This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the November 20, 2008 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

            Most mail we get is from people asking for help with genealogy questions but the following is a bit on the humorous side and too good not to share.

            Clifford Jackson, E. Civ, USAF, AMC 62 Cons/LGCB, wrote the following to us on 30^th October: “Todd, thanks for the special note to vets.  As a vet myself (retired USAF, 1 Oct 1994) and those who work beside me every day at McCord AFB, WA and/or currently deployed to the sand box, your best wishes and thoughts of our still standing and fallen “heroes” wherever they may lay is greatly appreciated.

            “If I remember correctly you be one, too, so my debt of gratitude back to you, Old Timer.  Was it the Civil War you fought in? North or South? (Smile)”

            Cliff is referring to our Veteran’s Day comments and notice of activities.  Actually, I am currently a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans for re-enactment purposes.

            Cliff visited us a few years ago. He is married to Katie Ann Blanton, dau of Daniel Boone Blanton and Lila Marie Bailey (a Rife and Wireman descendant) and I got them acquainted with her Aunt Flora (Blanton) Cantrell, wife of Charlie Cantrell.

            He wrote, “We were just looking at the video of her from that visit the other day, it is a treasure to have.  Clifford E. Jackson.”  Thanks, Clifford, you’ve made my day!

            James A. Bradburn, Jr., 93045 ASP Tucson-Winchester, PO Box 24407, Tucson, AZ 85067 wrote to us for info on his great grandparents who were from Salyersville, KY. They were Ben Tackett and Creasie Howard.  Ben and Creasie had a son Harlan Tackett b. 15 Dec 1903.  His other set of grandparents were Elliott Slusher and Rose Jenkins.  Their dau Dollie Slusher was born about 1910 and died between 1935 and 1945.  He would appreciate any help.

            Apparently Elliott went by the name of Dutch Slusher. At age 22 he married on 16 Mar 1928 to Rose Jenkins, age 16. Rose was the dau of Arnold Jenkins. The 1930 Magoffin census lists Dutch Slusher, age 25 (b. 1905), Rose Jenkins age 18.

            If my memory is correct Dutch was killed in a mining accident and is buried in the Caudill Cemetery on Rt. 40 near Falcon.  He was born in 1906 and died 1950. His widow remarried Jesse Clinton Blanton.

            Our local DAV Chapter 15 was invited to the Salyersville Nursing Home to share a breakfast with several of our comrades and/or their families who are patients there.  Some were unable to leave their rooms but those who ate in the dining room with us were treated to a breakfast second to none, “cathead” biscuits, bacon, gravy and fried apples!  Yum, yum!

            We are grateful to see how well our comrades are treated at this facility. Thank you, staff of the Salyersville Health Care.

            We then went to the Magoffin County High School gym where we were entertained by our high school band and the STLP Club with patriotic songs and music.  My daughter Jessica is one of the directors of the STLP club.  When that bugler played “Taps” it brought tears to this old boy’s eyes.  We had a group of very well-behaved students numbering in the hundreds; in fact, it was the largest audience we’ve had for Veteran’s Day for several years.  We send our thanks to Superintendent Hunley and all the school staff.

            We then went to the new North Magoffin Elementary School and by the time they got all those youngsters in to the bleachers, it was a sight to behold!  This school is the combination of three former elementary schools, Middle Fork, Prater Borders and Millard Hensley. We were entertained by those students, grades Headstart to grade 6.

            It is amazing to this writer to compare the one-room schools of his youth to the modern facilities of today. 

            We extend our thanks to the staff of North Magoffin Elementary!

            The DAV finished our Veteran’s Day activities with a chili dinner provided by the Senior Citizen’s staff.  Thank you, Marlene and the rest of the crew who waited patiently for an extra couple of hours as we were running late.

            We got a FAX this week from Bob Whittaker.  He, John and Debbie Britton are planning to place a cemetery sign and marker for the Elias Risner grave as well as a marker for Elizabeth “Short Betty” Risner.  We would like to thank Sharon Cornell for the contribution she has already sent to us for this marker.

            We send our best wishes to all for a  Happy Thanksgiving!