This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the September 15, 2011 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

          It’s a rainy morning here in Salyersville as we reflect back on a week long Founders Day celebration for Magoffin County.  Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves despite the blistering temperatures. Almost all went as planned except for the dedication of the markers for ancestors John and Usley (Salyer) Joseph scheduled for today, Monday, Sep 5th. Even with the advent of rain we still had a goodly number of Joseph descendants as well as the Muzzleloaders show up for the planned dedication which we decided to postpone until dry weather as the road to the cemetery is a little hard to travel.

          Looking back we had a wonderful week with many visitors from afar to our town. We had a few glitches such as trouble with electric power, partly due to the hot weather when extra cooling systems were put into use.  Thanks to Jarrod for stepping in and helping with electrical problems so the show could go on.

          Our own little sound system went on the blink but Henry Joseph and Doug Joseph came to our rescue and spent their time and used their equipment to put on the show at no cost to us.  We can’t thank them enough for their generosity. 

          We are grateful to the city and county for their help and cooperation.  It was impressive to have Mayor Shepherd and Judge Hardin here on Tuesday evening for the opening ceremony and on Saturday morning during the dedication ceremony in Pioneer Village to welcome and speak to those assembled.  We thank them for all the help they and their offices gave us for this celebration.  The garbage situation usually gives us big problems but this year it was well taken care of every day. 

          The Joseph family and the historical society is very pleased with the amount of family history that has been accumulated during this year but we are in need of more so we invite you to participate in helping this project grow.

          The Muzzleloaders really pitched in to help with the celebration this year by being on the grounds several days with their demonstrations and showing implements of the old days to those visiting.  The Opening Ceremony on Tuesday was very impressive with both the Muzzleloaders and the Chapter 15 DAV group helping with the flag raising and the salute. 

          The Joseph name along with some genealogy of the family was engraved on our Pioneer Village marker.  G. V. Joseph, Jr. and Jimmie Allen unveiled the marker.  Everyone was pleased with this newest addition to the list of early settlers commemorated by markers on our lawn.  We did not list all of ancestor William Clemmy Joseph’s children on this marker as we are still discovering new information about him.  Instead we chose to name his son John Joseph and wife Usley Salyer along with their children as they are the ancestors of most Josephs here in the local area. 

          After the unveiling ceremony the crowd was entertained by the group of dancers known as Rhythm and Grace under the direction of Lexie Bowling and Holly Ward.  Baby Pageant directors Jessica Howard, Lisa Preston, Paula Montgomery, Abbie Conley, Theresa Dotson and Carol Jean Howard conducted a wonderful baby pageant.  The little ones show so much charm and talent at such a young age. 

          We appreciate the help of Town and Country Flowers for helping with decorations for the Baby Pageant and providing flowers for the Children’s pageants. Paul Burchell helped with the trophies for the Baby Pageant while McFarland & Lovely provided trophies for the Children’s Pageant.  All are to be commended for their civic minded participation and help. 

          Tonya Ward with the help of her husband Randy along with past pageant winners conducted a very nice children’s pageant, consisting of four categories, Petite Miss and Master, Tiny Miss and Master, Little Miss and Master and Junior Miss and Master.  Huge crowds were on hand for both the Baby and the Children’s pageants. 

          On Thursday evening there was another crowd pleasing event, this was the Miss Teen Pageant.  Directors Tanika McFarland, Olivia Bailey Wireman, Jincy Bailey, Jenny Beth Howard and Carol Jean Howard did a fantastic job. 

          Activities began early the next morning as Dora Parker and the Magoffin County Extension Office workers began signing up contestants for the ever popular pet show.  We saw such a variety of animals, all winners in our book!

          By noon time Charlotte Gillum, Theresa Miller and Jaynie Poe had the annual school events underway with a spelling bee, a math contest and the announcement of the winners of the poster art contest.  We are ever amazed at the poise and intelligence of our young people as they compete in these events.  Our Magoffin County school system personnel can be proud of their efforts.  We had teachers from each of our grade schools, South Magoffin, North Magoffin and Salyersville Grade School, on hand to help with the contests.  In the audience were quite a few teachers, principals and other school employees.  This exemplifies the caring and interest our school personnel has in the education and development of our students.  We are proud of all of them. 

