The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for May 31, 2021

Evergreen's Wayne Frazier

20 YEARS AGO
MAY 31, 2001

Rotary Club of Evergreen, administrators of the Wendell Hart Scholarship Fund, announces that Mrs. Jenifer Harper Stanford has been named recipient of the 2001 Wendell Hart Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.
This scholarship is presented in memory of Wendell Hart, former football coach at Evergreen High School. Coach Hart was dedicated to the success of his students, not only in athletics but academics as well.
His enthusiasm and generosity so earned the respect for former students that they established this memorial scholarship in his name.

25 YEARS AGO
MAY 23, 1996

On May 16, 1996, Sparta Academy held their annual athletic banquet in the school gym.
Josh Scott, a senior at Sparta Academy, was the 1996 recipient of the Jerry Peacock Memorial Award. This award is given to the best senior athlete who participates in at least three sports.
Nicholas Jones, a senior at Sparta Academy, was the 1996 recipient of the D.T. Stuart Sportsmanship Award. This award is given to the senior athlete who exhibits good sportsmanship both on and off the playing field.
Members of the varsity football team who received awards were Jerry Ezell, Outstanding Defensive Back; Steve Bradley, Outstanding Offensive Lineman; Lyle Bell, Outstanding Offensive Back; and Eric Davis, Outstanding Defensive Lineman.
Members of the varsity basketball team who received awards were Larry Wright, Outstanding Rebounder; James Johnson, Outstanding Offensive Player and Team Captain; and Nicholas Jones, Outstanding Defensive Player.
Nikki Jones received the following awards in varsity girls basketball: Team Captain, Outstanding Rebounder, Outstanding Defensive Player, Best Free-Throw Percentage and Best Field-Goal Percentage.
Members of the softball team who received awards were Janet Kendrick, Outstanding Offensive Player; and Nikki Jones, Outstanding Defensive Player.

35 YEARS AGO
MAY 22, 1986

These Southeastern Louisiana University basketball players were recognized at the team’s annual banquet recently. Honorees included Robert Cousin, Mandeville, Coaches’ Award for Outstanding Player; Luke Marlar, Defensive Award and Academic Award; Eric Fortenberry, Biloxi, Miss., GSC Freshman of the Year; Bill Dukes, Evergreen, Ala., Chairman of the Boards (Rebound Leader); Joe Venable, Baton Rouge, Free Throw Award and Assist Award; and Teddy Butler, New Orleans, Mr. Consistency Award.

Sparta Tennis Teams end successful season: The Sparta tennis teams, coached by Joye Fordham, recently completed the 1986 season undefeated in regular season play. In their second year, the teams participated in the APSA State Finals in Eufaula.
The girls team is composed of Lee McNeill, Amy Jackson, Raye Ann Gall and Lynn Williams. The girls doubles team of Jackson and Williams won District III and played in the first round of the state finals.
The boys team is composed of Scott Salter, Baxter Stinson, Richard Melton, Glynn Ralls, Mark Rigsby, Lynn Ralls, Marcus Blair and Addrian Brooks. The boys finished first in District III led by impressive wins in singles by Melton and in doubles by Salter and Stinson and Ralls and Rigsby.

Brent Salter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Salter of Evergreen, is shown with his horse, Hobo’s Slo Poke. They will participate at the Evergreen Saddle Club’s free horse show starting at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Evergreen Municipal Park. There will be halter, pleasure and timed events. Children of all ages are invited to participate in a balloon burst race. All politicians are invited to speak during the break. The Evergreen Kiwanis Club will sponsor the concessions.

43 YEARS AGO
MAY 25, 1978

Sparta Academy athletes are recognized: Girl and boy athletes of Sparta Academy were honored at the Sparta Quarterback Club’s annual Athletic Banquet held in the school gymnatorium on Thursday night.
Wayne Frazier, an all-everything at Evergreen High School and former star football player at Auburn University and for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers of the NFL, was the principal speaker. Wayne, who played in the Super Bowl with the Chiefs, now lives in Brewton.
The Jerry Peacock Memorial Trophy was presented for the first time at the banquet with the honor going to Gray Stevens. The Trophy is given by the Class of 1977 in memory of their late classmate, who was an outstanding athlete and student and drowned in a tragic accident last year.
The Class of 1977 has provided a big, handsome trophy which will remain at the school with the name of the athlete winning the honor to be engraved on it each year. The Jerry Peacock Memorial Trophy is awarded to a senior, male athlete who has been outstanding in football, basketball and baseball and is selected the most outstanding by the votes of the athletes participating in those sports.
Athletes recognized in the various sports were: Girls Basketball: Best Defensive Player, Sharon Johnson; Best Offensive Player, Angie Driver; Best Free Throw Shooter, Michell Joyner; and Most Valuable Player, Mary Claire Robinson. Girls Softball: Hustler, Rosemary Ralls; Best Batting Average, Missy Thacker; and Most Valuable Player, Mary Claire Robinson.
Football: Best Offensive Lineman, Harry Crabtree; Best Defensive Lineman, Greg Anthony; Best Offensive Back, Ronny McKenzie; and Best Defensive Back, Johnny Ralls.
Basketball: Most Valuable Player, Gray Stevens; Best Rebounder, Tony Raines; Best Scorer, Terry Peacock; and Best Free Throw Percentage, Stevens.
Recognized for winning All District Honors were: football, Harry Crabtree and David Sabino; basketball, Gray Stevens; and baseball, Terry Peacock.

Tony Rogers, outstanding quarterback for the Evergreen High School Aggies, signs a full grant-in-aid scholarship to Livingston State University as his high school coach, Charles Branum, looks on. Rogers was an outstanding passer and runner for the Aggies.

64 YEARS AGO
MAY 23, 1957

In the first round of the Evergreen Golf Club Summer Tournament the Scramblers went ahead by three points after a number of close matches. The Scramblers were led by Elmo Grace, No. 5, and Joe Martin, No. 13, who gained nine points each for their team. Herman Bolden, No. 2, led the Hackers’ scoring with nine points.
In the only challenge match of the day, Bayne Petrey defeated Dr. Bill Turk to move up from No. 4 position to No. 3. Bonnie King was low scorer for the day with a one par, 73 for the 18 holes.
Bill McGehee was elected captain of the Scamblers, and Bonnie King was elected captain of the Hackers.

The Conecuh County Amateur League has been organized this year with six teams and league play began Sunday.
Two new teams are in the league this year, Castleberry and Evergreen. Garland, Buck Creek, Lyeffion and Paul played in the league last year.
In league opening games, Evergreen defeated Lyeffion, 8-3, and Paul took Castleberry, 4-2. The Buck Creek-Garland game was not reported.
Jumping off to an early advantage, Evergreen was never headed in the game against Lyeffion, scoring six runs in the first three innings.

Singleton tells of trip to ancestral home place in Clarke County

Grave of Buster Singleton's great-grandfather?

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Journey to old homeplace brings back memories” was originally published in the May 17, 2001 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

There comes a time in almost everyone’s life when we like to go to a quiet or a familiar place and let our thoughts wander and reminisce of special times and bring to life memories of those yesterdays.

Today, June 7, was one of those days. The weather was perfect, and since I had nothing to do because my dear wife had forgotten to make up a “honey do” list, I “got the heck out of Dodge.”

Mounting my iron horse at around 8:40 a.m., I found myself heading in the direction of my maternal ancestors’ old home place in lower Clarke County.

The morning air was just a bit cool as I crossed the river at Claiborne, but it didn’t slow me down any as I sped westward on Highway 84.

Stopping in Grove Hill for a quick cup of coffee, I was asked several times by those around if it was cool traveling by motorcycle. Assuring each and everyone that I was quite comfortable, I quickly downed my coffee and turned deep into the back country.

Before I knew it, I was approaching the community of Campbell. Taking the narrow gravel road that goes through the hill country and ending on the banks of the Tombigbee River at Woods Bluff, I found myself turning onto the narrow trail that would carry me out to the old home place of my maternal ancestors.

Parking my transportation, I slowly made my way up to what remains of the ancient yard fence. The old front gate, broken and falling apart, leaned crazily against the gate post.

Through weeds and brush, I reached the edge of what once was the front porch. The steps to the porch had long since fallen in decay, and the porch floor had totally rotted away.

Fearing that I might get hurt by having something fall on me, I returned to the front yard and sat down on the ground facing the decayed and ruined old home.

Sitting there on the ground, memories of the visits of my early childhood began to flow through my mind. My grandfather and grandmother had lived here prior to their deaths. During these visits, I was told and retold the stories of the happenings that had taken place around here during the lives of my maternal ancestors.

