It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in February 1912.
The year 1912 was an election year in Conecuh County and the Feb. 1, 1912 edition of The Conecuh Record newspaper contained a number of local political announcements.
“John Donald Skinner is an aspirant for the office of tax assessor. Mr. Skinner is the son of Dr. Skinner of Belleville, one of Conecuh’s oldest residents.
“Professor H.T. Lile announces in this issue for the office of superintendent of education. Mr. Lile has been principal of the agricultural school here several years past and is thoroughly competent to discharge the duties which will be imposed upon him should he be elected to the office which he seeks.
“Mr. J.F. Irwin is a candidate for the office of tax collector of this county. He served the county as sheriff for one term, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of the general public.
“It will be seen by reference to the growing list of announcements that C.G. Russell is a candidate for county treasurer. He is an old Confederate veteran and has resided in the county for 30 years.”
Also that week, correspondent “Jason” reported from the Finklea community that “a turpentine still will soon be in operation near here on lands formerly owned by the Michigan Land Co.”
He also reported that “Walter Culbrith had the misfortune to lose his foot in a railroad accident in Pensacola recently. He is at home and recovering.”
The Feb. 8, 1912 edition also contained a number of political announcements.
“Walter G. Johnson announces this week for the office of superintendent of education.
“F.P. Hines is a candidate for county commissioner. He is a resident of Belleville, in which community he stands well.
“J.W. Hobbs, a resident of Repton and justice of the peace at that place, is also a candidate for commissioner and solicits the suffrage of the voters of the county.
“S.H. Purnell, a representative of Mill beat, is in the race for commissioner and will appreciate any favors shown him in the coming election.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “the fire at the oil mill Wednesday morning was quickly quenched and very little damage done.”
That week’s paper also contained the following announcements, under the headline, “Attention, Baseball Boys!”
“If you are interested in baseball and want to become a member of a national association or want to become a professional baseball player, increasing your present salary, write to the United Fraternal Baseball Union of America, southern branch at Jasper, Ala., Box 298, enclosing 10 cents and learn full particulars. It’s easy money.”
The Feb. 15, 1912 edition also included a few more political announcements.
“E.D. Mancill, a graduate of Highland Home college, is an aspirant for the office of superintendent of education. He holds a first-grade certificate and is now teaching school in this district.
“J.A. Feagin, a member of the firm of Rabun & Feagin at Brooklyn, has served on the board of county commissioners for the past four years. He is a candidate for re-election.”
In news from the Hampden Ridge community, correspondent “Lick” reported that “J.S. Daw, whose home was destroyed by fire on Jan. 31, is preparing to rebuild.”
Readers that week also learned that “the farmers who have been holding their cotton for a better price are now turning it loose on a 10-1/4 cent market.”
Whitcomb also reported that week that “in a difficulty which occurred near Herbert last Saturday afternoon, Chas. Perdue was shot and killed by Martin Sheffield. Sheffield is now in the county jail. Perdue leaves five small children.”
In the following week’s paper, Whitcomb reported that “Martin Sheffield, slayer of Chas. Perdue, had a preliminary hearing and was released on a $2,000 bond.”
Also in the Feb. 22, 1912 edition, Whitcomb reported that “an embryo cyclone shook up things in a lively manner in and around Evergreen Wednesday morning about three o’clock and evidences of its destructive power are to be seen on every hand today.
“E.C. Lee, who was spending the night at his 75-acre strawberry farm, eight or 10 miles from the city, had his arm broken by being picked up by the wind and dashed against an out building. Two or three buildings on Mr. Lee’s farm were also demolished.
“Large trees which had withstood the onslaughts of time and storm were uprooted in every part of the city, which fencing in every direction was blown away like chaff.
“The agricultural school building was badly damaged, amounting, it is estimated, to about $300.”
Readers that week also learned that “Eli Giddens, accompanied by two of his daughters, Misses Maud and Lula, is attending the carnival in Mobile.”
Whitcomb also reported that “today being a legal holiday, nearly everyone who owned or could borrow a gun, went bird hunting.”
In the Feb. 29, 1912 edition, readers learned that “Agent Hawkins informs The Record that more freight was received at Evergreen during the past 30 days than any other point between Montgomery and Mobile during the same length of time.”
Subscribers that week also heard that “the aviation meet in Montgomery next week promises to be a great event and will be attended by many from this city.”
Whitcomb also reported that “the alarm of fire attracted quite a crowd to the home of Mrs. Robinson Thursday. Damage slight.”
Readers that week also learned that “Arthur Hines, son of F.P. Hines of Belleville, accidentally shot himself a few days ago and is reported to be seriously injured.”
Also that week, under the headline “NOTICE,” it was reported that “the old soldiers of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, will not meet until Sat., April 6, so that the old soldiers can go to the primary election April 1. All go and vote for your choice and good government. (signed) G.R. Boulware, Commandant.
“P.S. You can get your pension any time during next quarter.”
On a sad note, that week’s paper, under the headline “Death of Hunter Dean,” it was reported that “the death of S.H. Dean on Tuesday night about nine o’clock, after an illness of only a few days, was a great shock to the entire community.
“He was about 35 years old and has held several positions of responsibility and trust, and at the time of his death was assistant cashier in the Peoples Bank of this city.”
Whitcomb closed out the month of February with the following cryptic announcement, under the headline, “It’s Straight Goods – Read It.”
“Fi uoy era detbedni ot ehT droceR, won si eht emit ot llac dna yap pu. Ew deen eht yenom thgir won.”
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 March 1912 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.
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