Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-01-07
Correspondence of the Yorkyille Enquirer.
LETTER FROM CHESTER.

CHESTER, January 4.-The Christmas hol-
idays passed off pleasantly at this place.
On Christmas eve night there was Christ
mas tree at the Court House for the pleas
ure of the pupils of the Presbyterian Sun
day school. 1t is hardly necessary to say
that the tree and the presents thereon filled
up to the brim the cup Of enjoyment of the
little ones. On Christmas day the whites
remained for the most part at their homes.
while the colored people took possession OF
the streets. The latter gave vent to their
joy in masking and music-making.. They
seemed to be happy notwithstanding the
cry of hard times. An unfortunate occur
renee of the day was the shooting of a color
ed man by policeman Gordon in the dis
charge of his official duty. The wound,
however, wasnot serious. Another colored
man had his coat ripped by the knife of an
other billigerent man of dark skin, but fOrtu-
nately the coat was the only sufferer. On
Friday and Saturday nights the colored
people gave festival at the Court House
in behalf of one of their churches. The en-
ioyment was commensurate with the large
crowd in attendance, i the receipts OF the
evening were good.
On Christmas day the house on the sub
urbs of town that was used for many years
as Presbyterian parsonage, and belonged
to the Presbyterian Church at this place,
was destroyed by fire. 1t was bone of
contention for many years between certain
parties, but this is now removed by the
fiery element-a more potent factor for good
in some respects than the power of Chris
tian love. The loss was fully covered by
insurance.
On last Monday night S. A. Murphy, our
present Coroner, was elected Noble Grand
of the Lodge of Odd Fellows at this place;
w. w. Graham was elected Vice Grand; q.
w. Curtis, Secretary; and Sailing Heyman,
Treasurer.
On last Tuesday the narrow gauge train
on arriving at this place from Lenoir was
thrown from the track by q misplaced
switch. The engine turned over on its side,
and was considerably damaged. The engin-
eer and fireman, seeing the danger, jump
ed in time to escape serious, if not fatal
injuries. The responsibility for the mis-
placement of the switch could not be traced
to any particular person.
Mr.. G. H. Brice, who has been the assist
ant postmaster at this place for long time,
has received an appointment in Washing.
ton. He leaves to-day for his new scene OF
operations. He will be an assistant door
keeper-a position that will pay him about
81 200 during the session of Congress.
On the oath ultimo, at the residence of
lHOlIldS w Ieu, Ny iioi uo'iSS ,e''"ifN~H'
J. A. Wilson and Miss Matte Wallace were
married.
The Masonic fraternity gave a supper at
the Marshall House on last Tuesday night.
In addition to the brethren from this and
other Lodges, considerable number OF
gentlemen who were not members of the
order were present. After hearty enjoy
ment of the good things, remarks were in
order. Messrs. J. J. Hemphill, G: j: Pat
terson, F. T. Morgan, F. T. Whitlock, j.
M. McNeal and w. A. Sanders were called
on, and appropriately responded. The
members Of the 'mystic tie" and their
friends conducted themselves with remark
able sobriety, as on such festive occasions
there is generally more or less indulgence
in the intoxicating cup, but on this occasion
beer was the only beverage enjoyed.
Our church bells tolled the departure OF
the old year, and welcomed with their mer-
ry ringing the coming of the new year. ,
New years day passed of quietly and
pleasantly. Our town was full OF colored
by any anxious thought respecting the fu-
ture. The pleasure of the day was not
marred by any unfortunate occurrences.
Intelligence has been received of the eX-
treme illness of Mr.. T. l.. Chambers, of our
town, who went to Florida some time ago
for the benefit of his health. His uncle,
Mr.. J. Chambers, has gone to be with him.
There is no hope of his recovery, as he has
consumption.
The weather is so very disagreeable to-
day, there will doubtless be only small
crowd in town, notwithstanding the fact
that it is sales-day. The Clerk will sell two
tracts of land, and the Sheriff some personal
property. NJ.