Looking out to the edge of the yard, I remembered the story of my maternal great-grandfather returning home from the dreadful Civil War, a wounded and sick man.

During the month of early October 1863, he received a serious saber wound in the left hip during the bloody fighting in the state of Tennessee. His would was so serious that he was unable to keep up with the cavalry company he was assigned to.

Being left behind, he was captured by the advancing Union forces. Because of his condition, due to the saber wound, the Union forces refused to take him prisoner. He was told by the Union commander to go home.

Arriving in the yard where I was sitting on the Christmas Eve afternoon of 1863, he sat on his half-starved horse being too weak to dismount. His children, not recognizing their own father, hid under the house.

As he lay in the yard after falling from his horse because he could not dismount due to weakness, his wife, my maternal great-grandmother, came out on the front porch.

Raising up on his elbow, he asked his wife if she was going to speak to him. Her answer was that “she didn’t talk to filthy trash.”

After she was told by him that he was Morgan, her husband, she called the children from under the house, telling them to come out and help get their papa in the house by the fire. He was home for Christmas.

Looking out across the grown-up yard, I remembered my grandmother, tall and with jet-black hair hanging down her back, working there in the flower beds throughout the yard. She was a very handsome woman, despite her advanced years and hard work.

I remember on one of my visits, asking her why we always had to get up before daylight each morning. Her answer was, “because, Boy, you are supposed to: you don’t want someone saying that you are lazy.”

Being of Scottish blood, my grandfather had fallen heir to a set of bagpipes. Always, when we visited, he would dress up in his kilt and get out his bagpipes and play and dance.

Old man Kilpatrick, who lived down the road aways, also of Scottish descent, would bring forth the colors of his clan and the two would play and dance into the wee hours of the morning.

The sounds of the bagpipes have long since faded from the old home place. Only the rustle of the new spring leaves and the sound of the spring winds in the old grown-up and unkept hedges bear witness that here was once a place of happiness.

The small log playhouse over in the corner of the yard, now fallen in decay, seems to wait for another time, when the laughter of small children once more will be heard there in the yard and around the playhouse.

Across the old road, long since abandoned, the huge oak trees spread their protective branches over the headstones that mark the final resting places of the lady with the long dark hair, and the man dressed in the funny skirt who danced to the tune of “Bonnie Lassie” played on the bagpipes.

Linger awhile and walk with me
Into the shadows that were yesterday.
Stroll across the faded pages of time,
And learn of a time so long ago.

Pass me not, for I am the spirit of your ancestors.
In your veins flow my blood,
And that of my fathers.
Linger awhile,
If only for a moment, and through your thoughts,
I will know that I am remembered.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Conecuh County roadworkers unearthed several Indian burial mounds in June 1956

From left, Paul Godwin, Ben Barlow and Marion Wilkins.

I was looking through some old newspapers the other day and ran across an interesting article related to Indian artifacts that was published on the front page of the June 21, 1956 edition of The Evergreen Courant.

Under the headline “Road Equipment Unearths Indians Graves,” readers saw a picture of Conecuh County Commissioner Paul Godwin, County Engineer Marion Wilkins and county foreman Ben Barlow, who were “standing near the site on the Repton-Burnt Corn Highway, where grading equipment unearthed several Indian burial mounds.”

The article goes on to say that some 200 to 300 yards into the woods from where the photo was taken there was an old Indian campground.

“It is said that on this spot a force of white settlers ambushed a group of marauding Indians and wiped them out,” the article said. “Where the new highway is being built, an old Indian trail existed. Before Alabama was admitted to the Union, the Federal Government made it a Federal Stage Road.

“The road was used by settlers and Indians alike to the south,” the article went on to say. “The band of Indians which was ambushed had come down the Stage Road, according to legend, and burned and pillaged. Among the buildings burned were a number of barns, which were stored with corn, hence the name Burnt Corn. The Indians continued on south to Pensacola.

“As the Indians came back north, the settlers banded together and ambushed the Indians as they camped beside a small stream. There are today visible many of the mounds where the bodies of the Indians were buried. Over the years, curiosity seekers have dug into many of the mounds in search of Indian artifacts.

“It is hoped by many that the spot can be marked on the highway, and at some future date a park be made of the site.”

Based on maps of the area, I gather that the Repton-Burnt Corn Highway being constructed in 1956 is the section of County Road 5 that runs from the Old Federal Road south to U.S. Highway 84 in Repton. This section of County Road 5 runs to the east and parallel to the Louisville & Nashville Railroad tracks, and much of this road is within the Town of Repton’s police jurisdiction. In fact, once you get into the Repton town limits, this road is called “Burnt Corn Street.”

One is left to wonder how many Indian mounds were destroyed during the 1956 road project and exactly how large those Indian mounds were. Indian mounds are relatively rare in Conecuh County, compared to other counties, and it would be interesting to know if there are any other existing mounds in that area today. Motorists might drive by them every day and just not realize what they’re looking at.

The article also mentions an old Indian camp that was located 200 to 300 yards off the new highway. Where exactly was this located and what’s there today? An Indian camp, especially if it was of any size, would have required a lot of freshwater, so maybe it was located alongside one of the small creeks or streams in that area.

My feeling is that the three men mentioned in the story – Paul Godwin, Marion Wilkins and Ben Barlow – have likely passed away in the 65 years since the event, but perhaps someone who worked on the road crew or lived in the area remembers more information about this incident. Perhaps longtime residents of this area will know exactly where these mounds or the old Indian camp were located. If so, please call me at The Courant at 578-1492 or email me at courantnewsdesk@gmail.com.

Old Gunton community holds many secrets, including answers behind unsolved murder of farmer in 1853

Saint Mary Community Church.

I was out riding around in western Wilcox County on Friday afternoon and found myself headed north on State Highway 5, between Pine Hill and Catherine. I eventually crossed over the Red Creek bridge and was reminded that I was near a long-forgotten rail station called Gunton.

According to historical maps, Gunton was located along what is now the Norfolk Southern Railroad, between Red Creek and Dixon Creek, just north of Flatwood. Sources say that this rail station first appeared on county maps in the early 1900s, but most people today have long forgotten that this railroad stop ever existed. This old rail stop is so obscure that you’d be hard pressed to even find a reference to it in old editions of The Wilcox Progressive Era.

Today when you pass through Gunton, aside from a few scattered homes, the most significant landmark you will find is the Saint Mary Community Church. According to old maps, this church is located just a stone’s throw from where the old rail station was once located. Only a thin strip of woods separates the back of the church property from the railroad tracks.

The Saint Mary Community Church is currently housed in a nice, modern metal building, but my feeling is that this building replaced an older church structure. According to a cement cornerstone cover propped against the north side of the building, the earlier church may have been built in the late 1960s. That cornerstone, which bears the date of Aug. 12, 1969, reads as follows: St. Mary A.M.E. Church – Stewards: J. Thurman, Robert Harris, Emma Moton – Trustees: Marvie Martin, Lillie Boykin, Polley Forster – C.M. Sanders, Clerk; Rev. H.B. Plunkett, Pastor; Rev. W.T. Minefee, P.E.; Rev. H.N. Robinson, Bishop.

From the church I eased up to the narrow bridge across Dixon Creek and pulled over into the grass for a closer look. As I stood there, I was reminded of an old story I’d heard about an unsolved murder that occurred along its banks in December 1853. The victim in that case was a “respectable, well-to-do old farmer” named Eli Menderhall, who moved to Wilcox County from Claiborne in 1833.

Sources say that around four o’clock on the day of the murder, the 70-year-old Menderhall was traveling home alone on horseback along a road that ran along the creek. Some unknown assailant in the bushes shot him in the back, side and arm with a load of buckshot, but the old man managed to make it to his home, about a mile away. Even though a doctor was sent for, Menderhall died later that night.

A runaway slave named Jack was arrested for the murder, but he was released after he was able to provide a solid alibi. Apparently, he proved that he was about six miles away from the crime scene when the murder took place. Although largely forgotten today, this was a scandalous crime at the time and remains unsolved.

Climbing back in my truck, I drove the short distance up to Jones Convenience, a store located just north of the creek. After buying a pack of peanut butter crackers and a Pepsi, I asked the smiling woman behind the counter if she’d ever heard of Gunton. She wasn’t familiar with that name and said that most people consider the store to be located in Catherine.

We chatted for a few more minutes before I eventually got back in my truck and pointed it towards home. The weather was nice and sunny and as I headed south, I could not help but wonder what Gunton must have been like in its heyday. Perhaps there is much more than meets the eye in this old rail stop community.

