Dear Hearts & Gentle People:
Ahhhh…..spring in Lexington! The crabapples, the redbuds,
forsythia, spirea in full bloom, jonquils everywhere and the dogwoods are just
beginning to open. We feared our late freezes might nip them in the bud, to
coin a phrase, but everything is just beautiful. I even have two daffodils on
display in my yard – one in the back, one in the front. That’s flowers, not
beds. But I’m thankful for what I get. Seriously, I am itching to get some
annuals into the ground, and some people already have, but I’m fearful that
will bring snow and ice.
We have been falling down on our job, Folks. Not much mail
has come in since #142. If I wait long enough, someone usually inquires if they
have missed an issue. Does that translate to Get.On.It. or something
less polite perhaps.
For those far away: Mayor Jerry Brown was re-elected, and we
have three new councilmen as of that recent election. The question of building
a new hospital is still being debated, and the restoration of the Municipal
Auditorium (The LEX) is proceeding. If you would like to be on the newsletter
list (for the LEX), let me know or simply go to the website:
www.lexingtonciviccenter.org
Do you
have memories of the Auditorium? Of course you do. The Commission is seeking
photos and stories, anything at all to do with the history of the building. I
remember receiving a Polio shot there in the 50s, and more pleasant memories
include: Dances, Flower Shows, Auctions, Concerts, Recitals, Plays, Meetings,
Workshops, Scout Meetings, Antique Shows, etc. Of course they are also looking
for donations to help with the restoration. At this time you are able to Adopt
The LEX, to any level your heart leads you. Address is The Lexington
Auditorium Association, P.O. Box 100, 64067.
I don’t
think I have mentioned our newest park: Crystal Lake Park has had many
improvements made and niceties added, and it’s a beautiful area. Do not miss it
the next time you visit Lex. There will be plenty going on in the spring and
summer months, so check all our websites and make a sentimental journey to see
the old sites and the old residents (meaning me).
And now…(drum roll please!)…the winner of
our contest (who will receive a free subscription to TLC!) is….(insert
suspenseful music)….Loretta Gueguen Broker! Congratulations, Loretta on
supplying the names of the Lexington alums pictured on our website. From left: George B. Gordon, Margaret
Frost Linck, Duncan Lee--all class of 1960. Congratulations,
Loretta! Enjoy your prize. J
Jack Gueguen wrote an
update on his condition. “Since you mentioned my January ‘spell,’ I’d better let folks
know that so far it has ended well. I got back home after a month’s
absence and had a lot to catch up with.” I hope part of that was reading messages
from old pals.
Bob
Stewart
dropped a note: “Thought
I'd let you know that my mother, Margaret Stewart, passed away Feb 4 at Meyer
Care Center. She had a stroke about a week earlier and never regained
consciousness. Many of your readers will remember her from her PE class
teaching.” A
memorial service was held at the Methodist church at 11 on Feb 15. Our
condolences, Bob.
A bright
note from the gloomy winter was this program:
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Visitors are invited to learn about
Lexington’s African-American baseball history on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1
p.m. at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site visitor center.
Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the presentation will feature author Phil S.
Dixon. For more than thirty years Dixon has recorded black history topics and
is widely regarded for his expertise on baseball and boxing. The author of nine
books, Dixon is also co-founder of the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas
City. The discussion will cover the famous Lexington Tigers, including players
Wilber “Ashes” Jackson, the Boldridge brothers, Floyd and “Buzz” Boldridge,
Otto "Jay Bird" Ray, the Hancock brothers and the Lindsey brothers.
Now
those are some familiar names! A note from classmate Earlene Hancock ’57
Edwards identified some. “The Hancock Brothers would be my Dad (Preston)
and Uncle (Austin). Floyd and Buzz Boldridge are my cousins.”
I can always count on Jim O’Malley to
provide some local history. Two grande dames of our area, who taught many of us
in school, were sisters Emory and Katherine Todhunter. I know you will enjoy
reading about them and learning things you never knew in the obituaries Jim
found:
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EMORY TODHUNTER BENTON
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Birth:
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Jul. 21, 1890
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Death:
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Jul., 1982
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She graciously taught generations of Lexington children. It was never
the Civil War, but rather, "The War Between The States".
