This newspaper article appeared in the Chattanooga News on January 5, 1901. It was transcribed from the microfilm located at the Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga, Tennessee by Michael W. Boniol.
CROSSVILLE, TENN.
One of the Best Towns in the State-Two Thousand Feet Above the Level of the Sea, in the Heart of the Cumberland Mountains
-Connected with the World by the Steel Rails of the Tennessee Central
-Bright Future of the Place.
Correspondence
Crossville, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1901.- Two thousand feet above the sea level, and in the very heart of the Cumberland [not legible], lies picturesque Crossville. Situated as it was, far from the rush and roar of the busy world in which it had no part, it slept and dreamed of the future. Cumberland County, mighty in its resources, lay also dormant; the chilling blasts of winter swept across its vast acreage and awakened it not; summer winds, soft and gentle, touched the heart of nature and made a Garden of Eden of this beautiful spot, and still the people remained Inert, for Crossville realized not its grand possibilities.
The outside world held no attractions for this “Sleepy Hollow,” high on the top of the grand Cumberland, but whenever necessity compelled a visit to the city, the nearest point to the railroad was at Rockwood, on the Cincinnati Southern, a distance of twenty seven miles, which was made by private conveyance. But Crossville was destined to a rude awakening-for in the world there were men who had heard of its mighty timber, and one day there went out a small band, composed of men who had a knowledge of its interests and their uses at their finger tips. “They went, they saw, they [not legible], for other wise men coun-[not legible] together and ere Crossville could open its eyes and believe its existence. [not legible] right through the town the [not legible] of the Tennessee Central, over [not legible] the first train passed scarcely [not legible] than two months ago, and Crossville [not legible] knew its days of rest were over. [not legible] the younger generation, the [not legible] of the wealthier people, had [not legible] to sleep, and had left the mountain to enter the different colleges, and today are more cultured and re [not legible] than most people with whom we [not legible] in contact, realized the advantages to be derived from the advent for the railroad, and hailed it with delight. Crossville is the county seat of Cumberland, and has a population of four hundred souls. It is about the healthiest in the United States, as the [not legible] of the destroyed property of months before are built of the sandstone, so easily and cheaply obtained.
CUMBERLAND COAL AND COKE COMPANY
This company, of which J.B. Johnson is manager, is greatly interested in the possibilities of the coal lands around Crossville, on the Tennessee Central line. They have two mines already in operation-one at Crab Orchard and an interest in one further up the road. Two veins of coking coal that promise to be a Klondike, and in which they are interested, and are known as the Lantana coke lands, have gained impression that the coke made from this coal contains an amount of sulphur sufficient to prohibit its use in making steel, but the Cumberland Coal and Coke Co. has had an analysis made by two expert chemists, and which will entirely disprove any erroneous statement made by others. The analysis is as follows. First one made by J.W. Fulton, mining engineer, of Johnson County, Pa.:
Moisture 00.91
Volatile matter 01.62
Fixed carbon 87.15
Ash 10.32
Sulphur 00.97
Phosphorus 00.014
Analysis by A.B. Wiley, of Illinois Steel Company:
Moisture 00.59
Volatile matter 01.82
Fixed carbon 87.46
Ash 10.13
Sulphur 00.96
REAL ESTATE
Property in Crossville has acquired an increase of 100 percent in the last five years and is steadily increasing in value. Burnette, Dunbar & Martin compose the only firm in Crossville dealing in real estate. They own four thousand acres east of the town known as the Wells Springs property and is well adapted to farming; the soil is rich and loamy and the products of the garden are known to be of unsurprised quality.
The firm also owns the famous Lantana lands which with the valuable resources will some day be given a world wide reputation. Mr. Burnette is also register and one of the most popular of the county officials.
CROSSVILLE OFFICIALS
Crossville’s officials are as fine a set of men as can be found in the state but they are so modest that not one would allow his manly beauty to be placed before an admiring public.
W.B. ALLRED
W.B. Allred, sheriff of Cumberland County, was born July 28, 1861, in Overton County, Tennessee. When 7 years of age he went to Pleasant Hill, and from there came to Crossville. In the year 1884 he married Miss Mary Hamby, daughter of the county judge. They have three girls and a boy. His first election to the sheriff’s office was in September of last year, for a two years’ term. Mr. Allred is very popular with the people of Crossville and the entire county. His re-election to a second term at the expiration of his first is already an assured event.
G.L. MILLER
G.L. Miller, the circuit court clerk, is a very young man for the position he holds. He was born and educated in Sparta, Tenn. He came to Crossville four years ago with the intention of practicing law and elected circuit court clerk two years ago and gave such satisfaction as to be re-elected to a second term. Mr. Miller is not a married man yet, but expects to be before the holidays come again.
W.O. KEARLEY
W.O. Kearley, trustee, has lived in Crossville all of his life, but was too shy to state just how long that had been. He is a man of sterling character and is respected by every citizen. He was elected justice in September of last year for one term.
