What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Oct.
3, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.
The Teachers Institute which was scheduled to be held in
Camden this week has been postponed indefinitely. Owing to the prevalence of
Spanish influenza at McWilliams, and also at Camden, it was deemed best to postpone
it.
The casualty list of the past week gives the name of John
Henry Privette of Lower Peach Tree as having been killed in action in France on
July 22. This makes the second Wilcox boy to pass over to Fame’s eternal
camping ground. John Watson of Pineapple was the first, being killed July 15. May
the heroic spirit of these two young soldiers go marching on till the tyrant of
Europe pays the penalty of his atrocious crimes. Watson and Privette are the
first gold stars in Wilcox’s Service Flag.
A full-fledged Spanish flu has been discovered in Camden in
the person of Percy Young, colored. He was sick for several days before seen by
Drs. Bonner and W.B. Jones and they pronounced this case Spanish influenza. With
the prevalence of this disease in our midst it behooves everyone to use the
utmost precaution. Children and all others who have no special business in town
will do well to stay at home. While there is danger of it being spread broad,
yet much can be done to hold it in check by the use of common sense and care.
Let’s not get frightened to death over it, but simply use the usual precautions
and all will be well.
Mrs. Mary T. Beck has received a letter from her son, Lt. W.R.K.
Beck, in which he states that Alabama boys are rated as the best fighters in
France. He says Iowa enjoys second best reputation.
DEATH OF JOHN GASTON: News of the death of John Gaston, 70,
of Gastonburg, Ala., was received in Selma early this morning. Mr. and Mrs.
A.T. Wilkinson of this city left immediately for Gastonburg, after receiving
the message.
Mr. Gaston died suddenly Sunday evening. He was widely known
in this section. – Selma Times.
Dr. W.P. Roberts of McWilliams is confined to his bed with
the Spanish influenza.
Eight colored draftees scheduled to leave Camden for Camp
McLellan Tuesday morning, failing to reach the train in time and were delayed
till Wednesday in making their departure.
On account of the influenza situation, the Baptist
Association, which was to meet at McWilliams, is postponed indefinitely. – R.E.
Lambert.
Dr. T.W. Jones, who a few weeks ago was called to active
medical service, has recently been promoted to captain. Dr. Jones is well
qualified for his promotion and it is no surprise to those who know him.
Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Burford have received a telegram from
their son, Peyton, telling them of his promotion to first lieutenant.
Lt. William Hart of Camp Taylor, Ky. was home the past few
days on furlough. He leaves this week for Camp Jackson, S.C. William is looking
well and is anxious to cross the pond.
Spanish Influenza at McWilliams: Dr. E. Bonner, county
health officer, accompanied by Dr. W.B. Jones, went to McWilliams Sunday to investigate
the epidemic of the Spanish influenza which was reported prevalent there.
Fourteen cases were found including Dr. W.P. Roberts, local physician. Several
cases are reported very serious. Street quarantine regulations were
established.
Wilcox is the third county in Alabama to report Spanish
influenza.
Lower Peach Tree Boy Killed In Action: On Sat., Sept. 22, Mr.
and Mrs. Green Privette received the message that their oldest son, John Henry
Privette, was killed in active service July 22 somewhere in France. John has
been in military service for two years.
The Wilcox Progressive Era has purchased the Camden Journal,
and henceforth only one paper will be published in Wilcox. Mr. H.K. Ellis,
publisher of the Journal, will engage in other business.
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