Thursday, December 6, 2018

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


What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Dec. 5, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

The Board of County Commissioners, in session on Monday, unanimously re-elected the efficient county treasurer, Mr. F.B. Dexter.
It will be gratifying to the citizenship of the county to know that the treasury will continue to be guarded and administered capably and in the county’s interest.

Little Mabel Williams, the daughter of Mrs. Mary Williams of Canton Bend, died on Saturday last. She had been seriously ill for several days with pneumonia, when death came to relieve her of her sufferings. She was a bright child and most lovable disposition. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved family.

Mr. Gray Strother died at home at Canton Bend on Thursday last from pneumonia. Mr. Strother was just in the prime of manhood and his death came as a shock to his many friends at Camden and elsewhere in the county. He was a successful planter and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. Interment was made in the Canton Bend Cemetery.

Dr. Ed King of Lower Peach Tree died suddenly on Friday morning last of heart trouble. Dr. King was about 68 years of age and was one of our most influential citizens. Although he had reached the age when most men retire from their profession, he stood by his post and was out on a call when death came. He leaves a host of friends to friends to sympathize with his bereaved ones in their hour of sadness.

News has reached us that Pressly Dale, brother of our townsman, Mr. Hugh Dale, has lost his right arm in service “over there.” These happenings to our boys fill us with sadness and we hope they will soon be returned to their native land, thus completing the circle of happiness made by a blessed peace and their restoration to health and loved ones.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Albritton have letters from their son, Lt. Sam Jones Albritton, telling of a serious wound received in the battle of Argonne forest. A shelled graved his head, brining blood. He scarcely noticed this and continued to lead his platoon in attack. In a few minutes, he was shot again, the ball passing through his thigh. He had to take refuge in a shell hole. Two of the soldiers who came to his relief were killed and several shots were fired at the lieutenant while on the stretcher, but by God’s wonderful preservation his life was spared, and he is now resting and recuperating in a base hospital, in a quiet, beautiful town somewhere in France, and is rapidly recovering. He writes that he would not take anything in the world for his experiences, but not for anything in the world would he care to go through with them again and he says he thanks God for his share in the fight for freedom, although he has suffered so much.

The schools of Camden have been closed until Mon., Dec. 9, when they will resume operations if the influenza situation continues to improve.

Mr. Will McLeod, who is connected with a Virginia munitions plant, it is understood will endeavor to be released from war work that he may assume charge of the McLeod drug store.

Mr. Sam McDowell of the signal corps of A.E. Forces, has been wounded in France. We trust not seriously and that he may return in health to his beloved America.

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