FROM DAYS GONE BY, DEC. 22, 1916, 1917

December 22, 1916, 1917.
1916- here is to be a complete divorce of church and school in Georgia according to a ruling sent down by Attorney-General Walker saying that the teaching of denominational schools under the supervision of local or county boards of education is in "violation of the policy of our government." The State School Superintendent M. L. Brittian sent out a letter notifying Boards they will have till the end of the present school year which ends June 1, 1917, to make arrangements whereby public and church schools shall be taught separately.
This places Wrightsville and Warthen College in a peculiarly close condition. This institution was specifically noted in his letter. Mr. Brittian says there will not be any withdrawal of the public school money from any county if they chance o use a church or property of the church unless a law is passed for such. Warthen College is on the list of 14 schools of different denominations now operating in the state and this will have to change.
The Vivola Theatre, owned by Mr. E. A. W. Johnson, operated by his son Herbert Johnson, is now under new management. His father has leased it to J. Frank Jackson who is resigning from The Headlight. Mr. Smith Williams and family will be moving to Macon where Williams holds a lucrative job with the American Tobacco Company.
Henry Bell, colored, a mere chap, was shooting crackers when one bursted in his right hand, considerably jarring it and burning it. It caused much excitement in Henry's quarters. Mr. & Mrs. C.S. Bryant of Augusta came to see Mrs. Bryant's parents, Mr. & Mrs. W. C. Tompkins. W. C. is closing his stores in Wrightsville and Harrison. There will be no more goods charged. His big sale starts January 1st.
1917- Editor C. D. Roundtree was selected by Hon. Dudley M. Hughes as chairman of the War Savings State Committee of the 12th District. War Thrift Stamps are now on sale at the post office. The government wants to raise 2 billion dollars this year. They sell for 25 cents, the Thrift Stamps. The War Savings Stamps in January cost $4.12 and a cent each month is added during 1918. On January 1, 1923, the government will pay you back $5. The county committee named by Mr. Roundtree are: Col. E. L. Stephens, S. P. Rice, C. T. Bray, Jr., Judge Charlie Claxton, L. B. Claxton, and William Jackson.
Dr. J. R. Dent is seriously sick at his home on Marcus St. While Dan Green, colored, was enroute home he was overtaken by a Ford driven by unknown parties. He gave them the road but they did not heed his position but ran up into him, wrecking his buggy. He was thrown out but not injured. The mule tore out and left him. The party paid him $6 damages and went on.
Another large land deal was made when Ex-Clerk J. V. Snell sold his two large plantations of 322 acres near town to Messrs. Bob and Carlos Snell. The sum paid was $13,000. Mr. Snell had only recently purchased it from John A. Wilson. Mr. Carlos sold his place up near Mr. Mayo's home and with his father purchased these two farms. Ex-Clerk is going to sell all his farming tools and quit for awhile and is looking for a house in Wrightsville.
Lt. Walter Bryan was ordered to Ft. Ogelthorpe to take the oath and proceed to Washington. Mrs. R T. Lovett has occupied her house, the Huff home, recently vacated by Mr. & Mrs. Roundtree, the later having moved to the corner of Myrtle Avenue and College Street.

FROM DAYS GONE BY DEC. 5, 1917

December 15, 1917.
From "Somewhere In France," a letter home written by Emmett E. Martin, Battery K, 7th Regt. American Expeditionary Force, France, November 8, 1917.
"There may be someone in Johnson County who would like to hear from one who is in France. I guess that I am the only one in France from dear old Johnson County. If there is anyone else here from there, I don't know it. I will begin my trip from Fort Adams, R. I. on the morn of Aug. 16th. We had orders to begin packing our barrack's bags and get ready to leave for some place but we did not know where. Well we got everything packed up but two bed comforts which were left out to sleep on that night, so the next morning they were also packed the bags. The barracks bags were taken down stairs and piled in front of the company office to be moved to the New Port harbor which is just across the bay from the fort.
Everything was moved to the harbor and by 2pm we were ready to march to the harbor but from cause the regiment did not leave the fort until 5. We marched through the city of New Port amid cheers and jeers. There were thousands of people at the harbor to see us off. Fathers and mothers to say goodbye to sons, sisters to brothers and sweethearts to sweethearts, and of course I had one there to say goodbye to me, one whom I did not delight in parting from but I had to part from her. There were a lot of sad partings.
After all the goodbyes we boarded at 9:30 and pulled from the harbor. The next day we arrived at another harbor which I will not name, for fear the censor will not let my letter pass and I will not name any place at which we stopped. We went ashore at the harbor mentioned above for an hour then we went aboard another ship for parts unknown, but on Monday the 20th, about 12 we sighted land and about 4pm that day the boat pulled in at another but we were not allowed to go ashore. There the 8th regiment which left Fort Adams a few days ahead of us was waiting for us and also two other regiments from some other place. About 4 the 21st the boat pulled away with a convoy of 4 destroyers for the voyage across the Atlantic.
We had been sailing about 8 days we sighted a squad of boats meeting us. Well, we did not know what kind of boats they were; They looked to small for battleships and we begun to think we had run in a nest of U-boats, but thank the Lord it was not, it was a convoy of U boat chasers come to convoy us the rest of the way. The next day, I don't remember the date, but any way we sighted land again and that afternoon sometime the boat pulled in the harbor but never learned where and were not allowed to go ashore. Pulled out next day and we were looking for submarines night and day but saw none.
The afternoon of Sept. 2nd we dock in an English harbor but did not go ashore till 10:30pm where we marched to the train station, boarded for parts unknown. The next day we stopped at some little station with orders to get off. We fell out like goats jumping a fence and marched about a mile to an English camp where we stayed a week then back to the train and loaded up in the little baby carriages. The next day we boarded another ship. The next day we arrived at a French harbor marched to an English training camp. We stayed there a week, and packed up again. Marched back to the station and loaded onto little boxcars, 60 men to the car, we were alittle crowded but the cars soon pulled out and we were happy on the way flying the American flag.
This time we were 4 days on the cars when it stopped with orders to get off. This time it was a French camp. Soon after we got off there must have been 1000 French soldiers there to see us and from the way they acted I don't think there had been any American soldiers there before. We stayed there till Oct 30th when we left for the American camp so at this writing I'm at the end of my journey.
Before closing I will say to all my people and to my friends in Johnson County if they see this in print to pray that I may return home someday, and I would also like to hear from anyone who cares to write me; the address given here will find me all o.k."

