Was Q. Salter's first name really Quasimodo?

New Year’s Day will come to pass this coming Monday and with that in mind last week, I took a look through editions of The Monroe Journal that were published a hundred or so years ago to see if we had any significant anniversaries ahead of us in the coming year.

On the front page of the Jan. 4, 1923 edition, editor and publisher Q. Salter told readers that the “world has built for itself a fine thing in establishing the custom of felicitations at this season, and none would deny to another the good cheer and cordiality pouring its gentle spirit into the heart. Yet the turning of a new calendar means little of itself. The greatest achievements do not show that days, months, years or times have been obstacles or advantages.

“Let us look forward always and in all ways and not alone at any particular season. It is not improper to remind one who may wonder what (the coming year) may bring that nothing is ever so hard as it may seem. To those who fondly hope for a turn for the better the fruition of years of effort, let the good word be: Act well your part, there all the honor lies.”

Salter would have been 54 years old in January 1923 and at that point in his life he had owned the Monroe Journal for 35 years and had worked there for nearly 40 years. No doubt that during all those years, the wise old editor had seen many things come to pass in Monroe County, and his words would have carried much weight for his loyal readers.

Salter died on Feb. 8, 1938 at the age of 69. He was “stricken as he was leaving his office at The Monroe County Bank and died in a few minutes without speaking a word.” His death illustrates how quickly life could be taken from us.

With that said, Salter set a good example for all citizens. His obituary noted that he “spent a long and useful life at Monroeville, where he was identified with most every material move of the town and county looking toward progress and improvement for the past fifty years.” As editor of The Journal, he was described as “fearless and outspoken, yet careful of the proprieties.”

One enduring mystery about Q. Salter is his first name. In every reference that I’ve ever seen to him, his first name was always abbreviated as Q. His obituary gives his name as Q. and that’s also what’s on his tombstone in the old Methodist cemetery on Sumter Avenue.

Very few names start with the letter Q, so was his name Quincy, Quentin or Quinn? Perhaps it was Quasimodo? Maybe his mother, Ellender, was a fan of Victor Hugo’s novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

In the end, we would all do well to heed Q. Salter’s wise words about the coming new year. While it’s okay to celebrate and enjoy the passage of another year, let’s remember that nothing is as hard as it may seem when it comes to accomplishing worthwhile. We all have some part to play in the success of our community, so let’s remember to act well our parts.

Wilcox County currently has eight 'Champion Trees' within its borders

There are 907 square miles of land within the boundaries of Wilcox County, and much of that acreage is covered by lush woodlands. These forests contain hundreds of thousands of trees, and of all those trees, there are eight in Wilcox County that are truly noteworthy.

Fifty-three years ago, in 1970, the Alabama Forestry Commission started its Champion Tree program, and eight remarkable trees in Wilcox County are currently designated as Champion Trees. A Champion Tree is the largest of its species recorded in Alabama as determined by a formula used by the forestry commission. A tree’s total size is determined by its height, circumference and average crown spread.

One the most remarkable trees in Wilcox County is a Durand Oak that’s on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. This giant oak is 111 feet tall, 184 inches in circumference and has a crown spread of 68 feet. At one time, this tree was a National Champion Tree, that is, it was the largest of its species in the entire United States.

Another truly remarkable Wilcox County tree is a Cherrybark Oak owned by W.R. Phillippi. This massive oak is the tallest documented tree in the county. It’s 156 feet tall, 240 inches around and has a spread of 131 feet.

Tommy and Jeanell Lawler own three Champion Trees, including a huge Pyramid Magnolia, a large Chalk Maple and a big Two-winged Silverbell. Their Pyramid Magnolia is 103 feet tall, 49 inches around and has a crown spread of 30 feet. Their Chalk Maple is 43 feet tall, 43 inches around and has a spread of 43 feet. Their Two-winged Silverbell is 48 feet tall, 45 inches around and has a crown spread of 25 feet.

Other Champion Trees in Wilcox County include a Green Ash owned by the Allyrae Wallace Educational Trust, a Winged Elm owned by Kinley Bell and an Eastern Red Cedar owned by John and Lou Harmon.

The Green Ash belonging to the Educational Trust is 88 feet tall, 177 inches around and has a spread of 84 feet. Bell’s Winged Elm is 85 feet tall, 142 inches around and has a spread of 74 feet. The Eastern Red Cedar belonging to the Harmons is 52 feet tall, is 179 inches around and has a spread of 27 feet.

I think it’s also worth noting that Wilcox County has more Champion Trees than any other county in Alabama except for Baldwin, Cleburne and Madison counties. Madison County has 13 Champion Trees. Baldwin County, said to be the largest county geographically east of the Mississippi River, has 11 Champion Trees. Cleburne County has 21 Champion Trees.

In the end, if you’re interested in learning more about the Alabama Forestry Commission’s Champion Tree Program, visit the commission’s Web site at www.forestry.alabama.gov. Anyone can nominate a tree for Champion Tree status, so if you think you know of a tree that might be in the running for this honor, fill out the online nomination form on the commission’s Web site. Once you’ve completed the form, the commission will dispatch a forester to the tree’s location, where he’ll take the tree’s official measurements.

George Singleton: Gone are the days of the mail-order coon dogs

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 “Chases swamp rabbit: Mail-order coon dog not so hot” was originally published in the Oct. 20, 1977 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

The cool nights that accompany the lazy days of Indian Summer brings back many memories.

This time of the year was always full of good times and adventurous living where I grew up.

This was the time when thoughts of wearing shoes again confronted me and my friend who lived across the ridge. This was also the time when most of the crops had been gathered and thoughts of hunting began to gain momentum among older men.

Favorite pastime

Raccoon hunting was a favorite pastime in that area, and during the cool nights the hunter’s horn could be heard on the chilly winds almost anytime from sundown to sunrise.

Competition was ever present among the hunters and their coon dogs. Some of the tales overheard by a small, wide-eyed boy were something to behold.

One man in the vicinity did everything possible to own the No. 1 coon dog in the area. This included ordering a full-fledged hound from a mail-order house in Tennessee.

This dog, which was supposed to be the best ever, was due to arrive by train on a certain day. Only the older coon hunters were allowed to meet the train, as though some V.I.P. was arriving.

Two days of rest

The day arrived and the chosen few met the train to pick up this greatest of coon dogs.

The owner decided it was best to let the dog rest and recover from the trip from Tennessee for two days.

Finally, the appointed night came for the coon dog to perform for the local folks. The woods were filled with lanterns as everyone wanted to see this dog of dogs show up the local stock.

Within minutes, the Tennessee hound had struck a trail. And as the barking grew louder, everyone was sure that the coon would be treed almost in the middle of the crowd of hunters.

A large rabbit!

At the peak of the excitement, out of the brush came a large swamp rabbit with the Tennessee hound hot on its trail. For a dyed-in-the-wool coon hunter, this is about the worst thing that can happen to his dog.

After much profanity and a mad chase by the owner through the tall grass with a long club, the coon hunt came to an unhappy end.

The following morning, the train heading toward Tennessee had a passenger: one not-so-good coon dog with a one-way ticket. The number in the party to see him off were considerably fewer than had greeted him, they numbered fewer than two.

(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, was bitten at least twice by venomous snakes, 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 Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Dec. 26, 2023

EIGHT YEARS AGO
DEC. 24, 2015

Evergreen weather observer Betty Ellis reported .23 inches of rain on Dec. 14, 1.30 inches on Dec. 16 and .11 inches on Dec. 17. She reported highs of 72 degrees on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 and lows of 28 on Dec. 18 and Dec. 19.

The Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce presented Burger King with the Business of the Month Award for the month of December Monday morning at the restaurant in Evergreen. Pictured at the award presentation are Burger King employees Dontek Perry, Kenjarvis Parrish, Cammie McKenzie, Lisa Parrish, manager Lee Stallworth and Chamber president Jeremy Wolff, Chamber board member Jeremy Anderson and Chamber staff members Mercedes Harper and Ava Samuel.

Castleberry Police Sgt. Michael Bishop recently completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Public Agency Training Council’s Hostage-Crisis Negotiator Course at the Gwinnett County Police Department in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Truck hits I-65 bridge Tuesday: An 18-wheeler accident Tuesday afternoon on Interstate Highway 65 led to the partial closure of the busy highway after the truck involved in the crash lost the load of poles it was carrying.
According to Evergreen Fire Chief Ricky Nobles, 14 Evergreen firefighters responded to the one-vehicle accident Tuesday at 4:01 p.m. near the 94-mile marker on I-65.

23 YEARS AGO
DEC. 28, 2000

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported .33 inches of rain on Dec. 18 and .45 inches on Dec. 21. He reported a high of 58 degrees on Dec. 24 and lows of 15 degrees on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.

E’green Chamber Banquet to be held Jan. 25: The 2001 annual Evergreen-Conecuh Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held Thurs., Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Hillcrest High School cafetorium.
The guest speaker for this year’s event is Dr. David Himelrick, an engaging entertainer, who presents a dynamic and captivating show with tasteful humor and charm. Dr. Himelrick is a scientist, an author, a speaker, consultant and international traveler, who has lectured from China to Brazil.

Over 20 Conecuh County kids received gifts from the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the Conecuh County FOP Lodge No. 16. All funds were raised within the county by the FOP Lodge. Detective Sean Klaetsch reminds citizens that, if they receive any calls from other FOP Lodges, donations made to those lodges do not benefit local children. The FOP Lodge also delivered 50 meals to elderly residents on Dec. 23. The meals were donated by Famous Floyd’s Restaurant.

The Conecuh Women’s League recently presented a check and gifts to clients of the Conecuh Activity Center. Accepting the donation on behalf of the activity center was Activity Center Director Leonard Millender. Shown with Millender are Angie Hendrix and Jennifer Cook, Women’s League members.

38 YEARS AGO
DEC. 26, 1985

Kelley Searcy of Sparta Academy has been selected State Finalist to represent this area in the State Homecoming Queen Pageant, sponsored by America’s Homecoming Queen of Memphis, Tenn.

Leon Webb Randolph, 71, retired educator of Evergreen, died Mon., Dec. 16. He was a member of a well-known Evergreen family, born here on Oct. 6, 1914 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Randolph Sr. He received his education in the public schools of Conecuh County and his B.S. degree from Alabama State University, Montgomery.
He taught in the schools of this county for 45 years and retired from his teaching position at Southside Elementary School.

Weather observer Earl Windham reported no rain between Dec. 15 and Dec. 21. He reported highs of 55 degrees on Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 and a low of 18 degrees on Dec. 15.

Sgt. Randy R. Hildreth, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hildreth of Rt. C, Evergreen, has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was presented his medal by Capt. John F. Bartsch, 4450^th Tactical Group Headquarter Squadron Commander, on Oct. 25.
Sgt. Hildreth distinguished himself by meritorious service as Assistant Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Logistics Administration Section, Logistics Division, 3800^th Air Base Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., from May 21, 1981 to May 30, 1985.

53 YEARS AGO
DEC. 24, 1970

Miss Elizabeth Riley was honored with an autograph party held at The Nannette Shop on Friday night, Dec. 18, from 5 to 8 to celebrate her book, recently published. This book, “The Old Evergreen Historical Cemetery,” is composed of interesting and authentic facts about the people who rest in this old cemetery. Miss Riley’s style of writing revives fond memories of those who are resting in this hallowed ground.

Labe Turk Johnston, age 76, of Rt. D, Evergreen, died Fri., Dec. 18, 1970 at his home.
Mr. Johnston was a semi-retired farmer and lifelong resident of Conecuh County. He was a member of the Brooklyn Baptist Church, a World War I veteran, member of the American Legion, chairman of the County Board of Equalization and a member of the Democratic Executive Committee.

David T. Hyde Jr. will serve his second term as campaign chairman of the March of Dimes. Hyde states that Conecuh County residents have been sent mailers requesting contributions and asks for a generous response. Plans for the Mother March in January will be announced later.

Postmaster Bill Salter announces that there will be no window service and no rural or city mail delivery on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26.

73 YEARS AGO

DEC. 28, 1950

Prominent Attorney Dies Here Early Sunday Morning: Following a lingering illness of many months, Ernest Edward Newton, age 83, well known and prominent local attorney, died at his home on Main Street at an early hour Sun., Dec. 24.
Mr. Newton was a native of this county, the son of the late Charles Adelbert Newton and Lucy (Ballard) Newton. He was born at Belleville and received his early education in the schools of this county, later receiving the LLB degree from the University of Alabama. Upon being admitted to the bar, he came to Evergreen to practice his profession. He continued his practice until failing health forced him to retire early this year.

The Evergreen Police Department has recently acquired a new chief and a new patrol car. R.A. Emmons of Brewton is the new chief of police here. The new patrol car is a black Plymouth especially designed and equipped for this type use.
Policeman W.H. Williamson has resigned from the city force effective Dec. 15. Policeman Sidney K. Smith of Bay Minette has been hired in his place. Policeman H.L. Riley will continue on the force, giving the city a three-man force.

Desplous Street has recently been widened by some 10 feet. Desplous is the street on which the Methodist Church is located. The curb of this street was moved 10 feet in order that the heavy flow of traffic may be handled. Before this widening if a car was parked on either side it meant one-way traffic. The additional 10 feet is to be black-topped at an early date.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Dec. 25, 2023

USS Vella Gulf

FIVE YEARS AGO
DEC. 27, 2018

Byrne honors Norris’ service: Last Thursday, the 12-year service on Monroe County Probate Judge/County Commission Chairman Greg Norris was recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, asked that Norris’ service as probate judge and county commission chairman be entered into the U.S. Congressional Record.
Norris, who will finish his second six-year term in a couple of weeks, announced about a year ago that he would retire from the political arena at the end of his present term.

Excel boys move to 8-1: Excel’s Panthers went 2-0 last week, bringing their record to 8-1 heading into the Christmas break.
On Monday, Panthers defeated W.S. Neal in Excel 45-28. On Tuesday, the Panthers defeated county rival J.U. Blacksher 55-44 before a packed house in Excel.
(Top Excel players in those games included Josh Gandy, Justin Manuel and Zeb Nettles. Al Bowen was Excel’s head coach.)

Tea to honor Knight to be held Jan. 6: The Belle Lettres Service Organization will host a tea in honor of Kaylee Knight, Distinguished Young Woman of Monroe County, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 6, at Vanity Fair Golf Club in Monroeville.
The Alabama state program will be held at Frazier United Methodist Church Wesley Hall on Fri., Jan. 18, and Sat., Jan. 19. Knight will be in Montgomery beginning on Jan. 11.
Knight is the daughter of Jerry and Tammy Knight of Monroeville and has one sister, Katelin. She is a senior at Monroe Academy.

