Friday, March 8, 2024

Franklin, Alabama sailor disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle in 1918

USS Cyclops
This March marks 106 years since the USS Cyclops disappeared without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle, and to this day its whereabouts remain unknown. The loss of the 309 people aboard the Cyclops remains the single largest non-combat loss of life in U.S. Naval history, and at least 12 of sailors on the ship were from Alabama. Of those 12, one seaman was from Franklin and another was from Andalusia.

The Cyclops vanished without a trace on or around March 4, 1918 while en route from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Baltimore, Maryland with a large cargo of manganese ore. The Navy officially declared the Cyclops lost and all hands deceased on June 1, 1918. For record purposes, everyone on board was officially given a death date of June 14, 1918.

Those aboard included 23-year-old Seaman Second Class Thomas Jackson McKinley of Evergreen and 17-year-old Seaman Second Class Lee Otis Battle of Andalusia. Records reflect that Thomas Jackson McKinley was born in Monroe County’s Franklin community on June 30, 1894 to Pinkney Shelton McKinley and Martha A. Gardner McKinley. At the time of Thomas Jackson McKinley’s death, his father was a resident of Owassa, a small community just outside of Evergreen. (Martha McKinley had passed away years before, in 1896.)

Lee Otis Battle was born in Andalusia in Covington County on Jan. 5, 1901 to Dr. Henry Elton Battle and Jessie Corine Battle. The Navy alerted this missing sailor’s parents by telegram, and that message said that the Cyclops was last reported in the West Indies on March 4. “Her disappearance cannot be logically accounted for in any way as no bad weather conditions or activities of enemy raiders have been reported in the vicinity of her route.”

The disappearance of the Cyclops is one of the most enduring mysteries in U.S. Naval history and there are many theories about what happened to this 542-foot-long vessel. Some sources say that the Cyclops was overloaded with cargo when it left Brazil and that one of its engines had a cracked cylinder. Perhaps this combination caused something to go wrong way out in the middle of the sea, causing the ship to sink.

Others say that the Cyclops sank in an unexpected storm. Being overloaded with a bad engine, the ship may have gone down in foul weather. Some also believe that the ship suffered from some type flawed structural design that basically caused it to come apart in rough seas.

Of course, we should also remember that World War I was raging in 1918, and many believe that the Cyclops was either captured or sunk by a German warship or submarine. However, German officials during the war and after the war have denied having anything to do with the disappearance of the Cyclops. It should be noted that the manganese ore aboard the Cyclops was en route to Baltimore to be used in the manufacture of war munitions.

In the end, 106 years later, the fate of the Cyclops remains a mystery. With that said, if anyone in the reading audience knows anything more about Thomas Jackson McKinley or Lee Otis Battle, please let me hear from you. While the fate of the Cyclops remains an unknown, it’s important that we keep the memories of these two Alabama sailors alive.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

100-year-old Wilcox County, Ala. news highlights from March 1924

Ty Cobb
Today marks the first Thursday of the month, so it’s time to take another trip back down memory lane for a look at some of the interesting things that happened in Wilcox County a century ago, way back in March 1924.

On the front page of the March 6, 1924 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, editor Stanley Clifford Godbold reprinted a news item from The Pensacola Journal newspaper that said, “Willie Crumb, wanted in Wilcox County, Ala., was arrested Tuesday afternoon by deputies Coleman and McArthur at Molino at the Bronson-Beaumaster brick yards. Crum was charged with slaying his aged father last June at Furman, Ala., and made his escape. Sheriff J.M. Watson arrived from Camden yesterday to take Crumb into custody. Crumb had been formally indicted last fall by a grand jury for first-degree murder.”

Readers that week also learned that “the store of J.R. Liddell & Son caught on fire near the flu on Saturday morning, but was extinguished without much damage.”

In the March 13, 1924 edition of The Progressive Era, it was reported that the “Camden Juniors lost a hard fought game of baseball to the Coy youngsters last Friday by a score of 15 to 9. A return game will be played here on Friday, March 21. Come out and give the kids your support. The Ty Cobbs of tomorrow are sandlot stars today.”

Also that week, in news from the Lower Peach Tree community, it was reported that “another barge was loaded with lumber by the Williams Lumber Co. at the river landing this week and shipped to Mobile.”

