The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1918-07-26

cation in his old home town. As ever,
II was a season OF mutual enjoyment
for him and the people Of Louisa and
vicinity. Arriving here on Saturday he
was asked to preach the next day
and each Sunday during hts stay he
has preached, usually at two services
Then he has spoken on other days At
patriotic meetings. SO IL would seem
that the rest he Seeks and needs is
not found when he leaves his work in
Brooklyn and comes TO Louisa; but he
graciously says our demands are not
burdensome and that he Is refreshed
by his stay amongst homefolks.
The years glide by so swiftly we can
hardly realize that generation has
been born and grown to maturity
since Fred went out from Louisa to
make his mark in the wide, wide
world and in recalling this fact IL
has occurred TO us that at least this
younger portion OF our population will
be interested in a sketch OF his career
It should prove an inspiration TO them
and we hope II may. Just here we
shall say that the Big Sandy News
confesses to a special interest and a
genuine pride in the record of this man
Lawrence county's most distinguished
product. because of his early connec-
ton with this paper.
About 20 years ago a small ad-
vertisement appeared in the News
about as follows:
Boy Wanted to learn the printing
trade. Apply at this office.
The successful applicant was Fred
Shannon, age ~ years. whose home
was one mile outside Of town. He
was son OF James W. Shannon. a
highly respected farmer, who soon az
forwards was elected sheriff OF the
county. Fred's grandfather on his
mothers side was Rev. Christian Sui
Ivan, an able preacher In the South
ern Methodist Church who died long
before Fred was born; but his grand
mother, Mrs Sullivan. was living in
Louisa and II was with this fine wo-
man that Fred made his home all dur
ing his connection with the News.
I Fred was told 10 report on the next
Monday morning for initiation into
the duties OF devil in a country print
ing office At five o'clock that morn
ing he was sitting on the step impa-
uently awaiting the hour for the doors
TO open which was seven O'Clock. He
began by sorting 'pi.y
For his years Fred was understood.
except as TO feet and brain and stores
Of energy and ambition. Another fea =,
ture that was we'll developed was his
laugh, which was surprisingly large
and contagious and easily provoked.
He entered upon his duties with rare
sagerness. and during nearly eight
years spent in this office he never lost
the enthusiasm manifested at the be-
ginning OF his labors. He was the
most Industrious boy we have ever
known His interest in our business
could not have been greater II he had
owned IL; and several times when
found voluntarily working in the Of
flee late at night we have told him TO
quit and go home, as he was over tax
ing his strength. All type setting in
offices at that time was
done by hand He soon became rapid |
compositor. Later he developed into a |
first class job printer. showing much |
artistic ability.
He was fond of reading and put in all |
his spare time that way, covering a |
wide range OF books in the seven years |
here All this time he was storing his |
mind with good literature.
At the age Of is he was converted |
In a revival meeting, Joined the NJ F. |
South. and soon afterward |
heard and decided 10 answer the call TO |
the ministry. In his twentieth year he l
secured a position as a printer in the /
Southern Methodist Publishing House /
at Nashville. Tenn. as a part OF his
plan to attend school there for theo-
logical training. He entered school In
August and worked during vacation /
until his schooling ended Then he
joined the Western Virginia Confer
ence of the u. E. Church, South. Hist
first appointment was Logan, ". Va.
He was successful there and a wealthy |
widow took 50 much interest in his
career that she insisted upon paying |
made this trip. and almost every year
he and his family go to Logan to see
Mrs Nighbert. who has followed his /
career with deep interest
After serving little more than two
years in the conference he accepted |
the editorship Of the Anti Saloon
League publication in Pennsylvania,
which had been urged upon him for
more than year. He handled this |,
work with much credit for several
months also doing notable lecture |,
work for the temperance cause at the
same time.
The call Of the pulpit was stronger. II
and he took the position OF Il
Junior or assistant pastor of a large
Methodist church in Harrisburg. Pa A Il
'ew months later the pastor OF Grace |;
Methodist church in Brooklyn, N. Y.
vas taken from that church in the II
middle OF the conference year to be-
'ome presiding elder. An influential L
minister from New York was in Har- II
'isburg about that time and became n
acquainted with Mr.. Shannon He |;
Iuggested that he might arrange to l.
ave him supply the Brooklyn church Il
or two or three weeks This ar
angement was made and Mr.. Sham 3
ION went to the Brooklyn church
Without ever having met any member I
4 the congregation. His success was Il
instantaneous and the church made a ID
fight for his appointment.
inally winning in the face OF prece- e
ents. over the older men and those
Fho had been long in the conference. III
ie was then about % years old, as we III
Igure 1t. and he remained with that
hurch seven years. resigning 10 ac- IL