Wednesday, May 16, 2018

100-year-old news highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era


What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the May 16, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Mr. Clark Lewis of Caledonia, who is stationed at Camp Jackson, S.C., underwent an operation for appendicitis. Reports from his bedside state he is rapidly recovering.

Messrs. Leon Andrews and Walter Alford Jr. left Wednesday morning for Tuscaloosa, where they will take special training in mechanics for service in the army. They responded to the government call for men for special departments.

News was received here a few days previous of the death of Mr. Theodore A. Fetticks, which occurred in Terrell, Texas, April 6. Mr. Fetticks was married in 1894 to Miss Emily Seiburg, a native of Berlin, Germany. He was the son of John S. and Liza Jane Fetticks of Camden. He leaves on sister, Miss Alice, of this place to mourn his loss.

Masonic Resolutions: On the 19th day of January, Brother W.W. McConnico died at his home near Oak Hill at the ripe old age of 79 years.
He was born, reared and lived all his life in the old home where he died, his life being intimately associated with Oak Hill and Wilcox County.
Brother McConnico was a perfect type of the old Southern gentleman, cultured, refined and generous, with charity towards all.
He was a fluent and brilliant speaker, ever ready to defend any cause he espoused.
Being a great reader, he talked with brilliancy and ease upon all of the topics of the day, spreading a charm upon any circle by his wit, tact and jolly laugh, thus revealing a warm heart and an affectionate nature.
He was especially attractive to the young, because in spite of his years, his heart remained young.
Brother McConnico was a Mason for over 50 years and for many years was Master of Wilcox Lodge No. 80 and only gave up his work when he became too feeble to attend to it.
His loyalty to Masonry was far above the average.
The brotherhood of man and a broad charity towards all the weaknesses of human nature furnished the themes which mellowed his old age. So when the Reaper came, he found a sheaf of golden grain fit for the Master’s use.
In his death, the community has lost one of its most lovable men; the state, a just and upright citizen; Masonry, a most loyal member; and his family, a loved and loving husband and father. And whereas, it has pleased the Supreme Master to call brother McConnico from labor to refreshments, be it resolved:
First, that we cherish always his memory;
Second, that the recollection of his love for us all, and his loyalty to Masonry, causes us to renew our vows, and consecrate ourselves anew to the cause of Freemasonry;
Third, that a page be set apart in the minutes of the Lodge, inscribed with his name;
Fourth, that we deeply sympathize with the family in their loss, and that a copy of these resolutions be furnished them, and also copies to the Camden papers for publication. – E.I. McBryde, R.R. Carothers, E.T. McWilliams, Committee.

There will be a special Union service at the Methodist Church on Sunday night. Everybody is cordially invited to attend.

NOTICE: My cattle is branded “O” in right side, tagged in right ear. – H.H. Dale, Camden, Ala.

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