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| G.R. Boulware |
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 December 1914.
In the Dec. 2, 1914 edition of The Evergreen Courant,
owner and editor George W. Salter Jr. reported, that the “horribly mangled body
of Marion Smith was found on the railroad near Wilcox station on last Thursday
morning. The man was supposed to have been killed by passenger train No. 2. The
dead body was discovered by trainmen and the matter reported to the sheriff’s
department.
“Investigation showed that the man was not the victim of
foul play and the body was buried by the railroad company, the identity of the
man not being known at the time. It developed later that he had been in the
community several days and was known to a number of persons in the community.
He left the home of W.T. Tanner during the early part of the night previous
saying he was going to Owassa to catch a freight train for Georgiana, where he
expected to join his wife.
“That was the last seen of him until his dead body was
identified. Deceased was a kinsman by marriage of Mr. Tanner’s wife. They had
been residing at Pine Hill.”
Salter also let readers know that week that “the farmer’s
institute to be held at the court house on Dec. 16 should attract the largest
gathering of farmers and businessmen ever assembled in Evergreen. Matters of
the most vital importance to every citizen will be discussed by men who are
trained in their respective lines.”
In the Dec. 9, 1914 edition of The Courant, Salter reported
that “The City Grocery’s doors were closed last week through voluntary
bankruptcy.”
Readers that week also learned that “County Court was in
session on Monday, quite a large number of cases being up before His Honor,
Judge Dean. The courthouse had much of the appearance of circuit court times.”
In the days leading up to Christmas, the Cornut Co.
announced that they were “now prepared to make special orders for fancy, French
candies, chocolates, fondants, etc., any colors for special occasions. Give us
three days notice when ordering.”
Also in that week’s paper, under the headline “Peanuts as a
Money Crop,” Salter reported that “there may never be big money in the raising
of peanuts, but that they will bring the cash as a commercial crop there is no
doubt. In an interview a few days ago with C.A. Jones, manager of the local oil
mill, he stated that his company would be prepared to use peanuts next season,
and that so far as he was now informed, the price would be about $40 per ton.
“The Courant will have more to say on this subject from time
to time between now and planting time with the hope of arousing interest among
the farmers to grow peanuts extensively. One farmer stated this week that it
was his intention to plant 50 acres next year.”
That week’s paper also included the following “Notice,”
submitted by Sgt. Major M.B. Salter – “The members of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, of
Old Soldiers will meet Fri., Jan. 1. The most important meeting of the year.
Come one, come all.”
In the Dec. 15, 1914 edition of the newspaper, readers
learned that “Judge P.C. Walker, for many years a prominent citizen of
Evergreen, died at Salisbury, N.C. on last Thursday night after a lingering
illness. His remains were taken to Columbia, Ala. for interment. Judge Walker
was probate judge of this county for a number of years and had many friends who
will learn with regret of his demise. He is survived by his wife and several
children.”
Elsewhere in that week’s paper, it was reported that “Jesse
Underwood was killed near Sparta on Sunday night by leaping or falling from
passenger train No. 10. He struck the ground head foremost and death was
instantaneous. Underwood and another man got on the blind baggage at
Castleberry for the purpose, it is said, of beating their way to Evergreen, and
when near Sparta the conductor opened the door and discovered them and
commanded them to go inside the car. One of them obeyed, but Underwood either
leaped or fell from the train, meeting instant death.”
Readers also learned that “up to Dec. 1 there had been
15,184 bales of cotton ginned in Conecuh County, compared with 14,984 to the
same date last year.”
That week’s paper also included the following “Notice to Veterans”
– “Twenty-fourth annual reunion of the United Confederate Veterans of Camp Wm.
Lee, No. 338, will meet at the courthouse Jan. 1, 1915. Business election of
officers, appointing committee, payment of dues to the National reunion, which
is 10 cents per capita and any other business which is pertaining to the camp.
All members are expected to attend in person, or send dues. Daughters of the
Chapter P.D. Bowles are most cordially and earnestly invited to attend, and
participate in the meeting. The most important meeting of the year. (Signed)
G.R. Boulware, Commander; T.A. Jones, Adjutant.”
In the Dec. 23, 1914 edition of the paper, Salter reported
that “the farmers institute held here on Wednesday and Thursday last was a
complete success notwithstanding the small attendance due to the bitter cold
weather that prevailed on both days. It was the best farmers meeting ever held
in this county. For the reasons stated, many persons were prevented from being
present who had all along intended doing so.”
Also that week, under the headline “Near Jail Delivery,”
readers learned that “18 prisoners confined in the county jail came near
gaining their liberty one night last week, but were discovered in their attempt
by Sheriff Hines in time to prevent their escape. The removal of a couple of
more bricks would have afforded them an aperture sufficiently large to have
gotten out unmolested but for the timely discovery by the sheriff. The iron bar
supports to their cots were used effectively to batter out the bricks and iron
bars to the window. They had torn their blankets into strings and tied them
together to aid them in reaching the ground.”
That week’s paper also included a sad story out of
Greenville, under the headline “Foolish Prank Cost One Life.”
“Greenville, Ala. Dec. 18 – The careless handling of a
single barrel shotgun in the hands of Bill Rogers resulted in the death of his
friend Bob Roberts here today. The two young men were talking near the home of
the former when the gun was discharged, the full load entering the lower
abdomen of Roberts, who died about three hours later.
“It is said that Rogers jokingly said, ‘Bob, you don’t
believe that I will shoot you.’ The answer to this by Roberts was, ‘Go ahead
and shoot.’ The trigger was pulled and both fell, Rogers fainting as he saw
what was done.
“Before the wounded man died he stated that the occurrence
was accidental, and that he did not want anything done to his friend. This is
one of the saddest accidents that has ever happened in the southern part of
this county.”
On the front page of the Dec. 30, 1914 edition of The
Courant, Salter reprinted an interesting Dec. 21 letter he’d received from
Caddo Mills, Texas, under the headline “Former Conecuh Citizen Writes From
Texas.”
“Dear Sir – Through the courtesy of my nephew, A.G. Smith,
Evergreen, I receive The Courant and enjoy its pages.
“In November 1862, I went to Camp Tatne, near Brewton
station, and joined Co. H, 2nd Alabama Cavalry. At that time, Jim Cunningham
was colonel and J.H. McCreary, captain. We went from there to Mississippi, then
to Alabama, to Georgia, to South Carolina and North Carolina and back to
Georgia.
“Was discharged at Forsythe, Ga., 8th day of May 1865 and
reached home, Evergreen, on 15th of May 1865.
“I left Evergreen on 28th of December 1865 for Texas and
arrived at Jefferson January 1866, living near there 18 years.
“Dec. 20, 1883, I came to Caddo Mills, Hunt County, Texas;
was 77 years old last July 27, and am in good health and enjoying life, except
am troubled by failing sight.
“Yours truly, Joseph R. Bass.”
The Dec. 30 edition of The Courant was the final edition of
the 1914 calendar year, and Salter wrapped up the year with this not-so-subtle
paragraph.
“If you owe The Courant for subscription, for printing, or
for advertising, an early settlement is requested and will be greatly
appreciated. A dollar or a few dollars to each individual is a small matter,
but if the several hundred persons who owe us will favor us with a settlement
we would be able to meet obligations that are now pressing. We hope our friends
will not withhold payment.”
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 1915 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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