‘Capt. Smith’s Bear Story’ is hard to top

I’ve driven by the bear-crossing sign at the hospital countless times since it was put up about a year ago, but the other day on my way home, I saw the sign and it got me to thinking about bears. As far as I know, no one’s reported seeing any bears in Monroeville lately, but who’s to say how many bears cross South Alabama Avenue in the middle of the night when no one’s watching. There may be more bears in our area than we think.

As I continued on to the house, I remembered the funniest bear story I’ve ever heard from our corner of the world. In 1846, several newspapers across Alabama published a tale called “Capt. Smith’s Bear Story,” and two men from Lower Peach Tree figured prominently in this supposedly-true story. The best available version of this story appeared in the Sept. 19, 1846 edition of The Alabama Beacon newspaper in Greensboro, in a column they called “The Humorist.”

The tale begins about the year 1830 when a man known as “Capt. Smith” settled in the Lower Peach Tree community. There, he planted a few acres of corn, cotton, potatoes and a small family garden. As the story goes, he lived a short distance from a man named John Champion, who was in his early 40s.

“My nearest neighbor (John Champion), being better off than the rest of us, had a nice gang of hogs,” Capt. Smith said. “And, feeling a little above his neighbors on account of his wealth, and being a rather overbearing man, too, was not particular whether his stock broke into other people’s fields or not.”

Capt. Smith said that his crop was too small to feed his family and Champion’s hogs too, so he complained to Champion about the hog situation several times, but Champion would never do anything about it. Not long after that, Smith paid a visit to an old neighbor named Erasmus Culpepper, who knew an old-timey trick to fix the hog problem.

Culpepper told him that “if a foot, or even a piece of bearskin was thrown down in a place where hogs (trespass) that they would never show their snouts there again. I went home and got the skin of a bear which I had killed some time before, and having supplied myself with some corn, I went out and saw about 20 fine year-old (hogs) munching away in my field. I ‘tolled them up,’ and catching a good runner, sewed him up in the bear skin, and then turned him loose, when he ran after the rest, who flew from the supposed bear.”

The last that was seen of those hogs was at Bassett’s Creek, which was nearly 40 miles from Smith’s house, “only two being alive, one running from the one sewed up in the skin, and he trying to catch the other – the rest were found dead in the road, having literally run themselves to death. It is needless to add that John Champion’s hogs stayed at home after that.”

In the end, when it comes to bear stories from our neck of the woods, it’s hard to top “Capt. Smith’s Bear Story.” I enjoy hearing these old tales as well as local legends, ghost stories and old folk tales. If anyone in the reading audience has anything along those lines that they would like to share, please don’t hesitate to get up with me.

WBTS veteran was one of Wilcox County, Alabama's 'best citizens'

Benjamin D. Portis

I was looking through some old editions of The Wilcox Progressive Era earlier the other day and ran across an interesting item about one of the county’s old Confederate veterans.

On the front page of the June 24, 1937 edition of the paper, under the headline “CONFEDERATE VETERAN PASSES,” the newspaper reported that “friends over the county will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Ben D. Portis of Lower Peach Tree. Mr. Portis was a Confederate veteran, one of our best citizens and was beloved by all who knew him.”

That week’s edition of The Monroe Journal had even more to say about the death of Portis. On their front page that week, under the headline “B.D. Portis, 94, Is Dead in Wilcox,” it was reported that “B.D. Portis, 94, a Confederate veteran, more than 50 years justice of the peace, died at his home at Lower Peach Tree last Wednesday after a short illness. Funeral services were held at the Portis graveyard.”

The Journal reported that he spent his entire life, except for four years during the war, in the Lower Peach Tree community and that he was one of Wilcox County’s best-known citizens. The Journal noted that Portis served in Co. C and Co. I of the 6^th Alabama Infantry during the war and that he was severely wounded a Boonsboro Gap. Portis eventually recovered from his wounds, rejoined his regiment and was present at Appomattox when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered in April 1865.

According to his tombstone, Portis was born on Feb. 22, 1843 and died on June 21, 1937. Sources say that there were 1,400 men in the 6^th Alabama when it was organized in Montgomery in May 1861. From there, the regiment traveled to Virginia and was assigned to the storied Army of Northern Virginia.

The regiment fought at Williamsburg, Cold Harbor, Seven Pines, Sharpsburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and other engagements. The regiment was hit hard at Seven Pines, losing 59-percent of the men involved in the fight. When the regiment surrendered in 1865, only 80 enlisted men and four officers were left in the unit.

The Battle of Boonsboro Gap, where Portis was wounded, is more popularly known as the Battle of South Mountain. That battle took place on Sept. 14, 1862 near Boonsboro, Maryland. That battle involved 28,000 Union soldiers under the command of George McClellan, Ambrose Burnside and William B. Franklin. On the other side were 18,000 Confederates under the command of General Lee and D.H. Hill.

The battle, which is considered a Union victory, resulted in heavy losses on each side. Union forces suffered 443 killed, 1,807 wounded and 75 missing. On the Confederate side, 325 were killed, 1,560 were wounded and 800 were declared missing.

In the end, Portis and his wife, Lucy, had at least eight children. Their last surviving child was Maria Portis Curtis, who died in 1963 and was buried at Lower Peach Tree. With that many children to their credit, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Portis has numerous descendants still living in and around Wilcox County today.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 25, 2024

32 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1991

Smith’s Ambulance Service, which will celebrate 24 years of serving Conecuh County on July 1, has moved its base of operations to the building which once housed Owens Truck and Tractor.

Mabry and Marty Cook announce the birth of a son, Mabry Allen Cook Jr., born at 7:23 p.m. on June 15, 1991 at Baptist Hospital in Montgomery. He weighed eight pounds, 10 ounces and was 20-3/4 inches long.

The Evergreen High School Class of 1946 met May 18, 1991 for their 45th class reunion. Class members met at the home of Jerry Hart for a picnic lunch and later at the Quality Inn for dinner and a little reminiscing. A former teacher, Mrs. Emma Dunn, was a special guest at the picnic. Pictured left to right are Daisy Lee Crawford, Walter Watson, Ann Burnett Hobson, Evelyn Eddins Barron, Katherine Rutland Burnet, Betty M. Grass Tranum, Matthew Cross, Mary Lucia Carter Carrigan, Cornelia Wiggins Andrews, R.N.V. Wiggins Philyaw, Geraldine Donovan Birkhead, Bill Brown, Faye Prescott McKenzie, Morris Brown, Hazel Padgett Cone, Ruth Huey Moorer, Madeline Potts Nared, Edwina Lewis Sullivan, Mary C. McGraw Durden, Lillian Barlett McGraw, Geraldine Godwin Hart, Mary Lillian Morgan Cross, Bernadine McGraw Williams, Juanita Stinson Worlund, Elois Williams Stinson, Jimmy Murphy, Vivian Laster McCrory, Jesse King and Jodie Pugh Garrett.

