THE TYRRELL COUNTY "ENQUIRER"

2ND BIRTHDAY FOR TYRRELL COUNTY ENQUIRER!
It's hard to beleive ... "The Tyrrell County Enqirer" has been in Cyber Space for two years. I have enjoyed spreading the news and history of Tyrrell County to the world. I have appreciated every reader, every guestbook signing, and every email that I have recieved during the past two years. It's been great! Along with thanking everyone who has visited The Enquirer ... I would also like to thank my wife Barbara who has endured my many hours on the computer and been so supportive of my efforts. I would also like to thank my children ... Ty & Codi ... who have also supported me since the beginning. Thank you everyone and I hope to continue reporting the Tyrrell County news to you during 1999 and into the year 2000.

NEW CONSTRUCTION FUNDS APPROVED FOR LIBRARY
Doug Hoffman, Tyrrell County Librarian, officially announced that the Tyrrell County Public Library will receive $300,000 from the North Carolina Legislature for the construction of additional building space. This should be enough money to increase the size of the library by 50% and fulfill the space needs for the library for the next 20 years. The funding will provide space for the growing collection of books, many new computers, storage areas, and study areas. Soon, Tyrrell County Public Library plans to have four public access Internet computers. This will give the library a ratio of one public access computer per 1000 people which will be one of the highest ratios in the state. Tyrrell County Public Library has the highest book circulation rate of any of the four counties in the Pettigrew Regional Library System. Tyrrell County has a library that we can be proud of and it looks as if it is only going to get bigger and better.

JANUARY 1999 WEATHER DATA
The weather data was collected by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their home in Gum Neck, Tyrrell County.

• Average High Air Temperature ..... 58`
• Highest Air Temperature ..... 75` on January 24th
• Average Low Air Temperature ..... 36`
• Lowest Air Temperature ..... 17` on January 6th
• Monthly Precipitation ..... 3.22"
• Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ..... 1.24" on January 25th

  OBITUARIES

  LELA DAVENPORT SPRUILL, 91, died February 16, 1999 at Plumblee Nursing Home in Plymouth. She was born in Washington County on September 14, 1907 and was the daughter of the late Aaron and Leah Overton Davenport. She was preceded in death by her husband: Lonnie Spruill on April 2, 1957, a son: Ronnie Spruill, and a daughter: Reba Tess. She is survived by two daughters: Neta Hendrix and June Modlin; a sister: Pearl Ambrose; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. A funeral was held at Mt. Zions Chapel Church of Christ and burial was in the church cemetery.

  BLANCH SIMPSON BRYANT, 82, died February 15, 1999 in a Virginia Beach, VA hospital. She was a retired teacher from the Tyrrell County public school system after 33 years of service. She is survived by her son: Reginald Lewis Bryant; four grandchildren; and a devoted brother-in-law: George C. Coston. A funeral service was held for her at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tyrrell County and burial was in the church cemetery.

  Ivory Littlejohn Jones, 63, of Creswell died February 14, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born April 27, 1935 in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Aaron E. Littlejohn. She was a cook and employed at Creswell High School. She is survived by five sons: Joe R. Jones, Eric Jones, Jeffery Jones, Michael Jones, and Jay Jones; four daughters: Regina Jones, Darlene Larkins, Charmaine Jones, and Iris Best; three sisters: Edith Phelps, Willie Buchanan, and Rose Coston; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church and burial was in the Spruill Cemetery in Creswell.

  JOHNNY LEE COMBS, 43, of Indiana died February 9, 1999. He was born in Tyrrell County. He is survived by his wife: Frances Combs; one daughter: Frances Ann Combs; two sons: Johnny Combs Jr. and Kennedy L. Combs; two sisters: Annette Combs and Sandra Combs; three brothers: Dennis Combs, Craig Combs, and Carl Combs; and one grandchild. Mr. Combs was returned to Tyrrell County for a funeral service at Alligator Chapel Baptist Church and burial in the Community Cemetery.

  PEARL FURLOUGH AMBROSE, 91, of Creswell died on January 27, 1999 at Washington County Hospital in Plymouth. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late William and Mary Phelps Furlough. She was a member of Philipi Church of Christ and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband: Jordon T. Ambrose. She is survived by two sons: Ronald L. Ambrose and Thomas J. Ambrose; two daughters: Ramona Spruill and Maxine Spring; one sister: Elizabeth Woodley; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. A funeral service was held at Philippi Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  GERTRUDE OVERTON PINNER, 90, of Light Street in Columbia died on February 5, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Charles and Sarah Mann Overton. She was a member of the Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and was a retired self employed beautician from 1929 until 1990. She was preceded in death by her husband: James A. Pinner and her daughter: Barbara Lee Pinner. She is survived by two sons: Jimmy Pinner and Bobby Pinner; one brother: M.D. Overton; one sister: Mildred Cooper; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

  QUINCY SAWYER, 87, of Ambrose Road in Washington County died on February 2, 1999 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. He was born in Washington county and was the son of the late Matthew and Belle Woodley Sawyer. He was a member of Phillipi Church of Christ, Providence Lodge No. 678 AF & AM, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 281, and a retired patrolman with the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department. He is survived by his wife: Pauline Arnold Sawyer; one son: William A. Sawyer; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son: Frederick W. Sawyer. Burial was at the Phillipi Church of Christ Cemetery.

  ANNIE MAE TWIDDY MIDGETT, 84, of Manns Harbor died on January 25, 1999 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary Twiddy. She was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Manns Harbor and a member of The Methodist Women. She was the former manager of the Ocean House Motel in Kill Devil Hills for 20 years. She was preceded in death by her husband: Roy Midgett. She is survived by her daughter: Hester Twiddy Dwyer; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Midgett Family Cemetery in Manns Harbor.

  HORACE A. BAREFIELD, 66, of Moyock died on January 22, 1999. He was a native of the Gum Neck community of Tyrrell County.

  MARCH 1999

  THE TYRRELL COUNTY GENEALOGICAL & HISTORICAL SOCIETY
  The Tyrrell County Genealogical & Historical Society was founded in August of 1995 to encourage the preservation and historical recording of Tyrrell County and it's families. The Society is a non-profit organization and averages about 150 memberships per year. Membership is offered to anyone interested in the history and genealogy of Tyrrell County. Individual dues are $15 per year, family memberships (two family members at one address) are $20 per year, and Society/Institutional memberships are $20 per year. Each type of membership will receive one October and one April issue of Tyrrell Branches. A monthly newsletter is also included to help inform members about Society news, queries, as well as upcoming meetings and events. The Society meets monthly on the 4th Sunday at 2:30 P.M. at the Columbia Senior Citizens Center at 406 Water Street unless a special meeting is announced. Special plans may be made for the months of November and December due to possible holiday interference. Most meetings have a scheduled speaker who will present a brief program on a pertinent topic. Some meetings are just good opportunities to share research, meet people, and talk genealogy. The March program topic will be "Keeping Up With The Joneses". This will be an effort to clarify some of the Jones ancestry of Tyrrell County. It should be an educational as well as fun experience to sort out and group the Jones genealogy. There are many old, old, and very good Jones Family records. The April program will be presented by Teresa Kelley. She does the Internet website for the Washington County Genealogical Society as well as her personal genealogical website: Descendants of Dr. Godfrey Spruill. She will share some good research methods for all of us....both for computer and pencil and paper users. The May program will be presented by Gene Roth will speak to us about researching the Revolutionary Period. Gene is a member of the DAR and has recently been instrumental in getting a new chapter organized in Washington County. Her expertise in that era will help many of us who are "stuck" in the late 1700's in our research. You do not have to be a member to attend our monthly meetings. Come out to our meetings to learn and share the history, culture, and genealogy of Tyrrell County's rich past.

  FEBRUARY WEATHER DATA
  Weather data is collected at the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Station by Jacob and Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, Tyrrell County.

  • Average High Air Temperature ... 56`
  • Highest Air Temperature ... 71` on February 13
  • Average Low Air Temperature ... 36`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ... 20` on February 23/24
  • Monthly Precipitation ... 1.85"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ... .78" on February 19
  • Total Year To Date Precipitation ... 5.07"

  MRS. LENNIE CELEBRATES HER 96TH
  Congratulations to Mrs. Lennie Jones Christianson who recently celebrated turning 96 years young. She was born in Gum Neck on February 11, 1903. She left Tyrrell County at age 25 and moved to Washington, D.C. and worked in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She retired and returned to Tyrrell County in 1952 and currently resides in the Scuppernong community on Woodley Station Road. Mrs. Lennie stays active by visiting, shopping (she still drives her car), going to church at Creswell United Methodist Church. She is also a member of Eastern Star and enjoys helping the Extension Homemakers. She was first married to William J. Davis and secondly to Fred Christianson. Both husbands and her son, Jack Davis, Jr are deceased. Again, CONGRATULATIONS! MRS. LENNIE on a long and fruitful life.

  AN ENJOYABLE NATURE WALK
  I awoke early Saturday morning to a beautiful spring-like sunrise even though it is just the first week of March. I decided to get Sadie (the family dog) and hit the streets of Columbia for a brisk walk before joining my mom and grandmother for our ritual Saturday breakfast. As I neared the boardwalk along the Scuppernong River, I thought it would be a great morning to continue my walk along the river through the wooded part of the boardwalk. Sadie and I continued past the Visitor's Center and the ducks and coots feeding along the edge of the river to the wooded entrance. The river was flat calm and the air was crisp, but dead still. The boardwalk makes an 1100 foot circle meandering through the swamp on the edge of the Scuppernong River. You can see all kinds of plant and wildlife that live in the swampy area and never get your feet wet. The woods were alive with the sound of birds, feeding ducks, and squirrels jumping from tree to tree. As we walked along, the boardwalk passes by pines, gums, and seldom-seen Bald Cypress and Atlantic White Cedar (Juniper). It was a great experience that didn't cost a penny. I enjoyed it and I would like to remind everyone that it is there and I highly recommend it! GET OUT AND ENJOY YOUR COMMUNITY!

  OBITUARIES

  CLAIR EDWARD MORRIS, 92, of the Sound Side community died March 6, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late J.C. and Elmore Brickhouse Morris. He was a member and 40 year chairman of the board of deacons of the Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church. He was a charter member with 64 years of service to The Southern Albemarle Association and a Past Master of Providence Lodge No. 678, AF & AM. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine, served as sheriff of Tyrrell County for 13 years, and was a farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Toledo Davenport Morris and grand-daughter, Amy Morris Crain. He is survived by a daughter: Madge Etta Morris; a son: Clair E. Morris Jr; a sister: Iona M. Taylor; and one grandson: Stanford H. Morris. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  EVELYN SPRUILL HOPKINS, 87, of the Sound Side community died on March 6, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Jimmy and Janie Spear Spruill. She was a homemaker and member of Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of 64 years: Grady Lawrence Hopkins; one daughter: Jane Hibbs; three sons: Larry Hopkins, Brian Hopkins, and Gordon Hopkins; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  LINDA CAROL GIBBS WESTFALL, 46, of Elm City, N.C. died on March 3, 1999 at Heritage Hospital in Tarboro. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of Earlie Warden Gibbs and Doris Lee Gibbs Williams. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ in Fairfield. She is survived by her father and step-mother: Earlie and Doris Gibbs Williams; two daughters: Stella Campell and Nellie Gibbs Davis; a half-brother: Randy Harrell; two half-sisters: Dona Rago and Terry Smith; and seven grandchildren. A funeral was held at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ and burial was at Soule Cemetery in Hyde County.

