B.B. Comer visit topped headlines a century ago in Conecuh County

Braxton Bragg "B.B." Comer in 1910

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in March 1914.

In the March 5, 1914 edition of The Conecuh Record, editor J.C. Whitcomb reported that “Dr. Stallworth was called to Long’s turpentine still Tuesday evening to see a patient – the foreman of the still, who was suffering from appendicitis, but the man was dead when the doctor arrived.” 

Elsewhere in the paper, it was reported that “Dr. Stallworth amputated a man’s finger whose hand was severely hurt at one of the nearby saw mills a few days ago.

Readers that week also learned that “two women engaged in a fracas Wednesday afternoon in which one cut the other repeatedly and seriously with a knife. The city marshal prevented further slaughter by making arrests.”

Subscribers also read that “a perfectly white squirrel attracted quite a crowd Tuesday. The little animal belonged to a man who had it secured by a chain around the neck.”

It was also reported that week that “Dr. Dickinson, the new Baptist pastor, reached Evergreen Tuesday evening,” and that “Mrs. Sarah Cunningham celebrated her 91st birthday Mon., March 2.”

In the March 12, 1914 edition of The Record, Whitcomb reported that “the club house at the Country Club was knocked from its foundation last week by a falling tree. We are informed that a much better building will be erected in the near future.”

Readers that week also learned that “the new pastor, Dr. Dickinson, preached to a larger congregation last Sunday. The doctor made a splendid impression and under his consecrated leadership the prospects are that a good years work for the Master will be done.”

It was also reported that the “Evergreen Motor Co. has made extensive improvements in their garage by laying a cement floor. The office and stock room have been fitted up and greatly improved.”

That week’s paper also included an announcement under the headline, “Attention Soldiers,” that read as follows – “On Wed., April 1, 1914 there will be a meeting of Camp Wm. Lee, No. 338, relative to pensions and the reunion at Jacksonville, Fla. in May. All are urged to attend, business must not be put off, at courthouse 10 a.m. (Signed) M.B. Salter, Sgt. Major.”

That week’s edition also included an advertisement that read, “Oh, you fellow with long hair and whiskers, call and get a haircut and shave where you cannot get the barber’s itch. Razors sterilized in carbolic acid and hot water after every shave. Moye’s Barber Shop, next to post office.”

In the March 19, 1914 edition of the newspaper, Whitcomb reported that “B.B. Comer, one of the leading candidates for governor, addressed the voters of Conecuh County at the courthouse last Friday. Mr. Comer has lost none of his old time vigor and handles men and measures with gloves off. Without a doubt he is the leading candidate in the race. Indeed it seems to be Comer against the field. The large crowd present seemed to be deeply impressed with the address which was strong and logical. Mr. Comer is confident of his election and was pleased with the hearty reception accorded him on all sides.”

It was also reported that week that “Mr. Curtis Hawkins, the genial railroad agent, is trying his hand at farming this year. That this gentleman, bearing the unmistakable marks of the city-bred man, should know ‘Gee’ from ‘Haw’ is a surprise to many, but when you see what is going at the farm you’ll be surprised again.”

Readers that week also learned that “E.C. Lee is hopeful of a good yield of the strawberry crop, notwithstanding the recent setback by unfavorable weather conditions.”

Whitcomb closed out that week with an announcement that the “13th Pythian District, composed of Escambia, Conecuh, Monroe and east half of Wilcox counties, will hold its next semi-annual convention at Castleberry, Ala. on Tues., March 17, 1914. Opening hour 10:30 a.m. All Pythians are urged to attend.”

In the March 26, 1914 edition of the paper, Whitcomb reported that “a northern gentleman, who is spending some time in Evergreen, says he saw the first shot fired on Fort Sumter.”

Readers that week also learned that “1,482,254 bales of cotton were ginned in Alabama from the 1913 crop, 19,295 bales were ginned in Conecuh County, which was 1,376 more bales than was ginned in the county from the 1912 crop.”

It was also reported that “C.F. Archer has recently added a picture framing department to his photo gallery, where he will be permanently located. Archer does viewing, copying and enlarging. If you have an old, faded tintype, bring it. He will make it new.”

Subscribers also saw that an announcement that read, “Commencement exercises of Effie school, Tues. evening, March 31. Everybody cordially invited. Admission 25 cents and 15 cents.”

Whitcomb closed out the month by letting readers know that “S.L. Witherington of China was in the city Wednesday” and “John Deming, who has been attending school at Marion for the past three months, returned home Thursday on a short vacation.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of April 1914 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.