FROM DAYS GONE BY, DEC. 8, 1916

December 8, 1916.
The Johnson County Board of Education released the report on the county schools, their teachers, and number of pupils. The following are the school names, number of pupils and their teachers.
Arline Chapel 36, Miss Mildred Walker; Brantley Chapel 38, Miss Margaret Dennis; Cedar Grove 53, Miss Myra Marchman; Davis 79, E. D. Aaron, Otis Davis; Eureka 70, Miss Julia Hines, Missouri Powell; Eunice 29, Leola Martin; Gethsemane 40, Anabel Logue; Greenway 50, Gladys Smith, Nelle Marchman; Green Hill 80, L. C. Prince, Mabel Williams; Hall 35, Myrtle Warren; Hollywood 46, S. W. May.
Kite 124, W. F. Crawford, Beauford Stovall, Ina Carr, Jewel Morgan; Liberty Grove 50, Carrie Webb; Mattie Lou 47, G. C. Rowland; Meeks 75, Annie Blackshear, Ettie Wheeler; Moores Chapel 38, Ora Richardson; Mayo Hill 88, T. F. Lance, Elizabeth Lane; Minton Chapel 70, J. W. Carden, Sussie Mixon; New Home 116, Z. L. Strange, Madel Hitchcock, Hattie Price; Powell Chapel 46, Zelle Claxton; Pleasant Grove 88, Cora Williams, Louella Brown; Price 56, J. Y. Chastin; Piney Mount 63, Myrtis Marchman.
Poplar Springs 66, Leckie Parker, Matti Watkins; Providence 44, Otis M. Sanders; Pullen Bridge 33, Ella Pope; Pineview 63, E. E. Keen; Rehobeth 36, Leila Lawrence; Red Hill 52, Annie Mae Adkins; Scott 100, E. E. McLin, Eddie Hagan; Spann 103, J. Roscoe Smith, Susie Lane; Stokes 31, Laura Webb; Sunshine 32, Esther Flanders; Tom 53, Lena Russell; Union 47, Lizzie Rushin; Wesley Chapel 43, Pauline Brantley; Wheeler 16, E P. West; Wrightsville 150, Z. Whitehurst, Rosmond Moral,Mozell Tumlin, Mrs. B. M. Griffin.
What came near being a disastrous fire started in the gable of the front roof of the Linder Hotel about 7pm. The department had a close call to save the pretty house. A lot of damage was done by both fire and the water. The origin was unknown.
Mr. R. W. Gatlin is making extensive improvements on the east side of the court house in the Kennedy building. He has rented a space and entered into an agreement with J. T. Blankenship, the meat market man, is moving one door north. Gatlin intends to make it a very nice garage. He has put new tanks and air apparatus in the front.
An educational mass meeting will be held for the colored public school at Nealie Chapel A. M. E. church. B. J. Davis, the great negro Oddfellow, a leader of the race, an educator and one of the greatest negroes in Fraternal Organizations will address the meeting, as will A. J. M. Robinson.
Whatever the cause and the result may be there is being sold in this county a great number of mules and a few horses and mares. Every week sees ne or two car loads shipped to Wrightsville. Tuesday's Sheriff sales saw a great deal of land change hands. The Flanders tract near the city on Idylwild road was sold to J. F. Henderson at $4003.63 for 63 acres. The Meeks tract of 39 acres near Kite brought $900. Dr. Harvey of Bartow bought the S. L. Powell land at $1. The Smith tract of 50 acres was bought by J. M. Smith for $700. The M. D. Mayo tract of175 acres for $2000 by Carlos Snell.
Mr. Carlos Stephens and Miss Anna Mae Johnson were married. He is a son of Mr. J. R. Stephens,and she is a daughter of J. A. Johnson. Miss Corene Miller and Mr. Loren Mason were married. She is a sister to N. B. Miller. The groom is a son of Mr. & Mrs. H. R. Mason.

FROM DAYS GONE BY Dec 1, 1916, 1917

December 1, 1916, 1917.
1916- Enroute from Sandersville to the coast the fishing party of Jupe Hicks of Wrightsville and a Williams and Quillian of Sandersville passed through Savannah in their automobile when they collided with a street car. All the occupants miraculously escaped injury.
Wrightsville is one of the best horse and mule markets of this part of the state. It has come to this respect within the past 8 years. Besides the local dealers a lot of foreign dealers travel here. The principal dealers in this market are: Messrs. C. G. Rawlings, J T. Fulford, J. E. Linder, G. W. Cochran and the firm of J. H. Rowland and Ivey R. Tanner. Most of their stock comes from North Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.
Col. and Mrs. Ben Hill Moye are the proud parents of a fine baby girl on Nov. 22. Out near Providence, Mr. Silas Stephens and Miss Zola Tharpe were married. Also married were Mr. I. J. Stephens and Miss Eva Mae Boatwright.
Though it was cold that Friday night it didn't stop the party that went on invitation of Capt. W. Z. Kemp to the convict camp for a supper of 'possum and 'taters, just think of a nice, fat one, all flavored up and graveyed up and juiced and sauced with its own deliciousness, surrounded b tender baked yams all ready for eating. That's enough to make the mouth of President Taft "run water". Well it was just that good according to Dr. T. S. Page, Judge J. C. Wiggins and Editor C. D. Roundtree.
1917- The Board of Trustees of the 12th District Ag School met in the Governor's office. Four counties wanted the school. Emanuel and Wheeler were stricken from the list leaving the two highest and closely contested counties of Laurens and Bleckley to show their sites before the trustees. But neither fulfilled the expectations of the board, with on site inspections.
Mr. A. B. Rowland received his commission as 1st Lt. of Infantry in Uncle Sam's army. He is the eldest child of Mr. & Mrs. Joe H. Rowland. The Army Y. M. C. A. campaign put on here last week netted $800 for the army. Provost Marshal Crowder has changed the selective draft regulations so now youg men have until Dec. 15th to volunteer for military service.
Village mail delivery was approved from Washington. Congressman Larson informed the city of Wrightsville they would have door to door mail service beginning in January 1st. There will be one carrier that will make two trips a day, morning and afternoon. Mailboxes by the door, numbered, will be required.
The case of the State against I. D. Tompkins who was caught here with two suit cases full of bottled whiskey is still pending. Tompkins came from Jacksonville with his booze and when he stepped off the train he was nabbed by Sheriff Rowland. John and Ira Waters, brothers, mixed it up together in what was almost an ugly cutting affray Saturday on the street in front of Jenkins Pharmacy. A few licks were passed and they both drew their knives and went at it. Ira got a cut on the head.
Mr. T. D. Wood, while cutting on a stick somehow stuck the knife in his eye. Dr. Brinson was called and Wood was taken to Augusta where a specialist had to remove his eye. A perfectly good Ford burned up in front of Peoples Hardware belonging to Tom Davis, colored, who lived out on Mr. Fulford's place. The fire started as he cranked the car an his family was in the car. His wife was hurt getting out and a little child was too. Tom got all his hair singed off.
Little J. D. Claxton, the 3 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Claxton died Nov. 21st from a severe illness. He was buried at Gumlog. Mr. & Mrs. W. L. Thompson had a baby girl on Nov. 19th. Miss Mattie Price and Willie Anderson were married this week. Miss Hattie Smith and Mr. Frank Jordan were married. She was a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. R. E. Smith. He was a son of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Jordan.

FROM DAYS GONE BY NOV. 24, 1917

November 24, 1917.
Johnson County Superior Court convened this week with Judge John Luther Kent on the bench, John A. Douglas, jury foreman, and J. P. D. Oliver, bailiff. The judge expedited the civil docket winding up a lot of cases in just two days. The criminal cases were disposed of in various ways. One white man, the only white in jail, a man named Smith, plead guilty and drew a $100 fine. Others got off heavier and some lighter.
Governor Hugh M. Dorsey is coming to Wrightsville during his administration. He promised to do so during his campaign and said he would come next July during the hosting of the Press Convention. Wrightsville is preparing to give the Georgia editors a royal time. A trip to Idylwild will show them an ideal picnic resort and an up-to-date railroad like the Wrightsville & Tennille.
After hearing from the Florida governor that sick soldiers are not properly cared for in camp, Governor Dorsey immediately investigated Georgia's camps and found the rumors false. Camp Wheeler he found 1,540 patients, of this number 1,125 had measles but were not in danger and many up walking around. There were plenty of stoves to keep them warm. He spent more than an hour conversing with medical officers and soldiers and not a single one complained of conditions there.
The Drum and Bugle Corps of the Georgia Industrial Home will give a free concert at the Vivola Theatre. There are 18 in the corps and they never fail to please their hearers.
Dr. Thos. Walker, an expert animal doctor is now located in Swainsboro for the purpose of doing hog cholera work in Emanuel and Johnson counties. He is employed by the national government and his services are free, the only cost being for the serum and viruses in the treatment. He will administer the double treatment which immunes the hog for life.
Uncle Sam aims to soon take over the auto manufacturers plants and convert them into plants to turn out war materials. The bids for the new district agricultural school closed last week. They were turned over to the trustees for consideration.
A baby boy was born to Dr. & Mrs. J. Gordon Brantley on November 21st. On November 15th at the home of the brides father, Dr. T. L. Harris, on Marcus street, Miss Ollie Reid Harris and Mr. M. Elliotte Wood of South Carolina were married. Mr. Willie Mark Forehand and Miss Marie Hightower were married. She is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Hightower of Scott.
Quail shooting has started up. The possums will now get a rest which is much needed.

