110-year-old news highlights from The Monroe Journal from Nov. 1906

The Monroe Journal newspaper in Monroeville, Ala., under the direction of editor and proprietor Q. Salter, published five editions 110 years ago during the month of November 1906. Those issues, which were dated Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 22 and Nov. 29, 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.

NOV. 1, 1906

The train was wrecked in Beatrice one day last week. A gentleman was hauling a log across the railroad track when the chain broke, leaving the log directly across the track. Just then a train was coming, the gentleman took off his shirt and waved it frantically, but the train had come too near and could not stop in time. The engine was smashed but no further damage was done and no one was hurt. A telegram was sent for a freight train that was behind to come on and the engine taken from that and attached to the passenger, which then moved on.

The Confederate pension warrants are now in the hands of the Probate Judge and will be delivered to those entitled to receive them upon application.

Good Citizen Shot: Mr. Mike Melton was seriously, if not fatally, shot by George Phillips at Goodway, this county, last Saturday. The trouble occurred over some rent cotton which Phillips was about to remove from the premises of Mr. Faircloth, a son-in-law of Melton. Faircloth was absent at the time, and Melton was asked to prevent the attempted removal, which he did. Phillips went to the house of a neighbor and borrowed a double-barrel shotgun on pretense of going hunting, and returning to the Faircloth place, crept up within a few feet of Mr. Melton. Attracted by the slight noise in his rear, Mr. Melton looked around at the moment Phillips fired, receiving the full charge in his face. The injury sustained by Mr. Melton is of so serious a nature that his recovery is improbable. Phillips escaped, though Sheriff Fountain is taking every measure for his apprehension.

NOV. 8, 1906

During the recent term of the Monroe County Circuit Court, there were 32 convictions for various offenses, including three for murder. Four persons were sentenced to the penitentiary, viz: Walter Pittman, assault to ravish, 10 years; E.J. Battles, manslaughter, 10 years; Shep Williams, murder, life; Richard Rankin, assault to murder, 16 years.

In the stillness of midnight, Oct. 24, 1906, the angel of death came and bid Rev. J.T. Dailey lay down his arms, cease his warfare; “your labor on earth is done; come up higher.” He was born near Chestnut, Monroe County, Ala., June 19, 1839. He joined the Primative Baptist Church about 1860, and was licensed to preach 1867; ordained to the full work of the ministry 1869; was married to Miss Annie T. Primm of Wilcox County, November 1861, who survives him with five children who are all grown.

The body was laid to rest in the Chestnut graveyard, close to his old church he loved so well and preached at so long as pastor.

Judging from the returns received up to the time of going to press, the vote polled on Tuesday was the lightest ever cast in a general election in this county. At Monroeville, out of a registration of about 400, only 69 votes were polled. The total vote in the county will probably not exceed 500.

The store of Mr. W.J. Nettles at Tunnel Springs was burglarized last Sunday night, the safe blown open and about $15 stolen. The blacksmith shop in town was also broken into and several tools taken for use in opening the safe, the explosives used having been only partially successful.

NOV. 15, 1906

The official canvass of the vote cast in the state election on Tues., Nov. 6, shows the lightest vote at any election held in this county in 20 years, less than 500 being polled.

Sheriff M.M. Fountain is sporting a fine gold watch, the gift of a friend. We should be glad to meet up with a friend equally generous.

Chancellor Thomas H. Smith was here this week holding the regular term of the Chancery Court. Quite a number of cases were submitted.

The regular term of the Commissioners Court convened on Monday with the full board in attendance. A large amount of routine business is being transacted.

MONDAY: Mr. Mike Melton, who was shot and seriously injured some time ago, is improving, we are glad to note.

PINEVILLE: Several are making ready to go to the Confederate Reunion in Mobile next week.

Two new Pythian lodges will be organized in this county in the course of a few weeks, one at Excel and the other at Beatrice. Both lodges will begin with strong membership.

Capt. Wm. B. Kemp of Tunnel Springs was in town the first of the week and called to see us. Capt. Kemp is a candidate for Doorkeeper of the Senate, a position which he filled most efficiently during the last session of the legislature.

NOV. 22, 1906

Capt. F.M. Jones, Judge Stallworth and a number of others from this place are attending the Confederate reunion in Mobile.

Mr. H.T. Parker Jr. of the Shoal Creek Mercantile Co., Nadawah, was a visitor to the county capital Wednesday.

The Pythian lodge here is arraigning for a public lecture and banquet early in December when a number of distinguished members of the order from other cities are expected to be present.

The Commissioners Court adjourned on Saturday until Monday when the work of refilling the jury box was completed.

Capt. T.B. Nettles of Portland stopped over with relative here Monday on his way to Mobile.

BUENA VISTA: Our dear old brother, Mr. P.C. Riley, who sustained injuries from a severe fall several weeks ago, died at the home of his son, Mr. Charlie Riley, near Nadawah, the latter part of the past week. The remains were brought to old Concord burial ground and entered beside those of his wife.

GLENDALE: Several of the young folks of our burg are attending the reunion at Mobile this week.

NOV. 29, 1906

Prof. L.K. Benson has accepted an invitation to deliver a public address at Tinela this (Thursday) evening under the auspices of the Pythian lodge at that place.

Dr. T.M. McMillan, Worshipful Master of Monroeville Lodge, and other members of the fraternity here will attend the annual session of the Masonic Grand Lodge in Montgomery next week.

Cracksmen are still abroad in the land. Beatrice was visited by these nocturnal prowlers on Thursday night. The safes in the post office, kept by Mr. J.M. Stallworth, and the railroad depot were blown open, but proved a water-haul in each instance. Only 85 cents was secured from the post office and a cheap ring from the express office. No clue has been gained so far as known as to the identity of the robbers.

Mr. John McDuffie of River Ridge spent a few days with Monroeville friends this week.

The supreme court has dismissed the appeal from the Monroe circuit court in a suit in which the county sought to recover from W.W. Fox and his bondsmen, alleged to have violated the terms of a contract for the lease of county convicts. The appeal was dismissed because the records were incomplete and the merits of the case were not discussed.

Mr. Elijah Broughton, who has been confined to his room with sickness for several days, is improving, we are glad to note.

MT. PLEASANT: Miss Dailey is teaching the public school at Eliska, and Miss Ida Shomo the Little River school.