1921 Lucie Brown Ballantyne photo

 

Ola "Dear" Moore Brown (1862-1926) & Lucie Brown Ballantyne (1880-1957)

Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown, died in 1890.  Her father, A.W. Brown, married Ola Moore in 1891 or 1892.  A.W. died in 1906 at the age of 51.

1906 Nat's letter to Lucie - May 6 - Part 2

This is the conclusion of a letter which was posted on April 30, 2016, when this second page could not be located.  The lost has now been found and this is the rest of the letter.  To read the beginning of the letter click here.  

[cont'd from previous blog post, see link above] 
. . . Permanent organization to meet each year and they all decided to make it a bigger success next year by everyone promising to induce others to attend which was done.  (of course I'm not thinking of going alone next year.  Am I dear.  [Lucie & Nat were married on December 6, 1906])  and no doubt it will be an affair to be looked forward too in future years.

Yes indeed my dear girl am looking forward to your coming home this summer and hope you will have a pleasant and happy summer.  Everything is so grand here just now.  The trees just coming out and in bloom.  The roads are fine and if you were here we certainly would take a drive this fine afternoon.  McAteers have not got their Auto yet and Mrs. says she was only fooling about getting a one-seated one.  Am more than pleased to know it for have looked forward to some fine rides this summer.

Wrote you sometime ago that I expected to go to Chicago soon and would arrange to come back via Cincinnati.  Now Lucie cannot say just now if I can arrange it as yet however will let you know.  Yes it is hard to realize that you have been away 10 months.  How times does fly.  And then you will only get home and settled untill you will be going back (or wanting too) leave it.

Well my dearest there isn't much new to tell you and when you see the folks they will have time to tell you everything so I will leave you for this time so good bye and hope you have gotten to look like your self again and I'll receive my picture soon.

Good bye my dear with lots and lots of love.  I am as ever

Affectionately Yours,

Nat

P.S.  Lucie my dearest have just come home from down at your house and feel that I should tell you just what I think and realize about your Papa's condition, and am obliged to tell you that he is failing and seems so much weaker than when you were home and fear he will not be able to stand the trip to Huntington.  However you know he has such a wonderful vitality that he may rally again.  Sure hoping for this so hope he will enjoy his visit with you. 

[Papa = Adrian Wilmer Brown, born 24 Nov 1854, died ten days after this letter, 16 May 1906.  Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown died in April 1890 when Lucie was nine.  Adrian married Ola Melissa Moore in 1892.]

My dearest that was the reason I asked you if you had told him anything about our engagement.  I feel that he was looking for it and believe he thinks we are keeping it from him and with his condition felt that we should tell him.  Now hope you will understand me for he has been such a good friend to me that I have been constrained to feel as I do.  Now you can suit your self when he goes down to see you for as I have always told you, this matter you can arrange to suit your self so you can think it over and whatever suits you will me. 

Yes my dearest and only love, I am only waiting the day when you are to be mine and what a future seems to be in store for us, and, how I wish I could take you in my arms tonight for dear you are all the world to me and life seems like a blank to me without you.  With all my business cares and troubles, they all pass away when I think of you and how pleasant and happy our lives will be to pass down through life in this way and do not see how it can be otherwise after so many years of seeing and being with each another and know it allways be so . . . .

Now must say good night with lots of love for your dear self.

I am always yours,

Nat

1930 Bert to Lucie Letter -May 22

R. M. BROWN

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

NEW CUMBERLAND, W. VA.

May 22, 1930

My dear Lucie:

I am reminded that on tomorrow May 23d, that you come to another mile stone [Lucie, born May 23, 1880, would celebrate her 50th Birthday] and you know you always have my best wishes.

You have been blessed with a good husband and fine children and I hope that "you all" may see many happy birthdays.

I have always been proud of . . . and love you dearly and always interested in you and your family.

I am enclosing you a check which please get cashed at once, the amount is not to remind you of the number of years, but hope you will accept it with all my good wishes for your happiness and good health.

Lovingly yours,

Bert

[Lucie's brother, Robert "Bert" Morrow Brown, was born Nov. 21, 1877, and thus was 2½ years older than Lucie.]

1950 HH, Jean & Catherine pictures -April

The first two pictures on the top row were taken at the CJU house in New Vienna.  I'm sure the older of us siblings remember the old fashioned phone.  All the other pictures except the first two and the last one were taken In St. Petersburg.  Jean's Mother "Dear" is featured in the first picture on the second row.  The picture on the right in the bottom row (which shows HH's hand and dark suit in the background) is captioned: On stopes of Alabama Capitol -- Apr. 14, 1950.  Catherine's First Capitol. 

The picture below shows the three generations: Lucie, Jean and Catherine

1939 Nat's Letter to Lucie's brother Bert -Aug.14

Monday 8/14/39

Dear Bert & all

What a trip.  Here are we now in Denver and this is one of the finest modernist Hotel we have stopped on our trip.  James has been attentive as are everyone we come in contact with.

We drove 150 miles on Friday to Cody after about 500 miles in the Yellowstone with such changing and interesting scenery during the whole 4 days & we were there [?].  Will have to be seen to be appreciated. 

Arrived at Cody after the days ride through the Canyon and passing the Shoshone Dam [renamed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946] and many dude ranches and here is [where] we take our train for Denver.  Jennie's letter was there and it was the first news we had during the week.  Also the Independent and all the other letters mailed here.  James had package of them he had held for us.

We were shocked to hear of Mrs. Runfords accident and death.  Also Mr. L.O. ??? had stopped to see him only a week before we left and thought he would not last long as his condition was such looked as though he might go any time.  Too bad about Moss for he seemed to be in good shape or better than when he called last winter carrying a cane.  We saw him only a week before we left.  Jennie did not give any particulars, something physically must have happened.

