A 'Good' Voter...Or Not

 

A story about the 1858 election for U.S. Representative in Kentucky's 4th District...

William Clayton Anderson of Lancaster was elected to the 36th Congress as an Opposition Party candidate, serving from 1859 to 1861. His opponent was attorney James Stone Chrisman of Monticello, who had served in the 33rd Congress, from 1853 to 1855. Chrisman contested the vote totals from the 4th Congressional District by claiming that illegal votes were cast. Clinton County, being in that district, was one of the counties contested. So, depositions were taken before Circuit Judge William Vann on November 8th and 9th at the courthouse in Albany. In the end, Chrisman's contest failed, but during the depositions, several voters were challenged in Clinton County, and none more than P.H. Clark, who was challenged because, in the words of Chrisman, 'he is not a free white man; that he is of mixed blood, being at least one-fourth African blood.'

Clark was thought by some to be black. Others considered him a Mulatto, a person of mixed white and black ancestry. He apparently came to Clinton County about 18 months prior to the election and resided in the Piney Woods community, and he apparently left the county just after the election. No one who testified knew where he came from and no one who testified knew where he went after the election. Clark's case was definitely one of racial identity at the polls during that August election in 1858. His parentage and genealogy were unknown. No one knew anything about this man. But, when he showed up at the Piney Woods Precinct to vote in the August 1858 Clinton County Kentucky General Election, without knowing anything at all about Clark's background, the men at the polls were compelled to fall back on his physical appearance as a guide to his race. Several of the men who testified went into great detail describing Clark's physical appearance; his kinky hair, lips, nose, skin color. One even testified that Clark was known as 'Mr. Dick's Negro,' in reference to where he lived. There were some, apparently, who did not mind Clark's physical appearance. As you will see, one man testified that Clark came to eat at his house one morning, with several 'white men.' No one seemed to mind, except Guthrie's wife who suggested that 'next time Clark should eat in the kitchen.' If members of the white community were more or less in agreement that Clark was black, it is surprising that he was allowed to vote. The acting sheriff at the Piney Woods precinct on election day described Clark as being black. The democratic judge at the precinct said his skin was 'too dark to be a good voter,' that me must be Mexican or something else other than European descent. But, the Oppositionist judge insisted Clark was a legal voter. After several minutes of discussion, the precinct sheriff ruled Clark was an eligible voter and he was allowed to vote. Personally, I can't help but think that Clark was Mulatto. If he had been African-American, I don't think he would have shown up to vote, knowing he would not be allowed to.

The deposition of J. A. Morrison
Are you or not acquainted with P. H. Clark? Answer. I know him, as an officer; I had him in custody not long since.

Is or not his vote recorded on the poll-book of district number two of this county for W. C. Anderson, for Congress, at the late election? Answer. I see it so recorded on said poll-book.

Describe him fully, his color, etc. Answer. He is very dark; his nose is flat, his lips are rather thick, his hair is kinky, and he has the actions and speech of a negro. I had him in custody two days, and examined him closely.

From your knowledge of him, do you believe him to be tinctured with African blood? If so, how much? Answer. I think he is tinctured with African blood; and have frequently said that I believe he is at least half African.

Is he or not more than one-fourth African? Answer. I think he is.

Where is the said P. H. Clark at this time? Answer. I know not; it is reported, and generally believed, that he has left this county.

Has or not P. H. Clark the appearance of a mulatto? Answer. I suppose he has, slightly; he is rather too dark for a bright mulatto.

　
The deposition of John Guthrie
Are you acquainted with P. H. Clark, who voted at district No. 2 in this county, at the late election? Answer. I was acquainted with him when he resided in this county, he having left since the late election.

Describe said Clark, his appearance, color, etc. Answer. He was dark, or rather brown. I think his hair was kinky, his lips thick, and his nose flat.

From your knowledge of the man, do you or not believe him to be tinctured with African blood; if so, to what extent? Answer. I believe him to be tinctured with African blood to the extent of one-fourth or more.

Question by Anderson's attorney. Do you know anything about the parentage of P. H. Clark? Answer. I do not.

When you say his hair is kinky, do you or not mean that his hair is curly, more so than is usual? Answer. I do mean that his hair is more curly than is a white man's hair.

　
The Deposition of Mark Marlow
Question by Chrisman. Are you or not acquainted with one P. H. Clark, who voted for W. C. Anderson for Congress in district No. 2 in this county, at the late election? Answer. I was acquainted with him some fourteen or fifteen months. He lived about a mile from my house.

Please describe the said Clark, his appearance, color, etc. Answer. He had very much the appearance of a negro. His hair, instead of being only curly, was kinky—more so than any white person; his nose was flat, and his lips thick. Both his nose and lips were more like a negro's than a white person. His actions and speech were also more like a negro's than a white person's.

From your acquaintance with the man, do you or not believe him to be tinctured with African blood; if so, state to what degree? Answer. I believe he is tinctured with African blood, and to the extent of one-half at least, if not more.

After a controversy was raised in reference to the vote of said Clark, did or not he leave for parts unknown? Answer. He has left the neighborhood in which he formerly resided, and has gone I know not where.

Was he or not known and reputed in the neighborhood in which he lived as a negro Answer. When he was spoken of by the neighbors he was generally called Mr. Dick's negro, as he resided on the land of Rufus K. Dick.

By Anderson's attorney. Do you know anything about the parentage of P. H. Clark? Answer. Nothing at all.

How long had he resided in district No. 2 previous to the election? Answer. I suppose something near fourteen months. He came there about the 1st of June, 1858.

 The Deposition of R. A. Burchett
Question by Chrisman. Are you or not acquainted with one P. H. Clark who voted in district No. 2, of this county, and for W. C. Anderson for Congress in the late August election? Answer. I am acquainted with the P. H. Clark who voted as stated in your question.

Were you or not sheriff of the late election in district No. 2, of this county? Answer I was.

When said Clark presented himself at the polls, and asked to vote, did or not one of the judges of said election object, to his voting? If so, what were his reasons for so objecting, and to what political party does the said judge belong? Answer. When said Clark presented himself to vote, Martin B. Owens, one of the judges at said election, did object to his voting, saying that his skin was too dark for him to be a good voter; that he must be of Mexican or some other descent than European; but Miles H. Davis, the other judge, insisted that he was a legal voter; and after parleying about it for some time, some one remarked that when the judges "differed' the sheriff was to decide. Then the said Owens remarked that he would let him pass; and thus he was permitted to vote.

