More news highlights from The Evergreen Courant from July 1914

Conecuh County has changed a lot during the past century, and you can really see what I mean if you ever look through the old editions of The Evergreen Courant that were published 100 years ago this month. What follows is a collection of news highlights from the five editions of The Courant that were published in July 1914.

JULY 1, 1914

County Masonic Conference: Conecuh County Masonic conference, A.F.&A.M., will be held with Sepulga Lodge No. 233 July 29, 30 and 31. Dr. Witherington, the district lecturer, will conduct the conference. T.A. Jones.

Hugh M. King: Again the grim reaper has garnered to himself one of our number, when Brother Hugh M. King was called from labor to refreshment June 5th, 1914.

Brother King was born near Madison, Morgan County, Georgia, May 28th, 1832. He graduated with distinction at the State University at Athens in 1853, was a classmate and lifelong personal friend of General John B. Gordon. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and opened an office in the city of Columbus.

In 1859, he removed to Bainbridge, Ga., where he continued the practice of law and became the owner and editor of the “Bainbridge Argus.” He was elected mayor of the city in 1860. The war coming on, he enlisted and organized the “Hardee Rifles” and was elected captain. This company became Co. H of the Fifth Georgia Regiment and was mustered into the Confederate Army at Pensacola, Fla., May 12th, 1861.

Brother King served as special aide to General R.H. Anderson and was complimented for gallantry in the attack on Santa Rosa Island; was promoted to major in the Staff Department C.S.A., served as Brigade Adjutant under General Anderson, also served under Generals Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg. He was ordered to collect several unattached companies of cavalry, form a regiment, take command and report to General Wheeler. Colonel King served throughout the war, taking part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Ky., Murfreesboro, Chicamauga, Dalton, Atlanta and Bentonville, also did his part gallantly in 85 smaller conflicts and was wounded three times.

He would not surrender but left the Army with a companion the day before the surrender and came home.

Colonel King came to Evergreen, Ala. about 1889, practicing his profession as a lawyer, also associated with the late W.D. Atkinson in the publication of the “Conecuh Star.” He served three times as mayor of Evergreen with ability and honor. He became a member of Greening Lodge No. 53, A.F.&A.M., Oct. 15th, 1904. Brother King was a ripe scholar and deep thinker, his judgement on all questions commanding and deserving respect.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of Brother King, the town has sustained the loss of a good citizen, his associates a kind and considerate friend and brother.

Be it further resolved that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of the lodge, a copy sent to the family, and that they be published in The Evergreen Courant; also that the altar and furniture of the lodge be draped in mourning for a period of 30 days.

Respectfully submitted,

H.A. Shields, Jos. A. Smith, S.L. Tisdale, Committee

Go to Moyes Barber Shop and get your hair cut for the 4th, finest place in town, second door from post office.

Remember the picnic by the China ladies for the benefit of the church, at Lassiter Bridge on Murder Creek July 4th. All are cordially invited.

Jno. L. Jones of Paul was here yesterday. Asked if he had boll weevils in his farm, Mr. Jones replied very positively that he did not. The secret of it is he did not plant any cotton.

On Saturday, July 4th, there will be a public barbecue and basket dinner at the Mineral Spring. One of the features of the day will be a baseball game in the afternoon between Evergreen and Montgomery.

Last Friday was the hottest day known in Evergreen for many years, the thermometer registering 106. The temperature for four days previous ranged from 102 to 105. The weather bureau states it a fact that this has been the hottest June since 1881.

J.F. Irwin, state transfer agent, captured a negro Paul Jones, alias Lee, who about five years ago burglarized the store of Chas. Price at Castleberry, and who later escaped from the jail here, by the use of a pick. Mr. Irwin captured the negro in Mobile and took him to River Falls.

The picture show will open on the 4th of July at 4 p.m. That will give out-of-town people plenty of time to see the show before they go home. We are going to put on a special picture for the day at the regular price. The show is kept cool with electric fans. So don’t fail to see this Special Feature picture. Admission five cents and 10 cents.

It is announced that State Highway Engineer, W.S. Keller, will during this month make an automobile trip from Montgomery to Mobile for the purpose of locating a state road between the two cities. Mr. Keller’s itinerary includes Evergreen and citizens of the town are enthusiastic over the prospects of having this place on the line of the proposed highway.

JULY 8, 1914

Young Man Drowned In El Pond: Thos. Reid was drowned in the El Pond on Saturday afternoon.

Quite a number of young people were in the lake bathing and young Reid had been cautioned not to venture in the water and had agreed not to do so because of his inability to swim. He got in a boat with a small boy, however, and without warning leaped into the water and sank. His body came to the surface once, but the boy in the boat was unable to rescue him and he sank to the bottom. His body was recovered about an hour later.

The tragic affair cast a gloom over the assemblage of a jolly crowd of pleasure seekers.

Young Reid was a son of Geo. Reid, residing about five miles from Castleberry, in Escambia County. He was about 21 years old.

COL. HUGH M. KING: Col. Hugh M. King was born near Madison, Morgan County, Ga., May 28, 1832. He was brought up under religious parents, members of the Methodist church.

