The Fredricksburg Daily Star

Submitted By:  Laura Keyes Perry

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated 4 March 1916, has an article that has been partly torn away.  It says this:
"Mrs. J. E. Patton
.... ter a Week's Illness of Pleuro Pneumonia.
...........Anne Patton, wife of Mr. J.
...........n, died at her home near Hart-
...........Saturday morning of pleuro
..........nia, after an illness of one
........ aged 44 years. The deceased
.........member of Richland Baptist
........and a woman of high Christian
........ter. She is survived by her
..........d and three sons, J. Edward
.........., jr., Clifton Patton and Alfred
...........n, the oldest of whom is 15 years
........... Also three brothers and two sis-
..........
Funeral from the home Sunday at
..... p.m., services conducted by her
....stor, Rev. C. W. Brooks. Inter-
ment in the family burying ground of
Mr. N. W. Patton."

This is what I think the above article said: The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated Saturday, 4 March 1916, has an article titled "Mrs. J. E. Patton Dies After a Week's Illness of Pleuro Pneumonia." It says this: "[....] Anne Patton, wife of Mr. J. [E. Patto]n, died at her home near Hart[wood] Saturday morning of pleuro [pneumo]nia, after an illness of one [week], aged 44 years. The deceased [was a] member of Richland Baptist [Church] and a woman of high Christian [charac]ter. She is survived by her [husban]d and three sons, J. Edward [Patton], jr., Clifton Patton and Alfred [Patto]n, the oldest of whom is 15 years [old]. Also three brothers and two sis[ters]. Funeral from the home Sunday at [...] p.m., services conducted by her [pa]stor, Rev. C. W. Brooks. Interment in the family burying ground of Mr. N. W. Patton."

An advertisement in the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, on 14 July 1916 urges people to attend a demonstration of the Chambers Fireless Cooking Gas Range, sponsored by the Geo. W. Heflin Stove Store at 900 Main Street in Fredericksburg.

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated 1 August 1916, has an article titled "Mr. John F. Curtis Laid to Rest." It says this: "The funeral of Mr. John F. Curtis, who died suddenly Saturday night at his home in King George took place Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from Fletchers chapel in that county, conducted by Rev. R. V. Owen. The following were the pallbearers: Active -- Mr. Ernest Curtis, D. W. Bryant, Ashton Bradshaw, Dr. C. L. Bradshaw, Thos. Jones, Chas. Bradshaw, Robt. Bullard, Wm. Burchell. Honorary -- Dr. M. W. Minor, W. T. Purks, Geo. Walker, Garnett Taliaferro. Interment was made in the church cemetery" (p. 2, column 1). 1 August 1916 was a Tuesday, so Saturday was 29 July 1916. 

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated Tuesday, 17 October 1916, has an article titled "Death of Miss Herndon." It says this: "Miss Carrie Herndon, of Widewater, died at the Mary Washington Hospital here Tuesday, aged fifty years. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Louise Griffis, of Widewater, and Mrs. Nora Wilson, of Washington. The remains were taken to Widewater Tuesday for burial" (p. 3, column 3).

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated 17 October 1916, has a column titled "Newsy Nuggets." One item is this: "Mr. J. R. Evans, of Spotsylvania, was here Tuesday returning from visiting his father, Mr. John A. Evans, at Garrisonville" (p. 3).

The Thursday, 2 November 1916 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Mr. Geo. Purcell Dead." It says this: "Mr. Geo. Purcell died at his home, near Independent Hill, Prince William county Wednesday night. He is survived by his wife and several children. The funeral will take place from Woodbine church Friday at 2 p.m., conducted by Pastor R. P. Rixey" (p. 3, column 6).

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, included an article headed "U. S. Grand Jury" on 1 January 1917. It said this: "Messrs. Turner Garrison, Sam Burgess, John Burton, and William England, from Stafford, will serve on U. S. grand jury in Alexandria on Tuesday, Jan. 2" (p. 3, column 2).

