Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1886-09-16
ouR CHANCE.
The Unaka Timber Company VIII Build
Railroad from Erwin to Strike
the Il. T. Va. Ga. With a
Terminus In This


We have several times mentioned the
projected railroad from Erwin which the
Unaka Timber Company propose to build
If they receive sufficient aid from the
people whom it and their works will
benefit. The letter below from the presi-
dent of the company to Mr.. A. v. Deade-
rick of Unaka Springs explains what
they want TO do. We understand that
the people Of Unicoi stand ready to con-
tribute their quota of the required amount.
Johnson City has made some effort, but
as yet has failed TO raise their share. The
planting in the midst of the vast lumber
region of Unicoi works costing upwards
of $150,00O, aside from the railroad,
would be the beginning Of the prosperity
which the development of eur almost un-
limited natural resources is sure to bring.
A business enterprise that will bring
such an amount of capital into this sec
ton should be encouraged with might
and main. Now, If the requisite amounts
are not soon provided for it is understood
that the works will be established at
Knoxville and the logs floated there to be
cut up. Whether this grand opportunity
to secure the business is lost to us or not
depends upon the push and enterprise of
our people.
Right here may be ~Jonesboro's oppor-
tunity. Why not run the road to this place
through Embreeville making the reopen
ing of the iron works not only probable,
but almost certain. You who have long
heads can surely see a big thing for us in
this enterprise. Even il the terminus of
the road can't be secured for Jonesboro
every effort should be made to keep II
in the county. Think about it and talk
about it-and don't talk too much or toe
long. We shall have more to say on this
subject in the future, but at present shall,
content ourselves by presenting the above
mentioned letter, which find below:
Big RAPIDS, Mich, Sept. 9Th, 1886.
DEAR SIRs:-Yours of the 4th at hand,
we have no doubt but that the Noll
Chucky river will run logs. We will take
the risk of getting logs from the STATE
line to the mouth Of the river. The most
difficult part will be to get them to tn
! State line. We have seen enough of tn
river to know that this can be done.
Our first choice to locate our mills,
would be at Erwin, but there arises
large obstacle in the way, and that Is thu
building of q railroad to johnson City.
I We dare not undertake to build thi
/ road alone now. We could build TIN
road, but to build the road and carry OF
our extensive lumber business is NOR
I than we can do. But If the people a
. Johnson's, Erwin and along the line, vii
do that which we have asked of the, W
U will build the road, but promises will
s not build the road. We must know to
S dead certainty that all the aid will be oh
9 tanned. 1t would not be policy for us t
!. go on and expend several thousand do
" lars upon the road, and then ascertai
that we would only be able to obtain on,
fourth or one-half of the aid asked fol-
:. If your influential men, (men who ar
able toy will guarantee the aid, We wi
g commence at once to forward the NOV
v ment, and locate definitely at Erwin an
q Johnson. This matter is of great in
portance to some of your people, and "
hope you will take interest enough in til
matter tospush 1t to a success.
' Yours truly,
, G.. A.. RUMsEY,
Pres't Big Rapids, Mich, Lumber O.