Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 149, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 29, 1998 Page: 2 of 22
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Page 2A—CHEROKEEAN/HERALP of Rusk, Texas—Thursday, October 29,1998
Clferokeeaij/Hcrald
October 29,1998
Emmett H. Whitehead
publisher
Marie Whitehead
editor
Texas' oldest continuously
published weekly newspaper.
Established as the Cherokee
Sentinel Feb. 27,1850
Editorial
Voters Should Be Specific in General Election
A newspaper is published
with certain objectives as
goals. These include to 1)
inform, 2) educate, 3) influence
and yes, 4) entertain.
Our purpose herein is to influ-
ence, persuade you of the wisdom
to elect certain persons on next
Tuesday's General Election bal-
lot.
These recommendations are sub-
mitted to you on the basis of our
knowledge of candidates and their
proven records of service to us in
the past.
There is no question that Gov.
George Bush has been a friend to
Rusk and Cherokee County since
his tenure in the state's highest
office began. A proven record.
John Sharp, candidate for lieu-
tenant governor, has been a pillar
of support to this area since his
legislative career began in 1973.
He cast many votes of support for
various worthy endeavors during
his years of service as a member of
the House of Representatives.
More recently, as our state's comp-
troller—his present position—he
acted compassionately toward our
County government. In this in-
stance, GTE had made an error in
its payment of sales tax money
owed by its company to Cherokee
County. It was a huge over-pay-
ment. In fact, it was $332,206.
When the mistake was discovered,
rather than demand an immedi-
ate refund be made, Comptroller
Sharp worked out a plan in which
the county was given 25 years to
repay. Without his help, who could
say what our county's tax rate
would be today.This is just one
small, "for instance" in our big
debt of gratitude to Mr. Sharp. A
proven record...which is further
Beautiful, Autumn days
have slipped in so
quietly. With almost 10
months of the year now gone, it
is interesting to contemplate the
extremes we've experienced in
weather during this time.
Spring tiptoed in, on the heels
of a mild to moderate Winter. So
little Winter, in fact, some of us
wondered if we'd had Winter!
And then, after a moist begin-
ning and the eruption of live,
green things growing, we noticed
the absence of the wet stuff.
Days turned into weeks, weeks
into months. A Summer
drought like few could remem-
ber. And to add insult to injury,
the horrible invasion of Army
Worms! To put it mildly, 1998
will be remembered by East
Texans! But...how fortunate are
we...in the damages
suffered...when compared with
victims of storms/hurricanes
elsewhere...and so recently our
state's flood damage! Now...just
like the year began, it appears
we are moving again toward
balmy days. Like another once
quipped, "If you don't like
Texas' weather, hang around
a few days. It will change!"
Last week, mid-week, Wednes-
day in fact, we were doing our
happy chore of getting the latest
issue of this publication out to
you. Shortly before high noon we
had stopped to Unload an arm
full of papers. The Better Half
was driving. As we slowly began
moving, I looked up and
squealed, "Look! Look!" Scared
my poor man half to death. He
stopped, I hopped out. Just to
admire a flock of 30-40 wild
geese flying over, headed south,
talking to each other, taking
turns at flying the lead spots.
Reporting all this later, to Sam
Florian at the office, he smiled
and said, "Just remember,
when you see them again,
they'll be bringing spring
with them!" A comforting
thought!
Well, last week we promised
you some words from Margaret
Belvin. She proves that you
don't have to live here to love
this place! She writes: "I do
eitfoy reading (your paper).
Through it I learned R. L.
Hassell had cancer and also
of his death. I wrote Frances
a couple of times. I know her
sister, Cordia Mae Landrum .
Both are relatives of my late
husband, Jack Belvin. I
enjoyed reading about
Gladys Goodson. I had met
her also. Can't believe she is
going to be 100 years old.
Many places in Rusk I have
been. So glad I had that time
to see Rusk, Also, the beauti-
ful timber grown in that part
of Texas. Outside of San
Antonio, Rusk is my favorite
that I would like to re-visit
once more...My heart goes
' out to the people who have
faced so much hardship due
to weather conditions this
year, in all parts of Texas. We
. never know why these things
happen to so many. But we
do know tomorrow will be a
brighter day."