He graduated with distinction at the State University at Athens in 1853; in 1854 was admitted to the bar; in 1859 he moved to Bainbridge, Ga., where he continued the practice of law. In 1860, he was elected mayor of the city. In May 1861, he organized a volunteer company, “The Hardee Rifles,” and was elected captain of Co. H of the Fifth Georgia Regiment and was then ordered to Pensacola, Fla. and there mustered into the Confederate army May 12, 1861.

He was in the battle of Santa Rosa Island, after which he was special aide to General R.H. Anderson, complimented for gallantry in General Anderson’s report; shortly afterwards were promoted to major on the Staff Department, C.S.A., and served a short term as Brigadier under General Patten Anderson of Florida, after which he received orders to report to General Kirby Smith at Knoxville, Tenn. On arriving there, received orders from the war department to report to General Bragg at Corinth, Miss. On Sat., April 5, 1862, was wounded in the battle at Corinth, Miss. After 40 day’s furlough, he returned to his command for duty, though still lame. He then served through the Kentucky campaign on staff duty at headquarters. In 1863, was ordered to report to General Wheeler with rank of colonel. He remained on staff duty with General Wheeler until the close of the war.

During the war, he was in the following battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Murphreesboro, Chicamauga, Dalton, Atlanta and Bentonville; besides these was in 85 smaller conflicts, was wounded three times, had two horses killed under him and at one time wounded and captured two Yankees and killed four. Good record.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of Col. Hugh M. King, our camp mourns the loss of one of our most worthy members, the community a good, useful and worth citizen, the family an affectionate husband and father.

Be it further resolved, that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of our camp, a copy sent to his family and that they be published in the Evergreen Courant.

“D.J. Wright, Chairman Committee.”

J.C. JOHNSON: Death, the common enemy of man, has invaded our camp and taken another of our comrades, Mr. J.C. Johnson, who was born March 11, 1847 and departed this life April 10, 1914.

He was a man of strong integrity, lived an honest and upright life, and all who knew him spoke well of him. He was an affectionate husband, loving father, good neighbor, good citizen, a true and faithful soldier.

He enlisted as a private soldier in the Confederate army Feb. 1, 1863, belonged to Co. B, 3rd Alabama Cavalry. He was wounded in the battle at Kennesaw mountain. He was once captured but was recaptured and brought back to his command. His life as a citizen and soldier is worthy of emulation.

Therefore, be it resolved, that in the death of our comrade, our Camp Lee has sustained the loss of a brave and faithful comrade, his family a loving husband and father.

Resolved second, that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of Camp Lee, a copy sent to his family and that they be published in The Evergreen Courant.

“D.J. Wright, Chairman of Committee.”

Joe Johns, who resides five miles east of Brewton on the Brooklyn road, killed a large rattler on his place one day last week. His snakeship measured about seven feet in length, and strange to relate had only two rattles and the customary button. Mr. Johns skinned the reptile, shipping the hide to New Orleans.

Mayor Ivey has been confined to his room with sickness since Thursday. His many friends sincerely hope he may be soon restored to his accustomed good health.

Wm. Ellis exhibited a piece of broken earthenware here recently which he says he found 30 feet under the surface of the earth while boring a well on his premises. How it came there is unexplainable.

W.E. Harper, son of former superintendent of education, G.M. Harper of Herbert, was here with his father yesterday. Mr. Harper recently graduated in the law department of the State University.

The finishing touches are being placed on E.A. Beaven’s new home on Belleville Street, and in a few more days it will be ready for occupancy.

The fourth was generally observed in Evergreen notwithstanding the fact that it came on Saturday, usually one of the best days for trade for merchants. Numbers of people attended picnics at various places in the country, but it appears that a large percentage spent the day quietly at home. In the afternoon, a large crowd enjoyed a baseball game between Evergreen and Montgomery. Evergreen, as usual, captured both games of the doubleheader.

JULY 15, 1914

We appreciate the favor if you will telephone news items to The Courant. Call No. 138 or 203.

New Train on L&N: July 26 is the date set for the inauguration of a new train service by the L&N Railroad , when a new train will be placed in operation running between Georgiana and Flomaton, where it will connect with local trains for Mobile and Pensacola. The train will leave Georgiana about six o’clock a.m. Returning it will leave Mobile and Pensacola about four o’clock in the afternoon thus enabling patrons along the line to transact business in either city or at any point along the line and return home the same day. It will prove a great convenience to the traveling public.

A farmer named Rogers residing in Covington County near the Conecuh line had the misfortune last week to lose three valuable mules when his barn was blown down by a windstorm. Three others were severely injured.

Evergreen baseball lovers enjoyed the first real treat of the season on Monday afternoon when the first of a series of games with Gantt was pulled off, Evergreen winning the game in the 10th inning by the close score of 2 to 1. It was a pitcher’s battle between Arant for Evergreen and Manning Smith for Gantt. The feature of the game was the running catch and long throw from deeper center to first by Johnson of Evergreen. In the tenth inning, three hits scored the winning run.

