110-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from Feb. 1907

Rev. Andrew P. Montague

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published four editions 110 years ago during the month of February 1907. Those issues, which were dated Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, 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.

FEB. 7, 1907

CHATOM THE WINNER: An election was held in Washington County last week for the permanent location of the county seat. Only two towns contested for the honor, St. Stephens and Chatom, and the latter won out by more than 200 majority.

Chatom is located on the line of the Tombigbee Valley railroad, about 30 miles from its junction with the Southern, and it is within a mile or two of the geographical center of the county. St. Stephens is nine miles from a railroad and not easily accessible.

Phillips Admitted to Bail: The preliminary trial of George Phillips for assault with intent to murder was concluded before Judge Slaughter last Saturday, the defendant being admitted to bail in the sum of $2,000. The bond has been executed and Phillips released.

Senator O.O. Bayles spent Sunday with his family, returning to the state capital Monday.

Mr. J.F. Hassell has sold out his livery business and removed to Merrill, Miss. Mr. C.P. Sellers has removed to the same place.

Mr. D.M. Maxwell of McWilliams has accepted a position with the Monroe County Bank. Mr. Maxwell is occupying the dwelling lately vacated by Sheriff Fountain.

BUENA VISTA: The nice new carpet, comfortable and neat, (is now) on the aisles and pulpit platform of our pretty Concord church.

FEB. 14, 1907

Mr. S.R. Kelly of Excel was at the county capital Saturday.

Dr. S.B. McMillan of Jones Mill was here the first of the week.

Tax Assessor J.D. Rawls was laid up with la grippe a few days this week.

Dr. J.W. Rutherford of Franklin was among Monroeville friends Saturday.

Mr. J.E. Fountain, proprietor of the Fountain House, was over from Peterman Tuesday.

Mr. J.L. Bowden of the Moore-Bowden Mercantile Co. of Jones Mill was in to see us Monday.

Capt. J.L. Smith, former Tax Collector, was in to see us Wednesday. Capt. Smith is regaining his normal health, we are glad to note.

The Commissioners Court is in session this week, all members of the board being in attendance. No business outside of the ordinary routine has developed so far.

Dr. T.M. McMillan is improving, we are glad to note, but is still confined to his room.

CHESTNUT: We are sorry to note that Miss Maggie P. Dailey had to be removed from our midst to the asylum at Tuscaloosa for treatment. We trust she will soon recover her health and be restored to her friends.

Miss Mary Beard, who is teaching school at his place (Chestnut), visited home folks last Saturday and Sunday in Pineapple.

FEB. 21, 1907

Miss Jennie Faulk left a few days ago for St. Louis to select a stock of Spring millinery.

The act conferring additional jurisdiction on the County Court of Monroe County has been approved by the governor.

MASS MEETING: To the people of Monroe County – Attention is hereby called to a notice in this issue of The Journal providing for the passage of a bill creating a law and equity court for the county of Monroe in lieu of the circuit and chancery courts as they now exist, and to repeal the bill creating the jury term of the county court, and all persons interested in said bill are invited to attend a meeting of the people of Monroe County to be held at the courthouse in Monroeville on Feb. 28, 1907 to discuss said bill and to take action thereon.

Mr. H.B. Mosley, the Woodsman, was over from Peterman this week. Mr. Mosley shipped a solid car of smilax on a single order a few days ago.

Rev. Mr. Gilmore of Columbus, Ga. preached at the Baptist Church Monday night. We learn that there is a probability of Mr. Gilmore being called as the regular pastor.

Oyster Supper: There will be an oyster supper at the home of Mr. W.L. Middleton on Friday night, March 1. Everybody far and near are invited and expected to be there. The proceeds will go to the benefit of the Methodist church at Hickory Grove.

PINEVILLE: They have erected the posts for a telephone line between Beatrice and Buena Vista.

FEB. 28, 1907

Mr. James Herlong of Manistee attended services in Monroeville last Sunday.

Prof. J.M. Sowell, who is teaching in Escambia County, was with home folks last Sunday.

Mr. J.M. Gunter, the Naval Stores Manufacturer of Drewry, was in to see us Monday.

Senator O.O. Bayles spent Sunday with his family, returning Monday to resume his legislative duties.

Mr. John C. Watkins, an enterprising young merchant of Burnt Corn, was in to see us Monday.

Mr. T.W. Weatherford of Mt. Pleasant was at the county capital Saturday and favored this office with a pleasant call.

Prof. Benson, Dr. Bayles and a number of other prominent Monroeville Pythians will attend the District convention of the order at Marion on Friday and Saturday.

Rev. Dr. Montague, president of Howard College, will preach at the Baptist church at 11 o’clock a.m., next Sunday. Dr. Montague’s visit is in interest of his excellent school.

The Journal Office was honored Tuesday afternoon by the visit of Mesdames J.H. and E.L. Rikard and Miss Emma Rikard, who came to see our new machine in operation.

BUENA VISTA: Dr. Leslie Robbins of Beatrice was in our burg last week, doing dental work for members of several families.