Jim has just called.  Says we are to go to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  Complimentary of the Country of the ???.  This is a two day trip not in our itinerary so this will be a wonderful trip and he says we must accept.

Have arranged our reservations to leave Denver on the 4 o'clock train Burlington and Chicago line popular train.  Arrive in Chicago 8:30 AM Friday morning.  If the Penn. RR agent can arrange we will leave on the 11:10 train Pan Handle through Columbus and arrive Sherwin's about 12:30  3:12 PM Friday.  If we have to change by reaching Chicago we'll wire you.

Bert we have had most wonderful weather.  Only a few drops of rain for a few minutes after leaving Seattle.  A little cool while we have been in the Rockies as we have been from 1 mile to over 3 miles above sea level now for over two weeks.  You see the weather at no time interferes with sight seeing etc --

And how Mr. Palen is known all along the line & can arrange a tour.  Not once has there been a hitch and not once have we had to wait 10 minutes for communications.  The trains are so well managed.  Some or most all have 2 diners, Club car and Observation and Each Road Santa Fe, Burlington, southern and Northern Pacific & ??? all running 1, 2 & 3 sections almost continuously and so well managed practically on time always.

You probably have read about the ["City of San Francisco"] Streamliner wreck near Reno was caused by vandals who had pulled the spikes on several rails.  It was the SP Track streamline.

Your letters and paper state Centennial was a grand success.  We all regret we couldn't get back in time.  Lucie & Jean are anxious to hear all about it.

They have been out all morning looking the shops over.  Jean has become quite a shopper.  She surely has taken in everything and will have a lot to talk about for sometime to come.

1929 Nat Ballantyne & Dwight Morrow Letters -April

Dwight Morrow (1873-1931), first cousin of Lucie Brown Ballantyne, served as Ambassador to Mexico from 1927-1930.  In 1930 he was elected as a Republican to the US Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Walter Evans Edge.  He served as senator from Dec. 3, 1930 until his death on October 5, 1931.

1929 Nat's Letter to Dwight Morrow -April 5

1929 Dwight Morrow's letter to Nat -April 11

AMBASSADOR DWIGHT W. MORROW,
U. S. EMBASSY
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

April 5, 1929

My dear Dwight:

We were all very much interested last evening in hearing you over the radio.  Your voice came in very distinct and could hear you just as well as if you were talking from K.D.K.A. Station at East Pittsburgh.

The children were all very much interested and especially Robert and Virginia, who have read and heard so much lately of Anne's engagement to Colonel Lindberg and almost every day there is something in the paper relative to them.

I am sending you a page from the "Sun Tele", which has your picture as you will note and a notice of your going to speak from Mexico.

Robert still talks of his visit with Alice in New York last summer and his only regret was that he missed seeing "Lindy", who arrived and was in Englewood the evening that he and Scott Brown, Bert's boy, were up at Richard's Camp over night.

Lucy joins in being remembered to you and your family and hoping to see you sometime when you are in the States, I am

Very truly yours,

NWB.B

* * * * *

Mexico, April 11, 1929 

My dear Nat:

Thank you heartily for your kind letter of April 5th, and for the enclosure which you were good enough to send.  It was good to hear from you.

With kindest regards, believe me,

Sincerely yours,

Dwight Morrow

To: Mr. N.W. Ballantyne,

Diamond Bank Building

Pittsburgh, Pa.

1929 Dwight Morrow

The following clippings are both from the Hancock County Independent, January 10, 1929

John Marshall, Dwight Morrow Get

Warm Welcome in U.S. Senate          

The last official visit paid to the Senate by John Marshall, retiring assistant attorney-general, was in company with his friend and patron, Dwight M. Morrow, ambassador to Mexico, whose latest acquired title is "father-in-law of Lindbergh."  Both men are former residents of Hancock County.

Mr. Marshall was paid many a fine compliment and extended best wishes by senator of both parties, with whom he got along famously while dispensing patronage of the department of justice.  That was his duty; he was the assistant attorney-general in charge of personnel, otherwise administrative officer of the big department.  He represented his branch of the service frequently before Senate committees.  He had many friends among the senators, several of them intimate.  Senator Pat Harrison and Marshall favored each other as golf partners at the Chevy Chase Club.

Mr. Marshall's last visit to the White House in an official capacity was to go before President Hoover to sign the commission of his (Marshall's) successor, Charles PP. Sisson of Rhode Island.  The following day the Senate confirmed Sisson's nomination.  When Mr. Sisson appears and is sworn in, Mr. Marshall will turn over the office to him.  Mr. Marshall will practice law in Washington D.C. as a member of the firm of Covington, Burling & Rublee.

 * * * * *

Morrow is Still Cabinet Favorite

Hancock County Son Leaves Washing-

ton Without Seeing Hoover.

 Dwight M. Morrow, ambassador to Mexico, a former Hancock county boy having resided for a number of years at Pughtown, and mentioned prominently as the next secretary of state, last [sic] Washington Monday night without seeing President-elect Herbert Hoover, according to press dispatches from the Capitol.

Mr. Morrow left for the Bahama Islands within a few hours after Mr. Hoover reached Washington.  He is to remain there about ten days, returning to Washington for final instructions before departing for Mexico to resume his duties as the official representative of the United States.

Although the fact that Mr. Morrow did not get a conference with Mr. Hoover, caused some speculation, those close to the political situation it meant little, that Mr. Hoover is seeing nobody at this time regarding his cabinet selection.

Throughout the political world it is earnestly believed Hancock County's son is to be the next secretary of state.

* * * * *

Morrow did not become Secretary of State.  Henry L. Stimson of New York served as US Secretary of State, March 28, 1929 - March 4, 1933.  Morrow served as US Ambassador to Mexico from 1927-1930, then was elected as Senator from New Jersey 1930 until his death on October 5, 1931 at the age of 58.