Margaret's Mom of 94 plus
Marie Whitehead
years died four years ago, living
to see four generations of family.
She concluded with good wishes
for the remainder of this year to
everyone. "God bless us all
because we have Him and He
Loves Us!" She is in North
Carolina, a state which has seen
its share of bad weather in times
past.
She likes this paper...her
comments make our work a joy!
Well almost! Most days! You
understand?
Another letter from John B.
Tate who sends an epistle of
memories gathered during his
lifetime. He had recently re-
ceived his copy of this publica-
tion, along with two other copies
of subscribers in his area. Well,
bless Mr. Tate, he just got busy
locating these folks and renewed
some friendships. One proved to
be his oldest son's history
teacher/basketball coach back
when. And another subscriber is
the son of Eddie B. and the late
Bill Vining. Small world!
He recalled a joke about the
"old" courthouse, the one before
the present, it seems. Mr. Tate
writes, "Some old fellow only
came to town about two
times a year. After a while,
he looked at the courthouse
and said, I guess they are
going to keep it. They have
uncrated it. I guess he
thought the scaffold was a
crate." Mr. Tate may have been
having a little fun at the expense
of current courthouse problems!
Another new reader was
recently acquired. He is
Howard Moore over at
Grapeland. If you have
Holcomb ties, you probably
know Mr. Moore. He is kin to
you! Welcome aboard!
From the Mailbag, a note from
Mary Dover Williams. As she
reviews our news, she does so
with enjoyment, "But what
blows my mind are the 'kids'
who are now parents with
grown children and SOME
are grandparents! Time
marches on!" If you don't
understand what she wrote, be
patient. When you get there, you
WILL!
It was great to hear from Mr.
Donald Clayton last week! He
writes, "...enjoy your 'Scene in
Passing'. In speaking of
passing, we realize each
October how fast time is
passing. Oct. 10 I was 85. Oct.
17 Loberta was 83. Oct. 23
will be our 65th anniversary.
The Lord has blessed every
year of it. We miss all of our
friends in East Texas but it is
good to be out here with our
family. Our love to all." And
supported by the billions of dollars
he has saved Texans while serving
as Comptroller.
Another candidate with promis-
ing credentials is Paul Hobby, can-
didate for Comptroller of Public
Accounts. He is the son of a former
lieutenant governor, grandson of
a former governor. His family, es-
pecially his father more recently,
contributed to the success of many
projects of benefit to our area. Mr.
Hobby is born to serve, it is in his
genes. His heritage is a proven
record in itself.
And on the local level, a proven
record which speaks for itself is
Bascom W. Bently, who seeks re-
election as judge of the 369th Judi-
cial District Court.
These are folks who have worked
with us, for us, in the past. These
candidates deserve our votes of
confidence Nov. 3.
Scene in Pass
ing
to the Claytons, belated greet-
ings for birthdays and a special
anniversary celebrated! (They
are in Abilene, remember?)
One of our former staff mem-
bers is off to see the world, via
the U. S. Navy! Joseph Brooks,
per his Grandmom, Ozell Ray,
will be home around Christmas!
Sounds like he is counting the
days! Joseph began working with
us as a high school student. He
continued, and pursued a degree
from TJC which he earned just
before entering the Service.
Friends join to wish sincere
condolences to Lynn and Lois
Taggart in the death of his
Mom, Clara Taggart, of Hot
Springs Village, Ark. She was 92
and sustained serious injuries in
an auto accident.
Looking around town at who is
up and who is down! Opal Fitts
is moving upward, slowly but
surely, after gall bladder sur-
gery. Mary Ray continues to
convalesce at Trinity Mother
Frances, and receive treatments.
Mildred Chapman is recuper-
ating from recent eye surgery
and it may take a week or so
longer than expected. Montel
Duncan had successful surgery
for a benign tumor several weeks
ago. Now, she has sustained a
broken arm in a stumble-tumble-
fall event! Judge J. W. Sum-
mers is recuperating from eye
surgery last week. Charles
Horton also had repair work on
che3t bones, following open heart
surgery not too long ago. He says
(in jest) they used "baling wire"
this time! Annie Bell Jones,
one of the well known Banks
Girls, is seriously ill in ICU at
ETMC Jacksonville. For these
named here and others you
know, special prayers are
appreciated.
