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

1918 Dort sedan and sedanet advertisement.

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Oct. 31, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Henry Autrey of Sunny South is listed in the slightly wounded in this week’s casualty list.

The following young men from Wilcox were reported slightly wounded during the past week: Grover C. Morgan, Pine Hill; Benjamin Jenkins, Pineapple; Henry M. Autrey, Sunny South.

Mr. T.A. Carleton, who has resided in Camden for several years, died suddenly Tuesday afternoon while at work for Mr. G.D. Albritton at Furman. Death was due to stroke of apoplexy, and deceased was ill for only a few hours. Interment was made Wednesday afternoon in Camden Cemetery.

Rev. A.J. Kempton of Evergreen was in Camden this week.

We have a good stock of riding saddles. They will not last long, so if you need one, you had better get it quick. – Matthews Hardware Co.

Mrs. T.W. Jones returned home this week from Fort Oglethorpe where she has been with Dr. T.W. Jones for some time. Mrs. Jones will leave in a few days to rejoin her husband, who expects to be at the training camp for several weeks longer. Mrs. Jones has been active in all patriotic activities and her absence will be keenly felt.

DIED --- SKINNER: Little Francis Marion Skinner, aged two and one-half years, daughter of John L. and Emma P. Skinner, died of pneumonia Saturday night, Oct. 19, and was buried in Camden Cemetery, Sabbath afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.

Like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, this baby’s death came, shocking loved ones and friends and casting a gloom over the entire community, for though so young, she was one of the Savior’s sunbeams, sent to cheer the lives and sweeten the thoughts of all she came in contact with.

No child can be more missed or deeply mourned than little Marion.

FOR SALE – One 1918 Cloverleaf Dort Car, in excellent condition. One tire extra. Will be sold at sacrifice. See Mrs. T.W. Jones, Camden, Ala.

NOTICE TO TRUSTEES: The schools of Wilcox County are permitted to open Nov. 4. In those communities where influenza is prevalent to a degree deemed dangerous by the school authorities, schools may be closed on their order for another week. This permits each locality to determine for themselves the expediency or opening or continuing closed. It is hoped that all schools can be safely reopened.

Mr. J.D. Bryant of Canton Bend brought to our office the past week several ears of corn that are as fine as we have ever seen. Some of the ears measured 12 inches. One stalk had four ears, three large and one small. This corn was raised from seed corn secured from the government. No section of our country is better adapted to raising corn than Wilcox, and the intelligent application of farming principles will get the results.

Mr. Clarence M. Dannelly of Montgomery has been selected as Associate Editor with Leon Palmer in conducting the Sunday school page which will be a feature of the Sunday Advertiser in the future. Mr. Dannelly is well fitted for this important work and the Sunday school board is fortunate in enlisting his services.