Old newspaper excerpts from The Monroe Journal newspaper of Monroe County, Alabama

24 YEARS AGO

JULY 13, 1995

Dr. Jack Whetstone honored: Dr. Jack Meadow Whetstone, a member of the Monroe County Hospital medical staff, was honored at a retirement reception by the hospital June 26.

Whetstone shared memories of his years of medical practice and plans for retirement. He received an engraved silver tray from the hospital board for his 35 years of service.

Williamson is new Blacksher coach: John Williamson became J.U. Blacksher High School’s head football coach and athletic director Friday when his appointment was approved by the school board.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Williamson, who served as head football coach at Kinston for the past two years.

Williamson, 31, is a native of Atmore. He is a graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore, Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton and Troy State University.

New pilot: Bruce Shue recently completed his training and passed all requirements to become a licensed private pilot. He is a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and lives in Excel with his wife and three children.

Archaeology camp: Beatrice resident and Auburn University at Montgomery student Claire Stallworth works with a grid to place markers for artifacts at the Fusihatchee Creek site in Elmore County. Ms. Stallworth, a senior majoring in general studies, is taking part in an annual archaeology camp sponsored by AUM, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

50 YEARS AGO

JULY 10, 1969

Singleton Is New Legion Commander: Sgt. G.B. Singleton was elected commander of the local American Legion post at a meeting held at the clubhouse in Monroeville Tuesday night.

Other officers named were Clyde Boulware, first vice-commander; Frank Cave, second vice-commander; John L. Abbott, adjutant; Vernon P. “Junie” Burns, service officer; Joe Brantley, historian; David McKinley, chaplain; and Allen Biggs, sergeant-at-arms.

Old Scotland Church Has 146^th Anniversary June 29: More than 100 members, former members and friends gathered for homecoming services and dinner on the ground at Old Scotland Church Sunday, June 29, when the 146^th anniversary of the founding of the church was observed.

People from as far away as Houston, Texas were there when Rev. Vincent O. Titterud delivered the sermon at 11 a.m. and then officiated at communion following the worship hour. Mrs. A.V. Culpepper, organist at the Monroeville Presbyterian Church, brought a portable organ and furnished the music.

Clyde Boulware Is High Priest: Clyde Boulware was elected high priest of the Monroeville Chapter 170, Royal Arch Masons, at the annual election of officers held in Monroeville, June 27.

Named to serve with Mr. Boulware were: Melvin Downs, king; Cecil White, scribe; Kermit Branum, principal sojourner; Dr. W.H. Hines, captain of the host; W.J. Andress, royal arch captain; Aubrey Kilpatrick, master of the third veil; John Coxwell, master of the second veil; W.D. Pickens, master of the first veil; A.T. Lewis, sentinel.

74 YEARS AGO

JULY 12, 1945

Lt. Clapp Killed In Crash Sunday: Lt. Clement Moore Clapp was killed in a plane crash at the foot of the mountains near Pueblo, Colo. Sunday night, according to information received by relatives here Monday morning.

He is said to have been on his last flight in a special course being given him as an instructor of navigation on a B-29.

Lt. Clapp had completed 35 missions in the European theatre on a B-17 prior to being appointed an instructor in the United States Army Air Force.

Lightning Strikes Lady At Mexia: Mrs. Carroll Nettles of Mexia was injured when she was struck by lightning last Thursday afternoon. She is reported to be recovering from the shock.

Both shoes were torn from her feet and when found the heels of the shoes were missing.

JOINT INSTALLATION AT URIAH SATURDAY: A joint installation of Eastern Star and Masonic officers was held at Blacksher Lodge Saturday night.

For the Masons, Mr. Jones of Atmore Lodge, with W.W. Garrett as marshal, installed the following officers: J.L. Grissett, worshipful master; A.T. Ellis, senior warden; J.C. Kyle, junior warden; R.E. Rabun, treasurer; J.B. Wood, secretary; J.C. Lambert, senior deacon; H.G. Hayles, junior deacon; C.E. Snow, tyler; P.J. Norris, chaplain; J.F. Lambert, marshal; C.E. Caylor, senior steward; and A.O. Smith, junior steward.

Mrs. Bertha McMillan was installing officer for the Eastern Star and was assisted by Mrs. Mary Watson, Mrs. Willie Dale Snowden, Mrs. Marguerite Branum, Mrs. Pulliam and Kermit Branum.

99 YEARS AGO

JULY 8, 1920

The Junior baseball team of Camden crossed bats with the Monroeville Juniors on the local diamond Tuesday afternoon. After a lively bout, the score stood 3 to 2 in favor of the home team.

Mr. W.W. Garrett was up from Uriah Saturday. As passengers in his car were four of the oldest ex-Confederate soldiers in the county, viz: Mr. C.C. McMillan, aged 81; Mr. C.L. Grimes, 78; Mr. J.W. Roberts, 75; and Mr. A.K. McKenzie, 73.

County Masonic Conference: The 15^th annual session of the Monroe County Masonic Conference will convene with Beatrice Lodge on Wednesday and Thursday, July 14 and 15, 1920. Following are the officers for the current year: W.M. Hestle, worshipful master; C.J. Jackson, senior warden; J.D. McKinley, junior warden; W.S. Nash, secretary-treasurer; J.C. Carter Jr., senior deacon; L.J. Robbins, junior deacon; and Mack Helton, tyler.

Death of Mr. W.P. Agee: Many friends throughout the state learn with deep regret of the death of Mr. William P. Agee, which occurred at his home at Perdue Hill on Wed., July 7, aged about 60 years. Mr. Agee was descended from one of the pioneer families of the county and was one of its most upright citizens. He had been engaged in the mercantile business at Perdue Hill for more than 35 years. He is survived by his wife and 10 children. Mr. Agee had been in failing health for several months, though the illness immediately preceding his death was of brief duration.

124 YEARS AGO

JULY 11, 1895

Mr. J.D. Shiver of Manistee was in to see us this week. He says the Bear Creek Mill company is moving right along with its railroad. Three or four miles have been graded and ready for the ties and iron. The company will utilize the timber accessible to the road and extend the road as the timber is required. The ultimate objective point is Repton where it is intended to connect with the L&N branch.

Prof. J.N. Powers has been elected to and accepted the position of principal of the Monroeville Academy. Prof. Powers comes highly recommended as an educator of experience and ability.

Mr. Earl Pittman of The Evergreen Record was in Monroeville last week and gave The Journal a pleasant call.

Prof. W.A. George and Tax Collector Robison of Perdue Hill were at “the hub” on Tuesday.

Monroeville was well represented at the camp meeting at McDavid’s on last Sunday.

Misses Myria and Fannie Patrick will leave in a few days to attend the Alabama Chautauqua Assembly at Talladega Springs.

Col. Josiah Robbins of Lower Peach Tree was in Monroeville this week. He gave a very discouraging account of crop prospects on the bottom lands. The excessive rains have submerged large areas which will prove almost a total loss, while crops on the uplands are so choked with grass as to cause serious injury, even should the weather conditions become such as to permit cultivation.