From days Gone By April 4, 1912

April 4, 1912.

Mr. Will Mixon is now confined in jail, having surrendered himself to the sheriff. Mr. Mixon in early Febuary, in a dispute with Mr. Zan Cox at Linder's Stables, resulted in Mixon stabbing Cox in the heart. He had fled to parts unknown and Governor Brown had placed a reward for his capture. He will be tried for murder at the next term of Superior Court. This incident was deplored by everyone. Finis was written on March 22 on a Johnson County tragedy of 12 years ago. Governor Brown just approved a full pardon for Jerry Walden, who has been on parole for the past year and a half. In 1900, Jerry was just a lad of 17 or 18 and came to Johnson County looking for work. Mr. G. Dixon, a farmer near Wrightsville, gave Walden employment. Mrs. Dixon became enamored of the lad and so worked on his pliable nature, and finally induced him to assasinate her husband. According to Walden's testimony, he struck Dixon, who was a heavy man, once in the stomach with an axe. Then Mrs. Dixon finished him of herself. Both were tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. A few years ago Mrs. Dixon was pardoned, and now Walden is a free man. Last Saturday while Mr. Jerry T. Dixon was walking in a field near his son, Arthur Dixons' home, about 4 miles from Bartow, he fell on his knees and expired in just a few minutes. His death was from a heart condition. He was 72 years old and well known in Glascock and Johnson Counties. He was a Confederate soldier and served throughout the war. He was buried Sunday afternoon at Minton's Chapel by Rev. Henry Faircloth. He was survived by several children. Wrightsville's streets were full Saturday for the Empire Store's big "Fire Sale". The sidewalks and storerooms were crowded and the many candidates for local races were taking advantage of it. Mr. W. D. Wingett, current Tax Collector informed everyone that contrary to rumors, he has not withdrew from that race and asks his friends to remember him in the primary on the 10th. Judge Ira S. Chappell withdraws from the race for Judge of the Dublin Circuit. The Union Market has been remodeled and Mr. C. F. Harden of Atlanta is now the manager. Mr. H. C. Mayo will re-silver your old mirrors and make them as good as new. Colon Raines has accepted a lucrative position with the Railroad Light Company in Macon. Leon Chester and wife have moved to Hapeville, near Atlanta and is engaged in his vocation as house builder. Mr. & Mrs. John R. Grice is back home after a long visit to their son, Cleo, in New Smyrna, Fla. Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield is recovering from her severe attack of grippe. Prof. W. L. Bryan of the high school at Adel, dislocated his right shoulder while playing base ball. Mr. J. M. Mason bought a pretty residence on Elm Street from Mr. Wright Fitzgerald of Eastman. Last Sunday morning, Mrs. Stephen S. Meeks and Mr. James Tharp were married by Rev. J. R. Kelley at Mrs. Meeks home near Meeks. She is the widow of Judge S. S. Meeks. Also, at the home of the bride, Mr. Thomas Pullen and Miss Gertrude Powell were married. Mr. Pullen is the youngest son of the late John M. Pullen, Miss Powell is the daughter of Mr. L. S. Powell. After a protracted illness of heart dropsy, Mr. Henry D. Montford died at his home here in the city, while he was sitting in his chair. He was a native of Laurens County but lived here for several years. He was a Confederate soldier serving in the western army and was present at the seige of Vicksburg. He was 69 years old and survived by his wife and one son, Edgar Montford. Services were held at the Methodist church with burial in Westview. The Odd Fellows formed the active and honorary escort. While engaged in examining the teeth of a mule at his stable, Mr. R. Z. Sterling had the misfortune to loose the top of his right thumb by the mule biting it so severly that the first joint had to be amputated. Needless to say he is in much pain.

From Days Gone By, March 28, 1912

March, 28, 1912.

