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

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Oct. 17, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

Ginning in Wilcox County: There were 7,378 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1918 prior to Sept. 25, 1918, as compared with 3,256 bales ginned to Sept. 25, 1917. – C.S. Dale, Special Agent.

Representatives from Taylor Field, Montgomery, are in Camden, arranging for a landing place for airships, which will soon make their appearance here.

Mrs. Dannie M. Aldridge, after a long illness, passed away Thursday night at the residence of her son-in-law, Dr. William Ezell, 2 Montery St. She had resided in Mobile for the past 10 years and was born at Lower Peach Tree, Ala., March 16, 1858. She was a daughter of the late K.A. Mayer of Mobile. Mrs. Aldridge was a member of the Government Street Methodist Church. The body will be sent to Lower Peach Tree for interment.

Prof. Bryant of Pineapple is at home, having dismissed school on account of prevalence of influenza.

Mrs. Tom Pruitt of Pine Hill died during the past week with influenza. The family have the sympathy of many friends throughout the county in their bereavement.

DEATH OF DR. J.C. GODBOLD: On Oct. 3, Dr. John C. Godbold died at his home at Blacks Bend, aged 70 years. The deceased was born at the ancestral home March 1, 1848 and has always resided there. He grew up as a farmer and later became a physician. In 1880, he was happily married to Miss Sallie West of Camden, who died some years ago.

Dr. Godbold was a good husband and father, a true Democrat and physician and citizen. He was a member of the Methodist church. In addition to caring for his own family, he raised seven orphan children. His interment was in Blacks Bend cemetery; the funeral rites were performed by Rev. Grant of Bells Landing. Neighbors and friends gathered to perform the last tokens of esteem to the deceased and many beautiful floral gifts were tokens of respect for Dr. Godbold.

Sheriff McDowell was called to Jacksonville, Fla. the past week on account of the serious illness of his brother, E.L. McDowell.

Mr. Claud Dale of Caledonia has been critically ill with pneumonia but is reported somewhat improved now.

In view of the present influenza conditions and on the advice and request of the public health authorities, the date for holding the annual meetings of Red Cross Chapters in the Gulf Division has been postponed until the 4^th Wednesday in November. If further postponement should be necessary, due notice will be given.

Mr. J.K. Cammack of Columbia, Texas was in Camden recently. He lived in Wilcox until about a year ago when he moved to Texas. He says the crops around his vicinity are good but farther north they were complete failures.

Mrs. E. Bonner was called to Montevallo the past week by the illness of her daughter, Elise, who has the influenza. She is reported getting along nicely.

NOTICE: All previous permits for hunting privileges on my land are withdrawn. – Mrs. S.J. Erwin.