The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Feb. 28, 2022

World champion turkey caller Eddie Salter.

25 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1997

World Champion Turkey Caller Eddie Salter will be the featured speaker at an entertaining and informative dinner on Mon., March 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Bubba’s Barbecue. The cost is $15, which includes dinner. Tickets are available at the following locations: Vaughan Evergreen Medical Center, Home Center Plus and Brantley’s Tree Value Hardware. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Butler County Motorsports Park will reopen for the 1997 racing season on Sat., March 1.
BCMP is South Alabama’s newest amateur stock car racing complex located six miles east of Greenville off Highway 10 on County Road 65. On the half-mile dirt oval, racers will compete in the hogg, hobby, novice, super-street, late model, pony and truck classes.
The track opened for its first season in June 1996. After breaking records last year, Tractor Director Jimmy Neese expects the new season to be even better.

38 YEARS AGO
FEB. 23, 1984

The Sparta Academy Warriors are shown with their state runner-up trophy as the No. 2 team in the Alabama Private School Association. The Warriors, coached by Headmaster Richard Brown, also won the District III championship. Kneeling are Tim Brantley, Jason Evers, Vince Watts, Al Etheridge, Connery Salter and Chad Grace, and standing from left, Thad Ellis, Russ Brown, Danny Reed, Jim Wagstaff, Britt McNeil and Mark Rigsby. Russ Brown and Al Etheridge were named to the All-State team.

The fish were biting! Mary Hawsey, Corine Holcombe and Wade Holcombe are shown with 75 pounds of catfish caught from Leonard Braxton’s pond.

The Conecuh County High School Tip Off Club will sponsor an Old Timer’s Basketball Tournament March 2 and 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be $1.
All graduates of CCHS and their spouses and parents are eligible to participate. There will be a $5 entry fee for each team. There will be two age groups for men: graduates to 35 years old and 35 and older. There will be two women’s teams. Drawing for the teams will be held Sat., Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. at the school gym.

50 YEARS AGO
FEB. 24, 1972

Coming - March 15, 16, 17, 18 – Coliseum – Montgomery – World Championship Rodeo – Starring in person at every performance Roy Rogers, Dale Evans – 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. – Sat. Mat. 3 p.m. – 2 hours of Exciting Entertainment – Also Featuring the Songs and Music of the World Famous Sons of the Pioneers – 5 Big Performances – Order Tickets By Mail! Sponsored by Southeastern Livestock Exposition and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

E.L. McInnis is seeking election to a full term of office as Chairman of the Conecuh County Commission. He was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late Guy N. Mason.
A native of Barbour County, McInnis came to Conecuh County as a young man as a teacher and coach and has lived most of his adult life here. He is familiarly known as ‘Coach’ by former students and others because of his many years service in athletics.
Coach is in an executive position with Flexible Southern Co. at the present time in addition to his duties as chairman. Coach and his wife, Sarah, a retired teacher, live on Bruner Avenue.

57 YEARS AGO
FEB. 25, 1965

County teams lose in meet: Both Conecuh County High School and Lyeffion High School were defeated by Frisco City in the Region 1, Area 1, Class A basketball tournament held in Frisco City last week. Castleberry was runner-up.
Lyeffion lost to Frisco in the semifinals Thursday night. The Jackets led through most of the first and second periods, but the Whippets hit a hot streak shortly before the half and built up a seven-point lead by intermission. The Jackets could never overcome the deficit in the second half.
The Blue Devils, seeded first in the meet, were edged by a hot-shooting Frisco team, 78-76, in the finals Friday night. It was a close one all the way, but the home court advantage got Frisco by the Blue Devils. Pine Hill downed Frisco in the finals Saturday night and will play in the state meet in Tuscaloosa this week.

Area cage meet underway here: The Region 1, Area 2, Class AA basketball tournament is underway here at the Evergreen High School’s Memorial Gymnasium, running through Friday night.
Last night, J.U. Blacksher of Uriah played Flomaton in the opening game with Evergreen meeting Georgiana in the final game. Tonight it will be the Uriah-Flomaton winner vs. top-seeded Monroeville at seven o’clock. The Georgiana-Evergreen winner will play second-seeded T.R. Miller of Brewton in the nightcap at 8:30.

70 YEARS AGO
FEB. 28, 1952

Aggies Blitz Lyeffion For 62 To 22 Victory: The Evergreen High Aggies had their best night of the season here last Thursday as they swamped Lyeffion’s Yellow Jackets, 62 to 22.
Shirley Frazier and Gwyn Daniels shared the scoring honors with 19 points each. William Stewart had seven; Pace Bozeman and Wayne (Dog) Douglas, six each; Gillis Morgan, four; and Sammy Robison, one.
David Eddins got 10 points to lead Lyeffion. Booker had six; Frank Burt, four; and Hilton Dees, two.

Win Hungry Aggies Win 3 In One Night From Greenville 5’s: Coach Wendell Hart’s victory-starved Evergreen High School cagers had a feast of victories Tuesday night in Memorial Gym, defeating Greenville’s Junior, ‘B’ and Varsity teams. The Aggie varsity wrapped up its fourth win in the last six starts by closing fast to win a 51-43 verdict from the Tigers.
Shirley Frazier paced the Aggie scorers with 21 points. Pace Bozeman led the team on rebounds, played a good floor game and scored 12 points in one of his top performances. Gillis Morgan swished in eight points, Gwyn Daniels and Ward Alexander Jr., two each.
Diamond topped the Greenville players with 12 points. Terrel had 10; Rainey, nine; Coker and Stabler, five each; and Riley, two.
In the preliminary attractions, the Aggie Bees won, 35-20, and the Juniors by 34-18.

92 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1930

Kelley Brothers On All-District Team: The all-district team selected by the coaches of the schools participated in the district tournament at Foley last week shows the Evergreen Aggies with two places on the first team and one place on the second team. Elmer Kelley, Aggie center, won a place on the first team as center and his brother, Wilbur, tied with Beasley of Foley for one of the forward positions. Allen Johnson was selected as forward on the second team. The Aggies won more places on the two teams than any other organization.
First team: Shearer (Murphy), W. Kelley (Evergreen) and Beasley (Foley), forwards; E. Kelley (Evergreen), center; Hall (Bay Minette), Nihart (Bay Minette), guards.
Second team: Johnson (Evergreen), Gallagher (Foley), forwards; Wynne (Murphy), center; Blount (Murphy), Noeten (Robertsdale), guards.

Jay, Fla. To Play Georgiana Here: The fast Jay, Fla. High School will meet the undefeated Georgiana Athletic Club in Evergreen at 8:00 o’clock at the National Guard Armory. These two teams are supposed to be the best in their sections. Georgiana holds victories over Troy Normal, Dothan Athletic Club, Troy Town Team and many others. They are undefeated this season and have played a number of games, running up high scores in all games. Everyone knows what a good team Jay, Fla. has. If you saw the game between Jay and the Evergreen Aggies, you know what a good team they have. The Aggies defeated, 15-14. If you missed this game, ask someone who saw it. Anyway, the same team will be back in Evergreen Saturday night. Many have picked Jay to win over Georgiana. Make your plans to see this big game. Don’t forget, at the Armory, 8:00 o’clock in Evergreen – Georgiana Athletic Club v. Jay, Fla. Be there.

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

25 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1997

Top Four Winners: Elaine Brooks, a vice president representing Monroe County Bank, presented the winners of the 46^th Annual Monroe County Spelling Bee with U.S. Savings bonds. The winners are Monalisa Ghosh (first place), sixth-grader from Monroeville Junior High; Emily Till (second place), fourth-grader from Frisco City Elementary; Claire Hudgins (third place), fifth-grader from Monroeville Middle; and John McMauley (fourth place), sixth-grader from Excel Elementary.

MCHS defeats Miller, Andalusia teams: Monroe County High School baseball coach Randy Allison was cautiously celebrating the Tigers’ wins over T.R. Miller and Andalusia high schools Monday morning.
“We got off to a 2-0 start last year and things went down hill from there,” Allison told The Journal Monday, after MCHS nipped Miller 6-5 and outscored Andalusia 13-12 Saturday at T.R. Miller High School in Brewton.
(Top MCHS players in that game included Sam Allison, Mitchell Bayles, Travis Black, Adam Brantley, Bryan Bratcher, Bucky Busby, Justin Hawarah, Will Kelly, Josh Kendrick, Steve Meade, Alan Pulfrey and Ben Templin.)

A tree to remember: Tree City Board and Monroeville Garden Club members were joined by students of Marsha Lindblom’s class at Monroeville Junior High, poster contest winners and other supporters of forestry to plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day Thursday of last week. Alabama Southern Community College forestry instructor Rick Dorrance puts a magnolia in its new place on the MJHS lawn with help from Mrs. Lindblom and students. Monroeville was recognized as a Tree City USA for the 10^th consecutive year last week.

