Sunday, August 2, 2015

100-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from August 1915

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of Editor and Proprietor Q. Salter, published four editions 100 years ago during the month of August 1915. Those issues, which were dated Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from those four editions. Enjoy.

AUG. 5, 1915

Death of a Stranger: Died at the Simmons House, this city, on Thursday, July 30, a Mr. Brown, after several days illness. Deceased was a total stranger in the community, nothing being known concerning him beyond the fact that he had been employed on the construction of the Deep Water railroad. Stricken with illness, he was removed from the camp to Monroeville for medical attention, and kindly hands administered to him until the end came. Interment was made in the cemetery at the Methodist church.

The midsummer term of the Monroe County Law and Equity Court will convene Mon., Aug. 9, for a two weeks term.

The writer had the pleasure of attending the reunion of Capt. T.M. Riley’s company on Sat., July 31. About the same number of old comrades were present as last year, but one, John McCants of Tinela, as General Stonewall Jackson said, has “crossed over the river.” The day was enjoyed by all present, but when the time came for parting there seemed to be a tighter grip of the hand and a deeper and sadder look on each face than usual. I am sure the old comrades and others have appreciated the spirit which Capt. Riley has shown in these reunions and hope someone will write up the happenings of the day. – J.J. Finklea

Cotton has been opening rapidly during the last 10 days of hot, dry weather, and it will not be long until “first bales” will appear on local markets. Short crops and prevailing low prices offer small encouragement to the cotton farmer.

AUG. 12, 1915

Deputy Ralph Clark was shot through the right lung while attempting to arrest a man wanted for a minor offense, at the Alger-Sullivan headquarters camp Saturday night. The deputy returned the fire, mortally wounding he man. It is reported that a mob strung up the man and riddled his body with bullets. Clark was removed to Century for medical attention.

Mr. McCarthy reports work on the construction of the G.F. and A. railroad progressing satisfactorily, barring the accidental overturning of the big steam shovel a few days ago which necessitated the procuring of a wrecking outfit to right the mammoth machine. Track laying has reached the crossing of the Monroeville and Claiborne road.

Mr. Thos. T. Ivey was down from Beatrice the first of the week. Mr. Ivey’s mill has been engaged for some months cutting export railroad ties.

Prof. I. Fred Simmons, who taught in the Cullman County High School during the session recently closed, is spending vacation with home folks. Prof. Simmons will teach in the Walker County High School next session.

Mr. J.D. Rawls has removed his mercantile establishment to the Stallworth building on Westside, affording more commodious quarters for the display of up-to-date stock. He invites his friends and new customers to call on him at his new location.

AUG. 19, 1915

Miss Jennie Faulk is spending some time in the markets selecting her stock of fall and winter millinery. Her numerous lady customers will await impatiently the interesting announcement she will make on her return.

FRANKLIN: The Masons and Woodmen gave a free ice cream supper and great tubs of iced lemonade and large iced cakes were served in abundance to a huge crowd; and they brought all their relatives and children and feasted to their heart’s content.

WANTED – A collector to collect in Monroe County, must be reliable and furnish own horse and buggy. Singer Sewing Machine Co., Greenville, Ala.

Dr. P.E. Burroughs of Nashville, Tenn. will preach at the Baptist Church next Sunday morning. Come and hear him. He is one of the greatest Bible scholars in the south.

Mr. E.E. Akin of Georgiana, representing the Masons Annuity, spent several days in the city.

Rev. D.F. Ellisor is engaged in holding a protracted meeting at Purnells near Burnt Corn.

The Women’s Missionary Society of the Methodist Church will meet at the home of Mrs. G.B. Barnett on Monday afternoon, Aug. 23, at 4:30.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy met at the Masonic Hall (at Franklin) Saturday afternoon. They had a nice program and the hall looked quite patriotic with its new flags and red and white roses, chapter colors. Miss Maybel Simmons gave splendid music and songs on the piano.

AUG. 26, 1915

A “slide” occurred in the deep cut on the G.F. and A. railroad a few miles northwest of town Tuesday, several laborers being caught beneath the falling earth from the high embankment. One man suffered a broken leg and others met with slight injuries.

There were three convictions for felonies during the term of the Law and Equity Court. One defendant was given a two-year penitentiary sentence and two received sentences to hard labor for 18 months and six months, respectively. Fines imposed during the term aggregated about $1,000.

The new steel bridge across Limestone Creek, three miles northwest of town, has been completed and the earth fills at each approach are being put in. The new bridge will be opened to the public in the course of a week or 10 days. Preparations are being made to begin work on the steel bridge across Flat Creek near the site of the old Graham Bridge which collapsed several weeks ago.

Mr. L.C. Baggett and family are occupying their cosy new home in Monvil Park.

Representative James K. Kyser spent a few days in the city the first of the week.

Mr. Robert L. Coxwell, state examiner of public accounts, spent Sunday with home folks.

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