Emory was a graduate of Lanier University, Atlanta, GA. She was a
former member of the faculty of Cox College, Atlanta, GA. She died of
leukemia.
"A great lady has passed from the scene in Lexington and she is
going to be missed by all who knows her. Mrs. Emory Todhunter Benton
has given our town a recognized social status that everyone shares.
Mrs. Benton was brought up in a southern home atmosphere where southern
customs and traditions were taught. She was highly educated and an
accomplished violinist. She had performed all over the country with the
Chautauqua Theatre and loved to tell about her travels.
As a mathematics teacher, Mrs. Benton taught in Lexington from
1921-1948. Those who were fortunate to have her as an instructor should
never forget the beautiful example she set for us.
Most important to her was her love for her church. She was a teacher
and soloist at the Lexington Presbyterian Church. One of her last
wishes was for her fiends to make a love gift to her church and the
Way-Side-Waifs in Kansas City.
Mrs. Benton was the guiding spirit behind several worthwhile
organizations here. She was a leader in the D.A.R. and U.D.C. She was
responsible for keeping the Lexington Library Historical Association
alive for over 50 years. Mrs. Benton was proud of the two displays of
records if her illustrious family background that are on display in our
fine museum today.
This great lady influenced everyone because she set an example for
people that had its beginning in pride. She believed that pride was in
everything worthwhile and that it was taught in the old southern home.
All who were her students have a bit of this beautiful person
"sort of tucked away" in their thoughts and actions. All of
the wonderful stories about her end with a laugh or a beautiful
thought.
We have lost a wonderful lady, teacher and friend. Bless our every
thought of her for she was an amazing individual. Mrs. Emory Todhunter
Benton led the good life, fought the good fight, and made a mark on all
who knew her."
Courtesy of The Lexington News, Friday, July 30, 1982.
She was the granddaughter of Henry Neill (1828-95) and Sallie Elliott
(1837-70), married in 1853.
She was the gr.-granddaughter of Stephen Thompson Neill (1795-1860) and
Mary Dalton Fulkerson (1802-71), married in 1821; Newton Glasgow
Elliott (1812-77) and Polly Ann Wilkerson (1815-42), married in
1833.
Gr. gr.-granddaughter of William Neill and Bathsheba Harrison
(1771-1822), married in 1790; John Fulkerson (1774-1846) and Jincy
Hughes (1776-1869), married in 1801; John Elliott (1787-1827) and Mary
Glasgow (1791-1825), married in 1811.
Gr.-gr.-gr.-granddaughter of Archilaus Hughes and Mary Dalton, married
in 1769; Robert Elliott and Elizabeth (d. 1804), married in 1773; John
Galsgow and Rosanna Patterson (1772-1842), married in 1790.
Gr.-gr.-gr.-gr.-granddaughter of William Patterson and Elizabeth Brown
(1747-1826), married in 1770.
Archilaus Hughes, (1747-98), was made county lieutenant, 1780, of Henry
county, and subsequently promoted colonel. He was born in Goochland and
died in Patrick county, Va.
William Neill (1757-1823) served as captain in Col. William Campbell's
regiment of Virginia militia. He was born in Baltimore, Md.; died in
Lee county, Va.
Robert Elliott, (1745-1806), served as a private in the Rockingham
county, Virginia militia. He was born in Augusta county, Va.; died in
Madison Co., Ky.
William Patterson, (1733-1818), served as a private in Capt. James
Cowder's company, Lancaster county militia. He was born in Lancaster
county; died in Washington county, Pa.
(Courtesy of The National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution Volume 44, page 232).