In the end, let me hear from you if you have any additional information about the old Gunton community. I’m especially interested in any information about how it got its name. Also, let me hear from you if you know any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore about this area.

Singleton recounts important letter from Fonderoy Fishue to his Cousin Jake regarding marital weight loss

George Buster Singleton

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Husband asks for help for weight-watching wife” was originally published in the April 13, 1989 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

This is a copy of a letter written by a fellow I know to his city cousin. He is wanting information about what city women do to lose weight. It seems that with his wife trying to lose those unwanted pounds, it has created a problem around the farm. The letter goes something like this:

Dear Cousin Jake,

I take pen in hand with much trouble on my mind. Things are not going well here on the farm in the north end of the county. I am in great need of some information that I hope will patch up a bit of trouble between me and my wife, Augusta Jill.

You remember Augusta Jill? She is the one who eats so much at the family reunions.

You probably remember me saying something about me having to put a couple of wooden blocks under our bed so as to give it some additional support. Our bed got so one-sided that I almost couldn’t stay on my side when I went to bed. It felt like I was sleeping on the side of a steep hill. I mentioned something about it to Augusta Jill, and she got awful mad. She said that it seemed that I didn’t care about her anymore. She went on to say that I didn’t like her because she had gotten fat.

I don’t see how she figures that made any difference. She weighed 240 pounds when we got married. She insisted that I carry her over the door facing. I don’t recall the proper name for that blasted thing. All I know is that I’m still having back trouble from trying to pick up that big woman. And I don’t believe she ever will get over me stumbling when I had to turn so that she would go through the door.

To this day, she don’t believe that when I turned sideways to go through the door, my suspenders came loose and my britches dropped down over my shoes. I told her that was what made me trip and fall. But them britches didn’t cause me to fall. That woman was heavy, and I mean heavy.

I really didn’t mean to get carried away about our wedding day. The reason I’m writing you is that I want you to go to Sears Roebuck and try to find something that Augusta Jill can use to take exercise on. Ole Blue got ahold of the new catalog, and you can’t make hair nor hide out of anything in it.

I trust that you will take of this matter just as soon as you can. Augusta Jill was trying to pull herself up on a rafter in the smokehouse – you know, what they call “chin-ups.” It’s gonna take me two weeks to put another top on the smokehouse.

You won’t believe this, but that big woman pulled the whole top in on top of her. I liked to have never got her our of that mess. That big woman was skinned all over.

After she got over her mad spell about the smokehouse top falling, she tried to jump the rope. You know, she completely ruined one of my best plow lines. (I’m keeping one for an extra. Knowing her, she is sure to break that one she is using for a jump rope.)

I slip around and watch her. I don’t dare let her see me laugh. She is about as graceful as a big hog on a slick floor when she takes her exercise. That exercise book that she wrote off for is going to get her in a lot of trouble if she’s not careful.

There’s a picture in that book where a woman is laying down with her feet and legs sticking up against the wall. (She won’t let me see that book. I have to slip and look at it when she is hanging out clothes or out in the garden gathering something for dinner. Then I slip the book out from between the mattresses and go through it real quick.)

I don’t know what this exercise is supposed to be good for. What I do know is that Augusta Jill was trying that, and she got her feet tangled up in the chains that hold the weights on that old cuckoo-cuckoo clock. When that clock fell off the wall and hit Augusta Jill on her nose, she talked something awful.

You won’t believe how she tore up that cuckoo-cuckoo clock, trying to get her feet out of them chains. It’s a mess. I don’t think there’s a man in the world who can fix that clock. I put what’s left of it in a show box and carried it to the barn. She’s still crabby about that gash on her nose.

I didn’t tell her, but I hated it about that cuckoo-cuckoo clock. That clock was handed down through the family. That clock belonged to my great-grandma. I’ll be anyone that it was nearly a hundred years old. The clock would still run, but the cuckoo-cuckoo bird had lost its voice. It would just jump out and not say nothing. I guess after a hundred years, it’s time to lose your voice.

I sure go hope that you can get something that will give me some relief and will help Augusta Jill in her exercise program. If we don’t get some relief soon, she is gonna put me out of the farming business. Me and Ole Blue have just about starved to death.

Augusta Jill is also on one of them slimming diets. She don’t cook much anymore. I don’t understand it. Me and Ole Blue have lost more weight than Augusta Jill.

I had better stop now. I see Augusta Jill coming out on the front porch for her morning exercise. Expecting to hear from you real soon.

Your cousin in need,
Fonderoy Fishue

P.S. Before I could seal up your letter, Augusta Jill had a kind of accident while she was doing her exercise. It looks like that you need not be in any hurry with going to Sears Roebuck.

You remember that old cannonball that I found down there near old Fort Claiborne? That darn cannonball weighs about 40 pounds. That crazy woman was trying to balance that heavy cannonball on her two feet while holding them straight up in the air. She was lying on the front porch with her feet up in the air when that cannonball slipped and hit her right in the middle of the stomach.

What was so bad about the whole thing was, that cannonball rolled down her stomach and hit the porch floor. While Augusta Jill was screaming and yelling, that cannonball rolled off the porch and hit Ole Blue right on the tail (he was lying in the shade by the steps). It must have hurt him pretty bad or scared the daylights out of him, with Augusta Jill hollering and yelling like she did, the last time I saw Ole Blue, he was crossing that big field on the north side of the house. You remember that big field?

Augusta Jill said that if she hadn’t been fat that cannonball might have bruised her kidneys. She said that her fat stomach kind of cushioned the blow when the cannonball slipped off her feet. She had decided that being fat ain’t so bad after all.

Tell you the truth, I was kind of hating to see her get slip, loosing all that plumpness and all.

(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)

Eli McMorn and the Strange Case of Kill Devil Hill – Part 16

I picked my way across the clearcut as light rain tapped against the hood of my green plastic raincoat. I could see Kill Devil Hill in the distance, but there was no clear path through the tangled labyrinth of mixed and rotten wood on the ground. I took my time, careful not to shatter an ankle while crossing the twisted, dystopian landscape of treacherous crisscrossed deadfalls.

I cast my eyes down as I stepped over a gnarled, decayed pine and spotted an ancient arrowhead on the ground near where I planted a boot. The small stone point was perched atop a queer clump of soil that had been exposed by recent rains. I knelt, plucked the point carefully from its resting place and examined it with my magnifying glass.

How many unknown epochs ago had some long-dead Piachi hunter shaped this napped stone point? Had he fired it from a bow or thrown it with an atlatl? Did his sharp stone strike home or had the forgotten, prehistoric hunter gone home hungry?

The silent stone kept its secrets as tiny raindrops beaded on its chert surface. I rubbed a grimy thumb along its weathered edge and scanned the ground for other relics. I saw none, so I stowed the point in an empty pocket and continued my trek towards Kill Devil Hill.

As I approached, I made no attempt to conceal my location from the two strange women atop the Cyclopean hill. I considered what would happen if I startled them. This was rural Southwest Alabama. Both of them were likely armed. Getting shot by a pair of frightened, random backpackers would put a serious damper on my Halloween plans.

What were they doing here? Earlier, while hidden in the dark, amorphous woodline, I’d glassed the women with my binoculars. I saw no rifle, shotgun or bow, so they probably weren’t hunters. That didn’t mean they weren’t carrying handguns.

Perhaps they were thrill-seekers? Maybe they too planned to spend Halloween night atop mysterious Kill Devil Hill. After all, I wasn’t the only one privy to the esoteric stories about the weird hill and other such eldritch locations in the vicinity of Old Claiborne.

At the base of the isolated hill, I looked up the brown, sandy ribbon of singular trail that snaked its way to the summit. I couldn’t see either woman over the rim at the top, but I could hear them talking. I couldn’t make out their obscured words, but I sensed they were oblivious to my presence.

I started up the steep trail and thought about what I would say to them. A minute or so later, I found myself at the end of the trail, slightly out of breath from the brief climb. I stood there on the edge of the bleak and blasted hilltop, catching my breath and taking in the scene.

I could see that the women were young, less than 30 years old. Their backs were to me, and I saw no visible weapons. Their hands were busy with the makings of a camping tent, a sign that they planned to spend the night. I smelled faint, unnamable perfume.

The woman closest to me wore a shirt so orange that it almost hurt my eyes to look at it. I noted that she had on a pair of new hiking boots. As I took in the slick condition of her boots, something else caught my eye.

In one fluid motion, I drew my Beretta, quickly took aim along its cruel, deadly length and squeezed the trigger.

(All rights reserved. This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.)

