100-year-old news highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Jan. 3, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

There were 7,544 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1917 prior to Dec. 13, 1917 as compared with 4,104 bales ginned to Dec. 13, 1916. – C.S. Dale, Special Agent.

The warrants for our old Confederate veterans and their widows have been received at the Probate Judge’s office and have been mailed to the worthy beneficiaries.

The annual Christmas ball, given by the young men complimentary to the many visiting and home young ladies, at the Masonic Hall ball room last Friday night was an enjoyable affair. A Selma string band discoursed sweet music to the large number who attended.

A. Jack Campbell of Mt. Hope beat, an old citizen, a good and faithful man and Democrat, died last week aged about 75 years. Many friends who admired and esteemed him for his worth regret his death, and to the bereaved in their sorrow our sympathies are extended.

Death of Dr. W.E. Eatman: Dr. W.E. Eatman, a resident of Camden, died in a Selma infirmary, aged about 40 years. The deceased came to Camden some seven or eight years ago from Uniontown, Ala. and while here practiced his profession as a blacksmith, and later as a veterinary surgeon. He gave close attention to his business and made of that a success. He was quiet in his manner, and his death is regretted by his friends and acquaintances. He was a member of Dale Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons.

The interment was in the Camden cemetery.

Bitten by a Mad Dog: One of Mr. Harry Matthews’ children was bitten by a dog last Tuesday. Afterwards the dog acted so strangely Mr. Matthews became uneasy and took the head of the dog to Montgomery for examination in case of hydrophobia.

Rev. H.T. Strout will preach at the Camden Methodist church the first and third Sunday mornings and every Sunday evening. Formerly his appointment was only two Sundays in each month, but he will give two extra sermons a month.

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Columbus J. Curtis wish to extend to them their deepest sympathy in the death of their beautiful baby, Charles Watson, which occurred Dec. 21.

S.M. Cobb has been appointed by the United States government as licensing officer for Wilcox County to enforce the Federal laws relative to the sales and transportation of explosives.

Mr. Francis B. Lloyd, formerly of Pineapple, has been transferred from the Dixie Division to the Third officers Training Camp at Leon Springs, Texas.

Lt. Emmet Kilpatrick spent a few days with his sisters Misses Lida May and Ella Kilpatrick last week. Emmet is making an efficient officer.

Hon. Stonewall McConnico of Oak Hill was a business visitor to Camden Friday last.

ACKERVILLE: Everyone is glad to know that Mrs. W.F. Hasselvander has heard from her solider son, Paul, who has reached the port of disembarkation safely.