Please give a description of said Clark, his appearance, color, etc. Answer. His skin was very much the same complexion as that of a negro; his hair was nearly as kinky as any negro's; his nose was tolerably flat; his lips were tolerably thick; his speech and actions were like those of a negro.

Has or not P. H. Clark blue eyes? Answer. I think not.

　
The Deposition of Abijah Guthrie
Are you or not acquainted with one P. H. Clark who voted in district No. 2, in this county, at the late election, and for W. C. Anderson for Congress? Answer. I am.

Has he or not frequently visited your house? Answer. He has been there many times.

Did or not your lady in your presence refuse to let him eat at the table where white people generally ate? Answer. Clark did come and eat at my house with some white men one morning, and my wife came to me complaining that that negro was eating with the white men, and said that next time she would send him to the kitchen.

Please describe said Clark, his color, etc. Answer. He was about the color of a dark mulatto; his hair was coarse and rough, pretty much like a negro's wool; his actions and speech were like those of a negro.

The deposition of P. H. Smith
Did you or not tell William J. Dabney that you would not have wanted the vote of as dark a man as Clark; and that if Anderson was elected only by Clark's vote he ought not to accept the seat, or what did you say? Answer. I might have said that I would not want as dark a man's vote as Clark was. I don't recollect that I said Anderson ought not to accept if elected by his vote only.

The Deposition of Montgomery Howard
By Chrisman's attorney. Did or not a certain negro or mulatto, by the name of P. H. Clark, vote for William C. Anderson for Congress, in the Piney Woods precinct, No. 2, at the last August election? Answer. I don't know Clark to be a negro or mulatto; but I see the name of P. H. Clark recorded on the poll-book for the said precinct No. 2, at the late August election, as voting for W. C. Anderson for Congress. I knew a fellow at and before the said election in that precinct by that name. He had the appearance of being mixed blooded. From his looks, I would not like to let him eat at my table or sleep in my beds with white folks.

Did or not his cross appear to be between the white race and the African negro race? Answer. From his general appearance, I consider him a mixture of the white race with the black.

By same. Was he or not a fellow that made his appearance in this county from parts, unknown, and whose parentage and genealogy were unknown in this country; and has he or not since voting left here for parts unknown? Answer. I don't know where he came from when he came into our precinct about eighteen months ago. I know nothing, nor have I heard anything, about his parentage, or race, or relationship; he has left, or at least I have not seen or heard of him since the election.

Were there or not some friends of the said W. C. Anderson trying to get the said mulatto to vote: and were they or not notified that he was mixed blooded, and therefore not entitled to vote, and warned not to vote him? Answer. I told Valentine Brown and Hiram Hyden, who were friends of Anderson, and, as I thought, trying to vote him, that if I was in their place that I would not vote him, giving as my reason, in substance, that he was mixed blooded.

Chrisman's contest of the election failed. After his first term in Congress, Anderson chose not to seek re-election; and was elected instead as a Unionist to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Sadly, he died on December 23, 1861 while on the house floor during a session of the state legislature in Frankfort, three days shy of his 35th birthday. During the Civil War, Chrisman served as a representative from Kentucky to the First and Second Confederate Congresses. After the war, he served as a Kentucky State Representative and then later, resumed his law practice in Monticello, where he died in 1881.

After the Civil War, the Constitution was changed to make sure black men had the right to vote. For twelve years after the Civil War, soldiers of the Union Army helped make sure that Blacks would get to vote in the South. When the soldiers left, though, Whites in the South invented many ways to keep Blacks from voting. They succeeded for almost one hundred years. Blacks were finally allowed to vote in 1965, following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.



Clark was not the only vote questioned in that 1858 election in Clinton County. So were several others. You can read about it in several places, including...

* Source: Miscellaneous Documents of the U.S. House of Representatives (1859-1860)

In Memory of PFC Cecil Ray Pennycuff, 21st Marines, USMC

On Memorial Day in 2013, I wrote a tribute piece in memory of PFC Cecil Ray Pennycuff of Albany, KY, who was killed in action at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. I wrote it after reading the words his cousin, Jim Pennycuff, wrote in a Facebook post.

"I placed an American flag today on the grave of my cousin Cecil Ray Pennycuff. Each year I do this and always feel that I'm standing on sacred ground in the presence of a hero. God bless those soldiers that paid the supreme sacrifice."

Six years later, Jim came into possession, for the first time, a photograph of PFC. Pennycuff, which I have included in this re-write.

PFC. Cecil Pennycuff was a member of Company A, 2nd Bn, 21 Marines, 3rd Marine Division. For the Battle of Iwo Jima, the 3rd Marine Division was initially in reserve for the battle, however, they were committed one regiment at a time as the initial regiments that landed needed to be relieved. The 21st Marines came ashore on February 20th. The 21st fought on Iwo Jima until the end of organized resistance on March 16th and the subsequent mopping up operations for the next month. The fighting on Iwo Jima would cost the 3rd Marine Division 1,131 killed in action and another 4,438 wounded.

All total, in 36 days of fighting, 6,800 American troops were killed or wounded, and virtually all 22,000 Japanese soldiers perished.

Cecil Ray Pennycuff was the son of Herschel Ray and Cora Tuggle Pennycuff. He was born on October 3, 1924 in Clinton County, Kentucky.

As Jim Pennycuff said...

"God bless those soldiers that paid the supreme sacrifice."

Are You On The Lord's Side?

During the Civil War, soldiers on both sides prayed for victory before each battle. Both presidents, Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, asked their supporters to pray for victories. The average citizen leaned on their faith to get them through the war. Religious people used their faith to get them through the war, and in the end it was their faith that helped them come to terms with the outcome and pretty much the whole entire meaning of the war. Each side in the war, as in any war, believed God was on THEIR side and in the end, said the outcome was simply God's will.



The 1st Kentucky Cavalry was organized at Liberty, Burkesville and Monticello, and mustered in for a three year enlistment on October 28, 1861, under the command of Colonel Frank Wolford of Liberty. The unit included 85 volunteers from my hometown of Albany. The unit was known as The Wildcats after a battle on Wildcat Mountain near London, Kentucky. There were several brave and gallant men in the 1st Kentucky Calvary, but none were more dedicated to the troops of the First Kentucky Calvary than its Chaplin, W. H. Honnell of Harrodsburg.

