100-year-old news highlights from The Evergreen Courant newspaper

Grave of Lt. Claude Dean in Evergreen, Ala.

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in October 1918.

In the Oct. 2, 1918 edition of The Evergreen Courant, it was reported that “there were many disappointed people (in Evergreen) on Saturday and Sunday when the army airplane failed to appear. The people came expecting to see a sight they had never beheld and naturally were keenly disappointed.”

Also that week, readers learned that “James E. Raines of Skinnerton is reported in the casualty list on Monday as severely wounded in France. He is the son of J.A. Raines of Skinnerton.”

The newspaper also reported that week that “Perrin Lindsey, U.S. Navy, has been enjoying a few days visit with his parents, Rev. and Mrs. S.P. Lindsey, at Belleville. He says he has made one trip overseas convoying American soldiers.”

The newspaper also let readers know that “A.M. Stokes of Loree left with (the newspaper) Monday a sample of soap made by his wife by the old time process of dripping the lye from oak ashes. When used on soiled hands or cloth, it gets the answer.”

It was also reported that week that “R.F. Irwin received a telegram a few days ago stating that his son, Farrish Irwin, was seriously ill at Camp Sevier. The message stated that an attack of influenza had developed into pneumonia. Latest advices from the young man are of a reassuring nature and it is hoped he will soon recover.”

In the Oct. 9, 1918 edition of The Courant, it was reported that the “many friends of B.M. Johnston of Hampden Ridge, especially his old veteran comrades, will learn with very deep regret of the serious accident which he met with a few days ago. It appears that he had climbed a pear tree to get the fruit when he lost his footing and fell to the ground, sustaining several broken ribs and other injuries. It looks as if these old boys will never learn that they are not as spry as they were when they chased Yankees through the hills and valleys more than 50 years ago. Only a few weeks ago, The Courant recorded the death of one of these noble veterans, J.A.T. Baggett of Castleberry, from injuries sustained when he fell in a well, bringing a pang of regret to every person who knew him. It is to be sincerely hoped that our good friend Johnston will soon be restored to perfect health again.”

Readers that week also learned that the “state reunion of Confederate veterans in Mobile on the 23-24 should attract a very large crowd of old boys to the Gulf City. Veterans from portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida have been invited and will meet the Alabama vets.”

It was also reported that week that “Dr. Claud Dean has been spending several days with home folks before taking up his duties with the medical corps of the army. He left on Monday for New Orleans and from there will go for active service to Fort Oglethorpe. He has been commissioned a first lieutenant.”

The newspaper also reminded readers that week that “timepieces are to be turned back one hour after midnight of Oct. 27 when the period of daylight saving ends.”

In the Oct. 16, 1918 edition of the newspaper, under the headline “From the Battle Front,” it was reported that “today’s casualty list contains the name of John Lassiter of Evergreen, as ‘wounded, degree undetermined.’ He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lassiter near town.”

That week’s paper also notified readers that “all public meetings, including church services, have been banned during the prevailing epidemic by proclamation of Mayor Ivey; schools have suspended and soft drink stands are not permitted to dispense beverages to the thirsty. There is very little influenza in Evergreen and not a great many cases in the country districts, but the above action was wisely taken as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the malady.”

Readers that week also learned that the “State United Confederate Veterans Reunion will not be held this year on account of the influenza epidemic.”

It was also reported that week that “six members of the family of a man, Bradley, residing in the vicinity of W.K. Horton, have died of influenza within the past 10 days.”

Also that week, under the headline “Conecuh Boys Answer Call To The Colors,” it was reported that “these Conecuh boys yesterday answered the call to the colors, going to Tuscaloosa for training: John Dixon Aarons, Homer Black, Lee Godwin, James Lafayette Pynes and James Dwight Pickens. Manie Harper left at the same time for Atlanta for examination of admission into the Marine corps. If he passes successful examination, he will be sent to Paris Island.”

In the Oct. 23, 1918 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Four Conecuh Boys Wounded In Action,” it was reported that “yesterday’s casualty list from overseas contained the names of four young men from this county: Perry Tolbert of Old Town, ‘wounded degree undetermined,’ and Eugene Higdon of Repton; Lewis Pugh of Castleberry; and Geo. H. Salter of Evergreen, ‘slightly wounded.’”

It was also reported that week, under the headline “Death of Dr. Claud Dean,” that “relatives and friends in Evergreen were sorely shocked and deeply grieved on receiving a message on Sunday afternoon announcing the death of Lt. Claud Dean, U.S. Army Medical Corps, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., following an attack of influenza.

“Lt. Dean left Evergreen on Oct. 5 to enter upon his duties for his country. When he bade goodbye to his relatives and friends here he never looked a more perfect specimen of manhood. He had been at his post of duty only a few days when stricken with the dreaded malady that finally resulted in his death.

“Relatives of deceased have had trouble in getting in touch with the authorities regarding the shipment of the remains, and it was not until yesterday that they were definitely informed that the body would be shipped today. It is expected to reach here tomorrow. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made. The body will be entered in Evergreen cemetery.”

In the Oct. 30, 1918 edition, under the headline “Another Soldier Boy Goes to Final Reward,” it was reported that “Andrew Jay Burt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Burt, died at Camp Mills, N.Y. last week. His body was shipped here on Friday and conveyed to Belleville for interment. He was 22 years old and has been in the army two years. He went from Camp Jackson, S.C. to Camp Mills to embark for overseas service when he fell a victim of influenza. The family have the sympathy of many friends.”

Also that week, it was reported that “Henderson Brewer, a well known and highly esteemed citizen, of Brooklyn died on Sunday night from the effects of influenza. Deceased is survived by his wife and several children, who are sympathized with by many friends.”

That week’s paper also carried the following notice – “Appointment to a free scholarship in the school of medicine of the University of Alabama will be awarded by the Commissioners Court of Conecuh County Nov. 4, 1918 to the applicant applying and qualifying for the same. – S.P. Dunn, Judge of Probate.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of November 1918 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.