'France' Hall was the one and only postmaster of the old Galatia community in Conecuh County

Last week in this space, I wrote about the old Galatia community, which was located in southwest Conecuh County, on the Range Road, about halfway between the Old Stage Road and Jackson Bridge. Almost no trace of this old community remains today, but it once boasted a post office and was a polling place for local elections.

Not long after last week’s paper hit the streets, my good friend Shannon Hall Jones at the library in Monroeville sent me some additional information about the old Galatia community. As it turns out, Shannon’s great-great-grandfather Francis Marion “France” Hall was Galatia’s one and only postmaster. She also sent me a clipping of an old newspaper article about Galatia that appeared in the Nov. 28, 1991 edition of The Monroe Journal.

That article, which appeared under the headline “Francis Hall was only postmaster for Galatia,” said that National Archives postal records show that the post office at Galatia in Conecuh County was established Sept. 12, 1890. The records also show that Francis M. Hall was appointed postmaster on that date.

“According to Hall family history, Hall closed the post office after 11 years on Feb. 18, 1901,” the article said. “Residents then received their mail through Range.”

The article goes on to say that Hall was born in 1841 and died in 1927. Hall was the son of Elisha Perry Hall and Nancy Jane Brown. He went on to marry Sabra Mahala Godwin, and they had nine children: Charlie Alexander, Daniel T., Ely Joyce, Jency, Jesse Cleveland, Margaret Martincy, Nancy, Philinde and Sidney Jones.

The article notes that Sabra died in 1896 when Sidney was just three years old. Francis was 55 years old at the time of Sabra’s death. Later, when Francis was 61 years old, he married a second, younger wife named Sarah.

I dug a little deeper and learned that Francis Marion Hall was born in Coffee County on Oct. 3, 1841, and he passed away at the age of 85 on Jan. 7, 1927 in Conecuh County. Today, his grave can be found in the Smith Plantation Cemetery at Wallace in Escambia County. Hall’s grave is one of only three in this small cemetery.

Hall’s first wife, Sabra, was born in 1856, and she died in 1896 when she was 39 or 40 years old. She was buried in the New Home Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery near Excel in Monroe County.

Hall’s second wife, Sarah J. Hall, was born on April 21, 1874 and died at the age of 27 on Jan. 23, 1902. She is also buried in the New Home Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery near Excel.

In the end, I’d like to hear from any other readers who know more about the old Galatia community. I’m especially interested in hearing any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore from this part of the county. You never can tell, someone in the reading audience may even have a picture of Francis Marion Hall or the old Galatia post office.

2021 marks 100th anniversary of establishment of American Legion post in Wilcox County, Alabama

Lt. Harry Irby Savage

The month of May is an important month among the military community. It is Military Appreciation Month, and Memorial Day is also observed on the last Monday in May. With that in mind, I think it’s noteworthy that Wilcox County’s American Legion Post will celebrate its 100^th anniversary later this year.

The American Legion was chartered in 1919 by the U.S. Congress as a patriotic veterans organization. It is currently the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization and is a strong advocate for patriotism and service to all veterans. The American Legion also sponsors a wide variety of youth programs like American Legion Baseball and Alabama Boys State.

Although the American Legion was founded in 1919, an American Legion post wasn’t formed in Wilcox County until 1921. On the front page of the Nov. 10, 1921 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, under the headline “American Legion Post For Wilcox County,” it was reported that “at a very enthusiastic meeting of ex-service men Monday night, there was organized an American Legion Post for Wilcox County. Mr. H.A.T. Brazelton, Dept. Field Representative, was present and explained the purpose of the American Legion and assisted in perfecting the local organization.”

After Brazelton finished his presentation on the American Legion, “it was unanimously voted to have a post at Camden for Wilcox County and to call it the Irby Savage Post in honor of Lieutenant Irby Savage of Camden, who was wounded in battle and later lost his life.”

Harry Irby Savage was a school teacher in Camden before he went off to fight in World War I. He served as a young officer is Co. D of the 168^th Infantry in the Army’s 42^nd Division. He was wounded during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and died in Europe from influenza on Dec. 17, 1918 at the age of 24. He was later buried in the Camden Cemetery.

The first group of elected officers for Camden’s American Legion post were Post Commander John Paul Jones, Vice Commander C.M. Howard, Adjutant J. Kenneth Morris, Finance Officer J.M. Moore and Chaplain Peyton D. Burford. After the election of officers, their first order of business was to make plans for the celebration of Armistice Day, which we now call Veterans Day. They agreed to meet at the courthouse on Nov. 11 and to walk to the Camden Cemetery for “impressive member exercises” at the grave of Lt. Irby Savage.

Legion members also agreed to contact local school officials to have all school children present for the event. They also agreed to ask all Camden businesses to close on that day since President Warren G. Harding had declared it a national holiday. They also planned at 11 a.m. to “bow in fervent prayer for two minutes in memory of the unknown American soldiers to be buried in Arlington cemetery at that time.”

The American Legion of Alabama currently has around 19,000 members. American Legion Post 84 in Camden is still active today and meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall on Legion Road in Camden. Camden accountant Ken Wilder, a Korean War veteran, has been the Post Commander for a number of years. Jim Brock is the Post Adjutant, and Johnny Webb is the Post Treasurer. The post currently has about 40 members.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for May 18, 2021

13 YEARS AGO
MAY 15, 2008

The public is invited to attend Hillcrest High School’s annual commencement exercises on Fri., May 23, at Brooks Memorial Stadium in Evergreen.

SA baccalaureate and graduation plans set: Rev. John King will be the guest speaker at Sparta Academy’s Baccalaureate services this Sun., May 18, at 3 p.m. at the Evergreen Baptist Church. Claude B. Nielsen will be the guest speaker at Commencement exercises on Fri., May 23, at 7 p.m. in the Richard Brown Gymnasium.
Sparta Academy’s honor graduates this year are Amanda Nolin, Pia Cumagun, Hayden Armuelles, Hope Burleson, Myles Wiggins, Keary Watts and Casey Pierce.

Conecuh Sons charter Camp 2143: The Alabama Division of the Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans, has a new camp founded by Conecuh sons.
Confederate Constitution Camp 2143 was chartered May 1 and is domiciled at Montgomery.
Eight of 10 charter members of the new camp are either Conecuh residents or expatriates. Larry E. Darby is the commander, Daniel W. Joyner is the lieutenant commander and John E. Hooks is the adjutant. All three are graduates of Sparta Academy.

The 16^th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, held Saturday, successfully collected 2,229 pounds of food from various communities in the Conecuh County area.

32 YEARS AGO
MAY 18, 1989

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .13 inches of rain on May 9, .03 on May 10, .02 on May 13 and .01 on May 14. He also reported a high of 82 degrees on May 15 and lows of 44 on May 11 and May 12.

Evergreen Mayor Lee F. Smith and City Councilman Larry Fluker cut the ribbon at the street dedication following open house Friday afternoon at the Evergreen Housing Authority’s Crestview Manor as retired Principal and Mrs. O.F. Frazier watch. The street was named Frazier Circle in honor of Mr. Frazier.

State Treasurer George C. Wallace Jr. was the featured speaker at the Evergreen Civitan Club’s first banquet Monday night at the Quality Inn.

Charlotte Deer Cassady, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lomax Cassady of Evergreen, was graduated cum laude from Tulane University School of Law on May 14, 1989. At the conclusion of the ceremony Sunday, Ms. Cassady was awarded the degree of Juris Doctor from the New Orleans university.
Charlotte is the granddaughter of the late Abner Powell, longtime Andalusia attorney, and the sister of Max Cassady, a senior at the University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

48 YEARS AGO
MAY 17, 1973

This Duroc was grand champion of the 10^th annual Conecuh County FFA and 4-H Boys Barrow Show held Monday at Conecuh Cooperative Stockyard. The champion was owned by Scott Matthews of the Evergreen FFA who could not show the barrow because of a broken leg. Danny Harper accepts the award for Scott from Marin Johnston, president of the Evergreen Kiwanis Club, show sponsors. Moor-man Feed Co. bought the champ for 60.5 cents per pound.

Sheriff warns of cattle rustlers: Sheriff James (Shorty) Brock today warned county cattle owners to be on the alert for rustlers. He said that several head of cattle have been stolen in the county recently.

Leon Ridgeway, 56, a native of Conecuh County, died on May 10 in a Fairhope hospital. He was a veteran of World War II and a Past Master of the Spanish Fort Masonic Lodge. Funeral services were held May 12 at the Fairhope Chapel of the Bayview Funeral Home and burial was in Repton Cemetery.

Another oil well is being drilled near Range. Amereda-Hess Oil Co. has a permit to drill to 12,500 feet in a test well on the Jackson land in Section 13, Township North, Range 8 East. Delta Drilling Co. is drilling the well.
Work began on the well on May 7 and as of Tuesday afternoon the drillers were below 6,250 feet, according to M.L. Bergman of Monroe Realty Co., Monroeville.

60 YEARS AGO
MAY 18, 1961

Repton High School has 30 candidates for graduation, according to Principal E.H. Penny.
Class officers are President, Winston Hays; Vice President, Peggy Sue Bell; Secretary, Conrad Booker; Treasurer, Carlton Sims. Virginia Nall is Good Citizenship Girl.
Other graduates in addition to those listed above are: Horace Baggett, McCoy Baggett, Andrew Crawford, Donnie Dyess, William Gandy, Roger Hall, Douglas Lee, Cecil Nall, Ray Ryals, Shelton Salter, Robert Lowery, Jean Baggett, Ruth Baggett, Emily Brooks, Carol Goneke, Dorothy Grant, Roberta Ivey, Lilly Jerkins, Julie Lee, Joyce Lee, Jane Owens, Carolyn Pitts, Virginia Robinson and Mary Jane Ryals.

Conecuh County High School in Castleberry will hold its graduation exercises Fri., May 28, at 8 p.m. with 30 seniors to receive diplomas.
Elaine Wilson is valedictorian, and Helen Garner is salutatorian. Other graduates are Lavon Bradley, Wayne Calloway, Ezell Castleberry, Glenn Edwards, Larry Hardin, Wayne James, Guy Johnson, George Jones, Brock McCreary, Bobby McHenry, Wayne Norris, Daniel Pate, Douglas Powell, Colon Ryals, Jerry Salter, Shan Sims, Edgar Stringer, Joel Watson, Lamar Hodge, Ronald Shell, Lynda Beasley, Anne Coker, Betty Cooper, Sandra Green, Carolyn Stanford, Bonnie Rae Varner Weaver and Betty Johnson.

91 YEARS AGO
MAY 15, 1930

Evergreen-Castleberry Highway Now Open: The paving on Highway 31 between here and Castleberry is now open to the public, the opening having taken place last Sunday. Work on the shoulders is not quite complete, but is being finished as rapidly as possible. The newly made shoulders on this section of the highway present a danger that the traveling public should take notice of, and avoid accidents which might easily occur in the event cars are driven off the paving while going at high rate of speed.

Conecuh County High School at Castleberry announces its complete commencement program which begins on Thursday night, May 15, with an operetta followed on Friday night by the junior play. The commencement sermon will be delivered on Sunday by Rev. T.Y. Fleming, pastor of the Baptist church at Brewton. Then on Tuesday night, the graduating exercises will occur with Rev. A.S. Shafter, pastor of the M.E. Church at Andalusia, delivering the graduating address.

CONCERT TO BE GIVEN IN REPTON: The Repton music pupils of Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Trueman will be presented in a concert at Repton Tues., May 20, at 8 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.

392 Cars Berries Shipped From County: Figures gathered by this newspaper this week disclose that a total of 392 cars of berries have been shipped from this county during the season just closed as compared with 613 cars shipped last season.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for May 17, 2021

19 YEARS AGO
MAY 16, 2002

Chuck Wiggins of Montgomery, formerly of Evergreen, had his first ever hole-in-one last week at Dogwood Hills Golf Course in Brewton. Wiggins, who lived in Evergreen from 1988 to 2000, is employed by CSX Railroad. He was in town for the Lynch family reunion. The Lynch family hosts a two-day golf tournament for family members each year during the reunion. The witnesses to Chuck’s hole-in-one were Robert, Ray and Roger Lynch, and it came on Hole No. 2, a par three 150 yards long.

Sparta Academy held their athletic banquet on Thurs., April 18, 2002 in the school gym. Coach Mike Gaylor presented the following awards in girls softball: Ashley Nolin, Extra Effort Award; Crystal Bolton, Team Captain; Jessica Armuelles, Team Captain and Best Offensive Player; and Susan Ivey, Best Defensive Player.

The Brewton Area YMCA is sponsoring the Joe C. Meriweather Basketball Camp June 3-7. The camp is open to girls ages 8-18 and boys ages 8-14. The camp will be led by former NBA All-Star Joe C. Meriweather and Carolyn Wright, girls varsity coach in Central High School in Phenix City, along with other coaches and volunteers.

The Brewton YMCA is sponsoring a Castleberry Summer Camp at Conecuh County Junior High School. There will be swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, games and much more.

26 YEARS AGO
MAY 18, 1995

On April 29, 1995 Sparta Academy held their annual athletic banquet in the school gym. Athletes receiving awards on the softball team were Janet Kendrick, Outstanding Offensive Player; and Wendy Stacy, Team Captain; and Missy Westwood, Outstanding Defensive Player.

Jim Dent, the 1994 Bruno’s Memorial Classic Champion, is shown with members of the team that placed third (gross 63 and net 56) in the Bruno’s Memorial Classic Media Day Scramble held on May 8, at the Greystone Golf Club. Pictured are Tommy Murfee of Marion, Gerry Seales Burford of Camden, Dent, Brad Thrasher of Moulton and Perry Ballard of Auburn. The 1995 Bruno’s Memorial Classic is scheduled for May 30-June 4 with the first official 18 of 54 holes slated for Friday, June 2. Greystone Gold Blud of Birmingham is the site for this Senior PGA Tour event.

HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL JAGUARS will play a spring football game this Friday night at Brooks Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for, 7 p.m. and Hillcrest will be playing Charles Henderson High School. Advance tickets are on sale until 3 p.m. in the Hillcrest office for $2 each, students and adults. Tickets at the gate will be $3 each. Admission for children six and under is a bar of soap.

JAGUAR TINY MITE AND PEE WEE CHEERLEADERS will have a fish fry this Sat., May 20, starting 10 a.m. The fish fry will be across from the Piggly Wiggly on McGehee St. Plates will sell for $3 each and sandwiches $2 each.

35 YEARS AGO
MAY 15, 1986

The Conecuh County High School girls softball team won its first ever 1A, 2A, 3A section championship of the Alabama High School Athletic Association in a seven-team tournament held May 3 in Monroeville. They will travel to Gadsden this Friday to compete in the state 1A, 2A, 3A championship tournament at Gadsden State Junior College.
The Blue Devils beat Uriah (1A) 28-1, Flomaton (2A) twice, 11-5 and 8-6, and Leroy (2A) twice, 7-6 and 18-1. Their only loss was to Leroy in the third round, 8-6.
The team, coached by Elaine Covin is made up of the following players: Doreen Gandy, Crissey Cantrell, Teresa Jones, Carolyn Sanders, Shirley Richardson, Kim Barlow, Candy Godwin, Carolyn Rogers, Cassandra Cunningham, Misty Pettis, Felisa Powell, Patricia Walton, Linda Mitchell and Tammy Taylor. The Blue Devils completed their 1986 regular season with an 8-2 record.

Free Horse Show set Saturday, May 24: There will be a FREE Horse Show Sat., May 24, at the Evergreen Municipal Park Arena beginning at four o’clock. There will be halter, pleasure and timed event classes. Concessions will be available on the grounds. The public is cordially invited to attend.

55 YEARS AGO
MAY 19, 1966

Swimming pool opens June 3rd: The swimming pool at Judson Murphy Recreation Center will open on Fri., June 3. This date was set by the Evergreen City Council at its meeting Tuesday night.
Coach Cliff Little of Evergreen High School has been employed as director of the city’s recreation program this summer.
The council voted to erect a chain link fence and gates across the front of the recreation center. This is being done to prevent further damage and abuse of the property. Recently, a pump was thrown into the wading pool and damaged.

75 YEARS AGO
MAY 16, 1946

Evergreen Will Play Andalusia Sunday P.M.: The Evergreen-Monroeville game was postponed because of wet grounds Sunday. There will be a game here Sunday at 3 p.m. with Andalusia. A game has also been scheduled there on May 23.
The manager of the local club is Mr. Zell Murphy. Mr. J.H. Mosley is secretary and business manager.

BOY SCOUT NEWS: Mr. Kinzer let Mr. Mac borrow his truck to take the troop swimming last Tuesday afternoon. The water was cold but the boys enjoyed it. We plan to go down to the pool for our meeting next Monday afternoon. Plans for our camping trips to be held in June will be discussed.

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

Ramsey Sawyer's headstone at Old Salem Cemetery.

