110-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from August 1905

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of Editor and Proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 110 years ago during the month of August 1905. Those issues, which were dated Aug. 3, Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those four editions. Enjoy.

AUG. 3, 1905

PINEVILLE: The annual reunion, which Capt. Riley has at his home, of the remaining ex-Confederate veterans who were in his company, came off Saturday. Twelve veterans were present and a few other invited guests.

Dr. Calvin Nettles of Mobile was one of the 12 veterans at the reunion Saturday.

BUENA VISTA: There was a great devastation here by the windstorm on the 31st of July. We hear that a gin house belonging to the Liddell brothers was blown down. A wagon and buggy were torn to pieces. About four or five miles from Buena Vista, many trees were blown down.

Dr. Benjamin F. Riley spent a few hours with Monroeville friends Friday on his return to Houston, Texas.

Dr. Russell A. Smith has been appointed Tax Commissioner for Monroe County to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Yarbrough.

MANISTEE: Our town is still on the boom, new houses going up and old ones under repair.

Mr. David Jaye has just completed the painting of Dr. G.H. Harper’s new office. He will soon begin on some of the company’s houses.

Mr. A.C. Lee of this place visited the county capital last week.

The protracted meeting at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church near this place will commence on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in August. Each male member is especially requested to meet on that day if possible. There will be a cleaning up of the graveyard and around the church on Thursday the 24th of August. Everybody is requested to turn out and lend a helping hand.

Cases Tried in Court: The following cases have been disposed of in Circuit Court since the report printed last week:

The State vs. Wes Raines, charged with murder, sentenced to five years in penitentiary.

State vs. Sam Mixon, arson, 10 years in the penitentiary.

State vs. Ben George, murder, five years in penitentiary.

State vs. W.B. Kemp, murder, jury and verdict of not guilty.

State vs. Nick Stallworth, disturbing religious worship, fined $25.

State vs. George Rigby, murder, 30 years in penitentiary.

State vs. Garland Randalson, murder, one year at hard labor, $500 fine.

Brooks King, murder, 35 years in penitentiary.

Sam Smith and Ben Smith, murder, verdict of not guilty.

Edmund English, murder, verdict of not guilty.

McWILLIAMS: Rev. Mr. Huckabee is holding an interesting meeting here assisted by Rev. S.P. Lindsey. We hope that this meeting will be a benefit to this town and community.

Dr. H.T. Mason, formerly of Tinela, this county, now leading druggist of Brewton, was here the first of the week on business.

Rev. W.H. McIntosh occupied the pulpit at the Presbyterian church Sunday morning and evening.

JEDDO: Miss Isabelle Hightower will leave tomorrow for Little River, where she has accepted a position as teacher.

AUG. 10, 1905

PINEVILLE: There was a wreck on the railroad between Pine Apple and Beatrice. Several persons were injured, they were taking a negro man that was injured to Pensacola for treatment, and he died on the way.

SCOTLAND: Rev. W.H. McIntosh filled his appointment Sunday morning and eve. We all like him very much. He will be with us the remainder of the summer.

BURNT CORN: Mr. Hoke, who has been putting up a ginnery for Kyser Betts Mercantile Co., has returned to his home in Birmingham.

Address by Mrs. Craighead: The Journal is requested to announce that Mrs. Craighead of Mobile will address the people of Monroeville in the circuit court room at eight o’clock on Monday evening, Aug. 14, on the subject of “School Improvement Associations.”

Mrs. Craighead is the wife of Hon. Erwin Craighead, editor of The Mobile Daily Register, and has been for a number of years prominently identified with reform movements in this state, giving liberally of her time, energy and talent to the furtherance of the worth causes she has espoused.

The following cases were disposed of in the Circuit Court since our last issue: Andrew Rogers, murder in the first degree, sentenced to life imprisonment; Ira Anderson, murder, life sentence; Jim McNiel and – Fails, murder, not guilty; D.L. Neville, murder, nol pros by State; Ira Anderson, assault to murder, nol pros by State; Jim Fryer, murder in second degree, 15 years in penitentiary.

A Freight Wreck: A wreck of a freight train on the Pensacola division of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad occurred between Nadawah and Beatrice last Saturday morning. The wreck occurred on a creek bridge and seven cars were ditched. The passenger train was delayed at that place all day and returned that night with most of the passengers who left Selma on the train that morning.

In the wreck, a negro flagman was caught beneath one of the falling cars and was seriously hurt about the head, he afterwards died.

