News excerpts from The Monroe Journal 100 years ago this month

John McDuffie of Monroe County

The Monroe Journal newspaper published five editions during the month of April 1914 with papers coming out on April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23 and April 30. Those editions of the paper contained a wide variety of news items, and many of those items will remain interesting to readers today, a century later. Here are a few of the highlights from each edition.

APRIL 2, 1914

J.B. Barnett, Esq., made a business trip to Gadsden the first of the week.

Miss Fannie Patrick left for New Orleans the first of the week to purchase additional stock for the Millinery Emporium.

Mr. McIntyre, one of the city commissioners of Montgomery, will speak at Monroeville on Thursday afternoon in the interest of Hon. Oscar Underwood.

Capt. Frank S. White, candidate for the short term senatorship, was a visitor to Monroeville a few days since and received many assurances of support. He is confident of receiving the nomination.

A special meeting of Confederate veterans will be held in Monroeville at 3 p.m. on Sat., April 11, for the election of delegates to the general reunion and payment of dues.

Mr. Willard L. Nash announces the engagement and approaching marriage of his sister, Pansy Lavinia, to Mr. Mack Bruner Binion of Evergreen, Ala. The wedding will take place in April.

Abner J. Smith of Bay Minette, toured Monroe this week in behalf of his candidacy for the state senatorial nomination. Mr. Smith is the editor of the Baldwin Times and has done much for the development of his county during the past two decades.

Attorney F.W. Hare, of the local bar, informs The Journal that appeals have been taken by the government in the peonage cases upon which Judge Toulmin recently rendered decision upholding the state law.

The many friends of the family were pained to learn of the death at Buena Vista on Saturday morning, March 28, of Mr. M.V. Middleton after a brief illness from pneumonia. Mr. Middleton had been for many years a prominent merchant and leading citizen and Buena Vista and was esteemed by all who knew him for his many noble qualities. He was about 60 years of age and is survived by his wife and one daughter.

Capt. R.F. Kolb delivered addresses at Jones Mill and Monroeville on Monday afternoon and night in behalf of his candidacy for the governorship.

HIGH SCHOOL NOTES: The minstrel troupe visited Excel last Thursday evening, and in view of the inclement weather and prevalence of sickness in the community there was a fairly large audience that seemed pleased with the evening’s entertainment.

The ball team played its first match game of the season at Vredenburgh last Saturday, the score resulting in 21 to 0 in favor of the High School team. The visitors were royally entertained by the Vredenburghians.

The Camden and Pine Apple teams will play ball Friday afternoon, and the Monroeville team will give them both a game Saturday.

MONUMENT TO CONFEDERATES: Boulder is Being Put in Place on Campus At University: The boulder commemorating the patriotism and valor of the University students and alumni who fought in the ranks of the Confederates during the War Between the States and of the cadet battalion which resisted Croxton’s raiders in their attack on Tuscaloosa until forced to retreat in the face of overwhelming odds, is now being put in place on the campus.

The monument will be set on the site of the old rotunda destroyed by the raiders, near the center of the campus. The grass plot in which it will be set is to be enclosed in curbing, and the main driveway through the campus will divide and pass on either side of it.

The monument is the gift of the Alabama Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It will be unveiled with appropriate ceremonies on May 13.

APRIL 9, 1914

The new bank at Jones Mill formally opened its doors for business on Thursday of last week, occupying temporary quarters until the brick building which is planned is erected. Mr. W.M. Newton of Evergreen, Ala. is president of the new institution, Dr. J.F. Busey of Jones Mill, vice president, and Mr. D.M. Maxwell, also of Jones Mill, cashier.

The directorate is composed of W.M. Newton, J.F. Busey, D.M. Maxwell, W.H. Tucker, W.H. Pearce, C.P. Deming and L.C. Gaston. The bank has a paid in capital of $15,000, and its officers are capable and experienced businessmen. Located in a prosperous agricultural section the enterprise should not only prove a potent factor in the development of the town and community but a profitable investment to its promoters.

The Tri-School Contest at Monroeville on Friday and Saturday of last week was a most delightful event from a social as well as from other standpoints. Representatives of the Pine Apple Academy, the Camden High School and Monroeville High School participated in the contests and the visitors were accompanied by numerous friends from their home towns, rendering the social feature especially pleasant.

Friday afternoon was devoted to athletic sports, the two visiting teams contesting on the baseball diamond. In the evening, the oratorical contest took place in the auditorium of the high school between picked men from the three schools.

HIGH SCHOOL NOTES: The Tri-School Contest came off Friday and Saturday as announced in The Journal last week. It was a great success from every point of view, especially from Monroeville’s. The weather was perfect, the crowds large and enthusiastic, and the contests were won by our own boys. The contest left Monroeville in a very awkward position, that of one who tries to shake his own hand by way of congratulation.

