From Days Gone By Feb 5, 1914

Febuary 5,1914.     On last Monday while thwe citizens were enjoying there noon meal, the fire alarm was sounded and it was discovered that the roof on the south side of the Baptist pastorium corner of Valley and Elm streets was ablaze near one of the chimneys. A spark was believed to have feel on the shingles igniting them. The fire Department promptly responded but were bably handicapped and powerless to render any service with the hose on account of not sufficiant water in the tower, owing to a defect in the water gauge at the power house. It registed nearly full but in fact was near empty. It was not found until the firemen coupled there hoses to the hydrants and found them useless.     The flames spread rapidly and soon consumed the whole building which was occupied by Rev. L.P. Glass, most of the household items were saved as the building burned and carried to the Kennedy residence where they will now reside. The citizens formed a "bucket brigade" and saved the Headlight editors home which was dangerously close to being ignited. During the fire a feed house across the street caught fire several times but was extinguished each time. A $1000 insurance policy was carried on the pastorium.     Mrs. V. B. Robinson recently purchased a handsome Ford car that seats five people. There are now about 40 machines of different makes in the city. But, while there is an unusual number of automobiles operated, still the useful and "can't-do-with-out" mules is in evidence by a big majority, and dealers are doing a flourishing business.    Mr. J.B. Harrison, formerly in charge of the electric plant here is now a resident of Rodman, Florida. Mr. Luther Ross who ran the plant at Sandersville has moved his family here and he will take over the plant here, assisted by Mr. John Vanlandingham. Mr. F.B. Caldwell and family now occupy rooms with Mr. J.E. Scott on Court Street. Mr. W.H. Lockhart of Washington County has moved to Spann. Mr. L.B. Claxton is running for county treasurer a position he has held in the past.     Mrs. Mamie Hicks McWhorter died on the 29th at Rawlings Sanitarim, suffering from diabetic gangrene. She was a member of the Hicks family, one of the most prominent and best known familys in this section. She was a daughter of William Hicks and widow of  Mr. S.A. McWhorter. She was a member of the Baptist church and was 60 years old. She was survived by five sons- J.H., J.O., Will, Tom and Hugh and four daughters- Mrs. Dunham, Mrs. Barfield, Mrs. Emerson and Miss Ina McWhorter. She was buried at Westview.     Captain James Hicks, soldier, statesman and church worker, died on the 28th of bright's disease at his home on North Main in Fitzgerald. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery with Masonic honors. He had an honorary escort of old veterans. He was survived by his wife, four sons and four daughters, Mrs. J.B. Roundtree, Mrs. J.B. Harris, Mrs. E. Wall, Mrs. Harry O'Brien, H.P., J.B., A.T., and J.C. Hicks.    Captain Hicks served in the civil war from its beginning to its end. Enlisting as a private he was continously promoted until he made captain in 1865. He fought in every battle in the Army of Northern Virginia. He helped with the Blue and Gray Peace monument and said he would be willing to die after it was erected. He married Miss Annie Brinson of Reidsville. While he lived in Johnson County he was elected state representative and later state senator of the 16th district.