The freight was bound for Pensacola, when, just three miles from Nadawah, and close to the trestle some obstruction was struck and the rails began to spread and were torn up. The train still went on and seven cars were on the trestle when it gave in. No one was hurt but the negro flagman, Ely Mathews, who was caught by a falling car. Wrecking trains from both Pensacola and Selma were sent to the scene of the accident.

Reunion of Co. A, 5th Alabama: A memorable reunion of surviving members of Co. A, Fifth Alabama Regiment, was held at the home of Captain Thomas M. Riley, at Riley, this county, on Sat., July 29, being the second reunion of survivors of this company. Only 12 members of this once large company were present on this occasion, viz: John Burns, second lieutenant, age 71; S.H. Dailey, sergeant, age 70; C.C. Nettles, age 67; G.C. Nettles, age 65; J.F. Watson, age 65; J.A. McCants, age 63; W.R. McCants, age 65; W.G. Riley, age 65; Doc Wiggins, age 60; and H.E. Courtney, age 63.

AUG. 17, 1905

Educational Board Meets: The County Board of Education held a special meeting in Monroeville on Monday, Superintendent J.D. Forte, Secretary J.A. Barnes, E.J. Hardy and T.B. Nettles being in attendance.

On Sunday evening near Local, while attempting to arrest on Jas. Reese, who was escaping from Williams, McLauchlin Co. turpentine camps, in debt to said firm, Mr. G.K. Fountain was fired upon by one Columbus Donnelly with a .44-caliber, double action, 6-1/2 inch barrel pistol.

Columbus Donnelly was not interested, nor was he disturbed by Mr. Fountain. The later seeing the only chance of his life was to shoot Donnelly, threw his gun on him and fired twice, one load taking effect in the man’s neck and throat, causing a very serious wound. The man’s aim was so well taken that the powder burned Mr. Fountain’s face; the ball narrowly escaping the left eye. Donnelly died Tuesday from the wound.

The preliminary trial of Mr. Fountain was held Monday by Messrs. B.L. Hixon and W.Y. Gordon. Evidence showed clearly that the shooting by Mr. Fountain was done in self defense and he was promptly discharged. – Atmore Spectrum.

Commissioners Court was in session several days this week, with the full board in attendance. In addition to routine of business several petitions for the establishment of public roads were up for consideration. A number of citizens from the neighborhoods concerned were on hand, some to urge and some to oppose the granting of roads.

Mr. D.C. Mims passed through town last week on his return from Gastonburg, where he attended the annual session of the Wilcox County Masonic Conference. He reports the conference largely attended and very enjoyable.

C.J. Torrey, Esq. of Mobile was shaking hands with Monroeville friends this week. Mr. Torrey and family are spending the heated term at their summer home at Claiborne.

Drs. T.M. McMillan and R.A. Smith have purchased the stock of the Peoples Drug Co. The new company will be known as the Ala-Mo Drug Co.

C.L. Hybart, Esq. will shortly begin the erection of a new dwelling in the eastern part of town.

Mr. J.W. Urquhart is building in the southern part of town.

The new dwelling of tax assessor J.D. Rawls is well underway.

JEDDO: Rev. E.C. Clayton filled his regular appointment at Poplar Springs church on last Saturday and Sunday. The call of a pastor for the ensuring year was postponed until the first Sunday in September. We earnestly hope that Mr. Clayton will preach for us another year.

I think some of the young men tries our good pastor’s patience sometimes by remaining outside of the church around the steps during services and their voices in conversation can by heard by the congregation in doors. Come in boys and stay until services are over, and you will be more respected for respecting the good pastor.

AUG. 24, 1905

Mr. G.W. Broughton tendered his resignation as county surveyor at the late term of the commissioners court, and Rev. B.J. Skinner was elected to fill the vacancy.

The enterprising Kyser-Betts mercantile company has just put in a brand new Munger system steam ginnery at Burnt Corn with all the latest improvements and accessories. The plant has a capacity of turning out about 20 finished bales per day, and will prove a great convenience to the community. The plant was put in operation on Saturday last.

Masonic Conference: The Monroe County Masonic Conference will convene with the Monroeville Lodge Thurs., Aug. 31, to Sept. 2. This date was definitely fixed by the local lodge at its last meeting and a formal invitation extended to the various lodges in the county to participate.

DEATH OF CAPT. LOCKLIN: Prominent Citizen of Monroe and Former Alabama Steamboatmen: Captain Charles W. Locklin died at his home at Perdue Hill on Saturday morning, Aug. 19, aged 78 years. The interment took place at McConnico cemetery with Masonic honors.

