From Days Gone By Sept 8, 1911

September 8, 1911. Warthen College opened for business on Sept. 5th under the most flourishing and promising condition. The enrollment at the beginning is the largest in the history of the school. It was necessary to add two more teachers to the faculty. Great improvements have been made upon the college campus by grading and sodding. There is a movement now to construct two large dormitories at once. A beautiful tiled pavement has been laid in front of the Vivola building on Marcus Street and Mr. E. A. Lovett has had the sidewalk in front of the Express Office and Bank of Wrightsville tiled and is appreciated by pedestrians all. H. C. Tompkins has had his entire stock of groceries moved to the corner store, beneath the telephone exchange. The vacant section formerly for groceries is being renovated for millinery, ladies furnishings, notions, etc. while the adjoining store will still be devoted to shoes, clothing, gents' furnishings, etc. Col. B. H. Moye has moved his law office to the Vivola building. Clifford Robinson left to attend the military college at Dahlonega. Mr. & Mrs. Mac Shurling have a distinguished visitor in their home, a diminutive son, who is now claiming all of their time and attention. Among the batch of pardons granted by Governor Smith last week was that of William Ayers, colored, from Johnson County. It will be remembered that about 12 years ago one Dan Outlaw, colored, was found dead in his house, near the railroad depot in this city. Suspicion pointed to William Ayers who was arrested, convicted, and received a life sentence. The application for pardon was presented to prison commission and the Governor by Col. E. L. Stephens of this city the same attorney who defended Ayers at his trial in March 1901. J. W. A. Crawford has just completed his new residence at Vidiala and will move his family to that city at an early date. Mr. Crawford has been a resident of Wrightsville from childhood and his old friends and business associates regret to part with him and his estimable family. Rev. W. A. Parker, Jr. who has served as pastor of the Baptist church in this city for nearly 2 years, tendered his resignation last sunday night and will move from Wrightsville. On last saturday morning Mrs. D. L. Lindsey, widow of the late David Lindsey of this county, was found dead in her bed, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. S. Mayo near New Home church passing away sometime during the night. Mrs. Lindsey was over 70 years old and was in feeble health but sudden death was unexpected. She was buried at New Home with Rev. M. R. Little, pastor of the Baptist church at Wadley. On last wednesday week while Mrs. Vena Colston who lives about a mile from Providence Church, was walking out in a cotton patch which is about 100 yards from her home, she came suddenly upon a huge rattlesnake, which without the aid of anyone, she instantly killed it. The snake measured four and a half feet in length and had eight rattles. Mrs. Colston who is 72 years old is indeed a most nervy woman to have tackled a monster that some men would have shrunk from.