One of my favorite subjects to write about is what was going on in Conecuh County 100 years ago, but for well over a year, I’ve gotten out of my monthly habit of going to the library to research the events that were taking place here a century ago.
A few readers have mentioned that they’ve missed reading this feature, so starting this week, I’m going to try to get back in the swing of things. (As far as I can tell, I haven’t written one of these types of columns since July 2009.) Look for these columns once a month.
Without further ado, here’s what was happening in Conecuh County way back in December 1910.
In the Dec. 1, 1910 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper, publisher and editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “the Conecuh County Medical Society met in Evergreen Wednesday. An account of the proceedings will be given next week.”
Readers that week also learned that “Will Stallworth was killed at the warehouse crossing by a passing train last Saturday night at about nine o’clock. He is said to have been under the influence of liquor at the time.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “Manuel Rankin, living a short distance from Evergreen, was murdered Sunday last by Brit Nelson. The murder is said to have been unprovoked. One hundred dollars reward is offered for the capture of Nelson.”
The paper that week also included an item that said that “Kell Fowler, representative of the American Bakeries Co. of Birmingham, was in the city for several days this week. Kell is one of Evergreen’s popular young men.”
Whitcomb also let readers know that week that “a heavy rain and cold snap struck Evergreen last Sunday night and the cold weather still continues with the thermometer in the thirties.”
In the Dec. 8, 1909 edition of The Record, readers learned that “Will Raines of near Finklea was killed Sunday morning about 11 o’clock by Melt Booker, who filled Raines with bullets from a small rifle. The killing occurred in the public road and as there were no eye witnesses the cause of the shooting is unknown.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “G.H. Chapman attended the session of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Montgomery this week.”
Under the headline, “An Entertainment,” readers learned that “The Orpheus Club will give a musical entertainment at the court house on next Monday night at 8:30 o’clock. Miss Marks, the talented violinist will be the attraction. She will be assisted by Miss Morgan of Judson. Miss Marks was warmly welcomed here last season, and we bespeak for her the same welcome this year.”
Conecuh County was beginning to get in the Christmas spirit during this week as Whitcomb reported that “Christmas shoppers are busy and our merchants are all doing a good business. T.A. Gantt has a large display of toys and everything that will please a child.”
In news from the Finklea community, correspondent “Brer Rabbit” reported that “We had a 200-pound porker blow into our smoke house and many of our neighbors have had the same luck.”
In the Dec. 15, 1910 edition of The Record, Whitcomb updated readers on the state of Christmas affairs.
“Some Christmas shopping is being done here, but, as usual, most of the people will wait until the last minute to buy their presents.”
Readers also learned that week that “an appeal is being made for all Sunday Schools to contribute as much as possible on Christmas day to assist in paying off the debt of the Orphanage. The officers are in hope that it can be done.”
Under the headline of “A Barbecue,” subscribers learned that “a barbecue was held at Uncle Bill Ellis’ gin last Thursday. Uncle Bill was on hand and superintended the barbecuing of the squirrels and lambs, which was done to perfection. The day was chilly and the crowd was not as large as usual on these occasions, but those who were present enjoyed the day.”
Whitcomb also reported that “the University of Alabama Glee Club will include Evergreen in its next tour. An excellent program is assured for this year, and this city is likely to show marked appreciation of the same on the night of Dec. 29.”
In the Dec. 22, 1910 edition of The Record, Whitcomb made the following appeal to subscribers.
“As this is the last issue before Christmas, we take this occasion to wish our friends the compliments of the season and to thank them for their patronage. During the year 1911, we shall endeavor to make The Record an up to date, newsy paper. To do this, we must have money and all delinquent subscribers are requested to send in their money at the earliest possible moment. By doing so, they will greatly assist us in our work.”
Readers that week also learned that “Evergreen and Conecuh County are said to be in the prohibition ranks, but there is enough whiskey coming in here this week to float a battleship.”
Whitcomb also reported this week that “James Smith, son of Ben Smith, was shot and killed at Georgiana last Sunday. The remains were brought here Monday and taken to near China for interment.”
Whitcomb wrapped up the week with a somber news item about a subject that would eventually have a major impact on the state.
“Last week, Mr. Lum Dean brought in a boll weevil, which was found on his place. The specimen was sent to Montgomery for expert opinion and was declared to be the genuine article. It was known that the bug was in this vicinity but it was not known to be in the county. Now it is here, our former friends will be compelled to switch on to some other crop for a living.”
In the Dec. 29, 1910 edition of The Record, readers learned that “J.H. Northcutt, one of Conecuh County’s oldest citizens, died Tuesday of his home here in Evergreen. The funeral service was held Wednesday and interment was made at Chappelle. The Record will give a sketch of his life next week.”
That week’s paper also included the following advertisement.
“We want a good hustler to represent us in Evergreen and get up a club of 10 homeseekers or investors. Big commissions to the right man. Write at once: Capital City Investment Co., Guthrie, Okla.”
Under the headline, “Cotton Gin Burns,” subscribers saw the following story.
“Castleberry – The cotton ginnery of P.M. Skinner of this place burned. The loss was total. The outfit was valued at $3,000 with $1,500 insurance.”
News out of Andalusia said that “Telegrams have been received in Andalusia stating that C.C. O’Neal has been appointed postmaster at this place by the President.”
Readers that week also learned that “the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Peoples Bank of Evergreen will be held at its banking rooms on Tues., Jan. 10, 1911 at 10 o’clock a.m. for the election of a board of directors and for the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the meeting. A. Cunningham, Vice President.”
Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of January 1911 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.
No comments:
Post a Comment