Other posts about the Morrow family include:

• 1935 Elizabeth C. Morrow note to Lucie Brown Ballantyne - Sept. 12, 1935
• James E. Morrow 1837-1904 – father of Dwight and brother of Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown
• The Painted Pig by Elizabeth Morrow – Children's book, subtitled A Mexican Picture Book, was published in 1930.
• Agnes Morrow Scandrett Book – Agnes 1869-1953, a sister of Dwight, was also 1st cousin to Lucie, book is about cruising the coast of Africa in the 1930s

US President Elections of the "8" years

Though there is not a US presidential election in 2018, every 20 years there is a presidential election in an "8" year.  This review of the "8" year elections, will include tidbits of family history and which of our ancestors might have been involved in or interested in the politics of the era.

• 1788 - None of the direct Uible ancestors arrived in the US until the early 1800's but the Hiestands and their ancestral lines were in the Pennsylvania/Virginia  area during the 1780s.  Henry Sprinkle (or Sprenkle) 1741-1814, appears  on the personal property tax records in Winchester, Virginia in 1787.  Henry's daughter, Mary Sarah "Sally" married John Hiestand.  Their son, Joseph S Hiestand was the father of Ira Hiestand, who was the father of Gladys Hiestand.  Therefore Henry is the 4th great-grandfather of the Uible-Horton cousins.
  First Presidential Election in the U.S., with only 69 electors, George Washington was elected for the first of two terms, and John Adams became the first vice president.  Members of Congress made up the electors.
• 1808 - James Morrow, born 1774 in Ireland, died 1825 in Brooke, Virginia.  He was the grandfather of Mary Virginia Morrow Brown who was the mother of Lucie Brown Ballantyne.  James is the 3rd great-grandfather of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible [BDU] cousins.
  James Madison, a Democratic-Republican candidate defeated Federalist candidate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney to become the 4th president and the first to succeed a president of the same party.  George Clinton, the vice president under Thomas Jefferson, was renominated for vice president.
• 1828 - John Fawley, born in Virginia in 1805, married Mary Hawk in 1823.  Their oldest son, Noah 1824-1914 was the father of Mary Ellen Fawley Hiestand, who was the grandmother of HH.  John is the 3rd great-grandfather of the Uible-Horton cousins.
  With the collapse of the Democratic-Republican party, the 1828 election was Republican  incumbent John Quincy Adams versus Democrat Andrew Jackson, a rematch of the 1824 election, but instead of Adams winning as in 1824, Jackson was the victor.  Their running mates were Democrat John C. Calhoun and Republican Richard Rush.
• 1848 - James L. Freeman, 1809-1892, 2nd great-grandfather of the BDU cousins, married Priscilla Gamble Freeman who died in 1840 in childbirth at the age of 18.  Fortunately for our family history, her daughter Virginia Irene Freeman Ballantyne was born in New Cumberland, survived until 1906, and became the mother of five children, the second oldest, Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne being the grandfather of the BDU cousins.
  In the first election to be held on the same day in every state, Tuesday was also chosen as the day on which future elections would be held.  A popular General in the Mexican-American War, Zachary Taylor, a Whig from Louisiana, defeated Democrat Lewis Cass and Martin Van Buren (who had served one term as president 1837-1841) of the Free Soil party.  Millard Fillmore became the Vice President.  Taylor remains the most recent winning candidate from a third party.
• 1868 - David Uible, 1845-1926, married Sarah Elizabeth Smith, 1841-1890 in 1868.  They were the parents of Cecil Uible, and thus the great-grandparents of the Uible-Horton cousins.  1868 was also the year that Nathaniel Ballantyne, father of Jean, was born.  He died in 1949.
  Ulysses S. Grant, Republican and his running mate Schuyler Colfax, defeated the Democratic candidate Horatio Seymour and vp candidate Francis Preston Blair, Jr.
• 1888 - Perry O. Pence, born in Hillsboro in 1888, died in 1957.  Our closest common ancestor was Philip Wilkin, Jr. (1794-1994) his great-grandfather and also the great-grandfather of Gladys Hiestand Uible.
  Republican nominee Benjamin Harrison defeated incumbent Democratic Grover Cleveland, despite Cleveland winning the popular vote.  Levi P. Morton became vice president, the losing vp candidate was Allen G. Thurman.
• 1908 - Gladys's niece Lois Mitchell Schuetz, was the daughter of Luna Hiestand & Robert Glenn Mitchell.  She was born in 1908 and died in 1990.
  Secretary of War Republican nominee William Howard Taft and his running mate James S. Sherman, defeated Democratic team William Jennings Bryan and John W. Kern.
• 1928 - Kenneth "Pat" Kessel, nephew of Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne, was born in 1928 and lives today in New Manchester, WV, close to New Cumberland. 
  Republican Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover defeated the Democratic Al Smith.  Vice Presidential candidates were Charles Curtis (R) and Joseph T. Robinson (D).  Hoover, from Iowa, became the first president born west of the Mississippi River.
• 1948 - Wedding of Jean & HH
  Harry S. Truman, Democrat incumbent, wan an upset election over Republican Thomas E. Dewey and third party candidate, Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond.  Alben W. Barkley became the VP.  Other VP candidates were Earl Warren (R) and Fielding L. Wright (Dixiecrat)
• 1968 - Death of Cyrus DeHass of Hillsboro (1909-1968), 3rd cousin of HH, their common ancestor being their 2nd great-grandfather, John Fawley (1795-1882).
  In a tumultuous year following the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy, the Republican team of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew defeated Democrat Hubert Humphrey (Edmund Muskie) and American Independent George Wallace (Curtis LeMay).
• 1988 - Death of cartoonist, Milton Caniff, born in Hillsboro in 1907, died in New York City in 1988.  He was a nephew of Uncle Will's (CJ's brother) wife.
  Republican George H.W. Bush, incumbent vice president, defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis.  Running mates were Dan Quayle (R) and Lloyd Bentsen (D).
• 2008 - Death of the first of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins, Roger Cochran Ballantyne 1943-2008.
  Barack Obama, Democrat, was elected to his first term with Joe Biden as his running mate, defeating Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin.

