West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 98 by Charlie Miller
____The first newspaper in Jefferson was established in 1875 by the Xenia Tribune and was called The West Jefferson Clipper but it was short-lived. In the early 1890’s the London Vigilant started a branch office in Jefferson and called the paper The Jeffersonian, it was published by Pert Fullmer. Mr. Fullmer withdrew and started the Home News and Jeffersonian. John Silver also ran the Jeffersonian. Later Frank Wright took over. In 1896 the Jeffersonian was discontinued. A few years later Fullmer sold the Home News and the name was changed to The Torch Light, but it did not last long. Then Mr. McCracken ran a paper and did a good business. He sold to Sim Wilson who was succeeded by J. R. Cartwright. During the next few years, the paper was taken over by the Commercial Bank.
____July 25, 1899 – A petition was signed by a number of taxpayers to have the charges preferred by Harley Neighborgall and Joseph Hockenbery against Albert Clark, Night Watchman, investigated. The charges are that A. Clark who was at the time Night Watchman, ate the stolen chicken knowing at the time that said chicken was stolen, also informing said party where they could steal more chickens.
____August 8, 1899 – After hearing the testimony of the charges against Albert ‘Bird’ Clark, Night Watchman, it was moved by Gregg, seconded by Gearing that the charges preferred are not sustainable and that the officer be vindicated.
A NEW CENTURY
____January 23, 1900 – A new street in town is named Frey Avenue.
____June 14, 1900 – Frank Kinnamon was appointed lamplighter.
____March 27, 1900 – An ordinance was passed granting to the Farmer’s Mutual Telephone Co. the right to erect and maintain a telephone exchange in Jefferson: Be it ordained that the right be granted to Dr. Knowland, Arnett Harbage and John Miller, trustees for the Company, to erect and maintain upon the streets, highways, and alleys of said village, poles, and wires. This ordinance is to take effect 10 days after publication and to be in effect for 10 years.
____August 14, 1900 – A resolution was passed allowing the West Jefferson Telephone and Telegraph Co. to erect poles and wires on Main Street for the purpose of building and maintaining a telephone exchange in Jefferson. The resolution is to be in effect for 25 years. The Company agrees to go into a contract with any electric railroad company that comes through town, to use their poles for electric light also.
____August 28, 1900 – A resolution was passed by the Village Council which took up nine pages of the record book concerning a contract with the Electric R. R. The main points were: After dark all cars shall be lit with electric lights and suitable signal lights. There shall be continual service between 6:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.. At least 6 trains each way every day. A station will be maintained in the Village.