Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Wilcox County, Alabama News Flashback for Dec. 14, 2022

Governor Bibb Graves and wife, Dixie.
85 YEARS AGO
DEC. 9, 1937

Death Claims J.D. Watts: J.D. Watts Sr., 53 years old, died at his home in Caledonia on Monday and his remains were laid to rest in the Caledonia cemetery on Tuesday with his former pastor, Rev. Julius P. Maxwell of the Pine Hill Baptist church officiating, assisted by Rev. T.B. McBryde of Oak Hill A.R.P. church. Early in life Mr. Watts took his stand on the side of Christ, united with the Caledonia Baptist church and was useful in the Kingdom of God. Mr. Watts was greatly beloved by all his neighbors and friends, and one who ever proved worthy of their trust and esteem, and will be greatly missed in the community where he supported every worthwhile movement.

WANTED OLD BOOKS: Want any history of Alabama, Mississippi or Florida or of any county in these states, any book printed in the South between 1861-65, want Ball’s History of Clarke County and surroundings, Little’s History of Butler County, Reid’s Tramp, Hodgson’s Cradle of the Confederacy, DuBose Life of Yancey, books about Indians, also old U.S. and Confederate States stamps and letters. Cash waiting. Write Gardner, 209 W. 9th Court, Birmingham, Ala.

The sewing center of Camden wishes to express thanks to Sheriff Reginald Albritton for his kindness and consideration in helping the center move from the old high school building to the new quarters in the courthouse. It was bitter cold Monday and no one to help the women and when Sheriff Albritton learned of their need, he immediately secured help and proffered his assistance which was most acceptable and appreciated.

95 YEARS AGO
DEC. 8, 1927

The girls basketball team (at Wilcox County High School) was to play Pine Apple last Friday afternoon. The game was postponed on account of rain. They are expecting to play Vredenburgh this Friday and Arlington the next.

Mayor Leon Schwartz of Mobile was in Camden on Tuesday. Mayor Schwartz married a niece of the late Hon. Sol. D. Bloch and has many friends here.

Mr. C.F. Wilcox, President of the Wilcox Saw Mill Co. of Flatwood, was in Camden on business Tuesday.

A number of Camden people enjoyed a fox hunt near Oak Hill on Monday night.

Governor and Mrs. Bibb Graves registered at the Boltz House Saturday night. The Governor was enroute to Stockton where he will spend several days hunting. While there he will be entertained by Senator Sibley Homes.

The churches of Camden will unite in a Christmas service on Christmas night at the Methodist church.

Mrs. William Henry Wright, a great niece of Wm. R. King, is visiting her King relatives in Pine Apple and Camden this week. While in Camden she visited in the home of Mrs. S.J. Ervin. Her home is in San Gabreal, California.

104 YEARS AGO
DEC. 12, 1918

Willie Snell Gives Life To His Country: On Saturday last, Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Snell of Caledonia received notice from the War Department telling of the death of their son, Willie, who died from pneumonia in France. The death of this promising young man is a severe blow to his devoted parents and a shock to his and their many friends. His death is truly that of a hero just as much as if he had fallen on the firing line. He was universally liked by his associates and was faithful unto the trusts imposed on him. This is about 10 boys that Wilcox has given as a sacrifice for democracy, but they have not died in vain nor shall their glory be forgot. To these parents as well as to the other loved ones who have passed through the vale of sadness, we extend our sympathy.

A letter from Pvt. Richard C. McWilliams to his father, Mr. R.E. McWilliams, tells of his safe arrival overseas after an exciting voyage in which a severe storm was encountered which lasted 24 hours. Soldiers were not allowed to remove life preservers and engaged frequently in life-saving drills. He did not know whether he would be returned to the States at once or not, having reached port the day the armistice was signed.

Owing to continued prevalence of influenza, the Camden schools have been closed until Dec. 30. Pine Apple, Fatama, Griffiths and Mt. Hope schools were also closed the past week.

Dr. T.W. Jones, who has been at home on a furlough, returned to Camp Greenleaf Saturday to receive his discharge from U.S. service. His return to Camden will be welcomed by a host of friends as he is one of our best physicians.

114 YEARS AGO
DEC. 10, 1908

Miss Virginia Stubbs, who is teaching at Bellview, spent Saturday in Camden, guest of Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Gilbert, attending the Masonic Hall dance Saturday night which was given complimentary to her.

Quite an enjoyable dance was given on Saturday night last at the Masonic Hall with Mrs. M.T. Beck as chaperone.

The Wilcox Driving Association has begun work upon the rack track at the old fair grounds.

Young Man Drowned: Atmore, Ala., Dec. 5 – Willie Jordan was drowned yesterday in Big Escambia Creek, while running logs down stream with his brother, N.A. Jordan. He was unable to swim. N.A. Jordan went to the rescue, but was unable to save his brother, almost losing his life in the effort.
The young man drowned was a brother of Mr. N.A. Jordan, who married Miss Maude Felts of this place.

When strangers come to Camden and see our handsome homes with broad streets and the splendid sidewalks in the business part of the town, they are naturally impressed with the idea that we have a city here with all modern facilities of larger cities – but, behold their surprise when it is learned that we have no waterworks or sewage and no gas or electric lights.

The Pleasure Club entertained at the home of Mrs. R.L. Hawthorne last Friday night. A delicious salad course cake and cream was served the invited guests.

124 YEARS AGO
DEC. 14, 1898

The Wilcox County Bible Society, auxiliary of the American Bible Society, keeps Bibles on hand for rich or poor. If you are not able to buy, one will be given you. – J.W. McCaskey, Depository.

The Masons from this Lodge, who attended the Masonic Dedication in Montgomery last week, have all returned and express themselves as having a most excellent time. Their praise for the new Masonic Temple of the Capitol city is too sincere to be adequately expressed in cold type.

Our popular hotel man, Mr. W.T. Alford, killed a hog last Monday that weighed 801 pounds net. This is pretty good, but we hear of still larger ones to be killed.

Sheriff McConnico has only six boarders this week, but an Inn with the reputation and popularity of his, cannot long remain with so few plates on the board.

For Rent: The beautiful residence known as the Bell place, situated two miles from Camden on Bridgeport Avenue. There are five rooms and several outhouses, and a splendid well. Possession given on Jan. 1. Also two storehouses and one office in Camden. Possession given at any time. For terms, apply to W.W. Moore Sr., Camden, Ala.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Fail died last Thursday morning. This little flower has been transplanted into the heavenly garden to lend fragarance to the court of Him who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me.” Mour not dear parents, for this transplanting is only another tie that binds you to the upper and better home, where death can never more come to rob you of your loved ones.

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