1897 New Cumberland High School graduation program -May 21

One Hundred Twenty years before Andrew's high school graduation his great x2 uncle, Robert Morrow Brown, age 19 (1877-1946), graduated from New Cumberland [West Virginia] High School, a member of the high school's fifth graduating class.  Robert's sister, Lucie Brown [Ballantyne] (1880-1957), grandmother of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins, and great grandmother of Andrew, was also on the program.

"Our Graduating Class" Fifth Annual Commencement of the New Cumberland High School

Robert's part of the program:  "Per aspera ad astra" is a popular Latin phrase meaning "through hardships to the stars". The phrase is one of the many Latin sayings that use the expression ad astra, meaning "to the stars". Wikipedia

Lucie, two days shy of her 17th birthday, is also on the program, doing or speaking on "Sparks from Human Dynamos."

1897 A.W. Brown Letter -Apr.9

National Hotel

Largest Hotel in Washington. 350 Rooms

All Modern Improvements

Opposite Pennsylvania Depot

Six Stairways to Ground Floor & Fire Escapes on all sides.

O.G. Staples, Proprietor

Walter Burton Manager

[This letter written a month after the beginning of William McKinley's first term as U.S. President.  McKinley, the 25th President took office on March 4, 1897 and was assassinated in September 1901 at the beginning of his second term.]

April 9, 1897

Dear Old Bert & Lucie:

Reached Washington all O.K., this morning.  Met E.D. Marshall and Col Taylor here.  This afternoon Col Taylor took us to the White House, and we were shown through the entire house by  a messenger who has been there since Abraham Lincoln's time.  We were shown all the private parts of the House where the President & family live, something that is not often done with visitors.  We were in the private dining room, state dining room, the private parlors, the Cabinet Room and in President McKinley's office and talked with the clerks.  He receives an average from ten to fifteen thousand letters every day.  The President is out of town on the Dolphin, taking a trip and will not return until Monday.  I looked into the White House kitchen as the door was open as we passed by.  We were shown many ornaments, selected by Arthur, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Hayes and others.

I am feeling well, and we have had a delightful time so far.  We expect to call on Senator Elkins and others.  He is in N.Y., and will not be back until to-morrow or Monday.  If you write me and I hope you will do so on Tuesday direct care National Hotel.  Col. Taylor certainly stands in at the White House as all the clerks and door-keepers know him and he seems to have all the privileges.  He told the head man he wanted to show some friends through, and he delegated the oldest & best man to take us into all of the apartments & explain us everything.

I must close with much love to all the dear ones at home.

Lovingly

           A.W.B.

  * * * * * * *
Other letters referenced or of related interest:

• 1902 A.W. Brown's birthday letter to daughter Lucie - May 22

• 1905 A.W. Brown letters - Jan.17

• 1905 A.W.Brown Letter -Feb. 10

1926 Ola Moore Brown obituary - June 12

[June 12 - 1926, most likely from New Cumberland, West Virginia, newspaper] 

Mrs. A.W. Brown 

Called by Death

Mrs. Ola Moore Brown, widow of the late A. W. Brown, founder and publisher of The Independent, died at her home on Ridge avenue, Saturday morning at one o'clock after an illness which confined her to bed about two weeks.  Last summer Mrs. Brown . . .  last fall had enjoyed fairly good health until she was stricken suddenly ill.  Her condition was serious from the beginning of her last illness and Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Ballantyne and children were summoned home from Florida arriving about a week before her death.

Mrs. Brown was born in Pughtown.  She was a daughter of the late Abram Moore and with her father, moved from this county to Salineville, Ohio.  Her father was elected County Recorder of Columbiana county, Ohio and then the family moved to Lisbon, Ohio, where she resided until her marriage to A.W. Brown on June 9th, 1892. and since that time has made her home in New Cumberland.

– – – – – – – – – –

Ola Moore Brown was the second wife of A.W. Brown.  His first wife, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown, mother of Robert Morrow "Bert" Brown, and Lucie Brown Ballantyne, died in 1890, when Lucie was ten-years-old.

1906 Letter to Lucie -Mar.22

A letter from Lucie Brown Ballantyne's great aunt, Elizabeth Catherine Howlett Spalding[1] .  Notes are added after the transcription.  Paragraph breaks have been added for readability.

March 22nd [1906] Brandon [Texas][2]

Dear Lucie,

Your kind letter received sometime since I should have been answered – I cannot say exactly what I have been doing so much but I am kept very busy – cannot say I have accomplished much – yesterday I really drew my sheet of paper from the box & thought I was already to write the letter I am now trying to write – strange when one is thinking of a distant one & particularly when you wish to perform your duty to them something comes often as a reminder.

The children went to the office & brought me your school pamphlet[3].  I thank you for your remembrance of me notwithstanding my long delay in answering your letter.  The Professor's or Principal's Bereavement is certainly very sad.  I felt deeply for him.  Such a loss is hard to endure.  One can quite realize his feelings while reading of them.  She was I imagine a lovely wife & a loving devoted couple husband & wife.

