[ARTIFACT] 1984: The Jessamine Journal, Thursday, October 18, 1984

SENIOR CITIZENS ENTER FLOAT IN JAMBOREE PARADE – Jessamine County Senior Citizens Center entered an “Autumn Memory” float in the Jamboree Parade, held here October 6. Tagging along behind the entry was a horse-pulled wagon carrying other seniors. Pictured on the float are O. F. Sanders, David Willhoite, Cleo Willhoite, Mary Shearer, Arval Durham, Violet McQuerry, Josie Tipton, Rose Stinnett, Hazel Phillips, Pearl Slugantz, Joe Slugantz, Bertha Cobb, Alberta Mosby, Frances Preston, Ruby Preston, Mary Bradshaw, Ruby B. Sanders, Christine McQuerry, Myrtle Goss, Juanita Corman, and Turley Curd. Pictured on the wagon are Mary Clark, Lyda Feck, Mary Middleton, Elizabeth Staley, Frank Teater, Al Staley, and Todd Warner.

The Jessamine Journal, October 18, 1984

[ARTIFACTS] Obituary keepsakes from January 1963

My great grandmother’s obituary produced as keepsakes by the local newspaper. It has been interesting to live as witness to the demise of the print journalism industry.

In Memoriam

HERALD-LEADER

Lexington, Ky. January 8 1963

Mrs. Martha B. Corman

Mrs. Martha Bradshaw Corman, 81, the widow of Suber* Corman, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital, South Fort Mitchell.

She was a native of Lexington. Mrs. Corman lived at 6 Floral Avenue in South Fort Mitchell and was a member of the Madison Avenue Christian Church there.

She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Fanny Dean Mathews, Nicholasville; Miss Viola Corman and Miss Madeline Corman, both of South Fort Mitchell; Mrs. William Englett, Victorville, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph Neal, Kansas City, Mo; two sisters, Miss Susie Ghant, Nicholasville, and Mrs. Minnie Scanlon, Prineville, Ore; 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

The body was taken to the Allison and Rose Funeral Home in Covington.

It will arrive here at noon Wednesday and will be taken to Kerr Brothers Funeral Home where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery.

One of two examples of obituary keepsakes laminated and serve as bookmarks.

A TRIBUTE

published in the pages of

THE LEXINGTON LEADER

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

JAN 7 1963

Memorial Obituary

Mrs. Martha B. Corman

Mrs. Martha Bradshaw Corman, 81, widow of Suber* Corman, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in South Forth Mitchell.

A native of Lexington, Mrs. Corman had lived at 6 Floral Avenue in South Fort Mitchell and was a member of the Madison Avenue Christian Church there.

Survivors are five daughters, Mrs. Fanny Dean Mathews, Nicholasville; Miss Viola Corman and Miss Madeline Corman, both of South Fort Mitchell; Mrs. William Englett, Victorville, Calif., and Mrs. Joseph Neal, Kansas City, Mo., two sisters, Miss Susie Ghant, Nicholasville, and Mrs. Minnie Scanlon, Prinville, Ore.; 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

The body was taken to the Allison and Rose Funeral Home in Covington. It will arrive here at noon on Wednesday and be taken to Kerr Brothers Funeral Home where services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery.


Violet’s biography

A resource* housed in the Jessamine County Public Library on Main Street, Nicholasville, KY, was published as a commemorative Jessamine County history and included individual citizens’ written accounts. My grandmother, Cutters, contributed her own biography which was included in this publication.

What I find funny or ironic is that whoever proofread or otherwise made an editorial decision about spelling made one critical error. This error is a longstanding point of discussion among our family.

At the end of her biography, Violet cites her nickname. Anyone who knew her called her “Cutters” but some would mistakenly say “Cutter” much to the chagrin of the ones who say “Cutters.” She would never have written it incorrectly. Someone made that typo in the final printing.