FROM DAYS GONE BY NOV. 17, 1917

November 17, 1917.
The following was omitted from my column in January, so being there are no papers for this week in 1916, or 1917. I am submitting this one on a very prominent citizen at the time in Johnson County, and still a prominent family.
Charles Thomas Bray, Sr. (C. T.), was born May 17, 1852 and died January 17, 1917. His passing did not come as a surprise to his many friends and loved ones for he had been confined to his bed for several weeks and the last few days of his illness all knew the end was near. Just about an hour before he died he called all his loved ones to his bedside and in all calmness and the true spirit of a husband and father told them that his life was near its end and asked them to live for an unbroken family in heaven. His last words to them were a prayer, "and may God bless you all."
He then spoke a few words to the family physician, and then a few moments later without any sign of pain or a struggle, or any sense of fear, he fell asleep to awake in heaven. "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."
On December 24, 1880 he was happily married to Miss DeAlphia Stokes. To this union were born five daughters and six sons. All survived him save a son and daughter that died in early childhood. His children loved him and found in him their best friend. They looked to him for advice and his judgement to them was unsurpassed. He solved all their problems and carried their burdens.
So devoted were they that as the children grew up their father gave them homes around him and provided employment and all of them lived within a half mile of his own dwelling. This was always a joy to his great father-heart. He was a faithful husband and devoted father, a good neighbor and loyal friend, an able man and a noble Christian character. As a citizen he ranked among the best and as a businessman was successful.
C. T. was always a good man. While in his teens he gave his heart to God and joined the Methodist church. For more than 20 years he was a faithful steward. During this time he served as superintendent and teacher of the Bible class in Sunday School of his home church. His church was a treasure to him and he rejoiced in its prosperity. His heart was big and his hospitality great. His love for his pastors was exhibited in his deeds of kindness to them.
The funeral services were held at Bethel Church. A large course of sorrowing friends paid their last tribute to him. Burial was at the Williams Cemetery with gravesides concluded by the Masons of which he was an honored member.
Rev. E. L. Wainwright concluded by saying, "May the richest of blessings rest upon his loved ones and may they at last meet within the mansion of our Father's house, a circle never to be sundered more. No broken link, a family in heaven."

FROM DAYS GONE BY NOV. 10, 1916, 1917

November 10, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Wilson seems to be the winner but all states not decided yet. President Woodrow Wilson and Mr. Hughes were running neck and neck at press time, but Wilson only needs one more state to elect him. He was solid in the Southern States. In local races for County Treasurer L. J. Claxton received 677 votes and Joby Jones received 292.

    A defect in a front room chimney caused the home of Mr. Millard McAfee burn to the ground. Although most all household goods were saved, he carried no insurance. Another fire in a servants house owned by Mr. T. M. Hicks known as the Burnett home where Mr. & Mrs. Tom McAfee resided. The house contained about 50 gallons of gasoline which exploded, the origin of the fire was not known. The McAfee's were out riding at the time.

    City Court will convene next week, the jail has ten prisoners which most will be tried then. Rev. J. Calla Midyett of Watson, Mo. accepted the call to pastor Brown Memorial Baptist church. The Duff Brothers just finished drilling an artesian well near Raines bridge road. Attorneys William and Charles S. Claxton are erecting a new brick office fronting the eastside of the courthouse on the Kennedy block. It will be a 20x40. There is no scarcity of mules in the county now. If a man wants one he can get almost any kind. Several carloads have been shipped here this season.

    There will be an auction of the old Johnson Plantation, 3 miles west of Wrightsville, 776 acres divided into small farms of 25 to 75 acres to the farm. Mrs. Tom Outlaw died at Rawlings Sanitarium after a brief illness. She left a husband and two little children. She was buried at Pleasant Hill.

    1917- Athens and Monroe wanted it, but Wrightsville got it. The Executive Committee decides Wrightsville will get next years Georgia Weekly Press Association Convention. Hon. Ben Hill Moye, Sheriff W. D. Rowland and Charles D. Roundtree represented the city in this endeavor. The other places sent written invitations but Wrightsville sent theirs in person which got the convention here. It meets next July.

    Ex-Clerk J. V. Snell buys the 174 acre plantation of Mr. John W. Wilson just across Cedar Creek from Wrightsville. The price was $3800. Mr. S. H. Rhodes of Crawfordville just bought the large house and lot on Marcus street known as the Daley home which belonged to Mrs. Leila O. Daley of Atlanta. The Rhodes are the parents of Mrs. Flint Flanders.

    Among the many strides of progress being made by our farmers who are putting in a lot of throughbred livestock. Messrs. W. C. Tompkins and R. E. Butterly just added a lot of fine Hereford cattle to their large pastures.

    Miss Addie Lou Tanner of Tennille became the bride of Mr. Watson Moseley on the grounds of the Stat Fair in Macon. She is a daughter of Mrs. L. A. Tanner and he is a son of Mr. L. Moseley. Miss Clio Garnto daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jim Garnto married Mr. Wade H. Foster.

    After many months of suffering Mrs. Winnie Wilson died at her daughters home, Mrs. Allie Cochran near Cedar Grove church. She was survived by three sons and three daughters.

FROM DAYS GONE BY, November 3, 1916, 1917

November 3, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Johnson County gets her share of prizes at the 12th District fair in Dublin, particularly in the livestock show our people shined. J. W. & L. L. Webb won 2nd place Best Duroc Jersey sow, they also won Best 1916 Colt, unregistered, Best Mare unregistered and Best Jersey Cow unregistered. J. F. Henderson won Best Pair Mules and 1st and 2nd Best Stallion unregistered. C. T. Bray won Best Stallion, registered. Miss Pauline Hammock took best uniform display for the Canning Club.

    A lot of large land owners are posting their lands to hunting because government experts sent out a bulletin stating that partridges are boll weevil destroyers, that they kill them as they find them and are the only bird except the guinea that destroys them. Toad frogs are also believed to kill them. Although this has not been proven landowners fear the entrance of the boll weevil in 1917 and are taking every hint and precaution seriously.

    Kite may get another bank. Hon. C. R. Williams, president of several small banks in this territory is willing to furnish the capital stock. Kite already has a prosperous bank but some feel there is room for another.

    The Aragon Hotel, a boarding house for coloreds owned by Miss Lou Jenkins caught fire and was destroyed. She had some insurance and Mr Joe H. Rowland whom she purchased it from still has papers on it ad will probably collect insurance also. A Chevolet of a Mr. Brown of Bartow wrecked while making a curve just across the Ohoopee from town. The car was smashed up good but the occupants got away with only minor cuts and brusies. Miss Rowena Daley married Rev. W. B. Burford of Jackson. She is a daughter of Mrs. A. F. Daley.

    1917- Last Friday was Johnson County Day at the 12th District Fair and was well represented. Winners in the Canning Club were W. A. Page, Miss Ola Jenkins, Mrs. Jos. M. Smith, Mrs. T. P. Stephens, Mrs. Wm Faircloth, Mrs. R. L. Kent, Mrs. Pauline Hammock. In livestock it was W. C. Tompkins C. T. Bray and Anthony & McNeely.

    The Exchange Bank and The Bank of Wrightsville reported to the chairman for Johnson County a total of $24,400 subscribed to the Liberty Loan last week. Citizens Bank of Kite reports $600. No report yet from Scott or Adrian. The local Red Cross chapter will hold a membership drive this week.

    The high cost of waging the war has forced Uncle Sam to increase postage stamps from 2 to 3 cents and postcards from 1 to 2 cents. All packages going overseas to our boys must be mailed no later than November 15th for Christmas delivery.

    Congressman Wash W. Larson can be credited with winning the fight to allow any and all secret orders, especially the Masons to build places for their benefit of the soldiers in camp. Because of Larson the war department issued the orders.

    Moye & Shurling has started the city's first law library in their offices and will be open for use by any attorney. Mr. A. W. Hightower has left Peoples Hardware for Lovett's Garage. E. N. Hitchcock is erecting a nice cottage on north Marcus next to Dr. Flanders. The old oil lamps with their smokey chimneys have again come into their own use, but Chief Jackson says he's doing his best for electric lights.

    The latest purchasers of Oldsmobiles are Mrs. Nana Tanner and Dr. R. E. Butterly. Mr. Henry Clay Tompkins is driving the latest Studebaker. But not all are buying autos. Some are buying rubber tired buggies and wagons. Over 50 have been sold and at least a dozen were two horse.

    Miss Sallie Tapley and Mr. Joe Wheeler were married on October 20th. She is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tapley and Joe is a son of Mr. & Mrs. S. J. Wheeler. Miss Rosa Phillips Youngblood of Kemp married Judge J. E. Page of Orianna.

From Days Gone By O916, 1917

October 27, 1916, 1917.

    1916- In a mass meeting of citizens showed much enthusiasum for the Midland Railways proposition of building into the county via Kite from Swainsboro. The railway asked that the city of Kite raise $50,000 and the city of Wrightsville $100,000 as a guarantee for the purchase of mortgage bonds when it had entered each town and Johnson County and freight rates had been materially reduced. The citizens appointed a committee of E. A. W. Johnson, R. R. Douglas, W. C. Brinson, Joe H. Rowland and C. D. Roundtree.

