Newspapers / The Transylvania Times (Brevard, … / Sept. 29, 1938, edition 1 / Page 2
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Toxaway Man Catches Rattlesnakes For Profit (By Mrs. H. D. Lee) H. H. (Kim) Miller of the Toxaway section, catches snakes and makes money out of the work, as well as deriving a lot of pleasure. Mr. Mllller catches snakes as a hob by. and as he puts it. "for my bread and butter." He caught thousands of rattlers during the past 35 years, and has yet to be bitten, although he ad mits it Is pretty risky business, and emphatically warns amateurs against doing the thing he does practically every day during the summer and early fall. A leather thing, a short piece of stick, and a sharp pocketknlfe are Mr. Miller’s principal stock In trade for catching the most poisonous reptiles to be found In Western North Carolina. After he has made his catch, he re moves the poison sacs and connecting fangs from the upper jaws of the rat tlers. and then keeps them in a large box-cage until he is ready to kill them and tan or mount the hides.. "Plenty of peorle arc willing to pay good money for live snakes, and I find my job more profitable in many ways than trying to farm at my age.” the 63-year-old native of Upper Tran sylvania explained when asked wh> he had chosen such a dangerous vocation. “Snakes only bite scared people.” the veteran hunter said, “unless they are accidently disturbed, and then, they only bite for protection of them selves." Mr. Miller calculates that he has handled several thousand snakes dur ing his lifetime, and while he admits that any number have tried to sink their fangs Into his" hands and arms, he has always been "just a mite smart er than the snake” and always keeps In mind just what the snake is apt to try when it is being handled.. Mr. Miller showed the writer Just how a snake should be handled and like the story about rabbit stew, first step was to find the snake. A large black rattler was found near Cotton Rock on the slopes of Toxaway Moun tain. Lying half-coiled In the edge of some sparse grass, the snake quickly coiled at approach of the “snake man ’ and started his nerve-tingling, dry-sound ing warning. Taking a two-foot leath er thong with loop on Its end from his pocket, Mr. Miller tied the thing to the en"d of a short stick, and “eased up" behind a stone in back of the snake. In less time than It takes to read this paragraph the noose was slipped over the rattler’s head, and there was 34 inches of wriggling snake ready for the "tourist trade.” Holding the rattler’s head taut away from Its coiled body, Mr. Miller reach ed down with his free hand and grasp ed it by the neck, holding it In such a way that Its jaws were pried open and the curved fangs plainly showing to the man with a pencil and kodak good distance. Mr. Miller has caught as many as Leona Allen Young OPTOMETRIST Distinctive Gifts Next Door To Hendersonville State Trust Co. Feel Bad? Do your meals fail to ap peal to your appetite?.. You Need A Change Come to our place— we specialize in Good Food You’ll Enjoy GallraafsCafe Next to Dixie More Mrs. J. C. Galloway, Mgr. 11. II. MILLER , a dozen snakes In one day, which he sold to tourists at from one dollar to ten each, depending upon the coloring, and process which the hide had been given. Sometimes he is lucky and finds five or six snakes in one den in a rock cliff, but more often, he said, the lalrger snakes are alone. He said that the rattlers are now “denning up” for the winter, and that the frost early last week will drive most of the reptiles Into their winter quarters where they take their young which are born in the fall of the year. A large snake will give birth to from seven to ten young rattlers that will average about eight to ten Inches in length, and are bom "ready to bite.” The mother snake will come out of her den on warm days late In the fall, Mr. Miller said,‘and the young ones are always nearby.. He Is emphatic in his statement that a young rattler runs Into its mother’s mouth when danger approaches. A rattler is a proud thing, the hunt er said, and if made angry and no way of escape left open, will sink its fangs Into its body and commit suicide. There is always a demand for snake hides. Mr. Miller said, and very often he sells live snakes, some of which still retain their fangs and poison sacs, although the average tourist pre fers his snake with fangs removed. a snake will live several months in a cage without food, Mr. Miller, said, and positively refuse to eat while kept in a small enclosure. A rattler only eats what he "charms” before killing, the hunter said, and then an average size rattler can gorge himself with a half grown rahhit. squirrel or several part ridges and lie In a semi-conscious state for days while he digests his food. Mr. Miller was horn and reared near