Where was 'Gallows Field' located in Wilcox County, Alabama?

Grave of Henry Kaster.

Where exactly was “Gallows Field”?

This was the question that I couldn’t help but ask myself the other day as I read an interesting article in the Nov. 30, 1933 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era. In that week’s paper, under the headline “Memories of Childhood,” the writer, who gave his name as “Sixty,” wrote about a woman in her thirties who worked in their home when he was a child.

The woman was described as being very kind to the children, and she was fondly remembered for making biscuits and teacakes in the shape of snakes and goats. When the children got old enough to “get mischievous and bad,” she would threaten to take them to “Gallows Field.”

“She gave us this line of talk so often that we begged her to show us the place,” the writer said. “So on an evening in the summer just after dinner she took us by the hand and escorted us out on Canton Bend Road about a mile and a half and as soon as we crossed Sweetgum Branch, we turned to the right into an old road and went about half a mile farther until we came to a small field of some three or four acres that was surrounded by a forest of good, large longleaf pines.”

At that time, there was a log house near the center of the field. Not far from this house, on the north side of the field, were the gallows. For readers unfamiliar with the word “gallows,” it was a structure, usually consisting of two uprights and a crosspiece, that was used for the hanging of criminals.

The writer went on to say that he believed that the county government of Wilcox County, in its early history, owned this field by deed or lease for the purpose of public executions.

The gallows were “substantially built of two big hewn timbers of fat longleaf pine, placed deep in the ground and extending upward some 18 to 20 feet in the air with a crossarm of the same fastened by mortice and tenon,” the writer said. “There was a flight of steps that went up to the trap, which was located a little more than halfway up. The upright pieces were a little wider at the ground than they were at the top so the trap would fall clear when it fell.”

The woman who took the children to the field told them that she had seen several public hangings there and that the executions “were well patronized by big crowds.” She also showed the children several graves of people who had been executed there.

The writer went on to say that the old gallows stood there for many years and were still there when he had grown to be an adult. The writer noted that a man named Coker eventually bought the land from the county, and it eventually became the property of Henry Kaster. As of November 1933, the writer believed that the land was then owned by Frank Dexter, who was the county treasurer.

“(Dexter) is now probably raising a crop over the graves and bones of some of our former evil doers who paid the extreme penalty of the law,” the writer said.

In the end, I’d like to hear from anyone who might now where “Gallows Field” was located. Perhaps some readers will know how to find the place based on clues like the Canton Bend Road and Sweetgum Branch. It would be interesting to know what is located there today and if the current owners are aware of the location’s place in local history.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Aug. 29, 2023

Martin Findley

54 YEARS AGO

AUG. 23, 1962

Area crashes kill two, hurt several people: Last Wednesday, Aug. 15, two members of one family were killed when their 1957 Ford Station Wagon skidded on wet pavement and hit a pulp wood truck broadside. Ralph W. Richardson, driver of the car, lost control about five miles north of Evergreen on U.S. 31. His wife, Louise, 31, was killed along with their five-year-old son, Paul.
Richardson suffered severe injuries and his two surviving children, Kathleen, eight, and Steve, three, were also badly injured. Their car rammed into a 1957 GMC Pulpwood truck driven by James Taylor of Georgiana.

Beloved Lady Dies On 95^th Birthday: Mrs. C.A. Armentrout, one of Evergreen’s oldest citizens, died Tues., Aug. 21, on her 95^th birthday, after a brief illness. She was born in Oakfuskee, Cleburne County, Ala., Aug. 21, 1867. She lived here until after her marriage in 1898 to Charles A. Armentrout of Jenifer, Ala. She made her home in Oxford, Ala., where she lived until after the death of her husband in August of 1922. Since that time she has lived with her children, coming to Evergreen in 1940 with Mrs. Henry J. Kinzer.

AUBURN – Ronald Lee Shumack of Repton will be among the 557 degree earning candidates at Auburn University on Aug. 24. Shumack is a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education degree.

69 YEARS AGO
AUG. 28, 1947

Friends of Robert Gaston Bozeman Jr. will be pleased to learn that he is doing nicely after undergoing an appendectomy at Carter’s Hospital in Repton last week.

Mrs. F.L. Cardwell, who was bitten on the ankle by a rattlesnake Saturday afternoon, is reported to be fast recovering.

Old School Age Law Still In Effect: Superintendent of Schools, Harvey G. Pate, wishes to remind all patrons of Conecuh County Schools that the old law, providing that children may enter schools in the Fall if they will reach their sixth birthday before Oct. 1, still remains in effect.
The present Legislature passed an act providing for the admission of children who will reach their sixth birthday on or before Jan. 15. This new law was held invalid by the Attorney General in a recent ruling. Since the Attorney General’s decision is legally binding, the Board of Education has made its plans to operate under the old law. All parents asking for entrance for beginners are requested to show proof of birth date of the children.
All schools in Conecuh County will open on Sept. 8, 1947.

A series of burglaries have been reported during the past week or so by citizens living in various sections of the city. In most instances reported, cash was taken from pockets and billfolds of the victims. A number of other instances of prowling have been reported at several different homes.

84 YEARS AGO

AUG. 25, 1932

Proposed Bill Would Abolish Ag. Schools: If Senator J.M. Bonner of Camden succeeds in passing a measure which he introduced into the Senate last week, the 11 State Secondary Agricultural Schools of Alabama will be abolished. Evergreen having one of these schools, there is much interest locally as to the final outcome of the measure. Obviously, there is considerable opposition to the bill and plans have been laid to fight it every step of the way.

New Bank Opens Here Sept. 1: Thurs., Sept. 1, has been set as the opening day for Evergreen’s new banking institution, which is to be known as the “Bank of Evergreen,” according to information given a representative of this newspaper by O.C. McGehee, cashier of the bank.

The building formerly occupied by the First National Bank is being thoroughly renovated and repaired and all fixtures put in shape, as the home of the new institution. The building is already equipped with vaults and other necessary fixtures for banking business.

Officers of the bank are W.M. Newton, president; W.K. Horton, vice-president; O.C. McGehee, cashier. Besides these gentlemen the following are listed as stockholders: R. Millsap Jr., L.T. Rutland, C.A. Jones, C.P. Deming, George C. Stamps, W.A. Moore, J.G. Moore, L.W. Price, Robt. Long, Haiman Long, Hermione Newton McGehee and Dr. P.D. McGehee.

Announcement was made this week that the Evergreen City School will open for the 1932-33 session Monday, Sept. 5, with the same faculty that served last year.

99 YEARS AGO

AUG. 22, 1917

Wm. Washington Adams was born Dec. 5, 1838 and died Aug. 2, 1917. One by one our ranks are thinning. He was a member of Camp Capt. Wm. Lee No. 338 and belonged to the 58^th Reg. of Alabama volunteers.

In memory of Martin Findley, who was born Sept. 27, 1824, and died at his home near Brooklyn, Ala., Aug. 2, 1917, aged 92 years, 10 months and five days.

He was a member of Camp Capt. Lee (338) of U.C.V. As a soldier he did his duty well and fearlessly.

He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for nearly 65 years, and a member of the mystic band of F.A.M. for a little over 55 years.

He was buried on the third day of August with Masonic honors, a goodly number of the brethren attending.

M.T. Johnston and family were at Castleberry Wednesday where Mr. Johnston attended the Masonic conference.

The county teachers’ institute convened yesterday with a large attendance of teachers. The sessions are interesting and instructive. The institute will close Friday at noon.

Prof. Bennett was here last week arranging to move his family. They will occupy the residence recently vacated by F.S. Stallworth.

114 YEARS AGO

AUG. 27, 1902

John D. Burnett Jr. left Monday for West Point, New York, where he is attending the Military School.

We learned from the Pensacola Journal of the death of Arthur Patterson at Clearwater, Fla. on the 22^nd inst. of consumption. The young man was well known and had many friends here who will learn this sad news with deep regret. He formerly clerked for Wild Bros. and was a nephew of Rev. E.A. Dannelly. His remains were taken to Camden for burial on Sunday.

Dr. B.H. Crumpton will occupy the pulpit at the Baptist Church next Sunday morning.

G.R. Boulware came up yesterday to bring the election returns from Brooklyn.

Dr. W.J. Mason of Monroe County spent Saturday here. The genial doctor is always a welcome visitor to Evergreen.

