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

Ulysses S. Grant, U.S. President, 1869-1877

23 YEARS AGO

NOV. 16, 1995

100^th anniversary, homecoming: Woodlawn United Methodist Church recently celebrated its 100^th anniversary and held homecoming services. “We had a great attendance, great food and a wonderful time of fellowship,” according to pastors Comer Johnson and John Bland.

24-19 victory advances Excel in state playoffs: Excel High School won a 24-19 shootout with Trinity Presbyterian School Thursday in Excel to advance to the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association 2A state football playoffs.

Senior quarterback Steven Pharr rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns and completed eight of 12 passes for another 126 yards to lead the Panthers past the Wildcats.

(Other standout Excel players in that game included Nick Beasley, Kelvin Betts, Jimbo Bishop, Lee Fore, Darryl Kimbro, Trevor Ledkins, Brandon Lowery, Kevin Luker, Derrick Millender, Maurice McMillian and Shane Moore. Al Bowen was Excel’s head coach.)

Completes training: Mitchel Jordan recently completed his flight training and is now a private pilot. Jordan and his wife, Dawn, live in Wild Fork, where Mr. Jordan farms.

A newly formed firing squad participated in Veterans Day activities Saturday on the Courthouse Square. The Rev. Tom Butts presented the invocation. Squad members are Commander Eddie Everette, Walt Bentley, J.V. Lundy, Allen Biggs, Alvin Bayles, E.C. Reid, Robert Sims and Bill McDonald.

49 YEARS AGO

NOV. 20, 1969

Claiborne Lock Opens Sunday: The $27 million Claiborne Lock on the Alabama River near Monroeville, Ala., was placed in service shortly before noon Sunday when the Mobile-based towboat SCAUP pushed two barges through the lock for an up-stream destination.

Construction of the Claiborne Lock and Dam was started in April 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. While not scheduled for completion until next year, the lock is operational and ready to handle water traffic, according to the Corps of Engineers.

The (Patrick Henry Junior College) Patriots traveled to Montgomery Saturday night and beat the boys from Alabama Christian College by a 65 to 60 score. Robert Hicks made 22 points and (Kenny) Stacey added 14 points for the game.

Open House Held At Museum: Open house was held in the Monroe County Museum on the second floor of the old courthouse in Monroeville Sun., Nov. 16, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Flower arrangements by members of the Monroeville Garden Club were featured in a display at the museum.

Master Sergeant Joe H. Smith, son of Mrs. Etta V.S. Hamilton, Rt. 2, Frisco City, has received his second award of the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal at Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam.

Sergeant Smith was decorated for meritorious service as a management analysis technician at Moody AFB, Ga.

A 1951 graduate of Frisco City High School, he attended Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, and Florida State University. His wife is the former Betty F. Turner.

73 YEARS AGO

NOV. 15, 1945

MASON CASEY AWARDED BRONZE STAR MEDAL: Private First Class Mason D. Casey of Repton has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service on Okinawa while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in the 383^rd Infantry of the 96^th Division.

In awarding Private Casey the medal, Major General J.L. Bradley, Division Commander, cited him as follows:

“Private First Class Casey’s platoon was digging-in in the vicinity of Chan, when an enemy machine gun 60 yards to their front opened fire. With utter disregard for his life, Private Casey grabbed his automatic rifle and jumped to his feet, advancing through enemy mortar and machine gun fire to a position where he could bring fire on the enemy machine gun. He killed one of the gunners before his automatic rifle jammed. Dodging grenades from the same enemy positions, he ran back to his own lines and obtained an M-1 rifle. Then returning to his point of vantage, he killed the other occupant in the machine gun nest. His heroic and most courageous action in the face of great danger undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and was an inspiration to all members in his organization.”

Private Casey is the son of Mr. A.L. Casey of Repton and prior to induction was employed at Fred Sirmon’s Sawmill in Repton.

Hank Williams will appear at Bethlehem School on Friday night, Nov. 23, at 7:30.

Miss Alice Lee and Miss Sallie Dennis left last weekend for a visit with friends in St. Louis.