    The home of Mr. L. B. Claxton in this county 7 miles south of Bartow was destroyed by fire. There was no one home and it was several minutes before anyone arrived. The only things saved wee a piano, one dresser, sideboard and 4 trunks. It was believed to have started from the chimney. The loss was about $1600. The 3 month old baby of Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Chivers died at their home near Bartow. Mrs. Chivers was Miss Sallie Dickens of Wrightsville before her marriage.

    Scott has raised enough money to build a $2000 school building on a 4 acre tract in the southern part of town. It will have 4 main rooms and a large auditorium. The BOE donated an amount to them and they have a local tax to make up the difference.

    Johnson County has plenty of sugar cane grown this year to make its 1916-17 syrup and the people in other counties do not know the richness of flavor and the purity of sweetness unless they eat some of ours. Mr. C. H. Cook is the leader of this enterprise.

    1917- The new draft law classifies all men now registered. Every registered man is put into one of five classes as to the order of being drafted. The sale of Liberty Bonds is still on-going in the county. Few will question the patriotism of the American farmer. No other class has a love of home, liberty and love of independence. He will firmly stand behind his government in time of war in making the world safe for Democracy. They provide the food o support the people at home, our boys in the trenches and our allies.That is why all others are asked to buy Liberty Bonds to help bring this war to a close.

    Another big land deal was pulled off in the county. The 646 acres in the J. L. Williams tract about 7 miles south of the city was purchased by the Duff Brothers of Wrightsville, the Globe Realty Co. handling the deal. The price was around $21 per acre which cost them $13,566. Its a fine piece of property and is to be greatly improved by its new owners. They own a tract adjoining this one which makes them the largest land owner in one single block.

    While returning from a call out in the county, mechanic Roger Gatlin and a colored man collided, each driving a Ford. Mr. Gatlin thought he was clear but the on-coming car ran astride his front wheel completely shattering it. The colored man's car was not injured but Mr. Gatlin broke his little finger. Solicitor W. C. Brinson was at his barn feeding the cow and while descending a flight of stairs from the barn, fell to the ground while toting the feed. There were no broken bones but it did put him in bed for awhile.

    Mr. Will Mixon will move his family to Dublin where he goes to work with Mr. B. A. Hooks stables. Miss Vola Claxton married Mr. Charlie Bray at the home of the bride.She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Claxton. Mr. Bray is a son of the late Mr. C. T. Bray. Mrs. N. A. Anderson died at her home near Gumlog on October 21st. She was 28 and leaves a husband, 4 children, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She was buried at Gumlog.

From Days Gone By Oct. 20, 1916, 1917

October 20, 1916, 1917.

    1916- What has loomed up visably above the horizon of railway business circles is the proposition of the extension of the Midland Railway from Statesboro to Wrightsville via Kite, a distance of about 45 miles. It was estimated the cost of the 45 miles from Miley to Wrightsville at $12,000 per mile or $540,000.

    The day after Tommie Lee Cooper hit Mr. J. G. Layton with a brick bat on the head, he plead guilty to assault and battery. The judge immediately had him dressed in stripes and put on the chain gang. It happened in the center of town and Cooper, colored, ran apprhended by Will McWhorter who saw him running away. Sheriff Rowland brought him back to jail.

    By hitting the bulls-eye with unerring skill from the standing, kneeling or sitting position, Charles H. Hightower qualified as a marksman in the U. S. Marine Corps. Charles, who is a son of Mrs. Nancy Hightower of Scott enlisted June 9, 1916.

    Mr. & Mrs. H. D. Chester had a baby boy. Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie L Webb had an 8 pound girl. Mr. & Mrs. T. L. Chester had a baby girl as well. Mr. C. A. Fountain of Adrian lost his wife last week. Wrightsville still enjoys a healthy and substantial growth.

    1917- The County Home Demonstration Agent has only been In the field for 3 weeks but she will make sure Johnson is well represented in the 12th District Fair in Dublin. She ha reserved a spot for a Johnson exhibit and is asking the Girls Canning Club, and the Boys Club to bring their canned stuff, or farm and garden products. Miss Jordan may be found, when in town, at the office of Mr. A. J. M. Robinson.

    The 59th annual session of the Mt. Vernon Association of Baptists are convening at Bethany Church. Brown Memorial sends to the Association the best report it has ever had. The total membership is 134 and contributions amounted to $1650.08.

    What is one of the best an largest plantations in one body in Johnson County was recently purchased by Mr. C. H. Moore of Wrightsville. The tract of land is known as the Johnson lands and is situated about 4 miles north of the city. It lies on the banks of the Ohoopee River and is considered as good a farming land as there is in the county. There are 776 acres and it is said Moore paid the owners, The Virginia-Carolina Chemical Co. for around $26,000. This plantation has been on the market for some time.

    Gov. Hugh M. Dorsey has extended the time to Nov. 15th to receive bids for the 12th District Agricultural School on account of farmers gathering crops and many counties preparing for fairs. Swainsboro, Eastman and Dublin are going after it and its very uncertain which place might get it. Dublin seems to be making the most headway. Johnson County, for some reason, will not make any effort to get the school within her boundaries.

    Dr. & Mrs. J. C. Robinson have moved to the city from Jeffersonville. Mr. Herschel Bray has been discharged from the army to resume his studies in the Atlanta Medical College. Planter Charlie Colston sold a bale of cotton that weighed 712 pounds for 26.40 per pound netting him $187.97 and the seed, at a lower rate brought him $39.80. Death came to Mr. S. Willis Thomas at his cousins home, Mr. Pat Martin. He was stricken with parylisis. He was buried at Westview, and survived by a wife and five children.

From Days Gone By Oct. 13,1917

October 13, 1917.

    A mass meeting was called by Wrightsville Mayor T. L. Harris for property owners to meet at the courthouse. The reason is to consider what shall be done with the old electric light plant, and to make some arrangements to have lights either from a new system or from a repairing of the one it now has and keep on furnishing wood which has become expensive.

    Wood has gone up so in price that the Mayor says that it will bankrupt the town to have lights and coal can hardly be obtained at any price. The city has done all it can do, considering both the financial ends of the city's interest, to have lights all the time and have failed and they want the people to come together and get something satisfactory. The most economical system of lighting the city can be installed and this is what they want the people to consider, and the cost will effect every property owner in the city.

    Prof. Sasser of the Wrightsville District School plans to keep the school entirely upon a business basis. He aims to keep all bills against the school paid up every 30 days and to do this he will have to get what is coming to the school in the way of tuition, etc.

   Seven more names have been called up for military service. The list includes: white-Johnnie K. Dowd, T. W. Smith; colored-Nathaniel Walker, Willie Finnie, Jesse Chandler, Robert Johnson, Ike Marcy. Enlisting through the Navy was Mr. Wilson L. Holmes of Scott.

    Gov. Hugh M. Dorsey is lending his full co-operation and influence in the sale of Uncle Sam's Liberty Bonds in Georgia. He has issued a statement to the bankers and wealthy citizens to assist in their sale. His statement to the Bankers of Georgia, in part: "The U. S. is today engaged in war, the outcome depends the future of democracy. As Americans we must support our country with our last man and last dollar if necessary. The first duty of a citizen is to the country that affords him liberty and protects his life and property. Every dollar subscribed now will also tend to bring the war to an early termination and therefore, save many lives."

    A big land deal was pulled off on a 362 acre plantation. Last week a deal was closed for 362 acres for $10,055. The price being paid to Mr. James M. Cook of Wrightsville by Mr. W. H. Harrison who is a prominent planter in the county. Three years ago Mr. Cook purchased this plantation for $4,300. During this time he has collected $4,342 in rents, or $42 more than he gave for the place which makes net to him $10,097. Mr. Cook offered Mr. Harrison $100 profit back for the place but Mr. Harrison refused it. This sale shows that Johnson land is as valuable for plain farming as that of neighboring counties.

    Two of Johnson's best citizens and farmers have been injured by falling off loaded wagons. Mr. Ben J. Peddy fell from a wagon with 4 bales of cotton the wheels passing legs putting him on crutches. Mr. L. E. Vanlandingham was hauling up hay out of the field when he fell off on the hard ground. The mule became frightened which caused him to fall.