Manager Thos. Johns of the Telephone Exchange, with his family, now occupy the residence in front of the Baptist church.

Mack Binion, the young son of E.M. Binion, happened to a very bad accident last week by being gored by one of his father’s cows, its horns lacerating the flesh between the knee and hip. At present, the little fellow is doing very well.

Rev. A.G. Mosley, pastor of the Baptist church, will return to Evergreen and will begin his regular services the first Sunday in September.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Aug. 28, 2023

Thomas Jefferson Stevens

13 YEARS AGO
AUG. 26, 2010

Bridge work on CR23 may begin soon: Work on constructing a bridge over the washed out area of County Road 23 just inside the town limits of Frisco City could begin in a few months, according to County Engineer Robert English.
English said he recently received approval for the environmental study, the design and the materials from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
“We had to resubmit the plans because the state said the bridge had to be 22 feet wide and not 20 feet as we originally thought,” said English.

Tigers win, tie in preseason games: Monroe County High School Head Coach Matt Blake said his team’s performance was “not bad” in a football jamboree Friday night at Wilcox Central, and he is now focusing on longtime rival Hillcrest-Evergreen.
The Tigers played a half against the host Jaguars, tying 6-6, and beat 6A Jackson-Olin 6-0 in a second half of play.
Blake said his squad showed a lot of potential all night, and the biggest plus he saw was the team playing as a team.

ASCC graduates its largest Practical Nursing program in over 20 years: Alabama Southern Community College recently honored 31 students in the Practical Nursing (LPN) department with a pinning ceremony.
“The largest class to complete the Practical Nursing program at ASCC in over 20 years,” said Deborah Hunt, director of the ASCC Practical Nursing Program. “We are extremely proud of their achievement and wish them continued success in the future.”
Sherron McCoy, program director of the Southern Oaks Geriatric-Psych Unit, was the guest speaker for the event.

38 YEARS AGO
AUG. 23, 1984

Bird causes power outage: A mockingbird caused about 400 local Alabama Power Co. customers to be without electricity Friday when the bird perched on a transformer and caused it to fail, according to Gary Crawford, manager of the local office.
The power company was flooded with calls from customers complaining about the power outage, which lasted from 10:13 a.m. to 10:28 a.m., according to Crawford. Areas affected included Crestview subdivision and Highway 21 North.

Twins top team: The South Monroe Little League’s minors division’s championship was captured this season by the Excel Twins, who finished the season with a 10-2 record. The members of the team were Brady Wright, Matt James, Bobby Chavers, Rodney Ueberroth, Mack Wiggins, Ryan Browning, Jon Shealy, Coach Tim Peavy, Rena Wiggins, Michael Dailey, Scott Baker, Coach Tommy Bradley, Wendy Chavers and Joel Peavy.

The great pumpkin: A.L. “Toots” Evans of Frisco City says he doesn’t know what he did to come up with this 102-pound pumpkin he grew in his home garden. “Mainly I just planted and worked it,” he said. Evans said he plans to save the seeds and hopes to have an even more bountiful crop of great pumpkins next year.

Danny Richardson of Mobile has joined First Baptist Church of Frisco City as minister of music, youth and recreation. He is a graduate of Mobile College with a bachelor of arts degree in music education.

63 YEARS AGO
AUG. 25, 1960

Monroe County’s 1960 “Maid of Cotton” will be named tonight (Thursday) during a program highlighted by music, charm and beauty. Judging of the five entrants is scheduled at 6 p.m. in the ballroom of the Community House, Vanity Fair Park.
(Contestants included June Spiers, Jean Hayles, Mary Helen Agee, Ann Manning and Marilyn Watson.)

EXCEL HIGH: Of the 15-man squad listed by Coach Charles Walston at Excel High School, 11 lettermen will be returning for action. They include Brad Dawson, center; Robert Lambert, left guard; Bobby Boatwright, left tackle; Doug Stacey, left end; Hugh Hinson or Bobo Godwin, right guard; Doug Murphy or Donny Stacey, right tackle; Charles Green or Jimmy Wright, right end; Tom Sawyer, quarterback; Paul King, left halfback; Larry Hancock, fullback; Gary Wright, right halfback.
Coach Walston lost six regulars through graduation from last year’s squad. Excel’s opener is against Lyeffion in Excel on Sept. 9.

FBI, State Officer Join Investigation Into Nazi Sign Here: Monroe County Sheriff Charlie Sizemore said here Wednesday the Federal Bureau of Investigation and State Investigators have joined in investigating the erection of an American Nazi Party sign here last week.
Sheriff Sizemore declared that the six-feet wide, three-feet tall sign was removed from a location Friday on Alabama Highway 21 south of the Monroeville city limits.
Lettering on the sign in aluminized paint, including a swastika, states: Welcome to Monroeville… American Party… Nazi.”

88 YEARS AGO
AUG. 22, 1935

Frisco City Lady Is Killed By Lightning: Mrs. Clinton Davis was instantly killed when struck by a bolt of lightning about one o’clock Monday afternoon. Mrs. Davis was in the kitchen and was standing near a drop cord while washing dishes following the mid-day meal.

Southbound L&N Train On New Schedule: Effective Monday, Aug. 26, 1935, the schedule of passenger train No. 1, running between Selma and Flomaton, will leave Monroe Station at 11:18 a.m., according to information furnished by Mr. Monroe Campbell, Train Master.
This change in schedule will make it necessary for people in Monroeville to deposit all southbound mail in the post office not later than 10:30 a.m. each day.

The Monroeville (baseball) team began last week on Tuesday playing the team from Jay, Fla. This team took Milton’s place in the league. Bill Seals did not allow a man to get to first base during the first six innings. Best hitting was done by Tidwell and Gwin. Ab Skinner drove out a home run in the sixth with no one on base. (Monroeville won, 9-4.)

Birthday Party For Helen Louise Swanson: Miss Nannie Swanson entertained last Tuesday evening at a picture show party honoring her niece, Helen Louise Swanson of Foley, on her birthday. Those who shared the pleasure of the evening were Nelle Lee, Louise Brantley, Clarice Hestle, Truman Capote, Myrtie Huey Greer, John Hybart Jr., Virginia Hybart, Mary Helen Padgett, Nan Jones and Dorothy Thames, Muriel and Madelyn Dees. After the picture show, the guests were served at the drug store.

113 YEARS AGO
AUG. 25, 1910

Death of Mr. T.J. Stevens: A message was received here Monday night from Brewton announcing the death of Mr. Thomas Jefferson Stevens, aged 80 years. Mr. Stevens was a native of Monroe County and had resided here until about 15 years ago when he removed to Brewton. He served two terms as tax collector of the county and was esteemed by all who knew him.

Mr. J.M. Coxwell’s new dwelling is well under way. Contractor Harmon is doing a “jam up” job as he always does.

Mrs. T.J. Emmons sustained painful injuries from a fall a few days ago. She had a knife in her hand at the time and in some manner a painful wound was inflicted on her face, the point barely missing her eye. Mrs. Emmons is resting comfortably at this time.

Peachtree and Mt. Pleasant baseball teams played a match game Friday and Saturday. All went in favor of Mt. Pleasant, but all praise and cheers for Peachtree, who played 12 innings on Friday eve and only gave them one score. Hurrah for Peachtree and Mr. Earnest Northrup of Eliska, who cheered them and threw good slurs in the home boys’ faces.

Miss Jennie Faulk left Saturday for the markets to select her fall stock of millinery.

Married at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Rikard of Monroeville, Mr. William Green and Miss Flora Rumbley of Puryear on Thursday, Aug. 18, Rev. J.C. Harrison officiating.

Caledonia and Beatrice played two games of ball last week, Caledonia winning both games, score 7 to 2 and 9 to 0.

South Alabama Rebels were formed 162 years ago near Camden, Alabama

Franklin King Beck

Today – Aug. 24 – marks 162 years from the day that the South Alabama Rebels were officially organized in Wilcox County.

According to the 1989 book, “Men of Wilcox: They Wore the Gray” by Ouida Starr Woodson, the South Alabama Rebels were organized near Camden on Aug. 24, 1861. Soldiers in the company elected John J. Longmire as captain of the unit, and they left Wilcox County around Oct. 1, 1861. From Wilcox County, they traveled to Montgomery, which had been the capital of the Confederacy up until May of that year when it was moved to Richmond, Virginia.