Friday, the ballgame between Camden and Pine Apple was won by Pine Apple, the score being 10 to 9.

In the ball games Saturday, the home team won over Camden with a score of 23 to 0, and then defeated Pine Apple with a score of 8 to 1. The visitors accepted defeat gracefully and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their visit.

Death of an Infant: The spirit of little Mary Marshall, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. English Jr. of Perdue Hill, Ala., passed to the Great Beyond Tuesday afternoon, March 31. For 10 short days, she brightened the home of her fond parents and then her little soul was borne to the eternal home of rest and peace to blossom with the angels. Though her going left a vacant place, God knows best and called her home.

Miss Belle Rankin is at home for vacation, having closed her school at Deer Range.

Mr. Jack Lyon died at his home at Beatrice on Sat., April 4, aged 57 years. Mr. Lyon suffered a stroke of paralysis some seven years ago and had been an invalid ever since. On Saturday, he suffered a second stroke and survived only a short time.

MINEOLA MUSINGS: Considerable building is going on in our vicinity. Messrs. H.M. Gowdin and C.E. Anderson are completing a dwelling for Mr. G.D. McKenzie near McGill and have also accepted a contract for building a turpentine distillery and building a bridge across Little Beaver Dam for Mr. Wm. Farrell.

The Mineola public school will close next Friday.

APRIL 16, 1914

FORM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: Organized and Named in Honor of William Bartram, Naturalist:

Montgomery – Organization of the Bartram Natural History Society of Alabama has been perfected with P.A. Brannon, of the department of archives and history, as president, according to an announcement made by Dr. Thomas M. Owen, director of the departments of archives and history.

Among the charter members are some of Alabama’s leading citizens. P.A. Brannon will serve as president during 1914; Dr. W.E. Hinds of Auburn, first vice-president; Truman H. Aldrich of Birmingham, second vice-president; C.H. Billingsley, Tallassee, third vice-president; John Davies, Montgomery, secretary; H.B. Tressler, Montgomery, treasurer; and Dr. Thomas M. Owen, W.S. Keller, J.H. Wallace Jr. and A.W. LeBron, members of the executive council.

The objects of the society are the encouragement and promotion of interest in the study of natural history to bring together students for conference and discussion, to make collections of specimens and to publish results of research. The society will not trespass upon the work of any other organization, but will in its own way undertake to join them in arousing greater interest in the field of natural history in Alabama.

The annual meeting will be held in December each year. Monthly meetings will be held, and out and collection trips from time to time will be made.

The society has been named in honor of William Bartram, a distinguished naturalist, born in 1739, and who died in 1823. The particular reason for honoring Bartram lies in the fact that soon after the war of the American Revolution he explored the territory now embraced in Alabama and published the results of his botanical and other investigations in 1791.

The working of convicts on the public roads has passed the experimental stage in Monroe and has proved an unqualified success thus far. The results accomplished during the last three months have been so satisfactory that the commissioners have determined to continue the plan indefinitely. The average number of convicts employed during the three months was 12; total number days of actual work, 905; total number of miles of road improved, 19; total cost, $1,329.17; including salary of supervisor and guard; average cost of improvement per mile, $69.96. The road crew is equipped with four mules, one wagon, grader scrapes and plows, costing together $960.00. If the cost of this outfit be added, the average will be only a little over $120 per mile. The teams and road implements, however are still on hand and can be utilized for many months to come.

The Journal considers the above and excellent showing and the commissioners are to be congratulated upon the economical manner in which the convicts are being handled. While the character of the work done on the roads might not be approved in all respects by a skilled engineer, the improvement over former conditions is so marked that those who have occasion to travel the highways improved are not disposed to be over critical.

The road crew is now at work on the stretch of road between Monroeville and Peterman.

Rev. Theo. Harris filled his regular appointment hear (Jeddo) on the first Sunday, preaching interesting sermons to large and attentive congregations. Important engagements at Mt. Pleasant on Saturday prevented him from giving us the Saturday night service.

We had a heavy rainfall Saturday night. Recent rains have been very beneficial to oat crops which are fine in this section. Mr. W.H. Pearce has the finest oats we have seen anywhere.

Dr. D.D. Cole of Eliska was called here last Friday to attend Mr. W. Kyle who we are sorry to say, is still on the sick list.

Misses Minnie and Carlie Pearce, who have been teaching at Robinsonville, returned home on Thursday of last week.

Mr. J.P. Lambert, who has had employment in Mobile for the past two years, is here visiting homefolks.

Mr. Jacob Lowrey was over from Burnt Corn Monday, driving a Metz 22 car.