At age 35, W.H. Honnell was a model clergyman, not that he preached much, or appeared sanctimonious, or intruded his religious notions upon any one, but because of his devotion to the sick and wounded. Not a soldier could be taken sick without his knowing it. He visited and conversed with all, ascertained their wants, and had them supplied if it was possible. Nor was this conduct occasional, it was continual and unceasing. His name was blessed a thousand times by sick and helpless soldiers. When any died, he was foremost in providing them a decent and Christian burial. He was not only kind and tender to the sick and wounded, but treated every one with gentleness and respect. Further, he was no coward. He delighted to be upon the battlefield, encouraging the soldiers by his presence, waiting upon and caring for the wounded, and praying for the success of arms while the battle was in progress. When marching, he was always in front near his gallant Colonel, and when the conflict raged, he could be seen where the danger was greatest.

He was at the battle of Mill Springs, administering to the necessities of the disabled, and was near General Felix Zollicoffer when he fell. Dismounting from his horse, the chaplain lifted the General from out of the road, where excited combatants were dashing to and fro, and carried his dying form to a place where it would not be trampled beneath the horses' feet.

Chaplain Honnell was at the front during a fight at Lebanon, Tennessee. He became separated from his regiment, and rode into the rebel ranks, mistaking them for Union troops, where he was captured - sort of.

Colonel John Hunt Morgan: "You take a position yonder," directing him to the rear.
Honnell: "I desire to go to my own regiment."
Morgan: "I told you where to go."
Honnell: "I don't like to be treated in such a way. I am chaplain of the 1st Kentucky cavalry, and want to go to my regiment."
Morgan: "It is hard for you to understand that I am Colonel Morgan, and you are my prisoner. My men need your prayers as well as Wolford's."

Honnell saw the position he was in, and submitted quietly. When Morgan commenced his retreat, he took Honnell along with him. After traveling at a pretty rapid gait for some distance, and the Unionists getting pretty close to them, Morgan said, "Well, Chaplain, I suppose we will have to separate, but before going you must pray." About this time a squad of Union cavalry dashed up, and Morgan had to proceed without the Chaplain's prayer.

As the above story indicates, during the Civil War both sides believed that God was on their side.

After losing the second Battle of Bull Run, President Lincoln said, "In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God can not be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party."

During his second inaugural address on March 5, 1865, he said "Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Each looked for an easier triumph. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other."

So how could God be on BOTH sides?

President Lincoln re-framed the question and offered a startling conclusion: Neither side could claim God’s special favor. "The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes."

President George W. Bush once said, "Faith teaches us to respect those with whom we disagree. It teaches us to tolerate one another. And it teaches us that the proper way to treat human beings created in the divine image is with civility. Yet, you also know that civility does not require us to abandon deeply held beliefs. Civility and firm resolve can live easily with one another."

When we have deeply held beliefs, like most do, it is tempting to believe God is only on our side. But, there is a chance that He may very well be on their side, too!

So, then what?

Like it or not, the fact is God's offer of mercy is for ALL people.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

So back to the question 'have you ever wondered which side the Lord is on?'

During the Civil War, President Lincoln overheard someone remark that he hoped the Lord was on the Union's side. Lincoln replied...

"I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I, and this nation, should be on the Lord's side."

Alvin C. Bertram: A Baptist Preacher for 54 Years

 

The Bertram family that were a huge part of Clear Fork Baptist Church in Albany, Kentucky from the late 1890's through the 1930's, originated in England and came to Virginia during Colonial times. As a young man, William Bertram, a preacher, migrated to Wayne County. Pleasant Hill Church in Wayne County was started very near the Bertram home. His son, Jonathan, also a preacher, became a large landowner in Wayne County and, likewise, was a preacher.

One of Johnathan's sons was Alvin Bertram. In 1865, near the end of the Civil War, Alvin moved to Clinton County, where he continued his family's tradition of being a farmer. He soon followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps by accepting the call to preach, which he did for 54 years, mostly as pastor of Clear Fork Baptist Church.

There were four pastors of Clear Fork prior to Alvin Bertram; Isaac Denton, 1802-1848, Daniel Hancock 1849, James Abston 1852-1854 and Joseph Denton 1854-1886. Following the death of Joseph Denton, Bertram was selected as pastor for one year, beginning in November of 1887. J.C.J. Selvidge served as Pastor for the next seven months before Bro. Bertram was asked to come back. The Church apparently loved him so much that in February of 1898, after 11 years, when Bro. Bertram asked to be released as pastor, the Church refused, and he remained pastor until his death on July 14, 1926 at the age of 79. His last regular sermon at Clear Fork was on July 26, 1924. Assistant pastors' J.R. Hagan and James Fairchilds filled in during those last two years, with Bro. Fairchilds being chosen the next pastor in 1926.

Besides being a preacher and a farmer, Alvin Bertram also enjoyed politics. He represented Clinton and Wayne counties as a Kentucky State Representative during the 1894 and 1898 sessions.

Alvin married Rosa Young on May 12, 1864. They had six children: William, Elza, Joe, Oscar, Printus and Lena. All of them followed in their father's footsteps, either as a farmer, a preacher or in politics. Printus became a preacher. As a matter of fact, he served as Clear Fork's 10th pastor, from May 1932 to May 1933. He died in 1936 at the age of 59. His brothers, Elza and Oscar, practiced law in Albany for nearly 25 years as Bertram & Bertram before moving the practice to Monticello. In 1910, Elza ran for congress, but lost. Later that year, he was elected to the Kentucky State Senate. In 1933, he became a Judge with the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Both Alvin and Rosa Bertram are buried at Albany Cemetery.

 

 

 

Blog Recognizes Song Written By My Dad

I wish I had seen this earlier.

On March 6, 2012, a popular gospel music blog, Southern Gospel Views From The Back Row, rated the Speer Family's 'Big Singing Day' LP as the groups' number one album. That makes me smile because two Albany boys wrote that song, my dad and Gene Coulter. And, not only did the Speer Family record the song, they made it the title of their album!

