The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 30, 2021

Charles Graddick

11 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 2010

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 2.31 inches of rain on Nov. 15. He also reported a high of 77 degrees on Nov. 21 and lows of 38 on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17.

Gideons International presented the Evergreen Police Department with complimentary copies of the New Testament Wednesday of last week at the Evergreen Fire Station. Individuals at the presentation included local Gideons, Mike Lanier and Tom Hall, and Evergreen Police Chief James Simpson, Detective Sean Klaetsch, Sgt. Shawn Sullivan, Lt. Wayne Stewart, Sgt. Tristan Robinson and Patrolman Adam Hawsey. Gideons International provides the department with Bibles, which also includes the Psalms and Proverbs, every other year, Lanier said. The organization plans to provide copies of the Bible to all local fire departments later this year, he said.

The smell of smoking pork filled the streets of downtown Evergreen Tuesday morning as members of the Evergreen Kiwanis Club prepared Boston butts for one of the club’s two semi-annual fundraisers. Kiwanis Club members who were manning the smokers on Tuesday morning included Charles King, Mike Lanier and David Cook. In all, the club planned to smoke around 180 Boston butts and all of the net proceeds from the fundraiser would remain in Conecuh County, Lanier said. The club’s next fundraiser is scheduled for the week of July the Fourth next year.

36 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1985

Evergreen weather observer Earl Windham reported 0.07 of rain on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21. He reported a high of 81 degrees on Nov. 19 and a low of 48 on Nov. 23.

Christmas Parade is huge success: The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce’s 1985 Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon was a tremendous success. When the parade began at 3 p.m., a huge crowd had gathered and the weather, in spite of Hurricane Kate in the Gulf, was fine.
Santa Claus arrived in grand fashion in a helicopter flown by Mayor Pat Poole, and the largest crowd ever was on hand to witness his arrival. The parade was “also the largest we’ve ever had in Evergreen. We hope this is the beginning of a trend. There were horses, floats, cars and marchers and bands… 38 entries in all, and we are proud of each one of them,” a Chamber of Commerce spokesperson said.

Attorney General Charles Graddick visited Evergreen on Tuesday of last week addressing the noon meeting of the Evergreen Kiwanis Club. Here Graddick is shown with some of the “regulars” at Sleepy’s (Johnston’s Big T): Moye Windham and weatherman Ole Earl Windham and Tal Stuart III and Billy Hamilton. Graddick is expected to be a candidate for governor next year and made many contact during his visit here, and was also interviewed on Radio WEGN.

Florine Bolton is presented an award as “Pilot of the Year 1985” for the Pilot Club of Evergreen by President Judy Johnson. Pilot of the Year is chosen by fellow Pilots for outstanding leadership and contributions to the club.

61 YEARS AGO
NOV. 24, 1960

Christmas Carnival grabs local spotlight Nov. 30: The traditional holiday season will be ushered into Conecuh County Wednesday with the annual Conecuh County Christmas Carnival in Evergreen.
At three o’clock, all parade entries will meet at the Evergreen City School to form the parade. Entries must be cleared with Bill Murner, Elmore’s manager, by 5 p.m. Monday.

Mrs. C.H. Moorer Dies At Home Here Friday: Mrs. Bessie Straughn Moorer, 83, died at her home on Bruner Avenue early Friday morning after a long illness. Funeral services were held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Moore officiating. Burial was in Magnolia Cemetery with Cope Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Moorer was a member of a prominent, pioneer family of this county and was widely known throughout this area. Although closely confined in recent years due to declining health, she had been a devoted member of the Methodist Church and active in many church and civic endeavors. Throughout her long illness, she continued to keep in close touch with the community, the county and her many friends.
Her husband, C.H. Moorer, is a partner in Conecuh Quick Freeze, Inc., and is a widely known South Alabama businessman.

86 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1935

Charles Ivey, 88, Dies Tuesday Night: Funeral services were held at 3:00 Wednesday afternoon for Charles Ivey, 88, prominent planter and businessman of the Loree community, whose death occurred Tuesday night. Death resulted from a combination of infirmities, complicated by a broken hip, suffered in a fall several weeks ago.
A lifelong resident of Conecuh County, having been born in 1847 less than a quarter of a mile from the scene of his demise, Mr. Ivey was widely known as a plantation owner and gin operator, having operated one of the first cotton gins established in Conecuh County.
Although having been a sufferer from a heart complication for a number of years, Mr. Ivey had been active in his affairs until recently, when he suffered a broken hip. He directed the operation of his gin during the pasts ginning season, and actively superintended farming operations on his plantation during the past crop year.

Judson Shoemaker, who is stationed at Maxwell Field, spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Shoemaker. He made the trip home by plane with Lt. Hale piloting.

Mrs. E.E. Newton, Mrs. W.K. Horton and Miss Augusta Farnham attended the appearance of “La Argentiana,” dancers in the Montgomery concert course series Monday night.

WOW Meeting To Elect Officers: Members of Magnolia Camp No. 153 of the W.O.W. are notified to be present at a meeting to be held at Newton Hall Tuesday night, Dec. 3, beginning at 7:30 o’clock. This is an important meeting as officers for the ensuing year are to be elected. – J.T. Peak, C.C.

111 YEARS AGO
NOV. 23, 1910

C.P. and J.D. Deming and Dr. G.G. Newton spent several days in Mobile last week taking the higher degrees in Masonry.

Although the skies were cloudy, a few persons viewed for a few moments the total eclipse of the moon on last Wednesday evening about six o’clock.

Man Cut to Death at Castleberry: Henry Smith was cut to death by Charles Marcus at Castleberry Sunday morning.
It seems that Marcus approached Smith on Sunday morning, after a night of drinking and revelry, and asked for a dollar that he claimed Smith owed him and before he could reply he was slashed about the head and abdomen.
Smith lived until Monday afternoon, when he succumbed. Marcus fled to the swamps and has not yet been captured, although Sheriff Irwin was on the scene shortly after the tragedy and pursed the man for some time without success.

Capt. J.C. Travis received a message a few days ago, announcing the death of his nephew, Major P.M. Travis while en route to visit his sister in Kansas. Major Travis was born at Sparta about 58 years ago. He had been connected with the regular army until a few months ago when he resigned.

Several Evergreen citizens will be down to Mobile this week to see the flying machines which are making flights daily during the week.

136 YEARS AGO
NOV. 26, 1885

THE CONECUH-ESCAMBIA STAR

One day this week, as Mr. M.R. Reed, who lives about three miles east of Castleberry, was felling a tree, it lodged on a limb, breaking it off, and when it fell, it struck the unfortunate man on the head, fracturing his skull. Dr. Jay was called, but his patient died before he could reach him.

Hon. John D. Burnett now spends most of his time in Mobile in the discharge of his duties as district attorney. Mr. Burnett is more than meeting the expectations of his friends and admirers in this capacity.

“Yorick,” the well-known setter of Mr. Burnett’s, is a very intelligent dog. He knows the schedule of the up-train on the L&N road, and when his master is absent in Mobile, “Yorick” is always at the train when it arrives in the afternoon, and passes from one car to the other searching, and if Mr. Burnett fails to come, one can almost see a look of disappointment on the face of his faithful dog.

Messrs. H.C. King and J.M. Merrill, first and second clerks of the steamer Mary of the Alabama River, spent several days in town last Friday and called in to see us, such genial gentlemen are always welcomed at our office. Messrs. King and Merrill with Capt. John Quill are officers of one of the most elegant steamers on southern waters. The Mary and her crew are popular. The comfort of passengers is all their study. Capt. Quill is an ideal steamboat captain.

Eli McMorn and the Strange Case of Kill Devil Hill – Part 20

Around midnight, Corwin tossed a dry stick into the campfire and got to her feet. She hadn’t spoken in a long time, and without a word, she sluffed off towards her tent. With some difficulty, she crawled inside and zipped up the flap.

I wonder if she felt safer inside the thin-walled tent. She reminded me of a confused child with a blanket over her head, believing it would protect her from the ravages of the dreaded boogeyman. More than likely, there was nothing inside the cluttered closet or in the blackness under her bed in her Claiborne apartment. But out here, atop Kill Devil Hill, the boogeyman was very much real.

Her fellow folklore classmate, Abby Armitage, was more of a trooper. She sat on the other side of the campfire, her back against the gritty trunk of a thin pine, and stared into the dancing flames. She looked very tired, circling the drain towards sleep.

The unexplained noises and unnerving coyote howls that had upset Corwin so badly had died down over the past hour. The unknown thing was still out there. Every few minutes, I would hear its furtive movements in the forbidden woods about a hundred yards from where we sat. If the women heard these faint, eerie noises, they gave no sign.

I pulled out my antique pipe and leather tobacco pouch and prepared another smoke. Armitage perked up at this, and she watched me intently across the hot flames and rising smoke. I ignited the wad of pungent tobacco with my faithful Zippo, puffed a few times and exhaled a great cloud of gray smoke into the night air.