In the March 20, 1924 edition of the newspaper, readers learned that “Mr. Pinckney Giddens, formerly of Pine Apple, Ala., died in Montgomery Sunday at 8 o’clock p.m., after an extended illness. Mr. Giddens was born on Oct. 20, 1836 in Conecuh County, and he entered the Confederate army on Feb. 8, 1863 at Mobile, Ala., as a member of Co. H, 17th Alabama Regiment and continued until Aug. 5, 1863 when he was transferred to Confederate Engineers, was captured on April 9, 1865, paroled at Vicksburg on May 10, 1865.

“Mr. Giddens was a veteran member of Robert E. Lee Lodge of Pine Apple, Ala., since 1856. Mr. Giddens was a bridge builder for Wilcox County for a number of years and was well known over the county.”

It was also reported that week that “Messrs. Paul Everette Jones and H. Marcus attended the funeral of Hon. Sol D. Bloch in Mobile Tuesday. Mr. Jones, as mayor, represented the many friends of Mr. Bloch from the town, and Mr. Marcus was sent as a representative of the Masons.”

In the March 27, 1924 edition of the paper, it was reported that “Mr. W.S. Irby and sons of Lower Peach Tree have met with much success with the well which they have had driven, and the supply of water is ample for the three homes, store and gin. They are going to install a light system for the three houses, store, gin and warehouses at an early date.”

Readers that week also learned that “on last Friday the Camden Juniors won the second game of a series from Coy by the score of 8 to 2. Both teams played stellar ball for youngsters, the Coy infield going to pieces in the second when the Camden team pushed over five runs, after this inning the game was close and interesting. For Camden, Earl McNeil, Lucian McLeod and Edwin Riggs played the leading role, the Lambrecht brothers hit two baggers for Coy and Bill Dannelly made a nice catch of a long fly to left field.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. On the first Thursday of next month, I plan to take a look at the events of April 1924 in Wilcox County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Alabama Department of Archives and History’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. Their friendly staff will be more than happy to get you started.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for March 5, 2024

25 YEARS AGO
MARCH 4, 1999

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported .03 inches of rain on Feb. 23 and .55 inches on Feb. 27. He reported a high of 78 degrees on Feb. 26 and a low of 28 degrees on Feb. 22. Total rainfall for the month of February was 1.51 inches.

The 54th Annual Conecuh County 4-H/Future Farmers of America Steer and Heifer Show will be held this Sat., March 6, 1999 at the Evergreen Stockyard Livestock Arena.
Exhibitors this year in the Steer category are: Brandon Coleman, Christopher Garner and Ashton Garner, all of Castleberry; Clint Casey of Bermuda; Noel Goneke and Chip Stacey of Lyeffion, Michael Landon and Chris Landon of Evergreen; and Carolyn Pritchett of Brooklyn.
In the Heifer show, exhibitors will be Noel Goneke and Chip Stacey, Georgeanne Pritchett and Christopher Garner.
The event begins promptly at 9 a.m. with the official weigh-in. The Heifer Show follows at 1 p.m., which is immediately followed by the Steer Show.
At 6:30 p.m., following the steer show, the sale will be held.
The annual event is sponsored by the Conecuh County Steer Show Committee and the State Department of Agriculture and Industries in cooperation with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the State Department of Education Agri-Science and Technology Education.

In honor of Evergreen being named a Tree City USA Forester Victor Howell planted a tree with the aid of some special guests at Evergreen City School. Pictured Anita Watson, principal at ECS; Peggy Howell, City of Evergreen; Chief Lynn Taylor, James North, Forestry Commission; Mayor Lomax Cassady and Smokey Bear.

50 YEARS AGO
MARCH 7, 1974

Young black man reported missing: Allen Sanders Jr., 25-year-old black male, has disappeared according to members of his family. He was last seen Feb. 24. At that time, he was wearing a western jacket and western jeans.
Sanders is five feet, five inches tall and weighs 115 to 120 pounds. He has a light black complexion, black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone having any information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact Sheriff James M. (Shorty) Brock’s office.