In a meeting last week at Warthen College, Mr. Chastian of the Central Railroad Company stressed the advantages of agricultural education and urged Johnson County to organize a Boys Corn Club. Soon after a local club was organized with the following boys: Berner Jenkins, Marion Taylor, Julian Mills, Arlie Mixon, Willie Tompkins, Thos. W. Raines, Shelton W. Harrison, Alex Martin, Talmadge Harrison, Leonard Harrison, Rothwell Anderson, Bernard Tanner, Aubrey Harrison, Tillman Moseley, Frank Jordan, Willie Haines, James Harrison, Ray Tanner, Austin Bland, Jim Jordan, Harley Hilson, John W. Bland, Dewey Downs, Cannie Sumner, Iverson Morris, Edgar Tanner, Albert Lillard, Omie Hooks, Hershel Bray, Leaston Powell, Talmadge W. Hall, and Swain M. Fortner. Last Wednesday at Sandersville Superior Court, permanant receivers were appointed for the Wrightsville, Adrian & Lyons Railroad, a new road under construction. J. H. Rowland of Wrightsville and W. C. Oliver of Lyons were appointed. The road is well underway and will be 48 miles long when finished. So far, 45 miles have already been graded, 40,000 crossties cut and the piling for the trestling is nearly all driven. About $90,000 has been spent and the road owes $40,000. Mr. E. J. Sumner of Johnson County has interest in the road and the late Capt. T. J. James of Adrian had a good sum invested in the project. It is not known what will be done with the road with no definite plans agreed upon. The Adjusters, representing several fire insurance companies which the Empire Store had policies, paid the full amount of the policies. This did not cover the entire stock of goods which were valued at $31,000. The stock was turned back over to T. G. Holt and the damaged goods are to be moved to the building formally occupied by the Wrightsville Furniture Company and he expects to open a fire sale this weekend. Mr. H. P. Howard of Dublin announced his candidacy for Solicitor General. C. H. Moore withdraws his candidacy for Clerk. Dr. T. L. Harris and J. M. Mason served as Clerk of the Court last week in the absence of Clerk Norris who was too sick to attend. For the past three years Geo. W. Gannon has been connected with The Palace Barber Shop. He has now started his own business located in the building formerly occupied by J. E. Tompkins Furniture Store on Elm Street. It will be called Gannon's Sanitary Barber Shop. Mr. Ivey R. Tanner and family are now occupying a room at the residence of Mr. W. C. Tompkins since the destruction of their home recently by fire. Mr. Joe Flanders has named his son Charles Wilson. Mr. J. T. Flanders has suffered a fractured arm. Mrs. Ella Wood dies on the 19th at the home of Mr. Irwin Jackson near Dublin. Services were held at Boiling Springs. Mrs. Wood recently returned from Baker County where she was taken ill. She is survived by her sons, Charles and Amie Wood. Some of the young men of Wrightsville have organized a brass band known as "Wrightsville Silver Cornet Band". A good deal of musical talent is among our boys with some expert players. The band corps consisted of: L. A. Lovett, C. C. Williams, J. M. Culver, G. E. Fulford, C. E. Brinson, D. T. Brinson, J. S. Johnson, M. Daley, C. Lord, J. O. Tanner, A. W. Hightower, Fred Daley, Hugh McWhorter, A. B. Rowland, J. J. Butterly. Mr. L. M. Blount is the director. Mr. A. W. J. Wood, last monday morning, 25th, while standing in a boxcar that was being loaded with cotton, in front of his warehouse in Harrison, fell and expired suddenly. He ate breakfast that morning with his family and seemed as well as usual. He did not speak after his fall, believed to be from organic heart trouble. There is a pecular coincidence connected with his death. The car in which he fell dead was No. 11,114 New York Central Liner, and on the inside walls of the car were the following inscriptions, written by some unknown hand, somewhere, sometime in the past, and now seemed appropos to Mr. Woods sudden and unexpected death: "Get right with God." "Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus Christ Our Lord." "Will you accept the gift?" Mr. Wood was about 50 years old and a faithful Baptist and Sunday School worker and no doubt was ready at his appointed time. He was prominent and well known in Washington and Johnson Counties. He was buried in the Wood cemetery near Harrison. He was survived by his wife and eight children, and brothers, J. S. and C. E. Wood of Savannah.

From Days Gone By March 21, 1912

March 21, 1912.