Lois Henry, the forever-15
going on 90-something favorite
teacher of all her students, is
speeding along the highway of
life. She is anxious for her son
Robert and wife to return from
travels abroad. They were here
for the big Homecoming and all
of them enjoyed a visit with their
former neighbor and friend
Gerald Chapman. Mike and
Anita were with Gerald.
Coming soon! Chicken 'n
spaghetti at FUMC. Serving
begins 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 6, eat
it in with friends, or take it
home! Extra homemade baked
goods will be offered for sale, too!
$5 per plate...you've done it
before and you know it's good!
Don't forget to purchase a
supply of stuff for the Trick or
Treat people coming your way
this Saturday night! Good thing
we got the clock turned back just
when we did! Sure makes it
easier on the small people who
get such a kick out of celebrating
Halloween! Some older folks
have about as much fun as the
wee folks!
Next week, we hope to share a
photo-memory with those of
you...who remember! In the
meantime, a borrowed thought
from John Daly's calendar:
"Your attitude determines your
altitude!" If my attitude gets
any better, I'll be up there with
the geese! How about you?
by Stan Lynde
GRASS ROOTS
NOW THAT'S
SCAREV!
G
THIS HALLOWEEN I
DECIDED TO DRESS UP
AS M AGENT FOG
THE I.R.S.!
" 10/4
'it
m I MiiiflktHWHiHMfttovllKthil'itMiM
© 1998 Stan Lynde
Distributed by Cottonwood Publishing
www.oldmontana.com /
High Points From El Camino Real
Chris Davis
e-mail: elcaminoreal@inu.net
The weather has been abso
lutely gorgeous along El
Camino Real the past
week. I have been so busy telling
stuff that has been happening in
the present that I haven't gotten
a chance to tell any old stories, so
this week I'm just going to make
time for some old stuff even if
they have to continue my article
on the back page.
Mary Helm called to remind
me of the Central High Com-
munity Thanksgiving Supper
scheduled for November 2 at 6:30
p.m. in the community center. I
don't know what could be nicer than spreading
supper with friends from your community and giv-
ing thanks for the years blessings. It seems we have
so much to be thankful for that one day just isn't
enough time to spend thanking God. I guess they'll
be ahead of all of us if they start giving thanks on the
first and go plumb til Thanksgiving. If you have
plans to attend this community celebration and
enjoy the fellowship, carry your supper because they
want to make sure they have enough food. If I lived
in Central High, I'd be thankful that Virgil
Schochler lived in town. Sam Chapman did live
in town and now he lives in Central High, but they
can be thankful that there is just one of him.
October is not even over and I've already gotten
wound up on Thanksgiving. I'm running the holi-
days up faster than Wal Mart. Two Alto people are
going to have tons to be thankful for this year.
Charlotte Perdue is finally recovering at home
after her terrible car accident and lengthy stay in a
Tyler hospital. Jimmy D. Pearman who has been
suffering with kidney failure and dialysis treat-
ments, got a kidney transplant on Saturday. The
family members I talked to were bubbling over with
excitement over his new chance. He is doing great,
but keep him in your prayers as he recovers. Break
out the Butterballs, it looks like Alto is going to be
having a big Thanksgiving this year.
I never saw like the birthdays that were going on
Friday. Ray Penn and a bunch from City Hall
kidnaped Mayor Sandy Wallace and paraded her
through town on a shopping cart decorated with
balloons. She was only 49 years old on Friday. It
seemed like a case of the pot calling the kettle black
to me because Ray was turning the big 50 the very
next day. I went to the courthouse in Rusk later on
that morning and Brenda Dominy had just cel-
ebrated her birthday in the clerk's office and Billie
Jean Coleman had one down in the Tax office.
Happy Birthday to all you nice folks!
Ever since I was a little kid I remember hearing
stories about the "madstone". It was a stone that
had the ability of drawing out the poison and infec-
tion from the wound where someone was bitten by
animals with Hydrophobia. The movie "Old Yeller"
came out when I was a little boy and after seeing it,
I figured just about every dog I came across was
mad. I guess every kid has been warned away from
stray dogs by grown folks with the threat of going
mad or having to go see the doctor and have foot long
needles stuck in your stomach 30 times. These
things made the "madstone" seem pretty much like
a miracle cure to me. I got to thinking about it the
other day and decided to do some research on it, so
here it is.
