The First Court at Clifton Forge

John Mitchell, Jr., and the Knights of Pythias establish the first Court of Calanthe in Clifton Forge, Virginia.

Grand Worthy Counsellor John Mitchell, Jr. arrived here yesterday afternoon at 2:40 to organize Sharon Court, No. 99. He was met here by Mrs. Emma Brown, District Deputy Grand Worthy Counsellor of Covington, Mrs. Bettie Newsome and Miss Bertha B. Harris of the same city, together with Mr. Banks, Dr. E. T. Connor, and Mrs. Anna Banks. The party was conveyed to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Banks and then later they repaired to Scott’s Hotel where they were made comfortable. Supper was served in fine style there.

“The First Court at Clifton Forge,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 19, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1299.