From Days Gone By, April 25, 1912

April 25, 1912.

Tomorrow April 26th, is Memorial Day, which will be observed by most of the Southern States, as a day sacred to the memory of the brave men who fought and died in defence of the South. Memorial Day originated with Mrs. Mary Ann Williams of Columbus, who also organized the Women's Memorial Association, which has since developed into the United Daughters of the Confederacy, 47 years ago tomorrow, General Joe Johnston surrendered his forces to General W. T. Sherman in North Carolina. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General U. S. Grant April 9th 1865.
Memorial excersises will be held at the College auditorium tomorrow morning at 10 am. A program will be given by the pupils, consisting of reading and music.
Mrs. W. H. H. Futrelle of Adrian, mother of Jacque Futrelle, the famous novelist, is in a critical condition at home here. Physicians state that her recovery is doubtful, but her condition is better than it was yesterday. Since the account of Jack's death was read in the Journal friday, she seems to be grief-striken over her sons fate. Jack was her youngest son, and her confidence in him and her love for him seems abiding.
When Will Futrelle, oldest, and only brother of the deceased, read the account of the very probable death of his brother in friday mornings Journal, he fainted on the streets of Atlanta, and immediately two physicians were at his side, and he was at once carried home; he was almost an invalid anyway, and the death of his brother was a terrible blow to him.
Attention has been called by a visitor to the sadly neglected condition of "West View", the city for our dead, and just here we are reminded that in other places, the "street Force" of the towns and cities generally keep the walks and avenues of the cemeteries clean. But as tomorrow is Memorial Day no attention has been given ours.
Mrs. J. M. Huff received a phone message last night announcing the death of her brother, Mr. Sparks Clayton, at the Soldiers Home in Atlanta. Mrs. l. G. Walker received a telegram that Mrs. Luther McCrary, who is visiting Atlanta, is ill with laryngitis and will undergo throat surgery. Dr. James Gordon Brantley will graduate the Atlanta School of Medicine this month. When he receives his sheepskin he will return to Wrightsville to practice his profession. On May 3rd, the Powell's Chapel school will close for the summer.
Rev. & Mrs. W. E. Arnold, of Lumpkin, announced the engagement of their daughter Belle, to Mr. Joseph Marcellus Bryan, of Americus on June 12th. The bride elect is granddaughter of Rev. & Mrs. Charles Moore, and neice of Mrs. S. M. Johnson, and Mr. Homer Moore all of Wrightsville. Mr. Bryan, who is connected with the Planter's Bank of Americus, was reared in Wrightsville, a son of Mrs. Anna Easterling Bryan and the late Rev. R. B. Bryan.
Miss Smith, of Atlanta, demonstrator of the New Perfection Blue Flame Oil Stove, gave a practical cooking demonstration at Wrightsville Mercantile Company which was well attended by the ladies. The merits and economy of this modern stove, which has proved a blessing to womankind, should be in every kitchen. Both the Wrightsville Merchantile Company and the People's Hardware Company have just received a lot of the matchless cookers, which to see is to buy.

From Days Gone By April 18, 1912

April 18, 1912.

