From Days Gone By Nov. 14, 1912

November 14, 1912.

   The most disastrous wreck that the Wrightsville & Tennille railroad ever sustained, occured last friday about 7 o'clock. The north bound freight left the depot here very heavily loaded; and was running at a great rate of speed in order to make the Wilson hill, a mile further, when the eighth car from the engine, which was loaded with boards jumped the track, causing nine more to do likewise. Cotton and cottonseed were loaded on the other cars. The train consisted of twenty-four cars and a caboose; seven remaining on the track, and seven staying with the engine. The great momentum caused the ten that jumped, to be completely demolished, all being scrambled in one mighty heap. Fortunately no one was even injured.

   Mr. Frank Jackson of the Chronicle Job Office is publishing a new bantling for public favor. It will be called The Messenger. Rev. R. J. Kelley will move with his family to Scott having been placed in charge of the church there. Mr. B. J. Moye is making some improvements on his recently purchased home in the way of a varanda and bath room.

   The Vivola Theater has opened for the season under new management. Mr. C. E. Brinson is new manager and intends to give show-goers nothing but the latest, cleanest attractions. The initial show of the season, "45 Minutes From Broadway" is coming soon. You've seen them in the newspapers, and laughed at their absurd antics. Now you have a chance to see them in real life, flesh and blood at the Vivola, just as if they stepped out of the newspaper. They'll be there all of next week with their entire family of comedians, singer, and dancers, also a bunch of pert little "squabs". Don't miss "Mutt and Jeff". You'll be sorry if you do.

   Miss Arrie Williams and Mr. R. C. Powers, of Adrian were married Sunday afternoon at Rev. and Mrs. Charles A. Moore in Wrightsville. The bride is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C. A. Williams of Wrightsville. The groom is the assistant cashier of the Citizens Bank of Adrian.

   A romantic marriage of a "Gretna Green" affair, occured at the Lovett Hotel between Miss Archye Spear of Wadley, and Mr. W. D. Compton of Scott. She was on her way here to start teaching at Sunshine School, but was met here by the groom and his best man, Mr. Smith of Scott, and performed Sunday night by Judge J. C. Wiggins. Mr. Compton is cashier of the Scott Banking Company. Mr. Otho Tanner drove the newlyweds to Scott monday morning in his automobile.

   Mr. Benjamin Griner died wednesday morning here at his son, Rev. J. B. Griner home at the methodist parsonage after a brief illness. He was 78 years old, and died from heart failure. He is survived by four sons, three of whom are ministers, Rev. J. B. Griner, Rev. J. C. Griner and Rev. G. W. Griner and Mr. T. A. Griner. His remains were taken to Springfield, Effingham County for internment.

   Mr. John Francis Norris, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Johnson County died at his home here Sunday from a stroke of two weeks ago. Mr. Norris was born in Emanuel County in 1836, and was over 76 years of age. He was the son of William & Behlison Powell Norris, and was one of 15 children. He had 5 brothers in the Confederate service, two who survive him. He was prominent in politics and at 21 elected as Tax Collector and Tax Receiver of Johnson County which he held together for 26 successive years. He at one time was in the merchantile business under the firm name of (John B.) Wright & Norris and was a successful farmer. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Wright and Preston Norris, and two daughters, Mrs. Wright Fitzgerald of Eastman, and Mrs. W. B. Adkins of Dublin. He was buried at Westview.