  ANNIE PHELPS FURLOUGH, 83, of Creswell died on March 3, 1999 at her residence following a long illness. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Herbert and Agnes White Phelps. She was a member of the Phillipi Church of Christ and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Furlough. She is survived by two daughters: Levetta Patrick and Hester Canipe; one son: Michael Furlough; a sister: Marie Woodley; two brothers: Parker Phelps and Orville Phelps; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at Phillipi Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  BEULAH RHINES BROWN, 74, died February 27, 1999 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born in Tyrrell County on September 24, 1924 and was employed as a seafood worker. She is survived by two sisters: Mary Fenner and Clara Alexander; and five brothers: Simon Rhines Jr, Dennis Rhines, Henry Rhines, William Rhines, and Claud Rhines. Funeral services were held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  APRIL 1999

  FOLKWAYS JAMBOREE IN COLUMBIA!!
  The Folkways Jamboree will be held in Columbia on April 24, 1999 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The jamboree is sponsored by Pocosin Arts, Tyrrell County, Town of Columbia, and many local businesses. The focus of the event will be on local folk art, local music, family treasures such as quilts, skills such as hanging nets or quilt-making, and crafts. There will be demonstrations, performances, and information booths. Roy Smith will be featured for his carvings, pictures, and handmade brooms. There will be a performance by The Happy Followers, a local Southern style Gospel group featuring Burvel Jones, J.C. Jones, Jack Donaghue, Johnny Lewis, Barbara Jones, Charles Cohoon, Christine Norris, and Alice Smith. The Folkways Jamboree will conclude with NC state folklore awards being presented at Madge L. VanHorn Auditorium by the NC Folklore Society. The evening will conclude with a fund raiser for the Scuppernong River Festival featuring wrestling at the Columbia High School Gymnasium. COME ON OUT AND ENJOY A DAY IN COLUMBIA AT THE FOLKWAYS JAMBOREE!!!!!

  PROTECTIVE HABITAT PURCHASED IN TYRRELL COUNTY
  The NCDOT recently approved the purchase of 9,732 acres of land in Tyrrell County. The land will become a protective environment for the red-cockaded woodpecker which is a federally-endangered species. The NCDOT will pay the property owner, The Conservation Fund of Arlington Virginia, $16.3 million dollars for the land which contains wetlands, 8.8 miles of Albemarle Sound frontage, 5.9 miles of Little Alligator River frontage, and mature Loblolly Pine forests which are home to 18 clusters of the red-cockaded woodpeckers. The purchase is part of an agreement between NCDOT and US Fish And Wildlife to offset the impact of highway construction in the area on existing woodpecker habitat. Bill Gilmore, manager of Project Development and Environmental Analysis at NCDOT, believes that this project will add lasting value to not only Tyrrell County, but to the entire state of North Carolina as well. These fifteen square miles of land will protect the largest known population of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers in North Carolina and be free from the threat of private development forever. The site could develop into a spectacular area for ecotourism and preserve a unique ecosystem for generations to come.

  MARCH 1999 WEATHER DATA
  

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 53`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 77` on March 13
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 34`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 24` on March 6
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 3.07"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... .55 on March 22
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 8.14"

  BODY OF MISSING FISHERMAN LOCATED
  The body of 32 year old Paul A. Brickhouse was located Tuesday afternoon, April 6th. His body was found near Mashoes Light in Croatan Sound by his father-in-law, Bennie Rippons. Paul, son of Roy and Peggy Roughton Brickhouse, had been missing in Croatan Sound since his empty boat was spotted between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 28th. He was apparently checking gill nets in his 19 foot center console near the Manns Harbor Bridge when something happened. He was seen fishing his net at 5:30 and moments later the empty boat was spotted with the center console ripped out of it. The incident was reported almost immediately and a large search force was soon in place. An extensive search took place for more than a week by area fishermen, state and community agencies, family, and members of the community.

  IN SEARCH OF AN OLD CEMETERY ... MARGARET BURKE & JIMMY FLEMING
  April 3, 1999 was a beautiful spring-like Saturday morning. I arose about 7:30 and went to join my mom and grandmother for breakfast. After a wonderful meal of fresh herring roe, scrambled eggs, fried sausage, and hot coffee ... I was ready to get on with the day. Not really knowing what to do, I drove to a yard sale that my wife and her sisters were having to see how things were going for them. There were several people milling about and one of them was Margaret Harrell Burke. She and I began talking and the subject somehow came to focus on graveyards and such. She told me of finding several old headstones along the edge of a field while freeing a hunting dog that was entangled in a fence. This had occurred over ten years ago, but was still on her mind. She expressed her desire to go back to the area sometime and see if she could find any other markers. Before I knew it, we had decided that it would be a beautiful morning to walk in the woods and search the area for more headstones. We both left to get some suitable clothing and boots after making plans to meet at her home in a short time. I met her at her home just south of Columbia on NC 94 and brought along a shovel and metal rod for probing the ground. We drove to the area where we would be searching which is a field located behind the Fleetwood Hopkin's home south of Columbia about a 1/4 of a mile. She told me the field was called the I. R. Hassell field and was recently purchased by Shelton Ludford. She said many Indian artifacts had been found in this area and a gin mill was once operated at the site. She remembered as a little girl, that a large cemetery was once in the field but it had been done away with many years ago. We parked the truck in the yard of the Fleetwood Hopkin's house and began about a 1/4 mile walk east along the wooded edge of the field. We soon came to an area where she remembered freeing the dog and said that she had propped a headstone on a tree just inside the woods over ten years ago. We began looking and in a very short time found the small white slab still propped against the old tree about 30 feet off the field in the edge of the woods. I examined the marker and realized it was a grave marker which had writing on it that we could not read. I probed around the area near the tree and found another broken stone and what appeared to be two foot stones. We searched the surrounding area for about an hour and did not find any other markers. I proposed to Mrs. Margaret that I would attempt to carry the heavy stone out to the truck so we could clean it and attempt to determine the engraving. It was quite heavy but I managed to carry it out to the truck while Margaret brought the shovel and metal probe. We drove to Margaret's home where we hosed off the marker and used a little bleach and a brush to clean up the old stone. To our amazement we were able to read most of the wording on the old marker. It read as follows: VIRGINIA ... daughter of Seth & Francis Jones ... Born Nov 20, 1853 ... Died ? ?, 1856. The stone also had what appeared to be a flower carved at the top and some other wording after the death date that we could not make out. I checked the 1860 Tyrrell County Census and found the following:

  • JONES, Seth D ... 39 ... M ... W ... HMKR ... 1000 ... VA
  • JONES, Sarah Frances ... 34 ... F ... W ... NC
  • JONES, James W ... 02 ... M ... W ... NC
  I did not find anything about Seth & Francis in the 1850 Tyrrell County Census or in the Marriage Bonds of Tyrrell County. Mrs. Margaret decided that this young lady needed a proper place for her marker until such time that she may be properly placed with her kin. We took the stone to Paramore Cemetery where Mrs. Margaret tenderly cares for the graves of some of her ancestors and placed it where it can be cared for. The site where we discovered that headstone holds promise for many other stones to be unearthed in the future. It is such a shame for these memories and tributes that link us to our past to be destroyed. Mrs. Margaret and I had quite a fine outing on this April morning and both of us felt as though we had experienced something that touched us from our past. It was a good day!

  LYME DISEASE ... A THREAT TO TYRRELL COUNTY? By Barbara Fleming
  With the coming of spring, and the crawling of little creatures, I felt a strong need to write this note. For some reason, the public is not educated or aware of the problems these little critters can cause. Seems our climate has become lots warmer in the past few years and this makes the insects hang around longer. Also, Tyrrell County has an enormous amount of deer, just right for this disease to capture some innocent victim. For this reason, I have become a strong advocate, and also have found a new respect for good health. So starts my story of the enemy, the "deer tick"... In June of 97, I removed an engorged tick from my side, and stupidly, not thinking of diseases, flushed him down the toilet. The next day , his bite had expanded to 7 or 8 inches and was formed into a perfect ring...almost like a bull's-eye. Three weeks later my life started to change. How could such a small creature make you feel so bad ?? I have asked myself that a million times. That fall, my body went through so many changes, it was almost like some alien had decided to harbor inside and have a field day. Nine months later I finally got a diagnoses. This doctor started aggressive treatment. I got totally back to my old self for three and a half months ... but relapsed in May and have been on antibiotics since.
  After 14 doctors and specialists, and going back to each of them twice or more, tons of antibiotic, IV antibiotic, heart monitors, hundreds of tests, all types of ruling out other diseases (including MS, Lupus, brain disorders, menopause, RA, and a feeling of being a hyperchondriac) ... with the medical bills shooting through the roof ... yes I have found a new respect for good health.
  Recently, more people have been treated and diagnosed with this disease in Tyrrell County. The doctors in our area are not real up to date on this matter, and know very little of the complications. Four of the 14 doctors told me Lyme was not in NC, including a specialist ... I'm trying to convence you that it is. Though many of you, like myself have plucked ticks off of you, probably many times, of course all ticks are not infected. You will know a bad bite. If you or your children have an unusal one, please, head for a doctor. If caught early enough, you don't have a problem. This also shouldn't discourage you from enjoying our wonderful outdoors. Just please look yourself over very carefully after an outting in high grass or woods. These ticks can be very, very small. I pulled eight from my children last summer, and all those places looked normal ... I just watched the places carefully for a few days. Lyme, I have read, is rarely fatal. Though I have concern in reading it is the fastest growing disease in the US next to AIDS. Having so many people in our county with other dreaded fatal diseases, I am humble to say, I thank my good Lord for deciding I needed this one.
  This infection was found in Conneticut in the 70's and is progressing to the south as well as many other states. There are as many as 40 symptoms, and every person is different. It affects almost every system in your body in the late stages. The bad thing with this is , it mimics so many other conditions, and this is the reason for prolonged diagnoses. I have read 3 to 5 books, and 100's of articles over 2 years, and I can see why. There is no 100 % test, 100% cure, and 100% guarntee right choice of medication. Another bad thing is a large percent of people never find the tick. The really sad thing is a high percentage of people test negative for this disease, but the disease actually exists. I tested positive in one test, and still around 10 doctors would not find a diagnoses. Some symptoms, (yes these may sound like many other conditions) that are listed in every article, and people many have each or all of these. I have experienced all of these at one time or another. Expanding circular bullseye rash, other weird ( for no reason) rashes, joint/muscular pain and soreness, extreme fatigue, (especially at noon), low grade fever at midday, chills, swollen glands, eye problems, sweats, sorethroat, menustral irregularities, bladder disorders, chest pains, heart palpatations, headaches, extreme stiffness and crunching of neck, twitching of muscles and finger and toes, tingling, numbness, or stabbing sensations in limbs, problems with swallowing, facial numbness (usually on one side), dizziness, lightheadedness, confussion, difficulty thinking, forgetfulness, poor short term memory, disturbed sleep, too much , too little, very early wakings, horrible backaches ... just to name a few. Over the past couple of years, I have had great days, medium days, and just awlful days...with this being the weirdest symtptom. I have talked to many people up and down the US coast who have had this for 8 to 12 to 20 years ... and all of them like myself have unanswered questions. Presently, I have found a Lyme treatment center in New Jersey who is trying to help me again get aggressive treatment to try to stomp this. I have high hopes with these people. Over this time I have cried many times to my family, who never know how my days will be. I truly thank them from my heart's bottom for enduring me through these months. Again, watch out for those ticks. Save yourself some time and lots of money, and don't become a victim from just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.....and yes, it IS here.... Sincerely , Barbara Fleming

  OBITUARIES

  CORINTHIA IDEAN SAWYER OWENS, 101, died on April 11, 1999 at Britthaven Nursing Home in Edenton, NC. She was a native of Tyrrell County and the daughter of the late William Lamb Sawyer and Martha Louise Ainsley Sawyer. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, William Albert Owens. She was a homemaker and oldest member of Saint Paul Original Free Will Baptist Church. She is survived by a son: William Albert Owens Jr; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by four daughters: Sarah Frances Owens, Marie Jernigan, Corine Brothers, and Martha Cahoon; three sons: John Henry Owens, Ollis Owens, and James Augusta Owens; three sisters: Crettie Presley, Polly Liverman, and Callie Ambrose; two brothers: John Jordan Sawyer and William Monroe Sawyer; one grandson; and four great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Saint Paul Original Free Will Baptist Church and burial followed at the West-Bodwell Family Cemetery near Columbia.