30 YEARS AGO
DEC. 23, 1993

Navy Seaman Jeffrey D. Cantey, a 1991 graduate of Monroe County High School, recently became a “plank owner” while with the guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf, homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Traditionally, the term “plank owner” is given to those original crewmembers who are on board a ship when it is commissioned and becomes part of the U.S. Naval Fleet. The ceremony was held at Norfolk Naval Station.

Outstanding gridiron players are named to all-state team: Five outstanding players from three Monroe County schools were recently given statewide recognition by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
J.U. Blacksher High School’s Kenny Johnson and Frisco City High School’s Tony Gibbs and Adrian Bullard were named to the association’s annual 1A all-state team.
David Pleasant, a standout at Monroe County High School, and Frisco City’s Roy Bonner were listed as honorable mentions on the Class 5A and 1A all-state teams, respectively.

Monroe native to head Evergreen police: A Monroeville native has been hired to head Evergreen’s police department.
Thomas Booker, 43, was approved for the post by the Evergreen City Council at its Dec. 14 meeting. He will begin work Jan. 12.
Booker, brother of Marthe Myers of Monroeville, already has family connections in Conecuh County. His cousins there include Sheriff Edwin Booker and Probate Judge Rogene Booker.
Thomas Booker will be retiring from his present position as police chief in Ripon, Wisc., a job he has held for 11 years.

55 YEARS AGO
DEC. 26, 1968

Junior Miss Pageant Displays Top Talent: Patty Kress, senior at Monroe County High School, was named Monroe County’s Junior Miss at the annual pageant held Dec. 14. Patty is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.S. Kress.
Gayle Mason of Uriah was first runner-up, and Sharon Jaye of Mexia was named second runner-up.
Melissa Moore won the talent award and was elected Miss Congeniality by the contestants.
The judges’ conference award was a three-way tie with Ramona Sue Hyde, Patty Kress and Sharon Jaye each receiving a silver trophy.

Tigers Win Christmas AAA Tournament: The MCHS Tigers won the trophy by beating the T.R. Miller Tigers by one point in a game that proved to be a cliffhanger for four long quarters during the Invitational Christmas Tournament at the Coliseum Sat., Dec. 21, at 8 p.m. The Tigers are pictured here just before the 39-38 battle with the Brewton school. (Members of the team included Ronnie Taylor, Mike Kimbrel, Ronnie Philen, Johnny Tatum, Al Bentley, Wendell Simmons, Butch Andress, Kenny Stacey, Jim Stallworth and Mike Colquett.)

New officers will be installed by the Kiwanis Club of Monroeville at the first meeting of the new year Fri., Jan. 3.
Jim McAlarney will succeed Bill Stewart as president of the organization. Other incoming officers include Bill Nettles, first vice president; Larry Knight, second vice president; John Bowden remains as secretary and L.C. Hendrix remains as treasurer.
Members of the incoming board of directors are Wayne Elliott, Fred Nall, Tandy Culpepper, Joe Nettles, Jim Nicholson, Carl Langlois and Mr. Stewart.

105 YEARS AGO
DEC. 26, 1918

The Monroe County High School suspended last Friday for the holidays. Work will be resumed on Dec. 27.

Death of Evaline Erline Sawyer: The many friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Sawyer sincerely sympathize with them in their loss of their little girl.
Evaline Erline Sawyer was born Feb. 3, 1916 and died Nov. 25, 1918. She had only a short illness, being attacked by Spanish influenza and she could not withstand the ravages of this awful disease.
Evaline was just a little girl but had won the love of all who knew her and we can only console the bereaved family by saying that she is sleeping peacefully on the bosom of the loving Jesus who gave her.

NOTICE TO ALL STOCK OWNERS: For several weeks the citizens of Monroeville have been very much annoyed by horses, cows and hogs running at large in the town and we wish to call attention to an ordinance which prohibits the running at large of all stock. The ordinance provides that the marshal shall impound all animals found running on the streets and for each day any animal is kept up, the marshal shall receive 50 cents, including 50 cents for feeding such animals. It also provides that any person who knowingly or willfully violates this ordinance shall be fined not more than $100 or sentenced to hard labor.
The town authorities have no disposition to wound the feelings or take any undue advantage of any citizen and all are earnestly requested to take up their stock on or before Mon., Dec. 30, after which time, the law will be strictly enforced.

131 YEARS AGO
DEC. 22, 1892

Before another issue of The Journal reaches its readers, the holiday season will be past. To each one it extends the wish for “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

This number of The Journal closes its 25^th year. We desire to spend a few days in undisturbed reflection upon the errors of the past, while everybody else is enjoying the holidays, therefore no paper will be issued next week. We hope to greet you again with a brighter face in 1893.

Christmas comes this year on Sunday. Let the day and the holidays succeeding be spent in a decent, sober way, becoming the intelligent, refined and civilized age in which we live. If half the money that is usually spent in drinking and debauchery were spent in procuring comforts for the needy, many an aching heart and head would be soothed.

The Monroe County Masonic Association will meet in Monroeville Tues., Dec. 27, and continue in session two or three days. Prof. A.M. Scott, District Grand Lecturer, will be present. A full representation from each Lodge is earnestly desired.

The happiness and good cheer befitting the season has commenced. A delightful sociable was enjoyed by the young people at the Watson House Tuesday night.

Mr. S.M. Jones, Secretary, has furnished us with the minutes of the last session of Shiloh Singing Convention. They will appear in next issue.

Christmas 1934 played important part in Harper Lee's 'TKAM'

'Atticus Finch' and 'Heck Tate' from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Another Christmas will come to pass this coming Monday. As I pondered this earlier this week, I remembered that the fictionalized Christmas of 1934 was the setting of one of most important events in Harper Lee’s novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Many of you will remember that in Chapter 9 of the book, Scout tells us that she and her brother, Jem, have mixed feelings about Christmas. They like having a Christmas tree and the fact that their Uncle Jack comes home to visit his brother, Atticus, during the holidays. On the other side of the coin, Scout and Jem don’t like going to their Aunt Alexandra’s house at Finch’s Landing or spending time with their irritating cousin, Francis Hancock.

During Christmas 1934, Uncle Jack arrives home by train on Dec. 24, and Atticus has to pick him up at the railroad stop at Maycomb Junction. If you believe that fictional Maycomb County is loosely based on real-life Monroe County, then clues indicate that the railroad station at Maycomb Junction could have been in one of two likely places. It could have been located at the old railroad stop at Monroe Station, not far from downtown Monroeville, or possibly in Repton, which originated as an old railroad town.

When Uncle Jack steps off the train, a porter hands him “two long packages.” After supper that night, the family decorates the Christmas tree, and when Scout goes to bed, she dreams of what’s in the long packages. The next morning, when Scout and Jem rip into the packages, they discover that Atticus has given them air rifles for Christmas.

We go on to read that even though Atticus gave the air rifles to Scout and Jem as Christmas gifts, he won’t teach them how to shoot. That task is left to Uncle Jack, a medical doctor. Remember that elsewhere in the book, Miss Maudie Atkinson refers to Atticus as “One Shot Finch” because in his younger days, Atticus was considered the best shot in the county. Atticus has retained the skills, as we see in the dramatic scene where Atticus brings down a rabid dog with one shot from Sheriff Heck Tate’s Krag-Jørgensen rifle.

Atticus later tells Jem, “I’d rather you shoot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Scout had never heard Atticus say that it was a sin to do something, so she asks her neighbor, Miss Maudie, about it.