We certainly in our lives see the mysterious ways of a Loving Father – who does not willingly afflict His Children – My dear Child arrived safely.  She is restless about business & she took me with her to Dallas – after stopping at the Hotel we were invited to the "Texas Baptist University"[4] to make a visit to Katherine[5] – we had a pleasant visit – but thought a great deal was lacking to make it a desirable or progressive school.  Katherine has given up her studies & only taking vocal lessons.

Your Cousin Mary[6] is anxious to see you & her Sister whom she has not seen for many years.  I think she will be out there some day.  I have not heard from Aunt Cora[7] for some time.  I know she is very busy she really accomplishes a great deal.  I wrote to Anna but have not heard very lately from her nor do I know anything about Ella.  I had one letter from Chicago from her.  I answered it.  Lucy[6] writes she is about moving – but does not mention Ray.

I have many sorrows – today I am very deaf – it comes mostly from cold.  Sometimes worse than at other time very great affliction – we have had such disagreeable weather – so cold & dreary.

Cullen[8] would like so much to go away to school – he is near 16 – he is  model of a Boy.  I think his Mother would never let him go so far away – he would make a fine scholar if property trained.  Just received a sad letter to whom I wrote after the death of a dear Mother.  I write many letters to dear Bereaved ones.  It take time but do not consider the time lost – when I know one needs sympathy.

I have at last gotten some pictures taken.  I sent Cora one & will send your Papa one.  I think your Parthenon very nice – glad you are getting on nicely.  Give much love to all.  I hope your Papa is still improving.

Yours lovingly,

E.C. Spalding
[Elizabeth Catherine Howlett Spalding]



* * * * * * * * * *

[1] Elizabeth Catherine "E.C." Howlett Spalding (1824-1913) - sister of Lucy Howlett Brown (1823-1886) aunt of A.W. Brown, great-aunt of Lucie Brown Ballantyne, 2x great-aunt of Jean Ballantyne Uible and 3x-great-aunt of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins.  "E.C." as she signs the letter, is living with her son James, a physician, and his family in Texas.  James (1853-1926) is married to Sallie (nee Boone).

[2] Brandon, population of 80 in 2000, is located in the central Texas hill country about 55 miles south of Dallas.  Settled in 1846 and serving as a stagecoach stop, it became a railroad town (after relocating a mile away from the original townsite in order to be near the tracks) in 1888 with the arrival of the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railway.  Population peaked at 450 in 1914, but declined considerably when the railroad was removed in 1936. [Info from TSHA Texas State Historical Society.]

[3]Marshall College, where Lucie was then Prof. of Elocution  The Principal, whose title was changed to President in 1907, Lawrence J. Corbly (1862-1935),was married to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Holland of New Cumberland.  She died unexpected in 1906 and therefore earns a paragraph in this letter.  More information on Marshall College, including a picture of the library in 1910, can be found here.

[4]Texas Baptist University opened for classes in 1905 in Dallas.  Due to inadequate resources it was forced to close in 1912.

[5] Katherine (1887-1950), granddaughter of E.C., 

[6] Mary (1848-?) and Lucy (1856-?)  daughters of E.C.

[7] Cora Brown Crawford (1856-1923), niece of E.C., sister of A.W. Brown, aunt of Lucie Brown Ballantyne.  

[8] William Cullen Spalding (1889-1950), grandson of E.C., became a physician like his father.

1956 The Browns – Three Generations of Publishers

A.W. Brown, R.M. Brown, J.Scott Brown

Three Generations of Publishers Passed Away

clipping from Hancock County Independent, (New Cumberland) West Virginia.

February 9, 1956

A.W. Brown, founder of the Independent was born in Wellsburg, W. Va. in 1854.  Came to New Cumberland in 1876 and he in company with S.M. Morrow, founded the newspaper.  On October 25, 1876 he married Mary V. Morrow of Fairview (Pughtown) Hancock County.  They had two children, Robert Morrow Brown and Lucie S. Brown.

During the famous Van Baker trial, the Independent published a daily issue.

Mr. A.W. Brown died in May 1906.

R.M. Brown

Mr. Brown was the dean of Hancock attorneys and member of one of the county's oldest and most outstanding families, was born in New Cumberland, November 21, 1877, son of the late A.W. Brown and Mary Morrow Brown.  He was educated in the public and high schools of this place and attended Wooster, Ohio College one year, graduating from West Virginia University Law School with the class of 1903 with A.M. and L.L.B. degrees.  He was admitted to the bar the same year.

In 1910 the popular attorney became united in marriage with Leora Scott of Somerset, Pa., who preceded him in death July 23, 1944.  [He died Oct. 4, 1946]

Begins Newspaper Career in 1906

The outstanding public figure began his newspaper career in 1906 as a reporter on the East Liverpool Crisis during his summer vacations, and after the death of his father, founder of the paper in 1877, and for forty years served as its editor and publisher.  But his dynamic personality and burning ambitions carried him into other fields of prominence.  For four years he served as prosecuting attorney of Hancock county, and for six years clerk of the circuit court.  Two terms saw him seated in the House of Delegates, and for many years he acted as chairman of the Republican County Committee, also as the New Cumberland postmaster for four years.  At the time of his death he was secretary of the Hancock County Bar Association, city solicitor for the town of New Cumberland, legal advisor for the Hancock county draft board, divorce commissioner, having served as acting commissioner for the past three years, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Booster's club.

He was a Presbyterian, member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, IOOF, K of P and Junior Order, Lions club, and Boosters club.

Surviving are his son, J. Scott Brown, one grand-child, Robert Wilson Brown, one sister, Mrs. M.W. Ballantyne and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Wilson Brown, all of New Cumberland.

J. Scott Brown

J. Scott Brown, third in succession to publish the Independent, was born on September 19, 1911 in New Cumberland.  He was educated in the public schools, also attended Culver Military Academy.  While in High School he was active in sports and played football for several years.  Later he attended West Virginia University and was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.  After finishing school he was married to Margaret Virginia Wilson of Wellsburg.  They had one son, Robert Wilson.

