The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the
direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 120 years
ago during the month of January 1896. Those issues, which were dated Jan. 2,
Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, 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.
JAN. 2, 1896
With this issue, The Journal enters upon the 29th
year of its existence. The proprietor is profoundly grateful to the public for
past liberal support and encouragement and hopes to merit a continuation of the
same.
A light fall of snow was witnessed here on Monday.
After a week’s vacation, the educational mill at the
Monroeville Academy resumed operations on Monday with an increased enrollment.
Jeff and Fate Salter, two young white men wanted in Conecuh County
for various offenses, and under indictment for the murder and robbery of Silas
Hobley, the negro mail carrier, near Belleville some months ago, have been
captured in Cameron, Texas.
A little son of Uria Crawford, living near Burnt Corn,
recently killed eight quail on the wing, at a single shot.
Mr. D.W. Powell, the genial P.M. and merchant at Excel, gave
us a pleasant call on Monday. Mr. Powell reports a quiet but pleasant Christmas
in the Fork.
Rev. J.W. Killough, the new pastor of the Monroeville
circuit M.E. church, arrived with his interesting family on last Tuesday, and
is domiciled at the parsonage. A cordial welcome is extended by the people of
the entire community.
Mr. Julius Wiggins, who has resided in Texas for several
years past, has returned with his family and will reside with Mrs. Wiggins’
father, Capt. C.R. Broughton, caring for the old gentleman in his declining
years.
JAN. 9, 1896
MANISTEE: The fifth Sunday meeting was held at Pleasant Hill
Baptist church on Saturday and Sunday, the 28th and 29th
ult. Rev. Mr. Riffe preached two excellent sermons.
Miss Lula Wills, one of Pine Hill’s beautiful and accomplished
young ladies, resumed her school a few days ago. Miss Wills is an excellent
teacher and has a flourishing little school at Manistee.
The Bear Creek Mill Co. is running the mill regularly now.
The railroad is also progressing finely. Hon. W.H. Louisell, the general
manager, is a most capable business man.
Fanny Brown, a colored woman near town, was burned to death
on Monday morning. She was standing near the fire when her clothing caught fire
and were literally burned off before assistance rescued her. The poor woman
found relief from her sufferings only in death which ensued after a few hours.
Dr. Yarbrough has disposed of his entire stock of goods and
retired from the mercantile business.
Postmaster Ricou has obtained permission from the Department
and will remove the post office to the Yarbrough store building on southside.
Prof. Ivey of Perdue Hill High School was in town Saturday.
His school continues to prosper.
JAN. 16, 1896
Mr. A.C. Lambert of Manistee was in the city Wednesday and
expanded our contracted purse to the extent of a year’s subscription.
Postmaster Ricou is now comfortably located in the Yarbrough
building on Southside. The patrons of the post office are generally pleased
with the change of location.
The Pine Apple Division of the Louisville & Nashville road
terminates within three miles of the town of Pine Apple, and it is said that
the people of Pine Apple have inaugurated a movement to build a road from the
town to the present terminus of the road. The proposition is that the people
will build the road and own it, but will turn it over to the Louisville &
Nashville to operate it, that company furnishing the necessary rolling stock,
and to have the use of the road bed for a period of years without rent. It is
said this proposition will be submitted to the Louisville & Nashville
officials at an early date, and that, if it is accepted, the work of building
the road will be commenced at once.
Death of L.R. Wiggins: At the home of his son, Dr. J.M.
Wiggins, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 15, 1896, Mr. Luther R. Wiggins calmly
breathed his last, surrounded by his devoted family.
Mr. Luther Wiggins was one of Monroe’s oldest and most
useful citizens and his demise will be universally mourned. For many years he
was engaged in the mercantile business at this place; subsequently he was
elected to the office of Tax Collector and served in that capacity for a number
of years.
JAN. 23, 1896
The Evergreen Record says there is a movement on foot to
construct a telephone line from Evergreen to Perdue Hill, via Belleville and
Monroeville.
A note from Mr. W.J. Newberry informs us that his mill at
Mexia, which has been shut down for some weeks, undergoing repairs, will be in
operation in a few days. The public will take notice and be governed
accordingly.
Wild Fork: We have three interesting schools now in
progress, good churches and plenty of farming land and good farmers in charge
of it.
Prof. Nash will close his school at Excel in two weeks. We
regret to see him leave our community; he has made many friends while
faithfully discharging his duty as teacher.
The weather has been very unfavorable for outdoor work during
the past 10 days.
Capt. W.B. Kemp, State Senator from the 21st
District, was in Monroeville Monday. Capt. Kemp reports everything quiet in
political circles in his neighborhood.
The approaching February term of the Commissioners Court
promises more than usual interest. The settlement of the stock law question in
Precincts 3 and 5, to which considerable opposition has developed in the
former, will be the principal subject of consideration.
JAN. 30, 1896
MANISTEE: Mr. Willie Louiselle has returned to his home in Michigan
from a visit to his son, Hon. W.H. Louiselle of Manistee. The old gentleman has
fallen very much in love with south Alabama.
The enterprising citizens of Monroeville should follow the
example of the Pine Apple neighbors and agitate the subject of extending the
P&S railroad from Repton to Monroeville. The road could be built at a low
cost and besides being an indispensable convenience, would pay handsomely.
Mr. A.E. Peterman, for several years past the clever and accommodating
L&N Agent at Repton, has been transferred to Scranton, Miss., and is succeeded
by Mr. W.S. Teas.
A tract of land situated near Flat Creek was knocked off at
mortgage sale on Monday for 25 cents per acre.
Postmaster Ricou and family are occupying the dwelling
lately vacated by Mr. J.T. Salter.
Capt. Thos. A. Nettles of Longstreet, Kempville, was in town
this week and gave us a pleasant call.
Mr. W.W. Tucker, a charming young gentleman of Perdue Hill,
was in town a few days ago. This being Leap Year, we entertain some hopes for
our friend Tucker.
Pineville: Mr. W.G. Andress is making a great improvement on
his mill and will be ready to accommodate the public in a short time.
Miss Cary and Viola Dunaway, two of Lamison’s charming young
ladies, have returned home from a visit to their uncle, Mr. A.C. Lambert of
Manistee.
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