L.J. Bugg, Esq., was a business visitor to the capital city the first of the current week.

Solicitor John McDuffie is at home after having completed his spring rounds in circuit court.

Mr. Horace Hood Jr. of The Montgomery Journal is spending a few days among Monroeville friends.

Mr. J.L. McKinley, carrier on Rural Route No. 1 out of Monroeville, has discarded his horse and wagon and now makes his daily rounds in a Metz 22 car.

Rev. C.W. Henson has sold his horse and buggy and invested in a handsome auto in which he is enabled to make his country appointments with greater ease and promptness.

Dr. J.M. Shelburne, president of Howard College, delivered an able discourse at the Baptist Church Sunday evening. Dr. Shelburne assisted at the dedication of the new Baptist Church at Tunnel Springs at the morning hour.

The Monroeville Troupe will play ‘Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch’ at Tunnel Springs Friday night, April 17.

A musical recital will be given at the town hall at Jones Mill on Friday night, April 24, by pupils of Miss Sallie Dennis’ music class. The program indicates some splendid selections and the Maxwell Medal will be awarded.

Local Farm Demonstration Agent H.J. Coxwell, accompanied by his sometimes honorary assistant, Mr. Geo. W. Salter Sr., made an inspection tour in the neighborhood of Franklin last week and reports farm work progressing nicely in that section.

HIGH SCHOOL NOTES: The ball team played its second game with Vredenburgh last Saturday. The boys say that Vredenburgh played good ball, but were defeated with a score of 12 to 3.

There will be a ball game on the high school diamond next Saturday. We are preparing to give the team from Belleville a ‘warm reception.’

The official canvas of the vote in the recent primary election was made by the Democratic Executive Committee last Friday. The canvas disclosed the fact that Mr. James K. Kyser had been nominated without opposition for Representative in the Legislature; Mr. Marcus R. Sowell won the nomination for County Solicitor by a margin of 25 votes over Mr. Leonard S. Biggs; Messrs. Luke M. Sawyer and G.A. Fountain will be in the run-off primary on May 11 for sheriff.

DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The following were elected members of the Democratic County Executive Committee in the primaries on April 6:

Beat 1 – E.E. Cole, Eliska

Beat 2 – J.F. Gaillard, Perdue Hill

Beat 3 – L.J. Bugg, Monroeville

Beat 4 – J.K. Kyser, Burnt Corn

Beat 5 – W.J. Nettles, Tunnel Springs

Beat 6 – D.M. McNeil, Axle

Beat 7 – A.J. Johnson, Franklin

Beat 8 – S.J. Grace, Tinela

Beat 9 – H.L. Burgess, Vredenburgh

Beat 10 – T.T. Ivey, Beatrice

Beat 11 – J.C. Collins, Pine Apple, R. 1

Beat 12 – M.E. Brantley, McWilliams

Beat 13 – N.A. McNeil, Local R. 1

Beat 14 – J.L. Bowden, Roy

APRIL 23, 1914

L.J. Bugg, Esq., made a business trip to Hadley Monday.

Mrs. A.C. Lee and little daughter are visiting relatives at Finchburg.

Rev. C.W. Henson is attending the State Sunday School Convention in Mobile.

Mr. and Mrs. Q. Salter left Monday for Mobile to attend the State Sunday School Convention.

Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Locklin of Perdue Hill were guests of Judge and Mrs. Slaughter Thursday.

Judge W.G. McCorvey, Sheriff Stallworth and Messrs. F.W. Hare and M.R. Sowell were business visitors to Montgomery last week, making the round trip by auto.

The County Jury Commission held a session last week. Messrs. J.I. Bizzelle, T.E. Dennis and J.W. Morris were in attendance with W.L. Rikard as secretary.

The Jones Mill school will present the play, ‘Between the Acts,’ again on May 1, in the Hall at Jones Mill since the weather was so bad when they presented it before.

Mr. W.L. Rikard had the misfortune to have his hand badly cut by a circular saw at Rikard Brothers saw mill last Saturday. While the injury is very painful, it is not considered dangerous.

One good mule and 100 bushels good cotton seed left over. Will sell cheap. M.M. Fountain.

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Senator Oscar S. Lewis of Macon County will address the citizens of Monroe County in behalf of the candidacy of Hon. Charles Henderson at the following times and places: Beatrice, April 27, 10 a.m.; Monroeville, April 27, 3:30 p.m.; Jones Mill, April 27, 7:30; Jeddo, April 28, 10 a.m.; Mt. Pleasant, April 28, 2:30 p.m.; Excel, April 27, 7:30 p.m. He is an eloquent speaker. Everybody invited.