98 YEARS AGO

NOV. 16, 1920

Mrs. C.J. Campbell, aged 68, and her sister, Miss Annie Byrne, lost their lives at midnight Saturday when they were trapped in the Campbell sanitarium which was destroyed by fire.

Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Galloway of Jones Mill were here Friday to witness the Monroeville-Andalusia football game.

The celebration of Armistice Day was an enjoyable occasion at Jones Mill on Thursday and a large crowd participated in the festivities. Among the features of the program were ball games, foot races and a parade by ex-service men. Prof. G.A. Harris delivered an eloquent patriotic address. A splendid barbecue dinner was served.

BEATRICE: Superintendent Harris was in town Tuesday looking after the new school building now in course of erection.

GLOBE TROTTER PAYS US VISIT: Mr. E.F. Lamberth, “globe-trotter,” reached Monroeville Friday on a 50,000-mile hike for a purse of $21,250. He left Ranger, Texas on July 11, 1920 and must traverse 28 states and 1,800 counties in the United States and make one circumference of the earth, including 32 foreign countries within a period of four years.

Mr. Lamberth is a native of Alabama, having been born at River Hill, Clarke County, 46 years ago, and appears to be in perfect physical condition for the long hike ahead of him.

His journey must be accomplished on foot except when it becomes necessary to take shipping from one port to another. He expects to reach Havana, Cuba by Christmas.

148 YEARS AGO

NOV. 19, 1870

GONE – The soldiers left us this morning. They went in the direction of Claiborne to take a boat to Mount Vernon arsenal.

FROST – The first frost at this place, the present season, appeared on the morning of the 16^th inst. and still continues with clear, cold days.

MARRIED – At the residence of Hon. John Green, the bride’s father, on the 16^th inst. by Rev. Archie McFadyen, Mr. Lawrence W. Carter to Miss Sophronia McRea, all of Conecuh County.

ALSO, at the same time and place, and by the same, Mr. James Rowell of Mississippi to Miss Sarah Carter, granddaughter of Hon. John Green.

TAX COLLECTOR’S NOTICE: At the following times and places, I will attend for the purpose of collecting the state and county taxes for Monroe County for the year 1870 – Monroeville, Friday, 25^th; Saturday, 26^th; Monday, 28^th; Tuesday, 29^th; and Wednesday, 30^th of November.

On and after the first day of December, the 10-percent penalty will be collected on all delinquents, which is, and then becomes a legal tax, as well as the original tax.

Prompt attention is solicited for the benefit of all concerned. – J.M. Davison, Tax Collector, Monroe County.

Shoes and boots, for men and women and children, come to C.L. Clausell & Co., Monroeville, Ala.

Those who desire to send copies of The Journal to their friends at a distance, can find them at this office, neatly done up in prepaid wrappers, at five cents each.

THANKSGIVING – The President has appointed next Thursday as a day of thanksgiving and prayer.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Nov. 16, 2018

USS Hancock (CVA-19)

23 YEARS AGO

NOV. 16, 1995

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported 0.03 inches of rain on Oct. 30, 0.35 on Oct. 31, 0.17 on Nov. 1, 1.70 inches on Nov. 2, 0.30 inches on Nov. 3, 0.40 inches on Nov. 6, 0.75 inches on Nov. 7, 1.01 inches on Nov. 10 and 0.05 inches on Nov. 11. He reported a high temperature of 75 degrees on Nov. 7 and lows of 30 on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12.

Cindy Sims, daughter of Lomax and Elaine Sims, was named Conecuh County Junior Miss for 1996 at the local program held last Friday night at Reid State College. Cindy will represent Conecuh County in the state Junior Miss program to be held in 1996. She is a senior at Hillcrest High School.

Sgt. Major Bill Adams was the guest speaker at the Veterans Day Program held at Evergreen Junior High School last Thursday morning. Sgt. Major Adams is currently serving as a JROTC instructor at Hillcrest High School. He is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening was held last Thursday at Joy’s, Evergreen’s newest business located at 104 Court St. On hand for the ribbon-cutting were Chamber President Mabry Cook, Joy Wilson owner, Mayor Lomax Cassady and Conecuh County Economic Executive Director Jim Clifton. A large crowd was on hand for the event.