“Your father’s right,” Maudie said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

These paragraphs not only give us the book’s title, but they also convey the novel’s central message: It is a sin to harm or kill the innocent. A deep reading of the book shows us that Maycomb is full of “mockingbirds.” These innocents include Jem, Scout, Boo Radley and, of course, the falsely convicted Tom Robinson.

Dale Masonic Lodge in Camden was once one of Alabama's 'moon lodges'

Dale Masonic Lodge in Camden, Ala.

Yesterday – Wednesday, Dec. 20 – marked the 196^th anniversary of the founding of Dale Masonic Lodge No. 25 in Camden.

According to the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alabama, Dale Masonic Lodge No. 25 was founded on Dec. 20, 1827 in what was then called Dale Town, a community that later became known as Prairie Bluff. Dale Town, which was located on a high bluff on the west side of the Alabama River north of the present-day Miller’s Ferry Bridge, was named after early Alabama pioneer Samuel Dale. Known as the “Daniel Boone of Alabama,” Dale died in May 1841 in Mississippi.

Records reflect that Thomas Bivin Creagh, a prominent early Alabama Freemason, served as the first Worshipful Master of Dale Lodge when it was officially organized in 1827. From there, Creagh went on to serve as the Grand Master of the Alabama Grand Lodge in 1828, 1829 and 1830, and it’s said that he is the only Grand Master to serve in that position for three consecutive years. Creagh passed away at the age of 73 in March 1842 and was buried in the Creagh-Glover Cemetery near Catherine.

Dale Town (sometimes spelled “Daletown”) started to decline in the 1840s, not long after the county seat was moved from Canton Bend to Barboursville, which was renamed Camden in 1841. During the 1840s, the members of Dale Lodge voted to move their lodge to Camden, where the lodge remains today at the intersection of Broad Street and Clifton Street. Sources say that the cornerstone of this majestic building was laid in November 1848, which was about a decade before the Wilcox County Courthouse was built.

Even though the lodge moved to Camden in the 1840s, the earliest reference that I could find to “Dale Lodge” in back issues of The Progressive Era was in the May 18, 1887 edition of the paper. That paper listed the names of the lodge’s principal officers. Those men included Worshipful Master R.C. Jones, Senior Warden Jno. S. Hunter, Junior Warden R.E. McWilliams, Treasurer N. McArthur, Secretary T.S. Caldwell, Senior Deacon J.B. Christian, Junior Deacon W.S. Bonham, Chaplain E. Moore and Tyler J.P. Dannelly.

That week’s paper also mentioned that the lodge’s regular meetings were conducted on the Friday on or before the full moon of each month. This raised a red flag with me because this means that the lodge was once what was known as a “moon lodge.” Harkening back to the days before electric lights, when men had to travel dark roads by foot, horse or wagon, to and from lodge meetings, “moon lodges” like the one at Camden met on nights dictated by the full moon.

There were many lodges of this type in Alabama at one time, but with the advent of electric lights, they all faded away. To date, there is only one “moon lodge” left in all of Alabama. That would be Blacksher Masonic Lodge No. 593, which is located at Uriah in southern Monroe County.

In the end, Dale Lodge currently meets on the third Monday of each month. This means that at some point it stopped being a moon lodge, probably many years ago. If anyone in the audience knows when the lodge discontinued this practice, please let me know.

George Singleton recounts 1950 Christmas Eve battle in Korean War

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 “A Christmas Eve to remember” was originally published in the Dec. 24, 1987 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Sunday, Dec. 24, 1950, was a day to be remember. The steep hills of Korea to the north were covered with snow, and the temperature was well below zero. The fading light cast huge shadows across the valleys as the coming darkness gradually pushed its way up the sides of the steep hills, and began to cover the foxholes and the men who waited there like a great gray massive blanket.

The smell of death rode the winds, as hundreds of bodies, both American and North Korean, stained the new-fallen snow with their life’s blood. The attack that had come from the high hills in front had been beaten back. The waves of charging human flesh had faltered, as the stench of burnt gunpowder, mixed with cries of the wounded, penetrated the very souls of those who waited.

All knew that before too long, the North Koreans and their Chinese allies would muster once more in the hills beyond and try once again for victory over their hated American opposition.

Eat, rest and nap

Word was passed from foxhole to foxhole that now was the time to check all weapons and maybe try and eat the cold C rations – if by a miracle, anyone there was hungry. Also, a time to rest and catch a nap. The night promised to be long and full of surprises.

Some tried to wrap themselves in their ponchos to protect them from the freezing mud and rest for a few precious minutes. All dreamed of home and what it would be like if by some miracle the distance that separated them could be pushed aside.

The air was uneasy with quietness. Nothing seemed to move; only the cold freezing wind seemed active. It would sweep down across the foxholes and blow downward into the muddy crevices as though searching one out to grasp with its icy fingers. Sleep was slow in coming.

A bugle call to death

As the icy winds swept down from the north and across the hiding places of the enemy, the dreaded high-pitched notes of a small tin bugle touched every year that could hear its call of death. All knew that this was the prelude to the release of the legions from hell that would soon flow down the sides of the hills up front, to their date with eternity.

Within seconds, thousands of bugles had joined the nerve-shattering call. The sounds seemed to pierce the very souls of those who waited. Many who would never see the dawn of Christmas morning.

Then, as though some giant signal had been given, the bugles stopped. The quietness rushed forth with the force of a great tidal wave. The silence was deafening.

As the masses of the thousands of humans began to charge down the hills toward the waiting Americans, the approaching noise seemed as though a thousand locomotives had broken loose and were running out of control, all in the same direction.

Pitchforks and explosives

Wave after wave of screaming human demons charged across the open spaces that lay to the front. Many armed only with pitchforks, others with explosives tied to their bodies, facing certain death as they struggled to reach the hated Americans.

The deafening noise of weapons firing caused one to scream into the darkness to regain his sanity. Rifle barrels became too hot to touch as the charging masses tried to force their way over the piles of their own dead comrades in a battle to the death with the enemy they had been taught to hate. Each, in one last, desperate effort, to close in hand to hand combat with the enemy that waited in the darkness.

The gray dawn crept ever so carefully across the open spaces to the front, as though trying not to disturb the sleep of the dead who littered the frozen ground, all stained with blood. Quietness had again gained control of the fields of death. A stanching fog of smoke settled across the fields.

Looking into two worlds

Above the smoke, the coming dawn could be seen. Below, only death and agony. Looking at the smoke, it seemed that one was looking into two worlds – the beauty of the coming morning on one hand, and the aftermath of hell let loose on the other.

This was Christmas morning. Somewhere down the line of foxholes to the left, someone began to sing. “O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.”

From the other foxholes along the edge of the hill, other voices joined in unison. A strange feeling of peace settled across the fields of death. Christmas had arrived; one could feel it in the air.

(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, was bitten at least twice by venomous snakes, 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 Dec. 19, 2023

Richmond Pearson Hobson

58 YEARS AGO
DEC. 16, 1965

Big still is knocked out, two men arrested: A ‘king-size’ moonshine still was destroyed and two of the men running it arrested late Tuesday afternoon. It had a capacity of about 1,000 gallons, being an 85 barrel set-up. Officers said it had only been in operation a very shot time, judging from appearances, and probably only one or two batches had been run off.
The still was located off the road between Lenox and Range. A.T.U. agents, A.B.C. agents and Sheriff James (Shorty) Brock’s force destroyed the still.
The A.T.U. agents placed two men, both from Atmore, under arrest while another man, possibly two, ran and got away.