48 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1976

Local weather reporter Earl Windham reported .07 of an inch of rain in Evergreen on June 9. He reported highs of 92 on June 11 and June 12 and a low of 52 on June 8.

Miss Karla Ptomey has been named director of the Evergreen High School Band, succeeding Miss Virginia Mullican.

James K. (Jimmy) Cook, chairman of the Conecuh County Hospital Association Executive Board of Trustees, resigned from that post and as a member of the Association Board of Directors effective June 14. His resignation was submitted in a letter to the Conecuh County Commission, the appointing authority, dated June 9.

Jerry Booker, trustee at the Conecuh County Jail, holds a rattler killed by deputy Leroy Ferrell. The rattler was killed inside the city limits. It had four rattles and two buttons.

The Evergreen Rotary Club’s 17th annual Fish & Wildlife Camp held at Tal Stuart’s Pond, original and permanent site, near Belleville last week was a huge success with 64 campers, 13 junior counselors and a number of adults participating. These boys won prizes in various competitions: Gary Weaver, best senior camper; Ed Carrier, spin casting; Melton Bozeman, bait casting; and Rob Stuart, camp doctor, who treated some 30 or 40 ‘patients’ and received a Boy Scout knife as a special award; and Jimmy Ansley, best junior camper; Mike Raines, fly casting; Destry Watson, archery; Al Hendricks, rifle; and Jeff Johnson, shotgun.

78 YEARS AGO
JUNE 27, 1946

Former Negro Slave Dies At Ripe Old Age Of 99: Christana Stokes, age 99 years, six months and 18 days, died at her home near Owassa June 17. She was born as a slave in 1847 and was owned by the Ray Family.

Elmer E. Erb Dies Of Accident Injuries: Friends and relatives of Mrs. Elmer E. Erb (formerly Bertha Dewberry of Conecuh County) will regret to learn of the death of her husband, Elmer E. Erb which occurred June 7, when he accidentally fell from a cherry tree and was killed instantly. It is presumed that he had climbed the tree for cherries and lost his footing when he fell. However, he was alone at the time and was found by passing motorist.

March Planted Cotton Has Fine Crop Bolls: James Jordon and Will Lowe of McKenzie, Rt. 2, were exhibiting some fine specimens of grown cotton bolls here last Saturday. Mr. Jordan stated that they had 14 acres of this cotton which was planted in March and that it had already had a very fine crop of virtually mature bolls. He expects a yield of about a bale to the acre or over, he said.

Friends of E.A. White will be glad to know he is convalescing from a leg injury he suffered last week when a counter in his store became dislodged and fell on him, causing severe injury to both legs.

93 YEARS AGO
JUNE 25, 1931

BURNT CORN MASONS ELECT NEW OFFICERS: Burnt Corn Lodge No. 489, A.F.&A.M., meeting in annual communication on June 10, 1931, elected the following officers to serve the ensuing Masonic year:
James K. Kyser, W.M.; Herbert E. Ellis, S.W.; William W. Thompson, J.W.; Henry H. Brantley, Treas.; Ajax O. Brantley, Sec’y.; Samuel H. Ridgway, S.D.; Felin T. Thames, J.D.; Isaac S. Ridgway, Chap.; Amous P. Waters and Hamp Grace, Stewards; Alma O. Salter, Marshal; James F. Roberson, Tyler.

SEPULGA LODGE ELECTS OFFICERS FOR YEAR: At a regular meeting of Sepulga Lodge, No. 233, held June 20, 1931, the following officers were elected for the ensuing Masonic year:
S.S. Kendrick, W.M.; C.J. Henderson, S.W.; W.L. Sims, J.W.; S.H. Mixon, Treas.; M.A. Lanes, Sec’y; W.M. Anderson, S.D.; S.H. Owens, J.D.; J.D. Pitts, Tyler.

The Baptist Church shown above has recently undergone extensive repairs and improvements made necessary because of fire damage, which occurred several months ago. Among the improvements made was the installation of a $4,000 pipe organ. The instrument will be dedicated Sunday in connection with a Homecoming Day program.

The City Café, formerly located in a building on East Front Street opposite the L&N Depot, has moved to the Ivey Building three doors north on the same street. The move was made Friday night with everything in readiness for business as usual Saturday morning.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for June 24, 2024

26 YEARS AGO
JUNE 25, 1998

Receives degree: Albert Raymond Boroughs IV of Perdue Hill was among 63 University of Alabama students to receive degrees during commencement exercises Sunday in Mobile. Boroughs received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and will continue his medical training at the University of Alabama School of Medicine at Huntsville. He is the son of Bert and Nancy Boroughs of Perdue Hill.

Excel wins BR title: Excel Blue wrapped up the regular season schedule in the South Monroe Babe Ruth Baseball League with a pair of wins last week in Frisco City.
Excel dealt Excel White a 23-10 spanking Tuesday of last week and defeated Excel Black 16-9 Friday to complete the season with a 9-1 record and win the league championship.
(Players for Excel Blue were Scott Bell, Chad Maness, Adam Conway, Derrick Wiggins, Kevin Stewart, Josh Deese, Kyle Thomas, Wesley Qualls, Keith McKinley and Nathan Mixon. Michael Mixon and Levon McKinley were the team’s coaches, and Justin Deese was batboy.)

Board talks about building project: Discussion continued into the $4.8 million renovation project planned for Monroe County Hospital Tuesday night at the hospital board’s regular meeting.
Dr. Woodrow Eddins asked board members questions concerning the architect and plans for the two-story brick structure. Marilyn Culpepper, board chairperson, informed the board of the phase approach to building the new structure.
“We are using the phase approach because we do not want to adversely affect the financial stability of the hospital,” Culpepper said.

51 YEARS AGO
JUNE 28, 1973

Red Eagle’s mother honored: A marker honoring Sehoy Tait Weatherford, mother of William Weatherford (Red Eagle), was dedicated June 3 by the Baldwin County Historical Society.
The site of the David Tait Plantation and the burial place of William Weatherford and his mother, Sehoy, is in Little River, a short distance from the banks of the Alabama River.
The descendants of the Weatherfords, Mims and Tait families were present for the dedication.
Mrs. Hope N. Bokos, from Mobile, working out of The University of South Alabama with the archaeology survey at Fort Mims, gave a talk on “Sehoy Tait Weatherford, third and last princess of the Wind Clan.”