In Montgomery, the South Alabama Rebels were mustered into the Confederate Army as Co. A of the 23^rd Alabama Infantry Regiment. In all, companies from 10 South Alabama counties, including Wilcox County, made up the 23^rd Alabama Infantry. Prominent Wilcox County citizens like Franklin King Beck and Felix Tait served as officers in the 23^rd Alabama.

After training and drilling for a short period of time in Montgomery, the 23^rd Alabama was ordered to Tennessee. The regiment remained in “The Volunteer State” until December 1862 when it was ordered to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Known as the Gibraltar of the South, Vicksburg was a major strategic strongpoint on the Mississippi River, and in May 1863, Union General Ulysses S. Grant and his army laid siege to the city.

This historic siege lasted 47 days before Confederate General John C. Pemberton surrendered the city on July 4, 1863. Soldiers in the 23^rd Alabama were among the 29,495 Confederates who surrendered, and were paroled and exchanged within 60 days of their capture. The City of Vicksburg would not officially celebrate the Fourth of July again until 1907.

After their exchange as prisoners of war, the regiment was ordered back to Tennessee, where they fought at the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Soldiers of the 23^rd Alabama were also among the Confederate forces who tried to stop Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during his infamous “March to the Sea.”

Col. Franklin King Beck was killed at Resaca, Georgia in May 1864, and the regiment later suffered great losses during the Dalton-Atlanta campaign. The few who survived returned to Tennessee and later moved into North Carolina in the waning days of the War Between the States. They eventually surrendered at Saulsbury, N.C. in May 1865.

In addition to Longmire, Tait and King, the muster roll of the South Alabama Rebels is a who’s who of family names that still endure today in Wilcox County. Officers in the company included First Lt. George H. Moye, Second Lt. J.W. Steen and Third Lt. Postell Threadgill. Non-commissioned officers in the company were First Sgt. William Hanks, Second Sgt. Dan Martin, Third Sgt. John Lott, Fourth Sgt. Henry Chandler, First Corporal R.W.L. Watson, Second Corporal John Burson and Third Corporal J.T. Murphy.

Privates in the company were John Curry, Thomas Dunnam, J.E. Finkley, Bran Glass, Tyler Garlington, George Geck, Jim Hinson, George Honisberger, Kahn Kark, Ben Long, Ben Marshall, John Marshall, William Morgan, John McMurphy, William McLeod, Joe Pickett, Tom Perkins, Josh Pritchett, Elias Powell, Tom Rigby, Frank Rigby, William Saunders, Joe Anderson, Marsh Anderson, Enoch Burson, Bartlett Burson, Amos Burson, William Boyd, J.F. Brunes, John Brooks, John Boyles, John Champion, William Champion, LeGrand Champion, Westry Dunn, Frank Dulaney, Hardy Finkley, Able Garlington, Thomas Glenn, Louis Hayes, Jim Huckabee, Joe Horton, Joe Kersey, William Luke, Jim Marshall, John Manns, Joe Mason Sr., Orin Martin, Jack McAlister, John Perkins, Toll Powell, Bartlett Peavy, Dr. Calb Rayburn, Green Rigby, Ben Richard, Billie Saunders, Hiram Smith, Isaac Thomas, Jack Trull, Jim Venson, William Watson, LaFayette Watson, W.T. Warren, James Sills, Leven Turner, James D. Tepper, Tom Vick, G.M. Watson, Rufus Watson and Jackson Warren.

There is no doubt that these men have many descendants still living in and around Wilcox County today. If anyone in the reading audience has any additional information about these men or the company they would like to share, please let me know. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who would enjoy hearing more about this historic military unit from Wilcox County.

(Got a comment or question? E-mail Lee Peacock at leepeacock2002@hotmail.com.)

Singleton tells of Aunt Roxie and Will Street, magician from New Orleans

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 “Miss Roxie and her magician,” was originally published in the Aug. 21, 1997 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

I grew up in a rural farming community where everyone knew the business of everyone else. This was a good thing because there were several people in the area who had no family to turn to should they need help. The men folk in the community saw to it that these people got help if it was needed, such as cutting their firewood and repairing anything that needed repair around the farms. Those who needed personal care in time of sickness was cared for by the other members of the community.

Down the road aways from where I grew up lived Aunt Roxie. Aunt Roxie was a very attractive middle-aged black lady who had lost her husband in a sawmill accident some years back. Aunt Roxie owned a nice comfortable house and a small farm. In the days of the Depression she would have been a “nice catch” for any of the eligible black men of the surrounding area and the community.

But Aunt Roxie would have nothing to do with any of the local eligible men folk. Many had tried to court Aunt Roxie, but had failed. She had set her standards much too high, according to the local gossip. The eligible men in the area had to earn their living either by farming or doing hard labor at a nearby sawmill.

Aunt Roxie had let it be known that before she would consider any courtship, the man would have to be a total gentleman. He would also have to be well educated and he would have to dress neatly and have the best of clothing. And, last but not least, he would have to have some good method of transportation.

The years came and went. Aunt Roxie lived alone in her home, which was kept spotless. She was, without a doubt, the best cook in the whole community. The goodies that Aunt Roxie kept around her house was why this five-year-old boy had chosen her as one of his best friends. He could not resist stopping by her house every day to see if she needed an errand run. These stops were always good for a slice of delicious buttermilk pie that was second to none. And the popcorn candy that she always had on hand wasn’t to be sneezed at either.

Then, one day in early June, it happened. Down the narrow dirt road came a clean and shining buggy. It was drawn by one of the finest looking horses that had been seen by the local folks. The polished leather harness gleamed in the afternoon sun. And, the huge travel trunk strapped on the back of the buggy seemed to boast of the fine clothing that was stored there. The seats of the buggy was made of fine polished leather. Not a scratch or soiled place could be seen on them.

In the driver’s seat sat a well-dressed (complete with top hat and travel coat) handsome black man. He had on a white, ruffled shirt, complete with bow tie. His driving gloves were soft and comfortable and his dress boots looks as through they had just been polished.

He had stopped at the local country store and inquired about a place where he might stay for a short while. He stated that he was a traveling magician and would like to put on some magic shows in the area before moving on. The news traveled throughout the farm community like wildfire. A place was found where he could stay and a time and place was set for his first performance. “Will Street,” the magician from New Orleans, was in business.

“Will Street” and his magic show was a complete success. His ability to put a small rooster in a glass bottle, along with making a large black cat that he had brought with him disappear was the talk of the country folks.

Gossip began to ride the winds of the farm community. The shining new buggy had been seen hitched to Aunt Roxie’s yard fence on Saturday afternoons and after church for Sunday dinner the following day. Word had it that “Will Street” had proposed marriage to Aunt Roxie. All the local folks surmised that Aunt Roxie had finally found the man who met her specifications.

The afternoon of the wedding was the highlight of the community. The womenfolk of both races gathered and decorated the front porch of Aunt Roxie’s house. Pink ribbons were tied along the picket fence around the front yard. Delicious food of all sorts covered two large tables that had been placed under the large magnolia tree over in the corner of the yard. It was my duty, and that of my black playmate, Robert George, to keep the insects fanned away with two large palmetto fans.

A snow white sheet was placed on the ground for the bride-to-be and the groom to stand on during the wedding ceremony. Things were getting quite hectic under the large magnolia tree. The insects were quite plentiful that hot August Saturday afternoon.

Life returned to normal after the wedding. My visits became more frequent, along with my friend Robert. The buttermilk pies seemed more plentiful and the small magic tricks performed by the magician from New Orleans kept two small boys wide-eyed and spellbound for hours on end.

A period of almost two wonderful years would pass as the couple lived happily together. Aunt Roxie and Will Street were seen quite often traveling to and from his magic performances around the area on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Then, one Saturday during the final days of September, “Will Street,” the magician, performed for the last time. As he closed his show and was loading his buggy for the journey home, the magician from New Orleans slumped to the ground. “Will Street” was dead.

After the death of her husband, Aunt Roxie seemed to lose all will to live. No more did she take pride in her cooking and house cleaning. The buttermilk pies and popcorn candy ceased to exist. The house and yards fell into decay. Aunt Roxie just sat alone in a huge rocking chair in front of the empty fireplace.