In 1936, Mr. Brown entered the insurance and real estate business.

He was always active in the civic and social organizations of his community, trying to help in any way he could to better his home town.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, Boosters club and served for many years on the Hancock County Republican Executive Committee and one term as member of the House of Delegates.

On January 24, 1956, death claimed the third member in succession of the Brown family to publish the Independent.

1956 J. Scott Brown passes away –Jan.24

John Scott Brown was born on September 19, 1911, in New Cumberland, West Virginia, the child of Robert Morrow "Bert" (1877-1946) and Leora Hay Scott Brown (1880-1944). He married Margaret Virginia Wilson (1913-1976) on June 15, 1937. They had one child during their marriage, Robert Wilson Brown (1941-1983). He died on January 24, 1956, in Weirton, West Virginia, at the age of 44, and was buried in New Cumberland, West Virginia.  He was a nephew of Lucy Brown Ballantyne (1880-1957), first cousin of Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible (1922-2011) and first cousin once removed of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins.

1956 J. Scott Brown passes away –Jan.24

John Scott Brown, 44, editor and publisher of the New Cumberland Independent, a Republican weekly publication, died in Weirton General Hospital at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday [1/24/1956].

He was admitted to the hospital Sunday night.

Mr. Brown also engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Hancock County.  He was a member of the executive committee of the Hancock County Republican Party.

He was a charter member of the New Cumberland Lions Club and held memberships in the New Cumberland Boosters Club and at Williams Country Club, Weirton.

Mr. Brown was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 22 AF & AM in New Cumberland.

He was a graduate of New Cumberland High School and attended West Virginia University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi social fraternity.

Mr. Brown was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

A native of this community, he was born Sept. 11, 1911, a son of the late Atty Robert Morrow Brown and Leora Scott Brown.  Mr Brown inherited the paper from his father who was a Republican leader.

He leaves his widow, Mrs. Margaret Wilson Brown; one son, Robert Wilson Brown, 14, at home and an aunt Mrs. Lucie Brown Ballantyne of New Cumberland.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Funeral home, in charge of Rev. Wm. S. Flurkey, pastor of the Presbyterian church.  Interment in the local cemetery.

1905 Nat to Lucie letter - Nov.13

The following letter was mailed from New Cumberland, WV, postmarked 4PM Nov. 13, 1905 addressed to Miss Lucie Sara Brown c/o Marshall College Huntington WV.  In 1900 Nat was living with his younger brother, James, his mother Irene (Freeman) Ballantyne and James' wife, Maude.  Their residence was in the Clay District, Ridge Ave., of New Cumberland.

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.1 - Nov.13, 1905 – Nathaniel Ballantyne to his future wife, Lucie Brown

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.1a - Nov.13, 1905

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.2 - Nov.13, 1905

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.2a - Nov.13, 1905

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.3 & 3b - Nov.13, 1905

1905 Nat to Lucie letter p.3a - Nov.13, 1905

Home. 11/13/05 [1905]

My Dear Lucie,

Will now be as good as my word and write to you to day as I promised you in my last to you.  Your letter came the next morning after I had mailed you mine and I'll forgive you for not answering sooner for you must have your hand full these days. and that investigation is surely a strain too, especially when you are compelled to take an active part in detecting her.

Well Lucie this last week has been quite an exciting one for the people here and both Bert and myself have held our own and feel quite elated on the way matters have turned out for both of us.  The trial was very exciting and Bert did himself proud and conducted the trial as one of years experience.  You have received the papers though (The Friday Daily Independent [currently not available online]) and it gave a detailed account of it.  But you should have seen Frank Huff on the stand.  He was certainly dramatic at times and the gestures and expressions were something that would be hard to imitate [page 1a] on the stage.  At times he would get up in the chair and go through this little speech (which it seems he had down perfect) that would cause the whole Audience in the Court room to howl with laughter.  The Court room was crowded and to think the excitement here was equal to the Baxter [?] trial while it lasted.  So you see Bert is certainly getting his hand in right at the start.  Your father was there a great deal too and he seemed so pleased to see Bert do so well.  Lucie Your father has so much better color and he seems to e improving.  He is so determined too and so many people remark that they believe he is going to get well I think myself too that with such a determination as he has and such vitality he will.  He certainly enjoys the horse and buggy.  Now mustnt forget to tell you about myself too.  Believe I did mention to you that some of them here wanted to get me to resign and quit my position up to someone else here at the Bank.
well I wouldnt do it and at our meeting Mr. Bymer [?] congratulated me on the showing we had made.  [page 2] and said he was very well satisfied for to continue as we had been with the same officers so we elected the same over again.  And then we have had so much contention at the Porcelain Works too. and if my scheme works out OK then we will get full charge of it too later on.

Yes we are having quite a time with the Auto where the roads are fit to go out in it.  The folks went to Lisbon and got caught in the mud and had to leave it in Wellsville.  [Wellsville Ohio is about 17 miles  NE of New Cumberland, via East Liverpool.]  Mac and I went after it yesterday and brought it home and we had quite a time riding out twice last night.  They have a friend visiting their a Mrs. Foster [?] from Allegheny not very pretty but a bright girl and we all enjoyed it immensely.  This morning they went to church and Mac and I cleaned it up and it is quite a job.  Was just covered with mud from the Lisbon trip.  After dinner we went to Toronto [Ohio, across the river from NC but 19 miles via the road through Steubenville] and back to Island Creek on the Pike and the roads were fine.  While we enjoyed it and had a fine time often wished that you were along and its too bad you are away just when we are getting initiated.  However am going to have our next [indecipherable] so we will have some rides and some good big ones too.  This was a fine day so much like the day we were enjoying the Drive in Huntington.  How could I help it but think of you so much today. and its [page 2a] six long weeks until you are home too.  So you are intending to visit Mrs. Martin in Parkersburg on Thanksgiving.  You will certainly have a fine time for its a fine town.  and you said you had your fortune told again.  Now why didn't you tell me what it was at least some of it any way.  I am going to see the Clairvoyant at Wellsburg some day when I'm down. but dont know whether I'll tell you about what she tells me or not for you never told me what your's was at Lisbon.  Did you