Several local former U.S. Marines were on hand last Thursday to celebrate the 220^th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Veterans Affairs Office on Liberty Street.  

48 YEARS AGO

NOV. 19, 1970

Construction of the Evergreen Holiday Inn is imminent, according to Mayor Henry Sessions. Sale of the bonds has been completed with many buyers not being able to make purchases. Construction is to get underway immediately, probably the first of December.

Mayor Sessions said that in addition to the Holiday Inn, a Gulf Station will also be constructed at the site on Highway 83 at the I-65 interchange on the Richard Tolbert property adjoining Ed E. Reid State Trade School.

Biggest auction ever at stockyard Saturday: The Conecuh Stockyard in Evergreen will be the scene of a giant auction on Sat., Nov. 21.

The auction is sponsored by the Petticoat Service League of Sparta Academy, a private school located in Evergreen.

A highlight of the event will be the drawing for a 1971 Datsun 1200 sports coupe. Musical entertainment will be provided by “Judy and the Country Brand,” a country and western group.

Burt commended for Vietnam service: Michael Burt, airman in the U.S. Navy, has been commended by his commanding officer Capt. N.P. Foss for “outstanding performance of duty while attached to and serving in USS Hancock (CVA-19) as Ground Support Equipment Petty Officer from 1 September 1969 to 26 March 1970 during combat operations against the enemy.”

The Lyeffion High School graduate is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Burt Jr. of Route 2, Evergreen.

72 YEARS AGO

NOV. 21, 1946

Pvt. L.C. Worrell Jr. left Monday for New Jersey to be shipped overseas soon.

Expenditures to Conecuh County’s unemployed last month and in the preceding month were as follows: To veterans in October, $6,700; to veterans in September, $10,862; to civilians in October, $2,286; to civilians in September, $1,874.

Carmon L. Padgett, farmer living in the Mt. Union community, enjoys the distinction of being the first farmer in the county to pay for his farm under the tenant purchase plan of the Farm Security Administration with profits from his farming operations, and the very remarkable thing is he paid for his farm, together with many improvements in the short period of six and one half years.

Alabama’s cotton crop was estimated at 780,000 bales by the Alabama Cooperative Crop Reporting Service as of Nov. 1. This is 16 percent less than 1945 production and 23 percent below the 10-year, 1935-44, average.

There were 3,526 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Conecuh County, from the crop of 1946 prior to Nov. 1, 1946 as compared with 5,558 bales ginned to Nov. 1, 1945.

87 YEARS AGO

NOV. 19, 1931

The gin report for Conecuh County continues to run far below the one for last year the same date. There were 11,763 bales ginned prior to Nov. 1, as compared to 14,889 bales to the same date in 1930.

For the fourth consecutive year, a club boy from Conecuh County has won the $100 prize trip to the National Club Congress which is offered to club boys in this section by the Chilean Nitrate Co. This year, Edwin Owens, age 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Owens of Bermuda community has been awarded this prize and will make the trip to attend the National Club Congress which is to be held in Chicago the first week in December.

Fire Truck Located At Power Plant: Arrangements have been made to store the fire truck in a shed at the power plant, thus enabling the fire department to answer calls more quickly and at the same time the city will save quite an item in rent. A shed has been constructed on the north side of the power plant building which will take care of the truck. Heretofore, it has been stored in the building to the rear of O.C. McGehee’s Service Station.

Fire Destroys Garage Monday Afternoon: Garage belonging to G.O. Dickey was practically destroyed by a fire of unknown origin late Monday afternoon. The fire department answered the call promptly and extinguished the blaze before the building was entirely destroyed and prevented its spreading to the dwelling nearby.