Booker graduates police training, receives honors: BAY MINETTE, ALA. - Edwin L. Booker of the Evergreen Police Department recently received his diploma after completing a six-week course in Basic Police Training at James H. Faulkner State Jr. College here.
Booker was elected president of the class of 37 and was presented a certificate of achievement for outstanding service and accomplishments as a student in the Law Enforcement Training Program. Circuit Judge Robert E.L. Key of Evergreen, the commencement speaker, made the presentation to Booker.
Booker was also commended by his instructors for maintaining an average of 96 out of a possible 100 in the course.
Evergreen Mayor and Mrs. Henry Sessions, Chief of Police James Ellis and two sons, Policeman Ernest Sexton and Booker’s wife, Ruby, and their two daughters attended the graduation program.

The Spring Term of Circuit Court will begin here Monday morning in the Conecuh County Courthouse with Circuit Judge Robert E.L. Key presiding.

75 YEARS AGO
MARCH 3, 1949

CARL L. NALL: Funeral services for S 1/c Carl L. Nall, who was killed in action in the Pacific theatre in the recent World War, will be held from Ramer Church Saturday at 11 a.m. with full military honors. Officiating will be Rev. J.L. Higdon and Elder A.J. Parrish with Cope Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The Conecuh County grand jury in session last week examined 48 witnesses and returned only six true bills which was probably the smallest number of indictments ever returned by a grand jury in this county.
Among the indictments returned were two for second degree murder against Mrs. Mary Sue Waller and her son, John D. Chunn, who are charged with killing Willie Blake on Christmas Day. Blake was Mrs. Waller’s son-in-law. This case has been set for trial next Wed., March 9.
Other cases of general interest to be tried at the criminal session next week are:
The State of Alabama vs. Ebb Hoomes, who is charged with murder, moved here on a change of venue from Escambia County. The case was reversed by the Supreme Court and is set for retrial next Thurs., March 10.
The State of Alabama vs. Clyde Johnson, charged with murder in the second degree, is set for Mon., March 7.
The State of Alabama vs. Burley Jackson, charged with manslaughter in the first degree, is set for Tues., March 8.

100 YEARS AGO
MARCH 5, 1924

Birmingham Flyers Land Here Saturday: Saturday morning at 10:30 o’clock, the Birmingham escadrille, 106th Observation Squadron, Alabama National Guard, from Roberts Field, Birmingham, landed on the field of Troop 55, Machine Gun Squadron, here. The flyers were guests of the local guard officers. The four planes were in command of Capt. Sumter Smith and with him were lieutenants Price, Jonds, Babson and Kirkham and sergeants Parsons, Gobbert and Elder. The aviators were shown around the city and were luncheon guests at the Evergreen hotel. Their departure was made at 1:30 p.m. Capt. Smith and his officers were on their way to Mobile for the aerial meet at Mardi Gras.

Leon Layfield pleaded guilty to the murder of Melvin Brantley in the circuit court at Mobile last week and was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the state penitentiary. The youthful murderer refused to reveal the reasons that prompted him to take the life of his companion. Young Brantley’s body was found about a week after the crime in a swamp near Tensaw river with eight bullet wounds from a 22-calibre rifle in his head. The murder was committed in November last. Young Brantley was born and reared in Beat One of this county.

Charles B. Savage, long a prominent citizen of Evergreen, died on Monday at his home in Brundidge. The news of his death came in a telegram to Judge Dunn from Mrs. Savage. The funeral occurred on Tuesday morning at Brundidge.

Monday, March 4, 2024

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for March 4, 2024

USS Dennis J. Buckley
22 YEARS AGO
MARCH 7, 2002

The Monroeville Planning Commission paved the way Monday night for Blockbuster Video to locate on South Alabama Avenue.
The commission approved site plans for a 9,000-square-foot structure to be erected between Kentucky Fried Chicken and McKissick Enterprises. Blockbuster and three other businesses would occupy the building.
Project developer Bill Hyatt said Blockbuster has signed a non-binding agreement for the property. “It’s not a done deal,” Hyatt said.

Excel School improved its record to 3-1 Friday when the Panthers’ baseball team defeated Monroe County High School 5-1 at Murphy Park in Excel.
Neal Jordan improved his pitching record to 2-0 with the complete-game performance. The 6-5 lanky right-hander scattered five hits, walked three and struck out four in the seven-inning contest.
(Other top Excel players in that game included Josh Black, Hunter Parden, Chase Reeves and Michael Whatley. Top MCHS players included pitcher Ben Busby. Robby Carpenter was Excel’s head coach.)

