Spring Dale Academy, 1880, MS

This newspaper article from September 1880 reports on an “exhibition” or recital from Spring Dale Academy in Pike County, Mississippi. Many of the children who participated are connected to our family.  

Spring Dale Academy

Dear Sir – On the 20^thinst., I attended an exhibition at Spring Dale Academy, situated on a small stream near J. P. Welsh’s, in the lower part of this county. The examination was conducted by an excellent young teacher, Mr. S. R. Ellis, assisted on the occasion by his old teacher, Prof. W. H. Dixon who formerly taught in this section of country. There was a good collection of visitors as well as patrons of the school. The day was spent in the examination of the classes, in their various branches. A splendid dinner was provided by the patrons and friends, and all appeared to enjoy it. At early candle light, Prof. Dixon was invited too the stand and he delivered a very interesting address to the students, concluding with a beautiful poem of his own composition, which called forth loud applause. He was succeeded by the students with their single pieces and dialogues, each piece being followed by music from the Washington Parish Brass Band.

The Introductory was delivered by Miss Mary Brown[1], followed by declarations of the junior class, viz.: Ola Alford[2], Mary McMillon, James Berryhill, Oscar Alford[3], James Roberts, Eugene Berryhill[4], Eugene Roberts, Jewell Alford[5],Robert Berryhill[6]and Albert Alford[7]. An interesting piece in concert then followed, admirably recited by Misses Mollie Welch, Annie Alford[8]and Mary J. Alford[9]. This was followed by an amusing dialogue by Messrs. Benton Roberts and Louis Roberts. Then came Upward and Onward by Mr. Layton Roberts well recited. Mr. Weston Fortenberry then gave us The Friends. The well known and pleasing lyrie, Lord Ullin’s Daughter, enabled Mr. Andrew J. Alford[10]to show his appreciation of this beautiful piece. Mr. Eugene McClendon[11]then appeared in the Story of the Young Student. Then followed the amusing dialogue of the Tumbled Down School House, by Messrs. Thos. Magee, Louis Welch and Eugene McClendon. Mr. Benton Roberts then depicted the Woes of the Bachelor. That piece was followed by the Landing of the Pilgrims, by Miss Aner Alford. Then followed the most exciting dialogue performed, the Cole Sisters, the characters of which were well sustained by Misses Mary Brown, Jane Fortenberry, Nannie McClendon, Messrs. Thos. Magee, Andrew I. Alford and Benton Roberts. Then followed the presentation of a Banner to the teacher by the students, in a touching and beautiful address by Miss Mary Brown. The Banner was borne most gracefully by the lovely little standard bearer, Miss Mollie Welch, representing in full the national colors of our glorious republic. On a shield in the right hand center, appeared in truly artistic lettering the following words: “Gratitude – Presented to our Teacher, Mr. S. R. Ellis by the Students of Spring Dale Academy, August 20^th, 1880, Pike County, Miss.” The Banner was received by Mr. Ellis with a few very appropriate remarks, after which they adjourned, all well pleased with their exhibition.

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[1]Mary Brown. This is most likely Mary E. Brown, daughter of Allen Moses Brown & Emmaline Smith. She was born 13 Aug 1861, making her 19 years old.

[2]Ola Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1871; 9 years old.

[3]Oscar L. Alford. Son of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1874; 6 years old.

[4]Mark Eugene Berryhill. Son of Mark Anthony Berryhill & Nancy Jane Alford. Born c 1864; 16 years old.

[5]Jewell Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1871; 9 years old.

[6]Robert Berryhill. Son of Mark Anthony Berryhill & Nancy Jane Alford. Born c 1869; 11 years old.

[7]Albert Alford. Son of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1872; 8 years old.

[8]Annie Alford.  Daughter of Ira Newton Alford & Samantha N. Ott. Born 1870; 10 years old.

[9]Mary J. Alford. Daughter of Julius Newton Alford & Mary Margaret Brumfield. Born 1868; 12 years old.

[10]Andrew Jackson Alford. Son of Jeptha Josephus Alford MD & Fanny Roberts. Born 1866; 14 years old.

[11]Eugene Wellington McClendon. Son of David Jackson McClendon & Eliza Jane Smith. Born 1867, 13 years old. 

Source: Spring Dale Academy. (Magnolia, MS: The Magnolia Gazette, 3 Sep 1880) 2; digital image, Newspapers.com: accessed June 2020.

Census Sunday: Eliza Jane Smith McClendon Fortenberry

Eliza Jane Smith 

1846 – 1905 

Daughter of Wyatt Smith & Euseba Fortenberry

Eliza married twice, first to David Jackson McClendon & later to John Norvel Fortenberry. Looking at census records, I have been able to find her with her parents and with her second husband but not with her first husband. Fortunately, the 1880 census shows children from both marriages.

1850 US Census, Pike County, Mississippi. Wyatt Smith family.

‘Wiatt’, 41, farmer, b. Mississippi; value of real estate $1,000. Wife, Libbey, 40, b. S Carolina

Children all born in Mississippi: [names as they are spelled in the report]

Sarintha, 17; William J. M., 15; Emeline M., 13; Jasper, 10; Oscar N., 8; Elija J, 6; Adollphus, 3 years old.