A.J. MCGUIRE
A.J. McGuire, county surveyor, was born December 15, 1871, five miles south of Crossville. He came to this town when quite young, and has been regarded by the people as a trustworthy, exemplary young man. He has held the position of county surveyor for three terms and is likely to have another.Mr. McGuire is single and open for all engagements. He says he will not ask again, because of so many refusals.
SAMPSON DEROSSETT
Sampson DeRossett, school superintendent, was born March 23, 1867, in Grassy Cove, Cumberland County, from which place he moved to Athens, Tenn., when quite young. Graduating in the public school there, he entered the University of Harriman and finished the course there in 1895, with the degree of Ph.D. From there he went to Clinton and became a teacher in the municipal school for eight months, and gave up that work to study law. He graduated and came to Crossville to practice, but seeing a business opportunity he became partner with Burnett, and together opened a general merchandise store. He was made school superintendent and served two terms, being elected without an opposing vote. He was married in May, 1896 to Miss Myra Suddath, of Rockwood, and has two children, a boy and girl.
WILLIAM B. JOHNSON
Crossville boasts one of the finest photographers in the south – William B. Johnson. He was born in Vermont. When a young man he went to St. Paul, Minn., in which city he stayed until coming to Crossville four years ago. His work is exceptionally fine, especially the views taken along the new railroad.
DUNBAR & HAWTHORNE
This firm is erecting a handsome structure on Main Street, which will be ready for occupancy March 1. Their present quarters are rather small, but are only temporary, as their store was burned in the fire that did so much damage to Crossville several months ago. Their stock comprises carpets, furniture and all house furnishing goods. They carry building material, such as doors, blinds, and glass. Aside from this they are the only undertakers in the town. Messrs. Dunbar & Hawthorne are enterprising up to date materials, with a well deserved patronage of Crossville citizens.
GEO. W. CLINE
Geo. W. Cline, dealer in general merchandise, has the largest store in Crossville. He occupies a new and commodious building on Main Street, which is completely stocked with new goods. This may be called a department store – a new venture in the town – but one that is proving a success. With the well arranged crockery, groceries, dry goods, and shoes in their separate departments, it presents quite a metropolitan appearance. Mr. Frank White has the management of the store and understands thoroughly each branch, which is presided over by young lady clerks. It goes without saying that this store is the best patronized of any in Crossville, and it will compare favorably with many of the city buildings.
JOHN B. WRIGHT
John B. Wright, attorney at law, is the junior partner in the law firm of Conatser & Wright. He was born in Cookeville, Tenn., where he attended school until in his early teens. He went to the University of Harriman, from, which place he graduated in 1898. he came to Crossville and formed a partnership with Mr. Conatser, who leaves the responsibilities of the firm in town upon Mr. Wright’s shoulders.
Quick in repartee and ready in expedient, his native good humor takes the sting from the keen thrusts delivered in the tilts between him and his opponent. Mr. Wright is only 27 years of age, but has already won an enviable reputation, and is regarded as a rising star in his profession.
DR. LEOPOLD SCHWERIN
Physician, is one of the most cultured men in the south. He was born in Newark, N.J., but educated entirely in New York City. He graduated in medicine with high honors, and was for a number of years connected with Bellevue Hospital. He speaks eight different languages fluently. When the last Spanish-American War broke out he enlisted and was made captain in the Third Tennessee. When this regiment was encamped at Chickamauga Dr. Schwerin endeared himself to the boys under his command by his jolly good nature and thoughtfulness. Strictly military and obedient to every command of his superior officers, he, while demanding the same respect, could see things in a humane light, and every boy was treated fairly and well. Dr. Schwerin is not over twenty-eight years of age, and has traveled extensively, but is very unassuming and very reluctantly appears before the public.
L. O. SMITH
Attorney in partnership with D.L. Lansden, was born in Sparta, November, 1866. He was educated at the University of Tennessee, graduating from there with the highest honors in his class.
In 1896 he was delegate from the Fourth district to the national convention at Chicago. He came to Crossville two years ago, and has made for himself a reputation as a lawyer of brilliancy and ability, steadfast in purpose when once his mind is made up, as to the course demanded by justice in the interests of his clients. He married Miss Wallace of Sparta in 1889 and has one daughter.
D. L. LANSDEN
Law partner of L.O. Smith, was born in May, 1869, at what was known as Baker’s Cross Roads, in White County. He went to school in Grantville and graduated at Cumberland University. He studied for the ministry, but his disposition could not permit of him being ordained, so he returned to his first love – the law. He came to Crossville in 1897 and formed a partnership with Mr. Smith, and is regarded by members of the bar as one of the most brilliant of the members. He was married five years ago to Miss Helen Snodgrass of Sparta, and both he and his partner own beautiful homes in Crossville.
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The cuts of Crossville were obtained through the kindness of Mrs. [not legible] Wight who is an amateur photographer, but does such excellent work that if she should put up a gallery she would find it would be a success.