On Wednesday morning policeman Austin discovered fire in the rear of the Empire Store and it had already gained considerable headway when found. He turned in the alarm and in less than three minutes Mr. Sterling and his excellent company of firemen were on the scene spraying three streams of water into the burning building. The stock of goods was a total loss but the building was saved
Mr. T. G. Holt, the manager of The Empire Store, in company with his wife, and Miss Miller, the milliner, left the store about 11pm where they were preparing for their Easter Opening next week. They had just received a magnificant line of spring and summer goods which all was lost.
The burning is greatly deplored by the people of Wrightsville, as this business was a credit to the city. Mr. Holt has been in this business for several years and had built a successful business. The building was owned by Mr. E. A. W. Johnson. This is the same building that onced housed Hall Brothers.
The value of the fire equipment installed and the heroism of the volunteer fire department can only be appreciated by comparison with the conditions that prevailed on Christmas Eve, 1904, when fire broke out in the Tompkins & Johnson store and the fire destroyed the entire block, and again in 1907, fire again in the store of Duffee, Stewart & Sanders which also destroyed the entire block. These two fires cost several thousand dollars in addition to losing business for a considerable time.
Then on last friday about noon a volume of smoke was seen rising from the roof of the residence of Messrs. Starling and Ferguson on Elm Street. The alarm was sounded and the fire laddies were prompt but it proved to be a false alarm. The smoke came from the chimney, and the damp atmosphere forced it to the roof, causing it to appear on fire.
Mr. J. Walter Hendricks, the State Organizer of the Boys Corn Club, will be here on friday 22nd for the purpose of organizing a Boys Corn Club in Johnson County. Mr. Hendricks will have with him Mr. Cheatham of the Central Railway Company, who will announce the premiums the Central will offer. They want all teachers, school officials and boys ages 12 to 18 years of age to attend. This was the forerunner of the 4-H Club.
Colonel Ira Chappell, candidate for Superior Court Judge and Col. Hal B. Wimberly, candidate for Solicitor General, both of Dublin, where in town campaigning for their respective races. Three new candidates have entered the local races. C. R. Williams for Representative; John M. Meeks, Tax Collector; J. M. Hammock, Tax Receiver. W. T. Harrison, Sr. withdraws his name for Tax Receiver.
The commutation taxes for Johnson County for 1912 will not be collected this year in March, according to J. C. Wiggins, Ordinary. They have been postponed until September 1st. The levied road tax will be $2.50 for each male 21 to 50 years old.
Two street preachers, a man and a woman, both with long flowing hair, and calling themselves the "Isralites of the House of David", attracted much attention this week by their harangues and "wild west" appearance. They were said to be well educated.
The ladies of the methodist church are serving dinner at the court house this week to raise funds for the piano recently placed in the church. Miss Gertrude Duff who has been at St. Joseph's convent for the past two months, is now at home here with her mother. Miss Duff entered the Novitiate in that institution and in due time was received into the community as a sister; but owing to the state of her mother's health she felt needed at home. Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield is quite sick with grippe and Rev. C. A. More, "Uncle Charlie", is sick with cold.
After a protracted illness of pneumonia, which developed into rapid tuberculosis, Ralph, the little three year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Bryan, died at his home here on Sunday. He was buried monday afternoon at Westview by Rev. J. B. Griner, methodist pastor. Little Ralph was a bright handsome child, and had planted himself in the affections not only of those in his home, but with all who came in contact with him.
Mr. S. V. McCallie, State Geologist contacted Mr. F. M. Cox on his inquiry on the sample he sent is a variety of iron ore known as "needle ore". Such ore usually runs about 60 per cent metalic iron, and is usually from $2.50 to $3.00 per ton. It is only used in making iron and in this form it never occurs in very large quantites.
Judge K. J. Hawkins convened Superior Court this week and he complimented the jury and called their attention to the fact that Johnson was the first county in Georgia to banish the sale of whiskey, thereby having the distinction of being the first original prohibition county, which was due to that great and good man Theophils Christian, who at the time, 1875, represnted Johnson in the legislature, who passed a bill the effect of which was to eliminate whiskey from the county. Tomorrow morning the contestation of the will of Mrs. A. N. Brown, late of this city, will be heard for the first time in Superior Court. The contestants are her two sisters and one brother. There is much interest in this case, as the Wrightsville Baptist Church is legatee to the will.
R. T. Lovett is required to appear at Superior Court on the 3rd day of June to answer or defend himself in a libel for divorce from plaintiff Mrs. Elizabeth Lovett.