43 YEARS AGO
MAY 18, 1978

The first load of particleboard shipped from the Temple Particleboard plant in Monroeville (formerly Olinkraft) was manufactured May 1 and 2 and shipped to Walker Brothers Building Supply in Ballyton by Hornady Brothers Truck Lines. Displaying the shipment are Bobby Thomas, truck driver; Cliff Varner, fork-lift operator; Johnny Fletcher, shipping foreman; James Batton, finishing and shipping superintendent; Leroy Jordan, production superintendent; Monroeville Mayor B.C. Hornady of Hornady Brothers; Bill Oates, plant general manager; Dave Baker, head of procurement; and Milford Rudy, head of Temple traffic.

The Monroe Academy Volunteer baseball team won second place in the Southern Regionals of the Alabama Private School Association and the right to attend the state tournament. Members of the squad with their second-place trophy are Doug Smith, O’Neal Jordan, Sammy Carter, David Carpenter, Jim Masingill, Johnny Till, Mitch Jones, Coach Eddie Tyler, Joey Pierson (scorekeeper), Greg Tatum, Mark McLaurin, Buddy Elliott, Jeff Tatum and Rick Williams.

Monroe County Schools Superintendent James Allen told Board of Education members Friday that he has asked Uriah Middle School trustees to look at ways of combining the middle school with J.U. Blacksher High School in Uriah.
Uriah Middle School, located only a mile or two from J.U. Blacksher High, has grades 5, 6 and 7 with about 129 students enrolled. James O. McMillon is the principal and the school has six teachers.

68 YEARS AGO
MAY 21, 1953

Edward Augustus Thompson, 73, lifetime resident of Monroe County and former tax assessor for the county for 20 years, died at his residence in Monroeville at 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
Mr. Thompson, prominent in area civic and political affairs, was at the time of his death a member of the Monroe County Board of Registrars. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

Personnel of Skinners Furniture Store are standing in front of their new store location on the west side of the courthouse square. The building, formerly occupied by Yellow Front Stores, has been completely redecorated. (Store employees included) W.C. Evers, manager; Eugene Austin, salesman; Harward Pickens, bookkeeper; Norman Langford, salesman; Curtis Johnson, salesman; J.O. Wilson, salesman; and James Wiggins, salesman.

Uriah Soldier Member Of Army Quartet In Europe Contest: Mannheim, Germany – Cpl. Lloyd M. Hendrix, son of Mrs. Sam Blackmon, Route 1, Uriah, was a member of an Army quartet that recently competed in a Europe-wide soldier singing contest.
Hendrix, who serves with the 2^nd Armored Division in Germany, sings with four of his buddies from the 94^th Armored Aircraft Artillery Battalion as one of the “Wingate Harmonizers.” The group competed in the open and spiritual singing division of the Army contest.
Corporal Hendrix entered the Army in April 1948 and arrived in Europe in January 1953. He was a welder with the Alabama Shipbuilding Corporation, Mobile, in civilian life.

93 YEARS AGO
MAY 17, 1928

All citizens of Monroeville and vicinity who favor formation of the Chamber of Commerce are requested to attend a meeting in the courthouse on Thurs., May 24, at 3 p.m. to pass upon report of Committee on Constitution and By-Laws and Nominations. – Q. Salter, Chairman.

Mr. J.B. Barnett, Esq., president of the Monroe County Bank, B.H. Stallworth, vice president, and K.J. Lazenby, cashier of the same institution, are attending the annual session of the Alabama Bankers Association in Mobile. Mr. Barnett is chairman of the legislative committee of the association.

The home of Mr. J.A. Curry at Drewry was destroyed by fire at noon Saturday together with a considerable portion of its furnishings. The building was partially covered by insurance.

A plate supper will be served at the Masonic Hall, Franklin, on Saturday night, May 19, for the benefit of the Methodist Church. Liberal patronage is solicited.

Capt. J.L. Marshall is at home from the United Confederate Reunion in Hot Springs, Ark. Capt. Marshall’s friends are a bit curious to know whether or not he cast his vote for Charlotte in view of the inducement offered by some 50 pretty young ladies of that city.

The Gulf Utilities Co. has taken over the electric light plant and ice factory at Uriah, the deal having been consummated within the last few days. The company, with headquarters at Monroeville, now owns and operates three units in South Alabama, viz: Monroeville, Foley and Uriah, and service is being extended to adjacent villages and county communities as rapidly as the demand justifies.

118 YEARS AGO
MAY 21, 1903

Doctors Bizzelle and Smith had a rather exciting experience on their return from a visit to a patient several miles out of town Wednesday night. A heavy rain had fallen a few hours previously and when they reached Double Branches, they found the stream a raging torrent. In attempting to cross they were almost engulfed in the swirling waters. Dr. Smith’s medicine case was swept from the buggy, but was found a few days subsequently lodged against a tree a mile or more below the point of crossing.

Hon. N.J. Stallworth has just concluded a satisfactory arrangement by which all necessary money will be secured to pay for the building of the courthouse. The deal was made with a leading Mobile bank on easy terms and at a rate of interest that will save the county several thousand dollars on the time price at which the contract was awarded. C.L. Hybart, Esq., of the local bar, rendered valuable assistance to Judge Stallworth in negotiating the deal.

New postmasters have been appointed in Monroe County as follows: Virginia Dean, Finklea; vice H.M. Salter, deceased; George W. Lee, Nero; vice S.A. Snowden, resigned.

A young man was drowned in the pond at Mr. C.C. Yarbrough’s mill last Sunday. The man went in bathing with several others, and being unable to swim sank in water beyond his depth. His companions were evidently too much frightened to afford assistance. The body was recovered several hours afterwards.

143 YEARS AGO
MAY 21, 1878

Bursonville – Mrs. Elizabeth Snowden died on the 10^th inst. She was 94 years old and leaves behind quite a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, besides numerous friends to mourn her loss.

Died – Near Monroeville, Wed., day the 15^th inst., Mr. Ramsey Sawyer, aged about 60.

Our Daily Mail – To Mr. Beale of Evergreen, who everybody knows who ever went to Evergreen, our people are indebted in no small degree for the daily mail from Evergreen to this place. Mr. Beale went on to Washington with the petitions, and to say that he button-holed our congressmen with an assurance and air of authority that would do justice to the cheek of a book agent or sewing machine man, in the interest of our people, is putting it mildly. He goes in to win, and he does win, and we thank him for his trouble in this matter.

To our Farmers – We know there are splendid farmers in this county whose experience is valuable and would greatly aid their brethren if made known. With a view of promoting the agricultural interests generally, we invite articles for our paper from our farmers. We hope they will use The Journal as a free medium of communicating with each other upon all farm subjects that may be of interest to all. Will our farmers do so?

For sale – a very desirable residence, with six rooms, well furnished, comfortably and conveniently arranged together with necessary outbuildings and a tract of good upland, situated about 10 miles northeast of Monroeville in a good neighborhood, unsurpassed for good water and good health, and offers a rare opportunity to persons desiring either a summer or a permanent residence. Price low. Apply to Thos. S. Wiggins, Monroeville, Ala.

Little remains from Conecuh County's old Galatia community

Jackson Bridge, looking west towards Galatia.

Sunday was Mother’s Day, and the weather was too pretty not to get out and enjoy the sunshine. My wife and kids like to ride around almost as much as I do, so we took the Jeep and four-wheeler and set off down some of the local dirt roads. We eventually found ourselves on the Old Stage Road, which makes up much of the border between Conecuh and Monroe counties.

A few miles southwest of Repton, we cut down the Range Road, a long dirt road that runs all the way from the Old Stage Road to State Highway 41. About halfway between the Old Stage Road and Escambia Creek at Jackson Bridge, I was reminded that we were passing through one of Conecuh County’s old, forgotten communities. It was here, many years ago, that you would have found the community once known as Galatia.

According to historical records, a post office existed at Galatia from 1890 to 1901. This community probably takes its name from the place in the Bible called Galatia, which is located in modern-day Turkey. The apostle Paul visited Galatia, and the Bible includes his famous letter to the Galatians.

The earliest reference to the Galatia community that I’ve seen in local newspapers was in the Jan. 5, 1893 edition of the old Evergreen Star newspaper. In that edition, Conecuh County Tax Assessor D.L. Carter announced that he planned to be in Galatia on March 10. During his visit, he planned to assess state and county taxes for the year 1893.

The last reference to Galatia that I could find in old papers was in the April 30, 1964 edition of The Courant. On the front page of that paper, in a story about a local election, readers learned that county voters would use the same polling places as used in the 1962 elections with the exception of one box, which had been moved. That box – Beat 5, Box 3 – formerly located at Galatia, had been moved to Faircloth’s Store at Sandcut to serve voters on the southwest side of Interstate Highway 65. Apparently, so few people lived at Galatia at this time that the county had a hard time finding people to work the polls there during elections.