Reds win South Monroe title: The Reds of Uriah won the South Monroe Little League title by placing a 13-3 record. They were also last year’s champs and are the only team to have ever won the two-year-old league title. Members of the team are Mark Mack, Mike Johnson, Chris Harrison, Burt Brantley, Allen Nipper, Allen Mack, Dicky Smith, Mike Turberville, Tracy Qualls, Kevin Barnes, George Colbert, manager Lawrence Brantley and coach Robert Cumbie.

County farm agent to retire Saturday: A.V. “Shorty” Culpepper will officially retire Saturday from his job as Monroe County extension chairman, a post he has held for the past 45 years. The 69-year-old Culpepper announced earlier this month that he would relinquish the post he has held since 1928 on that date. His successor has not been announced.

76 YEARS AGO
JUNE 24, 1948

Last Rites Today For James Lynam: Funeral services for Pfc. James C. Lynam will be held from the Baptist Church in Frisco City this afternoon (Thursday) at 4 o’clock with the Rev. J.F. Bilbro and the Rev. C.C. Pruette officiating.
The body of Pfc. Lynam, who was killed in action in the Pacific area in March 1944, arrived in Frisco City Wednesday accompanied by a military escort from the Memphis General Depot’s American Graves Registration Division.
Lynam was born April 20, 1922 at Huxford, Ala., and moved to Frisco City with his family when he was six months old. He was called into service in November 1942 and went overseas in 1943 with the Americal Infantry Division.

Miss Nelle Lee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Lee, sailed June 17 from New York on the Queen Elizabeth for Southhampton, England. She will travel over the United Kingdom for two weeks before attending summer school at Oxford University.

Local Nine Plays Jay Here Today: Monroeville’s baseball team will play Jay here this afternoon with the tilt scheduled to get underway at three o’clock at Legion Field.
Manager R.C. Snowden announced that either Mike Lennix or William Bayles would take the mound for the Monroeville nine.
Monroeville will play here again Sunday with Frisco City furnishing the opposition. The game will start at 3 p.m. Last Sunday’s game, scheduled with Jay there, was rained out.

101 YEARS AGO
JUNE 28, 1923

Mrs. A.C. Lee and children have returned home after spending some time with relatives at Finchburg.

Eight cases of persons charged with illicit distilling and offenses connected therewith will be called in the county court at its next term. The sheriff’s department has been unusually successful in capturing offenders lately.

FOR SALE: First class milk cow. Will give four gallons milk daily. A.R. Boroughs, Perdue Hill, Ala.

MASONIC CONFERENCE: The next annual session of the Monroe County Masonic Conference will be held with Monroe Lodge No. 485, Franklin, Ala., on July 11-12, 1923. A full delegation from each lodge in the county is requested. Bro. J.W. Thurmond of Castleberry is to be the lecturer. Bro. A.E. Shafer will make a public address July 12 at 11 o’clock. – W.S. Nash, Secretary.

SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING: The following merchants of Monroeville have entered into mutual agreement to close their places of business at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays excepted, during the summer season. The agreement became effective June 11 and will continue until Aug. 31: Sowell Mercantile Co., Barnett & Jackson, Lazenby Mercantile Co., Monroeville Cash Store, Moore Hardware Co., J.S. Burns Jewelry Co., S.W. Hixon, Baggett Fancy Grocery, M. Katz Dry Goods Store, D.M. Ratcliffe and Wiggins Brothers.

Dr. W.H. Hines, Veterinary Surgeon, offers his services to the citizens of Monroe County, day or night. Office in old courthouse. Office phone 67, Residence 50.

139 YEARS AGO
JUNE 26, 1885

A number of persons from this place attended the anniversary picnic and installation of officers of the Claiborne lodge last Wednesday.

A basket picnic will be given at the Henderson bridge tomorrow. Everybody is invited to attend and carry baskets. A pleasant time is anticipated.

Mr. S.B. Cobb, traveling in the interest of the well known hardware house of Jas. Cunningham & Co. of Mobile, was in town this week.

Dr. W.A. and Miss Annie Patrick of near this place attended the closing exercises of the Pine Apple Academy recently.

Mr. Ed Fountain, who lives near this place, had the misfortune to be kicked by a horse on last Sunday evening. He sustained serious, though not fatal injuries from the too close contact with the horse’s heels. He is improving.

Mr. W.B. Jones has again opened his beef market at this place where he will be pleased to furnish his customers with choice beef at lowest market price. Market will be open every Saturday morning at 6:30, northeast corner public square.

Mr. Charlie Yarbrough is having a well bored on his lot in the eastern portion of town by Messrs. Busey & Busey.

Mr. Jacob Dailey of near Buena Vista had a severe attack of cramp colic while plowing in his field, on the 9^th inst., of which he died the next morning at five o’clock.

Does chestnut log hide ‘Lost Treasure of Gailliard Creek’ at Claiborne?

Grave of James Monroe Agee

My son James and I got the itch to put the boat in at Claiborne Landing on Sunday afternoon, and we motored around in his boat for the better part of two hours. James captained the boat and listened good-naturedly as I provided him with a running commentary on Claiborne history and the lesser-known landmarks along the river. The depth of the river was in the single digits on Sunday, allowing us to see much that would have normally been hidden from view.

We eventually stopped at the mouth of Gailliard Creek, just below the remnants of the old grain elevator. At low water, the creek was little more than a yard wide and large portions of the creek bed normally underwater were exposed to the bright sunlight. We looked hard into the sparkling gravel for arrowheads and shark’s teeth, but none were to be found.

As many local history buffs know, there are more than a few tales of lost treasure associated with Old Claiborne, and Gailliard Creek is no exception. The best source of information about this almost forgotten tale is an old newspaper article written by Emma Norwood Hinson that appeared in the Dec. 15, 1940 edition of The Montgomery Advertiser. If I have my family trees in order, Hinson was the granddaughter of James Monroe Agee and Catherine Wheeler Agee, who are buried in the McConnico Cemetery at Perdue Hill.

James Agee, who died in 1884, was a prominent merchant and storeowner at Claiborne. After the War Between the States, Agee made periodic boat trips to New York to purchase goods for his thriving store. On one such trip, Agee walked into a drug store and got into a conversation with the proprietor.

“The ensuing conversation revealed that the proprietor had seen service in the South in the very section where (Agee) lived,” Hinson wrote. At first, Agee found it hard to believe that the druggist had ever been to Monroe County, but as the man described Claiborne, he knew the former Yankee soldier was telling the truth.