    There were 10,018 bales of cotton ginned in the county for 1917, compared to 8,605 for 1916. There have been 3 or 4 carloads of horses and mules already distributed out among the farmers of the county this season sold by Rowland & Tanner and The Linder Horse & Mule Co. Cotton is still climbing upwards and the farmers are still selling it. By the time it gets to 30 cents not many will have a pound to sell. Those recently purchasing automobiles are Newton Smith, Jefferson Tyson, Tommie Smith and Sidney Smith.

    The death of little Miss Theo Noraine Johnson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W. T. Johnson came as a sudden shock to her family. She was 6 years old. She was buried at Westview.

From Days Gone By Oct 6, 1917

October 6, 1917.

    Wrightsville and Johnson County extends a formal invitation to the Georgia Weekly Press Association to hold their convention here. Wrightsville is quite in earnest about entertaining the Association which meets in July, 1918. The invitation was signed by practically every business and organization in the city. A lot of county people also signed showing their willingness to assist the city. Groups listed as signing the invitation are: Board of Trade, Civic League, Mayor and Council, officers of Johnson County, citizens of the county, attorneys, bankers, merchants, hotels, Methodist, Baptist and Christian churches.

    There would be practically 300 people attending this convention. That Wrightsville can take care of them goes without saying. The meeting would last three days with the partys staying two nights. They will come from Rabun's Gap to Tybee Light and from where the dark Atlantic roars to the golden banks of the Chattahoochee.

    The Johnson County School Board met and Miss Josephine Jordan was appointed County Demonstration Agent. The school is moving along very well. There are 225 pupils, 50 of whom are in high school.

    Mr. Tom Outlaw has opened a new blacksmith's shop at the Outlaw old stand near the W. & T.  depot. As a means of serving the government in time of war, the Central of Georgia Railway has ordered 13 new locomotives at a cost of $1,300,000; 14 passenger cars at $280,000 and 700 freight cars at $840,000.

    The first contingent of colored boys drafted for service will leave for Camp Gordon, Atlanta. They are: Tom Bennett, Alfred Little, Tom Dudley, Emmett Davis, Ed Brantly, Amos Thomas, Jr., Dock Wright, William Snell, Levi Ivey, Irby Teams, James Dockins, Perry Cody, Jonas Morgan, Thomas Roberson, Benjamin Jackson, Fonnie Hooks, Arthur Wright, Henry Story, James Kemp, Robert Smith, Joe Burnett, and alternates, Will Andrews, Solomon Riddle, Robert Snell and C. H. Howell.

    Dr. Emmett Butterly has settled satisfactory with the M. D. & S. Ry. for the damages he and wife sustained in the wreck which happened to them at a crossing near Macon several months ago, when their car was hit head-on by a passenger train.

    Sparks World- Famous Shows will be in Wrightsville October 17th. They will exhibit "Mary" the elephant, the largest living land animal on earth, weighing over 5 tons, also 20 clowns, male & female riders, aerial artists,leapers, tumblers, gymnasts, trained elephants, two groups of forrest-bred man killing lions performing in great steel cages. Its the show that never broke a promise.

    Chief M. L. Jackson and Deputy Jim Tapley made a raid on a Ford car within the city and captured a gallon of shine in it. A man named Barnes and one named Smith were in the car with the driver, which was a hired livery car from a local garage. They gave bond but Chief Jackson and Deputy Tapley will keep the shine for evidence. There wasn't a chance to borrow any for snake-bites.

    Mr. Jackson Wilson died September 20th at 63 years old. He was born December 12, 1854. He married July 20, 1874 to Miss Emily Bass who survives him along with 5 sons and 4 daughters. He was at Cedar Grove Methodist church and was one of its Stewards.

    Mrs. Julia Walker died Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John A. Douglas, Jr. after a lingering illness of several weeks from a fall from the porch steps. She was 80 years old, a Methodist and was married to the late Richard Walker. She was buried at Westview.

    Mrs. Joe W. Rowland died at her home near Moores Chapel. She was in bad health for many months. She was buried at the Hall Cemetery (Liberty Grove). She was a sister to Dan and John M. Meeks, Sr. Her husband Joe was a former Johnson County sheriff.

FROM DAYS GONE BY SEPT. 29, 1916, 1917

September 29, 1916, 1917.

    1916- The Wrightsville Headlight, through its owner and editor, Charles D. Roundtree, has purchased The Johnson County News and will consolidate the two papers and plants in the Headlight building. The News was owned by Mr. Frank A Sinquefield and operated by Mr. Frank Jackson. The paper had only been in circulation for five months. With both sets of equipment this will be the best equipt plant in this section. Mr. Jackson will take over as foreman.

    The long-delayed trial of Ed Montford charged with the murder of Herschel Beacham four years ago, was called to Superior Court. It was found that the long list of witnesses some absent or way off, a jury was selected while the necessary witnesses were rounded up. On Wednesday morning the long list of witnesses began to testify. The first being a negro, John Gardner, who claimed he saw the murder transacted. His story never changed. The defense is represented by Faircloth & Claxton of Wrightsville and Camp & Twitty, Parker and George B. Davis of Dublin. The State has Adams & Daley of Dublin and Moye & Shurling of Wrightsville. The State closed its side of the case and the defense began its examination of witnesses.  Helen Edison identified the diamond ring as the one she let Beacham wear off from her home that fatal afternoon. The trial will possibly go into next week.

    Miss Lena Rowland, daughter of Sheriff Willis D. Rowland, and Mr. J. Frank Jackson were married on Saturday. On Sunday, Miss Maude Miller and Mr. Walter Horton were married. She is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ivey Miller. Zemmie Jackson has filed for divorce from Henry Jackson.

    1917- Wrightsville invites the Georgia editors and their wives to come here for the Georgia Weekly Press Association meeting. The invitation was sent to the executive committee in hopes Wrightsville can host the event. The Johnson County Chapter of the Red Cross was organized this week. Ben Hill Moye was made chairman, Mrs. R. P. Hicks vice-chair, Mr. H. T. Hicks, secretary and Mr. E. E. Daley, treasurer.

    It was another sad day at the depot as the second contingent of boys leave for Camp Gordon. Twenty-two were in this second call. They were: Lucius Attaway, Morgan Mimbs, Lonnie Hammock, Perry Blizzard, B. A. Wheeler, George A. Townsend, Malcom Snell, G. L. Powell, H. C. Morris, E. R. Watts, H. T. Young, W. L. Green, H. B. Caneega, Lotus McAfee, Otis McAfee, W. M. Hammock, Walden Downs, Henry Seals, Tom Whitfield, Clinton Stewart, Gordon Tapley and Julian Whitfield.

   The Racket Store is opening in Mr. E. A. W. Johnson's new building. Henry Clay Tompkins is putting stock in now. The Idle Hour Is the new name of the Ice Cream Parlor located in front of the Vivola Theatre.

    Young R. T. Pounds was hurt out at his grandfather's, Mr. Ellis Johnson. R. T. was riding a mule and it became frightened threw him, seriously hurting the boy. Mr. J. M. Hightower was appointed new State Game Warden for Johnson County.

    Death relieved the suffering of Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy, the widow of John P. Kennedy, Saturday morning the 22nd. She was at her daughters home at the Kennedy House. Her children were Mrs. William Faircloth, O. A. Kennedy, L. A. Kennedy and J. O. Kennedy; sisters Mrs. J. C. Gay and Mrs. H. C. H. Snell. She was buried at Westview.

    Wrightsville and Johnson County, is not going to make any effort for the new district agricultural school. We have a building ready and 200 acres of land in a tract around this building and 75 citizens able and capable of donating a $1000 apiece if it required that much to pull off the deal, but so far there is no movement towards obtaining the school. Nearly all the other counties are going to make a pull for it.

From Days Gone By Sep 22, 1917

     Governor Hugh Dorsey has announced the Board of Trustees for the new Agricultural School to be located somewhere in the 12th District by the bill that passed last session. As it stands now this board will receive bids from any city and county that wishes to apply by October 15th. C. D. Roundtree was chosen for Johnson County. Other counties with appointees are Bleckley, Dodge, Emanuel, Houston, Laurens, Montgomery, Pulaski, Telfair, Toombs, Twiggs, Wheeler, and Wilcox.