Family links:
Parents:
Ryland Todhunter (1840 - 1921)
Annie Neill Todhunter (1854 - 1939)
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Burial:
Machpelah Cemetery
Lexington
Lafayette County
Missouri, USA
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Created by: Cathy & Thomas
Record added: Aug 09, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 56838330
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KATHERINE RYLAND TODHUNTER
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Birth:
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Jul. 11, 1898
Lafayette County
Missouri, USA
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Death:
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Jan., 1978
Lexington
Lafayette County
Missouri, USA
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She graciously taught generations of Lexington children. She had held
the chair of Lanier University in Sociology and History. She was a
former member of the faculty of Cox College, Atlanta, GA. It was never
the Civil War, but rather, "The War Between The States".
Katherine was an accomplished pianist and widely known as a dramatic
reader. She was all that a true southern woman could be with warmth,
grace and class.
She attended the Lexington College for Women, 1904-1908;
Central College 1904-1907; Randolph-Macon 1908-1910, BA Degree 1910,
degree from the Atlanta Conservatory of Music, 1917.
Instructor of Lexington College 1913-1915; Cox College, College Park ,
Georgia; Lanier University, Atlanta, Georgia 1917-1918; Music STudio
1918-1919; Martin College, Pulaski, Tennessee, 1920-1921 and Lexington
High School, 1921-19--.
She was the granddaughter of Henry Neill (1828-95) and Sallie Elliott
(1837-70), married in 1853.
She was the gr.-granddaughter of Stephen Thompson Neill (1795-1860) and
Mary Dalton Fulkerson (1802-71), married in 1821; Newton Glasgow
Elliott (1812-77) and Polly Ann Wilkerson (1815-42), married in
1833.
Gr. gr.-granddaughter of William Neill and Bathsheba Harrison
(1771-1822), married in 1790; John Fulkerson (1774-1846) and Jincy
Hughes (1776-1869), married in 1801; John Elliott (1787-1827) and Mary
Glasgow (1791-1825), married in 1811.
Gr.-gr.-gr.-granddaughter of Archilaus Hughes and Mary Dalton, married
in 1769; Robert Elliott and Elizabeth (d. 1804), married in 1773; John
Galsgow and Rosanna Patterson (1772-1842), married in 1790.
Gr.-gr.-gr.-gr.-granddaughter of William Patterson and Elizabeth Brown
(1747-1826), married in 1770.
Archilaus Hughes, (1747-98), was made county lieutenant, 1780, of Henry
county, and subsequently promoted colonel. He was born in Goochland and
died in Patrick county, Va.
William Neill (1757-1823) served as captain in Col. William Campbell's
regiment of Virginia militia. He was born in Baltimore, Md.; died in
Lee county, Va.
Robert Elliott, (1745-1806), served as a private in the Rockingham
county, Virginia militia. He was born in Augusta county, Va.; died in
Madison Co., Ky.
William Patterson, (1733-1818), served as a private in Capt. James
Cowder's company, Lancaster county militia. He was born in Lancaster
county; died in Washington county, Pa.
(Courtesy of The National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution Volume 44, page 232).
Family links:
Parents:
Ryland Todhunter (1840 - 1921)
Annie Neill Todhunter (1854 - 1939)
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Burial:
Machpelah Cemetery
Lexington
Lafayette County
Missouri, USA
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Created by: Cathy & Thomas
Record added: Aug 09, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 56839366
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Author Dennis Whitehead wrote: I'm checking back to see if you've received
any responses about the Reed photos? I've finished the book and am now putting
together little bits and pieces.
No, Dennis, I’m afraid we’re all too young to be
of further help to you. Please keep us posted on the publication of your book!
From Gordon White ’59: I, too, want to thank
you for your time and effort to produce the TLC reports. You are creating
a wonderful set of historical documents about Lexington.
Have you considered some history library or area
of a local library to hold the collection?
Thank you. Gordon. This is the most
frequent question I receive. And, yes, these memories must be recorded as part
of Lexington’s rich history. I WISH someone had done this 50 years ago, or 100
years ago. Wouldn’t that be fun to read? There are various journals that have
survived, and maybe one issue soon I will print some segments. As for
preserving the (so far) 144 TLCs, my thought at this time is to print copies
and put into a binder to be kept at the Historical Museum and/or the local
library. If you have a better idea, I’d welcome it!
Your devoted scribe,
Susan
TLC #143 April 24, 2014