U.S. Rep. Sonny Callahan (R-Mobile) announced Monday that he plans to retire at the conclusion of his present term.
Callahan, 69, is currently serving his ninth straight term in the U.S. Congress and is chairman of the Appropriations Committee this term.
Callahan was first elected to office Nov. 6, 1984. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He attended the University of Alabama, Mobile, which is now the University of South Alabama.

47 YEARS AGO
MARCH 3, 1977

County 4-H’ers take top honors: Monroe County 4-H’ers took top honors in the annual Monroe County 4-H and area junior market steer shows at Monroe County Coliseum Monday and Tuesday.
The grand champion steer in both the county and area shows belonged to Don Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oneil Smith of Uriah. He showed a 1,300-pound Hereford Simmental cross steer.

The Frisco City Whippets, who have the best win-loss record of any school in the county, 24-3, won out 68-49 in a game against Monroe County High Friday night in the Monroe County Coliseum.
Randy Houston led the scoring for the Whippets with 19 points. Lynn Knight led the Tigers’ scoring with 14 points, and Tony Ziegler made 12 points.
(Other top Frisco City players included Blanchard Hunt, Larry Walden, Rayford Maye, Cassie King, Theodore Banks and Julius Lambert.)

Church to build recreation center: A construction program including a $390,000 recreation building was approved Sunday by First Baptist Church of Monroeville.
The recreation building, to be known as a “Christian family life center,” will be the first of its type in Monroe County. It heralds an expanded family-oriented ministry by the church, said Dr. Robert H. Jackson, pastor.
Construction of the building will begin as soon as financing can be secured. Jackson hopes this will take only a few months.
The building will contain about 20,000 square feet. It will be located behind the church’s educational building.

72 YEARS AGO
MARCH 6, 1952

Dr. T.E. Dennis Dies Suddenly: Dr. Thomas Edmond Dennis, 78, retired Monroeville physician, died suddenly Sunday at his residence at 12 o’clock.
Dr. Dennis was a Monroe County native. He was a graduate of Sewanee Medical School in 1906. During his lifetime, he taught medicine in the Philippine Islands for four years and practiced in Monroeville for 45 years.

Uriah Sailor Is In Cuban Hospital: Seaman Leslie L. Davis of Uriah is now hospitalized in the U.S. Navy Hospital, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Seaman Davis, the son of Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Davis, is serving aboard the USS D.J. Buckley, DDR.

Kiwanians To Hear Little League Panel: A discussion of Little League baseball in Monroeville and Monroe County will be presented to the Monroeville Kiwanis Club tomorrow (Friday) at its regular weekly luncheon meeting at the LaSalle Hotel. Guest speakers will be O.M. Howe, Curt Wideman and Joe Tucker. Johnson Lathram is in charge of the program.

WANTED URGENTLY: Men 17 to 35 years of age wanted. Two hours per week at Monroeville National Guard Battery. Starting pay for recruits is $1.25 per hour.

Atticus Mullins and Haygood Patterson of Montgomery were visitors to Monroeville on Friday.

The Rev. and Mrs. A.C. Lee and Mrs. J.F. Dusenberry spent last Wednesday in Mobile.

97 YEARS AGO
MARCH 3, 1927

UNVEILING SERVICE: On account of rain, the Woodmen of the World unveiling of the monument of the late Sov. W.W. Ellis of Uriah was postponed until Sun., March 6, 1927, at 3:30 p.m. All WOW camps are cordially invited to assist in this work and the public is invited to be present at this ceremony.

You are invited to attend the play “The Dust of the Earth” to be given at the school house at Tunnel Springs on March 11 at 8 p.m. Proceeds for benefit of the Parent-Teachers Association.

Dr. F.W. Brandon of Atlanta, secretary of the Hospital Board of the Southern Methodist church, occupied the pulpit at the Methodist church Sunday morning, delivering an able discourse.

Messrs. L.A. Brown, Bud Ward, M.T. Ward and R. Brown are in Mobile for the Mardi Gras season and will purchase spring goods while there.

Mr. J.O. Huxford, who recently established a plant for the manufacture of naval stores at Perry, Fla., spent a few days with his family here this week.

