100-year-old Conecuh County news headlines from issues of The Evergreen Courant in April 1921

Dr. John W. Abercrombie

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 April 1921.

In the April 6, 1921 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. reported that “General J.B. Stanley of Greenville was here Saturday greeting friends. Gen. Stanley is now serving his 56^th year as editor of The Greenville Advocate. Upon coming home from the war, he established The Advocate and has been at the helm continuously ever since, and says he expects to remain in harness as long as he lives. May he be spared to enjoy many more years of usefulness.”

Also that week, a “party of Evergreen Masons went down to Brewton Monday to be inducted into the Commandery. Those taking the degrees were J.T. Amos, Dr. W.F. Betts, F.F. Feagin, E.B. McRady, Luke Mixon, F.N. Hawkins, J.R. Brooks and O.C. McGehee.”

It was also reported that “E.C. Lee shipped seven carloads of berries Monday, five of them going from his Castleberry farm and two from the one near Owassa. There are busy scenes around Castleberry at present. The Courant hopes that all the growers will come out with big bank accounts.”

Also that week, readers learned that “J.W. Horton has returned from Texas to this county. Three years ago he came here and farmed one year, but returned to his native state, only to return again, this time to become a permanent citizen.”

It was also reported that “E.C. Page left yesterday for Denver and Colorado Springs where he will remain for some time for the benefit of his health which has been run down. His many friends hope the change of climate and rest will restore him to perfect health.”

In the April 13, 1921 edition of The Courant, it was reported that a “serious fire was averted on Sunday afternoon by the prompt, effective work of early arrivals on the scene after the alarm was given sparks from the chimney ignited the roof on the residence occupied by Mr. Price on Bruner Avenue. With a strong north wind, it would have been difficult to have saved this and nearby homes had the fire gained headway. Only slight damage to the roof resulted.”

Also that week, under the headline “Football Squad Entertained,” it was reported that the “football squad of 1920 of the State Secondary Agricultural School at Evergreen was royally entertained at a banquet last Friday evening by the Vocational Home Economics Class. The supper was given in celebration of the triumphant football season of 1920 and to arouse enthusiasm for the season of 1921.

“The delicacies of the season were served by the girls in grand style, to the delight of all those present. All pledged their hearty support and cooperation to the captain-elect James Ratliff, and, during the courses, plans were formulated for next season.

“Toasts were delivered by the following: Prof. F.H. Chappelle, Prof. W.R. Bennett, Prof. A.H. deYampert, Prof. B.E. Grant, Charlie Ward, Captain 1920, James Ratliff, captain-elect, Mesdames Ivey, Stewart and Bennett, and Misses Meadows, Sowell and Davis.

“Many expressions of genuine delight were forthcoming after the banquet, and all were of the opinion that the Vocational Home Economics girls had reflected much credit upon the department.”
In the April 20, 1921 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that “Sheriff Kendall arrested Jesse Armstrong at Brooklyn on Thursday on request of the Sheriff of Escambia County and later was taken to Brewton where he will be held for the killing of one Franklin a day or two before in the lower edge of Escambia. Armstrong claims that Franklin came to his home and shot him with a shotgun whereupon he fired upon Franklin with a pistol killing him. Nothing was learned as to the cause of the trouble. One of Armstrong’s eyes was shot out and several small shot penetrated his face and forehead.”

Also that week, under the headline “Eclipse of Moon,” it was reported that a “total eclipse of the moon is due to occur tomorrow (Thursday) night and those who care to forego the pleasure of sleep may witness the phenomena by remaining on watch. The eclipse will begin to come on about midnight and become absolutely total about 2:30, lasting for probably 30 minutes.”

Readers that week also learned that “more than six inches of rain fell during the past week. On Tuesday, the rainfall was 3-1/2 inches while on Saturday it reached nearly three inches. In consequence, lands are badly washed and streams were overflowing.”

It was also reported that E.C. Lee “was exhibiting some specimens of strawberries here on Saturday last, showing the difference in fruit produced with high grade fertilizer and the low grade. The difference was marked, the berries grown with high grade materials being exceptionally large and well colored while the others were very small.”

In the April 27, 1921 edition of the paper, readers learned that “Circuit Court was in session for only a few hours Monday, being convened by Judge Leigh for the purpose of disposing of the nonjury cases on the docket. County court was in session practically all day, a large number of cases being disposed of. Several were continued to the May term.”

Also that week, it was reported that Tom Ferguson “was shot and killed by Marcellas Farror at Castleberry on Saturday night. A woman is said to have been the cause of the tragedy. Farror made his escape and has not been apprehended.”

Also that week, under the headline “Commencement Program Of Agricultural School,” it was reported that Prof. F.H. Chappele of the State Secondary Agricultural School had announced the following commencement program: Friday, May 20, 7:45 p.m., piano and voice recital; Sat., May 21, 10 a.m., home economics and manual training exhibits; Sun., May 22, 11 a.m., commencement sermon by Dr. W.M. Murray, Pastor, First Baptist Church Brewton; Sun., May 22, 6:45 p.m., annual address to the Literary Societies by Dr. D.P. Slaughter, Presiding Elder Pensacola District of the Alabama Conference, Methodist Church; Mon., May 23, 3 p.m., baseball game, Castleberry High v. Evergreen Aggies; Mon., May 23, 7:45 p.m., senior play, school auditorium; Tues., May 24, 3 p.m., baseball game, Castleberry High v. Evergreen Aggies; Wed., May 25, 7:45 p.m., delivery of diplomas, award of medals, commencement address by Dr. John W. Abercrombie, State Superintendent of Education.

Members of the graduating class were Anna Bell Arwood, Wylma Bates, Opal Brooks, Ethel Cordell, Rubye Dent, Annie Hagood, Lucile Jarrett, Velma Lundy, Verna McCreary, Albert Amos, Clinton Caroway, Preston Chapman, Authur Cunningham, Mudge Lee, Zeri Philips and Charles Ward.

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 May 1921 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.