1880 US Census, MS, Pike; SD 3, ED 37; ancestry.com.

Norvel Fortenberry, 27 b MS, farmer

Eliza J, 34

Carl Edith, son, 5

Burrel W, son, 3

Annie McClenden,  step daughter, 15

Eugene W McClenden, stepson, 13

1900 US Census, MS, Pike, Beat 1; SD 7, ED 104, page 21; ancestry.com

John Fortenberry, 48 b Oct 1851 MS; married 1873; farmer

Eliza J, 53 b March 1847 MS; mother of 10/ 7 living

Carl L, son, 26 b Nov 1873 MS; farmer

William L, son, 16 b Nov 1883 MS; farm hand

Audray E, daughter, 14 b June 1885 MS

Emma E, daughter, 12 b June 1887 MS

Related Posts:

• Jeremiah Smith
• Wyatt Smith

Alphabetical Ancestors - M

M is for many different surnames.  If you share one of these names,

 let’s communicate. It is always good to learn more. 

M is for these Surnames…

Mark

Abraham Mark, 1812 PA – 1872 OH, was my 3^rd great grandfather. He married Mary Isabella Heffelfinger in 1839 Wayne Co., OH. They had eight sons: Thomas Jefferson, John, William, Marion, Abraham M., Franklin P., David & Edwin. The four oldest sons served in the Civil War. Thomas Jefferson Mark & John Mark died during the war. William Mark, my 2^nd great grandfather, was injured during the war but returned home, married and became the father of fourteen children. Abraham is in Reedsburg Cemetery. Abraham & Mary Isabella have many, many descendants.

Maronge

George Patrick Maronge married Glenda Merrel Fortenberry, daughter of Duviox B & Gussie (Alford) Fortenberry. They had two sons and a daughter.

Massie

In 1934 Otis Charles Massie [b 1912 OH] married Ethel E Good [1912 OH – 1950 OH], daughter of Albert Edward & Elizabeth Lodema (Moore) Good. They had three children: Virginia, Edward & Caroline, all born in OH.

Maurer

Elmer Maurer [b 1899 OH] married Pauline Morrison [1899 OH – 1979 OH], daughter of Seth Benner & Margaret Jane (Gruissy) Morrison. They had five children: Roy, Dale, Jack, Gerald & Joanne. Elmer was an electrician.

McCall

Daniel McCall [b 1860 NY] married Elizabeth Noye. They had six children: Margaret, Martha, Daniel, James, Mary & Patrick. James Joseph McCall [1898 NY – 1944 NY] married Marion Coyle [1900 NY – 1991 AZ], my grand aunt. They had no children. James was a New York City firefighter.

McClendon

David Jackson McClendon [b 1838] married Eliza Jane Smith [1846 – 1919], daughter of Wyatt & Euseba (Fortenberry) Smith. They had two children: Annie and Eugene.

McMillan

David J McMillan [1872 – 1950] married Ola Schilling [1880 – 1954]. They had twelve children: Wallie, Ethel, Ora, Mae, Lloyd, Archie, Velma, Mammie, Rhoda, David, Nadine & Evon.

Messmore

In 1880 Allen G Messmore [b 1830 OH] married Barbary Ritter [1857 OH – 1928], daughter of Isaac & Isabell (Fisher) Ritter. They had six children: David, Ada, Bertha, Oliver, Clyd & Edward, all born in OH.

Miller

In 1836 Frederick Miller [bc 1803 MD] married Barbary Ritter [1810 PA – 1895], daughter of Johannes & Anna Mariah Ritter. They had five children: Elizabeth, Philip, Ari, Mary & Anna, all born in OH.

Miller

Henry C Miller [1847 OH – c 1910] married Mary Catherine Ritter [1853 OH – 1938] in 1870 OH. Mary Catherine was the daughter of Isaac & Isabell (Fisher) Ritter. Their nine children were born in OH: Charles, William, Dora, Harvey, Jonathan, Emma, Anna, James & Russel.

Moore

Peter Jonathan Moore [1857 OH – 1929 OH] married Caroline L Gruissy [1863 OH – 1936 OH]. Caroline was the daughter of Augustus Ceaser & Mary Ann (Everett) Gruissy. Peter was a farmer and brick layer. Their six children were born in OH: Amaline, Lillian Vera, Floyd, Frances, Elizabeth & Ralph.

Morris

George a Morris [1877 – 1943] married Mary Louise Fortenberry [1881 – 1963]. They had seven children: Willie, Boyce, Theodore, Delphin, George, Lank & Pershing.       

Morrison

William Hiram Morrison [b 1830 NY] married Emily Benner [1839 OH – 1908 OH]. William was a shoe maker. They had six children: Thomas, Seth, Eldridge, Emily, Phoeby & Lolly. Their son, Seth Benner Morrison [1861 PA – 1952 OH] married Margaret Jane Gruissy in 1880 in OH. Seth was a farmer and later a paper finisher at Ohio Boxboard Co. They had eight children: Mona, Lena, Emily, Albert, Florence, Paul, Pauline & Peter.

Mowrey

Elizabeth Mowrey [1799 – 1871 OH] was my 4^th great grandmother. She was the daughter of Michael & Eve Mowrey. Elizabeth married Philip Heffelfinger [1787 PA – 1877 OH]. I would love to learn more about the Mowrey family.

Mullane

Daniel Mullane [c 1838 Ireland – 1930 Ireland] was the son of Thomas & Julia (Sullivan) Mullane. He married Brigid English. Their eleven children were bobrn in Ireland: Mary Josephine, Patrick, Thomas, Timothy, Ellen, Margaret, Frances Bridget, Margaret [a second Margaret], Daniel, Julia & Catherine. Daniel was a coach builder in County Tipperary.

Other ‘M’ surnames in my tree: Maley, Mattingly, McCormick, McCraw, McDaniel, McEleveen, Minter, Minton, Mowrer, Mullen & Munoz.