  JOSEPHINE PHELPS CLIFTON, 82, of Spruill Bridge Road in Creswell died on April 10, 1999 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Washington County and was the wife of the late Paul R. Clifton. She is survived by her sons: Lue Gerry Clifton and Reid Clifton; four daughters: Averal Ambrose, Fran Woodley, Paulette Ambrose, and Jean Russell; two sisters: Frances Mann and Lillian Spear; fifteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Philippi Church of Christ in Cherry and burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  PAUL ALLEN BRICKHOUSE, 32, died on March 28, 1999 in the Croatan Sound near Manns Harbor in Dare County. He was a commercial fisherman and a member of Sound Side Freewill Baptist Church in Columbia. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia and was the son of Roy Wilton Brickhouse and Peggy Roughton Brickhouse of Columbia. He was the husband of Lisa Rippons Brickhouse and they made their home in East Lake. In addition to his parents and wife he is survived by two daughters: Paige Brickhouse and Latasha Rippons Brickhouse; two sons: Kyle Brickhouse and Bennie Rippons Brickhouse; two sisters: Sherry Oakes and Tracy Brickhouse; one brother: Craig Brickhouse; his maternal grandmother: Pearl Roughton Cutrell; and his in-laws: Benny and Diana Rippons. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and burial was at the Brickhouse Family Cemetery in Sound Side Community, Tyrrell County.

  CADWELL DERICK BOWSER, 46, died March 31, 1999 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC. He was born on December 14, 1952 in Tyrrell County and was the son of Cadwell and Jennie S. Bowser. In addition to his parents he is survived by two daughters: Malika Brim and Shakira Bowser; three sons: Ryan Blount, Brent Bowser, and Kevin Thompson; four sisters: Janet Bowser, Joan Batson, Doris Ward, and Candace Bowser; five brothers: Myron Hill, Gary Gibbs, Aaron Bowser, Kevin Bowser, and Jalen Bowser; and six grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Salem Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  HAROLD BOWEN HARRISON JR, 61, of Rt. 1 Columbia died March 31, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was the son of the late Harold B. and Hazel Reddick Harrison. He was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and was in charge of their R.A. program for many years. He is survived by his wife: Gladys Hassell Harrison; a son: Keith Harrison; a daughter: Janice H. Brickhouse; and grandchildren: Rhyan Patrick, Justin Patrick, Tyler Brickhouse, Hillary Harrison, and Timmothy Everett. A funeral service was held at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and burial followed at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

  ROSE PHELPS WHITE CHESTEEN, 64, of Manteo died on March 31, 1999 at Elizabeth City Hospital. She was born in Creswell and was the daughter of the late Herman Edward Phelps and Catherine Twiddy Castle. She was a self-employed mobile home rental agent and a member of Powell's Point Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Elswood Ray White. She is survived by her husband: Gerald Chesteen; her step-mother: Orethia Phelps; one daughter: Karen Walker; three sons: David White, Michael White, and Mark White; two step-daughters: Sue Annette Chesteen and Barbara Gail Hagler; two sisters: Rita Green and Linda Latta; and 13 grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Twiford's Colony Chapel in Manteo and burial was in Powell's Point Baptist Church Cemetery.

  ANNIE MAE AYERS BRICKHOUSE, 86, formerly of Columbia died on March 30, 1999 at Britthaven Nursing Facility. She is survived by a brother: John Ayers and two sisters: Estelle Smith and Nellie Davis. Funeral services were held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel and burial followed at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  HOWARD S. "PEEWEE" LEARY, 84, of Columbia died March 29, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He is survived by his wife: Polly Tatem Leary; his sister: Cavell Leary Ayers; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia.

  NANCY CALDONE COHOON, 59, of Columbia died March 11, 1999 in Washington County Hospital in Plymouth. She was born February 24, 1940 in Tyrrell County. She was a retired dry cleaner dresser. She is survived by her stepmother: Willie M. Cohoon; one son: Willie F. Thomas; two brothers: Duffy Cohoon and David Cohoon; and four sisters: Nellie Combs, Mary Mitchell, Goldia Walcott, and Ann Cohoon. A funeral service was held at the Alligator Chapel Baptist Church and burial followed in the Alligator Community Cemetery.

  MAY 1999

  NEW BUSINESSES OPEN IN COLUMBIA
  There have been several new businesses opened in Columbia during recent weeks. The first is "Junk d'Jour" located at 205 Main Street. This business is owned by Durwood Cooper Jr and features antiques, coffee beans, collectibles, gifts, and cards for all occasions. Durwood has done an excellent job in creating a great shopping experience in a very tastefully decorated shop. The next new business is "Scuppernong Realty Associates" which is located at the Side Street Mall on 108 North Elm Street. This business is owned by Roy W. Reese and specializes as a regional brokerage firm for historic properties. Roy has experience in historic renovations and is currently restoring the Dr. Abner Alexander House on Main Street in Columbia. The newest business venture in Columbia is by a company called "Law and Company" and they will be located in the building on Water Street that was formerly Voliva Oil Company. This company is homebased in Wilmington, NC and specializes in water and waste water testing and analysis. They hope to use Columbia's central location to provide sampling and analysis services to area businesses and towns. Richard Spivey is the representative who is setting up the Columbia office and scouting the area for possible customers. The Columbia Aldermen recently approved rezoning a four acre tract owned by George and Nancy Owens from agricultural to commercial. The tract is located just east of Columbia on the south side of NC 64. There have been discussion that a new Head Start School building will be built on the very southern section of the tract and a possible retail store on two acres of the northern end along NC 64.

  50th ANNUAL 4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW HELD
  The 50th 4-H livestock show and sale was held at Tyrrell Hall on April 14th. This year's show had 32 participants who exhibited 13 lambs and 19 hogs. Ashlee Spruill, daughter of Harry & Sharon Spruill, had the Grand Champion hog. The Reserve Grand Champion hog was shown by Doug Brothers, son of David & Ivy Brothers. The Grand Champion lamb was shown by Jacob Spear and the Reserve Grand Champion lamb was shown by Matthew Swain. A barbeque supper was cooked and served at the Columbia Fire House. The money earned from this meal is a major fund raiser for the Tyrrell County 4-H program.

  RODNEY & EVORA BATEMAN CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY
  Rodney Swain Bateman and Evora Matilda Parisher reached a milestone that very few couples ever achieve. On January 1, 1999, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on January 1, 1929 in Tyrrell County, NC. They have two children: Rodney Swain Bateman, Jr and Joyce Bateman Giglioni. Congratulations on a unique and special anniversary!!

  CONGRATULATIONS TO HANK REYNOLDS
  Hank Reynolds, the son of Eddie and Sheila Reynolds, has graduated from Airman Leadership School at Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Florida. The five week course is the first of three levels and helps develop leadership and supervisory skills. Hank is a pavement and construction equipment instructor assigned to the 823rd Red Horse Squadron. He is a 1990 graduate of Columbia High School and is married to Shannon, daughter of Richard and Fay Jones Starns. Congratulations Hank!

  FOLKWAYS JAMBOREE IS SUCCESS!
  The Folkways Jamboree sponsored by Pocosin Arts drew quite a crowd to the streets of Columbia on Saturday, April 24th. Several hundred onlookers, artisans, exhibitors, and vendors enjoyed an almost perfect spring day in Tyrrell county. There was African-American dancing, bluegrass music, gospel music, a pound net fishing demonstration, woodcarving, storytelling, and crafts galore. Street vendors offered soft shell crab sandwiches, barbeque, chili, and many other goodies. There were also crafters and artists selling their paintings, sculptures, baskets, toys, herbs, and many other items. There was also a very good quilt display in the old McClees Store. Durwood Cooper, Jr took advantage of the event to open his new main street store, JUNK D'JOUR, offering a great selection of cards, scents, and gift items in a nicely refurbished store. In all, it was a great event for Columbia and Feather Phillips and the folks of Pocosin Arts deserve a big THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

  APRIL 1999 WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC.

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 65`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 84` on April 9
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 46`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 33` on April 25 & 26
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 2.14"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... .58 on April 10
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 10.28"

  BUDDY JONES SPEAKS OUT
  Buddy Jones emailed an article to me that he wrote and asked if I would put it on my page. Buddy, speak out:
  You said that you would like input or editorials from other citizens. Well, this is kinda old news, but will be recurring news or concern beginning next school year because it is something that has been shown for the past couple of years. Earlier this year, and you may know of it because you have children in school, the English class from high school sent out permission slips to allow students to watch an rated R movie, Schindlers list. The permission slip simply said "acts of violence", but didn't mention anything about frontal nudity, scenes of sex, and vulgar language (that maybe offensive to some and is not allowed to be spoken at school by the children). Were the parents being deceived? Were they expected to already know what the movie contents were about. This was viewed by 15 year olds in mixed company. When a couple of parents that had signed the permission slip realized what was in the movie, they revoked the permission from their child to view this movie. They (the student) was then sent to another room while their classmates viewed the movie. Was this fair to these students? Why couldn't a movie be shown about the Holocaust like Corry Ten Boone or Anne Franks diary (which happens to be the main viewing at the Smithsonian National Museum in Washington, DC)? These movies still depict the true story of the Nazi move in Germany and tells of the slaughter of the Jews. I personally called the principle of Columbia H.S. and she told me that there was nothing that she could do. She did say that she would review the permission slip. I also called a memeber of the board of education and still received no answers. My question is, how can we tell the students not to follow these acts of sex, and language, and yet sit them down for a couple of days and allow them to watch a movie with all of this in it? Sounds like double standards to me. I think that if more parents actually knew what the movie pertained to, they would not have allowed their child to watch it. But at the same time, those parents that did not allow their child to watch the movie, why were they, the student, "punished" and put on the center of attention by being sent to a room where they had nothing to do but watch time slip by and catch slack from the other students that watched the movie.
  There, that's my thoughts Jimmy. I don't have any children in school, but as an person that lives in a small community where I spend time with the teens and kids, I feel that I have, or I should also have a voice in this and do my part to. As Hillary Clinton said, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child". I know that I take the Christian stand point, and each has their own convitions, but even if I weren't a Christian, I still don't think that I would want my child to be subjected to the double standard that the English class has presented to these children.
  If you have questions or comments that you would like to address to Buddy about his thoughts, you can email him at budde_roll@hotmail.com ... Thanks for your contribution Buddy.

  OBITUARIES

  JOHN HARPER WOODARD JR, 75, of the Sound Side Community of Tyrrell County died on May 3, 1999 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. Post 182, and a long time member of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor and was a committee member of the U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency. He is survived by his son: John Harper "Skippy" Woodard III; his daughter: Gwen W. Edwards; and four grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  JOHN WILLIAM DAVENPORT, 62, of the Sound Side community in Tyrrell County died on April 24, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He is survived by his wife: Phoebe Rhodes Davenport; two daughters: Janet Lee Brewer and Iva Estelle Springle; two sons: John David Davenport and William Todd Davenport; three sisters: Betty Gray, Virginia Craddock, and Frankie Miner; and eight grandchildren. A graveside service and burial took place at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  GARY MOORE, 46, died April 21, 1999. He was born December 17, 1952 and was the son of William Moore and the late Mary Alice W. Moore. He was a truck driver with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He is survived by his father: William Moore; his wife: Linda S. Moore; two sons: Montorue Moore and Gary K. Moore; one daughter: Tiawan D. Moore; three sisters: Patricia Moore, Joann Webb, and Robin Webb; and three brothers: David Webb, Michael Webb, and Michael Moore. A funeral service was held at Zion Grove Church of Christ and burial was in the church cemetery.

  STEPHEN ALBERT BERRY JR, 58, of Creswell died on April 22, 1999 at Washington County Hospital in Plymouth. He was retired from the NC Department of Corrections with 35 years of service. He was a veteran of the US Army, member of the Masons, and a past member of the Jaycees. He is survived by his wife: Iris Corine Edwards Berry; a daughter: Iris Cynthia Dickerson; three sons: Stephen A. Berry III, Bryon Lionel Berry, and Theron Dion Berry; three sisters: Vivian O'Neal, Melba Davenport, and Josephine Clifton; and eleven grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Cherry Church of God and burial was in Soule Cemetery in Swan Quarter, NC.

  JUNE 1999

  CONGRATS TO FELTON & KAREN CREEF ON BIRTH OF NEW SON!
  Felton and Karen Simmons Creef along with daughter Haley now have a new family member. Garrett Felton Creef was born May 31, 1999 in Greenville, NC. He was 7lbs. 4oz. and 19.5" tall. Wilbert Simmons (the proud grandfather) reports that everyone is doing fine.

  TIFFANY HASSELL-ABEL SELECTED BEAR GRASS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
  Tiffany Hassell-Abel, daughter of Elmo and Ernestine Roughton Hassell, was selected as Teacher Of The Year at Bear Grass High School for 1998-99. She teaches beginning band, two concert bands, marching band, pep band, percussion ensemble, chorus, drama, and music appreciation. She also serves as junior high girl's basketball coach, high school softball coach, and co-coach of the Fellowship of Christian Atheletes chapter. Tiffany was also one of two teachers to whom the Bear Grass senior class dedicated the 1998-99 yearbook. Tiffany will now be in competition for the honor of Martin County Teacher Of The Year.