Then, one evening in late December, the men of the community were summoned to the home of Aunt Roxie. She had failed to answer the door when a neighbor had dropped by to check on her and leave some food which was often done by the local folks. The front door of the house was forced open. There sat Aunt Roxie in the large oak rocking chair. She was dead. She had joined “Will Street,” the magician from New Orleans. The man who had met all her specifications, both in dress and manners. The man who had completely swept her off her feet. The man who had made her life most wonderful once more. Now, again they were together.

(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.)

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Aug. 24, 2023

29 YEARS AGO
AUG. 25, 1994

Ronnie Brogden was sworn in as Superintendent of Education for Conecuh County Schools last Thursday morning by Probate Judge Rogene Booker. Looking on are board members Willene Whatley, Bob Floyd and David Cook, Brogden’s daughters Haley and Harmony, board member Mrs. Jean Harter, and Brogden’s wife, Emily, is holding the Bible. Brogden will fill the unexpired term of office of former Supt. Steve Coker.

Chris McCutcheon, 17, of Evergreen was critically injured Saturday morning when the 1993 Honda Prelude he was driving was struck by a northbound CSX train. The accident happened around 10:15 in the morning at the crossing at the Evergreen Depot.

Evergreen weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .42 inches of rain on Aug. 15, .03 inches on Aug. 16, .32 inches on Aug. 17, .07 inches on Aug. 18, .20 inches on Aug. 20 and .35 inches on Aug. 21. He reported a high of 89 degrees on Aug. 19 and lows of 68 on Aug. 17 and Aug. 21.

Don D. Crum, age 74, a native of Belleville and a resident of Long Beach, Miss. for the past 25 years died at the Keesler Air Force Base Hospital on Mon., Aug. 15, 1994.
Mr. Crum was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in World War II and the Korean War. Interment was in Magnolia Cemetery, Evergreen, with full military honors by United States Air Force Honor Guard Unit.

44 YEARS AGO
AUG. 23, 1979

Evergreen weather reporter Earl Windham reported no rain between Aug. 13 and Aug. 19. He reported highs of 90 degrees on Aug. 15, Aug. 17 and Aug. 19 and a low of 62 on Aug. 13.

The Conecuh County Area Vocational School begins to become a reality as construction is moving on schedule toward expected completion in early Spring of next year. Job Supt. Orval Calloway and County Superintendent of Education Wayne Pope and ESAA Director Ray Owens were making a progress inspection when this picture was taken last week.

The City of Evergreen again has a Public Housing Authority Board. Resignations had left the board with only two members and unable to function as the board is composed of five members and three members are required for a quorum.
Tuesday night, the City Council appointed three members to the board: Cecil Caylor, John Gibson and Gerald Salter. They will join Mrs. P.A. Gray and Richard Rabb on the board, according to City Clerk Miller T. Sellers.

The fall term of Circuit Court will begin here Monday at the Conecuh County Courthouse with Circuit Judge Robert E.L. Key presiding.

59 YEARS AGO
AUG. 27, 1964

Miss Patricia Hart is Conecuh County’s 1964 Maid of Cotton and will represent the county in the district contest in Montgomery on Sept. 10.

These lovely young ladies were contestants in the recent Maid of Cotton contest held at the annual meeting of the Conecuh County Farm Bureau. They are Suzanne Temple, Rebecca Bailey, Willodyne Williams, Naomi Frazier, Nancy Waters, Brenda Ellis, Sandra Green, Rachel Brown and Ann Coker.

Conecuh County’s schools will open Thursday morning for the 1964-65 term, according to Supt. Of Education Guy S. Kelly. He said that all schools will be on half-day schedules Thurs., Sept. 3, and Fri., Sept. 4. The regular full day schedule will begin Mon., Sept. 7.

J.T. Ward was the first Conecuh County farmer to gin a bale of cotton in the 1964 season. Ward’s cotton was ginned Wed., Aug. 12, at Evergreen Gin Co. The bale weighed 435 pounds and was purchased for 35 cents a pound by Evergreen Gin Co., who also ginned it free of charge.

Dr. Allen U. Hollis will begin practice in general and thoracic (chest) surgery here early in September. He and his family have already moved here and are living at 310 Perryman St. Dr. Hollis will have offices in the space formerly occupied by the Soil Conservation Service.

Assistant State Highway Director Robert G. Kendall Jr. was appointed this week by the American Association of State Highway Officials to membership on its newly established Committee on Highway Management and Training.

74 YEARS AGO
AUG. 25, 1949

Susan Bozeman celebrated her ninth birthday on Tuesday with a picture show party.

The Evergreen Rotary Club had as its guest Wednesday noon Paul Henderson, former head of the War Production Board’s Birmingham Office. Mr. Henderson came on the invitation of C.P. Strong, who had charge of the program at Wednesday meeting.
The Rotarians had a full attendance to hear Mr. Henderson. A number of guests and visiting Rotarians were also present. Tal Stuart introduced the visitors. Dr. Joe Hagood, president, pounded the gavel. Dr. James Gailey won the attendance price.

State Turnpike Voted By Lower House: The House of Representatives by a vote of 50 to 15 approved this week a measure providing for a four-lane turnpike stretching from the Tennessee line to the Gulf of Mexico. It was estimated that the 400-mile road would cost between 35 and 40 million dollars.

First Lt. H.S. Gentry Jr., who has just returned from overseas, spent several days recently with his grandmother, Mrs. W.M. Cardwell.

Howard Holman, a nephew of J.C. Holman, was recently killed in an accident in a saw mill at Colt, Ark., where his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Morgan Holman, live.

The last of the Evergreen Junior Chamber of Commerce sponsored parties for teenagers will be held at the Evergreen Community House (Country Club) tonight at eight o’clock.

89 YEARS AGO
AUG. 23, 1934

1934 Rainfall Rate Less Than For 1933: Evergreen will have less rainfall in 1934 than in 1933 if the present rate is maintained.
Records of J.R. Kelley, weather reporter, show that only 37.62 inches have fallen in 1934 through Aug. 21. This period constitutes almost eight months of this year.
During the first eight months of 1933, a total of 51.09 inches fell.
The total rainfall for the 12 months of 1933 was 59.81. At the present rate, the total for the 12 months of 1934 will be 58.80.
Rainfall in this section during the last few years has not approached that of 1929, the year of the flood, when 80.31 inches fell. Of this total, 24.09 inches came in March, the month of the flood.
Month-by-month rainfall for the first eight months of 1934 was as follows: January, 2.56; February, 4.07; March, 7.67; April, 3.11; May, 9.63; June, 3.94; July, 2.98; August (to date), 3.66.)

Castleberry, Ala., Aug. 21 – C.E. Robinson, garage owner, was nominated for mayor of Castleberry at a mass meeting here last night.
Members of the council nominated were A.S.J. Nettles, J.W. Yancey, Lowell H. Wilson, D. Herman Kennedy and Albert Dees.

A.J. Straughn, merchant, was nominated for mayor of Repton in the biennial Democratic primary Tuesday. He will succeed J.E. Nettles, incumbent, who was not a candidate for re-election.
O.B. Robinson, J.E. Nettles, P.C. Fountain, George Dees and Bruce Kelly were nominated for the five places on the town council.
The general town election will be held on Sept. 17.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Aug. 21, 2023

NINE YEARS AGO
AUG. 21, 2014

Repton doorknob jigglers nabbed: The Repton Police Department announced this week that officers have caught and stopped the individuals who’ve been jiggling doorknobs and knocking on doors late at night around Repton for the past two months.
Repton Police Chief Daryl Knowles announced on Tuesday afternoon that he arrested two juveniles Saturday night around midnight after he caught them in the act of shaking doors and jiggling doorknobs at a Repton residence.
Knowles nabbed the alleged doorknob jigglers after he staked out a house that had been victimized repeatedly for at least two months.

Howard playing tight end: Former Monroe County High School (MCHS) standout Tytus Howard is preparing to start the 2014 football season as a member of Alabama State University’s team.
Howard, a two-year starter at quarterback at MCHS, is playing tight end for the Hornets. He stands 6-4 and weighs 245 pounds, according to the ASU media guide.
His senior season at MCHS, Howard, a 2014 graduate, had 928 yards rushing and 623 yards passing while playing quarterback, wide receiver, fullback and safety for the Tigers.

Tucker attends conference: Monroe County’s Jake Tucker joined 34 of his peers from across Alabama to compete in state young farmers events Aug. 9 during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 42^nd Annual Commodity Producers Conference in Huntsville.