The Southern Gospel Views From The Back Row blog regularly publishes a 'Ten On Ten' feature and the March 6, 2012 blog highlighted the the Speer Family, which has always been referred to as 'first family of Gospel music.' Mom and Dad Speer (George and Lena Speer) started singing in 1921. Eventually, the article states, all the kids would be a part of the group and Brock and Ben Speer would go on to spend their entire singing careers with the Speer's.
The blogs writer, Steve Eaton, wrote "In trying to determine the Speer Family’s pinnacle recording, it came down to the top four. Big Singing Day, from 1968, ended up at #1. Brock and Ben Speer along with Harold Lane, Ann Downing, Jeanne Johnson and Bob Johnson were members during the time of this recording. Some of the best singing from the Speers was found on this recording. "There’s Nobody Like Jesus", "Salvation In My Soul", "When Jesus Breaks The Morning", "Joy In The Camp", "I Don’t Want To Walk In The Darkness" and "Going Home" all highlight this album."

What excites me about this article is Big Singing Day beat out the 1971 album The King Is Coming, which ended up at #2. The Speer Family were the group to popularize the Bill and Gloria Gaither's classic song. It became a signature song for the group and many groups would go on to record the song over the course of the last 40 years. 

Here is the rest of the top ten....

3. He’s Still In The Fire (1989)
4. Especially Warm (1975)
5. In Concert (1972)
6. The Speer Family Album (1955)
7. Between The Cross And Heaven (1976)
8. Sacred Hour (1963)
9. Touring That City (1973)
10. The Singing Speers (1960) Eaton concluded in his article, "Rarely do you have an artist in any genre of music that has released a 60th anniversary recording, a 70th anniversary recording and even a 75th anniversary recording, but the Speer Family has. They are a true Southern Gospel institution that should never be left out of discussions on Southern Gospel music’s biggest trend setters."

Thanks Southern Gospel Views From The Back Row for recognizing an album that my dad had a part in, The Speer Family's Big Singing Day. Click PLAY below to listen to dad's group, The Gospel Servants, sing Big Singing Day....

http://sogospelbackrow.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/

My 78 r.p.m. Record Collection

My 78 r.p.m. record collection represents 234 sides from the years 1912 to 1951, and includes the following artists. (The early Edison and Victor artists were the very first recording artists.)

ARA Records (1)

Bob Crosby - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (RM129A) 1946

Bob Crosby - In The Valley (RM129B) 1946

BAMA Records (1)
John Daniel Quartet - Land Across The Sea (43) 1950

John Daniel Quartet - If You Gain The Whole World (44) 1950
 

Capitol Records (8)
Ella Mae Morse - Get Off It And Go (424) 1946

Ella Mae Morse - Old Shanks' Mare (424) 1946

Margaret Whiting - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (901) 1946

Margaret Whiting - Come Rain Or Come Shine (912) 1946

Nat "King" Cole - You Can't Lose A Broken Heart (57-749) 1949

Nat "King" Cole - (Here Is My Heart Nalani (57-749) 1949

Ray Anthony and His Orchestra - Bamboo (4335Y) 1950
Ray Anthony and His Orchestra - Count Every Star (4334Z) 1950

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Come Back To Sorrento (20086 1137) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Artistry In Bolero (20086 1197) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Willow Weep For Me (20087 1217) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Fantasy (20087 1218) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Opus In Pastels (20088 1311) 1946
Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Safranski (20088 1196) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Ain't No Misery In Me (20089 1194) 1946

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra - Artistry In Percussion (20089 1195) 1946

Capitol Records "Criterion Series" (4)
Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 1 (10047) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 2 (10048) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 3 (10049) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 4 (10050) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 5 (10050) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 6 (10049) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 7 (10048) 1946

Bob Hope Broadcasts to the U. S. Army Pt. 8 (10047) 1946

Champion Electrograph (18)

Carolina Ladies Quartette - Don't Put Off Salvation Too Long (15879A) 1929

Carolina Ladies Quartette - My Loved Ones Are Waiting For Me (15879B) 1929

Cliff Carlisle - High Steppin' Mama (16239A) 1931

Cliff Carlisle - Alone And Lonesome (16239B) 1931

Cliff Carlisle/Wilbur Ball - Birmingham Jail (45029A) 1932

Cliff Carlisle/Wilbur Ball - True And Trembling Brakeman (45029B) 1932

Dan Hughey (Bradley Kincaid) - Angels In Heaven Know I Love You (15771A) 1929

Dan Hughey - Will The Angels Play Their Harps For Me (15771B) 1929

Dan Hughey - Cindy (15851A) 1929

Dan Hughey - My Little Home In Tennessee (15851B) 1929

Goodman Sacred Singers - Working For The Master (15330B) 1927

Goodman Sacred Singers - I Am Redeemed At Last (15547A) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - Rocking On The Waves (15547B) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - Give The World A Smile (15612A) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - He'll Tell Us All About It (15612B) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - Keep Holding On (15773A) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - Where We'll Never Grow Old (15773B) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - That Glory Land Way (16100A) 1928

Goodman Sacred Singers - Singing On The Journey Home (16100B) 1928

Hamlin Quartette - When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder (15330A) 1927

Hutchens Brothers - Praise The Lord It's So (15464A) 1928

Hutchens Brothers - Meet Me There (15464B) 1928

Hutchens Family Trio - I Will Praise Him Hallelujah (16013A) 1930

Hutchens Family Trio - Sweeping Through The Gates (16013B) 1930

Jackson County Barn Owls - I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home (16031A) 1930

Jackson County Barn Owls - Bake That Chicken Pie (16031B) 1930

Jim Taylor/Bill Shelby - It Won't Be Long Till My Grave Is Made (15730A) 1929

Jim Taylor & Bill Shelby It's Sad To Leave You Sweetheart (15730B) 1929

John Hutchens - The Sinking Of The Submarine (15427A) 1927

John Hutchens - The Marian Parker Murder (15427B) 1927

Saul Meyer - Cohen On The Telephone (15506A) 1928

Saul Meyer - Cohen's New Auto (15506B) 1928

Tex Ritter - Nobody's Darling But Mine (45153A) 1935

Tex Ritter - My Brown Eyed Texas Rose (45153B) 1935

Welling Trio - Just Inside The Eastern Gate (16035A) 1930

Welling Trio - Will The Circle Be Unbroken (16035B) 1930

Columbia Records (11)
Doris Day with the Mellomen - Bewitched (38698) 1949

Doris Day - Imagination (37698) 1947

Doris Day - I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful) (38727) 1950