50 YEARS AGO
FEB. 24, 1972

Monroe native dies in Camden: Funeral rites for Fielden Dees, mayor of Camden and a native of Monroe County, were conducted in the Camden Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock.
Mr. Dees, born in Tunnel Springs, was 71 years old. He died Sunday in the Wilcox County Hospital following a lengthy illness.
He had lived in Camden for the past 40 years where he had served as a member of the city council for 30 years prior to his elevation to mayor. He was also a partner in the Camden Motor Company.

Shields planning stadium: J.F. Shields High School of Beatrice has announced plans for construction of a new football and softball field.
The field will be constructed behind the school plant, said Principal W.F. Andrews. The goal is to have the field completed and lights up before the end of this school year.
The school has had a football program in the past. They have had to play all their home games during the day because of the lack of lights on the existing field.

Al Bowen feted on sixth birthday: Al Bowen, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Bowen of Frisco City, celebrated his sixth birthday anniversary with a party in his home Fri., Feb. 11.
Those attending were Jeffery Bailey, Ritchie Byrd, Tim Carter, Brian and Curtis Childs, Matt Cotten, Blaine Harrison, Tom Sawyer, George Starr, Anthony Wilson, Blair Wilson, Kelly Boen, Cheryl Byrd, Allen Jorden, Melissa and David Bowen Jr., Mrs. Rennie Byrd and Mrs. Bowen.

75 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1947

Several Injured In Car Wreck Here: A car driven by Mrs. P.S. Jackson of Peterman left the highway, hit a headwall and was badly wrecked in the southern part of town Friday night. Mrs. Jackson, Jo Ann Jackson, Mary Kay Jernigan, Gloria Cole, Gene Morris Feagin and Dorothy Crutchfield were riding in the car when the accident happened without serious injury. Mrs. Jackson and the girls were returning from a ball game in Mobile when the car is said to have left the highway due to a faulty tire. The car was almost a total wreck.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TO MEET FRIDAY NIGHT: The regular meeting of the local fire department will be held at the City Hall Mon., March 3, at 7:30 p.m. Members are urged to attend as an important study of the location of fire plugs in Monroeville and of the number of residences which will be served by each in case of fire, will be made during the meeting. Mr. Owen Ivey, chairman of the volunteer firemen group, urges that all citizens cooperate with the group by clearing the streets during the first three minutes after a fire alarm sounds, as failure to do so may seriously affect the efficiency of the department during a fire.

Among those who attended the Monroeville-McGill basketball game in Mobile last Friday night were the following students from the Monroeville High School: Gloria Cole, Jean Morris Feagin, Mary Kay Jernigan, Dorothy Crutchfield, Jo Ann Jackson, Jeanette Agee, Julianne Hixon, Mary Sidney Wiggins, Rose Wallace Thompson, Dot and Ann Moseley, Joyce Nicholas, Dot Dees, Anne Carter, Dot Hendrix, Louise Snowden, Janet Roberson, Mary Sue Snowden, Janet Roberson, Mary Sue McNeil, Margaret and Allen Law McCall, Bill McMillon, Bob Ryland, Charles Helton, David Miller Nettles, Otha Lee Biggs, Curtis and Bobby White, and Felix Nicholas.

100 YEARS AGO
FEB. 23, 1922

DEATH OF MRS. MAXWELL: The many friends of the family will regret to learn of the death of Mrs. D.M. Maxwell of Jones Mill at a sanitarium in Selma on Tuesday night, Feb. 21, following a surgical operation. Mrs. Maxwell had been in ill health for several months and was removed to Selma 10 days ago for treatment. She is survived by her husband and children.

Mrs. C.W. Jackson was stricken with an attack of appendicitis last Saturday and was taken to Selma where an operation was successfully performed the same evening. Latest advices convey the gratifying information that Mrs. Jackson’s condition is rapidly improving.

LOST – One light bay horse, weighs about 850 pounds. “U.S.” on front shoulder. Reward if found. Notify D.C. Reagan, Excel, Ala.

Mr. E.D. Espy, cashier of the Bank of McCullough, was a business visitor to Monroeville Tuesday and favored The Journal office with a pleasant call.

The work of planting the Irish potato crop throughout the county has been delayed 10 days to two weeks by unfavorable weather, but with favorable conditions for a few days more this crop this year will be in the neighborhood of 2,500 to 3,000 acres, most of which will be under the cooperative system.

144 YEARS AGO
FEB. 26, 1878

Notice to Our Patrons – The Journal office has been removed from the McCorvey old building to the spacious and pleasant rooms over Dr. J.T. Russell’s store, Public square.

We intend making such improvements in The Journal as to make it a welcome visitor into every household. But to accomplish this, and to make The Journal reflect credit upon the county, our friends must go to work and secure us a large list of subscribers at each post office in the county.

Died – In this county, Sunday morning, the 17^th inst., Mrs. Mariam, wife of R.N. McDonald, aged about 82 years. To Mr. McDonald, we extend our warmest sympathy. A good woman has gone from among us.

Claiborne – We copy the following notice of the marriage of our esteemed friend, Dr. Frank Thompson, from The Sherman Daily Register, with pleasure and unite with his hosts of friends in wishing him that continued good luck to which his merit and talents deserve:
Dr. F.D. Thompson and Miss Emma, daughter of Jno. Fitch, esq., were married last night at the residence of the bride’s father, Dr. Read officiating. Only a few relatives were present. We congratulate the doctor on securing one of Grayson County’s most charming daughters, the graces of whose character are so well known and appreciated by a large circle of friends. Dr. Thompson who stands high, both in his profession and the esteem of our citizens. To both of the happy people, the Register extends its congratulations.

Methodist Appointments – We are requested to publish the following appointments of Rev. Mr. Leslie: Will preach at Pine Grove first Sunday in March; at Claiborne, second Sunday in March; at Bowdens, third Sunday in March; at Monroeville, fourth Sunday in March and at other places as formerly.

George Singleton tells of the hidden mysteries, legends and superstitions involving the Alabama River

(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 “Waters’ hidden mysteries topic of many legends” was originally published in the Oct. 2, 1975 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Large bodies of water and deep running streams have always been a fascination to man. The dark, deep waters with the hidden mysteries have been the topic of many, many legends.

Though man has come a long way in the past few decades, he still views the mighty rivers with a certain amount of superstition. Although he may not admit this feeling, it is still there.

As one journeys among the people who have lived along the river banks, he finds that these mysteries continue to be mentioned from time to time.

Conversation topic

He hears names like “River Witch,” “River Demon” and many, many more. The mention of the mysteries of the river always comes forth in conversations sooner or later.

If you have never stood along the banks of a great river like the Alabama, you might find it hard to associate these tales with the mighty waters. If you will sit for a while beside the silent waters and watch them as they glide past, you will feel the awesome strength and mystery of the secrets hidden there.

Look into the darkness of the clouded, swirling waters, and try to convince yourself that this massive giant does not possess a mind and soul of its own.

Watch the mighty currents as they dance here and there, and try to believe that this great mass is not alive.

Peaceful waters

Witness, if you will, how peaceful the waters are when the river is low and clear. So peaceful that it seems that the river god is sleeping, and all is well within.

Then return again and look upon the angry waters as they dash and tear the banks as though the gods have been awakened from a peaceful slumber, only to seek vengeance on all who come close, whoever they may be.

See the destruction and the death as this mighty demon runs roughshod over everything in its path. Then witness the care and gentleness of the mighty waters as it guides a fallen butterfly to the safety of the bank.

Tried to harness

Man, with all his knowledge, has tried to harness the great powers of the rivers. He has built large dams and locks in hopes that he can prevent flooding and the damage caused by the mighty waters.

But then one day, Old Man River grows tired of being harnessed. Then he raises his mighty arms, as a giant awakening from a deep slumber, and spills forth his strength across the land – and man wonders once more, and the mystery deepens.

(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.)

Early Alabama governor's grave is well off the beaten path in Gosport

Grave of former Alabama governor John Murphy.

Clarke County’s old Gosport community sits about six miles west of the Alabama River, not far from the Monroe County line. Many travelers along U.S. Highway 84 have no doubt passed through Gosport on their way to and from Grove Hill, and some of those travelers have likely noticed the historical marker that sits in front of the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department in “downtown” Gosport.

Those who stop to read the marker see the following words – “JOHN MURPHY: Fourth Governor of Alabama, Born 1785 in Robinson County, N.C. Came in 1818 to Monroe County, Alabama. Represented Monroe County in Alabama Constitutional Convention in 1819 and in State Legislature 1819-1822. Served as Governor of Alabama, 1825-1829. Elected 1833 to Congress for one term. Died 1841 and is buried in Gosport two miles from here on his Clarke County plantation. Erected by Clarke County Historical Society 1979.”

Last Thursday morning, I met lifelong Gosport residents John Moore and John Day in front of the fire station. A week or so before, they invited me to Gosport for a quick field trip to see Murphy’s secluded grave. Never one to pass up the chance to see an off-the-beaten path historic site, I jumped at the chance.