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, included this social note from Garrisonville on 8 January 1917: "Mr. Guynn [sic] Garrison, who has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel S. Garrison, has returned to Louisiana" (p. 4, col. 2).

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in the issue dated 13 January 1913, has a column titled "Newsy Nuggets." One item is this: "Mr. J. Clarence Heflin, of Stafford, was here Saturday on business" (p. 3).

The 16 January 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Body Found in Potomac." It says this: "The body of Edwin Gaines, which was found in the Potomac River, near Washington, was taken to Culpeper Monday for burial. Mr. Gaines had been under treatment in a sanatorium in Ellicott City, Md., and was en route home. He is survived by his wife and three children" (p. 3, col. 7). [A sanatorium -- or sanitarium -- is a convalescent hospital; at that time its patients often suffered from tuberculosis.]

The 20 January 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Death of Mrs. Mollie A. Fritter." It says this: "Mrs. Mollie A. Fritter died Saturday at her home near Roseville, in Stafford county, of heart failure, aged 58 years. She had been a member of Ramoth Baptist church for several years. When dying she could lovingly say to her husband and children, 'Meet me in Heaven, the Lord is calling me.' [paragraph] Surviving her is her husband, Mr. Jno. N. Fritter, and eight children, 4 girls and 4 boys. Mrs. Ada Morrison and Mrs. Hallie English, both of Washington, D.C.; Miss Addie Fritter, and Miss Agnes M. Fritter, of Stafford; and Messrs. Oscar, Hughie, Howard and Johnnie Fritter, all of Stafford, and one brother, Mr. Charles Turner, of Stafford. The funeral took place at her home Monday evening at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. J. E. Jett, and interment was made in the family burying ground. [paragraph] The following acted as pallbearers: Messrs. Oscar, Hughie and Howard Fritter, John J. Wiggington, of Stafford; John S. Morrison, Artie English, of Washington. [paragraph] The family wish to express their thanks to the many friends that were so kind to her during her illness" (p. 4, column 5).

The 13 February 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Mr. Geo. Davis Dead." It says this: "Mr. Geo. Davis died at his home at Occoquan Sunday, aged 71 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons. The funeral was held Monday from the Baptist church at Occoquan, services conducted by Elder R. P. Rixey. Interment in the family burying ground" (p. 3, column 7). [The age given implies that he was born in 1845-1846.]

The DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, had on the front page of the issue of 14 February 1917 an article titled "Death of Mrs. William Bridwell." It said this: "Mrs. Addie Bridwell, wife of Mr. Willie Bridwell, died at her home in Dumfries Feb. 8th. She was a Christian character and much beloved. She bore her suffering with Christian fortitude. [paragraph] The funeral was held at the home, services conducted by Rev. Mr. Marsh. Interment in Stafford Store church yard. [paragraph] Mrs. Bridwell is survived by her husband, one son, Earl Bridwell, of Washington; three daughters, Misses Bertha and Harvest of Dumfries, and Mrs. Mabel Keyes, of Stafford, and 3 grandsons; one sister, Mrs. Evans, of Hagerstown; five brothers, Willie and James Garrison, of Dumfries; Brawner, Samuel and Geo. Garrison, of Garrisonville."

The Tuesday, 13 March 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Deaths in Stafford." It says this: "Mr. Thos. B. Riley died at his home in Stafford last Thursday of Bright's disease, aged 69 years. He is survived by one brother, Mr. Wm. Riley, of Stafford. The funeral took place from the home Saturday."

The Tuesday, 13 March 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Deaths in Stafford." It says this: "Mr. Peter Wigginton died at his home near Toluca, Stafford, Monday, of pneumonia, aged 41 years. He is survived by his wife and two children" (p. 1).

