The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1917-04-04
JEFF DAVIS MEMORIAL
SHAFT NOW IS ASSURED

Monument to be an Obelisk 351 Feet
High, Erected ut Birthplace Of Pres.
ident Of Confederacy in Todd County
Kentucky. .. ;, L.. i,
Hopkinsville, Ky, March 24-The
long-cherished desire for proper
memorial to Jefferson Davis, first and
only President of the Confederate
States Of America, at his birthplace at
Fairview Ky, is at last to be real
lied. For nine years or more this
project has been urged Eight years
ago 10 acres of the original Davis
farm at Fairview was bought and was
dedicated with much ceremony in the
presence of several thousand people.
But somehow the money has OF
been forthcoming in sufficient amounts
to put the proposition through on the
elaborate scale which was desired.
Most of the contributions were small
sums given by individuals, and they
ran into the necessary thousands of
dollars very slowly. Yet since the park
site was bought about $4,000 has
been thus raised, and as fast as avail
able this was expended in paying for
the land, clearing it and inclosing it
with very hadsome stone fece.
In the last few months, however,
fresh impetus has been given to the
scheme; new and really substantial
hackers of it have been interested, and
as the rounding out to completion of
the plans it has been decided to erect
as the crowning feature Of the park
an obeisk 351 feet high, making It
second in point of height in the world,
the Washington monument alone ris-
ing above it.
Last summer General George w.
Littlelicld. Of Texas, and General Ju-
Ian s. Carr, of North Carolina, two
followers of the Lost Cause and multi
millionaires, were enlisted in the pro-
jcct and each made 4 generous contri-
button. The National Organization Of
Daughters Of the Confcdcracy at their
recent annual meeting, pledged their
support. Other organizations and in
dividuals all over the natio arc show
ing renewed zeal and making substan-
tial subscriptions. General Littlefied,
besides large initial gift, has agreed
to give So for every 81 contributed.
General Carr, who is now in the Ori-
cnt, approved the plans for the memo
rial before leaving and assured the
promoters OF his hearty support.
General Bennett II. Young, of
louisville, has all along been the NOV
ing spirit in the project. 1t was he
who advanced the money to close the
option on the property when it was
about to be lost through lack of funds,
and it was he who got General Little
field and General Carr interested.
General Young Is president OF the JEFF
ferson Davis Home Association, which
is behind the memorial project. The
other officers are General Julian S.
Carr, Of Durham, n. c., and V. Y.
Cook Of Batesvillc, Ark, vice prcsi-
dents, George w. Littleficld, Of Aus
tin, Texas, chairman Of board Of di-
rectors; John a. Wood of Jackson,
Miss, Chairman Of advisory board !;
John II. Leathcrs, Of Louisville, treas
urer, and Thomas d. Osborne, OF
: Louisville, secretary.
Test holes have been dug on the
highest point Of the wooded eminence
in the park site at Fairview, and at n
depth Of eighteen feet a solid lime
stone foundation was found. There Is
an abundance Of limestone on and ad-
jacent to the park for the monument
itself. The foundation Will be 43 feet
square, and arrangements are being
made for laying 1t.
TO build the obclisk will require
5000 yards Of sand, 5000 barrels OF
cement and 5000 yards Of crushed
stone When completed it will weigh
27OoO,000 pounds. and the cost will be
approximately $4,000. Bids have been
submitted for its erection. Much work
will be done In further beautifying
and improving the park. Plans al
ready prepared call for driveways
walks. shrubbery. flower gardens, etc
1t Is hoped to complete the obclisk
III lime to "nv0.i and dedicate Il on
October 90 Of this year. 1t will be a
great occasion. Governor Stanley has
.nrnn,icoJ ~ bo ,ro,n,,t 49,, u, ,o.,x -, :,