This is the last of the articles for Sardis for 1894--will resume with 1895 in a few days. SRK Spirit of Democracy December 27, 1894 Sardis Elder Osborne preached an excellent sermon Sunday morning. Those present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Norton, Mr. and Mrs. Cramor of Wittens and Rev. Mr. Wilson of Hannibal. The musical concert given at the hall Tuesday evening by Prof. Gilbert Wilson was a success. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stoehr are at Woodsfield visiting Mr. and Mrs. David Henthorn. Miss Minnie Lollading is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Frank Wrenshaw. Miss Erna Deiter is the guest of New Matamoras friends. Mr. Louis Stoehr was at Sistersville Wednesday. Mr. Lowe was at Woodsfield Tuesday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy December 20, 1894 Sardis Mr. and Mrs. Crow of Glen Easton are with their daughter Mrs. William Harris. Mr. Charles Adams of Wheeling is visiting his sister-in-law Mrs. Henry Stoehr. Miss Anna Bartins of Wheeling is the guest of her cousin Mrs. Will Stoehr. Miss Clara Litten of Wittens is the guest of her aunt Mrs. Mike Gano. Miss Elvina Pattison is here to spend the winter with Mrs. Ed Fry. Mr. Keyser of Woodsfield was here Wednesday. Miss Maggie Williamson came home Sunday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy December 13, 1894 Sardis The speaking by Mrs. Love Thursday and Friday evenings was very interesting. Misses Edith and Ella Thompson recited recitations. Mrs. Mattie Haverly and Miss Sadie Brennon were at Wittens Monday. Mrs. Will Stoehr is the guest of Wheeling friends and relatives this week. Mrs. Andrew Deiter and daughter Louisa came home Saturday. Mr. Krabs and family moved to New Martinsville Tuesday. Mr. Sheets of Wheeling was here Thursday. Mr. Charles Longwell is at home this week. Mr. Earl Lemmon was at Wittens Sunday. Mr. Will Rutter was here Friday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy December 6, 1894 Sardis Quite a crowd fathered at Ollie Thompson's Friday evening. Those present were Blanche Lemmon, Emma Stoehr, Vina Pattison, Ethel Knight, Mr. Fred Veolp, Earl Lemmon and Frank Humphrey. The league entertainment at the church Thursday evening was a great success. $25 was collected. Bert Hofer and sister Maggie and Miss Smith of Baresville were here Thursday. Miss Ethel Knight of St. Marys was visiting friends the past week. Josie Humphrey of Clarington is the guest of Ninnie Humphrey. Miss Adda Knight and May Harmon were at Marietta Friday. Miss Work of Wheeling is the guest of Mrs. Richardson. Miss Edith Hofer is visiting her brother, Samuel Hofer. Mr. John Goodwin, who has been sick, is better. Frank Shaffer was at Wheeling Thursday. Mrs. Dr. Griffith came home Thursday. Mr. Powell of Clarington was here Saturday. Andrew Deiter was at St. Marys Tuesday. Gene Thompson was at home Sunday. Vina Pattison is visiting Emma Stoehr. R.K. Walton went home Wednesday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy November 22, 1894 Sardis The soldiers had a camp fire at church Saturday evening, which was very interesting to both young and old. Quite a crowd gathered at Frank Wrenshaw's Friday evening in honor of his sister Sadie. Rev. Darby preached a very interesting sermon Wednesday evening. Hugh Ridgway was at the Cunningham house last week. John Dally, while out hunting Thursday, shot his hand. Mrs. Shaffer of Bellaire is the guest of Mrs. Lowe. Louis Stoehr was at New Martinsville Wednesday. Mr. Lowe came home from Pittsburg Monday. Jane Hoskins is at home this week. Arch Brennan came home Wednesday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy November 15, 1894 Sardis Miss Vada Boice was here Sunday visiting her grandfather Mr. Daily. Louis Stoehr and sons and A. Deiter were at Sistersville Sunday. Mrs. L??lading is here visiting her daughter, Mrs. F. Wrenshaw. Miss Dora Longwell returned home Monday from Moundsville. Mr. James Pattison and family moved to Wittens Wednesday. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Windland, on the 11th, a son.; Mrs. A. Deiter is at Martins Ferry visiting her daughter. Quite a crowd attended the dedication at Wittens Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fry were at Wheeling Wednesday. Miss Mert Longwell was at Wheeling Tuesday. Mr. Krebs and family moved here Tuesday. Mrs. Mattie Weltz was here Monday. Mr. Taylor was here Tuesday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy November 8, 1894 Sardis A very pleasant evening was spent at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon hallow-e'en in honor their daughter Blanche. Mr. S.C. Griffith and Miss Alice Richardson were quietly married last Tuesday at Woodsfield. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gauding, who have spent the summer here, went home Friday. The hallow e'en party at Mrs. Philips' for Libbie was a great success. The speaking of Mr. Danford Thursday evening was well attended. Mr. Crawford of New Martinsville was here Wednesday. Mr. L. Stoehr was at New Martinsville Wednesday. Miss Vina Pattison, who has been sick, is better. Mr. Charles Longwell came home Thursday. Sherd Pattison was at Wittens Thursday. Gene Thompson was home over Sunday. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy November 1, 1894 Quite a number of young folks attended the party at the home of Mrs. Ella Richardson Friday evening. On Sunday, November 4, the M.E. church at Wittens will be dedicated. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stoehr were at Woodsfield over Sunday. Miss Mary Gano of Sistersville was here the past week. Mr. John Dally returned home Wednesday. Mr. Strohel of Wheeling was in town Wednesday. Mr. J.A. Watson was here the past week. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy August 2, 1894 Sardis The "wonderful children singers" of the Pomeroy family of N.Y. will give a concert next Thursday evening, August 9, under the auspices of the Epworth league. No doubt our people will enjoy such a rare treat very much. Sardis has been brim full of social enjoyment for some time. Many visitors from the near cities are adding life and gaiety to our rural village. Straub & Riggenbach have purchased a fine new engine which will soon appear upon our highways to the ecstatic delight of the small boys. Miss Lottie Walton of Wheeling spent last week with May Harmon. Miss Kate Davis of Sistersville was also her guest a few days last week. Prof. Walton comes up occasionally, as he did last Sabbath to attend Epworth league(?). (the question mark is not mine--is in the newsprint--srk) However, we are all glad to see him. John Nesbitt and bride of Nebraska City are at the old homestead; also a sister, Mrs. Fred Theis, and children, of Arizona. The sound of the steam engine and the hum of the threshing machine tell us that "the harvest is almost past." Miss Adda Knight returned from Cincinnati last week, where she has been attending the College of Music. Mrs. Eph. Romick has repaired her dwelling, which adds very much to the appearance of Mound street. Miss Mary Nesbitt is quite indisposed. Otherwise the health of our community is excellent. The band boys held a lawn festival last week which was a very successful affair. Mrs. Maggie Lemmon of Uniontown, Pa., is visiting her father-in-law, S. Lemmon. Misses Emma Johnston and May Harman are visiting at Round Bottom this week. Miss Maggie Work of Wheeling is spending the summer with Alice Richardson. There was rather a meager vote polled at the convention last Saturday. Sam Hofer is building a new house in the Bridgeman addition. Fritz Drollinger of Wheeling is visiting his friends here. Miss Alice Faggert is at home on a short visit. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy June 7, 1894 Sardis Our memorial exercises were very largely attended and proved very interesting. Rev. Clarke delivered a very fine and instructive oration. Mrs. Kate Lemmon and Mrs. Mattie Martin are attending the state convention of the W.C.T.U. at Wheeling this week. The Epworth league will give a strawberry and ice cream festival on the 13th inst., which is already an assured success. M.B. Gorrell of Meadville, W.Va., was a very pleasant visitor in our midst this week. The Misses Brice of Bellaire have been visiting Mrs. Flora Goodwin the past week. Rain and high water have been very prominent features of our spring time. Prof. Walton of Grandview spent Sabbath here with old friends and sweetheart. The K. of P. will hold memorial exercises at their hall next Sabbath evening. The exercises of children's day will take place next Sabbath morning. Miss Adda Knight is attending the College of Music at Cincinnati. The W.C.T.U. and L.T.L. will observe "flower mission day," June 9. Miss Emma Bruny is quite sick with consumption. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy April 16, 1894 Sardis Miss Louella Nesbitt met the "Cincinnati Enquirer Literary Club" at Huntington yesterday and joined in the trip east. They will visit Old Point Comfort, Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and other points of interest, returning in about ten days. Mrs. Maggie Lemmon, who has been visiting here, returned home this week. She was accompanied as far as Wheeling by Miss Blanche, her sister-in-law. Mrs. Belle Frazier of Washington, Pa, is visiting her friends here and will remain some time on account of her health. W.F. Litten of the "oil field" visited his old home last Sabbath. He was accompanied by his daughters Della and Clara. Miss Maude Richardson of Chicago arrived Sabbath evening and will spend a two week's vacation with friends. The prolonged drouth has caused great inconvenience to some of our farmers. Water is very low; boats all tied up. The new church at Mt. Moriah on this charge is nearing completion and will be dedicated next month. Mrs. Henry Muhleman and son Bert of Buckhill spent last Sabbath with Miss Adda Knight. "They say" we are to have gas in Sardis. It is to be piped from New Martinsville. A new township road grader was the one object of interest yesterday about town. Miss Daisy Richardson of New Martinsville was a guest of friends last week. Mrs. Mattie Thompson and son Gene visited at Round Bottom last week. Some of our boys are enjoying a fishing camp just across the river. No doubt Sardis will be well represented at the "harvest home." A.C. Vetter has bought the "cash store" and has taken charge. Mrs. E. Knight is visiting her daughter in Parkersburg. William Goodwin of Clarington is at his old home here. The Pomeroy quartette gave us a good concert last week. Grandma Hofer is visiting at the Oneill house. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy April 19, 1894 Sardis (received too late for last issue.) The show windows of Mr. George Case's, the leading merchant of our city, are beautiful to look upon, especially the millinery department. Miss Emma Johnson is to be complimented on her selection in the millinery line this spring. Mr. Stoehr's new house on Church street will soon be ready for occupancy. It is a handsome residence and adds a great improvement to the town. Miss Ola Strosnider of Waverly, W. Va, who has been the guest of her sister, Mrs. I. R. Phillips, the past week, has returned home. Mr. E.D. Thompson of Witten spent Sunday with his mother Mrs. Mattie Thompson, postmistress of this place. Mr. Cunningham, the proprietor of the Cunningham house, is adding some new improvements to his property. The mumps and measles are epidemic in this place at the present time, but with no serious results so far. Mr. Frank Lemon and wife of Chicago are visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Lemon of Front street. Mr. Patterson of the Sistersville oil field moved his family to this city on Wednesday of last week. Miss Lou Moffett, who has been confined to her room for some time past, is slowly improving. The W.C.T.U. will meet at the home of Mrs. William Knight Wednesday evening. Mr. Fletcher Litten of Miller's Run spent Sunday with his parents of this place. Mrs. Dr. Haudenschield, who has been seriously ill for the past week, is improving. Mr. Lowe of this place is spending a few days in Pittsburg on business. Misses Lucy and Maud Witten leave this week to attend Scio college. Miss Eva Davis of Bellaire is the guest of Mrs. Emmet Litton. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy April 5, 1894 Sardis Our school closed Friday with interesting exercises. Prof. Walton left for his home on Tuesday. We understand he expects to teach a select school here sometime during the summer. No doubt the people will appreciate the effort as the professor has proved himself to be an excellent instructor. Teachers throughout the county will find no better opportunity in normal studies than Prof. Walton can give them. Our people here were shocked on Saturday morning to hear that the church at Mt. Moriah on this charge had been burned to the ground the night before. The fire is of incendiary origin. As there was no insurance on the building the loss will be keenly felt in the community. We understand it will be rebuilt however. Mr. Morrow has sold off his personal property and will soon leave Sardis. Mr. Morrow has many friends and neighbors who regret his departure and deeply sympathize with him in the sad breaking up of his home. "Incorporation" was all the talk for awhile but we hear nothing from it any more. Sardis wouldn't know herself should she get out of the old ruts. Why not take a step in advance? William Welch, so well known in the community as an oil man, recently died and was buried at public expense - one more fearful warning to inebriety. The Epworth league of Sardis held its annual election on last Monday evening. The league has grown to be very interesting. Mrs. Mary Parker and sister have moved to town and will be pleased to have calls from persons desiring to have carpets woven. Miss Emma Johnson of the "cash store" has returned to her post of duty and is now ready to receive all orders in millinery. I. A. Witten lost a little boy a few days ago of scarlet fever. Many friends here extend sympathy to the bereaved ones. Mrs. Bridgeman has laid out a beautiful field in town lots, which will afford some fine sites for building houses. The fruit in this community does not seem to be so much injured by the recent cold snap as was at first supposed. The "Loyal Temperance Legion" of this place celebrated Neal Dow's birthday very appropriately last Sabbath. We hear a great deal of oil talk and expect to hear more if the field continues to extend toward Sardis. Dr. Griffith is "shut in" with a case of mumps, which he brought with him from Woodsfield last week. A gentleman from Moundsville has located at Harris's store, who is a repairer of watches and clocks. It is said than Mr. Harvey Bowen of this place has gone into the hotel business at Morrow's old stand. Miss Adda Knight is at home again having closed her school in the "oil fields" last week. Miss Strowschneider of Williamstown, W.Va, is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Phillips. The new residence of Louis Stoehr presents a fine appearance as it nears completion. William Humphry was so unfortunate as to lose a valuable cow last week. E. Smittle moved from this place last week to his farm on Narrow's run. The Litton Bros. are running a blacksmith shop in the "oil field." Moving is in order this week. Many changes are being made. Mumps and measles are epidemic here at present. Miss Emma Price is quite sick of measles. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy February 15, 1894 Lee Township We have not had much winter in this section of the county. The young gentlemen do not like it very will, for they contemplated taking the young ladies out for a grand sleigh ride. Mr. William Goddard returned home the 7th from his grandfather's Mr. William Fagert's. Willie went down there to take a raccoon hunt but the mumps took him. We learn that Jim Rush goes down J. Goddard's hill very often now. We think that there must be some attraction at the foot of the hill. Preaching at Mt. Moriah every two weeks by Rev.. Mr. Wilson, and preaching every three weeks at Mt. Olive by Rev. Mr. Clarke. The Theis school is progressing finely with Mr. Worth Goddard as teacher; the scholars all like him: he is a fine instructor. The health of the community is good with the exception of a few who have the mumps or rather the mumps have them. Some of the young men of this community are talking of going up the river in the spring to work. Mr. C.R. Martin, who has been working back of Bellaire for some time, is at home on a visit. Rev. Mr. Wilson is holding a protracted meeting at Sardis now. He is having good success. Miss Edith Goddard was at Sardis the 3d and 4th, attending the protracted meeting. Mr. Henry Huffman has purchased a part of the William Schoonover farm. Rev. R. W. Martin has a broad smile on his face now; it is a girl. Miss Lizzie Bolen is able to be out again. Mr. Rowe Bolen is able to be out again. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Griffith, Suter, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy February 8, 1894 Lee Township Miss Lizzie Bolen is still on the sick list, and we fear if she does not recover soon some of the young men will contract heart disease. Miss Anna Mahoney of Wirt county, W.Va., is visiting her aunt, Mrs. T.W. Martin. Mrs. J.M. Goddard visited her sister, Mrs. R. Martin, last Saturday and Sunday. A wedding is predicted in the near future, so get ready for the serenade. Mrs. Paul Romick visited her cousin, Mrs. Worth Goddard, last Tuesday. Miss Eva Goddard is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Obed Wait(copy difficult here, may be wrong spelling) of Narrow's run. There was a singing at Mr. J. Goddard's last Sunday evening. J. W. Martin will work for Lewis Haldiman the coming year. Rowe Bolen is still on the sick list. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy January 25, 1894 Sardis (this newspaper was so badly damaged before filming that I can only transcribe portions--sorry) A necktie and birthday social was held at Fred Zeh's Saturday evening, January 13 in honor of his daughter Mollie's twentieth birthday. The evening was spent in various kinds of parlor games. The following is a list of presents bestowed upon her by her friends and relatives: J.W. Martin, butter dish; Eva Goddard, jelly dish; John F. Zeh, 50 cents; Elbert Martin, preserve dish; Ed. Miller, handkerchief; Bertha Zeh, handkerchief; Edith Goddard, cream pitcher; W.F. Hossman, silk handkerchief; Clara Theis, fancy ink stand; F.W. Zeh, bottle of perfumery; Elverton Goddard, breast pin; Emma Hogue, hair ornament; Ethel Goddard, glass dish; James Jones, bread plate; William Goddard, butter plate. George Case, our merchant, has purchased the handsome dwelling and drugstore of A.C. Vetter. Consideration, $7,500. Sheriff Keyser paid us a visit and....some few people had some pressing...business at Woodsfield. George Case is again the happy father of a girl. Also Emmet Litten.....of a very large boy. Henry Neiman and wife paid a visit to Grandmother Winkler near...Bottom. .....large frame barn of John....by Godfrey Hossman.... ...Goddard is confined to ...with a felon on his hand.... Fagert of West Virginia...her cousin Ruth Hissom,...& Dieter are doing a good...with their planing mill. ...Hossman is doing some ...work at Narrows run. ...there was a grand hop at the residence of John Wes. Longwell. ...Miller is getting in ...for a large frame barn. ...llie Goddard has his hand cut...coon hunting. Lizzie Bolen is confined to her room with the grip. Emil Bohren took a fine horse to Wheeling. Ralph Bolen has the mumps or it has him. Peter Gillman is on the sick list. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly Re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy January 25, 1894 Lee Township Rev. R. W. Martin, who has been holding a meeting at the Connor appointment returned to his home last Sunday evening. He preached a very able sermon at Mt. Olive Tuesday evening. Mrs. William Fagert who has been visiting her daughters, Mrs. J. M. Goddard and Mrs. R.W. Martin, has returned to her home near Sardis. Rev. Mr. Clarke closed his meeting at Mt. Olive on the evening of January 17. Miss Lizzie Bolen who has been sick with the grip is recovering. Mr. John Ensinger will erect a new barn in the spring. Mr. J.K. Rush has erected a fine new barn this winter. Mr. Rowe Bolen is on the sick list. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy January 18, 1894 Lee Township The protracted meeting is still in progress at Mt. Olive at this writing. Some very able sermons have been preached by Rev. Mr. Clarke which if the people would listen would accomplish much good. Two of the Sardis dudes were at Mt. Olive at meeting one night last week. They came out in a cart and had a break down but no bones were broken we learned. J.E. Martin took a girl to church the other night and another fellow brought her home. J.E. can now say, "Did you ever get left?" There must be some attraction over about Mr. Goddard's farm, judging from the visits Ed. pays them. Judging from the regular visits Jim pays to W.E.Goddard, we think that here is some attraction there. Miss Etta Schoonoever has returned home from Bellaire where she has been visiting her sisters. The health of the community is good with the exception of a few who are still on the sick list. Mr. S.A. Martin of Sistersville was visiting relatives in this community the 6th and 7th. Miss Lizzie Bolen has returned home again. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy January 11, 1894 Lee Township A necktie social was held at Mr. Worth Goddard's December 30, in honor of his sister Edith's birthday. The evening was spent in various kinds of amusements. The following is the list of presents bestowed upon her by her friends: Ruth Hissom. handkerchief; J.W. Martin, apron; Eva Goddard, handkerchief; James Jones, 25 cents; Ed. Miller, handkerchief; Elbert Martin, pepper box; Elverton Goddard, handkerchief; Ethel Goddard, butter plate; W.F. Hossman, handkerchief; Willie Goddard, 10 cents; Mrs. Nannie Goddard, cake. The neckties were sold to the young gentlemen by Mr. James Jones. Judging by the late hour at which some of them returned we suppose they had a long journey. The year has flown, and with it many a bright and happy dream. The new is ushered in with new prospects and birght hopes for the future. A number of young folks of this neighborhood spent a pleasant Christmas evening at Mr. Will Bush's. Mrs. Worth Goddard spent New Year's day with her sister, Mrs. George Meyers of Walnut Camp. The health of the community is good with the exception of a few who are still on the sick list. An entertainment was given at the Theis school house on the evening of the 23rd of December. Mr. J.M. Goddard and wife, who have been on the sick list for some time, are recovering. Mr. Worth Goddard attended the teachers' institute at Woodsfield at part of last week. Rev. William Clarke begins his protracted meeting at Mt. Olive January 3. Mr. John Ensinger and family spent Christmas at Mr. J. Goddard's. Miss Lizzie Bolen is visiting her sister at Walnut Camp. Transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt

Spirit of Democracy Sardis January 4, 1894 Mrs. John Morrow died on the morning of the 25th and was buried at Sykes cemetery on the 27th. She leaves a lonely companion who has the sympathy of many friends and neighbors. Mrs. Morrow was a noble woman, a good neighbor and friend. She will be sadly missed in the town as well as in her own home but she has gone where none ever say, "I am sick," where there are no pangs of death. May the heart of her companion be comforted in the hope of a reunion ere long. The holidays passed off quietly at Sardis. A first-class row in Ben Joy's saloon in the morning and a stereopticon show in the evening were prominent features of the hallowed day Christmas. Rev. Mr. Wilson has closed the meeting which has been in progress at Stewart's chapel for some time. We did not learn the result. Charlie Barker, who was so seriously wounded by Lafey Brown on Christmas morning, is getting along nicely. Miss Alice Richardson of the Woodsfield schools is spending her vacation here with her friends. A. Melott and bride of Missouri are spending the holidays with W. A. Humphrey. Albert Frey and family of Youngstown, Ohio, are spending the winter here. Miss Adda Knight, who is teaching in the "oil field," spent Sabbath at home. S.M. Suter and wife are both convalescent after a serious attack of la grippe. A crowd of young folks attended the Christmas entertainment at Hannibal. We have had quite an epidemic of grippe but the worst seems to be over. Charlie Lemmon and wife of Wheeling spent Christmas with his parents. Frank Knight of Parkersburg spent the holidays at his home here. T. Magrannahan and wife of Wheeling are visiting friends here. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt