From Days Gone By March 25, 1915

March 25, 1915.

    Johnson County has a hookworm infection. Of the 247 persons examined during the past week, 114 or 46 percent were found to have hookworm disease. Over 91 percent of the rural children examined were found to have the disease. 42 pupils were examined at Warthen College with half that number infected. 76 percent at Kite; Scott was even higher and 5 percent at Adrian. Union, Providence, Gethsemane and Hollywood show a 100 percent infection. These figures were enough to make everyone sit up and take notice. There are thousands of cases in the county among grown people and children. Examinations are free and the medicine is provided by the state.

    Hookworm disease is the most prevalent, most slowly harmful and most easily buried of any disease known to man. Many ills that have been attributed to other causes are known to be due to hookworm disease. It slowly sapps your blood away, pale and sallow who suffer some from indigestion also.

    There will be examinations held at C. T. Bray's store, New Home school, E. J. Sumner's store, Dr. Forts at Scott, Meeks, Kite City Drug store, Adrian and at Wrightsville court house.

    The Grand Jury recommended paupers Charlie Johnson, Polly Horton, Mary E. Rhiner and Mrs. G. W. Loyd's allowances be reduced. Those to be struck from that list are Bryant Daley, Julia Clements, Susan Killebrew, E. L. Pryor, Eldridge Crabb, Dock Thompson, J. J. Rushing. Added to the list were Sill Bowen, Ora Lee Layton.

    The roads need dragging as soon as possible. Sewer pipes at White Wheeler's lane, Daley bridge near Aaron Newsome place. The bridge between New Home school and W. A. West's place needs attention. Recommend a foot bridge built over branch between J. W. Harrison's and Mrs. A. G. Hawkins place, also at Big Battleground near A. J. Kight's and the bridge between Willie Mayo and John Mayo. The road needs widening from Wrightsville to county line towards Tennille. Need a bridge across Swain's Creek near Horton place.

    Mr. & Mrs. N. Braddy had a daughter on March 20th. Sick this week is Mr. Tom Davis, ear trouble; Marjory, infant daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. F. Renfroe, bronchitis. Mr. Wes Braddy died suddenly at his home near Scott, while bathing his hands prepatory for supper. He had apparently been in good health, and sudden death came without a moments warning. He was buried at Shady Grove.

    Mrs. Mary Price turned 88 on March 1st and a party was held for her at her son's, Mr. T. B. Price. She is probably the oldest woman in that section. Billie Kovako's has moved his fruit stand to Dublin. Mr. Leon Lovett, who is selling the Ford machines is now exhibiting quite a number of the latest models of this popular car at the Wrightsville Grain Company.

    Mr. Wade Bedingfield had his invention of the street car switch patented on Febuary 15 from Washington, D. C. He graduated from Warthen College, class of 1911 which afterwards entered the law class at Mercer University where he will receive his diploma next June.

    He had been working on this railway switch for 2 years. The device attaches to the car and will save the motorman from having to stop the car in order to throw the switch. One part consists of an attachment to the car, the other being attached to the rail in the hollow section terminating under the switch in two angular points. He submitted to several mechanics who say it is very serviceable invention.

    Wade's father is Dr. P. B. Bedingfield and the youngest of four children. His brother W. P. was also a Mercer student in 1906. Wade said, "I am very much elated over the prospects it holds out to me. My father is backing me in the matter and we are going to hold it long enough to determine what is the best disposition to make of it." He has been offered several splendid royalties.

From Days Gone By March 18, 1915

March 18, 1915.

    Kite pulled off a fiddler's convention last Friday night that was a credit to the town. A very small admission fee was charged, yet after paying $9.50 in prizes, they netted $14.75. The prizes were paid as follows:

    Mr. Hill Fortner, $5; Mr. Mitchell Fortner, $2; and Mr. Morris Riner, $1.50. Then to show that the heart of Kite is in the right place a further reward of $1 was given to Mr. Geo. A. Townsend who had picked the banjo in many of the pieces. All the players acquitted themselves well and gave some fine entertainment.

    Gordon Holden, better known as Gordon Wilkerson, last Sunday took passage and crossed the dark water which the Ancients called River Styx. He ordered his own boat, using a shotgun. Temporary aberration of mind was perhaps the cause. Such incidents are very sad. Gordon was a young man full of promise. His untimely end is a shock to all, and his beareaved family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire Kite community.

    Some of the good people of Kite said nothing should have been said about those wild animals that are prowling around Kite. The reader was told, what we say about Kite, we don't want you to say, for your town is just as bad. Where we have one wild animal, you have two. The writer said as he began to write the notes, we heard a pat pat pit-a-pat pat of small feet. We would hate for the sting which is in the tails of those animals to take the stiffness out of those legs and put it into his brain. You, no more than I, know whether your boy shall be able to whip those tigers. Our grandfathers drove the Indians, bears, lions and tigers out of this country to protect their children. What are we doing to protect ours?

    The dwelling occupied by "Tump" Claxton was burned the other night. They were not at home and nothing was saved. The house belonged to Col. C. S. Claxton, of Wrightsville, and was partially covered by insurance. This fire was a demonstration of the need of an organized bucket brigade.

    The Baptist church on an adjoining lot could have been saved with very little organized effort. As it was church and seats were turned to smoke. No insurance. A few level headed men saved the dwelling of Mr. J. M. Neal, which stood on the next lot. The members of the church are making fine progress toward raising funds for the erection of another church.

Note- The above article about Kite was written by an unnamed reporter to the Wrightsville Headlight.

From Days Gone By March 11,1915

March 11, 1915.

    The Johnson County schools will hold a Field Day exercises contest, and a regular Rally Day on March 26th at Warthen College grounds. Each school will be represented by one pupil in each contest. Contests include reading, spelling, story writing, declamation and recitation. The atheletic contests will consist of standing high jump, running high jump, standing broad jump, running broad jump, 100 yard dash, 220 yard dash. Other contests include sack race, 3 legged race, peanut and knife race.

    Mr. D. M. Dunwoody who has a large timber business near Wrightsville received a telegram announcing the death of his brother, attorney Harry F. Dunwoody, who was killed in the terrible tragedy at Brunswick, by Monroe Phillips. Mr. Dunwoody left here at once for Brunswick, the scene of the bloody affray.

    Mr. & Mrs. L. M. Burns announce the birth of a daughter, Elizabeth, born March 3rd. Mr. Clarence Carter and Miss Addie Flanders were married at Moores Chapel last Sunday. W. G. Burns made a trip to Sandersville behind his beautiful "roadster George" he just purchased.

    Mr. Shell Brannen with the Sales Stables here has gone to Americus to engage in business there. Mr. Walter Hawkins who has been in the fancy groceries business here for several years has moved to Dublin. Mr. DeBored, an electrician and machineist of Savannah has located at the Grice House and is employed at the Claxton Garage on the west side of the square.

    Ray Barnes while cranking Mrs. V. B. Robinson's car had the misfortune to break his arm. Others on the sick list are Eddie Henderson, pneumonia; Mrs. W. A. Sinquefield, grippe; Mrs. W. R. Dent, Sr., pneumonia; Merrie Nell Davis, pneumonia, and Mrs. Will Kitchens.

    Two other banks released their statement of condition. The Bank of Adrian, $46,761.40; The Scott Banking Company, $36,570.29.

    A years' support was granted to Rosa M. Price, widow of R. M. Price. Lester Tharpe made application for 12 months support out of the estate of J. B. Tharpe. Will Mason, guardian of Lizzie Wiggins has applied for the discharge from his guardianship.

    Mr. Wm F. Tharpe, born in Johnson County August 20th 1879. Several years ago he went with his parents to Montgomery County. He died on Febuary 16, 1915 while enjoying one of those occasional holidays justly due "the sons of toil" when he died at the accidental discharge of a fellow hunters gun. At 15 he connected with the missionary Baptist and for 6 years a faithful member of the I. O. F.

From Days Gone By March 4,1915

March 4, 1915.

    There was a large congregation in attendance at Brown Memorial Sunday night to hear Rev. R. L. Peoples, the new pastor, who has made a most favorable impression on all who have heard him preach.

    Mr. H. P. Hicks who is in charge of the Bill posting business has recently made vast improvement in erecting bill-boards which are made of sheet iron in the fire limit on which to post bills and when completed they resemble large framed pictures and more of an ornament than a detraction.

    Little Louise Kent, daughter of T. V. Kent has pneumonia. Mrs. M. M. Davis has grippe. Mr. Claud Renfroe is undergoing surgery by Dr. Rawlings. Quite a large crowd attended the funeral of Mr. Tom Spear of Eastman who was buried at Piney Mt. Thursday morning.

    Mr. J. M. Bryan and family have moved to the former Haines home on West Court street. Miss Minnie Berry of one of the largest millinery houses in Baltimore is now in charge of that department here at H. C. Tompkins department store. Mrs. E. L. Stephens hosted a sewing party at her West Court street home.

    The banks released their statement of condition. Exchange Bank, $95,623.83; Bank of Wrightsville, $194,289.83; Citizens Bank of Kite, $60,277.07.

    L. A. Kennedy, the alleged wife murderer of Swainsboro, who has been in the Chatham County jail for the past several months waiting on trial, was taken back to Sandersville on the Central train early this morning. The sheriff of Washington County carried him off. He will be tried in Sandersville on Wednesday the venue of the case having been changed.

    W. F. Tharpe, of Orlando, was killed by the accidental discharge of the gun of Joseph Davis, his companion, about noon today. Tharpe and Davis were hunting on Davis' land when the latter fell and his gun struck the ground and went off. The load entered the side of Tharpe and killed him instantly. Both were prominent farmers. Tharpe left a wife.

    The act of congress prohibiting all persons from selling or giving away habit-forming drugs without a physicians prescription, or under direct instruction of a physician, went into effect throughout the country today.

From Days Gone By Febuary 25, 1915

Febuary 25, 1915.

    Fires of a serious nature, continue to occur in and around Wrightsville. About dusk just a week ago today, a small outhouse on the premises of Mrs. Edward Montiford was burned. The on Friday morning between 5 and 6 the citizens woke up to find Duff & Robinson's jewelry shop a blaze on the inside. The fire department soon had the flames subdued, not, however, until the material, tools, etc. were ruined or totally consumed. Miss Annie Lou Robinson conducts a millinery business which sustained water damage, as did Dr. J. Curtis Robinson who's dental office adjoined.

    Again on Saturday morning at 10 the firemen responded, promptly, as usual, to an alarm which proved to be an incipient blaze in the colored M. E. Church which was soon put out with minor damage.

    Brown Memorial, in conference, called to its pastorate Rev. R. L. Peoples of Atlanta. Orange blossoms in Wrightsville! The pure white fragrant orange flowers have lent their beauty and perfume to Wrightsville courtesy of Mrs. R. B. Bryan,Sr.

    Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Braddy and children have moved from near Wrightsville to Tennille. Mr. B. B. Tanner has purchased a handsome 5-passenger Cadillac 1915 model. J. V. Snell has purchased the W. H. Chivers' farm located just across Cedar Creek one and a half miles from town. This near-in farm consists of 100 acres land with good tenant houses, large new barn, etc.

    Mrs. Georgia Gay is quite sick. Mrs. J. M. Mason has pleurisy. Mrs. W. J. Dent, Sr. is in critical condition. Miss Mary Lillie Haines of Piney Mt has pneumonia.

    Last Thursday morning Mrs. Clayton Wood who resides near Arline Chapel placed their 5 month old baby on the bed, and left the little 2 year old son playing about the room while they went out to the lot to milk the cows. While she heard the children screaming, and hastening to the house she was met by the little boy, his clothing on fire which she extinguished. Then rushing into the house she was horrified to see the bed and baby nearly consumed by the fire. The baby died during the day and the little boy lingered until Saturday when he too died from the burns.

    It is supposed that the boy was playing with the fire on the hearth and caught fire and that he either set fire to the bedding or it caught fire from his clothing as he ran to the bed.

    A man came into Kite Sunday morning to get some whiskey. Failing to find any tigers here he went to Savannah. The very idea of any one thinking he could buy such stuff as that in Kite! Jean Jaques Rousseau, said that the best way to teach a child temperance was to let the child see a drunk man wallowing in the gutter. We saw a man in Kite the other day who was just ready to give a course of Rousseau's Temperance Lectures.

    There must be some wild animals in the neighborhood of Kite. There were some fellows on the streets Sunday who had met a tiger and were so badly whipped that they could not walk straight.

From Days Gone By Feb. 18, 1915

Febuary 18, 1915.

    An incipient fire occurred on last Friday afternoon in the southern section of town which resulted in the burning of three bales of cotton. The cotton was lying on the cotton warehouse yard along the track of the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad and it is believed a spark from a passing engine started the fire. The timely arrival of the fire department prevented further damage.