Frank Sinatra - You Go To My Head (36918) 1945

Frank Sinatra - I Don't Know Why (36918) 1945

Frank Sinatra - Why Shouldn't I (36920) 1945

Frank Sinatra - Try A Little Tenderness (36920) 1945

Frank Sinatra - Someone To Watch Over Me (36921) 1945

Frank Sinatra - Paradise (36921) 1945

Frank Sinatra - I Only Have Eyes For You (36921) 1945

Frank Sinatra - It All Depends On You (36921) 1945

Frank Sinatra - Lost In The Stars (38650) 1946

Frank Sinatra - The Old Master Painter (38650) 1946

Gene Krupa & his Orchestra - You May Not Love Me (37049) 1946

Gene Krupa & his Orchestra - Chiquita Banana (37049) 1946

Harry James and his Orchestra - I Tipped My Hat (37305) 1947

Harry James and his Orchestra - Heartaches (37305) 1947

Harry James and his Orchestra - Get Happy (38727) 1950

The Modernaires w/Paula Key - Juke Box Saturday Night (36992) 1946

The Modernaires w/Paula Key - Salute To Glenn Miller (36992) 1946

Xavier Cugat Orchestra - South America Take It Away (37051) 1946

Xavier Cugat Orchestra- Chiquita Banana (The Banana Song) (37051) 1946

Decca Records (3)
Bing Crosby - Now Is The Hour (Maori Farewell Song) (24279A) 1948

Bing Crosby - Silver Threads Among The Gold (24279B) 1948

Jimmy Davis - I'll Be True To The One I Love (5955A) 1941

Jimmie Davis - My Mary (5955B) 1941

Mills Brothers - You Always Hurt The One You Love (23930A) 1938

Mills Brothers - Till Then (23930B) 1938

 

Edison Records (33)
American Symphony Orchestra - Wedding Of The Winds Waltzes (50065-R) 1912
Andre Benoist - Valse In E Flat (50292-R) 1915
Andre Benoist - Old Black Joe (50292-L) 1915
Anna Case - Annie Laurie (83059-R) 1916

Anna Case - Old Folks At Home (83059-L) 1916

Betsy Lane Shepherd - I'll Remember You, Love In My Prayers (80484-R) 1917

Billy Murray - Are You From Dixie ('Cause I'm From Dixie Too) (50357-R) 1916

Charles Hart & Elliot Shaw - Is My Name Written There? (80529-R) 1919

Charles Hart, Elliot Shaw and The Calvary Choir - Shall You? Shall I? (80529-L) 1919

Chester Gaylord - Love's Old Sweet Song (80613-L) 1920

Collins and Harlan - On The Hoko Moko Isle (50348-R) 1916

Edison Band - Medley Of American War Songs (50212-R) 1914

Edison Band - Medley Of American Patriotic Airs (50212-L) 1914

Edison Quartet - America (My Country 'Tis Of Thee) (80172-R) 1914

Edison Quartet - The Star Spangled Banner (80172-L) 1914

Edison Quartet - Let The Lower Lights Be Burning (80204-R) 1914

Edison Quartet - He Lifted Me (80204-L) 1914

Edna White - Recollections of 1861-65 (80613-R) 1920

Elizabeth Spencer - Call Me Your Darling Again (80098-L) 1916

Elizabeth Spencer & Thomas Chalmers - Abide With Me (80276-L) 1915

Elizabeth Spencer & Frederick Wheeler - Dreams Of Galilee (50002-R) 1915

Elizabeth Spencer/Vernon Archibald - Ever Of Thee I'm Fondly Dreaming (80010-R) 1920

Ernest L. Stevens Trio - Red Mon Waltz (51026-R) 1922

Ernest L. Stevens Trio - If I Had My Way Pretty Baby (51026-L) 1922

Ford Hawaiians - Ellis March (50455-R) 1916

Fred Bacon - Massa's In De Cold, Cold Ground (50351-R) 1915

Fred Bacon - Old Black Joe (50351-L) 1916

Fred East & Lewis James - Only A Step To Jesus (80549-R) 1920

Fred Van Eps - Darkey's Dream and Darkey's Awakening (51145-R) 1922

Fred Van Eps - Medley Of Southern Melodies (51145-L) April 1923

Helen Clark and George Wilton Ballard - I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (50534-R) 1919

Helen Clark & George Wilton Ballard - In The Old Sweet Way (50534-L) 1919

Jaudas' Society Orchestra - Poor Butterfly (50428-R) 1917

Jaudas' Society Orchestra - The Missouri Waltz (50428-L) 1916

John Young & Frederick Wheeler - When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder (80276-R) 1915

Maggie Teyte & The Lyric Male Quartet - I'se Gwine Back To Dixie (82159-R) 1919

Maggie Teyte - Ma Curly-Headed Babby (82159-L) 1919

Metropolitan Quartet - Darling Nellie Gray (80010-L) 1914 

Metropolitan Quartet - Annie Laurie (80098-R) 1913 1914

Metropolitan Quartet - I Love To Tell The Story (80300-R) 1914

Metropolitan Quartet - I Will Sing Of My Redeemer (80300-L) 1914

Metropolitan Quartet - Come Where The Lillies Bloom (80321-L) 1915

Metropolitan Quartet - The Little Old Log Cabin In The Lane (80484-L) 1918

Orpheus Male Chorus - Dixieland Memories No. 1 (80395-R) 1917

Orpheus Male Chorus - Dixieland Memories No. 2 (80395-L) 1917

Rae Eleanor Ball; Jessie L. Deppen, pianoforte - Wonderland Of Dreams (50857-R) 1921

Rae Eleanor Ball; Jessie L. Deppen, pianoforte - Havana Moon (50857-L) 1921

S.W. Smith, U.S.N. And Bugle Squad - U.S. Army Bugle Calls Pt. 1 (50452-R) 1917

S.W. Smith, U.S.N. And Bugle Squad - U.S. Army Bugle Calls Pt. 2 (50452-L) 1917

Sibyl Sanderson, Fred Hager and Harvey Wilson - Sundown In Birdland (80453-R) 1918