34 YEARS AGO
AUG. 17, 1989

Jones work going well: The Frisco City Chamber of Commerce learned Monday that work on the exterior of the old Jones House, which will be used as a new chamber office, is nearly done.
Contractor Ollie Wiggins delivered the good news in his progress report at the chamber’s meeting Monday. As the last touches are made on the outside, Wiggins said, volunteer help will be needed for the inside of the house.\

Leroy Ackerman of Monroeville and Terry Scott of Jacksonville, Fla. won the annual Lucian Jones Member-Guest Golf Tournament for the second straight year. The tournament, which was the 25^th, was held at the Vanity Fair Golf and Tennis Club. Lucian Jones of Monroeville and Johnny McInnis of Niceville, Fla. were the low-gross champions for the second straight year, also. Club president Nathan McCants of Monroeville presented the awards Saturday night following a banquet dinner at the club in Monroeville.

Capote featured in new book: A former Monroeville woman, working with a current resident, has put together a book on the childhood of one of the city’s most famous former residents.
Marianne Moates, 47, who lived here from 1961-1969, has written a book on the childhood of writer Truman Capote, who spent a good portion of his early years with relatives in Monroeville. Capote’s first cousin and childhood playmate Jennings Faulk Carter was the main source of information for the book, “A Bridge of Childhood: Truman Capote’s Southern Years,” to be published in October by Henry Holt & Co. of New York.

59 YEARS AGO
AUG. 20, 1964

Progress plans for the construction of the Monroe County Junior College were given at a meeting of city and county officials Monday with the head of the state junior college program.
B.A. Forrester, assistant State Superintendent of Education and head of the statewide junior college program, said the college will open with three buildings, which will include the administrative offices, science lab, general classrooms and library facilities, with an enrollment of about 100 freshmen and will have about eight or 10 faculty members.
Carl Herbert Lancaster Jr. of Montgomery, architect for the junior college at Monroeville, was also present and said he felt that the site for the Monroe college, which is located near Highway 21 about two miles south of Monroeville, is a good location for the college.

Eight girls throughout the county have entered the Monroe County Maid of Cotton contest which will be held at the Community House in Monroeville Monday night, Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m., according to Miss Ann Richardson, home demonstration agent.
(The eight contestants included Gloria Jean Blanton of Excel, Elizabeth Beasley of Monroeville, Connie Norris of Frisco City, Nancy Merriwether of Perdue Hill, Susan Weeks of Frisco City, Mary Carolyn Hardee of Beatrice, Ruth Whitley of Monroeville and Betty Jean Kennedy of Monroeville.)

Groundbreaking services were held Sunday for the new educational building of the Monroeville Presbyterian Church. W.P. Dennis, the oldest member of the church, turned the first shovel of dirt at the ceremonies. The new structure will be built on an adjoining lot to the north of the present building.

84 YEARS AGO
AUG. 17, 1939

J.P. Busey Kills Large Rattlesnake: That there are still some large rattlesnakes around Monroeville is evidenced by the fact that Mr. J.P. Busey, who resides between Monroeville and Monroe Station, killed an extra large one and brought it to Monroeville Thursday morning. Mr. Busey says he has reason to believe this snake had a mate close by. The snake measured about five and one-half feet in length and had eight rattles.

Mule Killed And Wagon Wrecked In Crash: A hit-and-run driver hit a mule and wagon on the highway about two miles south of Monroeville Saturday night. The mule was killed and the wagon is almost a total wreck.
Sheriff Bowden gave chase to a car supposed to have figured in the mishap and followed it to a point below Uriah where the car killed a cow. Investigation showed that it was not the right car. The identity of the driver has not yet been established.
The mule and wagon belonged to Mr. J.R. Eddins of Peterman.

Mr. J.L. Marshall of Brundidge, an expert shoe man, has accepted a position in the shoe department of M. Katz Store. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have an apartment at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Barnett.

Heavy rains which accompanied the gale that struck this county early Sunday did heavy damage to cotton, corn and other crops over a wide area. Roads over the county are badly damaged in this, as well as adjoining counties. Traffic is being held off the road north of Beatrice.

109 YEARS AGO
AUG. 20, 1914

Lost – Between Burnt Corn and Monroeville, a pair of pants marked “C.W.C.” Finder will be suitably rewarded by leaving same at post office.

Mr. Lige Biggs left Sunday to accept a position as stenographer for the L&N Railroad Co. at Evergreen.

Monroeville vs. Brewton: Below is the result of the games of ball just played on the local diamond. First game, Monday afternoon, Aug. 7, Brewton 9, Monroeville 3; batteries Jones and Boykin; Arant and Lindsey. Second game, Tuesday morning, Brewton 2, Monroeville 3, 10 innings. Batteries, Kelly and Boykin, Smith and Ertzinger. Third game, Tuesday afternoon, Brewton 9, Monroeville 2, batteries Lovelace and Boykin, Lockwood, Arant and Ertzinger. Umpires for the three games, Lee and Shands.
The first game was a pitchers’ battle between Jones and Arant, the former winning on account of poor support of the home team. The second game was full of sensational plays by both teams, and was one of the fastest games ever played on the Monroeville diamond. Smith was invincible at all times and received fine support from the entire home team. The third and last game was played on wet ground and was lost by Lockwood, who was sick and could not control wet ball. Arant relieved him in the third inning when the score was 8 to 1 with two men on bases and only one out, and pitched superb ball the balance of the game, letting only one of the men on bases score and shutting Brewton out from then on, while his teammates played errorless ball behind him. The final score was as stated.

Cat Nights begin soon after the Dog Days end

I suppose that just about everyone is familiar with the Dog Days of summer. According to my trusty Old Farmers Almanac, the Dog Days are the 40-day period between July 3 and Aug. 11. As most readers can testify, the Dog Days represent the hottest and most humid time of the summer.

However, some readers may not be familiar with what’s known as Cat Nights. According to the almanac, Cat Nights begin on Aug. 17, which was yesterday. For some reason unknown to me, sources don’t give an end date for Cat Nights, but if they last 40 days like Dogs Days, they will come to a close around Sept. 25.

The almanac says that the term “Cat Nights goes back to the days when people believed in witches. “A rather obscure Irish legend said that a witch could turn herself into a cat eight times, but on the ninth time, she couldn’t regain her human form,” the almanac says. “This bit of folklore also gives us the saying, ‘A cat has nine lives.’”

Cats are also known to yowl a lot during August, and some say that this behavior prompted speculation about witches being on the prowl at this time of year. This time of year also marks the time when nights are growing longer, which suits cats fine since they are nocturnal hunters. Cats are what’s known as crepuscular creatures and they pretty much own the night thanks to their superior night vision.

Aside from the end of Dog Days and the beginning of Cat Nights, the month of August is an interesting and unusual month on the calendar. It’s the month of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. Those of you who stayed up late Saturday night to see it for yourself will know that it can be impressive.

Weather folklore also says that if the first week of August is unusually warm, then winter will be “white and long.” I wouldn’t say that the first week of this August was unusually warm, but I would say it was unusually hot! With that in mind, we should probably prepare for snow next winter.

St. Lawrence’s Day fell on Aug. 10, and weather folklore says that fair weather on St. Lawrence’s Day means that we’ll have a fair autumn. Last Thursday was Aug. 10 and other than it being hot, the weather was otherwise fair. I hope that means we’ll also have good weather during autumn, which starts on Sept. 23 and runs through Dec. 21.

Around Aug. 12 each year gray squirrels have their second litters, and ragweed begins to bloom around Aug. 18, which is today. In preparation for the coming winter, hummingbirds also begin to migrate south around Aug. 26.

August 2023 is also somewhat special because we’ll have a Blue Moon. A Blue Moon occurs when there are two full moons in the same calendar month. This month’s first full moon (known as the Sturgeon Moon) fell on Aug. 1, and the second full moon will fall on Aug. 30.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know of any other weather folklore or superstitions about the month of August. Also, I’d like to hear from anyone who has ever heard how long Cat Nights last or when they traditionally end.

Wilcox County's Hank Aaron still holds the MLB record for most career extra-base hits 50 years later

Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron

Today – Aug. 18 – marks 50 years since Wilcox County native Hank Aaron broke Stan Musial’s longstanding extra-base hits record with his 1,378^th extra-base hit in a game against the Montreal Expos.

Aaron held the MLB home run record for many years, but few know that he still holds the extra-base hits record, which takes into account not only home runs, but also triples and doubles.