  LOOK WHO'S GETTING MARRIED!
  As you know ... June is the traditional month of marriage and the tradition is no different in Tyrrell County. The following couples have announced their upcoming wedding plans.

  • Hannah Owens, daughter of George & Rae Owens and Bobby L. Armstrong, son of Robert & Debbie Armstrong have announced their plans to marry on June 19, 1999. The wedding will take place at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and family and friends are invited.
  • Andy Jones, son of Carl & Elaine Jones and Nikki Cahoon, daughter of Robert and Arleen Cahoon have announced their plans to wed on June 26, 1999. The ceremony will be held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia and a reception will follow the ceremony.
  • Autumn Edwards, daughter of Richard & Gwen Edwards and Carlos Armstrong, son of Bobby and Pat Armstrong have announced their plans to wed on July 3, 1999. The ceremony will be held at Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and a reception will follow the ceremony. An open invitation is extended to family and friends.
  
  Congratulations to all of these fine young people on their upcoming plans for matrimony.

  NEW CAFE TO OPEN IN COLUMBIA
  Karen Estey and Craig Colombo announce the opening of Side Street Cafe in downtown Columbia. The cafe is located in the Side Street Mall on North Elm Street behind the Ben Franklin Store in the old Lilley Furniture building. The cafe will open June 14th serving gourmet sandwiches and salads. An expanded menu and additional hours will be added later this season. Karen and Craig currently own and operate The River House Bed and Breakfast on the Scuppernong waterfront in Columbia.

  MAY 1999 WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC. Thanks Jacob & Arnette for sharing your data with us.

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 75`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 87` on May 8
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 57`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 49` on May 1
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 5.26"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 2.10 on May 16
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 15.54"

  NEW BUSINESSES OPEN IN COLUMBIA
  There have been several new businesses opened in Columbia during recent weeks. The first is "Junk d'Jour" located at 205 Main Street. This business is owned by Durwood Cooper Jr and features antiques, coffee beans, collectibles, gifts, and cards for all occasions. Durwood has done an excellent job in creating a great shopping experience in a very tastefully decorated shop. The next new business is "Scuppernong Realty Associates" which is located at the Side Street Mall on 108 North Elm Street. This business is owned by Roy W. Reese and specializes as a regional brokerage firm for historic properties. Roy has experience in historic renovations and is currently restoring the Dr. Abner Alexander House on Main Street in Columbia. The newest business venture in Columbia is by a company called "Law and Company" and they will be located in the building on Water Street that was formerly Voliva Oil Company. This company is homebased in Wilmington, NC and specializes in water and waste water testing and analysis. They hope to use Columbia's central location to provide sampling and analysis services to area businesses and towns. Richard Spivey is the representative who is setting up the Columbia office and scouting the area for possible customers. The Columbia Aldermen recently approved rezoning a four acre tract owned by George and Nancy Owens from agricultural to commercial. The tract is located just east of Columbia on the south side of NC 64. There have been discussion that a new Head Start School building will be built on the very southern section of the tract and a possible retail store on two acres of the northern end along NC 64.

  OBITUARIES

  LATHAM FREDERICK CUTHRELL, 80, of Shelbyville, Kentucky died on June 7, 1999. He was a former resident of Tyrrell and Washington counties. He was born in Tyrrell County in 1918 and was the son of the late Sam and Martha Jones Cuthrell. He was a veteran of World War II. He is survived by two sisters: Martha Terry and Christine McMurthie.

  MELINDA SUE DAVENPORT, 20, of Spruill Town Road near Cherry was tragically killed in an automobile accident on June 15, 1999. She was the daughter of Gregory Lane and Alicia Kay Brickhouse Davenport. She was a recent graduate of Creswell High School and currently attending Martin Community College. Other than her parents, she is survived by her maternal grandmother: Learolean Sawyer Brickhouse; her paternal grandparents: Marvin A. and Maggie D. Davenport; and two brothers: Shannon Martin Davenport and Gregory Lane Davenport Jr. A funeral service was held at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  WILMA ILEEN BRICKHOUSE SEXTON, 78, of Main Street in Creswell died on June 15, 1999. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Charlie and Winnie Alexander Brickhouse. She was a member of Creswell United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert E. "Bob" Sexton. She is survived by two daughters: Janet S. Ambrose and Judy S. Yates; one son: Warren Sexton; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Creswell United Methodist Church and burial followed at St. David's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Creswell.

  CHARLIE ANDREW SPRUILL, 88, of Duck died June 15, 1999 in Elizabeth City. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late James Harvey and Minnie Swain Spruill. He was the former owner and operator of Kitty Hawk Building Supply. He was preceded in death by his wife: Hannah Scarborough Spruill; and his daughter: Etta S. Bowden. He is survived by two daughters: Norma S. Perry and Minnie S. Griggs; three sons: Charlie B. Spruill, Foster Spruill, and Grady Tate; one brother: Foster C. Spruill; 21 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Twiford's Colony Chapel in Manteo and burial followed at Austin Cemetery in Kitty Hawk.

  MINNIE LOUISE BATEMAN COUNCIL, 92, of Suffolk, Virginia died on June 14, 1999. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Andrew and Bertie Norman Bateman. She was retired from Planter's Peanuts since 1969 and a member of First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband: Woodrow Smith "Pete" Council. She is survived by her daughter: Eva L. Parker; two sons: William E. Liverman and Ray Liverman; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at R.W. Baker Funeral Home and burial followed in Holly Lawn Cemetery.

  WILMA GIBBS BRINN CARAWAN, 88, of Engelhard died on June 10, 1999. She was born on January 20, 1911 in Hyde County and was the daughter of the late George A. and Verna Mae Gibbs. She was retired from the Jarvis Restaurant and was a member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her first husband: Fred Brinn who died in 1965 and her second husband: Robert Carawan who died in 1983. She was also preceded in death by two daughters: Teressa Davis and Paula Hampton; three brothers: George Thomas Gibbs, Verna Gray Gibbs, and Avery D. Gibbs; and three sisters: Meatrice Gibbs, Edna Payne, and Eunice Marslender. She is survived by two daughters: Maclyn B. Gibbs and Gwen B. Midgette; two step-daughters: Sybil Bouchard and Ella Davis; one step-son: Robert Carawan; one brother: William James Gibbs; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service and burial was held at Fulford Cemetery in Hyde County.

  DORA BRYANT HILL, 84, of Norfolk, Virginia died June 7, 1999. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was born February 6, 1915. She is survived by four daughters: Minnetta Hill, Loretta Hill, Olivia Leary, and Annie Hill; a foster daughter: Judy Ashe; an uncle: Henry Bryant; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  RUTH NORMAN KNIGHT,94, of Light Street in Columbia died on June 4,1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Seaton A. and Sarah E. Oliver Norman. She was a member of Columbia Missionary Baptist Church. She was proceded in death by her husband: Robert S. Knight, Jr; a daughter: Mary Lou Knight Pledger; a son: James O. Knight; and her brother: Raymond D. Norman. She is survived by her daughter: Lynda Knight Combs; her son: Robert Norman Knight; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church and burial followed in Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia.

  FRANCES MARIE SPITZIG,86, died on June 2, 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was a member of Sound Side Freewill Baptist Church and was the owner/operator of France's Fabric Shop in Columbia for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband: Frank Spitzig. She is survived by her twin daughters: Joan Smith Williams and Joyce Smith Kuehn; grandchildren: Dr. Steven Kuehn, Edward Kuehn, Sharon Galloway, and Stephany Sherman; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Freewill Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  ROBERT EUGENE SACRY,68, of the Bulls Bay community died on June 2, 1999 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. He was a member of the Methodist faith and retired from Alpha-Cellulose after 44 years of employment. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and three brothers. He is survived by his wife: Carol J. Sacry; one son: Robert Rick Sacry; three daughters: Conya Gaye Moye, Jacqueline Jean Kelly, and Lindi Renae Renwick; five sisters: Dorothy Caldwell, Phyllis Gemes, Edna Mae Kruse, Betty Corzine, and Sandra Peterson; one brother: Donald Sacry; and four grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Columbia.

  SADIE B. GIBBS,78, died on May 27, 1999 at her home in Tyrrell County. She was a native of Tyrrell County and was preceded in death by her husband: Theodore C. Gibbs. She was a member of Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church. She is survived by her son: Jeff Gibbs and his wife Edna; her daughter: Sharon Brickhouse and her husband Billy; one sister: Lena Beck; and five grandchildren: Sherry Stephenson, Jennifer Spruill, April Brickhouse, Jason Gibbs, and Jonathan Gibbs. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel and burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Columbia.

  BLANCHE WALKER COHOON,97, of Main Street in Columbia died on May 23, 1999. She was born on February 27, 1902 and was the daughter of Arthur Linwood and Sarah Patrick Walker. In 1919 Mrs. Blanche had the honor of being the first graduate of Columbia High School. She was a member of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Columbia. During her long life she owned and operated A.J. Cohoon Oil Company, worked with Mamie Brickhouse Florist, served as reporter for several newspapers, and worked for Washington Lumber Company and the Tyrrell County Board of Elections. She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Earl Cohoon, in 1947. She is survived by her daughters: Lillian Gail Cohoon and Ann Cohoon Blalock; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three nieces. A funeral service was held at Columbia Christian Church and burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery in Columbia.

  JESSIE BEATRICE GODWIN, 87, of Bridge Street in Columbia died May 23, 1999 at her home. She is survived by two nieces: Ruth Selby Northern and Jane Selby; and one nephew: Franklin Selby. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Columbia.

  JULY 1999

  CHARLIE OGLETREE INDUCTED IN NC BAR ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME
  Local attorney, Charlie Ogletree, was recently inducted into the General Practice Hall Of Fame at the NC Bar Association annual meeting in Asheville on June 17th. Charlie joins five other NC attorneys selected for induction and that makes a total of 58 members in the Hall Of Fame. The inductees are selected on such criteria as ethical standards, legal competence, and standing in their community. They must also have practiced law for at least 25 years. Charlie has been practicing law in Tyrrell County since 1968 and owns the only law office in the county. Charlie and his wife Midge, have been very community oriented since moving to Tyrrell County and continue to involved in many local causes and organizations.

  CECIL & JEANETTE LILLEY CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
  Cecil and Jeanette Lilley of Light Street in Columbia recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A party was held in their honor on June 27, 1999 at Hearts Delight Bed & Breakfast. Phillip and Nancy House, proprietors of Hearts Delight, invited everyone to share some great food and drink on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Many friends and family gathered to celebrate the momentous occassion with the couple. It was a very fine afternoon and a great time was had by all. Congratulations CECIL & JEANETTE!!!!!!

  JUNE 1999 WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC. Thanks Jacob & Arnette for sharing your data with us.

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 81`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 92` on June 9 & 10
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 64`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 53` on June 5
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 5.03"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 1.68" on June 20
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 20.57"

  OBITUARIES

  MAE FURLOUGH SPRUILL, 95, of the Cross Landing community died on July 11, 1999 at Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City. She was a member of the Assembly Of Praise Church in Tyrrell County. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late J. Wilson and Della Furlough. She was preceded in death by her husband: Noah Spruill. She is survived by five sons: Buddy Spruill, Sterling Spruill, Frankie Spruill, Bobby Spruill, and Jack Spruill; three daughters: Mary Alice McCutchan, Betty Pledger, and Joyce Davis; three sisters: Arbell Sawyer, Evelyn Eaton, and Madeline Bailey; one brother: Ervin Furlough; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Walkers Funeral Home Chapel and burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  EDWARD CARLTON HAMILTON,71, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on July 19, 1999 at Chesapeake General Hospital. He was retired from Ford Motor Company and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Chesapeake. He was also a member of Providence Masonic Lodge No. 678 A.F. and A.M. of Columbia, NC. He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Norma Riddick Hamilton; one daughter: Debbie H. Copeland; one sister: Julia Rae Riddick; one brother: Sterling Hamilton; and one granddaughter: Ashley Copeland. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Columbia and burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  ELLEN EDNA HILL, 60, of Creswell died on July 3, 1999 at her home. She was born in Tyrrell County on November 4, 1938. She was employed as a domestic worker. She is survived by one son: Charles Hylton Jr; two sisters: Von Beulah Bryant and Veda Williams; three brothers: James Hill, Charlie Hill, and Howard Hill; and two grandchildren. A funeral sevice was held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Tyrrell County and burial was in the church cemetery.