Sibyl Sanderson Fagan - L'Ardita-Magnetic Waltz (80453-L) 1918

Thomas Chalmers - Nearer My God To Thee (50002-L) July 21, 1913

Thomas Chalmers - My Old Kentucky Home (80321-R) 1914

Thomas Chalmers - Beulah Land (80549-L) 1920

Thomas Chalmers - O Holy Night (82055-R) 1914

Thomas Chalmers - The Palms (82055-L) 1914 

Thomas Chalmers - Battle Hymn Of The Republic (82133-R) 1917

Thomas Chalmers - Recessional (82133-L) 1916

Vasa Prihoda - (a) Songs My Mother Taught Me (b) Poem (82236-R) 1921

Vasa Prihoda - On Wings Of Song (82236-L) 1921

Venetian Instrumental Quartet - On The High Alps (50065-L) 1914

Waikiki Hawaiian Orchestra - One, Two, Three, Four Medley (50455-L) 1917

Walter Van Brunt - Hickey Dula (50348-L) 1916

Walter Van Brunt - Don't Bite The Hand That Feeds You (50357-L) 1916

Walter Van Brunt - I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen (80160-R) 1914

Walter Van Brunt & Elizabeth Spencer - On The Banks Of The Brandywine(80160-L) 1914
 

Imperial Records (1)

Charlie "Boogie Woogie" Davis - I Know What It's All About (5021A) 1947
Charlie "Boogie Woogie" Davis - How I Miss Old Memphis Tennessee (5021B) 1947

Majestic Records (1)

Danny O'Neil - That's My Home (7198A) 1946

Danny O'Neil - And Then It's Heaven (7198B) 1946
 

Melotone Records (1)

Gene Autry - The Answer To Nobody's Darling (LA1108) 1935

Gene Autry & Jimmy Long - Answer To Red River Valley (16576) 1936
 

Mercury Records (1)

Frankie Laine - Waiting At The End Of The Road (5332 - 2849) 1949

Frankie Laine - Don't Do Something To Someone Else (5332 - 2851) 1949

Okeh Records (6)

Andrew Jenkins & Frank Hicks - The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago (45443) 1930

Andrew Jenkins & Frank Hicks - Don't Stop Praying (45443) 1930

Billy Beard & Al Bernard - Henry Jones (Your Honeymoon Is Over) (41388) 1928

Billy Beard & Al Bernard - Cindy (It Am Wedding Time (41388) 1928

Charles Richardson & O.S. Gabehart - God Is Still On The Throne (45371) 1929

Charles Richardson & O.S. Gabehart - The Unclouded Day (45371) 1929

Gene Autry - You're The Only Star (03097) 1935

Gene Autry - Mexicali Rose (03097) 1935

W.T. Narmour and S.W. Smith - Charlestown No. 1 (45317) 1929

W.T. Narmour and S.W. Smith - Carroll County Blues (45317) March 1929

W.T. Narmour and S.W. Smith - Charleston No. 2 (45377) 1929

W.T. Narmour and S.W. Smith - Carroll County Blues No. 2 (45377) 1929
 

Orthacoustic Radio Recording-NBC (1)

Alameda Coast Guard Band - Armed Guard Fighting Song
 

Palex Records (3)

Paul Villard - When I Was A Boy (501A) 1946

Paul Villard - Foggy Foggy Dew (501B) 1946

Paul Villard - My Hometown (502A) 1946

Paul Villard - Venezuela (502B) 1946

Paul Villard - Trade Winds - Sea Fever (503A) 1946

Paul Villard - September Song (503B) 1946
 

Perfect Records (2)

Callahan Brothers - She's My Curly Headed Baby No. 2 (351028A) 1935

Callahan Brothers - I'll Be Thinking Of Days Gone By (351028B) 1934

Carter Family - The Fate Of Dewey Lee (13153A) 1935                                            

Carter Family - East Virginia Blues No. 2 (131353B) 1935

RCA Victor (6)

Cecil Campbell's Tennessee Ramblers - Steel Guitar Wiggle (21-0445-A) 1951

Cecil Campbell's Tennessee Ramblers - Coconut Island (21-0445-B) 1951

Eddy Arnold and his Tennessee Plowboys - I Talk To Myself About You (20-1801A) 1946

Eddy Arnold and his Tennessee Plowboys - (I'll Have To) Live And Learn (20-1801B) 1946

Perry Como - A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes (20-3607A) 1949

Perry Como - Bibbidi Bobbidi-Boo (20-3607B) 1949

Sammy Kaye - It's A Lie (20-2037A) 1946

Sammy Kaye - I Used To Work In Chicago (20-2037B) 1946

Tony Martin - There's No Tomorrow (20-3582B) 1949

Tony Martin - A Thousand Violins (20-3582B) 1949

Vaughn Monroe - How Soon (Will I Be Seeing You) (20-2523A) 1948

Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra - True (20-2523B) 1948
 

Sacred Records (1)

Alan McGill - He Lives (300A)

Alan McGill - No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus (300B)
 

Superior Records (7)

Charleston Sacred Quartette - The Saviour Said (2615A) 1930

Charleston Sacred Quartet - Turn Away (2615B) 1930

Clyde Ashley - Got Them Drunken Blues (2636A) 1930

Clyde Ashley - The Hand Car Yodel (2636B) 1930

Gene Autry - T.D. Blues (2710A) 1930

Gene Autry - Blue Days (2710B) 1930

Joe Lester & Dick Moss - That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine (2632A) 1930

Joe Lester & Dick Moss - I'm Always Dreaming Of You (2632B) 1930

Mitchell Family Trio - Picture On The Wall (2641A) 1929

Mitchell Family Trio - A Flower From My Angel Mother's Grave (2641B) 1929

Murphy Brothers - When Katie Comes Down To The Gate (2716A) 1931

Murphy Brothers - A Little White Rose (2716B) 1931

William Harper & Nelson Hall - Going Down In The Valley (2602A) 1931

William Harper & Nelson Hall - Nailed To The Cross (2602B) 1931
 

Victor Records (8)

American Quartet - When You Wore A Tulip (17652A) 1914

Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers - I'll Rise When The Rooster Crows (V40048A) 1928

Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers - Give Me Back My Fifteen Cents (V40048B) 1928

Carter Family - When Roses Bloom In Dixieland (V40229A) 1927

Carter Family - No Telephone In Heaven (V40229B) 1927

Carter Family - The Poor Orphan Child (20877A) 1927

Carter Family - The Wandering Boy (20877B) 1927

Carter Family - Single Girl, Married Girl (20937A) 1927

Carter Family - The Storms Are On The Ocean (20937B) 1927

Kelly Harrell - Hand Me Down My Walking Cane (20103A) 1914
Kelly Harrell - My Horses Ain't Hungry (20103B) 1914

Peerless Quartet - The Red, White and Blue (17652B) 1914

Vaughan Quartet - Sunlight and Shadows (V40097A) 1928

Vaughan Quartet - In Steps Of Light (V40097B) 1928

Wayne King and his Orchestra - Star Dust (24509A) 1933

Wayne King and his Orchestra - Speak Easy - Bolero (24509B) 1933

My Champion Record Collection

The name Champion Records has been used by at least four record labels. The earliest, Champion label was produced by Gennett Records (1925–1934) that featured country, as well as popular bands, hot jazz and blues. Gene Autry recorded for Gennett on the Champion label and it is said that his horse, Champion, was named for the label. In 1935, Decca bought rights to restart the Champion label, using it until about 1937.