World War I's end sparked huge celebration in Evergreen, Alabama

Wilhelm II, German Kaiser during World War I

This week marks the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War I, an event that resulted in one of the biggest celebrations in the history of Conecuh County. At 11 o’clock in the morning of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, World War I came to an end. The armistice agreement to end the war was signed at 5:10 a.m. on the morning of Mon., Nov. 11, and commanders on the Western Front were telegraphed orders to cease hostilities at 11 a.m. “French time.”

According to the Nov. 13, 1918 edition of The Evergreen Courant, the news of the war’s end did not take long to reach the citizens of Conecuh County. In that day’s paper, under the headline “Evergreen People Celebrate Great War Victory,” it was reported that “Evergreen people celebrated the great war victory Monday afternoon and night with such a demonstration as was never before witnessed in our community. The lid was off and everybody yelled themselves hoarse, discharged fireworks and firearms and made noise in every conceivable manner.

“The people heard the glad news during the early hours of the morning, but having been fooled once before by a false report, they waited to see it in black and white in The Advertiser, and The Advertiser carried the storm in flaming headlines. This satisfied them and everybody was happy.

“Business houses and offices were closed in the afternoon, and the first staring of the celebration began at the City School grounds, patriotic songs, the raising of Old Glory and short speeches by Rev. D.W. Haskew and Attorney E.C. Page, every utterance being received with cheering, and concluding with the burning of the “Kaiser’s Coffin” in a huge bonfire on the campus.

“But this was not all. In the early part of the night, the revelry began in earnest. The blowing of whistles, the yelling and whooping, the rapid discharge of firearms and fireworks kept up till a late hour. Tuesday morning found the streets littered with empty shells and other evidences of the previous night’s fun and frolic. The people of Evergreen, young and old, will long remember Monday night’s demonstration. Everybody laughed and everybody was happy and the happy look and hearty laugh will not wear off.”

In 1918, what we now call “World War I” was called the “Great War,” and it was believed to be the “war to end all wars.” This terrible war claimed the lives of an estimated nine million soldiers, and 21 million more were wounded. Civilian casualties caused by the war are estimated to be close to 10 million.

As best that I can tell from available records, at least 28 Conecuh County soldiers were killed during World War I. Those soldiers include Pvt. Benjamin F. Arant of Belleville, Pvt. Mack Autry of Brooklyn, Pvt. James Atkins of Flat Rock, Pvt. Newton U. Blackman of Evergreen, Pvt. Jodie Booker, Pvt. James W. Brown of Owassa, Pvt. Robert A. Christopher of Flat Rock, Pvt. Jim Crosby of Evergreen, Pvt. Fletcher Darby of Castleberry, Pvt. Dentley Daw of Evergreen, Pvt. Will Dickson of Repton, Cpl. George Ealum, Pvt. Edward E. English of Evergreen, Pvt. William H. Harris of Flat Rock, Pvt. Charlie Johnson of Repton, Pvt. George Jones of Cohassett, Pvt. George Lee of Evergreen, Joshua Lowe of Repton, Pvt. Wly Marshall of Burnt Corn, Pvt. Almer M. Martin of Castleberry, Cpl. Archie D. McCrory of Repton, Pvt. Bryant W. Price, Pvt. Lazarus B. Rabb of Castleberry, Pvt. Emmett N. Richburg of Castleberry, Pvt. Raymond L. Seale of Repton, Pvt. Carl B. Smith of Belleville, Pvt. Roy I. Smith of Evergreen and Pvt. Amos Weatherspoon of Evergreen.

In the end, some of these soldiers are buried in Conecuh County, but others are not, and it’s up to us to remember their sacrifice. I’d like to hear from anyone in the reading audience with more information about the World War I casualties listed above. Also, if you know of any other soldiers from Conecuh County who were killed in World War I not mentioned above, please let me know and I will add them to the list.

Drew Skipper maintains lead in local College Football Pick 'Em Contest

The 11th weekend of the 2018 college football season wrapped up on Saturday, and we also wrapped up another weekend in our local ESPN College Football Pick ‘Em Contest.

This week, after Saturday’s final game came to a close, Drew Skipper found himself in sole possession of the No. 1 spot in the local standings for the third week in a row. Brett Loftin and John Johnston were tied for second place.

