 1t Is upon the public square also,
that you will fld the only hotei In
towns Though there are numerous private
boardlnghouses), kept by that genial and
clever gentleman, Sam h. Shelton. Here
the weary and way-Worn Traveller can lind
comfortable place to repose and refresh him
self, while mine host will treat him so cleverly
that he will make him feel like he was at
home. There are some two dozen places of
business here, among the number nine dry
goods houses, the rest groceries, containing
plantation supplies, etc. This place also has
Eve NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., Methodist, Bap
tist, Episcopal and Catholic-also two churches
for the colored fraternity. So you see the
good people of this town have every avail
ill i
election sure, and If they are pot saved at
last, it certainly cannot be for the lack of
the influences of the churches IN this
community. There are several fine schools
here also. The female seminary, presided
over by Prof. George d. Holmes, is beauti
fully located on a prominent elevation, over
looking the railroad and part Of the town,
and is in fiourlshing condition. James By
ars also has school for young men and boys,
which Is largely attended. Mr.. Byars has
been engaged in teaching here for quarter
of century, and his success as a teacher is
acknowledged to be unequaled IN the State.
Some OF the most most prominent and
other portions Of our great country, received
instructions from this eminent teacher. His
name is venerated and revered wherever and
whenever mentioned among his numerous
friends and acquaintance. Long may he
live to continue his usefulness. There is also
a very Hoursnius Ifee OF puollc SCHOOL
in this place for boys and girls, which
is presided over by Prof. J. c.
Boales, with two ladys assistants. Besides
these schools there are some pay or private
schools tor small boys and girls. So you see
Covington is not lacking for churches and
schools, and with the general moral tone
prevailing among its citizens of all classes, it
is easily to be seen that it is a pleas
ant community to live in. During
the prevalence of the yellow-feVer
last summer and fall, this town remained
singularly exempt from that terrible scourge.
although situated IN such close proximity to
the infected districts. There were only four
cases of fever here at that time. Three orig
mated among refugees from Memphis, and
one, the worthy and respected postmaster
here, w. }. WIseman, who died about the
first of October; but 1t seems that on account
of the healthiness of the place, or on account
of its good sanitary condition, the disease did
not spread as it did In other places, wherever
it got a foot-hold, although the town was filed
to OVERLOOKING with refugees from Memphis.
AS proof of the healthtulness of this place
and the estimation In which its pure and
wholesome water is he'd by those who have
tested its virtue, | need only mention the fact
that the Southern express messenger, Mr..
John Temple, who runs on this end of the
Paducah and Memphis railroad, carries into
Memphis every morning, over that road a
thirty gallon keg of water from
the town spring of Covington for the use Of
the officers and attaches of the express office
in Memphis Located within almost stones
throw of the public square, one of the most
pure and beautiful streams of water gushes
from beneath hill or bluff to be found this
side OF the mountains OF East Tennessee. It
is to this beverage, prepared by God him
self to nourish and invigorate his crea-
lures, that the good health of the
residents Of this town is Attributable.
In talking to the people of Upton, / find
they are delighted with the IDEA of having