The DAILY STAR of 14 [?] May 1917 has an article titled "A Double Wedding: Duffey-Skinner, James-Skinner." It is datelined "Tackett's Mill, Va., May 17th, 1917" and says this: "On May 9th Mr. Frank Duffey and Mr. Ford James visited the home of Mrs. Sallie B. Skinner and claimed for their brides Miss Addie Bell Skinner and Miss Lyda Byrd Skinner. [paragraph] The two pretty and attractive young ladies wore suits of blue, hats and gloves to match. After the long journey by Stafford Court House, where the needed papers were secured, they started for Fredericksburg, arriving there late in the afternoon. [paragraph] The two couples were married by Rev. J. J. Lanier. [paragraph] After spending the night at the Princess Anne they returned to the home of the brides, where a good old Virginia supper, consisting of meats, cakes, pies and delicate dishes of fruits was served. [paragraph] Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. Duffey, Mr. Jud Skinner and family, Mr. Hosea Duffey, Homer, Lewis, Cecil and little Lorine Duffey and Miss Alberta Templeman. After spending a few pleasant hours in the old home, the two couples left for their new homes near Catlett. [paragraph] Mr. James and Mr. Duffey are promising young men of Fauquier Co. We wish the brides and grooms much joy and happiness" (p. 3, column 3).

The DAILY STAR, the newspaper published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Friday, 18 May 1917, has an article headed "Stafford: Scribbler's Letter -- Entertaining Comments, Notes, Etc." One paragraph says this: "Old Confeds attending court were: Messrs. John A. Evans, Geo. W. Truslow, Albert Bloxton, Lewis A. Fritter, Geo. W. Black and Jno. F. Clift, representing all branches of the service. Mr. Clift (Jack) as he is called by his familiars, was one of the class that Col. Mosby called 'spurless roosters' he having joined the army in his teens, just in time to participate in the battle of Sailor's Creek, when the Confederacy was nearing its end. All the rest were 'men' at the period in which men's souls were tried."

The Thursday, 12 July 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has this note from The Scribbler in Stafford Court House: "Hog cholera is prevalent in the county. Mr. A. M. Rains, near Garrisonville, has several cases. Farm Demonstrator Cole informed your correspondent that the disease was propagated by dogs and turkey buzzards" (p. 2).

The Thursday, 12 July 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has this note from The Scribbler in Stafford Court House: "Mr. Earle Shacklette, of Stafford Store, paid a visit to his brother, Mr. H. H. Shacklette, this week" (p. 2).

The Thursday, 12 July 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Virginia News." It says this: "La Clarie A. Marsteller, of Fauquier county, has been laid to rest at his home, 'Mount Sterling,' near Warrenton, where his death occurred last Friday. The deceased was 78 years old, and had served in the Confederate army. He was a son of the late Samuel Arell Marsteller, of Prince William county, and leaves three children" (p. 2, column 4).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 July 1917, says this: "Miss Grace Rains, daughter of A. M. Rains, fell from an automobile last Saturday evening, sustaining concussion of the brain. Drs. Payne, Sneed and Gordon treated her all night Saturday night, but she did not regain consciousness until Sunday morning. She is now greatly improved" (p. 1).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 July 1917, says this: "Mr. Johnnie Johnson, of Alexandria, is visiting his aunt, Mrs. Virginia Page Tolson, at Oak Ridge" (p. 1).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 July 1917, has an article headed "Interesting Items from Stafford Store." It says this: "Mr. Bolivar Combs, of Philadelphia, Mr. Arthur Combs and wife, of Newark, N.J., and Mrs. Bessie Combs Moss, of Washington have returned to their homes, after visiting their parents here, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Combs. Mr. Charlie Moss, of Washington, has also been a guest in this home for a few days."