It was on Aug. 18, 1973 that Aaron, who was born in Wilcox County and grew up in Mobile, started in left field for the Atlanta Braves and entered the game with 1,377 career extra-base hits, tied with Hall of Famer Stan Musial for the all-time record. That game was played at night in Jarry Park in Montreal, Quebec and there was a crowd of 25,093 people on hand to see the game. Because the 39-year-old Aaron was on the verge of passing Musial, this Saturday night game had garnered a lot of attention.

Right-hander Steve Rogers, a five-time All-Star, got the pitching start for the Expos and intentionally walked Aaron, who was hitting in the clean-up spot, in his first plate appearance of the game, which came in the top of the first inning. The next Atlanta batter Dusty Baker, who currently serves as the manager for the Houston Astros, flew out to second base and then Davey Johnson struck out, stranding Aaron at first.

With Atlanta leading, 2-0, Rogers was still in the game in the top of the third when Aaron came to the plate again. There was no intentional walk on the agenda this time, and Aaron made contact with just one out in the inning. Unfortunately, Aaron hit a grounder to Expos third baseman Bob Bailey, who threw Aaron out at first for out No. 2.

Aaron made another plate appearance in the top of the sixth, facing Rogers for the third time that night. With one out and Atlanta still leading, 2-0, Aaron hit another grounder. This time, Expos shortstop Tim Foli scooped up the ball and threw Aaron out at first for the second out of the inning.

Rogers was still in the game when Aaron came to the plate for the final time that night. With two outs in the top of the eighth, Aaron hit a towering home run that gave the Braves their third run of the game. Home runs were commonplace for Hammerin’ Hank, but this one was special because it marked his 1,378^th Major League extra-base hit, giving him one more than Musial in the record books.

Aaron went on to play through the 1976 season and would hit 99 more extra base hits, giving him a total of 1,477 over the course of his career. If you check the record books today, he remains No. 1 on the list, 37 ahead of Barry Bonds. Aaron’s record is probably safe for the time being. The closest active player on the list is Miguel Cabrera, who currently plays for the Detroit Tigers. As of Friday afternoon, Cabrera had 1,145 extra base hits to his credit.

In the end, it would be interesting to know if anyone from Wilcox County happened to be in Montreal to see Aaron break Musial’s record. It would be interesting to hear about your experience that night or to learn if you have any memorabilia from that game (ticket stubs, game programs, etc.). Also, if you have any additional information about Aaron’s roots in Wilcox County, please let me know because it would be nice to fully document his ties to the Wilcox County area.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Aug. 15, 2023

Dr. Eugene Allen Smith

20 YEARS AGO
AUG. 21, 2003

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.07 inches of rain on Aug. 12, 0.5 inches on Aug. 13 and 0.6 inches on Aug. 16. He also reported a high of 92 degrees on Aug. 15 and a low of 69 degrees on Aug. 12.

Joy Wilson, owner of Joy’s in downtown Evergreen and Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce Secretary Shani Meeks invite everyone to come by Joy’s during Business After Hours next Thurs., Aug. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Joy says she will have many new items on display along with some delicious refreshments.

Frank Chavers was recognized at last week’s meeting of the Evergreen Kiwanis Club for his 10 years of service.

Evergreen students admitted to School of Math and Science: The Office of Admissions is pleased to announce that 116 new students from all corners of the state will leave the comforts of home to become part of the unique and challenging environment at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. Thirty-eight counties are represented in the entering classes of 2005 and 2006.
The new students at ASMS this academic year from Conecuh County are Candace Samuels, daughter of James and Jacquelene Royster of Evergreen; Ralph Grace II, son of Ralph and Gheta Grace of Evergreen; and Katie Fountain, daughter of Kenneth and Jeanell Fountain of Repton.

45 YEARS AGO
AUG. 17, 1978

Former Mayor Henry Sessions death saddens: Former Evergreen Mayor William Henry Sessions, 64, died Thursday morning, Aug. 10, at 11:45 o’clock of an apparent heart attack at the Sam Cope summer home near Gulf Shores.
Mayor Sessions was a native of Troy, a member of a prominent, pioneer South Alabama family. He lived in Montgomery for a number of years and had lived in Evergreen over 31 years.
He served on the Evergreen City Council one term, 1960-64, and then as mayor from 1964 to 1972, when he chose not to seek re-election. He served part of an unexpired term as mayor in 1973-76.
He was a member and former president of the Evergreen Rotary Club and a Mason and Shriner.
Mayor Sessions and his late father-in-law, C.H. Moorer, founded Conecuh Quick Freeze, Inc. in 1947. This firm became a most successful meat processing firm and enjoyed an enviable reputation for its quality products, particularly hickory smoked sausage, hams and turkeys. Under Mayor Sessions’ able management, Conecuh Quick Freeze, Inc. grew from a small locker plant into a meat processor employing around 50 people and its products gained wide acceptability under the “Conecuh Maid” label.
He volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor and saw many months of combat service with the Seabees (Navy Construction Battalion) in the South Pacific during World War II.
Graveside services were Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at Magnolia Cemetery with Dr. Sam Granade and the Rev. Braxton McCurley officiating.

70 YEARS AGO
AUG. 20, 1953

Local National Guard Unit At Fort McClellan For Two Weeks Training: Battery “C,” 177^th Field Artillery Battalion (N.G.U.S.), local Guard unit, left Sun., Aug. 16, for Fort McClellan, Ala., for summer camp and two weeks training. The unit is part of the famed 31^st Dixie Division.
Lt. Wiley Sanders Jr. will be in command of the unit at camp. Lt. Sanders was appointed 2^nd Lt. and assigned to the unit in May of this year. This will be his first experience as a Guardsman as he served in the Navy during World War II.

Oil Hunt Continues With Drilling On Well Near Evergreen: Drillers are now seeking oil only one and one-half miles from Evergreen’s southeastern city limits.
Lyle Cashion Company’s rig was moved during the weekend to land owned by Dr. John W. Deming of Alexandria, La. and began drilling what is known as the John W. Deming No. 1.
The rig is located a short distance south of the Evergreen-Brooklyn highway and can be seen from the highway. Access to it is possible by taking the road leading to the home of H.S. Hagood.

Rochester, N.Y., Aug. 11 - George M. Jones of Evergreen was awarded a master of music degree at the University of Rochester’s recent 103^rd commencement.
Jones, who lives at 113 Bruner Ave., took his undergraduate work at the University of Rochester also, receiving a bachelor of music degree in 1951.

95 YEARS AGO
AUG. 16, 1928

CASTLEBERRY: Prof. Geo. M. Veazey, Principal of the Conecuh County High School, very ably filled the pulpit at the Baptist Church Sunday morning and night for the regular pastor, Rev. R.D. Wright.

Andalusia Man Called By Death: Judge J.M. Prestwood, Prominent Citizen, Dies At Home In Andalusia: Stricken suddenly Wednesday night about nine o’clock, Judge J. Morgan Prestwood, 47, died at 9:30 o’clock. Judge Prestwood was taken slightly sick Tuesday, but no alarm was felt over his condition until he took a sudden turn for the worse early Wednesday night and passed away within a few minutes.
Judge Prestwood was prominently identified with the civic, religious and political life of Andalusia for many years and had served this senatorial district composed of Conecuh, Covington and Butler counties in the Alabama legislature as state senator during the Kilby administration. He later was elected mayor of Andalusia and in 1927 was named circuit judge by Gov. Bibb Graves.
In the Democratic primary of last May, Judge Prestwood was nominated for a full term and would have been re-elected in the November general election had not death intervened.

J.H. Robison made a trip from Birmingham to Mobile via an air mail plane during the past weekend. He left Birmingham at 7:10 a.m. and arrived Mobile 9:30 a.m.

Dr. W.A. Stacey of Skinnerton presented a 10-pound rutabaga at this office this week. Believe it or not, it’s the truth.

120 YEARS AGO
AUG. 19, 1903

Attention Veterans: All members of Camp Capt. Wm. Lee, United Confederate Veterans, are requested to meet in the Circuit court room in Evergreen at 10 o’clock a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 1903. A full attendance is expected. By order of the commander. – P.D. Bowles, Commander; N. Stallworth, Adjutant.

Dr. E.A. Smith of Tuscaloosa, State Geologist, spent several days here last week. He is investigating the limestone formation in this section of the state.

