The following is an article that appeared in the Thursday, Dec. 10, 1942 edition of the "Sandy Valley Enquirer." SOLDIER TODAY IS THRIVING COMMUNITY WITH BRICK PLANT, MINES J. W. Richards, While Plowing, Discovered Fire-Clay at Soldier Soldier, long a prosperous community, not only because of the fertile fields which provide splendid farming, the abundant growth of timber which designated Soldier as a lumbering center, but the vast store of fire-clay which has made it one of the foremost clay mining towns of the State. Soldier's substantial history reflects the character and foresight of its early settlers and their descendants who have in a traditional American manner made "their share of the earth" mean so much to the nation. FIRST SETTLERS The first settlers of Soldier were Harrison Garvin, father of Rebecca Patton (widow of the late J. D. Patton) and Jeremiah Powers Richards (father of the late John William Richards), and the Underwoods on Dry Branch Road, ancestors of Velva Underwood, Mrs. Ina Vincent and W. A. Gilbert. These pioneers were substantial farmers and livestock dealers. Still standing as a monument to the achievements of these early settlers is the old Garvin homestead in which Mrs. Nora Shay, granddaughter of Harrison Garvin, now lives. Only recently, the old Richards homestead was razed by Jason Bradley, who now owns the part of the farm on which the house stood. The old Underwood home still stands and is now owned by Charles Pelfrey, Sr. HISTORY OF SCHOOLS A modest little log cabin, located where the J. B. Richard's home now is, served Soldier as their first schoolhouse, and William Underwood taught the first school. Several years later, Carter County established a school here, a box-house which was built on a lot donated by J. P. Richards. Mr. Richards also donated the lumber and the citizens provided the labor to build it. Miss Eva Bays, daughter of Logan Bays, of Grayson, was the first teacher. On this same lot about forty years ago a two-story building was erected in which two teachers were supplied because of the growing population. At this time an additional lot was purchased from L. S. Vincent to extend the school grounds. As the population continued to grow extra rooms were provided. Finally five acres of land were purchased from John F. Gilbert on the North side of the railroad. Here a modern 6-room concrete block school was constructed, which the state inspector approved with the statement that it was the fine! st building in a district of its size in Eastern Kentucky. At this time Soldier was an independent school district with one year of high school. Later the school board with the aid of the loyal citizens (who donated money, material, and labor) built a gymnasium. One of the best basketball teams in Kentucky was fostered here, and was widely acclaimed when they defeated the Ashland Tomcats in the tournament. In 1935 the Soldier School District was taken into the Carter County School District. Since then, the faculty has been increased and two rooms have been added to the building. Soldier has a very active P. T. A. and the excellent cooperation between the parents and faculty contributes much to the success of the school. HISTORY OF INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS Today, Soldier boasts of a full four-year high school, with the finest of instructors and equipment, a Glee Club, and many other activities which make Soldier schools equal to any institution of its size in the State. With the building of the railroad in 1880 the industries of Soldier, other than farming, began. Soon sawmills and shingle machines were found up every hollow and much tank bark, staves, hoops and later ties were brought here for shipment. One of the pioneer lumbermen was John Z. Clark. The first merchant of the community was L. S. Vincent, who operated a store in a small building where Jesse hall now lives. Later he built a large store near the depot and finally he built the large store building where William Durham now has his business. Among the older merchants of Soldier were Leffingwell and Jackson, who established their business in a frame building which was located in what is now Mrs. Martha Livingston's front lawn. They sold this store to Crump and Field (who later became very successful wholesale merchants in Ashland, Kentucky). After several years of successful business, Crump and Field sold out to William Livingston and Isaac Conley. Later, Livingston purchased Conley's share and carried on a thriving business until his death. While plowing one day. J. W. Richards discovered fire-clay on his farm. Soon mines sprang up and much clay was shipped from here. Outside businessmen became interest and about 1886 the Ironton Firebrick Company built the Hayward Brickyard. The yard is now owned and operated by the North American Refractories. The Charles Taylor Company, Kiser Brothers, Vincent Mining Company and the Ironton Firebrick Company operate mines and ship clay from here. As the industry grew, other businesses flourished until Solider now has many busy stores, owned by the following merchants: Samuel Hamm, W. D. Eden, William Durham, W. A. Gilbert, Jason Kiser, e. F. Rivers, Cecil Wells, and A. C. Zimmerman. Harshel Clark owns and operates an up-to-date electric shop and Mrs. W. A. Gilbert is the owner of a very modern Beauty Shop. THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME SOLDIER The first postmaster of Soldier was J. W. Richards. He received his commission in 1881. The railroad station was at that time Triplett. This caused much confusion as there was a post office elsewhere known as Triplett. Mr. Richards named the post office Soldier. Later the station was changed to Soldier. The present postmaster of Soldier is Mrs. Mable Barker Day. HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES In pioneer days a mill shed which stood where the Clifford Ownes residence now stands, provided shelter for religious services. In later years a church was built at Hayward by the citizens and the Ashland Firebrick Company in which any denomination was welcome to hold its services. At this time there are two organized churches here. The Pilgrim Holiness Church, which has a nice building. The present pastor is Rev. Glass, and The Church of God, whose pastor is Rev. Ott Furnish, who hold their meetings in the Masonic Hall. On August 10, 1935, Soldier was stricken by the worst catastrophe in its history--the flood in which one dwelling and store-building belonging to Frank Rivers were destroyed and much damage to their property was done. However, Soldier's march of progress continued and the citizens cleaned and repaired their property. Mr. Rivers moved to another building and the dame which was wrought is now just a memory. Men of Soldier have achieved honor. Among the men of Soldier who have become prominent is J. D. Patton, who was elected to the Kentucky legislature and his son who operated one of the biggest and best lumber businesses in Eastern Kentucky. Dr. Rigdon Ratcliff, who was several years ago principal of Soldier School, is now quite a prominent physician at the University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Soldier has produced many fine school teachers, who have contributed much to the field of education. A history of Soldier would not be complete without mentioning our many fine boys who represent our community today in the battlefield and in the service of our country. Soldier has earned full well her name for we feel that we have today more boys per capita in the service than any other town in the nation. Our boys are serving our country as soldiers, sailors and marines in all parts of the world. We pay homage to our first casualty of the war, Louis Harlan Delong, who was killed in action on the Boise while fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Louis Delong had been in the service for two years prior to his death. We extend to his heroic mother our heartfelt sympathy and regret.