Violet Sunbeam Fayne McQuerry

Born on Sugar Creek Road in the house next to Wesley Chapel Church to Daisy and Manford Fayne, I was the third child; Hazel and Ralph were older and Ray and Billy were younger.

I graduated from Nicholasville High School and married Clyde McQuerry, son of Mattie Grant and William McQuerry, that same year. The next year a baby girl, Elizabeth Neale, was born; she lived only three weeks. Two years later our son, Ronnie was born. He was a happy little boy and fine young man. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, and while in service married Alice Robinson. The had three children: Ronnie, Steve, and Sherry. At age 26, Ronnie was killed while working on the McAlpine Dam in Louisville.

Our daughter, Phyllis, married Kenneth Mathews of Nicholasville. They moved to Louisville when they married. Their children are Cynthia, Craig and Sarah. Phyllis’ husband is employed by the Corps of Engineers in Louisville and she is personnel manager of Bacons.

Herbert married Patsy Carroll, and they have one child, Debbie. Herbert and Patsy were divorced, and he married Rita Pulliam. They have four children: Michelle, Macon, Tracy, and Brooke. Herbert enlisted in the Army for three years. Prior to his first married, he worked for IBM and upon his return from the Army, he returned to IBM and was transferred to Oklahoma City, where he met his second wife. He is presently employed by Eastman Kodak Company and lives in Nashville.

I worked in Martin’s Department Store in Nicholasville for seven years and retired from Montgomery Ward Credit Department in 1978.

My husband died in 1977 at the age of 69. With my seven great-grandchildren, my church, and volunteer work, I lead a very rewarding life. Everyone calls me “Cutter.” Violet F. McQuerry

Excerpt from Jessamine County reference (*will update this post when I find my notes with the proper citation). Newbie researcher lesson.

The example here gives me pause as I research genealogy archives. Records are only as reliable as the occasional human error and typos. This is ever in my mind as I try to distinguish the “Mathews” from the “Matthews” as well as when they are one and the same. I am not deterred.

“Everyone calls me Cutter.” Ummm, nope. Just those that don’t know better.

[ARTIFACT] 1981: MRS. NORA TATMAN GIVEN PARTY ON ADVENT OF 100TH BIRTHDAY

MRS. NORA TATMAN GIVEN PARTY ON ADVENT OF 100TH BIRTHDAY – Mrs. Nora Tatman of Nicholasville turned 100 years old yesterday. Anticipating the century mark, for a revered lady, relatives of Mrs. Tatman organized a party and open house at Royal Manor Nursing Home Sunday. Sixty-eight signed the guest book. Cake, food and refreshments were served all. The Music Makers, a trio from Lexington, sang old favorites. Miss Heidi Rode McIntosh, Lexington, great-great niece of Mrs. Tatman, performed a brief ballet routine. the visitation extended over two hours Sunday afternoon. Nieces and nephews are picture with the honoree. Front row (from left) — Mrs. Violet McQuerry, Mrs. Tatman, Mrs. Ruby Sparks, Mrs. Allie T. Carter, and Billy Fayne. Back row — Joe Easley, Clinton, Iowa; Ray Fayne; Roger T. Easley; Mrs. Ella Mae Neimes, Lexington; Mrs. Fannie Shearer; John Shearer, Lexington; Ralph Fayne; George Ewlsh and Mrs. Hazel Phillips. Mrs. Anna Cooley, Lexington, and Mrs. Virginia Rose are not pictured.

The Jessamine Journal, August 6, 1981
My grandmother, Cutters, seated next to her maternal aunt, Nora Tatman. Aunt Nora would live another 15 months to the age of 101yo. Cutters was 68yo in this photo and would live another 33 years. I look into her eyes and wonder if she ever imagined living beyond 100yo herself, as she did.

NEWS TO ME – 1st Cousin 3x removed: Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews, father of proctology

Another ancestor I never knew existed in the Mathews with one “t” lineage, thank you Ancestry.com, was named Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews. His grandfather is my 3rd great grandfather.