From Days Gone By March 14, 1912

March 14, 1912.
The rains and showers have been inseparable visitors to Wrightsville of late. But this didnt put a damper on fires. At 9:30 last Sunday morning the fire alarm was turned in from Mr. I. R. Tanner's residence. The firemen responded promptly and in a short time got the flames under control. The entire roof and loft was a mass of flames. The origin of the fire was in the west front room and was started accidentally. The building was the property of Mrs. H. W. Snell and was insured.
Mr. Elmer Daley now occupies his new bungalow on East Elm Street and its the handsomest of its kind in the state. Prof. Clarkson is at the Dent boarding house. Everyone at the college had their picture taken by a traveling photographer and they will be finished as postcards.
Mr. C. M. Dent will celebrate his 56th anniversary at a family reunion dinner at his home near Wrightsville. Mrs. J. G. Kent has come back from the Rawlings Sanitarium much improved but not able to return to her home at Adel. Mr. H. P. Hicks has returned from Fitzgerald where he was called to see his father, Capt. Jimmie Hicks, who has gripp. He is still feeble and little hope for his ultimate recovery. Ralph, the 3 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Bryan has critical pneumonia.
Mr. George W. Gannon, the expert tonsorial artist recently opened a new place in the old Burch Drug Store, in the Daley building with new equipment and will give prompt service with a shave or hair cut. Mr. Paul Gilmore and his London Players will be at the Vivola on April 2nd presenting The Mummy and The Humming Bird.
The list of candidates is growing and it is a good list. All are collectively and individually good strong men, excellent citizens of the town and county. Mr. C. S. Meadows writes of his friend and old comrade, Jacob Tapley Snell: "I have known him for about 45 years; one who has always stood for the right. His liberality has been enjoyed by the more destitute of old Johnson County. He is always ready to contribute to the distressed and down trodden of humanity. In the days that tried mens' souls, back in the sixties, he was always liberal with his means, to feed the hungry and clothe the destitute. He was one of the first jurors that ever served on the Grand Jury of Johnson County. He is one whose veracity stands among all classes. I see his name announced for House of Reprsentative from old Johnson. It is true, I am not in the county now, but it is my birthplace, and ther is no man in the county that I had rather see elected than J. T. Snell. I trust my old friends will turn out and elect him. Give him this honor, as he is getting old and probably this will be the last time that he will ever offer."
"A NO. 1" Distinguished Tramp visits Wrightsville. The world's most famous tramp, whose only known name is the sobriquet "A No. 1" was in our city and made a pleasant call to the paper office. He is a man most pleasent address, inteligent, well groomed, and gave evidence of a courtly gentleman.
He is a native of San Fransico, from which city he tramped when 11 years old, and he has been tramping eversince. He has been around the world several times, and seldom pays railroad fare, and frequently "rides the rods," as he expresses it. He is well known to all local railroad men, and the story of his fame is founded on facts. He is master of four languages, and is quite a unique character and deserves the cognomen of "the gentleman hobo."
And the following short sketch of this raravis will doubtless be interesting to our readers, showing the good he exerts over boys. Whenever "A No. 1" meets a runaway boy upon his journeys he gives him a talking to that is almost certain to make the lad home sick, and glad when "A No. 1" purchase a ticket sending him home to his parents.
If the boy is already a confirmed wanderer "A No. 1" teaches him his own motto: "Never associate with anyone in whose company you would be ashamed in broad open day light to pass your mother's home." He entertain the town with his instructive stories of the road and the solution of the tramp problem.
"About 359,000 minors run away from home annually. Of this number over 38,000 become confirmed hobos 7,000 are crippled, 3,500 are killed and the rest can only stand the hardships of tramp life about 10 years, until they are in a poor house. So many mothers, if they only knew it, are the cause of many young men living the hobo life. If a regular grown up tramp comes to the house and asks for a meal she turns him away and tells him to go to work for it, but when the young fellow comes along just starting out to be a tramp she takes him in, feeds him on the best she has, not realizing that within a few short years the same youngster will be an exact prototype of the burly tramp she had just turned away."
"Now if she would only get his name from him and his address, and talk to him in a nice way about his home and mother, there would be a good chance that he would go back and it would be a help towards reforming a large number of the boys."
"A No. 1" makes his transient expenses by the sale of two books, the first being "Life and Adventures of A No. 1", tells of his travels among tramps all over the world. The second "Hobo Camp Fire Tales," is a true story of the pitiful hardships of the road. Both show the darkside of tramp life so that any restless boy will get a good idea of its disgusting feature.