CITY LIBRARY OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON MARCH 1: The committee in charge of the City Library are very happy to announced that the Library was opened to the public on Tuesday afternoon, March 1. It is the plan now to keep the Library open two afternoons a week, namely Tuesday and Saturday, from 3 to 5, and all persons who have a membership are entitled to draw books. The fee is only $1 per year per family and for this small sum every family in town and surrounding community should be enrolled and enjoy the privileges of good reading.

122 YEARS AGO
MARCH 6, 1902

Hunter’s Mill Damaged: The timber mill of Hunter, Benn & Co. at Nero sustained great damage from the heavy rains of last week, the main dam and wasteway being washed away by the torrents of water which swept down upon them. A large force of hands are at work repairing the injury and the mill will be in operation again in a few weeks.

Simpson’s Mill Broken: Mr. J.H. Simpson is among the many sufferers from last week’s rain, the dam of his water mill near Mexia having been swept away by the floods. Mr. Simpson’s mill was a great convenience for a large community, and it is presumed he will rebuild at once.

An Old Citizen Dead: Another landmark is removed in the death of Mr. John Davison, which occurred at Kempville on Feb. 18 at the advanced ate of 87 years.
Mr. Davison was a native of South Carolina, but removed with his parents to this county at an early age where he resided continuously for nearly 80 years.
He was an upright, conscientious Christian gentleman, a consistent member of the Baptist church and possessed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

County Court: The county court docket was unusually light Monday and the matinee soon over. Only two cases were called by his honor, as follows: The State v. Ed. Clark, assault and battery; plea of guilty and fine $5 and costs. State v. same party, presenting gun, nol. pros.

Manistee: Rev. J.B. Kilpatrick failed to preach at Pleasant Hill Sunday evening owing to quarantine from small pox.

Friday, March 1, 2024

'Old Farmers Almanac' says to get ready for egg-standing equinox

Today is March 1, and a glance at my trusty “Old Farmer’s Almanac” tells me that we’ve got an interesting month ahead.

On or around March 9, hummingbirds will begin their annual migration north. This makes for a good time to get your back-yard hummingbird feeders ready, so that you can see some of these birds that have made their way to our neck of the woods from as far away as South America. One hummingbird a few years ago was tagged in Tallahassee, Florida and eventually made his way all the way to Alaska in less than a month.

Like a lot of people, I am looking forward to 2 a.m. on Sun., March 10, because that’s when Daylight Saving Time begins. We’ll set our clocks ahead one hour and enjoy an extra hour of daylight in the evenings. We’ll revert to standard time on Nov. 3.

The winter season will end and spring will begin with the Vernal Equinox on Tues., March 19, at 10:06 p.m. It’s said that you can stand an egg on end on this day, and I actually pulled it off on this day several years ago. Later, someone told me that if you’re sure-handed enough, you can stand an egg on end no matter what day of the year it is.

Good Friday this year will fall on March 29 with Easter to come on March 31. On the Saturday between these two holy days, the almanac says that chipmunks will begin to emerge from hibernation. While they aren’t seen very often, chipmunks do live throughout Alabama, except in swampy areas.

For the stargazers in the reading audience there will be much to see during the month of March. The planet Venus can be seen as a brilliant morning “star” all month, low in the southeast around 6:30 a.m. On March 7, between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m., Venus, the planet Mercury and the crescent Moon will alignment in the southeast sky.

At dawn on March 21, Venus will come close to the planet Saturn low in the east, but you’ll need binoculars for optimal viewing. Between midnight and dawn on March 25, a penumbral eclipse of the Moon will occur, but this is the type of eclipse in which the appearance of the full Moon doesn’t noticeably change. On March 29 at 6:30 a.m., you should be able to see Saturn halfway between low and brilliant Venus and much higher and much dimmer Mars.

The March full Moon, which will appear at 2 a.m. on March 25, is known as the Full Worm Moon. This first full Moon of spring takes its name from the fact that earthworms will begin to reappear and bring birds back out to feed. Close observers will also notice beetle larvae emerging from trees and other winter hiding places during this time.