Ricky Taylor, Jeremy Matheny and I were all tied for fourth place. Justin Mixon was in the No. 7 spot, and Travis Presley was in eighth place.

Vanessa Sales and Darrel Burch were tied for ninth place. Clint Hyde and Casey Grant were tied for the No. 11 place in the standings.

With that said, if you didn’t do so hot, don’t sweat it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve got three more weeks to go, and the standings will no doubt change during the next several weeks as we make the final push toward the end of the season.

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By my count, we’ve got 11 games this weekend featuring SEC teams, but only three are head-to-head conference games. For what it’s worth, here are my picks in those games. I like Alabama over The Citadel (duh), Kentucky over Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State over Arkansas, Florida over Idaho, Missouri over Tennessee, George over UMass, Auburn over Liberty University, Texas A&M over UAB, South Carolina over Chattanooga, Vanderbilt over Ole Miss and LSU over Rice.

Last week: 6-1, Overall: 75-16

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Hillcrest High School blasted a decent Sipsey Valley team Friday night in Evergreen in the opening round of the state playoffs, and the Jags are likely to have their hands full Friday night when they travel to Montgomery to play Alabama Christian Academy in the second round.

Alabama Christian is “sneaky good” and should not be taken lightly. They entered last Friday night’s first-round game against Lincoln with a 3-7 overall record and barely made the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in their region. None of that kept them from upsetting Lincoln, a No. 1-seed, on the road, 18-14.

On paper, Lincoln should have won that game, but Alabama Christian pulled it out. Was Lincoln overrated? Is Alabama Christian a strong team that just happened to play a really tough regular season schedule? The answers are up for debate, but one thing is for sure: Hillcrest better give 100-percent Friday night or they run the risk of getting upset like Lincoln.

Also tomorrow (Friday) night, Andalusia will play No. 10-ranked Headland in Andalusia, and I hope that Andalusia can pull it out. Presuming that Hillcrest and Andalusia both win on Friday night, they will play in the third round on Nov. 23. That should give Hillcrest a big advantage as they look to return to the state championship game again this season.

Andalusia and Hillcrest are both in 4A Region 1, and Andalusia entered the playoffs as the region’s No. 3 seed. Hillcrest whipped Andalusia, 41-10, in Evergreen during their regular season game on Sept. 21, and I think that both teams have improved since that first game. It’s hard to beat a good team twice, but I would give Hillcrest the edge in the rematch.

In the end, it’ll all shake out in the wash, and it will all be moot if Hillcrest doesn’t take care of business tomorrow night in Montgomery. I look for it to be a good game, and I also look for Hillcrest to punch their ticket for the third round. Anything less will be a huge disappointment.

Wilcox Countians celebrated the end of WWI a century ago this week

Lt. Harry Irby Savage of Wilcox County.

This week marks the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War I, an event that resulted in one of the biggest celebrations in the history of Wilcox County. At 11 o’clock in the morning of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, World War I came to an end. The armistice agreement to end the war was signed at 5:10 a.m. on the morning of Mon., Nov. 11, and commanders on the Western Front were telegraphed orders to cease hostilities at 11 a.m. “French time.”

According to the Nov. 14, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era, the news of the war’s end did not take long to reach the citizens of Wilcox County.

“When the citizenship of Camden arose on Monday morning, they were greeted with the glorious news that Germany had ‘surrendered unconditionally’ and the greatest war that had ever been was closed. Prayers went up in thankfulness to the Almighty that right had triumphed, and this world would not be under the dominion of the warlords, but was safe for Democracy. Mothers, who had sons whose bones rest on French soil, gave vent to their feelings; and while their hearts were bursting with grief, their bosoms swelled with pride that they had given their lives in so great a cause.”

Wilcox County citizens were so happy that the war was finally over that one of the biggest celebrations in the history of the county ensued.