This example really floors me for not knowing or being known among family. Additionally, there is not much to commemorate him and his significance appearing in areas of public domain where I think there should be. This is another reason my passion has a purpose. This man deserves wider recognition. I mean, was he the first to say “Turn your head and cough”? If so, I rest my case.

Joseph M. Mathews, MD

With the help of online archives for The Kentucky School of Medicine, a predecessor to the University of Louisville School of Medicine, I located several images of Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews. He served on faculty at least seven of the graduating class years between 1887 and 1903, but I plan to dig deeper on this point for clarification. Next research visits must include UofL archives.

low-quality screenshot of cropped image online Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews

1847 Born New Castle, Henry County, Kentucky

He was the fifth child born to Caleb Moffett Mathews & Frances Ann Sullinger Edwards-Beasley Mathews, in Henry County, KY, on May 29, 1847. Father Caleb Mathews was a prominent attorney and judge for the county in the early formation of New Castle. The children of the Caleb Moffett Mathews family were considered “illustrious” and were presumably well-educated, as their father had been. There are references to the Henry Academy and its formation.

You can read more about Caleb and his two Mathews brothers, Joseph & William. These were the only sons of John Mathews, the first Mathews ancestor to settle in Kentucky, and his wife Sarah McDowell Mathews. These three brothers were all younger than ten years old when their father John died. A guardianship arrangement was established with George Moffett in 1816.

If Ancestry.com connections are valid, the McDowells and Moffetts were Revolutionary War Patriots and offer rich layers of exploration along a separate rabbit hole.

Education to physician educator

After his youth spent in Henry County having attended New Castle Academy (a.k.a., Henry Academy?), Mathews attended the medical school in Louisville, KY and graduated at 20yo in 1867. There is more than one reference to him studying medicine in Europe (either London or Germany…or both). His career flourished over the next nine years. He served on faculty of Kentucky School of Medicine, as president of the state board of health, and as chairman of surgery for Medical College of Louisville.

1876

The first reference to Dr. Mathews’ residence and practice as listed in the Louisville city directory was in 1876. Then, the following year, he married Sarah “Sallie” Trumbo Berry of Versailles, Woodford County, KY, on May 29, 1877. They were married in Midway, Woodford County.

Sallie was a 29yo widow and the mother of William F. Berry, born 1867, who Dr. Mathews later adopted. The origin story of William F. was tragic for Sallie, too. Sallie may have had a tumultuous first marriage as indicated by a newspaper clipping reporting when her father, Adam Trumbo, murdered her first husband, William T. Berry, when son William was 5yo. There is more to that story, to be sure. Search in blog for Trumbo for the next installment on this.

Louisville practice

The Louisville City Directory shows Dr. Mathews’ lived and practiced in Jefferson County between 1876 and 1914. Dr. Mathews lived in Louisville as shown in the census records of 1880, 1890, 1900 & 1910.

Between 1876 and 1914, Dr. Mathews’ Louisville practice was located at: 747 Walnut Street, 647 Walnut Street, 289 5th Street, 580 4th Street, 10 Warren Bldg, 342 W. Walnut Street, Mathews & Asman, 411 Masonic Temple, 308 Masonic Temple, 316 West Chestnut Street and, finally, 308 Masonic Temple.

In the same timeframe, the home residences noted in city directories of Dr. Mathews were located: 19th Street, Broadway, Alexander’s Hotel, 518 W. Breckinridge, 923 4th Street, 500 Belgravia Ave, and Louisville Hotel.

By 30yo, Dr. Mathews began narrowing his practicing interests to colon and rectal diseases. What might have triggered such drive? When New York City did not provide for his pursuits, he then went to London to study at St. Marks Hospital. Determination. In 1879, Dr. J. M. Mathews became “the first US physician to limit practice to colon and rectal disease.”