In the end, there is more than a little weather folklore associated with the month of March. Perhaps my favorite is the saying that “So many mists in March you see, so many frosts in May will be.” In other words, if we wake up to foggy, misty mornings next month, we can likely look for colder than normal weather in May.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Feb. 26, 2024

USS Smalley
21 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 2003

Cancer center ground-breaking Friday: The Monroe Health Foundation Cancer Treatment Center received a financial boost Monday when Temple Inland donated another $25,000 for construction of the new center.
A ground-breaking ceremony for the cancer center will be tomorrow (Friday) at 12:30 p.m. at the site on South Alabama Avenue between Regions Bank and Johnson Funeral Home, across the street from the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center.
The $25,000 donation increased the campaign’s cash and pledges to $1,088,000.

Excel opens season with 11-1 rout of Red Level: Excel School opened its baseball season Saturday in Excel with an 11-1 win over Red Level High School at Murphy Park.
Senior right-hander Neal Jordan went the distance on the mound, tossing a one-hitter while striking out six. At the plate, the Panthers got a pair of doubles and two RBIs from Seth Mack.
(Other top Excel players in that game included Derek Wiggins, Brandon Crutchfield and Justin Whatley.)

MA’s Paula Stacey named to AISA Teacher Hall of Fame: Monroe Academy teacher Paula Stacey of Monroeville will be honored at the Alabama Independent School Association’s fourth annual Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremonies March 10 at the Montgomery Civic Center.
Stacey, who has taught English and speech at MA since 1975, is one of nine inductees to be honored. A reception honoring the Class of 2003 will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the banquet and induction ceremonies starting at 7 p.m.

46 YEARS AGO
FEB. 23, 1978

Measles epidemic threatens Monroe: An alert has been declared in Monroe County by the state Health Department concerning an epidemic of red measles in Escambia County, head nurse with the Monroe County Health Department.
Mrs. Kilpatrick said a vaccination program for all types of immunizations, planned earlier by the county department and schools, was being stepped up because of the epidemic. The vaccinations will be administered in all schools in the county next week, she said.
Anyone who had a measles shot prior to 1967 or when he was less than one year old needs another shot, she said.

Vols capture District 3 title: In the district championship game Saturday night, the Monroe Academy Vols blasted Wilcox Academy, 44-30.
Tommy Bowden led the scoring in the game with 11 points. Kevin Norris hit for 10, O’Neal Jordan eight, and Frank Carter and Mitch Jones six apiece.
Tommy Bowden of Monroe was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Kevin Norris was named to the all-tournament team.

11 arrested: Game wardens Bill Boone and Donald Turberville confiscated these 16 traps and arrested 11 persons in three days for illegal trapping. Charges ranged from trapping without a license to failure to mark traps. The maximum penalty for such offenses is a $500 fine, the officers said. They urged persons who discover illegal traps to notify them immediately.

71 YEARS AGO
FEB. 26, 1953

MCHS Tigers Top Evergreen 70-64: The Monroe County High Tiger cagers finished off their regular season in cage play Tuesday night by shaving the Evergreen Aggies 70-64 in Evergreen.
The MCHS hardwoodmen outscored their Evergreen hosts in the first, third and fourth quarters, netting by periods 19, 12, 21 and 18 points as opposed to 14, 14, 20 and 16 points for the Conecuh County group. High point man for the Tigers was forward Vincent Tomlinson with 37 points while Frazier, center, paced the Aggies with 22.

Joseph Marshall Jr. Serving In Korea: With the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan – Pvt. Joseph Marshall Jr., whose wife, Sylvia, lives in Beatrice, Ala., is now serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan.
A veteran of 11 months of service in Korea with the 74th Combat Engineers, Marshall entered the Army in August 1943. His mother, Delia Marshall, lives in Chestnut.

Charles I. Sims Takes Part In Caribbean Operation Springboard: While serving aboard the destroyer USS Smalley, Charles I. Sims, sonarman third class, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Sims of Monroeville, participated in Operation Springboard in the Caribbean. The ship conducted intensive anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft and shore bombardment gunnery and seamanship exercises. After the exercises, the Smalley returned to Newport, R.I., her homeport.

The Excel High School Panther cage five finished off its season by racking up another high score victory of 96-72 over Lyeffion on Friday night. High scorer for Excel was forward Jack Sawyer with 26 points while Booker, center, and Chavers, guard, with 20 points each, paced Lyeffion.

