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

Irvin Bacheller

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Nov. 28, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

The unusual bad weather of the past few days make it extremely necessary that everyone who has suffered from the influenza take extra precautions. There are still many cases in Camden and vicinity and the only way to prevent a continued spread is for everyone to exercise those ordinary precautions which all know are necessary.

The schools and churches are closed for another week as the epidemic of influenza is still widespread.

Thanksgiving and services scheduled for Sunday are called off on account of the influenza quarantine.

Rev. J.F. Brock of Thomasville, who was scheduled to preach at the Baptist church Sunday, was forced to cancel his engagement on account of quarantine regulations.

Mr. Ernest Turner, who has been stationed at Camp Sevier, has secured his discharge from the army and returned home Friday.

Mr. Bliss McLeod of Mobile, Mr. Will McLeod, who is connected with the DuPont munition company in Virginia, and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon of Montgomery, and Mr. McLeod of Grove Hill were at the bedside of their son and brother, Mr. T.A. McLeod, who died Saturday.

Judge Wm. Henderson of Millers Ferry suffered a dislocated hip when kicked by a horse Saturday afternoon. Judge Henderson is one of our most esteemed citizens and his misfortune is regretted by his many friends. Last reports stated he was getting along nicely.

BILL REEVES MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE: Mr. W.M. Reeves of Camden, Route 3, received notice from the Department of War on Monday that his son, William, was killed in action on Oct. 11. The news of this death comes at a time when all are rejoicing over the termination of the war, and his parents have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. He was an industrious boy, kind, considerate of everyone, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

Lt. Irby Savage is in a base hospital, where he has been under treatment for wounds received in battle. His wounds were slight but he was gassed and is now recovering from the latter.

Patrick McDonald, son of Mrs. Mary McDonald, died on Friday night after a short illness of pneumonia. His death was unexpected as few knew he was desperately ill. Pat had hardly reached the first years of manhood and his death brings to the bereaved mother and family the sympathy of the entire community. He was buried Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.T. Strout officiating.

F.L. Moore Sr. – On Thursday afternoon at 3:30, Mr. F.L. Moore Sr. passed to his reward. The death of Mr. Moore marks the passing from our midst one of those lovable characters, a product of the old South and we hope a heritage of the new. He was laid to rest in the Camden cemetery Friday afternoon.

In continuance of our efforts to make the Progressive Era a better paper and more readable, we have procured at some expense the right to publish one of the greatest novels we have read recently – “The Light in the Clearing” by Irvin Bacheller, author of “Eben Holden,” etc. This story will run serially in The Progressive Era, beginning probably in the issue of Dec. 5. Watch for it and be sure to read the first installment.