The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the
direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 100 years
ago during the month of August 1916. Those issues, which were dated Aug. 3,
Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31, can be found on microfilm at the Monroe
County Library in Monroeville, Ala. What follows are a few news highlights from
those five editions. Enjoy.
AUG. 3, 1916
COURTHOUSE DEBT PAID IN FULL: One item in the semi-annual
report of the County Treasurer, published elsewhere in this issue, will
doubtless convey interesting and gratifying information to readers of The
Journal. Reference is made to the final payment on account of the new court
house. When the debt was contracted some 14 years ago, all sorts of embarrassments
and grinding tax raises were freely predicted, but the event has shown that
affairs have moved on smoothly and no one has suffered in consequence.
COUNTY FAIR CALLED OFF: After consultation among officers
and promoters of the Monroe County Fair association, it has been decided to
call of the fair for this fall, the tentative dates for which had been fixed
for October 19 to 21. The great and unforeseen damage sustained from storm and
flood has so depressed our people generally that it was feared the cooperation
necessary to carry the plans into effect could not be secured, hence the
decision.
COUNTY MASONIC CONFERENCE: The 11th annual
session of the Monroe County Masonic Conference held at Excel on July 20 and 21
was one of the most enjoyable that has been held since the association was
formed. Nine of the 12 lodges in the county were represented by delegates,
others being kept away by high water and damaged roads. Past Grand Master H.C.
Miller conducted the conference to the great pleasure and instruction of the
Craft. Monroeville was chosen as the place of meeting next year and the
following officers were elected: A.B. Coxwell, W.M.; W.R. Blackwell, S.W.; C.W.
Adams, J.W.; W.S. Nash, Sec.-Treas.; W.P. Wiggins, S.D.; J.W. Hadley, J.D.;
H.C. Fountain and R.L. Lewis, Stewards; the Chaplain and Tiler of Monroeville
lodge to serve as chaplain and tiler of the conference.
Capt. E.R. Morrissette Sr. of Mobile was a visitor to
Monroeville Monday, the guest of his son, Mr. E.R. Morrissette Jr. This was
Capt. Morrissette’s first visit to our town in 14 years and he noted much
growth and improvement. Capt. Morrissette was master of the steamer City of
Mobile which was badly damaged in the recent storm. A new boat has been
purchased, however, and will shortly be placed in commission on the Alabama
River.
Deplorable Shooting: A deplorable shooting took place in
Monroeville Saturday morning in which Will Smith of Mexia was seriously wounded
by J.M. Wiggins of the Ridge neighborhood. It is said that ill feeling had
existed between the parties for several months. Immediately on meeting in town
Saturday the shooting occurred. Smith was removed to a sanitarium at Century
for an operation. Wiggin was placed in jail. The affair is deeply regretted by
the friends of both parties.
Tues., Aug. 1, marked an event in the history of Monroeville
Methodism that will be cherished as momentous by the local congregation. Bright
and early, the first stroke was delivered signalizing the demolition of the old
landmark occupying the lot recently acquired by the congregation for the
erection of a handsome modern church building, and as we write, the work of
clearing the ground so to be dedicated is well underway. The lot is situated on
the southeast corner of the public square.
AUG. 10, 1916
Mr. K.W. Smith, who was shot by Mr. J.M. Wiggins on July 29,
died of his wounds on Aug. 4 in the sanitarium at Century, Fla., where he had
been taken for treatment. The remains were brought here for interment Friday
afternoon. Mr. Smith is survived by several children, two brothers and numerous
relatives.
The preliminary hearing in the case of the State vs. J.M.
Wiggins, charged with the murder of K.W. Smith, was begun before Judge I.B.
Slaughter Wednesday morning and is still in progress as The Journal goes to
press. The object of the hearing is to determine whether or not the defendant
is entitled to bail.
Dr. G.W. Sally, a prominent physician of Flomaton, was a
visitor to the city yesterday.
Workmen have been busy for several days making extensive
repairs on the Wiggins Hotel which will add much to the comfort of the patrons
of that well known and popular hostelry.
Dr. L.T. Pritchett, who resides near McWilliams, was a
pleasant visitor to The Journal office while in Monroeville a few days ago. Dr.