“Did you know that the Piachi Indians considered tobacco to be a powerful and sacred substance?” she asked.

The sound of her elfin female voice seemed too loud amidst the low crackle of the fire. I took another draw on the stem of my pipe and exhaled smoke into the endless night sky. “Is that right?”

She nodded. “They used it in ceremonies, rituals, prayers, peace talks, all kinds of stuff,” she said. “They used that and many other types of narco-stimulants or psychotropics. Medicine men thought tobacco was so mind-altering that it helped them bridge the gap between our world and the eldritch spirit world.”

I clamped my pipe between my teeth, picked up a thin pine stick and stirred the fire’s coals. “They may have been on to something,” I said. “Too bad it didn’t stop yellow fever.”

She smiled, a flash of white teeth. “They had all sorts of beliefs about tobacco,” she continued. “Some thought these sacred, shamanistic substances could invoke nature spirits or that they could appease natural forces by casting tobacco into a fire or running water. They also thought that it affected their dreams and allowed them to perform supernatural feats.”

Her words carried the tone of someone accustomed to the safe interior of a classroom or lecture hall. No doubt she was a good student who took her esoteric studies seriously. It was also evident that she was more tough-minded than most women. The enigmatic, bestial sounds that reduced her friend to blubbering fear had only steeled Armitage.

I took another deep draw on my pipe and realized how sleepy I’d gotten, sitting by the fire and listening to the young woman’s voice. I stood and stretched. Woodsmoke scent lifted off my clothes and filled my nostrils like so much October brimstone.

I gathered up an armful of wood and dropped it on the dying fire. The temperature had dropped, and I gathered my green field jacket around me. When I retook my seat, a glance across the fire told me that Armitage had fallen asleep in the warmth of the fire.

Inside my jacket pocket, my hand fell on my old World War II compass. On a whim, I pulled it out and flipped open its brass cover. In the light of the fire, I could see the red needle inside spin slowly in a confused attempt to find magnetic north.

It was around this time that my eyelids grew disturbingly heavy.

(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.)

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Nov. 29, 2021

Evergreen's Chris Hines.

11 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 2010

Drew Davis ‘tribute’ set for Dec. 3: Sparta Academy will host a “Tribute to Drew Davis” on Dec. 3, according to organizers of the event last week.
“Sparta Academy will honor this Sparta alumnus for his many accomplishments while at the University of Alabama and the resulting recognition that it has brought to Sparta and Conecuh County,” organizer James Ansley said.
The tribute ceremony will take place on Fri., Dec. 3, between Sparta’s varsity girls and varsity boys basketball games against Fort Dale at Richard Brown Gymnasium in Evergreen.
Davis, a 2004 graduate of Sparta Academy, is arguably one of the best football players Conecuh County has ever produced. He started at right offensive tackle for the past two seasons at the University of Alabama and closed out his college football career on Jan. 7 when Alabama claimed its 13^th national championship with a 37-21 win over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, Calif. Davis, 24, is the 6-foot-7, 305-pound son of Scott and Joan Davis of Evergreen.

Hines sets career high for blocks: Evergreen’s Chris Hines blocked a career high four shots against Seton Hall Friday in the opening round of the Paradise Jam Tournament in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Alabama lost, 83-78.
Hines was in the starting lineup against Seton Hall and logged 34 minutes of playing time. He finished the game with four blocks, a team-high 11 rebounds, four points, three assists and two steals.

36 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1985

Warrior cagers open with win: The Sparta Academy basketball team opened its 1985-86 season with a 69-55 win over Fort Deposit Academy in Fort Deposit on Nov. 19. Sparta’s girls also raced to a 49-34 win and the Sparta JVs racked up a 36-15 victory.
Sparta’s varsity boys were led by Scott Salter with 13 points and Jason West with 10 as 11 Warriors got in on the scoring. Tim Brantley had eight points; Danny Reed and Mark Rigsby, seven each; Brian Bybee, Brandon Salter and Glynn Ralls, six each; and John Weaver, Bradd Watts and Lynn Ralls, two each, according to Sparta Sports Information Director Byron Warren Jr.
Kim Searcy led the Sparta ladies with 14 points. Julie Johnson had 11 points, six rebounds and one steal. Carl Kendrick had eight points, four rebounds and seven steals; Tracy Holmes, seven points, five rebounds and six steals; Susan Ward, six points, 12 rebounds and four steals; and Leah Carrier, two points, three rebounds and two steals.
Craig Blackburn led the Warrior JVs with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Ted Robbins had six points and 14 rebounds; Baxter Stinson six points and two rebounds; Chris Weaver, four points and 12 rebounds; Richard Melton, two points and five rebounds; and Jerry Cotten, two points and one rebound.

Shannon Sims and Stephen Ellenburg caught these two big catfish on Nov. 14. One weighed seven pounds and the other five pounds. Asked where they caught the fish, the boys replied, “In the mouth."

61 YEARS AGO
NOV. 24, 1960

Eagles Win 20-7 Over Camden: The Eagles of CCTS wrote “finis” to a winning grid campaign with a thrilling 20-7 victory over the Camden Academy Bulldogs. The first half of play was a lackluster affair on the part of the Eagles who had earlier trounced the Bulldogs, 31-7.
A severe tongue lashing at the half-time period by Coach Mike Cheatham put the Eagles on the right track and they came roaring back like an angry hurricane to topple Camden on this their homecoming.
The Eagles were led by a glue-fingered, rampaging end named John “Crazylegs” Grace. Crazylegs did everything but hang the scores on the scoreboard. He made four solo key tackles, recovered a fumble, intercepted an enemy pass, and, to cap success with glory, was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes.
(Other top CCTS players in that game included Billy Armstrong, Doug Evans and Andrew J. Hawkins.)

Lyeffion High Plans Homecoming Saturday: Saturday will be “Homecoming” for all alumni, former teachers and friends of Lyeffion High School, according to Mrs. W.C. Trawick, program chairman of the PTA, sponsors of the event.
The second annual homecoming program gets underway at 4 p.m. with a basketball game. A barbecue dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. in the lunchroom. A program will be held in the school auditorium following the dinner.
Joe Weaver, now teaching at Excel, and a former student at Lyeffion, will be master of ceremonies.

86 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1935

Aggies Won From Monroeville, 53-0: Evergreen’s fighting Aggies defeated Monroeville by a score of 53-0 Wednesday afternoon on Gantt Field, Coach Ripper Williams’ aggregation suddenly finding a scoring punch and punching across seven touchdowns and making good on four conversions.
The heavy Evergreen line kept the Monroeville team rocking on its heels, and the Aggie backs tore through the visitors’ line for long gains almost at will. The locals were forced to punt only one time during the game, and then only after a 15-yard holding penalty had nullified “Tarzan” Brassell’s line bucking for practically the necessary yardage, the penalty coming on fourth down.
Brassell and Cargill rammed the line and ran Monroeville’s ends for long gains, with Cargill brining the crowd a grand thrill when he took a punt on his own 35-yard line and scored standing up for a 65-yard jaunt through the entire Monroeville team.
The line plunging of Tarzan Brassell and Jim Lane stood out.

111 YEARS AGO
NOV. 23, 1910

James Fortner Meets Tragic Death: The sad news of the tragic death of James Fortner, near Mt. Union on Monday night, was learned here with deep regret.
In company with his three little boys and two men, Mr. Fortner was in the woods hunting possums. He cut a dead gum tree down and as it fell, the top struck another tree, breaking off and the top falling back, the heavy piece striking Mr. Fortner, crushing his head and breaking his back. He died instantly.
Mr. Fortner was a son of M.M. Fortner, one of the best known and most prominent farmers of that section. He was about 35 years of age and is survived by his devoted wife and eight small children, to whom the sympathy of everybody goes in their great and distressing bereavement.

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

Congressman Jo Bonner

17 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 2004

Congressman visit: U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, visited the Claiborne Mill Complex recently during a trip to Monroe County. While at Alabama River Pulp, Bonner met with ARP Chairman George Landegger and discussed issues with mill employees related to storm damage to timber, high fuel prices, river navigation and funding for locks and dams and the expansion of U.S. Highway 84. During the congressman’s visit at the local pulp-making facility, he praised Alabama River Pulp’s efforts of continuous improvement to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

Lady Bulldogs gun down three foes: J.U. Blacksher’s Lady Bulldogs have come out of the gate smoking, outscoring their first three opponents, 126-60.
Blacksher opened its 2004-05 basketball season Tuesday of last week with a 45-17 drumming of Excel’s Lady Panthers in Excel. The Bulldogs followed it with a 38-27 win over area rival Fruitdale last Friday at Uriah. On Monday, the Bulldogs cruised past area rival Frisco City 43-16 at Uriah.
(Top Blacksher players in that game included Jennifer Caraway, Amber Caskey, Tiffany Dale, Kayla House, Brooke Little, Jartavar Packer, Taylor Pierce, Erica Selzer and Paris White.)