Today when you pass through this area, you’ll see that it’s heavily wooded. Thick pines line both sides of the Range Road, and it’s hard to imagine what Galatia must have looked like in its heyday. More than likely the community once had a number of houses, stores, churches and maybe even a school.

I’ve closely examined old maps of this area and have been unable to identify any old landmarks like cemeteries, which is somewhat surprising. In addition to Escambia Creek, this area is also riddled with many other streams and branches. All of this fresh water would have made this part of the county prime real estate for ancient Indians and pioneer settlers.

In the end, I’d like to hear from any readers who know more about the old Galatia community. I’m especially interested in hearing any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore from this part of the county. You never can tell, someone in the reading audience may even have a picture of the old Galatia post office.

Revolutionary war soldier Owen Dailey to be honored Sunday afternoon at Chestnut Cemetery

Earlier this month, I received a nice e-mail from Greg Swanner of Billingsley. Swanner has deep ancestral roots in Wilcox County, and he and I have corresponded over the years about historical matters related to such places as Watsons Crossing and Stewartville. His latest e-mail informed me about an upcoming event that local history buffs will enjoy hearing about.

This coming Sunday at 3 p.m., members of the Lt. Joseph M. Wilcox Chapter of the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold a ceremony at the Chestnut Cemetery, located on State Highway 265 between Camden and Beatrice, in honor of Revolutionary War soldier Owen Dailey, who has many living descendants in Wilcox and Monroe counties. During the ceremony, DAR members will dedicate a new grave marker at Dailey’s final resting place, which is currently marked with a simple stone. Chapter Regent Gladys Mason is Dailey’s third-great-granddaughter, and she responsible for obtaining a marker for his grave.

According to Swanner, who is Dailey’s fifth-great-grandson, Owen Dailey still has many living descendants in Wilcox and Monroe counties.

“We are excited about honoring him,” Swanner said. “It’s been a long time coming, but it’s something that is due him. Wilcox and Monroe Counties have so much history and so much to be proud of. Our heritages in this area are something to be proud of.”

Owen Dailey’s exact birthday is unknown, but he was likely born sometime around 1764 in South Carolina. As a 19-year-old, he was drafted into the South Carolina state militia, and he went on to serve in his home state and in Georgia. His unit marched to such places as Ancrum’s Ferry, Broad River, Beaufort, Black River and the Savannah River. Serving alongside regular army soldiers and other militiamen, Dailey and his unit fought in a number of skirmishes and engagements.

Records reflect that Dailey also served as a substitute for a man named Christian Hope. Service as a substitute soldier was relatively common during America’s early history. In the case of Dailey and Hope, Hope had likely been drafted, but had enough money enough to pay Dailey to serve in his place. Usually only the wealthy could afford to hire a substitute, while less affluent draftees had little choice but to report for duty.

Years after the American Revolution, Dailey moved to Alabama and was among the state’s pioneer settlers listed in the 1830 U.S. Census. By 1835, he’d obtained a tract of nearly 80 acres near the Wilcox-Monroe County line, a few miles northwest of the Chestnut Cemetery. Dailey and his wife, Elizabeth, had a number of children, including David, John, Michael, William, Adam, Jacob, George, Alexander and Barbary. Several of these children eventually moved to the Fatama community in southern Wilcox County, where many of their descendants still live today.

Dailey passed away in January 1842, and he was buried in the Chestnut Cemetery. Only a simple stone marks his final resting place, but that will change this coming Sunday when his descendants properly honor him with a suitable grave marker. Local history buffs – and the general public – are invited and encouraged to witness this historic event in honor of one of our area’s pioneer citizens.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for May 11, 2021

23 YEARS AGO

MAY 14, 1998

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .01 inches of rain on May 6 and a trace of rain on May 7. He also reported a high of 86 degrees on May 9 and lows of 53 on May 4 and May 5.

Marcia Michelle Griffin was chosen as Conecuh County 1999 Junior Miss this past Saturday night at the Ed Reid Technical College.
“Marcy” also won awards for the best creative and performing arts category and for the best judge’s interview.
Gina Michelle Harper was chosen as first alternate. She was recognized as the best in two categories: poise and appearance and physical fitness.
Sunshine Lualhati Floyd was chosen as second alternate and will receive a $300 scholarship to the college of her choice.
Jessika Wallace was presented with the Scholastic Achievement Award and she will receive a $300 scholarship. Wallace had the highest grade point average.
Two other $100 scholarships were presented. Amity Reeves received one as Star Sponsor Winner, while Monique Johnson won for the Spirit of Junior Miss.

Bill Ferguson has taken over as the new Veteran’s Affairs Officer for this area, with the transfer of Francis McGowin.
Ferguson was hired on April 13, 1998, and he is no stranger to Conecuh County.

39 YEARS AGO
MAY 13, 1982

Local weather observer Earl Windham reported 1.28 inches of rain on May 8. He reported a high of 88 on May 6 and a low of 49 on May 9.

Wayne Stafford is the new owner of Evergreen radio station WBLO, having assumed ownership Monday morning. He and Marv Heffington, the station’s new manager, are congratulated by Ernie Ashworth, noted country music and Grand Ole Opry entertainer, who is also Mrs. Stafford’s (Wanda) brother. Ashworth will become a familiar figure around Evergreen as he assists Marv and Wayne as they make improvements at the station.

Tommy Shipp of Castleberry showed the Grand Champion of the 17^th Annual Conecuh County FFA and 4-H Market Hog Show held here Monday morning at the Evergreen Cooperative Stockyard Show Arena. Jeff Little, owner of Little’s Super Market in Castleberry, paid a premium $1 per pound for this fine home.

Dr. Sergeant’s death is shock: This community and county were shocked by the unexpected death of Dr. Charles Kendall Sergeant of an apparent massive heart attack suffered at his office Saturday afternoon, May 8.
Private memorial services were held Wednesday at his home at 307 Perryman St., conducted by Dr. Lamar Jackson.
Dr. Sergeant was a board surgeon of extremely high qualifications and greatly respected in his profession. He had practiced as a surgeon and as a family physician here for over four years and had earned the love and respect of the people of this area.

54 YEARS AGO
MAY 11, 1967

The fourth annual Conecuh County Market Hog Show will be held Mon., May 15, at the Conecuh Stockyards. Registration begins at 5:30 a.m., the show at 8:30 a.m. and the sale of the show hogs at 1 p.m. Over 100 head of top quality market hogs are to be shown.
The show is sponsored by the Evergreen Kiwanis Club and the State Dept. of Agriculture & Industries in cooperation with the State Dept. of Vocational and Agricultural Education and the Extension Service of Auburn University.
C.L. Kamplain is show chairman and D.C. Fleming is advisory chairman. Judge of the show is H.N. Lewis, Vo. Ag. Livestock specialist, Auburn. Dr. Carl Wilson is official veterinarian.

Lt. Patten is control officer of attack squadron: With Attack Squadron Twenty-Three, Aboard U.S. Naval Air Station, LeMoore, Calif. – LTJG Freddie J. Patten, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene E. Patten of 401 Belleville St., Evergreen, is presently serving with Attack Squadron Twenty-Three, a light jet attack squadron temporarily based at U.S. Naval Air Station LeMoore, Calif.
Attack Squadron Twenty-Three, better known as the “Black Knights,” is presently undergoing intensive training and exercises in preparation for its third combat cruise against the forces of Communist aggression in Southeast Asia.
LTJG Patten is serving as the squadron Maintenance Control Officer. LTJG Patten is a three-time veteran of the Vietnam Campaign.

73 YEARS AGO
MAY 13, 1948

DEMOLAYS MEET: The Evergreen Chapter of Demolay met Wednesday night April 21 at 7:30 p.m. with 18 members and nine Masons present. The initiating degree was given to the following boys: Robert Wells, W.K. Salter, Carl Stacey, Kenneth Thompson, Harry Booker, Bayne Petrey and Brown Hagood.
These boys were given the Demolay degree Wednesday night, May 5, which made them full-pledged members. The Demolay boys gave the Rainbow Girls a party at Binion’s Pool Monday evening, May 10. Refreshments were served.
The next meeting will be May 19. – Curtis Walker, Scribe.

ON STAGE in 5 BIG SCENES – Dr. Silkini’s ASYLUM OF HORRORS – Direct From Hollywood – FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER IN PERSON – Ghastly! Horrifying! Chilling! Warning: If You Have A Weak Heart Don’t See It! – On Screen Comedy “Scooper Dooper” – PIX THEATRE – Fri., May 21, 10:30 p.m., One Show Only – Tickets Go On Sale Fri., May 14, 1948 – ADMISSION – All Seats 60 cents including Tax.