Mrs. Cherry Crawford of Birmingham, Division Officer of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, visited the Pinckney D. Bowles Chapter Mon., Dec. 13.

Army Staff Sgt. William G. Johnson, 29, son of William G. Johnson, Route 1, Evergreen, and other members of the 7th Infantry Division are participating in Exercise FLYING TACKLE, a five-day field training exercise in Korea, ending Dec. 11.

Outstanding young farmer sought by JC’s: The Evergreen Jaycees have inaugurated their annual survey to name Conecuh County’s ‘Outstanding Young Farmer’ of 1964-65. The program is designed by the U.S. Jaycees to bring about a better understanding of the problems and achievements of the farmers in Conecuh County.

73 YEARS AGO
DEC. 21, 1950

Local Guard Unit Called Into Federal Service: Battery ‘C’ 177th Field Artillery Battalion, local National Guard unit, has been alerted for a call back to active Federal service early in January. The unit will go on active duty Jan. 16 and will be sent to Fort Jackson, S.C. for further training.
The local unit is part of the 31st Infantry Division, which earned fame as the Dixie Division in the South Pacific in World War II. The Dixie Division is made up of guardsmen from Alabama and Mississippi.
Two National Guard Divisions will be called into Federal service in January. This is the first move, following President Truman’s national emergency speech last week, toward expanding armed forces. Draft calls have also been stepped up.
Some 80 officers and men will leave with the local guard company. Ten of that number are students at Evergreen High School.

Family Left Homeless By Monday Night Blaze: A fire of undetermined origin consumed the home of a family near here Monday night. Actually the fire occurred in the early morning hours Tuesday. The Evergreen Fire Department was called to the fire on the Owassa Road about four miles out of town, but the fire had too much toe-hold and, too, there were no water connections.
Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Potts and four children were left homeless by the blaze. They were awakened from their sleep by the fire and were not able to save much clothing and lost all their furniture. The home belonged to D.T. Stuart.

84 YEARS AGO
DEC. 19, 1939

Bank Building Sale Is Approved By Court: Title to the bank building of the Peoples Bank of Evergreen will pass this week to Mrs. V.W. Millsap.
After a public hearing Tuesday at which no protests or higher offers were received, Circuit Judge F.W. Hare approved the sale of the building to her for a cash consideration of $16,000.
B.E. Jones, attorney for the state banking department, immediately began preparation of the papers necessary for the transfer and sent them to the superintendent of banks for his signature.
The hearing Tuesday was the second to be held in connection with the proposed sale of the building. Judge Hare held a hearing on Nov. 26 on a petition for the sale of the building to W.K. Horton for $15,000, but this hearing was broken up when Mrs. Millsap offered $1,000 more.
The sale Tuesday marked the first transfer of the property in more than 29 years, the bank having purchased it on April 5, 1906 from J.D. Deming and Fannie D. Deming, his wife. The lot is 50 feet wide and 125 feet deep.

Shaver Is Elected To Board of Revenue: Polling a substantial vote in 10 of the 12 boxes, including a 106 to 20 sweep of his home precinct, W.R. Shaver was elected Tuesday to the Conecuh County Board of Revenue from District No. 4.
Mr. Shaver has served five years and three months previously on the board. He was chosen to fill the unexpired term of M.A. Travis, who resigned to become chairman, and was chosen for a full four-year term at the following election.

103 YEARS AGO
DEC. 15, 1920

Mrs. R.L. Bates received a message on Monday announcing the accidental death of her brother, John Holliday at Bangor, Maine. He fell down a flight of stairs at a hotel, death resulting instantly.

NOTICE – Any person who employs my son, Julius Peacock, is hereby warned that he is a minor and his wages must be remitted to me. J.A. Peacock, Jay, Fla.

Homicide at Repton: Walter Solomon was given a preliminary trial on Saturday last before Judge Dean, charged with the killing of Sherman English at Repton on the evening of Dec. 8. Judge Dean held the defendant to face the action of the grand jury, bond being fixed at $750, which he quickly furnished.
The defendant resides at Excel. Both men were operating taxis and it appears that the trouble between them arose over the transporting of a passenger.

George Ruston, charged with the killing of Will Yates, was given a preliminary trial on Thursday last before Judge Dunn. The defendant was discharged, the evidence showing justifiable homicide.

Richard Furguson claims to have been held up and robbed of about $13 by a strange man near the mineral spring on Friday evening on his way home from town. He says the highwayman held a pistol on him while he was forced to hand out all the money he had. The man made good his escape.

118 YEARS AGO
DEC. 20, 1905

Richmond Pearson Hobson, the hero of the Merrimac, will deliver a lecture at Court House on the night of Jan. 1.

Street parade by ‘Hayseed Band’ at 12:30 – ‘Uncle Josh Spruceby.’

East Lynne at the Opera house tonight by Ina Lehr Stock Company.

Postmaster Strout left a few days ago for Boston whither he was called by the serious illness of his mother. He will be absent several days.

Tax Collector Oliver is now in his office at the court house and will be for several days to accommodate tax payers.

W.W. Pridgen left several days ago for Kentucky to purchase a large shipment of high class horses and mules for the firm of Lee & Pridgen. These gentlemen have built up a fine trade on live stock as well as in buggies and wagons.

The regular term of county court will be held on the 26th instead of the 25th, which is Christmas Day.

Mr. Thames and family have removed to this place from Finklea. They are at present occupying the Pritchett residence on Salter Street. Mr. Thames has employment at the livery stable of Jeff Millsap. They are cordially welcomed to Evergreen.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for Dec. 18, 2023

 USS Saipan in 1952.

TWO YEARS AGO
DEC. 16, 2021

Marshall attends meeting: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall attended the Monroe County Republican Party’s monthly meeting last Thursday at the Excel Community Center. (Others at the event included Rebecca Cornelison, Beth Saucer, Excel Mayor Jenny Countryman and Brian Ward.)

BHS girls 6-0: J.U. Blacksher’s Lady Bulldogs moved to 6-0 Friday night in Beatrice when they defeated J.F. Shields for the first time in the school’s history. Blacksher posted a 50-47 victory, handing the Lady Panthers their first loss of the season.
Blacksher Head Coach Zachary Smith said he couldn’t be more proud of the effort by his team, which is overall still a young team. Taniya Boykin posted 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Lady Bulldogs.
(Other top players on Blacksher’s team included Macie Chunn, Gerri-Ryan Espey, McKenna Gibson, Tanna Spence, Aniyah Tucker and Larri-Barbara Turner-Watts.)

Students attend council meeting: Local high school government students attended Monday night’s Excel Town Council meeting and helped conduct town business in the county’s final regular meeting of the calendar year.
During the meeting at Excel Town Hall, four Excel High School students took seats at the council table and assumed the roles of public officials. Saywon Dokie assumed the role of mayor, Bryson Anderson served as a councilman, Emily Taylor served as town clerk and Caleb Chandler served as fire chief. All four are members of Lee Payne’s government class at Excel.

27 YEARS AGO
DEC. 19, 1996

Local building on state register: Monroeville’s First National Bank-Elbrecht Building has recently been added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
The building is a one-story, flat-roofed brick structure dating from 1925 and reflecting the influence of the Classical Revival style on early 20^th Century commercial architecture.
Constructed by W.E. Ward, the building served as the office of the First National Bank from its organization by Dr. D.M. Maxwell in 1925 until the 1970s, when it became a branch of the Monroe County Bank. In 1995, the branch office was closed and the property was purchased by local attorney George Elbrecht.