The Tuesday, 24 July 1917 issue of the DAILY STAR of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has an article titled "Mrs. F. M. Wine Dead." It says this: "Mrs. F. M. Wine, wife of the late C. W. Wine, died at her home in Stafford, near Mountain View, on Saturday afternoon, aged 76 years. [paragraph] She is survived by four daughters and two sons: Miss Bettie Wine, Stafford; Mrs. T. N. Berryman, Prince William; Mrs. John A. Musselman, Stafford; Mrs. E. L. Raines, Stafford; Messrs. M. M. Wine, Fredericksburg; Algernon Wine, Stafford. [paragraph] The funeral was held Monday afternoon from Raymouth [sic] church, services conducted by Rev. C. H. Brooks, of Summerduck. Interment in the family burying grounds" (p. 3, column 4).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on 26 July 1917 has an article headed "Girl Scout Camp." It says this: "Drill Master Chas. Insco Williams, of Laurel Troop 1, Girl Scouts, who are spending ten days at the Colonial Beach Hotel, returned via Leedstown and the Rappahannock with his daughter, Virginia, Thursday morning. Mr. Williams reports the girls in good health and spirits when he left, although it has rained every day of their stay so far. Capt. Williams and Lieut. Brauer have the following girls in charge: Misses Beth Dannehl, Vernon Dannehl, Mary Heflin, Alice Heflin, Florence Heflin, Mary Brauer, Hilda Brauer, Elizabeth Stearns, Elizabeth Sacrey, Olive Berry, Dosia Boxley, Nellie Armstrong, Helen Franklin, Audrey and Mary Freeman, Judith Bundick, Julia Mason Rowe, and Mattie Davis. The party expects to return early next week."

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 July 1917, says this: "Rev. Homer Welch began a protracted meeting at Regester chapel Sunday night. A large congregation was present" (p. 1).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, 18 July 1917, has an article headed "Interesting Items from Stafford Store." It says this: "Miss Blanche Carlisle Botts is visiting her sister, Mrs. Violet F. Harrison, of Washington. Miss Dorothy Clyde Botts is visiting her cousin, Miss Annie R. Cooper, of Washington" (p. 1).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Monday, 23 July 1917, has an article headed "Virginia Items." One item is this: "John R. Hornbaker, eighty five years old, died Thursday at Manassas. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. C. J. Meetze and Mrs. G. D. Baker; a son, Edward L. Hornbaker, and ten grandchildren" (p. 2, column 2).

The DAILY STAR published in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Saturday, 26 August 1917 contains an article titled "Occoquan Swept: Fire Nearly Destroys Prince William Town; Hotel, Bank, 12 Stores Burn." It says this: "Fire which swept the western part of Occoquan, the little town near the District workhouse, in Prince William Co., Friday afternoon, completely destroyed twelve stores and houses and numerous outbuildings, and caused more than $40,000 loss, partially covered by insurance. [paragraph] No one was injured. Forty persons will be forced to rely on neighbors for homes. [paragraph] The fire originated at 2:30 o'clock in the old Alton Hotel, now occupied by Mrs. Weedon. The explosion of an oil stove is thought to have been the cause. At 6 o'clock, after the arrival of No. 6 Engine Company, from Alexandria, the fire was under control. [paragraph] Swept by a stiff breeze, the fire completely destroyed the old Alton Hotel; the new two-story Bank of Occoquan, the house and store of W. S. Lyon, both frame; the two-story house of Carl Underwood, the frame house of Wade Hammil, the frame M. E. church, South; the Allen House, the brick manufacturing plant, of the Videx Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of speedometers, whose buildings are owned by W. S. Lyon, the house of Mrs. Carl Lynn, the barn of R. S. Woodward, and about a hundred frame sheds and barns. [paragraph] But for the quick formation of bucket brigades, which relayed water from Occoquan Creek, nearby, and the timely arrival of No. 6 engine, of Alexandria, which made a record run of forty-five minutes from Alexandria, seventeen miles away, the whole village would have been destroyed. [paragraph] The wharves and the eastern section of the town were not touched, nor was the District workhouse, more than a mile away across Occoquan Creek. [paragraph] The chemical engine from the workhouse and a number of trusties aided in the rescue work. About seventy-five men worked in the bucket lines. The government tug Louise gave assistance by pumping water" (p. 2, column 2).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, newspaper THE DAILY STAR of 21 March 1917 had this under the headline "Marriages": "Mrs. Nicholas Edmunds Flournoy, of Richmond, announces the engagement of her daughter, Miss Gertrude Gordon, to Frederick Garner Duvall, of Louisa. The wedding will take place in April" (p. 2, col. 1).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, newspaper the DAILY STAR of 5 April 1917 has this: The marriage of Miss Gertrude Gordon Flournoy, daughter of Mrs. Nicholas Edmonds Flournoy, and Frederick Garner Duvall, of Louisa, was celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the home of the bride's mother, in Richmond, Rev. G. Freeland Peter officiating. Hon. Carl H. Nolton, of Louisa, acted as best man. Mr. and Mrs. Duvall left for a wedding journey, and they will make their home at Louisa on their return."