Moore arrived in a large SUV with four-wheel drive, and Mr. Day and I piled inside for a trip deep into the Clarke County woods. Moore, who is now 81 years old, deftly piloted us down a series of narrow roads through the thick woods, and after many twists and turns, we stopped at what looked like a random spot in the middle of nowhere. From there, we trekked out into the woods, and eventually, seemingly out of the blue, we came up a large headstone that marked the final resting place of former Alabama governor, John Murphy.

Moore, who is well-versed in Clarke County history, noted that this headstone was placed on this spot sometime in the 1920s. Old editions of The Clarke County Democrat back this up and note that the former governor’s grave was unmarked prior to the headstone’s placement. The wording on the headstone is nearly identical to the wording on the historic marker at the fire station.

While at Murphy’s grave, Day showed us the faint remnants of a shallow trench that was dug around the woodland cemetery. This 70-yard-square trench is plainly visible if you know where to look, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Day said that the story is also told that only one other person buried in this place is a female tutor who died while working for the Murphy family nearly 200 years ago.

Moore and Day also showed me the location of what’s believed to be the old Murphy home site and the location of Murphy’s Mill, which can be seen on maps dating back to 1837. The old home site sits atop a high point that hunters still call Murphy Hill. The mill, which was fed by the waters of Choctaw Creek, features a lengthy earthen dam that has impressively held up long after its initial construction in antebellum times.

Moore was also kind enough to give me a tour of the old Forwood Cemetery, which is located just off Highway 84 at Gosport. Graves in this cemetery date back to the 1830s and also include the strange grave of nine-year-old Julia Ann Forwood. The inscription on her unusual grave tells that she “departed this life by a cotton bale falling on her Feb 7, 1845.”

In the end, I really appreciate Moore and Day taking the time to show me all of these historic sites in Gosport. Both men have a deep knowledge of this area, and they are both rightfully proud of the place that they call home. With that said, if anyone else in the reading audience knows of any other off-the-beaten-path historic sites, let me know because I’m always up for a field trip.

Do pieces of the world-famous Alamo remain in Wilcox County, Alabama?

Famous 'Battle of the Alamo' in 1836

Do pieces of the world-famous Alamo remain in Wilcox County and, if so, where are they?

These are questions that I could not help but ask when I ran across a news story about the Alamo in the Oct. 2, 1913 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era. In a story, under the headline “Remember The Alamo,” editor and publisher Solomon Bloch reported that Ephraim Ockles Rentz had returned home to Wilcox County from a visit to his sons in Texas. Upon his return, Rentz “brought with him several small stones from the Alamo at San Antonio and some from the old Spanish mission, which were sent to the Editor of this paper by Mr. Joseph R. Rentz, now a resident of San Antonio, Texas.”

Many readers will know that the Alamo was the site of a famous battle during the Texas War for Independence in 1836. A Mexican force numbering in the thousands and led by General Santa Anna laid siege to the fort, and though vastly outnumbered, the Alamo’s 200 defenders, commanded by James Bowie and William Travis and including the famed frontiersman Davy Crockett, held out for 13 days before the Mexican forces finally overpowered them. For Texans, the Battle of the Alamo became an enduring symbol of their resistance to oppression and their struggle for independence, which they won later that year.

The question remains as to what happened to the “small stones” from the Alamo that were sent back to Camden. A close reading of the newspaper story yields only a few additional clues. It went on to say that “these valuable reminders of the bravery of Southerners who died at the Alamo, and the other stone from the Spanish Mission, will be presented by the Editor of the Progressive Era for Mr. Rentz to the Wilcox County High School and the Alabama Girls Technical Institute (present-day University of Montevallo).”

Related to this, it should be noted that more than a few of the Alamo’s defenders had strong ties to Alabama. Col. William Barrett Travis, a legendary figure in Texas history, grew up in Conecuh County and lived at old Claiborne in Monroe County before setting off to Texas. With that said, it should come as no surprise that there are also Wilcox County connections to the defenders of the Alamo.

By way of example, take the case of Mrs. Elbert Mobley, a former resident of Allenton, near Pine Apple. In 1889, her heirs received a legacy from a Mr. O’Neal’s estate in Texas. O’Neal was Mobley’s brother and was among those killed while defending the Alamo.

For this reason, Mobley’s heirs received a “league of land” that was given by the Republic of Texas “to the heirs of each of those brave defenders of that famous fortress. In that massacre were Fannin, Bowie, Crocket, Travis, Bonham, O’Neal and a number of names familiar to Alabamians.”

In the end, I’d like to hear from anyone in the reading audience who might now what happened to the pieces of the Alamo that were sent back to Wilcox County. Also, let me hear from you if you have any additional information about O’Neal or any other Alamo defenders with Wilcox County connections. No doubt, there is likely much more to the story than we already know.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Feb. 22, 2022

USS W.S. Sims

25 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1997

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.02 inches of rain on Feb. 20, 1.78 inches on Feb. 21 and 0.03 inches on Feb. 23. He reported a high of 77 degrees on Feb. 19 and lows of 39 on Feb. 17 and Feb. 22.

Allen R. Authur retired last week as a Reserve State Trooper. Mr. Authur was one of the charter members of the Reserve State Troopers when they were organized in 1956. The State has phased out the Reserves and Mr. Authur was the last remaining member at the Evergreen Post. He was presented a Retirement Commendation by Capt. George Smith as Sergeant Randolph Lambert looks on. Mr. Authur began his service under Capt. A.G. Mitchell.

Representing the Conecuh County Farmers Federation at the 1997 Alabama Young Farmers Leadership Conference at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Feb. 7-9 were Debbie Knott and Tim Covin. The Young Farmers Program, sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, is for farmers 35 and under and is designed to help them develop leadership skills, stay informed on current issues impacting agriculture and become involved in the federation, which is the state’s largest farm organization. About 350 young farm families participated in this year’s conference, which included workshops, business meetings and commodity division competition for the 1997 Outstanding Young Farm Family Award.

50 YEARS AGO
FEB. 24, 1972

Navy Seaman Joel R. Price, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Price of Evergreen, has sailed for the Mediterranean aboard the destroyer escort USS Sims, homeported in Mayport, Fla.

Building named for Mrs. Pate at Jeff Davis: Mrs. Marie M. Pate of Castleberry has been honored by having a building at Jeff Davis Jr. College named for her. The action was taken by resolution of the State Legislature, Act. No. 130, which was signed by Gov. George Wallace.
The resolution said that the Humanities Building should be named the Marie M. Pate Hall.
The resolution said that Mrs. Pate “has held the position of teacher, supervisor, counselor and dean of instruction all of her working life in Conecuh and Escambia counties which is the attendance area of Jefferson Davis Junior College, and Marie M. Pate has probably touched the lives more effectively, educationally, morally and spiritually than any other living person now in education in Conecuh and Escambia counties.
“Marie M. Pate has been a pillar of strength, guidance and direction of Jefferson Davis State Junior College in capacities of teacher, counselor, registrar and dean of instruction since before its first student was admitted, and
“It is the unanimous conviction of the people in the Jefferson Davis Junior College attendance area that the name Marie M. Pate adds prestige and dignity to Jefferson Davis State Junior College.”

Forest Ranger Dwight Taylor spoke to the Evergreen Rotary Club at is meeting last Thursday. Lamar Bradley was program chairman. Taylor pointed out that over 400,000 acres or 75 percent of the area of Conecuh County is in woodlands. He outlined some of the programs carried out to help landowners and to fight and prevent wood fires.

75 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1947

Mr. and Mrs. Byron Warren announce the birth of a son on Feb. 22 at Stabler’s Infirmary in Greenville.

Vernon and Temple Millsap of the University of Alabama will spend the weekend at home. Friends of Vernon will be interested to learn that he was recently elected president of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Good Citizenship Girls Chosen By High School: The Good Citizenship Pilgrimage girls chosen in the different high schools of Conecuh County are: Alice Morrison, Evergreen High; Evelyn Barnet, Repton; and Mary Sue Somerall, Lyeffion. There was no report from the Castleberry High School.

Senator R.G. Kendall Jr. is in Michigan this week with a subcommittee from the Agriculture Interim to try to get an increase in the quota of farm machinery for the State.

Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Hill Greene and Dr. and Mrs. T.P. Goodwyn of Atlanta spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Gantt enroute to the Medical Association in New Orleans. Dr. Greene was their physician while they lived in Atlanta.

Mr. and Mrs. Coy Harper announce the birth of a son, Feb. 26, at Carter’s Hospital in Repton, whom they have named Kenneth.