Death of Elisha Hart: Elisha Hart, a worthy and esteemed citizen of this county, died on the 12^th inst. at his home in Old Town beat, after a lingering illness, aged about 70 years. Mr. Hart was an unpretentious man, plain in his walk and conversation, honest and faithful to every trust, and his example in life is worthy of emulation by all.

Change of Management: I wish to give notice to my friends and the public generally that I am again in charge of the old Delmonico, now the New Magnolia Hotel, near the depot, and will endeavor to please all who favor me with their patronage. The tables will at all times be supplied with the best the market affords, and the rooms kept clean and comfortable. I solicit the same liberal patronage accorded me while in charge of the business before. Yours to please, F.N. Hawkins.

Death of John C. Donald: A.H. Donald received a telegram on Saturday afternoon announcing the death of his brother, John C. Donald, at his home in Columbia, S.C. Mr. Donald was born in this county in 1853, and removed in 1878 to Atlanta, where he remained for a few years, removing from there to Columbia, where he has sine resided.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Aug. 14, 2023

SIX YEARS AGO
AUG. 10, 2017

Weed honored: Savanah Weed from Midland City was both the national and Region 3 winner in feature writing for her story, “Flynn family goes back 100 years on same land,” written for The Luverne Journal as a project for her TROY news reporting class. Troy Professor Steve Stewart presented her award to her at The Monroe Journal on Friday. Weed graduated in May as a broadcast journalism major and joined the staff at The Journal in July.

Tournament winners: Vanity Fair Golf and Tennis Club held its annual club championship tournament last weekend in Monroeville. Tournament winners are second flight champion Matt Moorer, club champion Keith McKinley, first flight champion Cody Wallace, third flight champion Ricky Till and Senior Division champion Charlie Ferguson.

Billy Carson Bond, 84, died Sat., Aug. 5, 2017. Mr. Bond was a native of Columbia, Miss. and a resident of Monroeville. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and Mississippi National Guard and served during the Korean conflict. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University in forestry and was a registered forester in the state of Alabama. He graduated from Jones Law School in Montgomery with a Juris Doctor degree in law and was a member of the Alabama Bar.
He spent his career in the forest products industry. During his distinguished career he held the notable positions of corporate vice president of Hammermill Paper Co., Inc., president of Allegheny Railroad, Inc., and president of Harrigan Lumber Co., Inc. He retired as president of Alabama River Woodlands, Inc. in 2000.

31 YEARS AGO
AUG. 13, 1992

Sales leads state Kiwanis: J.W. Sales Jr. of Monroeville was installed as head of the Alabama District of Kiwanis International Saturday at the service organization’s statewide convention in Oxford.
As governor of the Alabama District during 1992-1993, he will make visits to each of the state’s 14 divisions, attend new club installations to present charters, play host to the president of Kiwanis International during Bill Lieber’s visit to Alabama next March and oversee a variety of service projects dealing with the club’s major emphasis (the young child) and other areas.

Special day set to honor B.J. Wallace: Monroe County will honor Olympian B.J. Wallace of Excel tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. with a ceremony at the ball park on South Mount Pleasant and Veterans avenues in Monroeville. Friday has officially been proclaimed B.J. Wallace Day by Monroe County Probate Judge Otha Lee Biggs.
Wallace was the first player signed by the Montreal Expos in the June draft and one of eight pitchers selected in July to play for the U.S. Olympic baseball team in Barcelona, Spain. The welcome-home celebration will begin with opening remarks by chamber president Billy Bond.

Note-burning: The Goodway Community Volunteer Fire Department held a note-burning ceremony at the department’s fund-raiser fish fry July 18. The bank note on the building was taken out in 1988. Participating were Everette Wiggins, Lois Stanton (wife of the late Louis Stanton, former chief and founder of the department), Earl Matheny, Fire Chief Fred Brake, Roy Coker, Pat Clayton, John Matheny and Duke Farrar.

56 YEARS AGO
AUG. 10, 1967

Two Boys Arrested For Moonshining: Two teenage boys were arrested last Thursday in connection with operating a whiskey still, according to the sheriff’s office. The youths, one 13 and the other 14, were charged with distilling. Making the arrests were sheriff’s deputy Lenwood Sager and ABC agent L.C. Crocker. The officers arrested the two boys at Packers Bend about 8:30 a.m.

Midshipman Second Class John J. Kearley, son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Kearley of Monroeville, now attending the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., flew in the Navy’s T-34 “Mentor” aircraft as part of his flight indoctrination trip to Pensacola, Fla. He and other midshipmen from the Academy visited the Saufley Field Naval Auxiliary Air Station as part of their summer training program.

Monroe Little Leaguers Beaten In State Finals: Monroe’s Little League All-Stars, playing the role of spoiler, were beaten Saturday night in the finals of the State Little League Tournament, which was played at Childersburg. Topping the Monroe County team was Gadsden, which also won the State Little League championship last year, by the score of 8-2.
Monroe knocked off the Ensley, Birmingham-area champions, 9-3, in the first game of the tourney Thursday and came back with a sterling 1-0 verdict over another big city team, Forest Hills of Mobile, Friday night in gaining the finals. This is the first time that an all-star team from Monroe County went to the state finals in Little League play.
(Top players on Monroe’s team included Sam Andress, Mike Baggett, Rob Kelly, K.J. Lazenby, Marvin Skinner and Danny Wilson.)

81 YEARS AGO
AUG. 13, 1942

FOUNTAIN HIT BY WINDSTORM THURSDAY: A windstorm did considerable damage to timber and partially wrecked at least one dwelling at Fountain last Thursday afternoon. No one was injured.

Mr. Carl Watson, who has served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Bowden for the past three years or more, has severed his connection with that office and has accepted a position in Mobile. Mr. N.B. McNeil will act as deputy.

Long Illness Fatal To Dr. Daugette: Dr. C.W. Daugette, 58, president of Jacksonville State Teachers College since 1899, died Sunday in a Gadsden hospital. Dr. Daugette was a native of Bell’s Landing and entered the teaching profession at the age of 16 at Repton.

Bates Gins First Bale From 1942 Crop: The first bale of cotton reported from this county was produced by Mr. W.T. Bates on the J.F. Dusenberry plantation west of Frisco City. The bale was ginned by Mr. T.J. Jones at Frisco City on Aug. 4, and was sold at the Monroe County Stockyard. The cotton was purchased by Mr. W.W. Garrett of Uriah, who paid $102 for the bale of 18.30 cents per pound. Mr. Bates was the first farmer to report an open cotton bloom and the first open boll this year.

Supt. H.G. Geer attended the 22^nd annual meeting of the Superintendents’ and Principals’ Conference in Troy last week.

Miss Ann Hines is spending several days in Montgomery with her cousin, Miss Helen Lazenby, and other relatives and friends.

106 YEARS AGO
AUG. 9, 1917

CAPT. T.A. NETTLES DEAD: Leading Citizen of County Called to His Final Reward: Capt. Thomas A. Nettles died at his home near Tunnel Springs at 11:15 on Friday night, Aug. 3, in the 75^th year of his age.
Captain Nettles was a native of Monroe County and for upward of 40 years had been prominent in the business and political life of his county and community, identified with every movement and enterprise looking to material development and social and educational uplift.
Captain Nettles enlisted in the service of the Southern Confederacy at an early period of the War Between the States and became a Sergeant in Co. B, Third Alabama Cavalry, and was captured at Shelbyville in June 1863 and paroled at Camp Douglas for exchange in February 1865. He was an enthusiastic member of the Alabama Division United Confederate Veterans and served for several years on the staff of General Hooper, commander of the Alabama Division, with the rank of major. Until failing health deprived him of the privilege, he was a regular attendant at the annual reunions, both state and general. The uniform of grey he loved so well constituted the cerements for his burial while the casket contained his mortal remains was of the same symbolic color. A number of his former comrades in arms sorrowfully followed to the place of sepulture.
The funeral took place at Tunnel Springs cemetery Sunday afternoon, the religious service being conducted by his pastor, Rev. S.P. Lindsey, and concluded with the beautiful, yet solemn and impressive ritual of the Masonic fraternity.

1973 UFO sighting was perhaps Monroe County's most famous

The recent Congressional UFO hearings in Washington, D.C. were very interesting and left me thinking about what was perhaps Monroe County’s most famous UFO sighting.