          The Herald Whitaker Middle School Drama Club had a musical performance immediately following the school events.  This fine group was directed by Tim and Debbie Cain and was enjoyed by everyone.

          The evening hours saw another peak attendance group at the Miss Magoffin Pageant with directors Jincy Bailey, Melodye Stephens, Tanika McFarland, Ginger Oney, Olivia Wireman and Jenny Beth Howard.  Our pageants are not just contests but enjoyable performances that provide entertainment for all ages.

          Saturday arrived with temperatures climbing upwards of 100 degrees!  Members of the Joseph generation along with friends and neighbors arrived from all parts of the country. Our friends Dallas and Kay Bentley were at their usual post registering all those in attendance.  Phillip Joseph welcomed the group to Magoffin County.  Samuel Reed Allen gave the invocation.  The Boy Scout troop with leaders Ralph Mullins and Haskel Sizemore raised the flag and led the group in the Pledge to the Flag.  Dr. Charles Hardin, Magoffin County Judge Executive and Salyersville Mayor James “Pete” Shepherd were on hand to speak to those assembled.  We all appreciated their coming to be with us for this momentous occasion.  

Several of those attending told of their Joseph heritage and there were many pictures taken of the marker and visitors.  G. V. Joseph at age 103 was on hand with his eleven children and this made a most impressive and memorable sight for all of us.

          G. V. was also a Grand Marshall and his family had a float in the parade that followed.  The hot day didn’t daunt the spirits of the parade entries or those enjoying watching it pass by.  We were pleased with all our parade entrants, the many young people who had won in the various pageants and contests and, of course, our grand marshals, William R. “Randy” Joseph, Billie Joseph Allen, Paul Holbrook, James E. “Jimmie” Allen, Samuel Reed Allen, Larry Miller, Garry Miller and Lawrence Stephens. 

          Soon after the parade Tonya and Randy Ward held a talent showcase and Look Alike contests on our outdoor stage.  This was a fun time with lots of people entering the contests as well as entertaining the crowd.  Some really nice prizes from Lee’s Restaurant were given out along with the ribbons and other prizes. 

          Next on the program was ME!  I was honored by the personnel at the Salyersville Renaissance Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award.  This was a very poignant and emotional time for the family and me.  We appreciate those who attended and spoke at the ceremony and the memory will be forever treasured.

          The Appalachian Home Guards (Friends of Middle Creek) did not arrive in time for the planned Living History Exhibition but several members were on hand and we thank them for coming. 

          This Founders Day saw the return of the Square Dance to the program.  Henry Joseph and Phillip Joseph were in charge of this event held in Ramey Park at the Joy Global Shelter.  A wonderful time was had by all!!

          By 10 a.m. the next morning the many churches were assembling and our Pioneer Village Church was also full of attendees for services conducted by the State Road United Baptist Church.  Many people return each year to attend these special services.  Following church there was a Magoffin Homecoming Dinner at the Hall Community Center.  We thank Susie Salyer as well as Charlie for helping with this event.  Hostesses were Priscilla Joseph and granddaughter Maddie, Kay Bentley, Dorothy Wireman, Jessica Howard, Billie Allen, Teresa Joseph, Diane Phipps, Brenda Joseph, Joyce Joseph, Helen Bailey and Paula Montgomery.  A bountiful feast had been prepared by these ladies and we enjoyed it all tremendously.  Pansy Blanton and several others also brought a huge variety of food dishes and desserts and we thank them for their help.

          The news that a tropical storm might interfere with the Gospel Sing at the cabins brought on an invitation from the Salyersville First Baptist Church by way of Ben Gardner to have the program in their church.  This event was directed by Doug Joseph and Henry Joseph with assistance from Joe Carroll and Phillip Caudill. 

          The rains did come and continued on through Monday so that is why the marker dedication scheduled for Monday was cancelled.  A date to hold this ceremony will be set this coming Sunday, September 18^th at 2 p.m. when the regular meeting of the Magoffin County Historical Society will be held.  These markers are located on the Carpenter Hill Cemetery and are for progenitors John and Usley Salyer Joseph and also for Elijah and Nancy Joseph Conley.  We hope you will be able to attend.