96 YEARS AGO
FEB. 23, 1928

The Mobile Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will unveil a memorial tablet on the grave of the late Mrs. Katherine Salter Kitchen in the cemetery at the Baptist church on Fri., Feb. 24, under the direction of Mrs. Ervin Vass of Mobile, chairman of historical spots.

Mr. J. Mack Stallworth, the veteran and efficient postmaster at Beatrice, was among Monroeville friends the first of the week.

Mrs. J.P. Farish went to Birmingham the first of the week to hear the celebrated singer, John McCormich.

On Friday afternoon, Feb. 10, 1928, Mr. R.L. Stallworth, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Monroe County, passed away after an illness of long duration. When he was about 17 years of age, the Civil War was in full swing, and he was sent to the University of Alabama, where he was given some of the principles of military training. He at this time enlisted in the Confederate army and became one of the bravest and most enthusiastic soldiers. He was honored at one time during the Civil War by being chosen a Bradford Scout, a responsibility that entailed much courage and physical strength. The Confederate reunions have been a source of much joy to him in recent years and he attended many of them, coming home thrilled after having seen his comrades.

Hon. J. Miller Bonner of Camden was a visitor to Monroeville Saturday. Mr. Bonner is a prominent candidate for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and has already made a pretty thorough canvas of the state and feels confident of his nomination.

121 YEARS AGO
FEB. 26, 1903

Sheriff M.M. Fountain went to Texas last week where he contemplated investing in a carload or so of stock.

The Commissioners court will hold an adjourned term on Monday next to complete arrangements preliminary to letting contract for the new courthouse.

Alabama Lodge No. 3, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Perdue Hill, Alabama, has been reorganized with the following officers, viz: N.A. Agee, Worshipful Master; E.R. Morrissette, Senior Warden; W.E. Broughton, Junior Warden; W.B. Marshall, Junior Deacon; J.F. Gaillard, Senior Deacon; J.M. Coxwell, Secretary; J.D. Frye, Treasurer; G.W. Carter, Tyler.

Capt. J.J. Lufkin has recently returned from Chicago where he went to purchase a locomotive for the Manistee & Repton Railroad.

Mr. J.B. McMillan will soon be in a position to conduct the express business of Drewry and vicinity for the L&N Railroad. This departure will make the station of more importance and is a step toward the erection of a waiting room and warehouse at his point.

Chapter Meeting: The regular convocation of Monroe Chapter No. 122 will be held on Tuesday evening, March 3, 1903. A full attendance is desired. Work in Royal Arch degree. Visiting companions cordially welcomed. – F.M. Jones, Secretary.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Feb. 27, 2024

USS Iwo Jima
20 YEARS AGO

FEB. 26, 2004

Weather observer Harry Ellis reported .02 inches of rain on Feb. 16. He reported a high of 71 degrees on Feb. 20 and a low of 30 degrees on Feb. 17, Feb. 18 and Feb. 19.

The Conecuh County Chapter of the Alabama Treasure Forest Association planted a tree in front of Evergreen Elementary School on Tues., Feb. 24, in celebration of Arbor Day. Evergreen Mayor Lomax Cassady, as well as members of Mrs. Kit Moss’ second grade class, were on hand for the tree planting ceremony. Don Stinson and Victor Howell represented the Conecuh chapter of the ATFA. Also on Tuesday the ATFA gave away approximately 5,000 nursery grown tree seedlings in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot. The promotion of tree planting is one of the many projects sponsored by the Conecuh Chapter of the ATFA.

Frankie Gibson, daughter of Robert and Lisa Gibson, won the AISA State Spelling Bee at Huntingdon College in Montgomery on Tues., Feb. 10, 2004. She is in the seventh grade at Sparta Academy and a student of Mrs. Kathy Jernigan, who coordinated the Sparta Spelling Bee as well as the District Spelling Bee. Frankie competed in the seventh-grade local, district and finally state spelling bee.

Dr. James Lamar Jackson, a minister who worked with the Alabama Baptist State Convention, passed away Sun., Feb. 22, 2004 at his home in Evergreen. He was 86.