Say Lucie have heard some more about that little story Kartryn told she heard.  She didnt tell it all.  It seems who ever told it in Toronto gave the impression that I couldnt decide between you and Kartryn.  Now did it ever occur to you that Kate was mixed up with me or with us.  Havent seen her yet for she has been sick as you have heard and if she heard it all she should have told us.  Dont you think so. probably she has told you but I never knew anything until yesterday when I called up on the phone while at Mac's works at Enterprise [?] and the first thing Kate Liggett said, was, that she heard I was to be married.  Said at first [page 3] that it was to you but afterwards stated she heard I was undecided.

Now has it ever appeared to you that any other was baiting me Not for a moment has it entered my mind, but you Know how people get concerned.  I laughed it off and said that was what was the matter.  So many are included on my list and she along with the rest that I couldn't decide.  So she's none the wiser.

The boys gave a dance at the old Swan Hall on Friday eve and they had quite a nice little dance too.  Of course Harry Smith played for them and his timing is something awful at times.  Lara Hill [page 3a] was down and Mrs. Plattenberg invited me to go and of course you know I wouldn't refuse.  She has been making quite frequent trips here of late.  She says her folks are away in Canada and she is visiting among her friends.

Well Lucie their isn't much new here.  Miss McMavern [?] & Rhea were in town today Understand that a go.  soon

Yes needed my tutor for the party at the Fortnightly and am sure I'd have won the prize.  Well, we will have another one when you come home and will look forward to winning then.  Am also looking forward to winning the prize of my life then.  Surely I won't be disappointed Will I?  Now my dearest must say good bye for am billed for Church to night as I missed it this morning so write me soon or when is convenient, or sooner if you can, for you.  Remember me to Mrs. Martin.

With much love I am

Affectionately Yours,

Nat

P.S.
Expect to go to the City the last of the week so be on the lookout for a little package.  Give my regards to Missrs Harvey, Schon & Parson, when you see them.  That last name is so much like the same as the man who I'm having a law with with that it is hard for me to think of it as kindly as I might under different circumstances.  –Nat

 [page 3b] [further] P.S. Since writing you have just learned that Steel [the defendant in the trial] tried to commit suicide.  Bert thinks it his scheme to work the sympathy of the Judge before he is sentenced on Tuesday.  He has feigned insanity all along.

And by the way Lucie have a little Controversy with a Mr. Wm J. Harris of the Miller Supply Co. of Huntington on an arbitrary account and have been wondering if you have met the "Gentleman" or know who he is.  He seems so determined on us allowing a bill for brick we shipped them.  Its such a small account that I'm surprised he keeps following it up so long.  If you know him let me know what kind of a fellow he is as I didnt get to see him while down there.

Sat down at the Office so added a line or two before mailing.  What a grand night.  Makes one feel so lonesome.  The moon looks so much like the night we came in from Fairview.  Do you remember?  But can never be more beautiful. Good bye.  Yours –Nat

1905 Background on Bert Brown & Murder Trial

In 1905 Bert Brown was Hancock County (West Virginia) Prosecuting Attorney.  The following clippings contain information about Brown – a poem plus details about one of his biggest cases.  This is background for an upcoming letter from Nat to Lucie.  Fans of the Ballantyne-Brown family history may remember that Robert Morrow "Bert" Brown, 1877-1946, was the older brother of Lucie Brown Ballantyne.

East Liverpool Ohio - Evening Review 24 Jan 1905 p.4

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

1905 Big trial for Prosecuting Attorney R.M. "Bert" Brown - Nov.7.  Upcoming trial for attempted murder of William and Frank Huff, to begin this week in New Cumberland, West Virginia.

East Liverpool Ohio - Evening Review - 7 Nov 1905 p5

The "Fairview" where this crime took place was one of nine places in West Virginia known by that name.  The pertinent Fairview, the one in Hancock County, has since changed the community name to New Manchester, and is about four miles north of New Cumberland.

Other clippings can be found at the following links:

1905 Stewart Steele charged with shooting William Huff -Mar.31  Mob scene at the Hancock County jail in New Cumberland.

1905 Huff Shooting Trial begins in New Cumberland -Nov.10

1905 Steele found guilty -Nov.11

1905 Stewart Steele attempts suicide In New Cumberland, WV jail, after conviction with shooting with intent to kill. - Nov. 13

1905 Nat to Lucie letter - Nov.7

1905 Nat to Lucie letter - Nov. 7, 1905 – Nathaniel Ballantyne to his future wife, Lucie Brown

Home, Nov 7 '05 [1905]

My Dear Lucie,

Was so disappointed in not getting a letter from you this morning.  Felt it more so on account of it being Tuesday morning and your Sunday letter should have come and now am looking forward to tomorrow and hope I'll not be disappointed.  Will I.

Have had quite a day to day.  First this morning Mr. Gaillard called on me and we had quite a nice little chat.  He told me all about his troubles with the Judge C. and you have no idea what a Crank he is.  Mr. G stated he wouldnt be a tool [?] for him any longer and told him so. and said he would resign from the Committees.  (You understand the Porcelain business) and told the Judge I was the man to take charge and for him to take all matters up with me in the future.  This was certainly unexpected by me to come from Mr. Gaillard, but he meant it and I think I can handle the Judge O.K.  This is what we have wanted all along.  We are getting along fine considering all or have had to go on and our mail is the heaviest of any of the firms here.  We get a big bunch every mail and from any state and even Mexico & Canada.