From Days Gone By March 7,1912

March 7, 1912.

The long continued rain has prevented the farmers from doing any farm work. Plowing is nearly two months behind. No guano has been hauled, owing to the roads being in such bad condition from the rains. Notwithstanding the bad weather, the Buster Brown Show was greeted with a good house tuesday night, and it is said to be one of the best shows that has been to Wrightsville this season.
The city fathers have had some much needed work done recently on the streets and sidewalks. B. F. Jordan, head of the streets assisted by Wm Cary and a score of hands pruned the shade trees.
This is indeed a year of politics, and interest is increasing with quite a number of announcements being made. There are more candidates of the different county offices in the coming primary in April than has ever been known in the history of the county. Besides those mentioned in previous columns, T. M. Jordan and J. M. Smith are running for tax collector; for treasurer R. R. Frost, for tax receiver W. Rhiner, for representative B. H. Moye and J. T. Snell, for senator of the 16th district Dr. J. M. Page and for sheriff, W. D. Rowland who has recently severed his connection as manager of the Rowland Merchantile Co. John Douglas, Will Kitchens and Ernest Hitchcock will continue at the merchantile business.
The people of Wrightsville will have the opportunity of a lifetime to see two of Shakespeares greatest plays at the Vivola Theatre. The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet. Shakespeare is quoted from the pulpit, and his great plays are read in the schools and colleges and they should be allowed to see those plays personated in order to more fully comprhend them.
Last Friday at the chapel of Warthen College, Prof. Ware and Rev. E. W. Pease gave stiring talks against the proposed opening of a public pool room in Wrightsville. The following was presented to the city council: "We, the parents, do hereby petition, in the name of our boys not to allow any public pool room in Wrightsville".
It seems that the Palmist was the drawing card at the carnival, and was patronized by quite a number of ladies and men, also who did not mind "showing their hands" in the "game of life", of the "past, present and future".
Jim Allen who has been at Vidaila for several months, has accepted a position with R. Z. Sterling of this city, as chauffeur, and will run the car at the stables. He is a safe mechanic. Mrs. Clara Cox, widow of Zan Cox who was killed a few weeks back expressed her thanks to all the gifts and help she has received.
The friends of Capt. Jimmie Hicks will regret to learn that he is sick with grippe at his home in Fitzgerald. The funeral of Mr. W. R. Meeks will be preached at Philadelphia on the first sunday in May. Ada, the little 4 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mac Hall who lives about 5 miles from Kite, near Mr. John Douglas, was burned to death monday. Her mother left her a short while to go to the planning mill nearby to get some potatoes, in her absence the child began playing in the fire when her clothes ignited and she was burned to death. She was buried at Corinth.
J. J. Johnson notified all persons that after expiration of 30 days from this date he will apply to the prison commission of Georgia, and the Governor, for a full pardon.
Messers. T. L. Martin and W. W. Dent have been acquitted, and fully vindicated of the charge of arson. About a year ago the store house of the former was burned at Uvalda, Montgomery County, the fire spread and burned the livery stable of Mr. J. B. Jones. Jones charged them with the burning with the fact that Martin and Dent were new to the area and Jones was a long time resident. The case was called to trial numorous times with defendants there demanding their trial, which was refused until recently and lasted 3 days. It took less than 2 hours for the jury to hand down a not guilty. The State was represented by Hon. E. D. Graham, the Solicitor General, and Judge Eschol Graham of McRae. The defendants were represented by E. L. Stephens of Wrightsville and Mr. C. P. Thompson of Mount Vernon.