  MARY ETHELYN RICHMAN, 97, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on July 2, 1999. She was a born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Stuart Lee Barnes and Virginia Dare Gaskins of the Bay Post Office community. She was a retired saleswoman and seamstress from Goodwin Industries and a member of First Christian Church. She is survived by her daughter: Norma Frazee; two sons: Everette Richman and Raymond Richman; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two brothers: Leslie S. Barnes and Herman T. Barnes. A graveside funeral service was held at Albemarle Church of Christ in Tyrrell County.

  LOUISE SPENCER MIDGETT, 89, of Creswell died on June 23, 1999. She is survived by three daughters: Mary Asite, Marilyn Spencer, and Sarah McClees; four sons: Rudolph Spencer, Henry Midgett, Douglas Midgett, and Arthur L. Spencer Jr; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church near Columbia and burial was in the church cemetery.

  MARTHA WARD PATRICK, 81, of Columbia died on June 27, 1999 at her home. She was a member of Albemarle Church of Christ and a member of the Golden Nuggets. She is survived by her daughter: Linda Clough; her son: Charles Wayne Patrick; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles Wayne Patrick Sr. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel and burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  PHILLIP AVERY ARMSTRONG, 84, of Creswell died on June 28, 1999 at Plumblee Nursing Center in Plymouth. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of Albemarle Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his daughter; Linda Armstrong Sawyer. He is survived by his wife: Elsie Patrick Armstrong; two daughters: Audrey Midgette and Essie Rath; three sons: Royce Armstrong, Larry Armstrong, and Phil Armstrong Jr; one sister: Lerose Morris; one brother: Curtis Armstrong; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Albemarle Church of Christ and burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  RUBY HUFTON ROSE, 62, of the Deep Creek community of Washington County died on June 27, 1999 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Vessie S. and Nettie Ward Hufton. She was preceded in death by her husband: Coleman Dean Rose and her brother: Joseph Hufton. She is survived by two daughters: Brenda Hamilton and Debra Rose; one sister: Esther Davenport; one brother: John Hufton; and two grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Scuppernong Church of Christ and burial was at the church cemetery.

  AUGUST 1999

  GORDON DEAVER RESIGNS AS COMMISSIONER
  Gordon Deaver announced his resignation as a Tyrrell County Commissioner effective August 10, 1999. He told the commissioners two months ago that he would have to resign if the meeting time could not be changed to nights. He has recently became employed at the ferry maintenance yard in Manns Harbor and now cannot make the day time meetings. Gordon has been a commissioner since he was first elected in 1988 and has served as vice chairman for several years. The remaining commissioners (Tommy Spruill, Florence Bryant, Durwood Cooper Jr, and Nina Griswell) have 60 days to select a replacement who must be a county resident and a registered democrat. If they cannot select someone, then Clerk of Court, Tommy Everett, will appoint a new commissioner. The selected person will serve the board through December 2000.

  SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL VIII
  The eighth annual Scuppernong River Festival is beginning to take shape. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 1999 in Columbia. The festival begins at 8:00 a.m. and will include a parade, an auction, petting zoo, art show, antique cars, 5K run, canoe races, climbing wall, pipe & drum corps, good food, musical entertainment, fireworks, and ends with a street dance. The street dance will feature the band: Hart 2 Soul. Along with everything mentioned above, there will also be lots of great vendors selling their wares. This is the greatest opportunity of the year to see folks you haven't seen in years. Make your plans now and don't miss the SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL VIII on October 9th! I'll see you there ... look for me on the roof of the courthouse during the parade (I have the great honor of MCing this years parade and I'm sure looking forward to it).

  GLENN DAVIS DIES IN PLANE CRASH
  Barbara and I have just learned of the death of Glenn Davis, a former member of the CHS Class of 1973. Glenn and his family moved to Tyrrell County and lived here for several years. Glenn was living in Boulder, CO and worked for Unidata. Below is a description of the accident and the url to a memorial website.

  GLENN PAUL DAVIS
  August 25, 1955 - May 3, 1999
  On Monday, May 3, 1999, Unidata lost one of its leading architects. Glenn Davis--trapeze artist, pilot, yogi, and software engineer extraordinaire--lost his life when his plane crashed near Cedar City, Utah, during a thunderstorm. Glenn, accompanied by two friends, radioed his intention to land at Cedar City--though the airport was in the midst of severe thunderstorms with rain, hail, and low clouds--because he was experiencing icing and a shortage of fuel. Radar and radio contact were lost at 2:53pm, and a search was initiated immediately. At 4:00pm a military helicopter discovered the crash site 5 miles NW of the airport. There were no survivors.
  GLENN DAVIS MEMORIAL PAGE

  OLD GRAVE DISCOVERED IN TYRRELL COUNTY
  The Weyerhaeuser Company was recently logging a section of their land near the Tyrrell/Washington County line. The logging site was several tracts of land located along SR 1115 and SR 1158 east of Creswell. While logging Tract #7 in Tyrrell County, a lone grave was discovered about 200 yards in the woods north of SR 1115 about .1 mile east of the Tyrrell/Washington County line. I visited the grave site and can report that it is a single, white marble head stone lying flat on the ground near a once brick-lined grave. It appears that the grave was disturbed some time ago for some unknown reason. The inscription on the old stone is still very readable despite its age and having lain on the forest floor for quite sometime. The inscription reads as follows:

  • Here lies interred George Trotter
  • Who died on the 18th Day of August 1802
  • Aged 36 Years
  
  This makes George born about 1766 and his grave site of 197 years is one of the oldest surviving graves in Tyrrell County rivaling the grave of Col. Hezekiah Spruill buried in 1804 in Alligator. The Weyerhaeuser Company left a small area intact surrounding the grave so as to not disturb the area any further and to offer some protection to the site.

  RON DAVENPORT,JR DOESN'T GO TO THE TAIWAN GAMES, BUT ...
  Ron Davenport, Jr. of Raleigh, grandson of Durwood and Alma Dean of Columbia, is heading to Somerset, New Jersey and Cooperstown, New York to play baseball in the Goodwill Series. The American Team will play three games against the Japan Team. Ron is a senior at Leesville Road High School in north Raleigh. Ron has had a very busy summer of games. He attended the Junior National tryouts in Tucson, AZ; played for the Diamondbacks at the East Coast Professional Showcase in Wilmington, and headed to Long Beach, California to play on the Pirate 900 area code team. From the Area Code games he was chosen to represent the United States in the Goodwill Series.

  The following article was submitted by Ron's mother, Fay Cooper Davenport.

  JUNK D'JOUR ... A FLEMING BUSINESS REVIEW
  Columbia's Main Street is looking better these days and a big part of the downtown renewal is due to Durwood Cooper Jr's new store: Junk D'jour. Little Durwood, as most Tyrrell County folks call him, purchased the main street building from Fiona Finch in February 1997. The business started out as a thrift store selling second hand goods on consignment. He later moved the thrift business to the building next door and began to totally renovate the Finch building with new wiring, heating and air, plumbing, and carpet. An old circus poster from a 1911 visit of the Great Sanger Circus Show adorns one wall. The wall was once an exterior wall and the tattered old poster that has hung there for 88 years has been preserved. In April 1999, Durwood opened his Junk D'jour retail store. The store specializes in gourmet coffees, gourmet foods, wines, decorative glassware, collectable Xmas ornaments, and a large assortment of cards. There is a good selection of gift ideas for just about every occasion at a reasonable price and gift wrapping is available also. The shop also features complimentary fresh brewed coffee, an assortment of baked goodies, and a couple of round tables to sit and reflect. Little Durwood is assisted by two store employees: Lexine Smith and Lynn McClees Jones. I suggest stopping by Junk D'jour for some great shopping or for a visit with a cup of fresh coffee. Either way I think you will enjoy your time spent at Junk D'jour.

  JULY 1999 WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC. Thanks Jacob & Arnette for sharing your data with us.

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 84`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 96` on July 6
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 69`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 64` on July 18
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 10.73"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 7.17" on July 12
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 31.30"

  OBITUARIES

  ALICE MIDGETT BASNIGHT, 97, of Columbia died August 27, 1999 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born in Tyrrell County on February 11, 1902 and was a homemaker. She is survived by two sons: Mint Basnight and Gurney Basnight; four daughters: Edith Goodall, Johnnie Austin, Barbara Saunders, and Mary Lee; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and burial was in the Community Cemetery.

  MARY LOUIZA EDWARDS, 62, of Columbia died August 28, 1999 at her home. She was the daughter of the late James and Willie Batchelor. She is survived by her husband: Alton "Pappy" Edwards; one daughter: Pat Nicholson; two sisters: Clarise Stewart and Virginia Jordan; one brother: Sidney Batchelor; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, Tim Mason. A funeral service was held at Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  TELLIE LEIGH WYNN, 94, of Creswell died August 20, 1999 at Plumblee Nursing Center in Plymouth. She was born January 26, 1905 in Washington County. She is survived by three daughters: Emma Pledger, Anna Moore, and Thelma Leigh; three sons: Jack Wynn, Simon Wynn, and James Wynn Jr; one sister: Lillie M. Moore; 25 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at St. Mark AME Zion Church and burial followed in the Cabarrus Family Cemetery in Creswell.

  WILLIAM EDWARD HAIRE, 82, of Creswell died August 21, 1999 at his home. He was the son of the late James Edward and Billie Woodley Haire. He is survived by his wife: Annie Mildred Craddock Haire; a daughter: Dormanda Spear; a sister: Viva Curcio; two brothers: Wendell Haire and Leroy Haire; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Virginia H. Furlough and Agatha H. Phelps. A funeral service was held at Mt. Tabor Freewill Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  ROBERT SAMUEL SPRUILL, 86, of Roper died on August 20, 1999. He was the son of the late Carney and Claudia Comstalk Spruill and the husband of the late Mable Violet Hufton Spruill. He was a retired boiler operator at Weyerhaeuser and a member of Scuppernong Church of Christ. He is survived by three sons: Robert Spruill, Ottis Carney Spruill, and Henry Spruill; one daughter: Marina S. Crummey; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A funeral service was held at Scuppernong Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  JAMES EDWARD SWAIN , 89, of Columbia died August 17, 1999 at Britthaven Nursing Facility in Havelock, NC. He was a long time member of Sandy Acres Free Will Baptist Church and was retired from the North Carolina Forest Service. He is survived by his wife: Lois E. Swain; two sons: Billy M. Swain and Fred Swain; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son, Bobby L. Swain. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel and burial was at Azalea Memorial Garden Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  WINTON CARNELL SPRUILL , 66, of Tyrrell County died August 13, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was the son of the late Richard Ernest and Della Ozell Spruill. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife: Betty Jean Spruill; one son: Timothy Michael Spruill; four sisters: Irma Armstrong, Myrel Richardson, Daphne Kilgore, and Ola Gray Jacobs; and one grandchild. A funeral service was held at Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  GROVER CLEVELAND SPEAR , 81, of Creswell died August 2, 1999 at Washington County Hospital in Plymouth. He was a retired farmer and a member of Philippi Church of Christ in Cherry. He is survived by his wife: Majorie Spear; a daughter: Nita Faye Spruill; two sons: Archie Spear and Rodney Spear; a sister: Maxine Davenport; three brothers: Ronald Spear, Leo Spear, and Ed Spear; three grandchildren; and on great-grandchild. A funeral service was held at Philippi Church of Christ and burial was in the church cemetery.

  JAMES "ARCHIE" SMITH , 68, of Norfolk died on July 31, 1999 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Tyrrell County and was a long time resident of Norfolk. He was retired from the International Longshoreman's Association after 30 years and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk. He is survived by his wife: Earline Smith; two daughters: Teresa Smith and Dana S. Clifton; a sister: Elsie Smith Spencer; and two grandchildren. A graveside service and burial was held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk, VA.