During one of their talks, the druggist told Agee that he and his fellow Union soldiers had stolen a lot of silver and other valuables while in Claiborne during the war. They stole so much that they couldn’t carry it all and were forced to hide it so they could come back for it later. The druggist regretted his wartime behavior and hoped that Agee could find the “treasure” and return it to its rightful owners.

The druggist went on to say that he and his compatriots had hidden the loot inside a hollow chestnut log along Gailliard Creek. They’d placed the valuable items inside the hollow log and then blocked the ends with cuts from a smaller tree. They caulked it up and then wedge the cuts in with square-headed nails.

Returning to Claiborne from New York, Agee searched unsuccessfully for the loot for the rest of his life.

“He looked repeatedly for the hidden cache,” Hinson wrote. “Sunday afternoons, when he wanted to take a walk, he’d call his boys and make it convenient to walk on Gailliard’s Creek and look for that elusive log, but he could not find it. Perhaps the treasure is there today in the old log, waiting after all the intervening years.”

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 18, 2024

43 YEARS AGO

JUNE 18, 1981

Local weather observer Earl Windham reported 1.12 inches of rain on June 11 and .56 inches on June 12. He reported a high of 94 degrees on June 411 and lows of 70 degrees on June 11, 12, 13 and 14.

This is the new Evergreen Church of Christ, which is under construction on the Middle Road. The congregation hopes to have its first service in the new building July 12.

The Evergreen City Council met Tuesday night at City Hall with Mayor Pro-tem Aubrey D. Padgett presiding in the absence of Mayor Lee F. Smith. The council voted to discontinue the demand charge on the auditorium portion of the L&N Depot, which is owned by the Murder Creek Historical Society, according to City Clerk Miller Sellers.

The Council adopted a resolution to establish a personnel system for the City of Evergreen.

Chief Ed Bundy of the Evergreen Police Department stands beside one of the signs marking a handicapped parking space. These signs have been placed in the downtown area and at the Public Library and City Hall. Only vehicles operated by handicapped persons will be allowed to use these spaces. Vehicles must have markings, placards, decals or license plates that are issued to such handicapped persons by the State. An ordinance adopted by the City Council can be found elsewhere in this issue of The Courant.

58 YEARS AGO
JUNE 16, 1966

The first cotton bloom of the 1966 crop was brought to The Courant this week by Leslie Crosby, who has had this honor and also that of the first bale to the gin on a number of occasions in the past.
Crosby is a well-known farmer of Rt. E, Evergreen, and has enjoyed good success over the years with cotton and other crops as well as livestock.

Final rites held for local merchant Elbert Northcutt: Elbert Calloway Northcutt, 73, died in a Mobile hospital Thursday morning, June 9. He was a leading merchant of this city who had been active in the clothing business here for over 54 years.
Mr. Northcutt was born in Monroe County, the son of the late Sarah Tom Morris Northcutt and James Nelson Northcutt. He moved with his family as a young boy to Conecuh County, residing here until his death. He was married to the former Ella Henderson on Dec. 25, 1915, they having celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary this past Christmas, and she survives him.
Mr. Northcutt began working as a clerk with F.L. Riley Department Store as a young man of 19. After several years association with this firm, he joined the staff of I. Long & Sons Dept. Store and worked with them until he opened his own business, Northcutt’s, also known as the New York Cash Store, in 1935. Although his business was twice destroyed by fire, Mr. Northcutt through good management and personal knowledge of the people of the area, built up over the years one of the leading men’s and boys’ stores in this area.

We Buy Old Coins of All Kinds – Western Auto Store – Pete Wolff.

73 YEARS AGO
JUNE 21, 1951

Local Masonic Lodge Elects New Officers: At a recent meeting of Greening Lodge No. 53, A.F.A.M., new officers for the ensuing year were elected. They are: Alfred Long, worshipful master; Lloyd G. Hart, senior warden; A.B. Hansen, junior warden; F.L. Cardwell, treasurer; Robert Glass, secretary; Robert Quarles, senior deacon; Clarence Carrier, junior deacon; Ed Carrier, tyler; E.A. Brown, marshall; Sam Granade, chaplain; Loftin Shell and Frank Britt, stewards.

Downing Lodge 580, A.F. and A.M., of Castleberry held their annual meeting Friday night at the Masonic Hall with Benjamin Barlow presiding. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: William Stanley Howell, worshipful master; William James Ellis, senior warden; Alton W. Thompson, junior warden; C.N. Jackson, treasurer; C.U. LeCroy, secretary; S.A. McGraw, senior deacon; C.W. Albreast, junior deacon; and C.A. Poole, tyler.

Edward Evers and James Hassell represented Evergreen High School at Boys State at the University of Alabama.

Mr. and Mrs. Lauris Jones arrived here Sunday from Cambridge, Mass., where he attended Harvard University receiving his Masters Degree in Public Health Engineering. They will spend this week with his mother, Mrs. Ralph McCreary.

88 YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 1936

The house known as the Wilson “old place,” on West Front Street is being renovated by the Rutland Hardware Co. and when the work is finished shortly will be used by the firm as a funeral home.
The Rutland funeral home, when completed, will be the only exclusive funeral home in Conecuh County.

An automobile accident late Sunday night near the Conecuh-Butler county line claimed the life of Solomon Kendrick, 22-year-old son of David Kendrick, well known resident of Beat One.
The youth, who was known to his friends as “Tops,” was almost instantly killed when an automobile he was driving overturned just across the line in Butler County.
Deep sand ruts in the road are believed to have caused Kendrick to lose control of the car.

George W. Foshee, prominent farmer of the Cohassett community, died Sunday afternoon at his home near the eastern border of the county after an illness which began about two years ago. He was in his 64^th year.
Mr. Foshee had spent his entire lifetime at Cohassett and passed away in the old family home there. While principally a farmer, he also was engaged in the ginning business at Red Level and had been in the sawmill business for many years.
He was a Baptist and a Mason and funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Long Branch Baptist Church where services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. R.D. Wright. At the grave, fraternal exercises were conducted by members of the Red Level Masonic lodge.

103 YEARS AGO
JUNE 15, 1921

The body of Rix Smith, who died of wounds in France about two years ago, reached here on Friday night last and on Saturday morning was conveyed to Old Town cemetery for interment. Rev. S.P. Lindsay officiated at the funeral and made a very appropriate talk. Quite a number of overseas soldiers were present at the interment.

J.I. McKinney, superintendent of the L&N Railroad, and connected with the road in one way or another for the past 50 years, will voluntarily retire on July 1. He deserves a well earned rest.