The first place I was directed to look was the big
red book titled Cherokee County History an
article by Bernard Mayfield on page 700 gives an
excellent account of the stone. A taped interview
with the lette Mrs. Verline Danheim was also used
as she gave a personal touch to the story with her
memories of the stone as a child. I'm just going to
mix these two stories up until it sounds right.
A Dr. J.M. Noell came to Alto in the late 1800's.
He had with him among his medical supplies a
porous oval shaped stone about an inch long and flat
on one side. The Noell Madstone would stick to
X
the wounds caused by rabid ani-
mals. I was always told the stone
came from the internal organs of
an albino deer. The stone was
supposedly given to Dr. Noell by
some people in India where they
used the stone to draw the poison
out of bites from the fatal cobra
snake. Once news of Dr. Noell's
madstone and its wonderful pow-
ers got out, people from miles away
were traveling to Alto to be cured
of this horrible disease. After Dr.
Noell died, his daughter, Miss
Fannie Noell continued using the
stone. Mrs. Danheim said she was
too little to remember when Dr. Noell was using the
stone, but that Miss Fannie using it was some of the
clearest memories of her childhood. Mrs. Danheim
was a neighbor to the Noells. A wagon would pull up
over at Miss Fannie's and she would drive the cow up
to the barn. She would milk the cow and put the milk
in a pan on the wood stove to boil. She would drop the
stone into the milk and get it good and warm. Then
she would take the stone and stick it on the place
where a person had been bitten. Sometimes it would
stick and sometimes it would just roll off. She would
put it back in the milk and try again when it stuck it
would sometimes stay stuck for as long as ten hours.
The stone would turn green as it drew all of the
poison out of the wound. When all the poison was
gone the stone would fall off. If the stone would never
stick, she would send the people away telling them
they had no poison in their body and they would be all
right. Mrs. Danhein said that one time after the
stone fell off on the floor, Miss Noell pitched it over in
the pan of milk and set it on the floor. Her nephew's
cat came along and drank some of the milk and died
because the milk was green with poison from the
used stone. Miss Fannie didn't charge anyone for
using the stone and fed as many people who came
with the victim at no charge. Miss Fannie adminis-
tered the stone until she got too old and feeble, and by
that time a cure for rabies was readily available.
Miss Fannie's nephew, John Tom Ahearn came
into possession of the stone and kept it in a lock box
in a bank in Jacksonville. He said as late as 1926
while living in Houston, a man came from East Texas
to use the stone on his son who suffered from a rabid
dog bite. He let the Thursday Study Club use it one
year at Forest Hill. He made a talk and then Mrs.
Danheim told her story. In 1901 an article was
published which concludes: "Just what virtue there
is in the stone, no one knows, unless it is that the
poison is drawn from the system into the stone.
Relatives have thought that no one who has ever
been bitten by a rabid dog ever died or had hydropho-
bia after having this stone applied." This is a con-
densed version of the story, so if you want to know
more go to the library. I would sure like to try that
stone on Virgil but I imagine if it drew all of the
corruption out of him there wouldn't be anything left
but a hull.
I'm not going to write anymore this week because
I don't want to wear you out. It wouldn't be fair to the
political candidates who spent their money so you'd
read their ads before election day.
I'll see ya next week! And remember, If you don't
vote don't gripe!
Alto Mayor
Sandy
Wallace led
her own
birthday
parade as she
was pushed
in a grocery
cart by well-
wishers.
CIjerokeeaij/Herald
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Texas' Oldest Continuously
Published Weekly Newspaper
Established as the Cherokee
Sentinel, Feb. 27,1850
Consolidation of The Cherokeean,
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the Wells News & Views
Published weekly on Thursday by
E.H. Whitehead Enterprises
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Whitehead, Marie. Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 149, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 29, 1998, newspaper, October 29, 1998; Rusk, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152396/m1/2/: accessed April 30, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Singletary Memorial Library.