Monroe County Probate Judge Otha Lee Biggs and Monroeville City Councilman John Rice sign a resolution proclaiming this week as Farm-City Week in Monroe County. On hand to witness the event are Scott Saucer, president of the Monroe County Young Farmers Association; Ruth Saucer, a member of the Monroe County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee; and Ronnie Joe Jordan, president of the Monroe County Farmers Federation.

42 YEARS AGO
NOV. 22, 1979

Council to have hearing: A proposal to add fluoride to Monroeville’s public water supply will be the subject of a City Council hearing starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall.
Local dentists, with encouragement from the state Health Department, brought up the proposal. Monroeville’s water now contains a small amount of fluoride, but not enough to be effective for dental purposes.
The council is considering passing an ordinance permitting, but not requiring, the city Water Board to fluoridate the water.

MA Vols whip Sumter, move into state finale: Monroe Academy rode Jeff Tatum’s four-touchdown passing performance to a 48-30 playoff win over the Sumter Academy Eagles at Volunteer Stadium Friday night, withstanding a mammoth rushing performance by Sumter’s Allan Stallings.
Tatum, who complete all nine of his pass attempts for 252 yards and four touchdowns, has now completed 61 of 87 passes for 1,254 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
(Other top MA players in the Sumter game included Davison Carter, Sammy Carter, Ron Eddins, Larry Gaston, Troy Kendrick, Tommy Kilpatrick, Randall Norris, Tommy Owens, Doug Smith, Tripp Stallworth and Rick Williams.)

Free Repton dialing due: Toll-free telephone service between Repton and Monroeville as well as most other Monroe County telephone exchanges is scheduled to begin Dec. 1. Monroeville Telephone Co. spokeswoman Myrtle Fore said Repton customers’ telephone rates will go up when the additional service is added Dec. 1. The new residential rates for Repton customers will go from $8.65 to $9.90 for a one-party line and from $7.25 to $8.50 for a four-party line.

67 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 1954

Pfc. Samuel C. Belcher Is Serving in Korea: 24^th Division, Korea – Pfc. Samuel C. Belcher, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Belcher, Monroeville, is now serving in Korea with the 24^th Infantry Division.
A radio operator in Headquarters Company of the 21^st Infantry Regiment, Belcher entered the Army in March 1952 and received basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. before arriving overseas in October 1953.

Monroe High Tigers Take Mythical County Grid Crown: Displaying effective teamwork, Monroeville’s Monroe County High Tigers Friday downed the Frisco City High Whippets, 28-0, to take the 1954 “mythical” grid championship in Monroe County.
Quarterback John Fowler paced the Tiger offense, hitting on nine of 10 passes for 117 yards and adding over 60 more running 15 sneaks and options.
(Other top MCHS players in that game included Nicky Manning, Boone McNorton, Jim McNorton, Red Sawyer, Ray Sirmon, Grayson Simmons, Hick Wiggins and Robert Wiggins. Top Frisco players included Max Johns and Steve King.)

Blacksher High Principal Unopposed For 1955 District AEA Office: John Sawyer of Uriah, principal of the J.U. Blacksher School, is an unopposed candidate for the office of vice-president of District One in the Alabama Education Association. Announcement of his candidacy was made recently by Mrs. Laura Gaines Sprott of Troy, AEA president, along with the listing of other AEA candidates for the year.

92 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1929

LANDING FIELD TO BE DEDICATED DEC. 12: The local landing field made possible through the untiring efforts of the Monroe County Post 61, American Legion, will be formally dedicated Thurs., Dec. 12. There will be 10 or 12 planes here for the dedicatory exercises, five of them being government planes from the Pensacola air station. Music for the program will be furnished by the Monroe County High School band. It is understood that there will be several speeches, though the officials in charge have not yet revealed the names of the speakers. Stunt flying will be a feature of the day, and we hope that a good crowd will be out to witness these stunts. There will also be passenger planes along, so those who wish to take a trip aloft may be planning for it now.

WORK PROGRESSES ON THE NEW HOTEL: We understand that Mr. George Lee Nettles is making very satisfactory progress with his plans for the new hotel for Monroeville. He has purchased a lot on the west side of the public square, consisting of the Q. Salter old residence lot and a portion of the old Presbyterian church lot, and has already contracted for the removal of the Salter residence. Plans for the hotel building are being rapidly completed, and it is the intention of Mr. Nettles to have actual work on the hotel building start at an early date.

MONROE FARMERS JOIN COUNTY BUREAU: Since the statewide drive for new members to join the county farm bureaus began a few days ago, Mr. A.V. Culpepper, county agent, announced that 70 new members had been added to the membership list of Monroe County Farm Bureau. Mr. Culpepper states that the aim of the campaign is to place the membership list at 500.

117 YEARS AGO
NOV. 24, 1904

Today is Thanksgiving and many, if not all, business houses will be closed in observance of the occasion. It is well for all, once a year at least, to meditate upon the manifold blessings bestowed by a bountiful Providence.

The new walls of the jail have been completed and work on the inside is progressing steadily. The contractors hope to complete the job within the next few weeks.

Mr. J.M. Coxwell, the new Circuit Clerk, was at the county capital last week. He will probably enter upon his official duties in a few days.

Probate Judge-elect I.B. Slaughter was here last week to file his official bond. As soon as his commission arrives, he will assume the official harness.

WIGGINS HOTEL (Watson House) – Monroeville, Ala. – This hotel has been thoroughly renovated and newly furnished throughout and ready for the accommodation of the public. Table will be supplied with the best in the market. Patronage solicited. – J.L. Wiggins, Proprietor.

PETERMAN: We have not heard anything lately about the artesian well that was talked of last summer. Something in that line will have to be done if we are going to have anything to drink besides whiskey. The wells are nearly dry and the creek is dry that runs through town. Improvements and progress must come if we are to attract people to locate in our city.

George Singleton tells of how DeSoto crossed the Alabama River near Claiborne in October 1540

Hernando DeSoto

(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 “463 years ago today” was originally published in the Oct. 16, 2003 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Sunday, the 12^th of October 2003, was a quiet day along the banks of the mighty Alabama River at Claiborne. But, this was not the case on the 12^th of October 1540.

This was the day 463 years ago the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and his army gathered on the west bank of the mighty river, getting reading to make the crossing that would be instrumental in the changing of our history.

This day was Tuesday, and the scouts of DeSoto’s army had chosen this location because of the low banks alongside the large stream. Because it was the dry season of the year, the river was at its lowest level.

Two days prior, DeSoto and his army had made camp on the east bank, where the large creek that has come to be known as Silver Creek joins the now Alabama River. The weary army, after slowly making its way down from the area now known as Cahaba, stopped here.

Bad food and probably contaminated water had taken its toll on the members of DeSoto’s followers. The army’s scouts had reported to their commander that a very large native village had been located just across the mighty stream. The village was known as Piache. The large village of Piache sat on the very spot where the huge paper mill, Alabama River Pulp, is now located.

Since the army of DeSoto had landed in this strange and unfamiliar land, things had not gone as well as DeSoto had wished. Coming here from Spain, DeSoto had great expectations of finding great riches in the huge villages along the rivers of this land.

During his expeditions in North America, he had been told of the legendary “Seven Cities of Gold” that lay to the north. Returning back to his native land, he organized another expedition and sailed with his army to the new world, leaving word that when he returned, he would be wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.

The river crossing was not an easy one for the army of DeSoto. Timbers had to be cut with which large rafts were made that would bring the heavy armor of his army across the swift river. Along with the army was a large herd of swine or hogs that had to be brought across by raft. Also, quite a large herd of cattle had to be brought across.

Due to the fact that the swine couldn’t swim the wide stream, they had to be caught and tied and placed one by one on the rafts. Most of the soldiers were suffering from the severe troublesome dysentery that plagued the army.

The 12^th of October 1540 was a long one for DeSoto as he waited on the east slope of the river watching his tired and weary army slowly make the dangerous crossing. Several of his war horses, along with may pieces of body armor, was lost during the crossing. Many of the swine and cattle that was to be used to feed his army was lost also. The river god had demanded his toll.

The river crossing was finally completed on the 13^th of October. Slowly the weary ragtag army made its way up the east bank of the mighty river and camped on the outskirts of the large village of Piache.

The villagers knew that the army was coming due to the fact that their scouts had been closely keeping track of the approaching army and their herds. The villagers were totally amazed at seeing the Spanish soldiers riding their war horses up toward the village. These were the first horses the Indians had ever seen. And, seeing a man in full body armor was very strange indeed.

Through the slave labor of captured Indians that DeSoto had with his army, the village medicine men of the of the village learned of the dysentery that plagued the army.

Going out into the deep weeds along the river bank, the medicine men gathered a certain type of weed and returned to the village. Here, they burned the special weed and mixed the ashes in the food of the suffering army. Less than a couple of days, the severe dysentery of DeSoto’s followers had vanished.

Record has it that DeSoto’s army left Piache on the 15^th of October and headed in a northeastward direction into what the Spanish referred to as “the mountainous area.” Their route would take them along the high ridges of what is now the area of Red Hills and Old Scotland.

At one time during the early years of the community of Old Scotland, inscribed on one of the stone blocks of the old church were the words: “Built on the route of DeSoto.” The slow-moving army would make its way along the high ridges up into the area of what is now  known as the community of Pine Orchard. There, in the huge flat area where Flat Creek begins to form, was located the large village of Maubila.

Here, the famed “Battle of Maubila” took place. DeSoto would lose a large number of his trained warriors and many of his war horses. DeSoto, himself, would receive a head wound so severe, it would affect his ability to reason for the rest of his life. But, that is another story.

Many who read this article probably will disagree with me about the location of Maubila. Our history of Alabama tends to locate Maubila over near the town of Grove Hill in Clarke County. I do not wish to be different, nor am I trying to be smart, but over the years, I have done much research on the route of DeSoto, where he and his army crossed the mighty river where Claiborne is now located.

I have walked this ancient path inch by inch many times. I have proven to myself beyond a shadow of a doubt that if the proper research was done, one would find that the large Indian village of what was once Maubila was nestled in the Pine Orchard area in the county of Monroe.

So today, Sunday, the 12^th of October 2003, I stand here on the high embankment overlooking the location where 463 years ago the Spanish explorer DeSoto stood. I am reminded that much of our early history is fast fading.

Before too long, such events that I have tried to bring to attention of our local citizens will have passed into oblivion. And, the places thereof will know them no more.

“This is the place, stand still my steed.
And let me review the scene
And summon from the shadowy past,
The forms that once has been.”

(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.)

Mt. Pleasant was the site of Monroe County Civil War skirmish in 1865

Modern-day bridge over Shomo Creek.

The Mt. Pleasant and Eliska communities on County Road 1 in the southwest corner of the county are somewhat of an oddity when it comes to place names. Many people reasonably think that the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church and the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church are located in the Mt. Pleasant community, but they are actually located in what we now call Eliska. Prior to the establishment of the Eliska post office in 1899, this area was probably known as Mt. Pleasant, which is why those churches have the names that they have today.

Most historical maps show “downtown” Mt. Pleasant to be located a couple of miles south of modern-day Eliska, just south of Shomo Creek and north of the Chrysler community. Mt. Pleasant is one of the oldest settled communities in Monroe County. A post office was first established there in 1824, about 115 years before it officially closed in 1939.

I found myself traveling through the old Mt. Pleasant community last Thursday afternoon and could not help but wonder what it must have looked like in its heyday. At one time, a sizeable number of people lived in this community, but today you’ll find only a few scattered homes between Shomo Creek and Chrysler. No doubt it is a quiet place to live, nestled in this sparsely-populated pocket of the county.

On a whim, I pulled over just south of Shomo Creek and walked out on the bridge for a look at the creek’s dark, sluggish waters. As I stood there, I remembered that not far from here in April 1865 the only skirmish of the War Between the States fought on Monroe County soil took place. That engagement involved about 3,500 Union soldiers on their way to Claiborne and the 15^th Confederate Regiment (Mounted), which consisted of about 130 men.

The 15^th planned to ambush the Federals at the rain-swollen creek, but when they opened fire, Union troops cut many of them down with their rifled cannons. Between 40 to 50 soldiers were killed in the skirmish, and the dead were buried in a mass burial trench. At least one ghost story is told about this mass grave, but that is a tale for another day.

As I walked back to my truck, I also remembered stories that I’ve heard about a large cave located southwest of the Mt. Pleasant community. Supposedly, water flows along the cave’s bottom, and it was once used by moonshiners, who wanted to keep their stills hidden from prying eyes. No doubt Indians used this cave for shelter long before European settlers entered the territory.

Whether or not the entrance to this cave can still be found is somewhat debatable. I have heard people say that the entrance collapsed years ago when a large piece of heavy logging equipment drove too close to the mouth of the cave. This may or may not be true.

In the end, please let me hear from you if you know any more about the history of the old Mt. Pleasant community. I’m especially interested in hearing any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore from this part of the county. Let’s make an effort to document this information now before it gets lost in the hidden fogs of history.

Wilcox County, Alabama's Furman community was known as Old Snow Hill prior to 1884 name change

I always enjoy traveling to the Furman-Snow Hill area of Wilcox County because it is one of the most history-rich areas of the entire county. A few days ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Furman with my 13-year-old son, who’d been invited to a youth deer hunt near Furman. The afternoon was cool and clear, and he ended up bagging a nice buck.

As we sat silently in the shooting house, waiting on the quarry to present itself, my thoughts, as they often do, turned to the history of the area. My son had asked me earlier in the day about which place was older, Furman or Snow Hill. I had to admit that I didn’t know, but said that I’d try to find out.

As it turns out, depending on how you look at it, the community at present-day Furman is older than present-day Snow Hill, but the Snow Hill name is older than Furman. According to the book “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, Furman was originally known as Old Snow Hill. It was called this because it grew up on the first site of the town Snow Hill that later moved two miles westward to be on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

Old Snow Hill changed its name to Furman in 1884 when a post office was established there. According to Foscue, the post office took its name for Furman, South Carolina. Furman, S.C. is a town of about 240 residents, located near the southern tip of the Palmetto State.

Foscue noted that Snow Hill moved to its current site after the War Between the States. The town was originally named after William Snow, the first settler of the original town. Where William Snow came from and what became of him, I do not know.

The earliest reference to Snow Hill that I could find in old Wilcox County newspapers was in the first edition of The Camden Phenix, which was published on Dec. 10, 1850. In that inaugural paper, the editor thanked everyone “for the good wishes” that had been extended to him by the community. The editor went on to note that he felt “thankful to our friends in the eastern part of the county. From one post office, Snow Hill, we have already received 31 subscribers.”

The oldest reference to Furman that I could find was in the May 11, 1887 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era. That issue of the paper contained an article about “Macadamized Roads,” which was a hotly-debated topic at that time. The writer urged that a road be constructed from Furman and other large communities (like Pine Apple and Allenton) to Camden to give citizens better access to the courthouse and railroads.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know any more about the origins of the Old Snow Hill and Furman communities. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends and Indian lore from this part of the county. While there’s still time, let’s make a special effort to document this information before it gets lost like so much already to the hidden fogs of passing time.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Nov. 24, 2021

78 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 1943

The Camden Baptist Church in conference last Sunday morning extended a unanimous call to Dr. W.W. Horner of Selma, Ala. to supply the church as pastor until the return of Rev. E.W. Roark, on leave of absence while serving in the U.S. Army as chaplain. Dr. Horner is a widower living in Selma with a daughter and comes very highly recommended. He is a highly cultured man of splendid education and has had years of experience, at one time being pastor of one of the larger Baptist churches in Louisville, Ky. The local church feels very fortunate in securing the services of this fine minister of the gospel who plans to be very active. He cannot be here until the third Sunday in December but will preach both morning and evening on that date. He expects to move to Camden early in January.

Mr. Earl McNeill has accepted a position with a construction company in Anniston.

Julius Goodwin of Maxwell Field spent the weekend here with Mrs. Goodwin and other relatives.

Chaplain R.C. Kennedy of the U.S. Army stationed in California is visiting his family in Camden and is receiving a most cordial welcome from his many friends in this section.

Claud Bryant of the U.S. Navy was a recent visitor to Canton relatives.

Charles Bicham of the U.S. Navy is visiting Camden relatives.

Sgt. Charles Tait of the U.S. Army is visiting his family in Camden.

90 YEARS AGO
NOV. 26, 1931

Pine Apple Downs Camden 19-6: One of the most interesting games of the season was played between Pine Apple and Camden on the Pine Apple field last Friday.
A splendid spirit of sportsmanship was shown by both sides throughout the game. Pine Apple’s three touchdowns were mostly accounted for by passes which they had no trouble completing over the Camden backfield.
Good playing was shown on both sides. The entire Pine Apple team played unusually well: Rowell, Hale and E. Norred playing star games. Jack Cammack was the star player on the Camden team.

PAT M. DANNELLY: Wilcox County was stricken with sorrow and an immeasurable sense of loss when the news came that Judge Patrick McArthur Dannelly had passed away Sunday night in a Montgomery hospital of injuries received in an automobile accident Thursday night. The body was brought to Camden Monday morning, and funeral services were held from the home at 3 p.m. Monday. The impressive yet simple funeral services were conducted with Masonic rites and attended by hundreds of grief-stricken friends and relatives, among the number being Gov. B.M. Miller, other state officials and probate judges and officers from other counties.

Dr. J. Heustis Jones has returned from a meeting of the Southern Medical Association that convened in New Orleans, La. Dr. Jones reports of the finest meetings that he ever attended. The addresses by some of the greatest doctors in the world and the many entertainments and items of interest to those who attend.

103 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1918

The unusual bad weather of the past few days make it extremely necessary that everyone who has suffered from the influenza take extra precautions. There are still many cases in Camden and vicinity and the only way to prevent a continued spread is for everyone to exercise those ordinary precautions which all know are necessary.

Lt. Irby Savage is in a base hospital where he has been under treatment for wounds received in battle. His wounds were slight, but he was gassed and is now recovering from the latter.

Thanksgiving and services scheduled for Sunday are called off on account of the influenza quarantine.

Rev. H.T. Strout and Mr. J.W. Turnipseed left Tuesday for Mobile where they will attend the Methodist Annual Conference.

Messrs. J.M. Bonner, G.T. Dannelly and Judge P.M. Dannelly attended the meeting of the State Executive Committee.

Judge B.M. Miller and Mr. D.H. Turner left Monday for Selma where Judge Miller will hold court this week.

Judge Wm. Henderson of Millers Ferry suffered a dislocated hip when kicked by a horse Saturday afternoon. Judge Henderson is one of our most esteemed citizens and his misfortune is regretted by his many friends.

116 YEARS AGO
NOV. 23, 1905

Our assistant postmaster Mr. W.B. Dale returned home last Thursday from the Synod in Due West, S.C. Mrs. Dale returned home yesterday from Dallas County.

Mr. Wade, contractor and builder for the Camden Hardware Co., has now in course of construction a handsome modern cottage for Mr. D.A.K. McDowell. Mr. Wade has built several houses in Camden, and not only does good work, but knows how to make them look attractive and comfortable.

Mr. H.F. Cook of Camden, an old Confederate soldier without a family, left last week for the Mountain Creek Home for Old Soldiers. Mr. Cook has many friends in Alabama, and they hope that his stay among the Old Confederates will enable him to overlook and forget the years that he and they have to their credit in Times year book.

Mr. W.W. Boykin, a successful farmer of Wilcox County, sent to our office last week a pumpkin, very large in size. It weighs eighty odd pounds. Ours was among the smallest that he brought to town as the larger ones could not be handled without calling in more help – besides, he knew we were too modest to accept a larger one.

Quite a lot of the youngbloods of Camden left on Monday evening’s train for Selma to attend the Ringling Brothers Circus. Among those who left were Harry Bruce, Paul Everett Jones, Frank Boykin, Col. J.N. Miller, R.D. Hunter, L.J. Hays and several other high-flyers intent on a big time. Soda water and sermons will be in order after “the ball is over.”

133 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1888

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. We have much to be thankful for. First, health, then happiness, a considerable sprinkling of wealth, peace, comfort and good fellowship. The Lord is always good to us, and it would be appropriate to have a union service, at one of the churches tomorrow, and praise the Lord. He is merciful and his blessings endure forever.

The new jail is assuming beautiful proportions. Every portion of the work receives the personal superintendence of Mr. Ewing and County Engineer Pattison. The work is examined by numerous jurors and witnesses who find in its symmetrical proportions much to praise. With fair weather, it is expected to finish the work in about six weeks.

Trade in Camden last Saturday was quite lively. Cotton rolled in freely and sold for a good price. Our farmers are all preparing to pay their accounts, and gladden the merchant’s hearts. They in turn will gladded other hearts, and a merry go round and wind up of the old year’s business will soon be the order of the day.

The Rifles’ Ball promises to be the grandest social event that we have had in Camden for years. The Cavalrymen will all don their new uniforms and a more gallant company ne’er appeared in uniform than out Mounted Riflemen. The date will shortly be announced.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 23, 2021

Alabama Gov. James E. Folsom

38 YEARS AGO
NOV. 24, 1983

Evergreen weather reporter Earl Windham reported .17 inches of rain on Nov. 14, .02 inches on Nov. 15 and .45 inches on Nov. 16. He also reported a high of 80 degrees on Nov. 15 and a low of 29 on Nov. 17.

Powell made permanent Police Chief: James Powell’s appointment as chief of police of Evergreen was made permanent by the Evergreen City Council at its meeting Monday night. Powell had been acting chief for a number of months.

Ala. League elects Smith as a delegate: Evergreen Mayor Lee F. Smith has been named one of 20 voting delegates to represent the Alabama League of Municipalities at the National League of Cities Congress of Cities meeting which will be held on Wed., Nov. 30, in the New Orleans Hilton Hotel.

The (Evergreen) Christmas parade date is almost here – Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. – and things are really looking good!
The National Guard Armory will be opened for float builders starting Mon., Nov. 21, through the 30th from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26-27).

Plans are now being made for Castleberry’s annual Christmas parade to be held Sat., Dec. 3, at 1:30 p.m. Floats from various churches and organizations will be featured as well as several bands and other entries.

45 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 1976

Evergreen weather reporter Earl Windham reported .25 inches of rain on Nov. 16, .12 inches on Nov. 17, .04 inches on Nov. 19, .43 inches on Nov. 20 and .05 inches on Nov. 21. He reported a high temperature of 68 degrees on No. 18 and a low of 30 on Nov. 19.

The Evergreen Rotary Club will hold its annual Charity Ball on Saturday evening, Dec. 11, at Ft. Dave Lewis National Guard Armory from 8:30 to 12:30. The Lucky Boreland Orchestra of Montgomery will play for the dance. Dress will be semi-formal.

A man has been arrested and charged for the attempted robbery of a service station in Castleberry and the shooting of the station owner.
Rochelle Walker Jr. was arrested by Conecuh County Sheriff’s Investigator Leroy Ferrell on Nov. 20. Walker is alleged to have attempted to rob Arthur Wilson’s Service Station. During the attempt, Wilson was shot twice, in the shoulder and elbow, but neither wound was serious.
Sheriff Edwin Booker said that Wilson identified Walker as the man who shot him and attempted the robbery. Walker was also charged with forgery.
The sheriff said that after a preliminary hearing Monday, bond was set at $9,000, pending action by the grand jury.

58 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1963

Thousands jam city for Christmas parade: Queen Joy Margaret Hagood of Evergreen High School reigned over the 1963 Conecuh County Christmas Carnival here Wednesday. Already the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce production is being hailed as the biggest and best in history.
A tremendous crowd estimated to be several thousand strong thronged the downtown streets. The parade was long, beautiful and entertaining.
A brief program at the bandstand emceed by Chamber of Commerce President Blake Campbell featured the introduction of the queen, princess and honor court, presentation of the key to the city to Santa Claus by Mayor Pro Tem Henry Sessions and Santa’s proclamation that the holiday season was now open in Conecuh County to last through Jan. 1.
Immediately after the program, the city’s decorative lights were turned on to burn through the season.

From one truck to major industry: When Walter Poole drove off with his first flatbed trailer-load of cotton, hauling for Kendall & Kendall, in 1946 neither he nor anyone else even dreamed that one of Evergreen and Conecuh County’s major industries had been born.
Poole had just that trailer and just the truck pulling it, no money and a lot of courage and faith.
Today, he owns and operates Poole Truck Line, employer of 65 persons with an annual payroll of over $300,000.

74 YEARS AGO
NOV. 27, 1947

Hoomes Given 20 Years By Conecuh County Jury: After a comparatively short period of deliberation last Thursday evening, the Conecuh County petit jury which tried Elbert J. Hoomes on a first-degree murder charge found him guilty of murder in the second degree and sentenced him to the penitentiary for a term of 20 years.
The trial was moved to Evergreen from Brewton on a change of venue granted by Judge F.W. Hare when the defendant plead that he could not get a fair trial in Escambia County. It was begun about 10 o’clock Wednesday morning and was completed late Thursday afternoon.

Gov. James E. Folsom has issued a proclamation setting aside Nov. 27 as Thanksgiving Day in Alabama.
In issuing the proclamation, Gov. Folsom asked Alabamians to go to church on Thanksgiving Day “to humbly thank Almighty God for the many blessings so bountifully bestowed upon our state and nation.”
Folsom further called upon citizens of the state “to ask Divine guidance that they may more fully shoulder responsibilities of citizenship and preserve the peace that we have won at such a tragic cost.”

Lt. Albert Hugh Holman has arrived in Guam and will be stationed there until the first of May.

Mr. and Mrs. Byron Warren and children are spending today with relatives in Enterprise.