Carolina Ladies Quartette - Don't Put Off Salvation Too Long (15879A) 1929
Carolina Ladies Quartette - My Loved Ones Are Waiting For Me (15879B) 1929
Cliff Carlisle - High Steppin' Mama (16239A) 1931
Cliff Carlisle - Alone And Lonesome (16239B) 1931
Cliff Carlisle/Wilbur Ball - Birmingham Jail (45029A) 1931
Cliff Carlisle/Wilbur Ball - True And Trembling Brakeman (45029B) 1931
Dan Hughey - Angels In Heaven Know I Love You (15771A) 1929
Dan Hughey - Will The Angels Play THeir Harps For Me (15771B)  1929
Dan Hughey - Cindy (15851A) 1929
Dan Hughey - My Little Home In Tennesee (15851B) 1929
Goodman Sacred Singers - Working For The Master (15330B) 1927
Goodman Sacred Singers - I Am Redeemed At Last (15547A) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - Rocking On The Waves (15547B) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - Give The World A Smile (15612A) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - He'll Tell Us All About It (15612B) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - Keep Holding On (15773A) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - Where We'll Never Grow Old (15773B) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - That Glory Land Way (16100A) 1928
Goodman Sacred Singers - Singing On The Journey Home (16100B) 1928
Hamlin Quartette - When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder (15330A) 1927
Hutchens Brothers - Praise The Lord It's So (15464A) 1928
Hutchens Brothers - Meet Me There (15464B) 1928
Hutchens Family Trio - I Will Praise Him Hallelujah (16013A) 1930
Hutchens Family Trio - Sweeping Through The Gates (16013B) 1930
Jackson County Barn Owls - I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home (16031A) 1930
Jackson County Barn Owls - Bake That Chicken Pie (16031B) 1930
Jim Taylor/Bill Shelby - It Won't Be Long Till My Grave Is Made (15730A) 1929
Jim Taylor & Bill Shelby It's Sad To Leave You Sweetheart (15730B) 1929
John Hutchens - The Sinking Of The Submarine (15427A) 1927
John Hutchens - The Marian Parker Murder (15427B) 1927
Saul Meyer - Cohen On The Telephone (15506A) 1927
Saul Meyer - Cohen's New Auto (15506B) 1927
Tex Riter - Nobody's Darling But Mine (45153A) 1935
Tex Ritter - My Brown Eyed Texas Rose (45153B) 1935
Welling Trio - Just Inside The Eastern Gate (16035A) 1930
Welling Trio - Will The Circle Be Unbroken (16035B) 1930

Georgie's Hole

Howard Hardaway became a writer during his many trips to Canada each summer for a one-day hike. The Louisville Courier called him in and wanted him to write up some of his experiences. He averaged several pieces a year for the journal and some for other publications at the time of this interview. Hardaway referred to himself as ‘The Old Hiker.’ "I’ve learned," said the Louisville, KY native in a May 1959 interview, "that the most interesting places are not right on the road. On the back roads, at the little country stores where the road crews gather for a quart of milk and a moon pie, that’s where you find some real historians." One of the places he wrote about was Clinton County. The following story is an excerpt from an article he submitted to the Courier-Journal sometime during the 1930s.

"Passing northward through a mountain gap at Doc Powers' place. I started down the valley of Koger's Creek by a narrow trail that is passable only by horseback or afoot. "There have been wagons up there," I was told later, "but not for a longtime." And, yet people live up there, and apparently live very well. The farms up in the gap look well-tended and prosperous. In this neighborhood is a cave, a "bottomless pit," known as Georgie's Hole. No one knows the depth of the vertical shaft. Georgie was the name of an old woman who lived hereabouts many years ago. Georgie and her husband "got their backs up" at each other. They couldn't seem to patch things up. One day, out in the pasture, Georgie is said to have maneuvered around so that she got her old man with his back to the hold. A quick shove - and Georgie was a willing widow. Georgie's Hole and its story has served as a warning to Clinton County husbands for 100 years to patch up differences quickly with the wife - or else stay away from bottomless pits."

Howard Hardaway

Fungal Meningitis: Could It Have Been Prevented?

 

"Eddie epitomized the senior citizens of our modern society who are determined to remain active and who have much to give to their community." - Joyce Lovelace.

 

Could the fungal meningitis outbreak have been prevented? It took the life of a dear friend of mine. And, not just me...Circuit Judge Eddie Lovelace was a dear friend of the entire community. Yet, now, his family, tragically, is left to deal his loss. The community lost, not only a great friend, but a great leader.

 

Judge Lovelace died Sept. 17 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee after receiving tainted steroid injections in July and August at Saint Thomas Outpatient Neurosurgery Center in Nashville. He was initially checked into Vanderbilt with symptoms that suggested he had suffered a mild stroke. Health officials later discovered he had contracted fungal meningitis after receiving epidural steroid injections produced by Framingham, Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center, which had shipped thousands of vials of injections, many later found to be growing mold, all over the country.

The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations heard testimony Wednesday about the deadly outbreak of fungal meningitis and whether it could have been prevented. The hearing began with stirring testimony from the judge's wife, Joyce Lovelace. Click on the video below.

 

 

Quotes from Joyce Lovelace from a written testimony she also submitted:

"The citizens of our community have lost a civic leader, a church leader, and outstanding judge. His near photographic memory, his booming voice, his sense of humor and his deep-seated concern for his fellow citizens led him to be a speaker at many civic and social functions and led him to frequently deliver eulogies of his friends who had preceded him death. His uncanny ability to quote Shakespeare, the Bible, poetry and famous quotations both entertained and brought comfort to many.