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 15 June 1916 has an article headed "Married in Rockville." It says this: "Mr. M. W. Alsop and Miss Martha Holmes, both of this city, were married in Rockville, Md., Saturday afternoon. These young people left unexpectedly to their families and the marriage was quite a surprise. The bride is a niece of Mr. N. B. Musselman, of this city" (p. 3, column 2).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 17 October 1916 has an article headed "Virginia News. It says this: "Miss Anne Roberta Merchant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Merchant, of Manassas, and Henry Martyn White, of Lexington, were married last week by Rev. J. Royal Cook, at Greenwich, Prince William county. The couple will make their home in Oklahoma" (p. 4, column 5).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 5 January 1917 has an article headed "Stafford Store Baptist Church Celebration" (p. 4, column 5). It says this:
Stafford Store, Va., Jan. 2nd, 1917.
The Christmas entertainment given by the Baptist Sunday school Friday night at Stafford Store Baptist church was extremely pretty and one of the most successful ever given.
The young people did their parts well and the music was well rendered. The large Christmas tree occupied one corner and was prettily decorated and well laden with gifts.
Miss Blanche Botts was organist and Mr. D. M. Faulconer directed the music.
The program was:
Joy to the World, school.
Scripture lesson, Mrs. Faulconer.
Prayer, by assistant Supt.
Song, Come into His Presence -- school.
Pantomime, Christmas -- Violet Botts.
Dialogue, Mother Goose and Santa Claus -- by Willie Herndon, Violet Botts, Blanche Botts, Gordon Tolson, Ruth Tolson, Mamie Tolson, Pearl Garrison, George Lawrence, Jennings Faulconer, Bertha Tolson, Myrtle Bridwell, Dorothy Botts, Earl Shacklett, Elmo Tolson, Aubrey Tolson, Olive Tolson, Florie Bridwell, Wilbur Tolson, Kenny Tolson, Belle Faulconer.
A Family Pointer, by Pearl Garrison.
Song, Time of Peace -- School.
A Little Maid's Amen, by Blanche Botts.
Christmas reconciliation, pantomime, by Blanche Botts, Willie Herndon, Richard Botts.
A Little Pilgrim, by Violet Botts.
Song, It is Christmas -- school.
Dialogue, Mrs. Moreland's Christmas -- by Blanche Botts, Ruth Tolson, Mamie Tolson, Olive Tolson, Florie Bridwell, Dorothy Botts, Myrtle Bridwell, Violet Botts, Bertha Tolson, Earl Shacklett, Aubrey Tolson, Gordon Tolson.
When I am Big, by George Lawrence.
Yes, Virginia, Pantomime -- by Norris Ashby, Florie Bridwell, Olive Tolson, [can't read] Tolson, Dorothy Botts, Belle Faulconer, Myrtle Bridwell, Inez Ashby, Violet Botts, Roslie Smith.
God Be With You Till We Meet Again, school.
Prayer, by Mr. Hawkin Abel.
[end of article about Christmas pageant]