89 YEARS AGO
NOV. 24, 1932

Agricultural School Closed Indefinitely: Prof. W.Y. Fleming, principal of the Agricultural School, announced to his pupils Wednesday before dismissing them for Thanksgiving holidays that school would be closed until some arrangements had been made for its continuance.
A meeting of the patrons of the school was held Monday afternoon for the purposes of devising a means of keeping it open. It was decided that an effort would be made to raise $750, which Prof. Fleming estimated was necessary to keep going for the remainder of this semester which will end about Jan. 15.

Dr. J.M. Carr Buried At Ft. Deposit Friday: Funeral services were held for Dr. J. Mark Carr, age 55, well known citizen of Brooklyn, who died suddenly at his home Friday afternoon. Rev. O.C. Stewart, pastor of the Baptist Church at Brooklyn was in charge of the services.
Dr. Carr, who had been almost an invalid for many years, was found dead in his garden by his wife when she returned home for school Thursday afternoon.
Deceased was a native of Ft. Deposit, having moved with his family to Brooklyn seven years ago where he had made his home since. His wife has held a position as teacher in the Brooklyn School since they moved there.

Repton: Dr. W.R. Carter attended the Southern Medical Convention in Birmingham last week.

The Masonic Home benefit party of the past week was given at the home of Mrs. H.C. Thomas with Mrs. S.J. Brundage as joint hosts. Several progressions of bunco were played at eight tables, and light refreshments were served.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Nov. 22, 2021

17 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 2004

Lady Warriors 73, Meadowview 70: Ava Pate bombed away from past the three-point arch for six treys among her 23 points. Ashton Garner contributed a double double with 19 points and 14 rebounds and added a team high eight assists.
(Other standout players on Sparta’s girls team that year included Cody Godwin, Samantha Seaman, Preethi Covin and Erin Brock.)

Warriors 69, Meadowview 73: Despite 24 points by Eric Talbot, the Warriors dropped a tough one to the visiting Trojans out of Selma. Tony Raines netted 21 points while Carter Smith and Michael Campbell both tallied 11 points in the losing effort.
(Chase Brown was also among the standout Sparta players to take part in that game.)

Jags 38, J.F. Shields 34: Leading the Jags scoring was Jerry Jackson with nine points. Chris Hines added seven while Maurice Bradley chipped in with six points.
(Other standout players on Hillcrest’s boys team that season included Frank Williams and Dexter Rudolph. Tommy Dukes was head coach.)

Lady Jags 44, J.F. Shields 41: Ebony Nelson led the way to a season opening win over the Lady Panthers of Beatrice. Nelson tossed in 21 points while grabbing a dozen rebounds and claiming eight steals. Keisha Rudolph was next with eight points while Shannon Rudolph pitched in with seven points.
(Other standout players on Hillcrest’s girls team that year included Brittany Simpson and Chantel Patterson. Danny Covin was head coach.)

22 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 1999

Sparta Academy plays host to Cottage Hill: The Sparta Academy Lady Warriors were the only team to come out on top when Cottage Hill came to Sparta Thurs., Nov. 18.
Lady Warriors 41, Cottage Hill 29: Leading scorer for the Lady Warriors was Ashley Hammonds with 15 points. Also putting points on the board were Katie Etheridge with nine points and Mary Robinson with six points. Rounding out the scoring were Sally Hartley and Jessica Bennett with four points each. Jessica Armuelles, two points, and Laura Wiggins, one point.
Cottage Hill 72, Warriors 45: Scoring in double figures for the Warriors were Jake Adams and Lee Booker with 11 points each and Kyle Johnston with 10 points. Rounding out the scoring were Justin Tranum with four points; Tyler Petrey, three points; Derek Faulkner, Derrick Williams and Jimmy Hyde with two points each.
Cottage Hill 51, JV Warriors 20: Leading scorer for the JV Warriors was Chris Garner with 10 points. Also scoring for the JV Warriors were Wiley Cobb with seven points; Thomas Nielsen, two points; and Cole Commander, one point.

Deer Season Opens: Sat., Nov. 20, was the magic day for deer hunters across the state – that’s the day Alabama gun deer season opened in most counties.
Estimated at 1.6 million, Alabama’s herd is among the largest in the nation.

36 YEARS AGO
NOV. 28, 1985

Nell Stuart of Evergreen along with team members Claire Kyzar, Brenda Moyers and Judy Jefferies, all of Montgomery, placed third in the American Cancer Society’s National Golf Championship recently at Doral Country Club in Miami, Fla.

The Sparta Academy basketball team opened its 1985-86 season with a 69-55 win over Fort Deposit Academy in Fort Dale on Nov. 19. Sparta’s girls also raced to a 49-34 win.
Sparta’s varsity boys were led by Scott Salter with 13 points and Jason West with 10 as 11 Warriors got in on the scoring. Tim Brantley had eight points; Danny Reed and Mark Rigsby, seven each; Brian Bybee, Brandon Salter and Glynn Ralls, six each; and John Weaver, Brad Watts and Lynn Ralls, two each.
Kim Searcy led the Sparta ladies with 14 points, 16 rebounds and two steals. Julie Johnson had 11 points, six rebounds and one steal. Carol Kendrick had eight points, four rebounds and seven steals. Tracy Holmes, seven points, five rebounds and six steals; Susan Ward, six points, 12 rebounds and four steals; and Leah Carrier, two points, three rebounds and two steals.
(Players on Sparta’s junior varsity boys team included Craig Blackburn, Ted Robbins, Baxter Stinson, Chris Weaver, Richard Melton and Jerry Cotten.)

43 YEARS AGO
NOV. 23, 1978

Ronald Fantroy is battling for a starting post with the University of Montevallo Falcons. The 6-5 forward starred at Evergreen High School under Coach Charles Branum and for the last two years played outstanding ball for Alabama Christian College, Montgomery. The Falcons are the host team at the annual Montevallo Lions’ Club-University of Montevallo Tip-Off Tournament which begins this Friday night at Montevallo.

The Lyeffion Yellow Jackets opened their 1978-79 basketball season with a 54-46 victory over W.J. Jones High School of Pine Apple.
The Jackets were led by Adrian Woods who scored 35 points and pulled down 16 rebounds. James Riley added five points and 12 rebounds. Other scorers were Ricky Hall with nine, Ricky Johnson with four and Eric Finklea with three.
The Lyeffion team held a slim 19-17 lead at the half, but opened up a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Jacket B team also won their first contest, 32-24.
Both teams will travel to Repton to participate in a Tip-Off tourney and will return home Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. with Castleberry.

Evergreen Cub Scout Pack 40, Den 2, had a pack meeting and awards presentation ceremony on Nov. 7. Cub Scouts are Donald Jones Jr., Chris Jordan, Trent Elliott, Kenneth Varner, Daniel Wright, Johnny Brock, Scott Adams and Diane Wright, mascot.

56 YEARS AGO
NOV. 25, 1965

Repton downs Aggies 19-13: The Repton Bulldogs closed a successful season Thursday night by squeaking by Evergreen’s winless Aggies, 19-13.
Barry Blackwell, Repton quarterback, sneaked over for the winning TD with seven seconds left in the contest. Nickey Thompson capped Repton’s other scoring drives with scoring runs of 29 yards in the first and second quarters. Blackwell ran for Repton’s single PAT.
Bubba Faulkner led the Aggies offensively by passing 21 yards to John Brown for a score and plunging one yard for another in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. Faulkner, subbing at kicking duties for an injured Wayne Caylor, kicked the Aggies single extra point.
Terry Andrews, Repton tailback, ran wild much of the evening to set up Repton’s scores. Mike Moorer, Evergreen’s captain, played well from his defensive tackle slot.
This was the last game of the season for both teams and the records stand, Repton, 5-4-1, and Evergreen, 0-10.

Oland Robinson most outstanding for second week: Oland Robinson was selected by the Evergreen Jaycees as the Most Outstanding Player of the Week in the Aggies final game of the year last Thursday against Repton.
Robinson, listed on the program as a senior back, plays on both offense and defense. In addition to a good performance on offense, he turned in several particularly good tackles defensively.

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

37 YEARS AGO
NOV. 15, 1984

Plaque for board service: Mrs. John D. “Bill” Huff of Uriah, who was appointed to the Monroe County Board of Education to fill her husband’s position after his death in August, receives a plaque honoring their contributions to education from county Schools Superintendent Bobby Grissette. The award was made at a recent dinner held by school personnel to honor outgoing board members: Mrs. Huff, Edgar Melton of Excel and Earl Sawyer of Frisco City.

Vols win to finish 8-2: Despite definite good feelings about their 39-18 win over Escambia Academy Friday, Monroe Academy’s football players, coaches and fans couldn’t help but have a big “IF” lingering in their minds.
The victory left the Volunteers 8-2 overall and tied for second in the Alabama Private School Athletic Association’s 3A East Region with Lee-Scott Academy of Auburn. The Volunteers missed the playoffs when they suffered a 14-13 loss to Lee-Scott two weeks ago in Auburn, leaving Monroe supporters only to wonder about how their team would have fared in the playoffs.
(Top MA players that season included Jody Brannon, Wally Dunn, Johnny Estes, Donald Foster, Hudson Hines, George Lazenby, Michael McCrory, Shane Sawyer, Stephen Simmons, Chris Smith, Todd Stacey, Richard Tippy and Troy Wilson. Rob Kelly was MA’s head coach.)