Masonic Officers Elected: The annual election of officers of the local Masonic lodge held on Thursday night last resulted in the selection of the following: L.J. Mixon, worshipful master; Geo. M. Jones, senior warden; J.R. Brooks, junior warden; M.S. Baldwin, treasurer; J. Lamar Kelly, secretary; R.H. Jones, senior deacon; R.E. Ivey, junior deacon; F.N. Hawkins, tyler; Jerry Murphy and R.J. McCreary, stewards; Dr. J.G. Dickinson, chaplain; and Sam Craig, marshal.

Dr. H.T. Fountain of Burnt Corn attended the dedication of the White House of the Confederacy and his name should have appeared among those representing Conecuh, but The Courant was not advised of the fact.

Irish Potato Season at Repton Closes: Repton, Ala., June 11 – Repton has about finished shipping Irish potatoes for the season, having shipped something like 30 cars from Repton and vicinity. Each car contained about 500 bushels. The price received was about $1 per bushel on an average.
This is the first time Repton has planted Irish potatoes, but the experiment has clearly demonstrated the fact that Repton can compete with any place in the state growing Irish potatoes.

The Monroe Journal News Flashback for June 17, 2024

Crayon A. Stacey

25 YEARS AGO
JUNE 17, 1999

Log truck runs into train near Vredenburgh: No one was injured in a wreck between a train and a log truck Wednesday of last week but workers were still on the scene Friday trying to clean up.
Monroe County Sheriff Tom Tate said the log truck was reportedly unable to stop at the railroad tracks on River Ridge Road, near Vredenburgh. The truck had almost made it across safely when the train collided with the last few feet of the trailer.
The collision caused three engines and at least two box cars to derail and spill fuel.

Hanks to nationals: Excel senior Andy Hanks will compete for a national championship in bareback bronc and bull riding events July 19-25 in Gillete, Wyoming.
He will compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo in the bareback bronc and bull riding events. The national finals will be telecast live on TNN Aug. 15 at 1 p.m.
Hanks earned a chance to compete by ranking as reserve champion in bareback and as the average winner in bull riding in the recent Alabama High School State Finals Rodeo in Montgomery.
He is also a member of the Wrangler Jeans all-star rodeo team.

New officer: Monroe County Bank has hired Robert England as its new assistant vice president of operations. England comes to Monroe County from South Alabama Bank in Mobile. He said he is excited about the new job and looks forward to serving his customers here.

50 YEARS AGO
JUNE 20, 1974

New Monroeville chief hired: A 36-year-old Montgomery man with four years’ military and five years’ civilian police experience has been appointed Monroeville police chief. He will take over the job July 1.
The Monroeville City Council appointed Roy F. Sanders last Thursday night, filling a vacancy in the top police-department slot that has existed since Chief James Maples and the other 11 members of the department resigned in a pay dispute May 3.
With Sanders’ hiring, 10 of the previous 13 police-department jobs have been filled – all but two of them with the former policemen who resigned.

Newman named new coach at Frisco City High School: A new Frisco City High School football coach was hired last week by the Monroe County School Board.
The new coach, Cecil L. “Corky” Newman, has been coaching football for 15 years – 13 of them in Alabama. An Alexander City native, his football record totals 93 wins, 53 losses and six ties.
He comes to Frisco City from Lake Placid, Fla., where as athletic director he coached and taught biology and physical education for the past two years. He also coached at Autaugaville High School in Autauga County for 12 years. He also has coached at Citronelle High School.

Summer happiness: Happiness for these three youngsters is finding Monroe County’s first cotton bloom of the 1974 season in their father’s cotton field, which they did Tuesday morning. Displaying the blooms are Mitchell Ward, 4; Ken Ward, 3; and Malinda Ward, 9. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ward of Megargel, farm some 250 acres of cotton.

75 YEARS AGO
JUNE 16, 1949

Uriah Student Attends ‘Boys State” Meeting On University Campus: Maston Mims, Uriah High School student, has been selected by the school to attend Boys State, which is now in session at the University of Alabama.
The Uriah student is president of the student body for the coming school year, president of the senior class, president of the FFA and a member of the Beta Club. The Uriah PTA sponsored the trip.

Funeral services for Crayon A. Stacey, 30, of McCullough, former Monroe County resident, were held from the Mineola Baptist Church Sunday. He was drowned at Smith Lake Friday when his boat overturned while he was fishing with his brother and a friend, Jack Blackman. The accident occurred at the junction of the Alabama and Little Rivers.

There will be a square dance at the Perdue Hill Masonic Hall Friday night beginning at 8 p.m. The dance is sponsored by the Perdue Hill Women’s Club. A small admission, for the benefit of the club, will be charged.

Ralph Stewart pitched Monroeville to its third straight league victory Tuesday night and his fifth straight win when he threw a brilliant four-hit shutout at the State Farm aggregation in a game played here.
On Thursday night of last week, he beat the league-leading Atmore team, 6-3, on their home diamond. The Sunday before, he had handed them their first defeat of the season in a game played here.

Robert McMillan “Mack” Feagin, son of the late Foy F. Feagin, will succeed his father as operator of the Monroeville Pharmacy here. Mr. Feagin, who has operated a pharmacy in Pensacola for the past 17 months, will continue in charge of operations in both stores, but will make his home in Monroeville.

100 YEARS AGO
JUNE 19, 1924

FIRST COTTON BLOOMS: The Journal has received first cotton blooms from the following farmers: John Bigger, June 8; R.T. Youngblood, June 10; John Nettles, Mexia, June 13; W.H. Richardson, Monroeville Route A. Mr. Richardson has 15 acres in bloom. B.R. Biggs, Tunnel Springs, Route 1, June 17. The earliest blooms this year are a few days behind last year’s reports.

Mr. A.L. Slaughter of Lower Peachtree has drilled a deep well at his plantation home in Packers Bend, Monroe County, and struck an overflow of the finest clear sulphur water with 30 pounds of pressure. The water will run out of a two-inch pipe 60 feet high at the rate of 35 gallons a minute. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter and the entire neighborhood are delighted over this wonderful well, which is 516 feet deep.

MASONIC OFFICERS: At a meeting of Tunnel Springs Lodge No. 578, held on June 13, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: F.S. Dailey, Worshipful Master; C.J. Jackson, Senior Warden; G.L. Nettles, Junior Warden; S.B. Nettles, Treasurer; W.S. Nash, Secretary; J.J. Dailey, Senior Deacon; P.S. Jackson, Junior Deacon; and S.E. Helton, Tyler.
Alabama Lodge No. 3, Q. Salter, Worshipful Master; H.A. Baggett, Senior Warden; K.J. Lazenby, Junior Warden; L.L. Hendrix, Treasurer; J.A. Lazenby, Secretary; R.L. Ryland, Senior Deacon; J.J. Hestle, Junior Deacon; and A.L. Nettles, Tyler.