  SOPHIA McGLOUGHN WHITE , 89, of Columbia died on July 31, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Tyrrell County on July 7, 1910. She was employed as a teacher in the Hyde County school system for over 40 years. She is survived by a daughter: Brenda Mixon and a nephew: Christopher Cobb.

  DR. JOSEPH CHARLES BATEMAN , 84, of Greenville, NC died July 28, 1999. He was born April 23, 1914 in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late James Henry and Mattie Swain Bateman. He was a retired Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and practiced veterinary medicine for over 50 years at Bateman's Animal Clinic. He married Ruth Williamson of Greenville in 1954 and she died in 1988. He was also preceded in death by a brother: James Henry Bateman, Jr. He is survived by one brother: Rodney S. Bateman, Sr; three sisters: India Bateman Robbins, Frances Bateman Triplett, and Laura Bateman Lawrence; two nieces: Dr. Joyce Bateman Giglioni and Jean R. Hoak; three nephews: Lionel Bateman, Rodney S. Bateman Jr, and Dr. John E. Lawrence Jr; and many other great nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Greenville and burial at Pinewood Memorial Park in Pitt County.

  MARY CHAMBERS CHESSON , 91, of Tyrrell County died on July 28, 1999 at Washington County Hospital in Plymouth. She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Mary Russ Chambers. She was a charter member of Cabin Swamp Church of Christ in the Cross Landing community. She was preceded in death by her husband: Charles William Chesson. She is survived by her daughter: Betty Chesson Mebane; two grandsons: Charles Shawn Mebane and Kerry L. Mebane; and three great-grandsons. A funeral service was held at Cabin Swamp Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  MAXIE FENNER , 81, formerly of Tyrrell County died on July 26,1999 at Plumblee Nursing Center in Plymouth. He was born in Tyrrell County on August 2, 1917. He was a retired logger and a member of Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by three sisters: Almeta Gillespie, Veda Norman, and Lillian Logan. A funeral service was held at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church near Columbia and burial was in the church cemetery.

  MAE FURLOUGH SPRUILL, 95, of the Cross Landing community died on July 11, 1999 at Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City. She was a member of the Assembly Of Praise Church in Tyrrell County. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late J. Wilson and Della Furlough. She was preceded in death by her husband: Noah Spruill. She is survived by five sons: Buddy Spruill, Sterling Spruill, Frankie Spruill, Bobby Spruill, and Jack Spruill; three daughters: Mary Alice McCutchan, Betty Pledger, and Joyce Davis; three sisters: Arbell Sawyer, Evelyn Eaton, and Madeline Bailey; one brother: Ervin Furlough; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Walkers Funeral Home Chapel and burial was at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  EDWARD CARLTON HAMILTON,71, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on July 19, 1999 at Chesapeake General Hospital. He was retired from Ford Motor Company and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Chesapeake. He was also a member of Providence Masonic Lodge No. 678 A.F. and A.M. of Columbia, NC. He is survived by his wife of 48 years: Norma Riddick Hamilton; one daughter: Debbie H. Copeland; one sister: Julia Rae Riddick; one brother: Sterling Hamilton; and one granddaughter: Ashley Copeland. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Columbia and burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  SEPTEMBER 1999

  ZACK BRICKHOUSE APPOINTED TO REPLACE COMMISSIONER
  Zack Brickhouse of the Sound Side community was appointed by the Tyrrell County Commissioners to fill the vacant seat created when Gordon Deaver resigned. Zack was nominated to the commissioners by the Tyrrell County Democratic Party as a suitable replacement. Zack was unanimously selected by the County Commissioners and will be sworn in on October 5, 1999. His term will end in December 2000. Zack is 49 years old and is employed as a correctional officer at the Tyrrell Prison Work Farm. He is married to Betty Joyce Etheridge Ornsby and they make their home in the Sound Side community.

  HURRICANE FLOYD LEAVES HIS MARK ON TYRRELL COUNTY
  The folks of Tyrrell County and eastern North Carolina battened down the hatches and braced for the fury of category III, Hurricane Floyd. The storm made landfall on the Carolina coast late Wednesday and made a bee line for the west end of the Albemarle Sound and exited for Virginia. The huge storm dropped huge amounts of rain on some counties, spawned several tornados, and pummeled the area with winds of 45-80+ mph. There were many trees blown over and downed power lines in the county. The county was fortunate to only receive about 3 inches of rain and no serious property damage from the high winds. As the storm's eye passed to the west, the storm surge quickly swelled the Albemarle Sound to five+ feet above normal which backed the excess water into Scuppernong River and low lieing areas. The town of Columbia saw 1-2 feet of water quickly flow through the streets and into some homes (mine was one that took in about 3" in one room). In less than 3 hours the water subsided and thankfully has remained flooding only the low areas of the county. The power was out in Columbia for 36 hours and up to 80 hours in communities such as Cross Landing, Rider's Creek, Alligator, and others. Tyrrell County was truly blessed to have no more damage than we did especially in the light of the terrible flood damage of neighboring down east counties such as Bertie, Hyde, Pitt, Jones, Duplin, Edgecombe, Nash, Green, and many others.

  1944 SHIP NAMED FOR TYRRELL COUNTY
  While perusing old newspapers in the Tyrrell County Library the other evening, I stumbled upon an article that caught my attention. The article told about the launching of a new ship at Wilmington named in honor of Tyrrell County, NC. The article was on the front page of The Tyrrell Times Volume 1 ... Number 1, the July 1944 edition. Wouldn't it be interesting to know what became of this ship and where it might be today? The article as it appeared in the newspaper follows:

  SHIP LAUNCHED JULY 10 NAMED IN HONOR OF TYRRELL COUNTY
  The North Carolina Shipbuilding Company launched a ship, July 10, named "Tyrrell" at Wilmington. This ship is an AKA (cargo ship - attack vessel) and is the first ship of this kind to be named in honor of a county in North Carolina. There have been five ships built in the past by this company named for counties in other states. The next six vessels of this type will be named for Alamance, Caswell, Duplin, Lenoir, New Hanover, and Stokes. In addition to the names given to vessels which will be built there, other naval craft honor several Tar Heel counties, according to information received from the Navy. They are Bladen, Carteret, Chatam, Clay, Edgecombe, Granville, Guilford, Hyde, Pitt, Rockingham, Warren, Wayne, and Yancy. The Tyrrell County commissioners have been asked to send a 4-H girl and a 4-H boy to the launching ceremony. H.H. Harris, Paul Liverman, and R.L. Spencer also represented the county when the ship was christened.

  POCOSIN ARTS AUCTION AND CRAB FEAST ... SEPTEMBER 18TH!
  The 2nd Annual Pocosin Arts Benefit Auction will be held Saturday, September 18th on Main Street in Columbia. Tickets are $20 and include all the steamed blue crabs you can eat and entertainment by Outer Banks jazz singer Laura Martier and her group. The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. and the auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Pocosin Arts educational programs which connect culture to environment through art. For ticket information call: 252-796-2787.

  TYRRELL COUNTY SURVIVES HURRICANE DENNIS
  Hurricane Dennis seemed to like eastern North Carolina so much that he didn't want to leave. As the storm neared Tyrrell County on August 30th, we saw wind gusts of 45-60 miles per hour and about 6-7 inches of rain. After brushing the coast of the outer banks last Monday, the category one storm decided to stall about 130 miles east of Hatteras. While stalled, the storm still had a major impact on the area weather with high winds and several more inches of rain throughout the week. The storm began slowly drifting westardly and on September 4th, Dennis made landfall south of Cape Hatteras. Tyrrell County was spared the brunt of the storm because of the west north westardly tract that carried the eye on a path toward Rocky Mount and Wilson. The county still experienced high winds, 5-6 more inches of rain, and moderate flooding. Tyrrell county and it's residents were blessed to have no more damage than we did. Clean up should not take too long and the high water levels should soon return to normal.

  OLD BUILDINGS SOLD-NEW BUSINESSES BEGINNING
  There have been several Columbia buildings sold recently that may bring new life to them. Ricardo and Rosa Hernandez have recently closed on the Martha Walker building at the intersection of Broad Street and Main. The building once housed such businesses as Henry Reynold's Grocery Store and the office of the East Carolina Reminder. The couple plans to open a store specializing in Mexican as well as American food products. Roy Reese of Scuppernong River Realty Associates has recently purchased the building on Main Street beside the Drugstore. This building was formerly used for such businesses as Capt. Bob Knight's Meat Market, Martha's Beauty Shop, and Debbie's Video. The building is undergoing a complete renovation and is intended to become the office for Roy's realty business. Plans are for renovations to conclude and an open house to be held on September 18, 1999. More good news for Main Street, the building formerly known as McClees's Grocery Store and Harley's Raw Bar and Grill has been purchased and a new restaurant is in the plans for the building. The couple who purchased the building are moving into the upstairs apartment and are already advertising for a short order cook and a waitress staff. The buildings on either side of this building have recently been renovated also. Durwood Cooper's Junk d'Jour is on one side and George Sentell's newly renovated building is ont the other. You would think that this is all there could be but you would be wrong. I have also heard rumors that the Scuppernong Motel and Restaurant building has been purchased. I have heard that there are plans to restore the motel rooms first but at this time I have not seen any activity at this site. I will keep you informed as I learn more about the renovations and new businesses springing up in Columbia.

  EVERETT SELECTED TO LEAD NC CLERKS ASSOCIATION
  Nathan "Tommy" Everett, was recently selected to serve as the 76th president of the Association of Clerks of Superior Court of North Carolina. The selection took place at the 81st annual clerk's conference held on July 21 in Wilmington, NC. Tommy is in his fourth term as Clerk of Superior Court of Tyrrell County. He has 25 years of experience in the North Carolina court system, 13 of those years as Clerk of Court. He is a graduate of Columbia High School and Atlantic Christian College.

  AUGUST 1999 WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC. Thanks Jacob & Arnette for sharing your data with us.

  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 87`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 96` on August 2
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 70`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 60` on August 10 & 11
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 10.25"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 2.03" on August 12
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 41.55"
  • *Hurricane Dennis impacted weather on August 30 & 31

  OBITUARIES

  DOUGLAS WINSTEAD DAVENPORT, SR, 79, died September 16, 1999 at his home in the Lake Phelps community of Washington County. He was the son of the late Aaron W. and Emma Woodley Davenport. He was a WW II veteran, member of American Legion Post 391, former Washington County commissioner, and an area farmer. He is survived by his wife: Vivian Holton Davenport; two daughters: Elizabeth D. Hunnings and Nancy D. Fish; one son: Douglas W. Davenport Jr; one sister: Lou D. Reynolds; two brothers: Ralph Davenport and Carol Davenport; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son: William Harold Davenport. A funeral service was held at Mt. Hermon Methodist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  ROBERT MICHAEL TARKINGTON JR, 38, died on September 11, 1999 in Norman, Oklahoma. He was born in Edenton, NC and was employed as a mechanic. He was the son of Robert M. and Marie Basnight Tarkington of Creswell. He is survived by his parents; his wife: Kathryn Spruill Tarkington; one son: William Michael Tarkington; grandparents: Charlie O. and Cilla Basnight; two sisters: Shirley Pelletier and Joy Tarkington; and one nephew: Andrew Pelletier. A grave side service and burial took place at Hilltop Cemetery in Collington, NC.

  VEATRICE MARIE AINSLEY, 80, of Columbia died on September 12, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was a member of Holly Grove Methodist Church in the Cross Landing community. She was the daughter of the late Thomas F. Smith and Tellie S. Owens. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Stanley Ainsley. She is survived by her daughter: Judy A. Davenport; three sons: J.T. Ainsley, Dwight Ainsley, and Phil Ainsley; her sister: Meriam Brown; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home and burial was at St. David's Episcopal Church cemetery in Creswell.

  EVELYN STOLL GEDERBERG of Columbia died on September 14, 1999 at her home. She was the wife of the late Roger Charles Gederberg. She is survived by her daughter: Janet Krinic; her son: John Gederberg; a brother: Harold J. Stoll; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  MARIE JOLLY CLAY, 93, of Creswell died September 4, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was the daughter of the late Will and Minnie Jolly and the wife of the late Roy L. Clay. She is survived by two daughters: Geneil C. Maska and Judith Davenport Marriner; one son: Gerald Roy Clay; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, William Frank Clay. A graveside service and burial took place at Union Memorial Gardens in Union, S.C.