1880

The 1880 US Census shows Joseph M. Mathews, doctor, 33yo, Sallie, 32yo, and William, 13yo, living at “house #186, South Side Jefferson Street” in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky, USA. With Dr. Mathews on faculty at Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville, Jefferson County, KY.

1896

Dr. Mathews served as editor for the Mathews’ Medical Quarterly.

1898

Dr. Mathews elected President of the American Medical Association.

Joseph McDowell Mathews, M.D.

THE MEANING OF THE HONOR

Dr. Mathews is Now President of America’s Greatest Medical

Association and One of the Most Splendid

In the World.

Dr. Joseph M. Mathews of this city who was elected President of the American Medical Association at Denver Wednesday has in that election xxx on of the highest that be paid a physician as this is a national body and comprises every State and Territory in the Union. Dr. N. ??? of Chicago was the President last year, and Dr. ?name, Surgeon General of the army, is the retiring President. Dr. Mathews has had many honors conferred upon him in the past. He is ex-President of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association, President of the Kentucky State Medical Society, President of the State Board of Health of Kentucky, and has this year been First Vice President of the American Medical Association, the great body of which he has just been elected President. A few weeks ago a Pennsylvania university conferred upon him the degree of X.X.D.

The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Saturday Morning, June 11, 1898

1899

From Mathews to the Millennium – A Century of Achievement

A History of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, 1899-1999

Written & Edited by J. Byron Gathright, Jr. M.D. and Richard S. Bragaw

1900

The 1900 Census shows their residence as 923 Fourth Avenue, Louisville, Jefferson County, KY. A search for this address turned up in a parking lot adjacent to Spalding University properties, downtown Louisville. I have yet to find images of the house. It is possible there were photos taken by municipal entities prior to the razing.

By this year, son William T. Berry was considered an invalid brought on by illness. He would die from pneumonia in March of the following year.

In 1900, there were at least two other Mathews with one “t” living in Louisville, Kentucky. As of now, I do not find evidence of a connection to these families.

One other juxtaposition of note that I plan to pursue in research: In the 1900 US census, the enumerator lists residents living at 921 Fourth Avenue, presumably next door to the 923 Mathews Family residence. Headed by 58yo Henrietta Long Miller, Samuel A. Miller’s widow of five years, along with their 28yo daughter Eleanor Everhart Miller Bingham, her husband of four years, Robert Worth Bingham, 29yo, and their child, Robert, 3yo.

Much has been written about the Millers, Longs, Binghams in their situations marked by tragedy and grief. Was Dr. Mathews a neighbor of the family that would become pivotal to the development of Louisville as a city? What if any interaction was there? Would any journals they kept hold clues to my own ancestors? Would their family photo archive show their home?

According to the Pewee Valley Historical Society, the Miller family home located at 921 Fourth Avenue was razed to make way for building The Puritan Apartments, which opened in 1917. It stands to reason the house located next door would also have been impacted by the sizeable land project of an apartment building.

1901

Burying babies

And, in further sadness, according to this obituary below, Sallie lived to bury her only son, William F. Berry. His obituary opens up several lines of inquiry, including athletics and baseball in Louisville, a career in Philly and end of life as an invalid.

WILLIAM F. BERRY DEAD

Formerly An Athlete, But Recently An Invalid

William F. Berry, thirty-two years of age, died of a complication of diseases at the home of Dr. J. M. Mathews, 923 Fourth avenue, at 3:xx o’clock yesterday morning. Mr. Berry, formerly one of the best-known baseball players and athletes in Louisville, was an invalid for three years. He first became ill in Philadelphia. After leaving Louisville, he went to the Pennsylvania metropolis and engaged in business. He suffered an attack of the grip, and pneumonia, which later developed, brought an ailment which wrecked his constitution. He was compelled to retire from business.

