Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Sept. 22, 2021

William Simpson Keller

72 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 22, 1949

Aged Arlington Man Dies Saturday: “Uncle” Giles Green, Arlington, who was said to be at least 102 years old, died at Annie Manie Saturday. Widely known to Wilcox residents west of the river, Uncle Giles had lived on the Rikard place near Arlington for more than 50 years.
Giles was a chairmaker, and his hickory porch chairs can be found in all parts of Wilcox County, he having sold them on both sides of the river, some 20 or 30 years ago.

Camden Defeats Strong Chilton Team: An underrated Camden eleven flashed a deadly running attack to turn back a highly-favored Isabella eleven 19 to 0 here Friday night. Before the game was many minutes old, little Johnny Middlebrooks took a handoff from Bill Parsons, skirted his own right end and went in the corner standing up. The Tigers led 6 to 0. Midway the second period, Parsons took a pass from center, faded back and hit Dave Bonner, Tiger end, who made a nice grab on the two and fought over for the score. This gave the Tigers a 12 to 0 lead at half time.
After several exchange of kicks, the Bengals took over on their 35 and on the first play, Middlebrooks broke into the clear over his left tackle, reversed his field, and with good downfield blocking on the score. Jim Dunnam bucked the point over to give Camden a 19 to 0 lead.

Middlebrooks Begins As Tax Collector Oct. 1: C. Gilbert Middlebrooks, who was elected as Tax Collector for Wilcox County last year, will begin his term of office on Oct. 1, it was announced this week. Middlebrooks has been working for the State of Alabama as an examiner for the Department of Revenue pending the start of his term as County Tax Collector.

84 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 23, 1937

Senator J.M. Bonner was a business visitor to Montgomery and Birmingham Wednesday.

NOTICE – I am now operating the Barber Shop in the Alford building, will appreciate a share of your business. – HOMER LeCROY.

Mr. Clifton Albritton left Tuesday for New York City for the National meeting of the American Legion. He was joined en route at McMinnville, Tenn., by his brother Dr. Sam Albritton.

Mr. D.H. Sharp, while moving hay on his plantation, ran over and mowed off a rattle snake’s head which had 15 rattles and a button, the snake was five feet in length.

Mrs. John Demming Jr. of Evergreen was guest of Mrs. Lottie Beck Monday afternoon. Mrs. Demming will be so pleasantly remembered as the charming and vivacious Kate Haynes of her high school days here.

Mr. and Mrs. William Lawler announce the birth of a baby boy, whom they have named Billie Joe.

Rev. J.G. Dobbins is planning to meet his appointments at Ackerville, Gulletts Bluff and Coy Sunday at the usual hours.

97 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 25, 1924

Col. Geo. W. Chandler of Neenah sent in a very fine pear, being very large and of fine flavor to the Progressive Era office this week. Col. Chandler raises lots of everything good to eat around his place, the writer has been there.

PLACING OF 1812 MARKER: Mrs. Wells Thompson, nee Carrie Tait of Houston, Texas, a member of Capt. James Asbury Tait Chapter, National Society Daughters of 1812, has requested Mrs. Samford C. McMurphy, a former state historian of all Daughters of 1812, to place a marker at the grave of her grandfather, Capt. James Asbury Tait.
This interesting event will take place at the Tait family burying ground near Coy, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., 1924. The relatives and public are cordially invited to attend.
Mrs. James Tait Beck and Mrs. Sanford C. McMurphy have arranged the following program: Invocation, Rev. Paul E. Engle; Trombone Solo, The Star Spangled Banner, Rev. J.W. Rosborough; Reading, Your Flag and My Flag, Little Miss Amelia Beck; Sketch of life and 1812 military service of Capt. James Asbury Tait by Mr. Peter A. Brannon of Department of Archives and History, Montgomery; Solo, My Own United States, Mrs. Felix Tait; Placing of Marker, Mrs. Sanford McMurphy and Mrs. Mary Tait Beck; Song, America; Benediction, Rev. Rosborough.

Furman: Our public school opened Monday morning with a large enrollment. We are glad to have for our teachers this year. Mrs. Mathis as principal and Miss Herman as primary teachers, the same positions they filled so well last season.

110 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 28, 1911

Mr. Henry Goldsmith of the Steamer American came out from Bridgeport and returned to the boat at a lower landing. The American was aground at Hurricane bluff last week for 24 hours and the river is now very low.

Mr. W.S. Keller, State Highway Engineer, spent Tuesday in town looking after our demonstration road now being surveyed by Mr. Blair Hughes of Birmingham.

The many friends of Mr. Burford Hollinger will regret to learn that he had the misfortune of breaking his arm Saturday.

The dance at the Hall was very much enjoyed by the young people.

Judge B.M. Miller and family have returned from the beautiful summer home in the Grampian Hills.

The young men of Camden gave a delightful dance in honor of the two visiting young ladies Miss Latimer Watson with Mrs. W.B. Jones, and Miss Marjorie Bruce with the Misses Jones.

Mr. Clarence Holman, who is a druggist at Brewton, came home last week to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Holman Sr. and other relatives. His friends were glad to greet him.

We regret to learn that young Walter Alford had an attack of appendicitis at Selma last Friday. He was operated on and is doing nicely. His many friends hope for his speedy recovery.

124 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 22, 1897

Mr. H.E. Voltz, one of the largest merchants in East Wilcox, spent several days in Camden last week, the guest of Mr. R.L. Rentz.

A false alarm of fire given last Friday had the desired effect, that of breaking the monotony.

Billy McConnico says there are 16 boarders at the county’s house of safety.

Sheriff McConnico is spending a few days at his old home at Allenton this week.

Canton Bend gave a dance last Thursday night at the Academy, which was enjoyed by a large crowd from that town and a few from Camden.

Mr. E.P. Boltz has put up a wind mill at his livery stable. It can be seen from quite a distance.

The friends of Francis M. Purifoy will be glad to know that he has been appointed private secretary to President J.K. Powers of the University.

THE HOUSE OF DETENTION: The passengers on board the Steamer Tinsie Moore were removed therefrom and carried out to Mt. Progress, which place was made a house of detention by our county and town officers. The inmates are as follows: Messrs. Hertzfield, Stollenweick and families, Messrs. Benson, Bragg, Black and Snow Bros. Dr. J.C. Benson is attending physician and also has control of all inmates. Messrs. Welch and Hawthorne are the outer guards.