  OCTOBER 1999

  SCUPPERNONG RIVER FESTIVAL VIII IS HUGE SUCCESS
  The 8th annual Scuppernong River Festival was held Saturday, October 9, 1999. The weather was absolutely picture perfect in Tyrrell County for a day at the festival. The parade kicked off the festival at 10:00 a.m. and the streets of Columbia were packed with onlookers. This years parade had 75+ entries and took about 45 minutes to travel Main Street. Gary Dean of WITN TV was Grand Marshall and I had the pleasure to serve as this year's Master of Ceremony. After the parade there were any number of things to do. There were food vendors, craft vendors, antique car/tractor exhibits, games, rides, musical performances, art show, art exhibits, and so much more. The evening fireworks display was one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure to witness, almost 30 minutes of continuos explosive beauty. This was followed by the street dance which was held on Broad Street in front of the Agriculture Building this year. The band was Heart 2 Soul and they did a great job of mixing the music so that everyone had an enjoyable evening. When the day was done, it was estimated that about 9,000 people enjoyed the festival in Columbia making this the largest crowd yet to attend the Scuppernong River Festival.

  TYRRELL HARDWARE BUILDING TO BE PURCHASED BY COUNTY
  The Tyrrell County commissioners have contracted to buy the Tyrrell Hardware Company building from Shelton Ludford and Pat Martin Boyd for $165,000. The building is located on South Broad Street beside the Tyrrell County Extension Building. Shelton is to be prepared to have the building vacant and transfer the title on May 1, 2000. The building is to be used for offices in the upcoming courthouse renovation project. The loss of Tyrrell Hardware and Mr. Shelly will leave a vacant spot in all our hearts ... it will be missed!

  McCLEES RESTAURANT OPENS
  McCLEES, a new restaurant on Columbia's Main Street, opened for business on October 3, 1999. The eatery is owned by Nancy Clark-Gonyea and her husband. It is located in the building that was formerly McClees Market from 1947-1976, Popcorns Restaurant, and most recently Harleys Raw Bar & Grill. The Gonyeas have recently moved to Columbia after 10 years in Suffolk, Virginia. They have the place looking quite nice and are open for lunch only at this time. They are serving a variety of salads, sandwiches, chile, soft drinks, and beer. I would like to wish them the best of luck with their new endeavor. Columbia needs another eatery and one less vacant building on main street.

  CIVIL WAR AMMUNITION FOUND IN RESTAURANT
  Dennis Swain, long time member and chief of the Tyrrell County Volunteer Fire Department, made an unusual discovery on October 4, 1999. While installing a stove in the kitchen of McCLEES, the new restaurant on Columbia's Main Street, he discovered a rusting 6 inch cannonball. After speaking with restuarant co-owner, Nancy Clark-Gonyea, he discovered that there were several other cannonballs in the building. U.S. Marine explosive specialists were called and they removed 10 pieces of Civil War ammunition to determine if any may still contain explosives. The Civil War ammunition was recovered by scuba divers and was placed in the building by Gail Aidock Lewis when she operated her restaurant, POPCORNS, at the site. The discovery of the Civil War ammo was very significant to Dennis Swain. In 1978, his brother Ricky Swain was killed when a Civil War cannonball exploded while he was working on it.

  KIDS HELPING KIDS ... AID FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
  The Columbia Middle School students have organized a group called "Kids Helping Kids." The goal of this group is to provide relief for students and their families who suffered flood damage during Hurricane Floyd in the Pitt County, North Carolina area. They are seeking help from the student body, their families, the community, or anyone looking to provide help. Anyone interested in assisting in this project can contact any middle school student or call the school at 252-796-8161 and ask for Sue Anderson. Sue can be reached at home at 252-796-2001. Any help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated!!
  Thanks Sue and all the kids at Columbia Middle School for your caring and compassion for our NC neighbors during this terrible flood devistation.

  A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT THE USS TYRRELL
  Since discovering that there was a ship named after our county, I have been doing some research about this fine ship. The following historical information was provided by the United States Naval Institute online and is included in the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol.VII - p 378
  

  USS TYRRELL AKA-80
  (AKA-80: dp. 14,160; 1. 459'2''; b. 63'; dr. 26'4''; s. 16.5 k.; cpl. 395; a. 1 5'', 5 40mm., 16 20mm.; cl. Tolland; T. C2--S--AJ3)

  Tyrrell (AKA-80) was laid down on 6 May 1944 under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 1387) at Wilmington, N.C., by the North Carolina Shipbuilding Corp.; transferred to the Navy on 30 July and towed to Baltimore on 8 August for conversion to an attack cargo ship by the Key Highway plant of the Bethlehem Steel Co.; and commissioned on 4 December 1944, Lt. Comdr. John L. McLean, USNR, in command. After shakedown training in the Virginia capes area, the attack cargo ship departed Hampton Roads on 5 January 1945 and steamed through the Panama Canal to Hawaii. After spending the last week of the month in Pearl Harbor, the ship embarked 33 Navy passengers and proceeded, via Eniwetok, to the Carolines and discharged her passengers at Ulithi on 13 February. Two days later, she proceeded via the Palaus to the Philippines. After her arrival in Leyte Gulf on 21 February, the ship commenced preparations for the assault on the Ryukyus. At dawn on 1 April 1945, the Southern Attack Force, to which Tyrrell was attached, arrived off Eagushi, Okinawa. At 0550, as battleships, cruisers, and destroyers commenced bombardment of Japanese defenses-- Tyrrell began lowering her boats. By 0644, the last of her landing craft was in the water and headed for the beach. For the next nine days, Tyrrell remained off Okinawa, supporting the conquest of that island stronghold. On 2 April, a twin-engine Japanese bomber attempted to crash the ship, diving through a storm of antiaircraft fire. In an attempt to ram the bridge, the plane sheared off the ship's main radio antenna, hit the lower yardarm support on the starboard side of the mainmast and continued on to sideswipe the starboard 5-ton cargo boom at the number 5 hatch. As the plane splashed alongside, it blew up and showered the cargo ship's decks with pieces of wreckage. On 4 April, Minneapolis (CA-36) came alongside to receive 600 rounds of eight-inch projectiles and 1,200 cans of powder. In turn, Tyrrell received all of the cruiser's empty shell casings. The following day, while at anchor in the transport area, Tyrrell's gunners joined in damaging an attacking Japanese bomber. Upon completion of unloading on 9 April, Tyrrell retired, via Guam and Pearl Harbor, to the west coast, arriving at San Francisco on 11 May. She then made two runs to Pearl Harbor carrying cargo. On 27 July, the cargo ship got underway for the Marshalls. While en route to Majuro, she received orders on 4 August diverting her to Roi, where she arrived on 9 August. Four days later, while she unloaded cargo at Majuro, word was received that Japan had surrendered. Tyrrell next steamed, via Kwajalein, to Saipan where she embarked men and material of the 2nd Marine Division destined for the occupation of Japan. On the morning of 23 September 1945, Tyrrell arrived off the devastated Japanese port city of Nagasaki and began disembarking her troops and equipment. The attack cargo ship next proceeded to the Philippines, arriving at Manila on 27 September. She then shuttled between the Philippines and Japan, supporting occupation activities by transporting supplies to such ports as Wakayama and Nagoya. On 13 November 1945, Tyrrell departed Nagoya, bound for Seattle, Wash. After voyage repairs at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, she returned to Japan, this time to deliver supplies for the American occupation forces at Kure, arriving there on 10 January 1946. Departing Japanese waters on 2 February, she proceeded through the Panama Canal to the east coast. Upon her arrival at Norfolk on 4 March 1946, Tyrrell reported to the Commandant, 5th Naval District, for disposition. She was decommissioned at Norfolk on 19 April, returned to the War Shipping Administration on 22 April, and struck from the Navy list on 1 May 1946. Purchased in 1948 by the Pacific Far East Line, Inc., of Delaware, and home ported in San Francisco, the ship was renamed SS California Bear and served as a freight carrier through 1961, when she was again renamed--this time SS America Bear. She was sold in 1963 to the Central Gulf Steamship Corporation; home ported in New Orleans, La.; and renamed SS Green Lake. After plying the waters of the Caribbean under this name from 1963 to 1968, she was taken over by the United States Department of Commerce and named SS Oceanic Cloud, a capacity in which she served through 1971. Tyrrell received one battle star for her World War II service.
  

  
  Christening of the USS Tyrrell at Wilmington, NC on July 10, 1944 by Juanita Ogburn. She was president of the Cleveland 4-H Club of Johnston County, NC. She had the honor of christening the ship because her club had won the "Feed A Fighter" contest (a state contest that challenged 4-Hers to produce enough food to sustain a soldier for a year).

  OBITUARIES

  LOIS ELIZABETH ALCOX SWAIN, 88, died on October 30, 1999 at Britthaven Nursing Facility of Havelock, NC. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Daniel Willie and Elizabeth Morris Alcox. She was a homemaker and a member of Sandy Acres Free Will Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband: James Edward Swain and a son: Bobby L. Swain. She is survived by two sons: Billy Marvin Swain and J. Fred Swain; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A funeral service was held at Walker Funeral Home Chapel and burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  A.D. ALEXANDER, 96, of California died October 13, 1999. He was born in Tyrrell County on January 6, 1903. He was a retired restaurant owner. He is survived by Linea Fenner and Dorothy Alexander. A funeral service was held at Chapel Hill Baptist Church and burial was in the church cemetery.

  LUCY MAE SPRUILL SIMMONS VOLIVA, 94, of Columbia died on October 23, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the daughter of the late Claudas and Mary Spruill. She was a member of Free Union Free Will Baptist Church in Frying Pan. She was preceded in death by her first husband: Linwood W. Simmons, her second husband: Shafter Huron Voliva, and a son: Franklin Glenn Simmons. She is survived by three daughters: Marjorie S. Weatherly, Iris S. Ambrose, and Linda S. VanMeter; one son: Alva Arnold Simmons; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Mt Tabor Free Will Baptist Church in Creswell and burial followed in Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tyrrell County.

  EVA SYKES BOWSER, 68, died on October 15, 1999 at Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City. She was born in Tyrrell County but moved to New Jersey where she spent 35 years until her retirement when she returned to Columbia. She is survived by her husband: Elder Fields Bowser; three sons: Charlie Bowser, Joe Ronnie Bowser, and Lewis Bowser; two daughters: Felecia Zoroh and Sandrel Foreman; two brothers: Calvin Sykes and Arnold Sykes; four sisters: Virginia Andrews, Fannie Sykes, Martha Vickers, and Joe Bowser; twenty grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Zion Grove Church of Christ in Columbia and burial was at the Syke's Family Cemetery.

  MILDRED LOUISE DAVENPORT PRITCHETT, 88, died August 31, 1999 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Raleigh. She was born in Tyrrell County on March 5, 1911 and was the daughter of the late Joseph Vann and Mae Godfrey Davenport Hardison. She was a long time employee of Sears Roebuck Co. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Worth Pritchett, who died November 2, 1989. She is survived by her son: Charles Pritchett Jr; a sister: Hester Mason; and two nephews: Joseph Vann Mason and Stephen Mason. A memorial service was held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Chapel in Raleigh.

  JAMES ROBERT SMITH, 61, of Roper died September 29, 1999 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the son of Alice Rose and the late Willie Randolph Smith. He was a retired employee of Ford Motor Company and a graduate of Columbia High School class of 1957. He is survived by his mother: Alice Smith; his wife: Elizabeth Ann Harrell Smith; two sons: James Robert Smith III and William Earl Smith; three sisters: Jeanette Deaver, Connie Andrews, and Linda Kay Smith; two brothers: Franklin Smith and Alvin Smith; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Nora Young and Shirley Holmes. A funeral service was held at Evans Funeral Home Chapel in Edenton and burial followed at Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Columbia.