(To the subcommittee) "Don’t just investigate. Instead, legislate and regulate. I challenge republicans and democrats alike to put aside partisan politics, partisan philosophies, industry lobbying and wishes of campaign contributions and unanimously send to the White House a bill that will prevent a recurrence of these events. If you will do that, perhaps my family can take some solace in the fact that Eddie Lovelace’s public service continues even after death."

 

Eddie Lovelace was a public servant for some 50 years. He and Joyce were married nearly 56 years. Life will never be the same. The community will never be the same. 

 

 

Such a tragedy.

 

 

 

 

 

The president of the NECC, Barry Cadden, was subpoenaed to appear before the committee but chose not to testify, invoking his 5th Amendment right instead.

 

 

Conner Hall: Honoring Murl Conner

"I just sent one of my officers home. He was my S-2 (Intelligence Officer), Lt. Garlin M. Conner, who is from Aaron, Kentucky. I'm really proud of Lt. Conner. He probably will call you and, if he does, he may not sound like a soldier, will sound like any good old country boy, but, to my way of seeing, he's one of the outstanding soldiers of this war, if not THE outstanding." Lt. Col. Lloyd B. Ramsey, commander of the 3rd.bn.,3rd Div., 7th Inf., 7th Army. 

Conner's act of heroism happened near Hussein, France on January 24, 1945 at 0800 hours. Having just been wounded and laying in the hospital, Conner snuck away from it and ran back to his company at enemy lines. Just as he made it back to camp, he overheard talk that his commanding officer was needing to advance communication lines, and was looking for someone willing to run 400 yards directly into the enemy while unreeling a spool of telephone wire. Immediately, Conner grabbed the wire and off he went through the impact area of an intense concentration of enemy artillery fire to direct friendly artillery on a force of six Mark VI tanks and tank destroyers, followed by 600 fanatical German infantrymen, which was assaulting in full fury the spearhead position held by his battalion. Along the way, as he unreeled the spool of telephone wire, he disregarded shells which exploded 25 yards from him and set up an observation post. For three hours, Lt. Conner lay in a shallow ditch as wave after wave of German infantry surged toward him, at times to within five yards of his position. As the last all-out German assault swept forward, he ordered his artillery to concentrate on his own position, resolved to die if necessary to halt the enemy. Friendly shells exploded within five yards of him, blanketing his position but Lt. Conner continued to direct artillery fire on the assault elements swarming around him until the German attack was shattered and broken. Murl Conner was individually credited with stopping more than 150 Germans, destroying all the tanks and completely disintegrating the powerful enemy assault force and preventing heavy loss of life in his own outfit.

Sadly, Conner was never awarded the Medal of Honor for his act of heroism. Due to the heat of the battle that day, the commanding officer did not take the time to do the necessary paperwork. Conner came back home to a hero's parade and then resumed his life on the farm and raised up his own family. He never spoke of what he did during the war to anyone, not even his family. But, what he did was earn the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart with silver oak leaf cluster, Silver Star with four oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star. He was also awarded the highest French medal, the Croix de Guerre. Many of his battle records were lost.

The records that do exist officially document that Conner repeatedly risked his life under enemy fire to capture and disable numerous enemy positions with grim ferocity. What he didn’t mention was that he was wounded at least seven times during 29 months of nearly continuous combat service, but he refused to accept Purple Hearts for most of the wounds. One of his wounds was so severe that he was told he may never walk again, but he did walk. Also what he never spoke about was the many times that he risked his life to save others, and how that he more than once volunteered to take the point on the most dangerous patrols.

Nothing of his heroic act on January 24, 1945 was ever mentioned until Richard Chilton, a former Green Beret from Genoa City, Wisconsin, discovered it while researching information about an uncle who served in the same unit as Conner. Because of Chilton, resolutions were introduced in both the 108th and 109th Congress, authorizing the President to award a Medal of Honor posthumously to Lt. Conner. However, it is yet to be done.

TACOM FMX Dedicates Buildings

The Army has recognized Murl Conner's heroism more than once. On October 3rd this year, Tank-Automotive and Armaments Commands Fleet Management Expansion Directorate dedicated one of its newest buildings in honor of him. One of two buildings, (buildings 5405 and 5415, which collectively make up the Maneuver Center of Excellence Combat Equipment Maintenance Complex), was named Conner Hall, in honor of the late Aaron, Kentucky native. Conner Hall will service hundreds of tanks and Bradley's in a given year. The other building was named in honor of Joseph Williams, who emigrated to America in 1924, and who played a significant role in World War II by helping develop the M4 series of tanks and later the T-series tanks.

During the ceremony, Dave Carter, deputy director for the Integrated Logistics Support Center, which oversees FMX, said "We're here today to honor two very special people. We're honoring them because of their exceptional and extraordinary character and contributions to our Army and our country. Our hope is that in naming the Joe Williams Maintenance Facility and Conner Hall, we'll pay tribute to their dedication and inspire future generations of Soldiers and civilians … to do what Joe Williams and Lt. Conner did -- live beyond (yourself)."

"It's a great honor," said his wife, Pauline Conner, of the building dedication. "He was … my hero. When he came back after his service, our county had a parade in his honor. I had never seen him before, but I had heard so much about him." Conner said her husband was a very moral man, and the legacy she hopes he leaves behind is one of patriotism and respect for his nation.

Conner Hall maintains light tracked vehicles of about 36 tons and below, while the Joe Williams Maintenance Facility handles heavy tracked vehicles weighing up to 70 tons. Memorial plaques, bearing the names of Conner and Williams, are posted at the entrance to the facilities.

Lt. Conner served in the same 3rd Infantry Division as Audie Murphy, who has always been recognized as America's most decorated hero of all wars, but the Medal of Honor would give Conner one more award than Murphy, who earned one less Silver Star for gallantry than Lt. Conner's four.

I have written stories of Murl Conner's heroic acts more than once, and I will continue to do so, because awarding him the Medal of Honor is the right thing to do. As Chilton once said, "I do not have the option to give up as long as someone will listen." 

A portion of this story was written by Cheryl Rodewig. For more information about the dedication ceremony for Conner Hall, visit www.army.mil