And then we had a meeting of the Trustees & Directors this afternoon and had quite a time over it too.  Do not know whether I told you or not but Walmer [?] has been trying to force me out and when he tried to show his hand today I succeeded in showing the gentleman up and he resigned so in the future do not think he will try to work anymore games of his on me.  I was sure that everything comes out alright in the end so am feeling quite good over it.

I want Bert to go on the Board if he will and every body on the Board is agreeable so think he will do it.

Now Lucie theres nothing much new.  Suppose you know Kartryn [?] Robb is sick.  Saw Ester yesterday and she said she was a little better but not able to be up yet.  Am sorry for Kate but she hasnt looked well for sometime.  Was in Wheeling and called to see about the gloves and they do not seem to have what you want. but I saw something else in Pgh Saturday that I think would please you and I believe I will send one down to you and the gloves we can arrange for later on.

Now must say good bye as I have to go so write me at once or when convenient for you and I will tell you more news on Sunday.  Hoping you are enjoying yourself and with much love I am

Yours affectionately,          

Nat     

Excuse this as I have no fire and am half frozen.

1905 Nat to Lucie Letter -Oct.17

The order of these pages seems convoluted though made slightly more sense when they were folded.  Too bad we don't have any (that have yet been seen) of Lucie's letters to Nat.

1905 Nat to Lucie Letter -Oct.17 p.2,1 

1905 Nat to Lucie Letter -Oct.17 p.3

1905 Nat to Lucie Letter -Oct.17 p.5,4

1905 Nat to Lucie Letter -Oct.17 p.6

Home. Oct. 17th [19]05

My Dear Lucie,

So I find I can take a little time this afternoon that I could not put it to better use than writing to you.  We arrived home from Wheeling on the late train last night and was good and tired.  While there wrote to you telling you had ordered the gloves from a friend of mine Mr. Franks.  Do you know him?  Well, he writes me this morning saying that he was unable to send the Driving and Gauntlett [sic] ones and tried to get them in the City but was unable to do so but had forwarded the dress ones.  Now am sorry that he did this as I wanted to send [--page two--] them all together.  Heaven hope the ones that has gone will get when up to the City.

Well Lucie it never rains but pours.  My cousin Lucile [Freeman Rogers? born about 1855] from Steubenville is visiting us and Mrs. Byerly [?] is at McAteers [?] and last Miss Lara Hill is also in town visiting Mrs. Plattenberg [?].  So you see I'm pretty busy.  Have not been to call on Miss Lara yet as she seems to like someone else better (Mr. Westlake [?] as he had her at Church Sunday eve and was down all day Sunday.  Will be there tonight and tomorrow she goes to see Fay South at Steubenville so you see she will not be liable to stay [--page three--] up late into the wee small hours on my acct. this time.  Suppose you heard about Brady's South's death.  It was certainly very sad and also very sudden.

Well Lucie you should have seen me coming home from Pittsburgh last Saturday.  Met Mrs. Byerly in the Union depot and was just in time to help her carry her packages and suitcases and took the boys in too.  Never felt so much like a family man before.  We had a fine ride and enjoy'd them so much.  Everyone who sat near us was congratulating me on my two fine boys and not a few notices their mother either for she was just looking fine.  She expects to be here for a week and may go back in McAteers Auto and do you know that Auto is still in the Barn.  Mac and one of the machinists at the Works has been working on it for a weeks and finally Mack had to get a man from the city to come down.  He came yesterday morning and has it almost ready to run.  Was down just before dinner and they all were out at the barn cleaning it up and polishing the brass work.  They cant understand why I say do not believe I cant arrange to go [--page four--] along with them on Saturday.  Lucie a dozzen [sic] Butlers wouldn't induce me to change my plans but a little dear girl in Huntington might.  Of course would like to go for the novelty of the ride but can get that again.

Have received the new bed for our Buggy and had it put on and it just makes it look like a new buggy.  Just ready for another ride when you come back but do not suppose you will care to ride in any other than your own when you come back.  Your father seems to enjoy it so much he is out every day and the weather has been so fine for him too.  Saw Polly Craddock  [--page five--] who has been visiting your folks out and Bert has been also taking her out.  Am so anxious that we have just such weather when I go down on Saturday. Won't it be fine.

By the way almost forgot to tell you that the Cigars came and they are fine.  Many thanks.  No one will get any of these and am just going to keep them to smoke when I'm all alone and lonesome (which is quite often) and can sit and smoke and think of the one little girl who lost her bet.  See.

Now Lucie think and believe will be a go and you can just bet if I have anything to do with it that [--page six--] we will have a big blow out when you come home and especially for you and you can look forward to that.  Mrs. Smith no doubt has written to you and told you all about the Fortnightly and I neednt mention it.  In fact do not know much about their last meeting.

So Lucie havent seen Milers frame [?] as yet.  He has invited me to call at Brown to see them but do not think I will do it as we do not do any business with them now and have not much use for them.  No, do not think she is above the ordinary.

Now will say Au ReVoir as I must get down to work and hope you receive my letter written to you from the McLune and don't forget to tell me where to go when I arrive on Sat. – and if you want anything from home will be to glad to take it down so be sure and say so I am most

Affectionately Yours,

Nat

P.S. Lara Hill said to me this morning that she heard something and its all off with she & I now.  Had quite a time to make her believe otherwise and do not believe she does yet, but I changed her mind somewhat am sure.  Now some people here like to talk about other people business and affairs.  Don't they?  She has just called and wants me to go to Steubenville with them.  She asked about you.  – Nat