DARDEN ITEMS FROM THE LEXINGTON PROGRESS (1913-1948), compiled by Brenda Kirk Fiddler

DARDEN ITEMS FROM THE LEXINGTON PROGRESS (1913-1948), compiled by Brenda Kirk Fiddler

December 17, 1920
Progress
Fire Destroys Four Stores at Darden

Fire originating from unknown origin in the general store of Duke Bros., at about 11 o'clock Tuesday night, completely destroyed the store and stock of goods.

The big general store of J.R. Lunn containing the postoffice, and a building adjacent in which was carried a stock of undertaker’s supplies were ignited from the first building and entirely consumed.

A small store adjoining that of Duke Brothers, which was fitted up for resident purposes and used by a family by the name of Wylie was consumed.

Only hard work by volunteer fire fighters saved the residence and barn of L.B. Moore, and in fact the entire town of Darden.

Duke Brothers’ loss, $3,000; insurance, $1,200. J.R. Lunn’s loss, $15,000; insurance $5,000. Tom Small’s loss on small store, $250; no insurance.

The post office has been reopened in the EF. Wilson store.

It is understood that Duke Brothers will rebuild at once. J.R. Lunn has not indicated his plans.

TENNESSEE POSTMASTERS, HENDERSON COUNTY, compiled by L. M. McDaniel

Post office, postmaster, and date of appointment for postmasters in Henderson County, Tennessee. This list was compiled by L. M. McDaniel, 309 Maleus Road, Jackson, TN 38301. Some name corrections by W. L. Barry are given in parentheses.

MIDDLEFORK
John M. Arnold, 12/02/1895
Discontinued 5/14/1904 - papers to LURAY

LONE ELM
Robert R. Dennison, 10/29/1868
Felix R. Bray, 3/01/1875
Wm. T. McKely, 10/14/1885 (McKelvey)
John B. Duke, 5/18/1886
Felix R. Bray, 5/23/1887
Discontinued 11/21/1890 - papers to CHESTERFIELD

MOORE'S HILL
John B. Duke, 1/31/1877
Williams W. Evans, 7/06/1880 (William W. Evans)
William P. Davis, 12/13/1883
Wi1liam W. Evans, 1/27/1886
James M. Evans, 12/27/1886
John W. Wallace, 10/12/1887
Miss Mollie Evans, 4/01/1890
Peter Evans, 5/21/1890
Thomas C. Moore, 8/07/1890
Discontinued 9/12/1896 - papers to SULPHUR SPRINGS

LIFE
David N. Knowles, 8/01/1881
John T. Sullivan, 11.19/1883
Henry W. Foster, 12/07/1885
Mrs. Nannie E. Merrell, 12/12/1887
John T. Sullivan, 2/11/1888
George W. Priddy, 6/11/1891
Willie D. Knowles, 1/05/1892 [LP1]
Thos. H. Gilliam, 2/05/1896
Lucy Arnold, 4/14/1896
Discontinued 4/24/1896 - papers to LEXINGTON
Randolph N. Jordan 2/12/1897 - reestablished
Redden S. Owens, 8/25/1904 --- 11/01/1904 - rescinded
Randolph N. Jordan, ??/??/????
William R. Britt, 12/11/1907
James R. Reid, 1/31/1914
Discontinued 2/28/1934 - mail to LEXINGTON

CHESTERFIELD
Curry L. Bray, 9/14/1889
G. A. Duke, 9/04/1893
Curry C. Bray, 4/05/1897
George W. McCall, 2/03/1900
Ellis M. Evans, 12/01/1900
John Thomas Moore, 1/27/1934---11/30/1941 - retired
Erbie Loyd Reed, 12/0l/1941---9/01/1942 - inducted - military 1eave
Erbie Lester Reed, 9/18/1942 - Appointed to serve during absence of Postmaster on military leave
Neal J. Wallace, 9/01/1944
Guy F. Derryberry, 1/13/1948
Howard D. Walker, 2/28/1950

DARDEN
George W. Essary, 8/21/1889
Samuel H. Newman, 4/26/1892
John H. Blankenship, 4/03/1893
Wm. F. Hancock, 9/16/1896
Wm. F. Boren, 3/19/1897
Charlie N. Keen, 4/10/1898
Jesse P.Veal, 9/01/1900
Minnie Spellings, 4/01/1901
Lasson B. Moore, 10/23/1913
Doss C. Evans, 2/01/1940
James C. Duke, 8/28/1940
Van L. Duke, 3/24/1958
John W. Frost, 3/06/1959

HINSON SPRINGS
James H. Long, 4/30/1895
John C. Martin, 3/02/1903
Hortens J. Odle, 1/31/1914
Discontinued 12/17/1915 - - mail to LEXINGTON

OBITUARIES OF SOME DARDEN RESIDENTS (1919-1948), compiled by Brenda Kirk Fiddler

January 12, 1940
Progress
James Newton Duke

James Newton Duke, son of the late J.B. and Julia Ann Duke, was born in Henderson County on the 8th of February, 1862, and departed this life on January 7th, 1940, making his life on earth 77 years, 10 months and 27 days.

He was first married in 1881 to Miss Paralee King, and to this union was born four children, namely: Mrs. Daisy Moore, Miss Pearl Wood, Mrs. Mary Murren, and one dying in infancy. His wife died in 1889. His second marriage was to Miss Lizzie Altom in 1891, and to this union were born James Carless, Luther A., Auda M., Mrs. Azilee Wilkins, Mrs. Donie Lewis and Mrs. Odell Brewer, all of Darden; one son, Alton, died in 1915.

He professed faith in Christ in early boyhood and united with Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church and lived a devoted Christian life until death. He is survived by his wife, nine children, 38 great-grandchildren, 19 (10?) three brothers, N.M. Duke, J.T. Duke and Will Duke, and one-half brother, Add Duke, and two sisters, Mrs. Frances Newhan and Mrs. Lizzie Wood.

Mr. Duke was one of Henderson County’s best citizens and will be sadly missed by friends, neighbors and loved ones. He was a Democrat but with such character and personality that when he ran for Magistrate, which office he held from 1924 to 1930, he received all the Republican votes in his precinct.

Funeral services were held Monday morning in the home and burial was in the old Duke Cemetery near Darden, with Pafford in charge.

December 6,1940
Progress
Mrs. J.N. Duke Dies At Her Home

Lessie M. Altom Duke was born May 5th, 1869, and departed this life November 27th, 1940, making her stay on earth 71 years, six months and 22 days. She was the daughter of the late David G. and Sarah Altom. She was married to J.N. Duke in 1891. He preceded her to the grave 10 months and 21 days [ago]. To this union were born seven children namely: Charles Carless, Luther A., and Audry M. Duke, Mrs. Azilee Wilkins, Dahnie Lewis and Odell Brewer, all of Darden; one son, Alton, preceded her to the grave 25 years ago.

There are left to mourn her departure, six children, 26 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; also, three stepdaughters, Mrs. Daisy Moore, Wildersville; Pearl Wood, Darden; Mary Murren, Jackson; four brothers, Slyvestin Altom, Wildersville; David G. Altom, Lexington; Oscar Altom, Jackson; Jimmy Altom, Fulton, Ky.; two sisters, Mrs. Viola Roberts, Henderson, Dora Scott, Jackson, besides a host of relatives and friends.

She professed faith in Christ in early womanhood and united with Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church and lived a consistent member until death. A loving mother, a true friend, a faithful Christian has gone to her reward.