Dr. Zebulon Judd of Auburn, who was speaker for Laymen’s Day at the Methodist Church Sunday, was a guest in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. French while in Evergreen.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Feb. 22, 2022

25 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1997

JDCC seeks help in finding missing man: Mr. Phillip “Smitty” Smith, a student at Jefferson Davis Community College during Fall Quarter 1996, has been missing since Jan. 22, 1997. Smitty served as the baseball team trainer while he was a student at Jefferson Davis and he continued to assist the baseball team after withdrawing from the college.
Smitty was last seen when he had a conversation with Keith Griffin, baseball coach at Jefferson Davis, at approximately 12:00 noon on Jan. 22. Smitty is loved by all who knew and worked with him, especially by the team, and the college is very concerned about his whereabouts. If anyone knows or has seen Mr. Phillip Smith, please contact Dean Connie Branch, Coach Keith Griffin, Athletic Director Karen Reynolds or President Brogdon. The college will do anything within its power to assist in locating Smitty.

75 YEARS AGO
FEB. 27, 1947

Evergreen, Monroeville Land Seeded Berths (From Mobile Press): Thirty-two high school basketball teams, including McGill Institute, Murphy High and UMS from Mobile, will battle it out for honors in the district cage meet at Frisco City March 5-8.
McGill and Murphy were seeded, as were Monroeville and Evergreen, two of the teams from smaller towns which compiled excellent cage records this year.
McGill was bracketed in the upper half, while Murphy and UMS drew places in the lower half of the draw.
Each team will be limited to eight players for the tournament which will be single elimination tourney.
The three local schools will close out their schedules before March 5.
McGill, with 17 straight wins, has several more games to play, while Murphy, with a record of 11 wins and six losses, has two games remaining on its list.
UMS has a record of five wins and 13 losses and the Soldiers have one more tilt on their schedule.
All three of the Mobile teams will play their first games Thurs., March 6, with the McGill five playing Silas while Murphy will play Wallace and UMS will meet Monroeville. The times of the local fives’ games will be announced later.
The following teams will compose the first bracket: McGill, Silas, Coffeeville, Bay Minette, Chatom, Jackson, Fruitdale, Luffin, Damascus, Flomaton, Fairhope, Neal, Grove Hill, Excel, Citronelle and Evergreen.
The second bracket teams are as follows: Murphy, Wallace, Repton, Robertsdale, Uriah, Foley, Miller, Fairhope, Organic, McCullough, Castleberry, Beatrice, Frisco City, Millry, Thomasville, UMS and Monroeville.
Officials for the four-day meet will be announced later.

Conecuh County’s 1947 champions, the Evergreen Aggies, racked up three more wins last week by downing Lyeffion, Georgiana and Andalusia in that order. Coach Hart’s lads pulled enough tricks out of the bag Friday night to upset the Covington Countians at Andalusia. The night before, the Aggies had rolled to a win over Coach Paulk’s Georgiana Panthers. One Monday night, Coach Guy Kelly’s Lyeffion cagers held the Greenies in check until the end of the first half, but the Aggies came back in the second half and won their fourteenth game of the season.
After Wednesday night’s game with Murphy High School in Mobile, the Aggies will end their regular schedule when they play the Lyeffion dribblers on the local court. This will be a doubleheader.
Mickey Logue had the fans on their feet most of the game Friday night when he sacked up 18 points against Andalusia.
Logue was playing on one of the wildest courts in this section and scored most of his 18 markers from the corners. Jones, Aggie crip-shot artist, laid in 15 points to take second place honors. Slaton, Mackey and Henderson shared high scoring honors for Andalusia by scoring seven points each.
The Aggies made up for their previous loss to Georgiana by rolling up a 47 to 34 count against the Butler Countians. Jones hit the cords for 12 points to lead the Aggies’ scoring assault while Burkett carried the brunt of Georgiana’s scoring 12 points.
Co-Captain R.E. Ivey led his teammates to a 22 to 15 victory over Lyeffion in a low-scoring contest Monday night. Morrow led the host team by scoring five points.

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

24 YEARS AGO
FEB. 19, 1998

Ghosh captures second spelling title: For the second straight year, Monroeville Junior High School student Monalisa Ghosh has won the Monroe County Spelling Bee. Coming in second in the competition was J.C. Till, an eighth-grader at Frisco City High School. The third top speller was Tyrone House, an eighth-grader at Frisco City High School, and the fourth top speller was April Hollinger, a sixth-grader at Beatrice Elementary School.

J.F. Shields High School ran by McIntosh High School 94-78 Friday in McIntosh to earn a berth in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Southwest Region tournament that began Tuesday in Bay Minette.
Senior forward Damien Payne scored a career high 40 points, converting his first seven field goal attempts, to key the Panthers’ victory.
(Other top Shields players in that game included Clement Blackmon, Raymond Blackmon, Lance Crawford, Arvin Dailey, Labaron Finklea, Calvin Huff, Travories McCreary, Kelvin Sanders and John Stallworth. Jerome Sanders was head coach.)

Lambert graduates with honors from TSU: Lee Anne Lambert of Goodway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy D. Lambert, recently graduated summa cum laude from Troy State University, earning a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She completed her studies during fall quarter with a 3.97 grade point average and will participate in commencement exercises in March. She is employed by the Monroe County Board of Education as a fourth-grade teacher at Excel School.

49 YEARS AGO
FEB. 15, 1973

Snow blankets area; heaviest since 1898: Monroe County citizens were stunned last Friday as a snow storm, termed by some of the older residents of the county as the heaviest since 1898, blanketed the area, virtually halting all activity.
It all began early Friday morning when “old man winter” turned a freezing rain into sleet and then transformed it into snow which extended over the entire southeastern portion of the state. Just how much snow Monroe County did receive is questionable, but three to five inches were reported in various parts of the county Saturday morning with drifts up to nine and 10 inches.

Whippets upend Tigers: In probably the biggest win of the year for the Whippets, they defeated the Monroe County High Tigers in Frisco City Tuesday night, Feb. 6, 64-63.
Eddie Martin led the scoring drive for the Whippets with 29 points. Melvin Lawson got 14 while Pat Banks added 11; Elbert Coleman, seven; and Herman Banks, three.

Katz to head local Chamber of Commerce: The directors of the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce Tuesday named Israel Katz president of the organization for 1973.
Meeting at the Monroe County Courthouse, the group also elected Bob Manos, first vice president; Dr. Joel Hardee, second vice president; John Causey, secretary; and Bob Burns treasurer. Earlier, in mail balloting, the general membership named seven directors to serve for the next three years. They include G.M. McNider, Israel Katz, John Causey, Bob Burns, Kenneth Fairly, Raymond Owens and R.A. Wible.

74 YEARS AGO
FEB. 19, 1948

Excel Citizens Favor Incorporating Town: Residents of Excel voted 72 to 22 in a special election Tuesday favoring incorporating of their town, and Probate Judge E.T. Millsap said necessary steps will be taken immediately to prepare for the election of town officials.
Actual incorporation of the community, under state law, will await the appointment of three men by the probate judge to check the number of inhabitants in the proposed incorporated area.
Incorporation of Excel will bring to five the number of incorporated communities in Monroe County. Others are Monroeville, Frisco City, Beatrice and Vredenburg.

KIWANIS CLUB TO SHOW FREE FOOTBALL FILM: The Monroeville Kiwanis Club will sponsor a free showing of the 1945 Alabama-Duke Sugar Bowl football film at Monroe County High School tonight (Thursday) at eight o’clock. The public is invited.

Officials of the Monroeville Water Board said this week 15 contracting firms have placed deposits with their engineer signifying their intention of bidding on the job of extending the town’s water system.
The project, which will cost an estimated $140,000, is scheduled to get underway about April 1, and bids must be placed with the board not later than 11 a.m. March 2. The work includes the erection of a 100,000-gallon tank and installation of more than eight miles of pipe.
Donald Mills of Selma is consulting engineer for the water board.

99 YEARS AGO
FEB. 15, 1923

A MYSTERIOUS INCIDENT: An abandoned Ford car was discovered on the roadside near town a few days ago and was taken in charge by Sheriff Bowden. Some mystery seems to surround the abandonment of the car which has not up to this time been satisfactorily explained. The car bears a Florida license tag, “10-411C, Fla. ’23,” Motor No. 6236832 and has been identified as one driven by a woman to a local garage some 10 days ago for some slight repairs. The woman was a stranger and accompanied by a small boy apparently some six or eight years of age. The woman inquired directions to Walker Springs or some other point in Clarke County and departed in that direction, but has been traced only to Perdue Hill, from which point she is said to have returned to Monroeville. In the abandoned car was found a boy’s cap and a letter addressed to C.J. Faircloth, Tallahassee, Fla., the post office at which it had been mailed is undecipherable. The letter appears to have been written by a woman, and bears the simple signature, “Diller.” The car is held at the Locklin garage, awaiting legal proof of ownership.

Miss Lillian Black of Canoe has accepted a position in the dress-making department of Wiggins Brothers.

Mr. J.M. Dennis who was down from Tunnel Springs Tuesday stated that his mail is becoming increasingly heavy with inquiries from parties in the north and west who contemplate locating dairy and other farms in the south. He is confident that a number have been favorably impressed with descriptive matter furnished regarding the advantages offered by Monroe County to such settlers.