The commencement season was ushered in at Evergreen High School Saturday night, May 8, 1948 with a Senior Banquet and Prom. On Sun., May 23, 1948 at 11 o’clock, the baccalaureate services will be held in the Evergreen High School auditorium. Concluding the commencement program will be the graduation exercises which are to be held in the E.H.S. auditorium Friday night, May 28, 1948 at eight o’clock. Rev. A.A. Staples will deliver the commencement address.

83 YEARS AGO
MAY 12, 1938

Paul Stephenson Draws Five Years For Killing: A circuit court jury late Wednesday night returned a verdict of guilty against Paul Stephenson, young white man living in Beat One, and sentenced him to five years in the penitentiary. Stephenson together with his father was charged with killing their neighbor, David Wallace, a number of years ago.
Stephenson’s trial began Tuesday and did not reach the jury until late Wednesday afternoon. He was represented by the law firm of Hamilton and Jones of this city. The case of Neil Stephenson will not be tried at this term of the court.
The case of Tom Howard, charged with carnal knowledge, a capital offense, was taken up early Monday. Through his attorney, R.H. Jones, Howard entered a plea of guilty and received a sentence of 25 years.

Evergreen Included In Air Mail Pick-Up Plan: Air mail pick-up service planned for Alabama May 15 has been canceled on orders of the post office department, which asked concentration of flights on May 19, the state aviation commission announced Wednesday.
Addition of three new cities to be given pick-up service was announced. They are Thomasville, Evergreen and Troy. The additions bring to 34 the number of points in which state aviators will pick up air mail and fly it to regular airliner stops.
“Harllee Branch, second assistant postmaster general, advised Wednesday the post office department would concentrate on air mail pick-up service May 19, the 20th anniversary of airmail inauguration, and refused to permit Alabama flights planned May 15,” Asa Rountree, state airfield director, announced.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for May 10, 2021

16 YEARS AGO
MAY 12, 2005

State Record: Sparta’s Erica Palmer set a new state record in the 400-meter run with a time of 1:06.74. She was also third in the 200-meter dash with a time of 29.61. She also placed fourth in the high jump with a jump of four-feet, four inches. She was fifth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 14.31.

Hand takes reigns of Warriors: On May 20, 18 years since he last held a coaching position, Don Hand will assume the head coach’s duties at Sparta Academy.
Hand is replacing Gerry Watson as the Warriors head coach. Watson will remain on staff and is helping conduct spring drills with Coach Russ Brown.

Hillcrest High School’s Jaguars will wrap up spring football drills Tuesday in East Brewton when the team takes on the W.S. Neal High School Eagles.
(Players on Hillcrest’s team that year included Derek Paige, Aaron Dees, Frank Likely, John Dees, Antonio Jordan and Teridas Wilson. Arlton Hudson was head coach.)

Sparta Academy’s junior varsity girls track team recently won the state championship.
(Members of the team were Sally Matlock, Grace Matlock, Sarah Nielsen, Morgan Harden, Hayden Armuelles, Susan Ann Cook, Christin Booker, Erica Palmer, Mallory Kendrick, Maddie Black, Camarena Godwin, Pia Cumagun, Savannah Brown, Mary Ryan Nielsen, Kelsey Cope and Shaina Hutcheson. Coaches were Terry Jackson and Russ Brown.)

26 YEARS AGO
MAY 12, 1994

Conecuh County’s Eighth Annual Special Olympics were held recently at Lyeffion Junior High School. Rain forced the games inside, but that didn’t stop our Special Olympians.
(First-place finishers in their age groups included Chris Maxwell, April McCreary, Patrick King and Shanika Portis, high jump; Iris Portis, Kim McCreary, Tony Edwards, Tonya Brown, Sandra Randall, Deneice Stallworth and Tiffany Woods, standing long jump; Anthony Wiggins, Tina Watkins, Michael Howard, Renee Duncan, Youlanda Duncan and Antonia German, 100-meter balloon pop; Elane Bartlett, Sammy Nord, Rodrigus Rudolph, Wayne Feagin, David Jenkins and Walter Roach, basketball toss; Brian Dean, Rhonda Fantroy, Antonio German, Chris Maxwell, Erica Woods and Patrick King, 50-meter balloon pop; LaTosha McCreary, Taurean Green, Renee Duncan, April Perry, Kelly Dees, Leona Gantt and Youland Duncan, ring toss.)

40 YEARS AGO
MAY 14, 1981

Sparta’s Lynn Hyde wins state “jump”: Lynn Hyde, a junior at Sparta Academy in Evergreen, leaped 16 feet, four inches to win the state championship in the Alabama Private Schools Association State Track Meet held in Selma last week. Lynn also finished second in the 440-yard run with a time of 60.43 seconds.
Lynn, daughter of Evergreen Postmaster Gene and Mrs. Judy Hyde of Evergreen, will compete in the Southeast Tri-State Track Meet in Jackson, Miss. this week.

Four Repton High baseball players in all-star tilt: The 38th Annual Lions Club All-Star Baseball Games, co-sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Lions of Alabama, has been scheduled for Sun., May 17. A doubleheader will be played at Johnson Park in Andalusia at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The two teams will be comprised of high school seniors from Baldwin, Covington, Conecuh, Butler, Geneva and Escambia counties.
Baseball scouts and coaches from professional, college and junior college teams will be at the games to see the players in action.
Four players from Repton High School will play: Hugh Wilson III, Tommy Watson, James Watson III and Greg Simpson.

The Sparta Quarterback Club’s annual Athletic Banquet honoring athletes in all sports will be held Friday night at 7:30 o’clock in the Sparta Academy Gymnasium.
Tommy Neville, former all SEC lineman at Mississippi State and All pro offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, will be the featured speaker. Neville is a businessman now and lives in his hometown of Montgomery. He was recognized as an outstanding competitor and leader during his playing days.

Sixteen-year-old boys whose 17th birthday is after Aug. 1, 1981 are being made eligible to play baseball this summer in the Evergreen Junior Baseball League. This is essential in rounding out the Major League team rosters.

43 YEARS AGO
MAY 11, 1978

Warriors end season with pair of losses: The Sparta Academy Warriors closed out a disappointing baseball season by dropping a pair of games last week for a record of two wins and 10 losses, according to Sports Information Director Byron Warren Jr. The leading hitter was Terry Peacock with a .436 batting average for the season. He is a sophomore.
May 2, Fort Dale downed Sparta, 6-2, in a game played here. Tommy Hutcheson was the losing pitcher. The Warriors were guilty of five fielding errors.
Peacock had a double and Jeff Johnson and Ronny McKenzie a single each to account for Sparta’s only three hits.
Monroe Academy used nine hits and six Sparta errors to win, 13-3, here last Thursday. Peacock was the leading pitcher.
McKenzie had a double and a single and Johnson and Johnny Ralls a single each for Sparta.

Scoutmaster Mabry Stuckey of Evergreen Boy Scout Troop 40 presented awards to these Cub Scouts of Pack 40 at a recent meeting at the Scout Hut: Littlejohn Wade, Scott Salter, Daniel Wright, Marcus Blair and Rob Stuart.

61 YEARS AGO
MAY 12, 1960

Aggies End Season With Win Over Tigers: The Evergreen Aggies won their last game of the season Tuesday by taking T.R. Miller High School by a score of 1-0.
Frank Pugh was on the mound for Evergreen and Billy Melton was behind the plate. This victory gives Pugh five wins and no defeats. The Evergreen club closed the season with a record of 11 wins and two defeats.
James Reeves and Johnny Ivey got two hits apiece in Tuesday’s game.
On being interviewed after the game, Coach Jeff Moorer said, “I think that everyone will agree that my boys played A-1 baseball this year. We only had three seniors playing this past season, but next year we will have a large group of seniors who will be available. I feel sure that Evergreen will be going to the state tournament next year.”

Aggies Trounce Repton: The Evergreen Aggies bombed the Repton nine last week to the tune of 15-4 with the splendid pitching of Billy Bateman. The local squad collected 11 hits, one of which was a circuit blow into the right field stands, but they were not ruled as homers because of the proximity of those bleachers. Repton claimed their share of the long balls with two four-baggers.

Evergreen vs. Castleberry: The Aggies turned back the Blue Devils from Castleberry, 7-1, this past week. The Aggies supported Frank Pugh with seven runs on nine hits. The Castleberry nine scored their long run in the sixth on an error.