July 25, 1852: The New Orleans Weekly Delta reported, âThe Jonesborough (Tenn.) Rail Road Journal relates the following as a specimen of the way they do things in Tennessee. âS. D. Adams has written a letter to Col. Roper, of Dandridge, Tennessee, notifying him that he will shortly publish his life, which will be illustrated with woodcuts, and will disgrace him and his children to the tenth generation.â Col. Roper, in reply, says he will prove his calumnies to be false in every material part, and his reputation to be that of a common street liar, and further, that if he shall come in contact with him, he âwill cowhide him in a manner commensurate with the spirit of his age. Cowhiding in accordance with the age is good!ââ
July 16, 1885: The Comet printed several interesting stories. One of these was âOur Republican friend, Capt. W.A. Nelson, of Carter county (sic), renews his subscription to The Comet and modestly advises us to stick to the truth as close as possible. We intend to do that, Captain, even if it should be at the expense of your not liking the paper so well.â
Another article informed readers âR.L. Paton, Superintendent of Public Instruction, for Washington county (sic) has promised to contribute a series of short articles on educational matters for The Comet. He will have something to say of interest to the school directors of the county and advises them to subscribe for this paper.â
July 4, 1872: The Herald and Tribune printed several observations.
âA spur in the head is worth two in the heel.â
âHow to make a slow horse fast â Donât feed him.â
âMan begins with God when he gets to the end of himself.â
âWhen is a lawyer the strongest? When he is feeblest.â
âThe sorrows of believers are better than the joys of sinners.â
âThe man who âcouldnât find his match,â went to bed in the dark.â
âGreatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.â
âWho pays the highest price for a home? The woman who marries for one.â
June 28, 1843: The Jonesborough Whig and Independent Journal reported, âAs to the crowd in attendance here, on Monday, it is variously estimated â at from two to four thousand. Of one thing we are certain, to wit, that we never have seen as large a concourse of people in the town of Jonesborough. And the orators themselves, declared the assembly to be the largest they had addressed during the campaign.
Reading other articles in that issue of the newspaper, it is likely that the orators referred to were James Jones, who was the Governor of Tennessee during that time, and James Polk, who was Governor of Tennessee from 1839-1841. Polk later became President of the United States.
June 26, 1868: The East Tennessee Union Flag reported on a recent marriage that took place in Washington County. On the 16th of May, “at the residence of Mr. Jefferson