Mr. Berry was the son of Mrs. J. M. Mathews. The funeral will take place from the residence this afternoon at 3:3o o’clock. The Rev. Carter Helm Jones will conduct the services.

THE COURIER-JOURNAL, 6 MAR 1901 – PAGE 10

1902

Joseph McDowell Mathews, physician, surgeon, author, was born May 1, 1847, in New Castle, Ky. He is president of the Kentucky state board of Health. He is the author of Mathews on Disease, of the Rectum and Sigmoid Flexure.

Herringshow’s Encyclopedia of American Biography of the Nineteenth Century (1902)

The US Directory of Deceased American Physicians, 1804-1929, Dr. Mathews was an “Allopath” with practice specialties and places including in: Louisville, KY, May 5 1911, Los Angeles, CA, November 25, 1915, Seattle, WA, Jan 20, 1925. Licenses: KY, 1893. Professorship: Louisville and Hospital Medical College, Louisville surgery, JAMA Citation 91:1910

Sometime after 1901, Dr. & Mrs. Mathews changed their residence to Los Angeles, CA. Did Sallie need to change her scenery following the death of her son? Dr. Mathews’ practice sites included: Seattle, Los Angeles, Louisville. Was he in demand as the foremost practitioner on his area of focus?

1920

The 1920 Census Los Angeles Assembly District 64, Los Angeles, California; Page 13B; Enumeration District: 228. Joseph M. Mathews, 72yo, living on So Carondelet Street as Head of House, married to Sara E. Mathews, 68yo. Renting.

California to paradise, but Kentucky remains

1928

After an illustrious career and presumably a choice retirement, Dr. Mathews died from pneumonia at 80yo in Los Angeles, CA, on December 2, 1928. He and Sallie were living in the Shoreham Hotel, Carondelet Street in their eighteenth year as California residents. Would the Shoreham be as swanky back then? I suspect so. OG swanky.

Obituary, 1928

DR. JOSEPH MATHEWS DIES

LOS ANGELES – Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews, 81, former president of the American Medical Association died here . Dr. Mathews came to Los Angeles 18 years ago from Kentucky, where he began his career after he was graduated from the University of Louisville. Born at New Castle, Ky., Dr. Mathews went to London in 1879 and on returning to Louisville became a pioneer in proctology and was the first presidnet of the American Proctologic Society.

Lexington Herald-Leader, December 3, 1928 (their typo, not mine)

She was 78yo. His wife, Sallie, died 18 days later and her funeral services were held at Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, CA. Dating back to 1906, the Glendale location was the first Forest Lawn Memorial property. Of the network of parks, this original location today features the Forest Lawn Museum.

Obituary, 1928

MATHEWS, December 20, 1928, at the Shoreham Hotel, Mrs. Sallie E. Mathews, widow of the late Dr. Joseph M. Mathews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 22, at 11 a.m. at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Cemetery. A. E. Maynes of the George A. Fitch, Inc., director, (Seattle and Louisville papers please copy.)

The Los Angeles Times, December 22, 1928, Page 16

“Dr. Mathews wrote a booklet on Proctology, a subject he originated and was the first Orthodox physician in the world to adopt proctology as a field of practice.”

Find a Grave
Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky

Dr. & Mrs. J. M. Mathews were cremated and without memorialization, now side-by-side at Cave Hill Cemetery. A brief stop at the office confirms by map their location adjacent to the drive just up the hill from this administrative building. Their sites are without markers but aside the headstone for William F. Berry. They are there with the son but anonymous in the deep ground around. They left no children, also referred to as “without issue” which makes me wonder if they were close to their nieces and nephews?

Was that no-marker decision rooted in humility, anonymity or something else? No will of either among my records yet.

1938

According to the February 1991, every other year beginning in 1938, the American Proctology Society commemorates founder Dr. Joseph McDowell Mathews with The Joseph M. Mathews Oration.

What did the society publish? Where are those records? Was this a convention event?