“At 3:30, there was a spontaneous uprising of the citizens, who with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and many other devices for making noise gave vent to their feelings,” Editor S.C. Godbold reported in that week’s newspaper. “Patriotic speeches were made by Hons. E.W. Berry, J.M. Bonner, Lee McMillan and Solicitor J.F. Thompson. It would be impossible to describe the emotions of the crowd.

“Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters shed tears of joy that they would soon be rejoined by their loved ones who are at the front, and the prayers of the entire crowd went up that such would be the case at an early date. There are no more patriotic people on earth than those of Camden and Wilcox County.”

Elsewhere in that week’s paper, Godbold explained to readers that “The Progressive Era columns are a little ‘skimpy’ this week on account of editors and typos being intoxicated with gladness distilled from the war news.”

Godbold also encouraged local educators to take advantage of the historic occasion.

“Every teacher should see that the pupils are given an opportunity to take part in this history making epoch. In the years when the heroes of today have passed to their reward, the young boys and girls of today, will thrill their children with the stories of their part in the momentous struggle.”

In 1918, what we now call “World War I” was called the “Great War,” and it was believed to be the “war to end all wars.” This terrible war claimed the lives of an estimated nine million soldiers, and 21 million more were wounded. Civilian casualties caused by the war are estimated to be close to 10 million.

As best that I can tell from state records, at least 26 Wilcox County soldiers were killed during World War I. Those soldiers include Charley Blackman, William Boykin, William Dumas, William Kelsaw, William Reaves, Harry I. Savage, Howard Singleton and James Williams, all of Camden; Henry M. Autrey, Vivian T. Deaton and Jenkins Jones, all of Sunny South; Oscar L. Autrey, Henry C. Boutwell and Charles E. Treaster, all of Pine Hill; Jimmie A. James and Willie Gay Williams, both of Furman; John Henry Privett and Fletcher E. Smith, both of Lower Peach Tree; Frank C. Brooks of Coy, Fred Battle of Gastonburg, John Butler of Snow Hill, Daniel Robinson of Prairie, Frank Stallworth of Bellview, John Watson and Wiley McMurphy Steen, both of Pine Apple; and Samuel C. Watford of Caledonia.

In the end, some of these soldiers are buried in Wilcox County, but others are not, and it’s up to us to remember their sacrifice. I’d like to hear from anyone in the reading audience with more information about the World War I casualties listed above. Also, if you know of any other soldiers from Wilcox County who were killed in World War I not mentioned above, please let me know and I will add them to the list.

100-year-old news highlights from The Wilcox Progressive Era

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Nov. 14, 1918 edition of The Wilcox Progressive Era newspaper in Camden, Ala.

When the citizenship of Camden arose on Monday morning they were greeted with the glorious news that Germany had “surrendered unconditionally” and the greatest war that have ever been was closed. Prayers went up in thankfulness to the Almighty that right had triumphed and this world would not be under the dominion of the warlords, but was safe for Democracy. Mothers, who had sons whose bones rest on French soil, gave vent to their feelings; and while their hearts were bursting with grief, their bosoms swelled with pride that they had given their lives in so great a cause. At 3:30 there was a spontaneous uprising of the citizens, who with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and many other devices for making a noise gave vent to their feelings. Patriotic speeches were made by Hons. E.W. Berry, J.M. Bonner, Lee McMillan and Solicitor J.F. Thompson. It would be impossible to describe the emotions of the crowd. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters shed tears of joy that they would soon be rejoined by their loved ones who are at the front, and the prayers of the entire crowd went up that such would be the case at an early date. There are no more patriotic people on earth than those of Camden and Wilcox County.

The name of Evans Autrey of Lamison is among those reported Monday as severely wounded, and Leslie W. Autrey is reported slightly wounded. Unless we are mistaken, this makes seven Wilcox heroes bearing the name of Autrey who have been reported in the casualty list.

The Progressive Era columns are a little “skimpy” this week on account of editors and typos being intoxicated with gladness distilled from the war news.

There were 10,555 bales of cotton, counting round as half bales, ginned in Wilcox County from the crop of 1918 prior to Oct. 18, 1918 as compared with 5,334 bales ginned to Oct. 18, 1917. – C.S. Dale, Agent.