On Sunday the 14th, at 11:40pm, the great ship, Titanic, struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage, and sank early on the 15th. Jacque Futrelle, the popular writer and his wife, Lillie May were on the ship. Mr. Wiley Harman Heath Futrelle, Jacques father, lives near Adrian and is an old friend of the Headlight editor and while in town a few weeks ago, during conversation mentioned that "Jack" and Lillie May were abroad, and their expected return to America soon. Reports are that Jack went down with the ship. His wife is reported among the survivors of the lost ship, and everyone hopes he is also. Messers. W. R. Amason and H. B. Sanders informs everyone that Idylwild, the beautiful picnic grounds of the W. & T. Railroad, will open on the 19th. Amason and Sanders are the managers and are doing all they can to make Idylwild attractive and pleasant to visitors and picnic parties. The faculty and pupils of Warthen College will have their annual picnic there tomorrow. The long continued wetting rains are having retarded the progress of the farmers to an alarming extent. Wednesday's rains cut down the attendance at Warthen College about one-half, and school was dismissed at noon. Dr. R. R. Douglas has recently invested in a handsome Flanders Car, and is liberally treating his friends to joy rides every pleasant afternoon. Mr. John M. Jordan is back in town and is still in his old line of business, repairing and adjusting all kinds of sewing machines, organs and various other kinds of machine work. He can be called on at the Wrightsville Merchantile Company. Mr. J. B. Long has on hand five good second hand buggies for sale, cheap for cash, or good notes. Buggies have just been overhauled. He does all kinds of repair work; vehicles, all plantation implements, horse-shoeing, etc. Dr. F. B. Hughes, the eyesight specialist will be in Wrightsville for two days at Duff & Robinson shop. The Johnson County Singing Convention will convene at Beulah Baptist near Donovan on April 27th & 28th. Mr. W. W. Hackett, Traveling Passenger agent of the Central of Georgia Railroad was in town perfecting arrangements of special cars from Wrightsville direct to Macon, during the re-union in May. It is expected that practically every Confederate soldier of Johnson County will attend. It was omitted in last weeks election results that Mr. Hillard Hicks won the race for Surveyor. He only received 4 votes but he had no opposition. On last Sunday morning Mr. James Jackson Bush died at his home on Mr. Ben Wiggin's place and was buried Monday at Gum Log church, Rev. Jordan Norris conducting the funeral. Mr. Bush was a native of Laurens County, but had lived here for several years. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church and is survived by many relatives and friends. Prof. Broxton chaperoned the college base ball team to Adrian on Tuesday. The afternoon gave an interesting game with Warthen beating Adrian by the score of 10 to 6. Both sides were evenly matched and took eleven innings to decide the better team. The game which lasted one hour and twenty minutes featured hard hitting and fast base running. Throughout the conflict it was mainly a pitcher's battle, both pitchers covering themselves with glory. McWhorter fanned 13 and walked one; and Smith struck out 15 and walked two.

From Days gone By, April 11, 1912

April 11, 1912.

The election for the local county offices took place here this week with some surprising results. The following is a consolodated vote total of all county precincts: For Ordinary, incumbent J. C. Wiggins keeps his seat 962 votes to U. R. Jenkins 649. In the Clerk of Superior Court incumbent A. S. Norris was handily defeated by J. V. Snell 1,020 to 589. For County Treasurer Jos. M. Smith, 595; L. B. Claxton, 448; R. R. Frost, 293; John J. Duff, 241. In the race for Tax Collector it was C. J. Smith, 430; A. S. Mayo, 397; T. J. Williams, 262; John M. Meeks, Jr., 229; T. M. Jordan, 116; N. G. Smith, 74 and incumbent W. D. Wingett, 36. For Tax Receiver it was N. B. Miller, 700; J. W. Price, 239; Warren D. Rhiner, 203; J. M. Hammock, 174; Rufus Ellis, 52. For Coroner, J. W. Bailey, 706; A. S. Barnes, 447; C. G. Walden, 277. For Representative it was B. H. Moye with 923 votes. The biggest surprise of all the races was for Sheriff as W. D. Rowland beat out longtime Sheriff Lewis Davis, 963 to 631. Fishing season is on for sure and Game Warden J. M. Walker is on the job. He is quietly watching and waiting for the would-be offenders of the law governing fishing in Johnson County. He is quite decided on his views and will enforce the law to the letter. Ignorance of the law won't fly with Warden Walker who will excuse no offender, white or black. With rod and line is the only way you are allowed to tak'em from the stream. This means no dynamiting, no shooting, no seining and no poisioning is allowed. A new farmers line will be connected with the exchange of the Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph in Wrightsville. This line will be constructed by Mr. R. P. Hicks and will furnish service to six well-known parties, who will then be in telephone communication with each other and the Bell Exchange. Under the plan rural deliverers are enabled to secure phone service on an economical basis. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. W. Johnson entertained the Wrightsville Volunteer Firemen at his new home, "Sutherland". The host provided oysters, meats, salad, coffee, cream, cakes and fruit. He extended his appreciation for their services and the risks they take to save the lives and property in the city. Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Renfroe had a little daughter arrive last week. Bernice, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bryan is sick with pleurisey. Rev. Charles Moore's condition has worsened and he seems to be slipping away gradually. Chas. L. Wilson, proprietor of the City Barber Shop is suffering from acute indigestion. Mr. Elisha W. Walker, a pioneer citizen of Wrightsville and Johnson County paid the town a visit. "Uncle Lishy" has reached three score and ten in life's journey, and through feeble and with eye-sight impaired, he is still cheerful and greatley enjoys sharing fishing stories with the townsmen. While cranking his car, Dr. S. M. Johnson had the misfortune of breaking his right wrist near the joint and also the thumb of his right hand. The crank of the machine, kicked back, striking the doctor. His hand was set but needless to say he to is in much pain.