    Mr. J. H. Rowland has erected on the corner lot east of his grain and feed store a large fire proof building of corrugated iron, 60 x 94, in which he will install a modern grist mill outfit. He is going to use a Muncie Oil engine and will grind corn meal and a feed mill. He is also putting in a large corn sheller to shell corn in the shuck. Rowland says he intends to make a market for as much country produce as possible for a small town like ours.

    In the regular monthly meeting of the Teachers' Institute, a spelling contest was held for sixth grade students. The winner was Minnie Mae Price of Mayo Hill school. Second was Nannie Lou Rowland of Warthen College. In the athletic contest the broad jump was won by Claude Hammock of Wrightsville school with 16 feet 8 inches; second was Turner Clark, New Home; third Silas Stevens of Rehobeth. In the 100 yard dash was won by Rufus West, New Home; second, Claude Hammock, Wrightsville; third Lon Smith, Arline Chapel.

    Mrs. W. C. Brinson is sick with tonsillitis and Miss Velma Killebrew is very sick too. Mr. Tom Flanders and Claud Renfroe of Piney Mt aren't any better either. Mr. & Mrs. Smith Williams of Wrightsville had a fine son on Febuary 14th.

    J. W. Linder of Higgston was visiting his old home here. He was a Johnson County sheriff some years back and old "Jeems" always receives a rousing welcome from the home folks. Mr. W. B. Adkins of Dublin made some fine post card pictures of the new Brown Memorial Baptist church. A house occupied by a colored family in West End was destroyed by fire. The entire membership of the Camp Martin United Confederate Veterans are asked by Commander J. T. Snell to meet at the court house the 20th.

    Mr. Martin Rogers and Miss Gladine Rowland of Moores' Chapel were quietly married last Sunday morning at the home of Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Ivey. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John R. Rowland.

    Rev. J. A. Mobley, pastor of Harrison Baptist died the 17th at the home of Mr. Robert Layton from paralysis while returning from Pleasant Hill where he preached his last sermon. He was riding in his buggy with Mr. Dan New when it occurred. He was buried at Mount Moriah near Harrison.

Froim Days Gone By Febuary 11, 1915

Febuary 11, 1915.

    Efforts made at Tennille yesterday to make satisfactory adjustment of the controversy between the machinists, boiler-makers and Carmen in the employ of the Wrightsville & Tennille Railroad by delegates of the international office of that union were without success. The delegates decided that 23 men who have been on strike since last April, shall continue to remain off work. An increase in wages and an agreement as to shop conditions are the workmen's demands. A non-union force is now employed, under guard in the shops.

    The City Court convened in the court house this week with A. L. Hatcher, the newly appointed judge, presiding, and B. H. Moye, the new solicitor, looking after the states interest. The court has progressed smoothly and rapidly.

    Mr. Otho Tanner motored to Savannah where he intends to purchase a new auto of the 1915 model. He was accompianied by Mrs. Tanner, Mrs. Bronnie Mae McWhorter, Miss Maud Lou Hightower and Mr. W. H. Lovett. Mrs. Rosa Kennedy left for Atlanta where she will work in millinery at Kutt's, one of the largest millinery stores in that city. Mr. & Mrs. Steely Smith have taken rooms in the home of Mrs. Julia Walker, on West Court Street.

    Brantley's Chapel school enrollment has reached 37. The Mattie Lou school is also progressing nicely. The trustees have added a new stove flue and some piping and have cleaned out the well.

    Mrs. Annie Tompkins was called to Macon for the illness of her daughter, Miss Mary Casey Tompkins who is a pupil at Mont De Sales Convent. Ethline, the little daughter of Judge B. B. Blount as pneumonia. Mr. & Mrs. Willie Hall and Lou Ella Hall of Liberty Grove are very sick. Mrs. T. j. Brantley has been ill the past month, and Mr. W. A. Mixon has recovered from his attack of appendicitis.

    The "Ways of a Wet Town" and "Pacifieating Mexihanno", the latest comedy farces produced by Charley Gano with Coburn's Greater Minstrels will be at the Vivola on the 20th. The Deestrict Skule, a laughable comedy is to be presented at Warthen College. The play will be composed of local talent.

    The firm of J. D. Outlaw & Son, the partnership  consisting of J. D. and Frank, who deal in blacksmith and general repair work is being dissolved. It will now be just run by J. D. Minnie Pollet has filed for divorce from her husband, J. R. Pollet.

    Rev. J. A. Mobley, pastor of the Harrison Baptist Church is still ill. He suffered a second attack of paralysis. There is slight hope for his recovery.