126 YEARS AGO
FEB. 20, 1896

A recent number of The Evergreen Courant announces the retirement of Mr. J.F. Marsh, one of the editors, he having sold his interest in the paper to Mr. Geo. Salter Jr., who becomes sole proprietor.

Manistee: Hon. W.H. Louiselle has returned home from Mobile where he has been attending court for the past few days.
We had quite a stampede in the mill last week. It happened in this way: somebody spiked one of the logs, and it came into the mill, they did not know it until the saw struck it, but when the teeth began to fly the boys began to leap from the mill like frogs.

Gauntlet Lodge No. 151, Knights of Pythias, was organized at Tinela, this county on the 4^th inst., with the following officers: W.L. Abernethy, Chancellor Commander; L.K. Benson, Vice Chancellor and Representative to Grand Lodge; J.A. McCants, Prelate; R.C. Abernethy, Knight of Records & Seal and M. of F.; G.W. McCants, M. of E. and R.A.M. of W.; J.K. McLeod, Master at Arms; T.S. Packer, Inner Guard; S.J. Grace, Outer Guard.

Work has been commenced on the erection of the Presbyterian Manse, near town.

Miss Ellen Harrengton is visiting relatives at Manistee.

Capt. G.H. Gray of Perdue Hill was in Monroeville last Saturday looking after his fences.

Capt. W.B. Kemp and Mr. T.E. Dennis of Kempville were in the city a few days ago.

Rev. Mr. Killough and Prof. J.N. Powers have exchanged places of residences, Prof. Powers having purchased the parsonage property. The Methodist people will build a new parsonage during the year.

George Singleton tells of discovering an 'old burial crypt' on the east bank of the Alabama River in 1975

(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 “Early residents sheltered graves” was originally published in the Sept. 25, 1975 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

As one tries to follow man’s footsteps down through the spans of time, one will find many customs that man has practiced in preparing himself for the journey into the Great Hereafter.

He has, on many occasions, spent almost all his life building monuments of stone and marble in which his body would rest when passing from this life into the next. He has explored and sought in every way that he could imagine to preserve his remains for as long a time as possible.

He has chosen the finest steel and copper from which to mold his coffins. He has wrapped himself in solid gold and surrounded his lifeless form with precious stones in hopes of being better prepared for that Great Awakening.

Great songs, lyrics

He has written great songs and lyrics of his life on earth in the hope that he will be remembered for time immortal. He refuses to accept that he too will pass like a blade of grass before the winds of time and be remembered no more.

In our country’s early history, the custom of building a shelter or crypt over the grave of the departed was commonplace.

Such a crypt is to be found on the east bank of the Alabama River near here.

Not much remains of what was the prize handiwork of some forgotten brick mason. The old handmade bricks have been softened by the snows of over a hundred winters. The mortar has long since crumpled and fallen from between the bricks, while a large trees has grown alongside and the roots have worked their way beneath the walls.

Dirt and mortar

Of many of the crypts nothing remains but a pile of dirt and mortar, giving evidence of the time span since they were placed there. In judging the size of the bricks and the conditions of the few that remain intact, I would estimate that they were placed in the present location around the turn of the 19^th century.

Few people know the whereabouts of this old burying ground. None remember its name. The names of the departed have long ceased to be mentioned as the few who might have known have too been laid to rest at a later date and another place.

To see the remains of an old graveyard like this brings with it a feeling of sadness and depression. It reminds us that time waits for no one, and that all must journey through the valley of the shadows.

I think the unknown author of this short epitaph found on a small tombstone deep in the state of Georgia, might have come close in summing up the situation correctly:

Stranger, stop and cast an eye,
Where you are now, so once was I.
Where I am now, so you will be,
Prepare for death and follow me.

(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.)

Perdue Hill, Alabama takes its name from the 'two Perdue brothers, prominent citizens of Claiborne'

Masonic Hall located at Perdue Hill, Alabama.

I got out of the office for a little exploring on Friday morning and eventually found myself at Perdue Hill. Many readers, no doubt, have been through Perdue Hill because of its prominent location on U.S. Highway 84 between Monroeville and Grove Hill. Perdue Hill is one of the oldest communities in Monroe County, and if you like local history, there is a lot to see there.

According to “Place Names in Alabama” by Virginia O. Foscue, Perdue Hill traces its roots to a man named Thomas Gaillard, who moved his family away from Claiborne in 1855 to escape a malaria epidemic. He built a house on a hill – what we now call Perdue Hill – and this later became a resort. Gaillard named the resort after “the two Perdue brothers, prominent citizens of Claiborne.”

Many members of the old Gaillard family are buried in the McConnico Cemetery, which is off County Road 1, about a mile and a half from “downtown” Perdue Hill. I hadn’t been to this historic cemetery in a long time, so I eased down to it on Friday for a brief look around. All was quiet as I studied the old tombstones, and I could not help but think about some of the old ghost stories that I’d heard about this place.

Perhaps the best known of these stories is the story of the “Silent Riders of McConnico,” which famous ghost-story writer Kathryn Tucker Windham wrote about in her 1982 book, “Jeffrey’s Latest 13: More Alabama Ghosts.” Many witnesses over the years – including late Monroe Journal columnist George Singleton – claimed to have seen these “ghost riders,” and many other “ghost hunters” have tried to see them late at night. But that is a tale for another day.

From there, I motored back up the road for a closer look at the Masonic Hall, a stately white edifice that sits in the forks of Highway 84 and County Road 1. According to the historical marker out front, the Masonic Hall is the oldest existing building in Monroe County, dating all the way back to 1824. It was originally located at Claiborne, but was moved to Perdue Hill in 1884.

A short walk west of this building will take you to the William B. Travis House, which is almost as old as the Masonic Hall. This small house served as Travis’ home before he left Claiborne in the 1830s for Texas, where he attained legendary status as the ill-fated commander of the Alamo. Like the Masonic Hall, this old house was also originally located at Claiborne before being moved to Perdue Hill.

From here, I walked over to Broughton’s Store for a pack of Frito-Lay salted peanuts and a 20-ounce bottle of Coke, what my old grandfather called a “poor man’s lunchbox.” As I stood there chatting with the nice ladies at the counter, I noted that this store also doubles as the community’s federal post office – Zip Code 36470. Records reflect that the first post office at Perdue Hill was established in 1876.

In the end, there are few communities in Monroe County that can boast of so many historic buildings, as I have only named a few. If anyone in the reading audience knows any additional details about the history of the Perdue Hill area, please let me know. I’m especially interested in any old ghost stories, local legends or Indian lore from this part of the county, so if you know of anything along these lines, please let me hear it.

Wilcox County, Alabama soldier was made prisoner of war three times during War Between the States

Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.

I was looking through some old newspapers the other day and ran across an interesting item about a Wilcox County veteran who was taken prisoner three different times during the War Between the States.

In the Feb. 12, 1903 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, it was announced that the Alabama Charter Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy planned to meet at the home of Chapter President Sallie Jones on Feb. 19. During their meeting, they planned to discuss the “Prison Life of Southern Soldiers.” Richard Ervin McWilliams Sr. was to be the guest speaker with plans to talk about “his experience of 14 months in Northern prisons.”

McWilliams passed away in August 1921, and he is buried in the Camden Cemetery. His obituary was published in the Sept. 1, 1921 edition of The Progressive Era and provides many details about his military service.

“The ranks of the old Confederate veterans are rapidly thinning,” his obituary began. “In the passing of Hon. R.E. McWilliams, Wilcox loses one of her most gallant veterans whose career through the Civil War furnishes interesting reading.”

According to the newspaper, McWilliams enlisted in Co. B, a Wilcox County troop, in early 1862 “as a boy of 16.”

“He was soon in the midst of the conflict, being stationed at Island No. 10, which was captured early in the war by the Northern troops. The loss of this point was the first serious blow struck at the south. Mr. McWilliams was among the prisoners and was carried to Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois.”

The newspaper goes on to say that McWilliams was eventually released during a prisoner exchange at Vicksburg, Mississippi. From there, he was stationed at Port Hudson, Louisiana, which was soon besieged by Union forces. This fort was an important link between the eastern and western halves of the Confederacy, and when it fell to the Union, the vital Mississippi River fell completely under Northern control.

McWilliams became a POW again at Port Hudson, but he was soon paroled. From there, he went home to Wilcox County for a short while, but like many parolees, he made his way back to the front lines, where he joined the forces of Confederate generals John Bell Hood and Joseph E. Johnston.

He survived the bloody meatgrinder known as the Battle of Franklin in Tennessee, but again fell into enemy hands as a POW. He was sent back to Camp Butler, where he remained until the end of the war. His obituary notes that he was slightly wounded only once during the war.

“Nothing gave Mr. McWilliams more pleasure than to recount the thrilling scenes and events of his soldier days,” the newspaper said. “His old comrades all honored him and he in turn was always interested in their welfare.”