Frisco wins thriller at home: Frisco City evened its Area 3 record to 1-1 when the Whippets nipped Pleasant Home 49-47 in high school boys basketball action Friday in Frisco City.
Walter Lambert finished the contest with 14 points and nine rebounds. William Kyles added 12 points to the charge. John Tucker had nine points. Glennis Curry scored eight points. Quamie Richardson had four points. Jeremy Watson got two points and seven rebounds.

County music recording artist Daron Norwood visited Monroeville for the seventh time last week and declared the city his “second home.” Norwood, a native Texan, received the Key to the City from Mayor Anne Farish and a proclamation from the County Commission and the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce from Probate Judge Otha Lee Biggs. Norwood performed in concert Friday night and served as grand marshal of the Christmas parade in Monroeville Saturday morning.

52 YEARS AGO
DEC. 16, 1971

14 will compete for Jr. Miss title: Fourteen high school seniors will be vying for Monroe County’s Junior Miss title when the annual pageant, sponsored by the local Jaycees, is presented Saturday night, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. in Greer Auditorium.
(Contestants that year included Anne Bailey, Pam Black, Jan Bush, Mary Clyde Duvall, Patti Pelham, Hope Robinson, Eva Marie Sinkes and Cynthia Tucker, all of Monroe County High School; Karen Barnes and Kathy Weatherford of Frisco City High School; Linda English and Betty Hartley of J.U. Blacksher High School; Jo Manning of Excel High School; and Karen Prouty of Monroe Academy.)

Excel receives sportsmanship award: Ned Turnipseed, president of the Central Alabama Officials Association, presents Excel High School Principal Bobby Grissette and Coach Lee Holliday the Best Sportsmanship Award for 1A and 2A football teams. The award is not only for the football team and school, but also for the fans that follow the Panthers. It was presented Wednesday night, Dec. 8, at the officials annual banquet in Montgomery.

Visit from the first lady: Monroeville had a distinguished visitor Wed., Dec. 8, when Mrs. George C. Wallace, Alabama’s first lady, visited Vanity Fair Mills here. Mrs. Wallace said she was very impressed with Monroeville and hopes to visit here again soon. She is pictured with Jake Niehuss, vice president of public relations, Vanity Fair Mills, as she prepared to board her plane bound for Montgomery.

77 YEARS AGO
DEC. 19, 1946

Local Scouts Take Cruise On Ship: A large party of the Monroeville Scouts left early Tuesday morning for Pensacola to go about the USS Saipan for a two-day cruise.
The Monroeville Scouts were accompanied by K.J. Lazenby, Monroeville, Scout Commissioner; A.B. Blass, the Chairman of the Troop Committees; and Scoutmasters T.M. McMillan and R.A. Wible.
The following Scouts made the trip: Bobby Lindsey, Julius Farish III, Bob Ryland, Sam Pierson, Bennett Pierson, Mort McMillan, Kenneth Hammond, Dale Phillips, Bill Thompson, Curwood Belcher, Tommy Watson, Kenneth Hundley, Karl Mims Lazenby, Joseph Blass, John C. White, Junior Ryland, Pink Jackson, Chas. Andrews, Jimmy Rowell, Allen Law McCall, Neal Terry, D.M. Nettles, Geo. C. Nettles, Joe Lee Nettles and Assistant Scoutmaster Joe Brantley.

Monroeville Defeats Chatom, 21-9: The Monroeville Tigers got off to a good start in their first basketball game of the season by defeating the Chatom team 21-9 on the home court Friday night. Farish was high scorer for the Tigers with a total of 11 points, and Taylor second with seven, Primm and Biggs scoring the remaining three points.

Miss Jennie Faulk spent several days last week with Misses Maud and Margaret Howard in Mobile.

TURKEY DINNER FOR W.H. MANNING: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Manning gave a turkey dinner recently in honor of their son, W.H. Manning, who has been discharged from the Army after serving six years.

102 YEARS AGO
DEC. 15, 1921

Postmaster W.A. Giddens of Jones Mill was a business visitor here Tuesday.

Excavations have been made for laying the foundation of the Faulk building on Eastside.

Mr. D.H. Sawyer of Jones Mill was in to see us Tuesday. He reported work on the new High School building progressing satisfactorily.

Mr. Thomas R. Coleman was shot and perhaps fatally injured by Macon Harrison, his brother-in-law, near Excel last Saturday morning. The parties had a falling out over a rental agreement. The injured man was taken to the Turberville Sanitarium for treatment. Late advice held out little hope for his recovery. Harrison voluntarily surrendered to the sheriff and was released on bond. Indulgence in “shinny” is alleged to have been the cause of the trouble.

Rev. Eugene Clarke, rector of St. James Episcopal Church, Perdue Hill, will conduct services at the courthouse in Monroeville on Thursday evening, Dec. 22, at 7 o’clock. The public is cordially invited.

LOST or STRAYED: One black Poland China sow, white streak in face, marked split in each ear. Last seen at Sam Nettles’ at McMillan old mill. Finder will shut up and notify me and get reward. E.C. Metts, Monroeville, Ala.

Mr. and Mrs. L.N. Faulkenberry of Tunnel Springs favored The Journal office with a pleasant call while in town Monday.

Messrs. Riley Kelly and J.L. McArthur were up from Excel Tuesday.

The Town of Jones Mill was first named after local preacher

Rev. J.W. Jones and wife, Mary.

My wife and son and I went to the Christmas parade in Frisco City on Saturday afternoon. We got there a few minutes early and parked in a parking space at Chandler’s grocery store, waiting for the parade to start. While sitting there, I began to tell my 15-year-old son, James, about how much the town had changed since the days when I was his age.

I guess that I have reached the point in life, when, at nearly half a century old, I can remember when the town was significantly different. I pointed out the vacant lot where People’s Drugs was located before it burned to the ground over 20 years ago. Not far from this was the restaurant known as Ree-Bams, which sold the tastiest cheeseburger this side of New Orleans.

I recounted the day in 1988 when the town capped off its centennial celebration by having a large parade to mark the town’s 100^th birthday. I was 12 years old and remember winding my way through the crowded sidewalks with my buddies, each of us with a pocket full of “Bang Pops” that we’d bought for cheap at the Econ gas station down the street. Some of you may remember these poppers, small noise makers wrapped like Hershey kisses in white tissue paper. When thrown to the ground (or at your buddy) they would make a remarkably loud “pop!”

During the centennial celebration, the town fathers buried a time capsule in Jones Park. If you go there today, you’ll see it there in a brick encased monument near the big, red caboose. Containing memorabilia of the town’s past, it’s not to be opened until 2088.

Not far from the time capsule is the old Jones House. To the best of my memory, I have never been inside this old house, and I have often wondered what it looks like inside. It’s claim to fame is that it was once the home of the Rev. James Wiley Jones, the “founder” of Jones Mill.

J.W. Jones, who went by “Jim,” was not the first person to live in what we now call Frisco City. Members of the Stacey family owned much of the land where the town sits today, but Jones is credited with building a cotton gin, saw mill, grist mill and store in what would eventually be called Jones Mill. When the town incorporated in 1909, he became its first mayor.

Jones no doubt has many descendants living today. He and his wife, Mary, had nine children, and when Jim died he had 25 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Jones passed away in January 1943 at the age of 85, and he is buried in the Mount Pisgah Cemetery, off the Wildfork Road.