    Cotton picking all over Johnson County, that is what they are doing. The fields are not getting black very fast because the pickers are scarce. People are paying anywhere from 75 cents to $1 and 10 cents per hundred to get it picked and then they are crying for more help. It has been fairly good weather on them all the season so far and that has kept the grade up as well. All the washers are in the cotton patch and one can hardly get any washing done at all. If the weather will stay good three more weeks the best of the harvest will be complete. Judge Kent postponed Superior Court this week on account of the farmers trying to gather their crop. It has been carried over to November.

    Business was at a rush at Kite Saturday. A  lot of people were there and seemed to have plenty of money and everybody wore a smile. B. J. Wiggins sold 25 bales of cotton and had a check for $3484.25. The cotton weighed 13937 pounds at 25 cents per pound. He also has two fine colts he will put in the fair this year. Nat Wheeler is still ginning cotton and Ell Douglas is receiving it in the warehouses. Bob Boatwright is on crutches from rheumatism. Vestus Schwals is now with Dr. D. C. Harrison rug store. Milledge Claxton is doing a big merchantile business running two stores. Mrs. J. M. Neal operates a first class millinery. J. S. Stephenson and Quince Powell are here on banking business.

    All the banks have released their condensed statements. The Exchange Bank, $319,331.22; Bank of Adrian, $138,342.57; Bank of Wrightsville, $304,182.30; Citizens Bank of Kite, $149,237.29; Scott Banking Company, $104,875.82.

    In Scott, Fords are taking a back eat to Overlands, Oldsmobiles, Maxwells, Dorts and Chevrolets. Mr. Sidney Smith just bought a new Oldsmobile. There has been an unusual amount of horse traders in town the past week and they have been pulling off a lot of trades with all the good-looking mules and horses on hand. Miss Rosa Garnto became the bride of Rev. G. G. Harrison.

    The Johnson County Convict Camp lost two of its white prisioners Sunday night just as the inmates were going to bed. Bud Chalker and Marcus Sheppard made a break to liberty. The guard had taken the prisoners through the  yard into the tents and ordered each man to his place. The escaped ones, instead of stopping when they reached their cots, walked leisurely on through and out the back.

    It is said that an automobile was waiting for them and they easily made their getaway. Up to now they have not been apprehended which leaves only one white man, named Pool. Catain Kemp was working the road from Scott to Adrian, which is part of the proposed Dixie Overland Highway, and it was at tis camp on this road that the convicts escaped.

From Days Gone By Sept. 15, 1917

September 15, 1917.

    Acting under a call from the War Department six young Johnson men left Wednesday morning for Camp Gordon at Atlanta to go into training. They were Hershel Bray, L. K. Stephens, Tom Tharpe, J. Wesley Brantley, G. T. Lee and Claude Deal. A large crowd went down to the depot to see them off, shake hands and give them their best wishes. It was a sad departure. As soon as thoroughly trained they will be sent to France to fight. Each one responded to the call of duty nobly. These were the first to go away under the conscription act.

    Dr. I. H. Archer, Wrightsville's dentist, received notice of being drafted and has to report to Camp Wheeler on Monday. He took the exam for the dental corps in Ohio, passing he was commissioned 1st LT. He promises to come back to Wrightsville when released from the service. A 1st Lt. gets $166.66 per month, but dentists have to furnish their own clothes.

    There were 2546 bales of cotton ginned in Johnson County up to August 31st. Mr. J. D. Johnson is now with Dixie Grocery Co., Mr. Henry Heath left Dixie Grocery to work for  M. S. Duggan. Mr. Jimmie Spell left Hayes Cash Store for Rowland Grain & Seed. Mr. J. I. Singletary no longer cuts whiskers at Gannon's barbershop.  Carl Roundtree is with the City Market. Marcs Stephens left Rowland Grain & Seed to go back to driving Fords for Lovett Garage. The Busy Bee Café is paying 35 cents a dozen for fresh eggs.

    About 200 children attended the opening day of the Wrightsville District School. More are expected once things get caught up on the farms. Wrightsville is now entering a new day educationally. Her school has passed from the hands of part of her people to the care and support and custody of all her people. For many years the Methodist have supported education through Warthen College and have done a great job. But now a necessary change has been made for the future of education in Johnson County. Now everyone has to share in the burden of supporting  school.

    At a colored meeting at a church near Mr. C. T. Bray's home Sunday afternoon two colored men and one colored woman ran amuck and scared the whole congregation from their seats with a big row right by the corner of the building. Pig Linder, a man named Martin and this woman had gone out of the church and in an argument the fuss started. It is said that there was plenty of "white lightning" on hand and Pig and his pals had been imbibing quite freely.

    The report is trouble arose over the woman. One of the men said he had just paid $7 for her dress and "she was his 'oman." From this the row began right and both pistols and knives figured very conspicuously in it. No one was hurt except Pig who got an ugly cut on his cranium, which he said was too high for serious injury.

    Sheriff W. D. Rowland and Deputy Jim Tapley were reached over the telephone by interested church members and they went to the scene at once. Pig, Marti and the woman was landed in jail.

    Mrs. I. J. Hitchcock was laid to rest at Westview Monday morning. She had been ill for some time. This family a lived here for 20 years. She had three children with the eldest and youngest are dead. The only child left is Mr. E. N. Hitchcock, manager of the Union Grocery Company. They had adopted a young girl, Marie, who is still with them.

From Days Gone By Sept 8, 1917

September 8, 1917.

    The county-wide Sunday services attendance promotion by the Headlight was a disappointment from what was expected. Reports were that it was a small percentage attending everywhere. The weather was fair but the people chose to keep cool at home. The churches that turned in their attendance figures were: Wrightsville Methodist 51, Wrightsville Baptist 45, Brantley's Chapel 96, Minton's Chapel 87, Union Hill 90, Kite Baptist 79. Church-going seems to be at a low ebb everywhere.

    The Board of Trustees of the Wrightsville School District are ready to open school Monday in what was once Warthen College. Teachers secured for this inaugural term were Prof. W. H. Sasser of Kentucky, Mrs. Millard Daley of Wrightsville, Miss Annie Blackshear of Dublin, Miss Cora Gumm of Macon and Miss Opal Camp of Senoia. Tuition for pupils inside the district is $2.50 and outside the district is $5.

    The city of Wrightsville has been in darkness for several days owing to the scaricity and cost of wood to burn in the furnace. The contract for furnishing the city with wood expired the first day of this month and since that time there has been only enough wood obtainable to keep the tank full of water. But the council is at work trying to get lights right away. They aim at changing the motive power and instead of burning wood use kerosene, gasoline or some other fuel. They are sending a committee to Davisboro, Wadley, Bartow and Louisville to investigate those places light and water plants with a view to making a change quickly.

    The Adrian Grain Co. began business this week under management of Mr. R. L. Stephens. He has a line of feed stuff and seed grain and produce of every description. Mr. George W. Gordy has retired and sold his Ice Cream Parlor in Wrightsville to Mr. Ed H. Henderson.

    Mr. W. G. Kersey, section foreman of the W. & T. Ry, through the loss of his daughter two weeks ago and his wife last Monday night, and the lengthy illness of the two deceased, and the younger one still lingering, was in actual need of funds for sustenaces of those alive and the burial of those dying. On Tuesday morning with the solicitation of the Headlight, in just 30 minutes enough money was raised to pay for the coffin expense and some applied to the doctor's bill. Mr. Kersey is heartbroken and saddened, but he says the good people of Wrightsville have done a great deal more for him than he deserved and he doesn't know how to thank them for their kindness. Out at New Home little Fred Mixon, the 3 year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Will Mixon died.

    Six whites and thirty-eight coloreds were certified in the first examination and will soon be called for service. White- Herschel Bray, H. T. Tharp, Claud Deal, G. T. Lee, L. K. Stephens, D. W. Brantley and D. F. M. Sheppard.

    Colored- Tom Bennett, Alfred Little, Tom Dudley, Emmett Davis, Ed Brantley, Amos Thomas, Jr., Dock Wright, William Snell, Levi Ivey, Irby Teams, James Dockins, Perry Cody, Jonas Morgan, Thomas Roberson, Benjamin Jackson, Fonnie Hooks, Arthur Wright, Henry Story, James Kemp, Robt Smith, Joe Burnett, Will Andrews, Solomon Ridle, Robt Snell, C. H. Howell, Thomas Scott, Eugene Moorman, Ben Warthen, Joe Goff, Cleveland Perry, Otis Harmon, Homer Daniel, Frank Macklin, Nathan Haines, Frank Norris, Ed Linder, and Willie Wadley.

