Editor’s Note: Having completed the adoption of the current Kentucky Constitution in August 1891 and the start of America’s involvement in World War I in winter-spring 1917, the Sun now moves to the last months of WW I, the period of the United States major involvement. This period also saw the impact of the deadly Spanish Flu epidemic in the U.S., including Central Kentucky. For historical purposes, the Sun reprints the Clippings “warts and all,” and so derogatory and racist stereotypical words are reprinted in an effort to combat any attempts to “clean up” history for modern eyes or assuage modern consciences.
The Woodford Sun
October 10, 1918
[WAR NEWS] The American patrol boat the Tampa was sunk off the British coast last week, probably by a German submarine, all all on board, 118 men, drowned. Among the victims was a Kentucky boy, S.W. Layman, of Henderson. The hospital authorities at Camp Zachary Thirty conscientious objectors were taken from Camp Taylor to Fort Leavenworth prison, where they will serve from 10 to 20 years. The majority had been tried on charges of refusing to rake or plant grass seed in the base hospital area. The War sensation of the week has been Germany’s request for an armistice that President Wilson’s Fourteen Requirements would be accepted as a basis for negotiations for peace. It is thoroughly realized that this is simply the treacherous German “peace offensive” which everyone has been looking for. It is also understood Wilson will absolutely reject the the proposal.
[HE DESERVES HONOR, with head shot photo] A colored citizen of Woodford County has done a great patriotic work. High among the citizens of Woodford who have distinguished themselves in war work, ranks the name of Dr. H.P. Taylor, colored physician of Versailles. The splendid patriotism shown by the colored people of Woodford and their very handsome contributions to the Red Cross have been inspired as much by the fine spirit of Dr. Taylor than by that of any other one leader among them.
[STANLEY – WILSON MEETING] Governor Stanley had a long conference with President Wilson last Friday, we have learned, at which the Kentucky political situation was gone over thoroughly.
[GREAT BULL WOODFORD BURNED IN STABLE] The famous new stock barn at “Hereford Farms,” located on the estate of Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr., was burned to the ground last Thursday. There is strong suspicion of incendiary origin, as the barn was found burning in two different places. The fire burned too rapidly for any action to save the structure of the livestock. Mr. Stormont, a worker who lived in the barn, had to leap 14-feet to safety, he then tried to rescue the great bull “Woodford,” and was badly burned on his hands in face in the unsuccessful effort. Taylor paid $25,000 for the now two-year old bull.
[IMPACT OF SPANISH INFLUENZA] The Synod of Kentucky of the Southern Presbyterian Church, which was to meet in Nicholasville, has been postponed indefinitely on account of an order from the State Board of Health closing all places of public assembly due to the Spanish Influenza. The State Board of Health also issued a proclamation and order last week closing all of the schools, places of amusement, churches and other places of assembly during this pandemic – this was occasioned by the death of 76 soldiers and others at Camp Taylor in a forty-hour period. The cases, last week, jumped from 1,600 to 9,000, in just a few days at the Camp, and has now spread to the civilian population. The races at Lexington were closed Tuesday by the board of directors of the Trotting Horse Breeders Association on account of the pandemic. The Sun also published a short article on how to prevent becoming infected or spreading the flu.
[KILL SHEEP AND RIDE ON] Sheep in the value of $175, owned by Fauntly Johnson of the old Steele turnpike, were recently struck and killed by an automobile in front of his farm. At the same time, four other sheep were injured. The automobilist, who is unknown but is believed to reside in Woodford, got out, shoved the dead sheep aside, and drove on.