Interestingly, Jones would have been around 71 years old in 1928 when the town’s citizens voted to change the town’s name from Jones Mill to Frisco City. This name change was made to celebrate the completion of the Gulf, Florida & Atlantic Railroad through the town. This railroad was part of the St. Louis & San Franciso Railroad, which was commonly known as the “Frisco.”

Judge Jonathan N. Stanford was one of Wilcox County, Alabama's most remarkable and respected men

I received a nice e-mail earlier this week from Susan Stanford Jemison, who is seeking more information about her great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Newberry Stanford. While most likely faded from the memories of most Wilcox County residents today, Stanford was one of the most remarkable and respected men that the county has ever produced.

Born at Allenton on June 21, 1845, Stanford was named Jonathan Newberry after his grandfather, who settled at Oak Hill in 1818. In February 1861, at the age of 15, he enlisted in Co. B of the 1st Alabama Artillery and went on to serve throughout the rest of the War Between the States. Records reflect that he also served with the Wilcox True Blues and Co. D of the 3^rd Alabama Cavalry.

After the war, he served as Wilcox County Tax Collector for 12 years and as Wilcox County Probate Judge for 11 years. For many years, he also served as a trustee of the Camden Baptist Church. He was also an active member of the Masonic lodge.

Stanford was married twice. He married Mary Melton Seales in 1865, and they had nine children. Mary passed away at Pine Apple in 1896 at the age of 51. Over a year later, in October 1897, Stanford married Alma Packer, and they went on to have three children.

Stanford passed away on Jan. 28, 1918 at the age of 72 and, wearing his old Confederate uniform, he was buried in the Camden Cemetery. Newspaper accounts said that the attendance at his funeral was “said to have been perhaps the largest at any funeral ever held in Camden. Many beautiful floral offerings from far and near testified to the high esteem in which he was held.”

His obituary was published in the Feb. 7, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, and it testifies to Stanford’s esteemed reputation. The newspaper described him as “an honored and useful citizen,” who was a “true representative of the chivalry, hospitality and gentility of the Old South, and a leader of the reconstructive forces of the New South, set for the restoration of the broken fortunes and devastations wrought by the horrors of war.”

The newspaper noted that, “as a soldier, (Stanford) was brave, gallant and loyal, loved and honored by his comrades.” For many years, Stanford enjoyed attending reunions of Confederate veterans, “taking his place in the ranks of gray, fond as a boy of his soldier’s uniform, with the soldierly bearing, erect, manly and dignified.”

Stanford was described as “a man of sterling worth and character,” who administered the offices of tax collector and probate judge “with credit and honor to himself and the county. In public, as in private life, he was loyal and true to his friends, fair and courteous to his opponents, standing firmly for his principles and convictions of right and duty. He stood for the best things in public and social life, was on the right side of moral questions and was a positive force for the public welfare, hence his going is a distinct community loss.”

In the end, there is no doubt that Mrs. Jemison is directly descended from an ancestor that she can be rightfully proud of. If anyone in the reading audience has any additional historical information about Stanford, please let me know. I’ll be happy to pass it along to Mrs. Jemison.

George Singleton: Don't worry about the night and its mysteries

Backwoods scene in Monroe County

(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 “Overnight hike reveals wonders of nature” was originally published in the Oct. 6, 1977 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

As I have stated many times in previous articles, we do not enjoy the outdoors as we should.

We tend to be content to just sit in front of our televisions and watch events flash across the screen. We have grown accustomed to the hardcore violence and tragic happenings to the point that we accept this as a way of life.

For the next few paragraphs, may I suggest one of the most wonderful ideas that will make the weekend linger in your memory for years to come.

First, secure a small backpack that will enable you to carry the few essentials you will need for a two-day journey. Select the provisions that will supply your body with the necessary nutriments on your outing.

Add a light sleeping back and a poncho. Secure these to the backpack so that they are comfortable to carry when strapped to your shoulders.

Select a pair of boots or shoes that enable you to walk for a considerable distance without hurting your feet. Then map out a route through the scenic hills to the north of here.

We are approaching the time of year when the air is cool and the autumn colors will dominate the hillsides. You can wander for hours and watch Mother Nature take on her coat of many colors. You can sit by a small fire at night, look into the heavens, and see splendor that cannot be described by mere man.

And above all, you will be able to see and marvel at the beauty of nature, the fresh air, the sights and sounds that you can actually experience and feel for yourself, rather than let the television set take you there in imagination only.

If you worry about the night and its mysteries, don’t. Sit and listen to the sounds of night and become a part of your surroundings. For each sound you hear, there will be a reason.

Before you know it you will feel as though you are a part of the sounds around you, and life will take on new meaning.

Learning to live in the great outdoors is a challenge to all. To be able to prepare your food over an open fire is a skill all its own.

But, most of all, to be able to walk quietly along the back trails and witness the Creator’s handiwork is a wonder to behold. As you walk, and the joy of your surroundings overwhelms you, don’t be embarrassed to lift your arms to the heavens and talk to your God. He will hear you, I guarantee it.

(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, was bitten at least twice by venomous snakes, 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 Dec. 4, 2023

12 YEARS AGO
DEC. 1, 2011

Parades set for Saturday: Two of Conecuh County’s biggest yearly Christmas events are scheduled for this Saturday in Evergreen and Castleberry.
Evergreen’s annual Christmas parade will be held Saturday at 4 p.m., and Castleberry’s parade is scheduled to begin that day at 11 a.m., organizers said.

Annual meal project a success: The 14^th “Thanksgiving in Conecuh” event was perhaps the biggest and best year for the community service project ever as organizers reported on Monday that volunteers distributed over 450 meals on Thanksgiving Day.
“2011 has turned out to be one of the best years for ‘Thanksgiving in Conecuh’ since its beginning in 1997,” one of the event’s organizers, Diane Sosebee, said.
Over 50 volunteers helped organizers prepare, serve and deliver 454 plates and clean up the event’s meal preparation area, Hillcrest High School’s lunchroom.
Sosebee noted that the project, which delivers meals to the needy and shut-in on Thanksgiving, would not have been possible without the help of Hillcrest High School’s lunch room staff and the school’s principal, Don Lewis.

Troopers work 15 wrecks in county: The Thanksgiving holidays were busy for local state troopers, who investigated 15 automobile accidents in Conecuh County since Nov. 19, including four accidents in the county that injured five motorists.

33 YEARS AGO
DEC. 6, 1990

Leon A. Salter Jr., 81, of Westminster Village, Spanish Fort died Sat., Dec. 1. A well-known Evergreen native, he lived most of his life here until retiring several years ago to Spanish Fort.
Col. Salter served as Circuit Clerk of Conecuh County for a number of years, serving from 1947 to 1951 (while serving in the Korean War) and again from 1965 until his retirement in 1977. He was a popular and efficient office holder as circuit clerk.
Col. Salter joined the Alabama National Guard at Evergreen in 1928 and went through the enlisted ranks to lieutenant colonel. The Alabama Guard, 117th Battalion was activated for federal service on Nov. 20, 1940 and Col. Salter served through World War II until June 1946. He continued his National Guard reserve role until the Alabama Guard was federalized in January 1951 for service during the Korean War. Col. Salter was reassigned to reserve status in 1953. He retired from his rank of lieutenant colonel on Nov. 27, 1969 after 41 years of Army service.
Mr. Salter was an excellent businessman and served his community in many ways.

Weatherman Harry Ellis reports .33 of an inch of rain on Nov. 28. Total rainfall for November was 1.74 inches.

The Courant continues this week publishing the pictures, names and addresses of local servicemen who are stationed in the Persian Gulf area. We ask that you take the time to send these young men a few words of encouragement as they desperately need news from home.