From Day Gone By Sept 1, 1917

September 1, 1917.

    Sunday will be a county-wide church going with the largest possible attendance wanted. The Headlight started this move to have the largest total attendance n a single day. There are no strings to it whatever. No matter what denomination you belong to, or whether your on a membership roll or not, take your wife, your son, your daughter, or your "intended" out Sunday and enjoy the day at church.

    The Board of Trustees of the Wrightsville School District are doing all they can to make sure enough teachers are in place for school on Monday. The Board met with the Board of Warthen College and entered into a contract to rent the college building for the term with a view to purchasing it.

    The Johnson-Washington Singing Convention will meet at Pleasant Hill on the 8th and 9th, so issued the president of the convention, G. F. Sumner. Dr. T. L. Harris is erecting an office building on Bradford near the corner of Court street. It will be one story.

    The Southern Gin & Warehouse Co. is now operating three big ginneries Thy have one in Rockledge, Wrightsville and Kite. Mr. C. H. Moore is manager. The cotton season is open in full blast and gins everywhere are running in full time. The farmers are having it ginned as fast as they get It picked out. The price has been much above twenty cents and as long as it stays there they will sell the major part of it.

    Mr. William Jackson of Donovan is devoting much time to the raising of stock. He has a large stock farm now and is deriving considerable benefits from it already. He says he aims to add to it until he gets a large herd of milk cows and increase the output of his dairy. He has probably erected the only silo in this county. It is made out of tiling and is 40 feet high. He is demonstrating that more can be profitably done than just cotton raising.

    The War Department has drafted the legal services of Judge A. Lee Hatcher to represent the exemption board in Johnson County. Last Wednesday afternoon 3 to 6 girls entertained the boys who are expected to leave for military service with a picnic at Downs Mill, with fishing, swimming and boat riding. Mr. Laudice D. Lovett writes home from San Antonio, Texas that he is with the 99th squadron.

    Death came suddenly and unexpectedly to Mr. Tom Hudson at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. T. Mixon right after dinner Saturday. He had gone out to the lot, and Mrs. Mixon thinking he was gone too long discovered him lying in the lot, there were no signs of a struggle. He was buried in Westview.  Mr. T. J. James of Adrian is bad sick.

    Mr. & Mrs. Linton Holt had a daughter on the 11th. Mr. Eugene Tharpe and Miss Alleane Valandingham were married Sunday afternoon.

    The Fall of a Nation, the mightiest picture of world conflict that the brain of man has yet conceived and realized, is coming to the Vivola Theatre. Mr. O. A. Kennedy ran across a big rattlesnake near Mr. E. L. Smith's tenant house. The auto wheel did not seem to injure his majesty and it took considerable lamming with a big scantling to kill the 4 foot monster.

    The newspaper stated, "We are happy because we live in the town of Wrightsville, in the county of Johnson, and the state of Georgia, and if Uncle Sam needs us to shoot Germans we will be darn happy to do that too."

From Days Gone By August 25, 1916, 1917

August 25, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Governor Nat E. Harris is coming to Wrightsville tomorrow night to speak at the court house. He is making a fast sweep through this section. The Fall Term of Warthen College opened this week. Warthen has one of the best facilities of any school in this section of the state, and this may be the best year ever.

    In Scott, Mr. S. P. Rice erected a nice building on Main street for his wife's millinery and ready-to-wear clothes. Both gins here have been wide open and the cotton prices have been good. Mr. J. E. Beasley has dropped out of the race for county treasurer.

    Miss Bessie Davis and Mr. Lint Holt were married Thursday afternoon. The marriage was objected to by the parents "But love laughs at locksmiths." She is the youngest child of ex-sheriff Davis. The groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. T. D. Holt. Miss Fannie Mae Jones of Putnam County married Mr. Thomas Oliver Martin of Wrightsville a few days ago In Athens. Mr. Martin is the youngest son of the late Capt. John L. Martin. They will make their home here.

    1917- The decision was made public today by Federal District Judge Speer that the selective draft law was constitutional. Thomas E. Watson claimed the draft was akin to involuntary servitude. Some things the state legislature did this year was to create Treutlen and Atkinson counties, exempt college endowments from taxation, raise the property ownership restriction of pensioners to $3000. Rep. Scott of Adrian during the closing hours of the legislature introduced a measure to have a constitutional amendment submitted to the people of the state to change the county lines near Adrian so that the city would be all in Johnson County, but the time of the Assembly being fully occupied he could not get it through this session. He will submitte it again next term.A bill passed to prevent a farmer from selling his cattle off his farm unless they are free from ticks. This was done to help with the state wide tick eradication.

   

From Days Gone By Aug. 18, 1917

August 18, 1917.

    City Court convened on Monday with lots of business off the docket, with Judge B. B. Blount presiding and Solicitor W. C. Brinson looking out for the states interest. In the first three cases up, two negro women and one negro man were convicted of misdemeanors. The next trial was W. T. Scarboro vs Paul Webb concerning a fight out at Liberty Grove Church, returning a not guilty for Mr. Webb.

    On Tuesday's docket two colored men were convicted of trespassing. Will Braddy, Sam Jackson and Sing Wilcher plead guilty to gambling. Andrew Smith was acquitted on the charge of disturbing church worship and Lester Rogers guilty of a misdemeanor. Richard Cordry was convicted on passing a worthless check. A colored gent was too careless in carrying his "bull-dog" and drew a fine.

    The first cotton bale this year was brought in by Mr. Hill Thomas who had it ginned at Spann before bringing it to Wrightsville Tuesday. Mr. E. L. Smith who was already in town missed out on first bale honors because the gin in town could not run for some reason that morning. Thomas' bale weighed 659 pounds and Mr. C. H. Moore bid 25.16 cents for it bringing Thomas $165.16. Mr. Moore is getting his two gins read at Rockledge and Kite.

    The W. & T. is making some improvements and additions to the Wrightsville depot. It is hoped the railroad will spend all it can spare on this improvement for it is badly needed both in point of accommodation to the public and to keep up with the growing fever of the city.

    Mr. H. T. Downs injured his feet in a logging accident. Mr. W. E. Orr ran across a monster rattlesnake out near the R. H. Smith saw mill. The reptile had 18 rattles and the usual button. After some little scuffling Mr. Orr succeeded in killing it.

    Wrightsville continues to offer up her sons for Uncle Sam's service. Four have been accepted this week and sent to Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia for training. They are Roy L. Stone, Zack A. Cullens, Laudice D. Lovett and James R. Rowland. It is not known just how many of those examined last week will be accepted or rejected finally but it is certain that as many as half of them would in all probability be rejected so the board is issued summons to 244 more registered men to appear net week.

    Mrs. Lotus Flanders died at her parents residence. She had been ill for two weeks and the skilled hands of trained physicians and nurses worked endlessly to no avail. She was the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. W. J. Flanders. She was quite a young lady. She was buried at Westview. Mrs. Ruth Pounds, daughter of Mr. E. T. Pounds of Wrightsville married Lamar Moss of Atlanta, n Atlanta Saturday afternoon. His home is in Augusta but he holds a high position with one of Atlanta's leading merchantile businesses.

    The bill to create Treutlen County passed t the closing hours of the legislature by an overwhelming vote. It is said the new county was made not to include any of Johnson County's territory.

From Days Gone By August 11, 1916, 1917

August 11, 1916, 1917.

    1916- The baseball season is about over for Wrightsville, but it made a wonderful record of success in every respect. In the last series with Dublin starting on Thursday, Lowery and Smith vs. Owen and Wilson. Dick had them going in the 6th when the rain came making it a tie ballgame. A special W. & T. train brought 170 people from Dublin to Idylwild Friday afternoon and it was a pitching battle through 9 innings. With the heaviest gate receipts of the season Wrightsville beat Dublin 1 to 0.

    In Saturday's matchup it was Dublin's favor 4 to 2. Certainly it hardly ever is Dublin's day to play ball and surely Monday and Tuesday were off days with Wrightsville winning 5 to 3 and 6 to 1 respectively. Dublin mustered up enough courage backed up by what little strength she had left to win 2 to 1.