Capt. Locklin was one of the few survivors of Alabama river steamboat officers of what was known as the “flush times” before the war, serving as clerk and captain on several steamboats between 1845 and 1868. Possessing great natural wit, culture and geniality, he was among the most popular men on the river. He was reared at Claiborne, and after his retirement from steamboating, engaged in mercantile and planting pursuits at Perdue Hill in which he acquired a comfortable fortune.

BLOODY TRAGEDY: Desperate Negro Kills Two White Men and is Killed: One of the bloodiest tragedies in recent years occurred near Tunnel Springs, this county, on Tuesday morning, resulting in the death of two white men and a negro.

The circumstances appear to be substantially as follows:  Some months ago Mr. Groffery Talley, who operated a saw mill at Tunnel Springs, assumed a debt for Oliver Lett, a negro, under agreement that Lett should work out the amount. After working sometime Lett quit, claiming that he had paid off the debt. This Mr. Talley disputed, and on Tuesday morning sent his foreman, Mr. Harry Helton, with Mr. John Helton to see Lett and demand that he return to work or pay the balance of money due. The Heltons went to Lett’s house at an early hour and stated their errand. Lett agreed to go with them as soon as he put on his shoes, at the same time inviting them into the house. As Mr. John Helton entered the door, Lett fired a load of buckshot into his breast, killing him instantly, and discharged a second charge at Mr. Harry Helton, wounding him slightly in the face and head. Mr. Helton gave the alarm and quite a posse of white men were soon at the scene. Lett had in the meantime taken refuge in the house of a relative some distance away. When the posse came up, with Mr. Talley in the lead, Lett fired on him, inflicting a mortal wound. After a siege of several hours, Lett was finally overcome.

Sheriff Fountain hastened to the scene as soon as he learned of the occurrence, but when he arrived on the ground found Lett dead and his body literally riddled with bullets.

Mr. Talley lingered in great agony several hours, death terminating his sufferings on Wednesday morning.

AUG. 31, 1905

Mr. H.E. Hudson is preparing to erect an up-to-date ginnery in Monroeville. The plant will be located on the vacant lot just north of the school grounds, and will be equipped with a large gasoline engine and other improved appliances.

Southwest Alabama Agricultural School, Evergreen, Ala.: The thirteenth annual session of the Alabama school will open on Monday, Sept. 4, with a full corps of experienced teachers.

A full classical, literary, scientific and musical course is offered. Tuition is free. Good board in private families at $10 per month.

For catalogue or further information, address the president J.A. Liner.

PINEVILLE: Prof. Douglas Allen of Jackson, Ala. lectured at Beatrice on the evening of the 24th. His subject was industrial education.

MINEOLA: The meeting at the Mineola Methodist church conducted by the pastor Rev. F. Lowery and Rev. Chas. Trotter of Bay Minette began last Monday night and was brought to a close on the following Friday.

BUENA VISTA: Mrs. B. Finklea and her sister, Miss Hestle, attended the Pine Barren Association which convened this year at Rockwest, Wilcox County.

BURNT CORN: Rev. W.S. Wade preached an able and instructive sermon at the Methodist church last Sunday.

Mr. S.J. Duke, who has been working for the Pensacola Gas Co., is spending a few days with the “old folks at home.”

Several of our young people went on a fishing excursion at Wells’ mill last Wednesday. They report a fine time fishing for love.

POPLAR SPRINGS: Mr. J.F. Lambert has just finished his dwelling house.

Mr. Riley Kelly was up from Excel Monday.

Cashier H.C. Dubose returned Saturday from a business trip to New Orleans and other eastern cities.

Mr. W.W. Fox of Buena Vista passed through the city last week looking for a run-away employee.

Lt. Charles L. Scott and sister, Miss Freda, of Mt. Pleasant and Miss Cornelia Morrisette are guests of the family of Judge I.B. Slaughter.

Miss Janie Simmons has closed her music school at Jones Mill, and will leave in a few days for Atlanta, where she will spend a few weeks in an art studio. Miss Simmons will again have charge of the art department of the high school department at Lineville, Ala.

Mr. Knight of Birmingham, sole manager of the White-Blakeslee Manufacturing Co., passed through Monroeville the first of the week on his way to Snyder, where he is installing a 25-horse power gasoline engine for C.L. Hybart, Esq., which will be used for his ginnery at that place.