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 5 January 1917 has an article headed "Stafford Store Items" (p. 2, column 3). It includes these notes:
"Miss Clair Turner, of Washington, has been a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert M. Tolson at Oak Ridge for the holidays."
"Miss Myrtle Bridwell is visiting in our village."
"Mr. Richard Botts has returned from Washington, where he has been taking a course of studies in dentistry."
"Mr. and Mrs. Duff Bridwell and Mrs. Oscar Duffey and son, Mr. Hosea Duffey, were guests of Mrs. Stella Wamsley Sunday."
"Miss Bessie Combs and Mr. Charlie Moss were married in Washington Dec. 27th."
"Mr. Willie Combs is working in Washington."
"Mr. Bolivar Combs spent a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Combs, and has returned to his work in Philadelphia."
"Miss Flora Bridwell is a guest of Miss Althea Wamsley."
"Miss Violet Botts will open school for 1917 work Jan. 2nd at Mt. Airy."
"Miss Minnie Combs visited Miss Dorothy Botts during the holidays."
"Mr. and Mrs. David Arrington spent Sunday with Mrs. Fairfax Embrey."
"Mrs. Hattie May Arrington is visiting her mother, Mrs. Cora A. Shacklett."

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of Thursday, 21 December 1916 has an article headed "Married in Washington" (p. 1, column 4). It says, "Among licenses issued in Washington Wednesday were the following: [...] Guss Limerick, of Fredericksburg, and Alice V. Heflin, of Stafford."

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 9 May 1917 has an article headed "Curtis - Bland" (p. 2, column 1). It says this: "Mr. Raymond Curtis, of Spotsylvania county, and Mrs. Carrie Bland, of Minnieville, Prince William county, were married at the home of the bride May 6th at 3 p.m. The ceremony was performed by Rev. D. T. Showalter, of Passapatanzy. The happy pair will reside at Minnieville."

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of Saturday, 2 June 1917 has an article titled "Fritter - Gallahan" (p. 1, column 4). It says this: "Miss Olive Gallahan and Mr. E. M. [sic] Fritter, both of Stafford, were married at the home of Mr. R. D. Fritter, in that county, on Wednesday, May 23, by Rev. Homer Welch."

The DAILY STAR of 16 June 1917 has an article titled "Harrison - Botts" (p. 3, column 5). It says this: "Robert P. Harrison, U. S. Army, and Miss Violet F. Butts, of Stafford, were married in Washington Saturday."

The DAILY STAR of 23 June 1917 adds a few details: "Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Botts, of Stafford Store, announce the marriage of their daughter, Miss Flossie Violet Botts, to Sergt. Robt. P. Harrison, 1st Regt., Co. F, U. S. Engineers, Saturday, June 16th, 1917, in Washington" (p. 2, column 3).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 16 June 1917 has an article headed "Trinity Church: Bishop Gibson Confirms Class" (p. 3). It says this: "The Right [Reverend] Robert A. Gibson, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, confirmed a class of six in Trinity church Sunday morning at the eleven o'clock service. The following is a list of those receiving the rite of confirmation: Miss Carrye Daily Johnson, Miss Maude Franklin, Miss Mary Elizabeth Heflin, Mr. Charles Franklin Carter, Mr. Thomas Odell Rice, Mr. Wm. de H. Washington."

The Fredericksburg, Virginia, DAILY STAR of 22 June 1917 has an article headed "Stafford: Scribbler's News, Notes and Comments" (p. 4, column 1). One paragraph says this: "The trunk of a walnut tree passed here last week on a truck. The diameter of the tree was six feet six inches. It was taken from the old Fritter burying ground just north of Musselman's. One of the old Fritters buried there was named Noah. He possessed an old English single barreled gun, about which he could tell the most wonderful yarns, one of which your correspondent recalls. He stated, "he was going down the road, with his wonderful gun on his shoulder, when he espied what he took to be a crow sitting in the corner of the fence. Carefully aiming his 'oldfusee' he pulled down on him, and going to pick it up, he was astonished to find that it was nothing but one of 'Cut-Bryam's' chaws of terbacco."