    Wrightsville will soon have the most up-to-date picture show places in this section. The formal opening of the Vivola Theatre is coming soon with a nightly program of the best pictures from the Universal Film Company. Mr. Louis Cochran has rented one of the new buildings from Mr. E. A. W. Johnson to open a dry goods and clothing business. Mr. C. L. Wilson has purchased the grocery business of Mr. J. F. Price located in the Brinson building. The first bales of cotton were brought in by Mr. N. D. Norris at 509 lbs and Mr. C. E. Colston at 627 lbs. They sold for 13 cents and 13.11 cents respectively.

    Mrs. Mollie Cochran died at Rawlings Sanitarium after several months illness. She was the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. J. W. Flanders. Her first husband was the late J. J. Butterly. She is survived by her husband G. W. Cochran, daughter Miss Lucile Butterly, two sons, Emmett and Joe Butterly, her mother, and three brothers J. F., John, and A. F. Flanders, two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Burch and Mrs. Perkins.

    1917- Wrightsville is steadily growing making her neighbors sit up and take notice. There is talk of a new bank this fall, and another bottling works. Mr. C. M. Dent has reopened the Wrightsville Bottling Works in the Kent building and Dr. S. M. Johnson's Big Smile drink will be bottled in his new business The Wrightsville Beverage Company. W. G. Burns is opening a new dry goods and furniture store on corner of Marcus and Court streets. The County Trading Store has taken residence of the Davis Store and Jacob Kaplan has opened one in the Johnson building.

    Mr. & Mrs. R. C. Adams has opened The Crystal Café giving the city two resturants. The garage of Mr. L. A. Lovett has been completely remodeled his place. The office looks like a parlor car. We have two hotels and there is a need for another one.

    Mr. Arthur Rowland, son of Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Rowland has joined the aviation corps. The examination of the 244 draftees was completed. The number accepted was not available yet.

    Asa Hartley, 45, a white farmer, was killed, and his brother and a little boy injured when their buggy was hit by the Central of Georgia train in the yard at Tennille. Engineer Dugger stated because a freight car was on his left at the crossing, he did not see the approaching buggy. Hartley was driving the buggy and was killed instantly. His brother and the boy escaped with minor injuries.

From Days Gone By August 4,1917

August 4, 1917.

    Emanuel and Johnson counties are still vigorousy waging their fight against the creation of Treutlen County. The people of Emanuel and Johnson emphatically do not want it and added that only those paid servants of the Gillis family hired from Swainsboro want it. These fellows go to Atlanta, pose as private individuals and pass around among the legislators, "Oh, yes, we're from Emanuel County. We don't care and neither do our people. Go and vote for Treutlen County."

    But "Our People" in Emanuel and Johnson deny this. The town of Adrian is up in arms against it. The towns along the boarders don't want it. Nobody is crazy about it except the Gillis family and their university cohorts and short-shirted newspaper men, subjects of the Gillis generosity. Our people went to Atlanta to tell them and those up there who heard us, and not a few of them did, the straight of this proposition. We want those Soperton people to have all that is coming to them but we don't think so much of giving them a "gold mine" right now. Just to show how the people of both counties feel about the matter, the most prominent, and wealthy and influential man in this part of the state, Hon. John C. Coleman of Swainsboro stated in a letter to editor C.D. Roundtree of the Headlight, in part,"Knowing of your influence, we the people of old Emanuel will ever be grateful for your support in defeating the Treutlen bill.

    Now it still looks like defeat for Treutlen this time and it ought to be forever. Only a glimmer of a chance to get it up in either House or Senate before the session is over. And if it does go over until next year it is said that there will be a broke house among the family backers of the move.

    The local board has prepared the draft list of 244 men to appear in groups of 81 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The examinations will take place in the court house and a failure to receive notice by mail does not constitute a legal excuse for not appearing. Just how many men will be secured from these 244 is uncertain. The quota for Johnson County is 122 men.

    B. H. Moye served as chairman of the meeting to organize a Red Cross Chapter for Johnson County. The work of the Red Cross is of tremendous importance and the people should rally to it.

    Johnson county's crop of cotton is opening fast, the first bolls were brought in by W. T. Tompkins, G. K. Jordan and H. L. Fulford. The prices this fall are predicted to be the best ever. The first bale is expected to be ginned next week. To ride over the county and view the growing and well fruited staple one would judge that there is a pretty fair crop on hand. At least an average or a little above.

    Sunday was the first dog day and it didn't rain, thus, according to the old proverb, it will be a long dry spell of about 40 days. And it was sizzling hot too! The temperature ranged around 95 all day and into the darkness of night it was hot weather and all week it has been hot.

    Mr. Tullie Raines and Miss Myrtice Veal were married Sunday at Sandersville. Right after the marriage the new couple headed to their home near Wrightsville. Miss Rowena Douglas died early Tuesday morning. The young girl of 14 summers had been ill only one day, at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Drown Douglas. Burial was at the Anderson graveyard near their home at Hodo.

    A pet yard dog belonging to Barber Johnnie Wilson run mad one day last week, biteing its owner and his father-in-law, Mr. Brown and young Willie Parker. The dogs head was amputated and sent to Atlanta or examination. Rabies existed and serum was obtained from the health department. Those bitten are now receiving treatment.

From Days Gone By July28, 1916, 1917

July 28, 1916, 1917.

    1916- Wrightsville beats Dublin 9 to 0 n Tuesday's baseball game. Then on Thursday the largest crowd that ever witnessed a ball game at Idylwild saw Swainsboro defeat Wrightsville 6 to 1. But now Wrightsville claims the amateur championship of Georgia after the forfeiture of the final game of the series with Swainsboro. The game ha been advertised for 10 days and the Swainsboro team refused to play the final game. Wrightsville has won 43, lost 9, tied 3, having won 6 and lost 3 to Swainsboro. Wrightsville challenges any team in the state, at home or abroad.

    The cut is still advocated to take 37 square miles of Johnson County b creating the county of James, with Adrian the county seat. This would leave  Johnson with only 221 square miles, and in the shape of a small coffee pot. Wrightsville and the main part of the county is fighting this, however, many around Adrian are tired of fighting for it.

    This is the proposition. If Johnson were to lose 37 square miles it certainly would not be doing violence to Washington County with its 680 square miles to slice off a straight line across its southern boarder taking the 37 Johnson lost to Adrian. Then too, the people within the effected territory of Washington are very desirous of being annexed to Johnson. The Harrison folk don't mind saying they would rather be in Johnson. We would be willing to swap Adrian for us.

    Aside from this Adrian cannot be blamed for wanting to get re-arranged to a new county or put all in Johnson or Emanuel. Johnson would be gad to take all of Adrian. Either way everyone is ready for the question to be settled.

   1917- The issue a year later has turned to the proposed creation of Treutlen County. This move would d a grave injustice to Emanuel, Johnson and especially Montgomery. Paid lobbyists are at work, wealthy citizens are spending the cash to take almost all of Montgomery, a tremendous slice of Emanuel and 35 square miles of Johnson which equals half a million taxable property from Johnson. Emanuel and  Johnson are 95 percent against this, and bitterly oppose to the creation f Treutlen County. Johnson asks that this bill does not pass creating Treutlen.

    Johnson's draft quota is 22 men and the board will call men until the quota is filled. The local taxation for school purposes passed wit a large majority. Wrightsville is considering the purchase of a fire engine, truck and apparatus. A couple fellows with a Smith-Form-A-Truck arrived for a demonstration and many are pleased with it. More adequate fire equipment is badly needed for the city.

    On July 23rd Mr. Willie Hammock, son f Mr. & Mrs. Henry T. Hammock died. H had been in ill health for some time at his parents home in the country, having come up from his home in Fitzgerald. He was then stricken with paralysis. He was buried on the 10th anniversary of his marriage to Miss Franklin who survives him.

    Ed Neal and Bob Hannah both colored, engaged in a free-for-all pistol duel Sunday afternoon out near the city n the plantation of Mr. E. O. Snell, weapons were ordinary pocket pistols. It seems that Neal and his wife had separated a short time back and Hannah and the woman aligned themselves together which was much against the wishes of Ed. The couple had been off and had just returned to her mothers. Ed went out in search of the pair evidentally and upon seeing Hannah coming from the house he opened fire with the gun. Hanna returned the volley and a duel ensued. Hannah was hit directly in the mouth, the ball shattering his teeth and penetrating his neck, coming out at the back. Neal got a small flesh wound in the right arm.