J.C. Harrison of Montgomery, assistant inspector of jails and almshouses, was a visitor to Monroeville the first of the week on official business.

146 YEARS AGO
JUNE 18, 1878

A little son of Dr. Chapman of the Bursonville neighborhood, named Clarence, about eight years old, took a gun and went out in the woods a few weeks ago and killed an owl which measured four feet, eight and three-eighth inches from tip to tip. This is a big owl story, but Capt. W.L. Mims expects us to believe it.

Died at the residence of R.I. Bradley in Claiborne, Monroe County, the 30^th of April 1878, his infant daughter, Georgia Estell, aged one month and 13 days, and on the 6^th of May, his infant son, George Gordan, aged one month and 18 days. The twin buds were nipped from the parent stem, ere they had known them well.

Perdue Hill – The new saloon of the Hill is handsomely fixed up, and looks neat, cozy and enticing. The liquors and cigars are the best brands, the wines are the best the market affords, and the best of beer is always kept on tap.

We are requested to announce that there will be preaching at the Methodist church in Monroeville the fifth Sunday in this month.

For sale: A very desirable residence with six rooms, well furnished, comfortably and conveniently arranged together with necessary outbuildings and a tract of good upland, situated about 10 miles northeast of Monroeville in a good neighborhood, unsurpassed for good water and good health, and offers a rare opportunity to persons desiring either a summer or a permanent residence. Price low. – Apply to Thos. S. Wiggins, Monroeville, Ala.

Plane disappeared in Monroe County, Alabama in June 1961

An example of a Cessna 182.

Each passing year around the middle of June, I am reminded of the fact that we are approaching the anniversary of one of the most unusual aviation incidents in Monroe County history. The mystery began on the night of June 17, 1961 when a Cessna 182 took off in Tennessee and vanished, only to be found over three and a half years later in Monroe County.

The plane was owned by the Security Life Investment Co. of Nashville, Tenn. and was occupied by Gene McGill, 18, of Mobile and John O. Leu, 22, of Nashville. McGill, who worked for the firm, was the plane’s pilot, and Leu was the company’s treasurer and the son of the firm’s president, Frank R. Leu. The plane was last heard from when McGill radioed air traffic controllers that he was turning back due to bad weather.

Once it became apparent that the plane had crashed, a massive search was launched that included the Civil Air Patrol, which established its search headquarters in Evergreen. Other searchers included members of the Monroe County Rescue Squad, helicopters from Fort Rucker, several other light airplanes, radio-equipped automobiles, searchers on horseback and four friends of the plane’s occupants from Nashville.

The search covered a wide area because an oil slick and other evidence found a week after the crash led many to believe that the plane had crashed into the Alabama River near Mount Vernon in Mobile County. Also residents of Tunnel Springs in Monroe County reported hearing a plane that sounded like it was in trouble on the night of the crash. A group on horseback, which was led by Albert Nettles Jr., also searched the Packer’s Bend area of Monroe County without any luck.

Despite best efforts, bad weather kept rescuers, especially those in helicopters and planes, from finding the crashed plane, and Civil Air Patrol Col. H.L. LeMien called off the search after about a week, saying that the area involved had been thoroughly searched.

Mystery surrounded the fate of the plane for over three and a half years until Dec. 30, 1964 when 15-year-old Edmond Jerkins of Stapleton made an unusual discovery while squirrel hunting near Uriah. According to reports, Jerkins came upon wreckage in a wooded area, and the wreckage was covered by three year’s worth of fallen leaves. At first, Jerkins didn’t know that it was a plane until he removed leaves from the plane’s body and found the aircraft’s serial number.

Jerkins notified the authorities and when they arrived at the crash site, about 12 miles northwest of Uriah near Popular Springs Church at Jeddo, they found the remains of McGill and Leu. Authorities confirmed their identities from their wallets and baggage inside the plane, which was largely still intact and unburned. Apparently, the plane had nosed straight into the ground and debris from the crash was confined to a 25-foot area around the plane.

In the end, if you know of any other unusual aviation incidents from this area, I’d be interested to hear about them, so shoot me an e-mail at news@monroejournal.com.

Oxford Stroud was one of Wilcox County's most remarkable men

Oxford Stroud

Tomorrow – June 14 – marks the birthday of one of the most remarkable men to ever call Wilcox County home, novelist Oxford Stroud.

Stroud was born Oxford Simeon Stroud Jr. in Demopolis on June 14, 1924 to Oxford Stroud and Viola Goode Liddell, who also became a well-known Alabama writer. After living briefly in New Mexico and Linden, Stroud moved to Camden in 1932, when he was just seven or eight years old. Stroud spent his formative years in Camden and went on to graduate from high school in 1943.

Like thousands of young American men in the 1940s, Stroud soon found himself involved in World War II. Stroud ended up in the U.S. Army Air Corps, now known as the U.S. Air Force, and went on to serve in the Eighth Air Force in England. (If you visit Stroud’s grave in Camden today, you’ll see that it bears a special bronze marker denoting his World War II service.)

After the war, Stroud briefly attended Oxford University in England before going on to attend Southwestern University, now known as Rhodes College, in Memphis, Tenn. From there, he transferred to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which is now known as Auburn University. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn in 1949 and a master’s degree in 1953.

That same year, he began teaching English composition and literature at Auburn and continued to do so for the next 30 years before officially retiring in 1983. During his time at Auburn, Stroud wrote a wide variety of poems and short stories, and students far and wide knew him for his recipes for kudzu tea. He also wrote a textbook in 1979 called “Writing Prose That Makes a Difference and the Grammar Minimum.”

Stroud is arguably best known for his two novels, which were both published after his retirement from Auburn. His first novel, “Marbles,” was published in 1991. This novel, which was based on a short story called “Baptism,” is said to have been inspired by Stroud’s childhood experiences in Camden.

Stroud’s second novel, “To Yield a Dream,” was published three days after Stroud passed away from melanoma in March 2002. While I have not read it, I’ve been told that “To Yield a Dream” is very different than “Marbles.” I’ve also been told that Stroud was working on a sequel to “Marbles” at the time of his death, but that book, as yet, remains unpublished.

I also think it’s significant that while Stroud lived in Auburn from the late 1940s all the way through 2002, his remains were returned to Camden for burial. His mother often described herself as “geophagistic,” that is, she was deeply tied to the land that she came from, and perhaps, as they say, the apple did not fall far from the tree. If you go to the Camden Cemetery today, you’ll find Stroud’s grave there near his mother’s and a host of other relatives.