One of the most welcome sounds that break the monotony of these still Sunday nights is the cry of “Mobile Register!” After an all-day wait for news, more than one reader awaits the coming of the Neville boys, who are always on the job, with grateful appreciation for their stickability. They are doing their part to keep the public posted. Hats off to them.

Rev. A.P. Majors of Chestnut paid us a pleasant call Tuesday and renewed his subscription to the Progressive Era.

The falling river on Monday made all crossings almost impossible, and resulted in delaying a good many citizens who were on their way to court here.

Mrs. Addie Belle Neville received a letter Tuesday night from her husband, Thomas Fleetwood Neville, stating that he had been badly wounded in battle on Sept. 30. He belongs to the 82^nd Division which has been in the thickest of the fighting. The letter stated that at first he thought he would lose his leg but now had hopes of saving it.

Mr. Ken Partin brought some very fine specimens of sweet potatoes to this office last week, of the Jersey Sweet variety. These potatoes were so large it remains a mystery how he got them out of the ground, unless he had a double patented stump puller.

Mr. Willie Hayes Sessions has been transferred from Camp Oglethorpe, where he was stationed as guardsman, to an officers training camp near Anniston. Willie is making good.

100-year-old news highlights from The Evergreen Courant

What follows are 100-year-old news excerpts from the Nov. 13, 1918 edition of The Evergreen Courant newspaper in Conecuh County, Ala.

The war came to an end at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

The Courant suggests that a monument or shaft to commemorate the gallantry of Conecuh boys who gave up their lives during the war should be erected on Court Square. We believe the people of our country would gladly subscribe a sufficient amount to put a creditable memorial for our dead heroes. At the proper time we hope the good ladies will take the matters in charge.

J.P. Lambert Dead: Just as we go to press, the sad news reached The Courant of the sudden and unexpected death this afternoon of J.P. Lambert at his home at Jayvilla. He was found dead at his barn. He was a highly esteemed citizen and had many friends, who will learn with deep regret of his demise.

NOTICE: Greening Lodge No. 53 will have its regular communications next Thurs., Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Members are requested to attend. Visiting Brethren cordially invited. By order of J.T. Amos, Worshipful Master; J.A. Smith, Secretary.

Sim Chitty, a well known citizen of Beat One, died several days ago, a victim of the flu.

Gen. J.B. Stanley, editor of The Greenville Advocate, was here Saturday and paid The Courant office a fraternal visit.

Evergreen People Celebrate Great War Victory: Evergreen people celebrated the great war victory Monday afternoon and night with such a demonstration as was never before witnessed in our community. The lid was off and everybody yelled themselves hoarse, discharged fireworks and firearms and made noise in every conceivable manner.

The people heard the glad news during the early hours of the morning, but having been fooled once before by a false report, they waited to see it in black and white in The Advertiser, and The Advertiser carried the storm in flaming headlines. This satisfied them and everybody was happy.

Business houses and offices were closed in the afternoon, and the first staring of the celebration began at the City School grounds, patriotic songs, the raising of Old Glory and short speeches by Rev. D.W. Haskew and Attorney E.C. Page, every utterance being received with cheering, and concluding with the burning of the “Kaiser’s Coffin” in a huge bonfire on the campus.

But this was not all. In the early part of the night, the revelry began in earnest. The blowing of whistles, the yelling and whooping, the rapid discharge of firearms and fireworks kept up till a late hour. Tuesday morning found the streets littered with empty shells and other evidences of the previous night’s fun and frolic. The people of Evergreen, young and old, will long remember Monday night’s demonstration. Everybody laughed and everybody was happy and the happy look and hearty laugh will not wear off.

Light Vote Polled in County: The Democratic nominees from governor down received 481 votes in the election on the 5^th, according to the official tabulation made by the county board. There were 12 votes polled for the Republican candidate for governor and only six votes for the other Republican candidates for state offices. The Republican votes were at the following boxes: Evergreen, 1; Shreve, 5; Range,8; Brooklyn, 1; Owassa, 1; Lee, 1.