Some in the reading audience may remember that on Oct. 15, 1973 a housewife in Mexia reported to Monroeville police that she saw a UFO soaring through the sky near her home. The woman, who lived inside Monroeville’s police jurisdiction on State Highway 47, told officers that she saw a “metallic saucer-shaped object in the southern sky” around 8 p.m. The woman refused to let her name be published because she feared that she would be ridiculed.

“It was a saucer, or in general a round shape,” the witness told Monroeville Police Chief James Maples the following day. “It was horizontal to the ground, and it looked like it had just a slight dome that was shining.”

The silver-colored craft rotated counterclockwise as it traveled south-southwest. It also emitted alternating, blending lights of reddish, orange and blue-white that appeared to shine from inside the craft through windows. The woman said she watched the UFO for 30 to 45 seconds with the naked eye and for about 10 more seconds through high-powered binoculars.

Though the woman couldn’t judge the craft’s size or its distance away, she said it appeared to be traveling along U.S. Highway 84, which was about a mile from her house. She also noted some interference with her TV reception just before she saw the object and said that reception returned to normal shortly afterward.

News of the woman’s experience made the front page of The Journal that week, and the paper also published a sketch of the “flying saucer” drawn by Maples.

“You don’t want to think that you can see things like that, but I saw it and nobody will ever convince me that I didn’t,” the woman told the newspaper. “I’ll always believe that I saw an unidentified object, and nobody knows what it is.”

The Journal also reported that there were “several unconfirmed reports” of UFO sightings in the county that week, and that two other citizens told The Journal that they’d seen strange lights in the sky. Another Mexia resident said he and three other people watched “a big glowing light” hover west of Mexia then move toward and past them in a northeasterly direction. That sighting was said to have happened on Oct. 15 shortly before the Mexia housewife called police about the UFO she saw.

Also that week, Mrs. W.T. Scruggs said she saw a “big ball of fire” moving through the sky near her home about 7:30 p.m. on the night of Oct. 14, the night before the other sightings. Scruggs lived west of State Highway 21, between Monroeville and Frisco City. The Journal noted that all three witnesses ruled out the possibility that the objects they saw were conventional aircraft.

In the end, if anyone in the reading audience remembers any additional details about the incidents described above, please let me know. It would be interesting to put together a more complete account of what happened in the Mexia area in October 1973.

(Got a comment or question? E-mail Lee Peacock at leepeacock2002@hotmail.com.)

Those who call Wilcox County home have much to be proud of

As hard as it is to believe, this week’s edition of The Progressive Era marks seven years to the day that I began writing a weekly column for the newspaper. It was on Aug. 10, 2016 that my first column – about the missing grave of Civil War widow Elizabeth Dixon Smith – first appeared in the pages of this newspaper. Fast-forward seven years and this week marks the 366^th column that I’ve had the pleasure of writing for the paper.

This weekly column owes its existence to the former Progressive Era Editor, Ethan Van Sice. In the summer of 2016, I was working full time at the newspaper in Evergreen, and out of the blue one day, Ethan contacted me to see if I’d be interested in writing some “ghost stories” for the Camden newspaper. I told him that I’d give it a shot, and the rest is history.

Over the years, I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting a host of Progressive Era readers and Wilcox County residents, many of whom have a deep love for the county’s rich and unique history. Behind the scenes, they often send me history-related materials, and thanks in large part to those readers, I never have a shortage of subjects to write about. Seven years in, I know that I have only scratched the surface of things to write about related to Wilcox County.

Writing this column has also afforded me the opportunity to visit a long list of communities and historic sites in Wilcox County. From Sunny South to Awin and from Coy to Catherine, I’ve stomped around old cemeteries and explored miles and miles of quiet backroads. I’ve also visited innumerable old churches, historic homes, old stores, restaurants and other points of interest.

On many of these trips, I was accompanied by my ever-patient wife, my smiling daughter or my intrepid son. The kids were pretty young when I wrote that first column in 2016 and now they are just about grown. Needless to say, we made a lot of memories while exploring the highways and byways of Wilcox County together.

One thing that I have learned over the years is that the people of Wilcox County have a lot to be proud of. When you deep dive into the county’s history, you will see that the county holds a unique place in the history of the state. There is no place on earth quite like Wilcox County, and more than a few people proudly refer to it as “God’s country.”

In the end, as long as Mrs. Glenda allows me to, I plan to keep on filling this space each week. As always, let me hear from you if you have a good idea for a story because I’m always on the lookout for more to write about. I’ve been at it for seven years, and I look forward to another seven more.

George Singleton recounts the 'miracle of a thunderstorm' in 1998

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 “The miracle of a thunderstorm,” was originally published in the Aug. 13, 1998 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Strange how, just when one thinks they have become an accurate forecaster, they find they know absolutely nothing. This past Saturday, the 8^th of August, I decided I would take some time off from the chores that my dear wife had assigned and ride over to one of my favorite places of rest and relaxation. Looking to the northwest, I decided the few thunderheads on the horizon poised no threat to me. So, I mounted my motorcycle and headed toward one of my favorite places, Nancy Mountain.

As I headed up Highway 41, I noticed that those thunderheads seem to hang lower and had become much heavier. As I raced along toward my destination, the thunderheads seem to grow larger and become heavier and darker. I was beginning to doubt my ability to forecast the weather as I raced through the high hill overlooking the river. I knew that if I could make it to the top of Nancy Mountain, I could protect myself from the weather by getting under the pavilion.

Luck was with me. I parked my motorcycle just as a few large drops of rain began to fall and make a very soothing sound on the leaves of the trees and the top of the pavilion. As the rain grew harder, I knew that I was in for a time of relaxation and contentment.

I selected a comfortable place, then turned my eyes toward the deep valley before me and the heavy dark thunderheads that had gathered over the mighty river in the distance. As the dark, heavy clouds assembled, I noticed how much they resembled a great army preparing itself for battle. I thought of the times of long ago when great armies came face to face on the fields of conflict to battle to the death.

I watched as the front line formed and drew close together, as if preparing for a great charge. Many small clouds seem to gather slowly and attach themselves to the rear flanks of the great masses that stood ready to do battle.

Then, as if pre-planned, great blades of lightning streaked across the front of the army of thunderclouds, giant swords flashed as a show-of-force. The foremost thunderhead seemed to boil straight up, like a giant pot that had boiled to overflowing.

As if on command, the mighty army of thunderheads began to move slowly toward the southwest. Giant streaks of rain draped like a giant curtain below the mighty thunder warriors as if their intent was to cover the enemy completely. The great army that followed moved onward to do battle with its unseen opposition.

As I sat in awe and marveled at the great spectacle before me, I wondered how anyone who had ever witnessed a movement of this magnitude could doubt there is a God. I felt like the writer of the great hymn “Rock of Ages” as he sought shelter on the rocky side of a cliff from a storm such as this. And as I sat there and watched in amazement I felt I had been led there to witness this great event, as though it had been pre-planned for my benefit and mine alone.

As the great army of clouds moved to the southwest, the noise of chariots and thousands of horses’ hooves faded into the distance. The low rumble of thunder sounded as if the battle had been fought. Only a few skirmishes on the flanks of the great army were left as the defeated stragglers were rounded up.

The winds had softened to almost a whisper through the tall pine trees, as if saying that it was all over. Peace was restored to the top of Nancy Mountain. Raindrops clung to the leaves as though awaiting a signal from the earth. Small animals came out of their shelters as if they had been waiting for the mighty army to bring peace to their land.

I stood for a moment facing the great river and the deep valley below. I knew once again why I had come. I raised my arms to the heavens. This was my place, the place where I could draw strength from my surroundings. This was a place where I could talk to my Creator and he would listen and I would know through Him that all things are possible.

I rolled my motorcycle from under the canopy. I felt that I was leaving a friend. I took one last look across the vast valley before me. As I made my way down the wet dirt road, these words kept ringing in my head: “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou are with me.”

The chariots of thunder and heavy rain had rolled across the surrounding areas also. I found that the rain gauge in my yard recorded 1-1/4 inches. The chariots of the clouds had covered a larger area than I had thought, besides drenching me to the bone. As I made my way toward the house and some dry clothes, the words of an ancient Indian prayer came to mind:

And, as I wander across the land and marvel at the wonders of they creation, make me know that thou art God, my God, now and forever. And, when the shadows of this life gather on the horizon, let me dwell in that land, where time is measured, not in months or years, but only in forevers...

(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.)