Pritchett purchased the well known Mims plantation some months since and is
devoting his energies to the improvement and development of his property. Barring
the damage caused by the recent storm, he is highly pleased with the results of
his efforts.
Game warden D.L. Neville requests The Journal to state that
the season for hunting squirrels and doves is now open.
AUG. 17, 1916
The preliminary hearing in the case of the State vs. J.M.
Wiggins, charged with the murder of K.W. Smith, was concluded Thursday evening
of last week after consuming two full days. Judge Slaughter rendered decision
Saturday afternoon, admitting the defendant to bail in the sum of $3,500, which
was promptly furnished and r. Wiggins was released.
Miss Jennie Faulk left Monday for the market where she will
spend a couple of weeks selecting her fall stock of millinery.
Capt. H.L. McDuffie, who now holds a commission in the
Alabama National Guard service, was here Tuesday looking after recruits.
Stereopticon Lecture: Through the efforts of local citizens,
Mr. J.T. Mangum of Selma will deliver at lecture at the High School auditorium
on Tuesday evening, Aug. 22, descriptive of his trip to Africa and points of
interest in Europe a few years ago in company with Bishop Walter R. Lambuth,
superintendent of mission work of the M.E. Church, South, in the Dark
Continent. Mr. Mangum’s lecture will be illustrated with stereopticon views of
scenes in London, Paris and other cities of the Old World as well as of
primitive conditions in Africa as they are found in native villages.
NOTICE OF ELECTION: Notice is hereby given that an election
will be held in the Town of Monroeville, Mon., Sept. 18, 1916 for the purpose
of the qualified voters of said town electing a mayor and five councilmen for
said town for a term of two years from the first Monday in October 1916.
AUG. 24, 1916
The midsummer term of the Law and Equity Court convened
Monday, Judge W.G. McCorvey presiding. This will be the last term of this
court, all law and equity courts of the state having been abolished by the last
legislature and their jurisdiction conferred upon the circuit courts.
Dr. G.H. Harper of Uriah was a business visitor to the
county capital Tuesday.
NOTICE: Those contemplating enlistment in the Cavalry Troop
now being formed in Monroe County will find me at the Coxwell Drug Store in
Monroeville, Ala. I will take pleasure in giving information and lending any assistance
possible. – C.G. Yarbough.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lee and a party of young folks from
Evergreen were guests of Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Locklin on the occasion of the dance
at the courthouse Thursday night.
PERDUE HILL: Mr. J.M. Stapleton, who is teaching at the
Grimes school house, spent Saturday and Sunday at Roy.
J.W. Wilkinson attended the Conecuh County Masonic
conference at Repton last week.
Roads are almost impassible, there having been no repairs made
since the big washouts.
PINEAPPLE: Dr. Watkins accompanied Mr. Dick Wiggins to Selma
last week for an operation. We are glad to know that he is doing nicely.
AUG. 31, 1916
Another Homicide: A deplorable homicide occurred Sunday
night near the camp of the Alabama Turpentine Co. at Megargel, this county, in
which Willie Whisenhant was shot and killed by Hiram N. Dilburn. Dilburn was
warden of the state convicts employed at the camp while Whisenhant was an
employee of the turpentine company. Some misunderstanding arose between the two
men over the time or manner of working the convicts and feeling was aroused
over the matter. It is said that Dilburn went to the boarding place of
Whisenhant late Sunday evening and angry words were exchanged. The two men
walked a short distance from the house where the difficulty was renewed,
culminating in the shooting. Dilburn is in jail here.
H.H. McClelland, Esq., of Mobile was here last week in attendance
upon the law and equity court.
Mr. and Mrs. Hare have returned from a delightful motor
outing. Their trip was extended beyond Chattanooga and weather conditions were
all that could be desired. With the exception of a few tire punctures on the
last lap of the homeward journey, the trip was without unpleasant incident.
JEDDO: On the first Sunday in August, our pastor, Rev. M.I.
McLeod began a series of meetings at Poplar Springs church, which was indeed a
good meeting. The pastor conducted the Sunday morning service, giving us the
best sermon that we have ever had the pleasure of hearing. A heavy downpour of
rain late in the afternoon prevented us having the Sunday evening service.
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