Prize Brown Swiss: Monroe County 4H-er Darrin Neuschwander and his grand champion Brown Swiss won first prize at the Alabama State Dairy Show in Birmingham Oct. 15. Darrin is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Neuschwander of Vocation.

62 YEARS AGO
NOV. 19, 1959

Fred Hayles Family Back Home Monday Ending Alert Caused By Disappearance: Monroe County Sheriff Charlie Sizemore’s conclusion was right… the missing Fred Hayles family had simply been on vacation from home all along.
A widespread alert ended Monday when Mr. Hayles, a farmer, and his wife, four children and father re-appeared unperturbed at their home near Uriah, following a month’s absence. Their return was reported to the sheriff, who had stated he did not believe foul play was involved in their vanishing.
A search for the family group was sparked by the discovery of the Hayles home unlocked, the family car gone, on Oct. 10.

Uriah Pack Slams Beatrice, 40 To 0: Quarterback Curtis Harris held his team’s scoring spotlight in the final game of the season last Thursday night when he engineered the J.U. Blacksher High School Bulldogs to a 40-0 victory over the Beatrice High School Eagles in Beatrice.
Harris threw four touchdown passes and ran himself to score two more TDs.
(Other top Blacksher players in that game included Bill Solomon. Jack Akins was Blacksher’s head coach.)

Board of Education To Choose Chairman: Annual election of a chairman and vice chairman for the Monroe County Board of Education is scheduled at a Friday meeting. W.C. Nicholas of Excel has served during the past year as chairman. Tom W. Weatherford of Uriah is vice chairman. Other members of the board are Dr. John L. Abbott of Monroeville, James C. Brooks of Megargel and S. Miller Fore of Beatrice.

87 YEARS AGO
NOV. 15, 1934

Two Confess To Murder Of Man: A most unusual murder case occurred at Frisco City last week. One man was killed and two men have come forward and admitted the killing, each confession completely exonerating the other man.
On last Saturday night at Frisco City, Liddell McIntosh was killed. His body bore four pistol wounds. Soon after the killing occurred, a man named John James surrendered to authorities and admitted having done the killing. Early Sunday morning another man, George Hawthorne, surrendered to officers and confessed to the crime. Each man’s story completely exonerates the other of any part in the murder. Both men are being held pending a complete investigation.
About 10 years ago, the McIntosh man was the object of a hunt by Monroe County officers for the killing of his wife. He was located in Cincinnati, Ohio and returned to this county for trial. He was sentenced to life in the penitentiary. Recently, he was paroled by Governor Miller.

Monroeville Team Downs Frisco City: Exhibiting their best team performance of the year, the Monroe County High School Tigers downed the visiting Frisco City team 23 to 7 last Friday afternoon.
Three touchdowns and a safety ran the locals’ score to 23 while the visitors garnered one touchdown and kicked the extra point. The game was one of the best ever played on the local gridiron and was an exhibition of real football.
Starring in the play for Frisco City were Driscoll and Smith. For Monroeville Barnett, Biggs, Kilpatrick and C. Lee stood out.

113 YEARS AGO
NOV. 19, 1908

Prof. John Hughes was stricken with sudden illness at an early hour on Monday morning and died before a physician could be summoned.
Mr. Hughes had resided at Monroeville only a few months but in that time had formed many agreeable friendships and acquaintances and was generally esteemed. He was a Confederate veteran, a survivor of the 15^th Alabama Regiment commanded by Col. Oates.
About 18 months ago, he married Miss Lucy Rankin of this place, who, with one son, three daughters and other near relatives, survive him.

The railroads will sell round trip tickets to Mobile and return for one cent per mile on account of the Confederate Veterans Reunion on Nov. 21-26. This rate is open to the public generally. Many amusements and attractions will be offered by the Gulf City on the occasion and big crowds are expected.

The Fall term of the Chancery Court for this district convened Tuesday, Chancellor Thomas H. Smith presiding. In addition to the members of the local bar, there were a number of visiting attorneys in attendance. A number of cases were submitted for decree in vacation.

Mrs. Lillian S. Slaughter, relict of the late Charles L. Slaughter, died at her home at Perdue Hill on Friday morning, Nov. 13, after a protracted illness from typhoid fever. Mrs. Slaughter was a most estimable lady and was loved and esteemed by a large circle of friends. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. J.C. Hybart.

137 YEARS AGO
NOV. 17, 1884

Fire – Our town was alarmed on Tuesday night about two o’clock, by the cry of “fire, fire,” which originated in the jail, and was taken up by outsiders. The prisoners were taken to a place of safety and put under guard for the balance of the night. The jail was soon destroyed by the flames. The fire originated from the stove-pipe which ignited the wooden walls within the brick in one of the rooms. We are glad to know that none of the prisoners even attempted to escape.

We regret to learn of the death of Mr. William Roberson, near Buena Vista in this county, during the last week. An honest upright man, a good citizen and true patriot, his loss will be deeply felt by the community in which he lived.

The Presbyterians have recently sustained a great loss in the death of Capt. John H. Frye, who will be sadly missed by this church. They were contemplating the erection of a new church in the near future, as it is, we hope they will be able to repair the present building, which if properly improved would present a very attractive appearance. Their pastor, the Rev. W.H. McAuley, is known and beloved throughout this whole section. He travels about 300 miles per month in his buggy and is doing a vast amount of work for one of his age.

T.A. Nettles has erected a new steam gin and saw mill at Kempville. He just commenced sawing lumber last week, with a capacity of several thousand feet of lumber per day, and will sell very cheap for cash.

The Hotels – Are in full blast this week, and apparently doing a good business. Mr. Jno. I Watson and Mr. W.B. Jones know how to take care of guests.

Many claim to see 'ghost lights' in the Franklin, Finchburg communities of Monroe County, Alabama

Old store in 'downtown' Franklin, Alabama.

Last week in this space, I mentioned a tale I’d once heard about a supposed ghost that haunts Flat Creek near Rikard’s Mill. For those of you who missed it, the story goes that many years ago, several young children were fishing on a Sunday in Flat Creek just down from the old mill. They were just enjoying their day when a woman in a pink casket came floating down the creek. The children, shocked by the sight of the woman in the casket, vowed to never fish on Sunday again.

Not long after last week’s edition hit the streets, several people asked me what I knew about the “ghost lights” that are often seen in the Finchburg and Franklin communities. I have to admit that I’ve never seen one of these “ghost lights,” and most of what I know about them comes from the late George Singleton, who wrote a weekly column for The Journal for many years. Many readers will no doubt remember that he would often write about local ghost stories, haunted houses and other supernatural topics.

In one such column from the early 1970s, Singleton wrote that “ghost lights” had been reported for years in the Franklin community. Singleton went on to witness them himself in May of 1971, saying that he saw a “mysterious ball of fire” that was “in and around the area across Flat Creek on the right of Highway 41.” Singleton went on to say that he saw “almost at tree-top level” a “glowing ball of reddish blue flame, floating southward at a lazy pace.” It was about 12 inches in diameter and looked like a “clear, plastic balloon with some type of light inside,” he said.

He later wrote that residents of Finchburg also reported seeing “ghost lights” just like those in the Franklin community. Those of you who are familiar with county geography will know that Finchburg is just a few miles southwest of Franklin. “Downtown” Finchburg is just east of the Alabama River, not far from the Claiborne Lock & Dam.

After last week’s paper came out, Sharon Sullivan said that the “fire ball of light” has not only been seen at Franklin and Finchburg, but also throughout the Red Hills area of Monroe County and as far east as the Old Scotland community. She said that she’d personally witnessed this unusual phenomenon a few times in her younger years.

Sullivan said that she would always get an “eerie feeling” when she saw the “ghost lights.” The first time she saw it, the strange light was “running down the ditch beside the road.” After a bit, the light left the ditch and disappeared into the nearby woods.

Judi House Rodenberry echoed Sullivan’s remarks, saying that the first time she saw it, the light was “bouncing on a fence post.” The light “just played around on the post for a bit and went in the woods,” she said. At first, she thought some of her husband’s hunting buddies were using their flashlights to play a trick on her, but when they were all accounted for, she knew something strange was afoot. “It was eerie,” she said.

In the end, I’d be interested in hearing from anyone else in the reading audience who has seen the unusual “ghost lights” at Franklin, Finchburg or anywhere else in the county. Also, if you know of any other good ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore from anywhere out in the county, please let me know. No doubt if you have seen something unusual, others have too.

