The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-08-04


the boys were allowed on weekdays to bounce balls. IT
was then considered a sin to cuss, and a waste of valuable
time to play cards.
1t was against the rules of the church for members to
ioin secret societies. Rev. w. R. Hemphill, Of the
Presbyterian, and others, thought the Masons were the
abomination Of all denominations. Many citizens were
greatly perturbed at the fact that H. L. Holland, Y.
Sitton, James Magill, and other citizens would attend the
meetings of Clinton Lodge at Abbevile. They feared the
growth of the Masonic fraternity might do something ter
|rible, I know not what, to the injury OF the church. But
lodge was organized at Due West. Among the members
of the church who entered that most dangerous of all the
secret organizations was Col. D. O. Hawthorn. So to
speak, the high churchmen held their breath at the evil
dence of the waywardness of their brother. They didn't
know what to do. I only know what they didn't do. They
didn't excommunicate him. He had that very year, or
about that time, given $500 to the house OF worship, which
had Just then been built, or was being built. Col. u. y.
Hawthorn, 1 believe, was the first A. K. Presbyterian to
Join the Masons who was not accommodated. Since
then 1 have heard of no further opposition to Masons or
to other secret societies.
AT NEwBERRY..
In 1856 there were two papers in Newberry, the New
lberrlan by mos. r. GreneKeI, Liz lie NlolLS wi
The latter paper commenced publication in the beginning
of that year, 1856: Thos. P. Slider and James M. Crosson
were the owners. Col. Crosson was a member of the New
berry Bar, and a man of acknowledged ability. Col. Cros-
son was a most popular citizen. Mr.. Slider cared less for
popularity. The papers were printed on Washington
hand presses. Long primer and BREWER type were used.
Since then, as elsewhere, Newberry has made great ad-
vances in the printing business. The Herald and News
,-5 ~ Obear,or aach hove 1inotyDe machines OF the latest
and best styles. Their job presses are all that could be
desired. Col. James M. Crosson moved to Texas
and became a Judge in that State. He was still living a
few months ago. He was off, cheerful and jovial nature,
often inclined to print doubtful expressions. On one occa-
sion, when at the dining table, Mrs. Crosson gave him a lee
ture on the subject of printing words which suggest unutter-
able things. She said Profanity sometimes might be ex-
cused. Profanity was INDUCED in under provoking circum-
stances, but ~vulgarity was deliberate and inexcusable from
any standpoint. That lecture, which was delivered IN my
presence, has governed me in my fifty years experience as
publisher. If I ever printed a vulgar word, or any COM
|bination of words to suggest unutterable things, | have no
recollection of so doing. That good womans expressions
abide with me.
Billy Blatz was a boy in the city who was ever ready
to render assistance. He agreed to work the greater part
of one night in the office for IS cents. He paid 2o.cents
for his lunch. =
The foreman of the Rising Sun office was 10 Brazil
ton, a tall and handsome young man weighing perhaps 200
lbs. Twill never forget his speech when he said he thought
he had galloping consumption, and if so, he could live
only a few months. He soon gave up his job, and died
before the close of the year.
The year 1 lived in Newberry brings back pleasant
memories. While recalling the names of many with
whom kindly greetings were exchanged, I shall not forget
Bob Land, who was a clerk in one of the stores. He is
still living: 'R. H. Land, druggist, Augusta, Ga" A
better young man I did not know.
Then, as in other years, 1 took great interest in the
A. R. /. Church. I attended the Sunday School, q called
it Sabbath School them and was seldom absent from the
religious services. A young woman in short dresses was
Irresistible. 1 loved her, but I had not the courage to tell
her so. A few years later she married one of the best
men in the A. R. P. Church. She and her husband are
now in their home beyond the stars.
1t was in 1856 that the politicians began to make
notable use of the church. As if by inspiration they be-
came convinced Of the efficacy Of prayer-in getting office
During that summer a political meeting in the county was
|opened with prayer. The act excited public notice, and
Mr.. Crosson wrote an editorial in the Rising Sun on the
circumstance, announcing that the devil had been ousted
and his place had been taken from him by politicians.
The opening of a political meeting in 1856 with prayer
had an effect not entirely different from the effect which
the commencement of a baseball game, or the opening OF
a circus with prayer would have today.
OLD PRINTERS AT LAURENS.