In the end, I’d be interested to hear from any readers with more information about Stroud’s writings, his early years in Camden and his military exploits.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for June 4, 2024

FOUR YEARS AGO

JUNE 4, 2009

Local weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .40 inches of rain on May 25, .10 inches of rain on May 26 and .50 inches of rain on May 27. He reported a high of 90 degrees on May 31 and lows of 61 degrees on May 29 and May 30.

On May 10, a Flat Rock pet owner observed a raccoon fighting with his dog. He killed the raccoon and took it to Dr. Carl Wilson, who is Conecuh County’s rabies officer and the county’s only veterinarian.

Thomas Guy Hartley, age 89, died Sun., May 31, 2009. He was born in Butler County in 1919 and had been a resident of Evergreen for the past 60 years. He was a veteran of World War II and served with the 1105 Signal Co. Service Group in the U.S. Army. He was involved in campaigns in North Africa, Naples, Sicily and Rome. He was awarded the American Service Medal of Good Conduct and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars.

Workers this week began laying the way for new pavement as part of the ongoing project to expand and improve the U.S. Highway 84 bridge in downtown Repton.

Conecuh County’s annual Relay for Life event will be held tomorrow (Friday) night at Middleton Airfield and will begin with a survivor’s reception at 6 p.m.

19 YEARS AGO

JUNE 2, 1994

Local weather reporter Harry Ellis reported .06 inches of rain on May 27 and .04 inches of rain on May 29. He reported a high of 85 on May 24 and a low of 54 on May 23.

Dennis R. Culbreth of Evergreen, Ala., received the doctor of ministry degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary May 20 during the Louisville, Ky., school’s 173rd commencement.

Beverly Borden, valedictorian of Hillcrest High School, is among the high school valedictorians being saluted by WSFA TV this summer in a program called THE BEST OF THE CLASS. This series of television announcements identifies those students from south and central Alabama who had the highest grade point average in their graduating class.

William Garrett was named as the new manager of the Evergreen Piggly Wiggly approximately six months ago. Garrett comes to the Evergreen store from the Piggly Wiggly in Luverne.

Polls in Conecuh County will open next Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. and remain open until 6 p.m. as the people of Conecuh County vote on local and statewide elections. Although most of the interest on the statewide level is in the governors race there has been a great deal of interest locally in who will succeed four-term sheriff Edwin L. Booker.

Eleven men are vying for the Democratic nomination for Sheriff of Conecuh County. They are West Booker Jr., Coy Covin, Dudley L. Godwin, McAllard (Mac) Goneke, Thomas W. Hall, Jimmy Allen Hawsey, J.B. Jackson, Dennis R. Owens, James Powell, John L. (Butch) Salter and Robert S. Taylor.

34 YEARS AGO

JUNE 7, 1979

Weatherman Earl Windham reports rainfall of .31 of an inch on May 29; .27 on March 30; 2.04 on May 31; .16 on June 2; and .95 on June 3. His weekly comment was: ‘Well, I saw Old Bob taking his knee bends and Dennis Majors was seen watering his flowers Sunday afternoon.’

All I can say, Ole Earl, is that after you saw me taking my ‘knee bends,’ I went out to the golf course and almost got drowned. It might have only rained .95 of an inch at your house, but the ‘bottom fell out’ at the golf course.

An ordinance was passed changing the meetings of the Evergreen City Council from the first and third Thursday nights of each month to the first and second Tuesday nights at seven o’clock at the council meeting last Thursday night.
The council had traditionally met on first and third Tuesdays, but changed to Thursdays several months ago at the request of Councilman Lomax Cassady. At that time, Cassady was in a business which required him to be out of town on Tuesday nights. He is now engaged in the insurance and real estate business here, so the return to normal was enacted.

Dr. Warren E. Henry, world renowned scientist and native of Conecuh County, was the respondent for black Alabama achievers in the sciences, during the first Roots Alabama Black Homecoming Celebration in Birmingham, May 26, at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
Born in the China community to the late Nelson Henry Sr. and Mrs. Mattie Henry, Dr. Henry is recognized as one of the nation’s most eminent physicists.

49 YEARS AGO
JUNE 4, 1964

Mr. Fitzhugh Ellington, minster of the Evergreen Church of Christ, this month begins the 13th year of his ministry here.

About 50 youths are expected to participate in the Evergreen Rotary Club’s 5th annual Conecuh County’s 4-H Fish & Wildlife Camp next Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Camp Director Elbert Williams.
The camp is permanently located at Tal Stuart’s Pond near Belleville.

Frank T. Salter of Evergreen won nomination to the office of Judge of Probate of Conecuh County over veteran Judge Lloyd G. Hart in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary Election. Nomination is tantamount to election in Conecuh.

Oscar Lee Hendricks, ETI, and Mrs. Hendricks left Mobile by plane last Friday to fly to San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. Hendricks will fly to Tokyo, then go to her sister’s home in Yokohoma, to await Seaman Hendrick’s transfer to the repair ship Ajak at Sasebo, Japan, where she will join him.

The Alma Martin Post No. 50 of the American Legion will hold its annual June Dance Saturday night June 6 at Ft. Dave Lewis Armory.

64 YEARS AGO
JUNE 2, 1949

John Carson Carter, son of Dr. and Mrs. W.R. Carter, Repton, Ala., received his high school diploma from Marion Military Institute, Marion, Ala., on May 26, 1949. He received the highest scholastic honor in his class of 47 and gave the salutary address, the valedictory address being given by the honor cadet of the College Dept.

Work is fast approaching completion on a vast remodeling project at the Bank of Evergreen. The building is being done over entirely on the inside. The working space is being shifted over from the west to the east side of the building, incidentally shifting the lobby, which has been decreased in size considerably to make room for an office in front. In addition to the old entrance, which will be retained as heretofore, an other entrance has been made to enter the lobby from the hallway.
New and modern fixtures and equipment are being installed including individual tellers’ cages. The safety deposit vault is being enlarged and new safety box equipment is being installed which will provide many more boxes. The interior will be redecorated throughout.

Mrs. Glenn Walker left Wednesday for Talladega to attend the dance revue of the Frank Jones’ School of the Dance which her granddaughter Glenda Walker is a pupil.

The Evergreen Vacation Bible School will open at the City School at 8:30 Monday morning June 6. All young people of the community between the ages of four to 16 are invited to attend.