45 YEARS AGO
FEB. 22, 1979


Marine Cpl. James D. Morrow, son of Lois H. Browder of Rt. 2, Box 260, McKenzie, Ala., recently departed for deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.
He is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Eighth Marines, based at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
His unit is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, operating as a unit of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Palmer Smith is now serving as hospital pharmacist and purchasing agent for Evergreen Hospital, Inc. Smith graduated from Evergreen High School in 1958 where he was a popular student and athlete. A registered pharmacist, he graduated from Samford University, Birmingham, in 1963. He worked at the Conecuh Drug Co. here and then owned pharmacies in Montgomery for several years. Prior to accepting his recent position, he worked as a pharmacist with a Monroeville drug store. Smith and his wife, Jane, and their son, Eben, 10, live in the Fairview community and are members of the Evergreen Baptist Church. He is the son of Mrs. V.P. Smith and the late Mr. Smith of Route E, Evergreen.

Cynthia Rudolph won first place in the Birmingham Post-Herald Spelling Bee at Marshall Middle School and will compete in the County Spelling Bee in March.

70 YEARS AGO
FEB. 25, 1954

Unusual Exhibit Scheduled Here Next Monday and Tuesday: Marie O’Day’s Palace Car is coming Monday and Tuesday, March 1-2, to Evergreen.
On exhibit in the car will be some unusual attractions, including the mummified body of Marie O’Day.
The night club dancer and entertainer, according to the sponsors of the exhibit, was fatally stabbed by her husband and thrown into the Great Salt Lake inn Utah, where the body remained for 12 years.
After the body was recovered, the exhibitors say it was discovered that the hair was still growing in an apparently normal manner. The dancer’s husband is said to be still serving a life sentence in Utah for her murder.

O.E.S. Will Observe Master Mason Night: The local chapter of the Order of Eastern Star will observe Master Mason night Monday night, March 1, beginning at 7:30 at the Masonic Hall. All Master Masons and their wives are invited to attend and members of the O.E.S. may bring their husbands whether they are Masons or not.
A full night of entertainment has been provided including an old time fried chicken supper. All Masons and Eastern Stars are urged to participate.

Frank Chavers, a senior of Lyeffion High School, was recently selected Future Farmer of the Year. He cultivated 25 acres of land last year, entered an 800-pound Hereford Calf in the 1953 Fat Calf Show and he had a Gilt in the FFA Pig Chain.

95 YEARS AGO
FEB. 28, 1929


Four Guardsmen Prepare For Trip To Washington: Four picked men from Troop C, 55th Machine Gun Squadron, Alabama National Guard, were making final preparations this week for their trip to Washington, D.C. to take part in the inaugural ceremonies for President-Elect Herbert Hoover.
The four who will make the trip are Frank Brantley, D.C. Brooks, Willie I. Cook and W. McLean Dreaden. They will leave Evergreen Saturday and return about Wednesday.

Confederate Soldiers Will Get Gravestones: Washington, Feb. 23 – The Confederate dead of the Civil War, after sleeping for six decades as rebels, were given official recognition today as American soldiers when the senate passed a house bill conferring governmental honors upon them.
The bill authorized the secretary of war to erect headstones over the “graves of soldiers who served in the Confederate army and who have been buried in national, city, town or village cemeteries or in any other places,” the war department also was instructed to preserve in its record “the name, rank, company, regiment and date of death of the soldiers and his state.” The bill now goes to the White House for the president’s signature.

120 YEARS AGO
FEB. 24, 1904

Belleville: The new Methodist minister, Mr. Breedlove, at his regular appointment, delivered an earnest and impressive sermon. Although the weather was threatening, there was a good crowd out.

J.A. Amerson of Gregville was here Monday circulating among the people in the interest of his candidacy for commissioner. Mr. Amerson tips the beam at 307 pounds and if he is elected will no doubt be one of the biggest commissioners in the state.

The recent improvements of the streets and sidewalks are appreciated by everybody. One can now cross the streets in rainy weather without wading through mud and water.

SUDDEN DEATH: Prominent Citizen Drops Dead While at Work: A.T. Thomas, a well known citizen of this county, dropped dead while at work in the saw mill of John Murphy near Herbert on Thursday last. Mr. Thomas, up to the time of his death, was apparently in good health, and was at his post in the saw mill performing his duties when suddenly he was seen to fall and expire in a short while. Apoplexy was supposed to have been the cause. He was a good citizen and was respected and esteemed by his neighbors and all who knew him.