In the end, it sounds like McWilliams had a remarkable wartime experience and that he was also extremely lucky. Few soldiers can say they were made a POW three times during a single conflict and live to tell the tale. If anyone in the reading audience has any additional information they would like to share about McWilliams, please let me hear from you.

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Feb. 16, 2022

69 YEARS AGO
FEB. 19, 1953

Three Killed In Pine Hill Accident: Three Pine Hill men died Saturday when the pickup truck in which they were riding was struck by a freight train. Otis Brassell, reported to be the driver, and Henry Morgan were killed almost instantly, and Kenneth Autrey died before he could be carried to the hospital. The accident occurred at a grade crossing in Pine Hill, according to the Highway Patrol, who said that Brassell apparently drove on the tracks without seeing the train, possibly because the nearby railroad station may have blocked his view. The accident took place about 1:30 Saturday afternoon.

Seven Home Grid Games For Tigers: The Camden High football squad will play seven games before home fans in 1953. Only three of the 10 scheduled games will be on the road. The Tigers open early this season, playing a newcomer on their schedule on Sept. 11, when they meet Southern Choctaw High School at Barnett Field. The locals play Beatrice, Orrville and Thomaston away.

Pine Apple Drug Store Burglarized: The drug store at Pine Apple operated by S.N. Stanford was the locale of a burglary over the past weekend, but the yeggs did not make away with any money. They took about a $100 worth of narcotics from the store safe and also got seven cartons of cigarettes, according to the sheriff’s office here. Sheriff P.C. Jenkins said that the burglars entered at the front door of the store, cutting the lock off to get in. They blew open the store safe with nitroglycerin.

82 YEARS AGO
FEB. 22, 1940

Travel is inconvenienced due to the Monroeville-Awin highway being closed, which is under construction.

The basketball season of 1939-40 is coming to a close. We have had a team this year that will not be forgotten. They have played some real basketball and above all they have shown good sportsmanship in every game.
Three of the boys that were on the main team, Charles Duke, James Duke and Roy McIntosh, will graduate this year, and believe me, they will really be missed from old Wil-Co-Hi in the future years.

RUTHVEN: Mr. J.W. Hayes, traveling photographer who has been stopping here for the past 10 days in his modern house trailer, left Tuesday morning for his home in Montgomery. He was accompanied by his wife and children.

Passing of Judge Purefoy: The hosts of friends of Judge Thomas Purefoy were shocked and saddened by the sudden death on Jan. 9, caused from a heart attack.
During his life here in Furman, he operated a prosperous mercantile business and was post master. At the time of his death, he was holding a fine position as salesman for Hudson and Thompson of Montgomery. For a number of years before his death, Judge was Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School. Judge Purefoy was 64 years old.

Mr. John Westbrook Jr. of Catherine was a Camden visitor this week. He is a candidate for county commissioner and was soliciting votes.

93 YEARS AGO
FEB. 21, 1929

Prof. E.L. Cunningham, County Surveyor for Wilcox, was shaking hands with friends here on Monday. Anyone desiring to have land surveyed should communicate with Prof. Cunningham at Furman, Ala.

At an entertainment given last Tuesday night in Montgomery under the auspices of the Cradle of the Confederacy Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, we note that Miss Mattie Crum Harris had charge of the splendid program and little Ruth McDowell, the beautiful little daughter of the late Angus McDowell of Camden, gave several readings. Both of these participants reflected credit on Camden.

MRS. BOYKIN OPENS UP-TO-DATE DRESS MAKING ESTABLISHMENT: Opened an up-to-date dress making establishment in the office formerly occupied by Judge B.M. Miller on Broad Street. Pleasant location and restroom for ladies. Call and see me. Your patronage will be appreciated. – Mrs. Scott Boykin, Camden, Ala.

J.S. Dickinson of Camden is among members of the senior class of Birmingham-Southern College here who has been engaged in practice teaching during the session and who are to obtain state teachers certificates with their college diplomas. Mr. Dickinson with the others who plan to go into the profession of teaching are taking for three weeks a special course of lectures on social hygiene for the meeting of classroom problems from Dr. T.W. Calloway of New York, of the American Hygiene Association.

107 YEARS AGO
FEB. 18, 1915

Dale Lodge No. 25 will meet Friday night, 26^th, inst. 7:30 p.m. Visiting brethren are cordially invited to attend. – S.D. Bloch, Worshipful Master; J.C. Benson, Secretary.

On last Saturday there were two very interesting games of basketball played in Pine Apple between the girls of the Wilcox County High School and the Moore Academy girls of Pine Apple. Both games resulted in victories for the high school girls of Camden. The scores were as follows: morning game, 20-8; evening game, 36-4. Among the best players of the two games were Miss Margaret Tait, who scored 32 of the 36 goals in the last game, and Miss Marcella Moore, who played a fine game at center.

Last Saturday in Nadawah an aged man was killed by a freight train. He was walking up the track watching the Camden train, which was approaching. A freight train with two cars attached was backing up this track toward the man, who was deaf and did not hear it. His skull was fractured and he died within two hours.

The Alabama River is now rising and is out of its banks in the lowlands. The farmers who had stock in the river bottoms have moved them to places of safety. Last Sunday was clear, crisp and sun-shinny and was about the first fair Sunday we’ve had in 1915.

FOUND: A pair of nose glasses in Camden Cemetery. Owner please call for them. – Sam Lee Jones.

Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Melton of Pine Apple are the happy parents of a fine boy which has been named Joseph R. Jr. Congratulations.

120 YEARS AGO
FEB. 20, 1902

At a meeting of the veterans of Camp Franklin K. Beck in the Court House last Monday, Rev. D.W. Ramsey of Pine Apple was elected chaplain.

Last Thursday afternoon a runaway horse caused a good deal of excitement in town, but no damage was done further than a broken pole. From some cause after the horses had been taken loose all except the traces of one, the remaining partially hitched up horse became frightened and dragged the surrey about 75 yards when the succeeded in breaking loose. Quite a number gathered on the scene expecting to see the surrey broken into fragments.

Hon. A.A. Wiley has introduced a bill in Congress allowing Mr. W. Alford Sr. of the Wilcox Hotel, a pension of $12 per month. Mr. Alford is one of the few surviving veterans of the Mexican war, and the government has already waited too long in showing its appreciation of his services.

Some index to the growth of the town may be had from the increase in the number of typewriters the past 12 months. A year ago, there were but one or two and now there are something like a dozen.

Last week, a medicine imposter made his appearance in Camden, but the merchants soon got on him and he just did make his escape.

Mr. Rufus Kilpatrick, who is the telegraph operator at Orrville, Ala., came in Monday on a short visit to relatives. He is very much pleased both with his job and the people of Orrville.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Feb. 15, 2022

24 YEARS AGO
FEB. 19, 1998

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.3 inches of rain on Feb. 10 and 0.6 inches on Feb. 15. He reported a high of 71 degrees on Feb. 10 and a low of 30 on Feb. 9.

Hawsey is running for sheriff office: Tracy L. Hawsey announced this week his intention to become a candidate for the office of Sheriff of Conecuh County. Hawsey was born and raised in Conecuh County and is a graduate of Evergreen High School.
He is married to his wife of nine years, formerly Chon Mitchell, also of Conecuh County. They have two children, Chase, age six, and Jared, age four. Hawsey is presently the Chief of Police in Repton and was with the Evergreen Police Department prior to his present position.

Work has resumed on the Fairview sewer extension project. A halt had been placed on the jobsite following last month’s tragic cave in where one man lost his life. He and another worker, who was rescued, were caught outside a work box when a wall of dirt began to cover them.

Rev. Shehan honored at 90^th birthday celebration: Many of Rev. A.L. Shehan’s family members and friends celebrated his 90^th birthday on Sun., Feb. 15, at the Voice of the Bible Tabernacle. Rev. Shehan is the oldest of 11 children – three sisters and two brothers still living – and three sisters and two brothers are deceased.
Bro. Shehan was saved at an early age and spent seven years preparing for the ministry. He has been a minster for 70 years, 50 years pastoring in Evergreen. He had 41 years of radio ministry on the local, national and international level.

49 YEARS AGO
FEB. 15, 1973

Snow blankets South Alabama: An almost unbelievable snowfall Friday blanketed South Alabama and turned it into a sparkling white “Winter Wonderland.”
Before day Friday morning, freezing rain followed by sleet, began falling. Then came the snow and instead of melting as it usually does in this area, it stuck and piled up. Snow fell all day Friday and into the night.
Saturday morning all one could see was white as the snow had completely covered everything. Estimates of the snowfall ranged from six inches to 10 inches over the county. Some areas of South Alabama reported depths of 14 inches to 16 inches.
Most of the snow remained intact until the sun began melting it Sunday afternoon. The snow stayed on in shaded areas and could still be seen Tuesday, but rain Tuesday night finished it off.
It was a sight not soon to be forgotten and many will be telling their grandchildren about the big snow of February 1973.