32 YEARS AGO
DEC. 4, 1986

Weather observer Earl Windham reported 1.65 inches of rain on Nov. 25, 0.81 inches on Nov. 28 and 1.54 inches on Nov. 29. Total rainfall for the month of November 1986 was 8.22 inches. He reported highs of 76 on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 and lows of 47 on Nov. 27 and Nov. 28.

The Fuji Blimp created some excitement when it made a scheduled stop at the Evergreen Municipal Airport Middleton Field last week. The blimp got weathered in and didn’t get airborne until Tuesday. The blimp, the smaller of two Fuji Corp. blimps, is 170 feet long and can reach airspeeds of over 50 knots with its two Porsche 911 engines.

Castleberry plans parade Dec. 13: The Town of Castleberry is planning a great Christmas parade this year. If you or your church, club or organization would like to enter a float or car or just march in the parade, you can contact city hall or Linda Calloway, deadline to enter will be Dec. 9. There will be a cash prize for best float. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13.

Evans appointed to Hunt transition team: Governor Elect Guy Hunt has appointed Michael J. Evans to his 79-member transition team. Evans, who is a native of Evergreen (China community) presently resides in Montgomery and is Executive Director of the Rural Alabama Development Corporation, a statewide employment and training agency.

48 YEARS AGO
DEC. 4, 1975

Total rainfall for 1975 has topped the 100-inch mark, according to Earl Windham. This may be a new record for Evergreen and Conecuh County. Windham said the heavy rain Sunday evening, 2.4 inches, sent the total for the year up to 100.9 inches. Also, .8 of an inch of rain fell on Nov. 26.

Tommy Kimbrough of Boykin Jewelers recently graduated from the JIA University for Jewelers, Los Angeles, Calif. Kimbrough is the son of Mrs. Brown Boykin of Evergreen and is in charge of the watch and jewelry repair department at Boykin’s.

The U.S. Postal Service and Postmaster Eugene Hyde would like to remind patrons that Dec. 15 and Dec. 10 are the suggested deadlines for mailing letters and parcel post, respectively, within 48 contiguous states. The deadline for airmail parcels is Dec. 21.

Revenue from Conecuh County’s tax on beer was $9,590.40 for November, up $406.70 over the $9,183.70 collected in October, according to County Treasurer Wayne E. Johnston.

The Lyeffion Baptist Church had an “old fashioned day” Sunday and burned a note indicating payment for the pastorium and broke ground to initiate the bricking of the wood-frame church building. Taking part in the ground-breaking ceremony are Ed Everage, missionary for the Conecuh Baptist Association, T.V. Covin, Hiram Beesley, Carlton McKenzie, Herbert Oakley, Elie Brewton, the Rev. Cliff Boggs, pastor and Talmadge Johnson.

87 YEARS AGO
DEC. 3, 1936

AMERICAN LEGION TO MEET: A special meeting of Alma Martin Post, American Legion, has been called for Friday night, Dec. 4, by Post Commander C.C. Hagood, the meeting to be held at the Courthouse auditorium beginning at 7:30. All ex-service men are urged to attend this meeting, which will take up matters of vital importance to ex-service men.

High Government Officials To Aid In Local P.O. Dedication – Lister Hill and Other Dignitaries to Participate in Dedication Program On Dec. 11 – Headed by Congressman Lister Hill, who will deliver the dedicatory address, high government officials will participate in dedicatory exercises to be held at the new United States Post Office building in Evergreen on Fri., Dec. 11, according to announcement by Postmaster Robert L. Stallworth.
Smith W. Purdum, fourth assistant postmaster general, will also be one of the speakers on the program, according to present plans. Mr. Purdum is probably the highest federal official ever to have been a guest of the city.
Other speakers on the program will include city officials and others of Evergreen. Postmaster Stallworth will preside.

Evergreen Theatre – “The Home of Good Pictures” – SUNDAY, MONDAY – Dec. 6-7 – Gary Cooper in Frank Capra’s “Mr. Deed Goes to Town” – with Jean Arthur. Matinee, Sun., 2 p.m.; Sunday night, 8 p.m.; Bargain Matinee, Monday, 3:15 p.m. – 2 Adults 35 cents, Regular Admission, 10-25 cents.

Mysterious dream helped ‘Preacher Barnes’ reach decision in 1978

Old Pleasant Hill church before moved to present location.

I hated to see in The Journal a couple of week ago that Clayton Barnes had passed away. I’d known “Preacher Barnes” for as long as I can remember even though I had not seen him in many years. For most of my life, he served as the preacher at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, an old country church that sits in the fork of the Shiloh and Bear Creek roads, southwest of Frisco City.

I could tell lots of stories about Preacher Barnes, but one in particular comes foremost to mind. About 20 years ago, several years after his retirement as a full-time minister, he returned to Pleasant Hill to preach homecoming. Like most homecomings at the old-timey church, the crowd was so big that folding chairs had to be brought into the sanctuary from the fellowship hall to accommodate everyone in attendance.

After a few formalities at the beginning of the service, Preacher Barnes stepped behind the pulpit and looked out over the large, silent crowd. For a few seconds, he didn’t say anything, and he began to grow visibly emotional as he no doubt thought about the many years he’d spent behind that pulpit. He regained his composure and apologized, saying that his mind was full of thoughts of the many church members who had gone on to the other side.

He pointed to the “piano side” of the sanctuary and noted where early deacons like Orbie Lee Lambert, Sidney Stacey and others once sat with their families. He said he remembered the many Sunday afternoons that he’d eaten at their family tables after church, rather than driving all the way back to town, where he ran a small grocery store in downtown Frisco City. He said that the Lamberts, Staceys, Baileys and Blantons had been like family to him.

During his early years as the church’s pastor, Preacher Barnes was asked to take a job at another church. This new church had a larger membership, and it paid better. On a Saturday in August 1978, Preacher Barnes sat at his kitchen table and wrote out the letter of resignation he planned to hand the deacons at Pleasant Hill the next morning. Before going to bed, he slipped the letter into the pocket of the jacket he planned to wear to church.

That night, Preacher Barnes had a dream. In this dream, he pulled up in front of Sidney Stacey’s old wood frame house on the Shiloh Road, parking in front of the rusty iron gate, under the shade of an enormous, roadside cedar tree. About the time he opened the gate, 82-year-old Sidney Stacey, wearing overalls and brogans, met him on the walkway to the front porch. An old fox hound snuffled around their feet as the two friends shook hands.

“I know why you’re here,” Sidney told Preacher Barnes. “And I know what you’ve got in your jacket pocket.”

Preacher Barnes said he was sick over the decision and had come to ask what to do. Sidney told him that he understood, but asked Preacher Barnes to consider giving Pleasant Hill a little more time. He didn’t think he would regret it.

The dream ended when Preacher Barnes was woken by the sound of a phone ringing at his house on Snider Avenue in Frisco City. He sat up in bed, the dream still fresh in his mind, and then went to answer the ringing phone. The man on the other end of the line informed Barnes that Sidney Stacey had passed away in the night and that plans for his funeral were now underway.

Believing that God had spoken to him through his dream, Preacher Barnes tore up the letter of resignation and went on to preach at Pleasant Hill for almost half a century. Years later, on that homecoming day, he leaned out over the pulpit and looked into the faces of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those church members who’d gone on to their reward.

“You know, I have never regretted my decision for a single second,” he said with a warm smile before launching into the morning’s sermon.