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

Judge B.M. Miller

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Feb. 21, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Lt. J. Paul Jones cables his parents that he arrived safely in England and is now at the Officers School of Instruction, Blackpool, England. His many friends are glad to know of his safe arrival “over there.”

Mrs. D.E. Dunn has received a letter from her son, our former fellow-townsman, W.E. Dunn. He is “somewhere in France” and writes that he is well. Mr. Dunn is a member of Co. K, 167^th U.S. Infantry, of the Rainbow Division.

Bosin Linam, the former old Camden negro, and who moved to Mobile with Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Benson Jr. some years ago, died in Mobile last week. Bosin regularly attended the Confederate veterans reunions.

There were 7,594 bales of cotton counting round as half bales ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1917 prior to Jan. 16, 1918 as compared with 4,114 ginned prior to Jan. 16, 1917. – C.S. Dale, Agent.

DEATH OF MR. P.C. JENKINS: Mr. P.C. Jenkins died on Friday last after an extended illness of several months. He was born and reared in Wilcox and had been a prominent figure in public matters for years. He was a man of unusual native ability, genial in disposition, generous hearted and ever loyal to his friends. His sincerity and candor in all public questions increased the admiration of his friend and held the respect of his opponents. He held the office of sheriff one term and his record was one of strict law enforcement.

He was married to Miss Olive Young, who with four children, survived to mourn his loss. The Progressive Era extends its sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Liddell left Thursday morning for San Antonio, Texas, on receipt of a telegram stating that there son, Will, who is attending the officers training camp at Ft. Sam Houston, was very ill of pneumonia. Later reports state his condition is improved. His many Camden friends are grieved to know of his illness, and the Progressive Era hopes this worthy young man a speedy recovery.

Mr. D.J. Wilkinson of Gastonburg has been selected Road Supervisor to fill the vacancy caused by resignation of Mr. Smith. Mr. Wilkinson enters on his duties, purposing to enforce the road law relative to the repair and upkeep of roads. We bespeak for him the cooperation of all citizens, as this is a material of vital importance to our prosperity.

Mr. Tom Melton of Pineapple was elected Friday to membership on the Board of Equalization to succeed Mr. Percy Wallace, who resigned. Mr. Melton is one of our progressive citizens of Pineapple and is in every way qualified to fill the position.

Judge B.M. Miller is confined to his bed with pneumonia. His many friends throughout the State will regret to learn of his illness and his speedy recovery is hoped for.

Profs. C.H. Newsome of Pineapple and J.B. Sellers of McWilliams were examined by the Examining Board Saturday. Prof. Newsome was granted exemption while Prof. Sellers was accepted.

Mrs. W.P. Roberts, accompanied her husband, Dr. W.P. Roberts, to Camden Thursday where he attended the meeting of the Board of Education.