The Monroe Journal's News Flashback for June 3, 2024

22 YEARS AGO
JUNE 6, 2002

Julie Stuckey captures Junior Miss title Saturday night: Last Saturday night, after weeks of practice and three hours of performing in front of a packed Nettles Auditorium, Julie Stuckey, a Monroe Academy senior, experienced what she described as “an amazing feeling – one of disbelief.”
She captured the 2003 Monroe County Junior Miss title, as well as awards in poise and fitness areas of competition. Stuckey amassed a total of $8,200 in scholarship money.

Monroeville defeats Foley in Legion play: Monroeville American Legion Post 61 defeated Foley 5-4 at Monroe County High School in Monroeville Friday to open the 2002 season.
Excel’s Neal Jordan picked up the win on the mound. Jordan, a 6-5 right-hander, gave up nine hits and struck out nine.
(Other top local players in that game included Josh Black, Bryson Crutchfield, Tyler Dawson, Daniel Harper, Colby Mixon, Brett Pate, Chase Reeves, Blake White, Derek Wiggins, J.B. Wilkins and Bonner Williams.)

City’s police jurisdiction changes: Monroeville Police Chief Rudolph Munnerlyn wants to make citizens aware of a recent change to the city’s police jurisdiction.
Traditionally, the city’s police jurisdiction extended up to 1-1/2 miles from the city limits. A state law now requires the city to move its police jurisdiction out to three miles from the city limits.

47 YEARS AGO
JUNE 2, 1977

Branch bank ribbon-cutting: The official ribbon-cutting and open house for the People’s Exchange Bank of Monroe County’s new Monroeville branch was held Sunday afternoon. Participating in the ceremony were Francis Stallworth, Dennis Stallworth Sr., Dr. Joel Hardee, James Bigger Jr., bank executive vice president Tommy Black, Monroe Griffin, bank vice president Harry S. Gilmore, Lindsey Finklea, Dick Wible and Dr. Robert Jackson. The new branch is located at Southtown Plaza in Monroeville.

Uriah’s Rhodes is Lions all-star: Ben Rhodes, a senior catcher, pitcher and infielder for the J.U. Blacksher High School Bulldogs, was chosen to advance to the Alabama Lions Club state all-star game Saturday at Rickwood Field in Birmingham.
Rhodes, who has been offered a scholarship to L.B. Wallace State Junior College in Andalusia, has not been offered a four-year grant to play baseball. The game Saturday will be attended by most four-year college scouts from around the state and he is hoping for an offer.

A new ambulance service began operating last week in the Monroe County area. Larry’s Ambulance Service, Inc. is headquartered in Bill’s Trailer Court on South Alabama Avenue in Monroeville. The service has a 1975 Chevrolet ambulance and a staff of five, including owner-operator Larry Mitchell.
Mitchell said the service has been inspected by state authorities and given a provisional license. A permanent license is expected after a radio, now on order, is installed in the ambulance, he said.

72 YEARS AGO
JUNE 5, 1952

Cpl. Harvey Coleman, who has recently returned to the United States from Korea where he was wounded three times, is now spending a 30-day furlough here with his father, Nobe Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ikner and sons, and with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Landcaster and other relatives and friends in his hometown.

New Water Well Appears Probable For Monroeville: A new water well for the Monroeville area, potentially in the offing last week, appeared to be nearer reality, early this week.
Reports on drills tests completed Saturday revealed the water source at a location in front of the American Legion Clubhouse here was capable of producing 106 gallons per minute. Another test is being made near the old hangar across from the local clubhouse.

Talent Still Sought For Community House Broadcast On Sunday: A search is still being made this week for local talent for the special telephone musical request program to be broadcast over Station WMFC Sunday which will aid the fund campaign for construction of the local community house.
Station Manager George Shurden reported Wednesday that very few persons have thus far volunteered their talents for the show.
The feature, to be broadcast immediately following the local baseball game Sunday afternoon, will include the filling of requests through records and live talent performances for which donations to be the community house drive will be asked.
B.H. Stallworth, president of the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce, stated this week that no further donations have been received in the campaign and that a total of around $4,500 is still needed to finish the $30,000 quota.

97 YEARS AGO
JUNE 2, 1927

The first cotton bloom this season was brought to The Journal office Monday by H.J. Lamar of Perdue Hill, Route 1. This bloom was reported about a week earlier than last year.

Teachers employed in the High School and Grammar School during the past session have returned to their various homes, while the girls and boys who have attended out-of-town schools and colleges are at home to spend vacation.

MASONIC MEETINGS: The regular meetings of Alabama Lodge No. 3 are held on Friday evenings before the first and third Sundays in each month at 7:30. Regular convocation of Monroe Chapter No. 122 held on Monday evening before the first Sunday in each month.

TAKEN UP: Black horse mule, no marks or brands. Will deliver to owner on payment of expenses. LaFayette Williams, Uriah, Ala.

DEATH OF MRS. HOLMES: Mrs. Nannie Holmes, aged 80 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T.W. Swanson, at Finchburg on Tues., May 30, after an illness of 10 days. Funeral and interment took place at Tensaw, her former home, on Tuesday. Mrs. Holmes is survived by one son, Dr. Sibley Holmes of Foley, and Mrs. Swanson of Finchburg.

The World War, one of the finest motion pictures on the screen, will be shown at the New Theater on June 16-17, under the auspices of the American Legion.

122 YEARS AGO
JUNE 5, 1902

Mr. F.M. Dobson, the contractor who has recently built the new courthouses at Bay Minette and Brewton, was here this week endeavoring to interest the commissioners in improvements in Monroe.

Mr. Riley Kelly, formerly railroad agent at Monroe and later at Beatrice, was in town Saturday and favored the Journal with a pleasant call. Mr. Kelly has temporarily given up railroad work on account of his health and is on the farm this year.

M.D. Harrison, one of Excel’s prosperous farmers, is here this week serving as a petit juror. He says crop prospects in his neighborhood are as promising as he has ever known during the 10 or 12 years of his residence in that section.

The familiar figure of S.H. Dailey, Esq., of Kempville, is visible on the streets and about the courtroom this week. He is holding down his standing job as one of Sheriff Harrengton’s most efficient special deputies.

Peterman: Hog cholera is raging in this community and many of our neighbors have lost nearly all their hogs.

Perdue Hill: Our vicinity was visited by a wind and hail storm Saturday. The greatest damage reported was over the river on Capt. J.C. Hybart’s plantation, where the plums and blackberries were destroyed and a great famine is threatened.

Poplar Springs: We learn that the Blacksher Company had the misfortune to have their new Engine sunk in the river some time ago. The barge upon which it was being conveyed to Mt. Pleasant sank carrying it down and we learn that it also came near upsetting the boat towing the barge.