Another doctor in the family

The Henry County Historical Society has been in transition recently but I plan some summer 2023 research road trips that will allow me to move closer in my understanding of the Mathews family in New Castle. And then, Danville.

Next, I will share about the connection to Dr. Ephraim McDowell, another cousin, 6x removed from me, who is famous as a pioneer surgeon for performing the first ovariotomy in Kentucky.


NEWS TO ME – Great-granduncle: Dr. W. H. Mathews II (1856-1945)

February 3, 2023 is the 78th anniversary of the death of this person – Dr. Mathews – my ancestor I never knew I had. He is on a branch of my paternal family tree – Mathews with one “t” as we say, that I discovered only through my Ancestry.com research.

William H. Mathews II, MD

Here’s what I compiled from resources: He was born 5th of 11 siblings to William H. & Sarah Ann Porter Mathews, in Nicholasville, Jessamine Co, KY. He was the older brother of John Shanon Mathews, my dad’s grandfather. He was uncle to Pleas Cook Mathews, my grandfather.

Dr. W. H. Mathews II was born, was raised and later settled his family and his medical practice all in the proximity of the location noted on map as “W. H. Mat(t)hews” (see “C” in Chattersville)

Medical education in late 1800s

William H. Mathews, II attended medical school in Louisville, KY, in September 1881. Other names affiliated with his education include Kentucky School of Medicine and Hospital Medical College, from which he graduated in 1883. His obituary makes reference to an additional course in microscopy. I’d like to know what medical school was like in the late 1800s.

He married Fannie Scott of Nicholasville in 1884. The 1900 & 1910 Census records show they lived in Nicholasville, Jessamine Co, KY. They had two children Thomas Scott Mathews and Wm. H. “Doc” Mathews III.

Jessamine Co histories and his obituary place Dr. Mathews’ forty-four acre farm and practice located 3 miles south of Nicholasville, Jessamine Co., on Lexington and Danville Turnpike where he was born. He farmed and practiced as a physician at his homeplace. He was noted as a member of the Methodist Church. [Question to answer: Which one?] He provided care to the residents of Jessamine County for what might have been more than 40 years. [Another question.]

Concurrent storylines

Dr. Mathews II died at 88yo in Nicholasville, KY, on February 3, 1945. Across the county not far north, my dad was about to turn 10yo in a couple months and Pleas’ Jessamine Co tobacco farming family looked very much like this (see photo). Dr. Mathews may have checked in on his nephew Pleas’ family of five young children. Right? Would there have been any law against family treating family then?

The Mathews Family around 1945 or so (front) Bobby, Marita, Kenneth, (back) Marjorie, Fanny Dean holding David, and Pleas. I stare and stare at this image and ponder how much alike my father and his father appear here. Look at them – similar stance, far-off eyes squinting, head tilted at the sun.

The various Mathews relations likely all gathered at the funerals for Mayme Cook Mathews in March 1940, or that of her husband, John Shanon Mathews, who died a month later, April 1940. William would have attended his younger brother John’s funeral, I say. And yet, I have not found anything to corroborate.

Perhaps it was timing and geography that had something to do with a tradition of not knowing the family members. Maybe they just did not have anyone to carry forward all their stories to the younger generations. Was there a falling out of some sort, somewhere along the tree branches? Could it have been that Pleas returned from WWI combat without that connection?

I have not been searching long enough to have a true basis for these theories and yet I am not deterred. I will continue to seek more stories to live through my study and my imagination. I strive to be a giving ancestor by capturing what I can while I can as best I am able.

Other physicians in the tree

UP next (or soon, anyway) Dr. Mathews II’s first cousin (also my first cousin, 3x removed), Dr. Joseph M. Mathews, was a notable physician teaching and practicing in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY. Then, there is evidence of a connection to Danville’s Dr. Ephraim McDowell, a first cousin 6x removed from me, who is famous as a pioneer surgeon. More to follow from these rabbit holes.