Repton pastor dies suddenly: The Rev. Chester Stinson, pastor of the Repton Methodist Church, died suddenly Mon., Feb. 12, at his home in Repton. He had filled his pulpit for services on Sunday and his death was a great shock to the community. He was a native of Butler County.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock from the Repton Methodist Church with the Rev. Lloyd Kimbrough officiating. Burial was in Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, Chumuckla, Fla., with Johnson Funeral Home of Georgiana directing.

74 YEARS AGO
FEB. 19, 1948

Plane Crash Fatal To Owner of Theatre Chain: Roy E. Martin, age 62, owner of the Pix Theatre and over 100 other theatres in five southern states, lost his life when the plane in which he and three other persons were riding crashed near Bay St. Louis, Wed., Feb. 11. All passengers were killed.
According to reports, Martin and his companions were returning to Columbus, Ga. after being in New Orleans, La. for the recent Mardi Gras celebration. They were traveling in a light plane when the crash occurred.
Martin was the owner of a chain of theatres in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina. He had been in the amusement and motion picture business for 36 years and owned 120 theatres.
The Pix Theatre was built here in 1936 by Martin and has been operated by him continuously since that time.
Operation of the theaters recently has been in the hands of his sons, Roy E. Martin Jr. and E.D. Martin, who will continue to handle the chain of movie houses.

Conecuh Vets Should Bring Pictures To Mr. Ward Soon: Conecuh veterans of World Wars I and II are urged to bring pictures of themselves and information concerning their service records to Mr. Wallace Ward at the PMA formerly AAA office in Evergreen as soon as possible. The pictures and the information are being compiled by the local VFW and Legion posts to publish a Historical Service Record of Conecuh County veterans.
There is no charge in connection with this project to the vets. If they wish to buy a copy of the book, they may do so, but purchase of the book is not required to have a picture published in it. The books will sell for only $3, but will be worth much more than that as a memory of days in the service. The profits from this project are earmarked for a building fund to construct a veterans home for Conecuh vets.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Feb. 14, 2022

22 YEARS AGO
FEB. 10, 2000

Jason Watkins, a senior at Hillcrest High School, signed a full football scholarship last Wednesday with the University of West Alabama. He is the son of James and Hazel Watkins. The standout performer for the Jags was signed to play fullback for the Tigers. Looking on are Hillcrest head coach Arlton Hudson and Jason’s mother, Hazel.

Warriors participate in Regional Tournament: The Sparta Academy Warriors participated in the Class AA East Area II Regional Championship Tournament held Feb. 3-4 at Sparta Academy. The Warriors lost to Calvary School, 73-47, and that concluded their 1999-2000 basketball season. Lee Booker was named to the All-Tournament team.
Lee Booker was the leading scoring for the Warriors with 23 points. Also putting points on the board were Jake Adams with eight points; Kyle Johnston with seven points; Justin Tranum with four points; and Tyler Petrey with three points. Calvary scored two points for Sparta when one of their players tipped the ball into the basket going for the rebound.

Lady Warriors capture Regional Championship: The Sparta Academy Lady Warriors won the Class AA East Area II Regional Championship held Feb. 3-4 at Sparta Academy. The Lady Warriors defeated Calvary School, 64-41, and Greenville Academy, 48-45, to claim the championship. Katie Etheridge was named Tournament MVP, and Ashley Hammonds and Jill Pate were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Lady Warriors will play Pickens Academy on Fri., Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at Huntingdon College in Montgomery in the first round of the state playoffs.

47 YEARS AGO
FEB. 13, 1975

Warriors upset Wilcox Academy, ranked No. 1: The Sparta Academy Warriors pulled a major upset here Friday night when they took a 72-67 decision over the Wilcox Academy Wildcats in overtime. Wilcox was ranked No. 1 among the state’s private schools. The win ran Sparta’s season record to 9-5.
Eddie Hooks led all scorers as he burned the nets for 34 points. Ronnie Pugh netted 13 points; Bobby Johnson, 11; Jerry Peacock, eight; Walker Scott, four; and Danny Joyner, two.
Johnson sent the game into overtime as he hit two crucial free throws to tie the score after time had run out in the regulation game. Hooks tossed in eight points; Peacock, two; and Pugh, one, in the overtime period to bring in the big win.

Rodeo winners at B&S told: Ronnie Kent of Atmore won first place in the last Jackpot Rodeo at B&S Arena. Don Widdon of Greenville and Eddie Reeves of Evergreen tied for second place.
The rodeos are held each first and third Sunday of the month, rain or shine, starting at 2 p.m. The arena is located on Stacey’s Farm, 18 miles north of Evergreen on Highway 83. The public is invited to the next rodeo, which will be held on Feb. 16.

72 YEARS AGO
FEB. 1, 1951

Aggies Whip Castleberry 50-34 For Fifth Win: The Evergreen High Aggies blasted the Blue Devils of County High in Castleberry Tuesday night 50-34 for their fifth win of the season. The Blue Devils made a fight of it early in the game, but the Evergreens began to pull away late in the first quarter and had a heavy margin by halftime.
Guerry Moorer set a torrid pace as he poured 24 points through the hoops for the Aggies. Guerry played less than half the game but sank 11 field goals and two of three foul shots. He had a great night under the boards using his superior height to advantage on the rebounds.
With Moorer and John Greel Ralls dropping them in from close under, the Aggies moved to a 14-7 lead at the quarter. The county was 29-15 by halftime. Evergreen stretched the lead to 44-23 in the third period and Coach Wendell Hart turned it over to the reserves in the final quarter.
Herbert Smith and Ed Beasley shouldered the load for Coach M.C. Thomasson’s County High team. Smith sacked 13 points, and Beasley 11. William Bradley bagged four; Mims Monroe, three; William Reaves, two; and Ed Pate, one, for the Blue Devils.
Ralls hit for 11 points; Dickey Bozeman, six; Bobby Frank Snowden, three; Jack Cunningham, two; Jeff Moorer, three; and Gillis Morgan, one, for the Aggies.
It took team play on the part of the Aggies to whip the scraping Castleberry cagers. The ball handling of Jack Cunningham and Gwyn Daniels was a big factor in the play of the Evergreens. Jeff Moorer made his most impressive showing of the year in a relief role. Pete Wells, Gillis Morgan and Bobby Frank Snowden all played well.

The Evergreen Aggies traveled 170 miles last Friday to absorb their seventh loss of the season in Cuthbert, Ga. Cuthbert’s Purple Pirates dropped the Evergreens, 38-32, in a closely contested game. Cuthbert defeated Evergreen here earlier in the season, 29-27.
The Evergreen team traveled in cars to the Georgia town. Ten players, Coach Hart and manager Edward “Buddy” Evers made the trip.

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

22 YEARS AGO
FEB. 10, 2000

Deidre Black wins county bee: “Satellite” – Correctly spelling that word made Deidre Black this year’s Monroe County Spelling Bee champion.
Black, an eighth-grader from Excel School, won a $100 savings bond donated by Monroe County Bank and a spot in The Birmingham Post-Herald State Spelling Bee.
Emily Till, a seventh-grader at Frisco City High School, placed second. Monicia Carstarphen, an eighth-grader at Monroe Senior High, placed third. April Hollinger, an eighth-grader at J.F. Shields High School, placed fourth.

Monroe Academy defeated Faith Academy 50-42 Friday in Mobile to capture the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) 3A, West Region, Area 1 tournament championship.
Josh Wild scored 30 points to pace MA’s offense Friday. Ryan Williams added 10 points. Chris Caldwell and Taylor McCall chipped in four points each. David Colquett tossed in two points.
(Other top MA players in that game included Justin Allred, Bill Bolton, Taylor Dobson, Clark Gary, Bryan Kilpatrick, Chris Majors and Jeff Wasden. Don Smith was MA’s head coach.)

Bergman reception: A reception for the family of the late Marie M. Bergman was held at the Monroe County Library Friday following the funeral service in Monroeville. Bergman was the librarian at Monroe County Library from 1966-77. Her daughters, Linda B. Webb of Montgomery, and Dr. Susanne B. Wright of Birmingham, and their families attended the reception in the library’s Alabama Room.

47 YEARS AGO
FEB. 13, 1975

Bob Burns elected head of Monroeville Chamber: Bob Burns, executive vice president of Tri-Motor Co., Inc., Tuesday was elected president of the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce.
Burns will succeed attorney John Causey as president.
Other officers named Tuesday are Jim McAlarney Sr., first vice president; John Egolf, second vice president; Brent Metts, treasurer; and Steve Stewart, secretary.

Jimmy Taylor and Larry Lowe led Patrick Henry Junior College to its easy 97-60 win over Lomax Hannon Feb. 4. Taylor had 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Lowe had 17 rebounds and 15 points.
(Other players on PHJC’s team that season included Dickie Burgess, John Davis, Henry Fields, Jiles Hands, Clayton Harp, Sidney James, Jim Lee, Gary Meadows, Benny Lee Middleton, Bradley Moore, Kenneth Rankin, Larry Snowden, Willie White and Larry Woolfolk. Eddie Dutton was PHJC’s head coach.)