STRAYED OR STOLEN: From my place at Jones Mill, Ala., one butt-head heifer, three years old, dark brown on back; white stripes on side, crop on right ear and split in left ear. Will pay any person for information or return of the cow. W.H. Byrd, Jones Mill, Ala., April 20, 1914.

Death of Miss Mary Massey: Died at the home of her parents at Tilden, Ala. April 18, 1914, Mary, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Massey. Funeral services were conducted at Williams Chapel by Rev. O.V. Calhoun and the body tenderly laid to sleep beneath a mound of flowers.

Last Sunday the Oak Grove singing class went to Local. The G.F.&A. ran a special train an hour late for the purpose of giving the people away from the railroad an opportunity to make the trip. If the weather had not been so threatening, would have had to run an extra train. As it was, the train was well loaded. The good people of Local met the train with teams and rigs to carry people to the church. Upon the arrival at the church, a short song service was held during which time Mr. Grady Daily, our talented organist managed to vamoose, until called upon to play for the preaching service which was conducted by Rev. J.W. Jones of Castleberry. Another song service was held and the crowd was dismissed to catch the train for home. Miss Lora Fountain had the misfortune to wrench her ankle in getting off the train which we regret very much and we wish her a speedy recovery.

APRIL 30, 1914

NEW BOOK BY DR. RILEY – ‘The Makers and Romance of Alabama History’ – The Journal has received the prospectus of a new book written by Dr. B.F. Riley, the well known Baptist minister and former president of Howard College. For several years, Dr. Riley has been engaged in writing interesting sketches for Birmingham Sunday papers, and these and other amplified data are now being published in book form under the title ‘Makers and Romance of Alabama History.’ The collection will embrace entertaining sketches of notable characters and incidents connected with the pioneer history of Monroe County and will therefore be of peculiar interest to readers in this section.

Dr. Riley’s book has been carefully prepared and its dates and facts painstakingly reviewed and verified. The list includes governors, judges, lawyers, statesmen, soldiers, ministers and other men of eminence, the author dealing with romantic and tragic events as well as with progress and development. The book will prove a valuable contribution of Southern literature. The book will be sold at $2.50 postage paid. Edition is limited and orders should be sent without delay to Dr. B.F. Riley, 2033 Thirteenth Ave. South, Birmingham, Ala.”

Hon. Walker Lewis of Tuskegee delivered addresses at Monroeville and Jones Mills Monday afternoon and night and at other points in South Monroe Tuesday in the interest of the candidacy of Hon. Charles Henderson for governor.

Rev. D.F. Ellisor is confined to his room with an attack of parotitis.

Mr. J.K. Kyser and Dr. H.C. Fountain of Burnt Corn were among Monroeville friends the first of the week.

Mr. J.B. Harper of Beatrice was in attendance upon the meeting of the Board of Education Monday and Tuesday.

Mr. A.T. Ellis of McGill was here the first of the week attending the meeting of the County Board of Education of which he is a member. Mr. Ellis reports farming operations in his section well advanced.

There will be an ice cream supper and dance for the benefit of Perdue Hill school Friday night, May 8, 1914, at the Masonic Hall, Perdue Hill, Ala.

Mr. J.A. Lazenby spent Sunday with Mrs. Lazenby, who is under treatment at an infirmary in Selma.

Solicitor John McDuffie’s expense account filed with the state authorities shows an investment of two cents for postage stamp in addition to the assessment of $100 levied by the state executive committee in his campaign for renomination. Mr. McDuffie was unopposed.

Messrs. Peter Vredenburgh Sr., John Vredenburgh and Peter Vredenburgh Jr. were business visitors to Monroeville Wednesday. The two gentlemen first named reside in the north while the last named has charge of the extensive lumber plant at Vredenburgh, this county.

The County Board of Education held sessions in Monroeville on Monday and Tuesday for the transaction of business pertaining to the common schools. It is learned from Superintendent Barnes that about 140 pupils took the uniform seventh grade examinations, and of this number a large percent will doubtless be promoted to the high school grades.

NOTICE: We, the undersigned, will pay for the arrest and conviction of any one trespassing, hunting or fishing on our lands. W.S. MOORE, K.E. ROTHSCHILD.

The United States Civil Service Commission announces an open, competitive examination in Monroeville on May 9, as a result of which it is expected to make certification for the appointment of a rural carrier on a route recently established emanating from Eliska, this county. The compensation of the carrier to be appointed is based upon the length of the route. Salaries range from $484 to $1,100 per year.

Age limit, 18 to 55 years. An applicant must have his actual domicile in the territory supplied by a post office.

Mrs. M.J. Carter, wife of Mr. J.P. Carter, died at her home near Manistee April 23 after an illness of about two months.