RESOURCE: Headwaters, Appalshop on KET

Justice in the Coal Fields

I access TV using a digital antenna because it is free on a relatively reliable signal. The upside is that KET offers a special variety of choices. BBC World News, Kentucky Edition and PBS NewHour is my preferred cocktail for evening media. Occasionally I stumble upon gold in my channel surfing and the series Headwaters by Appalshop is often the source.

This afternoon, I was able to catch some of “Justice in the Coal Fields” a 1995 documentary by Anne Lewis about the 1988 United Mine Workers (Virginia) strike against the Pittston Coal Company that explores a number of themes resonating for Kentucky, as well, including civil disobedience, right-to-work states, justice and the law. And, Appalachian history and culture.

Although dated in all aspects, the film’s interviews and images hit home for me. I do not know of any coal miners in our family, at least not yet in my research. It is more from the spirit and personalities of the people. The character and characters of the community, their sense of community – that is what I remember from my youth. I cannot yet articulate fully how but I am reminded of my family.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/387521543?h=250b58fad8″ width=”640″ height=”480″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen>
preview of Justice in the Coal Fields

I am grateful there are resources featuring the history, both distant and recent, of the people of Appalachia and beyond. As I am working to create the threads of narrative about my ancestors, I appreciate how these stories are captured. Perhaps even one person will discover someday a missing piece of their own genealogical pursuits in what Appalshop has made available. And, you can stream and purchase episodes of the Headwaters series from KET Passport and from Appalshop.org.

Help with restoration of these treasures

Historic flooding in late July 2022 brought catastrophic damage to the resources held by Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY. Efforts are underway to recover as much as can be saved. Learn more and consider sending contributions to: Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY 41858


OBITUARY 1940: John Shanon Mathews (Jessamine Co)

John Shanon Mathews
Mayme Cook Mathews & John Shanon Mathews with grandson John Shepherd Mathews taken at the Jessamine County homeplace circa 1929-1930. They were married 53 years and died 37 days apart. Images captured from a family photo album and I believe the handwriting belongs to my grandmother.

MATHEWS

John S. Mathews, 76, died at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday night at the Good Samaritan hospital, Lexington.

Mr. Mathews, a Jessamine county farmer, is survived by two sons, Pleas and Johnny Mathews of Jessamine county; two brothers, the Rev. Joe Mathews, Anderson county and Dr. W. H. Mathews, Nicholasville, and three sisters; Mrs. Celia King, Indianapolis, Mrs. M. P. Land, Lexington and Mrs. Anna Bryant, Danville.

The body has been removed to the Guyn & Kurtz funeral home, wheres services were held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, with the Rev. Madison Combs, officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove cemetery.

The Nicholasville News, Wednesday, May 29, 1940

NEWSPAPER: Ford V-8 ad (1940)

The Nicholasville News, Wednesday, April 17, 1940

Who Says You Can’t Have EVERYTHING!

You can have V-8 performance – and gas economy, too!

An 85 h.p. Ford gave 24.92 miles per gallon in the annual official Gilmore-Yosemite road test, open to all cars. This was best mileage of all standard-equipped cars in this class!

You can have easy-handling – with big-car room and ride!

Everyone knows how easy it is to drive a Ford. But no one would know, til he gets in side, how big this Ford is in leg-room, seat-room, knee-room . . . nor what a thrillingly soft, steady, big-car ride it gives!

You can have low cost upkeep – and enjoy real fine-car features!

You shift gears on a Ford with the easy-acting type finger-tip shift used on costly cars. You get a semi-centrifugal clutch giving lower pedal pressure at shifting speeds, also typical of costly cars . . . to say nothing of the biggest hydraulic brakes ever used on a low-cost car. Your Ford Dealer’s ready and willing to trade . . . See him now!

You can have a FORD V-8 – and that’s what you’ll want when you try it!

The Nicholasville News, 1940

Read More…