The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1900-03-08
present it has a case Of chills and fe

| present IL mas Cart VI Nhih' on" ~
yer.
John A Esser laid down his scep-
tire of authority as Supt. of the Vir-
ginia Coal and Iron company on
Wednesday evening, Feb. 70, and
went over to Dorchester on Thursday
morning, March |, to devote his time
to the development of the plant over
there in which he has personal fnan-
cial interests. After the labor of the
day was over number of the employ
ees who have been closely associated
with Mr. Esser in positions of trust
and authority called at his residence
to bid him God speed in his new ven
ture. |. d. Clifford acted as spokes-
man for the crowd, the meeting be-
ing informal. a valuable Masonic
charm had been presented to Mr..
Esser at Christmas as souvenir
from his sincere friends when they
learned definitely that he had made
up his mind to make the change.
Mrs. Esser was made the recipient at
this visit of neat gold ring set with
a ruby and diamond; G. G. Kelly
making the presentation. a general
handshaking was the wind mp of the
meeting at parting and the friends
left with regrets at having.to sunder
the bond. In the discharge Of his
varied duties in connection with the
work in the Virginia Coal and Iron
company's plant, his guiding and
controlling influence has always been
exercised most equitably and benef-
cially. The employees have all felt
how helpful Mr. EsSer has been in ma
ny ways, where he has sacrificed his
own ease and comfort to serve human
lily, by the unsel6sh and laudable spir-
it that actuated him to encroach on
his own valuable time and give so
large portion Of it to the many pro-
visions made by the Pres, DR.. j. 5.
Wentz, and his estimable wife, for the
elevation Of the workmen, morally and
Intellectually. Most of his assistants
has experienced Mr.. Esser's worth as
a reliable friend, an apt adviser, and
his generosity to every deserving OBJ
liect, and all hands admire his stability
of principle and kindness of heart. 1t
is the experience of every student Of
human nature, that any person who
tries to do right will have enemies
and Mr.. Esser is no exception to the
rule, but the darts aimed by these foes
to do him injury were like peas fired
against the side Of one of the armored
vessels of the U. S. navy, and it can
be asserted without fear of contradic-
ton that he had fewer enemies than
any person who has occupied the va
ried and responsible positions that he
has filled to the satisfaction of employ
er and employee. His esteemed wife
has shared in the general good will of
the large circle of friends here and
elsewhere and it is the earnest desire
of the many friends of both that they
with their entire family may for many
years to come enjoy public honors and
private felicity.
A number of the store and office
force has been suffering from Grippe
viz: John G. Goodloe, +. +. Scott,
VIM. Polly, Robert Garden, Lee Will
liams, f. y. Draper and Henry Hoop.
They are now convalescent and able
to attend to their duties again. The
assistant Supt., /. d. Clifford. had a
very severe attack of the same malady
which laid him up for several days
The pastor, Rev. w. 90 Stevens, re-
ceived attention from the same com
plant, and was unable to preach on
Sabbath last. This disease is on it's
travels and is no respector Of persons
The Virginia Coal and Iron compa
ny is going to establish central off
ice at Big Stone Gap. j. E. Prescott
will have charge, with r. B. Allsover
and R. r. Casper, assistants, this will
leave w. II. Polly in charge of the Of,
fee here with r. A. Garden and ali
other assistant to arrive-a brother OF
| R. b. Alsover,
Mrs. A. d. Tanzey. left Sunday
evening for Cincinnati, o. Her
daughters Alberta and Nell are in the
employ Of the Colonial Coal and Coke
company, at Dorchester, as assistant
book-keeper and cashier respectively.
| Geo. Roebnck, who was formerly
mine foreman here. but who left to &C.
copt a position at a Meylisdale. Pa,
ceal Plant, is at Dorchester, having
tt~~l ~f Al. ID. IL