In yesterday’s game, Evergreen was an easy winner the score being 13 to 1. This game was featureless and interesting. The third of the series will occur this afternoon unless rain interferes.

JULY 22, 1914

Ball Game With Real Indians: The greatest athletic novelty in the world is the Nebraska Indian baseball team which has created so much comment by its brilliant playing and wonderful success it has achieved during its 17 years of travel throughout the United States and Canada. It is a rare and novel sight to see a team of ball players all of whom are marvelously expert and also who are genuine Indians. When they come to the field with scowling faces and savage warhoops some of the timid people in the grandstand grow nervous but the Indians are only showing their irrepressible spirits and never have trouble with anyone. It will be a great treat to see them play the Evergreen team at the ball park on Fri., July 24.

Writing in the Atmore Record, J.L. Crawford of the county, suggests the formation of a new county out of portions of Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe. He does not suggest a name for the proposed new county, but Henderson county would be appropriate.

H.A. Shields has returned from a tour of inspection of the St. Louis division of the L&N Railroad. He said while he was in Evansville, the thermometer registered 118 degrees, and that he was reminded of what he had often said that we live in the greatest country on the earth. He said when he reached home, he had to put his coat on to be comfortable.

Brewton defeated Evergreen in an interesting an exciting game of ball on the local diamond yesterday afternoon, the score being 4 to 2. Several errors on the part of Evergreen lost the game to the visiting team. It was one of the best games played here this season and was enjoyed by a large crowd of interested spectators including a number of Brewton citizens.

J.F.B. Lowery of Burnt Corn is greatly interested and enthused over the scheme to have the proposed trunk road from Montgomery to Mobile to follow the old federal road – more commonly known as the old stage road. State Highway Engineer Keller will today accompany a party of gentlemen over this road traversing the route from Fort Deposit to a point in Baldwin County. On August 3rd, Mr. Keller and party will begin a tour of the route by Greenville, Evergreen, Brewton and Bay Minette.

Belleville by “Summer”: Boll weevils and baseball is about all you hear the men talking, and with the ladies, “How shall I make my new dress?”

Mrs. Sarah Cunningham, relict of the late Dr. William Cunningham, died on Sunday morning last. Deceased was one of the oldest inhabitants of this county, having celebrated her 91st birthday in March last.

Crocket Janes Dead: Died at his son’s home Thursday, July 9, Crocket Janes. While his exact age is not known, he was about 100 years old. He enlisted in the army in 1861 at the age of 46, was wounded three times, but served the whole four years. After the war he moved from Georgia to Alabama, where he spent the rest of his days.

JULY 29, 1914

Evergreen Beats Indians: The largest crowd that ever witnessed a game here was at the game between the Nebraska Indians and the locals, the latter winning 7 to 6. The features of the game were the sensational fielding and hitting of Randolph Moorer for Evergreen, who made two of the most thrilling catches and registering three singles, one double and one triple out of five trips to the plate; the home run of Arant for Evergreen.

Batteries – Evergreen, Arant and Lindsey; Nebraska Indians, Cleghorm, Wourkeegreen and Bataga.

Install Masonic Officers at Belleville: Belleville, Ala., July 24 – The officers of the lodge of A.F.&A Masons were installed yesterday by Past Master Dr. Percy B. Skinner as follows: Claude T. Livingston, W.M.; Alvin L. Riggs, S.W.; Dr. Henry S. Skinner, Treasurer; Richard H. Riggs Sr., Secretary; Perry H. Hayman, S.D.; J. Isaac Andrews, J.D.; Frederick P. Hines, Tyler; John E. Baggett and Levi Lee, Stewards; R. Earl Ivey, Marshal.

Scouting Party Traverses Old Stage Road: Quite a number of Conecuh citizens joined the scouting party over the old stage road route on last Wednesday. There were about 25 automobiles in the party, which included State Highway Engineer Keller, prominent men from Lowndes, Butler and Monroe as well as Conecuh.

The party reached Burnt Corn about noon where a splendid dinner was served by the citizens of that community, after which the trip was continued through Baldwin County. It was an enthusiastic crowd and demonstrated the keen interest that the people are taking in the proposed trunk highway between Montgomery and Mobile.

Engineer Keller is quoted as saying that a very good road can be constructed along this old route. It is claimed that it is a considerably shorter route than either of the others proposed.

Engineer Keller and his party with leave Montgomery on next Monday Aug. 3 for a tour over the route by Greenville, Evergreen, Brewton and Bay Minette, following closely along the railroad. Upon completing the trip to Mobile it is said Mr. Keller will make the return trip via Jackson, Thomasville and Selma.

W.K. Horton a few days ago exhibited here an open boll of cotton from a stalk which he says has borne four successive crops. He says the stalk is about four inches in diameter at the base, 10 feet high, with wide spreading branches and has more than a thousand bolls on it. He saw the unusual sight in Pensacola. The tree has probably been protected from the cold during the winters.

C.F. Archer, the photographer, has returned to Evergreen and will be permanently located in the Salter Building.