Sunday, January 11, 2015

110-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from January 1905

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of Editor and Proprietor Q. Salter, likely published four editions 110 years ago during the month of January 1905. However, only three of those editions (Jan. 12, Jan. 19 and Jan. 26) can be found in the microfilm collection at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville. 

It is possible, but not likely, that due to the New Year’s holiday, no edition of The Journal was published on Jan. 5, 1905. What follows are a few news highlights from each of the January 1905 editions that can be found on microfilm. Enjoy.

JAN. 12, 1905

Another Killing In Monroe: Information reached here Monday of another bloody tragedy in northeastern part of the county. We are unable to get details, but from what was learned it appears that a crowd of young white men, much the worse for mean liquor, attended a negro wedding on Sunday evening. A row occurred in which John McClammy was shot and killed by one Smith, and Smith perhaps fatally wounded. The participants in the shooting were all whites. McClammy leaves a life and one child.

G.W. Salter Sr. left for Evergreen Wednesday to attend a session of the Conecuh County Masonic Conference.

Mr. J.L. Marshall, tax collector elect for Monroe County, was in Monroeville a few days ago and filed his bond in due form with the Probate Judge and is ready to assume the duties of the office when the term of Mr. Smith, the incumbent, expires on Sept. 30 next.

Superintendent J.D. Forte was here Friday and Saturday conducting the examination of teachers and presiding over the Board of Education.

BUENA VISTA: We know that our many friends who are readers of our popular county paper will rejoice with us in the prospect of the new Baptist church soon to be erected just across the way from the beautiful residence of Mr. M.V. Middleton. Brother Metcalf is a “stirrer” and he works “while the iron is hot.” The members gave heartily and we hope soon to hear the sound of the hammer and saw.”

JAN. 19, 1905

MANISTEE: Mr. J.M. Grimes had the misfortune to get one of his dwellings burned on his plantation Monday morning, Jan. 2, supposed to have been burned willfully. He carried no insurance on it.

S.P. Lindsey of Belleville, Ala. sells high grade tombstones, monuments and steel fencing. A postal card will bring him to your home with cuts, prices, etc.

Capt. T.B. Nettles has removed his family to Monroeville. They are occupying the parsonage.

Capt. Thomas A. Nettles of Tunnel Springs was an active participant in the farmers mass meeting Monday.

Col. and Mrs. B.L. Hibbard attended the presentation of “Ben Hur” at Mobile Theater Friday and Saturday.

Dr. G.G. Scott, president of the Scott-Blacksher Commission Co., Mobile, is on a business trip to Monroeville.

Mr. James K. Kyser of Burnt Corn lent his valuable advice and ripe business experience in the farmers’ deliberations Monday.

Rev. S.P. Lindsey of Belleville stopped over Monday with relatives and friends here on his return from Perdue Hill where he preached Sunday.

Judge Slaughter and family are domiciled in the cozy home recently purchased in the eastern part of town.

WRECK CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINFALL: Train Going 30 Miles An Hour Runs Into Washout: PASSENGER AGENT IS KILLED: He Was Riding an Engine Inspecting Road – Engineer And Fireman Were Badly Scalded – Porter Seriously Injured and May Die: Mobile, Ala., Jan. 12, Passenger Train No. 4, northbound, which left Mobile over the Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City railroad at 6:47 yesterday afternoon, ran into a washout four miles south of Beaumont, Miss., and the engine, baggage and passenger coaches were overturned.
General Passenger and Freight Agent L.B. Sullivan, who was riding on the engine, was instantly killed.
Engineer W.A. Crawford and Fireman J. Young, negro, both of Mobile, were seriously scalded.
R.G. Boykin, porter, of Mobile, was seriously injured and may die.
Mr. Sullivan was on an inspecting trip over the road and this was the reason he was riding on the engine. He was formerly with the Louisville and Nashville in Cincinnati and Mobile in the capacity of chief clerk in the office of the general freight agent. Four years ago he went with the Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City. He was 32 years old and leaves his mother and sister in Trenton, Tenn.
After the wreck the remains were carried to Hattiesburg, Miss. and will be brought to this city this afternoon.
The wreck was caused by heavy rains that fell yesterday afternoon and last night in that vicinity. The train was going 30 miles an hour.

JAN. 26, 1905

Dr. R.A. Smith, who went to New York about 10 days ago to take a special course, returned home Monday, having been stricken with typhoid fever soon after reaching that city. He is now at the home of his father.

The Monroeville Library will be ready to open its doors to the public in a few days. Nice rooms have been neatly fitted up in the old court house and a choice collection of standard works covering a wide range of literature gathered for the entertainment and instruction of patrons. Miss Mann, the librarian, extends a cordial invitation to young and old.

BUENA VISTA: Mr. J.B. Knowles is erecting a nice residence at this place. He has charge of the mail route from Beatrice to Bell’s Landing.

MANISTEE: The patrons of district No. 15 have about completed their new school house, and school will open soon with Miss Minnie Chandler as teacher.
Some of the patrons have not taken the interest in school matters that they should. Now let us all wake up and go to work for better schools. There is certainly room for improvement in our county. People sometimes find fault with the teacher when in fact they are to blame. Let us all work in harmony and quit nursing our petty personal prejudice, especially in so important a matter as education. – W.R. BLACKWELL.

Mrs. L.W. Locklin and son, A.J., of Perdue Hill were guests of Judge and Mrs. I.B. Slaughter Sunday.

Rev. C.H. Motley will fill a special appointment to preach at the Eddins school house near Perdue Hill at 11 o’clock a.m. next Sunday.


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