  JOYCE ANN SAWYER, 52, of Creswell died on September 27, 1999 in Chowan Hospital in Edenton. She was born in Tyrrell County and was the wife of the late Frank Sawyer. She was a seamstress and a member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Creswell. She is survived by her mother: Mattie H. Gibbs; her step-father: Willie Gibbs; one daughter: Joyce Alexander; four sons: James Sawyer, Timothy Sawyer, Jeffery Sawyer, and Derrick Sawyer; nine brothers: Jeffery Gibbs, Victor Dunbar, Donald Dunbar, Kelvin Dunbar, David Dunbar, Thurman Dunbar, Eugene Dunbar, Wayne Dunbar, and Andre Midgett; four sisters: Ercelene Rogers, Randy Bryant, Shirley Roulhac, and Willie B. Sanders; and eleven grandchildren. A funeral service was held at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  KATRINA N. SPRUILL, 13, died September 21, 1999 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her mother: Sharon Rawls; her step-father: Jimmie Rawls; maternal grandparents: Willie and Inez Allen; paternal grandparents: Rev. Otto and Blanche Spruill; step-grandparents: Trennis and Mattie Rawls; and one sister: Broolyn D. Spruill. A funeral service was held at the Agape Christian Center in Creswell and burial was at the Zion Grove Church Cemetery in Columbia.

  NOVEMBER 1999

  INCUMBENTS WIN TOWN ELECTION
  The incumbent town aldermen and mayor retained their elected positions despite a strong write-in campaign mounted by the local NAACP. The election had a strong voter turnout compared to recent town elections. George Owens was unchallenged in his bid to remain as the mayor of Columbia. The two incumbent aldermen: Cavell Ayers and Bertram Davenport were challenged by new-comer, Freddie Snell and NAACP write-in candidate, Jimmy Spencer. The tight alderman race required a recount of the votes three days after the election by the Tyrrell County Board of Elections. There were also five provisional ballots that had to be verefied and added to the total if acceptable. When the recount was finished and four of the five provisional ballots found to be acceptable, the final tally was as follows: George Owens (132), Cavell Ayers (75), Bertram Davenport (72), Jimmy Spencer (68), and Freddie Snell (32).

  SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WEATHER DATA
  The Tyrrell County weather data is collected by Jacob & Arnette Parker at their residence in Gum Neck, NC. Thanks Jacob & Arnette for sharing your data with us.

  SEPTEMBER
  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 76`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 85` on September 9
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 63`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 51` on September 18 & 19
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 11.49"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 2.64" on September 5
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 53.04"
  • *Hurricane Dennis impacted weather on September 1-6
  • *Hurricane Floyd impacted weather on September 15-20
  OCTOBER
  • Average High Air Temperature ...... 72`
  • Highest Air Temperature ...... 84` on October 4
  • Average Low Air Temperature ...... 50`
  • Lowest Air Temperature ...... 37` on October 24
  • Monthly Precipitation ...... 5.59"
  • Most Precipitation in 24 Hours ...... 3.15" on October 18
  • Year To Date Precipitation for 1999 ...... 58.63"
  • *Hurricane Irene impacted weather on October 16.

  McCLEES RESTAURANT OPENS
  McCLEES, a new restaurant on Columbia's Main Street, opened for business on October 3, 1999. The eatery is owned by Nancy Clark-Gonyea and her husband. It is located in the building that was formerly McClees Market from 1947-1976, Popcorns Restaurant, and most recently Harleys Raw Bar & Grill. The Gonyeas have recently moved to Columbia after 10 years in Suffolk, Virginia. They have the place looking quite nice and are open for lunch only at this time. They are serving a variety of salads, sandwiches, chile, soft drinks, and beer. I would like to wish them the best of luck with their new endeavor. Columbia needs another eatery and one less vacant building on main street.

  OBITUARIES

  HELEN ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, 64, of Deep Creed Rd in Washington County died on November 14, 1999 in Martin County General Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Alvah W. and Lucy Pritchett Alexander. She was a member of Faith Pentecostal Holiness Church. She is survived by her husband: Albert Chambers; five daughters: Tanya Little, Brenda Everett, Darlene May, Sabrina Lyle, and Rachele Carlisle; two sons: Tony Ambrose and Allen Chambers; two brothers: A. W. Alexander and Bobby Alexander; and thirteen grandchildren. A funeral was held at Faith Pentecostal Holiness Church and burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Columbia.

  RAMONA AMBROSE SPRUILL, 65, of Newland Road near Creswell died on November 7, 1999 at her home. She was born in Washington County and was the daughter of the late Jordan Thomas and Pearl F. Ambrose. She was a homemaker and member of Philippi Church of Christ in Cherry. She is survived by her husband: Clyde Spruill Jr; a daughter: Barbara Grissom Spring; two sons: William Clyde Spruill III and Sandy J. Spruill; a sister: Maxine Spring; a brother: Roland Lee Ambrose; and four grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Philippi Church of Christ and burial followed in the church cemetery.

  DECEMBER 1999

  HAVE AN OYSTER ROAST (A Fleming Recommendation)
  Fall is here and it means many things to many people. To me and a lot of other down east folks, fall means the beginning of oyster season. Right down the road from Tyrrell County to the south is Rose Bay in neighboring Hyde County. They are famous for their seafood and especially large, salty oysters. The price of a bushel of oysters runs from $25-$35 depending on availability. There's nothing like standing around a fire on a cold fall evening, roasting or steaming a bushel of oysters with a group of friends. You can roast your oysters on a sheet of metal over a wood fire (covering them with wet burlap sacks) or you can throw a few handfulls on the grate of your gas/charcoal grill and cook them until the shells open. Some folks prefer to steam their oysters in a large steamer on a Coleman gas stove. It doesn't matter to me which method I use as long as I get to sample a sufficient number of raw ones to determine the quality of the batch before and during cooking. If the oysters are large and salty, I prefer to not use a dipping sauce. There are several dips to use: ketchup/horse radish, melted butter, and some folks like vinegar. I like to make my own ketchup/horse radish dip by combining about a cup of ketchup, teaspoon of horse radish, pat of butter, splash of pepper vinegar, and dash of black pepper. Stir the ingredients together and heat over the fire or in the microwave. Like Andy Griffith used to say, "It's goooooooooood!" The oysters that are not roasted or steamed can be kept several days in a cool, shady place, occasionally wetting the burlap bag to keep them damp. You can shuck these oysters for freezing (worst choice), frying, stewing, using in dressing/stuffing, pasta salads, etc. My advice to you is get a couple of bushels of oysters, call some friends, make sure you have the appropriate beverages on hand, and get outside in the crisp fall air and have a great time!

  RIVER TOWN CHRISTMAS
  It's looking a lot like Christmas in downtown Columbia. The decorations are up and I must say they are the best ever. This year the River Town Christmas in Columbia will be held on December 10-12. The festivities kick off on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and run through 9:00 p.m. During these hours the Columbia Theater Cultural Resource Center and Tyrrell Visitor's Center will have open house with refreshments and entertainment. Pocosin Arts and the downtown businesses will also observe special hours (open until 9:00 p.m.). The festivities continue on Saturday with "breakfast with Santa" from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the Sidestreet Cafe, Pocosin Arts open house and sale, downtown merchants sidewalk sale, Christmas Bazaar, Christmas Parade at 11:00 a.m., Petting Zoo, Pony rides, and carriage rides. Throughout the day there will be many programs and displays such as: Children's Red Wolf Program, Animal and bird Tracks by Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Legends of Christmas by Pettigrew State Park, and Smokey the Bear by NC Forestry Service. Throughout the day there will be many musical performances by local choirs, groups, and individuals. The River Town Christmas on The Scuppernong should be a great time, so make plans to come out and join the town of Columbia in a holiday celebration.

  TYRRELL VOLUNTEERS HONORED
  Eight Tyrrell County citizens were recognized for their dedication and service to the community through hours of volunteering. A reception to honor eastern N.C. volunteers was held at Williamston High School and Governor Jim Hunt recognized them by presenting each with the North Carolina Governor's Volunteer Award. Those recognized from Tyrrell County were: Sandi Brickhouse(4-H volunteer), Jeanette Collins (Tyrrell Elementary volunteer), Teresa Howlett (Young Extension Homemakers Club volunteer), Mark Mixon (service to the youth of Tyrrell County), Randall Morgan (service to his fellow man in search & recovery efforts), Lottie Roughton (Visitor's Center volunteer), Frances Voliva (Extension Servic, Pocosin Arts, and River Festival volunteer), and The Tyrrell County Food Pantry (serving those less fortunate with food and love). I would like to extend my THANKS not just to these great volunteers but to all the volunteers that dedicate their time and effort to make Tyrrell County and Columbia the great place that we enjoy.

  LOCAL OBITUARIES
  LEWIS L. COMBS, 90, of Creswell died on December 23, 1999 at Chowan Hospital following an extended illness. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Benjamin and Estelle Patrick Combs. He was a retired farmer and director with the East Carolina Bank (1969-1996). He was a former school teacher and principal for many years as well as serving as in the NC House of Representatives from 1951-1957. He was a charter member of Providence Lodge #678 in Columbia, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Sudan Temple Member. He is survived by his wife: Dorothy L. Combs; two daughters: Carol C. Cutler and Dorothy C. Sawyer; three grand daughters; and one great-grand daughter. A graveside funeral service with full masonic rites was held at Azalea Memorial Gardens in Tyrrell County.
  ELSIE MAE SMITH SPENCER, 83, of Norfolk died on December 14, 1999 in Norfolk. She was born in Tyrrell County on February 10, 1916 and was the daughter of the late James Robert and Nattie Brickhouse Smith. She was the sole survivor of Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and was the widow of Thomas R. Spencer. She is survived by two sons: E. Wesley Spencer and Eric Roland Spencer; one daughter: Patricia S. Roper; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A graveside service was held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.
  MANNIE ALFORD SYKES, 71, of RFD 2 in Columbia died on December 10, 1999 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. He was born March 22, 1928 in Tyrrell County and was a farmer. He is survived by his wife: Mable L. Sykes; one daughter: Anita S. Swain; three sons: Wayne Sykes, Dennis Combs, and Craig Combs; two sisters: Luverta Hare and Lucille Spruill; three brothers: Collie Sykes, Lonnie Sykes, and David Sykes; twelve grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Saint John's Baptist Church and burial followed in the church cemetery.
  LAURA MYERS AMBROSE, 89, formerly of Creswell died December 6, 1999 at Washington County Hospital. She was born in Washington County on January 19, 1911 and was the daughter of the late Thomas Felton and Mary Barnes Myers. She was married to the late Norwood Ambrose and was a member of Philippi Church of Christ in Cherry. She is survived by a step-daughter: Alethia Phelps; one brother: Herman L. Myers; three sisters: Stella Barnes, Alice Dotson, and Hazel Styons; thirteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a step-son: Woodley Ambrose; two step-daughters: Hortense Barnes and Effie Pritchard; and a brother: Leonard T. Myers. A funeral was held at Horner-Walker Funeral Home chapel and burial followed Philippi Church of Christ cemetery.

  MARGARET ARNOLD COOPER, 66, of Creswell died on December 2, 1999 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. She was the daughter of the Joseph A. and Ida Barnes Arnold. She lived on Ambrose Road and was a member of Mount Hermon United Methodist Church. She is survived by her father: Joseph Arnold; her husband: Douglas M. Cooper; a daughter: Corine C. Equils; two sons: A. J. Cooper and Doug Cooper; and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church and burial followed at the Barnes Family Cemetery.

  THOMAS BRICKHOUSE, 75, of Chesapeake, Virginia died on December 2, 1999 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was born in Tyrrell County and was the son of the late Theodore and Addie Forbes Brickhouse. He was retired from Sadler Materials Company and a member of the Teamsters Union NO. 822. He is survived by his wife: Violet Bryson Brickhouse; a daughter: Dessie B. Barnak; two sons: Thomas O'Dell Brickhouse and Stephen Ray Brickhouse; two brothers: Malcolm Brickhouse and Calvin Brickhouse; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by two stepmothers: Clara White Brickhouse and Cottie Wilson Brickhouse. A funeral service was held at Oman Funeral Home chapel and burial followed at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

  HELEN ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, 64, of Deep Creed Rd in Washington County died on November 14, 1999 in Martin County General Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Alvah W. and Lucy Pritchett Alexander. She was a member of Faith Pentecostal Holiness Church. She is survived by her husband: Albert Chambers; five daughters: Tanya Little, Brenda Everett, Darlene May, Sabrina Lyle, and Rachele Carlisle; two sons: Tony Ambrose and Allen Chambers; two brothers: A. W. Alexander and Bobby Alexander; and thirteen grandchildren. A funeral was held at Faith Pentecostal Holiness Church and burial was in Azalea Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Columbia.