Wilcox Dragoons were organized in 1861 at the beginning of the War Between the States

Samuel C. Cook

Last week in this space, I wrote about the old Nellie community near Coy and made mention of Capt. Samuel C. Cook of Nellie and the Wilcox Dragoons. Since then, I’ve had several readers contact me wanting to know more about the Dragoons and Captain Cook.

The Wilcox Dragoons was the first cavalry company organized in Wilcox County in 1861 at the beginning of the War Between the States. They became known as Co. C of the 3^rd Alabama Cavalry Regiment when that regiment was formed at Tupelo, Miss. in June 1862. Other companies in the regiment came from Autauga, Calhoun, Choctaw, Dallas, Mobile, Monroe and Perry counties.

According to documents at the Department of Archives and History in Montgomery, the regiment traveled with the Confederate army into Kentucky, and was “engaged in daily conflicts with the enemy, particularly at Bramlet's Station and Perryville. It fell back with the army, and was on constant and arduous duty during the remainder of the war, protecting its communications, guarding its rear and flanks, and often raiding upon the enemy's trains and outposts.”

The regiment fought at Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Chickamauga, Kingston, Knoxville, Mossy Creek and Strawberry Plains, “losing continuously in casualties, and suffering severely during (General James) Longstreet's winter campaign. In the Dalton-Atlanta campaign, it performed arduous service, fighting with severe losses at Decatur, and helping to capture (General George) Stoneman's column. In front of (General William Tecumseh) Sherman, the regiment shrouded (General John Bell) Hood's movements, then harassed the former on his march, participating in the fights near Macon, at Winchester, Aiken, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Raleigh and Chapel Hill.”

When the Army of Tennessee surrendered in April 1865 at Durham Station, North Carolina, the regiment had been “reduced by its losses to a skeleton.”

As best that I can tell, the Wilcox Dragoons flag currently resides at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Va. This 43x55-inch blue silk flag was made by the “ladies of Camden” in 1861 and was presented to Samuel Calvin Cook, who had been chosen by the other members of the company to accept the flag on their behalf. Later, J.O. Belknap of Mobile was commissioned to paint scenes in the center of the flag on both sides.

Samuel C. Cook was also a very interesting Wilcox County figure. A lawyer before the war, he joined the Dragoons at the beginning of hostilities, served at Pensacola and was eventually promoted to captain before going on to serve on General “Fighting Joe” Wheeler’s staff. After the Confederate surrender, he returned home to Wilcox County and practiced law and served as a state legislator up until the time of his death.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know any additional details about the Wilcox Dragoons and Samuel C. Cook. No doubt more than a few Wilcox County residents today are descended from the men who fought in this unit, and it would be interesting to see what they might know about this cavalry company.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Nov. 17, 2021

77 YEARS AGO
NOV. 16, 1944

LAST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE SEASON: The Wilcox County High School will close its football season on Fri., Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the Camden school field. This will end the football season for 1944. To date, they have won two, tied one and lost three games.
Orrville defeated the Camden boys in a close ball game on Oct. 20, 1944. The score was 14 to 6. The Camden boys have confidence they can even the count in this last game.
(Camden players that season included Leo Hall, Dan Albritton, Billy Turner, Louis Harvell, David Liddell, Huestus Morgan, Jim Andrews, Paul Strickland, Bobby Bickham, Bob Mitchell, James Farish, J.W. Dunnan, J.C. Autrey, Glen Bridges and Laban Reaves.)

COTTON GINNING REPORT: Census report shows that 10,215 bales of cotton were ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1944 prior to Nov. 1, as compared with 9,737 bales for the crop of 1943. – M.C. Jones, Special Agent.

Reg Albritton of the U.S. Air Corps is visiting his mother, Mrs. Dolly Y. Albritton and other Camden relatives.

Earl Shepherd of the U.S. Marines, formerly of Camden, is spending his furlough in Pensacola and Camden.

Ralph Lazenby of the U.S. Navy has been the guest of his sister, Mrs. Tony Lambrecht of Coy.

89 YEARS AGO
NOV. 17, 1932

GINNERS REPORT: There were 7,798 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1932 prior to Nov. 1, 1932, as compared with 12,972 bales ginned to Nov. 1, 1931.

JUDGE McLEON ASSUMES DUTIES AS PROBATE JUDGE: Judge J.M. McLeod, who was elected Judge of Probate of Wilcox County, Alabama on Tues., Nov. 8, assumed the duties of the office last Monday. Judge McLeod will be assisted in the office by Miss Gussie Jones and Mr. W.L. Albritton.

Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Ervin, Messrs. Fleet and Leo Hollinger and Blanchard McLeod, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bryant, Misses Bessie Ming and Laura Dale McNeill, Mesdames. Wirt Moore and Sam McNeill attended the Auburn-Florida football game in Montgomery Saturday.

SCHOOL NEWS – Owen Dunn, Reporter: Do not miss the football game Friday. This will be the most interesting game of the season. Camden will play Pine Apple on Camden field. Everybody be sure to come and see a good game.

Be sure and see “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” at Camden Theatre Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Dr. and Mrs. J.P. Jones left Wednesday to attend Medical Association in Birmingham. While in the city, Mrs. Jones will visit Mrs. J.E. Chapman.

FAIRLY-ROEHLING: Mr. Tom R. Fairly of Camden and Miss Norma Grace Roehling of Mobile were married on Fri., Nov. 11, at the residence of Rev. R.C. Kennedy, Camden, Ala.

102 YEARS AGO
NOV. 20, 1919

Lt. Judson Hawthorne returned the past week from overseas serving having received his honorable discharge. He expects to be in Camden until next spring when he will look after business interests in Idaho.

Judge A.S. VanDeGraf of Tuscaloosa is looking after business interests in Wilcox. He owns extensive farm lands in Gees Bend and expects to make headquarters at Primrose for some time.

Mr. Hunter Rayburn arrived home on Friday night, having received his honorable discharge from the Army at Camp Gordon. He recently arrived from overseas duty and is looking well, but says he has enough of Army life for the present.

Mr. W.R. Alford attended the Armistice Celebration in Montgomery the past week.

Mr. D.H. Turner and Judge B.M. Miller are attending court in Selma this week.

Miss Leila Ervin returned this week from San Antonio, Texas to be present at the marriage of her sister, Miss Amelie Ervin.

Mrs. Stubbs and Mrs. Powell of Birmingham have returned home after a visit to their father Capt. R.D. Gilbert, who is so seriously ill.

The Court of County Commissioners will meet on Mon., Dec. 1, to recommend the route for the State Highway from Camden west – either by Clifton or Hollys. – Pat M. Dannelly, Chairman.

115 YEARS AGO
NOV. 22, 1906

The Era wants a good, live correspondent at every post office in the county. We want to publish all the news that happens and would like to hear from those who can and will furnish it.

When frost was predicted by the local weather bureau last Tuesday, the people spoke of him as Jack Frost, and he chilled them through and through for their familiarity. It was the first heavy frost of the season and was general all over the state, being heavy in the northern part where the second crop of cotton will feel it.

The local market for Thanksgiving and Christmas promises to be good, according to information procured today by The Era, from local commission merchants. The indications are that turkeys and chickens will be plentiful and will sell as last year prices. Live turkeys are now bringing 17-1/2 cents and chickens call for $6 a dozen for nice hens.

Big line of Nunnally’s Candy to arrive this week, always fresh at The Camden Drug Store.

Miss Ezra Robbins of Lower Peach Tree was a visitor to our town last and this week.

Capt. J.S. Hunter and daughter Miss Mattie are visiting relatives and friends in Mobile.

132 YEARS AGO
NOV. 20, 1889

Mr. John D. Caldwell has an old coin of great antiquity. It is copper and bears the following inscription: “HALF PENNY TOKEN, PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA, 1382.” It is just five hundred and seven years old.

TRADE: A large business is being transacted in Camden this fall. Cotton continues to roll in and to bring good prices. There is thousands of corn in the country to do another year; fall oats are being planted, and our people have entered fully upon the ways of progress and prosperity.

The members of the Camden Alliance will meet at the Courthouse on next Saturday evening to hear the report of Hon. J.J. Roach, who has just returned from a visit to the state exchange in the interest of Camden Alliance. – Dan Cook, President; W.A. Dexter, Secretary.

Among the pleasant events of the week was a serenade last night by the visiting county boys to Hon. Sol. D. Bloch at his home on Hill Street. The evening was pleasantly enjoyed by those who attended, were welcomed to the hospitable old home.

Mr. Lindop of Rehobeth is in the city. He is a splendid pianist.

Allen Ellis, an old resident of Camden, died Monday night.

Mr. E.H. Hobdy of Furman, one of the largest merchants in the county, is in town.

Rev. J.R. Lloyd of Oxanna conducted divine services at the Baptist church last Sabbath. Mr. Lloyd is an able and eloquent pulpit orator.