Patrick Henry’s victory (over Wallace Junior College) at Selma on Thursday was its 18^th of the season and gave Coach Dutton his 100^th victory at PHJC. He entered this season with a four-year mark of 82-36.

Countian receives citizenship: Mrs. Walter Gaillard of Monroeville has received her U.S. citizenship after living in the country for 30 years.
A native of England, Mrs. Gaillard officially became a naturalized citizen last month in Mobile.
She and her husband met in England, and she came to the United States with him some 30 years ago.

72 YEARS AGO
FEB. 9, 1950

Kiwanis Club Sets Scout Fund Drive: The Monroeville Kiwanis Club at the close of its regular meeting period at noon tomorrow (Friday) will conduct a special fundraising drive for the benefit of the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Featured speaker at the meeting will be W.S. Rosasco of Pensacola, vice president of the Gulf Coast Council, Boy Scouts of America.
He will be introduced by M.L. Bergman, who will be in charge of the program for the day.

Monroeville Edges UMS, 33-29; Trims Bay Minette, 54-30: Monroeville jumped back on the winning track in its last two games, edging UMS 33-29 last Friday night and trouncing Bay Minette 54-30 Tuesday night.
Forward Kenneth Hundley paced Monroeville in the UMS affair as he dropped in nine markers.
Forwards Tommy Durden and Kenneth Hundley waged a hot battle for scoring honors in the Tuesday night tilt against Bay Minette, with Durden coming out slightly in front with 19 points to 18 for Hundley.
(Other top MCHS players in those games included “Pink” Jackson and Russell Smith.)

Tennis Courts At Vanity Fair Park Are Finished: Two tennis courts, a part of the recreational program at the Vanity Fair Park here, were recently completed and are presently being used by tennis enthusiasts.
The courts have been fenced and blacktopped, Monroe Mills officials reported. The courts will probably be lighted at a later date, they stated.
It was pointed out that the courts are available to residents of the town and surrounding area – not alone for Monroe Mills personnel.

97 YEARS AGO
FEB. 12, 1925

At a recent meeting of the board of directors of the Monroe County Bank, Mr. J.U. Blacksher of Uriah and Mr. S.W. Hixon of Monroeville were elected members of the board, the directorate having been increased from five to seven members. Both are well known businessmen and their association on the board assures a continuance of the sound, conservative policy that has characterized the bank throughout its more than 20 years of service.

Application of the Manistee & Repton Railroad for permission to extend its road to a point near Snider into the town of Jones Mill has been formally approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. In anticipation of this action, the company had already completed the work preliminary to laying rail and this will be completed within the next few days. The season for heavy shipments of fertilizers is now at hand, and the M&R will be in position to handle its full share of the traffic.

For several weeks, Mr. H.W. Dusenberry had been troubled with rabbits attacking young pecan trees in his orchard at Megargel, a number of the trees having been killed by the rodents gnawing the tender bark at the base of the trees.
Mr. Dusenberry adopted every method he could think of or that was suggested by friends to stop the depredations of the pests, but without effect. Finally someone suggested another idea which Mr. Dusenberry determined to try as a last resort. He came to The Journal office and procured a quantity of old newspapers, wrapping the papers around the bottom of the trees and tying them securely. To his great satisfaction he finds after a week of observation that no further damage has been done to his trees; the rabbits seem to have abandoned the neighborhood or transferred their activities to unprotected orchards.

122 YEARS AGO
FEB. 8, 1900

Mr. H.C. Walston, one of the proprietors of the Beatrice Brickworks, was here Monday, leaving an order for stationery and placing an ad in The Journal.

Rev. J.S. Peavey, who is remembered by many of our readers, died at the Insane Hospital, Tuscaloosa, on Friday, 2^nd inst. And was buried at Evergreen Saturday.

Dr. Yarbrough has completed his telephone line to the railroad station and instantaneous communication can now be had with distant points by phone and telegraph.

An attempt was made on Sunday night to blow open the safe in Mr. M.D. Wiggins’ store. Two holes were drilled in the door, but for some reason the job was abandoned before entrance was affected. The work was evidently that of a professional.

We regret to record the death of Mrs. Foster, widow of late Sheriff J.D. Foster of this county, which occurred at Montevallo a few days ago. Deceased was a sister of Mr. I.B. Slaughter of Mt. Pleasant, Ala. And Mr. J.M. Slaughter, Mobile, Ala. Her remains were interred at the family cemetery near Perdue Hill. Three children survive her.

A detachment of the Salvation Army, consisting of a man and his wife and little girl, visited Monroeville Sunday and held services in the courthouse at night. The woman did the preaching. To many who attended the services, the experience was an odd one. The family travels through the country in their own vehicle, decorated with streamers announcing their mission, and hold services as opportunity offers.

Singleton admonishes unethical hunters for wasting deer meat

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 “They say they are hunters” was originally published in the Feb. 13, 1997 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

We, Americans, are a stupid people. We continue to believe that all that we have been blessed with will forever be here for us to waste and destroy. We give no thought to being conservative and save and protect that which the Almighty has blessed us with. We care less of those who are elderly and perhaps are in need for something to eat or something to wear. We do nothing about the trash and filth that litter our land and scar our roadsides.

Since the closing of the past deer hunting season, I cannot believe the number of rotten and decaying deer carcasses that can be seen along our highways and county roads. As I travel around this county of ours, I cannot believe people who are supposed to be intelligent and sane have killed and discarded the number of wild deer, many of which have not been touched except perhaps the antlers or maybe a small portion of the rear leg. Just the other day, I came upon a large buck deer that had been killed and thrown beside the highway near the community of Franklin. This was one of the largest bucks that I have seen since I’ve been here in the area. Nothing had been touched but the antlers. They had been sawed off and carried away. A conservative guess was that around 70 pounds of good deer meat, that I’m sure that somebody would have been proud to have, had been discarded there to rot and pollute the roadside.

It has been six days, at the time of this writing, since deer season expired. During this time, I have counted over 40 deer carcasses along the roadways of our county. As I visited the old McDuffie Cemetery above Franklin, I counted five deer that had been killed and their remains had been dumped near the narrow road that leads to the cemetery. Perhaps, 10 to 20 pounds of venison had been taken from the carcasses. The remains lay discarded there to rot and decay. I know that there are people within our area that would have been delighted to have been given some of this meat.

The way I was taught was that if I hunted and was fortunate enough to kill wild game, it was to be used. No one killed for the sport of just killing. And, no one dared to kill more game than they or their neighbors could use. The wild meat that couldn’t be used by the family was taken and given to someone less fortunate. Old, elderly couples within the community was carried venison and squirrel meat that would be served on their tables. They were always delighted to receive it and nothing was wasted. Or perhaps, the community would have a wild game cookout and everybody enjoyed it.

But, it seems that today most hunters enjoy just killing the game. No thought is given as to the use of the meat, like giving it to some family that might enjoy or might even need it. No thought is given about organizing some type of club or group whose job it is to locate those in the area who might want or need the venison, rather than to throw it away.

We think nothing about driving down the public roads and stopping and killing a deer, just for the sake of killing. While sitting in the comfort of our vehicles, we shoot the helpless animal and then drive away, enjoying that macho feeling that we have killed something. The dead or dying deer is left here along side the road to waste away and mar the landscape. We return to our favorite coffee shop and brag about the skill we put forth in shooting the game from the window of our vehicle. We give no thought of the thousands upon thousands of hungry people throughout the world who would do almost anything for a handful of the deer meat. Yes, we, Americans, can be very stupid at times.

We truly believe that nothing can happen to our country and our world or fantasy and make believe. We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the abundance of game and food that we enjoy is here to stay. Nothing can take away the good life. We give little or no thought of the blessings that has been bestowed on our country by having plenty to eat and warm places to stay. We know nothing anymore of hardships and famine and of not having clean water to drink. We, the people, of this country have been truly blessed.

I don’t wish to sound like the prophet of doom, but I think that we, Americans, are approaching the crossroads of time. Within a few short years, I believe that we will begin to witness times like we have never known. I believe we, Americans, are traveling a parallel path to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. We are spending millions upon millions on stadiums for entertainment. We elevate and worship our modern day gladiators just as the Romans did. We pay millions for these to perform in our arenas as we sit and scream and watch the contests of make believe going on below us. To give an example, if our Savior had appeared during the time of the Super Bowl, He would have had to wait until the so-called contest in the arena was over.

Maybe I’m wrong, but much has to happen for me to change my mind. It hurts me greatly for my fellow Americans to waste and destroy that which we have. The crossroads are fast approaching. And, when we face that dreadful day, all that will be heard will be the wailing and the gnashing of teeth

(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.)