100-year-old news highlights from Conecuh County, Ala. from January 1915

Charles Henderson

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 January 1915.

In the Jan. 7, 1915 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “John Lasiter caught a large catamount in a trap a few days ago on the Moorer plantation.” Elsewhere in the paper, Whitcomb reported that “P.D. Jackson killed a monster catamount in Sandy Creek Swamp last Tuesday. The animal must have belonged to that branch of the feline family which is said to have nine lives as Jackson shot it six times before killing it.”

All of this led Whitcomb to editorialize that “the neighbors owe John Lasiter and (P.D.) Jackson a big chicken pie each for killing those wild cats which had feasted so long on their pigs and poultry.”

Readers that week also learned that “M.C. Reynolds will resign the superintendency of the orphanage and remove to Birmingham.”

Whitcomb also reported that “Mr. George H. Oswald fell from the roof of a two-story building upon which he was at work last Tuesday and sustained injuries which it is thought will prove fatal.” He also reported that “Mr. Jim Dubose died at Brooklyn from the effects of an accidental wound received during the holidays.”

Readers also learned that “Commissioners court was in session this week” and that “Capt. R.F. Kolb was in the city Sunday and Monday.”

In the Jan. 13, 1915 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “G.H. Oswald, who sustained serious injuries by falling from the roof of a house on Tuesday afternoon, an account of which was told in The Courant last week, died on Thursday night following.

“The funeral occurred on Friday afternoon from the late home of deceased conducted by his pastor, Rev. J.G. Dickinson. A large concourse of friends attended the funeral and interment which was made in Evergreen cemetery. Deceased had a large number of friends and was generally liked on account of his noble qualities of head and heart.

“Mr. Oswald was 45 years of age and is survived by his devoted wife and three children who have the profound sympathy of the entire community in the untimely death of their loved one.

Also that week, under the headline “Lee’s Birthday,” readers learned that “on Tuesday, the 19th, the U.D.C. Chapter will hold a meeting at the school building for the purpose of celebrating Lee’s birthday, at which time crosses of honor will be conferred on Confederate veterans.”

That week’s paper also included an advertisement that said that “the Arcade Theater will run every night next week with the exception of Saturday night. Those attending court are especially invited to come and see the show. We always have interesting and instructive pictures.”

Salter also reported that “E.N. Amos, the widely known Brooklyn merchant, went into bankruptcy last week with liabilities amounting to upwards of $87,000 and assets amounting to upwards of $86,000.”

Salter closed out the week by jokingly reminding readers to “remember the editor when you come to court. If you can’t hand him that dollar, your visit will be appreciated anyway.”

In the Jan. 20, 1915 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Henderson Inaugurated Governor of Alabama,” readers learned that “surrounded by friends from every county in Alabama, Charles Henderson of Troy took the oath at 1:20 o’clock this afternoon (Jan. 18) which made him governor of Alabama as the successor of Emmet O’Neal of Florence, who has served for four years. The oath was administered by John C. Anderson, chief justice of the Alabama supreme court.”

Salter also reported that “quite a goodly number of Evergreen citizens went to Montgomery to attend the inauguration of Gov. Henderson.”

Readers also learned that “circuit court convened on Monday when the civil docket was taken up. Quite a number of cases are on the docket for disposal. The criminal docket will be taken up next week.”

Salter also reported that “A.A. Williams became sheriff on Monday succeeding E.C. Hines. Sheriff Williams will retain as his chief deputy Robert G. Kendall, who has so efficiently served in this capacity for several years past.”

Readers also learned that week that “Capt. J.C. Cheney recently made a contribution of several volumes of very valuable reference books to the City school library, which are greatly appreciated by teachers and pupils. Capt. Cheney always takes an occasion to show his love for Evergreen.”

It was also reported that week that “Representative Riley came home on Thursday night and remained until this morning when he returned to the capitol to report for duty.”

The Jan. 27, 1915 edition of The Courant, Salter reported that “a light flurry of snow fell here for a short while on Monday.”

Readers that week also learned that “Prof. C.C. Smith of Healing Springs has been elected superintendent of the Orphans Home to succeed Mr. Reynolds who will remove to Birmingham. Prof. Smith is expected to reach here next week with his family to take up his new work. The Orphanage board feels that they have made a wise selection in the person of Prof. Smith for this important and responsible work.”

It was also reported that week that “the Arcade Theater will only run every other day next week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The people of Evergreen should show their appreciation of the only amusement in Evergreen by patronizing the show as Mr. Gantt secures first class pictures.”

Salter also let readers know that “Representative Riley has been at home for several days past looking after private affairs. He has hinted to some of his friends that he contemplates embarking in journalism.”

Readers that week also learned that “Charles Savage Jr. was painfully injured several days ago by being caught in some part of the machinery at the oil mill. He is doing as well as could be expected.”

Salter closed out the month with the following reminder – “Next Tuesday, Feb. 1, is the last day on which you can qualify to vote by paying that poll tax. Better attend to it while it’s on your mind. You might forget it.”

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 February 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.