Sapphire, a son of the late Henry Mil ler and Nancy Rowe Miller. His father was a Confederate veteran, and upon his return from the war married, and set up in the hotel or "hostelry busi ness" as it was then called. The tavern stood near what Is now Sapphire postoffice, and Mr. Miller’s early recollection of “low-landers” svas their arrival In covered hacks with baggage piled high on top. The tour ists often spent four and five months at the Miller "hostelry” and enjoyed the fine trout fishing In Horse Pasture river nearby. The hotel was construct ed of logs and has long since rotted down. Mr. Miller received his first train ing in the handling of snakes and mounting of birds and animals from the late Dr. C. Grimshawe. pioneer physi cian of the upper county section. As a young man. Mr. Miller was caretaker on the Backens estate at Cold Moun tain. and lived there until a few years ago when the property was sold. Mr. and Mrs._Miller own their own farm where they raise vegetables, ap ples. corn, chickens and cattle. Until a little more than a year ago Mr. Miller was able to do a full day’s work, hut a severe illness left him unable to do manual labor and he now devotes his full time to taxidermy, and has a wide collection of small animals, birds and his snakes. ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Administrators of the Estate of W. E. Head, deceased, late of Transylvania county, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons 1 having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at Brevard, North Caro lina, on or before the 81st day of Aug ust, 1939, or {his notice will be pleaded In bar of their recovery. All persons Indebted to said Estate will please make Immediate payment. This the 31st day of August, 1988. M. E. HEAD and W. 3. HEAD, Administrators of the Estate of W. E. Head. Sept. l-6t _ DR. F. K. GARDNER OPTOMETRIST No. 6OV2 Patton Ave. Asheville, N. C. WILL BE AT WALTERMIRE HOTEL, BREVARD FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7,1938 For the Purpose of Looking After ALL EYE TROUBLES EYES EXAMINED GLASSES FITTED Write me when in need of Optical Service_ Negro Wife Slayer Captured by Local Officers In Brevard Because he "figgered you'd get me anyway," Jim Smith, Greenville, S. C.( negro, stayed around Brevard, and De puty Sheriffs Buck McCall and Lewis Osborne placed the negro In Jail Fri day night. The Smith negro was wanted In Greenville for slashing his wife with a razor so badly that she died last week. The Greenville police came up to Brevard last week to look for the razor-wielding negro but he ran off and left them when he overheard the South Carolina cops asking about his whereabouts, and he managed to elude loca\ officers until Friday night. Smith was sitting in a Brevard col ored man’s residence enjoying the radio program when officers walked In on him, and because he "figgered you’d get me anyway," he made no attempt to run, He was carried back to Green ville Saturday, and will be tried there for murder. Boxing Bouts Friday Interesting Affair Fast and furious, faint and fol-de rol, was the fighting at the Playhouse Friday night In five mixed bouts. Matthew Allen, black Brevard boy was stopped In the fourth by Smith, also of Brevard; and two more of the Smith boys pawed around for a few rounds to open the show. Feature bout failed to last out the first round, as McNeely of Lake Toxa way literally pummeled the breath out of Barber of Brevard College. This started off as a whizz, but the col legian couldn't hold his pace, and the bout was over with the fast stepping Toxaway boy still king of all comers so far. Coot Moore and Boyd Melxell went three rounds to a draw, and showed they could each take and give. L. C. Wilson of Selica outpointed Campbell of Brevard College in three rounds. Both boys gave and took some stiff Jolts. OAKLAND NEWS A few of the state highway men who are stopping at the home of Mrs. Mary Burgess are still here doing a bit of finishing work but the main crew left here Wednesday. A revival meeting was started Sun day night at Lake Toxaway Baptist church. We did not learn how long it was expected to continue. Rev. W. H. Nicholson Is in charge. Ernest Brown, of Highlands, and Pick Nicholson made a business trip to Enka last week. While there they visited the latt?r's brother, Cleveland Nicholson, and family. Mrs. Garvin Ducker and sons, Javan and Elijah, and E. D. Reid spent Fri day with Mrs. Reid’s sister, Mrs. S. E. Alexander. I. S. Sanders and W. F. McCall made a business trip to Camp Edisto Fri day. Carr Burpress visited Mr. and Mrs. Ander Chandler Friday night. K. K. Miller Jr. of Lake Toxaway. visited his grandmother, Mrs. Belzle Nicholson, Friday night. E. A. Reid was in Brevard Saturday on business. Mr. and Mrs. W. F. McCall were shopping In Brevard Saturday after noon. Mrs. Mack Reid was at Lake Toxa way Sunday for a short visit with her daughter. Mrs. Emmett Owen, and family. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Reid had as dinner guests Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Will Rains, Miss Freda Jane Hall and Miss Bever ly Tolley, of Lake Toxaway. Mrs. Clarence Norton had as callers Sunday afternoon Mrs. Belzle Nichol son. Mrs. Maggie Nicholson, Mrs. Violet Rains, Mrs. Pedre Reid. Mrs. Sue Reid and Mrs. Jesse Smith. Mrs. S. E. Alexander was a recent visitor of her cousin. Mrs. Lee Norton. L. C. Sanders, of Lake Toxaway and Brevard, visited his uncle. I. S. San ders and family Sunday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Floyd King visited the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Lee. recently. Ralph Fisher, of Brevard, called on friends In this section Monday. Grady Nicholson Jr., was out. of school Monday on account, of illness, but is reported to be better. Henry Alexander, of Sapphire, made a short call at the home of Mrs. Bel zle Nicholson Monday morning. Miss Leo Panther, who spent the summer here with Mrs. Fred McNeely has returned to her home at Lake Tox away. Rosman Revival Meet Closed Thursday Eve The revival services held at zlon Baptist church for the past two weeks closed Thursday night. A large num ber have been added to the church. The baptizing will be held at 2 o’clock next Sunday. The meeting was held by pastor Rev. M. E. Summey, assist ed by the Rev. Morris Baker, of Gas tonia. BUYING BUTTER During the current period of Ugh butter production and large supplies, the Federal Surplus Commodities Cor poration has been authorized to pur chase an additional 30 million pounds for relief purposes. ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of V. B. Scruggs, deceased, late of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this Is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at Brevard, North Carolina, on or before the 20th day of August, 1939, or this notice will be pleaded In bar of their recovery. All persons Indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment This the 20th day of August 1988. B. P. SCRUGGS, Administrator of Estate of V. B. Scruggs. Aug 2S-Ct | ROSMAN NEWS :: MRS. JORDAN WHITMIRE, Corregpondent ■_. Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Mull, of Brevard, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Morrison, of Rosman, Mrs. Arcena Lyday, Mrs. Car bet Lyday and children of Frultland, Mrs. Betsy Whitaker and Mrs. Gracle Ledbetter and son, of Edneyvtlle motored to the old home place of Mrs. Morrison near the foot of Bear Wallow Mountain in Henderson county Sunday. The party enjoyed a picnic lunch. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Rogers and son, Billy, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Watkins spent Sunday at Franklin visiting rela tives. Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Israel, and Mrs. R. F. Whitmire attended the singing at Carrs Hill Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Taft Owen and child ren were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Manly and Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Owen. Miss Lenore Swain spent the week end at her home In Asheville. Mrs. H. P. Whitmire has returned home from Gastonia, where she spent several days visiting relatives. C. B. Glazener of St. Petersburg visit ed friends in Rosman Saturday. Mr. Glazener is a former Rosman resident, being the son of the late Mr. and Mrs M. J. Glazener. Olln Horn and a party of friends of Ivey, S._C„ were Sunday guests of the former’s aunt. Mrs. Calvin Galloway. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Sltton, and Har old Hogsed of Brevard, were dinner guests Friday night of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Hogsed. Mrs. L. M. Watkins was called to Hendersonville Monday due to the ill ness of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Each ary. Mrs. W. H. Arrowoocl, of Lake To*a way, visited her daughter, Mrs. Wal ter Glazener, Monday. Homer and Vernon Clarke spent Sun day at ®o!f Mountain visiting their aunt, Mrs. Everette Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan and son, Harry and Mrs. Tom Stroup spent Saturday In Asheville. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan were business visitors to Asheville Monday. -Miss Fanny Morgan, R. N., of Jersey City, and Oliver and Wayne Morgan, of Asheville, spent Thursday visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Stroup. Rev. and Mrs. M. L. Lewis, of Cherry field, were dinner guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan. Miss Louise Moore, of Miami, Fla., Is spending several days visiting Mrs M. M. Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Claud Glazener and son, Jimmy, and E. C. Glazener, were shopping In Greenville Saturday. Miss Marie Moore returned to Ashe ville Sunday, having spent the past week visiting her mother, Mrs. M. N. Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin GlIleRple, of Brevard, were Sunday visitors of the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gillespie. Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Galleway and daughter, Helen, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Glazener and daughter. Paulette, spent Sunday at Greenville. S. C„ visit ing relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Doc Crow and children of Salem, were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rogers. Mrs. B. McGee was a visitor Sunday at the home of Mrs. Mary Jackson. Mrs. Emma Hendricks and Mrs. Jane Hendricks were business visitors to Brevard Monday. Mrs. Lon Chapman and son. Ralph. Misses Lennle and Bessie Manly were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Moore. Mr. and Mrs. John Pressley and children, moved the first of the week from Pisgah Forest to the Bagwell store building on Main street Dr. and Mrs. Joe E. Osborne were visitors to Fletcher airport Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Marshal! Orr and daughter. Diane, of Asheville, were week-end gueRts of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitmire. Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Galloway and daughter. Helen, were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Robinson and two children and Fred Green spent Sunday In Gloucester visiting Mr. and Mrs. Waiter Fisher. Mrs. Hoyt Blackwell and son Harold, of Murphy, are spending several days In Gloucester visiting the former’s par ents. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fisher and daugh ter, Avarle. and soif. Ray, spent Sunday at Union county, Ga., visiting Mr. and Mrs. Afton Robinson. Mrs. Robinson is a sister of Mrs.i Fisher. Mrs. S. M. Towns, A. G. Alfred and Fletcher, of near Pickens' were visitors Saturday night of Mrs. Towns son. Ed die, and Mrs. Towns. Mrs. L. C. Hall and Miss Ella Mae Hal) were Brevard visitors Sunday. Mrs. Eliza Garren, and Miss Bobby Garren of Asheville, spent the weeK end visiting Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Pax ton and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stroup. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clarke spent the week-end at Quebec visiting the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ander son Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Will Brown and child ren, of Walhalla, and C. B. Glazener. of St. Petersburg, Fla., spent Sunday at Frozen Lake, in the Old Toxaway section. Mrs. Della Hall and daughter. Miss Ella Mao, of Gloucester, spent the week end visiting the former’s son, L. C. Hall, and Mrs. Hall. I;. W. Wilson, of Robinsvllle, spent Monday night visiting hla sister, Mrs. Jordan Whitmire. Miss Ophelia White, who recently underwent an operation for appendici tis, is recovering nicely and expects to resume her teaching duties at Bal sam Grave the latter part of the week. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCadans and daughter, of Townville, S. C., Mrs. Es sie Alewine, of Abbeville, S. C., werj week-end guests of Mrs. C. E. Leath ers, Mrs. Alervlne and Mrs. Leathers are sisters and this was the first meet ing In eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Thad Newman arrived Thursday from Richmond, Va., to spend several weeks visiting Mrs. Newman’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Fisher. E. D. Randolph and son, Ford, Mr. and Mrs. James Staton and son Joe, and Grover Glazener, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Israel, and daughter, Eva, and son, Albert, E. W. Israel and Jordan Whit mire, A. M. Paxton, Charlie Gant, Darv Snipes and son Craig, attended the sing ing at Carrs Hill Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. White and daugh ter, Jo Anne, of Cherryfleld, were Sun day guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. White. Thad Newman spent the week-end visiting relatives near Tryon. Mr. and Mrs. Craig Whitmire and daughter, Nelle, and son, Craig, Jr., of Canton, visited relatives and friends here Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Barrett and Children spent Sunday near Salem, visiting relatives. George Ballance, the saw filer for Gloucester Lumber company, left Sat urday for Cordele, Ga. Mr. and Mrs. klckler Lusk and daughter, Nell Jean, and son, Charles Ray, Casey Owln, and Edith Hall and Mrs. J. W. Owen were _vlsltors to Whiteside Mountain Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Davis of Hen dersonville, were Sunday visitors of the former’s brother, E. H. Davis, and Mrs. Davis. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Valley Powell a son, Sunday, September 26. Mrs. Powell Is the former. Miss Lottie Pearl Rains. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Whitmire were business vlBtors to Asheville Friday. Rev. Clyde McCall preached at Cal vert prison camp Sunday afternoon. A truck load of Lake Toxaway residents attended. Rev. Nathan Chapman returned home Sunday night having spent a week engaged In revival work at Le noir. Miss Nellie Volrath, Miss Leila Aik en, Robert Rains, Marvin and Doy Aiken visited Miss Dorene Fisher at Lake Toxaway Sunday. W. D. Waldrop and R. F. Whitmire attended the directors meeting at Mills home at Thomasville, N. C., Tuesday Mrs. B. B. White and daughter, Miss Ophelia, and son, Bolce, were Sunday guests of Mrs. H. P. Whitmire. Mrs. S. E. Whitmire Is spending sev eral days at Pickens, S. C., visiting her daughter, Mrs. Anna Cannon. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Crow and children spent the week-end visiting relatives at Flat Shoals, S. C. Loxie and Houston Crow, of Flat Shoals, S. C., spent several days last week visiting relatives here. Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Brackett and son, Junior, spent the week-end in Polk county, visiting relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Manning Waldrop and sons, Hovey and Roy, spent the week end visiting Mr. and Mrs. V. B. Wal drop. Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Lunsford spent the week-end at Candler visiting rela tives. Elijah Eubanks, Billie and Johnnie Harkins, Jim Waldrop Mr. and Mrs. Joe Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Gilt Pax ton were visitors Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. V. B, Waldrop. Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Parson spent the week-end at Lenoir, visiting relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Winston Ashworth and son, Charles, of Brevard, were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Dun can. Miss Edith Powell Is reported quite ill at her home near Rosman. L. L. Winchester and son Roy, spent Saturday In Greenville, S. C„ visiting Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kelley. Edward Paxton Is reported quite 111 at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Paxton. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Glazener and daughters, Avarte and Vivian, visited Rev. and Mrs. J. K. Henderson In Brevard Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Green and children visited Frozen Lake in the Old Toxaway section Sunday. Miss Louise Osteen spent the week end visiting Miss Elizabeth Sisk. Mr. and Mrs. Leon McCall and son. Junior, of Walhalla, spent the week end visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mc Call. Bom to Mr. and Mrs. Blake McCall a son, Sunday, September 25. at their home In the Pisgah Forest section. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Moss and two children spent Sunday at Cherryfleld visiting Mr. and Mrs. Frank McCall. Miss Essie Conner Is reported quite 111 at the home of her parents, Mr. and iMrs. J. H. Conner. Mr. and Mrs. Dess Reynolds and children were dinner guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Aiken. Mrs. Sam Gillespie and daughter. Ruth, Rosa Gillespie, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gillespie and children, of Brevard and Lambert Gillespie were Sunday visitors of Mrs. Martha Gillespie. Miss Lula Manly, Wilma Hightower. Bernice Stewart, Lawrence Whitmire and Homer Manly spent the week-end at Alto, Ga., visiting Mr. and Mrs. Vasco Manly. j Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Callaham. and-* Mrs. Florence Winchester spent the week-end In Greenville, S. C., visiting Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Callaham. Mrs. Homer Cunningham, of Fletch ers, Is spending several days this week visiting relatives In the Cherryfleld section. Mrs. Homer Cunningham. Lula Cas sell, Sylvia Huggins attended the sing ing at Carrs Hill 8unday. HAYEBVILLE PASTOR TO BE AT CALVERT SUNDAY The Rev. Ugderwood of Hayesvllle, will preach at Mt. Moriah Calvert church next Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. The public Is Invited. The Rev. Mr. Underwood has been pastor of the Baptist church at Hayesvllle for the past eight years. fit* Modernize your home Save fuel and be really comfortable this winter Weather-stripping keeps the coldJ air from “seeping” in, . . I prevents drafts, and eliminates serious winter colds. Storm Windows and doors keeps out wintry blasts prevent snow or dust from entering. • HRS H Insulating kind, properly installed v/ill cut your heat bill in half.pLet us go over your home and suggest econo mical savings. BREVARD LUlOO. DON JENKINS, Mgr. Phone 70 Depot St.
The Transylvania Times (Brevard, N.C.)
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Sept. 29, 1938, edition 1
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