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Written by Compiled by Terry A. Fye
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Monday, 09 November 2009 |
The Spirit is pleased to share with our readers vignettes of life in the 19th Century as originally reported in past issues of the newspaper. These reprinted reports include their original headlines and spelling.
Local Intelligence
(October 2, 1895)
THE IRELYS
(Part I)
A Pioneer Family That Were Regarded as Terrors
Way back in the anti-bellum days, when Jefferson County was a wilderness, there lived in Henderson Township, a short distance above the town of Big Run, a family named Irely. Rufus Irely was one of the pioneer settlers of this section of the country. He owned a tract of land consisting of over two hundred acres, and had three sons, Moses, Aaron and Jonas. They were large, muscular men, and among the early settlers were looked upon as wholly depraved. Whenever there was any stealing, or house breaking, or incendiarism, it was at once laid at the door of the Irelys.
It was said by the old people who remember them that they would steal anything in sight. Horses, oxen, harness, farming tools, and even dogs were not exempt. But it is likely they got credit for a great many things they didn't do.
Rufus Irely was not a friend of education. He regarded the time spent in the school room as wasted, and to him the free school system was an abomination not to be tolerated. And when, shortly after the enactment of the law establishing free schools, the school house in his neighborhood caught fire and was burned down, it was regarded as his work.
Rufus and Moses Irely were both phenominally strong. Moses was rather an agreeable fellow, and the old man himself was fond of a joke. He wa heartily hated by Henry Miller, his neighbor in consequence of which Mr. Miller was inclined to be short with him.
"What time do you plant your corn?" inquired Rufus of Henry Miller one day
"When I get ready," gruffly replied Miller.
"I twied that one year," lisped old man Irely in reply, "and it was too late."
At another time Miller hauled a barrel of salt for Irely as far as his own farm. Irely lived over a mile further on.
"How am I to get this salt home?" inquired Mr. Irely, hinting for Mr. Miller to haul it over for him.
"Carry it," said Miller.
"All wight," drawled Irely, "but I'll have to put it on my shoulder."
And to the amazement of Miller he walked off with the barrel of salt, weighing 305 pounds, on his shoulder, and carried it all the way home.
The Irelys had a large artificial cavern near the house, which it is said was always kept well supplied with fresh meats, and it was not suspected that they very often killed any of their own cattle.
....To be continued next week.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 November 2009 )
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